Upon releasing two software updates, Apple has also redesigned its Support -> Downloads page, adding application icons, and more space between the descriptions, providing a less clogged up overview of the stuff available. The page also includes all the possible shortcuts to downloads, ranging from iPhone to iPods and Mac peripherals.

While some would rather see a new version Safari currently topping the list of available downloads, the Compatibility Update for QuickTime 7.5.5 is still the latest software update to be found on the Downloads page.

Apple's Downloads page, found under the Support section of its website, is an important resource for Mac users, office workers, and journalists alike. Mac editors, for instance, must keep themselves up to date with the latest of the Apple releases. During the course of a day, random page refreshes can nab one a good subject on a very important update, like a patch for a very buggy release.

Surely, Mac users can always check for updates using the Mac OS X Software Update mechanism, but it takes too long, and it slows down some less powerful systems, whereas Apple's Downloads page immediately shows the new software as you hit F5. Additionally, Software Update sometimes takes a while to learn that new software is available, so there's another reason why Downloads is a useful resource.

In a sense, Apple hasn't really redesigned its Downloads page, but rather moved the OS X downloads up in rank on its Support section, so that they meet with iPhone, iPod and Server downloads in the same place. Now, everyone knows there's a single page to start searching for a desired download.

The Apple Downloads page we just discussed about should not be mistaken for Apple's main Downloads section on the website. The latter offers lengthy, comprehensive application descriptions, while the featured apps are mostly from third-party developers (such as Daylite from Marketcircle). The Downloads page under Support only offers OS X application and firmware updates. See the redesigned page here.