14 DAY TRIAL // A new range of software updates is available from Apple this week, including major releases like OS X Mavericks 10.9.3, Logic Pro X 10.0.7, and iTunes 11.2, as well as smaller downloads such as Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 5.05.
On May 13, Logic Pro X 10.0.7 was released featuring support for 24 processing threads on 12-core Mac Pros, changes to how users insert the volume, pan, and send values, fixes for sync issues for Drummer, Ultrabeat, Native Instruments Machine and other plug-ins with integrated step sequencers, automation enhancements, and more. The update is free for all existing users of Logic Pro X 10.
On May 15, Apple deployed the most part of this week’s updates, starting with OS X version 10.9.3, an update to the Mavericks operating system that improves 4K display support on specific Mac models, adds the ability to sync contacts and calendars between OS X and iOS using a USB cable, and improves the reliability of VPN connections using IPsec, among other things. The update includes Safari 7.0.3, the latest version of Apple’s standard web browser on Macintosh computers.
iTunes 11.2 was made available in tandem with the Mavericks update, featuring improvements to Podcast playback and browsing, fixes for an issue where iTunes may become unresponsive when updating Genius, and more. iTunes 11.2 was superseded by iTunes 11.2.1 (yesterday) which delivered an important security fix and a patch for missing /Users folders on OS X Mavericks installations.
Podcasts 2.1 for iOS was also released alongside these updates, featuring major improvements to episode browsing, Siri and CarPlay integration, and additional improvements. With this release, Apple promises to fix playback issues after syncing with iTunes, as well as improve stability while downloading podcast episodes.
For developers, Apple this week offers iTunes Connect 3.0, an updated version of the platform designed by Apple for members of the iOS Developer Program and Mac Developer Program to allow them to monitor and manage the apps they sell in the App Store on the go.
According to the Cupertino giant, “iTunes Connect has been completely redesigned to make it even easier to manage your products. In addition, you can now use the iTunes Connect app to access the music, movies, and TV shows you have made available on the iTunes Store.”
Lastly, OS X customers running Mountain Lion or Mavericks can add new RAW image support to their Aperture and iPhoto installations by downloading Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 5.05. Newly-supported cameras include Canon EOS Rebel T5 / 1200D / Kiss X70, Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, Nikon D4S, and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10.