Yazsoft has updated the Sparkle-based update mechanism in its download manager and file sharing combo application, Speed Download. Version 5.0.6 also fixes a number of bugs and adds “several under the hood fixes and tweaks.”

Speed Download is touted as "the fastest, and most complete download manager for Mac OS X," no matter what browser you use, being optimized for any Internet connection (dial-up or broadband). One of Speed Download 5's best features is collecting and organizing all downloads. Users benefit from an overhauled interface with various view modes, a re-engineered “universal” download engine optimized for maximum performance, as well as from a powerful database to manage all downloads, uploads, and file transfers. Mac iDisk integration, auto-resuming file transfers all the time, unlimited UNDOs and smart folders are just additional features to everything listed above, and there's even more to SD5.

With the release of SD5, Yazsoft added a new, fully featured, built-in FTP client, which uses encrypted file sharing between SD5 users. A high performance utility for downloading web content for offline viewing is also available.

Using Speed Download requires any Internet connection and a Mac OS X-compatible Internet browser.

Enhancements brought by Speed Download 5.0.6 include:

- New Sparkle mechanism (you must update to this version manually by downloading the complete file from Yazsoft's servers).
- Fixed Various FTP issues.
- SD now defaults to active downloads.
- Enhanced Rapidshare compatibility.
- Enhanced French translation.
- Several under the hood fixes and tweaks.

A trial version of Speed Download is available. Limitations include a shareware reminder screen and limited simultaneous downloads. For more information on this download manager and file sharing combo, as well as a for download link for the latest version of the software, click here.