14 DAY TRIAL // Although the latest version of OS X is scheduled for release this month, Apple is still making last minute improvements and testing out various features as if it had all the time in the world. The most recent update was released on the 1st of October, with the previous versions being no more than 10 days old.
Yesterday's small update was a little more than a few bug fixes and further testing of the system's Software Update mechanism. Mac OS X Leopard 9A557 and 9A559 Seed Update 1.0 was only 1.5 MB in size, but was recommended for all testers of the 9A557 and 9A559 builds. Aptly named 'Update 1.0' this latest release is not a build in itself. Besides repairing some known issues dealing with wireless networking and RAW image viewing, Apple's main focus seems to be the testing of the new Software Update capabilities.
The previous Leopard build instructed testers with HP printers to deselect the printer drivers from the Leopard installer as they would be obtained via Leopard's Software Update mechanism once the new build had been installed. MacNN reported that Apple is working closely with HP to offer a method for Leopard users to instantly receive the latest version of their printer's drivers though Apple's familiar Software Update mechanism. "HP has a large market share with Apple customers and is very pleased that Apple has chosen HP drivers and software to test with the latest Leopard developer seed and software update process," a representative for HP said.
With Leopard's release date sometime before the end of the month, Apple doesn't have a lot of time to test many more such new features, or fix outstanding known issues. The recent pre-release builds are already believed to be approaching release candidate status, if they are not already considered as such by the company.