OS X 10.6.5 brings minor tweaks to Snow Leopard
The Snow Leopard OS X 10.6.5 software update contains a number of minor tweaks and bug fixes and is available for free download now.
Among the tweaks Apple says that the update will provide several reliability improvements, including better performance with Microsoft Exchange servers, more reliable Ethernet connectivity and resolution of performance issues with third-party monitors using InstaPort technology.
The update will also bring better Bluetooth pairing with the Apple Magic Trackpad, add RAW image compatibility for digital cameras and resolve a problem with dragging contacts from Address Book to iCal.
Apple has also bundled a number of security fixes in the release that prevent attackers from compromising a machine and included Secure Socket Layer (SSL) options when transferring files to and from the cloud with iDisk.
Unexpectedly absent from the update were some features of Apple's AirPrint technology — which would allow wireless printing between an iPhone/iPad and a compatible web-enabled printer — a feature highly touted in the developer release of iOS 4.2. HP is currently the only major manufacturer of AirPrint compatible printers.
The absence of some AirPrint options caused some to speculate that Apple had completely removed the AirPrint feature. However, others suggest that AirPrint would still work with HP ePrint devices, but not with non web-enabled printers connected to PCs and Macs.
"We have been told from a few Mac developers that a few days ago Apple removed all the references to printing via OS X 10.6.5 and PCs both from Readme files and other online documentation posted in the iOS developer centre. It seems like all that’s now mentioned in the release notes are the aforementioned HP networked printers, as if the shared printing option never existed," wrote MacStories.
On hearing the news, one reader of MacRumours by the name of eawmp1 wrote directly to Steve Jobs querying the situation.
"As a release-day purchaser of an iPad, I was elated when you revealed iOS 4.2 would support AirPrint. Now comes reports AirPrint support has been pulled from 4.2. Between announcements/assurances of the white iPhone, and now the pulling of AirPrint, is Apple going to lose credibility and become known for announcing 'vapourware'?"
Eawmp1 then posted what he claims is Steve Job's response on the site's forum.
"AirPrint has not been pulled. Don't believe everything you read," it reads.
Snow Leopard version 10.6.5 was made available on Wednesday and can be downloaded using the inbuilt software updater. Apple recommends backing up your system using Time Machine prior to installation.