iTunes 10.0.1 Update

This update is iTunes 10.0.1 Update with a long list of fixes and new features.


The following is the comparison of the used space difference between before and after:

Command: df -lak	Used(Kilobytes in 1024-blocks)
Before	...656
After	...2,604
Difference (A-B)	1,948

Delete Old Time Machine Backups

Recently I get several Time Machine warning messages about my TM is full. My mac's disk space is about 271GB in use and my TM is 500GB. I have to either update my USB TM to bigger size or I have to delete some old backups. Before I go the former solution, I think the later one is quick solution for me, since I know my oldest backups can be removed without any concern.

Although the deletion is very easy and straightforward, I did not find it through TM UI when I went to my TM history. I quickly found the way by googling. Here is a snapshot of the menu item from a backup:


The Action menu list provides deleting and restoring actions depending on the current selections as well. For example, if I select a file, I can delete it from TM or restore it back to my current OS.

By the way, TM does not allow me take a selection screenshot by Shift-Command-4, but I can do whole screen snapshot (S-C-3). Then I take a selection screenshot from the image's quick view.

Mac OS Security Update 2010-06

This update is a security update.


The following is the comparison of the used space difference between before and after:

Command: df -lak	Used(Kilobytes in 1024-blocks)
Before	...316
After	...820
Difference (A-B)	504

Safari and iWeb Updates

Today I got two software updates prompt: one for Safari and another for iWeb. I knew the former from AppleInsider during my work today, the later, iWeb, is a surprise. It is a update related to MobileMe with minor issues. Not sure if there are any new features added or not. I hope iWeb would support multiple users for web sites.




The following is the comparison of the used space difference between before and after:

Command: df -lak	Used(Kilobytes in 1024-blocks)
Before	...851,852
After	...453,640
Difference (A-B)	-398,212

iTunes 10 Update

Today I tried to update again from iMac and soon I saw the update of iTunes 10, just as expected. This update does not require reboot. After reboot, I started iTunes. The interface is very similar to the previous version. There may be some different UI layout in Music. The biggest new feature is Ping.

I tried Ping. From there I can follow some artists, Yo-Yo Ma, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. There is section to set up my personal profile with brief description. However, the description is only a text box. It does not take HTML tags such as anchor. It looks like I cannot directly post my messages in Ping. I can post comments to other people's reviews or artists' posts. Ping is an integrated part of iTunes. I can write reviews to songs or videos, click Like and mark stars. All those activities are displayed in my Ping's Profile and My Reviews. As Steve Jobs said, Ping is all about music. It is truly a social platform for music. I think it is good for music lovers. For me, it is a great way to find out good music pieces and learn about western culture. Interestingly, today, I also find out many Chinese singers, and I left some my Likes and my rating Stars for their songs.


The following is the comparison of the used space difference between before and after:

Command: df -lak	Used(Kilobytes in 1024-blocks)
Before	...235,664
After	...193,196
Difference (A-B)	-42,468

Apple Music Event with New Product Release

Today is the Apple Music Event. I actually wrote this blog a few days (started on August 27, 2010) before the event and I have scheduled this one as a post dated blog on September 1, 2010. Therefore, this post contains two sections: one with my hope or guess and one we see today.

My Expectations

There are many rumours about what Apple will announce in the coming event. As an iMac user with many Apple products, I really hope Apple will have some surprises with wonderful products and services.

• New Version of iPod Touch with 3G and Retina Display. I agree with most people that iPod Touch will have Camera, both front and back, with retina display. As well iPod Touch will have option of 3G data plan with carriers similar to iPad one.


• Renewed Apple TV. I hope Daniel's expectation will be true: iSight camera, iOS, and FaceTime on Apple TV.


• More Services for MobileMe. Many rumours say that Apple has invested huge amount funds to build new cloud services. I hope there will be more surprise services available for MobileMe users. I enjoy using MobileMe as I just have this subscription service in less than two weeks. I have seen that in the past Apple had announcement on improving this service and adding new features such as Find My iPhone for mobile devices. For example, I really want to add iMac as a new FindMe.


• Availability. First, I don't think products or services, except iOS4 for iPad, will be available right on this date. This is just a announcement of new or updated products and services. Most likely they will be available on September 7, 2010 or later.

Am I Right and What are Surprises?

Today Apple finally announced following new releases:

• Yes. New iPod Touch is within the whole line of renewed iPod products, but no 3G.
• No. Apple TV is renewed but not as expected as Daniel's list of iSight TV or iOS. However, it is much smaller than the previous version. The product is very simple. I think Apple is in the right direction. Instead of making another big and complicated product with storage and system, Apple TV is well integrated with other Apple products, such as iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad and Mac. I love the simplicity.
• No. No new services for MobileMe.
• Mostly but wrong with iPad's iOS. Very disappointed with the availability of iSO for iPad. I have to wait more than two months. I have to accept the fact that Apple is not ready for the release.

I just watched Steve's keynote speech at today's Music event. As I did before, I enjoyed watching his speech and was very happy to hear news about the updated products and iTunes 10. I think that Apple is on its right track to progress.

By the way, I just checked iTunes 10 from my iMac's software update. It was not there. However, iTunes 10 is available on Apple's web page. Not sure why it is not in the update. I'll wait to see if it will be in the regular update.