Hasta La Gadget!

Just as we feared, the latest update to Snow Leopard, version 10.6.2, drops support for the Intel Atom processor. This means that anyone with a “hackintosh” who tries to update to the latest operating system version will see their computer die, going no further than the gray Apple logo on startup.

The reports are lighting up various hackintosh forums, and OSx86-co-author wizard Stellarolla sums it up thusly:

Well, looks like I was right, again. The netbook forums are now blowing up with problems of 10.6.2 instant rebooting their Atom-based netbooks. My sources tell me that every time a netbook user installs 10.6.2 an Apple employee gets their wings.

It shouldn’t be long before some clever hacker figures out a workaround and releases a patched kernel to the world, re-enabling the OS on Atom-based computers. But that’s not the story. The bigger message is that Apple has finally stopped ignoring the incessant buzz of the hobby-hacking, Mac netbook scene and instead pulled out a fly-swatter and dealt it a whack. The war is officially on.

And ironically, this will only hit the hobbyists and tinkerers. Psystar, that other flea in Apple’s ear, is unaffected, as the fake Macs it sells do not use the Atom chip.

Official: Atom not supported in 10.6.2 [Stell’s Blog]

See Also:

• Snow Leopard Update Blocks Intel Atom, Kills Hackintoshes
• Snow Leopard Update Fixes Deletion Bug

It’s been awhile, but we’ve got ourselves a brand spanking new OS X update in the mix, 10.6.2 for Snow Leopard. So far the biggest change here seems to be fixing that nagging guest account deletion bug — and thank goodness for that. As for whether or not it supports Intel Atom processors, last we heard this morning it wasn’t going to be there, but we’re gonna have wait and see now that it’s officially hit the nets. Leopard users who haven’t made the upgrade also get a gift today, in the form of a security update. 10.6.2 release notes after the break.

Update: We just installed it — it took forever and a day on one of our machines, and sped by reasonably quick on another. Everything seems okay otherwise, how about you?

Update 2: We’ve gotten enough reports to call it — Atom support is out. Sorry, hackintosh community.

[Via Mac Rumors, thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Read – 10.6.2 notes
Read – Intel Atom still unsupported on Mac OS X 10.6.2 seeds

Continue reading Mac OS X 10.6.2 update out on the prowl (update: Atom support is gone)

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Software

Mac OS X 10.6.2 update out on the prowl (update: Atom support is gone) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nobody said running a netbook hackintosh would be easy — but nobody said they’d make it this hard. Apple is currently engaged in a war of compatibility with Palm and, if the developer build of Snow Leopard version 10.6.2 is any indication, the Atom processor is next on the smack down list. Word on coder street is that the upcoming revision of OS X will kill support for Intel’s little powerhouse. That could certainly change before it hits the world at large, but we wouldn’t bet on it. So, if you’re viewing this on an netbook install of your own devising, you may be stuck at version 10.6.1 (or earlier) for awhile — or you may need to do a little custom kernel building. Either way, we’re thinking that if Apple ever gets around to making a netbook it probably won’t be an Atom-powered one.

[Via OS X Daily]

Filed under: Laptops, Software

Apple killing Atom support, dreams of netbook hackintoshers in next Snow Leopard release? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First comes the Apple TV 3.0 update, and next comes the iTunes update to make the two play nice. It’s a beautiful thing, we tell ya. As of right now, iTunes 9.0.2 is available via Software Update, and with that comes compatibility with Apple TV 3.0, an “improved look and feel,” and an easier-to-explore iTunes Store. Hop on past the break for the full changelog, and feel free to get your download on now if you’re still not scared of blindly installing software from Cupertino.

Update: Looks like it killed Pre sync — now, act like you’re surprised!

Continue reading iTunes goes 9.0.2: adds support for Apple TV 3.0, kills Pre sync

Filed under: Software

iTunes goes 9.0.2: adds support for Apple TV 3.0, kills Pre sync originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don’t pretend you didn’t see this one coming — just days after Amazon confirmed that a Kindle application was indeed coming soonish for the PC, a company spokesperson has now stated that a Mac version is also in the works. With the explosion of e-reader competition, it’s no shock to see Amazon branching out in an effort to spread the Kindle name (and business model) to more areas. To quote the aforesaid spokesperson: “Yes, we are working on a Kindle app for Mac.” Unfortunately, no further details were provided, but you can bet that Bezos wants this one out as soon as humanly possible.

[Via TUAW]

Filed under: Displays, Handhelds

Amazon spokesperson affirms that Kindle app for Mac is being ‘worked on’ originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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