The news is out that the latest build of Microsoft's upcoming operating system, Vista, now works on all Intel Macs running Boot Camp v1.1. In case you haven't heard, Boot Camp allows Intel-based Mac users to run Windows on their Macs using an original copy of Windows to install.

The new build is Vista Pre-RC1 (5536) and the installation is the same as it is was with Windows XP SP2, although it is important to note that not all the drivers in Boot Camp will work under Vista at this time - including the iSight and Apple Keyboard.

Reports are out that the new build is a significant improvement over the Beta 2 that was made available some months ago. It has even been reported that the bells and whistles are supported for both the MacBook Pro and plain MacBook.

A new Mighty Mouse (the single-button right clickable mouse) is on the way, if a FCC filing by Apple is any indication to go by. It will feature a very similar look to the current Mighty Mouse, but minus the wire!

Pictures shown here are from the FCC filing by Apple, and it is reported that this new incarnation of the Mighty Mouse will use two standard AA batteries and will be compatible with Tiger (Mac OS X 10.4) and later. If you are still using Jaguar (Mac OS X 10.2) indications are that, like the current Mighty Mouse, it will be operational with reduced functionality. A couple of questions remain about the new mouse, namely the price (expected to fall around the US$70 mark), battery life (it's powered by AA batteries), and the side-squeeze buttons (which have had a lukewarm reception).

No date has been announced by Apple for the release (codenamed 'M6'), but it is expected to be announced during the WWDC 2006 Conference spanning August 7 - 11.

crispSofties has recently release iPod.iTunes v.3.2.6 - a popular synchronization tool for your music. iPod.iTunes evaluates the source for songs, videos and/or playlists (either from your machine or from the iPod) and only adds these, avoiding duplicates and ultimately saving your time!

Also, unlike iTunes' auto update function, iPod.iTunes generally does not delete the content in the target and can also transfer song dependant data like 'my rating', 'last played', album artwork and more. iPod.iTunes is updated regularly as a new version of iTunes becomes available, but v3.2.6 also added the feature to check the iTunes library for disconnected tracks.

Think of iPod.iTunes as .Mac for your iTunes music and it is yours to own for US$35, or feel free to try before you buy by downloading the trial (skips about 50% of the songs during syncronization).

Download [iPod.iTunes v3.2.6 for MAC]

Robert Bamler has come up with a very novel idea of bringing the Wikipedia to the Apple iPod in the form of Encyclopodia, a free download. When you boot your iPod you can decide whether to start Encyclopodia or the original software (to listen to music), it is not currently possible to do both at the same time.

Encyclopodia can be installed on iPod generations one to four, including iPod Minis and Photo iPods. First and second generation and iPod Colour may work although the author has not any feedback about those versions as yet, but note that the fifth generation iPod, Nano, Video and Shuffle all definitely do not work with Encyclopodia. Be warned!

  

Download: [Encyclopodia 0.9]

The ABC television network (owned by Walt Disney Co) will offer a selection of its most popular shows free on the web. ABC already sell digital downloads for the popular iPod music and video player, the only catch with this latest proposal is that it will be supported by technically embedded advertising.

This latest venture for ABC, will start as a two-month trial in May, and will potentially bypass cable operators and bring the top shows straight to the consumer. Top programs such as 'Commander in Chief', 'Alias', 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Lost' (which iTunes currently host and charge for)will be available the day after they are first broadcast, and only available to users with a US internet address.

According to an analyst "Going direct over a broadband (Internet) connection is a very smart business and I think you'll see other broadcasters follow suit" ... already Google and MTV have issued a challenge to iTunes, but ABC has taken it that one-step further, and I am sure most will agree, this is definitely a good thing!

Xilisoft, a professional software company who develops multimedia and network applications, has today released a new product in their line of cutting-edge digital video software technology named Xilisoft DVD Ripper Platinum.

DVD Ripper Platinum combines the power of two other Xilisoft products, namely DVD Ripper and DVD Audio Ripper, but with added features. Easy to use, but with the power for more advanced users, the product can easily rip DVD's to most of the popular video and audio formats available - including MP3, WAV, WMA, AC3, M4A etc. Media devices such as MP4, PSP, iPod, Mobile Phones and PDA's are supported.

The product offers a free trial, and is currently available for the price of $31US