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• Added support for macOS 11 'Big Sur'.
• Fixed a crash of Battery Check test when updating & searching for Wi-Fi devices.
• Fixed an issue detecting Boot Camp partitions which reside on an APFS volume.
• Fixed issues with multiple users in the login window for a Mac OS X Basic device.
• Fixed a Battery Check crasher reported by users of Mac OS X 10.11 'El Capitan'.
• Fixed battery manufacturer date for new iOS devices which were introduced this year.
• Fixed the Check Computer configuration window to correctly support the Data partition for the File Structures test.
• Fixed Check Computer configuration suites menu when booted from a TechTool Protogo Basic profile device or eDrive.
• Fixed Snapshot Usage feature in the TechTool Protection to correctly create snapshots according to user settings.
• Added a warning dialog for Macs with T2 chip for TechTool Protogo & eDrive.
• Added support for Home directories on external volumes for MacOS Basic profile devices.
• Updated Disk Speed tool icon.
• Updated model identification strings for the Check Computer configuration panel.
• Updated Snapshot Recovery APFS snapshot deletion routine for improved performance.
• Updated Sparkle to version 1.24.0 for the Check for Update feature.
• Updated English, French, German, Italian, Japanese & Chinese (Simplified) localization.
• Updated Battery Check toolTips to dynamically update the iOS version when a devices operating system is updated.
• Updated the Battery Check status in the Battery Check feature of the TechTool Protection system preference for parity with the application.
• Other minor updates and enhancements.

• macOS Big Sur 11.2 RC 3 (20D64)

Apple also has Public betas. See Beta FAQ for info on joining or unenrolling.
(Public beta version updates are usually shortly after developer releases.)

• Hand off music with visual, audible, & haptic effects from iPhone to HomePod mini.
• Get personalized listening suggestions on iPhone when it is next to HomePod mini.
• Media controls automatically appear without having to unlock iPhone when it is close to HomePod mini.

• Xcode 12.4 (app store)
  - Fixed issue that prevented debugging iPhone/iPad apps running on M1 Mac.
  - Additional bug fixes and stability improvements.
  (Supports iOS/iPadOS 14.4, tvOS 14.4, watchOS 7.3, macOS Big Sur 11.2.)
  
• About the security content of Xcode 12.4
  
• About the security content of iOS 14.4 and iPadOS 14.4
  
• tvOS release notes info on version 14.4:
  - 'This update includes general performance and stability improvements.'
• About the security content of tvOS 14.4
  

• Firefox 85.0 release notes lists new features, changes and security fixes.
  (Firefox no longer supports Adobe Flash.)
  
• Firefox ESR 78.7 has 'various stability, functionality, and security fixes'.

• Fixed a reported dual GPU reading issue.
• Updated machine identification strings.
• Other minor fixes and enhancements.

• Added macOS 11 'Big Sur' compatibility.
• Fixed an issue where the SMART attributes would have Unknown names.
• Updated Sparkle update framework to version 1.24.0.
• Added additional drive manufacturer company logos.
• Other minor fixes and enhancements.

'VideoLAN 3.0.12 release fixes some loud audio distortion when resuming playback, adds support for Apple Silicon, and a few other issues. More details on the release page.'

• Pixelmator Pro version 2.0.4 (app store link, macOS 10.14.4 or later)
  - Adds support for depth masks in ProRAW photos, improved Quick Look plug-in for Pixelmator Pro files, improved version of ML Super Resolution, and a few other improvements and fixes. (See page for more details.)
  
• Introducing Techtool Pro 13 (micromat)
  - See above for v13.0.2 update (adds Big Sur Support and more).
  
• AppTrackingTransparency requirement update (Apple Developer news)
  
• Data Privacy Day at Apple: Improving transparency and empowering users (pr)
  
• Got Game? Play Classic Games On Your Mac Without an Emulator (sponsor blog)
  
• Apple Reports First Quarter Results (press release)
  
• How to Use Messages to Share Your Screen With Others in macOS (sponsor blog)
  
• App Store Connect (For App Developers) version 1.5.1 (app store)
  - 'includes stability improvements and bug fixes'.
  
• TestFlight iOS app version 3.0.1 (app store)
  - 'includes stability improvements and bug fixes'.
  
• Dan Riccio begins a new chapter at Apple (pr)
  - Riccio had been senior VP of Hardware Engineering.
  
• AirDrop Files From Your iPhone or iPad to Your Mac (sponsor blog)
  
• Apple Faces Italian Suit Over iPhones That Wear Out Too Quickly (bloomberg)
  
• Apple Plans Thinner MacBook Air with MagSafe, MacBook Pro with SD Card slot (bloomberg)
  
• How to Edit Videos in macOS Big Sur's Photos App (sponsor blog)
  
• Apple's First Headset to Be Niche Precursor to Eventual AR Glasses (bloomberg.com)
  
• How to Take Advantage of Advanced Photo Editing in macOS Big Sur (sponsor blog)
  
• If you can't unlock settings in System Preferences
  

  'While using macOS Big Sur 11.1, your Mac with Apple T2 Security Chip has an issue that requires resetting the SMC. System Preferences should accept your password after you reset the SMC.'

  A SMC reset was also reported to help with macOS 11.1 problems mounting external encrypted drives and with Touch ID problems some had after the Big Sur 11.1 update.
  (As noted before, the M1 Macs don't have the Apple T2 chip.)

• 03.21.36 Firmware Update for 2020 LG BX OLED TVs
  - Info and download. (Applicate models list includes many LCD TVs.)
  
• OWC Travel Dock Adds Gigabit Ethernet (sponsor blog)
  
• About the security content of iCloud for Windows 12.0 (apple)
  
• Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SSD Review (storagereview)
  - vs 860 EVO 1TB, Seagate FireCuda 120 4TB, OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 4TB.
  
• Tools to Refine Your Workstation (Docks, Hubs, etc.) (sponsor pr)
  
• Chrome 88.0.4324.96 Stable Channel Update (google)
  - includes 36 security fixes.
  
• 03.21.16 Firmware Update for LG CX/GX/WX OLED TVs
  - Includes change info & download pages. (Added to FW Updates list.)
  
• Yamaha RX-V481/V481D/V581/A660/HTR-4069/5069/TSR-5810 Firmware Update
  
• OWC Acquires LumaForge and Jellyfish Technologies (sponsor pr)

• Mac mini (M1, 2020) - Technical specifications (doc rev Jan 22, 2021)
• MacBook Air (M1, 2020) - Technical Specifications (doc rev Jan 22, 2021)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) - Technical Specifications (doc rev Jan 22, 2021)
  
• (How to) Use AirPlay to stream video or mirror your device's screen
  
• Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty
  - originally titled 'Vintage and Obsolete products'.
  
• If you can't send email on your Mac
  
• About genuine iPhone displays
  
• Find out which macOS your Mac is using
  
• How to reinstall macOS
  - Has separate instructions for Apple silicon Macs and Intel CPU Macs.
  
• If you need to install Rosetta on your Mac
  (Rosetta 2 allows M1 Macs to run Apps made for Intel-based Macs.)
  
• Identify your MacBook Pro model
  
• Migrate your Aperture libraries to Photos or Adobe Lightroom Classic
  (As of Jan, 15, 2021 revised date, has some links to articles no longer online.)
  
• How to use Screen Time on your Mac
  
• Play HDR video on Mac
  - Includes a list of Mac models that support HDR.
  
• If you can't install macOS Big Sur on certain 13' MacBook Pros from 2013 & 2014

  'Follow these steps if you can't install macOS Big Sur on a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013) or MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014).

  When you install macOS Big Sur on these Mac models, the installer might say that the update cannot be installed on this computer, or your Mac might start up to a blank screen or circle with a line through it...'

  The article includes steps to try and solve the problem.
  
• Mac keyboard shortcuts
  
• About Startup Security Utility (for Macs with Apple T2 Chip)
  
• Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive
  
• Access iCloud Drive files from your iPhone and other devices
  
• How to set up your HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV, or iPad as a home hub
  
• Measuring and calibrating Apple Pro Display XDR
  
• If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
  
• How to get old versions of macOS
  
• Back up your Mac with Time Machine
  
• How to use AirPlay to stream audio
  
• If the supported resolution isn't available on an ultrawide or super-ultrawide external display connected to your Mac with Apple M1 chip (new)
  
• If you can't unlock settings in System Preferences
  
• How to use external monitors with your Mac
  - Lots of M1 Mac owner problems with Displays and adapters.
  (Some adapters & Displays that worked with Intel-based Macs, didn't with the M1.)
  
• If iCloud Mail isn't working
  
• (How to) Use Apple products on enterprise networks
  
• How to set a firmware password on your Mac
  
• Get help with video problems on external displays connected to your Mac
  
• How to erase your Intel-based Mac
  (was titled 'How to erase a disk for Mac')
  
• If you get a personalization error when reinstalling macOS on a Mac with Apple M1 chip
  
• Measuring and calibrating Apple Pro Display XDR
  

January 11th to 15th, 2021 News Archive
• Updates to Pages, Numbers and Keynote apps for Mac and iOS.
• Micromat MachineProfile 1.4.2 Update.
• iOS 12.5.1 / iPadOS 12.5.1 Update.
• Apple Plans First iMac Redesign in Nearly a Decade.
• Apple Plans Upgraded Macbook Pros with Return to MagSafe Charging.
• How to Use Boot Camp on External Drive to Run Windows on a Mac.
• Microsoft Office for Mac v16.45 with security updates for Excel & Word.
• Adobe Security Updates for Photoshop, Illustrator, Animate, InCopy, & Bridge.
• Microsoft January 2021 Patch Tuesday.
• Cubase 11 press release.
• OWC Announces Envoy Pro FX Waterproof & Ultra Rugged Drive.
• OWC Announces New Thunderbolt Dock.
• OWC Announces High-Powered 6 Port USB-C Travel Dock E.
• OWC Announces U.2 Carrier Shuttle for 3.5' Drive Bays.
• Yamaha RX-A2A/V6A/V4A, TSR-700/TSR-400 Receivers Firmware Update.
• Apple Support/How-To/Troubleshooting Article Updates.

For links to older news pages, see the Archives.