Java Update from Oracle Includes Adware from Ask.com
Java 8 update 40 from Oracle includes embedded adware that will take control of your browser’s home page, as well as configure the default search engine to Ask.com.
Oracle, the developer of Java, says it has entered into a partnership with Ask.com to include its Ask toolbar as part of all Java updates. This bundling of Ask with Java is standard fare for the Windows version of Java.
But this is the first time the Ask toolbar, or any third-party component, has been rolled into the Mac version of Java.
Oracle claims that the installation of the Ask toolbar can be controlled by the end user during the installation process, but in reality, the option to install the Ask toolbar is preselected. And since this is a new “feature” of Java for Mac, most users who routinely install Java will likely just click through the installer and not even notice that they can opt out of installing the Ask toolbar, which some have called unprintable names. You could almost consider the Ask toolbar to be malware, in the way it takes over your system and redirects search results from the Ask.com site.
However, since you tacitly agreed to the installation, and can easily remove the toolbar, we can’t really call the app malware after all. That doesn't mean we won't grumble about it, though.
I consider the bundling of the product with its inclusion preselected as bad form on Oracle's part, and something we shouldn't encourage in the Mac community… Read more.
MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro Shipping Times Slip
Apple has changed the shipping times for all MacBook Airs and the 13-inch MacBook Pros from “in stock” to “Available to ship 1 business day.” The difference essentially puts a hold on completing any order for the MacBooks until after Monday’s media event in San Francisco.
Apple is expected to use Monday’s media event to announce additional details about the Apple Watch, as well to start accepting orders for it.
With the shipping delay being imposed on some of the MacBook product lineup, it's being suggested that the media event will also be used to announce MacBook updates. This would probably include new Broadwell processors and graphics updates, and would likely be more of a speed bump than a major update.
As for the expected 12-inch MacBook Air, I’m not sure Apple would use the same press event for announcing two major unrelated products. But we'll have to wait 'til Monday to find out… Read more.
Apple Becomes Part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average
The S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that Apple will replace AT&T in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) after the closing of trade Wednesday, March 18, 2015.
“As the largest corporation in the world and a leader in technology, Apple is the clear choice for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the most recognized stock market measure,” says David M. Blitzer, Managing Director and Chairman of the Index Committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices. “The DJIA is price weighted so extremely high stock prices tend to distort the index while very low stock prices have little impact. The timing of Apple’s addition to the DJIA hinged on two stock splits: Apple’s 7:1 last June and Visa’s 4:1 on March 19th this year.”
The swap of AT&T for Apple isn't expected to cause any distortion in the DJIA… Read more.
Apple Watch Rumors
With the anticipated arrival of the Apple Watch on Monday, we thought a look at some of the rumors mostly likely to come true would be fun.
Two-hour charge time will allow the Apple Watch to run all day in average use, or for 5 hours with heavy use.
The Apple Watch will only receive notifications when it's in contact with the user's skin.
Those beta testing the Apple Watch report that they're keeping their iPhones in their pockets more often, and using the watch for taking calls… Read more.
Meet Jacci Howard Bear, About’s Desktop Publishing Expert
You have no doubt heard of #TheDress, that simple white dress trimmed with gold, no blue, some even say black, lace. But have you wondered why so many people saw the same dress as different colors? To find the answer, I could have gone to one of our fashion experts, but being a tech type of guy, I thought someone who works with color accuracy all the time would be a better choice. Find out the secret of #TheDress, and meet Jacci at the same time… Read more.