Apple, on April 19, 2007, released Security Update 2007-004 , correcting multiple vulnerabilities within Mac OS X 10.4.

However, no update has been released for the unexpected increase in volume for internal speakers. As we, and many others have reported, a recent software update resulted in an unexpected increase in volume for internal speakers, leaving many users frustrated that Apple would foist such a “feature” on unsuspecting users. Not all Apple users enjoy being blown away by their systems nor are they from the generation that believes “loud” is the norm. Apple, Inc.’s Ambient Light Sensor provides a fairly acceptable level of light for bedroom use when the computer is not powered off. Although dissimilar in nature, a bedroom environment (or home office, den, nook, etc) is often quieter than your average family room on Friday nights. Internal speakers should be a convenience, not a hassle to overcome in such environments. There has been no explanation as to why Apple took the direction it did in regards to this issue and I expect anything other than “user feedback” will never be given. A simple preference in the Sound pane would have sufficed. I sincerely hope this won’t continue for much longer; especially into Leopard.

Apple today announced that the company has sold 100 Million iPods. That is one of the greatest strategic feats of all time. However, how many iPods are not accounted for in that 100 million sold? How many ceased functioning soon after they were purchased or near the end of the Support or Extended Support periods? We all understand the distributed nature of product manufacture and that Apple may not be to blame for the more unfortunate events surrounding the mass production of the company’s flagship consumer product. While we’re celebrating the existence of one of the greatest MP3 players on the planet, we would love to hear from our readers on their experiences, both good and bad, with iPods over the years.