Around two weeks ago, Apple launched Aperture 3, the new version of Apple’s photo manipulation software. Among the new features, Faces, Places and Brushes: the first two come from the iPhoto features, while the third introduces a series of tools to manipulate photos.

Many users that have tried it are saying basically the same thing, however: after installed, Aperture 3 is very good at managing photos but it drains almost all system resources: the RAM is fully used and there’s an increase on the disk swap until the latter is also used. When that happens, the system is unstable and tremendously slow, which makes it impossible to use.

The support board on Apple’s forums have been swarmed by users that had the same problem. The memory leak seems to happen more frequently when importing a library in which the Faces feature has been used. But there are many other scenarios described by users: some that had the memory leak problem upon opening Aperture 3, some that managed to import their Faces library without having RAM problems.

Apple has still to reply to those problems in order to confirm them and propose some solution.

According to Softpedia, it seems that Apple is very close to releasing the third big update for Snow Leopard. Which isn’t that impossible to believe, considering the release of the build 10D552 to developers a few days ago, without serious bugs or issues and that could be seen as a previous stable release before the official launch.

Also, the previous build, 10D548, released a little less than two weeks ago, had no big issues that weren’t solved. The last issue with serious bugs was released back in January. Hence it could be plausible that the Mac OS X 10.6.3 could be launched today, probably more in the evening. We’ll be tuned.

The reccurring overheating issues on the Mac Pro based on Nehalem architecture could be gone soon with the new update released by Apple, called Mac Pro Audio Update 1.0. We hope it will indeed solve the problems.

It was known that Apple was searching the root of the problem in order to create a solution, and that’s what seems to have happened. Here’s what it’s said on the support page:

The Mac Pro Audio Update 1.0 is for Mac Pro (Early 2009) computers running Mac OS X v10.6.2. This update reduces processor utilization during audio activities such as playing or recording music.

As usual, the update is available through Software Update or the dedicated download page on Apple’s website.

Apple has released a new build for the Mac OS X 10.6.3 to developers, the 10D552. Apple’s request to developers is to concentrate their test on AirPort, graphic drivers and QuickTime. The build also features a few enhancements, such as:

• Performance improvements for 64-bit Logic
• Addresses compatibility issues with OpenGL-based applications
• Includes changes to QuickTime X that increase reliability, improve compatibility and address security
• Improves printing reliability and compatibility with 3rd party printers
• Respects the DNS server ordering as specified in Network Preferences
• Addresses an issue that causes background message colors to display incorrectly in Mail when scrolling
• Resolves an issue that prevented files with the # or & in their names from opening in Rosetta
• Resolves an issue that prevented files from copying to Windows shares
• Resolves an issue that caused machines using BTMM and the Bonjour Sleep Proxy to wake unexpectedly

The first build of Mac OS X 10.6.3 was sent last January, and considering the release times for the following builds, it makes us think that Mac OS X 10.6.3 could be released not too long from now.

Yesterday, Apple had taken the Apple Store offline for a few hours. Generally that’s the procedure Apple takes when introducing new models for their products, or new products in general. So many (including us) were hoping that the downtime would be for the introduction of the new MacBook Pros.

But apparently not. At least not yet. Nothing seems to have changed on the Apple Store, except for the launch of Aperture 3, the new version of Apple’s picture editing and manager.

The online Apple Stores have been offline for a few hours now. It makes us think that perhaps it’s time for the new MacBook Pro line to be launched. At least we hope.

It’s been rumored that the new MacBook Pros will have the new Intel processors, more specifically the i7 M620 2.66Ghz for the 17″ models. We’ll have to stay tuned and see.

The MacWorld Expo 2010 starts tomorrow, February 9th, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Strangely enough, Apple isn’t going to be there this year.

The decision by Apple of not taking part on expos and tech events was taken on January last year. The choice was due to Apple’s intention of focusing on targeted Apple events to officially present new products, and the openings of more Apple stores. This year’s MacWorld Expo was postponed to February in order to avoid conflicting with the CES, the big technology event that took place in Las Vegas a few weeks ago.

The MacWorld Expo will run until February 13th.

During the presentation of the iPad done during Apple’s last conference more than a week ago, some of the people present were able to get their hands on the device to try it. We’ll present a hands-on video made during the conference in the end of this post.

We remind you that the iPad will only be available in March for the Wi-Fi version and April for the 3G version. Enjoy the video!

There’s a small aesthetic difference between the iPad WiFi and the one with 3G connectivity. The latter features a black plastic stripe that ca be found on the top of the device, going from the front to the back. The model Steve Jobs had at the conference was one of the base models. The black plastic stripe was indeed added to the 3G model in order to allow for the mobile data transfer.

At this point, we’ll have to see how the WiFi range will work, as the iPod Touch has the same type of plastic stripe that allows the signal to reach the internal antenna. But for that, we’ll have to wait until March for the WiFi version and after April for the 3G one.

Together with the iPad, Apple has presented a series of accessories made especially for the new device. They’re all manufactured by Apple, and here’s a brief description of them:

iPad Keyboard Dock

The iPad Keyboard Dock is a charging dock that features an integrated Apple keyboard. The dock allows users to recharge the iPad using an USB adaptor. Of course, the dock is also handy in synchronizing the device with the computer. The dock also features a port to be used with other accessories and an audio output for headphones or speakers.

iPad Case

The iPad Case is a very particular case for the iPad that can be shaped in different positions, other than protecting the iPad. It can become a rack, or simply raise the iPad a little.

iPad Dock

The iPad Dock is simply an iPad Keyboard Dock without the keyboard, of course. It has both the second connector and audio output.
iPad Camera Connection Kit

The Camera Connection Kit is made of two accessories that allow users to import video and pictures directly from a digital camera. The kit has one dock/USB adaptor and one SD card reader.

iPad USB Power Adapter

The 10W adapter allows the iPad to be charged directly from a electricity socket (without the need of the computer). The accessory comes with an extension.