When Apple released its latest updates to OS X operating systems, it failed to release a version for Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6.x). This is not surprising since Apple tends to support the last three versions of OS X. This means that no security patches or other updates will be forthcoming. Almost 20% of OS X users are still using Snow Leopard so this is not insignificant. If you are still running Snow Leopard, you should consider upgrading so that you will be a running a supported version of OS X. To find out which OS X version you are running, select ‘About This Mac’ under the Apple menu. If your version number starts with 10.6, you are running Snow Leopard.
Facebook Buys WhatsApp for $19 Billion
The mega-billion acquisitions in the tech world continue. Facebook has agreed to buy Whatsapp, Inc. for a whopping $19 billion.
Its app, WhatsApp Messenger, is a mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. It is available on virtually on platforms, include iOS, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone. WhatsApp is expected add voice to its messaging later this year.
NASA Announces 715 New Planets
This week, NASA announced the discovery of 715 new planets. These new planets revolve around 305 stars. Many multi-planet systems such as our own have been discovered.
Is it possible that there is life on any of these planets? Maybe. Four of these new planets orbit in their sun’s habitable zone. The habitable zone is defined as the range of distance from its sun where the surface temperature of an orbiting planet may be suitable for life-giving liquid water. ET, phone home.
Judy is a computer veteran with 30 years of experience. She has owned everything from a TRS-80, Apple IIe and various Windows-based PCs. She is currently living in her Apple ecosystem at home consisting of an iPhone, iPad, iMac, MacBook, Apple TV, iPod nano and two Time Capsules. She is a fan of all things mobile since she got her first Palm Pilot in 1999. Check out her iPad app, Number Wizard, in the App Store. Follow her on Twitter @junovotech or at Junovo.com.