Apple is almost ready to release it’s next operating system, Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6). This September, users can upgrade from Leopard (OS X 10.5) and it will only cost 29 bucks. Not bad, huh? From all the information available at Apple’s WWDC 2009, it looks like there are many fantastic new updates and services coming our way this September, but in my opinion, one of the biggest updates for the new Apple OS is the ability to integrate with Microsoft Exchange. Using Address Book, Mac Mail, and iCal with Exchange is huge, especially if you’re not a fan of Entourage, or have seen it’s flawed behavior when trying to act like Outlook.  Of course, the other major factor in OS X Snow Leopard is speed. It is going to get a heck of a lot faster installing software, opening email, web pages, and ejecting drives. There are tons of other new features, but what tops the list? Speed and Exchange support of course. See more OS X Snow Leopard here.

Microsoft is releasing Windows 7 on October 22, 2009. Prices vary, but right now you can pre-order Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade for just $49.99.  In my opinion, this new release is what Microsoft Vista was supposed to look like – Windows ME became Windows XP and Windows Vista will become Windows 7. It just seems that Microsoft rushes through every other release, but finally gets it right – I can see Windows 7 being the new Windows XP across the business and corporate landscape, lasting quite awhile. Now, before upgrading to Windows 7, make sure your computer can handle the upgrade.  Microsoft Windows 7 has many new features, but a faster Windows search feature that saves the end-user time is key. HomeGroup is a new tool created for sharing music, movies, documents, and other files all from your computer to others in the same household. It’s simplified home networking.  Microsoft also says that Windows 7 will make joining wireless networks a snap by making connection times quicker and easier, no matter where you are. Besides many new features and speed enhancements, the new OS will work more efficiently and will include many of those missing drivers not found in Vista.  Find more Windows 7 info here.

The new Apple 4GB iPod Shuffle is rather nice. It’s very plain, tiny, and comes in 2 colors (silver or black metallic).  The new Shuffle is totally inconspicuous and it can double as a money clip, tie clip, or even a name tag? I originally thought the voice over would be annoying, but it only occurs when you hold down the button on your headphones, which came in handy today when I was listening to a 12+ minute song and had no idea it was The Skygreen Leopards until I pressed the button… Very Nice.

Apple has just released a public beta of Safari 4. According to CNET and MacRumors.com , it’s 42x faster than Microsoft Internet Explorer 7. In addition, there are over 150 new features… it’s following a browser path started by Google’s Chrome. With this upgrade,  it seems like both Firefox, Chrome, and now Safari have leaped over IE, but what is the market share? …and what are your thoughts on the latest Apple browser?

Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs is taking a leave of absence through June 2009, according to reports heard on both NPR and CBS News. Jobs has recently admitted to health problems associated with a hormone imbalance and he did not appear at the recent Macworld trade show in San Francisco, California. Jobs is the co-founder of Apple Computers, which began in 1976. Apple’s COO, Tim Cook, will temporarily replace Jobs during his absence.

Not only is Steve Jobs not performing the keynote at MacWorld 2009, but Steve and the entire Apple corporation will not be involved at MacWorld 2010. This may come as a shock to some folks, however Apple Inc. has been planning this for awhile – Apple WWDC sold out, every media event and Apple store are always busy, if not beyond the legal limit of admittance, so why would Apple need to keep visiting MacWorld?