Apple releases Lion Update, Promises to fix Bug

Apple has released an update for its new Mac OS X 10.7, aka Lion, that promises to fix a number of vexing bugs that have been burbling into view in discussions on Apple's user forums.

The update, version 10.7.1, comes in four flavors: a general update for both Mac OS X Lion client and server, an update specific to the 2011 versions of the MacBook Air and Mac mini client, and one for the Mac mini server.

Each update, Apple says, will fix the oft-reported problem of system audio clamming up when using HDMI or optical audio–out ports. Also fixed is the tendency for the system to hang when playing a video in Safari, and the failure to transfer data, settings, and compatible applications to a new Mac also running Lion.

There are also improvements in Wi-Fi reliability, and a fix is included for the occasional disappearance of an admin account – oops – after updating to Lion from a Snow Leopard system.

The two server-specific upgrades add to this list improved reliability of the Apple File Service. The MacBook Air update also fixes occasional screen flickering and the Air's tendency to boot up when its MacSafe power adapter is attached to it, and the Mac mini updates fix an SD card-slot speed drop when reading either an SD or SDHC card.

As usual, you can either install the 10.7.1 update by selecting Apple > Software Update, or by downloading it from the appropriate link.

General client update:

This update addresses a number of issues, including:

• Address an issue that may cause the system to become unresponsive when playing a video in Safari
• Resolve an issue that may cause system audio to stop working when using HDMI or optical audio out
• Improve the reliability of Wi-Fi connections
• Resolve an issue that prevents transfer of your data, settings, and compatible applications to a new Mac running OS X Lion

79.29 MB download

Update for MacBook Air and Mac mini 2011 (Client):

This update addresses a number of issues, including:

• Address an issue that may cause the system to become unresponsive when playing a video in Safari
• Resolve an issue that may cause system audio to stop working when using HDMI or optical audio out
• Improve the reliability of Wi-Fi connections
• Resolve an issue that prevents transfer of your data, settings, and compatible applications to a new Mac running OS X Lion
• Resolve an issue where MacBook Air may boot up when MagSafe Adapter is attached
• Resolve an issue causing intermittent display flickering on MacBook Air
• Resolve an issue that causes the SD card slot in Mac mini to run at reduced speed with SD and SDHC media

68.86 MB download

Neither of these patches includes security updates.