Of course, in the Apple dictionary, “update” means “install”.

Now, I’m a big fan of Apple’s products (except the Macbook Air - which is pointless) since being converted by my Nano, but fortunately I maintain the ability to see through a lot of the marketting dross spouted by Apple (hey, they’re a big company trying to make lots of money, fair enough, but I’m not kidding myself about it, unlike a lot of Apple fans), but this sets off my spider-sense.

So the other day, I’m running iTunes, downloading all my podcasts, and up pops an Apple Software Update dialog. “Ah-ha” thinks I. “A new version of iTunes then”.

Nope. Infact, I checked the dialog and noticed it wanted to “update” Safari. Something I’ve never installed on my PC, as I’m quite happy with Firefox, and frankly, the initial reviews of the Windows version of Safari were far from flattering.

I wonder how many non-techie PC users just clicked “Ok” without checking it properly?

Its a dodgy tactic. I wonder if Microsoft would’ve gotten away with pushing a brand new product onto people’s PC’s as an “update”? Probably not…

Fortunately, I’m not the only one who noticed it and its kicked off some discussion on the blogosphere (link, link). I’d like to see Apple get their fingers rapped (a bit) for this, but given we live in an age where they can brick any iPhone that doesn’t use their preferred mobile network, I’m not holding my breath.

After a productive day yesterday sorting the lawn and the like, today I threw myself into some gaming.

After the announcement of issue 12 of City of Heroes I thought it was time to checkin on the game and see what had changed. So, after quickly re-subscribing I patched my client and logged in. I quickly got pointed to the Ouroboros time travel missions and I had some fun running through the first few of them. Revisiting Outbreak and seeing the Fifth Column again was a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to doing more of them.

Secondly, I’d been tempted to try out Exteel since it was mentioned in the same newsletter as CoH issue 12. Essentially its an online PvP game, where players pit their mechs against each other. In terms of game style, its classic FPS match types, with deathmatches, capture the flag and the like. Only its done from third-person view point.

I found it a lot of fun. Its free to download and play, with no monthly subscription. They’re obviously looking to make their money through upgrades, with some of the mechs, parts and weapons costing in-game credits, and others costing “N-Coins”. N-Coins being available from the PlayNC website for a minimal charge, they let you buy some newer weapons and the like without the pain of grinding to get credits if you’re a casual gamer and just really want a laser-sword.

Gameplay-wise its not high-art. Join a game, jump into the arena and start killing other mechs. But its good fun, and there’s a high level of customisation with the different mechs and weapons. Not one I’ll play long-term I’d have thought, but good fun for a quick half-hour gaming session.

I’ve put some extra screenshots up in my gallery.