Frequently Asked Questions

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Product Update History

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EarthDesk for Macintosh Version History

5.8.3 - 27 JAN 2012

  • This update fixes a bug that could cause the clouds to stop updating.
    • 5.8.2 - 5 JAN 2012

  • Improves the cloud update mechanism for high-resolution cloud access.
    • 5.8.1 - 31 OCT 2011

    This update improves the cloud displays for paid (high-resolution) as well as free (low-resolution) users. All users will benefit from general fixes which include better support for OS X 10.5 and stronger error checking and robustness related to the cloud image downloading.

    Free (Low-Resolution) Users:

    • The cloud data has been increased to 1.125 megapixels (versus 0.5 in v5.8).
    • The clouds are now updated every 6 hours.

    Paid (High-Resolution) Users:

    • The cloud data has been increased to a maximum of 18 megapixels (versus a maximum of 8 in v5.8).
    • The cloud update interval remains at 3 hours.

    Note that the actual resolution used on your system will depend on your screen size and other factors.

    5.8 - 11 OCT 2011

  • Adds support for high-resolution cloud access.
    • 5.7.3 - 10 AUG 2011

  • Changes to support single or "all spaces" under Lion (OS X 10.7).
    • 5.7.2 - 18 JUL 2011

  • Minor changes to ensure compatibility with Lion (OS X 10.7).
    • 5.7.1 - 5 APR 2011

  • Fixes a bug that would prevent EarthDesk from starting up if the "Restore Background" option in the Display Tab was not checked.
  • Options in the Shading menu are now renamed so that the same text is displayed in both the Display Tab menu and the menu bar menu.
  • Minor performance and stability enhancements.
    • 5.7 - 23 MAR 2011

  • EarthDesk is now a full 64-bit app, including the background renderer.
  • Minor performance and stability enhancements.
    • 5.6 - 22 FEB 2011

  • Reduces flicker when updating the map while spanning multiple screens.
  • Merged the App Store and Retail versions into the same overall project to make updates easier.
    • 5.5.2 - 10 JAN 2011

  • Fixed a bug that could cause EarthDesk to not auto-launch.
  • Minor performance and stability enhancements.
    • 5.5.1 - 1 NOV 2010

  • Fixed a bug in the Menu Control that could cause it to not re-open at login.
  • Minor performance and stability enhancements.
    • 5.5 - 28 SEP 2010

  • Added support for auto-switching Intel/NVIDIA GPUs on i5/i7 systems.
  • Added a new projection to conform the map to the aspect ratio of the screen.
  • Minor performance and stability enhancements.
    • 5.4.1 - 20 JUL 2010

  • Fixed a bug that could cause EarthDesk to start when logging in, even if the option for this was not selected.
  • Miscellaneous internal changes.
    • 5.4 - 21 JUN 2010

  • EarthDesk can now span a single map image across all attached screens.
  • Better support for live add/remove of screens.
  • Minor performance and stability enhancements.
    • 5.3 - 15 MAR 2010

  • Fixed a situation that could cause a hang when exiting from the screen saver on 10.6.
  • Minor updates to the city database and help system.
    • 5.2 - 20 JAN 2010

  • Added a new Shaded Relief map. EarthDesk now supports four different map styles.
  • Improved the cloud updating mechanism.
    • 5.1.1 - 18 NOV 2009

  • Fixed a bug that displayed a corrupt cloud image, instead of re-downloading a fresh copy of the image.
    • 5.1 - 27 OCT 2009

  • Added a contrast control for the cloud layer.
  • EarthDesk now handles wifi spots that require a user-login before full internet access is gained.
    • 5.0.2 - 1 AUG 2009

  • Fixed a bug that could cause Earthdesk to display a partially downloaded cloud image.
  • EarthDesk now works properly even if a custom desktop picture has never been set.
  • The logging of console messages is now user-settable.
    • 5.0.1 - 5 JUL 2009

  • Fixed a permissions bug that caused the list in the Locations Tab to be blank when installed for "all users".
  • Fixed a bug that prevented clouds from working or crashed on systems with non-English date formats.
  • Fixed a bug in the "borderless window" option that caused a rare crash especially when waking from sleep.
    • 5.0 - 29 JUN 2009

  • Faster performance and lower processor usage.
  • Snow and vegetation change month-to-month.
  • Higher resolution cloud data on large displays.
  • Supports machines with dual GPUs.

  • Adjustable brightness.
  • Adjustable background color.
  • Updated political map.

  • Political map shows city lights and moonlight.
  • Centering menus are sorted alphabetically.
  • Globe can be re-positioned on the screen.
  • Simplified menu on single-display machines.

  • Checks for updates automatically.
  • Supports monitor attach/detach while running.
  • All desktop settings are now restored upon quit.
  • Existing desktop image aspect ratio is preserved.

  • Cloud capture and download times shown.
  • Easier install process for upgrades.
  • Softer evaluation watermark during trial period.

  • Rewritten from the ground up.
  • Rendering engine is now 100% Cocoa.
  • 32/64 bit application and ready for Snow Leopard.
  • No dependence on Carbon or QuickDraw.
    • 4.8 - 7 MAY 2009

  • Increased the Living Earth map resolution by 25%.
  • Several miscellaneous internal improvements.
    • 4.7 - 16 MAR 2009

  • Desktop images are now saved as jpeg files.
  • Preparation of the cache can now be turned off, resulting in faster startup times.
  • Several miscellaneous internal improvements.
    • 4.6 - 23 JAN 2009

  • Increased the natural map resolution by 25%.
  • Several miscellaneous internal improvements.
    • 4.5 - 20 OCT 2008

  • Prevents a crash or loss of cloud data when using a network that requires some form of webpage login.
    • 4.4.1 - 15 SEP 2008

  • Fixes a rare bug in 4.4 that could cause licensed copies to display an unlicensed message.
    • 4.4 - 2 SEP 2008

  • Detects and ignores most types of missing or partial data in cloud images.
    • 4.3 - 14 JUL 2008

  • Clouds now properly update when waking from sleep.
  • Major update to cloud server system - all users should update to v4.3 (or 3.6 for v3 users).