Apple this week issued a pair of firmware updates, resolving a flickering graphics issue in late 2008 15-inch MacBook Pro models and addressing a hanging graphics issue on iMacs.

Supply chain sources are claiming Apple will unveil a cheaper 8GB iPad 2 model alongside third-generation iPad models at its media event next week.

A new rumor claims Apple’s supply chain partners have begun delivering samples for a 7.85-inch iPad to the company in preparation for volume production that could start as early as the third quarter of 2012.

Safari gets a minor overhaul in this summer’s release of OS X Mountain Lion, offering a cleaner, smarter user interface with a unified search and location field and new sharing features.

An updated version of the Apple Store iOS app rolled out on Wednesday, bringing with it a number of new features including iPhone carrier selection for new customers as well as a feature that allows users to change account preferences.

The Mobile World Congress on Tuesday announced the winners of the 17th Annual Global Mobile Awards, with Samsung dubbed Manufacturer of the Year for its Galaxy S II Smartphone of the Year, while Apple’s iPad 2 took home Tablet of the Year honors.

Entrepreneur and prolific author Seth Godin has accused Apple of blocking sales of ebooks containing links to Amazon’s online store after recently finding that his own short manifesto had been refused.

Apple and Proview squared off in a high court in Beijing on Wednesday over use of the “iPad” name, where Apple accused Proview of “conspiratorial” actions to gain money.