Apple has released two new versions of its AirPort Utility software: version 5.6 and version 6.0. The former is merely a minor update that aims to resolve an issue with network passwords stored in the Keychain, while the latter is a complete redesign of the software to match its iOS counterpart. The reason behind the release of both versions is that AirPort Utility 5.6 is able to support older 802.11g-only base stations, while the more advanced 6.0 version is not.

The current range of Apple products—such as the Macintosh, AirPort and iOS devices—all utilize the current standard of 802.11n specification, but if rumors pan out we will soon be seeing a new network of 802.11ac chips that would feature better range and power efficiency than the existing chips.

At CES in Las Vegas this week, Griffin Technology is showing off an audio amplifier that uses an Airport Express to capture your AirPlay stream, decode it, then send the lossless, amplified sound through your speakers that otherwise aren’t AirPlay enabled.

We’ve seen a few leaks this week on Apple’s annual one-day-only Black Friday sales event. The savings on Apple products were accurately slight, but as in years past, Apple is offering significant savings on compatible third-party products. Save over $100 on Bowers & Wilkins speaker docks and various laptop bags, and you can get fun accessories like the Parrot AR.Drone for under $250.00.

Apple has released the Airport utility application for those who use the AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, and Time Capsule base stations. Launching the app, you are immediately greeted with a diagram depicting the Internet and any base stations on your network. After that, you can just tap any specific base station with which to begin and enter your password. From there, you are already set-up and ready to manage your networks.

Apple has updated their Time Capsules by introducing a 2TB model for $299 and a 3TB model for $499, replacing the 1TB and 2TB models for the same price. Apple has also updated the Airport Extreme, which has improved signal strength with six internal antennas versus the three it had before at the same price of $179.

Playing music on your computer is great, but wouldn’t it be cool if you could have that music playing in every room in your house, in sync? Airfoil makes that a possibility. Airfoil 4.0 is an amazing product for anyone who has more than one computer or speaker system connected to an iOS device. The application makes playing music on any speaker in the house dead simple. That alone would be enough to make this application amazing, but it does so much more.

Yesterday, Apple previewed their annual one-day-only Black Friday sale. Today, the full sale is in effect, and although the discounts on their own products are slight, they’ve announced significant savings on third-party products compatible with the Macintosh, iPhone, iPad and iPod lines. Save over $80 on cameras, $70 on headphones, $20 on games, $50 on speaker docks, and plenty more.

We’ve been talking for a while now about the numerous Black Friday sales going on around town, so it’s now it’s time to focus on Apple. Like the last year, the company is holding a one-day only sale online and at their retail stores, and if you’re in the market for a new computer or iDevice, it’s a pretty good place to start. Apple is previewing savings up to $101 on computers and $41 on iPads.

Christmas is right around the corner, and we’re sure you have plenty of Apple fanboys in your circle of friends. If you’re looking for the perfect gift to get them at all prices levels, look no further. Apple has plenty of products to choose from, but we’ve tried to narrow it down to the best five this holiday season to purchase for that special someone.