Apple computers break down across Hollywood after strange Google Chrome problem

Mac Pro appears to be incompatible with new version of Chrome browser

Andrew Griffin
Tuesday 24 September 2019 15:28 BST
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Apple computers break down across Hollywood after software problem

Computers across Hollywood are mysteriously breaking down, leaving studios unable to work on films.

The problem had initialled appeared to be an issue with the Avid software that is used to produce films, and the Mac Pro computers that it is loaded onto. But it then transpired the trouble came from the Chrome browser, and an update that had problems with Apple's computers.

It means that the Apple computers are failing to turn reboot, triggering panic among users who rely on the systems to create some of the world's most famous films.

Users were told not to switch their computers off for fear of falling victim to the problem.

Avid had posted on Twitter that it was "aware of the reboot issue affecting Apple Mac Pro devices running some Avid products".

"This issue is top priority for our engineering & support teams, and we're working diligently to determine & resolve the root cause," it continued, before promising to keep users updated.

The issue appeared to be specifically hitting older Mac Pros that are running Avid's Media Composer software, an editing tool used by a variety of film and TV shows.

But Google confirmed that there was a issue with Chrome and that it had paused the rollout of the problem update.

Apple is working on a new version of the Mac Pro, which is expected out this year, but currently only sells the one it released in 2013. That older professional computer, known as the "trash can", still sits on the desks of many of the world's video editors and those of others who require high-end devices.

This article was updated on 25/9/2019 to reflect the fact that the issue was linked to Google's Chrome update, rather than Avid's video editing software.

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