Brand: MacNews

Blizzard Entertainment has released native Mac OS X versions of its popular real-time strategy game, StarCraft, and expansion pack Brood War. The new versions require Mac OS X 10.1 or later.

Apple, which currently operates a procurement office in Taipei, Taiwan that is expected to make $3 billion in purchases this year, is sending staff to open a branch office in Shenzhen, China, according to a Nasdaq report. The report also notes that Taiwan-based computer manufacturer Quanta Computer is expected to deliver between 300,000 and 400,000 notebook computers to Apple next year.

Microsoft Office v.X for Mac has been delayed in the UK, according to Macworld UK. Originally slated to ship on Nov. 19, the software package will now ship Nov. 30. Meanwhile, in the U.S., several resellers contacted by MacMinute report that they have yet to receive any stock of the software, which was officially released on Monday. Many expect their first shipments later this week or early next week.

TheStreet.com has published a very informative article dissecting Microsoft’s settlement of private antitrust suits brought against the company. Under the proposed settlement, Microsoft will donate US$1 billion in cash, software, and support to the nation’s poorest school districts.

Apple today kicked off two new promotions: “Play more. Pay less” offers US$100 back by mail on any iBook purchase, while “Work has its rewards” offers customers a free copy of The Sims or The Sims House Party Expansion Pack with the purchase of AppleWorks 6.2.