Apple has finally released the Mac OS X 10.4.9 updater to users through the Mac OS X Software Update tool:

The 10.4.9 Update is recommended for PowerPC and Intel-based Mac computers currently running Mac OS X Tiger version 10.4.8 and includes general operating system fixes, as well as specific fixes or compatibility updates for the following applications and technologies:

- RAW camera support

- Handling of large or malformed images that could cause crashes

- Image capture performance

- Mouse scrolling and keyboard shortcuts

- Font handling

- Playback quality, and bookmarks in DVD Player

- USB video conferencing cameras for use with iChat

- Bluetooth devices

- Browsing AFP servers

- Apple USB Modem

- Windows-created digital certificates

- Open and Print dialogs in applications that use Rosetta on Intel-based Macs

- Time zone and daylight saving for 2006 and 2007

- Security updates

More detailed information is available at http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n304821. Combo updater is also available.

The 10.4.9 update has been long anticipated with an increasing frequency of 10.4.9 developer seeds being released on a weekly basis.

Apple has also provided a small update to iPhoto which "addresses issues associated with EXIF data compatibility and Photocasting."