Apple today has added nine new design templates to its collection of Figma resources, significantly increasing the number of resources available for Figma users.

Previously the available resources focused solely on key operating systems like iOS and iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS. Now, nine new cross-platform feature templates are available.

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Microsoft Finally Rolls Out Passkey Support for Apple Devices

On the occasion of World Password Day (which typically falls on the first Thursday of May i.e. May 2 this year), Microsoft wants to “eliminate passwords for good”. Redmond-based tech behemoth is finally rolling out support for passkey for all consumer accounts today. The company announced this update via a blog post earlier today, mentioning how Microsoft once dreamt of “a world free of […]

This post Microsoft Finally Rolls Out Passkey Support for Apple Devices appeared first on The Mac Observer

Apple is tweaking how it applies a new fee that can apply to iOS developers in the European Union as it continues to configure its approach to the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA): Developers of free apps will be able to avoid the fee entirely under changes it announced Thursday, which apply from today, while other developers earning under a certain revenue threshold will get longer before they have to pay Apple the fee. From a report: The so-called "core technology fee" remains opt in for iOS developers in the region, as Apple continues to offer its standard business terms, but those wanting to take up new entitlements the DMA has required Apple to offer -- such as allowing sideloading of apps, third party app stores, and support for alternative payment tech than Apple's own -- must agree to the set of business terms that include the CTF (as Apple calls it).

The fee remains under scrutiny in the region where the Commission, which enforces the DMA on Apple and other...

We’re getting closer every day to a password-free future. Less than two years after Apple launched passkeys with iOS 16 and macOS 13, more and more companies continue adding support. Following in the footsteps of Amazon and Nintendo, among others, today Microsoft announced that passkey support is rolling out for all its consumer accounts across Apple platforms, Windows, and Google products.

Users of Word, Excel, and the host of other popular products requiring Microsoft sign-in will be able to authenticate using simple biometric tools like Face ID or Touch ID.

...

Macworld

The Studio Display is more than a pretty monitor—it’s also loaded with high-end features you won’t find anywhere else, including a FaceTime camera, spatial audio, and three built-in USB-C ports. All that comes at a price, but today it’s cheaper than it’s ever been: Amazon is selling the 27-inch Apple Studio Display for $1,300, a savings of $299 and the best price we’ve ever seen.

The Studio Display is a fantastic monitor with a 5K Retina display sporting 600 nits of brightness, True Tone, and a P3 wide color gamut. Inside its thin bezels, you’ll find a built-in 12MP ultra-wide camera with Center Stage support, as well as a six-speaker...

Alphabet paid Apple $20 billion in 2022 for Google to be the default search engine in the Safari browser, according to newly unsealed court documents in the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Google. From a report: The deal between the two tech giants is at the heart of the landmark case, in which antitrust enforcers allege Google has illegally monopolized the market for online search and related advertising. The Justice Department and Google will offer closing arguments in the case Thursday and Friday, with a decision expected later this year.

Google and Apple had hoped to shield the payment amount from public disclosure. At the trial last fall, Apple executives testified that Google paid "billions," without specifying a number. A Google witness later accidentally disclosed that Google pays 36% of the revenue it earns from search ads to Apple. Court documents filed late Tuesday ahead of the closing arguments mark the first public confirmation of the figures by...

Today, Arc Search, the iOS app from the Browser Company that debuted earlier this year, has been updated with three key feature improvements: widgets for your Home screen, Voice Search that can be triggered from an iPhone’s Action button, and handy new tab controls for controlling page zoom and requesting a desktop site.

All of these added conveniences aim to take the AI-focused search and web browsing tool to a new place of frequent engagement for users.

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Earlier this week, the European Commission announced that iPadOS is now designated as a gatekeeper platform in the European Union, just like the iPhone and the App Store.

In a new developer announcement today, Apple acknowledged this change and confirmed it will bring features like alternative app marketplaces, third-party browser engines, and more to the iPad in the EU later this fall.

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In February this year, we learned that after more than a decade of work, Project Titan – the Apple Car effort was officially canceled. Naturally, details have been sparse around the topic as it was a secret project. But today an interesting detail has surfaced about how Apple is dismantling the project.

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Anyone following Apple supply chain reports knows that the company has been working toward adopting OLED displays on the iPad Pro for quite some time. Though the iPhone has featured an OLED display since the 2017 iPhone X, bringing the technology to the iPad lineup has proven difficult.

Delays seem to finally be reaching their end, however, as this new display technology should see its debut at the May 7 Apple event. A new report details how exactly the 2024 iPad Pro has produced fresh challenges for suppliers, and another highlights OLED supplier changes coming to the iPhone 16.

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Apple Watch AFib History Feature Gets FDA Nod as an MDDT

The Internet is flooded with instances wherein Apple Watch has helped save lives. Features such as Emergency SOS, Heart rate monitor, VO2Max, and ECG can be saviours. Now, the FDA has given the green signal to Apple Watch’s atrial fibrillation (AFib) history feature under MDDT (Medical Device Development Tool). Henceforth, medical professionals can rely on […]

This post Apple Watch AFib History Feature Gets FDA Nod as an MDDT appeared first on The Mac Observer

The Apple Watch AFib feature – which detects abnormal heartbeat patterns indicative of atrial fibrillation – has received a new tick of approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Doctors have already credited the health feature with saving lives.

While the FDA had previously granted clearance for AFib detection, that was a limited endorsement …

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A court is being asked to decide whether or not Meta has a legal obligation to allow the use of Unfollow Everything – a browser tool which effectively empties your Facebook feed.

The idea behind the tool is that instead of being sucked into an effectively endless feed of posts from every friend, group, and page you have ever followed, you get to proactively choose the posts you read …

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Songs from UMG artists are now again available to TikTok creators, after a dispute over royalty payments and AI policies was resolved.

This has seen the return of a lengthy list of artists, including Bad Bunny, Sting, The Weeknd, Alicia Keys, Drake, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Rosalía, Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Adele, U2, Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Coldplay, Bob Dylan, and Post Malone …

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If you were hoping for a new generation of the Apple Watch Ultra with a significant number of amazing new features you may be let down. Per Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple seems likely to release a next-gen Apple Watch Ultra this year, but the new model will have “almost no” hardware upgrades […]

Source

Search in the Notes App Doesn’t Work? Here’s How To Fix It

As someone who uses the Notes app to write down ideas, to-do lists, personal information, and journal entries, I understand how alarming search function glitches feel. Don’t worry—your files are still on iCloud. The problem is that your local and recent drafts likely failed to sync. To help you find your urgent notes fast, let’s […]

This post Search in the Notes App Doesn’t Work? Here’s How To Fix It appeared first on The Mac Observer

Anthropic has released its Claude AI chatbot on the App Store, bringing the company's ChatGPT competitor to the masses. Compared to OpenAI's chatbot, Claude is built with a focus on reducing harmful outputs and promoting safety, with a goal of making interactions more reliable and ethically aware. You can give it a try here. 9to5Mac reports: Anthropic highlights three launch features for Claude on iPhone:

Seamless syncing with web chats: Pick up where you left off across devices.
Vision capabilities: Use photos from your library, take new photos, or upload files so you can have real-time image analysis, contextual understanding, and mobile-centric use cases on the go.
Open access: Users across all plans, including Pro and Team, can download the app free of charge.

The app is also capable of analyzing things that you show it like objects, images, and your environment.

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I’m someone who likes to replace my devices often, always getting the latest and greatest of what Apple produces. One glaring exception has been the iPad. I used to buy nearly every new generation, a trend that continued after I made the iPad my primary computer. But for nearly six years, I’ve been using the 2018 iPad Pro—a shockingly long time by my standards. And despite several new models releasing in recent years, I’ve never been enticed enough to upgrade.

Why? Because the 2018 model has worked remarkably well. Next week though, my new iPad drought will finally come to an end. Based on what’s widely expected in the 2024 iPad Pro—whether it includes an M4 chip or not—I’m eagerly ready to upgrade. And I suspect a lot of 2018 owners plan to do the same. Let me explain.

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Mac display aficionados know that pixel count must scale with screen size to maintain Apple’s standard for “Retina” resolution.

That’s why the 24-inch iMac is 4.5K, the 27-inch Studio Display is 5K, and the 32-inch Pro Display XDR is 6K. These resolutions and display sizes each amount to 218 pixels per inch. The result is a balance of sharpness and screen real estate for the price of $1499, $1599, and $4999, respectively.

The pursuit of pixels per inch is also why the Mac community endured the LG UltraFine 5K monitor for so long, and why of the Studio Display gets our attention.

With that being said, is a larger display with less resolution always a compromise? I’ve been reviewing a BenQ DesignVue Design Monitor for several weeks, and this 4K 32-inch setup has solved a real problem for me.

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Technology comes with its pros and cons, and among modern Apple devices that’s been especially true with . Like other Bluetooth trackers, since their debut AirTags have been used by stalkers and other bad actors to track others without their consent or knowledge. Authorities have begun taking action, with Pennsylvania the latest state to move toward criminalization of unauthorized trackers.

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This MIT Technology Review piece points out that relying too heavily on the term "user" exacts a cost in depersonalizing the relationships we have with the software that fills our lives. Let's work to use more precise terms.

In time for Mental Health Awareness Month, Apple Podcasts is shining light on a new category of podcasts to listen to.

The new Wellbeing category collects shows featuring health, fitness and wellness topics. As noted by AdWeek, listenership for shows in this genre has increased 40% in the last five years.

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We’re now halfway through the work week with a fresh batch of new deals – all headlined by Apple’s 10th Generation iPad at $470. It comes joined by iPhone 14 Pro at $705 if you don’t mind going with an Amazon refurbished model, while Apple Watch Series 9 remains at $100 off. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

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If you’ve been keeping up with generative AI and large language models on iPhone, then you may be aware that Anthropic’s Claude AI was notably absent from iOS.

Meanwhile, OpenAI has been updating ChatGPT on iPhone for a while now, and Google’s Gemini exists in its iOS app. Starting today, however, Claude for iPhone is joining the party.

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Ahead of WWDC 2024 kicking off in June, Apple has officially announced its Swift Student Challenge winners. 350 students from around the world have won with 50 selected as “Distinguished Winners” that will be heading to Apple Park for WWDC. Along with that, Apple is celebrating 3 winners with detailed profiles about their top-tier app ideas.

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It’s clear that we’re going to see some exciting new Apple AI features this year, and the usual way for the company to announce major new iOS features would be to preview them at WWDC, and then launch them in September with the new iPhone line-up.

But there could be a couple of reasons to hope for some kind of preview of these new features on the new iPad Pro during the May...

Macworld

The iPad, remember that? It’s been a minute since Apple unveiled a new tablet–about 807,690 minutes, to be a bit more precise–but all indications point to brand new models being rolled out as part of an Apple keynote next week, on May 7.

A lot has happened in the intervening time. Apple released iPadOS 17, the Apple Vision Pro was announced and shipped, and the M2 processors have given way to the M3–with the promise of more soon. Throughout all of that, the iPad Pro and 10th-generation iPad have...

Macworld

After months of false starts, it looks like we’re finally going to get new iPads in May! There hasn’t been a new iPad released since 2022, and iPad sales are suffering for it, but the new models coming in May could actually bring some significant new changes and maybe even a surprise or two.

It’s really odd for Apple to release new hardware in May, much less hold an event for it, but that’s exactly what’s happening on May 7 with the “Let Loose” event. That will make a pretty exciting lead-up to WWDC, which begins on June 10.

New iPads! Finally!

On May 7, Apple is holding an event with the tagline “Let Loose.” Given that one of the promotional images is an Apple logo with a hand holding an Apple Pencil...

Apple has apparently begun working on addressing a bug wherein the iOS operating system doesn’t properly play alarm sounds as scheduled. Following a number of user complaints, the company has confirmed it’s aware of the issue and is working on a fix. Apple confirmed the problem to the Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern on Tuesday […]

Source

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In this episode of Apple @ Work, I talk with Steve Won from 1Password about their annual report: Security and...

If you’re hankering for Assassin’s Creed Mirage on your mobile Apple device, it’s en route. Game giant Ubisoft on Tuesday announced that Assassin’s Creed Mirage will launch in the App Store on June 6 and be available for the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and select iPad Air and iPad Pro models […]

Source

Macworld

At a glanceExpert's Rating
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Cons

• Password import from Keychain only via a Mac
• Best features are on paid tier

Our Verdict

NordPass is a solid and easy to use password manager with plenty of useful features.

Price When Reviewed

Free 30-day trial; From $1.49 per month, $71.76 a year (currently $35.76 for two year)

Best Prices Today: NordPass

Retailer

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NordPass (annually)

$71.76

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As about a third of the 2024 Major League Soccer season has now concluded, Apple is dropping the price of the MLS Season Pass package in kind.

The season subscription is now sold for $69, down 30% compared to its $99 price at the start of the season. For Apple TV+ subscribers, the pass is now just $59.

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Apple on Tuesday launched the new family of Beats Solo wireless headphones. While the Beats Solo 4 are available for pre-order from today, the company also announced new Beats Solo Buds wireless earbuds. With a price range of $79 and 18 hours of battery life, Beats Solo Buds already sound like a better deal than the old .

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Enlarge / Assassin's Creed Mirage returned to the earlier games' focus on stealth assassinations in a historical urban environment. (credit: Ubisoft)

Apple has spent the last year trying to convince gamers that they can get a console-like, triple-A experience on the latest iPhones. The newest test of that promise will be Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Mirage, which now has a release date and pricing information.

Mirage will land on compatible iPhones—the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max—on June 6, according to Ubisoft (though the App Store listing says June 10.) That coincides pretty closely with Apple's annual developer conference, so we'd expect it to...

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A new report from TechCrunch today claims that TikTok might be bypassing Apple’s App Store in-app purchase system. The report says that TikTok is “presenting some of its users with a link to a website” to purchase coins,...

Apple Rolls Out visionOS 1.2 Beta 4 to Developers

Apple today rolled out the fourth round of beta update for the upcoming visionOS 1.2 to developers, closely following the third beta update released about a week ago. visionOS 1.2 Beta 4 bears the build number, 21O5580a, up from the third beta’s 21O5570d. Although rumors suggest Apple might improve Personas, EyeSight, and other key features in the final release of visionOS […]

This post Apple Rolls Out visionOS 1.2 Beta 4 to Developers appeared first on The Mac Observer

Assassin’s Creed Mirage Is Finally Coming to iPhones and iPads in June

When Apple announced new iPhones last year during the “Wonderlust” event, a.k.a the iPhone 15 launch event, one of the show’s major highlights was the A17 Pro chip and its ability to run AAA games. Since then, we have seen several AAA games, such as Resident Evil Village and Death Stranding Director’s Cut, debut on the iPhone 15 Pro models, thanks to […]

This post Assassin’s Creed Mirage Is Finally Coming to iPhones and iPads in June appeared first on The Mac Observer

Apple Releases Fourth Betas of iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5 and macOS Sonoma 14.5 To Developers

Apple today released the fourth round of developer betas for iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, and macOS Sonoma 14.5, following closely on the heels of the third beta updates, which were released about a week ago. The fourth betas for iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5 bear the build number, 21F5073b, up from the third betas’ 21F5063f. Meanwhile, macOS Sonoma 14.5 […]

This post Apple Releases Fourth Betas of iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5 and macOS Sonoma 14.5 To Developers appeared first on The Mac Observer

As you may know by now, Apple will be holding a special event on May 7 to announce new iPads. The event will be pre-recorded just like other Apple events. However, the company is now promoting its upcoming keynote as a “different kind of Apple Event.”

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Beats Solo 4, Solo Buds Officially Debut With Improved Battery Life, Better Sound Quality

Apple sub-brand Beats today took wraps off its latest Solo 4 headphones and debuted its first TWS pair, Solo Buds. The new wireless headphones unsurprisingly come at attractive prices with quite a few notable features.  As usual, you can easily connect newly launched headphones to both iPhone and Android. Plus, they work seamlessly across all your devices, […]

This post Beats Solo 4, Solo Buds Officially Debut With Improved Battery Life, Better Sound Quality appeared first on The Mac Observer...

Macworld

It’s been a month since the release of iOS 17.4, which introduced a few minor tweaks (like new emojis) for all users, but it has a massive change to app distribution for those in the European Union. In compliance with the Digital Markets Act, that version allowed alternate app stores, changed policies and terms around apps, browsers that use their own engines, and more.

Typically, a new iOS version is followed almost immediately by a beta of the next point release, so the month-long absence of any iOS beta is a strange occurrence. We expect the beta to continue for at least a few weeks; the final release of iOS 17.5 might not even come until May.

Update April 30: Apple has released the fourth beta of iOS 17.5. We can probably expect the final release next week, when...

The weekly iOS 17.5 beta train continues today with the fourth developer release. Apple is also testing macOS Sonoma 14.5, visionOS 1.2, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, and HomePod 17.5.

more…

Macworld

AirTags are the rare Apple device that’s both cheap and designed to work with non-Apple devices. And today you can get set up for less: Amazon is selling a four-pack of AirTags for $80, a savings of $25 and $36 less than you’d pay separately.

AirTags are circular Bluetooth trackers that add Find My tracking to keys, bags, and other items that aren’t made by Apple. The small white-and-chrome discs connect to the app just like an iPhone or MacBook and alert you when something is left behind and can help you find something that goes missing. A lost item attached to an AirTag can tap into the vast Find My network to track it down and they’re small and light enough to fit just...

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Support is live in select states for Apple Wallet to securely store driver’s licenses and state IDs on iPhone and Apple Watch. While there is excitement around the new feature, there are also a number of questions and concerns. Let’s dive into how Apple digital IDs work in the real world, where they’re available, where they’re accepted, and more.

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The best price ever on AirPods Pro 2 are now live at $180. All of Tuesday’s other best deals are now live and come joined by the best prices of the year on Apple’s Magic Keyboards for 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro starting at $249. Plus, the first-ever discount is now available on Twelve South’s . Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

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Apple has confirmed reports [video link] of a software glitch causing some iPhone alarms to fail to play a sound.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.