A supply-chain report today suggests that Apple’s new over-ear AirPods Max headphones are made in Vietnam. It gives the impression that this is instead of China, but the wording isn’t 100% clear …
The post AirPods Max headphones made in Vietnam, not China, suggests report appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Apple has filed for a patent (number 202003896234) for “devices with enhanced audio” that shows the tech giant is looking for ways to improve audio output in all its devices, especially Macs.
This involves Macs with better built-in speakers and improved ability to send audio to external speakers. Especially interesting is that some of the patent graphics hint at Macs with built-in Face ID and body location (Body ID?) that could adjust sound based on where the user is standing relative to the desktop or laptop. All this would be accomplished by adding more sensors to Macs.
In the patent filing, Apple notes that electronic devices, such as computers, mobile phones, audio players, laptops, tablet computers, and TVs may have an integrated speaker or may be able to communicate with an audio output device. Additionally, such devices may also include a visual or video output device or communicate with a video display device.
Apple...
| Read more »Apple Fitness+ was unveiled at Apple’s September Apple Watch event, but a specific arrival date wasn’t shared. It’s now been announced that the personalized fitness service based around Apple Watch will be available on December 14. If you’re looking to add in a new workout routine for 2021, you might be asking which service is best: Apple Fitness+ or Peloton?
The post Apple Fitness+ vs. Peloton digital: Which service is best for workouts in 2021? appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Apple had one more thing for us this year: the AirPods Max. We talk about Apple pricey new headphones on this episode of the Macworld Podcast.
This is episode 724 with Jason Cross, Michael Simon, and Roman Loyola.
Listen to episode 724
To read this article in full, please click here
| Read more »In an attempt to level the playing field for European content creators, EU lawmakers are proposing legislation that would require streaming services like Apple TV+ and Netflix to feature 30% European content or face a European Union customer block, reports AppleInsider.
The bill, known as the General Scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill. In broad terms, the proposed Bill seeks to provide for:
The establishment of a multi-person Media Commission, including an Online Safety Commissioner;
The dissolution of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and the assignment of all the present functions of the Authority to...
Apple is planning an anthology series about climate change, dubbed"Extrapolations," for Apple TV+, reports Variety.
Scott Z. Burns (pictured) will write, direct, and executive produce the series, which hails from Media Res. It is said to tell intimate, unanticipated stories of how the upcoming changes to our planet will affect love, faith, work and family on a personal and human scale. Told over a season of 10 interconnected episodes, each story in the scripted series will track the worldwide battle for our mutual survival spanning the 21st century.
Variety notes that Burns previously produced the Oscar-winning climate change documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” in 2006 and executive produced the followup “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power” in 2017. His other credits include several films that deal with...
| Read more »Apple has rounded out the ensemble cast for its upcoming Apple TV+ dramedy, “Physical,” reports Deadline.
Paul Sparks (“Boardwalk Empire,” “House of Cards”), Rory Scovel (“I Feel Pretty,” “The House”), Lou Taylor Pucci (“You,” “American Horror Story”), Della Saba (“Zootopia,” “Steven Universe”), Dierdre Friel (“New Amsterdam,” “Second Act with Jennifer Lopez”) and Ashley Liao (“Fuller House”) join Rose Byrne in the series.
The project project hails from “Almost Family” creator Annie Weisman, “Dirty John” showrunner Alexandra Cunningham and Tomorrow Studios. Written by Weisman, who also will serve as showrunner, “Physical” is set in a 1980s Southern California beach community. It follows a woman (Byrne) struggling in her life as a quietly tortured...
| Read more »Apple’s MagSafe wallets for the iPhone 12 are pretty pricy at $50, and have also taken a while to be delivered (mine, ordered on day one, is only arriving today). There aren’t yet many third-party MagSafe wallets, but there’s interesting one for $30 which includes a built-in kickstand.
This has three modes, including a floating one similar to Apple’s iPad Magic Keyboard …
The post Third-party MagSafe wallet includes Magic Keyboard-style floating kickstand appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »In a new Apple Pay promotion, Apple is touting “exclusive holiday offers” through Dec. 21. They include:
° 20% off Puma products with promo code APPLEPAY;
° 25% off Ray-Ban products with promo code APPLEPAY;
° 25% off products when using the Under Armour app (available at the Apple App Store);
° A set of three free custom-designed pins from Warby Parker;
° 15% off of Columbia purchases at columbia.com;
° A free leather card case (an US$45 value) when you spend $200 or more at Cuyanan;
° An extra $25 off J. Crew purchases when you spend $150 or more with promo code APPLEPAY;
° 15% off when you spend $99 or more on select styles at Kids Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, or Foot Locker with promo code APPLEPAY;
° $15 off when you spend $39.99 or more at 1-800-Flowers with promo code ...
| Read more »Apple has filed for a patent (number 20200383579) for “projecting blood pressure measurements with limited pressurization. It shows that the company wants its Apple Watch to serve as an individual’s blood pressure measuring tool without the need for third party apps and accessories.
However, graphics in the patent filing also show devices attached to the ankle and arm. Whether this involves separate health monitoring devices made by Apple or accessories that would work with the Apple Watch itself is unclear.
Apple’s patent filing involves methods for estimating blood pressure values, and related blood pressure measurement systems, account for patient specific attributes. One method of estimating a blood pressure value of a patient includes receiving feature vector data corresponding to a pressure variation of a blood pressure cuff.
The feature vector data is derived from physiological signals of the patient measured over the...
| Read more »Satechi has introduced an updated, Apple-exclusive version of its R1 Stand. Compatible with iPhones and iPads, Satechi’s Aluminum Foldable Stand elevates devices to create a workstation, whether at home or on-the-go.
According to the folks at Satechi, its adjustable and flexible hinges provide users with optimal viewing while working, gaming, video chatting, and more. The design features protective rubber grips to store and hold devices securely in place without slipping.
The Aluminum Foldable Stand features a space gray aluminum finish to complement Apple devices. The foldable and compact design collapses so can be stowed in a briefcase, backpack, or purse.
Satechi’s Apple-exclusive Aluminum Foldable Stand is available now for US$39.95 only on...
| Read more »A typo on Apple’s UK website caused alarm when it appeared to show an AirPods Max battery replacement would cost £309 ($410) in the country, while it was $79 in the US.
Fortunately, this was soon revealed as a typo, and the actual UK price is £75 ($99). Allowing for the fact that UK prices include 20% sales tax while US ones are before tax, this makes the comparable UK cost £62.50 ($83), or marginally more than the US price …
The post AirPods Max battery replacement typo causes alarm; eBay scalpers set up shop appeared first on...
| Read more »CASETiFY has announced the latest partnership from its Co-Lab program, inspired by film star and martial arts legend Bruce Lee. The collection spans an inclusive lineup of tech accessories and limited edition lifestyle products, commemorating Lee's 80th birthday. The online waitlist opens today at www.casetify.com/bruce-lee, granting priority access to shop the collection on launch day, Dec. 17.
In the Bruce Lee x CASETiFY collection, CASETiFY introduces Lee-inspired motifs and licensed artwork to the brand's signature accessories. Custom elements invite customers to add their names to two iPhone cases, including a nostalgic VHS tape-inspired Impact Case, and a reflective Mirror Case with a "shattered glass" effect—meant to look like a result from Lee's powerful kick.
More designs round out the collection, paying homage to his legacy, including vegan Leather iPhone Cases...
| Read more »The iPhone 12 mini will probably be Apple’s worst-selling iPhone in years. But that's kind of the point. With a screen that measures just 5.4 inches, it’s one of the smallest smartphones ever made and only about a half-inch taller than the original iPhone. It’s so small that it’s actually easier to use with one hand than two.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s what you need to know.
The iPhone 12 mini isn’t quite as small as the original iPhone SE, but it’s a little smaller than the current iPhone SE. With an all-screen design, however, it feels much larger than either of those phones. There will definitely be an adjustment for anyone who hasn’t used an iPhone without a home button, but the screen-to-body improvements will be...
Lost your Apple TV Remote? Simply don’t like it? No problem. With the Apple TV Remote in Control Center on iOS and iPad OS, you can control your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch without using the Apple TV Remote.
But first, add the Apple TV Remote to Control Center on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If you have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, the Apple TV Remote is automatically added to Control Center.
If you have an earlier version of iOS, you’ll have to manually add the Apple TV Remote to Control Center. Go to Settings > Control Center, then tap Customize Controls. Tap the Add button next to Apple TV Remote in the More Controls list to add it to Control Center.
To use the Apple TV Remote with an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV, add your smart TV to the Home app and assign it to a room. To add an accessory to the Home app, use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Make sure...
| Read more »A significant number of people in are reporting some mix of Instagram, Messenger and Facebook outages this morning. Many of them are in European countries, but issues are being reported in other countries too, including Australia and the Philippines …
The post Instagram, Messenger and Facebook outages and glitches in some countries appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Apple is continuing to reduce its dependence on suppliers in China by having the AirPods Max made in Vietnam — but currently still by Chinese-owned companies.Exploded view of AirPods Max (source: Apple)Following previous moves away from China to reduce the impact of US trade disputes, Apple is reportedly having its new AirPods Max assembled in Vietnam. However, the factories assembling the headphones are still owned by companies based in China.
| Read more »The new MacVoices Live! has Joe Kissell, Wally Cherwinski, Mark Fuccio, and host Chuck Joiner offering still more holiday gift ideas. They include some off-the-wall ideas.
MacVoices is an Internet show that delivers in-depth discussions with the most influential people in the Mac industry as well as the individuals who are out there making it happen on the front lines of the global Apple community. Founded as an audio program in 2005, the show has evolved into audio and video versions to offer the best of both worlds.
Joiner is the producer and host of MacVoices. You can catch up with what he’s doing on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
While there hasn’t been a ton of Apple Car news of late, a recent rumor through the supply chain has stated that Apple is said to be in “preliminary cooperation negotiations” with well-known automotive electronics suppliers as it continues to hire new employees from Tesla and other manufacturers. Apple is working with “upstream and downstream” […]
| Read more »If you’re hankering for additional gaming on your iOS device next year, you’re going to like this. Microsoft announced on Wednesday that Xbox Game Pass, its cloud-based gaming service, will arrive on iOS in the spring of 2021. Back in October, Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer stated that Xbox Game Pass will operate as a […]
| Read more »If you’re looking for a one-piece audio solution that will tuck neatly under your TV, this is a good one.
| Read more »Why Channels DVR is becoming the best media server for cord cutting
| Read more »Back in October, Disney announced a “strategic reorganization” that gave higher priority to streaming, it said we’d find out more at an investor’s meeting on December 10th. Today is the day, with the four-hour event scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM ET....
| Read more »Hyundai Motors is acquiring Boston Dynamics, according to The Korea Economic Daily. The publication says Softbank has agreed to sell the robot maker for 1 trillion won (US$917 million) and that the acquisition will be finalized at a board meeting tod...
| Read more »Samsung has launched a 110-inch MicroLED TV, and it’s now up for pre-sale in Korea. The tech giant has been showcasing massive displays that use MicroLED technology over the past two years. It unveiled a 146-inch TV called The Wall at CES 2018, and i...
| Read more »While Apple TV+ is slowly expanding its catalog with original movies and TV shows, Apple might face some new challenges outside the US. European lawmakers are proposing a new legislation requiring Apple TV+ and other streaming services to offer at least 30% local content to their subscribers.
The post Apple could be required to offer 30% local content to Apple TV+ subscribers in Europe appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Nintendo has made exporting screenshots and videos from the Switch easier with the 11.0 firmware update. Now a new Shortcuts app automation from MacStories takes that further by making it as seamless and fast as possible to share Switch screenshots to iPhone and iPad.
The post How to share Nintendo Switch screenshots to iPhone and iPad with a Shortcuts automation appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »We all know how SpaceX’s high altitude flight test ended, but what about the actual flight? Just hours after the SN8 launch earlier today, SpaceX tweeted this clip showing a zoomed in view of the Starship prototype as its Raptor engines re-fired and...
| Read more »Apple on Wednesday announced plans to activate the ECG feature on supporting Apple Watch models in Taiwan with the upcoming iOS 14.3 and watchOS 7.2 software updates.According to Apple, the heart monitoring feature will debut on Tuesday, Dec. 15 as the country's first product to both measure ECG on the wrist and track arrhythmias.In order to market the function, Apple obtained clearance from the Heart Food and Drug Administration of Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare. The app, which processes and displays data from Apple Watch's ECG hardware, is classified as Class II software for medical devices (SaMD).
| Read more »Two years ago, Sony’s purchase of Funimation drove a wedge behind the anime production house and Crunchyroll, which is primarily a subscription streaming video service. Crunchyroll ended up becoming a part of AT&T via the Time Warner acquisition...
| Read more »Apple and Google are both cracking down on applications that integrate the X-Mode Social tracking software. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, Apple has informed developers that they have two weeks to remove X-Mode’s trackers from their applications.
The post Apple to ban X-Mode tracking SDK from the App Store, developers given two weeks to comply appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Launching exclusively at Apple, Satechi on Wednesday released a new version of its adjustable aluminum stand with dual articulating hinges for iPhone and iPad.The new Satechi aluminum standThe new stand is an Apple-specific version of Satechi's R1, albeit with minor tweaks to the design. It's intended to be a multi-functional workstation that you can take with you and use with an iPhone or iPad.
| Read more »Cyberpunk 2077, arguably the most anticipated game of the year, unlocks at midnight local time on December 10th for PCs and consoles, and extra-eager players are able to pre-download the game so it’s ready to rock as soon as the clock flips over. It’...
| Read more »Apple and Alphabet’s Google will ban the data broker X-Mode Social from collecting any location information drawn from mobile devices running their operating systems following revelations about the company’s national-security work, reports the Wall Street Journal.
The tech giants told developers that they must remove X-Mode’s tracking software from any app present in their app stores or risk losing access to any phones running Apple’s or Google’s mobile operating systems. The WSJ says that both Apple and Google disclosed their decision to ban X-Mode to investigators working for Sen. Ron Wyden (D., Ore.), who has been conducting an investigation into the sale of location data to government entities. An Apple representative confirmed that the company has given developers two weeks to remove X-Mode...
| Read more »Apple is gauging interest in the accessories it includes with the iPhone 12 lineup with survey that asks owners if they use the included USB-C power cable.Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsiderEarlier in 2020, Apple carried out a similar customer survey regarding the USB power adapters bundled with iPhones. Apple, of course, removed the chargers and EarPods from the boxes of its iPhones starting in October, saying the change would greatly reduce its products' impact on the environment.Buyers of the iPhone 12 lineup are receiving surveys asking if they actually use the items that come with their devices, including the power cable, SIM ejection tool, and Apple stickers, 9to5Mac...
| Read more »Apple has inked a deal to bring Scott Z. Burns' climate change anthology series "Extrapolations" to Apple TV+, according to a report on Wednesday.Burns will write, direct and executive produce the series said to include "intimate, unanticipated stories of how the upcoming changes to our planet will affect love, faith, work and family on a personal and human scale," reports Variety."Most of the storytelling around climate change has focused on the science and getting people to accept it," Burns said. "Our aim with Extrapolations' is to move beyond science and use drama, comedy, mystery and every other genre to allow us to consider how every aspect of our world is going to be changing in the years ahead. We know the climate is going to change - Extrapolations' asks, can we change, too?"
...
| Read more »SpaceX is finally close to performing a high-altitude test flight for a prototype of its Starship vehicle, after yesterday’s attempt was scrubbed by an auto-abort from its Raptor engines. The company is ready to try again today, and came within a cou...
| Read more »In an attempt to curb cheating on the PC version of Destiny 2, Bungie is making SMS verification mandatory for free-to-play players. Starting today, if you want to take part in the game’s Trials of Osiris, Competitive Crucible and Iron Banner player...
| Read more »Apple and Google will take steps to ban location data broker X-Mode from their platforms after revelations of the company's ties to military contractors.Credit: UnsplashX-Mode obtains location data from apps on the App Store and Google Play Store and sells that information to contractors associated with the U.S. military and national security industry.According to The Wall Street Journal, both Apple and Google told developers that they must remove X-Mode software development kits (SDK) and location trackers from their apps.
| Read more »Nike today released an update to its Nike Run Club app for iPhone, which now features home screen widgets for iOS 14 users. These widgets bring statistics about your exercises that can be seen directly on the iPhone’s home screen.
The post Nike Run Club app updated with home screen widgets for iOS 14 appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Apple TV+ original Ted Lasso (starring Jason Sudeikis) has been a big hit with its first season. The show is billed as a comedy, but there’s a lot of meaningful depth to it beyond laughs and sports. In a new interview with the show’s stars, we learn some fun behind the scenes details including that Ted’s impossibly delicious biscuits were quite the opposite in real life.
The post Interview reveals Ted Lasso’s impossibly delicious biscuits ‘actually tasted like a sponge’ appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Earlier this year, before the announcement of the iPhone 12, Apple surveyed some users about how they use the USB power adapter that used to come in the iPhone box. The company is once again asking for the opinion of its consumers, this time to find out if iPhone users are unsatisfied with Face ID and if they use the USB cable that comes with every iPhone.
The post Apple surveys iPhone users on Face ID opinions, USB cable in the box appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Apple on Wednesday reminded developers of its annual holiday downtime for App Store submissions, scheduled for Dec. 23 through Dec. 27 in 2020.Credit: AppleNo new apps or app updates will be accepted during the period, which occurs every year. Releases can still be made live, but must be submitted, approved, and scheduled in advance.
| Read more »When it comes to video conferencing on a Mac, Apple seems frustratingly in the dark. The company that made it such a priority nearly 20 years ago with the iSight camera, and brought video calls to our collective consciousness on phones with FaceTime, seems content to sell expensive computers with frustratingly awful webcams, year after year.
Just as annoying as the lackluster hardware is the fact that Apple doesn’t give users any built-in control to improve quality themselves. There’s no System Preferences adjustment for the FaceTime camera on a Mac. If the video app you’re using doesn’t have its own controls, you’re out of luck.
All hope is not lost, though. Wether you’re using third-party webcam hardware or Apple’s built-in FaceTime camera, you have options, if you’re willing to invest a bit of money in an app.
...
| Read more »Maintenance release of improvements and bug fixes that follows the image editing app's recent major upgrade. ($39.99 new, free update, 218 MB, macOS 10.14.4+)
| Read more »Brings a smattering of improvements and bug fixes to the reference management tool. ($59.99 new, free update, 72.6 MB, macOS 10.13+)
| Read more »Facebook on Wednesday was hit by a pair of lawsuits by the Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of attorneys general from nearly the entire United States alleging that the social media giant engages in anticompetitive practices.Credit: Brett JordanThe first lawsuit, filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday, claims that the social media giant uses its power to illegally stifle competition and protect its position. In total, a bipartisan group of attorneys general from 48 states and territories, including Guam and the District of Columbia, are expected to sign onto the lawsuit.
| Read more »Adds detailed information about all recent hardware and operating system releases, including macOS 11 Big Sur and the M1-based Macs. (Free, 149 MB, macOS 10.12+)
| Read more »Google CEO Sundar Pichai has pledged to investigate the departure of a top AI ethics researcher, according to a company-wide memo Axios obtained. Pichai also apologized for how Google handled Dr. Timnit Gebru's exit. "I’ve heard the reaction to Dr. G...
| Read more »Brings initial support for new M1-based Macs. ($29 new, free update, 14.3 MB, macOS 10.13+)
| Read more »The world is on a collision course towards a catastrophic 3 degree Celsius increase in global temperatures. That’s the primary finding of the United Nations’ 2020 Emissions Gap Report, which its Environment Program published on Wednesday. The report...
| Read more »The Federal Trade Commission has announced that it is suing Facebook. The lawsuit accuses Facebook of “illegally maintaining its personal social networking monopoly through a years-long course of anticompetitive conduct.” A separate lawsuit has also been filed by a coalition of 48 attorneys general led by New York AG Letitia James.
The post FTC sues Facebook, calls for undoing of Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.
While there are plenty of HomeKit accessories on the market that bring Siri control to your outlets, you’ll find fewer illumination options that feature an all-in-one design. Of course, Philips hue comes to mind, but its fully integrated lights tend to be on the pricey side. Enter meross. The affordable HomeKit accessory company has to come market with a slew of new products in recent months with Apple’s blessing. That includes its Smart Wi-Fi Ambient Light ...
| Read more »Twitch has unveiled a new, more detailed policy on hateful conduct and harassment, and the fresh rules are scheduled to go into effect on January 22nd. The delay is designed to give streamers and audience members time to digest the changes and adjust...
| Read more »The Federal Trade Commission has filed antitrust charges against Facebook, saying the social network has for years engaged in anti-competitive behavior. Regulators want to undo the company’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp and require approval...
| Read more »Apple Fitness+ launches next week, and AppleInsider has rounded up some of the top workout gear to enhance or complement your workout routines.With Apple Fitness+ set to release next week, Apple is taking on industry behemoths Peloton and NordicTrack with a home-workout service that doesn't require any specific brand of equipment. If you need to stock up on fitness gear for the holiday season, we've highlighted some cost-cutting Amazon deals for the health and exercise gear that Apple offers in its stores.Apple Watch
| Read more »WhatsApp shared criticism for Apple’s new app privacy label requirement today, saying they are unfair for two reasons. Now Apple has addressed arguably the biggest issue raised by detailing what it will be doing with privacy disclosures for its own apps.
The post Apple responds to WhatsApp criticism, confirms its own apps will show privacy labels appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »A few short weeks before we finally bid Flash adieu, Adobe has rolled out one final Flash Player update. Rather than the detailed feature changes that we typically read about in patch notes, Adobe used the opportunity to give the software a fond send...
| Read more »Apple TV+ has begun rounding out its cast for "Physical," a drama-comedy set in California in the 1980s, including talents such as actor Paul Sparks and comedian Rory Scovel.It was first reported that Apple was gearing up to buy the show in January, The Cupertino tech giant signed a two-year overall deal with the series' showrunner and writer, Annie Weisman, in May.It was known early on that the show would star Rose Bryne as the lead character, Shila, an unhappy housewife in a 1980s Southern California beach community. In the series, she finds success through the world of aerobics.
...
| Read more »In the third quarter of 2020, Apple remained the market leader in the smartwatch industry, increasing its share by 2 percentage points compared to the previous year., according to a new report from Counterpoint Research.
The tech giant launched its first mid-tier smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE, during the quarter. Priced at less than US$300, it received a lot of attention from the market, notes Counterpoint Research.
“In terms of sales, Apple’s position is even stronger,” says Sujeong Lim, senior analyst. “In the third quarter, it achieved $2.3 billion, nearly half of global smartwatch shipments and an 18% increase over the same period last year.”
Counterpoint Research says that shipments increased 6% in quarter three of 2020 compared to the same period last year. The top five brands (Apple, Huawei, Samsung, BBK, and...
| Read more »A new report from App Annie says that total spending in mobile apps and games set a new annual record. And 65 cents of every dollar went to the Apple App Store.
The app analysis firm says that top markets driving growth for iOS include US, Japan and the UK — which differs from the top markets for growth in iOS consumer spend from 2018 to 2019, including the US, China and Japan. Top markets for growth in spend on Google Play included the US, South Korea and Germany — with South Korea and Germany taking Japan and the UK’s place in terms of growth in Google Play spend from 2018 to 2019. In terms of categories, $0.71 of every dollar went to games across iOS and Google Play combined — with spending accelerated by this year’s boom in mobile gaming.
Among non-gaming categories of apps, in-app subscriptions drove the most growth...
| Read more »It's been a big year for gaming. 2020, besides witnessing a record-breaking number of people playing video games, also welcomed the release of two new home consoles — the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5. So, it's fair to say that there's a genuin...
| Read more »Amid an acceleration in mobile adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic, the iOS App Store continued its domination of app revenue, setting a new annual record.Credit: AppleAccording to a report from app analysis firm App Annie, the amount of money spent on the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store hit an estimated $112 billion in 2020, representing year-over-year growth of 25%. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic accelerated global mobile adoption by two or three years as users across the globe leaned on their smartphones to "connect, work, learn, play and escape."
| Read more »Wayne Ma, reporting for The Information [Editor's note: the link may be paywalled; alternative source]: In 2014, Apple executives became alarmed when China enacted a new labor law meant to protect workers' rights. The law required that no more than 10% of a factory's workforce be temporary workers. Typically these employees have fewer benefits and legal protections than permanent ones, but Apple's suppliers increasingly relied on them in China's tightening labor market. Apple surveyed 362 of its supplier factories in China that year and discovered that nearly half were over the quota for temporary workers. Eighty factories used temporary workers for more than half their labor force, according to an internal Apple presentation reviewed by The Information. Apple asked its suppliers to come up with plans to reduce their use of temporary workers by a March 2016 deadline, when a two-year grace period for the law expired. However, by the time the law went into effect, little progress had...
| Read more »A new report from Counterpoint Research today details that smartwatch shipments continued to increase in Q3 2020 compared to the same period last year. Industry shipments were up 6% in the quarter and Apple increased its share of the market by 2%.
The post Apple Watch hit $2.3B in sales during Q3, accounted for half of all smartwatch shipments appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Extensions are such an integral part of the modern web experience that it’s hard to imagine using a browser without any. But they’re not without their faults. Like mobile apps, browser plugins offer developers another way to collect and sell your dat...
| Read more »Microsoft and 12 other companies have joined Amazon's Climate Pledge, which is a commitment to hit net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The project aims to meet the climate goals of the United Nations Paris Agreement a decade early. Signatories also ag...
| Read more »Let the Apple Car rumors roll on. I’m skeptical, but DigiTimes reports that Apple is working with TSMC on self-driving auto chips and that the tech giant may open factories in the U.S. to build an “Apple Car.”
Taiwan-based TSMC is a supplier of chips for iPhones and one of the country’s largest companies. It was the first foundry to provide 7 and 5 nanometer production capabilities with the latter being applied on the new Apple A14 SoC.
Why am I skeptical about the DigiTimes report? I’ve repeated said that I don’t think the tech giant will build its own branded vehicle, but will work with current car companies to integrate various technologies it’s working on and for which it’s filed multiple patents.
Still, yesterday ...
| Read more »A new report from App Annie today highlights some of the mobile app trends of 2020. TikTok has booted Facebook from its reign as the most-downloaded app while iOS and Android downloads are expected to hit 130 billion with global spending forecasted to hit $112 billion this year.
The post TikTok overtakes Facebook as most-downloaded app in 2020, global app spending hits $112B appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Following Apple's trilogy of special events, and the AirPods Max launch, Apple is probably done for the year with hardware — but there's more coming. Here's what you could expect to see come out of Cupertino in early 2021.Apple CEO Tim Cook during the third Apple Event in November. Apple made the unprecedented decision to hold three special events in three successive months toward the end of 2020 — and didn't stop there. Alongside the expected launch of the iPhone 12 range, the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch SE, HomePod mini, new iPads...
| Read more »It may not be in person this year, but Google is holding its annual Chrome Dev Summit, starting a 12:30PM ET keynote that kicks off two days of virtual sessions and workshops. Just before things kick off, Google has dropped a preview of what it’ll be...
| Read more »Apple is reportedly working with supply chain partner TSMC on an autonomous vehicle chip for an "Apple Car" said to be similar to a Tesla.A illustration of an Apple Car.The Cupertino tech giant's Project Titan is thought to be focused on developing technology to facilitate self-driving cars, but other reports indicate that Apple could be developing its own vehicle as well.
| Read more »Enlarge / This demonstration of Microsoft's Project xCloud as played with a Razer Kishi controller, attached to a standard Android smartphone, could be a hint of what's to come to iOS devices in spring of 2021. (credit: Microsoft)
In a blog post today outlining everything from upcoming games to plans for Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft announced that Xbox cloud gaming will come to iOS mobile devices and Windows PCs in spring of 2021.
On Windows PCs, the games will stream through the Xbox app or a Web browser, whereas the service will be limited to the mobile Web browser on iOS devices.
Microsoft's game-streaming features require an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which also...
| Read more »Update 12/09/20: Microsoft has officially announced that its Xbox cloud gaming service will come to iOS and PC in spring 2021. This story has been updated to reflect the official announcement.
Microsoft has been stymied by Apple’s rules for the App Store, which all but prohibit the company from bringing its Xbox game streaming service to iOS devices. The company has updated the Xbox app to let you stream games from your own Xbox on the same local network, but you won’t be able to stream games from Microsoft’s cloud servers.
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| Read more »A sketchy report from Digitimes today claims that Apple is trudging ahead with work on its self-driving car project. The report says that Apple is working with TSMC on self-driving chips and exploring the possibility of some sort of factories in the United States.
The post Report: Apple working with TSMC on self-driving car chips, model is ‘similar to Tesla’ appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Today’s best deals include Apple’s Intel Mac mini at $550, Apple Watch Series 4 from $220, and you can score two Wyze Cams for $40. Head below for all that and more in today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break.
The post Apple’s Intel Mac mini hits all-time low at $550, Apple Watch Series 4 from $220, more appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »More on using the M1 Macs as development machines, thoughts on the newly announced AirPods Max and its pricing, the importance of maintaining URLs as stable identifiers, and how AirBuddy is made aware of new audio devices.
The post Stacktrace Podcast 113: “The hype is real!” appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »With extremely limited quantities available, shoppers will want to race over to Amazon to pick up Apple's new M1 MacBook Air with an 8-core GPU and 512GB SSD while units are on sale and in stock with delivery before Christmas.Extremely limited quantitiesThe deal at Amazon applies to the M1, 8GB, 512GB model in Gold, which is marked down to $1,199.99 ($50 off) with less than 15 units in stock at press time. Chances are this promotion will sell out quickly, so you won't want to wait if you're looking to pick up the Air as a holiday gift.
| Read more »Google will end its ban on election-related ads on Thursday, it confirmed to Engadget. The company has prohibited such ads since November 3rd, when US presidential election polls closed. Axios first reported on Google lifting its suspension of ads th...
| Read more »Goldman Sachs is taking a more cautious view of iPhone revenue in 2021, citing a downward trending average selling price despite "solid" iPhone 12 unit demand so far.Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsiderIn a note to investors seen by AppleInsider, analyst Rod Hall flags several issues heading into Apple's busy holiday shopping season. Contrary to other analysts, Hall has rated Apple "Sell" and believes that the company has a 39.7% downside.
| Read more »WSJ. Magazine:
“It does feel like people might think we built Fitness+ because of Covid,” Jay Blahnik, Apple’s senior director of fitness technologies, tells me via a video call from the company’s fitness studio in Los Angeles. “But we’ve been working on it for a very, very long time.”
And:
With the launch of Fitness+, however, Apple aims to create a new ecosystem for the watch: a subscription-based, on-demand virtual-fitness studio, with an initial 21-person team of trainers (recruited after an intensive search, in which Apple says “no gym was too gritty for us to go into”), covering 10 disciplines—from high-intensity interval training to dance workouts to rowing to “mindful cooldowns”—offering a fresh slate of workouts, of varying lengths, every week (all set to the beat of Apple Music).
And:
“We have a carousel called ‘Try Something New.’ So if you tend to do more linear workouts, like running or cycling, you would be suggested things like HIIT...
| Read more »If you asked me to recount everything that happened this year, I’d probably have to lay down for a few minutes just to process the mess of 2020. Thankfully, Google’s annual search trend report has arrived to give us an unbiased look at everything on...
| Read more »Yesterday, Apple issued the release candidate for iOS 14.3 to developers, signifying that its widespread release to the public is imminent. With this in mind, we take a look at the top iOS 14.3 RC features, a release full of new changes, and support for upcoming products like AirPods Max and services like Apple Fitness+. Watch our hands-on video walkthrough for an overview of what’s new in iOS 14.3.
The post Hands-on with the top iOS 14.3 RC features and changes [Video] appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »The original Snake game first showed up in 1976 and it evolved and rose to even greater popularity when Nokia started including the game (Snake II) on its cellphones starting in 1998. Since then we’ve seen a variety of versions across lots of platforms. Now the original Snake II has landed on iPhone with the same number key controls thanks to widget support with the Retro Widget 2 app.
The post ‘Retro Widget’ brings original Snake game and more to your iPhone home screen appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Apple's CEO Tim Cook says Apple Park is like a national park, and its design encourages staff to keep fit — just as Apple hopes to assist with everyone with Apple Watch, and Apple Fitness+.Tim Cook walking inside Apple Park in 2018Tim Cook has talked with the Outside magazine's podcast about fitness, and did so while at Apple Park. "It'll be fairly quiet here today," he told podcast host Michael Roberts, "because we only have about 15%, give or take, of the folks working. Everybody else is remote."
| Read more »Investment bank Wedbush believes that the iPhone 12 lineup is Apple's strongest product cycle in years, and has raised its AAPL price target to $160 as a result.Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsiderIn a note to investors seen by AppleInsider, lead analyst Daniel Ives says that the bank is seeing "a clear tick up" for demand around both iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, with the former model turning out to be the "star of the show."
| Read more »As of this morning, all five Apple AirPods Max colors are shipping delayed until March 3rd, 2021 at the earliest. That’s 10 weeks out.
But, if you hurry, you can still get them in a week if you are willing to settle for Space Gray or Silver. Follow the headline link to Best Buy. I suspect they won’t last long. The other three colors are already sold out.
Those same two colors seem available at Target as well, with the possibility of an appearance by Pink as we get closer to ship date.
Finally, B&H Photo has the Silver AirPods Max available for pre-order.
Happy hunting.
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| Read more »Apple app privacy labels have been described as unfair by Facebook-owned secure messaging service WhatsApp.
Apple has told developers they must add the privacy labels to their apps, which disclose the data they capture, and how that data is used …
The post Apple app privacy labels are unfair for two reasons, says WhatsApp appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »YouTube’s determination to curb election misinformation is extending to disputes over the results. The Google-owned service has started removing content uploaded from December 9th onward if it alleges that “widespread fraud or errors” altered the out...
| Read more »If you like teardowns, this is an interesting one. Lot’s of detail on the take-apart, ultimately landing here:
By leaving the flip chip SoC in place and using IR imaging through the die’s backside to acquire a die image, the product remains functional. Now, it is time to see what can be learned from monitoring the M1 while it’s put through its paces on the lab bench
Looking forward to part two of this process.
[H/T Om Malik]
| Read more »Spotify is debuting a new feature for playlists this week — the ability to set custom cover images from your Android or iOS smartphone using the official mobile app.
The post You can now set custom cover images for Spotify playlists from Android and iOS appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »A few months after Xbox cloud gaming landed on Android devices, Microsoft has revealed that it will bring the service to iOS and Windows PC this spring. Cloud gaming is included with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which typically costs $15/month,...
| Read more »In an attempt to level the playing field for European content creators, EU lawmakers are proposing legislation that would require streaming services like Apple TV+ and Netflix to feature 30% European content or face a European Union customer block.The bill, known as the General Scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill, was published by Catherine Martin, an Irish Green Party politician. She serves as the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media in Ireland.If ratified, the law would require all streaming media services to host a minimum of 30% content classified as "European Work," or be shut down within the European Union.
| Read more »When it comes to motion tracking and music, you can follow the breadcrumbs including Max Mathews, Imogen Heap, Beat Saber, a growing research and Kickstarter crowd, and now potentially you. If you’re a DJ using djay Pro AI on an iPad Pro running iOS...
| Read more »Popular djay Pro AI app developed by Algoriddim is getting a major update today for its iPad version. As briefly shown during Apple’s September event, the app now has a new hand gestures tracking system that lets users mix songs without even touching the device screen.
The post djay Pro for iPad updated with new hand gestures tracking system appeared first on 9to5Mac.
| Read more »Microsoft will expand its cloud gaming efforts to mobile Safari on the iPhone and iPad as promised, with an expected launch in spring 2021.Xbox Game Pass Ultimate coming to iOS and iPadOS in spring 2021Cloud gaming is the next frontier on mobile and while Apple's rules restrict these games to streaming in Safari platforms are still jumping on board. Microsoft previously promised to push its project xCloud to iOS and iPadOS, and now we have a timeline.
| Read more »Facebook has been... less than fond of Apple’s stricter privacy measures, and that extends to messaging services. A WhatsApp spokesperson speaking to Axios claimed that Apple’s soon-to-be-mandatory privacy “nutrition labels” are anti-competitive as t...
| Read more »You might have heard that the new AirPods Max studio-style headphones that launched yesterday are out of stock until the spring and fetching insane prices on eBay, but if you missed out, we’ve got some good news for you. Target and Best Buy still have stock of the AirPods Max in space gray or silver for delivery on December 15, but you need to act fast.
All of the other colors are sold out and likely will be for some time, but here are the links to the models they do have:
AirPods Max in Silver (Target)Remove non-product link
To read this article in full, please click here
| Read more »China's 2014 labor laws are allegedly still being ignored by suppliers, and Apple has reportedly ignored the issue rather than accept extra costs and delays to iPhone launches.Credit: FoxconnAlthough Apple is among the companies looking to move production away from China, its major suppliers there are allegedly ignoring Chinese laws meant to protect works. Foxconn, Quanta, and Pegatron, are all claimed to be doing this with the full knowledge of Apple.
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