Apple Keyboard Has a Weird Emoji Suggestion Problem

When Apple added an emoji search bar to the iMessages, it allowed you to quickly access a particular emoji from over 3,000 options. For instance, if you punch in ‘love’, it’ll show you heart emojis in many colors. Or if you type sad, it’ll show you the loudly crying face emoji.  However, when people are […]

This post Apple Keyboard Has a Weird Emoji Suggestion Problem appeared first on The Mac Observer

Apple changed the App Store rules last week to seemingly permit game emulators on the iPhone for the first time.

Following that policy change, the first emulator apps are now appearing on the store. iGBA is a free Game Boy game emulator for iPhone and iPad, which can indeed load and play ROMs downloaded to the device — a category of application that Apple would have unequivocally rejected a fortnight ago.

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Apple first introduced iCloud at WWDC 2011, with Steve Jobs touting it as the best way to store documents, mail, backups, and more in the cloud. One thing that has infamously stayed the same since that 2011 launch: Apple gives you just 5GB of iCloud storage for free.

Nearly 13 years later, how does iCloud’s free storage offer – and paid upgrade plans – compare to the competition?

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Adds support for selecting multiple noncontiguous portions of text to all three iWork apps. (Free, various sizes, macOS 13+)

Annoyed by several of his credit cards not showing up in 1Password’s autofill pop-up, Adam Engst spelunked through the card metadata and found the offending field.

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When Apple released macOS 14.4 back in March, they pulled the plug on support for several commands, including the important launchctl kickstart. This change broke support for Addigy’s MDM Watchdog, a tool designed to keep MDM and software...

Macworld

How do you get someplace you’ve never been? No trick question here — you need a map. It’s the same answer for if you’re trying to reach a goal or deal with complex data sets, but in that case, you need a diagram. Fortunately, Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 is the necessary tool for creating crisp, easy-to-understand visuals, and lifetime access is only $23.99 (reg. $249) with code ENJOY20 through April 16.

Whether you’re an architect or analyst, you can use Visio’s over 250,000 shapes and access...

With the launch of the M3 MacBook Pro last year, many reviewers and customers criticized the company for still selling premium computers with 8GB of RAM. At the time, Apple said that 8GB in a Mac is equivalent to having 16GB of RAM in a Windows PC. Now the company is again arguing in favor of selling Macs with 8GB of RAM in 2024.

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While the iPhone 16 garners most of the attention, Apple also has another new iPhone model in the works. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to be a dramatic update to Apple’s most affordable iPhone, with an all-new design, USB-C for charging, and more.

Here are four things to expect from the iPhone SE 4.

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Google is going ahead with a redesign that changes how you access the Bookmarks, Reading List, and History columns that appear to the right of your browser. The side panel button is now gone from desktop Chrome.

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After announcing its Matter LED Outdoor String Lights at CES, smart light pioneer Nanoleaf has officially launched the product. Here are all the details on these slick outdoor lights that offer IP65 weather resistance, color control, support across smart home platforms, and more.

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Macworld

Mac security software adds another layer of protection to what Apple already provides, with features that can help to protect your identity, passwords, and financial details. These are the things that criminals are after, and they’ll often use cunning ways to extract them rather than spending time trying to break past Apple’s defenses in macOS.

Although some of the packages here are solely focused on macOS, others will also protect Android and Windows devices you might also own, and that makes the price of protection much cheaper per computer.

Good security software should warn you before you click on a dangerous website, or open a ‘phishing’ email with a dodgy attachment, which could trick you into handing over your bank details, passwords, or other sensitive information.

Apple does include some...

AirTag Not Updating Location? Here’s How To Fix It

Are your AirTags not updating their location? In this guide we will help you learn to fix your AirTag that isn't updating its location.

This post AirTag Not Updating Location? Here’s How To Fix It appeared first on The Mac Observer

Whether you’re just curious how your iPhone battery health is holding up or you’re having issues with battery life or unexpected shutdowns, it’s easy to check in iOS Settings. Below we’ll cover how to see iPhone battery health, tips on when to get a replacement, charge cycle expectations, and more.

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Macworld

Following a report earlier this week about the next iPhone SE, a new one has appeared giving customers a clearer idea of what to expect from the overall package. And by the looks of it, the new iPhone SE will be a similar size to the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro.

According to a post on X by @negstiveonehero (who has no track record as a leaker so we can’t vouch for their credibility), the iPhone SE 4 will be bigger than the current iPhone SE 3. The front will be similar to the iPhone 13, and the back will have a one-lens camera....

People have been complaining about Siri for years now, arguing that it’s fallen behind the likes of Alexa and Google Assistant. With clear evidence that 2024 is going to see dramatic improvements in Apple’s AI features, will iOS 18 Siri finally turn things around?

I’m very much hoping the answer is yes, and think there are three clues which provide some reason for optimism …

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Sony is taking the wraps off its today with the reveal of the new ULT collection. The new ULT Wear headphones do far more than just simplify the naming scheme, with some booming bass, reliable ANC, and other frills like wear detection and Spatial Audio – all at $199.

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I can’t run a marathon (and I don’t plan on trying), but new data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study offers some insight into the training habits of people who do.

Published by Brigham and Women’s Hospital on Friday, the data reveals that more than 1,500 participants of the Apple Heart and Movement Study ran an estimated 2,623 marathons over the course of the study period (November 2019 – January 2024).

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Macworld

Apple’s AirPods wireless headphones offer an iconic look, exceptional convenience, and strong audio quality. They come with a premium price tag, however, so it’s important to shop around for a good deal… or find a bunch of tech experts who’ll do this for you. That’s where we come in.

In this article, we round up the best AirPods discounts and bundle deals to help you save money. We’ve got the best prices on the 3rd-gen AirPods that were released in October 2021, the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro that launched in September 2022 as well as the updated 2nd-gen AirPods Pro with USB-C that launched in September 2023, and the premium...

Macworld

It’s been a long time since you could only buy an iPhone directly from Apple or from AT&T. Today, they are offered by all major carriers and big retailers, many of which try to entice you with special deals. Of course, you can still buy from Apple directly, either in-store or online, but the lowest prices can generally be found elsewhere.

If you haven’t yet put in your order for an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro, this article will help you to spend as little money as possible. We provide a summary of the best deals and promotions offered by popular retailers, plus automatically updated price-comparison tables covering the wider market, all of which will help you find the very best deal on your new iPhone. 

If you’re looking for other models, check out our...

Macworld

If you’re looking to buy an iPhone 12 (or 12 mini, 12 Pro, or 12 Pro Max), make sure you get a terrific deal. Following the iPhone 15 launch, retailers will be looking to clear out any remaining stock; until they do, you can expect great deals on the iPhone 12 range, whether SIM-free or on contract. There are some great discounts on refurbished models too.

In this article we look at every major retailer and contract provider to find the best deals for the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max. In a separate article we round up the best iPhone deals overall; we also look at the best Apple deals in an even broader article.

iPhone 12 range prices

The...

An anonymous reader quotes a report from 9to5Mac: Following moves of other tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, Apple is reportedly set to open a new office space in a Miami suburb. This won't be the first corporate space for Apple in the city, but it will be larger than the existing office. Reported by Bloomberg, anonymous sources close to the matter say that Apple's new Miami office will be 45,000 square feet in the affluent Coral Gables suburb of Miami. It's not clear yet what part of Apple's business the new office will focus on but it will be larger than its existing small Miami office that handles Latin America and advertising operations. The specific property of the new Apple offices will be at The Plaza Coral Gables.

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Macworld

Google this week announced that its suite of AI-based photo-editing tools will imminently be available to all Google Photos users without a subscription.

In the past, many of these features were restricted to Google’s own hardware; Magic Editor, for example, initially launched on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, while Magic Eraser started out as a Pixel 6 exclusive. But this development means iPhone owners can enjoy access to the same tools without having to switch to an Android handset.

And without having to pay, too. In the past the company required users to have a Google One subscription in order to access its AI editing features. That won’t be the case any longer.

In...

Taylor Swift songs have returned to TikTok, after a ten-week gap resulting from a dispute between the short video app and Universal Music. That dispute hasn’t ended, but it appears that Swift has reached an individual agreement with TikTok.

Separately, TikTok has announced plans to use AI to create virtual influencers who will compete with real ones for brand deals …

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Apple is once again expanding its self-repair program procedures and has expanded the ability for consumers to use parts pairing to fully activate used parts in repairs, provided the parts haven’t been harvested from stolen units. Beginning this fall, the parts-pairing process will maintain an iPhone user’s privacy, security, and safety, while offering consumers more […]

Source

From directory Matthew Vaughn, the new spy thriller movie Argylle is now streaming on Apple TV+, Apple’s streaming service for original TV shows and movies.

The film features a star-studded cast including Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, John Cena, Samuel L. Jackson, Bryan Cranston, Dua Lipa and more. It’s a twisty action spy narrative which sees author Elly Conway (played by Howard) wrapped up in espionage plot of her own design.

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Macworld

When you’re in the weeds with a big project, sometimes all you need is a little perspective. The right productivity software can give you that birds-eye view, and Microsoft has one of the best for any project management need.

Project Professional 2021 was made with development teams and project managers in mind, but it can be invaluable to any individual or team who wants to stay on task. Through April 16, lifetime access to this software is only $23.99 (reg. $249) with code ENJOY20.

What...

Fix ‘Accept Terms & Conditions’ Bug in HomePod Software 17: 2 Solutions

Users are going mental over a bug in HomePod devices. After updating to OS 17, these devices are asking them to accept unexpected terms and conditions. While this issue may be maddening enough to throw an entire entertainment center into the street, the reason for this problem is likely related to owning multiple Apple devices. […]

This post Fix ‘Accept Terms & Conditions’ Bug in HomePod Software 17: 2 Solutions appeared first on The Mac Observer

Meta’s Facebook Messenger received an important update this week with a great addition for its users. From now on, users can upload HD photos, as well as other larger files. Read on as we detail what’s new in Facebook Messenger.

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Macworld

Your iPhone 15 finally comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable that can charge all of your devices, but you still need a power adapter—something small, portable, reliable, and fast. We’ve got the perfect one for you: Amazon is selling Apple’s 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter for $40, a savings of $19 (when you click the coupon on the page) and the lowest price we’ve ever seen.

This power adapter is a little pricey at $59, but for $40 it checks all the boxes: a compact design, downward-facing ports for easy cable management, and folding prongs for extra portability. Either port can deliver 35 watts of juice to your device for charging a MacBook Air or iPad alone...

(credit: Getty Images)

Apple has always had a strong preference that only its own parts be used in repairs, but only if they're brand-new. Now, soon after Oregon passed a repair bill forbidding devices from rejecting parts with software locks, or "parts pairing," Apple says it will allow for used Apple parts in future iPhone repairs.

While noting that "pairing" is "critical to preserving the privacy, security, and safety of an iPhone,"...

Macworld

A month ago, we told you about the release of Speedometer 3.0, a new web performance testing benchmark that aims to provide a more fair and representative measure of how a web browser performs at modern web tasks. Unlike earlier versions of Speedometer, which were made more or less by Apple’s WebKit team, version 3.0 is made in a collaboration between Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Mozilla with a new governance model to agree upon what tests are important representations of the modern web.

In other words, it’s probably the most “fair” and up-to-date measurement of web browser performance we have right now.

WebKit is the rendering engine used by Safari and provided to Apple developers who wish to use web rendering within their apps. It’s required to be used by every browser on iOS or...

Benjamin and Chance delve into the latest rounds of iOS 18 rumors, including a curious discovery of a new ‘Safari browser assistant’ in development. Apple has also changed the rules surrounding game emulators in the App Store, with somewhat unclear implications. Apple News+ adds a new Quartile word puzzle, and the wait for the new iPad Pro continues.

And in Happy Hour Plus, Chance considers his smart home strategy ahead of the move to his new house. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join.

• Sponsored by Shopify: Grow your business no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour.
• ...

Macworld

Prior to March 2022, Apple sold two sizes of its iMac desktop computer. The smaller-screened model was more suited to home users due to its less powerful processor, while the larger 27-inch model, with more speed, higher-end features, and high-res display, was meant to be powerful enough for more demanding users.

When Apple introduced the 24-inch iMac in 2021 with a colorful redesign and M1 chip, it was the beginning of the end for the high-end version. First Apple discontinued the iMac Pro, and a year later introduced the Mac Studio with the 27-inch Studio Display in March 2022 and discontinued the 27-inch iMac at the same time.

But the story doesn’t end there. Ever since it was retired, there have been rumors that Apple has plans to introduce a new version of the iMac Pro that would also mark the return of the 27-inch iMac–although it could have an even bigger screen, perhaps 32-inches! In this article, we’ll...

Macworld

Apple’s M3 chip has been available since the end of October 2023. It features in the MacBook Pro M3 and iMac, and was recently added to the MacBook Air, but it is still absent from the Mac mini. How long will we have to wait for Apple to roll out the M3 to the rest of the range? Or will Apple skip it and decide to release a new Mac mini with an M4 chip?

This article is designed to help you figure out what’s happening with the M3 and M3 Pro versions of the Mac mini–or if Apple skips the M3 series and goes straight to M4. We’ve gathered all the information from rumors and reports in one spot and will provide insight as to what’s feasible and what’s not.

We’ll update this article whenever new information becomes available.

Update 4/11/24: The Mac mini could be updated with an M4 chip later this year.

See our...

Apple is planning a major overhaul to its Mac lineup with the advent of the M4 family of chips. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple is planning a “new family of in-house processors designed to highlight artificial intelligence.”

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Apple has posted an account of a team using the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (and iPhone 15 Pro Max) during The Speed Project, an unofficial, unsanctioned relay race from Santa Monica to Las Vegas. Adam Engst wonders how well the technology really worked.

Through the end of the day, you can save $550 on 14-inch M2 Pro MacBook Pro to headline today’s best Apple deals. The latest 10.9-inch iPad starts from $349 ahead of a potential refresh this fall, and Satechi’s Dock5 charging station powers your entire Apple everyday carry with a rare discount to $49. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

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Macworld

VPN services can give you online privacy, unblock regional content on streaming services like Netflix, iPlayer, Max, and Prime, and allow you to access websites that aren’t available in your region. They are also an essential tool if you have a MacBook and want to securely connect to open Wi-Fi networks in cafes, hotels, airports and other places. We can help you find the cheapest VPN to suit your needs.

Choosing which VPN service to subscribe to can be difficult and this is compounded by the fact that there are so many offers and discounts. That’s where we come in. All of the services you’ll find below are ones we’d use ourselves – and we do so daily.

Read How to use a VPN on a Mac for more information, and if you still aren’t sure why you need a VPN read:...

It’s not uncommon for younger music fans to create their own song mixes for social media posts, especially on TikTok. The problem is that artists don’t get paid for these unofficial mixes, and that’s something an upcoming Spotify song remixing feature aims to (kinda) change …

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DuckDuckGo started life as a privacy-first search engine before adding a web browser, email protection and more, and the company has now announced its first ever paid subscription: DuckDuckGo PrivacyPro.

This bundles an open-source VPN service with personal information removal and identify theft restoration for $9.99 per month …

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Instagram is rolling out a new safety feature, designed to protect teens from being exposed to unwanted nude photos in Instagram direct messages. The system will blur nude photos in Instagram DMs when the recipient is believed to be a teenager.

The safety measure is designed to protect against three problems, including the growing problem of ‘sextortion’ on the platform …

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Macworld

The new iPhone 16 won’t be here until September, but we already know a lot about it. More than the new chip, slimmer bezels, and better cameras, the most anticipated feature of each year’s iPhones is the new colors Apple has in store. Here’s what we know so far about what’s coming this year.

iPhone 15: Will there be a new mid-cycle color?

For the past several years, Apple has introduced a new iPhone color midway through the cycle to boost sales and interest a bit before the next model arrives in the fall. Here are the most recent examples of this:

• March 2023: Yellow (iPhone 14/14 Plus)
• March 2022: Green (iPhone 13/13 mini); Alpine Green (iPhone 13 Pro/13 Pro Max)
• April 2021: Purple (iPhone 12/12 mini)
• April 2018: (PRODUCT)RED (iPhone 8/8 Plus)
• March 2017: (PRODUCT)RED (iPhone 7/7...

Macworld

When I was a kid, the first personal computer I ever saw showed up in an elementary school classroom one day and changed my life. But in the early days of the computer, they were expensive and impractical–yet somehow also on the cutting edge and pointing toward the future. Computers were more than a decade away from becoming ubiquitous.

Things were different in the 1970s, I guess. (But yes, they were as colorful as you imagine–but much smellier.) Today, we are so tech-savvy as a society that we’ve forgotten what it’s like to be on the ground floor of a barely feasible product category. And yet, that’s just where we are with the Apple Vision Pro and similar products.

I’m not declaring that the Vision Pro has a special destiny because there’s no way to know that. But I do feel comfortable suggesting that those who are declaring it a dead end and a failed product might want to consider how foolish it would have been...

Macworld

Unlock the full potential of your Xbox Series X or S with the Bionik Pro Kit+, a curated bundle designed to enhance your gaming sessions like never before. It features a selection of essential gaming accessories, making it an upgrade for any gamer looking to optimize their setup for performance, comfort, and convenience. Get this bundle for just $39.99 (reg. $89) for a limited time.

This kit includes a CLR-50 over-ear gaming headset, which offers comfort and the...

Apple’s WebKit team has published a new blog post this week detailing how they’ve made significant upgrades to Safari’s performance over the last several months. The improvements come following the debut of Speedometer 3.0 in March, described as a “major step forward in making the web faster for all.”

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Macworld

Apple’s list of currently available content for Apple TV+ continues to grow, and so does the list of upcoming projects in the works. Films, limited series, specials, and multi-season series—Apple’s got lots of irons in the fire.d

Some of these projects have been officially announced and acknowledged by Apple, while others have been reported by the Hollywood press, which always has its ear to the ground about what projects actors, directors, and producers are involved in.

We’ve divided this list in two: Coming Soon is a list of shows for which Apple has given an official release date or release window, and Further Out compiles content that is still in production or perhaps haven’t even begun yet.

Updated 04/10/23: Several shows and films...