An accidental deep dive into how the AirPods’ transparency mode is activated over Bluetooth, the launch of Swift by Sundell 3.0, running macOS code in the cloud, multiple headphone reviews and a comparison between the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 mini.

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Supply chain checks conducted by investment bank Wedbush suggest that the current iPhone 12 family demand trajectory exceeds even its previous, bullish forecast.Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsiderIn a note to investors seen by AppleInsider, lead analyst Daniel Ives says that Apple has not had a "launch uptrend such as this in a number of years." Ives notes that that the only similar iPhone trajectory would be the iPhone 6 in 2014.

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The White House has denied that Donald Trump’s Twitter account was compromised on October 16th, but Dutch prosecutors have told a different story. The Guardian and the Washington Post report that the Netherlands’ public prosecutor’s office has determ...

Given all the Facebook hand-wringing about how Apple is ruining their good fun with all this user-protection Apple seems insistent on, it might be good to listen to Steve Jobs original take on privacy.

The video embedded in the main Loop post was recorded back in 2010, more than 10 years ago. So no one should be surprised by Apple’s stance here.

Load the page, use the popup menus to customize the AirPods Max to your hearts content. And no, there is no law that the left and right ear cups have to be the same color.

∞ Read this on The Loop

Ben Sandofsky, writing for the Halide blog, presents an excellent explainer on how digital cameras capture and produce images, on the pros and cons of traditional RAW mode and, finally, talk through Apple’s new ProRAW image format.

So well written, very easy to follow.

Side note: Did you know that one of the primary inventors of the CCD (the light capturing device that makes digital cameras possible) became the CEO of Apple for a bit?

∞ Read this on The Loop

The popular photo and video editing app Darkroom has been updated today with support for Apple’s new ProRAW photo format. ProRAW was first announced at Apple’s October event and it made its way to iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max users this week thanks to the release of iOS 14.3.

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[VIDEO] If you know all about the AirPods Max, are convinced about the fit and finish, there’s still a ton of interesting detail in this video (embedded in main Loop post).

One jump off point is 2:52 in, the discussion of sound quality. Another stop worth making is at 4:06, the mic test, where you can hear what your voice will sound like when processed through the various test headphone mics.

Well written review, well presented.

The film is set to debut to Apple TV+ on January 29, and features Justin Timberlake starring as the lead actor.The film follows Eddie Palmer, who returns to his hometown after serving a 12-year-long prison sentence. While facing judgment and scorn from the community, he attempts to put his life back together, but everything changes when he meets Sam, a young boy who has been abandoned by his mother.

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In 2013 Ableton introduced the Push, a MIDI controller built specifically for Live, one of the most popular audio workstations on the market. It had some flaws, but it proved popular enough that the company quickly followed up with the Push 2 in 2015...

Boss Audio has a new wireless CarPlay multimedia player with a capacitive touchscreen and steering wheel control options for $399.99.Boss wireless CarPlay multimedia playersWireless CarPlay was first introduced in 2015 but has seen a very slow rollout among car manufacturers and aftermarket units. The feature has trickled down to affordable consumer vehicles released in 2020 like the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2021 Honda Accord.

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An "Apple Glass" lens with adjustable optics may be used to help AR objects appear to fit more realistically in the real-world environment.The lenses in "Apple Glass" could be separately self-adjustingApple's research into headsets, such as "Apple Glass," has previously included the idea of lenses that adjust themselves. That idea meant users may never need prescription lenses, but now Apple is applying the idea of self-adjustment to help all users, regardless of their vision.

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Apple trade-in values – the amount of credit the company will give you for older devices when upgrading to new ones – have been quietly adjusted by the company.

You could see up to $40 more when trading in an iPad, but up to $540 less when trading in a Mac …

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The post New Apple trade-in values: Macs worth less, iPads and Watches worth more appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Facebook is stepping up its campaign against Apple's privacy changes with a second full-page newspaper ad today. This new ad claims Apple's iOS 14 privacy changes "will change the internet as we know it," and force websites and blogs "to start charging you subscription fees" or add in-app purchases due to a lack of personalized ads. From a report: It follows a similar full-page newspaper ad in the The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the Washington Post yesterday. Apple is planning to make changes to iOS 14 early next year that will require developers to ask for permission to gather data and track users across mobile apps and websites on an iPhone or iPad. Apple revealed how iOS 14 users will be prompted to opt into tracking in apps this week, noting that developers like Facebook can explain to users why they should allow tracking within the prompt. These changes will impact Facebook's lucrative ad business, but the social networking giant is framing them as something far...

The EU has approved Google’s acquisition of Fitbit more than a year after it was announced, albeit with some catches. There are some “very limited horizontal overlaps” where Google could theoretically abuse its power, the EU said, and this would keep...

BOSS Audio Systems has launched the BOSS Audio wireless in-dash multimedia player, which the company says is the industry’s first completely wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aftermarket multimedia unit by a U.S. brand.

The US$399.99 BOSS Audio BVCP9850W (pictured) features a capacitive 6.75-inch touchscreen with multicolor illumination that allows drivers to access a set of customized options, like app-based entertainment through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and BOSS Audio’s native user interface, along with Bluetooth streaming. For the car audio enthusiast, the new model allows them to customize their experience with pre-amp outputs (front...

You could drop a lot of money on high-capacity microSD cards, portable SSDs and other storage devices, so it’s always worth it to wait for sale before you upgrade. Amazon has one such sale today and it includes microSD cards, SSDs and more from Cruci...

Apple’s Health solution has become a central clearinghouse over the past few years. Thanks to robust fitness tracking for workouts on Apple Watch, and now with Apple Fitness+ adding a new option for working out with the Apple Platform, there is a need for better tracking solutions with your data. Today, Fitness Totals launches as a way to easily compare weekly, monthly, yearly, and all-time totals for steps, running, cycling, and over a dozen other fitness activities. 

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Eve 5 — the app for controlling HomeKit compatible accessories from Eve Systems — is now available in the Apple App Store and Mac App Store. Among other things, it builds on the capabilities of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14.

Eve now utilizes the screen resolutions of the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, while iPad users can admire a new, fully native sidebar. You can also enable a dark app icon alternative by heading to Settings > Appearance.

Eve has also been optimized for the new M1 Macs. Version 5.0 also has other improvements, including:
• The schedule editor of Eve Thermo has been further improved.
• Eve Light Strip now supports schedules.
• The secondary information display for Eve Degree and Eve Room has been refined.

A prominent Indian trade union has spoken out against the Indian government for its lack of action against iPhone assembly partner Wistron after a violent riot broke out following a protest.On December 12, nearly all 2,000 employees at Wistron's Narasapura production plant took part in a violent riot against the company. Acts included damaging furniture and assembly units, smashing glass windows of executive offices, and setting fire to vehicles at the location.According to Reuters, hundreds of the workers have been arrested or detained by police. India's Karnataka government went on record to condemn the violence, vowing to take the "strictest action" against the wrongdoers.

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Future HomePods (and perhaps HomePod minis, though this is less likely) will offer more visual feedback features, as hinted at in a new patent filing (number 20200393121) by Apple.

In the the patent filing, the tech giant notes that electronic devices such as voice-controlled assistant devices (that would be the HomePod) may include light-emitting components. During operation, the light-emitting component may emit patterns of light that serve as visual feedback. The feedback helps confirm to a user that an electronic device is operating as desired. 

However, Apple says that it can be challenging to incorporate light-emitting components into an electronic device. If care isn’t taken, the patterns of light that are emitted won’t appear as intended and the appearance of the device may not be as desired, or the device may be overly bulky.

Apple’s idea is to take the HomePod’s current visual features and expand on them. For...

Oscar-winner Jared Leto is in talks to star in the Apple TV+ series "WeCrashed," which will dramatize the rise and fall of WeWork.Jared Leto (L) will reportedly play former CEO Adam NeumannLeto would reportedly play CEO and co-founder Adam Neumann, a larger-than-life figure whose erratic behavior led to his 2019 ousting. "WeCrashed" is based on the podcast series "WeCrashed: The Rise and Fall of WeWork." It was first reported in February that Apple was developing the series about the Silicon Valley cautionary tale.

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Plenty of games let you turn invisible. Unfortunately, Call of Duty: Warzone isn’t supposed to be one of them. As Eurogamer reports, a nasty glitch has snuck in with the Season One update that launched on December 16th. Players have realized that the...

Oscar-winner Jared Leto is in early discussions to star in the Apple TV+ series “WeCrashed,” an adaptation of the popular podcast, reports Deadline. The article says the deal is far from being finalized and may not go forward but that discussions are ongoing. 

The “WeCrashed” limited series would be based on on the Wondery podcast “WeCrashed: The Rise and Fall of WeWork.” Lee Eisenberg and Drew Crevello will co-write and executive produce the project. Eisenberg served as co-creator and show runner on Apple's "Little America” series.  Crevello is a former Warner Bros. film executive who has since gone on to produce films such as “The Grudge 2.” This would mark his first TV writing credit.

WeWork designs and builds physical and virtual shared spaces and office services. It once had more than 5,000 employees in over 280 locations,...

Apple has released the first betas of macOS Big Sur 11.2, iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4 , tvOS 14.4, and watchOS 7.3 to developers.

Registered developers can download the betas via Apple’s developer portal. Or it can be downloaded over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.

HBO Max waited until the year was almost up, but now an agreement has been reached with Roku that will bring HBO back to the streaming platform starting today (it’s also available on Sony’s PS5, assuming you can actually buy one). The timing works ou...

While reviewers have generally been impressed by Apple’s AirPods Max over-ear headphones, there have been two consistent complaints: the terrible design of the ‘bra’ case, and the fact that there appears to be no way to switch off AirPods Max headphones unless you put them into the case that nobody wants to carry.

One YouTuber did some experimentation, to reveal good and bad news …

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Spigen is releasing their Mag Series line of accessories to cater to Apple's MagSafe feature in the iPhone 12 line-up.

MagSafe is the wireless charging tech/product that debuted with the iPhone 12 line-up. According to Apple, MagSafe improves wireless charging for a better, more efficient experience and introduces an ecosystem of easy-to-attach accessories that complement iPhone 12 Pro models. The tech giant says it “delivers a unique experience to iPhone, featuring an array of magnets around the wireless charging coil, optimized for alignment and efficiency, that perfectly connects to iPhone every time.”

The US$21.99...

Continuing its theme of defending small businesses, Facebook has taken out another full-page newspaper ad claiming that Apple is trying to change the internet for the worse.Facebook expects to lose 60% of its income following Apple's privacy changesFollowing both one newspaper ad and a blog post, Facebook has now taken out a second full-page advert doubling down on its criticisms of Apple's privacy features. It again claims that the forthcoming ad tracking prevention in iOS 14 will damage small businesses.

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A new story in the rumor mill has an AirPods supplier backing earlier reports that Apple is designing third-generation AirPods, dubbed the “AirPods Pro Lite” and aiming for a $199 price point. The first rumors of these surfaced back in October, and stated that the third-gen AirPods would appear similar to the current AirPods Pro, […]

It's more precise than competing sensors, but it doesn't track VOCs or other types of indoor air pollutants.

Hulu + Live TV alternatives: FuboTV is cheaper with this hidden package.

Blizzard has surprised the Overwatch community with a new Free-For-All map called Kanezaka. The fictional town is set in Japan, just below Hanamura, and features a pottery shop, night-club and cat cafe. In a YouTube video, game director Jeff Kaplan e...

The initial iOS 14.4 beta includes a new feature that was first demonstrated during Apple’s iPhone 12 event. The new feature specifically relates to the HomePod mini and its U1 Ultra Wideband chip that allows for spatial awareness. An iPhone equipped with the U1 chip can interact with Apple’s diminutive smart speaker in new ways on iOS 14.4. Watch our hands-on walkthrough as we explore the updated Handoff experience and other iOS 14.4 beta changes and features.

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The post iOS 14.4 beta changes and features – HomePod mini gets new U1-assisted...

Google has added a new 3D object to its growing collection of augmented reality treasures you can unearth on Search, and this one’s for The Mandalorian fans. When you do a query for “Baby Yoda” or “Grogu” — that’s Baby Yoda’s official name as reveale...

While we continue to celebrate holidays at a distance to avoid spreading COVID-19, Zoom lifted the 40-minute limit on free calls for Thanksgiving day. Now the company has announced it will continue the trend for several days throughout the rest of De...

Apple on Wednesday responded to complaints from Facebook over privacy disclosures and security mechanisms built into iOS 14, saying the new activity tracking options present something never before offered to users: fundamental choice.Source: AppleFacebook on Wednesday took out a series of full-page ads in major U.S. newspapers decrying Apple's planned implementation of ad tracking protections. The social media firm is positioning itself as champion of small businesses — seemingly hapless victims caught up in a war between giants — that stand to lose out on ad revenue because the regulations.

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Apple is in discussions to acquire two John Lasseter-produced titles from Skydance Animation, “Luck” and “Spellbound” for Apple TV+, reports Variety. The films had been set up at Paramount Pictures.

Both “Luck” and “Spellbound” were set for release in 2022. The former is directed by Peggy Holmes, and follows the unluckiest girl in the world. When she stumbles upon the never-before-seen world of good and bad luck, she must join together with magical creatures to uncover a force more powerful than even luck itself. It was dated for Feb. 18.

“Spellbound” is a musical fantasy set in a world of magic where a young girl sets out to break the spell that has split her kingdom in two, which was slated for November 2021.

Lasseter is an American animator, film director, screenwriter, producer,...

Apple has been working to expand its Apple TV+ subscription streaming service with more exclusive movies and TV shows. According to a new report from Variety, the company is now negotiating with Skydance Animation studios the rights to the animated films “Luck” and “Spellbound,” which were produced by John Lasseter.

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Apple has been releasing smart accessories at a rapidly increasing rate. Many of them are accessories designed to not just work with your Apple devices, but require you to use an Apple device. Currently, Apple has settings and management tools for their accessories all over the place. Apple Watch has its own management app, AirPods are buried in Bluetooth settings and peripherals customization exists deep in the Settings app. There’s got to be a better solution and I think it’s turning the dedicated Watch app into an Accessories app.

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The post Concept: With so many new products, Apple should replace the ‘Watch’ app with an ‘Accessories’ app appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Following the release of iOS 14.4 beta 1, watchOS 7.3 beta 1, and tvOS 14.1 beta 1, Apple has just released the first beta of macOS Big Sur 11.2 to developers. The update comes two days after the company released macOS Big Sur 11.1 to the public.

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Following Tuesday's iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4, watchOS 7.3 and tvOS 14.4 beta releases, Apple has provided developers with the first test version of macOS Big Sur 11.2.Apple releases new macOS betaApple offers downloads of its betas through the Apple Developer Center, for participants in its developer test program, though hardware already running beta software can also receive an over-the-air update. Public beta variants usually arrive a short time after developer versions, and can be accessed through the Apple Beta Software Program website.

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Shoppers looking for the season's best deals on professional-grade equipment can save an impressive amount of money on Apple hardware that's in stock and ready to ship in time for year-end business purchases.Year-end Apple Pro dealsThe discounts apply to high-end configurations from a variety of Apple's product lines, including MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Pro and even the Pro Display XDR. Whether you're a content creator or Apple enthusiast, the products below offer exclusive savings on upgraded specs, from additional RAM to extra storage — and even powerful GPU options in the 16-inch MacBook Pro and desktop Mac ranges.

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Google's Stadia game streaming platform is now accessible on iPhone and iPads. Apple's rules for the App Store make it next to impossible to publish apps for services that stream games from the cloud (as opposed to over local networks). Therefore, Google has taken to making Stadia accessible via a web app. 

To use it, go to stadia.google.com in Safari on your iPhone or iPad. While it will run in a browser, it's best to make a web app shortcut so you aren't bothered by things like an address bar or tabs. To do this, tap the Share button, then select Add to Home Screen. This will make a Stadia web app icon on your iPhone or iPad. When you launch it, you'll get a full-screen Safari window with no address bar, tabs, or other navigation controls in your way.

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A new supply chain report this morning indicated that Apple is working on third-generation AirPods, referred to as “AirPods Pro Lite,” with a design that is either identical or very similar to the current AirPods Pro. This, however, is bound to be a controversial change for people who prefer the current design of AirPods.

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The post Poll: As rumors suggest a redesign, do you prefer the design of AirPods or AirPods Pro? appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Despite a lack of clarity about growth expectations for the iPhone 12, investment bank JP Morgan says investors should expect "modest returns" in 2021 on the strength of wearables, Apple Silicon Macs, and the iPad.Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsiderIn a note to investors seen by AppleInsider, lead analyst Samik Chatterjee says that expectations of an iPhone 12 "super cycle" are running up against headwinds to investor sentiment. That's because, thus far, there's limited data on the potential upside of 5G iPhone shipments.

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Just two days after releasing iOS 14.3 with several significant new features like ProRAW photos and Fitness+, Apple is starting the beta testing process for iOS 14.4. Since this is a full point-release number than a minor one (e.g. iOS 14.3.1), we expect there to be some user-facing changes present.

Apple has released the first developer beta; the public beta typically follows within a day or so.

What’s new in iOS 14.4

We don’t yet know what new features we can expect in iOS 14.4. As the community of beta testers discovers significant changes, we’ll update this article with more information.

To read this article in full, please click here

Apple reports that iOS 14 is running on 72% of all devices and 81% of devices introduced in the last four years showing adoption rates are higher than iOS 13.iOS 14 adoption has crossed 81%Apple periodically updates developers on the install base of its operating system across iPhone and iPad. The data shows faster adoption rates for iOS 14 in the same time period as iOS 13 in 2019.

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