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News - page 792

There’s already strong demand for next iPhone

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Next iPhone
Many Apple smartphones users are looking ahead to the next iPhone.
Photo: Apple

Nearly a quarter of current iPhone users already plan to buy Apple’s next smartphone — even before they know what new features it will bring. That’s the most surprising finding from a new poll, which also shows demand for iPhone upgrades has stabilized at a high level.

Heavy demand for an unannounced product shows trust in Apple. That’s welcome, as the company’s reputation has slipped a bit.

Rare Mac laptop rakes in more than $16,000 at auction

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Hap Plain
This early backlit Mac laptop sold on eBay for more than $16,000.
Photo: Hap Plain

An Apple prototype of an early laptop, one of only four known to exist, sold on eBay Tuesday evening for more than $16,000.

It was the second time the owner of the Apple Macintosh Portable M5126 – fully functional and with a rare-for-its-time backlit screen – tried selling the test device on the auction site. Last month, bidding closed at just over $10,000 but the buyer backed out.

You should stop using your AmazonBasics battery packs now

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AmazonBasics battery pack
Steer well clear of AmazonBasics battery packs
Photo: Amazon

If you own an AmazonBasics portable battery pack, you should stop using it now. Amazon has recalled more than 260,000 units following 53 reports of overheating in the U.S. alone.

Six different models, sold between December 2014 and July 2017, have been condemned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) this week.

How an Apple II gave Stephen Hawking his voice

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Hawking
Technology helped Professor Hawking share his astonishing work with the world.
Photo: Pete Souza/Wikipedia CC

Earlier today, Tim Cook posted a tribute to the late professor Stephen Hawking, who passed away on March 14, aged 76. “We will always be inspired by his life and ideas. RIP,” Cook wrote.

As one of the world’s most visionary physicists and popular science writers, it’s no surprise to hear that Hawking inspired folks at Apple — just as he did people all around the planet.

But Apple and Hawking share an interesting connection: It was an Apple machine that first gave him the ability to verbally communicate using a computer.

France is suing Apple and Google for ‘abusive’ deal with developers

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Coronavirus could have a surprisingly positive impact on App Store revenue
France isn't happy about how Apple treats developers.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The French government plans to take both Apple and Google to court for what French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire classes as “abusive trade practices.”

This relates to the way that both companies reportedly treat startups and developers. In particular, Le Maire singles out the way that Apple and Google unilaterally impose prices and contractual terms on software devs.

Dashlane reveals the state of password security across America

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Dashlane's password manager on a MacBook Pro
Dashlane reveals the state of password security across America.
Photo: Stephen Smith/Cult of Mac

How seriously are people taking password security in your city?

Password management service Dashlane today published its 2018 City Security Rankings, revealing the state of password security in America’s most populous cities — and those that are home to some of the biggest companies and government agencies.

Apple’s home city of Cupertino ranks highly, right behind Fort Meade, MD, home of the National Security Agency (NSA).

Apple hires new events director from Eddy Cue’s favorite NBA team

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Eddy Cue
Eddy Cue is a big fan of the Golden State Warriors.
Photo: Eddy Cue/Twitter

WWDC will have an extra set of helping hands this year, thanks to Apple’s hiring of a brand new events director. New recruit Gail Hunter previously served as president of public affairs and event management for the Golden State Warriors, a.k.a. Eddy Cue’s favorite NBA basketball team.

She will officially leave her current job this Friday, and join Apple on Monday, March 19. Just in time to help Apple’s preparations for its annual developer showcase event in June!

ecobee Switch+ with HomeKit also an Alexa smart speaker

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ecobee Switch+
ecobee Switch+ works with HomeKit and Alexa.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

ecobee began taking pre-orders for the Switch+ today. This smart-home light switch includes HomeKit support so it can be remotely controlled with an iPhone.

But it goes beyond that: with Amazon’s Alexa built in, this wall switch acts as a smart speaker all on its own.

Nixing the Home button could bring 11-inch iPad

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11-inch iPad Rumored
An 11-inch iPad would fit between the company’s current 12.9- and 10.5-inch models.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple continues to improve the iPad Pro design, with a nearly bezel-less version reportedly in development. This could mean an 11-inch iPad the same overall size as the company’s current 10.5-inch tablet.

This will supposedly be the first iPad with Apple’s Face ID as the technology expands beyond the iPhone X.

New Fitbit Versa takes aim at Apple Watch

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Fitbit Versa
Fitbit Versa is likely to become a top competitor for Apple Watch.
Photo: Fitbit

Fitbit is stepping up to compete better with the Apple Watch with the Versa smartwatch. The new wearable looks similar to Apple’s watch, and offers music playback and other capabilities. Plus, it arrives at a lower price point — just under $200.

The Versa’s unveiling comes just after Apple surpassed Fitbit in the wearables market. Apparently, people want much more from their devices than just counting steps.

This mic boom doesn’t care if you shake the room

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Blue Designs compass mic boom
Imagine how professional you'll look with this on your desk.
Photo: Blue Designs

Podcasters, musicians, and haters of annoying noises rejoice. Blue Designs has come up with the Compass, a microphone boom that keeps your mic fixed right over your desk, your computer, your countertop, or even your ghetto ironing-board podcasting desk. Paired with Blue’s Radius shock mount, you need never worry about mic noise ever again.

YouTube finally goes dark on iOS

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YouTube dark mode iOS
Dark mode has landed on iOS.
Photo: YouTube

YouTube’s dark mode, introduced just under a year ago, has finally landed on iPhone and iPad. It was the most requested feature among mobile users, YouTube says — and it makes late-night video binges even more enjoyable.

WWDC 2018 returns to San Jose, runs June 4 to 8

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WWDC-2018
WWDC 2018 is coming to San Jose, California. Here's how to take your shot at getting tickets to the exclusive event.
Photo: Apple

Apple will kick off its 29th annual Worldwide Developers Conference on June 4.

The week-long event, which will offer the first previews of Apple’s next big software updates, will again be held in the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose. Developers can register for tickets starting today until 10 a.m. on March 22.

Google Assistant lands on iPad

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Google Assistant now runs on iPad, including side-by-side with Google Calendar.
Google Assistant now runs on iPad, including side-by-side with Google Calendar.
Image: Google

Anyone wanting to try out Google’s rival to Siri can now do so on their iPad: A version of the Google Assistant optimized for iOS tablets just debuted.

With the press of a button, the application will answer questions and retrieve information from the internet, but that’s just the start.

TSA accused of searching phones and laptops on domestic flights

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iphone
According to new lawsuit, airports are searching phones on some flights.
Photo: Apple

We’re all used to our bags being searched when we go through airport security, but a number of reports claim that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also searching the electronic devices belonging to passengers on domestic flights within the U.S.

As a result, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against the TSA, requesting records gathered by the fderal agency.

Fortnite beta FAQ: World’s hottest game comes to iOS

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Fortnite Battle Royale
Fortnite is among the most anticipated games of 2018.
Photo: Epic Games

Epic Games is bringing Fortnite Battle Royale, the hottest game you can play right now, to mobile. It is now inviting players to enjoy early access on iPhone and iPad, with the first invites set to roll out later this week.

While you’re impatiently waiting to get yours, you’re probably asking lots of questions about how the preview will work, and what the game will be like on mobile. Who will get invites first? How will it handle cross-platform play with PlayStation 4 and PC? Can you use a wireless controller?

Here’s everything you need to know so far about Fortnite on iOS.

Apple has gotten boring, suggests brand reputation survey

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Apple adds 5 new vice presidents to its executive lineup
Apple's reputation has taken a hit, this survey suggests.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple’s reputation has taken a hit over the last year, suggests the latest annual Harris Poll Reputation Quotient poll, which shows Apple toppling from fifth place in 2017 to 29th place today.

The poll, which has been carried out every year since 1999, surveyed 25,800 U.S. adults from December through January on the reputations of the “most visible” corporate brands in the world. Amazon held onto the no. 1 spot, which it has held every year for the past five years, with the exception of falling to no. 2 in 2015.

Facebook is getting ready to launch a special news video section

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facebook-logo-file
Facebook is reaching out to traditional news outlets.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Facebook Watch, the social network’s video on demand service, is reportedly readying a news section, which will include partnerships with around 10 publishers.

The news comes one day after Apple’s acquisition of $10 a month magazine subscription service Texture. It represents another example of a tech company trying to strengthen relationships with traditional media outlets at a time when topics like “fake news” have strained these interactions.

iPad app could make cancer screening as easy as ordering from Amazon

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The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is a real screamer.
Forthcoming iPad app will remind people to regularly screen for cancer.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Researchers have developed an iPad app that makes setting up lifesaving colon cancer screenings “as easy as booking a hotel room online.”

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Early screening can dramatically reduce mortality rates, yet more than one-third of Americans who fall within the most likely age bracket go unscreened every year.

Snapchat will let you share custom AR Lenses this month

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Snapchat
Snapchat has a new plan to make money. And it means you doing the work.
Photo: Snapchat

In an effort to reengage with its fanbase after its recent badly received redesign, Snapchat is planning to allow users to create augmented reality “Lenses” and share them with the rest of the community.

The debut of creator-made Lenses in the app’s carousel will debut at the end of this month. The Lenses can be made using Snapchat’s Lens Studio application, and Snap will then select the best ones and make them available to the wider 187 million daily user community.

Apple Music hits 38 million subscribers

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Apple Music
Apple is increasing its dependence on revenue from services like Apple Music.
Photo: Apple

Almost 40 million people now pay to listen to Apple Music. That’s not bad for a service that was met with skepticism when it debuted back in 2015.

Apple Music still faces strong competition from Spotify and Google Play Music, but it’s growing strongly. And all those people putting down $9.99 a month adds significantly to Apple revenue as streaming services have become the top way to listen to music.