Apple News

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “Concerned that some new surveillance technologies may be too intrusive, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to ban the use of facial-recognition tools by its police and other municipal departments,” Kartikay Mehrotra reports for Bloomberg.

“The Board of Supervisors approved the Stop Secret Surveillance ordinance Tuesday, culminating a re-examination of city policy that began with the false arrest of Denise Green in 2014. Green’s Lexus was misidentified as a stolen vehicle by an automated license-plate reader,” Mehrotra reports. “Since then, San Francisco officials determined flaws in the license-plate reader were just part of a wider potential for abuse with Big Brother-type surveillance capabilities. With new technologies increasingly making it possible to identify people, places and objects, the city decided to imposes a higher bar for snooping tools.”

“‘The central motivator here is public safety, while making sure police can do their jobs,’ said Matt Cagle, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union who helped draft the law. ‘We’ve learned a lot about facial recognition and seen how it’s been used in places like China to track and control populations. The public increasingly understands the threat this technology can pose and that isn’t what they want,'” Mehrotra reports. “The law does not prohibit companies or individuals from using facial recognition cameras or other surveillance tools, or from sharing their contents with law enforcement during an investigation. Last month, a New York student sued Apple Inc., claiming the company’s facial-recognition software falsely linked him to a series of thefts at Apple stores.”

“San Francisco’s new law will also require police to confirm the results of their license-plate reader with the California Department of Justice before detaining individuals,” Mehrotra reports. “Also, any city departments seeking to acquire surveillance technology must receive formal approval. It also calls for departments currently in possession of surveillance equipment to propose regulations for use, along with an annual audit of all surveillance tools.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: So, no problem for using Face ID to open your iPhone or iPad, just an issue for Big Brother in San Francisco.

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “Apple’s almost universally positive financial outlook, offered in investor conference calls following quarterly earnings reports, are again under scrutiny as a class action complaint takes issue with comments made by CEO Tim Cook and CFO Luca Maestri in the quarter leading up to a revenue guidance correction in January,” Mikey Campbell reports for AppleInsider. “The complaint, lodged with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, homes in on forward-looking statements regarding Apple’s business in China — specifically iPhone — for the important holiday quarter of 2018In forecasts presented during a conference call last November, both Cook and Maestri touted a strong product lineup expected to fuel first fiscal quarter sales between $89 billion and $93 billion.”

“Beyond reiterating prepared guidance, Cook and Maestri emphasized a positive outlook in fielding questions from analysts. Specifically, Cook dismissed concerns of “macroeconomic uncertainty” in emerging markets like China, citing Apple’s “very strong” performance leading into the holiday season. The executives also failed to recognize the brewing U.S.-China trade war,” Campbell reports. “That take was ultimately proven incorrect, as economic headwinds in the burgeoning Chinese market contributed to what would result in quarterly revenue of $84.3 billion, well below initial guidance.”

“The suit also claims Apple failed to account for knock-on effects of its iPhone battery replacement program, instituted in 2017 to allay concerns of handset throttling,” Campbell reports. “It was later learned that Apple replaced some 11 million iPhone batteries, up to 11 times more than anticipated, allowing users to hold on to their smartphone instead of buying a new model.”

Much more, including the text of the class action complaint, in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: Again, both Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Luca Maestri could have thought, back in November, that China iPhone sales would continue and they might not have been able to foresee, even though it seems painfully obvious in hindsight, that a late rush of battery replacements would ensue in December just before the low-priced iPhone battery replacement program’s end date, negatively impacting sales of new iPhones.

SEE ALSO:
Class action lawsuit filed against Apple for making false and misleading statements to the market – May 6, 2019
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP announces class action lawsuit against Apple over false and misleading statements – April 19, 2019
The Law Offices of Vincent Wong files class action lawsuit against Apple, alleging executives made false and misleading statements to the market – April 19, 2019
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman announces deadline for class action lawsuit against Apple over false and misleading statements – April 19, 2019

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “Yesterday, the Supreme Court handed Apple a major defeat in an antitrust case,” Adi Robertson reports for The Verge. “A group of iOS users claimed Apple had unfairly driven up app prices with its locked-down App Store. Apple argued that the users had no right to sue since they were actually buying apps from developers instead of Apple. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, speaking for a majority of the court, disagreed.”

“The new ruling establishes that app buyers are Apple’s direct customers, giving them the right to proceed with their antitrust case,” Robertson reports. “This doesn’t have any immediate consequences for Apple because there’s still a long legal fight ahead. But if the plaintiffs’ case holds up, it could change the relationship between digital platforms and their users, giving customers the basic right to sue tech platforms for violating antitrust law.”

“The plaintiffs want Apple to offer partial refunds on all paid iPhone apps, as Rifkin puts it, to compensate ‘all the purchasers, wherever they may be, who bought iPhone apps for their iPhones at any time since the phone was introduced in 2007.’ They also want Apple to allow some alternative method of buying apps,” Robertson reports. “Morgan Reed, president of industry group The App Association, argues that yesterday’s ruling could result in onerous lawsuits that won’t ultimately help consumers. Reed points to the Supreme Court’s dissenting opinion, where Justice Neil Gorsuch claimed platforms might try to avoid the ‘direct seller’ label with inefficient workarounds, like making developers handle their own payments and then write a check to Apple.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: The amount by which Apple Inc. has driven down software prices across the board, on every major computing platform, makes legal actions such as this eminently laughable.

SEE ALSO:
U.S. Supreme Court opens door for App Store lawsuit that Apple will likely win – May 14, 2019
Analyst: Apple investors ‘overreacting’ to U.S.-China trade war and Supreme Court App Store ruling – May 14, 2019
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh’s Apple App Store decision has ‘shaken up’ antitrust law – May 13, 2019
U.S. Supreme Court allows antitrust suit against Apple over App Store; AAPL slides 5% – May 13, 2019
Supreme Court rules against Apple in App Store antitrust case – May 13, 2019
Antitrust, the App Store, and Apple – November 27, 2018
Trump administration backs Apple in U.S. Supreme Court over App Store antitrust suit – November 26, 2018
Apple defends App Store fees in U.S. Supreme Court – November 26, 2018
Apple defends App Store fees as U.S. Supreme Court weighs consumer suit – November 23, 2018
Apple wants U.S. Supreme Court to undo previous decision regarding an antitrust suit – October 31, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court will decide if Apple’s App Store is an anti-competitive monopoly – June 19, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court to consider Apple appeal in antitrust suit over App Store prices – June 18, 2018
US DOJ sides with Apple over App Store antitrust allegations in Supreme Court brief – May 10, 2018
9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals revives antitrust lawsuit against Apple – January 13, 2017
Apple App Store antitrust complaint dismissed on procedural grounds by U.S. judge – August 16, 2013

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “Hackers have been breaking into iPhones allegedly using a powerful spy tool sold to governments and taking advantage of a previously unknown vulnerability in the popular messaging app WhatsApp,” Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai writes for Motherboard. “The hacking tool, as well as the WhatsApp exploit, were made by the infamous Israeli hacking and surveillance tool vendor NSO Group, according to The Financial Times, which first reported the story on Monday. WhatsApp found out about the flaw — and eventually patched it — after a victim got in touch with the digital security research group Citizen Lab, which in turn warned the Facebook-owned company.”

“Some iOS security experts say this is yet another incident that shows iOS is so locked down it’s hard—if not impossible—to figure out if your own iPhone has been hacked,” Franceschi-Bicchierai writes. “As of today, there is no specific tool that an iPhone user can download to analyze their phone and figure out if it has been compromised. In 2016, Apple took down an app made by Esser that was specifically designed to detect malicious jailbreaks. Moreover, iOS is so locked down that without hacking or jailbreaking it first, even a talented security researcher can do very little analysis on it.”

“For the vast majority of people the iPhone is still a very secure device. But all software, be it a secure messaging app like WhatsApp, or an operating system like iOS, have vulnerabilities,” Franceschi-Bicchierai writes. “And when those vulnerabilities are exploited on an iPhone, there’s often no way of knowing.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Note: According to The Register‘s Iain Thomson:

It’s believed NSO Group built the exploits and surveillanceware used against WhatsApp users this month. The Israeli outfit, valued at $1bn, sells a highly capable spyware package, dubbed Pegasus, to governments around the world, ostensibly only allowing the suite to be used to snoop on and snare criminals and terrorists. Victims usually get a text message that tries to trick them into following a link that fetches and installs the software nasty. Now it seems NSO found a way to avoid any user interaction to achieve an automatic, silent infection.

Pegasus, once installed on a victim’s device, can record phone calls, open messages, activate the phone’s camera and microphone for further surveillance, and relay back location data. While NSO claims it carefully vets its customers, the malware has been found on the phones of journalists, human rights campaigners, lawyers, and others.

Read more in the full article here.

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “In 1976, Steve Wozniak co-founded Apple with Steve Jobs in a Silicon Valley garage,” Catherine Clifford reports for CNBC. “In the three months February, March and April, the iPhone and Macintosh computer maker reported quarterly earnings of $58 billion, according to its April 30 financial statement.”

“Wozniak designed Apple’s first products, the Apple I and II computers,” Clifford reports. “Wozniak says there were really two counterintuitive factors that meaningfully contributed to his innovation at Apple,” Clifford reports. “‘Everything I did at Apple that was an A+ job and that took us places, I had two things in my favor,’ Wozniak said: In the beginning, he had a tight budget, and he’d never done such things before… While some education and training is important, according to Wozniak, what’s more crucial is to be able to think creatively.”

“Wozniak says it was because of his relative inexperience that he didn’t have ‘normal’ expectations, and that gave him a competitive edge. As a result the disks and computers he designed used a fraction of the chips others did at the time,” Clifford reports. “‘If I had had experience, I would have designed things with 50 chips instead of eight chips,’ Wozniak said.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: Woz: A true engineering genius.

If you haven’t read it already, we highly recommend Woz’s book: I, Woz.

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “Security researchers have found a new class of vulnerabilities in Intel chips which, if exploited, can be used to steal sensitive information directly from the processor,” Zack Whittaker reports for TechCrunch. “The bugs are reminiscent of Meltdown and Spectre, which exploited a weakness in speculative execution, an important part of how modern processors work… Both Meltdown and Spectre leaked sensitive data stored briefly in the processor, including secrets — such as passwords, secret keys and account tokens, and private messages.”

“‘ZombieLoad,’ as it’s called, is a side-channel attack targeting Intel chips, allowing hackers to effectively exploit design flaws rather than injecting malicious code,” Whittaker reports. “Intel said ZombieLoad is made up of four bugs, which the researchers reported to the chip maker just a month ago. Almost every computer with an Intel chips dating back to 2011 are affected by the vulnerabilities. AMD and ARM chips are not said to be vulnerable like earlier side-channel attacks.”

“The researchers showed in a proof-of-concept video that the flaws could be exploited to see which websites a person is visiting in real-time, but could be easily repurposed to grab passwords or access tokens used to log into a victim’s online accounts,” Whittaker reports. “Intel has released microcode to patch vulnerable processors, including Intel Xeon, Intel Broadwell, Sandy Bridge, Skylake and Haswell chips. Intel Kaby Lake, Coffee Lake, Whiskey Lake and Cascade Lake chips are also affected, as well as all Atom and Knights processors. Computer makers Apple and Microsoft and browser makers Google have released patches, with other companies expected to follow.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: Yet another reason for Apple to dump Intel’s defective chips and move Macs to vastly more efficient and secure Apple-designed solutions.

When flawed, insecure, and therefore defective products are sold to consumers, recalls and/or recompense are the proper responses. — MacDailyNews, January 4, 2018

CERT: The only way to fix the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities is to replace the CPU. Intel et al. are going to try to sell us on a software bandaid instead of really fixing the problem properly. Watch and see. https://t.co/OeC2AoPdlK #Intel #AMD #ARM

— MacDailyNews (@MacDailyNews) January 4, 2018

SEE ALSO:
Macs may need ARM processors to survive – April 17, 2019
Researchers reveal new ‘Spoiler’ vulnerability in all Intel Core processors – March 6, 2019
Intel discloses new ‘Variant 3a’ and ‘Variant 4’ Spectre-like chip flaw vulnerabilities – May 22, 2018
Intel’s Spectre patch is causing reboot problems – January 12, 2018
In wake of Spectre and Meltdown, Intel CEO offers open letter, looks to restore confidence in Intel CPU security – January 11, 2018
Apple releases iOS and macOS updates with a mitigation for Spectre CPU flaw – January 8, 2018
Meltdown and Spectre: What Apple users need to know – January 8, 2018
How Apple product users can protect themselves against Spectre and Meltdown CPU flaws – January 5, 2018
Intel’s CEO Brian Krzanich sold off the majority of his shares after finding out about the irreparable chip flaws – January 4, 2018
Apple: All Mac systems and iOS devices are affected by Meltdown and Spectre security flaws – January 4, 2018
CERT: Only way to fix Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities is to replace CPU – January 4, 2018
Security flaws put nearly every modern computing device containing chips from Intel, AMD and ARM at risk – January 4, 2018
Apple has already partially implemented fix in macOS for ‘KPTI’ Intel CPU security flaw – January 3, 2018
Intel’s massive chip flaw could hit Mac where it hurts – January 3, 2018

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “Apple just made a very big update to its TV app on iOS and tvOS,” Adam Levy writes for The Motley Fool. “No, not that update. Apple TV+ is still set to launch sometime this fall.”

“Apple’s latest update to the TV app includes the launch of TV Channels, Apple’s new feature that allows users to subscribe to premium over-the-top streaming video services directly through Apple,” Levy writes. “Example channels include HBO, Showtime, Starz, and EPIX. Users will be able to stream content from available channels directly in the TV app instead of being sent to another app to stream video. Apple hopes it can provide a better user experience and generate more subscription revenue while it’s at it.”

“While the changes may seem merely cosmetic for users, they could have a major impact on Apple’s subscription services business and its own efforts in streaming video,” Levy writes. “content from Channels will stream directly in the TV App. That’s because Apple is hosting the content itself. That also means Apple has access to viewer data it couldn’t see before… [and let Apple] use the data to make better recommendations and sell additional subscriptions. Another added feature of Channels is the ability to download content to your device.”

The all-new Apple TV app, now available in over 100 countries, brings together the different ways to discover and watch shows, movies and more into one app.

 
“TV Channels could help pave the way for a successful TV+ launch later this year,” Levy writes. “Channels provides an opportunity for Apple to increase engagement with the TV App and get consumers used to the idea of interacting directly with Apple for streaming video. Keeping users in the TV App when they want to stream content from a supported Channel also provides an opportunity to reengage users when they’ve finished watching whatever they selected.

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Note: The “For You” tab will appear after a few days of watching TV, after it gets to know your viewing preferences.

SEE ALSO:
Apple’s all-new Apple TV app available in over 100 countries starting today – May 13, 2019

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “Apple investors are overreacting to the financial threat posed by the U.S.-China trade war and Monday’s Supreme Court ruling on the App Store, an analyst claimed on Tuesday,” Roger Fingas writes for AppleInsider.

“Although shares have traded down 11 percent since the start of last week based on both issues — mostly the threat of further tariffs — Apple can weather the storm, said J.P. Morgan’s Samik Chatterjee in a new memo,” Fingas writes. “‘Given that till date there has been limited impact from the tariffs on Apple’s hardware products, and likelihood of outsized losses from recent lawsuits appears limited, we believe the share price reaction can be seen as largely an overreaction,’ he commented. He admitted however that ‘there could be more downside’ on Apple shares in the near term if negativity grows around talks to end the trade dispute.”

“While Apple could raise iPhone prices by as much as 14 percent to keep up its high profit margins, it’s more likely that Apple will absorb the blow to keep prices in check, Chatterjee suggested,” Fingas writes. “This week’s Supreme Court ruling allowing an anti-monopoly case to proceed against Apple will probably have ‘limited’ impact as well, Chatterjee said.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: People tend to fear the worst. It almost never happens.

To fear the worst, oft cures the worst. — William Shakespeare

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful. ― Warren Buffett.

SEE ALSO:
Apple, Deere & Co, retail in focus as U.S. releases fresh tariff list – May 14, 2019
Gene Munster: Apple likely to be spared from China tariffs – May 10, 2019
Apple shares drop 7% this week on fears China trade turmoil threatens iPhone sales – May 10, 2019
Apple’s iOS 13 rumored to drop support for iPhone 6, iPhone SE and iPhone 5s – May 10, 2019
Apple not yet hurt by China tariffs, likely to simply absorb the added cost – May 10, 2019
Apple temporarily escapes new tariffs as U.S.-China trade war escalates – May 10, 2019
Dow futures fall after President Trump tweets ‘absolutely no need to rush’ on China trade deal – May 10, 2019
China overplayed its hand with U.S. President Trump on trade, and it could cost them dearly – May 9, 2019
Apple CEO Tim Cook optimistic about U.S.-China trade talks – February 12, 2019
President Trump says U.S. doing well in trade negotiations with China – January 23, 2019
China’s 2018 growth slows to 28-year low, more stimulus seen – January 22, 2019
Apple CEO Tim Cook: I’m very optimistic about U.S.-China trade talks – January 8, 2019
Advisor to President Trump: Apple’s sales should pick up when U.S.-China strike trade deal – January 3, 2019

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “Deere & Co. on Tuesday joined other companies hit by the U.S.-China trade war,” Jeran Wittenstein and Felice Maranz write for Bloomberg. “The Moline, Illinois-based company is part of a long and growing list of firms confronted with trade-related challenges for their businesses. Cell phones, toys, game consoles and printers were included in a fresh tariffs list released on Monday, and the likes of Apple Inc., Hasbro Inc. and Western Digital Corp. may be hurt. President Trump continued to tweet about trade on Tuesday morning, with statements including, ‘When the time is right we will make a deal with China.'”

“Deere is down 1.2% in pre-market trading — but Apple is rising 1.2%, and U.S. equity futures are gaining alongside European stocks as investors assess the prospects for global trade and sift for potential winners,” Wittenstein and Maranz write. “According to Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives, the current trade situation could result in Apple seeing production costs for the iPhone rise 2%-3%, given the impact that trade is having on input materials like lithium batteries. Under a ‘more draconian scenario,’ where additional tariffs are levied, expenses could escalate ‘by roughly 10%+ over time.'”

“Any pressure on the Cupertino, California-based company is likely to have a ripple effect throughout its vast global network of suppliers,” Wittenstein and Maranz write, “which includes Broadcom Inc., Qualcomm Inc. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.”

….This money will come from the massive Tariffs being paid to the United States for allowing China, and others, to do business with us. The Farmers have been “forgotten” for many years. Their time is now!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2019

China will be pumping money into their system and probably reducing interest rates, as always, in order to make up for the business they are, and will be, losing. If the Federal Reserve ever did a “match,” it would be game over, we win! In any event, China wants a deal!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2019

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Note: The tweets referenced by Wittenstein and Maranz:

….of the tremendous ground we have lost to China on Trade since the ridiculous one sided formation of the WTO. It will all happen, and much faster than people think!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2019

SEE ALSO:
Gene Munster: Apple likely to be spared from China tariffs – May 10, 2019
Apple shares drop 7% this week on fears China trade turmoil threatens iPhone sales – May 10, 2019
Apple’s iOS 13 rumored to drop support for iPhone 6, iPhone SE and iPhone 5s – May 10, 2019
Apple not yet hurt by China tariffs, likely to simply absorb the added cost – May 10, 2019
Apple temporarily escapes new tariffs as U.S.-China trade war escalates – May 10, 2019
Dow futures fall after President Trump tweets ‘absolutely no need to rush’ on China trade deal – May 10, 2019
China overplayed its hand with U.S. President Trump on trade, and it could cost them dearly – May 9, 2019
Apple CEO Tim Cook optimistic about U.S.-China trade talks – February 12, 2019
President Trump says U.S. doing well in trade negotiations with China – January 23, 2019
China’s 2018 growth slows to 28-year low, more stimulus seen – January 22, 2019
Apple CEO Tim Cook: I’m very optimistic about U.S.-China trade talks – January 8, 2019
Advisor to President Trump: Apple’s sales should pick up when U.S.-China strike trade deal – January 3, 2019

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “I love my AirPods. I even bought the latest model that added a few new features and wireless charging,” Todd Haselton reports for CNBC. “But it still drives me nuts that they look like silly little earrings. That’s why I was excited when Apple’s Beats brand recently announced the Powerbeats Pro, a set of headphones with many of the features of AirPods but with a sportier design.”

“The $250 Powerbeats Pro are great, and you should buy them if you think AirPods look silly or if you’ve found they just don’t fit your ears properly,” Haselton reports. “Plus, these are better for exercise thanks to features like sweat-resistance… Some people disagree, but I think they look less goofy than AirPods, especially in the more discrete black color.”

“My biggest problem with the Powerbeats Pro is that the charging case is huge compared with the one you get for AirPods. You could jam it into your pocket, sure, but it would look awfully silly. It’s best for keeping in purses and backpacks. That’s not as convenient as AirPods, which I always have in my pocket,” Haselton reports. “They’re also expensive. The new AirPods start at $159, but cost $199 if you want the wireless charging case. The Powerbeats Pro cost $249 and don’t have wireless charging.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: Either way you go, AirPods or Powerbeats Pro, Apple wins!

SEE ALSO:
Gizmodo: Apple’s AirPods suck compared to the new Powerbeats Pro – May 10, 2019
Macworld reviews Apple’s Beats Powerbeats Pro: Better than AirPods, but not for everybody – May 9, 2019
Hands-on and first impressions with Apple’s Beats Powerbeats Pro totally wireless earphones – May 7, 2019
Apple’s AirPods 2 vs. Beats’ Powerbeats Pro – April 4, 2019

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “Back in October, Adobe announced that it would be bringing full Photoshop CC to the iPad sometime in 2019,” Chance Miller reports for 9to5Mac. “Now, the company is officially opening beta signups for Photoshop on the iPad.”

“In an email to Creative Cloud users tonight,” Miller reports, “Adobe is prompting customers to apply for the Photoshop for iPad beta program.

“Unfortunately, details on the release of the iPad app are still unclear,” Miller reports. “You can sign up for the beta today, but there’s no indication on when – or if – you’ll be invited.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Note: Adobe’s signup form (via Google Forms) for Photoshop for iPad is here.

Here come the desktop-class apps to Apple’s iPad Pro! — MacDailyNews, October 15, 2018

—

Adobe’s Photoshop move is yet another stamp of legitimacy for iOS and iPad Pro, the combination of which has for some time now, even before Photoshop, equaled “real computing.” — MacDailyNews, October 17, 2018

—

We find that there are many older users longing to make iPad work like a laptop, because that’s what they know.

Take a look at a twelve-year-old who’s only really ever used an iPad for personal computing. It’s an eyeopener. It’s like looking into the future.

The answer isn’t to try to make the iPad into a MacBook. The answer is to provide all the tools possible in iOS for developers to make robust apps that can take advantage of the multi-touch paradigm. — MacDailyNews, May 16, 2017

SEE ALSO:
Did you blink? You might have missed the most important tech story of the year – October 19, 2018
Why Adobe’s full Photoshop on iOS is a huge win for Apple’s iPad Pro – October 17, 2018
Adobe is bringing full Photoshop to Apple’s iPad next year – October 15, 2018
Adobe Photoshop on iPad: ‘Hotel Transylvania 3’ artist is ready for the revolution – July 16, 2018
Adobe has killed the ‘iPad is not productive’ trope – July 13, 2018
Adobe to launch full version of Photoshop for iPad in strategy shift – July 13, 2018

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “President Donald Trump’s latest appointee to the Supreme Court joined with liberal justices on Monday to green light a consumer class action accusing Apple (AAPL) of monpolizing the market for iPhone apps,” Erin Fuchs writes for Yahoo Finance. “That appointee, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, wrote the majority opinion holding that iPhone owners qualified as “direct purchasers” with the right to sue Apple for allegedly monopolizing the market for apps through its App Store.”

“‘We got an unexpected boost to antitrust enforcement from Justice Kavanaugh,’ says John Kirkwood, a professor of law at Seattle University School of Law and an adviser to the American Antitrust Institute,” Fuchs writes. “Kirkwood noted that Kavanaugh has in the past been pro-defendant in antitrust cases, as are many conservative judges. ‘He’s shaken things up here. He’s not a reliable vote with the other four conservatives,’ Kirkwood said. ‘There’s more chance of future antitrust enforcement victories.'”

“The dispute stems from Apple’s policy of charging a 30% commission fee on every single app sale and barring developers from selling their apps elsewhere. The iPhone consumers who sued claimed that Apple effectively passed that 30% fee onto consumers, who had no choice but to buy those apps on the App Store,” Fuchs writes. “While a lower court still has to decide the merits of the case, the stakes for Apple here are high since its App Store represents a major part of the services business that it’s increasingly relying on as iPhone sales slow down.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Note: After the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, Apple released the following statement:

Today’s decision means plaintiffs can proceed with their case in District court. We’re confident we will prevail when the facts are presented and that the App Store is not a monopoly by any metric.

We’re proud to have created the safest, most secure and trusted platform for customers and a great business opportunity for all developers around the world. Developers set the price they want to charge for their app and Apple has no role in that. The vast majority of apps on the App Store are free and Apple gets nothing from them. The only instance where Apple shares in revenue is if the developer chooses to sell digital services through the App Store.

Developers have a number of platforms to choose from to deliver their software — from other apps stores, to Smart TVs to gaming consoles — and we work hard every day to make our store the best, safest and most competitive in the world. — Apple Inc.

SEE ALSO:
U.S. Supreme Court allows antitrust suit against Apple over App Store; AAPL slides 5% – May 13, 2019
Supreme Court rules against Apple in App Store antitrust case – May 13, 2019
Antitrust, the App Store, and Apple – November 27, 2018
Trump administration backs Apple in U.S. Supreme Court over App Store antitrust suit – November 26, 2018
Apple defends App Store fees in U.S. Supreme Court – November 26, 2018
Apple defends App Store fees as U.S. Supreme Court weighs consumer suit – November 23, 2018
Apple wants U.S. Supreme Court to undo previous decision regarding an antitrust suit – October 31, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court will decide if Apple’s App Store is an anti-competitive monopoly – June 19, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court to consider Apple appeal in antitrust suit over App Store prices – June 18, 2018
US DOJ sides with Apple over App Store antitrust allegations in Supreme Court brief – May 10, 2018
9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals revives antitrust lawsuit against Apple – January 13, 2017
Apple App Store antitrust complaint dismissed on procedural grounds by U.S. judge – August 16, 2013

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “NFC support on the iPhone is about to get a lot more advanced real soon,” Buster Hein reports for Cult of Mac. “Apple revealed today that it is adding support for NFC stickers and tags that trigger Apple Pay for payment even if you don’t have the vendor’s app installed.”

Hein reports, “This will allow some companies to get rid of the big terminals required to facilitate Apple Pay transactions.”

“Apple Pay boss Jennifer Bailey announced the upcoming feature at the TRANSACT conference this morning in Las Vegas,” Hein reports. “Bird scooters, Bonobos, and PayByPhone (the parking-meters app) are the first companies partnering with Apple on the initial rollout.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: There’s no launch date, yet, so expect to hear more about Apple Pay NFC sticker support during WWDC 2019, June 3-7.

SEE ALSO:
Apple Pay VP reveals plans to make iPhone NFC great again – May 8, 2019
Apple Card gives Goldman Sachs a rare customer role – April 9, 2019
Analyst: Apple Card to be a ‘significant player in the U.S. card market’ – April 4, 2019
Apple Card will be the most secure credit card ever made – April 3, 2019
Survey shows iPhone users want the Apple Card – which could greatly increase Apple Pay usage – March 29, 2019
Apple Card: More than just a mere credit card – March 28, 2019
Apple Card’s fine print – March 28, 2019
Millions of dollars are being lost to Apple Pay fraud – Apple Card to the rescue! – March 27, 2019
Apple just revolutionized another industry with Apple Card – March 26, 2019
Introducing Apple Card, a new kind of credit card created by Apple – March 25, 2019

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “Apple’s decision to upgrade the iPad mini for the first time since 2015 was surprising for a product line that many had assumed was dead,” Sam Byford writes for The Verge. “But having just returned from a two-week trip around Europe where I used the 2019 mini as my only computer, my only question is: what took Apple so long? It’s a wonderful product without parallel.”

“The iPad mini is the perfect vacation computer. My trip involved a lot of low-cost carrier flights with strict baggage limits, so I was traveling super light, and I always appreciated the minimal impact. I never regretted carrying the iPad mini around with me, even though I had a giant phone in my pocket,” Byford writes. “I use an iPhone XS Max, which itself has one of the biggest screens you can get on a phone, at 6.5 inches. That doesn’t sound that much smaller than the iPad mini’s 7.9-inch display on paper, but the two devices just aren’t comparable.”

Apple’s new iPad mini brings Apple Pencil support, Retina display and the A12 Bionic chip.

 
“The A12 processor is another important inclusion,” Byford writes. “The new mini’s A12 is the same chip you’ll find in the current iPhone XS. Its performance is phenomenal, and I feel like there’s enough headroom in this little tablet to last another several-year stretch of Apple forgetting it exists.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: Almost perfect, the new iMac mini is, but imagine it with an OLED display and a TrueDepth Camera in place of the anachronistic Home button and it’d be the perfect little iOS tablet! It’d be impossible to avoid buying.

So, the 2019 iPad mini a great product with some real headroom for improvement. Hopefully, Apple will step up the update schedule (for everything not called “iPhone”) and go for a fully modern iPad mini in 2020!

SEE ALSO:
Macworld UK reviews Apple’s 2019 iPad mini: ‘A surprising and powerful tablet’ – April 19, 2019
Teardown of Apple’s new 5th-gen. iPad mini – April 2, 2019
Hands-on with Apple’s new 10.5-inch iPad Air and 7.9-inch iPad mini – March 29, 2019
Apple’s new 5th-gen. iPad mini is a modern version of a small classic – March 22, 2019
Uh, for whom is Apple’s new iPad mini intended? – March 18, 2019
Apple launches all-new, A12 Bionic-powered 10.5-inch iPad Air and 7.9-inch iPad mini – March 18, 2019

“Take a look at this photo,” Rick Broida writes for CNET.

Can you spot the AirPods imposter? (photo: Rick Broida/CNET)

 
“Two pairs of Apple AirPods, right? Nope: One of them is a clone, a knockoff, an off-brand replica,” Broida writes. “If you’ve seen these before — and they’re kind of everywhere — I’ll bet you wondered the same thing I did: How do they compare? Can $35 true-wireless earbuds possibly rival Apple’s $159 ones?”

“For this test, I ended up going with the AirSounds True Wireless Earbuds, which cost $35,” Broida writes. “Although the AirSounds and AirPods cases are physically identical and within a millimeter of being the exact same size, the earbuds themselves are slightly different. Specifically, the earbud part of the AirSounds is larger — just a tiny bit, but enough to put a little pressure on my ear cartilage and feel uncomfortable after maybe 20 to 30 minutes. Your mileage may vary. If EarPods or AirPods tend to fall out of your ears, the AirSounds might prove a perfect fit.”

“In terms of features, the AirPods blow the AirSounds out of the water; the latter has none of the advanced features of the former, like automatically pausing playback when you take one out of your ear. I can live with that, but I can’t live without auto-connect,” Broida writes. “the AirSounds sounded pretty darn good. Better than the AirPods? No. But decent overall? Yes.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: In the end, Broda found himself questioning whether an AirPod clone makes sense at all.

Here’s the thing, even if these $35 pieces of junk did everything AirPods can do and sounded as good, it’s morally wrong to support a knockoff maker and eschew the actual innovator who did all of the work to create the product, regardless of the price difference. Being a cheapskate doesn’t absolve you of supporting IP-trampling, trade dress-stealing thieves. This goes for upside-down and backwards fake Macs (Windows PCs), iPhone/iOS knockoffs/wannabes (basically any Android phone), and any other knockoff you can come up with.

If you screw the innovators enough by supporting thieves, you retard the impetus to innovate to the detriment of everyone.

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); Apple today released macOS Mojave 10.14.5 which improves the stability and reliability of your Mac, and is recommended for all users.

This update:

• Adds AirPlay 2 support for sharing videos, photos, music and more from your Mac directly to your AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV

• Adds the ability to follow a magazine from the Apple News+ catalog browsing view

• Improves audio latency on MacBook Pro models introduced in 2018

• Fixes an issue that prevented certain very large OmniOutliner and OmniPlan documents from rendering properly

For more detailed information about this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT209149

For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

MacDailyNews Take: Hello, AirPlay 2!

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); “Epic Games, the makers of the Unreal Game Engine, today have announced the acquisition of Twinmotion from Abvent Group of France,” Anthony Frausto-Robledo reports for Architosh. “The terms of the deal were not disclosed.”

“Epic Games today welcomes Twinmotion as the latest offering to help visualization professionals in architecture, construction, urban planning, and landscaping industries to better communicate their designs. Twinmotion delivers real-time, final-quality rendering through a simple and intuitive interface, with the ability to quickly produce a variety of presentation options including images, panos, videos and virtual reality content for use in VR headgear,” Frausto-Robledo reports. “Twinmotion is powered by Unreal Engine 4.”

“Epic will continue to develop and enhance Twinmotion with new capabilities to ensure architects and designers have the tools they need to succeed,” Frausto-Robledo reports. “Additional features and pricing will be announced at a later date.”

 
Much more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Note: Beginning today, anyone can download Twinmotion for free until November 2019 via www.twinmotion.com.

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced that beginning today, all 2019 Samsung Smart TVs and select 2018 TV models with a firmware update will feature the all-new Apple TV app in more than 100 countries and offer AirPlay 2 support in 176 countries. Samsung customers are now able to enjoy Apple TV channels and iTunes movies and TV shows on Samsung Smart TVs.

“For the last decade, Samsung has been at the forefront of offering the broadest selection of content available to consumers on our Smart TV platform,” said Won-Jin Lee, Executive Vice President, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, in a statement. “As the first TV manufacturer to integrate the Apple TV app on a Smart TV platform, Samsung continues to offer our customers incredible value and access to the Apple TV app experience on the largest screens available today.”

Beginning today, the new Apple TV app and AirPlay 2 are available on all 2019 Samsung Smart TVs and select 2018 models

 
Fully integrated into Samsung’s Smart TV platform, users can simply select the Apple TV app icon to access all of their iTunes movies and TV show purchases and browse more than 100,000 iTunes movies and TV shows to buy or rent, including titles available in 4K HDR, in pristine picture quality. Customers around the world can also subscribe to Apple TV channels within the Apple TV app — paying for only the ones they want — and watch on demand directly in the app. Samsung Smart TV users will be able to enjoy Apple TV+, Apple’s original video subscription service, in the Apple TV app across the same model lines when the service launches this fall. With AirPlay 2-enabled Samsung Smart TVs, customers can now also effortlessly play videos and other content from their iPhone, iPad or Mac directly to their Samsung Smart TV.

The Apple TV app will work seamlessly with Samsung’s Smart TV Services, such as Universal Guide, Bixby and Search, to create a consistent experience across Samsung’s platform.

Source: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

MacDailyNews Take: We’ll stick with Sony TVs, thanks, for reasons of quality and a far lower amount of thievery from Apple.

Apple’s list of AirPlay 2–Enabled TVs is here.

SEE ALSO:
Apple’s all-new Apple TV app available in over 100 countries starting today – May 13, 2019
Samsung 4K and 8K TVs that support Apple’s AirPlay 2, iTunes Store go on sale – February 11, 2019

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); The all-new Apple TV app, which brings together all the ways to watch TV into one app, is available starting today in over 100 countries across iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and select Samsung smart TVs.

With the free iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3 software update, customers around the world can now subscribe to Apple TV channels within the Apple TV app — paying for only the ones they want — and watch on demand directly in the app. In the US, Apple TV channels include popular services such as HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME, Smithsonian Channel, EPIX, Tastemade and new services like MTV Hits, with more to be added over time around the world.

Through Family Sharing, up to six family members can share subscriptions to Apple TV channels using just their Apple ID and password. Subscribers can watch and download shows and movies both online and offline, making the Apple TV app the first and only place where HBO subscribers can download movies and shows such as “Game of Thrones” for offline viewing.

The all-new Apple TV app, now available in over 100 countries, brings together the different ways to discover and watch shows, movies and more into one app.

 
Also starting today, users worldwide can enjoy personalized recommendations of shows and movies from more than 150 video apps and streaming services and over 100,000 iTunes movies and TV shows, including the largest collection of 4K HDR titles available to browse, buy or rent — all within the new Apple TV app. The Watch Now section features Up Next, where users can quickly find and watch their favorites with activity synced across devices, as well as explore expertly curated collections based on a secure and comprehensive understanding of users’ viewing interests.

Customers can also enjoy a new, dedicated Kids section, highlighting editorially handpicked shows and movies for kids of all ages, alongside the breakthrough Sports section that makes it easy to find games and receive notifications about favorite teams and leagues. Additionally, customers can find their purchased movies and shows from iTunes in the redesigned Library tab, now organized by Recently Added, Downloaded, Genres and more.

Availability

• The all-new Apple TV app is available today for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV customers in over 100 countries with iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3, and will be available on Mac this fall.

• Starting today, the Apple TV app offering Apple TV channels and iTunes movies and TV shows will also be available on all 2019 Samsung smart TVs and select 2018 models.

• Also starting today, customers with AirPlay 2-enabled Samsung smart TVs can effortlessly play videos and other content from their iPhone, iPad or Mac directly to their smart TVs. Customers must update to iOS 12.3 or macOS 10.14.5 to play or mirror to AirPlay 2-enabled smart TVs.

• Customers with eligible VIZIO, LG and Sony smart TVs will be able to enjoy AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support later this year.

• This fall, Apple TV+, Apple’s original video subscription service, will be available in the Apple TV app.

MacDailyNews Take: Enjoy poking around – the app is much-improved!

(function (w, d) { for (var i = 0, j = d.getElementsByTagName("ins"), k = j[i]; i < j.length; k = j[++i]){ if(k.className == "adPushupAds" && k.getAttribute("data-push") != "1") { ((w.adpushup = w.adpushup || {}).control = (w.adpushup.control || [])).push(k); k.setAttribute("data-push", "1");} } })(window, document); Apple today released iOS 12.3 which includes support for AirPlay 2-enabled TVs and features a redesigned Apple TV app. This update also includes bug fixes and improvements.

AirPlay 2
– AirPlay 2 now supports sharing videos, photos, music and more from your iPhone and iPad directly to your AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV
– One tap playback automatically plays your chosen TV show or movie on the last screen you used based on time and location
– Siri Suggestions to watch movies and TV shows now include an option to AirPlay
– Intelligent suggestions are all done on-device so your personal information stays private

Apple TV app
– The Apple TV app features an all new design that highlights expertly curated collections and personalized recommendations
– Apple TV channels offer subscriptions to HBO, Showtime, Starz, and more, available to watch directly in the Apple TV app, online or off
– Subscriptions to Apple TV channels can be shared with up to six family members, with no new apps, accounts, or passwords needed
– New release movies are available to buy or rent in the Apple TV app, including the full catalog of 100,000+ movies and the largest selection of 4K HDR titles
– A new dedicated kids section helps you discover editorially-handpicked shows and movies safe for kids of all ages
– The Apple TV app can now intelligently suggest playing to the most likely Apple TVs or AirPlay 2-enabled TVs nearby

This update also includes bug fixes and improvements. This update:
– Adds the ability to follow a magazine from the Apple News+ catalog browsing view
– Apple Music’s For You tab now updates multiple times a day suggesting music based on themes like genres, artists, and moods you love
– Fixes an issue that could prevent Apple TV Remote from pausing video, controlling video, or changing volume on supported receivers
– Addresses an issue that could cause calls made using Wi-Fi calling to drop
– Fixes an issue where song information from a connected iPhone may not appear in a car’s display

MacDailyNews Take: Be. Live. Do. It’s snappy, too!