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Ed Hardy - page 175

Apple drops first public iPadOS and iOS 13.4.5 bug-fix betas

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Even the best iPads have bugs
iPadOS and iOS 13.4.5 are all about killing bugs. The public can now beta test this upcoming version.
Photo: Cult of Mac/Pexels CC

More than developers can test iOS 13.4.5 and the iPad equivalent. Starting Thursday, the general public can download a beta version if they’re brave enough to run pre-release software.

Just be aware, these updates are almost entirely about fixing bugs in the iOS and iPadOS versions released March 24, not new features.

iPad Pro’s LiDAR Scanner isn’t accurate enough for 3D printing

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Esper is a proof-of-concept app to demonstrate the LiDAR scanner in the 2020 iPad Pro
The LiDAR scanner in the latest iPad makes a 3D map of its area, as demonstrated by Esper from Lux Optics.
Photo: Sebastiaan De With/Lux Optics

The 3D scanner built into the 2020 iPad Pro is intended for augmented-reality applications. Tests by the developers of the Halide camera app found that LiDAR built into this new tablet is well-suited for scanning furniture-size objects, but not anything smaller.

How Apple made the 2020 iPhone SE so cheap

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2020 iPhone SE supports all Apple services.
The 2020 iPhone SE isn’t stripped to the bone, but Apple cut some corners to get its low price.
Photo: Apple

The 2020 iPhone SE costs just $399. That makes it one of the cheapest iOS handsets ever, equaled only by the original model. But to get this price, Apple had to make some compromises. It’s important to be aware of what they are.

New Logitech keyboard case brings trackpad to regular iPads

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Logitech-Combo-Touch-iPad
Logitech Combo Touch is like the Magic Keyboard for regular iPads.
Photo: Logitech

Logitech Combo Touch adds both a keyboard and a trackpad to inexpensive iPad models, because it’s not just Apple’s professional-grade models that can use mice and trackpads. Plus, there’s a flexible kickstand, and the keyboard is removable.

In addition, the Logitech Slim Folio Pro, a more basic keyboard case for the 2020 iPad Pro, is also available now on the Apple Store.

AirPods Pro replacement ear tips finally for sale on Apple.com

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Demand could far exceed supply for AirPods this holidays
Getting AirPods Pro replacement ear tips is now as simple as visiting the Apple Store.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Getting replacement ear tips for AirPods Pro just got whole lot easier. On Wednesday, these went up for sale on the Apple Store, and can be ordered like any other product.

That’s far easier than getting these used to be.

2020 Powerbeats Pro may have scored FCC approval

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This might be the 2020 Powerbeats Pro next to the 2019 one
2020 Powerbeats Pro look familiar in FCC filings.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple got approval to release a pair of “totally wireless high-performance earphones” from the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday. But the company didn’t release this product, so exactly what they’ll offer is a mystery.

That said, information buried in the FCC filing shows these will be very similar to last year’s Powerbeats Pro. They might be the successor.

Surprise! Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro launches early

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iPad-Pro-Magic-Trackpad
The Apple Magic Keyboard isn’t like any other iPad Pro accessory.
Photo: Apple

Apple began taking orders for the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro on Wednesday, about a month before the expected launch. This is Apple’s first iPad case with a built-in trackpad, and it sports an eye-catching design that leaves the tablet seemingly floating above the keyboard.

Apple TV+ sees viewership bump from self-isolation

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“Amazing Stories” is coming to Apple TV+
Steven Spielberg’s “Amazing Stories” helps push up Apple TV+ viewership.
Screenshot: Apple

More people are watching Apple TV+ now that they are staying home to avoid the coronavirus, according to a market-analysis firm. Plus, this streaming service has a couple of strong shows that have increased viewership.

Amazing Apple Card concept shows the power of augmented reality

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Concept shows the potential of Apple augmented reality.
Augmented reality could make an Apple Card even more user friendly.
Photo: Volodymyr Kurbatov

A concept artist created an answer for anyone dubious about the usefulness of augmented reality. His video demonstrates how AR could give an Apple Card user their balance and recent transactions with only a glance.

Watch the full concept video now:

Apple Maps data shows people worldwide staying home during COVID-19 pandemic

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The mobility data trends tool based on data from Apple Maps.
Data from Apple Maps users was combined to show movement trends during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Photo: Apple

A mobility data trends tool based on data from Apple Maps released on Tuesday graphically demonstrates that people around the world are staying home to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Apple introduced the tool to provide insights to health authorities looking for ways to mitigate the spread of this disease.

Sling TV goes free every night. No strings attached

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Free Sling TV every evening.
Sling TV launched a Happy Hour Across America with free service every evening. And for much longer than an hour.
Photo: Sling TV

Sling TV streaming video service is now available during primetime at no charge. New customers can watch every night from 5 pm to midnight for free.

The company hopes this will help American families staying home during the COVID-19 crisis.

HomePod isn’t a TV but it might run tvOS

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HomePod in China
There supposedly was a big change to HomePod that no one outside Apple knew about.
Photo: Apple

Since a system software update released in March, Apple’s HomePod smart speaker reportedly runs a version of tvOS, the operating system for Apple TV. The change might make it simpler to update this device, and support older hardware for longer.

Apple Watch could someday monitor stress levels, prevent panic attacks

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grid
One of the improvements coming to future Apple Watches could be warning the wearer of upcoming panic attacks.
Photo: Matt Birchler

Your Apple Watch could eventually keep an eye on more than your physical health. A future watchOS wearable will reportedly monitor the user’s stress level. This could go all the way to warning the wearer ahead of time that they could be close to a panic attack.

Tiny MacBook adapter unites 480GB SSD, Thunderbolt 3 and HDMI

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Minix Neo Storage Pro with MacBook
Minix Neo Storage Pro combines an SSD, USB-A and HDMI in a clip-on package.
Photo: Minix

Minix Neo Storage Pro is a 480GB solid-state drive that’s also a USB-C multi-port adapter. Plug it into a MacBook and it expands the storage capacity, while also adding HDMI and USB-A ports. And there’s also an accessible Thunderbolt 3 port.

Analyst: iPhone 9 set for mid-April release, but 6.7-inch iPhone 12 delayed

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iphone9
The iPhone 9 release could be right around the corner.
Photo: Mauro Batino

Apple will “likely” launch a low-cost iPhone 9 as early as next week, according to an analyst report published Friday.

Travel difficulties caused by the coronavirus outbreak may push back the release of the largest iPhone ever until late fall, the analyst said. However, other new iOS devices are still on schedule for September.

Apple adds local information to its COVID-19 iPhone app

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iPhone showing coronavirus that causes COVID-19
Apple’s COVID-19 iPhone app providing reliable info about the novel coronavirus has been updated with details from each U.S. state.
Photo: Cult of Mac/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Apple updated its COVID-19 screening application for iPhone with information from each U.S. state’s health department to help users know what’s expected in their area.

This fits with the goal of Apple’s app — giving people resources to stay informed on steps they can take to protect their health during the coronavirus outbreak.

Meross smart plug makes HomeKit home automation easy and cheap [Review]

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Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini review
Insert the Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini into a wall socket and you can control it from anywhere in the world.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini is an inexpensive and easy-to-install way to get started in home automation. This smart plug lets you control a lamp, fan or other appliance without needing to touch it. Support for Apple’s HomeKit and Amazon Alexa means voice commands, or automated schedules, are all that’s necessary.

I tested a pair of these accessories for a week, and can report on how they perform in daily use.

LG’s latest top-tier and more affordable smart TVs offer Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit

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LG Nano99, Nano90, and Nano81 all work well with iPhone and Mac.
LG new and upcoming NanoCell smart TVs all include Apple’s AirPlay 2 and HomeKit smart home technologies.
Photo: LG

LG took the wraps off a dozen large-screen TVs on Thursday, all of which support Apple’s AirPlay 2 and HomeKit so they can be integrated into an iPhone-controlled smart home. Screen sizes for these 2020 TVs range from 49 inches all the way up to 86 inches.

Apple might turn MacBooks into wireless chargers

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MacBook wireless charger
Wireless chargers built into future MacBook models remains a real possibility.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple hasn’t abandoned the idea of building reverse wireless chargers into its devices. It’s been considering for years the idea of enabling a MacBook to send power to an iPhone without the hassle of wires. And the ability to recharge another handset, or an Apple Watch, was supposed to be a feature of the iPhone 11, but it didn’t happen.

Nevertheless, undeniable evidence that Apple engineers are still working on the technology came to light on Thursday.

iOS 14 could allow app previews without a full download

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App Store
You might soon be able to use applications without downloading them with iOS 14 Clips.
Photo: Graham Bower

iOS 14 will reportedly be able to run part of third-party applications, giving users access to some of their features without them needing to install the entire app on their iPhone, according to a published report. How much of each application would be available in these “Clips” would be up to that app’s developer.