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News - page 311

Apple plans to hold back SharePlay from initial OS 15 releases

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The FaceTime feature SharePlay won't be coming out with the initial OS 15 releases.
The FaceTime feature SharePlay won't be coming out with the initial OS 15 releases.
Photo: Apple

The anticipated SharePlay feature in FaceTime syncs up TV shows, movies, music and more across devices so people can experience them together. But the features in upcoming beta releases and the major official OS 15 updates this fall won’t include it, Apple told developers today.

Apple picks 15 Black- and Brown-owned businesses for new environmental Impact Accelerator

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Apple Store
Apple pushes for 'a greener and more equitable future for all people.'
Photo: Apple

Apple on Tuesday confirmed it has chosen 15 Black- and Brown-owned businesses for a first-of-its kind Impact Accelerator to support equity and opportunity in the environmental sector.

The move is part of Cupertino’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, aimed at combatting systematic barriers to opportunity, while also advancing innovative solutions for communities most impacted by climate change.

Why I don’t want new health sensors in Apple Watch Series 7

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Does Apple Watch need more health sensors?
Does Apple Watch need more health sensors?
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Since Apple Watch gets a hardware update like clockwork every fall, it’s a safe bet we’ll see a Series 7 model next month alongside the iPhone 13. There are plenty of rumors about what to expect, including a better display and a new flat-edged design, both of which sound great to me.

But I’m less keen on the prospect that Apple Watch Series 7 might come with additional health sensors. Here’s why.

FlickType gives up on accessible iPhone keyboard after ā€˜abuse’ from Apple

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FlickType gives up on iPhone keyboard
That's the end of FlickType as we know it.
Photo: FlickType

FlickType, maker of the accessible iPhone keyboard that has become popular among those with vision impairment, has confirmed it is discontinuing its app after years of obstacles and “abuse” from Apple’s App Store approval team.

The announcement comes after FlickType last week submitted an update to fix bugs related to iOS 15 and got “incorrectly” rejected by Apple. The team says Apple has ignored repeated requests for clarification and support.

iPhone 13 could drop in late September with 1TB storage option, LiDAR for all

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Look inside the LiDAR scanner in the 2020 iPad Pro
It's about time LiDAR expanded its reach.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s next-generation iPhone 13 lineup could launch during the third week of September with up to 1TB of storage, according to a new research report. It is also claimed that all models, from iPhone 13 mini to Pro Max, will feature a LiDAR Scanner for greater augmented reality and improved autofocus.

Corellium will support security testing of Apple CSAM scanning feature

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Corellium Apple CSAM scanning
It is offering funding and free access to its iPhone virtualization platform.
Photo: Corellium

Security research firm Corellium on Monday revealed its new Open Security Initiative, which will support independent research into the privacy and security of mobile apps and devices. Its first target is Apple’s controversial CSAM scanning feature, set to roll out to iPhone users later this year.

Corellium said it applauds Apple’s commitment to holding itself accountable, and it believes its platform of virtual iOS devices is best for supporting any testing efforts. It hopes that researchers will use it to uncover “errors in any component” of Apple’s feature, which could be used to “subvert the system as a whole, and consequently violate iPhone users’ privacy and security.”

Yik Yak is back: anonymous, local social app returns to iOS

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The anonymous, local Yik Yak social media app is resurrected.
The anonymous, local Yik Yak social media app is resurrected.
Photo: Yik Yak

When the social media app Yik Yak debuted in late 2013, it was a hit at colleges. Users remained anonymous and only posts in their immediate area showed up for them. But then the app lost what made it unique and the company disbanded. Now the app is back with new ownership and something like the original formula.

Dashlane re-embraces the Mac, releases native Catalyst app

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Dashlane password manager re-embraces the Mac, releases Catalyst app
A new Mac version of the Dashlane password manager was built with Catalyst so it was ported from the iPad one.
Photo: Dashlane

Dashlane released a new macOS version of its password manager on Monday. This is a surprise because its developer announced last year that the Mac app was being replaced with web access.

And the iPhone version was updated with smarter search and other improvements.

Razer wants to dress up your mechanical keyboard

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Razer's PBT Keycap + Coiled Cable Upgrade Set comes in multiple colors.
Razer's PBT Keycap + Coiled Cable Upgrade Set comes in multiple colors.
Photo: Razer

Amid the mechanical keyboard mania that has gamers and others clickety-clacking all over the place, gaming provider Razer has unleashed Keycap Upgrade Sets and a selection of wrist rests to add color and style to your trusty old keeb.

HBO Max plans to fix broken Apple TV app ā€˜within days’

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HBO Max’s free tier won’t include first-run films
A major overhaul is also on the way.
Photo: WarnerMedia

HBO Max plans to fix its buggy Apple TV app “within days,” while other platforms will see big fixes before the end of the year.

Users have been plagued by issues that affect playback control, subtitles, and general usability. Executives insist they aren’t blind to the problems, and a major overhaul for all platforms is on the way.

iPhone 13, AirPods 3 and more to come from exciting fall for Apple fans

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A smaller battery and slower MagSafe charging seem to be the iPhone 12 mini's only weaknesses.
Are you ready?
Photo: Apple

The next couple of months could prove very exciting for Apple fans, with Cupertino planning a whole bunch of big product releases before the year is out. One reliable reporter predicts that in addition to “iPhone 13” and Apple Watch Series 7, we can expect new AirPods and a refreshed iPad models.

And that’s just the start of it.

Last chance! Give your boring Apple TV a cool classic console makeover [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Elago's retro series
Elago's retro case gives your Apple TV a classic console vibe.
Photo: Elago

Calling all gamers. This week’s giveaway is for you. Elago is giving away a cover for your Apple TV that gives it a retro console look.

In addition, Elago is throwing in a matching Siri remote case to make it a complete set. If you want to old school your modern Apple devices and kick the fun factor up to the next level, make sure and enter this week’s giveaway. Three lucky winners will each win one Apple TV Case and one 2021 Apple TV Siri Remote Case, both in light grey.

LG 32-inch UltraFine OLED Pro Monitor takes on Apple Pro Display XDR

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LG 32-inch UltraFine OLED Pro Monitor takes on Apple Pro Display XDR
LG calls its new screen ā€œthe OLED display for design and video professionals.ā€
Photo: LG

The LG 32” UltraFine Display OLED Pro Monitor is a new option for creative professionals who need a top-tier display. It offers a million-to-one contrast ratio and a very wide color gamut.

The screen is aimed at the same market as Apple’s Pro Display XDR. And has a price tag to match.

Crossword fans should give Apple Arcade’s Wurdweb a try

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Make a web of words with ā€˜Wurdweb’ on Apple Arcade
Wurdweb takes one aspect of a crossword puzzle and goes to town with it.
Photo: Aran & Adriaan

Wurdweb is a new twist on crossword puzzles. The game supplies words and it’s up to players to fit as many as possible on a board. It’s one of those “easy to learn, hard to master” casual puzzle games.

It debuted Friday on the Apple Arcade subscription service.

Apple employees reportedly join backlash over CSAM photo scanning

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Apple.logo.paris.store
Some inside Apple aren't happy with the move.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple employees have begun voicing their concerns over the company’s plan to scan user photos for child abuse material (CSAM), according to a new report. Many are said to have taken to internal Slack channels to express worries over how the feature could be exploited by governments.

“More than 800 messages” have been shared on one channel during a “days-long” discussion about the move. It comes after a number of privacy advocates this week spoke out against Apple’s announcement, calling it mass surveillance and warning that it could set a dangerous precedent.