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News - page 367

Designer’s sublime space feeds his creative process [Setups]

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Arun Venkatesan's setup is a light and airy marriage of form and function.
Arun Venkatesan's setup is a light and airy marriage of form and function.
Photo: Arun Venkatesan

San Francisco-based designer Arun Venkatesan is about to take delivery on a 2020 MacBook Air with an M1 chip to replace the 2013 MacBook Air he uses in tandem with his 2018 MacBook Pro. But the new Mac isn’t really what he’s excited about.

He thinks less about having the latest technology and more about how his tools fit into his design philosophy, which he wrote about at length here. Form and function meet in his elegant and minimal setup.

Coronavirus delay may have fanned flames of iPhone 12 anticipation

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iPhone 12 review
The iPhone 12 has been a big hit for Apple.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

When the coronavirus pandemic hit last year, one of the many, many impacts of the spread was the delaying of Apple’s iPhone 12 series. While Apple and its suppliers were able to claw back some of the lost time, the iPhone 12 devices were ultimately pushed back to late October and early November, rather than the usual September release.

But while this might have been frustrating for Apple and customers alike, a new piece of research suggests it may have actually been a net positive. According to Counterpoint Research, the delay could turn out to have been a prudent move for Apple. It reports:

Netherlands could be first country to rule on App Store antitrust accusations

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TikTok continues to dominate the App Store in 2020.
Does Apple have too much control over the App Store?
Photo: Kon Karampelas/Unsplash CC

Antitrust investigators in the Netherlands are reportedly coming to the end of a “years-long” investigation into Apple and its control of the App Store.

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has been investigating this matter since 2019. It focuses on Apple’s “payments system” in the App Store, which charges developers 15% to 30% in commission. With its impending decision, it could become the first antitrust authority to rule on this contentious issue.

No, Apple isn’t working on a vaccine passport app for the World Health Organization

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covid.19.coronavirus.graphic2
Report was erroneously made by European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.
Photo: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Apple is not developing a coronavirus vaccine passport with Google, despite European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s assertion that such an app is in the works.

On Thursday, von der Leyen told reporters Apple and Google were developing a potentially travel-boosting solution for the World Health Organization. However, “a person familiar with Apple’s position” says the EC boss is mistaken.

Not so fast: Apple car relationship with Kia may be revving up again

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Kia
Apple's partner on the Apple Car project could be Kia. Again.
Photo: Nils Bogdanovs/Unsplash CC

The will-they-won’t-they drama involving Apple and Kia’s possible team-up to build an Apple car is on again.

Shares in the automaker rose by up to 8.1% Friday, after rumors abounded that there is still a chance that they will work with Apple on an electric vehicle. Even if it turns out to be a slightly different vehicle to the one some are expecting.

Eye-catching iPhone Pro concept adds smart connector, drops Lightning port

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Eye-catching iPhone Pro concept adds smart connector, drops Lightning port
This suggested iPhone Pro doesn’t use the Lightning connector. Nor does it have a model number.
Photo: Antonio De Rosa

A concept artist proposes an iPhone Pro without a Lightning port. Instead, he envisions a new dock port on the back of the handset where clip-on accessories could attach.

A beautifully made video shows off the concept iPhone as though it were real. Watch it now.

Apple products get double the space in Target stores

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Target trolleys in store
Shopping for Apple gear in some Target stores across the U.S. will soon be an easier process.
Photo: Mike Mozart/Flickr CC

Many Target stores will become better places to buy Macs, iPhones and other Apple products. In a deal announced Thursday, there’ll be twice as much space dedicated to the devices in these locations, and Target employees will get additional training on using them.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 prevents USB hubs from damaging MacBooks

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macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 was released Thursday, February 25.
A MacBook Pro or MacBook Air might be damaged by a USB-C hub. Get macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 to make sure it doesn’t happen.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple on Thursday released a critical macOS update that might save your MacBook from being damaged by a misbehaving USB-C hub or dock. The problem is severe enough that macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 was rushed out solely to fix this problem.

This new version might not be available for all users, as it affects only certain models.

Apple plans podcasts, training and exercise sessions for Women’s History Month

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Apple plans podcasts, training and exercise sessions for Women’s History Month
For Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Apple will call attention to female voices that drive culture and change.
Image: Apple

Apple will highlight the contributions of women to society in many ways during Women’s History Month, including suggesting relevant outstanding books, podcasts and apps. It also plans virtual Today at Apple sessions led by female creators.

Plus, there’ll be an International Women’s Day Apple Watch Activity Challenge for March 8, and there’ll be other ways of observing this day.

Mac to the future: Apple’s new designs embrace the past like never before

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The rainbow Apple logo on the back of a modern iMac.
Apple's going back to the past.
Photo: ColorWare

Something weird is brewing in Apple land. The company, which for years wasn’t big on embracing its past, has gone retro.

While the innovations — ranging from the first 5G iPhones to the exciting new Macs powered by Apple’s proprietary processors — keep coming, Cupertino is reportedly revisiting some of its past designs for its next generation of products.

And you know what? I like it.

Want an M1 MacBook Pro? Sell your old model for fast upgrade cash

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abstract-MacBook
It's easier than you think.
Photo: Dmitry Chernyshov

It’s a great time to pick up a new M1 MacBook Pro, with retailers like Amazon now slashing up to $100 off brand-new models, and Apple itself offering bigger discounts on refurbished units. And Cult of Mac can help make yours even more affordable.

We pay great prices for used Apple computers (and other Apple devices) — and we make the whole process quick and simple. We also cough up real cash that you can spend anywhere you like.

Apple’s VP of environment joins New Jersey Council on the Green Economy

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Apple VP Lisa Jackson showcases Apple's environmental efforts during the Gather Round event.
Lisa Jackson has led many of Apple's green initiatives.
Photo: Apple

Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, will join the New Jersey Council on the Green Economy, the state said Wednesday.

The council will focus on “expanding the green economy and building a diverse workforce” while supporting clean energy initiatives and anti-climate change goals.

Half of smartphones bought in Japan in 2020 were iPhones

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iPhone 12 Pro Shiny sides
The iPhone 12 was a big hit in Japan, too.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Apple carved out a massive 52.6% of the smartphone market in Japan in the last quarter of 2020. That’s according to the latest figures released by International Data Corporation (IDC), highlighting just how far ahead of the competition Apple is.

In the fourth quarter of the year, Apple reportedly shipped more than 6 million units to Japan, increasing 13.8% year-over-year. The next closest rival, Sharp, shipped only 1.4 million phones for a 12.4% share. Samsung, Apple’s biggest competitor worldwide, managed only 781,000 units for 6.8% of the market.

Apple starts selling refurbished M1 MacBooks at big discounts

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MacBook Air M1 2020
A refurbished MacBook Air could be your key to a fresh computer without breaking your budget.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple began selling refurbished M1 MacBooks at well below their original prices. As they’re as much as $500 below the regular price, these are outstanding options for anyone who wants a laptop with Apple’s speedy M-series processor but don’t have the cash for a new one.

There’s a wide range of used MacBook Air and MacBook Pro units currently in stock at the online Apple Store.

iOS engineer loves his triple-5K display, except when he doesn’t [Setups]

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Christian Roman's setup is built for beautiful video and audio: 5K screens, massive subwoofer, pro lighting.
Christian Roman built his setup for beautiful video and audio: three 5K screens, speakers with a massive subwoofer and pro lighting.
Photo: Christian Roman

iOS software engineer Christian Roman has a “love-hate relationship” with his impressive triple 5K display setup.

“It’s fantastic when it works,” he told Cult of Mac. “It’s a nightmare when macOS suddenly decides to stop working with triple screens.”

Fry’s Electronics is dead, and the Apple store helped kill it

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The Fry's Electronics in Burbank, California, had a retro alien invasion theme.
The alien invasion theme of the Fry's in Burbank, California, looks sadly appropriate now.
Photo: Theron Trowbridge/Flickr CC

Fry’s Electronics, a brick-and-mortar retailer and Silicon Valley institution since the mid-1980s, has shut its doors. And, while it might be hyperbolic to say Apple killed the quirky electronics superstore, Cupertino certainly hammered a nail or three in Fry’s coffin.

The chain — which stocked a sprawling selection of TVs, stereos and other electronics alongside computer components, DVDs, groceries and less-savory items — became a go-to for geeks as personal computers took off.

But even with crazy themed stores that made it the “Walt Disney World of electronics stores,” Fry’s couldn’t compete in the sleek new retail world Apple created.

Foxconn electric vehicle teamup makes it better fit for producing Apple Car

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Foxconn electric vehicle teamup with Fisker makes it a better fit for producing the Apple Car.
Fisker turned to Foxconn to product an electric vehicle. Apple might someday do the same.
Photo: Fisker

A deal between Foxconn and Fisker might eventually lead to Apple having its self-driving car produced by the same company that assembles iPhones.

Electric vehicle-maker Fisker agreed on Wednesday to team up with Foxconn to develop a “breakthrough electric vehicle.” Foxconn will manufacture the car.

Blast from the past: 2021 iMac could bring back multiple color options

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iMac 2021
But will it come in Bondi blue?
Photo: Jon Prosser/FrontPageTech

For the first time since the iMac G3 in the late 1990s, Apple’s all-in-one desktop computer might come in a range of color options, Apple leaker Jon Prosser says.

In a video published Wednesday, Prosser says 2021’s redesigned Apple Silicon iMac will come in black, white, green, blue and rose gold colors. Those are the same color options the latest iPad Air comes in.

Tim Cook remembers Steve Jobs on what would have been his 66th birthday

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Today would have been Jobs' birthday.
Photo: Ben Stanfield/Flickr CC

Tim Cook has tweeted about Steve Jobs on what would have been his former boss’s 66th birthday. Jobs passed away 10 years ago this year, the same period of time that Cook has now been running Apple.

“Celebrating Steve on what would have been his 66th birthday,” Cook wrote. “Especially in a year where so much kept us apart, technology brought us together in limitless ways. That’s a testament to Steve’s life and the legacy he left, which continue to inspire me every day.”

Developers get new rules for filling out App Store privacy labels

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App Store privacy labels are new, and there have been criticism.
The purpose of the App Store privacy labels is to help users understand what data is collected and how it is used.
Photo: Apple

Developers have updated instructions for filling out the privacy “nutrition labels” shown in the App Store. There are additions and clarifications.

Apple asks developers to submit the information for these privacy labels shown to users. There’ve been questions about how accurate the devs’ responses are — including some from a Congressional committee — and the new instructions might be part of Apple’s response.

Anker’s magnetic iPhone battery pack looks like MagSafe but it’s not

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Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K doesn’t fully support MagSafe.
The Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K is the clip-on power bank we’ve been hoping for. Mostly.
Photo: Anker

Anker will apparently launch the first power bank that uses the MagSafe system to magnetically attach to an iPhone 12 series model. The PowerCore Magnetic 5K will be able to transmit 5000mAh to Apple’s latest handsets through inductive charging.

However, the external battery doesn’t fully support the new MagSafe system so it doesn’t offer enhanced charging speeds.