Mobile menu toggle

News - page 453

Apple’s IS&T division sounds like a chaotic war zone

By

apple-hq
Not everyone loves working at Apple.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s Information Systems & Technology division (IS&T) has come under scrutiny in a new book that analyzes the business practices and cultures of America’s biggest tech companies.

Scoring a coding job at Apple is a dream gig for most developers, but an excerpt from Alex Kantrowitz’s book, Always Day One, reveals that if you accept a job on the IS&T team, you better be ready for “a Game of Thrones nightmare.”

iPadOS concept imagines spectacular ‘main menu’ for iPad

By

iPadOS-main-menu-concept
A new way to interact with apps.
Photo: Alexander Käßner

This brilliant new iPadOS concept imagines a spectacular “main menu” concept that would change the way we interact with iPad apps.

The feature, designed by Alexander Käßner, would allow for cleaner apps and a standardized method of accessing common functions. It works much like the toolbar every Mac user is familiar with.

Apple reveals COVID-19 Face Shield details in new support doc

By

Apple-shield
Apple's designers are joining the fight against COVID-19.
Photo: Apple

A new support document gives a detailed look at the face shields Apple designed for medical workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic. In true Apple design fashion, the shields are minimalist yet highly functional.

Apple says the shields are fully adjustable and can be assembled in just two minutes. That means workers can spend less time fussing with protective gear and more time helping COVID-19 patients.

Action-packed iOS 14 concept crams tons of new features on iPhone

By

iOS-14
We hope Apple adds this much new stuff to iOS 14.
Photo: Stijn van Oosterwijk

With all the iOS 14 leaks dropping ahead of WWDC 2020 we already have a pretty solid idea which new features will make the cut, but concept designer Stijn van Oosterwijk has a couple dozen other ideas that would make iOS 14 the biggest iPhone update ever.

Oosterwijk’s new iOS 14 concept video is jammed with new features. The video starts with a new incoming call screen and keeps pouring on other goodies. There’s lock screen widgets, a completely new Tools app, a translate app, an AR experience within the Maps app and so much more.

How many new features can you count?

Apple readies new headphones, AirPods X; plans to ‘phase out Beats’

By

Beats-Powerbeats
Is this the beginning of the end for the Beats brand?
Photo: Apple

Apple is readying new over-ear headphones and “AirPods X” for 2020 as it plans to slowly “phase out Beats,” a tipster claimed Tuesday.

We could see the company’s new over-ear headphones during the online-only Worldwide Developers Conference this June. However, the company’s sportier take on AirPods is expected to come in the fall. Currently, Apple is supposedly working to clear out Beats inventory.

Germany launches smartwatch app for tracking COVID-19 pandemic

By

Germany smartwatch app 1
The app could help monitor spread of COVID-19.
Photo: Robert Koch Institute

Germany is launching a smartwatch app to help monitor the spread of the coronavirus.

The app, created by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), is called Corona Datenspende, which translates as the Corona Data Donation. It allows users with devices like Apple Watch or fitness trackers such as Fitbit to share data about coronavirus symptoms to track the spread of the pandemic in Germany.

WhatsApp outlines its mission to keep you safe during COVID-19

By

whatsapp-logo
It includes tighter restrictions on message forwarding.
Photo: WhatsApp

WhatsApp on Tuesday outlined measures to keep its more than 2 billion users safe and secure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The measures include tighter limits on message forwarding, and working with organizations and governments like the World Health Organization to help connect user with more accurate information.

“We believe that now more than ever people need to be able to connect privately,” WhatsApp said. “Our teams are hard at work to keep WhatsApp running reliably during this unprecedented global crisis.”

Pixelmator Photo for iPad picks up trackpad, Split View support

By

Pixelmator-Photo-1-2
Download the newest update today.
Photo: Pixelmator

Pixelmator Photo, the desktop-class image editing app for iPad, now takes full advantage of Apple’s most recent iPadOS 13.4 update. Users can enjoy improved mouse and trackpad support, as well as Split View.

The version 1.2 release also brings color matching powered by machine learning, color intensity controls, and more.

Leaked images reveal iPhone 12’s smaller notch, iOS 14 widgets in action

By

iphone-12-pro
Are you excited about this year's iPhone?
Photo: The Hacker 34

New images leaked online seems to confirm rumors that iOS 14 will offer Home screen widgets similar to the ones found on Android. These widgets could potentially provide useful pieces of information to suit each user.

The same image also appears to confirm that the iPhone 12’s notch will hang around for another year. However, although it may get a bit smaller than previous iterations.

Future Apple devices could be controlled with ultra-precise eye-tracking

By

Eye closeup
Could this shed light on Apple's AR headset plans?
Photo: v2osk on Unsplash

Appropriately enough at a time we’re worried about touching any surface without immediately washing our hands, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office has published an eye-tracking patent application from Apple describing a method of letting users control an interface with nothing more than a simple glance.

The application possibly sheds light on one of the features of Apple’s rumored head-mounted display for augmented and virtual reality.

No, the 2020 iPad Pro doesn’t have Apple’s spatially aware U1 chip

By

2020 iPad Pro with official wallpaper
A great iPad. But not a U1 chip in sight.
Photo: Apple

Daring Fireball‘s John Gruber said Monday that he has confirmed “with a little birdie” that there is indeed no U1 chip in the new iPad Pro.

The U1 Ultra Wideband chip debuted with the iPhone 11. It allows the iPhone to detect its exact position relative to other devices in the same room. That gives it a sense of spatial awareness for things like targeted AirDrop by pointing one iPhone at another to share a file.

Apple will stream One World: Together at Home COVID-19 concert, donates $10 million

By

One World: Together at Home 1
Concert will take place next week.
Photo: One World: Together at Home

Apple will join platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, and others in streaming a multi-hour music and entertainment broadcast, called One World: Together at Home. It is intended to support the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

The “global live-cast,” announced Monday, will take place on April 18. It promises to feature musical performances from a number of big names such as Lady Gaga, Elton John, Alanis Morissette, Billie Eilish, Chris Martin, Paul McCartney and Keith Urban.

Researchers turn to iPhone-connected wearable to study COVID-19 symptoms

By

whoop
Whoop's simple band provides deep insights into your health.
Photo: Whoop

Whoop is the latest wearable being enlisted to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical researchers hope the fitness band company’s data could prove an invaluable tool for measuring symptoms caused by the coronavirus.

The Cleveland Clinic and Central Queensland University in Australia are partnering with Whoop to study changes in respiration rates. Whoop’s wearable collects health data 24/7. It could possibly be used to create an early warning system for people infected by COVID-19 but not exhibiting symptoms yet.

CBS turns to FaceTime and Zoom to shoot new episode of All Rise

By

All-rise
The cast of All Rise will be practicing social distancing while filming.
Photo: CBS

CBS has found a novel way to continue filming its TV show All Rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The courthouse legal drama will film a virtual episode using FaceTime, WebEx and Zoom from the actors’ homes making it the first primetime show to be filmed while still practicing social distancing.

Mac users grow aggravated over macOS 10.15.4 crashes

By

macOS Catalina is here. But proceed from Mojave with caution.
Crashes with Catalina 10.15.4.
Photo: Apple

Mac users are venting in online forums about frequent system crashes that began after they updated to macOS Catalina 10.15.4.

The crash reports are popping up on a number of online forums with most saying kernel panics seem to happen after attempting large file transfers.

Totallee UV Phone Sanitizer kills germs, and recharges your iPhone

By

Totallee UV Phone Sanitizer and iPhone charger
An iPhone placed in the Totallee UV Phone Sanitizer will be bathed in UVB and UVC rays.
Photo: Totallee

Drop your iPhone into the Totallee UV Phone Sanitizer and a pair of ultraviolet lights will kill the germs and bacteria that handsets tend to get coated in. And, as a bonus, this accessory also works as a wireless phone charger.

Totallee makes no promises this product works against the novel coronavirus that’s causing the current pandemic. But earlier studies have shown that the UVC light this accessory emits is effective against other viruses.

Brilliant iOS 14 concept adds multiple docks to iPhone Home screen

By

ios-14
We need this ASAP.
Photo: Alessandro Chiarlitti

A brilliant new iOS 14 concept shows how useful it would be to have multiple docks at the bottom of the iPhone’s Home screen.

The multiple-dock UI, published by designer Alessandro Chiarlitti over the weekend, would basically let you toggle between different widgets at the bottom of the screen. That would give you quick access to music controls and other apps without opening them.

Check it out in action:

Sling TV promises week of free streaming service, no strings attached

By

Sling TV
The “Stay in and Sling” offer promises 7 days of Sling TV, with no credit card required to sign up.
Photo: Sling TV

It’s not necessary to enter credit card info to sign up for a week of free Sling TV live channels and on-demand movies. The streaming service includes CNN, HGTV Cartoon Network and much more. And it’s all available for seven days with no strings attached to people sheltering at home during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Outrun is a beautiful, privacy-first iPhone running app

By

outrun
Run, in private, with Outrun.
Photo: Bruno Nascimento/Unsplash

Outrun is a privacy-focused run-tracking app that integrates with the Health app. (It’s also a seminal arcade racing game from 1986, but that’s not what we’re talking about today.) The Outrun running app is a great alternative to all those running and cycling apps that upload and/or sell your data to anyone who wants it, or drive you crazy with ads. Or both.

Google Maps spotlights nearby delivery and take-out restaurants

By

Google Maps adds Takeout and Delivery buttons
Tap on the Delivery or Takeout buttons in Google Maps to see open eateries that are closeby.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A pair of easy-to-see buttons have been added at the top of the Google Maps iPhone and Android apps to help users find restaurants in their area that offer takeout and delivery service. These point people toward nearby eateries still offering service during the coronavirus crisis.

Will people pay for Quibi’s snack-size shows? Free trial might help

By

Nicole Richie as Nikki FreSh
Nicole Richie is Nikki Fre$h.
Screenshot: Quibi/YouTube

A new streaming service started Monday — but put down the remote. You won’t find Quibi on your television.

Instead, Quibi – its title a mashup of the words quick and bites – brings short-form entertainment through an app downloaded to an iPhone or iPad. If you are just hearing about Quibi, here’s a quick primer on the new streaming service.