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News - page 463

Apple’s latest updates kill FaceTime on older iPhone, iPad models

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Group FaceTime is a great way to stay in touch with your family and friends during coronavirus quarantine.
It's not a good time to lose FaceTime.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s most recent software updates have reportedly broken FaceTime compatibility with older iPhone and iPad models, leaving many users unable to make voice or video calls during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The issue affects devices running iOS 13.4 and macOS 10.15.4 when they attempt to connect with devices running iOS 9.3.5 or iOS 9.3.6 — or vice-versa. There is no fix for now.

Gorgeous concept integrates Dark Sky into Apple’s Weather app

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apple-weather
The iPhone's Weather app could use a big upgrade.
Photo: Parker Ortolani

Apple shocked us with its acquisition of the Dark Sky weather app and dev team yesterday leading many fans to wonder how the app and its tech will be integrated into iOS in the future. And thanks to Parker Ortolani’s quick Apple Weather concept, we already have a good idea of what that could look like.

It will likely take months or even a year for Dark Sky to be integrated into the iOS weather app, but Ortolani’s concept shows how the acquisition could dramatically alter the app’s UI. New elements like a Map Radar view and precise rain notifications could turn the weather app from an after-thought into a crucial tool for everyone.

Take a closer look at some of the features:

T-Mobile completes long-awaited mega-merger with Sprint

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T-Mobile CEO John Legere with the Phone BoothE.
T-Mobile CEO John Legere is stepping down as big boss.
Photo: T-Mobile

The T-Mobile and Sprint merger is now officially complete, transforming the third and fourth-biggest wireless carriers in the U.S. into a more giant-sized rival to take on Verizon and AT&T.

The New T-Mobile, as it will be known, will be run by CEO Mike Sievert. Sievert takes over from T-Mobile boss John Legere, who has been chief executive of T-Mobile since 2012. Legere will remain on T-Mobile’s board until June.

Doom and Doom II updates bring even more content to iOS

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Doom cover
With his face mask and aggressive social distancing, Doom's protagonist was ready for lockdown.
Photo: Id Software

Trapped in an oppressive single location, allowing no-one to get within breathing distance of you, while the apocalypse teeters ever closer on the horizon… Life in coronavirus lockdown? Maybe. But it’s also an apt description of Doom and Doom II, the classic first-person-shooters which just got a nifty update on iOS.

With a variety of improvements and more than 30 new levels to enjoy, there’s never been a better (or more appropriate) time to check out or revisit this grisly duo of classic 1990s blasters.

Researchers create app that detects COVID-19 by listening to you talk

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COVID-Voice-Detector
The COVID Voice Detector has the potential to be a real lifesaver.
Screenshot: Cult of Mac

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created an app that can detect COVID-19 simply by listening to you cough and talk.

The COVID Voice Detector analyzes voice recordings to detect signs of infection and is open to anyone who wants to use it. It’s the cheapest, most accessible method of testing so far — but it’s still “experimental” for now.

No delays here: iPhone 12 chipmaker on track for A-series chip production

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Apple chipmaker racing ahead with its next next-gen nanometer process
Apple chipmaker racing ahead with its next next-gen nanometer process
Screenshot: Apple

Apple chipmaker TSMC is reportedly on track to move forward with volume production of its next-gen 5-nanometer chips. This most likely refers to Apple’s next A-series chips for the iPhone 12 series of handsets.

According to a report published Wednesday, this production process is currently on as scheduled. This counters recent speculation that Apple had asked TSMC to defer manufacturing for the new iPhone.

Keep on keeping on: It’s too late to downgrade to iOS 13.3.1 again

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Stop the madness
There's no turning back!
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Apple has stopped signing iOS 13.3.1 after the release of iOS 13.4, stopping people who have upgraded to the latest version from going back again.

Every iOS update Apple introduces is designed to be speedier, more stable, and more secure than its predecessor. As a result, Apple blocks downgrades soon after its latest release has rolled out to everyone. This was the turn of iOS 13.3.1 to go to the big software graveyard in the sky!

iWork for Mac embraces iCloud Drive folder sharing [Updated]

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iWork for Mac puts an emphasis on collaboration.
iWork for Mac has a new collaboration tool. And there’s an array of other improvements, too.
Photo: Apple

All the apps in Apple’s free iWork productivity suite for Mac now support iCloud Drive folder sharing, a collaboration feature that debuted last Tuesday in macOS 10.15.4.

This new feature is a highlight of each iWork application — Pages, Numbers and Keynote — reaching version 10.0. And there are numerous other enhancements, too.

For developers, WWDC going online-only ticks all the boxes

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Apple WWDC 2020
Most developers are just fine with WWDC 2020 being online-only.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s decision to cancel the 2020 Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, California, and move to an online-only format was not only a good idea but a no-brainer, according to an international survey of more than 2,200 independent software programmers.

FCC forces carriers to crack down on fake caller IDs

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Spam call
The FCC ordered phone companies to block calls made with fake caller ID info.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

The FCC on Tuesday gave wireless carriers until next summer to implement a system designed to prevent caller ID spoofing. The goal is blocking phone scammers from using fake caller ID information to convince call recipients that they are talking to someone trustworthy or from their local area.

Microsoft Family Safety for iOS helps protect and monitor loved ones

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Microsoft-Family-Safety.gif
Share locations, track driving stats, and more.
Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft on Tuesday revealed its brand-new Family Safety app designed to make it easier to protect and monitor your loved ones.

Family Safety will be part of the upcoming Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) overhaul, and will include features like location sharing, driver safety stats, activity reporting, and more.

Russia delays forcing government-approved apps onto iPhones and Macs

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Putin adds power to your iPhone case.
Apple now has until 2021 to decide if a Russian law forcing apps onto the iPhone is enough for it to pull out of the country.
Photo: Caviar

A Russian law requiring all phones and computers, including iPhone and Mac, sold in that country come bundled with third-party software localized for Russia won‘t go into effect July 1, as had been originally planned. Instead, implementation won‘t occur until early next year.

This comes as a temporary reprieve for Apple. The company has such privacy concerns over this legislation it might withdraw from the country rather than comply with the law.

Apple surprises devs with new beta software for iPhone, Mac and more

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Even Apple’s update screens are beautifully minimal.
Apple is back with some new beta updates.
Photo: Apple

Just a week after Apple released iOS 13.4 and other big software updates to the public, the iPhone-maker is back with a big batch of beta builds for developers.

The first beta builds for iOS 13.4.5, iPadOS 13.4.5, macOS 10.15.5 and tvOS 13.4.5 were seeded to developers this morning, bringing a bunch of bug fixes to the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.

Apple will pay hourly contract workers during COVID-19 shutdown

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Apple Park
Apple HQ is a ghost town during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo: Duncan Sinfield

Janitors, landscapers, bus drivers and other contract hourly workers at Apple’s campus in Cupertino and other buildings will still get paid during work stoppages related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Apple CEO reassured retail employees earlier this month that they would still get paid while stores are closed, but there was some concern that other hourly workers’ pay would be eliminated. That’s not true though according to an Apple spokesperson who said the checks will still be flowing.

Apple supposedly pencils in April 15 launch for iPhone 9

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iPhone-9-concept
A reported iPhone 9, similar to this conceptual design, could arrive any day now.
Photo: ConceptsiPhone

Apple has supposedly penciled in an April 15 launch date for its low-cost iPhone 9.

New claims that surfaced Tuesday indicate the company held an internal briefing this week to decide “tentative” announcement and shipping dates for the new device. Those claims remind us, however, that “we’re in the middle of a pandemic, and things could change.”

Spotify Kids launches in the U.S. and Canada

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Spotify Kids
New kid-friendly app is perfect for children stuck at home right now.
Photo: Spotify

Spotify Kids, a standalone app focused on kid-friendly musical content, made its debut in the U.S., Canada, and France on Tuesday.

The app, which requires a $14.99 per month Premium Family Plan to use, highlights curated material aimed at kids of various ages. It won’t include any inappropriate lyrics, features no ads, and offers age-suitable content ranging from audiobooks to lullabies and nurseries rhymes.

AT&T lays out COVID-19 relief measures; includes extra 15GB for hotspot

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Brace yourself for beautiful pictures. iPhone XS and XS Max pack the best cameras yet.
Helping you stay connected while you're stuck at home.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

AT&T on Monday laid out its COVID-19 relief measures for ensuring that customers can stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues while they’re stuck at home. Starting April 2, there will be a number of measures in place to keep subscribers connected — including 15GB of additional hotspot data.

Apple rumored to be chipping in $200 million to help struggling display maker

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iPhone XR was India’s no. 1 ‘ultra premium’ smartphone in 2019
Japan Display manufactures LCD displays for Apple.
Photo: Apple

Struggling Apple display Japan Display said Tuesday that it has finalized a deal to raise $200 million from an unnamed “overseas customer.” While the customer is unspecified, Reuters claims that it is Apple.

The $200 million fund will come from the customer buying equipment at Japan Display’s main smartphone screen factory in central Japan. Japan Display owed Apple upward of $800 million last year due to Apple spending $1.5 billion building a plant used for iPhones.

iOS 13.4.1 could come this week with fix for big VPN bug

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Save 88% on comprehensive and essential VPN protection.
It will be essential for those who rely on a VPN.
Photo: VPN Unlimited

Apple will roll out an iOS 13.4.1 update this week to fix a VPN bug on iPhone and iPad, according to a new report out Tuesday.

An earlier investigation revealed a security flaw in Apple’s most recent iOS releases that prevents virtual private networks from encrypting all traffic. The issue can cause data and IP addresses to be exposed.

Apple Music’s ‘Come Together’ playlist will help get you through COVID-19 lockdown

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Come Together 1
Apple realizes that music is more important than ever right now.
Photo: Apple

To help people adapting to life in coronavirus lockdown, Apple Music has debuted a series of playlists under the title “Come Together.”

Covering a range of genres, and including some fun tongue-in-cheek titles like the “Social Distancing Social Club,” the hand-picked (hopefully wearing the necessary sanitary gloves) playlists are sure to entertain those locked in-doors. Which is seemingly everyone right now!