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News - page 537

CalDigit’s USB-C Pro Dock powers dual 4K monitors

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CalDigit Pro Dock with MacBooks
The CalDigit Pro Dock has two DisplayPort ports, and plenty of others too.
Photo: CalDigit

CalDigit now offers the Pro Dock, a multiport USB-C hub that can drive a pair of 4K displays at a full 60Hz. There are plenty of hubs that let a MacBook connect to a single monitor, but this dual-screen option is more rare.

The Pro Dock also has a trio of USB-A ports, Ethernet, and other ports.

Instagram steals from Snapchat for new Threads app

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Threads
Instagram has yet another standalone app.
Photo: Instagram

Facebook-owned Instagram launched a new standalone app today that pretty much steals some of Snapchat’s key features.

Threads, rolling out globally to iOS today, is built around Instagram’s Close Friends feature, giving you a quicker way to message the people you care about on Insta the most.

Apple seeds full version of macOS Catalina to developers

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macOS Catalina release date
Get ready: macOS Catalina is nearly here.
Photo: Apple

Work has wrapped up on the full version of macOS Catalina, and Apple sent the resulting Golden Master to developers. This is the last step before releasing the first non-beta of version 10.15 to the general public.

Catalina splits iTunes into a number of other applications, and allows iPads to be easily used as a Mac’s second display.

Apple finds a way to revolutionize the haptic keyboard

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on-screen haptic keyboard patent
An on-screen haptic keyboard proposal
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple invented an on-screen haptic keyboard with virtual keys that simulate movement, which should make typing a better experience.

A laptop’s hardware keyboard is great for text entry but is in the way when reading websites, watching movies, playing games, etc. That’s why Apple is exploring options for getting rid of the keyboard while maintaining the ease of typing offered by a physical keyboard.

Apple Watch owners plagued by bad battery life under watchOS 6

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Apple Watch Series 5 California Face
It could be one of many new faces.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Apple’s recent watchOS 6 upgrade brought a host of new features and faces to Apple Watch. But it has also had a nasty impact on battery life for lots of upgraders.

Apple Watch Series 5 owners are reporting that their new wearable isn’t lasting as long as Apple promised it would in between charges. However, they’re not the only ones who are suffering.

Apple helps teach Swift coding lessons to kids as young as 5

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Apple helps teach coding lessons to kids as young as 5
I wish my classroom had looked like this!
Photo: Apple

Kids as young as five are learning the principles of coding — courtesy of Apple’s expanding Swift learning curriculum.

As part of EU Code Week, Apple is highlighting how its Swift coding language is helping improve educational outcomes for kids throughout Europe. And not just where you’d expect either.

First Indian Apple Store will open in Mumbai mall

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Apple's first Indian Apple Store will be located in Mumbai mall
Apple will no longer have to make do with selling through resellers.
Photo: Lawrence Sinclair/Flickr CC

Apple has reportedly selected the location for its first Apple Store in India. The store will be located in Maker Maxity mall in Mumbai, India’s most populous city with a population of around 18 million.

Cupertino is aiming for a September 2020 opening for the Mumbai Apple Store. That’s around the time Apple should release the next-gen iPhone.

75% of Netflix users have no plans to jump ship to Apple TV+ (right away)

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75% of Netflix users have no plans to jump ship to Apple TV+ (right away)
But that's still 37.5 million who could be tempted...
Photo: Stock Catalog/Flickr CC

Apple TV+ and Disney+ may be the two new kids on the streaming services block, but the majority of Netflix subscribers are in no rush to check them out.

According to a survey carried out by Piper Jaffray analysts, around 75% of current Netflix subscribers have no plans to subscribe to either new service. That’s good news for Netflix investors in the short-term. But I’m not convinced that it gives a fair indication of what might eventually happen.

Apple removes app used by Hong Kong protesters from the App Store

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China state media slams Apple for app used by Hong Kong protestors
App shows the location of police activity.
Photo: Hkmap Live

Apple has booted an app used by protesters in Hong Kong out of the App Store. Called Hkmap Live, the crowdsourced app uses reports from a Telegram group that tracks the whereabouts of police and protesters. It also contains information about things like arrests of people wearing protest-related paraphernalia and the use of weapons like tear gas.

“Your app contains content – or facilitates, enables, and encourages an activity – that is not legal,” Apple told the app makers. “Specifically, the app allowed users to evade law enforcement.”

Spectacular Untitled Goose Game could be coming to mobile

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Untitled-Goose-Game
Who wouldn't want Untitled Goose Game in their pocket?
Photo: House House

The spectacularly pleasant Untitled Goose Game could be on its way to mobile.

Publisher Panic says it is “chewing on” the idea of bringing the phenomenon to Android and iOS. It just expanded its reach to Nintendo Switch and may also come to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Reliable source says there will be no ‘iPhone 11S’ in 2020

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iPhone-11-red
Customers can't get enough of iPhone 11.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple will not release an “iPhone 11S” in 2020, according to one reliable analyst.

Cupertino is instead expected to name its next-generation smartphone — which will launch next September — the “iPhone 12.” This could mean a big break from tradition going forward.

Mario Kart Tour races ahead on first-week downloads

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Mario Kart Tour has the second best debut month ever on mobile
The question is: will it last?
Photo: Nintendo

Mario Kart Tour may be a disappointment on a critical level, but it seems to be off to a good start in terms of downloads.

According to new data from Sensor Tower, Mario Kart Tour racked up 90 million downloads in its first week. That makes it Nintendo’s fastest mobile game launch in history. Kind of appropriate for a racing game, really!

Apple CEO urges Supreme Court to protect ‘Dreamers’

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Tim WWDC
Tim Cook has again spoken in defense of a program that defers deportation of people who were brought to the US as children.
Photo: Apple

Apple today urged the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the DACA program — an Obama-era policy that gave some legal status to children of illegal immigrants. The Trump Administration ordered it shut down, and it’s in legal limbo.

The “friend of the court” filing by Apple was signed by CEO Tim Cook, and it’s not the first time he has spoken up for the “Dreamers.”

Super-sturdy case brings brighter colors to iPhone 11 Pro

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Elago-Hybrid-iPhone-11
Add a splash of color to iPhone 11 Pro.
Photo: Elago

Spend even more of your hard-earned cash on iPhone 11 Pro or Pro Max and you’ll have to forget the fancier color options offered by iPhone 11. But there is another way to brighten up your new smartphone for next to nothing.

Elago’s brilliant new Hybrid Case, priced at just $16, comes in a bunch of beautiful finishes that’ll help your 11 Pro stand out.

Google adds enhanced privacy tools to Maps and YouTube

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Google Maps and YouTube privacy tools
It's getting easier to not be tracked in Maps. And YouTube is getting a timed history auto-delete.
Photo: Google

Google just promised that Incognito mode will soon be added to Maps. And YouTube is getting timed auto-delete for the user’s video history. In addition, a new Password Checkup tool helps users avoid common passcodes.

This advertising company has been making similar changes to its other services in hopes of shaking a reputation for privacy invasion.

Microsoft’s new Surface Earbuds are unbelievably fugly

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Surface Earbuds
Does anyone actually think these look good?
Photo: Microsoft

When Apple unveiled the AirPods in 2016, the first thing I thought was how dorky they looked with that long stem and no wires.

Fast-forward three years, and you know what looks dorky? Wearing wired earbuds like a dang peasant!

I only mention this to show that I am obviously not the best at predicting what kind of gadgets will look too nerdy to go mainstream. But when Microsoft unveiled its new Surface Earbuds today, it’s a pretty safe bet to say they’re so ugly not even nerds will love them.

iOS 13.2 beta 1 brings Deep Fusion to iPhone 11

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iphone11promax
The iPhone 11 Pro's excellent camera is about to get even better.
Photo: Apple

Deep Fusion support on the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max is finally available for testing if you’re an iOS developer. Apple’s latest computational photography feature adds even more detail to pictures by combining multiple images into a single shot.

Apple seeded the first iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2 betas to developers this morning after teasing the release yesterday.

Microsoft’s dual-screen Surface Neo is a vision of the future

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Microsoft Surface Neo
Surface Neo could be where mobile computers are headed.
Screenshot: Microsoft

Microsoft just unveiled a very innovative dual-screen mobile computer that also makes room for a physical keyboard. The Surface Neo folds, but doesn’t use a folding screen, and combines features of a laptop and a tablet.

Most Surface products compete directly with Apple offerings. Apple is also exploring multi-display laptops and tablets, but Microsoft might get there first. Might, because the device unveiled today won‘t be out for a year.

Microsoft’s sleek Surface Pro X hits iPad Pro where it hurts [Updated]

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Microsoft Surface Pro X
The Surface Pro X is slim and light but doesn’t run the standard version of Windows 10.
Photo: Microsoft

The newly-unveiled Surface Pro X is a 13-inch tablet that seems designed to take on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Apple dominates tablet sales but Microsoft clearly wants a bigger piece, is hoping this slim and light Windows device will accomplish that.

Microsoft also finally added a USB-C port to the Surface Pro line in the seventh-generation model.

After year in watery grave, iPhone packs new feature: barnacles

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After year in watery grave, iPhone packs new feature: barnacles
It doesn't work -- but what a conversation starter!
Photo: NBC-2

Apple has worked hard to make its iPhones increasingly waterproof. However, that doesn’t guarantee that your iPhone will survive in any submerged situation.

One example? A recently rediscovered iPhone which had spent a year in the Atlantic Ocean 40 feet under water. The handset was recovered by a scuba diver, who managed to return it to its rightful owner. Most impressive of all? It still wor– no, we’re just kidding: it’s totally busted.

Millions of iPhone users in the U.K. are suing Google for illicit data collection

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Anti-robocall bill is one step closer to being passed into law
Class action suit includes more than 4 million people.
Photo: rawpixel.com/Pexels CC

A lawsuit filed by millions of U.K. iPhone users alleges that Google bypassed Apple’s privacy settings to collect user data. The “Google You Owe Us” group represents more than 4 million people. This group is asking for a maximum $3.9 billion in damages.

On Wednesday, a London appeals judge ruled that the case can proceed.

King of Fighters Allstar will battle into the App Store this month

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King of Fighters All Star 1
Coming soon to an iPhone near you.
Photo: Netmarble

Eight months after it launched in Japan, King of Fighters Allstar is arriving in the West.

As its name suggests, King of Fighters is best known as a fighting game franchise. However, King of Fighters Allstar adds to this with new action-RPG elements. It gives you the chance to play as more than 50 fighters from the series in a game that pits you against waves of enemies, bosses, and rival teams. Your mission is to build the best team of fighters possible.