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News - page 645

Samsung teases folding phone ahead of February event

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Galaxy S10
The S10 is nearly here.
Photo: Samsung

The folding future of smartphones is nearly here.

Samsung is set to unveil its folding Galaxy S10 smartphone at an event next week, but the company is already giving fans a little glimpse of what to expect. In a new video to hype the event, Samsung shows off the fold of the new S10 and it looks like it could be pretty amazing.

Watch the future unfold:

‘Culture of fear’ dominates Apple’s secretive satellite office

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apple park
Working for Apple isn't always a dream come true.
Photo: Apple

People that worked for Apple through a staffing agency have revealed some grim details of what it’s like to work for Apple as a contracted employee.

Working on Apple’s mapping projects just a few miles from Apple Park sounds like a dream opportunity, but it turns out the Silicon Valley-based gig isn’t nearly as glamorous as you’d think. A new report about Apple’s temporary workers reveals the “culture of fear” contracted employees face.

Jamstack Bluetooth speaker clamps onto your electric guitar

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It’s bigger than it looks here.
It’s bigger than it looks here.
Photo: Jamstack

The $249 Jamstack is a Bluetooth speaker that clips onto your electric guitar, hooks up to your iPhone, and lets you run iOS amp simulation and effects apps. It’s like adding a teeny-tiny amp to your guitar, only with way more wires.

For practice, it looks pretty neat — but for recording, it seems killer.

Apple brings veterans’ health records into 21st century

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Apple Health Records veterans
It’s a first for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Photo: Apple

Apple today confirmed that the Health Records feature on iPhone will soon be available to veterans.

The company is working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that, for the first time, U.S. veterans receiving care through the Veterans Health Administration will have access to their health records directly on their iPhone.

Steve Jobs opera triumphs with classical music Grammy

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Ashton Kutcher and Michael Fassbender played Steve Jobs in movies. Now Edward Parks III brings his rich baritone voice to the Steve Jobs opera, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.
Apple's former CEO as portrayed in The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.
Photo: Dario Acosta/Santa Fe Opera

The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, an opera based on the life of Apple’s late co-founder and CEO, bagged the Grammy for best opera recording last night.

The Santa Fe Opera Orchestra recording of composer Mason Bates’ opera triumphed over nominees including Doctor Atomic by John Adams, Alceste by John-Baptiste Lully, Der Rosenkavalier by Strauss and Rigoletto by Verdi.

Apple joins coalition of companies supporting Dreamers

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Tim Cook talks diversity, sustainability, and coming out as gay
Tim Cook has been an outspoken supporter of Dreamers.
Photo: Apple

Apple has teamed up with a whole lot of other companies — including Amazon, Facebooks and others — to urge Congress to protect the ability of so-called “Dreamer” immigrants to legally stay and work in the U.S.

“With the re-opening of the federal government and the presumptive restart of immigration and border security negotiations, now is the time for Congress to pass a law to provide Dreamers the certainty they need,” the coalition of companies wrote in a letter to lawmakers. “These are our friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and they should not have to wait for court cases to be decided to determine their fate when Congress can act now.”

Apple forced to tell Italian shoppers about iPhone throttling controversy

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iPhone batteries
Apple's iPhone throttling controversy dominated the news last year.
Photo: iFixIt

As part of the fallout from a decision in Italy, Apple has added a statement to its homepage in the country, describing how it did not provide adequate information to customers.

The statement concerns the “iPhone throttling” controversy, in which Apple slowed down iPhones with aging batteries, via an iOS update.

TSMC is working on sequel to Apple’s celebrated A12 Bionic chip

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Gather_Round_A12Bionic 2
TSMC is getting ready to start A13 chip production.
Photo: Apple

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) will remain the exclusive iPhone chip supplier for the 2019 era iPhones, a new report confirms. TSMC has been making Apple’s A-series mobile chips since 2016, making it no surprise that the company would be offered the contract for yet another year.

2019 iPhone lineup won’t get USB-C or faster charging

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iPhone Lightning connector
You won’t have to swap your Lightning accessories just yet.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The 2019 iPhone lineup will not be making the switch to USB-C, according to a new report.

Apple is expected to retain the Lightning port for this year’s upgrade, and it will continue to bundle the same 5W charging adapter in the box as a cost-saving measure.

Your next AirPods could be easier to hold onto

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Apple AirPods
New AirPods are supposedly coming soon.
Photo: Apple

Upgraded AirPods are on the way — and a new report sheds light on new features that Apple’s next-gen wireless earbuds will supposedly boast. If you’re looking for a new color option, smart sensors, and a less droppable coating, you’re likely to be in luck.

If you’re looking for a drop in cost, on the other hand? Not so much.

Upgrade rate slows by 33 percent as we hold onto our iPhones ever longer

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iPhone 6s
With people keeping their phones so long, a typical device getting replaced these days is the iPhone 6s.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The days when people bought a new iPhone every two years are over, according to an industry analyst. In fact, many people are holding on to their handsets for twice that long.

That’s bad news for Apple’s bottom line, as faster upgrades mean more profits.

Glass screen protectors sometimes cause problems for 2018 iPad Pro

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The touchscreen in the new iPad Pro sometimes becomes less responsive under a glass screen protector.
The touchscreen in the new iPad Pro sometimes becomes less responsive under a glass screen protector.
Photo: Zagg

Some users of the newest iPad Pro models report that glass screen protectors limit the sensitivity of the touchscreen. These add-ones can also cause problems with Face ID.

The maker of a popular line of glass screen protectors say it has received only a very limited number of complaints, but it’s nevertheless working to address this issue.

Score savings on Nyloon bands with a pre-Valentine’s deal [Watch Store]

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nyloon
The Moai Nylon band is a fun, multicolored, tribal band with matching stitching.
Photo: Benjamin McKay/Cult of Mac

Valentine’s Day is coming up this week and now’s your chance to get a Nyloon Apple Watch band for a friend and one for yourself at a discount.

Until February 13, buy any Nyloon band and get a second for $15 off. Use the discount code HEART at checkout to save.

Why iPads and MacBook Pros drive us nuts [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 282]

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The iPad Pro is almost perfect. Almost.
The iPad Pro is almost perfect. Almost.
Cover: Marty Cortinas/Cult of Mac

We love Apple products. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be even better. In this week’s issue of Cult of Mac Magazine, you’ll get the lowdown on our pet peeves about working with the iPad and MacBook Pro.

Plus, get some killer tips for boosting your Google searches (and learn how to ad stickers to your next “megaselfie”). Read up on the rest of the week’s best Apple news, reviews and how-tos in the latest issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. It’s yours for free in the iOS app store now.

Apple busts out star-studded Memoji ads for the Grammys

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florida georgia line
Florida Georgia Line sing their hit song "Simple" in new Apple ad.
Photo: Apple

Apple is back with some new Memoji ads just in time for the 2019 Grammy awards.

Just like last year’s ads, the Memoji videos features some of the biggest names in music that have been morphed into singing Memoji. Ariana Grande, Khalid and Florida Georgia Line lend their talents in three new one-minute ads that pack some infectious fun vibes.

Spotify will soon ban accounts that use ad blockers

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Spotify Premium update October 2018
Try it out today.
Photo: Spotify

You could soon see your Spotify account banned or shutdown completely if you use an ad blocker.

The music streaming service’s updated terms of service, which go into effect on March 1, now specifically state that using tools or modified apps to block ads is prohibited.

Blur is the new black in Apple’s latest iPhone ads

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iPhone Depth Control
iOS 12.3.2 will bring depth back to your Portrait photos.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple debuted an ad showing off the Depth Control feature on the new X-class iPhones, a 38-second subliminal sales pitch to get you thinking of an upgrade.

The iPhone XR and XS handsets offer the computational equivalent of shallow depth of field, where a blurred background can make portrait subject stand out.

Apple Pay could arrive in Czech Republic this month

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iphone
Apple Pay could be about to land in its next market.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple Pay could launch in the Czech Republic as soon as February 19, a new report claims.

According to sources “familiar with the developments on the banking market,” a number of banks will soon offer the service. These include Air Bank, Komercni bank, Monet, mBank, and Twisto.

Leading political scientist thinks Apple’s headed for trouble in China

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iPhone sales are finally rebounding in China
Tim Cook has said that China is Apple's future. That could pose some problems.
Photo: Tim Cook/Weibo

Apple has increasingly focused on China as its future biggest market, but its future in the country may not be quite as rosy as once predicted.

Speaking at the Cayman Alternative Investment Summit, political scientist Ian Bremmer suggested that Apple won’t have much of a business in China “within five to 10 years max.” And it’s not Apple’s fault.

Apple cracks down on iOS apps that record users’ screens

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Coronavirus could have a surprisingly positive impact on App Store revenue
Apple takes privacy seriously.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple wants developers to be more transparent about the use of analytics code that lets them record how users interact with apps. Or else.

Hammering home its commitment to user privacy, Apple has contacted the makers of several apps recently highlighted as gathering screen-recording analytics data without properly disclosing it — and it wasn’t just for a friendly chat.

Bug-spotting teen gets a thank you in Apple’s latest iOS update

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2018 iPad Pro Animoji
Apple has rewarded the kid who spotted its recent FaceTime bug.
Photo: Apple

Apple has rewarded the 14-year-old kid who discovered Apple’s FaceTime bug, letting people eavesdrop on other users in Group FaceTime calls.

As a thanks for Grant Thompson’s help — and a possible apology to his mom, Michele, who spent 10 unsuccessful days trying to warn Apple of the vulnerability — Apple has said that it will contribute toward Grant’s education, and compensate the Thompson family. Grant also gets a namecheck in the iOS update’s developer notes.