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4-year-old uses Siri to summon help after mom faints

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Siri
Siri proved useful in helping a boy in England call for help.
Photo: Apple

A 4-year-old boy in England used Siri to call for help after his pregnant mom collapsed, according to reports.

Beau Austin, who reportedly loved talking to digital assistants on devices, called out to Siri on his mother’s iPhone to dial 999. He then told the operator “my mummy’s sick,” adding they were alone.

Apple Watch will be king until at least 2022

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App Home Screen Apple Watch Series 4
Don't expect Apple Watch to lose its dominance any time soon.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple is likely to remain the biggest player in the smartwatch category, a new report from analysts at IDC suggests.

The firm suggests that the overall wearables category is set to reach 125.3 million units this year, of which smartwatches represent around half. By 2022, IDC thinks that 189.9 million wearables will be sold. That’s growth that surpasses either the smartphone or the PC.

Apple’s humpbacked Smart Case is coming for iPhone XS and XS Max

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Smart case
The design of Apple's original Smart Case was heavily criticized.
Photo: Apple

The much-maligned Smart Battery case for the iPhone looks like it will be making a return — only this time for the iPhone XS and XS Max.

In leaked images found in a merchandise guide for Apple retailers, the distinctive “hump” found in the Smart Battery cases can be clearly seen. The document is titled “Fall 2018,” suggesting that the cases may be available in the next few weeks, although there’s a chance they will only appear in early 2019.

Fortnite 7.10 brings festive event, big improvements

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Fortnite Stormwing plane
The Stormwing has seen some welcome changes, too!
Photo: Epic Games

Fortnite’s weekly update is out with a new seasonal event that gives players the opportunity to enjoy different game modes every day and to unlock festive rewards.

The version 7.10 release also addresses complaints about the X-4 Stormwing plane and delivers a number of big improvements — including support for 60 frames-per-second on the second-generation iPad Pro lineup.

New ‘how to’ videos will help you get to grips with Apple Watch

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Apple Watch 2
Apple is ready to guide you through the world of Apple Watch.
Photo: Apple

Want to know how to locate your iPhone using your Apple Watch? What about customizing your workouts, or viewing your Activity Rings? If you’re an Apple Watch newbie, Apple wants to help you get to grips with your new wearable device.

With that mission in mind, Apple this week uploaded six new short “how to” videos to its YouTube channel. These 30-second videos offer a handy primer in getting the most out of your new Apple Watch. Check them out below.

Qualcomm isn’t happy that Apple is still selling iPhones in China

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Hong Kong police arrest smugglers with $1 million of iPhones and other devices
Qualcomm thinks Apple is violating a court order by continuing to sell iPhones.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple and Qualcomm have found yet another thing to disagree over in their long-running feud. A court in China recently issued an order banning Apple from selling several older iPhone models. Apple subsequently released an iOS update which it claims stopped it infringing on the software patents in the complaint.

However, Qualcomm is not satisfied, and insists that Apple is breaking the law by keeping all of its iPhone models on sale.

iOS 12.1.2 possibly resolves iPhone sales ban in China

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iPhone sales are finally rebounding in China
In most of the world, iOS 12.1.2 fixes some bugs. But in China, it might remove some features.
Photo: Tim Cook/Weibo

Apple has rushed out iOS 12.1.2 after a single round of beta testing. This highly unusual move could be part of the company’s response to a recent ban on iPhone sales in China.

The release notes on this new version say nothing about that though, just indicating that iOS 12.1.2 fixes some small issues.

Even Apple thought combining Touch ID with Face ID was smarter

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iPhone
What do you think of an iPhone with in-screen Touch ID and Face ID? It could have happened.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

An Apple patent filing is basically a white paper on the advantages of using dual biometric security systems. This makes it clear the company nearly made a device that offered facial recognition and a fingerprint scanner.

In the end, though, Apple decided to replace Touch ID with Face ID.

Fast and Furious director signs TV deal with Apple

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fast and furious
Lin turned Fast and the Furious into one of Hollywood's most fun franchises.
Photo: Sony Pictures

Apple’s TV team is revving into full gear heading into 2019 as it just inked a deal with one of the hottest directors in Hollywood.

Fast and Furious director Justin Lin has reportedly signed on to create TV shows exclusively with Apple under his production company Perfect Storm Entertainment. Apple hasn’t said yet what type of shows will come out of the deal but it gives the company another big talent for its growing war chest of content.

Apple found not at fault for fatal FaceTime car crash

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Ford CarPlay
It’s not Apple’s fault if you get distracted by the CarPlay infotainment system or your iPhone.
Photo: Ford

It isn’t Apple’s responsibility to prevent you from doing dangerous things with your iPhone.

That’s the decision of an appeals court in California this morning in a case related to a man who crashed while driving and apparently making a video call on his iPhone. The ruling puts it much more formally, of course.

Gutted iPhone 4 turned into a work of art

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iPhone art project
This iPhone 4 was laid to rest to be appreciated long after its last text.
Photo: The Incorporeal/Reddit

We watch with both horror and fascination those videos where someone rips apart the latest Apple gadget to see how it is built.

But one member of the r/iPhone thread on Reddit took the dismantling of his iPhone 4 in a different direction: He artfully arranged the pieces for a framed keepsake.

2018 was a wild ride for Apple [Year in Review]

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Year in Review Everything Apple Did 2018
It was a busy year in Cupertino.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Cult of Mac Year in Review 2018 2018 was a rollercoaster year for Apple — with incredible highs, massive dips, and probably an executive or two throwing up along the way.

Apple became the first $1 trillion public company in U.S. history, unleashed some amazing new products, and pulled in record amounts of cash. But it also faced lows, from the iPhone-throttling controversy to a tanking stock price at the end of the year.

One thing that can’t be said, however, is that this was an uneventful 12 months for Cupertino. Here’s a recap of some of the year’s most memorable Apple moments.

Enter to win a trio of super sleek iPhone XS Max cases

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Armor up with these unsuspectingly resilient iPhone XS Max cases.
Armor up with these unsuspectingly resilient iPhone XS Max cases.
Photo: Kristal Chan/Cult of Mac

We know what you’re thinking, “Another Instagram giveaway already?!” The answer is, “Shh, yes we do love our readers and followers that much.”

In fact, we appreciate you all so much, this is round we’re giving away three extra special treats from Spigen, Silk, and Casemate with a total value of $80. Each iPhone XS Max case is both aesthetically and sturdily impressive.

Our Instagram giveaway only lasts this week from December 17, 2018 – December 24, 2018, so check out the details below ASAP.

Apple Music gets the (unofficial) web player it needs

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Apple Music web browser
Don't worry: All log-ins are via Apple's own authentication protocol.
Photo: Playapplemusic

Currently, there’s no officially sanctioned Apple way to play Apple Music in your web browser.

Enterprising software engineer Naveed Golafshani (a.k.a. Reddit user NaveedGol) has sprang to the rescue with a new — totally unofficial — web player at wwww.playapplemusic.com. It allows users to log in using Apple’s own authentication service, and then access their Apple Music libraries online.

Apple accused of misleading iPhone users over screen size

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iPhone x battery percentage
Apple is accused of hiding valuable pixels under its notch.
Photo: Apple

The “notch” on Apple’s iPhone X, XS and XS Max devices is causing more problems — and this time could even land Apple in court.

A new lawsuit filed against Apple late last week alleges that Apple has lied about the display specifications in its newer iPhones. How? By including pixels and screen dimensions hidden beneath the notch and corners. As a result, Apple’s new iPhones don’t boast quite as much screen as they’re advertised as having.

Apple offers free audiobooks narrated by celebrities

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Apple Books free audiobooks
‘Great First Listens’ get you started with Apple Books.
Photo: Apple

Apple is offering a bunch of free audiobooks narrated by celebrities, including Kate Beckinsale and Kelsey Grammer.

The giveaway is an effort to promote Apple Books, which saw a big overhaul with iOS 12 — but audiobook fans will probably feel Apple could have done better.

These are the 10 highest-grossing iOS apps this year

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Apple removes 17 malware apps which secretly clicked on ads
Netflix leads the pack with $790.2 million raked in during 2018.
Photo: Apple

Netflix was the biggest earner in non-game apps in the App Store this year. According to data from app analytics company Sensor Tower, the streaming-video powerhouse raked in a massive $790.2 million on iOS during 2018 — or, at least, through November 30.

Here are the other companies that carved out spaces in the top 10 non-game app list.

iPhone’s Face ID obliterates gullible Android rivals

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Facial recognition 1
The iPhone was the only one of the tested smartphones which passed the test.
Screenshot: Forbes

When Apple first introduced Face ID with the iPhone X, many were concerned that facial recognition would make it easier to hack into phones.

Fortunately, Apple’s approach to Face ID has largely allayed people’s fears. But just how secure is the facial recognition biometric technology adopted by Apple and its rivals? A Forbes reporter (and his 3D printed head model) recently demonstrated just how the iPhone stacks up against Android rivals.

Turn your iPad into a podcasting machine [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 275]

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Embrace the iPad, podcasting road warriors!
Embrace the iPad, podcasting road warriors!
Cover: Charlie Sorrel/Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

The iPad Pro is pro enough for almost anything, but one thing it still can’t handle is making a Skype or FaceTime call and recording it at the same time. This is a total pain for podcasters who like to travel light. Luckily, there’s a neat workaround.

Find out how to podcast from the road in the latest free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. Get it now on iTunes, or keep reading for the week’s best Apple news, reviews and how-tos.

How not to burglarize an Apple Store

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This U-Haul truck was used to unsuccessfully try to rob an Apple Store.
U-Haul truck 0 — Apple Store 1
Photo: Berkeley Police Department

If you’ve ever considered breaking into an Apple Store with a U-Haul truck, don’t bother: it won’t work.

A couple of guys tried it in Berkeley, California last night and got away with exactly no Apple merchandise.

Apple inks deal to create new Peanuts TV shows

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peanuts
Good grief! Apple's TV lineup keeps getting bigger.
Photo: DHX Media

Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang have scored a new contract with Apple.

The iPhone-maker has reportedly struck a deal with DHX Media that will give Apple exclusive access to new Peanuts content, including TV shows and other original programming.

Stop using these terrible, terrible passwords

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Fraudster steals $16k from victim posing as Apple tech support
“Can you believe this guy’s bank password is ‘password’? I love idiots.”
Photo: Donald Tong/Pexels CC

You lock your house, right? And your car? It’s equally important to lock your data with a secure password. But year after year people insist on using the same easily-guessed passcodes.

The list of “Worst Passwords of 2018” is out, and if your favorite is on there you really need to change it to something more secure.

Free Apple II papercraft makes a perfect Christmas tree ornament

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This free Apple II papercraft project will take you back to your Oregon Trail days.
This will take you back to your Oregon Trail days.
Photo: Rocky Bergen

Even amid the three-quarters of a million residents of Winnipeg, Canada, Rocky Bergen felt alone when it came to his love of vintage computers.

But thanks to his papercraft models of classic machines like the Apple II, Bergen has connected with folks in places as far away as Italy and Sweden.