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iPhone app subscription fees doubled in a year

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Microsoft Word is one of thousands of titles available only through app subscription fees.
Microsoft Word is one of thousands of titles available only through app subscription fees.
Photo: Microsoft

We’re all accustomed to paying a simple, one-time fee for our iOS apps. But developers are increasingly turning to subscriptions. In fact, there were billions paid in app subscription fees in the past year.

Apple reported today that revenue from subscriptions is up 95 percent over last year.

Hacker hacks iPhone hacking company’s secret hacks

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iphone
They say turnabout is fair play, but iPhone users are caught in the middle when iOS hacking tools are stolen.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Israel’s NSO Group makes a business of hacking iPhones and Android devices.  In a reversal of roles, it was hacked by one of its own employees and valuable intellectual property was stolen.

While its tempting to lean back an enjoy this company’s discomfiture, the stolen property was NSO’s phone hacking tools, which were then offered on the dark web.

Siri Shortcuts app is now ready for testing

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Siri Shortcuts
iOS developers can now play with a beta version of Siri Shortcuts.
Photo: iPhone Hacks

Apple said Siri would be smarter with iOS 12. The digital assistant will also multitask with the help of a native app.

A single command will kick Siri into high gear through an app called Siri Shortcuts, now available in a beta version to developers through the TestFlight platform.

Tinder Loops show videos before you swipe left

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Tinder Loops are videos people can swipe left or swipe right on.
Tinder Loops are videos people can swipe left or swipe right on.
Photo: Tinder

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how about a video? The dating service Tinder now lets you upload a very short video along with pictures. The idea is these Tinder Loops will better reflect your personality.

Sorry Android, tut this feature is only available for iOS devices.

Get in on the new Oilist 2.0 beta right now

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Oilist 2 can pop out some startling results.
Oilist 2 can pop out some startling results.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

You may remember Oilist, a iOS app that takes your photos and turns them into paintings. This isn’t your usual lame-o filters app, either. Oilist actually makes images that really do look like they’ve been painted — with brushwork, paint texture, and more.

And now, the developer is working on version 2.0 of this great app, and he wants you to help.

iPhone 8 is officially the world’s hottest phone

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iphone 8
After being overshadowed by the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus, the iPhone 8 is now outselling every other smartphone.
Photo: Apple

For the first time ever, the iPhone 8 is the world’s best-selling smartphone. It beat out the Samsung Galaxy S9 and the iPhone X to take that spot.

Apple has three of the top ten most popular devices, something no other company can boast.

Rowing with Apple Watch is like two workouts in one. Time to grab an oar.

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Join the crew with Apple Watch
Join the crew with Apple Watch
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

If running and swimming with Apple Watch don’t rock your boat, you should give rowing a try. It combines all the benefits of cardio and strength training, and you get to do it in a boat. OK, well you’re probably more likely to use a rowing machine at your local gym, but it’s still pretty cool.

The stats that Apple Watch’s built-in Workout app provides for rowers are very limited, so you might want to consider third-party alternatives. Plus, it takes some practice to develop a good rowing technique. But it’s totally worth the effort. Not only will rowing help build a ripped physique. Without this essential skill, you might one day find yourself up the proverbial creek without a paddle.

Netflix just got more expensive as new Ultra plan goes live

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Netflix on a MacBook
You now have to pay more for the best Netflix package.
Photo: Stephen Smith/Cult of Mac

The Netflix Ultra plan we feared was coming is now live in several countries.

Subscribers will have to pay more to enjoy HDR content on compatible TVs, and to stream movies and TV shows on four devices simultaneously. The Premium plan that previously offered these things has been watered-down, as has the Standard plan.

Get certified in Google Analytics in two days [Deals]

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This condensed course will give you a certification in Google Analytics in as little as 2 days.
This condensed course will give you a certification in Google Analytics in as little as 2 days.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Getting a gig that deals with data means working with Google Analytics. It’s a suite of tools that offers insights into engagement with ads, sites, apps, email, and more. So if you’re working with data, you’ll want to check out these Google Analytics lessons.

2018 iPhone lineup to come in gorgeous new color options

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iPhone X
The 2018 iPhone lineup could be prettier than ever.
Photo: Martin Hajek

Apple will offer the 2018 iPhone lineup in a range of stunning new color options, according to one reliable analyst.

Grey, blue, red, and orange will be some of the shades available when the new devices go on sale this fall. The largest of the three, dubbed iPhone XI Plus in some reports, will be offered in gold.

Scientists answer the question, are iPhone apps spying on us?

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James Bond
James Bond is a spy, but what about your iPhone? People want to know.
Photo: Eon Pictures

Ever been discussing some product to your friends and then had an ad for it appear on your iPhone the next day? It’s happened enough that people want to know “Is my phone listening to me all the time?”

A group of computer scientists decided to test this phobia, which they dubbed panoptispy: the fear that everyone is being spied on.

Intel puts new 5G modem on hold after Apple snub

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iPhone X home screen
iOS 14's Home screen could be very different.
Photo: Apple

Editor’s Note: The original source of this information has retracted it. While Apple has apparently decided to not use Sunny Peak chips, they do not included 5G support. This means Intel could still produce 5G modems for Apple.


Intel has reportedly halted development of its new 5G mobile modem after Apple decided not to place orders for future iPhones.

Intel had hoped to secure a partnership with Apple to supply “Sunny Peak” chips for its 2020 iPhone lineup, but according to internal communications and “people familiar with the matter,” Apple has decided to shop elsewhere.

WhoSampled is like Shazam for samples and cover versions

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WhoSampled digs into the DNA of your music.
WhoSampled digs into the DNA of your music.
Photo: WhoSampled

WhoSampled is an iOS (and Android) app that tells you whose samples were used in the music you’re currently listening to. Just like Shazam, you hold it up to a playing tune, and WhoSampled identifies the track. But then it also gives you a breakdown of all the other songs that were sampled to make that track, and can even list cover versions.

New concept art shows 6.1-inch iPhone in all its glory

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2018 iPhone compared to 2017 iPhone X
The 6.1-inch model in Apple's 2018 iPhone lineup is noticeably larger than 2017's iPhone X.
Photo: Jonas Dähnert

There have now been enough rumors and apparent leaks that there’s little room for doubt that Apple plans an iPhone with an 6.1-inch screen for this fall. Artists have been busy turning the unconfirmed details into images.

The latest compares this upcoming model with the iPhone X. The two look similar, except for the larger display on the 2018 iPhone.

Killer tech to keep you cool and collected this summer [Deals]

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Ring in the 4th of July with these deals on remote air conditioning control, VPN protection, and more.
Ring in the 4th of July with these deals on remote air conditioning control, VPN protection, and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

July 4th is just around the corner, but summer is in full swing. So we’ve rounded up some of the coolest gear and apps in the Cult of Mac Store. Below you’ll find massive deals on a remote A/C controller, 3 terabytes of cloud backup, and a powerful VPN for safe online browsing. Read on for more details:

Apple will expand its corporate reach by teaming with HP Enterprise

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Apple enterprise
Apple’s push into the corporate world continues.
Photo: FiftyThree

Apple plans to expand its presence in the corporate sector by teaming with Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the United Kingdom, a new job listing reveals.

Similar partnerships are already in place with the likes of IBM, Cisco, and SAP. Apple is now seeking a strategic partner manager who will lead its new efforts with HPE from London.

Fortnite’s new Playground mode spawns amazing Mario Kart clone

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Fortnite Mario Kart clone
Race around the Tilted Towers track with shopping karts.
Photo: JoshB_C

Fortnite’s exciting new Playground mode finally relaunched this week, giving new players the chance to learn the game outside of Battle Royale matches. But you don’t have to use it for practice.

The beauty of Playground mode is that you can do almost anything you like in it — including making your own Mario Kart clone. Check out this amazing track built in Tilted Towers.

Netflix could be about to get a lot more expensive for some users

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Netflix iPhone
You’ll have to pay extra to keep four streams.
Photo: Netflix

You might have to pay a lot more for your Netflix subscription if your account is regularly used on more than two devices.

A new leak reveals Netflix could be planning to limit its Premium tier to allow just two devices to stream content simultaneously. Users would have to pay around $20 a more for a new Ultra plan to continue streaming on up to four.

Samsung shows Apple what the 2018 iPad Pro should look like

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Apple should follow the lead of the Samsung Galaxy S4.
The 2018 iPad Pro models should follow Samsung's lead by significantly cutting the size of some screen bezels.
Photo: AndroidHeadlines

A leaked image of an upcoming Android tablet from Samsung should catch the attention of Apple. It leaves off its large top and bottom screen bezels, something many potential iPad Pro buyers have been hoping for.

To accomplish its design change, the rumored Galaxy Tab S4 includes no home button. That’s also likely to be on Apple’s agenda.

Google admits third-party developers can read your emails

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Google-Chrome
Real human developers can read your Gmail messages. But only if you let them.
Photo: Google

Privacy is a hot-button issue in 2018, and the latest target is Google after it was revealed that developers of third-party apps can read your Gmail messages. 

The thing is, you gave the application permission to do that. You just don’t remember. Or weren’t paying attention.