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Look who’s in Apple’s corner in FBI privacy fight

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iPhone rain by Dariusz Sankowski encryption 100+ organizations and individuals back Apple vs FBI
It's raining amicus briefs in California today.
Photo: Dariusz Sankowski/Pixabay

Companies and organizations have filed over a dozen amicus briefs supporting Apple in its showdown with the FBI over phone encryption. Filers include law professors, rights organizations, and some of the biggest companies in the world.

This outpouring of support is just the latest in a series of apparent victories for Apple in its fight to keep its devices secure.

Apple passes on bid for NFL streaming rights

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Apple TV won't be streaming football this year.
Apple TV won't be streaming football this year.
Photo: NFL

As it turns out, Apple is not ready for some football.

The iPhone-maker was expected to be among a number of tech giants bidding for the streaming rights to 18 regular season football games this year, but it appears the company has decided to pass on the option to bid, figuring it wouldn’t be a big enough draw for the Apple TV platform. 

Superhero fighting game adds Dawn of Justice characters

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Dawn of Justice Injustice Gods Among Us
I've been waiting to see this since Man of Steel ended.
Photo: Warner Bros.

If you’re in the (presumably small) subset of people who are both looking forward to the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film and still playing the Injustice: Gods Among Us iOS game, you’ll be excited to know that a new update has tossed the two properties together like some kind of super salad.

The film’s release is still three weeks away, but the clash of heroes could be happening in your iPhone or iPad right now if you don’t mind putting in some work. Check out the new characters in action in the trailer below.

Amazon extends Alexa’s reach with two killer new devices

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AmazonTapFront

The Amazon Echo has quickly become one of our favorite gadgets thanks to its accompanying digital assistant Alexa that makes it easy to do everything from ordering new laundry detergent to checking the news. Today the service is getting even better with two new gadgets that essentially split the Echo into two parts: Tap and Dot.

Amazon divvied up what the original Echo did by creating the Echo Dot ($89) that can hear your commands from anywhere in the room, it just doesn’t have great speakers like the original, while the Amazon Tap boasts great speakers for only $129, but you have to push a button on the top of the device to give it commands.

If you’re hoping to get your hands on an Echo Dot you’ll need to own an Alexa device (the original Echo, or a Kindle Fire tablet). However, anyone can pre-order the Amazon Tap right now.

Here’s a teaser:

How to make grocery lists with Fantastical 2 and Apple Watch

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If you have an Apple Watch, Fantastical 2 makes managing grocery lists super simple!
If you have an Apple Watch, Fantastical 2 makes managing grocery lists super simple!
Photo: Ally Kazmucha/The App Factor

app-factor-logo-thumbnail

Grocery shopping isn’t anyone’s favorite activity — and while using a list can make it a bit more manageable, constantly pulling out your iPhone to check items off can be inconvenient. However, creating an iOS grocery list in the Reminders app and syncing it with your Apple Watch can streamline the process significantly.

While walking through a local grocery store, I found myself pulling out my iPhone, launching Fantastical 2 and systematically checking things off as normal. I then remembered that my Apple Watch also had Fantastical 2 built right in, so I figured I would give that a go this time.

After a little experimenting, I figured out the perfect way to interact with checklists in Fantastical 2 on my Apple Watch.

Amazon’s new approach to encryption is the exact opposite of what you’d expect

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amazons-new-approach-to-encryption-is-the-exact-opposite-of-what-youd-expect-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads20160315527650146_be623d309c_h-jpg
You might want to avoid Amazon's Fire OS 5 update.
Photo: TechSmart/Flickr CC

While Apple is embroiled in an ugly battle with the FBI in the hope that it can protect the privacy and security of its users, Amazon is throwing away the encryption it previously offered its own.

With its latest Fire OS 5 update, the company has removed the ability to encrypt data on its Fire tablets.

Beefy iPad Pro case is worth its weight in protection [Reviews]

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As a working iPad, the Pro needs protection like Gumdrop's DropTech Case for iPad Pro.
As a working iPad, the Pro needs protection like Gumdrop's DropTech Case for iPad Pro.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Best List: DropTech protective case for Apple iPad Pro by Gumdrop

Apple charges a whopping $599 to repair a broken screen on an iPad Pro. With its 13-inch screen, yeah, the Pro has a lot of glass, but 600 bucks is nearly as much as it costs to buy a new one. Yeah, I couldn’t believe it either.

So I’m grateful that my iPad Pro is safely ensconced in the equivalent of a big, rubbery safety blanket. Gumdrop’s DropTech Case looks like a flattened tractor tire, with big ridges on the back for maintaining a grip. It’s not elegant by any stretch of the imagination, but I’m confident it’ll save me a trip to the Genius Bar.

Hipsters rejoice: American Apparel is getting Apple Pay

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Apple Pay
Apple Pay is everywhere.
Photo: Apple

The coolest way to pay for stuff is finally coming to the country’s hippest store: American Apparel.

The company revealed today that it will be using software provided by Index to bring Apple Pay support to point-of-sale terminals across the country, making it easier than ever to buy simple cotton hoodies and t-shirts.

Woz will pop the cork on some bubbly with you if price is right

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The dinner conversation could be interesting.
The dinner conversation could be interesting.
Photo: Cult of Mac file

We have a ready shortlist when asked which famous person with whom we most want as a dinner date.

So if Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is on that list, he will happily dine with you and three friends and even throw in a bottle of champaign tied to Apple’s history – that is, if you are the winning bidder.

U.N. backs Apple, calls encryption fundamental to freedom

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Your iPhone will always need to be recharged everyday.
Security isn't a feature, it's a right.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The United Nations is standing behind Apple in the company’s fight against the FBI over whether the federal government can compel the iPhone-maker to create a backdoor into iOS.

In a letter written in support of Apple’s case, U.N. Special Rapporteur David Kaye says that if the feds are successful, it would infringe on citizens’ right to freedom of expression.

10 iOS Safari tips you need to know (but don’t)

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Safari iOS 11
Get up to speed with these awesome Safari tips
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The mobile web browser of choice for most iPhone and iPad users is still Safari. As the stock browser for iOS, it has been a staple of the iPhone since its release in 2007, but Safari has a few subtle features you’ve probably never heard of.

With Safari going through so many changes with each new iOS version, some tricks may have sneaked past your attention. In today’s video, we’ll show you 10 killer Safari tricks every iPhone and iPad users needs to know.

How many of these Safari tips have you seen?

Now’s the time to become a JavaScript master [Deals]

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Learn the many facets of frontend development in JavaScript with this bundle of 7 courses.
Learn the many facets of frontend development in JavaScript with this bundle of 7 courses.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

JavaScript is key language of the web, and one that no developer can be too familiar with. Whether you’ve been coding for years or are brand new to user-oriented web development, this bundle of 7 courses is an invaluable resource. The courses clock in at over 32 hours, and cover JavaScript frameworks and libraries, EmberJS, ReactJS and lots more, and right now you can get access to the whole thing for just $39.

How to eliminate the adware that’s plaguing your Mac

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Mac malware
Don't get caught like this.
Photo: Stephen Smith/Cult of Mac

In addition to various viruses that can harm your Mac, there’s a different kind of annoyance you might have stumbled upon: adware.

This might manifest itself as a web page that tells you you’ve been infected, with an accompanying phone number to call or malicious website to visit, or it might even show up as an ostensibly helpful Mac app you don’t remember installing.

If you’re experiencing the pain of malicious adware, we’re here to help. Here’s how to eliminate the adware that’s plaguing your Mac.

Google’s next Nexus to rip off iPhone’s 3D Touch

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googles-next-nexus-to-rip-off-iphones-3d-touch-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads2016033D-Touch-iPhone-6s-jpg
3D Touch is awesome on iPhone 6s.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android
3D Touch is awesome on iPhone 6s. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android
3D Touch is awesome on iPhone 6s. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Google’s next-generation Nexus smartphone will adopt the iPhone’s 3D Touch technology, according to an “insider” familiar with the company’s plans. It’s thought HTC will be tasked with building the device, and it should arrive later this year.

Apple Support comes to your rescue on Twitter

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CcoA1y6UYAEfGf8.jpg-large
Apple's got your back.
Photo: Apple

If you’ve got a question for Apple — or simply want to pick up some new tips and tricks for your iOS device or Mac — Apple has launched a brand new Twitter account to help you.

Launched this morning, @AppleSupport has already sent out 137 tweets, covering everything from Apple IDs to downloading app updates, to its 21,200 users.

LifePrint makes your boring iPhone photos come to life

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Robert Macauley shows off LifePrint, his app for bringing all your pictures to life.
Robert Macauley shows off LifePrint, his printer and app for bringing your pictures to life.
Photo: Traci Dauphin/Cult of Mac

SAN FRANCISCO — The idea for Robert Macauley’s “photographs for the new millennium” sprang from a camera that is totally 20th century.

“What if you could create a Polaroid experience for your phone?” Macauley said as he showed off a prototype of LifePrint, his pint-size printer that works with an augmented-reality app. LifePrint lets you print out Polaroid-size images that, when viewed through the app, can come to life on your smartphone screen.

Bluetooth speaker adds the power of Siri

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Dash7 plus Siri
The Dash7 managed to fit Siri into its tiny form factor.
Photo: Soundmatters

Speaker maker Soundmatters has just released an audio device you can talk to without looking like a crazy person. And even better, it’ll talk back with the voice of Apple’s digital assistant, Siri.

The aptly named Dash7+Siri has all the functions of the basic mini soundbar, but it also lets you issue commands directly to the speaker with the press of a button.

Health company offering Apple Watch for $25 if you hit your fitness goals

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Apple Watch
A great idea to get people to stay fit.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Companies like Best Buy offer good deals on the Apple Watch, but one of the most innovative concepts I’ve heard is currently being offered by South African health insurer Discovery Health.

In a program announced this week, Discovery is allowing some customers to buy a $350 Apple Watch for only $25 by hitting fitness-related exercise goals. If users miss their targets, their discount shrinks.

Best part of it? The program is coming to the U.S., too.

Apple looks to attract young talent with new San Francisco office

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235 Second St. might be Apple's new home in San Francisco.
Apple's San Francisco office.
Photo: Todd Johnson/SF Business Times

Apple has never been a company to offer the kind of perks that Google and others do — allowing its stock options and world-beating reputation to make up for the tech giant’s lack of indoor climbing walls and free food.

But a new report suggests that Apple may be slowly rethinking its approach to incentives. And it’s all beginning with San Francisco real-estate.

OLED displays could arrive with next year’s iPhone 7s

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Sharper iPhone displays are just around the corner.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Virtually everyone is expecting Apple to make the jump to OLED displays sooner or later, but according to a new report iPhone users may be able to expect the arrival of the new, sharper displays as soon as next year’s iPhone 7s — around one year earlier than was being predicted.

Apple is reported to have spoken with its display suppliers at both LG and Samsung concerning its desire to ramp up OLED production so that it is ready for next year’s iPhone release.

New torture tests pit Galaxy S7 edge against iPhone 6s Plus

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new-torture-tests-pit-galaxy-s7-edge-against-iphone-6s-plus-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201603Screen-Shot-2016-03-02-at-31838-PM-jpg
Samsung's IP68 rating keeps it usable and safe underwater, but not so much when it gets dropped. Photo: EverythingApplePro/YouTube
Samsung’s IP68 rating keeps it usable and safe underwater, but not so much when it gets dropped. Photo: EverythingApplePro/YouTube

In the endless battle for supremacy between Apple and Samsung, the Korean company has leaped ahead of Cupertino when it comes to water-resistance. But the iPhone 6s Plus still reigns supreme in terms of shatter-resistance.

A YouTuber set the new Samsung Galaxy S7 edge next to an Apple iPhone 6s Plus in a big deep tub of water, then dropped them both from different heights, and the results are pretty predictable (yet still fun to watch).

The results definitely aren’t pretty.

ACLU backs Apple in FBI fight

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iPhone mobile encryption touch id
Another group has come to Apple's defense in its battle with the FBI over iPhone security.
Photo: Olly Browning/Pixabay

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a brief today supporting Apple in its clash with the government.

The organization argues that the FBI’s demands that the iPhone maker create software that will allow investigators to bypass built-in security features represent an overreach of authority that will leave hundreds of millions of users vulnerable to cyberattacks. It becomes the latest organization to join the debate that has put security and privacy at odds.