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Developers, get started coding for tvOS [Deals]

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Learn to develop for Apple TV with dozens of hours of lessons.
Learn to develop for Apple TV with dozens of hours of lessons.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With millions of people using tvOS, it’s earned its bona fides as a major platform. Whether you’re an experienced developer looking for new territory or you’re just interested in learning, this bundle of courses clocking in at 35 hours is a great primer for coding in tvOS. It covers everything from the basics to creating multiplayer games, turning iPhone apps into tvOS apps and more, and right now you can get access for just $29.

Here’s some of what’s included:

Here are the secret code names Apple gives iOS internally

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iOS 9 is good, but iOS 10 needs to be spectacular.
From the look of things he's running Monarch.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Do you know your “Brighton” from your “Copper?” How about debating the merits of “Eagle” over “Castlerock?”

Every geek worth their salt loves a good code name, and just because Apple (unlike Android), never publicly refers to its mobile OS versions by names rather than numbers doesn’t mean it doesn’t have them.

You can check out the full list below. Who knows, maybe casually name-dropping “Innsbruck” like you’re a real insider will let you slip past the security guards at Apple HQ?

Stay distracted: Keep Netflix video running in the foreground on your Mac

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Watch your favorites while getting work done, too.
Watch your favorites while getting work done, too.
Photo: Stephen Smith/Cult of Mac

Sometimes, work is boring. You might need a distraction from whatever routine task you’re doing on your Mac, like entering data into a spreadsheet or replying to email. Netflix is a great idea, but you have to portion your screen or move windows around in order to both watch a show on Netflix as well as get your work done.

Not anymore, though, as NEnhancer lets you use the magical power of Chrome to get a Netflix movie or TV show in a small window that will float on top of any other apps you’re running, making sure your Netflix video running in the foreground on your Mac.

Just be sure to actually get your work finished, too.

Apple could receive hefty fines for not handing over data in France

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euros2
That's a whole lot of euros.
Photo: Godzimama

France’s lower house of parliament has passed an amendment which could see Apple charged heavy fines, and even handed out jail time, if it fails to hand over encrypted data as part of government investigations.

The amendment affects both tech and telecoms companies. The punishment could reach up to €350,000 ($385,000) and five years in jail, although a proposed amendment asking the French government to hand out fines of €1 million was rejected.

Apple plans to sell refurbished iPhones in India

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Apple wants to get more iPhones into customers' hands.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Apple is planning to import and sell refurbished iPhones in India as a way of getting its handsets into more people’s hands.

“An application from Apple regarding import of certified pre-owned iPhones for sale in India and manufacturing certified pre-owned iPhones for sale in India has been received in the ministry of environment and forests,” telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said today.

Bizarre obsession with Steve Jobs musicals continues

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Sing different.
Photo: Ben Stanfield/Flickr CC

The oddball collection of Steve Jobs-inspired musicals is set to gain another entry this month, as new “original pop-rock musical” The Crazy Ones makes it debut at 54 Below — the supper club beneath the legendary Studio 54 — in New York City.

Taking its name from a line in Apple’s iconic “Think Different” ad campaign, the musical tells the story of a young Steve Jobs being driven out of Apple — although the wording on its press release makes it sound oddly like the trailer for a 1980s horror movie.

FBI will fight for iOS backdoors even if it loses to Apple

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iPhone hack
Bruce Schneier thinks the FBI isn't going to stop fighting any time soon.
Photo: Ste Smith

The FBI is unlikely to give up trying to pry its way into iPhones even if it loses the current standoff with Apple over encryption, says security expert Bruce Schneier.

Schneier, who is one of the leading experts on modern cryptography, says it is “clear that the San Bernardino case was preselected as a legal precedent case” by the bureau — despite the fact that FBI Director James Comey has claimed this is not the case (only to later contradict himself.)

Don’t expect the iPhone sales slump to last long

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Didn't we like the sharpe edges of the iPhone 5 more anyway?
The end of the iPhone sales boom? Hardly.
Photo: TechRax/YouTube

iPhone sales may be set to level off this year, according to Tim Cook, but don’t think that Apple handsets are entering an irreversible decline.

According to the latest forecast from analysts at IDC, in their Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, iPhone growth should return as soon as 2017 — thanks to Apple’s trade-in programs and expansion into new markets outside the United States.

Florida congressman floats stupid, anti-Apple bill

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United States Capitol by Jens Junge
All the major tech companies are under investigation.
Photo: Jens June/Pixabay

Government officials seem to be in some kind of race to see which of them can be the most indignant and/or outraged at Apple’s refusal to create security-bypassing software for its devices. And we’re pretty sure Rep. David Jolly has just won.

Jolly, who represents Florida’s 13th District, submitted a bill Wednesday that would make it illegal for any federal office to own or lease Apple products until Cupertino gives in to the FBI’s demands. And he did so because state-sponsored blacklisting of organizations that legally disagree with the government is exactly how free countries work.

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.