Kingston introduces DataTraveler Kyson, a Type-A USB flash drive with a stylish, capless metal case, so there’s no cap to lose.
Origin Wireless Announces Hex Home Wave-Based Security System
Origin Wireless announced Hex Home, a wave-based home security system at Pepcom’s Digital Experience! at CES 2021.
Level Touch Smart Lock Packs Smart Features into a Small Packge with HomeKit Support
Level introduces Level Touch, a smart lock that doesn’t look like one, but packs in many advanced features, including HomeKit integration.
Apple Feels Schadenfreude as Amazon is Accused of eBook Price Fixing
Nine years after an investigation found that Apple and the “Big Five” book publishers colluded to fix eBook prices to compete with Amazon, Amazon has now been accused of doing the same.
The lawsuit claims that almost 90% of all ebooks sold in the US are sold on Amazon, in addition to over 50% of all print books. The suit alleges that ebook prices dropped in 2013 and 2014 after Apple and major publishers were successfully sued for conspiring to set ebook prices, but rose again after Amazon renegotiated their contracts in 2015.
Judge Denies Apple Appeal in VirnetX Patent Case
U.S. District Judge Robert Schroeder has denied Apple’s appeal to reduce a US$502.8 million patent infringement verdict.
Rumor: Apple Could Release ‘Podcasts+’ to Compete With Spotify
The third rumor on Friday from Bloomberg involves Apple working on a podcast subscription service to compete with Spotify.
Tim Cook Tells Parler to 'Get Their Moderation Together' if it Wants to Return to App Store
Apple CEO Tim Cook told Fox News Sunday that Parler needs to “get their moderation together” in order to get back on the App Store.
Rumor: Apple Prepares MacBook Pros With MagSafe, Flat Design
A report on Friday claims that Apple is working on upgraded MacBooks for later in 2021 with the addition of MagSafe and removal of Touch Bar.
Apple TV+ Web App Gets an Update (Finally!)
The Apple TV+ web app has finally received a much-needed facelift that makes the whole experience a lot less clunky.
Rumor: Apple Plans iMac Redesign for 2021
A report on Friday suggests that Apple may be planning to redesign its iMac desktop computer. This would be the first major change since 2012.
Security Friday: Encryption Updates, Reviewing Permissions – TMO Daily Observations 2021-01-15
Andrew Orr joins host Kelly Guimont to discuss Security Friday news and how January is a good time to review all those Sign In With… buttons.
Behind the Scenes With Student Filmmakers Working With iPhone
A new ‘Shot on iPhone’ video goes behind the scenes with four student filmmakers. They all reimagine cinema tradition in a different way, covering genres like classic noir, magical realism, and stop-motion animation. Two of the films will become available in full via Apple. The theme of the clip, perhaps unsurprisingly, is the flexibility an iPhone provides filmmakers with.
HYPER Releases 60W USB-C Power Hub for Nintendo Switch
HYPER has released a new HyperDrive 60W USB-C Power Hub for Nintendo Switch. It contains a USB-C 45W PD 10Gbps port for host charging and data, a USB-C 18W PD for charging, a USB-A 7.5W 5Gbps port for charging & data, and an HDMI 4K60Hz HDR port. It serves as a 2-in-1 USB Charger & Data Hub and costs $99.99.
Bruce Springsteen Discusses 'Letter to You' and The E Street Band on Apple Music Country
Bruce Springsteen appeared on Apple Music Country to discuss his Apple TV+ documentary Letter to You. The Boss also discussed the integral importance of the E Street Band with host Tim McGraw on his Beyond the Influence show.
How to Change Your Zoom Display Name
As usernames replace nametags, you may want to change your Zoom display name so that, for example, people can see which company you are from.
Using Open Source Software to Extend Apple’s HomeKit
Simon Bisson wrote a cool story for ZDNet. It involves using an open source tool called Homebridge that can be used to integrate smart home devices that don’t natively support HomeKit.
The plugin ecosystem is where Homebridge really excels. By having its own defined APIs, it’s possible for anyone with access to developer documentation to build a simple translation layer that links devices to HomeKit and to Home (and to Siri). Most of the plugins are on GitHub, so if you want additional features or support for alternative hardware, you can fork existing code and start to add your own features.
First Episode of ‘Servant’ Season Two Now on Apple TV+
The first episode of season two of Servant from M. Night Shyamalan is now available on Apple TV+. Further episodes will be released on a weekly basis. Of course, you can still catch up with the full first season too.
Epic Games Submits Complaint Against Apple in UK
The latest move in the Epic v Apple legal battle involves the former expanding its complaint to other countries. This was made public [PDF] by the Competition Appeal Tribunal of the UK.
This is an important argument to make on behalf of consumers and developers in the U. K. and around the world who are impacted by Apple and Google’s misuse of market power. Epic is not seeking damages from Apple or Google in the U. K., Australia or the U. S., it is simply seeking fair access and competition that will benefit all consumers.
Portable Air Heater with Detachable Hand Warmer: $84.99
We have a deal on the Nordic Hygge Värme, an innovative portable heater that comes with a detachable hand warmer that you can bring anywhere with you. Inside the portable hand warmer is something called Phase Changing Wax that can capture the heat and hold the temperature around up to 122°F/55°C for up to an hour. The company says the space heater part of the device can heat small spaces in as little as 3 seconds. It’s $84.99 through our deal.
AirPods Spatial Audio Could Arrive on Netflix
As I noted last year in my AirPods Pro editorial, Spatial Audio is a great audio experience. It can be found on Apple TV+ and Disney+, but not Netflix. But a recent rumor claims Netflix is testing it.
The iPhoneSoft report doesn’t include specific information on when Netflix will roll out spatial audio report, instead only vaguely suggesting a spring release with a “limited” catalog.
