The iPhone XR Instagram update is now available. The social networking app was recently updated with support for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Before version 65—the latest—Instagram displayed a scaled up version of the iPhone X app version. The update doesn’t affect the iPhone XS because it has the same resolution as the iPhone X. But the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max have bigger displays, and get the most out of the optimization. You won’t noticed much; instead the update is subtle. UI elements will be a bit smaller, and this means that a little more content can fit on the larger displays.
Apple Hosting The Big Draw Festival Events at Flagship Stores
Apple is hosting Today at Apple sessions throughout October with professional illustrators to highlight The Big Draw. The international event runs through October 31st to get more people interested in all forms of drawing. Apple’s sessions are happening at its flagship stores in Chicago, London, Milan, New York City, and Singapore. You can sign up for the free classes at Apple’s website.
Use MAC Addresses to Figure Out How Old Network Devices Are
If you can get a device’s MAC address, you can figure out how old it is. MAC addresses are unique identifier numbers for the devices on a network, and it turns out you can use them to get an idea of the age of devices. That’s handy if you’re trying to gather more data about what’s on your network, and like every other tool, can be used for good or bad. The data is all in a freely accessible CSV file on Github.
A List of Apps and Tools to Enhance iOS
On Github there’s a big list of apps and tools to enhance iOS. The author writes the philosophy behind it:
For me, an iPhone is essentially a consumption and communication device. Everything I can do on the phone, I can do faster and better on my MacBook. Thus I find it is very valuable to give each of these devices a well defined purpose and use them appropriately.
I use my phone when I am not using my computer. I use it to read books, make photographs, quickly edit them, check tasks I have set out to do, listen to podcasts, music, audio books, read Wikipedia, answer messages on Slack, Telegram, write quick notes and memos, search the internet and read my mail.
There are plenty of categories to explore, from Productivity to Automation. If you’re on the look out for a great app to add to iOS, check out this helpful list. The author also has a similar list for macOS called My Wonderful World of macOS.
Microsoft Demos Surface Hub 2 [Video]
Microsoft demoed the Surface Hub 2 this week, and Tom Warren of The Verge posted the video (below). My initial take is a mix of “Huh?” and “Huh.” I don’t give regular, live presentations, but I can the value of a device like this for those who do. On the other hand, I can’t see the value of the bit at the end where someone wanders by, sees some data you put together, and then wants to drop that data into her own PowerPoint stack. Get your mitts off my computer, hey? And manipulating everything seemed really slow, or maybe it was just Excel that was slow, as someone commented on YouTube. All that said, I absolutely see the value of a large, touch screen device for creative work. It doesn’t look like Microsoft has made such a device that really works yet, but this is a company that usually required multiple iterations before nailing it. In any event, it’s a little over 2 minutes long. Check it out.
The Secret is Out: Apple Uses This Tool to Clean iMac Screens
There’s a tool called Vinyl Buddy that is used to clean vinyl records. But it can also be used to clean your Mac’s screen. Mac Geek Gab listener Everett says this is what Apple uses to clean iMac screens by getting the dust off the inside of the screen when reassembling them after repair. And others have confirmed. Instead of using a microfiber cloth, try this tool. It’s a small roller that attracts dust and other small debris. Once it’s full of dust, you just rinse it under running water and use it again. I’m guessing it’s an electrostatic effect because the roller doesn’t have any sort of adhesive on it. You could also try it on your iPhone or iPad, although it might not remove fingerprints. And of course, like the name suggests, it can pick up dust from in between the grooves of vinyl records. We found the tool on Amazon for US$14.99.
Want to Play with a 3D iPhone XS on your iPhone? Apple Has a Site for That
Apple has a cool mini website to show off the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Just load it up in Safari or Chrome on your mobile phone and you can spin the new iPhone models around by tilting your display. Phone specs pop up as the iPhones twirl around so you can learn more about them, plus you can choose which model you’re looking at, and the phone color, too. It’s a pretty cool was to explore the iPhone XS and XS Max.
Audible Brings Its Audio Books to Apple Watch
Amazon’s Audible added support for Apple Watch to its iOS app. With version 3.0 of the Audible app for iOS, users will be able to sync their audio books to their Apple Watch, and play them back over Bluetooth without having their iPhone handy. You’ll be able to rewind, pause, and set a sleep timer from your Apple Watch, too. The company also announced that monthly subscribers get two Audible Originals and one audiobook per month included with their subscription. Version 3.0 of the Audible app is on the App Store now. It’s a free download.
Here's the Best Apple Watch Series 4 Size Comparison
Just how big will you new Apple Watch Series 4 be compared to the Apple Watch you already have? Allison Sheridan from the NosillaCast podcast did the math because she’s really frakking smart. Turns out the new 40mm model’s display area, which replaces the 38mm model, is 35% bigger and actually 2% bigger than the old 42mm’s display. The 44mm display is 32% bigger than the screen on the 42mm model it replaces. She also did the math for pixel density, case dimensions, and more. Check out her comparisons so you’re ready when your new Apple Watch shows up on Friday.
Check Out the First Captain Marvel Trailer
Marvel Studios has been hard at work on its newest super hero movie, Captain Marvel, and the first trailer looks pretty awesome. Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson, is an interplanetary soldier trying to protect Earth from an alien invasion. We get to see Captain Marvel, Nick Fury and Agent Colson, the Skrulls who can shape-shift to look like anyone, plus lots of action. Captain Marvel is scheduled for release on March 8th, 2019.
1Password Adds iOS 12 Password AutoFill Support
AgileBits has a 1Password update out that adds support for iOS 12’s password AutoFill feature. Now you can use 1Password on your iPhone or iPad to automatically fill in user names and passwords, just like Apple’s own Keychain. If you need to login to a website, for example, iOS 12 can automatically fill the fields with the information from your 1Password database. Once the 1Password update is installed you’ll need to enable AutoFill in iOS 12’s Password & Accounts settings. You can find the update in the Updates section in the App Store app.
Join Aaptiv for a Virtual 5K Race to Benefit Charity
Aaptiv is an audio fitness app that gives you access to over 2,500 trainer-created workouts. Each workout is driven by music, and categories include running, elliptical, race training, rowing, strength training, stretching, yoga and more. On October 27, Aaptiv is partnering with Charity Miles for a virtual 5K race. Pick a training program in the app to get started. You can train by yourself or grab friends and family to form a team. You can log your training miles with the Charity Miles app to benefit a cause you want to support. Share your progress along the way with #Aaptiv5KYourWay. Complete the virtual race for a chance to win a home gym or one of ten runner-up prize bags. You can find the official rules here [PDF], and register solo or as a team here. App Store: Aaptiv – Free
HYPER Intros Wireless Charging Adapter for AirPods
Apple still hasn’t released its wireless charging case for Apple’s AirPods, so HYPER stepped up with its Wireless Charger Adapter. The adapter slides on to your AirPods case and adds Qi charging support. It works with any 5W Qi-compliant charger, and gives your AirPods case a full charge in 1.5 hours. The HYPER Wireless Charger Adapter for Apple AirPods is priced at US$49.99 and is available now at the company’s website.
Apple Donates $1M to Hurricane Florence Relief
With Hurricane Florence making landfall in North Caroline and the promise of destruction in its wake, Apple is donating US$1 million to the American Red Cross for relief efforts. Apple CEO Tim Cook shared the announcement on Twitter saying, “The Carolinas are in our hearts. To our employees there, first responders and everyone in Hurricane Florence’s path, please stay safe.” Florence is a Category 1 hurricane, and is expected to cause flooding and property damage. Here’s Tim Cook’s Tweet:
The Carolinas are in our hearts. To our employees there, first responders and everyone in Hurricane Florence’s path, please stay safe. To help those affected, Apple is donating $1M to the Red Cross.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 14, 2018
Build Your Own Touch Screen Computer with Kano's Computer Kit Touch
Kano just released a new version of its Raspberry Pi-based portable computer kit with a touch screen. It’s a kit that has everything to build your own portable computer with a touch screen display with easy to understand instructions that also teach you about how computers work. It takes less than minutes to build the kit and the included micro SD card has the operating system and several educational apps pre-installed. You can learn about coding, using the command line, and more. It’s a great way to learn more about computers and coding. You can get the Kano Computer Kit Touch at the Kano website for US$279.99.
New Video Shows iPhone XS Camera is Bonkers Good
The camera technology in the iPhone XS looks pretty impressive, and Apple has a video showing off some of what it can do with video. The video shows off the slow motion, time lapse, and 4K features in a little under a minute. You get to see how the shots were set up along with the footage they capture. It’s beautiful and makes me want to get my hands on an iPhone XS right now instead of on September 21st when deliveries start.
Compare All Three New iPhones: XS, XS Max, XR
I love comparison charts. Here’s the Apple comparison chart for all three of Apple’s new iPhones: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR.
Enlight Pixaloop Creates Animated Photos
Enlight has a new app out called Enlight Pixaloop. It creates animated photos that can bring your art to life. Any photo element: strands of hair, waves, clouds, or clothing can be animated. Pixaloop tools give you precise animation control so you can perfect your idea. Choose the speed of movement you want to create moving masterpieces: from the subtle flicker of a candle flame to Marilyn’s iconic billowing white dress to cascading waterfalls to two-way escalators. To animate a photo, place arrows to define motion within the image. Add anchors to gradually reduce the speed in the animated area. Freeze motion in parts of your photos to hold specific elements still and keep it real. Or get unreal and tease nature – reverse the direction of water or spills to defy gravity and flow upwards. App Store: Enlight Pixaloop – Free
Invest With a Conscience With Newday Impact Investing
I’ve long believed that you should choose companies you want to do business with that share the same values you do. Things like renewable energy, protecting the ocean, privacy, animal welfare, and others. When I got an email about the Newday Impact Investing app, I was genuinely delighted. It’s an investing app that lets you do just that; invest in companies with values. Every Newday Impact Portfolio is a custom-made, proprietary, and targeted investment strategy built to benefit a specific area of impact. The multi-portfolio approach allows them to provide a fully-diversified investment strategy while impacting the areas you care about directly. Portfolios include ocean health, gender equality, animal welfare, and climate action. On Newday’s website, you have to enter your phone number to get the app link, which seems sketchy and unnecessary. Use the direct App Store link instead. App Store: Newday – Free
Apple Buys Global Rights to 'The Elephant Queen' Documentary
Apple has purchased the global rights to documentary The Queen Elephant, according to Deadline. This film is about an elephant clan led by Athena. That’s her with the giant tusks. 😍 The documentary was filmed by Victoria Stone and Mark Deeble, who spent years with Athena’s family, as she coped with a drought. It sounds amazing, and I can’t wait to see it. Apple hasn’t said when it will be released, but one might imagine it will be part of whatever original streaming service the company has been cooking up for the last few years.
Star Gazers Can Now Sleep Comfortably Under the Stars
Have you ever wanted to sleep, comfortably, under the stars? From Digital Trends: “…’head in the stars’ may sound like a Coldplay lyric but it’s a pretty good description for this tiny house in France being manufactured by a company called SCOP Optinid.” Plus it’s transportable. It’s a star gazer’s dream trailer, with all the amenities, for just US$54,000. Binoculars not included.
Sphero Intros BOLT Robot for STEAM Education
Sphero announced its newest robot, Sphero BOLT, on Monday. The sphere-shaped robot is targeted at the education market, but is available to everyone. It packs an array of infrared and ambient light sensors, LEDs, and a digital compass in its clear body. You can program it from a wide range of devices including iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, Kindle, Macs, and PCs. Sphero BOLT is priced at US$149.99 and is available at the Sphere website.
Apple Hires Condé Nast Exec to Build Apple News
Apple has hired Liz Schimel, formerly of Condé Nast, to help build Apple News. The Information (via AppleInsider) reported (subscription required) that her new title at Apple is Head of News Business, according to her LinkedIn Profile. She’s a media veteran, and her most recent title was President of Condé Nast’s China business. I personally used to worry that Apple News would be yet another project launched and then forgotten by Apple, but the company is clearly intent on growing the service. I read tons of articles on Apple News every day on iPad and iPhone, and I expect to use it in macOS Mojave when that OS ships later this year. TMO has also seen an increase in traffic on Apple News, and that probably coincides with overall growth in the platform. All of which makes Apple investing in more resources and people to build and promote Apple News make sense.
Anyone Can Now Buy The Logitech Crayon Stylus
Aside from the Apple Pencil, the Logitech Crayon stylus is the only third-party stylus officially approved by Apple. The stylus was announced at Apple’s iPad education event earlier this year. At launch, the Logitech Crayon stylus was sold only to schools. Now however, anyone can buy one. Logitech announced today it will sell the Crayon through its website, as well as Apple Stores. For education customers the price was US$49.99, but for the general public the price has been increased to US$69.99. There’s a caveat though: The stylus is only compatible with the education iPad (sixth-gen), not the iPad Pro or older models. The Crayon charges with a built-in Lightning port and a single charge lasts about seven hours.