Siri, as we’ve know her (or him), has been both a blessing and a frustration. The technology, when it works is brilliant, but when its limitations are exposed, it can be very frustrating. Our appetite for a stellar chatbot companion has merely been whetted, and we’re about to get it. From Apple. On its terms. With privacy.
Columns & Opinions
Twitter Will Let Users Block @Mentions from Strangers
Twitter announced Thursday a new set of controls that allows users to not see @mentions from strangers. The move is being viewed as a response to Twitter trolls, though it’s more of a mask than a fix. When enabled, incoming mentions from people you don’t follow simply won’t be shown.
Apple Retail Drops 'Store' and I Think I Like It
Apple is in the process of rebranding its fleet of Apple Stores to a fleet of just Apple. The company is removing the word “Store” from those locations, turning them from retail outlets to outposts of the company itself. Bryan Chaffin thinks this is splendid
A Clever Microsoft Ad Gets to the Heart of Apple's Fuzzy iPad Message
The early iPads were a sensation. It seemed that Steve Jobs had brought forth the successor to the Mac. However, things have not gone as planned with the iPad, and Apple is scrambling to construct a clearer branding and imperative for the iPad. Even Microsoft senses the difficulty and has poked fun at Apple’s newfound toaster-fridge mentality.
FBI Still Wants Encryption Compromise Where None is Possible
FBI Director Comey is still searching for a so-called compromise on encryption, even though no such compromise is possible. Mr. Comey wants America to discuss the issue before a terror or criminal event involving encryption makes rational discussion impossible.
Become a Maestro of Mac Macros
Become a maestro of time-saving macros with Keyboard Maestro, one of Dr. Mac’s favorite all-time Mac productivity enhancers.
iPad Pro 9.7-inch vs. iPad Air 2
Dr. Mac’s has been running an iPad Pro 9.7-inch and an iPad Air 2 side-by-side for the past month. Wanna know which one he’d buy?
T-Mobile, Pokémon GO, and Another Test for Net Neutrality
T-Mobile customers will soon get one year of free unlimited data for Pokémon GO, the hit new augmented reality mobile game. While exciting for fans of the game, net neutrality advocates should be wary of this latest move from “the un-carrier.”
Apple Innovation Timeline - Revolutions Keep on Turning
Apple continues to turn out product and service revolutions, even after the loss of Steve Jobs. This Apple innovation timeline shows the company is pumping out those revolutions at the same pace it did with Steve.
The Curse of Apple Supporting Older Hardware
A group of consumers are complaining Apple is using planned obsolescence to hobble their older devices with new operating systems. Bryan Chaffin argues Apple should instead get credit for supporting older devices better than any other company.
How Not to Lose Your Apple Pencil
Dr. Mac loves using his Apple Pencil, but hates misplacing it. He shares three inexpensive solutions in this week’s Dr. Mac’s Rants & Raves…
Apple Continues to Leverage Its Supply Chain to Maximize Margins (Like Always)
Apple is putting pressure on its suppliers to cut prices to maintain its profit margins, according to a report from DigiTimes that’s been picked up by other publications. What’s missing from the piece, however, is that Apple is always pressuring its suppliers to cut costs for the sake of its own margins.
Spotify Says Apple Unfair, Apple Says Spotify Doesn't Want to Play by the Rules
Spotify and Apple are having a public spat, and it’s not exactly going well for Spotify. Spotify has publicly accused Apple of rigging the game for streaming music, and it even rigged a situation it could hang a whinge on. The problem is that it was transparent ploy and Apple called the company on it. In Public.
Why I'll be Buying a New iPhone 7
Some say, the iPhone 7 will be a yawner. What’s forgotten is that our appetite for new (useful) toys and being state-of-the art always outweighs the cynicism of skeptics and critics. John’s going to have a new iPhone 7, and states why you should think seriously about one too. Ignore the voices that seek control.