In addition to a new developer release of Sierra, Apple also seeded developer releases of iOS 10.3.3, watchOS 3.2.3, tvOS 10.2.2. All three releases are most likely going to be bug releases, and they come just one day after final versions of their predecessors.
Product News
Apple Seeds First Developer Release of macOS Sierra 10.12.6
Apple released the first developer release of macOS Sierra 10.12.6 on Tuesday, just one day after shipping macOS Sierra 10.12.5. The company didn’t announce any new features in the release, and it’s likely to be another maintenance release ahead of Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference in June.
Apple Squashes 30 Security Holes in macOS Sierra, Plus Standalone Updates for El Cap and Yosemite
Apple squashed 30 security holes in macOS Sierra with the release of macOS 10.12.5 on Monday. The company’s security notes indicate the update addressed a wide variety of issues in its Mac operating system, many of which are serious. Apple included the same fixes in separate security updates for El Capitan and Yosemite.
Apple Releases iTunes 12.6.1, Calls it 'Minor'
Apple released iTunes 12.6.1 on Monday. The patch notes were sparse, noting only that, “This update includes minor app and performance improvements.”
Apple Watch watchOS 3.2.2 Released with Bug Fixes and Security Patches
Apple released watchOS 3.2.2 Monday. Apple’s patch notes for the release are scant, noting only that it “includes improvements and bug fixes.”
Apple Releases iOS 10.3.2 with Bug Fixes and Security Patches
Apple released iOS 10.3.2 Monday. The patch notes for the updates indicate it is entirely a maintenance update, noting that it “includes bug fixes and improves the security of your iPhone and iPad.”
Mac Developers: Microsoft’s Visual Studio for Mac Is Here
Today Microsoft has released Visual Studio for Mac, which it previewed at the Microsoft’s Connect(); 2016 developer event. It’s exciting news for developers who want to develop for Windows without giving up their Apple devices.
Apple Pushes 5th Developer Beta for tvOS 10.2.1
Apple released tvOS 10.2.1 beta 5, build 14W585, Thursday. There are no patch notes for the release, but at this stage of the development cycle Apple is most likely focused on squashing bugs.
Shopping For Mother’s Day? Consider Digital Art Decoration
Looking for a Mother’s Day present? Andrew Orr found a new type of digital art decoration on the market called Meural Canvas. It’s a 27-inch screen you hang on your wall, and change the art it shows using your smartphone. You can upload your own photos to the display, and the company partners with a bunch of big-name art museums. You can choose over 30,000 paintings from Meural’s app and website.
Universal Search on Apple TV Expands, Plus Crackle, Filmstruck, and Freeform
The fourth generation Apple TV gets several improvements today. The universal search function now includes Spike, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. Plus, Apple’s TV app now supports the Crackle, Filmstruck and Freeform apps. These apps are supported across multiple devices.
Apple Seeds 5th Developer Preview of macOS Sierra 10.12.5
Apple released the 5th developer preview of macOS Sierra 10.12.5 on Monday. The patch notes say nothing besides the boilerplate note that the release. “improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.”
You Can Now Delete Uber Account Data Straight From The App
Today Uber announced the introduction of a Privacy Settings in its app. This lets you delete Uber account data and give you more control over app notifications and contacts that the app has access to. You can also control location data within the app. Andrew Orr tells us the details.
For the Most Private Browsing Experience, Think Epic Browser
People are growing increasingly concerned with private browsing, given the state of internet privacy in the US and other countries, as well as increasingly sophisticated phishing attacks. Jeff Butts is one of those concerned citizens, and has found out about a browser that takes security and privacy as seriously as he does.
Adobe Amps Up Creative Cloud Video Professional Apps, Including Touch Bar Support
Adobe announced Wednesday new versions of video editing and effects tools in Creative Cloud. The company announced new versions of Premier, After Effects, Audition, and Character Animator, all of which are work more closely with one another. MacBook Pro owners will also get support for Apple’s new Touch Bar.
Apple Makes iWork and iLife Apps Free and Easier to Download by Anyone
Apple made its iWork suite—Pages, Numbers, and Keynote—free on Tuesday, as well as two of the iLife apps*—GarageBand and iMovie. While they were already free to new Mac and iOS device customers (since 2013), making the price “free” makes them easier to download by everyone.
If You're Looking for Floppy Disks, Amazon's Got Them - Really
If you remember fondly the old days of passing files around by “sneakernet,” or using floppy disks, you might be amused at what Jeff Butts has discovered. Floppy disk drives and the diskettes you need for them are still widely available from at least one retailer.
Logitech POP Smart Button Gets HomeKit Support
Logitech’s POP Smart Button is getting HomeKit support, and its POP Smart Button Kit will be available in Apple’s retail stores. The button supports a wide range of devices, so you can use it to control non-HomeKit gear, too.
A New Drone Is Coming To Apple Stores
A new drone on the market called the Hover Camera Passport will soon be sold in Apple retail stores. Made by Chinese startup Zero Zero Robotics, and it will soon be available for in-store purchase at retail locations around the world.
Western Digital Brings USB-C to G-Drive, Giving Photographers New Choice
Western Digital, which owns the brand G-DRIVE, has created a powerful new external hard drive. G-DRIVE is a popular brand among photographers, and the new drive is perfect for those creatives with the latest MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops, which are USB-C only. Andrew Orr gives us the scoop.
Instagram Update Combines Disappearing Video and Photos with Direct Messages
Instagram is aiming to make Snapchat less relevant by making its own direct messaging features easier to use. An app update coming out today streamlines chats by combining disappearing photos and video with the direct message feature.
Apple's Clips Social Media Video App Available for iPhone, iPad
Apple’s Clips video editing app for social networks hit the App Store on Thursday. The app lets iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users capture and edit short videos to share on Facebook, Twitter, and more.
Pebble Update Lets Watches Work After Servers Shut Down
Pebble smartwatch owners got a welcome iPhone app update this week that removes the dependency on the company’s cloud servers for firmware updates and app installation. The update addresses a concern users and developers have had ever since Fitbit bought Pebble last year.
Apple Gives Out Workflow App Refund To Customers
Apple is giving out a Workflow app refund to customers who recently purchased the app. Apple acquired the Workflow development team and made the app free. If you’re an eligible customer, you should have gotten an email from the iTunes Support Team, which Andrew Orr shares.
Apple Releases iOS 10.3.1, a Bug Fix Release
Apple released iOS 10.3.1 Monday. The patch notes are sparse, saying only, “iOS 10.3.1 includes bug fixes and improves the security of your iPhone or iPad.” The company has not yet published the security release notes, but this update is most likely addresses issues that cropped up since the release of iOS 10.3 last week.