When an Apple-1 Sold For $210,000

A decade ago, recalled Cult of Mac, an Apple-1 sold for $210,000. It was, at the time, the most expensive personal computer ever sold at auction and thought to be one of only around 50 working Apple-machines in existence. It also came with the original packaging and a letter signed by Steve Jobs. (Image credit: Christie’s)

Italian businessman and private collector Marco Boglione bought the Apple-1 in question. Sportswear company owner Boglione possessed an extensive archive of personal computers, including other rare Apple models. “I’m a guy that has been dealing with these machines, let me say loving these machines, and really being attached to these machines, since I was a kid,” Boglione told The Seattle Times in an interview shortly after the auction. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, on hand for the Apple-1 auction, vouched for the machine’s good working order. Boglione announced that the Apple-1 would go on display in Italy’s Museum of the Information Technology Revolution, in his hometown.

iMazing iOS Device Manager Lifetime License: $19.99

We have a deal on iMazing, the iOS device manager we are big fans of here at TMO. With iMazing, you can browse and manage your backups, extract and print your text messages, drag and drop songs to your iPhone—all without jailbreaking your device. A lifetime license for two devices is $19.99 through our deal. There are also deals for 3 and 5 devices in the deal listing.

Walmart ‘Jetstream’ Routers Contain Backdoors

Researchers found backdoors found in Jetstream routers that lets a hacker remotely control the router and any device connected to it. This router is sold exclusively at Walmart.

CyberNews reached out to Walmart for comment and to understand whether they were aware of the Jetstream backdoor, and what they plan to do to protect their customers. After we sent information about the affected Jetstream device, a Walmart spokesperson informed CyberNews: “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We are looking into the issue to learn more. The item in question is currently out of stock and we do not have plans to replenish it.”

Bad news for owners of these routers, but at least Walmart won’t sell them anymore.

Waze to Get CarPlay Split-View Soon

It looks like Waze is soon going to support CarPlay’s split view fairly soon. That’s according to images sent by a beta tester to The Verge.

A tipster who is beta testing the new feature sent us this image of Waze operating in CarPlay’s new Split View function. Apple rolled out the new dashboard as part of last year’s iOS 13 software update, but it was limited to only work with Apple Maps at the time. Previously, CarPlay required bouncing between different screens to see a track name while getting directions to a destination. With Split View, you can see a map, what’s currently playing on the car’s stereo, and the next piece of guidance to your destination all in one place. Apple eventually released iOS 13.4 earlier this year, which introduced the option for third-party companies to add support for the dashboard mode on their own mapping apps. It took Google until August 2020 to implement support for Google Maps. And now it seems like Waze (which is also owned by Google) is soon to follow. A spokesperson for Waze wouldn’t confirm the beta testing, so we’re not sure when the navigation company plans to officially announce the rollout.

BeardID - Facial Recognition Software Learning to Identify Bears And Cows

Facial recognition software is a key part of how we use our iPhones with Face ID. CNet reported that similar technology is now learning to recognize bears and cows.

After spending over a decade tracking and studying grizzly bears in British Columbia, Canada, bear biologist Melanie Clapham has teamed up with two Silicon Valley-based tech workers to create a facial recognition software called BearID. Designed to monitor grizzly bears and track them via small differences like scars and nicks, the project has been used to recognise 132 of the animals thus far. By adapting existing artificial intelligence programs (namely, funny apps that put moustaches on dogs) the team was able to collect 4,674 images of grizzly bears. According to the team’s research, published in Ecology and Evolution, the system is now 84% accurate — though it requires the bears to be in the system prior to identification.

Fraud Operation Targets Spotify Users With Leaked Database

In a similar situation to a Facebook scam, researchers uncovered an unsecured database with over 380 million records in a potential Spotify hacking operation.

The origins of the database and how the fraudsters were targeting Spotify are both unknown. The hackers were possibly using login credentials stolen from another platform, app, or website and using them to access Spotify accounts.

Working with Spotify, we confirmed that the database belonged to a group or individual using it to defraud Spotify and its users. We also helped the company isolate the issue and ensure its customers were safe from attack.

What’s the Difference Between Apple Thunderbolt 4 and Windows Thunderbolt 4?

Larry O’Conner, CEO of Other World Computing (OWC), wrote a helpful explainer about the differences between Thunderbolt 4 used by Apple and Thunderbolt 4 used by PCs.

You see, Thunderbolt 4 finally promises PC/Windows users all the features Thunderbolt 3 has long offered Apple users. For Mac users, full Thunderbolt capability has always been present. This has been true since the first Macs with Thunderbolt 3 (Thunderbolt USB-C). What Apple did was simply call out that they now support USB 4. This is in addition to the Thunderbolt features already standard and present.

M1 Mac Mini Logic Boards With 10 Gigabit Ethernet in Internal Parts Ordering System

The new M1 Mac mini is currently only available with Gigabit Ethernet. However, MacRumors reported that Apple included multiple logic boards with 10 Gigabit Ethernet for the device in an internal parts document intended for Authorized Service Providers.

While the boards are available to order (in limited quantities), it is unclear why at this point. There are several possibilities, including that Apple listed the parts mistakenly or before it decided against offering a 10 Gigabit Ethernet option. The logic boards could also be designated for special circumstances, such as enterprise use. Apple could also choose to release an M1-based Mac mini with 10 Gigabit Ethernet at a later time.

T-Mobile First Carrier to Enable 988 For Mental Health Services

T-Mobile has become the first carrier to enable the 988 number for mental health services, The Verge reported.  If its customers dial that number, they will be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL).

T-Mobile says it is the first carrier in the US to make 988 available to its customers. T-Mobile chief technology officer Abdul Saad said in a statement that making the shorter emergency number available to customers was “a matter of urgency for us, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the holiday season approaches.” In 2019, the FCC released a report suggesting a three-digit hotline number would make it easier for those seeking help. The FCC voted unanimously in July to make 988 the number to connect to the NSPL hotline, and it gave carriers until July 2022 to put it into effect. However, the 988 number isn’t able to receive text messages, which FCC commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said at the time was problematic. She noted that voice service is “not native for most young people.”

Hombli Smart Indoor Camera: $34.97

We have a deal on the Hombli Smart Indoor Camera, a security camera with 1080p HD video, night vision, 2-way audio, and storage with MicroSD or cloud service. It supports Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, and it come with support apps for iOS and Android. This device is $34.97 through our deal.

Encryption App ‘Cryptomator’ to Integrate With iOS Files

Cryptomator is my top recommendation for file encryption and it recently shared its late 2020 development roadmap.

What’s up with Cryptomator for iOS? For the last 6-7 months, we have been hard at work on a completely new app written in Swift.

What will be so special about the rewrite? Cryptomator will be fully integrated into the Files app. This comes with many benefits like thumbnails, support for third-party apps that can edit files directly inside the vault, and many more!

Great news. What I’ve also been hoping for is the ability to access Cryptomator vaults in external storage on iOS/iPadOS, like you can on the Mac.

Facebook Responds to Apple’s Criticism of Data Monetization

On Thursday, Apple defended its iOS 14 anti-tracking feature in a letter to privacy groups like the EFF, criticizing data collection practices like those used by Facebook. Naturally, Facebook responded.

[Apple] are using their dominant market position to self-preference their own data collection while making it nearly impossible for their competitors to use the same data. They claim it’s about privacy, but it’s about profit.

Fortunately, of course it’s possible to be private and profitable simultaneously. Paid apps and services hopefully incentivize developers to monetize their talent, not our attention through tracking and ads.

Apple Invited to Showdown EU Talks

Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, and Facebook are among the tech companies invited to partake in video talks with the EU next week, Reuters reported. It is to discuss draft rules set to be imposed on them that will be presented by Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton to Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager on December 9.

The video conference on Nov. 24 will discuss the proposed rules, which are known as the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA). Some companies do not think the discussion will lead to changes at this late stage, people close to the companies said on condition of anonymity. The DSA will require tech companies to explain how their algorithms work and also open up their ad archives to regulators and researchers. The DMA targets online gatekeepers with a list of dos, such as sharing data with rivals and regulators, and don’ts, such as not favouring their own services. Breton has invited chief executives from about 20 companies, which also include Microsoft, Booking.com, Expedia, Trivago, DuckDuckGo, a person familiar with the matter said. It was unclear whether CEOs would take part or send senior executives.

Babbel Language Learning Lifetime Subscription (All Languages): $199

We have a deal on a lifetime subscription for Babbel, the language learning software. With Babbel, you get to practice with 10-15 minute bite-sized lessons, and Babbel uses speech recognition technology to keep your pronunciation on point. And, it comes with 10,000 hours of online language education. A lifetime subscription is $199 through our deal, and it covers all 14 languages.

How Oprah Could Interview President Barack Obama in The 'Same' Room

In the latest The Oprah Conversation episode, in which Oprah Winfrey interviews President Barack Obama,  the two appear in the ‘same’ room. In fact, they were on two different coasts of the U.S. The team at Harpo Productions explained to Oprah Magazine how it all worked.

To ensure a sense of total seamlessness, the two rooms’ identical furniture was arranged with “extremely precise” measurements. The production teams in D.C. and Santa Barbara used the same cameras, lenses, lighting, and audio equipment, to avoid discrepancies. To incorporate the green screen technology, the 44th president was instructed not to wear any green or white garments, and steer clear of shiny shoes, according to the production team. Further, he couldn’t drink water from a clear glass, as it would “disappear” before the green screen, making it look like he was sipping water out of nothing. Oprah and Obama sipped from matching tea mugs. Finally, once the spaces were arranged, Obama and Oprah really did meet in a shared room—a hybrid of real and virtual.

Popular Android Messaging App Go SMS Pro Has Exposed Millions of Private Photos And Files

Popular Android messaging app Go SMS Pro has exposed millions of photos and videos, it has emerged. Cybersecurity firm Trustwave made the discovery and shared the information with TechCrunch.

Security researchers at Trustwave discovered the flaw in August and contacted the app maker with a 90-day deadline to fix the issue, as is standard practice in vulnerability disclosure to allow enough time for a fix. But after the deadline elapsed without hearing back, the researchers went public. Trustwave shared its findings with TechCrunch this week. When a Go SMS Pro user sends a photo, video or other file to someone who doesn’t have the app installed, the app uploads the file to its servers, and lets the user share a web address by text message so the recipient can see the file without installing the app. But the researchers found that these web addresses were sequential. In fact, any time a file was shared — even between app users — a web address would be generated regardless. That meant anyone who knew about the predictable web address could have cycled through millions of different web addresses to users’ files.

SiriusXM Enters Podcasting With Original, Exclusive Shows

SiriusXM announced on Thursday its entry into the podcast market, with original programming like “Marvel’s Wastelanders.”

Original podcasts from SiriusXM that chronicle sports’ greatest rivalries, comedy’s biggest legends, country stars’ humble beginnings, and gripping first-person tales from medicine’s front lines

Plus, influential podcasts from FOX News and popular podcasts from leading creators and providers including Stitcher, NBC News, CNN, NPR, ViacomCBS, The Wall Street Journal, HBO, Wondery, ESPN, Barstool, TNT, Joel Osteen Ministries, WNYC Studios, Slate, TED, Westwood One, PRX, and many more

Apple Fitness+ Arriving with iOS 14.3 and watchOS 7.2?

Apple has said that its Fitness+ service will arrive by the end of this yearMacRumors reported that the iOS 14.3 and watchOS 7.2 betas (the latest of which was released Wednesday,) indicate the service could arrive alongside those updates.

The current watchOS 7.2 beta that was released this morning has a splash screen with what’s new, and Apple Fitness+ is listed as one of the features. The first iOS 14.3 beta also had an unfinished mention of Apple Fitness+ in the Analytics portion of the Privacy settings, but it has since been removed. Given that we’re expecting iOS 14.3 and watchOS 7.2 to come out right around the beginning of December, it matches up with Apple’s late 2020 launch timeline for Fitness+.

 

A Review of iPhone 12 Pro Max Photography

The developers behind camera app Halide examined the iPhone 12 Pro Max photography, as well as that of the iPhone 12 mini.

We had an advanced look at the Pro Max specs, but to recap, it has: A 47% larger sensor A faster ƒ/1.6 lens; A brand-new ‘sensor shift’ stabilization system for low-light; ISO sensitivity is 87% higher; A new telephoto lens, reaching a new length of 65mm (full-frame equivalent)

I’ve been under the impression that the iPhone 12 Pro also had the bigger sensor, but it sounds like it’s limited to the Pro Max. Now I’m sad.

Pandora’s Holiday Music Enhanced with Modes and Stats

Pandora announced on Wednesday its holiday shows with seasonal Modes and a Soundboard Study.

Pandora has enhanced two of its most popular holiday stations, Holiday Hits and Christmas Radio. Both stations now feature Modes, a popular feature that allows you to customize your station listening experience based on a musical theme. Whether you want to tune into favorites from Christmas past or present, instrumentals or ensembles, covers or duets, Pandora has a Mode for every warm holiday feel.

Credorax Adds Support for Apple Pay

Bank Credorax announced on Wednesday that it added support for Apple Pay to its payment method list.

Credorax reported that both methods may now be added to merchants’ accounts as payment options for their shoppers alongside the more than 150 global payment methods the platform offers.

First Developer Beta for macOS 11.1 Out Now

Apple has released the first developer beta of macOS Big Sur 11.1, AppleInsider reported. Those enrolled in the test program can download it via the Apple Developer Center. There is an over-the-air update for devices already running beta software.

The beta is the first since Apple released macOS Big Sur to the public on November 12, in the form of macOS 11.0.1. More than ten beta builds were released in the time between Big Sur’s announcement and its eventual release, and roughly two months after Apple issued public versions of other operating systems including iOS 14It is so far too early to determine what Apple has changed in the first beta, but it is likely to include some trial fixes for a range of launch issues.

LAPD Bans Commercial Facial Recognition Technology

The Los Angeles police department has banned the use of commercial facial recognition like Clearview AI by its officers.

The LAPD, the third-largest police department in the United States, issued a moratorium on the use of third-party facial recognition software on Nov. 13, after it was told that documents seen by BuzzFeed News showed more than 25 LAPD employees had performed nearly 475 searches using Clearview AI as of earlier this year. Department officials have made conflicting statements in the past about their use of facial recognition technology, including claims that they deploy it sparingly.

1Password 7.7 Supports Apple Watch Unlock, macOS Big Sur

1Password version 7.7 introduces support for macOS Big Sur and features like Apple Watch Unlock.

One of our most highly requested features, Apple Watch can now unlock 1Password on any Mac with a Secure Enclave. If you’re using macOS 10.15 or later and using the latest devices, you’ll now see an option in 1Password preferences to turn on Unlock with Apple Watch alongside the Touch ID option.