Wall Street Journal correspondent Tripp Mickle has a book coming out called After Steve with an eye-catching subtitle, “How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul.” It goes on sale May 3, 2022 and is available to preorder today. From the website: “His research shows the company’s success came at a cost. Apple lost its innovative spirit and has not designed a new category of device in years. Ive’s departure in 2019 marked a culmination in Apple’s shift from a company of innovation to one of operational excellence, and the price is a company that has lost its soul.”
'ZAGG Protect' is a New Smartphone Insurance Plan
ZAGG Protect is a new smartphone insurance plan and it’s powered by Safeware. It lets people protect their devices for a US$99 annual payment.
Visible Deal Gives 2 Months Unlimited Data for $11
Visible is offering a deal that provides two months of unlimited data at US$11.00 for each month. The 2for22 deal starts tomorrow, February 2.
Get a Wooden Photo Print With New Offering From Mimeo Photos
Mimeo Photos has launched three new product categories: framed prints, framed canvases, and wooden photo prints using certified sustainable maple wood. Framed Prints: Available in black or white, images are encased in a wooden frame that’s hand cut and assembled. Choose with or without matte. Framed Canvas: Images are printed on a premium-grade canvas with ¼” gap between the canvas and the frame for a floating effect. Wood Prints: Photos are printed directly on to 1/2″ thick maple wood that’s sustainably sourced and eco-friendly.
'Agricultural Right to Repair Act' Could Expand Repair for Farmers
The Agricultural Right to Repair Act was recently introduced in the Senate, sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.).
Apple TV+: Bilingual Thriller 'Now and Then' to Debut May 20, 2022
Bilingual thriller series “Now and Then” will premiere globally on May 20, 2022 on the Apple TV+ streaming service.
Facebook's Failed 'Diem' Stablecoin Now Officially Over
Facebook had dreams of launching its own cryptocurrency called Diem (formerly Libra) but the company has called it quits (link to original PR piece here, commentary from The Verge below).
The sale of Diem’s assets marks the end of an effort that, in retrospect, was doomed from the start. Facebook, which now goes by Meta, created the apps that would have been the main way people used the token. So even though Facebook formed the Libra Association to govern the token with other companies, people were immediately fearful that Libra would make the controversial tech giant even more powerful. Plus, members of the Libra Association started to drop out, just months after the group had been announced.
Web App Notifications Coming With iOS 15.4
Web app notifications have never been possible on iOS or iPadOS, but the latest beta hints the feature could be coming soon.
JOBY Launches Motion Control Devices for Smartphones
JOBY releases motion control devices that work with iPhone. JOBY Spin creates 360-degree shots, and JOBY Swing has a slider for linear shots.
Judge Rules Developer's Lawsuit Can Proceed Against Apple
A judge ruled that a lawsuit from Kosta Eleftheriou can proceed against Apple. Half of the claims can move forward and Mr. Eleftheriou can amend the other claims that were dismissed.
In his own lawsuit against Apple, Eleftheriou aims to document what he alleges were an unfair series of rejections for his Apple Watch keyboard app, FlickType, from the App Store. At the time, Apple told Eleftheriou his app offered a “poor user experience” and noted full keyboard apps were not allowed for Apple Watch. But, he says, it then allowed competitor keyboard apps as well as third-party apps (like Nano for Reddit, Chirp for Twitter, WatchChat for WhatsApp and Lens for Instagram) to launch on the App Store.