Apple is extending the requirement for apps offering online group events to use the company’s in-app purchase system until 2021.
Clips From Apple TV+ Series 'Doug Unplugs' Available
Apple has shared a number of clips from Apple TV+ kids show ‘Doug Unplugs’ in which the robot discovers new things about the world.
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.
Big Sur, the M1 MacBook Air, and Quick Tips — Mac Geek Gab 845
Dave’s had his M1 MacBook Air for a week, and John has some questions for him! Lots more about Big Sur including your questions answered *and* some Quick Tips. Of course, MGG wouldn’t be complete without more in-depth tips, too, and y’all have been keeping the queue full in that department! Press play and enjoy learning at least five new things.
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.
Totallee Adds Pacific Blue Case and 2020 Black Friday Sale
Case maker totallee has added a Pacific Blue case for the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max to its product lineup.
Security Friday, Encryption Basics – TMO Daily Observations 2020-11-20
Andrew Orr join host Kelly Guimont to discuss Security Friday news, This Week in Facebook, and basic encryption for messaging and iOS files.
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.”