From April 21, Office 365 will be knowns as Microsoft 365, and the suite of apps will contain a variety of new features.
Epic Games offering $1 Million Bounty for Proof of Houseparty "Smear Campaign"
Houseparty owner Epic Games is offering $1 million for information on what it describes as a “smear campaign” against the app.
The 'iPhone 9' Could Launch on April 5
Accessories for the “iPhone 9” have reportedly started appearing in shops with instructions for them not to be made available until April 5.
Marriott Hit by Second Data Breach Affecting up to 5.2M People
Hotel chain Marriott International has suffered a second data breach, exposing the personal data of up to 5.2 million guests.
The breach, which began in mid-January 2020 and was discovered at the end of February 2020, saw contact details, including names, addresses, birth dates, gender, email addresses and telephone numbers exposed. Employer name, gender, room stay preferences and loyalty account numbers were also exposed.
Marriott has also said that at present it does not believe passports, payment details or passwords were exposed in the data breach.
It sounds like login credentials of two employees were stolen, likely through a social engineering attack.
Russia Postponing Introduction of Rules Forcing iPhones to Have State-Approved Apps
Russia has postponed the introduction of new legislation that required devices, including iPhones, to have state-approved apps pre-installed. AppleInsider reported that this is likely due to the current coronavirus outbreak. The legislation is now slated to come into force on January 31, 2021.
“When we buy complex electronic devices, they already have individual applications, mostly Western ones, pre-installed on them,” co-author of Russia’s legislation, Oleg Nikolayev said at the time. “Naturally, when a person sees them, they might think that there are no domestic alternatives available. And if, alongside pre-installed applications, we will also offer the Russian ones to users, then they will have a right to choose.”
Key Apple Supplier Raising $200 Million From Unknown 'Customer'
A key Apple supplier, Japan Display, has raised $200 million from a “customer”, Reuters reported. There is speculation that the unknown source of cash was, in fact, Apple itself.
The $200 [sic] fund will come in the form of the customer purchasing equipment at Japan Display’s main smartphone screen factory in central Japan, the company said in a statement. As Japan Display owed Apple more than $800 million as of last year for the $1.5 billion cost of building the plant, the fund to be raised would be used for repayment, the sources have said.
TMO UK Associate Editor Charlotte Henry (#5) - TMO BGM Interview
Charlotte Henry is a London-based technical journalist. A self-described media junkie, she writes about Apple — and now for the Mac Observer as well as our UK Associate Editor. She has also written for City A.M., Computer Business Review, the Independent on Sunday and CapX. Her new book is: Not Buying It.
In this episode, Charlotte and I discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the TV entertainment and streaming industry. We look at the diversion of theatrical releases to streaming, whether indoor theaters will ever return to normal, possible changes to production methods, throttling of streaming speeds, a possible return to more feel-good movies, the impact on binge watching, series vs. movie watching during lock-down, and Charlotte’s reaction to Disney+. Plus, John reveals a very personal secret!
Apple Posts Video for Upcoming Series ‘Trying’
Apple uploaded a trailer for an upcoming British comedy series on Apple TV+ called Trying. It will be available to stream Friday, May 1. It co-stars BAFTA award winner Imelda Staunton, Ophelia Lovibond, and Oliver Chris. It was written by Andy Wolton.
All Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall) want is a baby—but it’s the one thing they just can’t have. How are they going to fill the next 50 years if they can’t start a family? They already went through The Sopranos in a weekend. After ruling out every other option, Nikki and Jason decide to adopt and are confronted by a world of bewildering new challenges. With their dysfunctional friends, screwball family, and chaotic lives, will the adoption panel agree that they’re ready to be parents?
How Apple’s Secrecy Has Been Put to The Test
The current pandemic has forced Apple employees and others to work from home, and it’s a new challenge the company has to navigate.
Apple TV+ British Comedy 'Trying' Arriving May 1
The trailer for Apple TV+ show Trying has arrived. It tells the tale of a British couple who look to adopt a child after they are unable to conceive. They need to grow up themselves though before they can look after a child. It’s a rather dark comedy and does actually seem pretty good – not that I’m biased, give it’s the first UK show! All episodes will arrive on May 1.