Our friends at Stack Commerce have put together a timely deal called the Social Distancing Lifetime Subscription Bundle. It features lifetime subscriptions to Rosetta Stone (24 languages), 12min (the micro book library), and KeepSolid VPN. Just the thing, or things, for being stuck at home. This bundle is $199 through our deal.
Apple Releases ARKit 3.5 With New Scene Geometry API
Apple released ARKit 3.5 today that can take advantage of the iPad Pro 2020’s LiDAR scanner to improve the realism of AR objects.
Could We See a US Digital Dollar Soon?
So right away, the answer to my headline is “probably not.” The article I’m linking to says language of digital dollars was removed from the final version of the stimulus package. But I think it’s worthwhile to think about.
The bill establishes a digital dollar, which it defines as ‘a balance expressed as a dollar value consisting of digital ledger entries that are recorded as liabilities in the accounts of any Federal Reserve Bank or … an electronic unit of value, redeemable by an eligible financial institution (as determined by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System).’
Now may not be the time to introduce entirely new technologies, especially if they slow the release of the package. But I personally like the idea, although I don’t advocate for a completely cashless society as I’ve mentioned before.
Beats 1 Presenters Now Broadcasting Live From Their Homes
Presenters on Apple’s Beats 1 radio station began broadcasting from home on Monday to comply with coronavirus social-distancing guidelines, Engadget reported. They will, of course, be using a variety of Apple products to do so.
According to Apple, they will use FaceTime on their iPhones to conduct interviews with popular musicians like Elton John and Hayley Williams. It’s not clear whether or not the anchors will use iPhones to record the non-interview sections of their shows, but it would be surprising if they opted for smartphones over more professional audio equipment such as condenser microphones and preamps. However, exclusive programs from Stone Age’s Josh Homme, Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig and more will indeed be recorded on their iPhones.
Apple Releases Security Updates 2020-002 for High Sierra, Mojave & Catalina
Apple released Security Update 2020-002 for High Sierra and Mojave on March 24.
The same updates are included in Catalina 10.15.4.
macOS Catalina 10.15.4 Lets You Import Chrome Passwords to iCloud Keychain
Along with its other OS updates, Apple released the macOS Catalina 10.15.4 update today, adding some important Mac-specific features.
Neato Robot Vacuums Can Be Controlled With Siri Shortcuts
Neato Robotics announced today that it added support for Siri Shortcuts within its app. This means you can start controlling your robot vacuum with your voice.
By connecting your Neato to Siri Shortcuts, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, you can simply start cleaning just by using your voice.
I’d love to get a robot vacuum some day. In the meantime, if you have one of these products, try controlling it with a shortcut on your HomePod, Apple Watch, or iOS device.
ZAGG Launches ‘Slim Book Go’, ‘Rugged Book Go’ iPad Keyboard Cases
Today ZAGG announced the launch of new keyboard cases: The Slim Book Go and Rugged Book Go. Both are available for the iPad Pro.
Apple CarPlay: Better than Bluetooth
Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus takes a close look at AirPlay, which he says is better than Bluetooth for car connectivity.
Turn Your Goals Into Attainable Tasks with this Distraction-Free Habit Tracker: $21.24
We have a deal on the Goals app from Mindful Suites. This app allows you to turn your goals into action plans you can integrate into your daily life. Built to measure your progress, track deadlines, send reminders and encouragements, and build positive reinforcement, Goals is designed to help you achieve more. It’s $24.99 through our deal, but coupon code SPRINGSAVE15 brings the checkout price down to $21.24.