Computer manufacturer Dell will soon release software that will enable iPhone screen mirroring on Dell laptops.
Imagination and Apple Sign Updated Licensing Agreement
Apple signed an upgraded multi-year, multi-use license agreement with UK-based silicon and software IP creator Imagination Technologies.
Brydge Announces iPad Pro Keyboard With Trackpad
Brydge announced the Pro+ keyboard today for the iPad Pro. It’s different than previous products because this one has a trackpad built in.
Media From 1924 and Earlier Enters Public Domain in 2020
Everything that was published in 1924 or earlier is now available in the public domain, meaning that it’s no longer protected by copyright.
Movies, books, music, and more from 1924 are all entering the public domain today, meaning that you’re free to download, upload, and share these titles however you see fit. And it’s completely legal.
California's New Privacy Law Comes into Force Today
A new privacy law aimed to protect consumers comes into force in California today, January 2nd, 2020. Wired rounded up everything you need to know.
The CCPA applies to any company that operates in California and either makes at least $25 million in annual revenue, gathers data on more than 50 thousand users, or makes more than half its money off of user data. For California residents, it creates a handful of new rights over their data. The most significant categories are what Alastair Mactaggart, the California real estate magnate behind the ballot initiative that led to the law being passed, calls “the right to know” and “the right to say no.” That means users will, as of today, be able to see what data companies have gathered about them, have that data deleted, and opt out of those companies selling it to third parties from now on.
Wishing You a Happy New Year in 2020!
With 2019 riding off in the sunset, The Mac Observer is taking off Wednesday off to catch our breath and get ready for 2020. We’ll be back with our regular daily new coverage, analysis, and podcasts on Thursday, January 2nd. We’ll also be on location at CES 2020 to bring you the latest on this year’s tech. Rest up, and get ready for another exciting year!
Jimmy Iovine Worries About the Future of the Music Industry
In a new interview Jimmy Iovine talks about the music industry, it’s future, and how it relates to tech companies. And he’s worried.
The IRS Can Now Create its Own Online Free Tax Filing System
On Monday the IRS announced changes to its deal with the tax filing industry. For years the agency was prohibited from creating its own free tax filing system, like other countries do. In exchange for not competing, the tax industry promised to make free versions of its software if you make below a certain amount of income. But companies like Intuit and H&R Block added code to their web pages to make it harder for their free products to appear on Google. But now it all changes.
“The improved process will make Free File stronger and give taxpayers another reason to consider this valuable software option,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement. The agency hopes the changes will make the free option more accessible for taxpayers in the 2020 filing season, he said.
2019 In Review – TMO Daily Observations 2019-12-31
Andrew Orr and Bryan Chaffin join host Kelly Guimont to discuss favorite apps, games, and gear of 2019.
Lawmakers Sign TRACED Act Into Law to Fine Robocallers
Lawmakers officially signed the TRACED Act into law, which imposes fines up to US$10,000 per call for robocallers. Here are features:
- Extends FCC’s statute of limitations on robocall offenses and increases potential fines
- Requires an FCC rulemaking helping protect consumers from spam calls and texts (this is already underway)
- Requires annual FCC report on robocall enforcement and allows for it to formally recommend legislation
- Requires adoption on a reasonable timeline of the STIR/SHAKEN framework for preventing call spoofing