In this episode, Bryan Chaffin is joined by guest-cohost Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus to examine the ins and outs of Apple’s Mac pricing. It’s no simple issue, and they dig deep into what appears to be Apple’s strategy. They also talk about the realities of cord cutting today, with Bob’s own situation serving as the example scenario.
Scientists Say AirPods May be Linked to Cancer
Over 250 are signing a petition calling on the United Nations and World Health Organization to create stronger guidelines over devices like AirPods and possible links to cancer.
Some experts believe that AirPods may be especially dangerous since the devices sit deep inside the ear canal where they emit radiation to fragile parts of the ear. The scientists also noted other possible health hazards, including an increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damages, structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and memory deficits, and neurological disorders.
Further reading: PSA: Wi-Fi Doesn Cause Cancer, Some Guidelines on how to Spot Bad Science.
MAGA App '63red Safe' Leaks User Data
A French security researcher found an app called 63red Safe has been described as a “Yelp for conservatives,” has been leaking customer data.
Scare Off Potential Thieves with the First Alarm System for MacBooks: $39.99
We have a deal on Beepify, an alarm system for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. Beepify uses three triggers—laptop closed, charger disconnected, or charger and display—that when violated, will beep extremely loudly to scare would-be thieves away. You can get a lifetime subscription for one device for $39.99 through our deal.
DIY: How to Make Apple Watch Bands
Andrew O’Hara put together a neat DIY video on how to make Apple Watch bands. He tells you what parts and tools you”ll need and how to put it all together.
By putting the band together yourself, you have so many more options opened up to you. Your watch can now represent you and your style without being limited by the Apple Watch market or the steep markups we see for the best bands.
Sell these on Etsy and use words like “bespoke” and “artisanal.” You’ll be drowning in cash.
Apple Event Confirmation, Robocall Aggravation – TMO Daily Observations 2019-03-12
John Martellaro and Andrew Orr join host Kelly Guimont to discuss the finally confirmed Apple Event, and the scourge that is robocalls.
iOS: Enable Do Not Disturb to Block Spam Calls
iOS has a feature called Do Not Disturb that can help block spam calls and robocalls.
Can You Speak Tree Language? New York City Does
Created by artist Kate Holten, the New York City Tree Alphabet lets anyone send hidden messages in tree language. You can also download it as a font.
A tentative version of Holten’s new Tree Alphabet was shared across the Parks Department for months, as groups across the system chimed in on which trees should stand for which letters–a more complicated idea than one might think, given that the Parks Department is particular about the species it wants planted.
Sprint Brands AT&T 5G 'Fake' in New York Times Advert
Sprint took out a full-page advert in Sunday’s New York Times hitting out at AT&T’s 5G claims. MacRumors reported that the advert branded AT&T’s claims as “fake 5G”, saying it was not faster than Sprint’s 4G LTE network. In February, Sprint filed a lawsuit against the 5G claims.
In the letter [PDF], Sprint calls AT&T’s 5G Evolution “fake 5G” and clarifies that AT&T is not, in fact, offering faster speeds than other carriers who deliver the same 4G LTE advancements that AT&T has enabled such as three-way carrier aggregation, 256 QAM, and 4×4 MIMO…AT&T first started upgrading customer iPhones to read “5GE” in the iOS 12.2 beta, and the misleading branding will become much more widespread when iOS 12.2 sees a public release.
Taika Waititi to Direct Series of 'Time Bandits' for Apple
Apple’s in-development series Time Bandits will be directed by Taika Waititi, Variety reported. The series was based on a film, originally released in 1981, written by Monty Python star Terry Gilliam. It told the story of a young Brit called, Kevin, who finds a time hole in his wardrobe. Apple’s streaming service is expected to be revealed at its March 25th event, confirmed Monday.
Apple’s adaptation will be co-produced by Paramount TV, Anonymous Content, and Media Rights Capital. Waititi will direct and co-write the pilot, as well as executive producing alongside Gilliam and producer Dan Halsted. Waititi was recently announced as one of several directors for the Disney+ “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian.” The TV adaptation of his horror mockumentary “What We Do in the Shadows” premieres March 27 on FX, and his next film, “Jojo Rabbit,” is slated to comes out this fall.
