You know that Arthur C. Clarke line about sufficiently advanced technology being indistinguishable from magic? Behold a little wizardry from M.I.T. in the form of a “self-assembling” cellphone. Fast Company did a story on a lab at the university that designed a cellphone with six components. They are designed in such a way that when jostled together in a tumbler, the parts that fit together, stick together, while the parts that don’t, don’t. The possibilities for cheap assembly could be staggeringâin this case, it could help put a cellphone into the hands of almost anyone. But the principles are not limited to cellphones. It’s fascinating to watch, and if you find it interesting, check out the full article.
AT&T's New Mobile Share Advantage Plan Costs Compared
On Sunday AT&T rolled out their new Mobile Share Advantage Plans and, along with them, their online comparison tool that shows you just what the new plans will cost you. Digging in this morning it’s pretty evident that only a handful of people currently on Mobile Share Value plans will actually save money with these new plans. Click through to see the math and the details.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-08-22: Interview with Airplane Mode's Dave Wiskus
This week TMO’s Daily Observations turns to the musical side of the Apple community. Today Airplane Mode’s Dave Wiskus joins Jeff Gamet to talk about the band, his musical journey, and finding success as an indie band.
Barbra Streisand Says iOS 10 Will Be Released September 30th
According to Barbra Streisand, Apple will release iOS 10 on September 30th. I know what you’re thinking: what does Barbra Streisand know about Apple’s release dates? Normally, Bryan Chaffin would be the first to say “nothing.” Followed by “Gimme a break.” But she has an interesting story, and it starts with Siri mispronouncing her name.
Cool Stuff Found
Renaming Apple Products and Other Deck Chair Shuffles
Since Apple is busy re-arranging deck chairs rather than actually making a new product, the least they can do is fix their wacked-out product naming scheme. John Kheit has some ideas on taming those names and modernizing Apple’s approach.
MGG 619: Security Breach!
Listener Jason had a security breach on his home network. Learn what he did that allowed this to happen, and what you can do to prevent it. Lots of other tips in this episode, too, like removing phantom app storage, enabling iCloud for iBooks after the fact, starting up in Safe Mode with a wireless keyboard, and much more.
Is it Worth it to Switch to AT&T's New Plans? Maybe
AT&T is doing away with its Mobile Share Value plans and introducing Mobile Share Advantage this weekend. The new plans do away with data overage fees in favor of throttling your connection when you use too much, and may save you money. But don’t rush out and change your contract without checking to see if you really are getting a deal because not everyone wins with AT&T’s new pricing.
PSA: New Mac Malware Tries to Trick Less Savvy Users
There’s new Mac malware in the wild aimed at users who may be a bit less savvy on the nerd scale. Discovered by Malwarebytes, this malware uses interface shenanigans to trick users into permitting other malware to be installed.
ZeroLemon Slim Juicer Battery Case for iPhone 6/6s: $21.99
We have a deal for iPhone warriors, the ZeroLemon Slim Juicer Battery Case for iPhone 6/6s. It has a 3,100mAh battery built into it, and you can charge and sync through the case. You can get this device through our deal for $21.99.
Remember That 360-Degree Swing? Crazy Man Adds Motorized Propeller
A week or so ago I posted YouTuber colinfurze’s 360-degree “backyard” swing. It’s an insane contraption that allows him to swing 360 degree over and over again without any safety gear. Well, that apparently wasn’t crazy enough for Mr. Furze, because the dude decided what it really needed was a paramotor. That’s a motorized propeller for ultralights. You know, to help make the 360-degree swing faster. Man, do I love this guy! Check it out.