Valve’s Steam Link app for the iPad was blocked from Apple’s App Store over a “business conflict,” which most likely meant the option to purchase games directly in the app. Now there’s a new beta out that doesn’t include purchasing. It keeps the core functionality so you can play the Steam games from your computer on your iPad, which is pretty cool. It also means you can use AirPlay with your Apple TV to play games on your television. toucharcade says everyone who has been testing the Steam Link beta loves it, so hopefully this change will get it approved for the App Store.
macOS Mojave Failing to Install on an External USB Drive? Here's the Fix
If you’re trying to install macOS Mojave on an external drive connected to your USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 equipped Mac and get the dreaded No Entry (circle with a slash) screen, there’s an easy fix.
Aaron Paul, Ron Cephas, More Join Apple's 'Are You Sleeping' Cast
The cast for Apple’s “Are You Sleeping?” TV series starring Octavia Spencer is complete. Variety reports Lizzy Caplan, Aaron Paul, Ron Cephas Jones, Elizabeth Perkins, Mekhi Phifer, Michael Beach, Tracie Thoms, and Haneefah Wood round out the powerhouse the cast. The series is based on the book of the same name and follows a woman dealing with a podcast that’s investigating her father’s murder. Apple’s TV series lineup is looking strong, and “Are You Sleeping?” is one show I can’t wait to see.
How to Enable and Disable iPhone and iPad USB Restricted Mode
iOS 11.4.1 for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch has a new security feature called USB Restricted Mode designed to keep hackers out of your iOS device. Here’s how to find the setting and, if you need to, change it.
Tim Cook Interview on Bloomberg: Meeting and Working with Steve Jobs, More
Tim Cook sat down for an interview with David Rubenstein, Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group, for Bloomberg. It’s a different kind of interview for Tim Cook, and you can see it in his different demeanor. Part of it is Mr. Rubenstein—he’s an excellent interviewer. But for whatever reason, Mr. Cook is more personable, less tightly-controlled, and he tells a few new anecdotes along the way. He talked about his first meeting with Steve Jobs and why he came to work for Apple. He also talked about Apple Watch, running for president (spoiler: he says he’s not), politics and Apple, giving tech support to Warren Buffett, coming out, and more. I call this a must-watch interview if you’re interested in Apple and Tim Cook.
The AR Demo and the Benefits of Surveillance Capitalism - ACM 466
If you’ve been wondering what all the fuss was about augmented reality, Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet have an AR Demo for you to see. They also take time out from ranting about being the product to talk frankly about the benefits of surveillance capitalism.
Where Shall Apple Take the Mac Next?
The Macverse is bursting at the seams waiting for new Macs. A Mac specific event seems called for. Here’s what John would like to see.
Has Apple's New Design Language Killed Fun?
Writing for Quartz, Mike Murphy presents the argument that Apple’s new design language has “killed fun.” He says that the company has become less colorful and more monochromatic:
When founder Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, he infused a sense of color and vibrancy that had been lacking from a company that had become stuck in a rut of selling beige boxes. He introduced the iMac, a spheroid bubble of green and white plastic and glass, a little over a year later. It was like no computer on the market, and it revitalized Apple.
By refining its products to near-impenetrable pieces of glass and metal, and bringing the aesthetic of the entire consumer electronics market along with them, Apple has stamped out much of the fun within its own company, and the greater industry.
Apple Watch Series 4 Rumors Include No Buttons and Improved GPS
The rumor mill is buzzing about the next version of the Apple Watch. These Apple Watch Series 4 rumors discuss improved GPS and more.
iOS 12 Automation: A Deep Dive Into Shortcuts
Federico Viticci wrote another killer piece at MacStories about iOS 12 automation with Shortcuts. It’s an informative article wherein he explains the difference between “Shortcuts the app and Shortcuts the feature.” The app replaces Workflow, but Shortcuts as a feature is a powerful new way to customize Siri. Apple is optimizing Siri in a different way than Google and Microsoft can, and it leverages the power of people, similar to services like IFTTT.
On the surface, Shortcuts the app looks like the full-blown Workflow replacement heavy users of the app have been wishfully imagining for the past year. But there is more going on with Shortcuts than the app alone. Shortcuts the feature, in fact, reveals a fascinating twofold strategy: on one hand, Apple hopes to accelerate third-party Siri integrations by leveraging existing APIs as well as enabling the creation of custom SiriKit Intents; on the other, the company is advancing a new vision of automation through the lens of Siri and proactive assistance from which everyone – not just power users – can reap the benefits.