Apple’s App Store has loads of apps, but that doesn’t mean they’re all great or easy to find. Dave Hamilton and the Maccast’s Adam Christianson join Jeff Gamet to discuss the quality issues they’re seeing on the App Store, plus they explain why changing your iCloud password right now is a good idea.
Apple Store Online, (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7, New 9.7-inch iPad Available Now
As expected, Apple’s online store is back up and running, and you can buy the new (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 and 9.7-inch iPad today. That doesn’t, however, mean you can get one in your hands today—unless you’re looking for the red iPhone and can get to your local Apple retail store.
Apple Online Store Down Ahead of (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7, New iPad Launch
Apple’s online store was replaced with a note saying “We’ve got something special in store for you” Friday morning, which is no surprise since today is they day the (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 and new 9.7-inch iPad go on sale. The online store will reopen at 8:01 AM pacific time.
Ztylus Kamerar Zoom Lens Kit for iPhone 7 Plus: $31.95
We have a deal for you today on the Ztylus Kamerar Zoom Lens Kit for iPhone 7 Plus. It includes a case and three lenses: Macro Zoom lens, Fisheye lens, and Telephoto lens. The case allows for quick changing of the lenses, and you can get it through our deal for $31.95. [Update: Our friend Ewen Rankin tweeted a note to me about his case having some problems. – Bryan]
Airpod Skins Add a Splash of Colorful Protection to Apple AirPods
Check out Airpod Skins, which the company described to me as “minimal color protectors for apple AirPods.” I’m sure there are folks who would be interested in helping to protect the finish of their AirPods, but I thought they simply look great. They’re a simple wrap available in a dozen colors, with some of those colors involving a fade from top to bottom. They’re priced at A$8.25 and are available now. Each order includes two sets, too.
New Type Of Smart Mirror Launches Called Daptly Display
Daptly launched a new product for the smart home called Daptly Display. It was built for a specific consumer in mind—people frustrated with voice-only assistants and want visual cues. Enter the Daptly Display, a smart mirror that acts as a gesture-controlled interface. Amazon Alexa is built in, and the interface is for people who aren’t ready (or don’t want) a voice-only future. As well as acting like a fog-resistant mirror, you can use it as a photo frame, by uploading photos from your phone or choosing among Daptly’s 50,000 photo collection. It’s an interesting take on user interfaces, one that borrows from science fiction while harnessing existing technologies. Check out the promotional video below, and decide if you want to reserve a Display. The device will sell at US$799, but you can get US$200 off if you reserve soon.
Apple May Charge $30 to Rent Movies Still in Theaters
Apple is reportedly negotiating with studios to offer iTunes rentals for movies while they’re still in theaters. Movies would be available for rent within a couple weeks of opening in theaters for about US$30, and that sounds like a pretty good deal.
macOS: How to Change the Default Email Client
There are plenty of options for email software on macOS, and it’s easy to start using a new one. Unfortunately, that doesn’t change your default email client. Follow along with Jeff Butts as he shows how to change this, so you never have to worry about a mail link opening up the wrong app again.
GameMaker Studio 2 for Mac in Closed Beta
The game engine from YoYo Games—GameMaker Studio—got a big update today with the release of the second version. It lets developers easily create video games for mobile, console and desktop. Plus, the Drag and Drop system (DnD™) lets people with limited coding skills use it too. You can download a free trial of it too.
Apple, Why Don't You Want Folks Sending Secure Emails on iOS?
A slogan that has been attributed to Apple products for years is “It just works.” Why isn’t that the case with sending secure emails in iOS Mail? Jeff Butts is frustrated by this, and makes his argument that Apple should fix this long-standing problem once and for all.