Microsoft has claimed that Apple’s “potential antitrust issues stretch far beyond gaming” as it came out in support of Epic Games.
Here's How to Blur Your House on Apple Maps and Google Maps
Did you know you can blur your house on Apple Maps and Google Maps? This capability is open to everyone, here’s what you can do.
Temporary Fix for macOS 12.2 Battery-Draining Bluetooth Bug
A battery-draining Bluetooth bug in macOS Monterey 12.2 may have you waking up to a dead battery. Here’s how to work around it, for now.
Civicom Data Leak Affects Over 100,000 Files
Video conference company Civicom has had a data leak, found by the Website Planet Security team. Over 100,000 files were included.
Apple Wallet Office Keys Unlock Doors at World Trade Center
Apple Wallet office keys are beginning to roll out at the World Trade Center, with more properties to adopt the technology soon.
Apple TV+ Orders Adaptation of Bestelling Novel "Dear Edward" Starring Connie Britton, Taylor Schilling, Colin O’Brien
Apple TV+ announced a series order for “Dear Edward” from Jason Katims starring Connie Britton, Taylor Schilling, and Colin O’Brien.
Clear Netflix's 'Continue Watching' Row With New Feature
A new feature added to the platform makes it possible to clear Netflix’s Continue Watching Row, available on web, mobile, and TV.
Google and Apple Maps Blur Tim Cook’s Home After Stalker Fears
Both Apple and Google Maps have now pixelated out Tim Cook’s US$3.5 million California home in response to stalking fears.
Google One VPN for iPhone Now Available to Use
iPhone owners can now starting using the Google One VPN if they pay for 2TB or more for Google One storage.
Privacy and security are always core to everything we make. Our systems have advanced security built in to help ensure no one uses the VPN to tie your online activity to your identity. Our client libraries are also open sourced, and our end-to-end systems have been independently audited. Our VPN has the full certification from the Internet of Secure Things Alliance (ioXt) and passed all eight of ioXt’s security principles.
Update: According to MacRumors, the Google One app is no longer available through the App Store.
Here's How to Enable Scam Protection on Visible
In an email to customers, prepaid carrier Visible announced that it’s rolling out a Scam Protection feature to fight robocalls.
Here's How to Save 'Wordle' After its Purchase by New York Times
There’s a method to save Wordle now that the New York Times recently acquired it. The publisher says it will remain free during the transition. As The Verge points out, all you have to do is right-click on the page.
It doesn’t retain my previous progress, just like the web version doesn’t keep your streak intact when you move from playing Wordle in a desktop browser to playing Wordle on a phone — but you could theoretically start building a new one if you want, and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone figures out a way to import progress as well.
On Safari, save it as a web archive, because that preserves the Javascript. In Firefox you’ll see an option for saving it as Webpage (Complete) but that saves just the Javascript. Double-click on the web archive and Worldle will run in your browser.
First Look at "Foundation" Season Two on Apple TV+
Fans have been given a first look at season two of “Foundation”, and Apple TV+ also revealed details of the new cast members.
Chinese National Who Helped Defraud Apple Sentenced to Prison
A Chinese national who purchased fake iPhones and used them to defraud Apple was sentenced to 26 months in prison plus restitution costs.
Sony to Purchase "Halo" Developer Bungie For US$3.6 Billion
Sony will purchase videogame developer Bungie, with the deal for the firm behind “Halo” and “Destiny” worth US$3.6 billion.
Tripp Mickle's Book 'After Steve' Covers Apple's Rise to Trillions
Wall Street Journal correspondent Tripp Mickle has a book coming out called After Steve with an eye-catching subtitle, “How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul.” It goes on sale May 3, 2022 and is available to preorder today. From the website: “His research shows the company’s success came at a cost. Apple lost its innovative spirit and has not designed a new category of device in years. Ive’s departure in 2019 marked a culmination in Apple’s shift from a company of innovation to one of operational excellence, and the price is a company that has lost its soul.”
'ZAGG Protect' is a New Smartphone Insurance Plan
ZAGG Protect is a new smartphone insurance plan and it’s powered by Safeware. It lets people protect their devices for a US$99 annual payment.
Visible Deal Gives 2 Months Unlimited Data for $11
Visible is offering a deal that provides two months of unlimited data at US$11.00 for each month. The 2for22 deal starts tomorrow, February 2.
Get a Wooden Photo Print With New Offering From Mimeo Photos
Mimeo Photos has launched three new product categories: framed prints, framed canvases, and wooden photo prints using certified sustainable maple wood. Framed Prints: Available in black or white, images are encased in a wooden frame that’s hand cut and assembled. Choose with or without matte. Framed Canvas: Images are printed on a premium-grade canvas with ¼” gap between the canvas and the frame for a floating effect. Wood Prints: Photos are printed directly on to 1/2″ thick maple wood that’s sustainably sourced and eco-friendly.
'Agricultural Right to Repair Act' Could Expand Repair for Farmers
The Agricultural Right to Repair Act was recently introduced in the Senate, sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.).
Apple TV+: Bilingual Thriller 'Now and Then' to Debut May 20, 2022
Bilingual thriller series “Now and Then” will premiere globally on May 20, 2022 on the Apple TV+ streaming service.
Facebook's Failed 'Diem' Stablecoin Now Officially Over
Facebook had dreams of launching its own cryptocurrency called Diem (formerly Libra) but the company has called it quits (link to original PR piece here, commentary from The Verge below).
The sale of Diem’s assets marks the end of an effort that, in retrospect, was doomed from the start. Facebook, which now goes by Meta, created the apps that would have been the main way people used the token. So even though Facebook formed the Libra Association to govern the token with other companies, people were immediately fearful that Libra would make the controversial tech giant even more powerful. Plus, members of the Libra Association started to drop out, just months after the group had been announced.
Web App Notifications Coming With iOS 15.4
Web app notifications have never been possible on iOS or iPadOS, but the latest beta hints the feature could be coming soon.
JOBY Launches Motion Control Devices for Smartphones
JOBY releases motion control devices that work with iPhone. JOBY Spin creates 360-degree shots, and JOBY Swing has a slider for linear shots.
Judge Rules Developer's Lawsuit Can Proceed Against Apple
A judge ruled that a lawsuit from Kosta Eleftheriou can proceed against Apple. Half of the claims can move forward and Mr. Eleftheriou can amend the other claims that were dismissed.
In his own lawsuit against Apple, Eleftheriou aims to document what he alleges were an unfair series of rejections for his Apple Watch keyboard app, FlickType, from the App Store. At the time, Apple told Eleftheriou his app offered a “poor user experience” and noted full keyboard apps were not allowed for Apple Watch. But, he says, it then allowed competitor keyboard apps as well as third-party apps (like Nano for Reddit, Chirp for Twitter, WatchChat for WhatsApp and Lens for Instagram) to launch on the App Store.