Charlotte Henry and Andrew Orr join host Kelly Guimont to discuss the latest TV+ news and (subscription) updates, and some new hardware rumors.
Bug Lets Audio, Video be Transmitted Without Consent in Apps Like Signal
Google’s Project Zero security team found a bug that lets audio and video be transmitted without user interaction in five messaging apps. These are Signal, JioChat, Mocha, Google Duo, and Facebook Messenger. All bugs have been fixed.
I investigated the signalling state machines of seven video conferencing applications and found five vulnerabilities that could allow a caller device to force a callee device to transmit audio or video data. All these vulnerabilities have since been fixed. It is not clear why this is such a common problem, but a lack of awareness of these types of bugs as well as unnecessary complexity in signalling state machines is likely a factor.
Former Warner Bros Exec JP Richards Joins Apple TV+
JP Richards has joined Apple as head of film marketing strategy for Apple TV+. He was formerly Co-President of Worldwide Marketing at Warner Bros.
Ted Lasso Scores Three Critics Choice Awards Nominations
Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso has been nominated in three categories for the 26th annual Critics Choice Awards – Netflix leads on 26 nominations.
New Apple Podcasts Spotlight Feature Highlights Creators
Apple has added a new feature to Podcasts on iOS and macOS called Spotlight. It showcases rising creators in the podcasting world.
My Home is my Studio — Media+
BBC Tech Reporter Zoe Kleinman joins Charlotte Henry to discuss the reality of reporting from home. Have reporters become influencers? They also look at Zoe’s reporting on how WhatsApp can be an (unreliable) news channel.
Twelve South’s New ParcSlope Stand Works for Mac and iPad
Twelve South introduced a new stand called ParcSlope that works with MacBooks and iPads. It‘s available to purchase for US$59.99.
Apple Shares Photos From ‘Shot on iPhone 12’ Campaign
Apple has shared photos shot on iPhone 12 from people around the world, showcasing what these powerful cameras can do.
Media Player ‘VLC’ Adds Support for M1 Macs
Open source media player VLC has added support for M1 Macs in its latest update, version 3.0.12.1. You can find the download here.
macOS: * 3.0.12.1 is the first release for Apple Silicon macs
* Version bump to allow an automatic upgrade path
Apple TV+ Free Trial Extended Again
Apple has again extended the free trial period for Apple TV+, with it now reportedly lasting through July 2021.
Apple Homepage Marks Martin Luther King Day
Apple’s homepage has been updated to honour Martin Luther King day. The usual images have gone and there is a black-and-white photograph of the civil rights leader. The page also features a quote from him – “true peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”
Where are the Safari 14 WebExtensions?
In 2020 Apple announced it would support browser extensions that used the WebExtensions API. But as Jason Snell points out, we haven’t seen many yet. One developer listed possible barriers for entry:
Limited time, lack of access to Apple hardware, unfamiliarity with Apple’s developer tools, Safari’s incompatibility with some existing extension-development tools, and the requirement to make some code changes in order to fit inside Apple’s security model.
I think another barrier is probably the US$99/year developer program fee. It makes sense if you’re already in the program to build an extension if it makes sense for you, but I don’t think many outside of the program will pay that just to release a new extension. Then again, it’s still in the early days of this new support.
Apple Fitness Boss Jay Blahnik Talks Fitness+
A short interview with Apple’s senior director of fitness Jay Blahnik was shared on the Healthy-ish podcast. They talk about Fitness+, health and fitness in general, and why it’s time to rethink our mentality of working out. “Jay Blahnik is the Senior Director of Fitness Technologies at Apple, so it goes without saying that he knows a thing or two about what gets people up and moving. He shares how Apple Fitness+ taps into this, and also why it might be time to rethink where, when and even how you work out. Because, the world has changed. And your gym membership with it.”
Steve Jobs to be Included in President Trump's National Garden of American Heroes
Steve Jobs was included in a list by President Donald J. Trump of people who will be memorialized in the National Garden of American Heroes.
Trump Administration Stops Shipments from Intel And Others to Huawei
The outgoing Trump Administration has notified Huawei suppliers that it is revoking certain licences to sell to the Chinese firm.
Media Monday with Our Senior Oprah Correspondent – TMO Daily Observations 2021-01-18
Charlotte Henry joins host Kelly Guimont to discuss Google possibly competing against Fitness+ with Fitbit, and the latest in Oprah-based news.
Microsoft Edge Beta Now Supports Apple M1 Macs
Apple users with an M1 Mac who are interested in running beta versions of Microsoft Edge can now do so thanks to recent support.
Dating App Bumble Latest to Warn of Apple’s Privacy
Dating app Bumble filed its IPO on Friday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, mentioning iOS 14 privacy as a potential risk.
Second Part of Apple's 'Taking Action on Racial Equity and Justice' Learning Series Starts Today
The second challenge in Apple’s ‘Taking Action on Racial Equity and Justice’ learning series began on Monday, Martin Luther King Day.
Lawsuit Wants to Force Apple to Remove Telegram From App Store
A nonpartisan group called Coalition for a Safer Web filed a lawsuit against Apple wanting the company to remove Telegram from the App Store.
Does a ‘Better Normal’ Mean Robots In Your Home?
Samsung’s vision of a “better normal” means robots in your home. Jeff Butts isn’t convinced that’s such a bright idea, though.
4 Plain Text Shortcuts to Use for Data Portability
Plain text is one of the most common, open file formats in computing. Andrew has been using four plain text shortcuts on iOS.
Analysts Say Spotify’s Podcasting Isn’t Working Out
Citi analysts wrote to clients their belief that Spotify’s foray into podcasting hasn’t been working.
The cadence of Premium gross additions (through 3Q20) and app download data (through 4Q20) do not show any material benefit from recent podcast investments (that began in 2019). The firm downgraded the stock to sell from neutral. Spotify’s stock was down more than 6.5% in the afternoon.
Remote Reflections from CES — Mac Geek Gab 853
Your two favorite geeks “went” to CES last week, and have some stories to share. Cool Stuff Found abounds, as well as some thoughts on this year’s trends. Of course, they didn’t leave home, so they still had time to answer your questions, find some Quick Tips, and make a show out of it all. Press play and listen as John and Dave help us all to learn at least five new things!