Network Speed Dissection, Cool Stuff Found, and More — Mac Geek Gab 833

Having a solid connection to your network is only part of it. The other part? Speed! Dissecting the differences between these two — and teaching you how to do the same — are your two favorite geeks: John F. Braun and Dave Hamilton. Of course, that’s just one of the many things covered in this week’s episode. Lots more tips, questions answered, and Cool Stuff Found shared. Press play and learn those five new things, alright?

2-in-1 Motorized Slider and Monopod for Smartphones and Cameras: $429.99

We have a deal on the MOZA Slypod, a 2-in-1 motorized slider and monopod for iPhones and other smartphones, as well as cameras. Built with a carbon fiber body, it’s designed to be ultra-light and easy to carry. You can also program precise camera movements by adjusting camera travel distance, speed acceleration via the MOZA Master App. It runs up to 2 hours on its own battery, and can be charged by a power bank for continuous shooting. The image includes the monopod attached to an included table tripod.

China Would Rather TikTok Be Shut Down Than Sold

A report on Friday says that China would rather TikTok be shut down instead of being sold to a U.S. company.

However, Chinese officials believe a forced sale would make both ByteDance and China appear weak in the face of pressure from Washington, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation.

ByteDance said in a statement to Reuters that the Chinese government had never suggested to it that it should shut down TikTok in the United States or in any other markets.

Here’s what I think this means. China is all about the AI, and based on reports its algorithms seem to be more advanced than even invasive Facebook. China doesn’t want the U.S. to know just how more advanced it’s algorithms are. Read: China export ban of such technology.

What Next for the TikTok Sale?

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he will not extend the deadline for the sale of TikTok. So what comes next? Reuters took a look.

If the deadline is not extended, then transactions with TikTok would be banned, although exactly which ones has not been specified. Reuters has reported the executive order could make advertising on the platform illegal and TikTok has been preparing advertisers for such an outcome. The U.S. is likely to ban TikTok from being downloaded from app stores, Reuters has also reported. However, it is unclear whether there are transactions that can be prohibited that will prevent existing users who have already downloaded TikTok from using it.

Apple Card May Expand Beyond U.S. in 2020

Apple Card may be moving beyond the U.S. Macrumors has information indicating the expansion could happen as early as this year.

A source claiming to be close to an unnamed Australian banking corporation involved in supporting ‌‌Apple Card‌‌ in Australia tells MacRumors that ‌Apple Card‌ will be launching in multiple new regions as soon as the end of this year. The tip speculated that the Australian release may coincide with the release of iOS 14.1 or iOS 14.2, but cautioned that it might not be ready until an iOS 14.3 release in early 2021. In addition, Apple has recently advertised for several new Apple Card Product Manager roles that involve travel and “working with external partners such as payment networks, bank issuers and other players.” In the U.S., Goldman Sachs is ‌Apple Card‌’s only bank issuer. The job description may suggest that Apple is setting about negotiation with other issuers within the U.S., or more likely, issuers to support ‌Apple Card‌ in other regions around the world.

Import and Export ProtonMail With This New Tool

Proton released a new tool that lets you import and export ProtonMail. It’s available to paying customers to help you migrate from other email services.

Like all Proton apps, the Import-Export app’s code is open source, which allows anyone to verify its code for themselves. This level of transparency is necessary so that users can be confident their privacy is protected. It also makes it easier for cybersecurity experts to perform checks and audits of our apps, increasing their overall security.

18-in-1 Multi-Tool, with Jump Starter, Power Bank, Window Breaker, More: $79.99

We have a deal on the CarAIDE Multi-Tool, an 18-in-1 device with a built-in jump-starter, a portable battery for your devices, a window breaker, a seatbelt cutter, a flashlight, and more. The CarAIDE Multi-Tool works with any car, boat, motorcycle, or ATV that uses a 12V battery. It’s slip-resistant, shock resistant, water, and dirt resistant, and fits easily into a car door, glove compartment, or cup holder. It’s $79.99 through our deal.

TikTok Admits Shadow Banning Some LGBT Hashtags

TikTok has admitted blocking some LGBT-related hashtags in certain countries, BBC News reported. It followed a report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

A shadow ban limits the discovery of content without indicating that a particular hashtag is on a ban list. TikTok said that some hashtags were restricted to comply with local laws. According to the ASPI, terms that were not linking to content included: “gay” in Russian and Arabic, “I am a lesbian” and “I am gay” in Russian “transgender” in Arabic. TikTok said that while some terms were restricted to comply with local laws, others were limited because they were primarily used to discover pornographic content.

Apple Reportedly Orders 'Large Number' of Foldable Displays From Samsung

Apple has ordered a “large number” of foldable displays from Samsung, according to rumors picked up by MacRumors. Are we heading towards a foldable iPhone then? I’m not convinced that a) it’s happening, b) I’d want one if it did.

The “large number” of foldable displays will be samples for use in mobile phone devices, and Samsung will apparently supply the units to Apple for the duration of one year. The leaker also seemed to stress the immediacy of this development, perhaps implying that the order is about to commence. Last year, it was reported that Samsung was shipping its foldable display technology to other companies, including Apple, in the hopes of receiving orders. The new leak may indicate that after testing initial samples last year, Apple is now trialling foldable devices more extensively. Some sources have proposed that a foldable ‌iPhone‌ could launch as soon as next year.

 

Facebook EU Antitrust Filing Accuses Apple of Anticompetitive Behavior

Facebook accused Apple of anticompetitive behavior, in a document filed with the EU this week, AppleInsider reported. CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed a similar view in a recent interview.

The document, provided by the EU’s competition watchdog, asks businesses if they have been subjected to anticompetitive behavior on large online platforms. Facebook took the opportunity to highlight its grievances with Apple. The complaints were lodged in two areas: Facebook Gaming and Apple’s upcoming plan to require a user’s consent before a company could place ad trackers on their device. Facebook alleges that the Facebook Gaming app has been “affected by unfair contractual terms and unfair practices imposed by Apple with respect to the App Store and on iOS more broadly.” Facebook Gaming was rolled out to iOS users in August after restructuring the app to comply with the App Store terms and conditions. Facebook was required to remove gameplay functionality as Apple does not allow third-party gaming platforms.