9to5Mac writes: “Apple has been granted a patent today which illustrates how future products such as iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch could have built-in sensors to detect harmful, poisonous gasses, such as CO…” [and others.] Now we’re getting into Star Trek’s Tricorder territory. I expect these kind of technical advances to continue. Early earthquake warnings?
iPhone
Counting the Angels That Can Dance on an iPhone Display
Theologians ponder how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. This article does the same with a discussion about whether a hole punch in your iPhone display is better than a notch. OMG. I laughed ’till it hurt.
Social Media and Photography, AR's Killer App, Far Future of iPhone, with Andrew Orr - ACM 498
Bryan Chaffin is joined by Andrew Orr to talk about social media and photography. They also talk about where AR can go and what the killer app of this emerging technology could be. Still donning their futurist hats, they look at what iPhone might in 10, 20, and even 50 years.
Get a Cheap iPhone 6 on Straight Talk for $70
Walmart is currently selling a cheap iPhone 6, 32GB and refurbished, for US$69.99. It comes with a 90-day warranty.
The iPhone 6 remains a fine device even though it lacks the impressive tech of Apple’s latest handsets. If you have kids or an older relative who’d like to have a relatively modern phone but without the advanced capabilities of newer devices, this is a great deal.
AirPods 2 Thought to Launch in 2019
AirPods 2 are rumored to launch in the first half of 2019, and could be redesigned to have health monitoring features.
iPhoneographers: New Shot on iPhone Challenge
Apple is holding a new Shot on iPhone challenge that will run from January 22 to February 7. A panel of judges will review worldwide submissions and select 10 winning photos.
Post your best photo taken on iPhone to Instagram or Twitter with the #ShotOniPhone hashtag to participate in the the Shot on iPhone Challenge. Weibo users can participate as well using #ShotOniPhone#. In the image caption, note which model was used. Alternatively, you can also submit the photo in its highest resolution to [email protected] with the file format ‘firstname_lastname_iphonemodel.’
Police Looking for WalMart iPhone Thieves
Police are looking for WalMart iPhone thieves who stole US$40,000 worth of iPhones and Apple Watches across multiple states.
The suspects are identified as James J. Jordan, 42, and Jahmir Andre Mitchell, 19, both from Philly. They remain at large, but face felony charges of participating in a corrupt organization, receiving stolen property and retail theft and a misdemeanor conspiracy charge.
Sounds like these guys are suspects in multiple cases. Hopefully they will be caught.
Cricut, Rocket Book, and Setapp, with Bob LeVitus - ACM 497
In this episode, Bob LeVitus tells Bryan Chaffin all about the Cricut. This thing can cut 150 different substances, draw, write, and like I said, even sew. And you can control it from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. They also discuss Rocket Book, which is part reusable paper (you can erase it!) and part app-based service that will scan what you write and draw and convert text with OCR. They cap the show with a look at Setapp and why they think this multi-app service for the Mac is great.
Tim Cook Is a Failure at Operations
Operations are supposed to be what Tim Cook does best. Under Steve Jobs he was the Chief Operating Officer at Apple. And while he may have done a great job there, he is a failure at it as CEO.
2019 iPhone Could Still Have Liquid Retina LCD Display
One of the 2019 iPhone models could stick with the Liquid Retina LCD display, although in 2020 a rumor suggests Apple may drop the LCD model.
The plan to stick with LCD comes as Apple grapples with sluggish sales of the iPhone XR, which has cut into its most recent revenue projection. That is partly because the planned LCD handset has been in the product pipeline for months and the plan can’t be altered easily, they said.
Charlotte Henry also wrote that one or more of the new phones may come with three cameras.
Apple Rumored to be Planning iPhone with Triple-Rear-Camera System
Apple reportedly plans to launch three new iPhone models in fall 2019 one of which could have a device with a triple-rear-camera system.
Preorder Opens for 2018 iPad Pro Brydge Keyboards
Brydge keyboards for the 2018 iPad Pros are now available to preorder. The 11-inch model is US$149.99 and the 12.9-inch keyboard is US$169.99. The new keyboards offer different viewing modes, like a tablet mode where you fold the keyboard back, and a movie mode that places your iPad at an angle. The keyboards have USB-C connectivity which means you can charge the keyboard from the iPad Pro as you use it. There is also a new snap-on magnetic cover that protects the back of your iPad Pro.
CES - QDOS Infinity Glass Encases your iPhone in Tempered Glass
At CES Wednesday, QDOS was showing off Infinity Glass, a case unlike any I’ve ever seen: both the front and the back are made entirely of tempered glass, and the two halves fit together with magnets to completely encase your iPhone. The case snaps on quickly and without any alignment required, and the metal edging fits perfectly together around your phone. Once on your iPhone, the seams between the two halves disappear, and everything feels smooth and silky, just as you’d expect from tempered glass. QDOS Infinity Glass cases are priced at $49.99 and are available for all current iPhones.
Apple's Public Billboard at CES: 'What Happens on Your iPhone, Stays on Your iPhone'
I heart this so much. There aren’t enough emojis in the world to describe how much I love Apple’s giant message to CES: “What happens on your iPhone, stays on your iPhone.” It’s on a massive outdoor sign hanging on the side of a ::checks notes:: Marriott…wait, is Apple trolling Marriott, too? Fitting, if so. Whatever, the target is ostensibly Google, Facebook, Amazon, Android, and the myriad of companies whose customers are the product. And that message is being delivered to CES in Las Vegas, a show Apple doesn’t bother to attend. Chris Velazco of Engadget tweeted the first image I could find (below), and Mashable‘s Adam Rosenberg pitched it as, “Apple spent money to publicly troll everyone else’s privacy issues at CES.” Again with the feels, Apple. Thanks for brightening my day.
Apple never shows up at CES, so I can’t say I saw this coming. pic.twitter.com/8jjiBSEu7z
— Chris Velazco (@chrisvelazco) January 4, 2019
Will Apple Focus on Innovating and What Would Mac Spinoff Look Like, with John Kheit - ACM 495
Bryan Chaffin and John Kheit chew on Apple’s rare guidance warning like the mangy junk yard dogs that they are. They also discuss innovation, scale, how a giant Apple should be structured, and what a Macintosh, Inc. spinoff might look like. It’s a rollicking episode, and you’re cordially invited to listen in!
Manage iPhone Privacy With This iMore Guide
Rene Ritchie put together a good iMore guide to manage your online information and privacy settings.
Now, just to be clear, these aren’t security tips. I’ll cover those in another column. These are privacy tips. They’re ways to make sure people and companies learn as little as possible about you, while you still get the most you can from them. Cool?
It’s a good guide and everyone should read it. It’s full of tips to manage privacy settings on iPhone and online accounts. While you’re at it, check out my guide where I include privacy apps I’ve used.
Apple Needs to Expand Its Product Grid to Include an Edition Category
Designers would win by being able to make more focused and less compromised designs; consumers would win with more choices; Apple would win with greater focused products, more revenue, better margins, and better market share.
USB-C Cables Could Get Built-In Security
Any system that uses this protocol will be able to confirm if a USB-C port or cable is authentic as soon as a connection is made.
The Pornification of Software and Grading Apple's 2018 Products with John Kheit - ACM 494
Bryan Chaffin is joined by John Kheit to discuss what Mr. Kheit calls the pornification of software. They also look back at and grade Apple’s new product releases in 2018. It being these two, they are surprisingly upbeat, while still being cranky as can be.
Reminder: iPhone Battery Program Ends Dec. 31
After it was revealed that older iPhone batteries were throttled, Apple created a battery replacement program for customers.
iOS 12.1.2 Stopping Users Accessing Cellular Network
iOS 2.1.2 is causing major problems for users around the world, with many reporting to have been cut off from thier cellular network.
Apple Expands iPhone Trade-in Program
Apple extended a promotional trade-in program to countries around the world, so more people can get more money off a new iPhone XS or XR.
Apple Shares Shot on iPhone XR and iPhone XS Photos
Apple shared some Shot on iPhone XR and iPhone XS photos for the holidays. New camera features in these phones include Smart HDR and more.
Images of New Smart Battery Case for iPhone XS and XS Max Leaked
Leaked images of the expected new Apple Smart Battery Case show that it still has a “bump” and will only be available in black.
