As part of its Measuring Broadband America Program, the FCC announced the release of a speed test app. The information collected through the app will help to inform the FCC’s efforts to provide improved coverage information to the public. “We expect that some of the information collected through the app will be incorporated into the Commission’s broadband data collection systems, including challenges to provider-submitted maps and our collection of additional crowdsourced data.”
iPhone
iPhone-related tips and news for everyone interested in Apple’s iPhone or looking to make your iPhone experience even better.
Review: Ekster’s MagSafe Wallet is a Slim Alternative to Apple’s Wallet
Ekster sent Andrew its new MagSafe wallet to try. He’s been using it for a couple of weeks and shared his thoughts in a review.
PopSockets Launches Plant-Based Phone Grip
PopSockets launched a new plant-based phone grip called PopGrip Plant. It’s made with corn starch, castor beans, and canola oil.
Pictar Smart Grip Makes iPhone Feel Like Camera: $73.99
I love Pictar’s product line, and I’m thrilled we have a deal for you on the Pictar Smart Grip. It’s an attachment for your iPhone that makes it feel much more like a DLSR, including giving you a shutter button that works much more comfortably. It also gives you physical knobs for controlling some of your camera’s features. The Pictar Smart Grip is compatible with iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max, 12/12 Mini, 6/6 Plus/6S, 7/7 Plus, 8/8 Plus, Pro 12/Pro Max, SE 2020, and X/XR/XS/XS Max. It also works with various Android models if that’s your jam. This device is $73.99 through our deal.
3-in-1 Apple Watch & Lightning Charger Cable: $16.99
We have a deal on a charging cable that has three ends: Apple Watch and two Lightning connectors with support for dual charging. It also comes in gray, pink, blue, white, red, and purple. It’s $16.99 through our deal.
IMEI Numbers, Apple Arcade Updates – TMO Daily Observations 2021-04-07
Bryan Chaffin and Charlotte Henry join host Kelly Guimont to discuss IMEI numbers, the new wave of Apple Arcade games, and cultural confessions.
GoFish Cam Wireless Underwater Fishing Camera: $199.99
Our friends at Stack Commerce have a fun deal for us today on the GoFish Cam Wireless Underwater Fishing Camera, a wireless underwater fishing camera that sits on your fishing line and works with a mobile app so you can see your footage right from your phone. The camera attaches in-line between your main line and leader line, and it allows you to both view and share your underwater fishing footage. It’s $199.99 through our deal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKUJI2R_vlo
Aduro U-Light Desktop Lamp Organizer with Wireless Charging Stand: $19.99
We have a deal on a desk lamp that includes a built-in wireless charger for your iPhone and an organizing cup for your pens, Apple Pencil, and the like. The touch control LED lamp has fully customizable brightness settings that you can set to your preferred level, and it features a flexible gooseneck. It’s $19.99 through our deal.
BackPack Magnetic 5,000mAh Powerbank: $39.99
We have a deal on BackPack, a magnetic wireless charger equipped with extra strength magnets inside, which perfectly align and attach to your iPhone 12 family of devices. It has a built-in 5,000mAh battery, and bottom ports allow Type-C out and/or Type-A out. It’s $39.99 through our deal.
French Watchdog CNIL Questions Apple’s Compliance With EU Privacy Rules
CNIL, France’s data regulator, is questioning Apple’s compliance with EU privacy rules over personalized advertising.
Scooter-Sharing Service ‘Lime’ Adds iOS 14 App Clips
Lime’s business involves renting out electric scooters and bikes for people, and the company updated its app to add iOS 14 App Clips.
Memory Bit-Flip Error, Justin Long's Change of Heart, Oak Island Catchup, with John Kheit - ACM 544
Bryan Chaffin and John Kheit dive into the memory bit-flip error that is apparently becoming common. They also catch up on their favorite show, The Curse of Oak Island, and they discuss Justin Long’s change of marketing heart.
iOS 14 Isn’t Safe From Forensic Extraction Technology
Elcomsoft has announced an update to its iOS Forensic Toolkit, with version 7.0 working on iPhone 12 models and iOS 14 through iOS 14.3.
iOS Could Soon Separate Security Updates and Software Updates
Apple recently released the fourth beta of iOS 14.5 to developers, and code suggests that updates to the platform could change in the future.
New Nest with Radar, Getting Ready for Repairs – TMO Daily Observations 2021-03-16
Charlotte Henry joins host Kelly Guimont to discuss the latest iteration of Google Nest Hub, and how to get your gear ready for an Apple repair.
FaceTime Group Call Spam Plaguing Apple Customers
FaceTime group call spam has been recently affecting Apple users, and they’re harder to block than individual numbers.
Wireless Charging Dock for iPhone: $65.99
We have a deal on a wireless charging dock for iPhones and other Qi-enabled devices. It’s crafted from solid Walnut and topped with soft felt, and it comes with its own power supply. It’s $65.99 through our deal, and the deal listing has additional models with Apple Watch and AirPod features, too.
iPadOS 14.5, iOS 14.5 Beta 4 Released to Developers
Apple seeded beta 4 for iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 on Monday for developers, a couple of weeks after beta 3.
iPhone 12 mini outlook, RIP HomePod – TMO Daily Observations 2021-03-15
Bryan Chaffin and Dave Hamilton join host Kelly Guimont to discuss the future of the iPhone 12 mini, and the end of the HomePod road.
Nimble’s Spring 2021 Replay Charging Collection is Environmentally Friendly
Recently, Nimble introduced its Spring 2021 REPLAY Collection filled with fast-charge accessories produced with a low carbon footprint.
Apple Releases 14.4.1 Update for iOS and iPadOS
On Monday Apple released new updates for its operating systems. iOS and iPadOS received version 14.4.1.
HoverBar Duo is New Adjustable iPad Stand From Twelve South
The unique part of the product is the option to use a weighted stand or a desk clamp so you can attach it to a variety of surfaces.
How Apple’s Walled Garden is a Double-Edged Security Sword
Patrick Howell O’Neill shared an interesting argument for MIT Technology Review: Apple’s locked-down ecosystem is both good and bad for security.
He argues that while the iPhone’s security is getting tighter as Apple invests millions to raise the wall, the best hackers have their own millions to buy or develop zero-click exploits that let them take over iPhones invisibly. These allow attackers to burrow into the restricted parts of the phone without ever giving the target any indication of having been compromised. And once they’re that deep inside, the security becomes a barrier that keeps investigators from spotting or understanding nefarious behavior.
Put another way: Apple’s locked down systems naturally select for the best hackers. And the best hackers have the skill to create the most devastating hacks. “This means that even to know you’re under attack, you may have to rely on luck or vague suspicion rather than clear evidence.”
MagBuddy Wireless Charge Desk Mount: $49.99
We have a deal on the MagBuddy Wireless Charge Desk Mount, a desktop 9Qi charger for your iPhone that uses magnets to hold that iPhone in place. It uses adaptive charging to send the right charge to your device, and it’s $49.99 through our deal.