Lit Apple Mac, iPhone, iPad User Group

[astuffedshirt_perv]

Know schools buy the low cost Google products merely to save money, and it's either they (educators) don't know Google is collecting data (find that hard to belive), which is scary as they're educating children, or they simply don't care, which I think is the case.

Running an email suite is fantastically expensive, and no one cares about google collecting data. google claims to 'turn off' data collection for corporate/school accounts, but really what they are doing is establishing an enduring connection. You get your school account at age 14 when you enter school, and you get to keep that account after you graduate--lock in! Plus now, post graduation all the data can be collected as usual.

 

[sultrysandy]

...and no one cares about google collecting data...

Same as with their homes, cars, and devices, there are warning signs of a looming problem, but people don't commonly do anything until it's after the fact.

And a reason that big data, analytics, and security are such a huge business.
.

 

[astuffedshirt_perv]

And a reason that big data, analytics, and security are such a huge business.

There was a quote i saw somewhere...I can't find it now...along the lines of

millennials blame boomers for destroying their wages...generation alpha will blame millennials for destroying their privacy

 

[sultrysandy]

There was a quote i saw somewhere...I can't find it now...along the lines of

millennials blame boomers for destroying their wages...generation alpha will blame millennials for destroying their privacy

It's how people use their devices and give away their information.


Please don't get me wrong, websites and companies aren't upfront. Privacy policies aren't designed for consumers to understand. They’re written by lawyers for lawyers to protect the company. Many policies include language that they can change the policy at any time without notice.

And some the different ways people are tracked and how data is collected are pretty slimy IMO.

 

[sultrysandy]

Apple Warns Stores About a Shortage of Replacement iPhones

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Company re-opens nearly all of its retail locations in China

Coronavirus begins to strain Apple’s global supply chain



Apple Inc. warned retail employees about shortages of replacement iPhones, another sign the coronavirus outbreak is straining the company’s supply chain.

The company recently told technical support staff at stores that replacement iPhones for heavily damaged devices will be in short supply for as long as two to four weeks, according to Apple Store employees.

The workers, known as Geniuses, were advised in a memo that they can offer to mail replacement iPhones to customers and provide loaner devices to ease delays.

Some Apple stores have also noticed a shortage of individual parts, according to the employees, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. An Apple spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.

When a user brings in a damaged iPhone to an Apple store, the company can replaces individual parts such as the screen or camera. If the device is beyond repair, the company often provides a replacement phone rather than a brand new model.

The dearth of iPhone repair parts is one of the first visible effects from the virus on Apple’s operations. The company has begun to see shortages for the iPad Pro, Bloomberg News reported recently, while the supply of the iPhone 11 has begun to slightly tighten internationally. The Cupertino, California-based technology giant has also restricted employee travel to China, South Korea, and Italy, and has encouraged sick employees take leave. It’s also asking employees to have meetings virtually.

Apple is also rapidly re-opening its stores in China after being forced to temporarily shut all 42 of the locations due to the virus. The company has opened 38 stores as of Wednesday, according to a review of its retail website.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-04/apple-warns-stores-about-shortage-of-replacement-iphones

 

[sultrysandy]

How to clean your phone to help stop the spread of germs

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Bytes and Bacteria: Exposing the Germs on your Technology has found that your computer or laptop keyboard is 20,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat. Meanwhile your smartphone has more than 9,000 times more germs than a toilet seat.



The World Health Organization has plenty of details on how you should properly wash your hands to protect yourself against infection and to prevent the spread of flu and coronavirus. But if we wash our hands and then suddenly switch back to our phone, we’re exposing ourselves to germs all over again.

Several studies, including one published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine in 2017, have suggested phones can contain lots of germs. So if you’re washing your hands, you should probably also keep your phone clean.


Here’s what you should do.

• Turn off your phone before you start to clean it.
  
  
• Apple recommends using a lens cloth, the sort you might use to clean your glasses. If you have an iPhone 7 or higher, which are more water resistant, you can also use a cloth with a small amount of warm soapy water, as long as you avoid getting that water into openings on the phone. Other phone makers don’t specifically say that this works, though you should generally be safe with most modern phones released in the past several years that have some sort of water resistance.
  
  
• Apple and Samsung advise against using cleaning products, since they can damage the fingerprint-resistant coatings on the screens. For years I’ve known people to gently wiped down the screen with a Clorox wipe, or diluted rubbing alcohol against recommendations without any issues. Just be careful and, again, try to avoid getting them in the ports.
  
  
• If you are worried about damaging the screen, consider buying a cheap screen protector and just using Clorox or Lysol wipes to clean it. You can always replace the screen protector with a new one. Gently wipe down the back and sides of the phone, too.
  
  
• On older phones, you should just use a soft, lint-free cloth, since those phones aren’t resistant to liquid. One popular microfiber cloth brand that People have used for a long time is called Toddy Gear, but there are lots of cheap microfiber cloths on Amazon, too. I won't speak to the quality of them.

In general, you should probably just wash your hands before using your phone, and then use a hand sanitizer like Purell after you use it and before you touch your face.

If you’re speaking on the phone a lot, consider using headphones to avoid bringing your phone up to your face as frequently. While headphones like AirPods aren’t germ-free either, you can clean the outside with isopropyl alcohol, making sure not to get any inside the AirPods. It’s important not to use household cleaners, however, since they’ll go back inside your ears.
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[sultrysandy]

AAPL bleeds record $97B in valuation over weekend

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Apple's shares have taken a hammering over the weekend in after-hours trading, with the share price set to open on Monday morning at about $20 below its value at the end of trading on Friday afternoon, its biggest drop in five years.

The Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park



The ongoing coronavirus crisis is affecting the stocks and shares of major companies once more, as investors worry about how COVID-19 is going to affect their holdings. Over the weekend, stockmarkets saw the value of shares fall, with Apple among the injured parties.

On Friday, Apple ended its trading day at $289.03, up from its starting price of $282, but down from Thursday's closing price of $292.92. Trading over the weekend has seen Apple's price fall further, with pre-market reporting indicating it will open at between $268 and $269, over $20 down from its starting price the previous day.

For context, Apple's announcement on January 2, 2019 that it would miss revenue guidance resulted in an overnight intersession drop of $13.94 by the morning of January 3, representing a drop of 8.83%. If Apple's shares open at $269.03 on Monday, a full $20 down from Friday afternoon, it would be the equivalent share value fall of 6.92%.

The market capitaliztion of Apple itself is down $97 billion from its $1.26 trillion valuation on Friday. The drop is the highest between trading sessions for Apple, ever.

To put the drop into perspective, it is the equivalent market value of Charter Communications, Lockheed Martin, Texas Instruments, and approximately three-quarters of Tesla.

If it does commence trade at $20 below Friday's closure, it would be Apple's fourth-highest inter-session fall in a five-year period, according to historical data from Nasdaq. The highest was on August 24, 2015, where the price dropped 10.3% over a weekend.

Investors are concerned about oil pricing, and the continuing spread of the coronavirus around the world, an outbreak that is causing havoc to supply chains and retail operations in Asia and other regions.

In the case of Apple, it has led to production backlogs as supply chain partners work to mitigate the virus, while trying to retain production capacity. Apple has also instituted travel bans for its own staff, preventing its engineers from visiting suppliers for component testing, which may impact the production of the "iPhone 12."






AAPL closed the day at $266.17, up from an opening price of $263.56.

Added this graph showing Apple's stock activity, which closely mirrors the major stock market indexes, The first day, Friday 2/21, is before the marker volatility began, then the eleven trading days afterwards.

 

[sultrysandy]

Apple removed Sensor Tower VPN, ad-blocking apps for gathering user data

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Apple recently removed an ad-blocking app owned by Sensor Tower after an investigation found the analytics firm to be secretly collecting user data through a variety of iOS and Android apps.

Sensor Tower's Luna VPN remains on the App Store.



According to BuzzFeed News, Sensor Tower has distributed at least 20 data-harvesting apps on the App Store and Google Play store since 2015. The apps, many which have been removed for violating store guidelines, install a root certificate on a target phone to monitor data traffic and other user metrics.

Two apps, Adblock Focus and Luna VPN, were recently active on the App Store, while four apps — Free and Unlimited VPN, Luna VPN, Mobile Data, and Adblock Focus — were available in the Google Play store. Apple removed Adblock Focus and Google booted Mobile Data after being contacted by the publication. Luna VPN is currently under investigation by Apple.

None of the apps in question revealed an association with Sensor Tower, nor did they disclose data gathering operations designed to inform the company's analytics products. As noted by BuzzFeed News, however, code used in the apps was authored by developers who work for the firm.

An Apple spokesperson said a dozen Sensor Tower apps were previously banned from the App Store for violating terms of service, according to the report. The company strictly enforces privacy protocols that restrict developers from installing root certificate privileges on consumer devices, as the mechanism can reveal a bulk of iPhone's transmitted data and sensitive information. A number of high-profile tech companies have run afoul of those rules, including Facebook and Google.

Randy Nelson, Sensor Tower's head of mobile insights, in a statement to BuzzFeed News said the apps did not gather sensitive user data or personally identifiable information. Further, he noted "the vast majority of these apps listed are now defunct (inactive) and a few are in the process of sunsetting."

"We take the app stores' guidelines very seriously and make a concerted effort to comply with them, along with any changes to these rules that occur from time to time," Nelson said.

As for branding, Nelson said Sensor Tower kept its involvement a secret for competitive reasons.

"When you consider the relationship between these types of apps and an analytics company, it makes a lot of sense — especially considering our history as a startup," Nelson said. He added that the company's original intention was to build an ad blocker, but was unable to provide evidence of the project.






And more examples of Apple more concerned with being paid thirty percent than testing the apps are safe, which is why they want people to only download apps from Apple.

And can't defend Apple for the high number of Apps since they have more than enough cash on hand to pay people for investigating apps. Unlike websites have been doing and discovering.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple’s new App Store policies fight spam and abuse but also allow ads in notificatio

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Apple’s new App Store policies fight spam and abuse but also allow ads in notifications

Cupertino is also rejecting coronavirus-related apps from untrusted sources.

Last week, Apple notified app developers of a revised set of App Store review guidelines—the rules by which Apple curates its iOS/iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and macOS App Stores.

Among many other things, the revised rules expand the definition of what constitutes a spam app, clarify that developers are able to use push notifications to serve ads to users (provided users explicitly opt in to them), and limit submissions of certain types of apps to trusted organizations in regulated or sensitive industries.

The most controversial of these changes has been the clear statement that developers can serve ads to users via push notifications. At one point in the past, Apple's guidelines stated that push notifications "should not be used for advertising, promotions, or direct marketing purposes or to send sensitive personal or confidential information." Now the guidelines state:

Push Notifications must not be required for the app to function, and should not be used to send sensitive personal or confidential information. Push Notifications should not be used for promotions or direct marketing purposes unless customers have explicitly opted in to receive them via consent language displayed in your app’s UI, and you provide a method in your app for a user to opt out from receiving such messages.

Pixel Envy's Nick Heer noted that Apple was already failing to enforce the original language, so this seems like capitulation to what some developers have been doing for a while, perhaps in response to difficulty policing this consistently. Heer also points out that there is not currently a pre-baked way for developers to sort between types of notifications, so the "you provide a method in your app for a user to opt out from receiving such messages" language may still curb some of this behavior.

Developers would have to architect their own ways of distinguishing between advertisement notifications and others. Some will likely choose to simply explain to users that ads will be part of the push notifications deal and give users the ability to opt out of notifications entirely with that disclaimer. Others will deem it too much trouble to develop a solution to delineate between message types, and therefore will simply stop serving ads via notifications. Others still will put in the extra effort so as to continue pushing ads as before without risking users turning off notifications all together.

Users will continue to have the option to disable all notifications from an app or simply stop using it if they do not like its behavior.

In other changes, Apple has signaled to developers that all new apps must be submitted using the iOS or iPadOS 13 SDK starting April 30, and named April 30 as a deadline to implement Sign in with Apple in apps that are already offering other universal sign-on services—something Apple warned was coming many months ago already. The review guidelines stipulate that developers must treat users with respect when responding to reviews in the App Store, that fortune-telling or dating apps will be rejected "unless they provide a unique, high-quality experience," and that developers may no longer use custom demands or suggestions that users review the app and instead "use the provided API."

Another notable development is clarification that "apps that provide services in highly regulated fields (such as banking and financial services, healthcare, and air travel) or that require sensitive user information should be submitted by a legal entity that provides the services, and not by an individual developer."

And in related news, app developers who claim Apple is rejecting some apps related to the coronavirus that aren't coming from trusted orgs like hospitals or governments in order to prevent the proliferation of apps that could spread misinformation. Four developers, said that some of the rejected apps "used public data from reliable sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) to create dashboards or live maps." However, Apple may have concluded that exclusively allowing select authoritative sources is the only way to battle misinformation comprehensively. (Google's Play store currently and intentionally shows no results at all for searches for "coronavirus" or "COVID-19.)

Platform companies have recently battled snake oil and misinformation about the coronavirus and related topics. For example, Amazon made a move to ban products that claim to cure COVID-19 and information platforms have sought to halt the spread of false, potentially panic-inducing information, or bad information that jeopardizes consumers' health. That said, Apple's actions on this have contributed to some developers' ongoing frustration about transparency and consistency in App Store curation.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple signs letter opposing 'anti-LGBTQ' state legislation

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Apple and more than 40 of America's largest companies, many from the tech sector, signed an open letter opposing more than a dozen "anti-LGBTQ" bills moving through state legislatures across the country, saying measures included the proposed laws would marginalize staff and negatively impact business.

The letter, drafted by the Human Rights Campaign and published Wednesday, argues against so-called "anti-trans" bills circulating in a number of state houses, reports Alabama paper AL.com.

Today's letter arrives a week after Alabama's Senate passed the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, or SB 219, which if ratified by the House will make it a felony for doctors to prescribe puberty-blockers or hormones to minors, the report said. A parallel bill was introduced in the state House as HB303.

Such laws do not align with the policies or values of the signatory companies, the letter reads. Business leaders say their firms believe in diversity and inclusion, and claim fairness, equal treatment and opportunity as principal corporate values.

Further, legislation like SB 219 negatively impacts companies' bottom lines. According to the letter's signatories, inclusive business practices result in "more productive and engaged employees, increased customer satisfaction; and, ultimately, improved competitiveness and financial performance."

Company leaders are "deeply concerned" by bills that single out marginalized groups like the LGBTQ community for exclusion or differential treatment. In many cases, these laws target transgender youth and could hinder access to medical care, parental rights, social and family services, student sports, or access to public facilities such as restrooms, the letter reads.

"They seek to put the authority of state government behind discrimination and promote mistreatment of a targeted LBGTQ population," the letter says about "anti-LGBTQ" bills. "These bills would harm our team members and their families, stripping them of opportunities and making them feel unwelcome and at risk in their own communities."

The letter calls on public leaders to abandon or oppose efforts to enact such "discriminatory" legislation, again noting the negative effects on employees, customers, competition and the economy at large.

Signing the letter along with Apple are tech giants Amazon, AT&T, Dropbox, Google, IBM, Lyft, Microsoft, PayPal, Salesforce and Uber. Other major corporations include Capital One, Corning, Hilton, Ikea, Levi Strauss, Marriott International, Nike and the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance which includes member companies Danone North America, Mars, Nestle USA and Unilever.

Apple has in the past voiced concern over similar issues and in 2018 opposed Trump administration efforts to narrowly define gender. A year earlier the company condemned Trump's withdrawal of protections for transgender students, while CEO Tim Cook personally spoke out against the president's ban on transgender soldiers.

More recently, the company in 2019 argued for LGBT worker protections in a joint amicus filing with the U.S. Supreme Court.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple to close all retail stores outside of China until March 27

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Apple CEO Tim Cook in a letter published late Friday detailed the company's response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, saying it will close all retail outlets outside of Greater China until March 27.

A picture taken on March 14, 2020 shows the Apple Store closed in Grote Houtstraat in Haarlem. - Apple is closing all of its stores outside China until March 27 in a bid to slow the spread of the new coronavirus outbreak, CEO said.





Cook in the letter acknowledged the severity of COVID-19, noting Apple "wants to continue to play a role in helping individuals and communities emerge stronger" from the crisis.

The executive said Apple learned a great deal from combating the virus in China, where the company on Friday reopened its chain of 42 stores, and came away with a set of best practices that will assist it and others in formulating a global response.

"One of those lessons is that the most effective way to minimize risk of the virus's transmission is to reduce density and maximize social distance," Cook writes. "As rates of new infections continue to grow in other places, we're taking additional steps to protect our team members and customers."

While China's stores remain open, albeit with reduced operating hours, Apple will close all other outlets around the world to mitigate transmission and spread of the virus. Prior to Cook's letter, the company on Friday announced store closures across Spain and one U.S. location in Pennsylvania.

Apple's online storefront, accessible via the web or the official Apple Store app, will be open during the two-week hiatus for brick-and-mortar stores. Customers looking for technical support and repairs are urged to visit support.apple.com, where they can be connected with local Authorized Service Providers or request a product to be mailed in for service.

During the temporary shutdown, all hourly workers are set to receive full pay, Cook said. Further, Apple has updated work policies to accommodate personal or family health circumstances resulting from COVID-19, including recovering from an illness, caring for sick family members, mandatory quarantining, or childcare challenges due to school closures.

As with past global emergencies, Apple is donating funds to the global COVID-19 response. According to Cook, the company's commitments reached $15 million worldwide, with funds going toward treatment and to "help lessen the economic and community impacts" of the virus. Apple is also matching employee donations on a two-to-one basis to support local, national and international COVID-19 response efforts.

Cook closed the letter by thanking those fighting on the front line, specifically first responders, doctors, nurses, researchers, public health experts and public servants.

"We do not yet know with certainty when the greatest risk will be behind us," Cook writes. "And yet I have been inspired by the humanity and determination I have seen from all corners of our global community. As President Lincoln said in a time of great adversity: 'The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.' That's always how Apple has chosen to meet big challenges. And it's how we'll rise to meet this one, too."

Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's SVP of Retail and People, issued a short statement on Instagram to announce the coming store closures and thank retail employees.

"I am profoundly grateful to our exceptional team members all around the world who have shown such deep care for our customers and each other during this difficult time," O'Brien said.

Today's announcement should come as no surprise, as Apple's response to the coronavirus pandemic has been swift and wide-reaching. Apple Stores in China were initially closed in late January, followed by a complete retail and corporate shutdown in early February. The company this week shuttered all outlets in Italy on the back of a national quarantine, suspended all Today at Apple sessions in the U.S. and instituted strict global policies with hopes of minimizing the spread of the virus.






I can see people blaming Apple Watch for not detecting when the've tested positive having coronavirus.

This is attempted humor - a shrewd business move, as people will now be hoarding Apple devices same as they have been all sorts of things this week.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple formalizes ban on non-official coronavirus apps in App Store

Apple's App Store guidelines for developers have been updated to explicitly state that only apps from official health organization accounts may develop coronavirus resources for distribution.

The App Store has many apps about public health, and Apple only wants official sources



After multiple developers complained about their apps being rejected for being related to coronavirus, Apple has released an update regarding the ban. The update issued by Apple on Saturday afternoon is clear about what it will allow to be distributed.

The App Store should always be a safe and trusted place for users to download apps. Now more than ever that commitment takes on special significance as the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities around the world are depending on apps to be credible news sources — helping users understand the latest health innovations, find out where they can get help if needed or provide assistance to their neighbors.

To help fulfill these expectations, we're evaluating apps critically to ensure data sources are reputable and that developers presenting these apps are from recognized entities such as government organizations, health-focused NGOs, companies deeply credentialed in health issues, and medical or educational institutions. Only developers from one of these recognized entities should submit an app related to COVID-19.

Apple also re-emphasized the fact that non-profit organizations can get their annual developer fee waived. If the organization is nonprofit, and plans on a free app, Apple will waive the fee if they are in an eligible country.

Also noted is the ability for these specific developers to flag their app as "Time-Sensitive Event" to expedite their app review. This is done in case of emergencies like this where timely distribution of accurate information is critical to the people involved.

The new guideline bans any use of "COVID-19" or "coronavirus" in titles of entertainment apps. Only apps released by an official entity under the health and information category may release coronavirus related content on the App Store.

Apple has taken a strong public stance with aid and information surrounding coronavirus this past weeks from a dedicated Apple News special coverage section, to public donations.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple New has a coronavirus special coverage section

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Apple is helping its customers keep track of the latest events in the coronavirus outbreak, by adding a section to the Apple News app providing special coverage of the global medical emergency.



In a similar fashion to how it offers coverage of the 2020 US presidential election to users, the addition of coronavirus special coverage to Apple News is aimed at informing users about major events that have occurred around the world relating to the virus.

The new section dedicated to the virus features updates from its main news partners, including CNN and the Wall Street Journal among others, detailing its continuing spread and its international effects. Coverage is bolstered by an assortment of images detailing how the virus has spread and how many people it has impacted.

Along with the main stories, the section also offers advice on curtailing the virus and preventing infection, including advice on how to wash hands. Resources from authorities such as the CDC are also available to read.

At this time the United States are able to read the section, but UK-based writers are blocked from the added special coverage at this time. It is likely Apple will offer region-specific versions of the coverage section as the crisis continues.

The Apple News Spotlight Special Coverage for the coronavirus is available to view for free in the Apple News app.






I highly doubt it encourages people to over react with panic buying and hoarding as I've been observing. Not that politicians are helping either telling people to calm down, use common sense, or how this virus is no worse than the common flu.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple details what to expect from retail amid store closures

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Apple has published a new FAQ with details about what users can expect from returns and repairs during extended coronavirus-related Apple retail closures.

With Apple Store closed across much of the world, the company has published new details advising users about repairs, returns and orders.



After implementing various measures to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 through its retail stores, Apple on Friday took the additional step of closing down all of its brick-and-mortar locations outside of China until March 27.

To shed some light on how the store closures impact returns, repairs and other local Apple Store transactions, the Cupertino company has published a frequently asked questions page with details about what to expect.

For example, for users who want to return a recently purchased item, Apple is extending its return period to 14 days after its Apple retail locations reopen on March 28. That excludes contracted iPhones in the U.S., Canada, Japan and Australia and carrier-financed devices in the U.S., however.

If a user's device is still at an Apple Store undergoing repairs, they may be able to pick it up during the store closures. Apple says a staffer will contact them with details, and once a device is ready, a customer will be able to retrieve it between noon and 5 p.m on March 15 or 16.

Apple will not host Genius Bar appointments before March 28, but the company notes that users can still start a repair online.

Users who placed an order for in-store pickup will only be able to pick up their items on March 15 or 16, again from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Keep in mind that the current COVID-19 situation is extremely fluid, and these guidelines and expectations may change between now and March 28. To read the full FAQ, you can follow this link.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple Retail stores now closed 'until further notice'

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A new banner on the top of Apple's website has been posted saying that Apple Stores are closed until further notice, signifying an escalation in the company's plans to fight the coronavirus.



Apple's message online regarding store re-openings isn't consistent. The frequently asked questions page about Apple Retail closures still has the original date of reopening as March 27, and suggests users check for specific store opening dates online.

It was confirmed on Tuesday morning that a banner that appeared overnight on Apple.com is a change in Apple's plans, and is being disseminated at least partially through internal messaging. However, not everyone contacted early on Tuesday morning had received notification of the change, so Apple may be considering retaining the March 27 date for some locations, depending on how the coronavirus pandemic progresses.

The banner appears across Apple's homepage in many countries, and is not limited to just the United States.

While Apple's offices and other facilities appear to be open, the company has taken steps to encourage employees to work from home when possible. Apple's retail locations in China will remain open, though with reduced operating hours.

Other impacts to the closures include Apple extending its return period to 14 days after its Apple retail locations ultimately reopen. The company notes that users can still start a repair online. Apple's window for device pickup for repairs has closed, and it remains to be seen how devices still not repaired and in Apple's hands will be handled.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple unveils new iPad Pro with 3D scanner, trackpad support

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Apple has unveiled an update to the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, both of which now feature a dual-camera system, full trackpad support, a LiDAR scanner for Augmented Reality, and an updated processor.

The new 2020 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard



Apple has revamped its flagship iPad Pro models and given them a dual-camera system that includes a 10 megapixel ultra-wide and 12 megapixel wide lens. Previously the iPad Pro featured only a single 12-megapixel camera on the rear, so this adds widescreen and zoom to the range. The new update also adds a LiDAR Scanner, which is used for depth sensing and so helps facilitate Augmented Reality work.

Running the newly updated iPadOS 13.4, the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models now fully support trackpads and one is included the new Magic Keyboard for iPad. The separate keyboard is backlit, and attaches magnetically with a cantilever that lets the iPad Pro float above the keys.

"The new iPad Pro introduces advanced technologies never before available in mobile computing," Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, said in a press release. "Combining the most advanced mobile display with powerful performance, pro cameras, pro audio, the breakthrough LiDAR Scanner and new Magic Keyboard with Trackpad, this is another huge leap forward for iPad. There's no other device in the world like the new iPad Pro and we think our customers are going to love it."

The new 2020 iPad Pro (left) and as mounted in the new Magic Keyboard (right)



"We're making iPad even more capable and versatile by bringing trackpad support to iPadOS," added Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "We carefully considered the best way to integrate trackpad use into a touch-first environment while retaining everything our customers know and love about iPad. We're thrilled to bring this new way of interacting with iPad to the millions of people using iPadOS today."

This is the first hardware update to the iPad Pro models since they were introduced in 2018. It's the longest gap between updates, with 2019 being the only year to not see a new model since the original in 2015. And it means that this is the first new iPad Pro model since Apple span off iOS into its new, dedicated iPad OS variant.

While not as radical an upgrade as the previous model —which introduced USB-C, Face ID and storage up to 1TB —the 2020 iPad Pro is a notable update in specifications, utilizing Apple's new A12Z Bionic chip.

Aside from the camera system, however, it's not as marked an update as the 2018 models were over their predecessors. Consequently, whether it's enough to attract many people who bought those previous models is uncertain, though, and especially since future ones are expected to introduce that 5G connectivity in 2021.

The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799 and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is from $999. Pre-orders start on Wednesday and the devices will be available starting March 24. The required iPadOS 13.4 will be available on the same day.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple sets global purchase limits on iPhones, new iPads, and Macs

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Apple has set limits on the number of new iPad Pro and Mac devices, as well as current iPhone models, that users can order from its online storefront across the globe.



The Cupertino iPhone maker has occasionally implemented order limits in the past to help curb the gray market, but these new restrictions seemed to be aimed at mitigating lingering supply issues due to COVID-19.

Currently, there appear to be limits on new MacBook Air and Mac mini models with customers restricted to five per order total. For iOS and iPadOS devices, the limits appear to be a bit more stringent, with customers only able to buy two units each of 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pros. The two-per-order limit also applies to every iPhone model Apple currently sells, from the iPhone 11 Pro to the iPhone 8.

Apple’s online store began limiting U.S. customers to two units of each iPhone model per person this week. Customers can still buy more than two iPhones in one order, but they would have to be different models -- for instance, two iPhone 11s and two iPhone 11 Pros. The restriction applies to the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Max.

Earlier on Thursday, the purchase limits appeared in select Asian countries — such as China — as fine print on the primary product page for the aforementioned devices.

Now, the purchase limits appear to have rolled out across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Europe and other regions. In most non-Asian regions, the limits won't appear until the checkout process.

An example of the order limit text in the U.S., which only appears during the checkout process if more than two iPads are in the bag.



While the available supply of iPhone and AirPods appears to be normalizing, Apple is still likely seeing the effects of a COVID-19 shutdown that brought its supply chain to a halt in February.

As a result of that, Apple said it would likely miss its revenue guidance for the quarter. China is currently recovering from its coronavirus outbreak, but suppliers in the country are still concerned about the impact of the virus on global supply and demand.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple's new MacBook Air debuts at $999 with 256GB storage, quad-core options

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Apple has updated the MacBook Air with the new Magic Keyboard, up to a quad-core i7 processor, and a lower starting price.

Apple's new MacBook Air, updated on March 18, 2020



Apple says that the new MacBook Air delivers up to two times faster CPU performance and up to 80 percent faster graphics performance. At the $999 low-end, it ships with 256GB of storage, and a higher-end model has a quad-core option for the first time.

To get that speed, the new model features the latest 10th-generation Intel Core processors with up to a 1.2GHz quad-core Core i7 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8GHz. Additionally, the new models have Intel Iris Plus Graphics, providing better performance than the previous model.

New Magic Keyboard on the 2020 MacBook Air



The MacBook Air refresh for the third time in a year features the new Magic Keyboard, first introduced on the 16-inch MacBook Pro. A redesigned scissor mechanism delivers 1mm of key travel, and the new inverted-T arrangement for the arrow keys.

The new model includes support for a 6K display over one of the two Thunderbolt 3 ports on the machine. Specifically, the new unit will support one 6K display, or one 5K display, or up to two 4K displays.

The FaceTime camera remains a 720p model, with a three-microphone array now included for more clear voice capture for FaceTime calls. Bluetooth 5.0 remains on the unit, as does 802.11ac Wi-Fi networking.

In conjunction with the MacBook Air release, Apple is also promising updates to the iWork suite, including iCloud folder sharing, and more.

The $999 MacBook Air model ships with a 1.1Ghz i3 processor with turbo speeds up to 3.2GHz, and 256GB of flash storage. A $1299 model comes with a quad-core i5 processor with turbo speeds up to 3.5 GHz and 512GB of flash storage.

The i7 model with 512GB of flash storage retails for $1449. Apple says that all configurations, including the education model for $899, will arrive between March 23 and March 25.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple's $799 Mac mini debuts with double the storage

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Apple has issued a minor update to the Mac mini, with it now including double the storage as the previous entry-level model for the same price.

Nothing else appears to have changed in the Mac mini other than the default flash storage. But, Apple's latest update means that you can get a new Mac mini at the same price with twice the storage.

For the standard $799 model, you'll get 256GB of storage with an Intel i3 processor, and the $1,099 model now has 512GB of storage with an Intel i5 processor. Additional configurations include higher storage and better processors. A model with an Intel i7 processor, maxed out storage at 2TB, and 64GB of RAM retails for $2,899.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple dropping device purchase limit on iPhones, iPads, and more

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Days after implementing a limit on how many devices could be ordered at any one time, Apple has dropped the policy, starting with iPhones, at least in the US, and certain regions.



Following its global setting of purchase order limits for its devices on the online store, Apple has now removed the limitations, starting with iPhones. The limitation was originally lifted for the US, Hong Kong, and mainland China so far. However, AppleInsider investigation shows that Apple is dropping the limits for more devices, and more territories.

According to Reuters, Apple's two-device limit on iPhones was first to be dropped, and is no longer in force on Apple Store websites in those first territories.

It's been confirmed that the iPhone limit has been removed in the US and UK, but so have similar purchase limitations on the new iPad Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini. All are now again available to order in quantity.

Previously, Apple had introduced this two-device limit for all iPhones, and also for the newly released 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro. A maximum of five per customer was also introduced for the new Mac mini and MacBook Air.

Limits are typically only shown at checkout. Top: how a checkout appeared on Thursday March 19. Bottom: how a similar checkout appears on Monday March 23.



n China and certain other selected Asian countries, information about current purchase limitations is displayed on the product's main page, albeit in the small print. For others, including the US, the limit is only shown during the checkout process.






Wonder if there will be panic shopping, then people selling and price gouging same as they have been with toilet paper and sanitizer. I'm kidding. But ya gotta enjoy watching people acting paranoid and being greedy. Reminiscent of Black Friday stampedes, fights, and full contact sales shopping.
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[sultrysandy]

Full third-party cookie blocking comes to Safari two years ahead of Chrome

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Along with iOS 13.4, Safari was updated with improved Intelligent Tracking Prevention to include full third-party cookie blocking and other privacy features.

Safari Intelligent Tracking Prevention has lead the industry in privacy protections



Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) was introduced in 2017 and has gained several privacy features since. Initial reactions to the release were varying as publishers worried about how this would affect cross-site tracking and related data sources for ad sales.

ITP blocked cookies before, but left enough information for trackers to begin tracking users based on what was being blocked. With the newest update, even this type of tracking and fingerprinting is blocked. Google Chrome is expected to have full third-party cookie blocking by 2022.

According to the WebKit Blog, Websites have long used login fingerprinting to track users based on login states in websites. Full third-party cookie blocking prevents websites from seeing information about the "global browser state" which allows them to see what websites you were signed into previously.

No telling yet how this will again affect ad firms, as even with its limitations previously, it was reported that hundreds of millions in revenue were being lost as a result of ITP. Apple has always taken a strong privacy stance with its devices and services, even to the point of world governments pushing for them to weaken security.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple plans to reopen some Apple Store locations in the first half of April

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Apple expects to reopen its brick-and-mortar retail outlets in the first half of April, retail and people chief Deirdre O'Brien told staffers.

Apple may begin reopening retail locations in April, though it won't reopen them all at once.



Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Apple shuttered all of its Apple Store locations outside of China. Though originally slated to reopen March 27, Apple updated that timeline to "until further notice."

Now, it appears that notice is being given. According to an internal memo sent Apple Store employees and seen by VentureBeat, the Cupertino tech giant is expecting to reopen its Apple locations in early April.

In the U.S. specifically, Apple appears to be planning on reopening retail locations on a staggered basis instead of all at once.

The new retail plans come on the same day that President Donald Trump said he hopes to reopen the country's business operations by Easter, which takes place on April 12 this year, The Wall Street Journal reported.

While Apple also began urging its Apple Park to work from home in early March, it eventually implemented flexible and remote work arrangements to all of its offices outside of Greater China.

In the internal memo, O'Brien said that Apple will extend its work-from-home policies until April 5 at the earliest, and will re-evaluate those arrangements on a weekly basis depending on a staffer's location. Along with heading Apple's retail operations, O'Brien is also the company's chief of people, so it's likely that the guidance refers to office employees as well.

Of course, the San Francisco Bay Area, where Apple Park is located, and the entire state of California are still under government shelter-in-place and stay-at-home mandates. Aside from essential IT and infrastructure personnel, those mandates will override Apple's own policies in affected areas.

That timeline is much quicker than many public health experts are recommending. And while the COVID-19 pandemic is an extremely fluid situation, it's likely that the outbreak will be ongoing through April. Because of that, Apple is likely to maintain its deep cleaning and anti-spread measures at its retail locations.
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[Stillrandy]

Minor Covid Byproduct

Yesterday I activated Apple Pay for the first time so as to be able to play a round of golf at my local course (in my county, golf courses are considered to be 'essential' for out-of-doors activity). They would not take a credit card or cash. Probably needed to start using Apple Pay anyway....

 

[sultrysandy]

Zoom for iOS shares data with Facebook even if users don't have an account

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Zoom's iOS app is sending off analytics data to Facebook without warning, even if users don't have a Facebook account.



The video conferencing app's popularity has exploded during the COVID-19 outbreak, becoming essentially an industry standard for video conferences and remote work meetings.

According to network traffic analysis carried out by Motherboard, Zoom for iOS is sending data to Facebook without making any mention of the practice in its privacy policy.

Upon being downloaded and installed, Zoom connects to the Facebook Graph API, a practice that is not entirely uncommon since many app makers use Facebook software development kits (SDKs) to implement features into their software.

As Motherboard points out, however, there's nothing in Zoom's privacy policy that makes it clear this type of data sharing is happening. Zoom notes that it may collect data related to a user's Facebook profile, but doesn't explicitly mention sharing data on users who don't have a Facebook account. The company says it does share data with third parties, but doesn't name Facebook specifically.

Among other things, Zoom notifies Facebook when the iOS app is opened, what device a user is using, what carrier they're on, and what city and time zone they're connecting from. The data also includes a unique advertiser tag, connected to a user's device, that companies use to target advertisements.

Facebook's terms actually require app makers to have given users "provided robust and sufficiently prominent notice" of data sharing practices. One section even indicates that apps need to specify Facebook by name.

Back in February, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) found that the Ring for Android app was sending a similar batch of data to analytics companies. While Ring eventually paused those data sharing practices, it hasn't been confirmed whether the company's iOS app did the same thing.

This isn't the first time that Zoom has had a privacy or security blunder. In 2019, a security researcher discovered a zero-day flaw that left users vulnerable to webcam hijacking without their knowledge.

The EFF also detailed some of the other privacy implications of Zoom, including the fact that call hosts can basically monitor the activities of call participants.
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[sultrysandy]

Apple announces COVID-19 website and app with CDC and White House

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Apple announces COVID-19 website and app in partnership with CDC and the White House



Apple has developed a new website and app that will provide a screening tool for COVID-19 symptoms as well as up-to-date information from trusted sources about the coronavirus outbreak.

The software announced Friday was developed in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control, the White House-led Coronavirus Task Force and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The COVID-19 app is available on Apple’s App Store. There’s also a website that can be accessed from Mac, Windows or Android phones and computers.

The software developed by Apple’s health team is designed to help people protect themselves by accessing reliable resources from home. The website comprises a series of questions about risk factors, recent exposure and symptoms related to coronavirus. It provides a recommendation on what to do next, including whether a test is recommended at this time or if one should self-isolate at home.

Those who are experiencing severe symptoms are told to call 911. But those with milder symptoms are taken through a process, which might ultimately suggest they monitor symptoms, rest up, and “talk to someone” about testing, whether it’s a local health department or doctor’s office. The challenge, however, is that testing is still limited across the U.S.

Apple is not providing any tests.

The app and website do not require users to sign in with an Apple ID, and Apple will not collect individual responses or share them with governments, the company said.

Apple updated Siri last week to provide users with a step-by-step questionnaire and CDC information if they ask the voice assistant if they have the coronavirus. Apple is also closely scrutinizing coronavirus-related apps on its App Store to make sure they’re using reliable information and are published by recognized institutions.
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