Lit Apple Mac, iPhone, iPad User Group

[sultrysandy]

Apple closing 11 retail locations amid new COVID-19 spike in U.S.

Apple will close 11 of its Apple Stores in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arizona due to new local COVID-19 spikes.

The Cupertino tech giant had begun reopening select U.S. retail locations in May with new social distancing and hygiene measures. Apple shuttered all of its U.S. locations due to coronavirus in March.

Now, after positive coronavirus cases are spiking in recently reopened states, Apple is taking steps to once again shutter locations. Apple customers who have devices at these locations for repairs will have through the weekend to retrieve them.

"Due to current Covid-19 conditions in some of the communities we serve, we are temporarily closing stores in these areas. We take this step with an abundance of caution as we closely monitor the situation and we look forward to having our teams and customers back as soon as possible," Apple said in a statement to the news outlet.

Among the states where Apple Stores are being closed again, several have reported new record high numbers of COVID-19 cases after reopening their economies.


The stores closing are:


Arizona

• Arrowhead
  
  
• Chandler Fashion Center
  
  
• La Encantada
  
  
• SanTan Village
  
  
• Scottsdale Fashion Square
  
  
• Scottsdale Quarter

Florida

• Coconut Point
  
  
• Waterside Shops

North Carolina

• Northlake Mall
  
  
• Southpark

South Carolina

• Haywood Mall

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[Stillrandy]

Apple will close 11 of its Apple Stores in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arizona due to new local COVID-19 spikes.

They are being very savvy & responsible as always, but...shoot, just when we thought it would be safe to go to an Apple store...

 

[sultrysandy]

Apple will close 11 of its Apple Stores in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arizona due to new local COVID-19 spikes.

They are being very savvy & responsible as always, but...shoot, just when we thought it would be safe to go to an Apple store...

Don't know if it's those or a reaction as it continues getting worse om so,e areas.


The record-setting numbers come amid an ongoing tide of new infections and increasing hospitalizations reported among a slew of states across the American South and West.

Arizona, Florida, California, South Carolina and Texas all reported record-high single-day increases in coronavirus cases on Thursday as states continue to ramp up testing and the virus reaches new communities.

Arizona health officials reported 2,519 confirmed cases on Thursday, surpassing the previous single-day high of 2,392 reported on Tuesday. Florida officials announced 3,207 new cases Thursday morning, shattering the state’s previous single-day high of 2,783 new cases also reported on Tuesday. California officials reported Thursday 4,084 new cases that were confirmed on Wednesday.

South Carolina officials reported 987 new cases Thursday afternoon, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 21,533 and marking another all-time high single-day increase. Texas reported 3,516 new cases Thursday evening, topping the previous record of 3,129 reported on Wednesday.

The record-setting numbers come amid an ongoing tide of new infections and increasing hospitalizations reported among a slew of states across the American South and West. Some states now seeing a rise in infections were among the first and most aggressive to reopen.
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[sultrysandy]

Amazon's Father's Day deals: iPad, Apple Watch 5, 2020 MacBook Air

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Amazon's Father's Day deals: $249 iPad, $299 Apple Watch 5, $899 2020 MacBook Air

Apple deals are off to a great start heading into Father's Day, with savings of up to $100 off iPads, the Apple Watch 5 and even the new MacBook Air.

The popular markdowns highlighted below are courtesy of Amazon, with limited availability in many cases. From discounts on Apple's current 10.2-inch iPad to cash savings on the latest Apple Watch, there are plenty of deals to be found this Father's Day weekend.




10.2-inch iPad deals

• 10.2-inch iPad (32GB, Wi-Fi): $249.99 ($80 off)
  
  
• 10.2-inch iPad (128GB, Wi-Fi): $329.99 ($100 off)

$100 off Apple Watch Series 5

• Apple Watch 5 GPS (40mm, Space Gray Aluminum, Black Sport Band): $299 ($100 off)
  
  
• Apple Watch 5 GPS (40mm, Gold Aluminum, Pink Sand Sport Band): $299 ($100 off)
  
  
• Apple Watch 5 GPS (44mm, Space Gray Aluminum, Black Sport Band): $329 ($100 off)
  
  
• Apple Watch 5 GPS (44mm, Gold Aluminum, Pink Sand Sport Band): $329 ($100 off)

$899 MacBook Air (2020)

• 2020 MacBook Air (1.1GHz, 8GB, 256GB): $899.99 ($100 off)

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[sultrysandy]

The Cook Doctrine at Apple

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Believe it's important to post this today with what's expected to be announced tomorrow in Apple's WWDC keynote. This was published eleven and a half years ago, and think Apple will announce their next step in owning and controlling a primary technologiey behind another of their products.



There was a magical moment that had nothing to do with financial results Wednesday afternoon in Apple’s (AAPL) conference call with investors. What made the magic remarkable is that it came from Tim Cook, the supposedly uncharismatic, unemotional, uninspiring chief operating officer of the company, the guy whom Steve Jobs tapped to run day-to-day operations during his medical leave of absence, even though Cook already runs the company’s operations.

Asked the inevitable first question about how the company would function without Jobs, Cook let loose the following, courtesy of Seekingalpha.com, a monologue labeled the Cook Doctrine, that he appeared to deliver extemporaneously:

We believe that we are on the face of the earth to make great products and that’s not changing. We are constantly focusing on innovating. We believe in the simple not the complex. We believe that we need to own and control the primary technologies behind the products that we make, and participate only in markets where we can make a significant contribution. We believe in saying no to thousands of projects, so that we can really focus on the few that are truly important and meaningful to us. We believe in deep collaboration and cross-pollination of our groups, which allow us to innovate in a way that others cannot. And frankly, we don’t settle for anything less than excellence in every group in the company, and we have the self-honesty to admit when we’re wrong and the courage to change. And I think regardless of who is in what job those values are so embedded in this company that Apple will do extremely well.

This is fascinating at a number of levels. Some of it is stuff you’d expect from anyone in Apple’s senior management. Some ideas have been articulated at Apple for years. But this shows an executive who has given tons of thought to what it means to lead Apple. He couldn’t have been clearer that he’s in charge, at least for now. It also was a show of strength, as when Cook later threatened Palm (PALM) with patent litigation.

It raised so many questions too. Other than the company’s proprietary operating systems, what technologies was Cook referring to? What are some projects Apple has considered and rejected? When has the company been wrong — and been “self-honest” about it? What’s an example of the culture being so embedded that things work, even when Jobs isn’t involved?

There is so much to learn about Apple that frankly has been obscured for so long by the cult of personality around Steve Jobs. As Cook said before beginning his series of “We believes,” it’s a place with a deep bench. Yet few have heard of the supporting cast members, in part for fear of their being poached, in part because its always been all about Steve.

What’s clear is that Apple’s current leader — is eloquent, forceful and passionate about Apple. He may be a just-the-facts operations wonk with little experience in design, marketing for products. But he’s clearly so much more as well.
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[Stillrandy]

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What’s clear is that Apple’s current leader — is eloquent, forceful and passionate about Apple. He may be a just-the-facts operations wonk with little experience in design, marketing for products. But he’s clearly so much more as well.
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What's great is that he learned a lot from the founding leader Jobs, then modified and added to that with his own skills and strengths. What Apple probably needs to start thinking about is what happens after Cook; may seem early but he is 60, has 12 years with Apple, and 9 as CEO. CEO tenures don't often run much longer than his.

 

[sultrysandy]

What is 5G, and what Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint are doing

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Besides MAcs beginning to have Apple designed ARM core microprocessors, rumors and speculation is running rampant that they will announce their 5G phone.



There are three types of 5G — most of what you’ll get is not the super-fast kind

People listen to a speech with the theme of 5G during day one of the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Asia at Shanghai New International Expo Centre on June 11, 2019 in Shanghai, China.



You’re going to hear a lot more about 5G this year as new phones and other gadgets that support the new wireless network begin to launch.

5G is really confusing because there are three different versions of it that are being built. The networking architecture will eventually work together but most of what you’ll get right now, and probably for the coming years, isn’t super fast. Even worse, there isn’t anything that works with all three right now.

The four major U.S. wireless companies -- AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint -- all have their own plans for how to build out 5G to their customer bases. Their strategies relate both to their current wireless spectrum holdings and future plans to build fiber into the ground, which is essential for the fastest type.

Here’s the cocktail conversation summary:

• mmWave high-band 5G: T-Mobile (a little), AT&T and Verizon. About 10x faster than LTE with extremely low latency, which means individual messages are transmitted almost instantaneously. But you need to be standing really close to a tower or transmitter to get those speeds.
  
  
• Mid-band 5G: Sprint. About 6x faster than LTE, but with a smaller footprint than low-band.
  
  
• Low-band 5G: T-Mobile/AT&T. About 20 percent faster than 4G LTE.

Now let’s unwrap that:

Millimeter wave is the “best” 5G. If you download a 4GB file, like a movie, you might be able to do that in about 5 minutes and 19 seconds on today’s fastest 4G LTE networks (assuming a 100Mbps connection). On a mmWave high-band 5G connection, that same movie would take only 32 seconds (assuming 1000Mbps). But PCMag says that you have to stay within 80 feet of a tower or transmitter to get those speeds.

Some industries are more excited about other aspects of mmWave 5G because of its improved latency. That’s fancy talk for the time it takes for a device to talk to the network. Companies building self-driving cars that may need to stop in a split second will take advantage of those aspects of 5G. Gamers also care about lower latency, so as companies like Microsoft, Google and Sony roll out streaming gaming services, the quality of play will improve.

But most carriers are rolling out millimeter wave 5G in an extremely limited area, and focusing on public spaces like stadiums and arenas. Cities are also rolling out this super-fast 5G in highly dense areas, like downtowns, and some carriers are selling transceivers for home use -- similar to how WiFi works today.

Most of what you’re hearing about 5G today actually refers to mid-band or low-band, which won’t be that much of a difference from today’s wireless connectivity.


Where the U.S. carriers stand

Today, T-Mobile has a nationwide low-band 5G network and smaller (but much faster!) mmWave 5G networks in select areas of six U.S. cities. It sells two phones that work on the low-band network but only one that works on mmWave. It doesn’t currently sell any phones that work on both.

Sprint is building a mid-band network that’s available in parts of 9 cities, and it says this network is 6x faster than LTE. Sprint sells four devices that run on its network, including three phones.

Confusing matters, T-Mobile is awaiting court approval to merge with Sprint, which would allow them to combine their low-band and mid-band networks. Since T-Mobile already has a low-band network and a mmWave network, Sprint’s mid-band network is appealing as the third piece of the puzzle for T-Mobile, and is one reason why it wants a merger.

AT&T has a low-band network in 20 markets for “consumers” and faster mmWave “5G+” networks in small areas of 35 markets for businesses. Like T-Mobile, it doesn’t sell phones or devices that support both networks yet. You can pick the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G for the low-band network or, if you’re a business user, the Galaxy S10 5G phone or NETGEAR Nighthawk 5G Mobile hotspot.

(Confusing things further, you’ve probably heard of AT&T 5GE, but that’s just AT&T’s upgrade to its existing 4G LTE network while it builds real 5G.)

Verizon’s 5G is less confusing, at least for consumers right now, but it’s not as widespread. It’s still working on the fastest mmWave networks, which are live in about 30 markets. But, again, you need to be really close to these towers to use them. And unlike the other carriers right now, Verizon will charge an additional $10/month fee to use 5G. (It says it’s free for a limited time with a 5G phone right now.)

5G is sort of a jumbled mess for consumers right now. But that might change soon. On February 11, Samsung will introduce its new Galaxy phones, which are expected to support all flavors of 5G. Apple is expected to introduce support for all three in its high-end iPhones this September, too. Those launches, and others, will remove a lot of the confusion, since consumers will just get really fast speeds when they’re near mmWave and slightly faster speeds when they aren’t. And those speeds will just increase as the networks grow.
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[sultrysandy]

What's great is that he learned a lot from the founding leader Jobs, then modified and added to that with his own skills and strengths. What Apple probably needs to start thinking about is what happens after Cook; may seem early but he is 60, has 12 years with Apple, and 9 as CEO. CEO tenures don't often run much longer than his.

This is purely opinion (and fun)


Considering during his tenure as CEO, Apple's: revenues, profit, cash on hand, and stock price growth, think he's okay.

In comparison Warren Buffet is nearly 91, chairman and largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway since 1970 (more than fifty years), fourth-wealthiest person in the world, and he likes Tim as Apple's CEO.
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[sultrysandy]

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Today's headlines. Will follow when I"m able



Apple unveils iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 with major home screen changes


iOS 14 supports all devices that ran iOS 13
Apple on Monday announced the first iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 developer betas, revealing which iPad and iPhone models are compatible with the forthcoming operating systems.


Privacy remains crucial for Apple with new changes for iOS 14
During its annual World Wide Developer's Conference, Apple continued to hammer home its priority on privacy with several new features across all of its platforms.


Apple unveils plans to ditch Intel chips in Macs for 'Apple Silicon'
In a "historic day," Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced Apple Silicon for future Macs, with technologies already in place to run existing Intel apps with Rosetta 2, and iOS apps natively.


Beyond Rosetta 2 for Intel apps, 'Apple Silicon' Macs will run iPhone, iPad apps natively
Apple isn't just allowing for Intel apps to run after a modification at install, but additionally, Apple's shift to its own proprietary silicon will allow Macs to run iOS and iPadOS apps natively.
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[Stillrandy]

This is purely opinion (and fun)


Considering during his tenure as CEO, Apple's: revenues, profit, cash on hand, and stock price growth, think he's okay.

In comparison Warren Buffet is nearly 91, chairman and largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway since 1970 (more than fifty years), fourth-wealthiest person in the world, and he likes Tim as Apple's CEO.
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I suspect you're right and I hope you're right. I would hate for someone else to come in and screw it up

 

[sultrysandy]

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Here’s what Apple announced: iOS 14 will give iPhones a new home screen, ditching Intel chips and more

Apple CEO Tim Cook delivers the keynote address during the 2020 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) at Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, Ca




Apple announced new software for its iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TV and Apple Watch on Monday. It also said future Macs — including one that will launch later this year — will use chips made by Apple instead of Intel.

Apple said the transition from Intel will enable the company to offer faster performance on its laptops and desktops.

Apple also introduced iOS 14, the latest version of the iPhone software, which includes updates such as the ability to set a default mail app or browser app, a redesigned home screen, and new lightweight software programs called “App Clips.”

The new software was announced in a prerecorded video filmed at Apple’s campus. Apple CEO Tim Cook acted as a master of ceremonies, briefly introducing Apple employees to present new features. Apple’s WWDC conference is being held remotely this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In recent years, Apple has gathered 6,000 developers in San Jose, California, but this year, it is distributing videos and setting up calls instead of an in-person conference.

Before the presentation started, Cook addressed the current protests against racism including a mention of Apple’s $100 million program to fight racial injustice.

Here’s what Apple announced during its WWDC 2020 keynote.
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[sultrysandy]

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iOS 14

iOS 14 features




The latest version of the iPhone operating system includes a big change to the iOS home screen, including the ability to set default email and browser apps for the first time.

In iOS 14, users can pin widgets with updating information on the home screen, Apple said on Monday, including calendar and maps mini-programs. Previously, users could only include apps on an iPhone’s home screen. Users can drag a widget onto the iPhone home screen, where it will persist. Users can add new widgets from a gallery that shows the ones they have installed. Apple also introduced a widget that uses artificial intelligence to predict which data the user wants to see.

Widgets in iOS 14




iOS 14 includes a new feature called “App Library” that automatically organizes apps. Users can also delete entire pages of apps in one tap, or see similar apps, like all of the games from Apple Arcade, using App Library.

iOS 14 adds several new features to the Messages app, including mentions, new Memoji features including an avatar wearing a face mask, and a new interface for group texts that enables threads to be pinned to the top of the app.

Messages in iOS 14




Here’s what else is new:

iOS introduces a picture-in-picture feature that lets the user pop up a small screen that floats on top of other apps while the user is watching video. It’s similar to what Apple already offers on the iPad.


The update also includes a redesign of the Siri interface. Siri has 20 times more facts than a few years ago, Apple said.


Guides from partners, including Zagat, will be included inside Apple’s Maps app, which adds content about restaurants or attractions into the app. Apple will also add cycling maps in certain cities including New York and San Francisco.


Incoming calls can also be displayed as a banner notification for the first time, Apple said.


If an app is using an iPhone’s camera or microphone, Apple has introduced a new notification to inform the user.


Developers can download the new iOS this week, and a public beta will be released in July, Apple said.
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[sultrysandy]

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Apple ditches Intel for its own chips




Future Macs will use Apple-designed chips, Apple said. Apple has been using Intel chips in its Macs for the last 15 years. Cook said it is a “huge leap forward.” Apple said it is designing its own chips specifically for the Mac to provide more performance while using less power.

Apple currently uses its own chips on its iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and Apple TVs, and said it had shipped over 2 billion chips so far. Macs with Apple’s own chips will be able to run iPhone and iPad software.

The transition will require software makers to update their software for compatibility.

Apple says that developers can get their new apps running in a “couple of days” and that there is a number of new software features that enable developers to easily port their apps. Apple said that Microsoft and Adobe are already updating their software, including Photoshop and Excel, to run on the new Macs.

“Everything developers need to build apps for these new chips is included in Xcode,” Apple software SVP Craig Federighi said.

Users will be able to use apps that haven’t been updated through a new feature called Rosetta 2, which will provide backwards compatibility with Intel-based features. It will also support “virtual machines” that enable software makers to run Linux as an app inside MacOS.

Apple’s developer transition kit for building apps for Macs that run on Apple processors.




Apple’s own professional apps, including Final Cut Pro, are already compatible with the new Apple chips, Apple said.

Apple did not announce new consumer computers using its new chips but will make a version of the Mac Mini with an Apple chip available to software developers.

Cook said that Apple will ship its first Macs with its own chips by the end of the year and that Apple plans for the transition to take about two years.
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[sultrysandy]

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Translate app

Apple Translate app




Apple has introduced a new translation app, called Translate, that enables real-time translation between two different languages.

An iPhone with the Translate app can be put in between two people speaking different languages and can translate what they are saying in real time.
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[sultrysandy]

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Apple CarPlay and digital car keys

iOS 14 (and iOS 13) will allow you to unlock certain cars with your iPhone.




Apple announced new updates to CarPlay, its software that enables an iPhone to pair with a supported head unit so users can control their iPhone while driving.

The biggest update is digital car keys in iOS 14 and iOS 13, which enables users to unlock and start their car from their phone. The first supported car is the 2021 BMW 5-series, which will be released next month, Apple said.

The keys can be shared through an iMessage, and users can deactivate keys remotely through iCloud.

iOS 14 will let you share your digital car key with others (on cars that will support it.)




Apple said it was working on standards with industry groups to bring the feature to more cars and expects to see a new standard using Apple’s ultra-wideband chip next year.
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[sultrysandy]

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App Store and App Clips

App Clips in iOS 14




Apple introduced a new lightweight form of software it calls App Clips that can be launched through the web or a text message. App Clips are less than 10 megabytes.

Users can tap an NFC tile or scan a QR code-like image to pull up an App Clip at participating businesses. Users can sign into an App Clip using Apple’s sign-in method and pay through Apple Pay.

Apple’s new data tracking visual tool for apps.




Apple addressed privacy changes in the app store, too. Apple introduced a new “nutrition label” for apps that summarizes an app’s privacy policy. It will be displayed on App Store pages, Apple said.

Apple said that 200 million accounts had been created using Apple’s Sign In With Apple feature introduced last fall that allows users to sign into web services using an Apple account.
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[sultrysandy]

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iPad OS 14

iPadOS 14




Many Apple-developed iPad apps, including Photos, Music and Notes, have gotten iPad user interface updates with side bars and tool bars, Apple said on Monday.

Photos in iPadOS 14 has a new sidebar for moving between photo albums.




Apple’s Siri feature is now included in a little button on the bottom right corner in the newest version of iOS 14. Apple also redesigned its search feature to look more like the search function on a Mac desktop.

Siri on iPadOS 14.




The new universal search can be used to launch apps, search the web or find contacts, Apple said.

Scribble lets you write in search fields with an Apple Pencil and your iPad will convert it to text.




Apple announced new improvements to its iPad stylus, called Pencil. The Pencil can now be used to input text all over the iPad user interface, a feature Apple calls Scribble. For example, users can write directly in the Safari URL bar, which is automatically converted into text. If users scratch something out using the Pencil, it will be deleted.
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[sultrysandy]

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AirPods

Apple said that its wireless earbuds, AirPods, will now automatically switch from your iPhone to your computer when needed. Currently, a user needs to open the Bluetooth settings to switch to AirPods if they move between Apple devices.

AirPods will auto-switch between your devices.




AirPods Pro will also support virtual surround sound, like at a movie theater, by measuring whether your head or device is moving.

AirPods Pro will get a new surround-sounds spatial audio experience.
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[sultrysandy]

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Apple Watch

The latest version of the Apple Watch software can track user sleep patterns using a machine learning model that senses motion at night. It includes a feature to nudge users to go to bed and new alarm features to gently wake users up.

watchOS 7 includes sleep tracking support.




Sleep data will be graphed and analyzed inside the Apple Health app.




New “rich complications” in watchOS 7.

Apple also added several new “complications” to its Apple Watch software that enable features to be displayed directly on a watch’s interface. Apple renamed its Workout watch app to Fitness, and added dancing as a new workout feature.

The newest version of Apple Watch software will enable users to share their watch face. Developers can offer pre-configured faces for their apps.

WatchOS 7 will have a timer that helps you wash your hands long enough.




The new Apple Watch software will also include a hand-washing timer for the first time. It will be available in public beta in July.
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[sultrysandy]

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Apple HomeKit and Apple TV

The Home app now supports face recognition for home cameras using the facial recognition data inside a user’s photo app.

Apple Home cameras will be able to identify people you know and will alert you on your Apple TV if they’re at the door.



Apple Home cameras will be able to identify people you know and will alert you on your Apple TV if they’re at the door.




Apple redesigned its Home app, which controls smart home accessories such as smart bulbs, smart locks and cameras. It includes a new adaptive lighting feature that automatically controls the color and warmth of lighting inside the home.

Apple Home app in iOS 14




Apple’s set-top box, the Apple TV, is getting a software update that includes support for multiple users and additional controller support for games. The latest version of the Apple TV can also display picture-in-picture, if you need to, for example, monitor financial news while watching a workout video.

Apple TV will support workouts with picture-in-picture.
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[sultrysandy]

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MacOS Big Sur

macOS Big Sur




Aside from the technology transition, Big Sur includes new system sounds, a redesigned notification center and additional widget features.

The new notification center can be accessed by clicking on the time in the upper right corner, which includes widgets and toggles for sound, brightness and wireless connectivity.

MacOS Big Sur




Apple also updated its Messages app to add features to mirror the new iPhone version, including pinned threads and messages search.

Messages in macOS Big Sur.




Last year, Apple introduced Catalyst, a new software that enables app makers to more easily port iPhone and iPad apps to the Mac. It got several improvements this year, Apple said, including the ability to write an app that takes over the full Mac desktop.

Safari website privacy report in macOS Big Sur.




“We love the Mac. It’s the tool we use to make all the products we put out into the world,” Apple designer Alan Dye said in a videotaped demo.

The public beta of macOS Big Sur launches in July.
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[sultrysandy]

Safari now blocks Google Analytics on sites, new Privacy Report feature shows

Apple's new Safari Privacy Report feature in macOS Big Sur shows that the browser now completely blocks Google Analytics from tracking users on websites.

At its WWDC 2020 keynote on Monday, Apple announced a suite of new privacy features in the macOS Big Sur version of Safari that included a new Privacy Report showing which trackers are blocked on a site.

As technology analyst Benedict Evans pointed out in a tweet, that Privacy Report indicates that Apple's Safari Intelligent Tracking Prevention 2.0 is now officially blocking Google Analytics.

Yes, Apple is now blocking Google Analytics entirely, even with anonymised IP.
pic.twitter.com/Ypnk5T4VAn

— Benedict Evans (@benedictevans) June 22, 2020

Lit blocks the link for "pic.twitter.com/Ypnk5T4VAn"
Here's the URL https://t . c o/Ypnk5T4VAn, remove spaces from between t . c o



It isn't clear if anything in Safari for macOS Big Sur is specifically blocking Google Analytics, or if the new Privacy Report is just showing that it has been. Apple's features macOS page doesn't offer any clarity.

Google Analytics is one of the most popular web tracking and analysis services used by millions of popular websites.

The Privacy Report and blocking of Google Analytics are just two parts of a broader push toward privacy by Apple. According to a report from December 2019, Apple's Safari Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature has resulted in a 60% decrease in pricing for targeted Safari ads.
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[sultrysandy]

Indiana Supreme Court rules that police can't compel people to unlock iPhones

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The Indiana Supreme Court issued a strong opinion Tuesday that refusing to unlock a smartphone for authorities is constitutionally protected.

Amid a broader ongoing conversation about Apple and encryption, there have been sporadic cases of people refusing to unlock their iPhones for authorities. Privacy advocates believe that declining to give up a smartphone passcode is protected by the Fifth Amendment.

In this specific case, a Carmel, Indiana woman refused to unlock her iPhone 7 Plus for detectives in an investigation. When she did, the trial court held her in contempt. On Tuesday, the Indiana Supreme Court reversed that ruling.

"By unlocking her smartphone, Seo would provide law enforcement with information it does not already know, which the state could then use in its prosecution against her," the court said. "The Fifth Amendment's protection from compelled self-incrimination prohibits this result."

Digital rights groups the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) argued in oral arguments in the case, Katelin Seo v. State of Indiana, and also announced the court decision.

Seo had reported to Indiana law enforcement that she had been the victim of a rape. But when she met with detectives and provided forensic evidence from her iPhone, investigators switched their attention to her.

Detectives believed that Seo was harassing her alleged rapist with spoofed calls and texts. They placed her under arrest and took possession of her iPhone. When they asked her to unlock it, she refused.

While the trial court held Seo in contempt, an appeals court reversed that decision. The Supreme Court's Tuesday ruling could have wider implications for law enforcement.

Although federal authorities largely have the ability to unlock iPhones, local police departments may not. In some cases, police have jailed people who refused to unlock their devices. Instead of overarching protections against compelled decryption, however, there's only a patchwork of court decisions like the one in Indiana. The state joins Pennsylvania, and the EFF is currently tracking similar cases in Oregon and New Jersey.

In Seo, the court noted that smartphones contain "far more private information than a personal diary or an individual tax return ever could."

Taking into account forensic tools and iPhone cracking devices, the court said that compelling a user to decrypt their iPhones would "tip the scales too far in the State's favor, resulting in a seismic erosion of the Fifth Amendment's privilege against self-incrimination."
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[sultrysandy]

Republican bill seeks end to 'warrant-proof' encryption

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U.S. Senate Republicans on Tuesday introduced the Lawful Access to Encrypted Data Act, a bill that seeks to weaken encryption technologies that have in the past put a damper on law enforcement operations.

The proposed bill is heralded by sponsors as a means to strengthen national security interests and "better protect communities across the country" by ending "warrant-proof" encrypted technology used by terrorists and bad actors.

If enacted, the law would force tech companies to help agencies access encrypted data in service of a warrant.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) proposed the act.

"Tech companies' increasing reliance on encryption has turned their platforms into a new, lawless playground of criminal activity. Criminals from child predators to terrorists are taking full advantage," said Cotton. "This bill will ensure law enforcement can access encrypted material with a warrant based on probable cause and help put an end to the Wild West of crime on the Internet,"

Government entities, namely law enforcement agencies, have long sought to dismantle strong encryption methods, including end-to-end messaging encryption, on-device encryption and other forms of personal data security, in a bid to streamline investigations. Critics and tech companies that market encrypted products, like Apple, argue strong encryption is a vital cog in the data privacy machine that, if weakened, leaves users vulnerable to attack.

"Terrorists and criminals routinely use technology, whether smartphones, apps, or other means, to coordinate and communicate their daily activities. In recent history, we have experienced numerous terrorism cases and serious criminal activity where vital information could not be accessed, even after a court order was issued. Unfortunately, tech companies have refused to honor these court orders and assist law enforcement in their investigations," Graham said in a statement.

While not mentioned by name, Apple in 2016 refused to comply with FBI requests to create a "backdoor" into an iPhone associated with a terror suspect. CEO Tim Cook at the time called the demand "dangerous," noting a backdoor into one device would put the security of millions in jeopardy.

Still, government bodies have persisted.

"My position is clear: After law enforcement obtains the necessary court authorizations, they should be able to retrieve information to assist in their investigations," Graham said. "Our legislation respects and protects the privacy rights of law-abiding Americans. It also puts the terrorists and criminals on notice that they will no longer be able to hide behind technology to cover their tracks."

While Apple has vehemently argued against the creation of backdoors, it continues to comply with court orders and valid warrants for data as dictated by existing law.

Today's proposal includes a provision that would allow the attorney general to hold a competition that gives a prize for discovering methods of accessing encrypted data while "maximizing privacy and security." As noted by CNET, security experts have long regarded such concepts as impossible.

"The bill announced today balances the privacy interests of consumers with the public safety interests of the community by requiring the makers of consumer devices to provide law enforcement with access to encrypted data when authorized by a judge," Attorney General Bill Barr said in a statement, CNET reports. "I am confident that our world-class technology companies can engineer secure products that protect user information and allow for lawful access."

The proposed bill is the latest attempt to dilute strong encryption technologies developed by big tech companies.

Last year, the White House mulled support of measures that would ban end-to-end encryption techniques. More recently, Apple, Facebook and others were threatened with an act that would erode Section 230 protections if they continue to shield malicious content behind encryption protocols.
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[hot4teacher]

Wow... just finding this thread, and my mind is kind of blown. This is a very informative Apple-centric tech blog... on Literotica... The internet is an amazing thing.

So what’s your preferred / favorite Apple platform - iPhone, iPad, AppleWatch, AppleTV, or Mac? And for that platform, what feature at WWDC excites / interests you the most?