Lit Apple Mac, iPhone, iPad User Group

[sultrysandy]

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FOUND IT!

Apple shared a humorous new video on its YouTube channel focusing on using Apple products at work.

The spot kicks off with a design team that has just a few days to come up with a round pizza box prototype for an important meeting, which they manage to pull off using Apple's iPhones, iPads, and laptops. The round pizza box in the video is the actual pizza box patented by Apple and used at the Caffé Macs cafeteria for Apple employees in Cupertino.

Features shown off include Continuity Camera for scanning a document from an iPhone right to a Mac, Group FaceTime, Hey Siri, AirDrop, iPad multitasking, and more.

The Apple Pencil is used for design purposes, as are the iWork apps on Macs and Microsoft's suite of apps. The video ends with the tagline "This is Apple at work," and the description links to Apple's business site with more information on the apps and services in the video.

Apple products help employees work more simply and productively, solve problems creatively, and collaborate with a shared purpose. And they're all designed to work together beautifully. When people have the power to work the way they want, with the tools they love, they can do their best work and change the future of their business.

Apple has shared multiple iPad Pro videos in the past, but this is the first *iPad* and Mac focused video that's been aimed at Apple's enterprise customers.


Apple at Work — The Underdogs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9TdA8d5aaU&feature=youtu.be
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[astuffedshirt_perv]

Features shown off include Continuity Camera for scanning a document from an iPhone right to a Mac, Group FaceTime, Hey Siri, AirDrop, iPad multitasking, and more.

I gotta say, the iPhone camera->airdrop->Mac->email is a killer app for me. The ability to sign a document on my table, snap a pdf, send it to my Mac and email it to whoever needs it makes things unbelievably convenient.

 

[sultrysandy]

I gotta say, the iPhone camera->airdrop->Mac->email is a killer app for me. The ability to sign a document on my table, snap a pdf, send it to my Mac and email it to whoever needs it makes things unbelievably convenient.

Apple creates their devices and services for user experience (i.e. intuitive, ease of use, et cetera). Then build an ecosystem that all of these are interoperable.

On the other side are PC’s running Microsoft Windows, also Smartphones and Tablets running Google's Android that don’t seem to easily work well together. Plus something that appears to be coning to the forefront, is there's no privacy using these products.
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[sultrysandy]

Google sued for 'blatant lies' about user privacy

A new suit alleges that Android and potentially iOS users are secretly having their personal data harvested by "voyeur extraordinare" Google, even if they are not using Google's own apps.

In its second suit against Google in as many months, law firm Boies Schiller Flexner is accusing the search giant of illicitly gathering user data from mobile users. Where the previous suit was specifically regarding the use of Google Chrome, this one concerns the use of many apps on the Android platform — and potentially on iOS, too.

"Google is always watching," the suit, seen by Law360, says. "Even when it promises to look away, Google is watching. Every click, every website, every app — our entire virtual lives. Intercepted. Tracked. Logged. Compiled. Packaged. Sold for profit."

As the suit notes, Google has an optional setting to prevent tracking of "web & app activity," but it alleges that this and other reassurances about privacy are "blatant lies."

"Google in fact intercepts, tracks, collects and sells consumer mobile app browsing history and activity data regardless of what safeguards or 'privacy settings' consumers undertake to protect their privacy," it continues.

"Google knows every user's friends, hobbies, political leanings, culinary preferences, cinematic tastes, shopping activity, preferred vacation destinations, romantic involvements, and even the most intimate and potentially embarrassing aspects of the user's app browsing histories and usage," says the suit, "regardless of whether the user accepts Google's illusory offer to keep such activities 'private.'"

The suit claims that Google achieves this in part via the use of its Firebase SDK. This is an API for developers which helps them integrate tools that monetize apps.

Still from a Google video promoting its Firebase SDK as a backend solution for mobile app developers



Google promotes the use of this for mobile developers on any platform. "Easy to integrate on iOS, Android, and the Web," it says on the Firebase SDK website. "Ship cross-platform apps with ease."

Boies Schiller Flexner's suit alleges that app developers have "no choice" but to use this SDK. According to Reuters, in a separate case, the Justice Department has included Firebase in its potential antitrust investigations.

Boies Schiller Flexner filed the suit in the US District Court in San Jose, on behalf of plaintiffs Anibal Rodriguez and JulieAnne Muniz. While it's not known what specific damages the suit is seeking, it is accusing Google of violating the Federal Wiretap Act, and also the California Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act.

June 2020's similar suit from the same lawfirm, specifically regarding Google Chrome use, is also concerning the Federal Wiretap Act, and seeks a minimum of $5 billion dollars. Google has not commented on the new suit, but has previously said it will contest the June 2020 claim.






But I thought the enemies are foreign apps and heir makers, and not domestic? Well isn't that what Congress is saying in "Congress urges Apple and Google to police foreign apps, app makers"?
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[Stillrandy]

A new suit alleges that Android and potentially iOS users are secretly having their personal data harvested by "voyeur extraordinare" Google, even if they are not using Google's own apps.

I keep wondering what actual harm has been done to anyone in particular, e.g., the members of the lawsuits? It seems to be the 'potential' for harm that is being claimed as the basis for the suits.

 

[sultrysandy]

Hackers targeted Twitter accounts of Elon Musk, Bill Gates, others in bitcoin scam

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Reading many different versions of tihs event. Posting this more general rather than Apple only version.



Over a dozen high-profile Twitter accounts, including Apple, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, and former president Barack Obama, were apparently hacked on Wednesday and posted tweets telling followers to send bitcoin to a specific address.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk was first high-profile account to be hacked, posting a tweet early Wednesday afternoon promising to double any payments sent to the bitcoin address.

Twitter’s stock dropped over 2% in extended trading. “We are aware of a security incident impacting accounts on Twitter. We are investigating and taking steps to fix it. We will update everyone shortly,” the company said in a tweet.



The Musk tweet was deleted minutes after it was sent, before a second tweet asking for bitcoin was posted from the same account and deleted again. In total, Musk’s account sent at least three bitcoin tweets from a Twitter web account and one reply to Bill Gates. The bitcoin-related tweet was Apple’s first ever tweet, although the account had placed ads in the past.

Other accounts hacked included former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg, musicians Kanye West and Wiz Khalifa, Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett, reality TV star Kim Kardashian, the Cash App corporate account, and Uber’s corporate account.

Rachel Tobac, the CEO of cybersecurity firm SocialProof Security, told NBC News that the attack was likely the largest Twitter had ever seen. “I’m surprised twitter hasn’t gone completely dark to prevent misinformation campaigns and political upheaval,” she said. “We are lucky the attackers are going after bitcoin (money motivated) and not motivated by chaos and destruction.”

Teresa Payton, former White House Chief Information Officer and CEO of Fortalice Solutions, said that she expects Twitter to provide a full report detailing how and why these accounts were hacked. She also warned that information, such as direct messages, may have been stolen from the affected accounts and could be released or used in the future.

“They’re going to need to apologize to the VIPs and to the individuals who were defrauded and fell for the scam,” Payton told CNBC. “The next thing they’re going to need to do is to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, and they’re going to need to share what they can about who the attackers were and how they pulled this off.”

Kelley Robinson, a security advocate for Authy, a company that provides two-factor authentication, told NBC News that the scale of the attack indicated the hackers had gotten administrative access at Twitter itself. “It’s really unlikely that Bezos, Musk, and especially Biden all had credentials compromised,” she said over Twitter Direct Message.

Mel Shakir, a Managing Director at DreamIt Ventures and a veteran of the IT security industry, said that high-profile users like those attacked on Wednesday should be using as many security options as possible, including biometric authentication like fingerprints, or using hardware keys instead of text messages for two-factor authentication. “Passwords are inherently insecure. But Twitter has provided all the security options that are available,” Shakir said.

Earlier on Wednesday, several cryptocurrency accounts simultaneously linked to a phishing site called CryptoForHealth. Cameron Winklevoss, cofounder of Gemini, a cryptocurrency market, said in a tweet: “ALL MAJOR CRYPTO TWITTER ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED.” In the past, one popular cryptocurrency scam on Twitter involved attackers changing their display name and avatar to match Elon Musk, then they would reply to his tweets pretending to be him asking for bitcoin. But on Wednesday, the accounts tweeting about bitcoin were real.

All hacked accounts on Wednesday were verified. The tweets on Wednesday appeared to have been sent through a web browser accessing Twitter.com, not an app or third-party software. Around 3:15 PT, Twitter blocked all verified accounts from tweeting in an attempt to regain control.

Here’s a sampling of the tweets. Many have been deleted.

 

[sultrysandy]

Should you wait for Apple Silicon to upgrade to a new Mac?

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The rumor mill has been churning out about current Mac production, along with Apple Silicon Macs. However perhaps this might halo someone considering when to purchase a Mac

Apple is transitioning its line of Macs from Intel-based processors to its own ARM-based processors over the course of the next few years. That begs the question of whether it's smart to upgrade now, or wait for Apple silicon Macs to launch.


Why you should wait for Apple Silicon Macs

Apple's transition to its own in-house silicon for the Mac line is a big deal. Big enough that Apple pre-announced the transition at least two years in advance, giving developers time to work on their apps as well as a timeline for consumers who are considering a Mac purchase in the next 12 months or so.

We've already seen a decline in Mac sales as users wait for Apple's new machines rocking some variant of its powerful A-series chips.

Like with any Apple product, there is a huge draw to be an early adopter, hopping on the bandwagon of Apple's "latest and greatest" tech. That draw can't be overstated as reason enough to not buy a new Mac now, but rather to wait for the new line.

These new machines will surely be tempting as Apple attempts to justify its transition talking up its new hardware and the power and efficiency of its own chips over Intel's. These machines will likely be quite powerful, while having exceptional battery life.

As Apple releases these machines, they are likely to come with other new features or optimizations that its Intel Macs don't have. We may not see that now but in future versions of macOS, there will likely be Apple silicon-specific features that won't pertain to Intel machines.

Not to mention refreshed form factors. The most anticipated of which is the rumored redesigned "14-inch MacBook Pro" that seems likely for early 2021.

At the same time, there are many reasons one may want to hold off on buying an Apple-silicon Mac and picking one up right now.


Why you should buy a Mac now

The first reason users may want to hold off is if they need a Mac now, rather than later. Apple just refreshed both the 13-inch MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air — two of its most popular machines. Apple will continue to release Intel Macs for at least the next year or so as it slowly makes the transition to Apple silicon. Support for those Macs isn't going away anytime soon, so you can buy a machine now and expect it to work for many years as always.

As mentioned, current rumors point to the first Apple silicon Macs to be the 13-inch Pro and MacBook Air, with others following those. If that is truly the case, users will have to wait at least until 2021 at the earliest before they are able to buy an Apple silicon 16-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac Pro, Mac Pro, or any other new Mac that is set to debut.

So if you are looking for something else, it may be beneficial to buy now, then sell and upgrade later when a suitable machine becomes available.

There is also the risk of being an early adopter. Anytime a new product is introduced there are bound to be bugs or rough points that get fixed or optimized in second-generation releases. Users typically want to keep their machines for many years, so it may be a safer bet to wait for a second-gen Apple silicon machine before jumping on board for Apple to refine the design.

Not to mention all apps at this point are optimized for Intel processors. Apple gave developers a large heads up to start working on their software for its ARM processors, but the transition won't be instant. Many big apps will be forced to run in emulation using Rosetta 2, not fully taking advantage of Apple's silicon.

If you are reliant on Windows in any way, that is yet another reason to stick to Intel-based Macs that are able to run Boot Camp as that feature is set to be retired with the Apple ARM transition.
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[sultrysandy]

Warren Buffett reaps $40 billion from giant Apple stake since March bottom

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How's you 2020 Expectations versus Reality going?

Warren Buffett.



An off-brand move to pile into Apple shares might have been Warren Buffett’s greatest trade ever.

Berkshire Hathaway’s Apple stake — which is now 40% of its equity portfolio — is up a whopping $40 billion since the market bottom in March. The investment in the tech giant played a crucial role in helping the conglomerate weather the coronavirus crisis as other pillars of its business, including insurance and energy, took a huge hit.

Investing in such a high-flyer seemingly defies Buffett’s well-known value investing principles. Berkshire bought its first 10 million Apple shares in May 2016 through one of Buffett’s lieutenants. In the span of four years, the “Oracle of Omaha” ditched his usual aversion to tech and increased his bet to 245 million shares, now worth more than $95 billion, to become Apple’s second largest shareholder, only behind Vanguard.

The stake cost Berkshire about $35 billion, or $141 per share, according to estimates based on disclosures in its 2019 annual letter. So that means overall the “Oracle of Omaha” has more than doubled his money and made $60 billion on Apple in total.

“Had he stuck to his guns and only bought value stocks, that portfolio would not have done as well,” Cathy Seifert, a Berkshire analyst at CFRA Research, told CNBC. “At the end of the day, shareholders are going to applaud this move.”

Shares of Apple are up more than 10% in the past month alone, bringing its 2020 gains to more than 32%. The stock got another boost on Wednesday as it won a landmark court case against the European Commission over a dispute concerning nearly $15 billion in Irish taxes.


‘Third-largest business’

Berkshire’s stock portfolio had been concentrated in financials and consumer plays before the conglomerate dipped its toes in technology. Consequently, Buffett had missed out on Big Tech’s massive run that drove the last bull market.

Now, the billionaire investor calls Apple Berkshire’s “third-largest business,” after its insurance and railroad interests. Buffett previously said iPhone is a “sticky” product, keeping people within the company’s ecosystem.

“It’s probably the best business I know in the world,” Buffett said in February. “I don’t think of Apple as a stock. I think of it as our third business.”






Edited this down removing what's not pertinent to Apple
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[sultrysandy]

Today at Apple everywhere: imagining the future of online creativity - Part I

The way we learn and create was transformed overnight when COVID-19 swept the world. As Apple Stores closed and in-store Today at Apple sessions were put on hold, an online outpouring of creativity proved that the arts remain essential to our lives even under extraordinary circumstances. When our crisis winds down, how can Apple continue to expand its in-store creative platform online to reach even more creatives looking for inspiration at any time?

The Challenge Of Going Virtual

Today at Apple is a series of hands-on creative sessions hosted at Apple Stores around the world. As the liberal arts extension of Apple Retail, Today at Apple is designed to help you go further with your creative passions, get the most out of the Apple products you own, and encourage connection with others.

Today at Apple is successful, in part, because it comes to you where you already are: your community. Apple leveraged its 510 retail stores, often in city centers, to add spaces where learning and creative opportunities are accessible to more people. Picking up some AirPods? Why not stick around and learn how to create a song? In some cities, Apple has gone further and partnered with renowned museums to reach even more creators.

To go virtual, Today at Apple needs to come to you in all of the places you already are online. It can’t become its own centralized network or a content hub you need to seek out, like an app or website. Just as physical Apple Stores provide opportunities to the cities they serve, virtual content should foster the online communities we already love.

Shortly after the pandemic began, Apple launched Today at Apple at Home, a series of video tutorials hosted by Apple Store Creative Pros. Each video approximates an in-store session with quick activities you can try at home.

The videos are high quality, fun, and were created under unprecedented circumstances. I had a blast trying them out while stuck at home. But static videos aren’t deeply interactive. The format doesn’t offer an opportunity for feedback or moments of serendipitous creativity. To find the videos, you have to seek out the Apple Store app or search Apple’s website.

Truly great virtual experiences will capture the unique opportunities an online setting creates, not replicate in-person experiences. If you’ve noticed that Zoom calls, livestreams, and virtual events feel a little bit… flat compared to their in-person counterparts, this is why.

 

[sultrysandy]

Today at Apple everywhere: imagining the future of online creativity - Part II

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The Today at Apple Community

Today at Apple currently designates Apple’s events platform, but in a future with online content, Today at Apple could represent the global community that creates with Apple tools. From Instagram to Twitter, content branded as Today at Apple could instantly indicate a creative opportunity. There’s no corner of Apple’s business without a connection to the liberal arts.

Creative work should take different forms on each social platform depending on the content best suited for each community. Let’s imagine how it could look.


Music

Have you ever wondered how an artist created the drum sound in your favorite new album? Today at Apple content in Apple Music could give you a behind the scenes look. Apple already has deep partnerships with countless Apple Music artists who love to talk about their creative process. Today at Apple adds an educational component, like interviews that explore the technical side of music production and tips for using Logic and GarageBand.

GarageBand’s Sound Library packs offer themed collections of Apple Loops and Live Loop Grids. Building on the success of last year’s Music Lab: Remix series, artists could collaborate with Apple to create their own Sound Library packs and Live Loops for aspiring musicians to build with and remix.


Photos, Art, and Design

iPhone photographers love the Community Brief photo challenges on Apple’s official Instagram page. A Today at Apple Instagram page could teach customers how to capture the amazing shots featured by Apple and connect a global community of photographers.

Like Apple Store Photo Walks, Instagram photo prompts could include photography lessons on IGTV and geo-based challenges that encourage followers from individual cities to capture their communities as they see them. By sharing one location from countless perspectives, a worldwide audience could discover new places together.

Instagram boasts a talented community of designers and illustrators already sharing their work. Today at Apple residencies could invite artists to “take over” the account for a week and share their creative process as they work through a project. Artists hosting in-person sessions at Apple Stores could share highlights from the events.


Video

When Apple premieres the next Shot on iPhone short film on YouTube, it could include a video lesson from the crew and a guided Final Cut project that breaks down a key scene. Moving online opens up session content to highly specialized audiences, like pros working in advanced apps.

Creative Pros are the face of Today at Apple in stores, and their role could be elevated online as professional personalities you come to know and trust for valuable creative advice. Weekly vlog-style videos from Creative Pros could follow the journey of creating a Shot on iPhone short film from start to finish, with updates on gear and filming, interactive challenges, the editing workflow, and viewer Q&A.


Coding

Discovering a new app you love is a great way to be inspired to learn coding. Editorials on the App Store’s Today tab already do a great job of highlighting developer stories and could be expanded to tie in with Swift Playgrounds.

Imagine a profile of your favorite app accompanied by an interactive Swift Playground designed by the same team. Trusted third-party developers could teach you the fundamentals of how they made the features in their apps come to life and offer real perspective on developing for Apple platforms.
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[sultrysandy]

Today at Apple everywhere: imagining the future of online creativity - Part III

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Performances and Exclusives

At flagship stores, live performances and one-on-one interviews with creatives supplement the regular Today at Apple calendar. Online, Apple TV+ and Apple News are the perfect homes for this kind of content. In the same way that Apple made the OprahTalks COVID-19 series free for everyone, a Today at Apple channel on Apple TV+ could highlight conversations about important creative topics.

On Apple News, Today at Apple could offer perspectives from rising creatives and profile the work and inspiration of artists across the globe with rich editorial content. These spotlight pieces could accompany projects featured concurrently on other platforms like Instagram.


Studio Hours At Any Hour

Feedback is essential to growing any creative skill. It’s the secret ingredient that makes Today at Apple so engaging even in an era of online education. That’s why the ability to talk to a Creative Pro as you work through a project is a must for Today at Apple online.

Apple Camp at Home is Apple’s first exploration of remote training with Creative Pros. Families can choose a time for one-on-one instruction via Webex. The ability to request Studio Hours for any topic could be built right into Apple’s creativity apps and available through FaceTime or iMessage Business Chat, the tool Apple already uses for technical support.


Twitter

What’s going on Today at Apple? Twitter is the hub to curate creativity happening on every platform. It’s the place to highlight great work being created and shared by participants every day.

Twitter also offers the infrastructure for a closer connection to the artists, developers, photographers, and musicians Apple has collaborated with. Special live Q&A hours could be the perfect opportunity to get your questions answered on a global stage.

Core Values

When Today at Apple was announced in 2016, Apple said the program “…brings to the community the world’s most talented artists, photographers, musicians, gamers, developers and entrepreneurs to inspire and educate our customers to go further with the things they are passionate about.” The experience began with an in-store component, but by definition online content was never ruled out.

Apple could expand Today at Apple’s reach without losing its vision by staying true to core values. Does it inspire creativity? Can people collaborate? Is it positive and fun? Then it’s Today at Apple.
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[sultrysandy]

Here's how to check if your iPhone needs a new battery

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If your iPhone feels slow or dies fast, you may need a new battery — here’s how to check



If your iPhone feels like it runs a bit slower than it used to, or if you notice that the battery life doesn’t seem to be as good as when you bought it, it may be time to replace it.

That’s because the batteries in the gadgets we use get slowly worse as they age. Apple’s iPhone software tries to compensate for this: If your phone shuts off unexpectedly, it can will slow your phone down to preserve battery life and try to prevent unexpected shutdowns, which are an annoying surprise for most people.

But a better solution is to replace the battery entirely.

There’s a way to quickly check if your phone is slowing itself down, which means you should probably send it in (or take it to an Apple Store if one around you is open) to get a new battery.

Here’s what to do.


How to check your iPhone battery health

Checking the health on an iPhone battery using iOS 11.3

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
  
  
• Choose Battery.
  
  
• Tap “Battery Health’”

Now you’ll see the “Maximum Capacity.” The lower it is, the less battery life you’ll get. Apple’s battery site says a “normal battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity” and that a one-year warranty includes service if your battery is defective.

But a one-year old iPhone should generally be fine.

My iPhone 11 Pro Max bought in September (not quite a year ago) has a 96% maximum capacity right now. You may want a replacement if you see your peak performance capacity around 80% or lower, though.

Next, check the next area down the page. If it says “Peak Performance Capability,” that means your iPhone is running at full speed and you’re probably OK.

But if it says “Performance management applied,” that means your iPhone experienced at least one unexpected shut-down due to battery life, and Apple’s software is now throttling performance to prevent that from happening again.

You can turn this off to get your iPhone running at peak speed by tapping “disable” at the end of the warning message, but the best option is to replace your battery instead.

You may also want to replace your battery if it says “Performance management turned off,” “Battery health unknown” or “Battery health degraded.”


How to replace your battery

You might see this option if your battery is aging.



You can replace your battery by either making an appointment at an Apple Store or by sending it in for Apple — just visit Apple’s website to see what works best for you.

The good news is, a battery costs lot less than a new phone. If you have AppleCare+, which you buy when your phone is new, it’s free to replace the battery.

If not, it’s $69 to replace the battery on an iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro/iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone X/XS models. Or it’s $49 for the iPhone SE, iPhone SE 2, iPhone 6/6s/7/8 and their larger “Plus” counterparts.
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[sultrysandy]

iOS 14: How to allow or block iPhone apps from tracking you

iOS 14 comes with a number of new security and privacy features, and one of those is forcing apps to request permission before they can track you across the web and other apps. Along with that, you can totally block iPhone app tracking, read on for how it works.

Apps building in the ability to track you across the web and other apps is very common and in many cases, they can be harmless. However, there are examples where app tracking is abused. In a report from the Washington Post last year, 5,400 iPhone apps were found to be using trackers and, in some examples, were sending personal data like phone numbers and users’ locations to third-party research and marketing firms.

Last summer, Apple tightened its guidelines for kids’ apps, and with iOS 14, Apple will force apps to get user approval to use trackers. They will show up iOS permission requests for apps to use your iPhone‘s camera, microphone, etc. However, Apple is also giving customers total control with the latest operating system to even fully block requests to be tracked (and that’s created contention with advertisers).

Note: iOS 14 is available as a free public beta as well as a developer beta. Keep in mind it’s not a good idea to run beta software on a primary device as performance issues, bugs, and more are worked out.


How to allow/block iPhone app tracking in iOS 14

Some apps won’t function properly without the ability to use trackers but here’s how to allow or block apps from tracking you.

1. On your iPhone head to Settings
   
   
2. Swipe down and tap Privacy
   
   
3. Choose Tracking at the top
   
   
4. The default setting is to allow apps to ask for permission to track you
   
   
5. Toggle it off to block apps from being able to even ask to track you
   
   
6. If/when you do give permission for an app to track you, you’ll see a list of them under the Privacy > Tracking setting

Here’s how these steps look:

Here’s what an app tracking request will look like:

(and that’s created contention with advertisers). - IMHO, there's a difference between advertisers (companies that sell products or services) and tracking people on-line.

Sixteen marketing associations, some of which are backed by Facebook Inc and Google, faulted Apple for not adhering to an ad-industry system for seeking user consent under European privacy rules. Apps will now need to ask for permission twice, increasing the risk users will refuse, the associations argued.

Facebook and Google are the largest among thousands of companies that track online consumers to pick up on their habits and interests and serve them relevant ads.

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[sultrysandy]

How to find NEOWISE with your iPhone before the comet disappears for 6,800 years

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Have you spotted this comet that’s been making headlines this month? If you’re in the northern hemisphere and want to catch the photogenic comet in the night sky before it disappears, read on as we explain the best way to hunt down NEOWISE with your iPhone.

What’s NEOWISE?

Comets are icy bodies from deep in the Solar System that create a trail called a coma when they near the Sun. This is caused when the comet warms and gasses are released in what’s called an outgassing phase.

Comet C/2020 F3 was discovered on March 27 through infrared images from the Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer telescope, thus its common name NEOWISE.

The NEOWISE project was founded by NASA’s Planetary Science Division to measure and catalog asteroids and comets. Over 980,000 infrared measurements of 37,009 solar system objects have been made so far — and now the C/2020 F3 comet is one of them.

Observers in the Northern Hemisphere have been able to see the NEOWISE comet with the naked eye this month, and you still have a chance to see it if you can find a clear night sky.

With the help of neowise.whatsupin******, an online resource developed by Tony Rice, you can enter your city or ZIP code to find the right range of hours when the the NEOWISE comet will be visible in the sky. The tool shows upcoming days and the estimated local times when the C/2020 F3 comet can best be seen.

Comet NEOWISE is seen, upper left, before sunrise over Washington, Sunday, July 12, 2020. Source: NASA



iPhone apps

There are also fantastic iPhone apps that can guide you to find the comet using location and augmented reality to show you where to look. These apps have topped the free and paid App Store charts because of NEOWISE.

Free

• SkyView Lite
  
  
• Night Sky
  
  
• Star Gazer+

Paid

• Sky Guide — #1 on the App Store Paid Apps Top Charts
  
  
• SkyView — #3
  
  
• Star Walk 2 — #8

Other high-ranking apps climbing the charts because of the the C/2020 F3 comet include Stellarium PLUS (#13) for viewing a realistic night sky and NightCap Camera (#14) for night photography on the iPhone.

Weather apps including Dark Sky (recently acquired by Apple) are also useful for determining weather conditions before heading out to a viewing site with a clear view of the sky.

Source: NASA



Viewing tips

NASA has also shared recommendations for those who want to see the Comet NEOWISE before disappears for 6,800 years. This includes finding a location away from lights and looking to the northwest sky:

• Find a spot away from city lights with an unobstructed view of the sky
  
  
• Just after sunset, look below the Big Dipper in the northwest sky
  
  
• If you have them, bring binoculars or a small telescope to get the best views of this dazzling

NASA Science Live: How to Spot Comet NEOWISE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFn4-kQPjzk&feature=youtu.be



NASA describes the comet as a “fuzzy star with a bit of a tail” so you have an idea of what to chase.

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of Comet NEOWISE before it’s gone, there are several observing opportunities over the coming days when it will become increasingly visible shortly after sunset in the northwest sky. If you’re looking at the sky without the help of observation tools, Comet NEOWISE will likely look like a fuzzy star with a bit of a tail, so using binoculars or a small telescope is recommended to get the best views of this object.

Have an iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro? You may also try your luck at capturing the comet using Night Mode on iPhone 11. Just hold your phone firmly or use a tripod for best results, and don’t expect professional results like those produced by multiple images stacked from astronomical photographers. An iPhone shot still makes for a neat souvenir, of course!

 

[sultrysandy]

Apple Commits to Being 100% Carbon Neutral Across Entire Supply Chain By 2030

Apple is shooting for total carbon neutrality across all of its business aspects 20 years sooner than the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change targets are aiming for.

Apple is already carbon neutral today for its global corporate operations, but on Tuesday, the company unveiled its plan to become carbon neutral across its entire business, manufacturing supply chain, and product life cycle by 2030. Specifically, Apple has detailed its plans to reduce emissions by 75 percent by 2030 while developing carbon removal solutions for the remaining 25 percent of its footprint.

"Businesses have a profound opportunity to help build a more sustainable future, one born of our common concern for the planet we share," said Apple CEO Tim Cook. "The innovations powering our environmental journey are not only good for the planet — they've helped us make our products more energy efficient and bring new sources of clean energy online around the world. Climate action can be the foundation for a new era of innovative potential, job creation, and durable economic growth. With our commitment to carbon neutrality, we hope to be a ripple in the pond that creates a much larger change."

Apple is establishing an "Impact Accelerator" that will focus on investing in minority-owned businesses that drive positive outcomes in its supply chain and in communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. This accelerator is part of Apple's recently announced $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative.

"We're proud of our environmental journey and the ambitious roadmap we have set for the future," Apple's Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson said. "Systemic racism and climate change are not separate issues, and they will not abide separate solutions. We have a generational opportunity to help build a greener and more just economy, one where we develop whole new industries in the pursuit of giving the next generation a planet worth calling home."

In the short term, Apple will lower carbon emissions in the next 10 years by continuing to increase the use of low carbon and recycled materials in its products. Specifically, Apple cites a new "Dave" iPhone disassembly robot, the company's Material Recovery Lab in Texas, and expanding energy efficiency across its corporate facilities and supply chain.



The company’s environment microsite has links to the detailed plan. It’s also promoted with a powerful new video, below.

A climate change promise from Apple - 1:36
https://youtu.be/ANOgCY6NlGs




Apple will remain at 100% renewable energy for its operations — a goal it reached in data centers in 2014, and in China in 2015. It now has commitments from over 70 suppliers to use 100 percent renewable energy for Apple production — equivalent to nearly 8 gigawatts in commitments to power the manufacturing of its products. Once those commitments are fulfilled, these commitments will avoid over 14.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually — the equivalent of taking more than 3 million cars off the road each year.

The company also says that over 80 percent of the renewable energy that Apple sources for its facilities are now from Apple-created projects, efforts that also benefit communities and other businesses.

As part of the 100% commitment, Apple is also announcing a first-of-its-kind carbon solutions fund to invest in the restoration and protection of forests and natural ecosystems globally. In partnership with Conservation International, the company will invest in new projects, building on learnings from existing work like restoring degraded savannas in Kenya and a vital mangrove ecosystem in Colombia.

Apple supported the development of an aluminum production method that releases oxygen, rather than greenhouse gases, during the smelting process.



Other recent process improvements also include development of the first-ever direct carbon-free aluminum smelting process that it started funding in 2018. Apple has also announced today that the first batch of this low-carbon aluminum is intended to be used for 16-inch MacBook Pro enclosures.

As part of the announcement, Apple's mobile and desktop homepages are trumpeting the target as a "planet-size plan." It has also released the 2020 progress report on existing initiatives.

Apple laid out a 10-year road-map.

The iPhone maker provides specifics for each of these, stating what has been achieved to date on the environmental front, and what it has planned. For example, for low carbon product design:

• Apple’s latest recycling innovation — a robot the company is calling “Dave” — disassembles the Taptic Engine from iPhone to better recover key materials such as rare earth magnets and tungsten while also enabling recovery of steel, the next step following its line of “Daisy” iPhone disassembly robots.
  
  
• The company’s Material Recovery Lab in Austin, Texas, which is focused on innovative electronics recycling technology, is now partnering with Carnegie Mellon University to further develop engineering solutions.
  
  
• All iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch devices released in the past year are made with recycled content, including 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in the iPhone Taptic Engine — a first for Apple and for any smartphone.
  
  
• Apple decreased its carbon footprint by 4.3 million metric tons in 2019 through design and recycled content innovations in its products. Over the past 11 years, Apple has reduced the average energy needed for product use by 73 percent.

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[sultrysandy]

Best iPads and Macs for students on a budget

Whether you're looking to take online courses, or you're expecting to go to college in the fall, there are many reasons why students choose Apple gear. Here's how to pick the best for you, your needs, and your budget.

Apple's Mac lineup, specifically the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iPads are all compelling purchases for students. Justifiably so, considering their value for money to their ease of use and their rugged long lives. Even though it's hard to question the value for money they offer, though, that's far from meaning Apple gear is inexpensive.

And if there is a single thing that all students generally have in common, it's that they have a constrained budget.

If that's about weighing up Apple's different offerings at any time, you need to examine costs and offers at the moment you intend to buy. It's crucial to get the right machine, because otherwise you're both wasting your money and missing out on the benefits of the optimum device.

Yet if you can't afford to make money be the sole criteria, you also can't ignore it. So if you're a student buying now — or buying for a student — then this is a snapshot of the best Macs and iPads. And it's a snapshot of the best deals you can get in each category of device.


Mac mini

Every student is different, but for the price and the performance, a Mac mini is the sweet spot for most people. Or rather, it is if you don't need extra portability — and if you do get a separate monitor and keyboard.

With the Mac mini itself, the optimum version is the current entry-level one. Now that it has 256GB of SSD storage, it's going be a solid buy that will last the length of your course.

That entry-level version comes with 8GB RAM and it, too, is a solid choice. Current Mac mini prices offer discounts on every model as well, putting that entry mini at $759.

If you can stretch to more SSD or more RAM, though, you'll be rewarded with a machine that lasts longer.

Alternatively, if you know you can get by on a smaller SSD, then you can currently pick up a 128GB 2018 Mac mini for under $700. That's a very good price, but 128GB is less than you think once your applications are installed.

If cost is a key factor, you could get a 128GB Mac mini and plan to add an external drive later. It's not as convenient as having a larger internal one, but it could even be practical if you find that your needs grow.

That's an option, but there is a purchase you have little choice about. Unless you already have a keyboard and mouse, or trackpad, from a previous machine, you're going to need to buy those. Apple's own Magic Keyboard or its more expensive Magic Keyboard with Numeric keypad used to be hard to beat, but now there's the Logitech MX Keys for Mac.

The Mac mini is great value for money, but you do have to add a monitor, keyboard, and mouse or trackpad to it.



Costing the same $99 as the keypad-less Magic Keyboard, the Logitech MX Keys is a full-size keyboard that adds backlighting, and an arguably better typing angle. It's not quite as solidly built as Apple's offering, but it offers a particularly good typing experience.

If you don't need the numeric keypad, Logitech's recently revamped K380 keyboard is a much more inexpensive option at $39. As well as being less than half the price, it also offers the option of swiftly connecting to any of up to three devices. So if you're going to be using an iPad, or even your iPhone, a lot, this keyboard works with all of them.

Logitech does offer a new MX Master 3 mouse for Mac, at $99, but if you're more of a trackpad user, Apple's own Magic Trackpad 2 remains the best. It's $129 for the silver/white version, and $149 for the space gray one, though.

The last thing you are going to need is a monitor, and that is simultaneously the easiest and the hardest choice. It's simplest because there are just so many options available to you. Just check a monitor which fits into your budget will work with your Mac — and by far the giant majority will.

What's harder is getting absolutely the right monitor for your needs right now. We'd recommend you get one that is no smaller than 24 inches. That's the minimum for when you're going to be mostly writing or reading. While this is now just one of very many monitors of its type and price range, we have previously recommended the Dell UltraSharp U2415.

When you're going to be doing any graphics or video work larger is better — and more expensive.

You could, of course, choose the 27-inch iMac, which comes with its own — and exceptionally good — monitor built in. However, even with the best iMac prices, a 27-inch iMac is going to cost over a grand more than a Mac mini.

Don't be tempted to compromise with the smaller 21.5-inch iMac, either. That screen size is just too small for a desktop, and storage is an issue. You can get this model with a 1TB HDD, but it ships as standard with a slower hard drive and no flash storage.


MacBook Air

Another way to save yourself the trouble of figuring out what monitor to get, is by just buying a MacBook Air, which comes with one built in. It's not as if the screen of a new MacBook Air is a compromise, either, as it's a 13.3-inch Retina display.

The MacBook Air is the sweet spot of portability and performance for students



You'll have spotted that 13.3 inches is somewhat less than the 24 inches we say is the minimum for use with a desktop computer. It is true that physical screen size is one thing you have to give up when you buy a laptop — although you could also buy an external monitor if you needed.

However, the crispness of that MacBook Air displays is also a factor. The Dell UltraSharp U2415 we mentioned is typical with its 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution screen, for example. And the MacBook Air comes with 1680 by 1050.

As with the Mac mini, the base model of the MacBook Air is now a decent choice for students. That gets you 256GB of SSD which isn't roomy, but is good. It also gets you 8GB of RAM which isn't brilliant, but is fine.

Get that base model and you'll be happy. If you can afford to add any more RAM or SSD — and you'll have to do it at the time of purchasing — then you will be happier still.

And you'll have a machine that lasts longer. Note that right now all MacBook Air configurations are on sale, too, so your chance of picking up one with better specifications than the minimum is good.


10.2-inch iPad

You can go for an Apple device that is even more portable than an MacBook Air, though. Depending on your needs, an iPad could well be the kind of workhorse that you need.

What's more, a 10.2-inch iPad is now regularly under $300, so if you were solely buying on price, it would be by far the most inexpensive option. Don't regard it as a cheap device in the sense like being poorly made, underperforming or just any way inadequate, though.

The regular 10.2-inch iPad is a workhorse for students



The regular 10.2-inch iPad is among the best devices for carrying between classes, and also for consulting or making notes on the way. With the 128GB storage option, and especially with LTE, it is a full-blown machine for studying.

If a Mac mini, or a MacBook Air is the right choice for some people, the 10.2-inch iPad is the good choice for many. You won't have the keyboard of the MacBook Air, and the performance won't be as good as the Mac mini. But your ability to read, write, and work on the device is close to unparalleled.


iPad Pro

The sheer convenience of working from an iPad over any Mac or MacBook is enough that it would be tempting regardless of the price. If you're considering an iPad and want to be sure it will be right for you throughout your studies, or even beyond, check out the iPad Pro too.

As with the regular 10.2-inch iPad, you need 128GB storage, and cellular would be a boon. Alongside those specifications, though, the iPad Pro also gives you a larger screen, ranging from 10.5 inches to 11 and 12.9.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is fast and immersive



They're all more powerful than the regular iPad, but it's perhaps that screen size that makes the difference. A 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a large device to carry around, but in use it feels as if you have two regular iPads side by side.

That makes you feel more immersed in your work, and it's an important factor as you're trying to concentrate on your work as a student. That physical size of the 12.9-inch models is an issue, though.

So for a student's right balance of performance, excellent screen, and a good screen, we recommend an 11-inch iPad Pro with 128GB storage.

Check out the latest 11-inch iPad Pro prices on all models. While the regular iPad has settled to around the $300 mark, the larger iPad Pro models are more variable.

Consequently, if you see a deal, such as the current one with a 12.9-inch iPad Pro for $699 from B&H, get it quickly. There are plenty of discounts going on leading up to back-to-school, with closeout 12.9-inch models up to $500 off — and many even come with free $249 earbuds.



Don't wait

If it's worth your checking out deal prices on any Apple gear you're looking for, it isn't worth waiting to buy. There is the issue that Apple Silicon will change the Mac and MacBook Pro range, but definitely not before you've begun your studies — and possibly not until after you've finished them.

Even then, though, the practicalities of which device will suit you best will be the same. Prices will change, details will change, but your need for portability versus performance won't.

Nor will this, though. If you get the right Apple gear for you, it is the best tool any student can have.
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[LincolnDuncan]

When apple came out with the ipod I thought that it was pretty cool. I had gotten rid of my records and was buying cds. With the ipod and itunes I decided that itunes was the best place to keep music from cds and downloads on my windows computer. Recently, my computer crashed and I was unable save any music but I still had it on the ipod. I was able to upload at least some of it to a new windows computer. I re-uploaded music from cds and continue to purchase downloads.

Soon after getting a new computer I got a new iphone with enough memory so that I would no longer need the ipod. I created several playlists and was able to synch the library in windows to my new phone about 5 weeks ago. I recently created some new play list but when I attempted to synch, it won't allow. It seems that I have two itunes files, the only and the new.

I spent over 4 hours on the phone with apple techs who were unable to fix the synch problem. The last person I talked with recommended deleting the music on the phone and to reconnect it to the computer to synch. I don't have a great deal of confidence in that advice.

Does anyone have any advise for me?

 

[LincolnDuncan]

6 hours on the phone with 5 different techs and I figured it out myself.

But thanks anyway

 

[sultrysandy]

iCloud website and services are down for some users

Some users are unable to access iCloud services this afternoon. The issue affects the iCloud website as well as backup tools, calendar, and photos. Apple has confirmed the outage, but there’s no timetable for a fix.

According to Apple’s system status page, iCloud website, apps, and services are experiencing outages since 4:10 PM EST. Apple hasn’t provided an estimate of when the problem will be fixed, but the company stresses that this is affecting only some iCloud users.


Apple says:

Users are experiencing a problem with this service. We are investigating and will update the status as more information becomes available.

For now, there’s no workaround for this problem, so if you’ve been affected you’ll probably have to wait until Apple fixes it. Will try to update once Apple has resolved the outages.



You can check the full status of all Apple’s online services below:

 

[sultrysandy]

iCloud website and services are down for some users [Update: Fixed]

Some users are unable to access iCloud services this afternoon. The issue affects the iCloud website as well as backup tools, calendar, and photos. Apple has confirmed the outage, but there’s no timetable for a fix.

According to Apple’s system status page, iCloud website, apps, and services are experiencing outages since 4:10 PM EST. Apple hasn’t provided an estimate of when the problem will be fixed, but the company stresses that this is affecting only some iCloud users.


Apple says:





For now, there’s no workaround for this problem, so if you’ve been affected you’ll probably have to wait until Apple fixes it. Will try to update once Apple has resolved the outages.



You can check the full status of all Apple’s online services below:

Update: Apple says the issue is now fixed and users should be able to access iCloud again.



Guess will look what's next. Not as if there's nothing going on in Apple World
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[LincolnDuncan]

The problem I had with itunes was related to issues with icloud. Apple techs should have been aware of that rather than to tell me to delete everything and start again

 

[sultrysandy]

The problem I had with itunes was related to issues with icloud. Apple techs should have been aware of that rather than to tell me to delete everything and start again

Deleting everything, doing a macOS Recovery/Mac Recovery Mode, reformating Hard Drive, et cetera, are common when don't want to troubleshoot, or can't figure out actual cause of the problem. And as you know, doing it doesn't necessarily mean it will correct the problem.

 

[sultrysandy]

Steve Wozniak sues YouTube for allowing scammers to use his name and likeness

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has sued YouTube for allowing his name, photos and videos to be used by Bitcoin scammers. Videos have been posted to the video sharing site which mirror the scam carried out in the recent Twitter hack …


Bloomberg reports.

Scammers used images and video of Wozniak, who left Apple in 1985, to convince YouTube users that he was hosting a live giveaway and anyone who sent him bitcoins will get double the number back, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in state court in San Mateo County, California. “But when users transfer their cryptocurrency, in an irreversible transaction, they receive nothing back.”

The scam also uses the names and images of other tech celebrities, including Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates and Tesla Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk, according to the suit.

YouTube has been “unresponsive” to Wozniak’s repeated requests to take down the fraudulent videos, he said.

YouTube has in the past relied on the Communications Decency Act to defend itself, which says that responsibility lays with the users who post the videos, not with YouTube. However, Woz argues that the company does have a responsibility to promptly remove them once reported. He points to Twitter acting the same day, while YouTube has failed to act at all.

Wozniak sued along with 17 other alleged victims of the scam. They are asking the court to order YouTube and its parent company Alphabet Inc. to immediately remove the videos and to warn users about the scam giveaways. They are also seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

Back at the Twitter hack, investigations are revealing that things are worse than first thought. Twitter initially said it was unclear whether direct messages were accessed, but locked more accounts as a precautionary measure. BBC News today reports that the company has revealed that DMs were viewed in the case of 36 accounts.

Twitter has revealed that hackers viewed private direct messages (DMs) from 36 of the accounts involved in last week’s hack. It has not disclosed who they belonged to beyond saying one was owned by an elected official in the Netherlands […]


Although Twitter has not named the Dutch official affected, local reports have indicated it is likely the far-right politician Geert Wilders. Last week, his profile image was replaced with that of a cartoon of a black man, and his account’s background image was changed to that of the Moroccan flag.

It has also been discovered that the reason the scammers only managed to get $120k in Bitcoin is because a cryptocurrency exchange acted to block transfers into the wallet as soon as the hack came to light.
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[sultrysandy]

Instagram claims bug triggered iOS 14 camera notifications when not in use

Instagram has become the latest app to be affected by the additional notifications offered in iOS 14, with an errant activation of the camera and microphone indicator while not actively using the features explained away by the company as a bug.

Apple's privacy-related changes in iOS 14 have caused trouble for many apps already, but a new one to suddenly face scrutiny is Instagram. The Facebook-owned image service was caught by users of the beta to be seemingly activating the camera and microphone indicators during times when the user was generally browsing the app's feed, and not actively requiring the use of the camera or microphone.

The green indicator dot and the additional app-identifying element in the Control Panel was caused by a bug that is being fixed, Instagram told The Verge. The indicator could be triggered by a few elements, such as Instagram's Create Mode or accessing the Camera from the main feed.

"We only access your camera when you tell us to - for example, when you swipe from Feed to Camera," said Instagram. "We found and are fixing a bug in iOS 14 Beta that mistakenly indicates that some people are using the camera when they aren't. We do not access your camera in those instances, and no content is recorded."

The increased privacy protections of iOS 14 have generated news largely based on "Clipboard Snooping," the practice of an app accessing the device's clipboard in cases when a user wouldn't usually expect such access to take place. Apps including TikTok and Reddit were caught snooping via the new notifications, and have asserted fixes and changes would be made in the near future.

In the case of LinkedIn, its clipboard snooping was allegedly tied to a bug in its software, according to an engineer on July 3. By July 11, a lawsuit was filed against LinkedIn for allegedly reading clipboard data, one which is also seeking class-action status.






Reminds me of when companies settle court cases and claim no guilt. Seems as companies are getting caught snooping, of course it's a bug. they wouldn't spy on users of their apps.
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[LincolnDuncan]

Deleting everything, doing a macOS Recovery/Mac Recovery Mode, reformating Hard Drive, et cetera, are common when don't want to troubleshoot, or can't figure out actual cause of the problem. And as you know, doing it doesn't necessarily mean it will correct the problem.

Thank you. I was concerned that I would lose a lot of music that took a lot of time to upload. I had no reason to think that the file was corrumpted. I'm just happy it all works and I carry all my music on my phone.