SiriusXM – which has extended free subscriptions until May 31 – has launched a channel dedicated to Prince. Other artists, including Metallica, Led Zeppelin, and Guns N’Roses, have been given their own channels too. The channels will only be available for a limited time.
Deezer iOS App Gets New 'In Progress' Podcast Feature
Deezer has launched a new “In Progress” podcast feature on its iOS and web versions that puts unfinished podcast episodes in one place.
'The Morning Show' Showrunner Extends Deal With Apple
Kerry Ehrin, showrunner on Apple TV+ flagship ‘The Morning Show’, has signed a multi-year extension to her deal with Apple.
Apple's U1 Chip Could Change The iPhone
There was discussion about whether or not the latest iPad Pros have Apple’s U1 ultra wideband chips in them (spoiler alert: they haven’t). However, the processors could have a dramatic effect on the next generation of iPhone, as Samuel Axon explained for Wired.
Apple has been silent about its long-term plans for the chip, but researchers have found many applications for UWB. It was initially pitched to consumers (with little success) as a way to rapidly transfer large files to nearby personal devices, but the proliferation of smart home and location-based technologies has given it a new life. For example, UWB could be used to unlock your automobile door when you approach it. While this is possible with other wireless technologies, UWB is significantly more accurate than, say, Bluetooth Low Energy – accurate enough to know which specific door you’re standing next to, so only that one is unlocked. Leaks from Cupertino have indicated that Apple plans a competitor for Tile – the electronic tags you attach to valuables so you can locate them with an app. Because Tile products rely on Bluetooth LE, U1-equipped smartphones and locator tags would be more accurate at finding a precise location.
You Can Now Lock Google Drive on iOS With Face ID, Touch ID
Today Google updated Google Drive on iOS with a feature called Privacy Screen. It lets you lock the app with Face ID and Touch ID. Digital Trends notes:
The feature is activated each time you close the Drive app and reopen it and also locks files if you switch between Google Drive and another app, according to a Google spokesperson. You’ll have the option to turn this feature on and adjust its timing in Drive settings.
I personally would like Apple to let us lock every app with Face ID / Touch ID. Apps can clearly do this by themselves, but having it “baked” into the operating system is ideal.
App Store: Google Drive – Free
Star Wars Day! Also MacBook Pro Updates – TMO Daily Observations 2020-05-04
John Martellaro and Charlotte Henry join host Kelly Guimont to discuss Apple’s updates to the MacBook Pro and what exactly is (and isn’t) new.
iOS: How to Find and Use iPhone Emojis
Andrew shows you how to turn on the emoji keyboard and start using it in apps. Apple adds new emojis just about every year.
Backblaze S3 Compatible APIs are Here for B2 Cloud Storage
Today Backblaze announced it supports S3 compatible APIs for its B2 cloud storage service. This means that developers and software companies can use Backblaze storage without having to rewrite code or change their workflows.
Official Launch Partners: Cinnafilm, IBM Aspera, Igneous, LucidLink, Marquis, Masstech, Primestream, Quantum, Scale Logic, Storage Made Easy, Studio Network Solutions, Veeam, Venera, Vidispine, Xendata. These companies join a list of more than 100 other software, hardware, and cloud companies already offering Backblaze B2 to support their customers’ cloud storage needs.
MacBook Pro 13-inch Tech Specs - The Butterfly Keyboard is Dead
The release of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro means the butterfly keyboard is finally dead. Very few people will mourn its passing.
New 13-Inch MacBook Pro Released With Magic Keyboard and More Storage
Apple updated the 13-inch MacBook Pro today and it comes with the new Magic Keyboard, 10th-generation Intel processors, and more storage.
The Making of 'Defending Jacob' on Apple TV+
Apple has given viewers some more insight into the making of the latest big Apple TV+ series Defending Jacob in a new video. The clip features behind-the-scenes footage, along with interviews with the show’s stars Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery, and director Morten Tydlum.
New Stuff, Old Macs? Old Stuff, New Macs! – Mac Geek Gab 813
Need to run Mojave on your Catalina Mac? Need to really manage your printers? Want to add multiple monitors to your MacBook Pro? No problem. John and Dave have you covered. Listen as your two favorite geeks answer your questions about all this and more. It’s deliciously informative. And… it’s entertaining! Press play and watch, too!
Senators Introduce COVID-19 Consumer Data Protection Act
Today a group of Republican senators announced plans to introduce the COVID-19 Consumer Data Protection Act.
The legislation would provide all Americans with more transparency, choice, and control over the collection and use of their personal health, geolocation, and proximity data. The bill would also hold businesses accountable to consumers if they use personal data to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
A good move, I think. We need thoughtful legislation passed to preempt the contact tracing train.
SteamVR Drops Support for Mac Customers
Steam announced today that SteamVR is dropping support for macOS so the team can focus on Windows and Linux.
We recommend that macOS users continue to opt into the SteamVR [macos]branches for access to legacy builds.
Users can opt into a branch by right-clicking on SteamVR in Steam, and selecting Properties… -> Betas.
SteamVR first came to the Mac in 2017 when Apple added support for external GPUs. They’re most likely reacting to a lack of interest on the part of users and a lack of commitment on Apple’s part.
The Start-to-Finish Guide to Launching a Successful Podcast Bundle: $44.99
We have a deal on another training bundle for your #stayhome time, the Start-to-Finish Guide to Launching a Successful Podcast Bundle. It features 9 different courses on creating, producing, and distributing a podcast, including how to conduct an interview, marketing, and more. It has more than 500 lessons and 39 hours of video content. The whole bundle is $44.99 through our deal.
Apple Card Deferred Payments Extended Through May
Continuing its actions from March and April, Apple and Goldman Sachs are allowing Apple Card deferred payments to be extended through May.
Apple Results Show Reason For Positivity
Lots of Apple watchers think there is plenty to be positive about, following the company’s latest results announcement. Ed Hardy on Cult of Mac outlined his five reasons to be cheerful.
A significant part of the increase in company revenue came from growth in services like the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and others. “Our long-running investment in our services strategy is succeeding,” said CEO Tim Cook. “This business is growing and is a reflection of our enduring, large and growing installed base.” The company did not break out how its new video and gaming services are doing from the general increase in revenue.
Podcast Listeners Turning to Spotify in Some U.S. States
Spotify’s investment in podcasts appears to be starting to pay off as in some U.S. states, listeners are moving away from Apple.
Annie Weisman to Produce Apple TV+ Projects for Two Years
Annie Weisman, producer and show runner of Apple TV+ series Physical, has signed a two-year contract to product exclusively for Apple.
Apple Earnings Chat – TMO Daily Observations 2020-05-01
Andrew Orr, Bryan Chaffin, and John Martellaro join host Kelly Guimont to discuss Apple’s earnings, and what was said (or not) during the call. With a bonus trolling that Kelly totally fell for.
Apple TV+ Taking Viewers on 'Unbelievable Journeys'
There appears to be a big push to bring in more Apple TV+ subscribers. Maybe it’s because of the ever-growing competition. Maybe it’s because a load of people will be getting their new iPhone SE soon and the company wants to remind them they get a year’s free subscription. Whatever it is, this is the second advert to land in about 24-hours. It focusses on the “unbelievable journeys” Apple TV+ can take viewers on and highlights some of the original flagship shows.
BBC Studios Production 'Trying' Now on Apple TV+
The British comedy series ‘Trying’ is now available on Apple TV+, as is the latest episode of ‘Defending Jacob’.
The ORG Domain Won’t Be Sold to a Private Entity After All
The board of the Internet Association for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICAAN) has rejected the sale of the Public Interest Registry to private equity firm Ethos.
Since 2003, PIR has operated the .ORG generic top-level domain (gTLD) as a not-for-profit organization, as well as six other gTLDs. Per the gTLD Registry Agreements, ICANN must either approve or withhold consent of a proposed change of control, the deadline for which is 4 May 2020.
After completing its evaluation, the ICANN Board finds that the public interest is better served in withholding consent as a result of various factors that create unacceptable uncertainty over the future of the third largest gTLD registry.
Good news for public organizations with .ORG websites. We don’t need another private company jacking up prices.
Apple's Tim Cook Talks About Corporate Responsibility to Community
Corporations have obligations to their shareholders, but during Apple’s Financial Results report for Q2 2020, Tim Cook made it clear that his company has obligations to the community as well.