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Ex-Apple Board Member Bob Iger Quits as Disney CEO
Former Apple board member Bob Iger has announced that he is stepping down as CEO of Disney with immediate effect and becoming Executive Chairman, CNN reported. Tuesday’s move followed the successful launch of Disney+.
Iger has assumed the role of executive chairman and will direct the company’s creative endeavors, the company said. Iger will stay on at Disney through the end of this contract on December 31, 2021. “With the successful launch of Disney’s direct-to-consumer businesses and the integration of Twenty-First Century Fox well underway, I believe this is the optimal time to transition to a new CEO,” Iger said in statement.
Apple Research App Supports AirPods Pro in Hearing Study
The Apple Research app was updated on Tuesday with support for AirPods Pro in its Hearing Study, which partners with the University of Michigan.
When You Download Facebook Data, it Doesn’t Show Everything
Facebook isn’t being completely truthful about the data available in its “Download Your Information” feature. Some information is left out.
Privacy International recently tested the feature to download all ‘Ads and Business’ related information (You can accessed it by Clicking on Settings > Your Facebook Information > Download Your Information). This is meant to tell users which advertisers have been targeting them with ads and under which circumstances. We found that information provided is less than accurate. To put it simply, this tool is not what Facebook claims. The list of advertisers is incomplete and changes over time.
As Privacy International points out, this is in violation of GDPR because Facebook doesn’t let you see all of the advertisers that have your data.
AT&T’s Mandatory Arbitration Clause Deemed Illegal
A panel of judges in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that AT&T’s mandatory arbitration clause is unenforceable.
AT&T appealed that ruling to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, but a three-judge panel at that court rejected AT&T’s appeal in a ruling issued Tuesday. Judges said they must follow the California Supreme Court decision—known as the McGill rule—”which held that an agreement, like AT&T’s, that waives public injunctive relief in any forum is contrary to California public policy and unenforceable.”
The ruling can be found here [PDF].
FTC Sends Refund Checks to Victims of Tech Support Scams
The Federal Trade Commission will send refunds to tech support scams totaling US$1.7 million. The scam operated under Click4Support, claiming to be from companies like Apple and Microsoft.
The FTC will begin providing 57,960 refunds averaging about $30 each to victims of the scheme. Most recipients will get their refunds via PayPal, but those who receive checks should deposit or cash their checks within 60 days, as indicated on the check.
Santa Clara University Supports iPhone, Apple Watch for Contactless IDs
Santa Clara University students can now add their contactless IDs to Apple Wallet to use their iPhone and Apple Watch in place of a card.
Apple’s “Secret” Monopoly
Will Oremus wrote an essay on Medium in which he argues that Apple is a monopoly, specifically when it comes to the App Store. I think a few good arguments could be made in support of this accusation. But my opinion lies with this quote:
Apple’s platform is significantly less open than Google’s: Unlike its rival, Apple doesn’t allow any app stores on the iPhone other than its own, and it doesn’t allow users to “sideload” apps downloaded from the web or elsewhere. The company says its goal is to ensure users can trust every app they download; allowing unapproved apps could expose users to privacy violations or malware.
The App Store isn’t perfect, but I believe it contains far fewer malware than Google’s Play Store. Apple’s restrictions also make it better for privacy, and thus better for people. I think price is a better argument than the walled garden. Or, I at least have more sympathy for indie developers rather than billion-dollar competitors to Apple.
This Charger Has Lightning, MicroUSB, USB-C Connectors: $75
We have a deal on the FamilyCharger, a 5-in-1 charger that features 2 USB-C connectors and 3 Lightning connectors, all powered by a 52 watt power supply. It measures 9-feet, too, meaning you can route it just about wherever you need. It’s $75 through our deal.
Review: Scosche BaseLynx Modular Charger
The BaseLynx Modular Charging System by Scosche is perfect for those of us with multiple Apple devices. Here is Andrew’s review.
Kelly and Ian Betteridge – TMO Daily Observations 2020-02-25
Today Kelly sits down with Ian Betteridge to discuss the current state of design at Apple and how it stacks up against the competition.
Apple and TikTok Decline to Testify in Front of Congress for Second Time
Apple and TikTok have rejected a request from Sen. Josh Hawley to appear at a hearing discussing their relationships with China.
How to Take Screenshots and Record Your Screen on iPad With iOS 13
Taking screenshots on an iPad is a simple click of the button. However, recording the screen requires a couple of extra steps.
What Happens When The Government Blocks Internet Access?
We all rely on the internet for our day-to-day lives. Yet, at the height of protests, governments around the world can shut down their citizens’ access to the web. BBC News looked into where, and why, this happened during 2019.
When the internet shuts down, everything is stopped in its tracks. Data shared with the BBC by digital rights group Access Now, shows that last year services were deliberately shut down more than 200 times in 33 separate countries. This includes, on one occasion, in the UK. In April 2019 the British Transport Police shut down the wi-fi on London’s Tube network during a protest by climate change activists Extinction Rebellion. Also revealed in the report about shutdowns in 2019: The internet was switched off during 65 protests in various countries around the world. A further 12 took place during election periods. The majority of all shutdowns occurred in India. The longest internet switch-off happened in Chad, central Africa, and lasted 15 months.
Inside The New 'Amazon Go' Grocery Store
The first Amazon Go grocery store is close to opening. Geekwire took a look inside the Seattle cashier-less outlet.
GeekWire got a sneak peek at the store during a recent media preview, entering by scanning a smartphone app and strolling the aisles of the completely stocked store. The banks of cameras and sensors overhead track everything put into a shopping cart, with the help of artificial intelligence — rendering unnecessary the old-fashioned ritual of scanning and paying at a checkout stand. Items are charged to a shopper’s Amazon account shortly after they walk through the exit. Apart from the larger size, the concept is very similar to the Amazon Go convenience stores that first opened to the public in Seattle in January 2018. Amazon Go has expanded to 25 locations across cities including San Francisco, Chicago and New York. That smaller concept, sized between 450 and 2,700 square feet, ushered in an era of grab-and-go shopping.
Apple Publishes White Papers on Mac Pro, Pro Display XDR
Apple has published two white papers that cover the Mac Pro and the Pro Display XDR, with details on each product’s features and hardware.
Apple, Johnson & Johnson Launch ‘Heartline’ Study
Apple and Johnson & Johnson partner on the Heartline study to determine if the accompanying app as well as Apple Watch can reduce the risk of a stroke.
Firefox Enables Encrypted DNS by Default
Starting today, Firefox will begin rolling out support for encrypted DNS over HTTPS for U.S.-based users.
We’re enabling DoH by default only in the US. If you’re outside of the US and would like to enable DoH, you’re welcome to do so by going to Settings, then General, then scroll down to Networking Settings and click the Settings button on the right. Here you can enable DNS over HTTPS by clicking, and a checkbox will appear.
You can choose between Cloudflare and NextDNS. As I mentioned in my roundup of DNS services, I’ve been using NextDNS for the past couple weeks and I love it.
TMO Editor-in-Chief Bryan Chaffin (#2) - TMO Background Mode Interview
Bryan Chaffin is the co-founder and Executive Vice President of The Mac Observer. He is also our Editor-in-Chief. He’s been working lately as co-author of a new edition of iPad For Dummies, and so I enlisted him to discuss the future of the iPad.
We chatted about how the iPad has made enormous gains in CPU and graphics power over the last 10 years. But iOS and then iPadOS not so much. In the early days Apple wasn’t quite sure where the iPad would go, and that’s perhaps a factor in its development. We examined how multi-tasking has been implemented, the prospects for larger displays, home screen operations, consumption vs. productivity, the stagnation of sales, and whether there needs to be a new product between the iPad and Mac. Bryan resurrects the notorious concept of the ::gasp:: toaster-fridge. There’s much more.
The Mac Utility Audio Software Bundle: $24.99
We have a deal on the Mac Utility Audio Software Bundle, which includes WALTR 2, Softorino Youtube Converter 2, and iRingg Ringtone Creator for Mac. You get all three utilities for $24.99 through this bundle.
New IEEE 802.11ay Wi-Fi Standard Could be Heading to iPhones
The next generation of iPhones could support a Wi-Fi standard known as IEEE 802.11ay, which could help facilitate communication between nearby devices.
Netflix Top 10 Lists Appear Today to Show Popular Content
Starting today Netflix is rolling out a Top 10 lists feature that will update every day. It will feature the platform’s most popular content.
“Starting today you’ll notice something new when you go on Netflix: The Top 10 row,” the company said in a tweet. “The lists update daily to show what’s popular in your country and are broken into three categories: Netflix overall, shows & films.”
The most popular Netflix offerings in your country should show up in their own row once you log in to your Netflix account, the company said. “The list is rolling out globally now and should be on your homepage by the end of the day at the latest.”
Today at Apple Sessions Celebrate International Women’s Day 2020
Apple retail stores will celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 with a series of Today at Apple sessions called “She Creates”.
Apple Ups iPhone 12 Chip Orders Despite Coronavirus Outbreak
Apple has reportedly aggressively increased orders for processors to go into a forthcoming 5G iPhone. Cult of Mac learned about the situation via a note from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who pushed back on the idea that the coronavirus outbreak will dent Apple’s plans.
Apple is believed to have aggressively increased its orders for the new processors, which will power this year’s iPhone and iPad Pro — as well as Apple’s first Arm-powered Mac that is said to be scheduled for early 2021. “The 5nm process will be the core technology for Apple’s new products in 12–18 months,” reads the latest report from reliable TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, seen by Cult of Mac. “Therefore, the COVID-19 has no impact on Apple’s investments for 5nm, and Apple has increased shipment forecasts and pulled in for 5nm-related equipment after the epidemic outbreak.”
UK Users Can Get a Year of Disney+ for £49.99
Disney+ is heading to Europe in just under a month. In an attempt to build up the excitement, the streaming service is offering a discount to those who pre-order. UK users can get a year of Disney+ for £49.99 instead of £59.99 if they sign up by March 23. In Europe, users can purchase an annual subscription for €59.99 instead of €69.99 ahead of launch day. A monthly subscription costs £5.99/€6.99 per month. Disney+ goes live on March 24. To get the deal, head over to https://preorder.disneyplus.com.