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Perhaps Apple Shouldn't Release an iPhone in 2020

Charlotte Henry ·

People have been speculating for a while about what the coronavirus outbreak means for global supply chains, not least Apple’s. It is all based on the assumption there has to be an iPhone in 2020. Over on iMore Bryan M. Wolfe says there doesn’t. It’s a view I’m increasingly sympathetic with – the world is in turmoil, does Apple really want to be waving shiny new devices around right now?

There’s nothing wrong with the iPhone 11. More importantly, with unemployment rising, now is not the best time for the company to release a new device intended for the masses. Instead, the company should use its first online WWDC conference to announce splashy updates for iOS, iPadOS, and other systems. Then, when this crisis (finally) ebbs, Apple should launch the iPhone 12 in 2021. I understand Apple just released a new iPad Pro. However, the line hadn’t been updated in nearly two years, so a refresh was justified. Same too for the 2020 MacBook Air, which includes the company’s well-received new Backlit Magic Keyboard.

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Photographer Claims Apple Copied his Photo in Apple TV+ Show

Andrew Orr ·

Adrian Murphy writes that Apple copied his photo of two kids looking into a glowing chest, a visual that can be seen in Amazing Stories on Apple TV+.

To me, this is flagrant copyright infringement and is using my intellectual property to derive visual elements for one of the most viewed portions of their entire series… the intro that plays before every episode. I’m flattered by the obvious imitation, but I’m also disappointed by the obvious theft.

The scene does look visually similar to Mr. Murphy’s photo. I wonder if he will legally pursue this.

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Saudi Spies Use Network Flaws to Track Citizens in US

Andrew Orr ·

A report today reveals that Saudi Arabia uses flaws in telecom networks to track its citizens as they move through the U.S.

The data shows requests for mobile phone location data that were routed through the decades-old SS7 global messaging system, which allows mobile operators to connect users around the world…The SS7 system also enables tracking of phones, which has been a cause for concern by security experts. When a US carrier – such as Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T – receives what is known as a Provide Subscriber Information SS7 message (or PSI) from a foreign mobile phone operator, they are getting, in effect, a tracking request.

Also included in the report: Senator Ron Wyden says the FCC knew about these flaws and failed to act, blaming FCC chairman Ajit Pai.

Podcast

I Made a Loop – Mac Geek Gab 808

John F. Braun · · Add Comment

Are your fans blazing during those Zoom calls? Is your laptop plugged in more frequently now? Have an issue printing? How about choosing between NAS vs. USB-C drives? You’re in luck! These are just a sample of the questions your two favorite geeks answer during this week’s show. John and Dave then share some Cool Stuff Found, some tips, and more. Press play and enjoy learning at least five new things!

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Niantic’s Diana Hu Talks Engineering, AR, And ‘Lightbulb Moments

Charlotte Henry ·

iMore has another fascinating interview as part of its ‘Celebrating Women in Tech’ series. This time it is with Niantic’s Director of Engineering and Head of AR Platform, Diana Hu.

The exciting thing here, with building things for AR, is that this is really new technology that hasn’t been created yet. I get to work with a lot of super-smart people and very caring people. And pushing the technology forward is exciting. For some of the innovations that we get to realize, I am one of the first people to see it before anyone else. It’s very exciting when that light bulb moment comes on and it is like, “Oh, we can connect these ideas from the past to what’s happening in the present to invent the future.” An example of this happened about two years ago.

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Google Restarting Chrome Updates

Charlotte Henry ·

Google announced Thursday that it will resume its Chrome and Chrome OS update program, ZDNet reported. It paused the updates to avoid disruptions web developers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The company said that starting next week, the current Chrome 80 release will start receiving security updates once againt. Chrome v81, initially scheduled to be released on March 17, was rescheduled for April 7, at which time, web developers and system administrators would have had the time to adapt to their new working conditions. The Chrome 82 release was canceled altogether, with features being reshuffled into Chrome 83 and other versions. Per the new adjusted schedule, Chrome 83 is now expected to be released somewhere in mid-May.

TMO Deals

The Pick Your Streaming Service and Device Giveaway: HBO Now, Apple TV+, Hulu, Disney+, More

Bryan Chaffin ·

We have a giveaway for you today called The Pick Your Streaming Service and Device Giveaway. The winner can choose a streaming device, including, but not limited to: Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and Google ChromeCast. And, a 1-year subscription to the streaming service of your choice — including, but not limited to: Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Showtime, and Disney+. Cool, right? To enter, register for our deal emails (which you should do anyway). If you’re already registered, click the Enter to Win button on the giveaway listing.

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There’s a Cyber Defense Force Fighting Coronavirus Hackers

Andrew Orr ·

An international group of roughly 400 cybersecurity experts are fighting hacking related to the coronavirus.

One of four initial managers of the effort, Marc Rogers, said the top priority would be working to combat hacks against medical facilities and other frontline responders to the pandemic. It is already working on hacks of health organizations.

Also key is the defense of communication networks and services that have become essential as more people work from home, said Rogers, head of security at the long-running hacking conference Def Con and a vice president at security company Okta Inc.

At least there’s some good news.

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Nintendo Fixes 'Animal Crossing' Infinite Items Glitch

Charlotte Henry ·

A lot of people have been getting into the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game since it launched last week. But there was a glitch that allowed players to get infinite items, something many were happily taking advantage of. However, Kotaku reports that the game’s makers managed to fix it with the first update… sorry if you’ve been enjoying the freebies!

If you weren’t aware, the item involved two players. While one of them rotated an item, the other would pick it up at the same moment, suggesting to the game that two different versions of that item existed – one which had been rotated, and the other which had been placed in the other player’s pocket. This would generate an awful lot of items in a short space of time, which could then be sold back to Timmy and then used to pay off your Nook Loans.