We finally have the winner of our iPhone 16 Pro international giveaway! Congratulations to Oliver T., and a huge thank you to everyone who participated.
Proof of Stake vs. Proof of Work Cryptocurrencies, with Dave Hamilton - ACM 547
Bryan Chaffin and Dave Hamilton dive into the differences between Proof of Stake (PoS) and Proof of Work (PoW) cryptocurrencies, and what that means in terms of energy consumption.
Scrivener 3 for Mac: $29.99 (Last Chance)
Our friends at Stack Commerce let us know that our deal for Scrivener 3 for Mac is coming to an end. Scrivener 3 is Latte & Literature’s excellent writing software, software I have personally used to complete a novel, write short stories, write and organize query letters, synopsis keep research notes and character details. I’ve also used it to output samples and manuscripts to ebook formats, Word docs, and a whole lot more. I love Scrivener. I mean, I totally adore this software and recommend it to anyone who is serious about writing. Scrivener 3 for Mac is just $29.99 through our deal. Snap it up while it lasts.
Livestream Recording: Ending Child Surveillance
On Thursday I joined a livestream from Fight for the Future. Parents and experts talked about the dangers of social media and how many of these companies spy on kids the same way they spy on adults. For kids it also happens in schools with tools like proctor software. With the launch of EndChildSurveillance.com, parents and privacy advocates alike want to fight back. You can watch the livestream recording below.
John and Kelly on "Technical Gluttony" – TMO Daily Observations 2021-05-21
John Martellaro joins host Kelly Guimont to discuss “technical gluttony” and, as usual, a couple of TV recommendations make it into the mix.
Survivor Reveals New Rugged Cases for iPad 10.2-Inch
Survivor has recently released new rugged cases for the iPad 10.2-inch (7th, 8th gen) that comply with MIL-STD-810G.
AdGuard’s Shortcut Can Help Block YouTube Ads
AdGuard, creator of a popular adblocker of the same name, started getting complaints from users that YouTube ads were slipping through. It turns out Google deployed a new algorithm for showing ads to logged in users (Read more here). AdGuard was able to create a shortcut that can block these new ads while they build similar functionality to block them with the AdGuard app. You don’t need to have the AdGuard app installed to run the shortcut. Download Shortcut
Apple TV 4K and New Siri Remote Available to Buy
The new Apple TV 4K is Available to buy alongside an updated Siri remote, which can also be purchased separately.
New M1 iPad Pro Available to Buy
The new M1 iPad Pro is available to buy in-store and online – the 11-inch model starts at US$799, the 12.9-inch model starts at US$1,099.
New iMac in Seven Colors Available to Buy
Customers can now buy the new 24-inch M1 iMac, with the redesigned device starting at US$1,299 and available in seven different colors.
Apple Unveils Podcast Subscriptions Affiliate Program
Apple has announced an affiliate program for Podcasts in which participants can earn commission subscriptions they drive.
Snap Launching Standalone iOS Video Editing App
Snap, the firm behind Snapchat, announced a new iOS app called Story Studio that will launch later this year. It will provide editing tools, including AR Lenses that are designed specifically for mobile editing and vertical videos.
The app will pull data from Snapchat and its new Spotlight feature, more familiarly recognized as its TikTok competitor, to help people figure out how and what to make. They can look through Snapchat insights, like what’s trending on the app across sounds, hashtags, and lenses. Lenses will be built directly into Story Studio, as well as Snapchat Sounds and stickers, so editors can add those. Of course, like most other video editing apps, users can trim their videos and edit frame by frame. They can then share directly to Snapchat through a built-in button, or download their work to publish in other apps. Notably, content made in Story Studio won’t include a watermark, meaning if it’s published on other platforms, like Instagram’s Reels, it won’t be demoted by the algorithm.
Apple Fitness+ Getting Closed Captioning Coming And Other Accessibility Features
Apple Fitness+ is being updated with new accessibility features and Apple is marking Global Accessibility Awareness Day across its products.
Using an M1 iPad Pro for Photography
Photographer Austin Mann recently published a review of the M1 iPad Pro, specifically in how it can be used in photography.
As any photographer knows, one of the most time-consuming parts of the photo creation process is culling through thousands of images, making selects, and editing the images. Thanks to the M1 chip, faster internal storage, and a few other improvements, the new iPad Pro with M1 is the fastest image sorting tool I’ve ever used.
Treasury Department Wants Mandatory Reporting for Crypto Transfers Over $10K
The U.S. Treasury Department wants new rules [PDF] to make it easier to track how cryptocurrency moves around. Businesses would also be required to report cryptocurrency transactions above US$10,000 to the IRS.
According to the report, the IRS collects 99 percent of taxes due on wages, but that number is estimated to be as low as 45 percent on non-labor income, a discrepancy that hugely benefits high earners with “less visible” income sources. The Treasury calls virtual currency, which has some reporting requirements but still operates mostly out of sight in regulatory grey areas, a particular challenge.
Ultimately, I think this is good for cryptocurrency because it gains legitimacy with moves like this.
How to Change the Face on an Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is customizable in lots of ways – including the face, which can be changed via the iPhone app or directly on the device.
Apple in China – TMO Daily Observations 2021-05-20
Bryan Chaffin and Andrew Orr join host Kelly Guimont to discuss Apple’s relationship with China, and how it’s not a good look for the company.
Case Maker Totallee Will Have 50% Off Memorial Day Sale
Totallee makes thin cases for smartphones and is planning a big sale for Memorial Day 2021. From May 24 to May 31, you can get 50% off.
LastPass is Making its Password Manager App More Accessible
For today’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day, LastPass is working to make its app more accessible for people with disabilities.
Twelve South Releases ‘BookBook’ iPhone Case With MagSafe
Twelve South has released a new version of its BookBook case for iPhone, and this new update is compatible with MagSafe.
British Retailer Argos Stops Selling Apple TV 4K After Making it Available Early
British retailer Argos was spotted selling the new Apple TV 4K with Siri Remote two days ahead of its planned release.
Google Chrome Brings Back RSS… Sort of
Google Chrome is to get a new ‘Follow’ feature. As TechCrunch noted, it’s not quite an RSS reader… but it’s pretty close.
In Chrome, users will soon see a ‘Follow’ feature for sites that support RSS and the browser’s New Tab page will get what is essentially a (very) basic RSS reader — I guess you could almost call it a “Google Reader.” Now we’re not talking about a full-blown RSS reader here. The New Tab page will show you updates from the sites you follow in chronological order, but it doesn’t look like you can easily switch between feeds, for example. It’s a start, though.
WaterField Releases Hip Sling Bag Collection for iPad
WaterField Designs has released a new product line called Hip Sling Bags. These are fanny pack-like bags big enough to hold an iPad and other accessories.
Bombich Software Releases Carbon Copy Cloner 6
Bombich Software has recently released Carbon Copy Cloner 6, the latest update for its backup program. The team says: “It’s a major upgrade with a redesigned interface and dozens of new features. It’s been almost four years since our last major release and we’ve packed in a ton of new features.” CCC can now use the macOS FSEvents service for a list of folders modified on the source since the last backup rather than scanning every folder for changes. The UI has also been redesigned and includes dark mode and a more detailed progress indication when a task is running, and more.
Apple Unveils Range of New Accessibility Software Updates
Apple announced a variety of new software features designed for people with mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive disabilities.