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Purple iPhone 12 Begins Shift to Randomized Serial Numbers

Charlotte Henry ·

The transition towards Apple using randomzied serial numbers has begun. The recently released iPhone 12 model is the first device to have them, MacRumors  reported.

With assistance from Aaron Zollo, host of the YouTube channel ZolloTech, we can confirm that the purple iPhone 12 released last month has a new 10-character serial number format, compared to the usual 12 characters for most other Apple products. Apple previously said its randomized serial numbers would initially be 10 characters long, so the purple iPhone 12 appears to be the first Apple product with a randomized serial number. The change likely extends to the purple iPhone 12 mini, but we’ve yet to confirm this.

Superhuman Email Rolls Out Support for Zoom, Google Meet
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Superhuman Email Rolls Out Support for Zoom, Google Meet

Andrew Orr ·

Email app Superhuman is rolling out support for Zoom and Google Meet integrations into its calendar. The integration was one of the most highly requested features from Superhuman users. With the new integration, users will be able to add Zoom or Google Meet links to the calendar events they create in Superhuman. Like the rest of the calendar experience – you’ll be able to do so with the keyboard only. Superhuman mail is a US$30/month subscription.

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Apple Responds After Australian Retailer Pulls AirTags Over Safety Concerns

Charlotte Henry ·

Australian retailer Officeworks pulled AirTags off its shelves this week citing “safety concerns.” Apple has defended the product, reports TechRadar, insisting it meets all the relevant safety standards.

In response to the report, Apple issued the following statement to TechRadar: “AirTag is designed to meet international child safety standards, including those in Australia, by requiring a two step push-and-turn mechanism to access the user-replaceable battery.  “We are following the regulations closely and are working to ensure that our products will meet or exceed new standards, including those for package labelling, well ahead of the timeline required.” As Apple’s statement above shows, the brand believes that it is conforming with the necessary regulations for sale of goods with coin batteries inside, and should be allowed on sale on Australian shelves.

Camera+ 2 Adds AI-Powered Monuments Mode
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Camera+ 2 Adds AI-Powered Monuments Mode

Andrew Orr ·

Monuments Mode is a new camera mode for Camera+ 2 to help photographers take great photos. The team says: “The basic idea was: what if we grab a bunch of high-resolution video frames from the camera feed, perfectly align them on top of each other, and then somehow select the best parts without the moving distractions.” The mode is designed to remove objects in motion that get in the way of a minimal shot, like taking a photo of a building with people walking by. App Store Link

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App ‘Winnie’ Helps Connect Parents to Available Childcare Providers

Andrew Orr ·

On Tuesday Apple shared the story of Winnie, an app that helps connect parents to childcare providers with openings.

Winnie is the brainchild of Chief Executive Officer Sara Mauskopf, 36, and Chief Product Officer Anne Halsall, 37, who met while working at the same startup six years ago. Both were mothers with young children, and knew how challenging it could be to find quality childcare.

These Dynamic iOS Wallpapers Change Based on Battery Level
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These Dynamic iOS Wallpapers Change Based on Battery Level

Andrew Orr ·

Dynamo wallpapers use automation Shortcuts to change dynamically based on your iPhone’s battery life, and when your phone is charging. Not only does this create a delightful interaction, it also improves visual communication of the charging cycle. Dynamo is available in 2 different packs, each pack contains 3 sets of dynamic wallpapers. Please note: These wallpapers need to be installed and automated using the iOS 14 Shortcuts app. This takes approx 10 minutes to setup. Video and PDF instructions are included in the download.

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Sensor From British Startup Could Turn Apple Watch into a Doctor

Charlotte Henry ·

Wearables, including the Apple Watch, are clearly going to play a big part in Apple’s future. According to a Telegraph report picked up on by Cult of Mac, a sensor from a British firm could be key to taking its medical capabilities to the next level.

The British startup promises to “bring laboratory diagnostics to the wrist.” And Rockley is undoubtedly(sic) working with the iPhone-maker. The company is about to have its IPO, and documentation filed with the SEC mentions, “Apple Inc., Rockley’s largest customer.” But the two companies’ cooperation might not lead to significant change as quickly as some might hope. In March, CEO Andrew Rickman said in the SEC filing, “The commercial launch of Rockley’s consumer product offerings is expected to be in 2022.”

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Oprah Reveals Prince Harry Mental Health Apple TV+ Series to Air in May

Charlotte Henry ·

We may finally be getting close to seeing Prince Harry and Oprah’s long-awaited Apple TV+ series on mental health. The talk show queen revealed that it is coming this month during a recent TV appearance, reported The Independent. 

Winfrey confirmed the release during a recent appearance opposite psychiatrist Dr Bruce D Perry on The Drew Barrymore Show.  “I want to just say that Dr Perry and I have also, for the past two years, along with Prince Harry and Apple, we’ve been working on this mental health series that’s coming out in May on Apple,” she said. The announcement of the duo’s partnership was initially made in April 2019 via a post shared to the official Instagram account for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.