The U.S. Senate passed legislation that would restore Net Neutrality in the country, but Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet explain why they don’t think it will go any further. They also break down Ralph Nader’s kind-of-weird whiff in complaining about Apple’s share buyback program. They cap the show with a look at how Sir Jony Ive is a watch-man, though Steve Jobs wasn’t involved with Apple Watch.
Apple
Designing Apple's Personal Robot, Yanny or Laurel - TMO Daily Observations 2018-05-16
Kelly Guimont and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to talk about what a personal robot from Apple could be, plus they explain what’s going on with the “Yanny or Laurel” meme.
Apple's Helpful Video on Using 2FA for Apple Devices
Check out this Apple video on using 2FA to secure your Apple devices. I won’t pass up an opportunity to promote device and service security. For instance—and while I’m here—DON’T REUSE PASSWORDS! So, anyway, Apple has this short (only 6 seconds) how-to video that gives you the quick run-down on using 2FA to protect your Apple ID. Really, it’s a pointer to a more in-depth piece on using 2FA, and that article has a lot of good information. TMO has some great articles on 2FA, too, and too, and too, and too. Many of our readers already know this stuff, but we all have friends and family who don’t. Pass it to them. Post a link in social media. Help the people who count on you for tech stuff learn more about protecting their digital #^%$!
Keep your personal information secure, even in your sleep. With two-factor authentication, you can protect your Apple ID with more than just a password.
Here’s how it works: https://t.co/d9RtMwoV1L pic.twitter.com/aXV5g6RjGL
— Apple Support (@AppleSupport) May 14, 2018
Apple's Leadership Without Steve Jobs' Influence - TMO Daily Observations 2018-05-15
Dave Hamilton and Bryan Chaffin join Jeff Gamet to share their thoughts on the impact Steve Jobs had on Apple’s current leadership, and what happens when Tim Cook is gone.
Ralph Nader Uses Apple's Success as Focal Point for His Causes in Open Letter
Ralph Nader has penned an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook urging him to suspend his company’s plan to to spend US$100 Billion on stock buybacks.
Apple Seeds tvOS 11.4 Developer Beta 5
This version of tvOS is testing AirPlay 2 through Apple TV 4 and Apple TV 4K devices.
Apple Seeds macOS 10.13.5 Developer Beta 5
The biggest feature for end-users is continued testing of Messages in iCloud.
The Microsoft and Apple Team Up Debate, Efail Explained - TMO Daily Observations 2018-05-14
Andrew Orr and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to talk about the possibility of Microsoft and Apple forming a business partnership, plus they explain the Efail email encryption security flaw.
$AAPL Closes at Record High $190.04, Hits Market Cap of $934 Billion
The stock hit an intra-day high of $190.37 , giving up a few cents before the closing bell.
Hodinkee Does the Watch-Lover's Interview with Sir Jony Ive
Check out this great interview with Sir Jony Ive by Hodinkee‘s Benjamin Clymer. It’s essentially the watch-lover’s interview with Jony Ive. Here’s a snippet:
A publicist makes his way toward the rope – yes, it’s velvet – and straightens the post to which it is attached. He looks at it once more, and adjusts it again. It all feels very natural. The elevator bank opens and Jony strides off. He swiftly passes the twice-considered rope and is greeted by the team. I go in for a hearty handshake. But as with each time I converse with this man who has designed much of the world around us, I stumble at his kindness. “So nice to see you, Ben.”
Beautifully written, this interview includes annotations by Mr. Clymer to explain why he asked what he asked. And all of it is a piece by a fine timepiece enthusiast for fine time piece enthusiasts. One of the tidbits I found particularly interesting is that Jony Ive said he never talked about watches with Steve Jobs, and that the Apple Watch was first discussed a few months after his passing. This is a great interview.
Share Buybacks and Apple's Future, Same Old Facebook, Google Duplex - ACM 461
Warning, this one went long: Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet discuss what Apple’s share buybacks say about Apple’s future. They also weigh WhatsApp’s founder leaving Facebook, and what it says about Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg. They go over when diving into Google Duplex, a demonstration that was as awesome as it was devoid of real value.
Let's Play Spot-Apple-Park from High in the Air
Check out this great aerial photograph of Apple Park from photographer Joseph Olesh that was taken from high in the air.
Apple Seeds macOS 10.13.5 Developer Beta 4
The biggest feature for end-users is continued testing of Messages in iCloud.
Apple Releases iOS 11.4 Developer Beta 4
So far, this release cycle for iOS 11.4 includes AirPlay 2, along with Messages in iCloud; HomePod stereo pairing was removed in developer beta 2.
Bill Gates Calls Apple 'Amazing,' While Warren Buffett Values How Consumers Make Apple Part of their Lives
Former Microsoft chairman Bill Gates called Apple an “amazing company” on CNBC Monday, while Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett said he liked Apple because of the way consumers make the company’s products a part of their lives.
Apple HomePod Update Article Appears, but No Update Yet Available
The notes included in the article, however, list only current features with no other mention of an actual update, and a check in the Home app shows no update available, either.
Apple and Microsoft in Talks with UAE to End Ban on FaceTime and Skype
Voice-over-IP (VOIP) services face are banned in the UAE to protect local telecom monopolies, but the government also tends towards authoritarianism and listens in on communications of its citizens and vast numbers of foreign guest workers.
The Myth of the Failing iPhone X and Other Earnings Report Notes - ACM 460
Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet discuss the myth of the failing iPhone X, where that myth comes from, how it’s sustained, and how Apple’s own data says otherwise. They also talk about how Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Luca Maestri tried to dispel those reports during Apple’s quarterly conference call with analysts. They also look at the indicators that HomePod, on the other hand, isn’t doing well, and Tim Cook’s continued insistence on focusing on sound quality when we really want a capable home assistant. They cap the show with some perspective on just how much money Apple is paying out to shareholders.
Apple's $100 Billion Share Buyback Program Explained
It’s the largest share buyback program in corporate history, and is in addition to Apple’s existing $210 billion stock buyback programs.
Apple CEO Tim Cook Says Privacy is a Fundamental Human Right
During Apple’s 2018 Q2 Earnings Report, Apple CEO Tim Cook said, “we believe privacy is a fundamental human right.” That’s a strong and inspiring stand.
Apple Reports Record $61.1 Billion in Revenues and EPS of $273, Beating Wall Street Estimates [Update]
Wall Street consensus estimates were for revenues of $60.8 billion and EPS of $2.68, making the quarter a solid beat for Apple. [Updated with more information about Apple’s results, a $100 billion share rebuy program, and a 16% increase in the company’s dividend.]
Apple Seeds iOS 11.4 Developer Beta 3
So far, this release cycle for iOS 11.4 includes AirPlay 2, along with Messages in iCloud.
Apple 2018 Q2 Earnings Report Today with All Eyes On iPhone Sales
Apple’s second fiscal quarter earnings report for 2018 is today, May 1st, and the big focus will be on iPhone sales.
Ming-Chi Kuo Quits KGI Securities, Stops Covering Apple
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, well known for his reports on upcoming Apple products, has left the firm.