Year: 2016

Bloomberg: Twitter plans to stop counting photos and links within the 140-character limit

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 16, 2016

Twitter's legendary 140-character limit per tweet (which mirrors limits on SMS messages) may not be going away anytime soon even though it was recently lifted from Direct Messages, but that doesn't mean the company isn't plotting new ways to help users squeeze more words into tweets.

As reported by Bloomberg, citing a person familiar with the matter, by not counting photos and links in tweets Twitter aims to make it easier to compose posts without losing 23 characters, or more, to these links—even after Twitter automatically shortens them.

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Apple releases iTunes 12.4 with minor design changes

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Continuing with its string of update releases today, Apple has pushed out a new version of iTunes. Labeled as iTunes 12.4, the update confirms screenshot leaks we saw earlier this month depicting minor design and interface changes that make for a more streamlined experience in the desktop app.

Apple says 12.4 allows you to enjoy your media in a new, "simpler" design that features revamped navigation, better use of back and forward buttons, and a new media picker. Sidebar has also been refreshed, with new Library views and the ability to easily drag and drop songs into custom Playlists.

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Apple releases OS X 10.11.5, watchOS 2.2.1 and tvOS 9.2.1

Cody Lee ∙ May 16, 2016

In addition to iOS 9.3.2, Apple on Monday released OS X 10.11.5, watchOS 2.2.1 and tvOS 9.2.1 to the public. You can find the updates in the Mac App Store, in the iOS Watch app, and by navigating to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software on your fourth generation Apple TV.

From what we saw in the various developer and public betas for the above updates, none of them are going to include any significant user-facing changes. They're mostly maintenance releases, featuring bug fixes and other improvements aimed at ironing issues noticed in previous software versions.

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Apple releases iOS 9.3.2 with bug fixes and other improvements

Cody Lee ∙ May 16, 2016

Apple on Monday seeded iOS 9.3.2 to the public. The official release follows 4 developer and public betas, and comes about a month and a half after iOS 9.3.1. Those looking to update can do so by navigating to the Settings app > General > Software Update > Install Now, or you can find the full version on our Downloads page.

As we saw in the betas, iOS 9.3.2 doesn't contain a lot of new features. It's mostly bug fixes—iPhone SE owners will be glad to hear that this update fixes the Bluetooth accessory issue—and other improvements. One thing users may notice is the ability to use Low Power Mode and Night Shift at the same time. Full change log below.

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Be a virtual tourist: take scripted 3D tours of world’s major metropolises on Apple Maps

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated July 11, 2019

You knew about three-dimensional buildings and landmarks on Apple Maps—a feature they're calling Flyover mode. But did you know that Apple's mapping service includes virtual tours of more than a hundred major metropolises worldwide? If not, that's because Apple hasn't exactly gone to great lengths to advertise it front and center in the Maps interface.

These virtual tours are basically auto-playing animations in Flyover mode, complete with three-dimensional buildings, terrain and landmarks. They're quite useful if you're visiting a city for the first time, though virtual tourists who want a quick overview of a major city will also find them fun and entertaining.

Here's how you can explore and enjoy 3D Flyover Tours on Apple Maps for the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Mac.

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Google I/O 2016 is kicking off on Wednesday: keep tabs on it with official iPhone app

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 16, 2016

Google I/O, the search giant's version of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, is kicking off this year on Wednesday, May 18, at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California and what better way to keep up with the conference than an iPhone app from Google.

The official Google I/O 2016 app, like Apple's own WWDC for iPhone app, lets you follow conference news, explore tracks and speakers, watch session videos, enjoy a live stream of the keynote and more, right on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.

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Google to ditch Flash for HTML5 by default in Chrome come this fall

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 16, 2016

The slow death of Adobe Flash continues as Google preps to put another nail into the beleaguered technology's coffin come this fall. According to a draft proposal from the search giant, a copy of which was obtained by Venture Beat, Google's desktop browser will default to showing HTML5 content and video, falling back to Flash as a last resort.

Chrome ships with a built-in Flash Player which automatically kicks into action whenever a piece of Flash content is detected on a webpage.

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Apple just shot down an app that could detect iPhone malware

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 21, 2018

Stefan Esser’s iPhone app, called System and Security Info, can no longer be downloaded from the App Store, as first noted by The Next Web. Esser’s software let iPhone users know if their device had malware that could be used to spy on them, and could detect a jailbreak, too.

The app was removed from the App Store earlier this morning. Esser was basically told that detecting weaknesses in a user’s device could lead to “potentially inaccurate and misleading diagnostic functionality for iOS devices.”

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iQunix makes an affordable, high-quality stand for MacBook

Anthony Bouchard ∙ May 16, 2016

If you're looking for a durable aluminum stand for your Apple notebook, then don't count out iQunix. Although the popular brand names look appealing and are tried and true, we had the chance to go hands-on with the iQunix Edin, which is also a very high-quality stand for all MacBook models, all this at a lower price.

In this review, we'll show you how the iQunix Edin looks and touch on its build quality and features. Don't be shy; we think you're gonna like it!

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Tim Cook talks Didi acquisition during China trip

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 16, 2016

Apple CEO Tim Cook visited an Apple Store in Beijing this morning with Liu Qing, president of Didi Chuxing, the company the iPhone maker invested an astounding $1 billion in.

Also called the Chinese Uber, Didi is a ride sharing service and Apple's investment comes at a time when the Cupertino firm is widely rumored to be secretly working on an electric car project. Cook said Apple and Didi both shared concerns for the environment.

He also revealed, according to China Daily, that app developers in China have now earned over $7 billion, half of which came in the past twelve months alone.

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How and why to report spammy iMessages to Apple

Anthony Bouchard ∙ May 16, 2016

Sometimes your contact information ends up where you don't want it, and you end up with annoying spam iMessages from people, companies, or bots that try to scam you or steal personal information.

Fortunately, Apple's iMessage service comes with an abuse report feature that you can use to report senders who are misusing the iMessage platform and making it a less enjoyable thing to use.

In this piece, we'll talk about how and why you should be reporting iMessages that seem spammy.

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