Year: 2016

Apple granted a patent for augmented reality-enhanced maps and navigation on iPhone

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 8, 2016

We know from Tim Cook's remarks that Apple dabbled in virtual reality systems before deciding that augmented reality is the way to go. As opposed to virtual reality which completely immersed you in computer-generated environments, augmented reality overlays computer imagery on live video feed of the real world, enhancing or augmenting the images of your real-life surroundings.

Apple's latest patent award for augmented reality maps that surfaced today in the database of the United States Patent & Trademark Office underscores the company's commitment to augmented reality technologies.

Vine could potentially live on as Twitter reviews multiple offers from prospective suitors

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 10, 2017

Twitter is currently entertaining multiple purchase offers from potential Vine buyers, meaning the once very popular shortform video-sharing service could live on assuming Twitter manages to sell it, according to a new report from TechCrunch. As you know, Twitter last month announced plans to phase out the video-looping social networking app. After acquiring the startup behind the Vine app, Twitter released Vine on the App Store in January 2013.

Facebook halts WhatsApp data collection in UK following privacy probe

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 17, 2018

As of late-August 2016, WhatsApp has been sharing account data with Facebook in what the firm framed as an effort to improve targeted advertising on the social network. Although users can easily opt out of the WhatsApp → Facebook data sharing with just a few taps, most novice users are unaware that their WhatsApp usage data is being shared with Facebook.

In the United Kingdom, the Information Commissioner Office head Elizabeth Denham said her office had launched a probe into WhatsApp's updated Terms of Service a few weeks ago.

The new terms previously drew ire from European privacy watchdogs who expressed “serious concerns” over the policy change. As a result of the UK government probe, WhatsApp has now suspended account data collection and sharing with Facebook.

Apple aggressively boosting MacBook Pro orders with 15M estimated shipments in 2016

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 8, 2016

As the Internet keeps whining about supposed lack of features on the new MacBook Pro (let's bring back the floppy drive, shall we?) and Apple's master plan to make us buy more dongles, the Cupertino firm appears confident in the face of strong criticism that its latest notebook is indeed going to appeal to the general public and mainstream users.

According to supply chain chatter echoed by Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes, Apple's been pretty “aggressive” in placing orders for the new MacBook Pros.

Snapchat update enables new gestures for sharing Snaps and using Lenses

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 8, 2016

Snapchat today issued a small update to its iPhone application, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store. The app's version number has been bumped to 9.43.0.0 as the latest update enables two new gestures for easier sharing of content and navigating your Stories and the Discover tab. As a bonus, Snapchat fans now have an easier way to use Lenses.

TSMC posts record profits as iPhone 7 demand fuels orders for A10 Fusion chip

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 8, 2016

Chip manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) today posted record profits and its shares have climbed to their highest level on record as strong demand for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus fuels orders for the handsets' in-housed designed A10 Fusion processor. That TSMC is the sole supplier of the A10 has no doubt helped it capture record profits amid a global slowdown in the smartphone market.

The Trail is a beautiful jaunt in the palm of your hand

Steffen Reich ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

In gaming circles, the mentioning of Peter Molyneux’s name alone will cue plenty of associations. The Brit gained industry fame at the helm of projects such as Black & White or Fable, inextricably linking his name to figments of fantastical worlds, deep characters and far-reaching decisions on virtue and morality. In 2012, Molyneux founded 22Cans and branched out to mobile gaming. So far, remarkably little has come off it on iPhone.

In view of the latest product out of 22Cans' think tank, the rules might however just have changed. Their latest adventure goes by the name The Trail and revolves around the ostensibly quiet premise of wandering nature. Contrary to some notions inherent to hiking though, it is remarkably entertaining, oddly social and distinctly Molyneux. Oh, and it is a visual treat for your eyes.

Find out if the game with the curious premise is cut out for you in our review.

Samsung apologizes to users for Note 7 debacle with full-page ads in major U.S. newspapers

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 8, 2016

Samsung took a full-page ad in three major U.S. newspapers to apologize to its customers for the Note 7 recall. The Korean Herald newspaper is reporting that the company's letter to customers was signed by Gregory Lee, who is president and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America.

The ad appeared in Monday editions of The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Washington Post.

“An important tenet of our mission is to offer best-in-class safety and quality. Recently, we fell short on this promise. For this we are truly sorry,” reads the ad.

Anker’s power banks and solar chargers keep your devices juiced up while on the go

Anthony Bouchard ∙ November 8, 2016

If you do a lot of traveling and like to stay connected with your friends and family via your smartphone or tablet, then you probably need as much battery life as you can get. Out and about, you won’t always have access to a plug in the wall, so it’s a good idea to have a backup plan for keeping your devices charged.

Anker makes some great solutions, including the PowerCore 20000 and PowerCore+ 26800 power banks, and a 21W PowerPort Solar charger so you can harness the power of the Sun. Any of these can help make mobile charging easier.

Let’s Talk iOS 160: The Pro in MacBook Pro

Sébastien Page ∙ November 8, 2016

After discussing some of the new features in the latest betas of iOS 10.2, and tvOS 10.1, including the new TV app, and Single Sign-On, Cody and Sebastien discuss the backlash that has been following the launch of the new MacBook Pro. Where is the Pro in the MacBook Pro? Is the Pro just an average machine sold at a Pro price? Listen in!

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Support Let’s Talk iOS: Get $50 towards any mattress purchase by going to Casper.com/ios and using code ios.

How to set a website as your Mac’s screen saver

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated December 20, 2023

In this tutorial, we will share the quick steps to set one or more websites as your Mac's screen saver so you have their latest news or articles displayed constantly on the screen.