Apple on Tuesday seeded the third betas of iOS 11.3, tvOS 11.3 and macOS 10.13.4. Registered developers can install the new betas from Apple's center, or by using each platform's OTA updating mechanism.
Apple on Monday released iOS 11.2.6, watchOS 4.2.3, tvOS 11.2.6 and a macOS 10.13.3 supplemental update with fixes for the Telugu crashing bug. The bug, which made headlines last week, involves an Indian language character that crashes apps and devices when it is sent or received.
This week's edition of our Apps of the Week roundup features an app that tries to make you smile, an app that tries to make you healthier, and an app for Twitter threads. And as always, we've selected two great new games for you to check out.
Shazam for iOS received an update today, bringing the app to version 11.7.0. The update brings about a handful of new features and improvements, including a refreshed interface and real-time Lyric Syncing.
Apple has given the green light for a second season of Carpool Karaoke, CBS CEO Leslie Moonves announced on Thursday (via THR). During CBS' earnings conference call with investors, Moonves pointed to the renewal as an example of how the popularity of the network's late night hosts translated into new projects.
Apple has confirmed the existence of the iPhone-crashing 'Telegu' bug that made the rounds this morning, and says a fix is on the way. The company tells The Verge that it's planning to release an update soon that addresses the issue.
Apple has updated its [US] online store with refurbished Series 3 models of Apple Watch. Customers in the market for the wearable, which just launched in September, can pick up a GPS-only version for as little as $279.
Apple on Wednesday issued a statement confirming reports that the HomePod can leave visible marks on select wooden surfaces. In early reviews, Wirecutter and other publications noted that when placing the HomePod on treated wooden surfaces, a ring-shaped mark develops beneath the speaker within as little as 20 minutes.
Here's the blurb about the marks from Wirecutter's review:
The HomePod can damage wood furniture: An unhappy discovery after we placed a HomePod on an oiled butcher-block countertop and later on a wooden side table was that it left a defined white ring in the surface. Other reviewers and owners have reported the same issue, which an Apple representative has confirmed.
And here's Apple's official response to the publication:
Apple says “the marks can improve over several days after the speaker is removed from the wood surface,” and if they don’t fade on their own, you can basically just go refinish the furniture—the exact advice Apple gave in an email to Wirecutter was to “try cleaning the surface with the manufacturer’s suggested oiling method.”
Apple also adds that it's not unusual for speakers with a silicon base to leave small marks when placed on certain oiled or waxed surfaces—it has something to do with a chemical reaction to treated wood. Still, for a product that is touted for its beautiful design, this is not a good look. Especially given all of the criticism it's been taking in other areas.
Source: Wirecutter
Update: Apple has posted a new support document entitled "Cleaning and Taking Care of HomePod," with a section called Where to Place HomePod.
HomePod is designed for indoor use only. When using HomePod, make sure to place it on a solid surface. Place the power cord so that it won't be walked on or pinched.
It is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-dampening silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces. The marks can be caused by oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface, and will often go away after several days when the speaker is removed from the wooden surface. If not, wiping the surface gently with a soft damp or dry cloth may remove the marks. If marks persist, clean the surface with the furniture manufacturer's recommended cleaning process. If you’re concerned about this, we recommend placing your HomePod on a different surface.
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus handsets are expected to feature 3D emoji, reports Korean publication ETNews. The site claims Samsung's 3D emoji will be "more advanced" than Apple's Animoji, but will work in a similar fashion, with an animated character mimicking users' facial movements.
Feral Interactive announced on Tuesday that it's bringing 'Rise of the Tomb Raider' to macOS and Linux this spring. The game will be called 'Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration,' and it will be a direct port of the game that launched on PS4 in 2016.
Verizon is going to stop selling unlocked iPhones, CNET reports. The carrier tells the outlet that it plans to begin locking the phones it sells to customers, for an undetermined period of time, beginning in the spring.
This week's edition of our Apps of the Week roundup features a new messaging app with an AR twist, a new 'what's happening around me' app, and a fun flashcard app for learning languages. And as always, we've selected two great new games for you to check out.