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Apple likely took down iCloud Activation Lock to stop hacks relying on stolen serial numbers

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 31, 2017

As we reported, Apple recently took down its tremendously useful Activation Lock webpage for reasons unknown. The theft-deterrent tool allowed legitimate iOS device owners and just about anyone else to check the status of the Activation Lock feature by entering a serial number. Apple provided no explanation for the removal, but all checks point to it being a precautionary measure meant to prevent hacks relying on stolen serial numbers, as a reader pointed out in comments.

The Iconfactory releases minimal drawing app Linea with full Apple Pencil support

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 31, 2017

Developer The Iconfactory today announced it's releasing Linea, a brand new $9.99 iPad drawing app that's specifically optimized for Apple Pencil users. Why does the world need another iPad drawing app? According to The Iconfactory, Linea focuses on the simple act of sketching.

It's based on a minimal user interface that doesn't inundate you with extensive controls fond in other apps which get in the way when you’re trying to figure out where to start.

Super Mario Run: new Easy mode, 78 million downloads, $53 million revenue

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 31, 2017

Nintendo said Tuesday that Super Mario Run for iPhone has managed to rack up 78 million downloads and generate about $53 million in revenue since its December debut on App Store, a performance analysts said was better than expected, reported The Wall Street Journal.

The game's most recent update brought out a new Easy gameplay mode which lets players explore the level at their own pace, without the timer.

The update also adds support for the Korean language and compatibility with new events while bringing changes to the game's Toad Rally mode, which now makes Toads easier to collect by reducing penalties for poor performance.

Which W1 chip-equipped audio device should you get?

Anthony Bouchard ∙ January 31, 2017

Because Apple nixed the 3.5mm headphone jack from the bottom of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, you either have to use the supplied Lightning dongle for backwards compatibility with your 3.5mm audio accessories, or you have to kick it up to the new age with a pair of wireless or Lightning-enabled audio devices instead.

When you don’t want to be bothered with the issue of charging your device at the same time you're listening to audio with headphones or earbuds in, the obvious choice is to go wireless. While there are tons of options, only a few come with Apple’s brand new W1 chip, which supports the slick new Bluetooth pairing process. Among those are AirPods, Beats Solo3, and Powerbeats3.

If you’re in a predicament and can’t decide between the three then you should find this piece helpful, because I'll be comparing the strengths and weaknesses of each from a variety of angles.

CCTButtonActions lets you use 3D Touch in Control Center to get to specialized settings

Anthony Bouchard ∙ January 31, 2017

Control Center has a lot of useful toggles existing all along the top of it, allowing you do things like turn Airplane Mode, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Rotation Lock, or even Do Not Disturb mode on or off.

Of course, one jailbreak developer has found a way to make the toggles into shortcuts for the respective preferences panes in the Settings app, and he’s done so with a new free jailbreak tweak called CCTButtonActions.

Let’s Talk iOS 172: That’s when you know you should stop

Sébastien Page ∙ January 31, 2017

Cody finally set up his new laptop with his new monitor/TV screen. A recipe for disaster, right? The guys talk about notable features in the latest iOS, and watchOS betas, including Find My AirPods, changing Home screen icons, a hidden keyboard on iPad, Theater Mode, the ability for developers to soon be able to reply to App Store reviews, and more. Finally, Sebastien shares a cool new app for listening to podcasts on Apple Watch.

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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 at checkout.

iOS 10.2 no longer being signed by Apple makes it impossible to downgrade

Joaquim Barbosa ∙ January 30, 2017

In the last few minutes Apple closed the signing window for iOS 10.2. That means that you can no longer upgrade, downgrade, or restore to that firmware, either over-the-air or through iTunes. You also can no longer save blobs for iOS 10.2 through any tool.

Apple seeds first watchOS 3.2 beta to developers with Theater Mode and SiriKit

Cody Lee ∙ January 30, 2017

Apple on Monday seeded the first beta of watchOS 3.2 to developers. It can be installed by registered developers with the appropriate profile by opening the Watch app in iOS, and navigating to General > Software Update.

The beta arrives a week after the release of watchOS 3.1.3, and just over 3 months after 3.1 rolled out to the public. It also follows a slew of other betas Apple issued last week, including iOS 10.3 and macOS Sierra 10.12.4.

“Shot on iPhone” continues with low-light photos taken on iPhone 7/Plus

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 30, 2017

Apple today launched a new iPhone photography showcase, called “One Night on iPhone 7,” that's part of its ongoing “Shot on iPhone” advertising campaign. According to the company's media release issued Monday, “One Night on iPhone 7” launches today in 25 countries globally.

The campaign features night shots snapped by a group of iPhone photographers that are meant to showcase the low-light capabilities of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus cameras. You can download them from the Apple Newsroom website.

Canopies, walkways, plants & more shown in latest iSpaceship drone footage

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 30, 2017

Despite Apple Campus 2's progress being slowed down due to poor weather and heavy rainstorms, the latest 4K aerial footage of the massive ring-shaped structure from drone pilots Matthew Roberts and Duncan Seinfield shows that the 280,000-square-foot building is finally nearing completion.

Heavier work has been largely completed, with more landscaping and finishing touches in the form of walkways, lamps, parking lots and more now appearing on the site.

Starbucks testing AI-powered digital barista assistant in iPhone app

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

You'll soon be able to order your favorite latte by using your voice as Starbucks today kicked off a limited beta test of a new artificial intelligence assistant inside its mobile app for iPhone. Aptly named My Starbucks Barista, this new feature will let you order items by conversing with the virtual barista within a new messaging UI, the firm said Monday.

OLED for iPhone 8 could add $50 million to Apple’s March quarter expenses

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 30, 2017

iPhone 8, or 10th Anniversary iPhone as affectionately dubbed by the media, is expected to adopt the unrivaled organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display technology as utilized on Apple Watch screens and the new MacBook Pro's Touch Bar.

OLEDs are more difficult and pricier to produce than the traditional LCD panels so the decision to outfit iPhone 8 with an OLED-based screen could cost Apple approximately $50 million in incremental costs in the March quarter, according to an investor memo from Cowen & Company's Timothy Arcuri obtained Monday by AppleInsider.