Let’s Talk iOS 162: Staying out of the gravy trouble

Sébastien Page ∙ November 22, 2016

Cody explains his reasons for buying the MacBook Pro without Touch Bar, while Sebastien shares some of his first reactions to the new Touch Bar. The guys also discuss Apple cutting off its fee for video streaming apps and the implication this may have, the disbandment of AirPort devices, the rumor of Apple working on digital glasses, as well as an update of the Apple Car, including a great piece from Neil Cybart.

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Apple to host one-day shopping event on Black Friday

Cody Lee ∙ Updated August 4, 2017

Apple late Monday updated its website with a new page teasing its upcoming Black Friday sale. The page shows the above graphic, along with links to gift ideas, gift cards, and a section for locating your nearest Apple Store. The company also notes that two-day shipping will be free on Friday for in-stock items ordered by 5:00 p.m.

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Best Mac Bundle: save up to 90% on Parallels, 1Password, TextExpander + 5 more apps

Cody Lee ∙ November 21, 2016

If you or someone you know owns a Mac and could benefit from apps like 1Password or TextExpander, you're going to want to check out this promotion from the folks at Parallels. It's called the Black Friday Mac App Bundle, and it can save you up to 90% on 8 top-shelf Mac apps and services.

Included in this package is Parallels Desktop 12, which allows you to run Windows and other operating systems on your Mac, the popular password management app 1Password (the latest 'Families' edition), and key shortcut creator TextExpander. We have a full breakdown of the apps below.

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Twelve South’s new HiRise Duet simultaneously charges iPhone/iPad and Apple Watch

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 21, 2016

Twelve South's versatile HiRise accessory is among the best stands I've used for charging my iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. Recently, it's gotten even better with an overhauled version sporting refined looks, reduced footprint and increased stability with larger iOS devices.

But what if you own an iPhone and an Apple Watch and need a stand that can charge both devices at the same time? That's exactly what HiRise Duet does for you. In fact, it's the first dual charging stand that powers up your Apple Watch in Nightstand mode.

A $119.99 purchase gets you a fully assembled stand with an integrated Lightning connector for iPhone, a built-in magnetic charging disc for your Apple Watch and a single AC power cable to charge both devices simultaneously.

As a bonus, you get a bunch of international wall plugs.

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Apple launches repair program for unexpected shutdown issues on iPhone 6s

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 21, 2016

Apple on Monday announced a new repair program to address issues where “a very small number” of iPhone 6s devices manufactured between September and October 2015 may unexpectedly shut down. The issue is apparently caused by a faulty battery, which Apple will replace free of charge if your iPhone 6s is affected. The program covers affected iPhone 6s batteries for three years after the first retail sale of the unit and may restrict or limit repair to the original country of purchase.

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Infuse 5 is out: Up Next, Split View, PiP, iCloud sync, cloud streaming & more

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 21, 2016

aTV Flash Black developer Firecore today released Infuse 5, a major new version of his versatile media player for the Apple TV, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It's the single biggest Infuse update Firecore ever released and they've been working on it for the better part of the year.

Infuse 5 packs in a bunch of goodies, including iCloud sync, a new “Up Next” discovery list for the Apple TV, Split View and Picture in Picture support on compatible iPads, cloud streaming and much more.

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Niantic hosts another double XP event for Pokémon GO during Thanksgiving week

Anthony Bouchard ∙ November 21, 2016

Pokémon GO players had a chance to participate in the Halloween event last month, in which ghost Pokémon spawns were increased, distances to hatch eggs were decreased, and double candies was rewarded for the entire week the event ran for.

Now, Niantic has announced a second event coming to the game in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday this week, but this time the rewards are a little different.

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Schiller: doubling MacBook Pro RAM would’ve reduced space for batteries

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 21, 2016

Software developer Ben Slaney asked Apple via email to give a more detailed clarification as to why the new MacBook Pro does not provide a 32-gigabyte build-to-order option for power users looking to max out the RAM. He allegedly received a response from Phil Schiller, who is boss of worldwide marketing at Apple and the steward of the firm's developer relations.

Schiller's response reveals that doubling the RAM from 16 to 32 gigabytes would have required a different logic board design versus the notebook's mustache-shaped logic board, one that would have reduced space for batteries.

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Here comes Apple’s holiday ad

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 21, 2016

Apple just aired a brand new holiday-themed television commercial through its channel on YouTube. Titled “Frankie’s Holiday,” the cinematic video runs two minutes long and depicts an unexpected holiday visitor who finally receives the “warm welcome he’s always yearned for.” The unexpected visitor is Frankenstein himself, who happens to be an iPhone 7 user.

The Christmas-themed upbeat commercial conveniently closes with a positive message which invites users to open their hearts to everyone.

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Apple challenges U.S. Apple Watch owners to bag a special Thanksgiving Day Activity achievement

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 21, 2016

Apple has issued a special challenge to U.S.-based owners of the Apple Watch on Monday, inviting them to walk, run or wheelchair a workout distance of at least 3.1 miles, or 5 kilometers, this Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 24. Those who successfully complete the challenge shall be awarded a special Thanksgiving-themed Activity achievement.

And to let you brag about your completed challenge and earned achievement, Apple will also unlock a special iMessage sticker which you can send to friends via Messages.

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