Apple

Apple TV’s Siri can now tune you in to live broadcasts in supported apps

Apple has enhanced the tvOS operating system via a silent backend update that now permits users to ask Siri to tune in to live broadcasts in supported apps such as Disney XD, ESPN and CBS, the latter having gained integration with the Apple TV's universal search feature yesterday.

MacRumors has caught wind of this useful new feature addition on a splash screen that customers see after upgrading their 4th-generation Apple TV to the new tvOS software.

Fresh iSpaceship renderings visualize visitor reception buildings, food shacks and more

The Silicon Valley Business Journal yesterday shared a batch of new renderings depicting some new buildings and structures planned for Apple Campus 2, an upcoming flying saucer-shaped 2.8 million square foot structure that should become the company's new headquarters in January 2017, barring any unforeseen delays. The Apple-commissioned renderings depict two visitor reception locations, several outdoor food stations and an elegantly designed maintenance shed.

Apple to end support for QuickTime for Windows

Apple reportedly has plans to deprecate support for QuickTime for Windows, according to a research note issued Thursday by software security firm Trend Micro, which found a pair of new vulnerabilities in the software. Apple will no longer be issuing security updates for QuickTime for Windows, the advisory cautions.

An Apple support document provides the steps that Windows users can follow to uninstall the software. QuickTime for Mac is unaffected.

iTunes Movies and iBooks Store go offline in China without explanation

As of this morning, customers in China are unable to access Apple's content stores for digital movies and books, the iTunes Store for Movies and the iBooks Store, as both services went offline last evening without explanation. These stores are now inaccessible in China on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices, as well as on computers with iTunes.

No reason was give for the downtime and Apple had not commented on the move at post time, but AppleInsider has learned that it has something to do with the government's pending investigation into Apple's business practices.

Ultra-thin MacBooks with metal injection mold-made hinges due in second half of 2016?

Apple is expected to revamp the rest of its notebook lineup around ultra-thin MacBook models later this summer, which poses questions regarding the future of the existing MacBook Air lineup as Apple's thinnest notebooks. In a new report Friday, Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes cited local component makers as saying that they are starting to see increasing competition for related component orders ahead of a rumored launch of “new ultra-thin MacBooks in the second half of 2016.”

Apple’s allegedly brokered $2.6 billion deal with Samsung to supply OLED panels for iPhones

Apple has reportedly brokered a deal with its South Korean frenemy Samsung, worth an estimated $2.59 billion, to supply OLED panels for future iPhones, scheduled to ship in 2017. Citing sources familiar with Samsung's plans, The Korea Herald reported Friday that Samsung's mobile display making arm, Samsung Display, will manufacture about hundred million OLED panels annually, measuring 5.5 inches diagonally, starting next year.

Blockhead makes your MacBook charging brick less annoying

I love my Mac, but honestly, I hate the AC adapter. The 'wall wart,' as I like to call it, sticks out so far from the wall that it can be incredibly inconvenient for plugging in behind couches and in other tight spaces.

Blockhead, which was only just recently announced, eliminates the annoying protrusion of Apple's AC adapter and is now available from Ten One Design.

Now that the Blockhead is available for purchase, we've been lucky enough to get our hands on one. In this review, we'll walk you through its design and how it looks.

Apple’s environmental webpage hints at ‘MacOS’ name change

More evidence that Apple is planning to rebrand OS X to MacOS in the near future has been discovered on Apple's environmental webpage. First spotted by 9to5Mac, the recently updated page specifically refers to "MacOS" devices.

The news follows a March report that pointed to a MacOS reference hidden inside OS X code. And of course the change has long been speculated about, as it would bring the desktop OS branding in line with Apple's other platforms.

Apple working on paid search results and other App Store changes

Apple has a "secret team" exploring various changes to the App Store, reports Bloomberg. Citing people familiar with the company's plans, the outlet says among the ideas being pursued is paid search results, where developers pay to have their apps more prominently displayed.

Such a move would drastically impact search results, as a developer with a word puzzle game in the App Store could essentially pay to have their game listed among the top search results—similar to Google.com. It would also give Apple a new way to make money from the App Store.

Apple selects sci-fi Wild West shooter Space Marshals as its new Free App of the Week

Like on any given Thursday, Apple today refreshed the App Store to reflect new software arrivals and promotions.

In addition to highlighting apps whose proceeds will go to the World Wildlife Fund until April 24 through the new 'Apps for Earth' section, Apple's editors have slashed Pixelbite's award-winning sci-fi action adventure, Space Marshals, as the App Store's new Free App of the Week.

This universal iPhone, iPod touch and iPad game normally retails for $4.99, so do yourself a favor and save a few bucks by grabbing this great freebie right now.

Apple close to signing footballer Raheem Sterling as its global ambassador ahead of Euro 2016

Apple is allegedly “close to agreeing a deal” to have Premier League Manchester City F.C. and England national football team's Raheem Sterling become a global ambassador for the global Apple brand, British tabloid The Sun reported Thursday.

Apple wants Sterling to help launch its Euro 2016 promotional campaign and will be paying him a reported £250,000 per year, or about $355,000 per year, to act as its brand ambassador.

How to show the fingers assigned to Touch ID on iPhone and iPad

Touch ID settings on iPhone

In my opinion, Touch ID is one of the finest iOS features ever! It's an excellent mix of hardware and software that solves a real problem.

As you may know, Touch ID allows users to store up to five fingerprints. In turn, any of the registered prints can be used to unlock your iPhone and authenticate purchases associated with your Apple ID, such as App Store purchases.

But how does one go about remembering which fingers were used to set up Touch ID? We show you how easy it is to find out.