Editor’s desk: MacBook Pro devolution, Apple Watch and Research, Vaping nannying
Some ruminations on Apple’s new 16-inch MacBook Pro, what the new Research app and studies mean, and Apple’s vaping app ban.
Research
Apple releases new Research app and announces three studies
Apple’s new Research app is now available for download. Apple has also announced three new research programs for women’s health, heart health and hearing.
Some Android vendors found to deliberately deceive customers with fake security patches
Researchers who spent two years analyzing a bunch of Android updates have disturbingly discovered that many Android OEMs are lying to customers about security patches.
Survey finds 20 percent of adults already own smart speakers
Ahead of the HomePod launch, Voicebot.ai surveyed over 1,000 Americans over their interest in smart speakers. They published the results today with some interesting findings.
Apple Heart Study app launches in partnership with Stanford Medicine
Apple is partnering with Stanford on an app that alerts users who have irregular rhythms or possible atrial fibrillation.
Beating Face ID with a mask is not as simple as this video makes it look
Cybersecurity researcher firm Bkav released a video shortly after the iPhone X launch showing a mask fooling Face ID. Now they have shared a second video with more details and how they were able to pull it off.
Apple’s devised novel self-driving tech for detecting small obstacles using LiDAR
A new research paper from Apple’s scientists dives deeper into the company’s work on autonomous driving software that improves obstacle detection.
Researcher publishes kernel exploit for 64-bit devices on iOS 10.3.1 and below
Security researcher Adam Donenfeld has released his long-awaited kernel exploit, which works on all 64-bit devices on firmwares up to and including iOS 10.3.1. Whilst not a full jailbreak by itself, it could form the core of one in the days to come.
Is Apple secretly researching automotive battery technology?
Apple is secretly researching batteries for electric vehicles with a Chinese firm, but no specific details were provided.
Apple debuts new blog dedicated to machine learning research
An all-new “Apple Machine Learning Journal” blog is meant to be a venue for the Cupertino firm to share details of its machine learning research with the community.
Foxconn and Sharp buying a stake in micro-LED startup eLux
Apple is serious about commercializing micro-LED screens as its contract manufacturer Foxconn announces it’s buying a stake in American micro-LED startup eLux.
Foxconn setting up Shenzhen facility to help Apple create gadget prototypes
iPhone manufacturer Foxconn Technology Group is building a new research and development facility in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen to help Apple build prototypes of new products, Nikkei Asian Review reported Wednesday. According to two people familiar with the matter, plans call for the new facility to be located next to Apple’s upcoming research and development center in Shenzhen.
