Apple previously promised that the Objective-C based programming language Swift would be going open-source by the end of the year, and by 27 days, they have fulfilled that promise. Apple has posted the source code to Swift on GitHub, with Ars Technica reporting ports available for Apple and Linux-based systems for those looking to do a little swift tinkering, if you catch what I’m throwing.
Consumer Reports seems to swing both ways when it comes to Apple and its products, but their latest report finds that Apple is the most reliable laptop brand. Average failure rates of Apple laptops are much lower than their Windows counterparts, with the all-important customer satisfaction stat sitting at 71% for Mac laptop owners, compared to 38% for those with a Windows laptop.
Apple has announced the return of Hour of Code workshops for students. The events, which take place at Apple Stores around the world, will happen during next week, with Australia’s event being hosted at the George St Apple Store by one of the developers behind Crossy Road — Andy Sum, the same guy that was on stage showing off Crossy Road on the new Apple TV.
Speaking of the Apple TV, Twitter’s Digits solves the problem of typing long usernames and passwords into apps, and it’s now available for use for developers to integrate into their own apps.
A piece over at 9to5Mac explores if Apple will eventually drop the headphone jack on a future model of iPhone, and wonders what they might replace it with. While I think everyone wants USB-C, Apple seems pretty tied to Lightning as their device connection standard.
Khoi Vinh explores doing real design work on an iPad, now that many pro-level Adobe apps have started appearing on the platform. But there’s still plenty of ways the iPad workflow could be improved, he writes.
An update to Wonderlist brings a cleaner look to the iOS version, as well as 3D Touch features.
The Sweet Setup says the best note-taking app for iOS devices is 1Writer, which boasts a number of useful features which are applicable to both writing and note-taking.
Macworld writes that Apple does big-screened phones better than Android does, because it’s about the design of the devices as well as the location of buttons, as well as the interaction methods when you have a screen that can’t easily be used by one hand.
Remember that British chap who sued Apple for lost data on his device when it was repaired at an Apple Store? Turns out he won and was paid US $1800 in compensation.
Originally published at: http://appletalk.com.au/2015/12/friday-morning-news041215/