The specs of the new MacBook indicate about a 15% performance increase over the previous model, although the lower-clocked processor still doesn’t measure up to the 1.6GHz Core i5 processors in the MacBook Air. Faster storage is around 80-90% faster than the previous model, while the 41.4Wh battery gives up to 10 hours of wireless web browsing time.
After the date for WWDC 2016 was leaked by Siri yesterday, Apple has officially announced WWDC 2016. The event will take place from June 13 to June 17, with tickets sold via random selection provided you have registered before April 22. Apple’s WWDC website has more info.
9to5Mac says Apple has hired a former Tesla VP and Aston Martin Chief Engineer Chirs Porritt for a special project. Apple hiring former Tesla employees is nothing new, and it doesn’t take a lot to know that there’s something brewing at Apple that involves automobiles, motor vehicles, or perhaps more accurately, electric vehicles.
It’s also rumoured Apple are pursuing original programming for the Apple TV. Whether that means we’ll see an Amazon or Netflix-like series of TV shows produced by Apple exclusively for the Apple TV is another matter entirely, but Fast Company appear to be pretty convinced that Apple is gearing up for a multiple series launch.
AppleInsider reports Apple has denied Chinese authorities access to source code twice in the last two years. The news comes from after Apple general counsel Bruce Sewell told a US House Energy and Commerce subcommittee earlier this week, after Apple was accused of helping Chinese authorities but refusing to help the US Government.
Hermès straps for the Apple Watch are now available separately, with a price to match their high-fashion status. The Single Tour is the cheapest of them all at $500 and compatible with both the 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch, while you could buy an Apple Watch for the 38mm-only Double Tour at $750. The 42mm-only Hermès Cuff takes out the top spot at $1,070.
Apple Pay launched in Singapore yesterday, at least in the same American Express-only form that Australia and Canada currently have. The Apple Pay website for Singapore also lists cards from Visa and banks to be coming soon.
MacStories has a review of Screens 4, which is often touted as one of the best VNC apps for Macs and iOS devices.
As reviewed by 9to5Mac, Break This Safe is an interesting Apple Watch game which uses the Digital Crown to interesting effect. Free, on the App Store.
Originally published at: http://appletalk.com.au/2016/04/wednesday-morning-news200416/