Originally published at: http://appletalk.com.au/2017/02/wednesday-morning-news150217/
DigiTimes reports a slight variation on iPhone rumours. They say that along with the refreshes of the 4.7 and 5.5-inch models, the new model will be a 5.8-inch model. It’s this 5.8-inch model that will have the glass casing reinforced by a stainless steel frame, and it’s the same 5.8-inch design that will feature the OLED display, setting it apart from all other iPhones to date.
Recode interviewed Apple SVP of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue, talking about Planet of the Apps and how it will be an Apple Music exclusive. That’s a little strange, seeing as it’s original programming from Apple that seems destined for TV, but keeping it on Apple Music is part of Apple’s strategy for the service, which now has over 20 million subscribers.
If you haven’t already seen it, the trailer for Planet of the Apps has garnered some very mixed responses. If, after watching it, you feel that this is how apps are developed, I’d encourage you to talk to some actual developers about what Planet of the Apps really shows off. As John Gruber writes, there’s as much app development in Planet of the Apps as there is dating in shows like The Bachelor or The Bachelorette.
Now that Apple’s BeatsX are out, we get some impressions and the inevitable comparisons to AirPods. The BeatsX are a mostly typical set of in-ears, with the addition of Apple’s W1 chip for extra special wireless sauce. Even though they’re not as truly wireless as AirPods, you’ll likely get a better fit than AirPods, which in turn can have a dramatic effect on the sound quality you get.
Facebook has confirmed they will be releasing an Apple TV app for videos. The upcoming app will be a way for users to watch videos shared by friends or pages, or live streams from friends doing far more interesting things than yourself, or maybe just those participating in copyright infringement.
Macworld points out things the iPad Pro needs instead of thinner bezels, and while there’s probably improvements Apple could make to the iPad Pro, I’m not sure that these are any of them. Their first point is valid in that the iPad is still running an OS designed for a phone, but I don’t see Apple making the switch to USB-C, introducing a context-sensitive cursor, or a trackpad of any sort.
The Iconfactory has launched a Kickstarter for Project Phoenix, which aims to reboot Twitterrific for macOS. They’re looking for at least $75,000 to build a new Mac app from the ground up — $30 gets you in the beta, and $15 will score you a copy of the final product, all built over the next 6 to 7 months. It’s an interesting idea, and as of writing, they’re over $20,000 of the way there.
Rogue Amoeba has made it into the news two days in a row, this time with the release of their macOS audio utility SoundSource. It’s a little menu bar utility that makes it super simple to swap audio input and output devices, and they call it the audio utility that should be built into macOS. What’s more, it’s completely free if you already own a current license for any of their products.
Jonathan Zdziarski tells us about the benefits of pair-locking your Apple device, which prevents it from connecting to any computer or any other forensic device. You’ll need to use the Apple Configurator app, but the security benefits are well worth it if you value the security of your data against, say, corrupt governments or intelligence agencies.
Apple’s latest ads tell us about the benefits of portrait mode on the iPhone 7 Plus, whether you’re taking photos of your dog or your kid.