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News items you should check out: April 16

Since I can’t cover everything, here are some recommended articles from other websites. ° From tom’s guide: Apple’s Greg Joswiak and John Ternus talk about the MacBook Neo revolution, what’s next for AI and the “inevitability” of smart glasses. ° From The...

TTP report: Apple and Google app store search and advertising systems point users to ‘nudify’ apps

Apple and Google have rules against “nudify” apps, but their app store search and advertising systems actually point users to them, according to an investigation by the Tech Transparency Project. Here are the highlights from the report: ° Searches for terms like...

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Opinion

A WWDC roll-out of the ‘RealityPro’ should work in Apple’s favor

Apple’s “RealityPro” — the rumored augmented reality/virtual reality headset — is now expected to be launched this summer at the tech giant’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Rolf Illenberger, managing director of VRdirect, a company that provides enterprise...

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Tuesday March 24
05:44 pm
No new Siri, but iOS 26.4 is here with a ton of must-have new features | Macworld
No new Siri, but iOS 26.4 is here with a ton of must-have new features
Macworld Apple has officially released iOS 26.4 to the public, and unlike the previous update, this one brings a more noticeable set of new features. While the long-awaited AI-powered Siri is still nowhere to be seen, iOS 26.4 brings several new features and improvements to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Reminders, as well as overall system enhancements and new emoji. Read on as we break down all the major new features and changes coming with iOS 26.4. Apple Music With iOS 26.4, Apple Music subscribers are getting an important new feature called Playlist Playground. Essentially, it lets users quickly create playlists using AI. Users can simply describe what they want to listen to, whether it’s specific songs, artists, or genres, and Apple’s AI will create a playlist based on that prompt. The feature can also edit existing playlists. It’s worth noting that this feature is available only in the U.S. and works on any iOS 26.4 iPhone, even ones that don’t support Apple Intelligence. Apple Music has new full-screen artwork in iOS 26.4.Foundry Apple Music is also getting a new Concerts feature, which helps users discover nearby shows from artists in their library, while also recommending live shows from new artists based on listening habits. Another notable addition is Offline Music Recognition, now available through Control Center. This lets users identify songs with Shazam even without an internet connection. The result shows up as soon as the device is back online. Rounding out the Apple Music changes, iOS 26.4 introduces an Ambient Music widget for quick access to curated playlists focused on Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing, as well as full-screen backgrounds for album and playlist pages, making the interface more immersive. Podcasts In addition to Apple Music, Apple Podcasts is also getting some improvements with iOS 26.4. More specifically, Apple has revamped the experience for video podcasts. The update introduces support for Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology, which automatically adjusts the video bitrate during playback. This means the app will always choose the best quality based on your internet connection without you having to change any settings. Thanks to this technology, users can also seamlessly switch between audio and video while playing a podcast. iOS 26.4 includes several new Accessiblity settings.Foundry Accessibility Updating to iOS 26.4 also brings some welcome accessibility improvements. For instance, the system now includes a new “Reduce Bright Effects” toggle that minimizes intense flashes when interacting with certain interface elements. Apple has also made it easier to access and customize subtitles and captions directly from the media player interface. Moreover, the “Reduce Motion” setting has been improved to more consistently limit animations across the system, particularly with the Liquid Glass interface. Emoji For emoji fans, iOS 26.4 adds eight new characters to the keyboard. As previously announced, they include an orca, a trombone, a landslide, a ballet dancer, and a distorted face emoji. Keep in mind that only people who have also updated their devices will see the new emojis in conversations or social media posts. You can use several new emojis once you update to iOS 26.4.Foundry Freeform When Apple announced the Creator Studio subscription, the company revealed that the Freeform app would also gain certain features exclusive to subscribers. These features are now available with iOS 26.4. Creator Studio subscribers can now access the Content Hub right from Freeform, which offers a wide variety of photos, illustrations, and graphics that can be used royalty-free. Users will also notice a new icon for the Freeform app that matches the style of other Creator Studio apps. Urgent reminders are getting an upgrade in iOS 26.4.Foundry Urgent reminders With iOS 26.2, Apple introduced a new option for creating urgent reminders, which show up as full-screen alerts at the scheduled date and time. Now, iOS 26.4 makes it easier to mark a reminder as urgent. Users can mark tasks as urgent in the Reminders app right from the Quick Toolbar or with a long press. Urgent reminders can also be filtered using Smart Lists. Family Sharing Apple is also making a major change for users who rely on Family Sharing. While the entire family currently relies on a single payment method, iOS 26.4 will allow each family member to pay for their own online purchases. “Purchase Sharing lets adult members in Family Sharing groups use their own payment method when making purchases, without relying on the family organizer,” Apple explained in the release notes. This is certainly great news for those who use Family Sharing to share their iCloud and App Store purchases. The Freeform app got its Creator Studio update in iOS 26.4.Foundry Keyboard accuracy As we reported last year, many iPhone users had been complaining that iOS 26 had reduced the accuracy of the on-screen keyboard, resulting in more typos. Although Apple never acknowledged the issue at the time, it has made changes to the iOS 26.4 keyboard that essentially admit there was a problem. The iOS 26.4 release notes mention “improved keyboard accuracy when typing quickly” as part of the changes included in the update. It’s unclear exactly what Apple changed to improve the virtual keyboard, but users will certainly be pleased that Apple is working on the issue. Age verification One of the most notable changes in iOS 26.4 is related to compliance with local laws. The update introduces age verification requirements in multiple regions, including Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and specific U.S. states such as Utah and Louisiana. These measures are tied to regional legislation and are designed to ensure that users meet minimum age requirements for certain features and services. In these locations, Apple may require additional information about the user to verify their age. This includes details such as how long the Apple Account has been active or credit card information. The company has also created a new API that will anonymously inform apps whether a user meets the minimum age requirements without sharing their age, date of birth, or any other personal information. Update your iPhone now In addition to all these new features, iOS 26.4 also includes bug fixes, performance improvements, and enhanced security. That’s why it’s always important to keep your devices updated with the latest software. You can install iOS 26.4 by going to Settings > General > Software Update and tapping Update Now. The update is available for the iPhone 11 and later.
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05:40 pm
Apple releases new updates for old versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS, more | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple releases new updates for old versions of iOS, macOS, watchOS, more
Apple just shipped iOS 26.4 and its companion updates for users running the latest OS. The company also debuted new software updates today for old iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS versions, including iOS 18.7.7 and more. more…
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05:31 pm
Apple teases major AI push with iOS 27 and macOS 27 | Mac Daily News
Apple teases major AI push with iOS 27 and macOS 27
Apple as officially announced that its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2026) will take place from June 8 to June 12… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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05:30 pm
Apple now selling Withings BeamO ‘4-in-1’ multiscope with Apple Health integration | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple now selling Withings BeamO ‘4-in-1’ multiscope with Apple Health integration
Two years ago, Withings unveiled BeamO, its multiscope with Apple Health integration. Starting today, Apple is now selling the “compact 4-in-1 health scanner” for the first time. Withings calls it a “mini-clinic” that “delivers instant, medical grade insights” about body temperature, heart, and lungs. more…
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05:24 pm
Apple releases new iOS 26.4 version for beta users, plus more | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple releases new iOS 26.4 version for beta users, plus more
Apple just released its next wave of major software updates, including iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, macOS 26.4, and more. But alongside the public launches, Apple has also shipped new builds of its 26.4 updates for beta users. more…
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05:18 pm
Everything new in macOS Tahoe 26.4 | Cult of Mac
Everything new in macOS Tahoe 26.4
macOS Tahoe 26.4, which Apple released Tuesday, brings several noticeable improvements and changes to the Mac’s operating system. While not a massive overhaul, this is exactly the kind of point update Tahoe needs right now. Let’s take a look at what’s new in macOS Tahoe 26.4. Ever since macOS […] (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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05:17 pm
macOS 26.4 now available, here’s everything new | 9 to 5 Mac
macOS 26.4 now available, here’s everything new
Following a few beta versions and a release candidate, Apple is now rolling out macOS 26.4 to all compatible Macs. Here’s everything new. more…
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05:10 pm
Nvidia CloudXR is now available for Apple Vision Pro with the release of visionOS 26.4 | AppleInsider
Nvidia CloudXR is now available for Apple Vision Pro with the release of visionOS 26.4
The OS 26.4 release has arrived with various features related to RCS and Apple Music, but Apple Vision Pro gets a specific upgrade with the addition of Nvidia CloudXR support.visionOS 26.4 adds support for CloudXROne of the key problems with Apple Vision Pro is its lack of software support. Apple has a serious developer relations problem with the platform, but the visionOS 26.4 update could help address the lack of software.Apple has released visionOS 26.4 to the public, and with it, support for Nvidia CloudXR 6.0. It enables the ability for users to stream compatible games and software from a Mac or PC to Apple Vision Pro. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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05:08 pm
iPadOS 26.4 arrives with new emoji, video podcast additions | AppleInsider
iPadOS 26.4 arrives with new emoji, video podcast additions
The update for iPadOS 26.4 has been released, bringing with it enhanced video podcast support and a selection of new emojis to the iPad and iPad Pro.iPadOS 26 - Image Credit: AppleAfter four developer beta rounds and a release candidate, Apple has finally brought out its update for iPadOS 26.4. The update, now downloadable to iPads owned by the general public, include Apple's usual collection of bug fixes and performance improvements, as well as a number of feature changes. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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05:07 pm
watchOS 26.4 available now for Apple Watch, here’s what’s new | 9 to 5 Mac
watchOS 26.4 available now for Apple Watch, here’s what’s new
Apple has just released watchOS 26.4, the latest software update for Apple Watch. Here’s what’s new. more…
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05:07 pm
visionOS 26.4 arrives for Apple Vision Pro, here’s what’s new | 9 to 5 Mac
visionOS 26.4 arrives for Apple Vision Pro, here’s what’s new
visionOS 26.4 is available now for Apple Vision Pro users, here’s what’s new in the latest update. more…
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05:07 pm
tvOS 26.4 now available for Apple TV 4K with three new features | 9 to 5 Mac
tvOS 26.4 now available for Apple TV 4K with three new features
Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD users, the latest tvOS 26.4 software update is available now with three new features. Here are the details. more…
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05:07 pm
iOS 26.4 is here with Playlist Playground, videos in Podcasts, new emoji, more | AppleInsider
iOS 26.4 is here with Playlist Playground, videos in Podcasts, new emoji, more
The iOS 26.4 update has finally made its way to the general public, with videos now in the Podcasts app, AI-curated playlists in Apple Music, and more. Here's what's new.The iOS 26.4 update is now available to all users.Following the debut of iOS 26.3 on February 11, Apple has deployed its next major operating system update. Though it doesn't contain the long-overdue Siri overhaul, iOS 26.4 delivers a variety of meaningful upgrades.Core system applications, like Apple Music, Apple Health, Apple Podcasts, and Freeform all received new capabilities. Additionally, the iOS 26.4 update adds eight new emoji characters and introduces a variety of refinements, bug fixes, and security-related changes. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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05:06 pm
Still no new Siri in macOS Tahoe 26.4, but there are bug fixes, emoji and Rosetta 2 warnings | AppleInsider
Still no new Siri in macOS Tahoe 26.4, but there are bug fixes, emoji and Rosetta 2 warnings
The official release of the Mac's operating system is now macOS Tahoe 26.4, as Apple continues to add performance and security updates, plus a little more.macOS Tahoe 26 - Image Credit: AppleFollowing the public release of macOS 26.3 in February 2025 with no significant new features, Apple has updated that version twice. Once was to support the new Studio Displays with macOS 26.3.1, and the once more with macOS 26.3.2 with more support for the MacBook Neo.Now those are all superseded with macOS 26.4, which has been publicly released after weeks of beta testing. There was one curious moment when Apple released a macOS 26.4 beta a day later than its iOS 26.4 one, but there's no apparent reason for that. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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05:05 pm
Now's the time to update your Apple Watch to watchOS 26.4 | AppleInsider
Now's the time to update your Apple Watch to watchOS 26.4
Apple's watchOS 26.4 has just arrived, focusing on behind-the-scenes stability and performance improvements.Apple Watch Series 11As we suspected, watchOS 26.4 hasn't launched with any apparent new features, suggesting that it's geared toward stability improvements and bug fixes. Apple does occasionally release features with minor watchOS updates; typically, its larger releases are where we see anything of note.Like many Apple products, Apple Watch will update on its own over the air. However, if you want to force the update, just follow the steps below. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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05:05 pm
Apple tidies up tvOS, removing iTunes Movies, TV shows in tvOS 26.4 | AppleInsider
Apple tidies up tvOS, removing iTunes Movies, TV shows in tvOS 26.4
Get ready to update your Apple TV and HomePod, as Apple has officially rolled out the tvOS 26.4 update.Apple's bento box for tvOS 26As we saw in the beta, Apple has officially removed the iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps from tvOS 26.4. Consumers can no longer purchase shows or movies through the apps.To make purchases, they'll need to use the Apple TV app directly. Users will also be able to access their previous purchases from the Apple TV app. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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05:03 pm
Apple releases iOS 26.4 with 8 new emoji and 12 more changes to your iPhone | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple releases iOS 26.4 with 8 new emoji and 12 more changes to your iPhone
Apple has released iOS 26.4, bringing 13 enhancements to your iPhone. The new software update includes 8 new emoji characters, changes to Apple Music, keyboard accuracy improvements, and much more. more…
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05:03 pm
Apple releases iPadOS 26.4, here’s everything new for iPad | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple releases iPadOS 26.4, here’s everything new for iPad
iPadOS 26.4 is rolling out now to all users, bringing a variety of new features to the iPad. Here’s everything new. more…
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04:43 pm
Grab four AirTags for under $60 right now | Macworld
Grab four AirTags for under $60 right now
Macworld Apple AirTag (1st Generation) 4-pack View Deal Keeping track of where your things are is so much easier when you can use your iPhone to see their location on a map. Well, a four-pack of Apple AirTags is only going to cost you $60 right now, since they’re 40 percent off at Amazon. These are Apple’s 1st-gen AirTags, but they’re not missing much from the new model other than a louder speaker and slightly better tracking. Otherwise, they’re still super easy to set up, as you only need to pair them with your iOS device. Then, if you use an accessory, you can hook these trackers up to your luggage, backpack, kids, and wallets. When they’re within Bluetooth range, you can get them to make a sound so you can find them more easily, which can be super handy when your keys go missing in the morning. Then, when they’re outside your phone’s range, they’ll just ping off of other iOS devices, Built for daily reliability, the trackers also include a replaceable battery that lasts over a year. It also doesn’t hurt that the trackers have an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, so they’ll do just fine no matter where you put them and where you take them. Make your life better and get yourself a four-pack of Apple AirTags for $60 while this deal’s still live.
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04:31 pm
Save $200 on M4 iMac with 24GB of RAM ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale | AppleInsider
Save $200 on M4 iMac with 24GB of RAM ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale
Apple's latest iMac with an upgrade to 24GB of memory and 512GB of storage is $200 off ahead of tomorrow's Big Spring Sale at Amazon.Save $200 on Apple's upgraded M4 iMac.Pick up the M4, 24GB, 512GB iMac on Amazon for $1,699, reflecting a $200 discount off MSRP. This model has multiple upgrades, including the M4 chip with a 10-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory, and 512GB of storage.Buy M4 iMac 24GB, 512GB for $1,699 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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04:18 pm
Apple Business is Apple’s latest attempt to own the workplace | Cult of Mac
Apple Business is Apple’s latest attempt to own the workplace
Learn how Apple Business consolidates tools for device management, outreach and business growth across Apple's ecosystem. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)
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04:09 pm
Apple Business goes free, consolidating business and brand management tools in one platform | AppleInsider
Apple Business goes free, consolidating business and brand management tools in one platform
In mid-April 2026, Apple will roll out a rebranded and free Apple Business platform, newly refurbished to provide helpful digital tools to businesses of all sizes. Here's what's included.Apple Business coming April 14 | Image credit: AppleOn Tuesday, Apple announced that it would merge all of its enterprise tools into a single platform dubbed Apple Business. And, as a bonus, all of the features will be available for free, starting April 14, in more than 200 countries and regions."Apple Business is a significant leap forward in our decades-long commitment to helping companies of all sizes leverage the power of Apple products and services to run and grow," said Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of Enterprise and Education Marketing. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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04:02 pm
Apple to roll out search ads in Maps app as services revenue push accelerates | Mac Daily News
Apple to roll out search ads in Maps app as services revenue push accelerates
Apple is preparing to introduce search-based advertising in its Apple Maps app, marking a significant expansion of its services business… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.
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03:55 pm
Apple Business Mail temps Google Workspace users with free email | AppleInsider
Apple Business Mail temps Google Workspace users with free email
As part of its Apple Business Essentials update, Apple is gunning for Google's enterprise email business with its own Apple Business Mail hosting service.Apple Business MailApple's update to Apple Business Essentials includes an important element regarding communication. It's finally going to bring out business email services.As part of the new Apple Business Essentials, coming April 14, it will allow companies to set up email accounts alongside tools for calendar management and directories. Up to 500 users can be set up per organization under Apple Business. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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03:54 pm
Apple Maps ads are private and launch in the summer | AppleInsider
Apple Maps ads are private and launch in the summer
Ads are coming to Apple Maps as part of a new Apple Business service aimed at helping firms connect to local customers, and not pushing those users away to rival map apps.Ads will appear in search results on Apple Maps from April 14, 2206 — image credit: AppleRumors of ads on Apple Maps first circulated back in 2022, but reports of them arriving recently escalated. Now Apple has confirmed that firms will be able to place local ads in Apple Maps from summer 2026.While the ads are coming to the US and Canada at an as-yet unspecified date, they are part of the new Apple Business which launches in over 200 countries on April 14. Apple Business brings together device management as well as promotional tools. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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03:45 pm
Flighty launches new ‘Airport Intelligence’ feature, here’s how it works | 9 to 5 Mac
Flighty launches new ‘Airport Intelligence’ feature, here’s how it works
Popular flight tracking app Flighty has launched a major new update today, adding a new ‘Airport Intelligence’ feature that’s even available on the web. Here are the details. more…
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03:41 pm
Deals: 24GB M5 MacBook Air drops again to new all-time low, M5 MacBook Pro, Apple Watch Ultra 3 up to $190 off, more | 9 to 5 Mac
Deals: 24GB M5 MacBook Air drops again to new all-time low, M5 MacBook Pro, Apple Watch Ultra 3 up to $190 off, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by Amazon dropping this 24GB 13-inch M5 MacBook Air with 1TB SSD to a new all-time low alongside this 24GB/1TB M5 MacBook Pro at $200 under the launch price, and the 15-inch 16GB M4 MacBook Air down at $949 (selling out quick). We also spotted a chance to land Apple Watch Ultra 3 at up to $190 off the new list prices and Apple’s new 2026 Studio Display XDR with VESA mount hitting a new all-time low at $100 off. Head below for even more deals on Sony’s 2026 earbuds, Apple Pencil, charging gear, and more. more…
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03:24 pm
Contactless payment acceptance on iPhone expands to Mexico | 9 to 5 Mac
Contactless payment acceptance on iPhone expands to Mexico
In addition to announcing major Apple Business changes today, Apple is launching Tap to Pay on iPhone in Mexico. more…
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03:19 pm
Apple TV has three hit series now up for prestigious new awards | 9 to 5 Mac
Apple TV has three hit series now up for prestigious new awards
Apple TV has earned plenty of awards acclaim recently, including an Oscar win for F1 The Movie. And now today, the BAFTA TV nominees have been named, with Apple dominating the series nominations thanks to three hit shows. more…
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03:19 pm
Apple's all-screen iPhone isn't coming soon | AppleInsider
Apple's all-screen iPhone isn't coming soon
The iPhone's Dynamic Island will be sticking around for a while, but will get smaller over time, as Apple is reportedly struggling to make its visible sensors work under the display.Under-screen displays could remove the Dynamic Island, and even introduce features like the return of Touch ID. - Image Credit: AppleApple, like other smartphone producers, is always trying to make the optimum form of the smartphone. The all-screen concept relies on Apple getting rid of all intrusive elements from the front of the device, and that means working to hide or eliminate the bit with the TrueDepth camera array.In a Tuesday post to Weibo, serial leaker Fixed Focus Digital claims that Apple is still struggling to create its all-screen device. For the moment, with full-screen displays off the table for a while longer, Apple instead wants to make things smaller. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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I would love the Latigo holster case IF it could hold my iPhone 13 Pro Max with a case installed

I really like using a holster case for my smartphone. It’s very convenient to be able to grab your iPhone from a case attached to your belt rather than fishing it out of your pocket. I really wanted to be enthusiastic about the new Latigo Leather Holster...

I would love the Latigo holster case IF it could hold my iPhone 13 Pro Max with a case installed

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Category Review: driver’s ed software for Mac OS X

This MacNews Category Review looks at driver’s ed products for the Mac. Products covered include GPS Academy, Online Drivers Ed and Virtual Drive of America.

Matias Folding Keyboard ideal for serious iPad typists

By ‘Doctor Dave’ Greenbaum

While many people can do occasional typing on the iPad or iPhone via the virtual keyboard, serious keyboarding simply isn’t possible without a true external keyboard. While Apple offers two options, they are limiting and the US$99.95 Matias Folding Keyboard (http://matias.ca/foldingkeyboard/index.php) provides an ideal third option for serious iPad typists.

Review: AluPen for the iPad a bit too chunky

For the most part you probably won’t need to use a stylus with your iPad. However, if you’re sketching, drawing or using a handwriting-recognition app like WritePad (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/writepad/id293033512?mt=8), you will need one.
Just Mobile (http://www.just-mobile.com) offers the US$19.95 sculpted-from-aluminum AluPen for just that purpose.

Category Review: server security apps for Mac OS X

This MacNews Category Review is a look at server security software for the Mac. Products covered include DoorStop X Firewall, eSoft InstaGate, JaSFtp, the Keneisys Virtual Strongbox Manager, MacForensics Lab, NavisRadius, Nessus, SonicWall and VPN Tracker Server.

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