WhatsApp for iPhone’s design refresh gives it a modern look
WhatsApp is getting a fresh look on Android and iPhone, with new colors, updated iconography, and other design tweaks. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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How to copy text from locked PDFs in macOS
There are few things worse than trying to copy a string of text from a PDF, only to find that you can't highlight any text at all. Thankfully, bypassing a locked PDF is easy enough to do on Mac.Locked PDFs don't have to leave you manually typing a wall of text.If you've ever found yourself trying to highlight text in a PDF to no avail, then you have found yourself in possession of a locked PDF. A PDF can be locked for many legitimate reasons, such as copyright protection. However, sometimes you just need to copy a longer piece of text or many smaller pieces of text from a document that has no business being locked.Thankfully, the solution does not involve manually typing everything out. Even better, the solution is built straight into macOS and requires very little legwork. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Controversial new iPad Pro ‘Crush’ ad might have been inspired by a 2008 LG ad
During its “Let Loose” event on Tuesday, Apple introduced the . However, the product was unveiled with a rather intriguing and controversial ad, which shows things like musical instruments, camera lenses, and books being destroyed by a hydraulic press – which then turns it all into the new iPad. But a lot of people didn’t like the iPad Pro ad, and it turns out that Apple may have been inspired by a very old LG ad. more…

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WhatsApp officially rolling out update with refreshed design for iOS and Android
WhatsApp on Thursday announced that it is officially releasing an update that introduces a refreshed design for both iOS and Android apps. Users will notice a new color palette and other changes that make the experience of using WhatsApp on both platforms more seamless. more…

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M4 iPad Pro lacks always-on display despite OLED panel with variable refresh rate
One of the biggest highlights of the is the OLED display for the first time on an iPad. Although the technology has been around for a while in the iPhone and Apple Watch, previous iPads were all equipped with LCD (or mini-LED) displays. However, despite having an OLED panel with a variable refresh rate, the M4 iPad Pro still lacks an always-on display like the latest iPhones. more…

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An easy way to read and edit PDFs on Mac
Macworld Whatever happened to the paperless office? Of all technology’s promised benefits, the paperless office has proved to be one of the most elusive. By now we were supposed to have converted to completely digital workflows, consuming fewer environmental resources and reducing waste, easing collaboration with remote colleagues, and minimizing the weight of documents we have to send to work contacts or carry around with us. Look around the next time you’re at work or in your home office and you will probably concede that the paperless office hasn’t fully materialized. Despite the advantages of going digital, workers are reluctant to leave paper behind completely. Why is this? Digital documents can be more eye-straining to read, harder to properly organize, and painful to sign; depending on the format (which is another headache!), they can also be difficult to edit, and the ease with which they can be shared over email raises concerns over security. Fortunately, these problems are straightforward to solve. Kit yourself out with a high-quality PDF reader software package and the difficulties vanish, leaving all the benefits of a paperless office with none of the downsides. KDAN KDAN KDAN How the right PDF reader can enhance productivity KDAN PDF Reader is an affordable option that will deliver all the benefits we’re looking for. It’s a versatile PDF reader that lets you view, edit, convert, and sign PDF documents on a range of platforms, but for Mac users it’s the perfect choice at the perfect price. In the best Mac tradition, the software is intuitive and user-friendly, making it a cinch to get things done. There are three main function categories: editing, managing/sharing, and viewing. KDAN PDF Reader’s edit capabilities make filling forms a breeze, including tax declarations and other official forms, and you can add an electronic signature when you’re done. You can edit the text on PDFs, including size and font. On the management/sharing side, digital documents can easily be split and merged, while you can protect their security by adding a watermark or password protection. This means you can share files in the confidence that the information they contain won’t fall into the wrong hands. Just as importantly, the software is easy on the eyes, delivering a comfortable viewing experience, It’s compatible across devices, and formats needn’t be a headache, either. KDAN PDF Reader can convert PDF documents into Microsoft Office, Text, HTML, RTF, ePUB or MOBI format, while preserving tables and other formatting exactly as you want it. Most excitingly, KDAN PDF Reader will soon enhance AI functionality by integrating KDAN AI, placing it among the leading solutions on the market. A powerful Auto Redact feature will detect and automatically redact personal and sensitive information, preventing this from being abused and enhancing your document security. These AI features are expected to come to Mac some time between May and June 2024. KDAN KDAN KDAN KDAN PDF Reader offers flexible solutions. Users can choose the most suitable and cost-effective option according to personal, educational, or business needs. The potential savings are significant: you’ll slash your costs by 65%, for example, if you switch from Adobe Acrobat. Best of all, there’s a free trial so you can see for yourself if this is the right choice for you. Visit the company’s website to about KDAN PDF Reader. You can also download the software from Apple’s Mac App Store. You won’t regret it. Professional Software

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Find the right color every time with this tiny sensor for iPhone
The Nix Mini 2 color-matching tool gives artists, designers and remodelers a quick way to match colors exactly (plus a paint-matching app). (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple apologizes for iPad Pro ‘Crush!’ ad and scraps TV plans
Macworld During Apple’s “Let Loose” iPad event on Tuesday, the company unveiled a new ad for the iPad Pro, as it often does during these events. The ad, named “Crush!,” depicts a massive hydraulic press filled with creative implements: multiple musical instruments, paints, TVs, and old arcade game, music mixing equipment, and more. Accompanied by “All I Ever Need is You” by Sonny & Cher, the press crushes all these artistic and entertainment implements, then pulls up to reveal the iPad Pro. The ad premiered on social media, and is still up on YouTube, which you can watch here: It was meant to invoke the idea that all this creative and entertainment stuff now fits into a super-thin iPad Pro, but it was some received it very differently. Seeing all the tools of creative professionals literally destroyed and replaced by a gadget struck the wrong chord with Apple’s indispensable market of creatives. Several editorials were quickly penned to point out the ad’s tone-deaf nature at a time when Apple’s most prized users–creatives professionals–are feeling increasingly replaced by technology. Social media posts from pundits and celebrities alike lambasted it. Why did @Apple do an ad that crushes the arts? Tech and #AI means to destroy the arts and society in general. This is not making things better. This is just making some people insanely wealthy, at the expense of all of us. “The love of money is the root of all evil” 1Tim 6:10. pic.twitter.com/PnEYO4H7FB— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) May 9, 2024 The destruction of the human experience. Courtesy of Silicon Valley. https://t.co/273XB3CfnF— Hugh Grant (@HackedOffHugh) May 8, 2024 If you thought THIS IPad ad was weird, you should have seen the first cut where they lined up all your favorite characters and shot them. https://t.co/H21zIQ0VXI— ʟᴜᴋᴇ ʙᴀʀɴᴇᴛᴛ 👨🏻‍🍼 (@LukeBarnett) May 8, 2024 Apple has now apologized for the ad, and scrapped plans to it on TV and other paid spots. In a statement to Ad Age, Apple’s VP of marketing communications, Tor Myhren, said: “Creativity is in our DNA at Apple, and it’s incredibly important to us to design products that empower creatives all over the world. Our goal is to always celebrate the myriad of ways users express themselves and bring their ideas to life through iPad. We missed the mark with this video, and we’re sorry.”  Apple VP Tor Myhren (via Ad Age) The ad is still available on Tim Cook’s X account and on Apple’s YouTube page, so the company may not try to put the genie back in the bottle with this one, but rather limit its further spread by canceling further marketing plans to use the ad. iPad

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New Sonos app breaks accessibility for visually impaired users, here’s what this advocate recommends
The new Sonos app launched today and was met with swift and intense backlash for removing many features and capabilities that long-standing customers value. While the company made an official statement on the matter, it hasn’t appeared to address a concerning issue – the update has broken accessibility for visually impaired users. more…

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Peak Tim Cook: Apple ridiculously apologizes over iPad Pro ‘Crush’ ad
Ridiculously, Apple is apologizing for its wildly talked about ad promoting its latest iPad Pro after blowback on social media platforms… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple Pencils compared: Which stylus is right for your iPad?
Macworld In May 2024, Apple unveiled the latest generation of its Pencil stylus for iPad—Apple Pencil Pro. It’s essentially a replacement for the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil, made to support only the newest iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4) models, and with similar design but several new features. That means Apple now has four products all named “Apple Pencil,” but two of them are essentially only for products no longer sold as new, but rather only for legacy models. Which Apple Pencil: Specs Before we look at the differences between the three Apple Pencil models, here’s a brief breakdown of their technical specifications: Apple Pencil (1st Gen)Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)Apple Pencil (USB-C)Apple Pencil ProPrice$99/£109/€119$129/£139/€149$79/£79/€95$129/£139/€149Low LatencyYesYesYesYesTilt SensitivityYesYesYesYesPressure SensitivityYesYesNoYesAttaches Magnetically to iPadNoYesYesYesCharging and PairingLightningWirelessUSB-CWirelessHover on iPad Pro or iPad AirNoYesYesYesDouble-tap featureNoYesYesYesRoll to change orientationNoNoNoYesSqueeze gestureNoNoNoYesHaptic FeedbackNoNoNoYesFind My supportNoNoNoYesDimensions (Length x Diameter)176mm x 8.9mm166mm x 8.9mm155mm x 7.4mm166mm x 8.9mm Which Apple Pencil: Price The prices for each Apple Pencil vary by features and compatibility. The most expensive option is the second-gen Apple Pencil and the cheapest is the newest Apple Pencil with USB-C. For some excellent alternatives, you can also check out our roundup of the best Pencil or stylus for iPad.   Apple Pencil (1st generation) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $99 Best Prices Today: $17.99 at Best Buy | $99 at Adorama | $99 at Apple The first Apple Pencil was launched in September 2015. Apple sells it for $99/£109/€119. It works with the current 9th and 10th generation iPads as well as a number of older iPad models. To charge you plug it into your iPad’s Lightning port, so you can’t use it when charging. It is pressure-sensitive, which is good if you are an artist. We suspect that Apple will soon remove this Pencil from the lineup now the USB-C model is here. Apple Pencil (2nd generation) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: $17.99 at Best Buy | $129 at Apple | $129.99 at Adorama This is the best Apple Pencil for those that do not have the very latest iPad Air or Pro. It launched in 2018 and Apple sells it for $129/£139/€149. It works with recent iPad Air, mini, and Pro, but not the standard iPad or the M2 iPad Air or M4 iPad Pro. This Apple Pencil charges wirelessly. Apple Pencil (USB-C) Price When Reviewed: $79 Best Prices Today: $66.95 at B&H | $69 at Amazon | $69.99 at Adorama This Apple Pencil launched in 2023 to support iPads with USB-C charging ports instead of the older Lightning port. It lacks many of the features of the 2nd generation model, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking newer means better. This is essentially a Pencil with a USB-C port. It lacks pressure sensitivity, which even the 1st gen model has. It doesn’t work with the 9th gen iPad or the earliest iPad Pros. More on compatibility below. Apple Pencil Pro Price When Reviewed: $129 Best Prices Today: $129 at Apple This is the best Apple Pencil, as long as you have a compatible iPad. Apple sells it for $129/£139/€149. It works with the most recent iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4). This Apple Pencil charges wirelessly, and has all of the features of 2nd-gen Apple Pencil and several more, like haptic feedback, Find My support, and support for rolling and squeeze gestures. Which Apple Pencil: Design There’s not exactly a lot of room for flamboyant designs or new aesthetics when it comes to something as form-dependent as a stylus. But, the engineers at Apple have been busy, incorporating a few elements that make the Pencils recognizable from each other.  In all cases, you’re looking at a white plastic, cylindrical casing with no buttons or markings except for the Apple Pencil name. The 1st-Gen Pencil is the only one that is completely round (and has a glossy finish), as the Pro, 2nd-Gen, and USB-C versions have a flattened side so that they can be attached magnetically to the edge of a compatible iPad. Foundry Foundry Foundry Apple has constantly been refining the balance and handling of its Pencil range, as you can see from the fact that with each generation the length of the stylus has slowly been shortened. Here’s how they measure up: Apple Pencil (1st Gen): 6.92in/176mm (Length); 0.35in/8.9mm (Diameter) Apple Pencil (2nd Gen): 6.53in/166mm (Length); 0.35in/8.9mm (Diameter) Apple Pencil (USB-C): 6.10in/155mm (Length); 0.29in/7.4mm (Diameter) Apple Pencil Pro: 6.53in/166mm (Length); 0.35in/8.9mm (Diameter) Both the 1st-Gen and USB-C Pencils have a lid at the top end that can be taken off to charge the device. On the 1st-Gen, removing the cap reveals a Lightning connector, while the USB-C slides up to reveal a USB-C port. The 2nd-Gen and Pro models charge wirelessly and don’t have a port or connector. At the business end of the Pencil, you’ll find the replaceable rubber tips that make the Apple Pencil such a comfortable experience. Some of the models have more functionality built into their slender frames, which we’ll cover in the next section.  Which Apple Pencil: Features While all of the Pencil models will allow you to write notes and sketch on your iPad, they do offer different capabilities depending on the model you choose. The 1st-Gen Pencil delivers a precise writing experience, with low latency and pressure sensitivity to allow thinner and wider pen/brush strokes, plus the ability to sense when you are tilting the stylus for shading and similar techniques.  Pairing and charging are done via the Lightning port, as there is no wireless charging in this model, plus you can’t magnetically attach it to an iPad. You also don’t get the hover feature on iPad Pro models, which enables you to preview where your mark will be made without having to touch the screen. You will also have to make do without the double-tap action to switch between the various pens, brushes, and other tools.  Apple Apple Apple The Gen 2 Pencil offers all of the features included in its predecessor, except for the Lightning port charging and pairing, which is instead achieved wirelessly. It introduces the double-tap feature through a touch-sensitive area near the tip, plus there’s the option to have it engraved with a personal message.  The Apple Pencil USB-C attaches via a USB-C-to-USB-C cable from your iPad’s charging port to the Pencil. You can magnetically attach it to an iPad for safe-keeping, but it doesn’t charge. It has nearly all the same features as the 1st-Gen Pencil, albeit strangely without pressure sensitivity, which does seem like a step backward. As a minor compensation, you do get the 2nd-Gen’s hover feature if you own an iPad Pro.  The latest is the Apple Pencil Pro, which only supports the iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4), and presumably future iPad Air and Pro models. It has all the features of the 2nd-Gen model with the addition of roll and squeeze sensitivity, haptic feedback, and Find My support. Which Apple Pencil: Compatibility Every Pencil supports different iPads, so you’ll need to check which model you have before you buy one of the three stylus models Apple offers: Apple Pencil (Gen 1) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd Gen) iPad Pro 10.5-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad Air (3rd Gen) iPad mini (5th Gen) iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Gen) Apple Pencil (Gen 2) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Gen) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Gen) iPad Air (4th and 5th Gen) iPad mini (6th Gen) Apple Pencil (USB-C) iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Gen) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Gen) iPad Air (4th and 5th Gen) iPad mini (6th Gen) iPad (10th Gen) Apple Pencil Pro iPad Pro (M4) iPad Air (M2) Which Apple Pencil: Verdict Some of the main considerations when considering an Apple Pencil are how you want to use it and which iPad you have. If you’re interested in creating art or more decorative writing, then you’ll no doubt find the pressure sensitivity of the Gen 1, Gen 2, and Pro models an essential feature. Then you’ll just need to select the one that is compatible with your device. The Gen 2 Pencil does have the additional benefits of wireless charging, plus the double-tap and hover capabilities, although the latter only works on iPad Pro. If you have a newer iPad with a USB-C connector and just want to take down notes, then the USB-C model could serve those purposes admirably, with the added advantage of being the most affordable model available from Apple. If you buy a brand-new iPad Air with M2 or iPad Pro with M4, you can choose between the USB-C model with its very basic functionality or Apple Pencil Pro, which has by far the most features of any Apple Pencil. The edge case is if you have an iPad mini or 10th-gen iPad but really need pressure sensitivity. While you would normally choose the USB-C Pencil for those models, the only compatible Pencil with pressure sensitivity is the first-gen Apple Pencil, which comes with a little USB-C to Lightning charging adapter you’ll have to use to charge it. Accessories

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Dive into app & game development with new 'Apple Pathways' hub
Apple has created a new web page that acts as a hub for the various paths to developing apps for its platforms with various resources and guides.Dive into app & game development through new 'Apple Pathways' hubCalled "Apple Pathways," it provides an introduction to developing apps and games within Apple's extensive ecosystem. The platform is an ideal starting point for anyone with a Mac and a bright idea.Structured to simplify the initial stages of app development, Apple Pathways is an invaluable resource for new and experienced developers alike. It encourages more creators to develop their ideas into functional, engaging apps and games using Apple's advanced tools and technologies. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple apologizes for iPad Pro 'Crush' ad after massive backlash
Apple has scrapped plans to run its infamous iPad Pro "Crush" ad, issuing an apology for coming off insensitive toward artists.Apple's 'Crush' adAt Tuesday's Apple Event, Apple unveiled its new iPad Air and iPad Pro lineup. During the event, it also debuted a new iPad Pro commercial, dubbed "Crush."The one-minute ad shows paints, guitars, toys, sculptures, and more, all being crushed by a hydraulic press, which then rises up again to reveal the iPad Pro. Artists quickly pointed out the ad was insensitive — and more than a little creepy. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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M4 iPad Pro vs M2 iPad Air: Is it worth the extra money?
The 2024 iPad Pro levels up performance as the first Apple device with the M4 chip. And the new mid-tier Apple tablet is the M2 iPad Air which comes in two sizes for the first time. So what is all different between these 2024 iPads and is the high-end worth the extra money? Here’s our detailed look at the M4 iPad Pro vs M2 iPad Air. more…

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Apple prepping AI-focused data centers with servers running its own chips
Apple AI services will reportedly utilize data centers with its own processors, bringing more AI features to iPhone, Mac, iPad, and more. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple apologizes for controversial iPad Pro ad, scraps plans for TV campaign
Alongside the new ultra-thin iPad Pro this week, Apple debuted a new “Crush!” ad to promote the new hardware. The ad has been the subject of much criticism over the last two days, as we reported on Thursday morning. Apple has now responded to this criticism, issuing a public apology to Ad Age saying it “missed the mark with this video.” more…

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9to5Mac Daily: May 9, 2024 – Who will be the next CEO of Apple?
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by iMazing 3: The world’s most trusted tool to manage Apple devices and transfer data from a Mac or PC. Redesigned for the future.  more…

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Apple is making it easier to develop your first app using Pathways
Apple’s developer site has long been a massive hub of resources for prospective app developers, but previously there was never a clear path toward getting started. Today the company launched Pathways, a collection of videos, documentation, and other resources that will walk you step by step through the journey of developing your first app. more…

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Apple to employ AI cloud servers using its own processors
Macworld A new Bloomberg report details a project code-named ACDC, for Apple Chips in Data Centers, in which Apple will use its own silicon to provide cloud AI services. Apple is going big on AI with iOS 18 and macOS 15, and while on-device processing will be a big differentiator for the company, more advanced tasks will require the resources of big server infrastructure. According to the report, the plan to use Apple’s own chips for cloud infrastructure began three years ago but has been accelerated due to the need to quickly bring to market advanced AI features. The first AI server chips will be M2 Ultra processors, it says, but there are already plans to upgrade to chips based on the M4 series in the future. Apple is expected to perform relatively simple generative AI tasks (like summarizing your missed text messages) on-device, especially those that use your private data which Apple will surely want to ensure stays on your iPhone. The cloud would be used for more intensive gen-AI tasks like image generation or composing lengthier emails. According to the report, the upgraded version of the Siri voice assistant would use cloud processing as well, though we expect simple answers and tasks that use the information contained on your iPhone to still be processed and executed entirely on-device as they are now. The company is expected to use its own data centers at first, but just as it does with iCloud, will augment that with third-party data centers from Google or other partners. We’ll hear more about Apple’s AI plans and products in about one month at WWDC. Apple Inc, iOS, Mac

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Is the Era of Stickers In Apple Boxes Coming To an End?
Citing a memo distributed to Apple Store employees, 9to5Mac reports that the new iPad Pro and iPad Air lineups will not include Apple stickers in the box -- "a key piece of memorabilia" that dates back as far as 1977's Apple II, notes Ars Technica. While the company says that this is part of its environmental goals to completely remove plastic from its packaging, it begs the question: is the era of stickers in Apple boxes coming to an end? 9to5Mac reports: The M3 MacBook Air that launched in March includes stickers in the box, but Apple Vision Pro (which launched in February) does not. Will the iPhone 16 include stickers in the box? Only time will tell. Ars' Andrew Cunningham writes about the origins of the Apple stickers: Apple has included stickers with its products at least as far back as the Apple II in 1977 when the stickers still said "Apple Computer" on them in the company's then-favored Motter Tektura typeface (I couldn't track down a vintage Apple II unboxing, but I did find some fun photos of Apple enthusiast Dan Budiac opening a sealed-in-box mid-'80s-era Apple IIc, complete with rainbow pack-in stickers). I myself became familiar with them during the height of the iPod in the early to mid-2000s when Apple was still firmly a tech underdog, and people would stick white Apple logo stickers to their cars to show off their non-conformist cred and/or Apple brand loyalty. As Apple's products became more colorful in the 2010s, the Apple logo stickers would sometimes be color-matched to the device you had just bought, a cute bit of attention to detail that has carried over into present-day MagSafe cables and color-matched iMac keyboards and trackpads. The report notes that you can still request an Apple sticker at Apple Stores at the time of your purchase; however, Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers don't appear to have them available. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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