Scanners
- Friday June 07
- 12:08 pmFeature Request: Make iPhone voice transcription a universal feature
iPhone voice transcription is already included in iMessage, and is available in some other chat apps – but not always for free. In Telegram, for example, you have to pay for a premium membership to get the feature. The latest Bloomberg piece says that Apple is finally bringing audio transcription to the Voice Memo app, and this seems a perfect opportunity to make it a system-wide feature … more…12:07 pmAdobe has clarified controversial shrinkwrap license terms, but the damage may have already been done | AppleInsiderAdobe has clarified controversial shrinkwrap license terms, but the damage may have already been done
After a terms of service update that infuriated artists, and an initial statement that poured gasoline on the fire, Adobe has made a clear statement about its new use terms.Adobe Creative Cloud logoThe last 48 hours have been tumultuous for Adobe. Early in the week of June 3, users of Adobe Creative Cloud pointed out that the new terms of service allowed Adobe to do whatever it wanted with users projects.We saw that furor, and reached out to Adobe about it. Then, they issued an unclear statement on the matter, saying that the terms had always been this way. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:02 pmApple Vision Pro will get a polish, not an overhaul at WWDC
The forthcoming visionOS 2.0 for Apple Vision Pro at WWDC will not be as significant an update as expected, but will address issues and bring new environments.WWDC will see enhancements rather than an overhaul to visionOSApple has been testing visionOS 2.0 since at least January 2024, but a new report suggests that its version number won't bring the changes that a whole number update implies. It will, though, offer more than the minor updates that the latest visionOS 1.2 has seen.According to Bloomberg, visionOS 2 — codenamed Constellation — is chiefly concerned with making the Apple Vision Pro software smoother and more polished. There won't be dramatically new features or revisions to existing ones. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:22 amReport: Apple to launch iOS 18 AI features marketed as ‘Apple Intelligence’
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman today reports that Apple will launch its upcoming AI initiatives in iOS 18 and other operating systems under the brand name ‘Apple Intelligence’, which is obviously a convenient twist on the ‘AI’ acronym. The company will official announce the new plans at its WWDC keynote on Monday. Rather than focus on writing poetry or making up images, the Apple Intelligence suite of features will use large language models to offer functionality that helps users throughout their daily life, with abilities like summarization and rich auto-reply suggestions. more…11:15 amHow to your iPhone ready to be the first to try iOS 18 when it arrives
Macworld The Worldwide Developers Conference is just days away, and we expect to hear all about Apple’s new operating systems. With a heavy focus on AI and a lot of other features, we expect iOS 18 to be one of the biggest iOS releases in years. If you want to try it out before its release this fall, you’ll need to install the beta. We expect the developer beta to be available immediately after the keynote on June 10, while the first public beta release will come a few weeks later in July. If you want to grab it ASAP, here’s what you should do to prepare. Back up your iPhone to your Mac or Windows PC The first iOS betas are always full of bugs. New features are broken or missing, and even some of the stuff that didn’t change may stop working. Important applications may become unresponsive or crash a lot. Battery life may be terrible. There’s a reason the developer beta releases begin weeks before the public beta–they’re meant for developers to bring their apps up to date with new frameworks and APIs, and to test to see if the new OS breaks them. It’s best to install the beta on an iPhone other than the one you use every day, but if you don’t have one, there are steps you can take to easily restore back to iOS 17 if things go horribly wrong. So back up your iPhone first, using an encrypted backup to your local computer instead of the standard iCloud backup. This makes it easiest to roll back to an earlier version of iOS, which is not as easy as flipping off a switch. You’ll need to erase your iPhone, put it in recovery mode, reinstall the current version of iOS 17, and then restore your backup. Connect your iPhone and your computer with a cable. In the Finder sidebar on your Mac, select your iPhone. (On a Windows PC you’ll need iTunes: launch it and click the iPhone button near the top left of the iTunes window.) At the top of the Finder window, click General. (In iTunes, click Summary.) Select Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac. (In iTunes: Back Up Now) To encrypt your backup data and protect it with a password, select Encrypt local backup. Click Back Up Now. Register for a free developer account You no longer need a paid $100/year developer account to install the developer beta. That fee is only required to manage App Store submissions and the like, but you can install the developer beta with a free developer account. Go to the Apple Developer site to see the specifics about enrolling. You’ll have to sign in on an Apple ID that has two-factor authentication enabled and provide info like your full name and address. When you go to Settings > General > Software Updates and select the Beta Updates drop-down menu, you should see developer updates available. It may take some time after registering for a developer account for this to appear, and you might even have to restart your iPhone. So do your developer account sign up early if you want to be ready as soon as iOS 18 is available. Register for the public beta (and wait) If the prospect of running the buggy developer beta makes you nervous, and you want to run the slightly less buggy Public Beta instead, you can sign up for that at the Apple Beta site. Go to the site, hit the Sign Up button, log in to your Apple ID, and agree to the terms. Once you do, you should see Public Beta options when you go to Settings > General > Software Updates and select the Beta Updates drop-down menu. The first Public Beta of a new major iOS release usually comes in July, after two or three Developer Beta releases. It’s going to be buggy too, but not as rough as those first developer releases. Expect a rough experience! Running beta versions of a new iOS release is not like the beta of a point release. iOS 18’s first betas are going to be a lot rougher than the beta of iOS 18.3. Especially those first developer betas, which are often quite incomplete. You can expect poor battery life, apps that crash unexpectedly or don’t work at all, and new features that don’t work properly. We can’t stress enough what a bad idea it is to run the early developer beta on a device you use in your day-to-day life, unless you have a backup device or a lot of patience. It’s best to run the update on a secondary iPhone if possible, or at least update your older iPhone so it’s ready to step in as your daily driver during the beta process. iOS11:14 amiOS 18 to include emoji reactions for iMessage, ability to schedule messages to send later | 9 to 5 MaciOS 18 to include emoji reactions for iMessage, ability to schedule messages to send later
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman today reported on a few additional features to expect from the Messages app in iOS 18. One of the perhaps most requested messaging changes will be an upgrade to the Tapbacks system, allowing users to respond to any message using an emoji of their choice. Apple will also another long-standing feature request, adding the ability to schedule messages to be sent at a later time. more…11:05 amAdobe terms clarified: Will never own your work, or use it for AI training
A change to Adobe terms set the internet alight yesterday, after a number of pro users of the company’s apps reacted with anger and confusion to the scary-looking wording. The company initially issued a rather dismissive statement that its terms have been in place for years and it was merely clarifying them, but subsequently wrote a blog post which tackled the issue in more detail … more…10:30 amGet ready for WWDC with this off-the-wall skit Apple didn’t want you to see
Macworld Way back in 2014, there were rumors that Apple had produced one of its trademark WWDC intro skits that never aired. It involved Larry David, app approval, a “Spicy Godfather” sandwich, racial humor, and Evan Spiegel—and Apple apparently got cold feet and showed a fairly standard video about what developers look like instead. it’s kind of amazing Apple even considered showing it to the world considering Larry tells JB Smoove, “No smacks for Blacks,” and there’s a running joke about how indiscriminate the App Store approval process is. That’s not to say it’s not funny—it’s actually very funny. It’s just not the kind of thing you’d expect to see in a WWDC keynote, and clearly someone at Apple agreed since it’s been in the vault for a decade. It’s not clear how the YouTube account got its hands on the video, but the video is presented in its entirety—a full 10 minutes, which is likely much longer than Apple would have shown. But even if it’s a little lengthy, it’s definitely worth a watch. Apple will kick off WWDC with a keynote at 10 am on Monday. It is expected to unveil numerous AI features including integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. But we doubt Larry David will make an appearance. iOS10:18 amApple hosts an industry program for students from historically Black colleges and universities | AppleInsiderApple hosts an industry program for students from historically Black colleges and universities
Fifty students from a range of historically Black colleges and universities are to get an immersive two-week program with Apple.Students at the Propel Center (Source: Propel Center)The new program comes from the Propel Center, which was created in 2021 by one of Apple's earliest investments from its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REIU). In the same year, Apple also awarded $5 million to four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU).According to Variety, the Propel Center is now running working with 19 HBCUs for a 2024 Arts & Entertainment Industry Accelerator. It's a year-long program aimed at creating greater diversity in the industry. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums10:15 amNetflix app begins undergoing major user interface changes
Netflix’s user interface is about to get a bit different on your set top box. On Thursday, the streaming company announced that a major redesign is coming for the Netflix app across TV devices like the Apple TV 4K, Chromecast, and smart TVs. Select users will start seeing it in their Netflix app soon. Per […] Source10:00 amiPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max measurements leaked, point towards thinnest iPhone models yet | PowerPageiPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max measurements leaked, point towards thinnest iPhone models yet
What appear to be the exact size specifications of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max smartphone have been leaked, and the device could have the thinnest borders on a smartphone to date. The leak was published Wednesday via a tweet from serial leaker Ice Universe, who stated that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will measure […] Source10:00 amUpgrade Dad to Windows 11 Pro for just $25
Macworld The latest operating system from Windows 11 Pro is normally $199, but you can get it for just $24.97 through 6/9 for Father’s Day. Enjoy enhanced productivity features like snap layouts, seamless redocking, and improved voice typing. Work safer with biometrics login, TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, and more leading security features. Tap into Microsoft’s Copilot AI to save time and streamline workflows. Access unique professional features like Azure AD, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker device encryption, and more. Upgrade your PC with Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for $24.97 (reg. $199) through June 10th only. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – $24.97 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Windows09:00 am‘Show Sidebar’ option turned off in the Finder? Here’s how to bring it back to macOS
Macworld I find the Finder window’s sidebar immensely useful. By default, it shows a number of useful folders and locations you might need quick access to, and you can drag in folders, servers, smart folders, and more. But what do you do when the sidebar disappears, and the View menu’s Show Sidebar item is grayed out? This happened to me recently, and I was baffled. Restarting my Mac didn’t solve it, nor did some advice on resetting a Finder preference file, which I don’t want to repeat here, as it wipes out your Finder settings and didn’t solve my problem. It turned out that the answer wasn’t staring me in the face because of how Apple has linked the sidebar and toolbar in the Finder: if you have the toolbar hidden in a Finder window, you cannot display the sidebar, either. You can test this to see how it works. Open a new window in the Finder with File > New Finder Window. Choose View > Hide Toolbar. Now check the View menu: Show Sidebar appears but is grayed out and cannot be chosen. Re-enable the toolbar with View > Show Toolbar, and either the sidebar re-appears if it was displayed before you hid the toolbar, or you can now choose View > Show Sidebar. In macOS, the Sidebar disappears if Show Toolbar is turned off. The option for Show Sidebar is not available–Show Toolbar has to be turned on to activate the option. In macOS, the Sidebar disappears if Show Toolbar is turned off. The option for Show Sidebar is not available–Show Toolbar has to be turned on to activate the option.Foundry In macOS, the Sidebar disappears if Show Toolbar is turned off. The option for Show Sidebar is not available–Show Toolbar has to be turned on to activate the option.Foundry Foundry Ask Mac 911 We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered, we don’t reply to email, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice. Mac, MacOS08:53 amMagSafe or Qi2? How to find the right wireless iPhone charger for you
Macworld Qi2 versus MagSafe You’re welcome to charge your iPhone with a wire and pretend it’s 2007, but most of us these days prefer to charge wirelessly. It’s quicker and easier, you don’t have to carry around the correct cable, and it keeps your desk or bedside table looking neat and tidy. The problem, however, is that there’s a wide range of wireless iPhone chargers out there. Which one is right for your needs and budget? The first question to ask is whether you should go for a Qi2 or MagSafe charger. While these are two separate charging standards, the former open and the latter proprietary to Apple, there’s a lot of overlap between them. It’s important when buying a charger to check which standard(s) it supports so you know that it’s compatible with your phone, as well as the specs and features you can expect. Most recent iPhones are compatible with both Qi2 and MagSafe. The 15-series iPhones support both out of the box, and the 13- and 14-series support them provided you update to iOS 17.2 or later. Older iPhones (iPhone 8 and later) support the older Qi standard, but that doesn’t offer the same magnetic attachment as MagSafe. This magnetic feature helps to ensure your device sits on the sweet spot and charges correctly: no more frustration when you find it slipped off and stopped charging a couple of minutes after you put it on the pad. Both Qi2 and MagSafe offer this feature. In terms of speed, Qi2 chargers can go just as fast as MagSafe ones, both on paper (15W) and in our testing. The main difference is that Apple controls MagSafe certification, which makes it more expensive for companies to make MagSafe accessories. In theory a Qi2 charger should provide the same quality and performance as a MagSafe accessory at a lower price. But there are other factors to take into consideration. How to find the best charger for you Reputable brand: It’s important to buy from a company you can trust. Look for a lengthy track record producing tech accessories, and large numbers of positive reviews online. Certification: Similarly, for peace of mind you should check the accessory has full certification in whichever standard you prefer. Otherwise you can’t be sure it will be compatible with your iPhone, or produce optimal performance. Price: Compare to rival products, and to the prices of Apple-certified MagSafe chargers. A Qi2 accessory should cost less than the MagSafe equivalent. Ability to charge other devices: Some Qi2 iPhone chargers double up as AirPods and/or Apple Watch chargers too. Don’t clog up your desk with multiple accessories if a single versatile unit can serve all your needs. ESR’s charger range Bearing the above in mind, we feel that ESR’s range of wireless chargers is well worth your consideration. The company, which is currently celebrating its 15-year anniversary, is a highly rated brand on Amazon with more than 16 million products sold and 402,000 five-star reviews. It offers a wide range of fully certified MagSafe and Qi2 chargers, so you know what you’re getting. The company’s prices are good, its chargers will be compatible with future iOS and watchOS updates, including iOS 18, and there’s plenty of versatility available. Consider a few options: Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Set ESR ESR ESR This compact charging unit can handle your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. It quickly powers up, and the foldable design fits effortlessly into any bag, making it an essential travel companion. Just $67.99 from Amazon. Qi2 3-in-1 Watch Wireless Charging Set ESR ESR ESR Officially certified for both the Qi2 standard and Made for Apple Watch, and featuring full StandBy support, this is your all-in-one fast charging station. Excellent value at $89.99, this is currently on sale for just $59.99 from Amazon. Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Car Charger ESR ESR ESR Boasting 15W fast charging, customizable viewing angles, a 1,600g magnetic connection and secure mounting options for both air vent and dashboard, this is a bargain at $29.99. Even better, it’s currently just $27.99 from Amazon. Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger ESR ESR ESR If you need to charge only one device at a time, this mini charging pad is ideal. It supports fast 15W wireless charging, and a strong 1,200g magnetic lock. Buy it now for $17.99 from Amazon. Whatever you need from a charger, ESR can help. Take a look today! Mobile Phone Accessories, Mobile Phone Chargers, Power08:06 amiPhone 15 charging slowly? How to fast charge iPhone with USB-C
The charging situation for the and iPhone 15 Pro this year has changed. Apple’s proprietary Lightning port has been replaced with USB-C, so now you can charge your phone with almost any and USB-C power adapter that you can find online. But what exactly do you need to make sure you can charge your iPhone battery as fast as possible? more…08:00 amUpgrade Dad to Office 2021 with 77% off this instant download
Macworld This instant download provides the complete Microsoft Office 2021 suite for Windows, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher & Access. You get one lifetime license for one Windows machine, downloaded to your laptop. There are no subscriptions to renew or logins to manage. Office 2021 is fully compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Free customer support makes it easy to get up and running. Get Dad Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for $49.97, $170 off the $219 MSRP now through 11:59 PM PST on June 10th. StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories03:12 amHow to emulate the original PlayStation and Nintendo 64 on Mac
Games on the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64 can be played on an Apple Silicon Mac with a little bit of work. Here's how to emulate the classic consoles on a Mac or MacBook.It is possible to emulate the original Sony PlayStation on an Apple Silicon Mac. The transition from the fourth to the fifth generation of video game consoles was a unique time in gaming history. It heralded the movement from 2D to 3D games during the mid-1990s.This involved pioneering work in bringing real-time 3D graphics to life, as well as the disruption of major players in the industry. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:42 amAmazon's best Apple Studio Display deal is back at $1,299.99
Amazon's popular Apple Studio Display deal is back, with a $300 cash discount dropping the 27-inch 5K display down to $1,299.99 while supplies last.Save $300 on the Apple Studio Display.Save $300 today on the standard glass Apple Studio Display with a tilt-adjustable stand at Amazon, bringing the cost down to $1,299.99 — and coming within 2 cents of the lowest price on record.Grab the deal Continue Reading on AppleInsider12:30 amVITURE One XR glasses review: Good versatility with accessory limits
For one-tenth the cost of an Apple Vision Pro, the Viture One XR glasses put a comfortable display on your face to use for most digital activities.VITURE One XR Glasses reviewAlongside the release of Apple Vision Pro, AR and VR and the idea of "spatial computing" have become a frontier for experimentation.XR is a blanket term for AR/VR and its intersections. Viture has done this by making a pair of pretty inconspicuous glasses that, once plugged into a device, serve as a screen for work or play. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:27 amThis app can identify more than 33,000 plant species
iOS plant identifier app Plantum also serves up tips for plant care. Get a lifetime premium sub for just $16.97 (regularly $59.99). (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)