iPhone isn't secure enough for the South Korea military – but Android is
An iPhone ban in the South Korean military that has less to do with security and more to do with a poorly crafted mobile device management suite coupled with nationalism may be expanding to the rank-and-file.iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro MaxThe ban, in Samsung's backyard, has reportedly started in the country's Air Force headquarters. A report on Tuesday morning claims that the ban is on all devices capable of voice recording and do not allow third-party apps to lock this down — with iPhone specifically named."It's inevitable to block any kind of voice recording, not just formal communications including meetings, office conversations, business announcements and complaints from and consultations with the public, but also informal communications such as private phone calls (within military buildings)," the document distributed by the military reportedly says. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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FineWoven will join a long line of short-lived Apple failures
Macworld After a little more than a half-year on the market, a new report claims that Apple has stopped production of its beleaguered FineWoven products, which were introduced in September as an eco-friendly alternative to leather iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands. The accessories are made from “68 percent post-consumer recycled content” as part of Apple’s long-standing efforts to significantly reduce carbon emissions, but even customers who wanted Apple to get rid of leather were less than thrilled about the new material, which Apple says “may show wear over time as the fibers get compressed with normal use.” Pictures posted all around social media have shown how worn down the cases look after a short time compared to the leather cases of old. We won’t know for sure until September if Apple is truly planning to discontinue the line of accessories, but if it is, FineWoven will have some well-known company in the annals of short-lived Apple products: Macintosh XL (3 months) If the Macintosh precursor Lisa was troubled, the Macintosh XL, released in January 1985 at the tail end of Lisa’s run, was downright doomed. It wasn’t for the lack of specs or interest—in fact it sold quite well—but the line was overshadowed by the cheaper Macintosh. Resources and parts were scarce for the Macintosh XL and Apple ran out of stock forever just three months later. Macintosh TV (4 months) The original Apple TV before streaming was a thing, the Macintosh TV was supposed to be the device that combined personal computing with home entertainment. With a built-in 14-inch Sony Trinitron display and all of the necessary audio/video inputs including a coaxial cable input, the Macintosh TV combined Apple’s iconic all-in-one design with “new media capabilities that create a whole new category of computing and entertainment devices.” It didn’t catch on and Apple pulled the plug on its first TV project just four months later. The Power Mac G4 Cube was built for success, but never got off the ground. The Power Mac G4 Cube was built for success, but never got off the ground.RR Auction The Power Mac G4 Cube was built for success, but never got off the ground.RR Auction RR Auction Power Mac G4 Cube (11 months) The Power Mac G4 Cube made a huge splash at Macworld New York in 2000. A mini high-end tower packed inside a beautiful floating acrylic square with an ingenious handle to access the internal parts, the Power Mac G4 Cube should have been a runaway hit. Instead, the high price and various cosmetic and performance issues kept sales at bay, and less than a year later, Apple put the whole project “on ice.” eMate (11 months) Before the iBook there was a small translucent portable Mac called the eMate 300, which was geared toward the education market. The ultraportable laptop had a 25MHz ARM CPU, 1MB of RAM, and 2MB of flash memory for a very affordable $799. The eMate was ultimately a victim of Apple’s new direction under Steve Jobs, but that’s not the last we would see of transparent plastic cases. iPod Hi-Fi (19 months) Back when the company’s iconic music player was at the height of its popularity, Apple tried to cash in on the dedicated speaker market with the iPod Hi-Fi, a high-end audio system made specifically for the iPod. The boombox-esque design with exposed speakers and glossy white chassis was extremely big and heavy and had one job as a somewhat precarious $349 iPod dock. It lasted less than two years—during which time another new product named the iPhone arrived. That one would last a little longer. iPhone, Mac

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Apple's iPhone skid in China continues, with another big hit to start 2024
Apple is having a tough quarter in China, with new research claiming that Apple's iPhone sales are down 19.1% year-over-year.Apple's iPhone 15All smartphone sales have been in decline in China for some years, but recent reports had said the market was stabilizing. Other reports have said that iPhone sales in the country dropped 56% between January 2024 and February 2024, though this is traditionally when Apple's sales are lowest.Now new figures from Counterpoint Research have compared like for like quarters, charting Q1 2024 against Q1 2023. Citing Huawei's 69.9% year on year growth as the major factor, Counterpoint says that the iPhone dropped 19.1% over the same period. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple acquires French startup Datakalab, may have gained additional AI, computer vision tools
As is sometimes the custom, Apple may have snagged yet another company that specializes in artificial intelligence to help move it closer to its technological milestones. Apple is reported to have acquired Datakalab, a Paris, France-based startup specializing in both AI compression as well as computer vision technology. Per French business magazine Challenges, the acquisition […] Source

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Apple's FineWoven cases rumored to get one final release
Apple has probably stopped production of its poorly-received FineWoven cases for the iPhone, but a new report from the same herald of its death says there is one last set of seasonal colorways coming.Apple's range of FineWoven casesFineWoven is Apple's name for its leather-free cases for the iPhone 15 range. They've not been a hit.Consequently, Apple was reported to have cancelled production of it, presumably as the company works to find a replacement. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple @ Work Podcast: SaaS isolation in the browser
Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. Apple @ Work is brought to you by Kolide by 1Password, the device trust solution that ensures that if a device isn’t secure, it can’t access your apps. Close the Zero Trust access gap for Okta. Learn more or watch the demo. In this episode of Apple @ Work, I talk with Kamal Srinivasan from Parallels about their new Parallels Browser Isolation product. more…

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Current iPad Air inventory begins to run low ahead of anticipated next-gen iPad Air introduction
As expected (and as Apple and any company tries to accomplish prior to releasing a new or updated product), Apple’s retail stock of the current iPad Air model has begun to dwindle ahead of the anticipated arrival of the next-gen iPad Air in May. Per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who cited sources at Citing sources at […] Source

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Boost your PC’s performance with Windows 11 Pro, now under $30
Macworld If you’re finding that your device’s performance is lagging or you need to set up a refurbished device, consider investing in a powerful OS. The top-rated OS for any PC is Windows 11 Pro, Microsoft’s most popular edition, which offers innovative security features, productivity tools, and more. Now, lifetime access is only $29.97 (reg. $199) until April 30. With Windows 11 Pro, you’ll get a powerful and user-friendly interface. You can boost your productivity with tools like snap layouts, customizable widgets, improved voice typing, and more. There are also professional features like Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox for smoother remote or hybrid work. Security is paramount with Windows 11 Pro, as it offers BitLocker Encryption, Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, and so much more. This OS even gets a kick from AI, as it boasts a new AI-powered assistant, Cortana. It can answer your pressing questions, change your device’s settings, generate coding suggestions as you go, and more.  Update your PC’s performance when you get lifetime access to Windows 11 Pro for just $29.97 through April 30 at 11:59 PM Pacific.    Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Only $29.97 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories

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Photoshop gets update adding more powerful AI workflows
Adobe has unveiled its new Photoshop app featuring updated generative AI tools with text-to-image capabilities for designers and photographers.Adobe supercharges iOS app with new AI-driven featuresDriven by the Adobe Firefly Image 3 Foundation Model, the new advancements announced on Tuesday, add generative AI features for creators to the Photoshop app. Functions such as Reference Image, Generate Image, Generate Similar, Generate Background, and Enhance Detail can streamline the creative process.Photoshop's latest features can enhance and expedite creative workflows. The Reference Image feature uses selected images to inspire and shape outputs, closely aligning results with what creatives envision. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Learn about your dog’s ancestry and how to care for them better for only $68
Macworld Most pet owners may agree with this statement. We love our dogs and are constantly looking to care for them as best we can. Now, you can gain insights into how to look after them more lovingly and learn about their genetic history with a simple test. With the DNA My Dog test, you can delve into your dog’s genetic makeup to uncover valuable insights. Now, it’s only $67.99 (reg. $79). Thankfully, running a DNA My Dog test is as straightforward as conducting a human genetic test. Just use the sterile applicator to swab your pet’s cheek, bag it, and send it in. Within just two weeks, you’ll receive a comprehensive report on your pup’s health, ancestry, and more. With over 350 breeds in DNA My Dog’s genetic database, you’ll not only learn your dog’s unique genetic markers but also receive tips on how to bond more effectively with them and craft a breed-centric diet. Understanding your pooch’s genetic markers goes beyond just satisfying your curiosity. It offers essential information to help you care for them best, including insights into their distinctive personality traits and predispositions to diseases.  With this test’s results, you can ensure your dog lives the happiest, healthiest life tailored to its unique genetic profile. Grab the DNA My Dog Breed Identification Test, now just $67.99 for a limited time.   DNA My Dog Essential Breed ID Test Only $67.99 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories

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Yes, the YouTube app now tries to hijack your Apple TV’s screen saver
One of the best features of the Apple TV is its robust collection of Aerial screen savers. When your Apple TV sits idle for a few minutes, tvOS switches to these soothing Aerial videos while it awaits for you to return. YouTube, however, thinks you’d rather see random slideshows of images and video thumbnails instead… more…

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Apple Acquires Datakalab, a French Startup Behind AI and Computer Vision Tech
According to French business magazine Challenges, Apple has acquired Datakalab -- a Paris-based startup specializing in artificial intelligence compression and computer vision technology. 9to5Mac reports: Datakalab described itself as "experts in low power, runtime efficient, and deep learning algorithms" that work on device. On its LinkedIn page, Datakalab highlights "industry leading compression and adaptation to deploy embedded computer vision that is fast, cost-effective and precise." Prior to the Apple acquisition had between 10 and 20 employees. From Datakalab's now-defunct website: "Datakalab is a French technology company that develops computer image analysis algorithms to measure flows in public space. The images are instantly transformed into anonymized statistical data processed locally in 100ms. Datakalab does not store any images or personal data and only keeps statistical data. Datakalab products are built according to the principle of 'Privacy by Design.'" While neither Apple nor DatakaLab have acknowledged the acquisition, Challenges says that the deal was reported to the European Commission this month. The report says that Datakalab's two founders did not join Apple, but multiple other employees did make the jump. Datakalab also held multiple patents related to AI compression and vision technology. The acquisition makes perfect sense given Apple's rumored ambitions to run its upcoming AI-related features in iOS 18 "entirely on device." Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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9to5Mac Daily: April 22, 2024 – iPad Air rumors, Apple AI acquisition 
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 Roborock: Get a special deal on the S8 MaxV Ultra Robot Vac & S8 Max Ultra with free gifts for a limited time. more…

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Ray-Ban Meta glasses now feature Apple Music integration with voice controls
It’s been a while since Meta launched its own smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban, and I’ve already written about them here on 9to5Mac. Now those who own Ray-Ban Meta can enjoy deeper integration with Apple Music thanks to Meta’s latest update. more…

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Apple is betting big on India
Apple in recent years has made an aggressive move to expand operations on both the manufacturing and sales front in India. The company… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple said to launch M4 Mac mini in late 2024 or early 2025, skipping M3
Apple could completely skip the M3 generation for some Macs, most notably the Mac mini, launching a new M4 Mac mini as soon as this year… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Meta needs other companies & developers to challenge Apple Vision Pro
Apple's Vision Pro headset is gaining traction, so Meta has opened up its VR operating system to other manufacturers to maintain its lead in a market it previously dominated.Meta Quest 3As a newcomer in the virtual reality space, Apple's Vision Pro brings with it the formidable reputation of its creator. Established companies like Meta have been on high alert to compete with Apple.The latest move from Meta is the Monday announcement of Meta Horizon OS. It's an attempt to open the Meta Quest platform to third-party hardware makers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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GRID discounts disassembled iPhone 4 frame to $99, more [Save 40%]
Our friends at GRID Studio are running an Earth Day sale this week with some impressive discounts on their iconic deconstructed wall art. The Grid 4, for example, showcases a deconstructed iPhone 4 and is available for just $99 (down from $170). more…

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Apple said to be close to TV deal With FIFA for new tournament
Apple and FIFA are said to be nearing an agreement wthat ould give the tech company worldwide rights for a monthlong World Cup-style… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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MagSafe Monday: Spigen’s OneTap laptop mount provides an easy way to watch MLB.TV at your desk
MagSafe accessories continue to be where a lot of the innovation around the iPhone tames place. The ability to snap your iPhone into place unlocks a lot of fun use cases. This week, I am taking a look at the that’s designed to keep your iPhone connected to your Mac for quick phone calls, Zoom calls, and much more. more…

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