A key meeting where things turned from amiable to adversarial.
Apple
Siri and Microsoft’s new Windows vs Mac campaign
Microsoft has launched a series of ads focusing on login via face recognition, Cortana (Windows equivalent of Siri), and touchscreens, three features on modern Windows machines that are not found on the Mac. Interesting timing with the recent Siri rumor. Connection there?
Samsung wins appeal in patent dispute with Apple
This result is incomprehensible to me.
A third party iOS app store that evaded Apple’s official App Store review process
Dave Verwer:
Claud Xiao wrote about an app released late last year which presented one of two sets of functionality based on your location. When launched outside China it showed a fully featured app to help you learn English, but inside China it showed an App Store style app that (ab)used enterprise certificates to install pirated apps.
Wow!
I got hacked mid-air while writing an Apple-FBI story
Pretty incredible story. Be sure to read the Update at the bottom of the post.
Apple’s legal strategy, in a nutshell
Core elements of the motion to vacate. An explainer.
The cost of what the FBI is asking Apple to do
Using the All Writs Act to force Apple to build custom software does not come cheap. When someone says, Apple should just give them to number or disable the encryption, it shows they do not understand the costs involved. Apple lays those costs out.
Siri reportedly coming to Mac this fall
Fantastic! I use Siri all the time, especially to create reminders and add appointments to my calendar. This has long been a missing feature for me.
Apple case as a crazy-hard law school exam question
A terrific two-part explainer about the All Writs Act. But more to the point, a terrific analogy about this case, worth reading.
Conjecture: Apple as a potential investor in Paramount Studios
Would it make sense for Apple to own a movie studio? A TV Network? How about Netflix? Would an investment as a minority owner of Paramount ever make sense for Apple?
The Tim Cook interview
The video embedded in the post is now the full interview, with a transcription of a few of Tim’s comments.
Bought an app that since added Apple TV support? Now there’s a category for that.
Use “Not on This Apple TV” to spot apps you own that have added Apple TV support that you have not yet downloaded on your Apple TV. Very smart.
Apple restoring Apple Pencil gesture navigation
Apple responded to an outpouring of complaint about iOS 9.3 removing Apple Pencil navigation capability.
The many-faced Apple vs FBI poll results
The most negative poll, with the least amount of context, is the one grabbing all the headlines.
IDC: Apple Watch leapfrogs all but FitBit, ships 4.1 million in 4th quarter
Not too shabby for a product that just started shipping 9 months ago.
Apple, don’t cripple the Pencil’s navigation in iOS 9.3
Serenity Caldwell, writing for iMore:
Unfortunately, whether by bug or intentional design, the Pencil’s navigational prowess appears to have vanished in the iOS 9.3 public betas. With 9.3, you can no longer scroll or manipulate text; the only places the Pencil works are on canvas or when pressing digital buttons.
Sure hope this changes before the official release.
The government’s precedent in their case against Apple
You’ll no doubt hear more about the Fricosu case. According the EFF, the government is hanging their hat on this as a precedent.
Apple to stream live concert, by The 1975, this Thursday on Beats 1
The show is 9a PT, this Thursday, on Beats 1.
Newly discovered video of Woz and Apple Fest from 1988
From the Apple User Group Connection, some newly digitized video tapes from 1988. There’s also a link to one of my favorite videos from long ago, Apple’s fantastic vision for the future, The Knowledge Navigator.
Apple vs. FBI: Protests planned across the nation over phone privacy
From the Fight for the Future press release:
Concerned iPhone users and digital security supporters will gather at Apple stores in more than 30 cities this coming Tuesday, February 23rd, exactly one week after a court order that attempts to force Apple to write software that would undermine the safety and security of millions of people.
Bill Gates disputes report that he backs FBI in Apple case
“Bill Gates back FBI iPhone hack request”? Please. That does both Bill Gates and Apple a terrible disservice.
How to get a free data plan for your iPad
In a nutshell, T-Mobile has long offered a 200 megabyte per month free plan for the iPad. Read on for more details.
Apple tops list of World’s Most Admired Companies
Apple, Alphabet, and Amazon, numbers one two and three.
Justice Department brings in lawyer to represent San Bernardino victims, in effort to compel Apple to unlock iPhone
From a Reuters article, sounds like the Justice Department brought in a lawyer to represent the San Bernardino shooting victims. But there’s also an article about a mom of one of the victims siding with Apple. Complicated.
Tim Cook’s all hands email explains Apple’s position to employees
Amazing to watch the CEO of one of the largest companies in the world take such a strong stance based on personal beliefs.
Apple posts FAQ about their response to the court order
Apple posted an FAQ clarifying their position in terms of the court order and their response to the FBI. A well reasoned response.
iPhone back door: What’s the worst that could happen?
An image is worth a thousand words.
John McAfee’s offer to the FBI: “I’ll crack the iPhone”
Anti-virus pioneer, Cyber Party presidential candidate, and sometime fugitive John McAfee made a public offer to crack the San Bernardino iPhone for the FBI. As of this writing, McAfee’s offer was not accepted.
Justice Department files motion in federal court to force Apple to comply
The pressure is ratcheting up on both sides. Donald Trump is also getting into the mix.
Night Shift in iOS 9.3: Explained!
Really interesting explanation of the new Night Shift feature: how it works and why it’s valuable.