Galaxy Fold: Samsung investigates as screens break in first days

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Galaxy Fold: Samsung investigates as screens break in first days | Technology | The Guardian:

The screen at the heart of Samsung’s new Galaxy Fold phone, which literally folds in half, has been failing in testers’ hands within days, prompting concerns about the durability of the £1,800 device.

The company distributed the new category-forming device to publications across the US on Monday ahead of its release to the public on 26 April. But within two days testers were reporting that the all-important central flexible screen started to break under normal use.

Uh-oh.

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How to check iPhone photo orientation before taking a picture

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How to check iPhone photo orientation before taking a picture – 9to5Mac:

How to check iPhone photo orientation before taking a picture

Open the Camera app
As you line up your shot, look for the magnification indicator (1x) next to the shutter button
Make sure it’s oriented in the same way you’re holding your phone
If it’s not, try rotating your phone back to another orientation and back to the one you want

Good tip -I have been caught out by this before.

Apple revamping Find My Friends & Find My iPhone in unified app

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IPhone theft

Apple revamping Find My Friends & Find My iPhone in unified app, developing Tile-like personal item tracking – 9to5Mac:

Apple is working on a new app that’s going to replace the Find My Friends and Find My iPhone apps. With codename “GreenTorch”, the app is currently being tested by engineers at the company.

People familiar with its development shared exclusive details about the project with 9to5Mac, but asked to remain anonymous discussing the company’s plans. The new app will have the same features of the two existing apps, but combined into a single app, which will be available on both iOS and on macOS, as a Marzipan app.

The new unified app includes an improved ability to find a user’s devices. Called “Find Network”, the feature allows devices to be tracked even when not connected to Wi-Fi or to a cellular network.

Besides sharing their location with members of their family, users are also able to share their location with any friend. Friends can also send location sharing requests to other people. When a friend is sharing their location with a user, they’re be able to create notifications for when this friend arrives or leaves a specific location.

All devices from a user – and their family – can be located using the unified app, including AirPods. Devices can be put in “lost mode” or made to play a sound using the same app, just like Find My iPhone.

I like the sound of this – I always thought that Find My Friends and Find My iPhone were too similar in apps – a merger of them both makes perfect sense and especially when iOS apps come to the Mac.

Reported iOS 13 Features Coming

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iOS 13: Dark Mode, detachable panels, Safari and Mail, more – 9to5Mac:

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 13, the next major version of the iPhone and iPad operating system, at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, which kicks off on June 3rd. Now, people familiar with the development of the operating system have shared exclusive details with 9to5Mac. Read on for new details about what to expect.

Dark Mode and Multitasking;

First, the long-awaited Dark Mode is finally coming to the iPhone and iPad with iOS 13. There will be a system-wide Dark Mode that can be enabled in Settings, including a high contrast version, similar to what’s already available on macOS. Speaking of macOS, iPad apps that run on the Mac using Marzipan will finally take advantage of the Dark Mode support on both systems.

There are many changes coming to iPad with iOS 13, including the ability for apps to have multiple windows. Each window will also be able to contain sheets that are initially attached to a portion of the screen, but can be detached with a drag gesture, becoming a card that can be moved around freely, similar to what an open-source project called “PanelKit” could do.

These cards can also be stacked on top of each other, and use a depth effect to indicate which cards are on top and which are on the bottom. Cards can be flung away to dismiss them.

Guilherme Rambo and Steve Troughton-Smith are well respected and trusted developers and their ability to poke around with source code lends huge credence to this report. Apparent cosmetic changes such as Dark Mode and improvements to the Reminders and Mails apps do not sound nearly as big when compared to the “multiple windows” for each app mention – can’t wait to see this in action. ”Many changes” sounds like big things are coming.

Disney offers first look at Disney+ streaming service

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Disney offers first look at Disney+ streaming service – 9to5Mac:

As anticipated, Disney this evening offered the closest look at yet at the upcoming Disney+ streaming service. The company previewed the standalone Disney+ application, while also offering details on bundling and more.

First, Disney teased that users will “likely” be able to secure a discount if they subscribe to some combination of its three streaming services – including Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. The idea of a bundle with Hulu is particularly interesting. Unfortunately, however, Disney did not go into details about bundling, with executive Kevin Mayer only saying that bundling discounts “are likely” when Disney+ launches later this year.

Most notably, however, Disney offered the first look at the actual Disney+ application. In terms of design, it’s very basic and will be familiar to anyone who has used a streaming TV app in the past. Users will be able to quickly jump through different content, recommendations, and more.

Interestingly, Disney did not make mention of specific platform details for Disney+. Instead, it simply said that the Disney+ application will be available on smart TVs, phones, tablets, and computers. Roku and PS4 were both specifically teased, but there was no mention of other connected set-top boxes – such as Apple TV. [Update: A slide shown later in the presentation clearly shows an Apple TV.]

In terms of features, Disney+ will support custom profiles – with support for designing your own avatar using iconic Disney characters. You’ll also be able to download Disney+ content for offline viewing.

Disney also teased some of the content that will be available on Disney+. That includes every Pixar films (as well as Pixar theatrical shorts), WandaVision, Falcon and Winter Soldier, Frozen 2, and much, much more.

The launch of Disney+ comes as Apple is also planning to launch Apple TV+, which will be the home of its original TV shows and movies. Disney+ will house a wide array of Disney content, including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content. Disney’s iconic “vault” content is also expected to be available on the service.

Disney+ will launch on November 12th of this year for just $6.99 per month – or $69.99 per year if you pay annually.

$6.99 per month is a good price for a rich catalogue of titles and content. Remember, Disney bought out Fox and/or owns Hulu, Marvel, ESPN, Pixar, including rights to Star Wars – the list is growing.

macOS 10.15 to include standalone media apps, splitting iTunes

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macOS 10.15 to include standalone media apps, splitting iTunes – 9to5Mac:

During the “It’s show time” event in late March, Apple announced that the TV app would be coming to the Mac soon. This naturally sparked discussions about whether Apple would be bringing its other media apps to the Mac, finally splitting up iTunes into distinct applications.

Fellow developer Steve Troughton-Smith recently expressed confidence about some evidence found indicating that Apple is working on new Music, Podcasts, and perhaps Books apps for macOS, to join the new TV app.

I’ve been able to independently confirm that this is true. On top of that, I’ve been able to confirm with sources familiar with the development of the next major version of macOS – likely 10.15 – that the system will include standalone Music, Podcasts, and TV apps, but it will also include a major redesign of the Books app. We also got an exclusive look at the icons for the new Podcasts and TV apps on macOS.

Finally.

Ming-Chi Kuo: 31.6″ Apple Display Coming

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Apple 6k display

Kuo: Mini-LED 31.6″ Apple display by Q3, iPad + MacBook 2021 – 9to5Mac:

TF Securities’ Ming-Chi Kuo has released a report which lays out Apple’s product interest in mini-LED technology. Kuo says that Apple will launch a 31.6-inch (6K resolution) external display in the second or third quarter of 2019 and feature a mini-LED backlight.

WWDC might also see the new Mac Pro make an appearance to go along with this monitor.

BBEdit Returns to the Mac App Store

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BBEdit Returns to the Mac App Store After 4+ Year Absence – MacStories:

Beginning today, BBEdit 12 is available for download through the Mac App Store. BBEdit was previously listed for purchase through the Mac App Store, but famously left the store in October 2014. Last year, however, Apple announced on-stage at WWDC that BBEdit would be returning to the new Mac App Store in the near future, and that day has finally arrived.

A renowned Mac app that is a great addition to the Mac App Store.

[Update: now live in UK] Apple Music launches on Amazon Alexa Devices

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Apple music tv

[Update: now live in UK] Apple Music launches on Amazon Fire TV, coming to Echo for UK users soon – 9to5Mac:

Update: Amazon Echo customers in UK & Ireland can now use Apple Music. Open the Alexa app and go to Settings -> Music -> Link New Service to get started.

Great news for us UK users.

Apple cuts price of HomePod worldwide

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Homepod price cut

Apple cuts price of HomePod worldwide, now $299 at the US Apple Store – 9to5Mac:

Apple has officially lowered the price of the HomePod worldwide. In the price has fallen from $349 to $299, breaking the $300 level. HomePod has seen promotional discounts at many third party retailers (eg: it’s $279 right now at Best Buy) over its lifespan, but now Apple has dropped the smart speaker’s standard list price.

This price cut represents a roughly 15% drop and seemingly applies to every region, not just the US. The UK price has fallen from £319 to £279.

I welcome the price drop from Apple but I do wonder how it effects their own margin on the product, especially when John Gruber alluded that it made a loss recently.