Steve Jobs, the official Sony biopic film for Walter Isaacson’s Jobs biography, received a muted response at the box office. The film received decent reviews from critics with an engaging story and unique approach to filming and movie-making, with Aaron Sorkin conjuring the plot around just three Steve Jobs product keynotes.

If you didn’t get the chance (or chose not to) to see the film at the movie theater, you can now buy it on Blu-ray and DVD from today. The film was also released on iTunes as a digital download last week, but it seems Apple is intentionally not promoting the movie on its store — the film has got no special placement on the iTunes storefront.

Personally, I think the film was okay as a film: if you treat it as a piece of fictional entertainment with some basis on real characters, it’s fine. The whole movie breaks down if you are looking for something based on real events, it takes much artistic license in character conversations and the technological details.

The film lead, Michael Fassbender, was originally tipped for an Oscar off the back of the premier but whether the film will receive that accolade is yet to be seen. Still, Steve Jobs has managed some academic recognition. Kate Winslet was awarded a Bafta for her performance as Joanna Hoffman. Aaron Sorkin and Winslet also won Golden Globes for best screenplay and best supporting actress.

The physical media release of a film about a man who destroyed the physical media industry is somewhat ironic, but at least it gives interested readers another opportunity to watch the interesting, if not landmark blowout, film of the late Apple founder.

Filed under: AAPL Company, iOS, iOS Devices, Tech Industry Tagged: biopic, BluRay, Digital, download, DVD, iTunes, movie, Steve Jobs, Watch

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As his bizarre Twitter tirade continues, Kanye West this evening has shared that his latest album “The Life of Pablo” will never be on Apple Music and will remain an exclusive to Jay-Z’s Tidal streaming service. The tweet was posted in the midst of another rant by Kanye, during which he criticized various new outlets and told everyone to “shut up and enjoy the greatness.”

Kanye owns a stake in Tidal and exclusively made the album available on the platform last Friday, while also holding an event at Madison Square Garden that was exclusively live streamed on the streaming service, as well.

On Friday, West tweeted a plea to a variety of tech moguls like Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Page, asking for them to invest “$1 billion into Kanye West ideas,” while also claiming he was $53 million in personal debt. “All you dudes in San Fran play rap music in your homes but never help the real artists,” he tweeted. Furthermore, the rapper claimed that he is “this generation’s Disney,” while noting that he apparently “doesn’t have the resources to create what I really can.”

West’s slam of Apple Music comes less than a week after he announced a new video game that allows characters to control his dead mother in angel form and guide her through the gates of heaven on a flying white pegasus in the clouds. Kanye’s wife, Kim Kardashian, brought in around $200 million with her game Kim Kardashian: Hollywood on the App Store, so West is looking to ideally share the same success and get himself out of debt(?).

Whether or not Kanye stays true to his word and actually keeps the The Life of Pablo as a Tidal exclusive remains to be seen. Judging by his tweets recently, not even Kanye knows what’s going on inside of Kanye’s head anymore. But for now, you’ll have to sign up for Tidal to stream the album…or explore the internet for other options…

Beats 1 host Julie Adenuga responded to Kanye’s tweet with this…

Filed under: Apple Music Tagged: Apple Music, kanye west, Tidal

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Apple looks to be set to open a new flagship retail store in Stockholm, Sweden, according to a report from local news outlet Expressen. The report claims that Apple plans for the store to be similar to the iconic Fifth Avenue location in New York and that it hopes to open it within the next two years.

Apple has reportedly faced a handful of obstacles in its plans to open the flagship Stockholm location. The company has been meeting with politicians in the city for some time now, with retail head Angela Ahrendts being personally involved in the talks and efforts to convince officials what the store can do for the city. “Stockholm is an amazing city of innovation and we feel a great honor to have the opportunity to contribute to society,” the former Burberry CEO said in a statement to the Expressen.

In terms of design, the front of the Stockholm location is said to be made entirely of glass. Outside of the store, Apple is hoping to create an “amphitheater” like environment, with cafe-like tables surrounding the location.

Specifically, the store is said to be located near Harbour Street at the northern end of King’s Garden, a popular place for live music, events, and more in central Stockholm. Currently, a T.G.I Friday’s is located in this location.

Finally, Apple has told the city of Sweden that the retail location will be powered entirely by renewable energy.

Apple opened its first Sweden location in Stockholm back in 2012, located in the Taby C mall. With the opening of a new standalone flagship store, it’s unclear what will become of the mall location, but the two will most likely coexist.

Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: Apple, retail, Stockholm, store, Sweden

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A new report French website iGen indicates that France could be seeing an Apple Pay announcement in as early as the first half of this year. While Apple announced the UnionPay partnership for China two months ago, there has yet to be any signs that other additional countries outside the US and UK (aside from Australia and Canada’s American Express arrangement) would be seeing Apple Pay any time soon. Other reports believe that China could be seeing Apple Pay, which is promised to go live in early 2016, activated as soon as this Thursday at 5 AM (Beijing time).

France’s rumored Apple Pay announcement could be discussed during this year’s WWDC in June, but as negotiations are still occurring, when exactly users will be able to utilize the contactless-pay system in stores remains a question. With France potentially on deck to receive Apple Pay this year, it’s likely Apple could be focusing on other European countries as well.

The initial launch in the United States met competitors and retailers that were contractually obligated not to support the new payment system, slowing down users who wanted to use the system everywhere. Contactless payment systems are already widespread across Europe and beyond, however, so adoption should be less controversial.

Chinese banks already seem to be fully accepting of the systems launch as even a bank’s WeChat account is confirming Thursday’s launch.

China Guangfa Bank is responding to inquiries about Apple Pay explaining that it will be available on February 18th at 5 AM and that users should be running iOS 9.2 and watchOS 2.1 to start using the service.

Hello, the Apple company, China UnionPay jointly confirmed, Apple Pay service will be held February 18 at 5:00 formally launched. In case the card can not be loaded Please try again later, iPhone / iPad system needs OS9.2 above, Apple Watch OS2.1…

Translation

As companies make accepting Apple Pay even easier, it would only benefit end users to have Apple Pay accepted in more and more countries. As there are now 2 million accepting locations and 5 million contactless-pay ready terminals in Apple Pay accepting countries, bringing in China (and France, hopefully later this year) will significantly expand Apple Pay’s footprint and threshold.

Further discoveries today are also pointing to the possibility that Canada’s Interac may be coming to Apple Pay as well. Code as far back as iOS 9.2 are showing Interac as a potential payment network alongside Amex, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, and China UnionPay. Chase Fromm posted a screenshot on Twitter today pointing to a line noting Interac’s payment network.

WeChat conversation via CNBeta.

Filed under: Apple Pay Tagged: Apple pay, china, China Guangfa Bank, CNBeta, Contactless-Pay, France, iOS, ios 9.2, UnionPay, watchOS 2.1, WeChat

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Over the weekend I picked up my first nylon, NATO-style strap for the Apple Watch. Next month’s iPhone 5se/iPad Air 3 event is expected to include refreshed Apple Watch bands including new Sport colors, a space black Milanese Loop, and potentially even nylon bands in this style that we’ve reported have been in testing. As I mentioned on a recent 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast episode, one of my watches prior to the Apple Watch used a nylon strap, so I wanted to see what Apple’s expected new bands might feel like ahead of time. Check out my hands-on experience and key takeaways below:

For starters, the specific band that I tested is from a company called Clockwork Synergy — cool name but their packaging doesn’t do their products justice — which I only picked up because it was in stock locally, but there are plenty of alternatives on Amazon and elsewhere. If I had more patience and didn’t want to hastily satisfy my curiosity, I probably would have opted for a black option on Amazon for the same price where you can find more colorful versions as well.

For a relatively inexpensive Apple Watch band ($30 compared to $50 Sport bands), I was actually impressed with the overall build quality of the specific band I tested.

The shiny lugs match the stainless steel Apple Watch just fine (although you can tell they’re cheaper), but might contrast with the matte Apple Watch Sport aluminum and wouldn’t match other colors.

The three rings on the strap are a bit darker, however, and would look great matched with an Apple Watch Sport. You can find replacement Apple Watch lugs online if color-matching the connector is a concern.

The nylon material is a bit different if you’ve been wearing any of Apple’s own straps. The buckle style is similar to some of Apple’s leather bands, but the strap can handle getting caught in the rain without issue. It’s much lighter than metal bands and doesn’t pull hairs (in my experience), but it feels less premium and can potentially be scratchy.

Depending on how Apple prices its own nylon straps, these could potentially be great alternative Apple Watch Sport bands. I’m happy enough with the Sport bands that I’ve got three colors already, but some may find them too rubbery for comfort or prefer something more rugged-looking.

NATO-style nylon straps, I think, would make great near-entry level Apple Watch options, so hopefully gives aluminum Apple Watch buyers more options with these. Apple could still go mid- to high-end with nylon straps, too, as my stainless steel Apple Watch feels plenty nice with this material band. It’s easily something Apple could offer in various designs and colors.

Given that there’s a bit more metal involved with the three-ring style, I’d be surprised to see Apple price these at or below Apple Watch Sports ($349-$399) and Sport bands ($49). Just thinking out loud, Apple could introduce a new tier of aluminum Apple Watches at $399-$449 and bands at $99 — currently Apple Watch bands start at $49, jump to $149, then to $449 — or Apple could do something completely different.

Personally, I’m still happy that it’s so simple to change Apple Watch bands with a click and slide and no tools required. I’ve stuck with three Sport bands (black, white, and red) and the leather Classic Buckle so far. I’m happy enough with this nylon strap, too, that I’ll keep it in the rotation as well. The weather’s starting to warm up, at least where I live, and there’s something summer-y about the feel. I’m curious to see what Apple’s attention to detail will bring to the nylon Apple Watch strap world too.

Check out my full-hands-on gallery below:

It’s not certain that we’ll see Apple introduce this style band next month although they’ve been in testing, but you can pick up your own third-party nylon Apple Watch strap today.

Filed under: Apple Watch Tagged: Apple watch, Apple Watch bands, NATO-style, Nylon, nylon band

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The 58th Annual Grammys are broadcasting tonight and thanks to CBS All Access, nearly anyone can watch it for free without a cable subscription or TV set. The show starts at 8PM ET, with a pre-telecast red carpet show at 7PM ET. Viewers can catch the show on CBS’s site, or by using the iOS or Apple TV app. Here’s how to do it for free:

New subscribers to CBS’s All Access can get a free week trial in preparation for tonight’s show using their current Apple IDs. While CBS’ CEO has declined that there have been recent talks with Apple about a streaming TV service, the current state of CBS’ All Access is as close as a user can get today.

This is CBS’ second major broadcast event they will be streaming, after this year’s Super Bowl 50. Having traditionally cable-oriented live events accessible through streaming has helped to bridge the gap many cord-cutters felt in previous years. By making these live events viewable on so many platforms, not only is CBS increasing their viewership reach, but they are providing data to the oft-missed Nielsen ratings that so many networks rely on.

To get ready for the show tonight, be sure to download the CBS app onto your Apple TV or iOS device. I found that the quickest way to create a CBS All Access account was right from the ‘Settings’ screen within the app. From here, a user can select ‘Sign In/ Purchase/ Restore’ and then select ‘Start Your One Week Free Trial’. The app will use your currently registered Apple ID to start the free trial, which it will then automatically charge $5.99 at the end of the week. Users are also able to link current CBS accounts to the new subscription so that they may use it access the live show online with their computers.

Remember, if you’re not happy with the overall CBS subscription, the cancellation process is very similar to canceling Apple Music.

Will you be streaming the Grammys tonight using the Apple TV, iOS device, or your computer? How do you think this benefits or takes away from a traditional cable subscription in terms of experience or value? Does CBS streaming the Super Bowl 50 and 58th Annual Grammys signify a better or worse future for cord cutters? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

The CBS iOS and Apple TV apps are available for free in the App Store, and CBS’s All Access streaming is available for $5.99/month. The monthly price includes over 7,500 CBS episodes on demand, and the ability to watch CBS live in select markets. New users to the platform are able to get a one week free trial, perfect for tonight’s Grammys.

Filed under:
How-To, Apps, General, iOS Devices, Mac Tagged: 2016 Grammys, 58th Annual Grammys, Apple TV, CBS, cord cutters, Cord-cutting, Grammys, iOS, MacBook, streaming

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Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

The latest iPad Pro deal nets you a 128GB Wi-Fi model for the price of a 32GB: $799 shipped (Reg. $949)

Apple iPad Air Wi-Fi 16GB $299 or 64GB $349 shipped (Reg. $399/$449)

PNY memory cards & flash drives up to 70% off: 128GB SDXC Flash Card $36, much more

SanDisk 64GB Wi-Fi Flash Drive for iOS/Android: $35 Prime shipped (Orig. $60), more

Daily Deals: Seagate 4TB Expansion Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drive $115, more

Apple Deals:

12-inch Retina MacBook $300 off across the board at B&H, prices start at just $999 – tax only in NY

Apple iPhone 6s/Plus (Verizon + Sprint) on-contract pricing gets slashed by $200, 64GB now just $100

Best Buy, Target and Radio Shack are all discounting 4th Gen. Apple TV, 32GB from $117 & 64GB from $162 shipped

Many Apple Watch models now $100 off at Target and Best Buy: 38mm Sport $249 w/ free shipping (Reg. $349), more

$50 iTunes gift card for $40 w/ email delivery from PayPal (20% savings)

App Store Free App of the Week: The Mesh puzzler goes free for the first time (Reg. $2)

Download Lara Croft Go, Apple’s Game of the Year 2015, for just $2 (Reg. $5)

Heroes Reborn: Enigma for iOS goes free for the first time as IGN’s Game of the Month (Reg. $5)

Final Fantasy IX is now available for download on iOS/Android

The Martian official iOS/Apple Watch game goes free (up to $3 value)

Apple offering popular iOS video editing app ‘Videoshop’ for free ($2 value)

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

AirPrint 3-in-1 Wireless Color Printers: Epson InkJet $150 (Reg. $200), Canon Laser $190 (Reg. $250)

• Logitech Harmony Smart Control Universal Remote w/ Hub: $70 shipped (Reg. $95+)
• Games/Apps: Fallout 4 $35, Xbox One bundle + $100 gift card $350, freebies, more
• Presidents’ Day Fashion: Eddie Bauer up to 60% off Men’s Zip Fleece $30 (Reg. $60), more
• Prime: 3 months/books of Audible for free ($45 value, new Audible members only)
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x + FiiO A3 Portable Amp $180 shipped (up to $229 value)
• Enjoy the best of Google Cardboard Virtual Reality Headset: $25 (Orig. $30, CA Tax only)

MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:

Apple iPad Air 2 Smart Cover in 5 colors $15 shipped (Reg. $35), Smart Case $20 shipped (Reg. $70)

Beats by Dr. Dre Solo 2 On-Ear Headphones now half off: $100 w/ free shipping (Reg. $200)

Beats by Dr. Dre Solo2 Wireless Headphones Active Collection: $230 (Reg. $300)

Beats Studio 2.0 Over-Ear headphones (multiple colors) $150 (Orig. $300)

Pad & Quill’s high-quality leather Lowry Cuff Apple Watch band offers Hermès style for just $104 shipped (Reg. $130)

• Best Buy Presidents’ Day Sale: Logitech wireless mouse $10, Samsung 4K HDTV $450, more
• Mackie CR4 speakers (pair) + AT ATH-M40x headphones $170 ($240+ value)
• Google Play Music 1-month subscription w/ YouTube Red access: $5 (Reg. $10)
• iPhone 6/s/Plus Cases from $3 Prime shipped: Dual-Layer w/ Screen Protector $8, more
• Amazon offers rare 25% discount on Kindle Unlimited : 6-months $45 (Reg. $60), more
• Acer 19.5-inch 1920 x 1080 LED Monitor w/ VGA + DVI: $50 (Reg. $100)
• Sharp 50-inch 1080p 3x HDMI Smart LED HDTV w/ built-in Roku: $380 (Reg. $500)
• Everything you need to know to get the most out of Amazon’s Prime Pantry service
• RAVPower USB-C/A Charger $38 (Reg. $56), uNu w/ Lightning Cable $12 (Reg. $20)
• QNAP 4-Bay NAS w/ AirPlay: $354 shipped (Orig. $480)
• Microsoft’s new Quantum Break Cirrus White Xbox One Bundle, pre-order now
• Luminid Touch light-up charging cable: $10 (Orig. $20, CA Tax only)
• Get your engines ready: Rocket League is coming to Xbox One next week
• Watch ‘Southpaw’ starring Jake Gyllenhaal & Forest Whitaker for just $0.99 (Reg. $5)
• SizeUp for Mac offers instant window control via keyboard shortcuts: $5 (Orig. $13)
• Sam’s Club Membership + $20 gift card + $21 food credits for $45 ($180 value)
• Free TV HD Digital Downloads at Google Play & iTunes
• Fitbit’s Aria Wi-Fi Scale tracks body fat percentage (open-box): $80 (Orig. $130)
• Xbox One 1TB Elite Bundle + $75 Microsoft Gift Card & game $499 ($600+ value)
• ASUS Transformer Touch Laptop 1.6GHz/2GB/32GB: $179 shipped (Reg. $219)

OtterBox COMMUTER WALLET Case for iPhone 6/s (used, very good): $6 Prime shipped (Reg. $30) amzn.to/1LkTysL https://t.co/h9WcsoB41S

—
9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 12, 2016

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

Immersit wants to turn your family room into an IMAX theatre

• Review: Anker’s PowerCore+ gear is some of the best money can buy
• PowerEgg Drone has a unique design w/ a 4K camera
• OMBEE’s modular standing desk turns any table into a upright workstation
• The new Andy Warhol Where’s Waldo book is perfect for any Pop Art connoisseur
• 3Doodler Start reimagines the popular Kickstarter project with a focus on children
• BearTek’s new Smart Gloves offer iPhone/Android controls + GoPro support
• Review: Incase and surfer Kelly Slater team up for the ultimate GoPro-focused backpack
• Review: $13 GRDE Explorer Rugged 10,000mAh Solar dual USB Battery w/ 2 USB lamps
• LEGO strikes gold again w/ its latest Ghostbusters set based on the upcoming film
• Be a hero this Valentine’s Day w/ these best-selling Adult Coloring Books from $6
• Ubuntu’s first tablet offers a converged desktop PC experience as well

Filed under: Tips and Tricks Tagged: 9to5Toys, Amazon, app deals, Best Buy, Daily Deals, free apps, Gold Box, ipad air, iPad Pro, iTunes Gift Card, Logitech Harmony, PNY memory cards, video games

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Apple’s plan to build one of the world’s largest data centers in Ireland hit a stumbling block earlier this month when local residents filed objections. The planning body, An Bord Pleanála, said that it would be pushing back its decision from February to May in order to consider those objections.

Business Insider reports that An Bord Pleanála has now written to Apple’s consulting engineers, asking them to address five concerns …

Location: The board specifically wants Apple to provide more detail about why it has chosen to build the data centre in a forest near the small town of Athenry over other locations around Ireland.

Renewables: Apple has stated that it wants to use 100% renewable energy to power the data centre but the board claims “no site or project specific information regarding renewable energy projects is provided and details of how they might be connected to the proposed development is required.”

Environmental impact: Apple covered the expected environmental impact of the data center itself, but not the electricity substation that would be needed. The impact statement also covers only the first of what Apple hopes will be just the first of eight data halls at the site. Finally, it wants Apple to consider the revised impact should direct solar power prove inadequate (a reference to Ireland’s weather, perhaps …).

Protected species: An Bord Pleanála wants Apple and Arup to provide the results of the ecological surveys it carried out (specifically those relating to bats) as well as details on any further surveys it plans to carry out.

Geology: Apple and Arup have also been asked for more information about the geology of the site they want to build on. (Likely to ensure no unexpected long-term environmental impact.)

The planning body has given Apple until 7th March to respond.

Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: Apple data center, Apple data centers, Apple Ireland, Data center, environment, Ireland, Irish data center, Renewable energy

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No one will be surprised to hear that I greatly prefer Apple’s platform to those of competitors. I’ve often argued that if you want a single ecosystem where everything Just Works across devices, Apple still has a significant lead, even if other platforms are gaining ground.

But that doesn’t mean I think Apple’s own platform is perfect. There are reliability issues that mean that platform doesn’t always live up to that Just Works ideal, and there are annoyingly persistent bugs that the company doesn’t seem in any hurry to fix.

In a podcast interview on Friday, Eddy Cue and Craig Federighi argued that while all software has bugs, the sheer number of users means that complaints are “amplified,” making them appear more prevalent than they are in reality. There may be some truth in this – at least on the iOS side – but I’d argue that Apple allows known bugs to persist through too many platform and app releases …

I’m of course not the first person to suggest this. Walt Mossberg was one of the most high-profile examples, in a recent piece simply entitled Apple’s apps need work.

In the last couple of years […] I’ve noticed a gradual degradation in the quality and reliability of Apple’s core apps, on both the mobile iOS operating system and its Mac OS X platform. It’s almost as if the tech giant has taken its eye off the ball when it comes to these core software products, while it pursues big new dreams, like smartwatches and cars.

With a billion iOS devices now in use, Apple’s SVP of software engineering Craig Federighi has a reasonable case when he argues that the sheer number of users give an exaggerated impression of the problem (hat-tip to Business Insider for highlighting the quote).

Think how integral your iPhone, your iPad, and still, your Mac are to your life. How many hours a day. We see the usage metrics. What this means is, when you have a billion people running phones in every corner of their lives with all these third party apps, with all these countries and all these languages, there are going to be issues, there are always going to be issues, but there are plenty of people who could encounter one, and now it’s amplified.

A subsequent blog post by Alexandra Mintsopoulos made a similar argument, that there’s a kind of echo-chamber effect when tech bloggers all write about similar issues.

If you follow enough people on Tech Twitter and listen to enough podcasts, you will begin to see this small and insular group start to say and believe the same things, which eventually leads to their audience coming to believe it as well.

Mintsopoulos argues that the real metrics are that Apple’s customer satisfaction is at an all-time high, and that the company’s continued commercial success means there can’t be a major issue, else people would be abandoning the platform.

I’m somewhat in agreement with that viewpoint. iTunes aside, I don’t think there’s a major issue with the quality of Apple’s software and systems. I also think that the vast majority of non-tech customers either don’t experience issues or, if they do, think they made a mistake or simply don’t care enough about it to complain. The majority issues probably have the greatest impact on techier users, who are more demanding and use more features.

But, as Mossberg puts it:

I hold Apple to its own, higher, often-proclaimed standard, based on all those “It just works” claims and the oft-repeated contention by Mr. Jobs and his successor, Tim Cook, that Apple is in business to make “great products.”

And “minor” bugs can become extremely irritating if they are persistent, and if Apple repeatedly fails to fix them. Let me give an example.

With multi-monitor setups, the OS X dock randomly moves between them. This appears to have been a feature gone awry: if you move the pointer to the center-bottom of any monitor and hold it there for a second or two, the dock is supposed to switch to that monitor. If this worked reliably, and it didn’t happen randomly, it would be a useful feature – but it doesn’t and it does.

Try to use it as designed, and sometimes it will work, sometimes it won’t. Sometimes it will work one minute and not the next, other times it will work perfectly all day then not the following day. For some people, unchecking Displays have separate spaces in System Preferences > Mission Control will fix it, for others not.

Failure of a design feature to work as advertised is one thing, but unprovoked random jumping is another. At least once a day, the dock will just randomly jump to a different monitor when the pointer is nowhere near the bottom of the screen. That’s irritating.

It does this even when using only a single external monitor plus the built-in one on a MacBook Pro, and it does it even when that external monitor is an Apple Thunderbolt Display. I emphasize that not because I think it could be a hardware issue, but simply to underline that this is a setup where Apple has complete control of both hardware and software – so there is no possibility of a third-party being at fault for faulty drivers or similar.

This is a bug that was introduced with Mavericks and has persisted not just through minor dot releases, but through Yosemite and into El Capitan. More than two-and-a-half years later, it’s still annoying me on a daily basis.

I can understand that fixing it wouldn’t be right at the top of Apple’s to-do list. Macs are a smaller platform than iOS, and among Mac users only a small minority use a second monitor. But it should surely be positioned somewhere on a to-do list such that it isn’t allowed to persist for years on end?

Now, I get Federighi’s second point: that once you take all the third-party apps into consideration, there’s almost an infinite number of variables involved, so tracking down bugs can sometimes be extremely tricky. But my counter-argument to this would be: Apple Mail.

This is a piece of Apple software sitting on an Apple platform that has problems even on fresh OS X installs. Not problems affecting just a handful of users, but extremely widespread ones. A quick Google for ‘Apple Mail problems’ generates, at the time of writing, 67,200,000 results. (To be fair, a search for ‘Outlook mail problems’ generates slightly more hits, but that’s not really company in which Apple wants to be seen.)

And the problems have been myriad. New mail that doesn’t get flagged as such. Repeated requests to re-enter passwords. Account information that randomly disappears. Mail delivery that stalls until you take the app offline and online again. The app getting stuck on ‘optimizing your mail database.’ Searches that don’t work. Mail that can’t be deleted. The entire app operating painfully slowly, or freezing altogether.

Now, I fully accept that I’m listing here problems that have occurred in different generations of the app, but – again – if problems are allowed to persist for too long, or an OS X update resolves one issue while introducing another, than eventually a series of individually smaller issues add up a collectively bigger problem. I’m not alone in abandoning Apple Mail altogether, despite my general preference for using Apple software precisely because I want the most stable experience possible.

And then there’s iCloud. Again, it’s absolutely reasonable for Apple to talk about the sheer scale of the service, and how occasional downtime is to be expected for at least some of those users. Apple says that 782 million people use iCloud, and – to illustrate the workload involved – tells us that the servers process a mind-boggling 200,000 iMessages per second.

That’s an almost unimaginable amount of data, and to expect all iCloud services to work perfectly all of the time over every connection type is clearly unrealistic. All the same, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to complain when sometimes a Note that has existed for years is suddenly and persistently unavailable on one of my devices, and that on numerous occasions, editing a note that is available will duplicate, rather than edit, the note on another device.

So sure, problems will occur from time to time, but Apple needs to do more to address the persistent and long-standing ones.

And here’s one small thing Apple could do to alleviate the frustration when things do go wrong: tell us about it! Almost every single time I’ve experienced an issue with an iCloud service and visited Apple’s system status page, it’s been full of green lights. Everything fine here, move along, nothing to see, the computer is your friend. That is often the case even hours after Twitter is full of people reporting the same problem.

If Apple were to promptly and reliably update its status page, that would achieve two things. First, it would mean customers could avoid wasting time trying to diagnose a problem locally when the fault is with Apple’s servers. Second, it reduces frustration levels simply to see that Apple is aware of a problem, and is working on a fix.

So yes, I accept the various points that have been made by Apple and others. The scale of the problem has been exaggerated. Apple’s software development is not in crisis.

But the company is allowing bugs that affect sizeable numbers of people to go unfixed for too long, and even issues which affect only relatively small numbers of customers should not be allowed to persist for years. It is too often failing to deliver on its number one selling point: integrated hardware, software and services that Just Work. And that’s a problem the company needs to fix.

Filed under: AAPL Company, Opinion Tagged: Apple Inc, Apple Software, Apple software quality, bugs, iOS, OS X, problems

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Last week, it was discovered that setting your iOS device system date and time back to January 1st 1970 would crash your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch effectively bricking it. Setting the date back this far would prevent the iPhone or other iOS device from booting up until the battery died.

AppleCare has been flooded with people bringing in their devices after trying out this bug … Now, Apple has officially acknowledged the problem on its Apple Support website. The company says it will release an upcoming software update to prevent this issue from affecting iOS devices in the future.

Apple’s comment on the situation is short, but it claims that the bug can cause iPhone crashing with any date before May 1970.

Manually changing the date to May 1970 or earlier can prevent your iOS device from turning on after a restart.

The new page suggests anyone affected by the problem should contact Apple Support for assistance. We have heard mixed signals from readers regarding support. Some people have been able to get full device replacements at the Genius Bar on the back off this bug, whereas others have been turned away.

We have also heard that this bug has caused a big headache for Apple Store employees in the past week, as people intentionally set the date back on demo iPhones and iPads in retail stores to break the products on the benches.

It isn’t clear what Apple means by an ‘upcoming software update’, whether it will wait until iOS 9.3 (expected to be released in March with a host of new features) or push an earlier OTA bug-fix release like iOS 9.2.2 to resolve the date bricking problem sooner.

Filed under: AAPL Company, iOS, iOS Devices Tagged: 1970, date, iOS, iPad, iPhone

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