Spot the difference: WhatsApp creates its own emoji, but mimics Apple ones
After long using Apple’s emoji set on both iOS and Android, WhatsApp has now created its own. That decision might make some kind of sense if it had decided to do something radically different, but instead it appears to have just created a close copy of Apple’s own designs.
You can see some direct comparisons above …
MLB piloted first ever NFC tickets in Apple Wallet; 23 teams offering them next year
We learned back in June that iOS 11 would for the first time allow third-party developers to access the NFC chip for their own apps, for the first time extending its use beyond store reward and gift cards through Apple Pay.
Major League Baseball says that it has been trialling the first ever NFC tickets in Apple Wallet. A trial by Oakland Athletics lasted for six games, and was evidently deemed a success as 23 MLB teams will be using the technology next year …
Philips Hue retroactively adds HomeKit features to tap, dimmer switch and motion sensor
Philips is retroactively adding HomeKit support and features to several existing Hue accessories through the latest software update. Hue tap, dimmer switch, and motion sensor all gain compatibility with Apple’s Home app and automation features when used with the second-gen bridge.
Nike+ Run Club adds Audio Guided Runs, elevation support for Apple Watch-only workouts, more
Nike today has unveiled a major update to the Nike+ Run Club app for iPhone and Apple Watch. The update, highlighted during Apple’s September keynote, brings new features such as Audio Guided Runs, Activity History, and much more.
Snapchat mistakingly announces new program that will bring famous art pieces to the app as 3D objects
Snapchat today mistakingly announced a new partnership with famous artist Jeff Koons that will see the artist’s work come to Snapchat as 3D objects. Snapchat attempted to build hype for the announcement via a new webpage, but those plans were quickly foiled by Business Insider.
Do you plan on purchasing the 64GB or 256GB iPhone X model? [Poll]
The iPhone X is Apple’s most expensive iPhone to date, starting at $999 for the 64GB variant. For the top-of-the-line 256GB model, however that price rockets to $1149. That’s certainly a lot of money for a smartphone, but new research from RBC Capital Markets says that some 57 percent of buyers are interested in the high-end variant.
What about you?
Apple announces Q4 2017 earnings release for November 2
Apple today has scheduled its Q4 2017 earnings call on its Investor Relations webpage. Apple will release its Q4 earnings on November 2nd with a call following shortly thereafter at 2PM PT/5PM ET.
Feature Request: Apple should color match all accessories for space gray products in black
Apple has made white accessories a signature design since the white earbuds dangled from the white iPod in 2001. The company even made a whole ad campaign out of the instantly recognizable white cord.
Since then, its cables, adapters, and other accessories have generally followed that trend. With the darker space gray color available as a default on iPhones, iPads, and even MacBooks nowadays, the standard white accessories have started to look cheap and tacky and not iconic for many customers.
Apple currently offers very few accessories in black, leaving that to third party vendors (or as premium exclusives with the upcoming iMac Pro). I believe black should be standard.
Ireland may receive non-compliance fine as a part of Apple’s tax ruling
In the latest update on the investigation of Apple’s tax affairs in Ireland and the subsequent EU fine of €13-15 billion, Ireland could soon also be slapped with its own fine.
LG UltraFine gets High Sierra update to improve performance for MacBooks
The latest version of Apple’s Mac operating system, High Sierra, was released last week and includes a ton of new features and performance enhancements. It’s full of tweaks to essential apps like Safari, but the remarkable stuff is under-the-hood: a brand-new file system, as well as the groundwork for virtual-reality experiences. Today, LG’s UltraFine monitors are getting a High Sierra update to improve performance and features on MacBooks, made possible thanks to Apple’s new release.
When updating to a new major release of macOS, it’s always a little nerve-wracking to see which of your third-party accessories and software play nice with the new update. Sometimes you’ll need to download even more software to ensure smooth compatibility for the rest of your system, including the inevitable bug fixes and firmware updates.
To make things as smooth as possible for owners of the LG UltraFine Monitor updating to High Sierra, they’ve just dropped the LG Screen Manager – a new automatic software update program that will seamlessly integrate your display with High Sierra while improving key features. Here’s what’s new: