Apple inexplicably removes iCloud Activation Lock status page, which helped people avoid buying stolen iPhones
Apple has inexplicably removed the iCloud Activation Lock status page, which used to exist at http://ift.tt/1v92Osj, but that URL now leads to a 404 error instead. The utility let anyone type in the IMEI or serial number of an iOS device to find out if Activation Lock had been turned off, handy to verify the authenticity of a seller when buying a used iPhone online.
References to the web page have been removed from Apple’s support documentation, indicating this is not a temporary issue and the page has been intentionally pulled from service …
Filed under: Apple
Hands on with jimmyCASE, a top-notch iPhone case with great materials
For the last few weeks I’ve been using jimmyCASE for iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 6/6s. This iPhone case has a unique mix of materials including mahogany, silicone, and high performance elastic that work well together both aesthetically and functionally. Keep reading after the break to learn more and why jimmyCASE is worth picking up.
Filed under: Apple
Become Tech Savvy: How to approach and manage passwords
First time checking out this series? You’ll get the most value by starting at the beginning and here is the series overview. The previous article in this series is How to set up automatic backups in macOS and iOS.
Note for regular readers, the already tech savvy, and IT professionals: this is designed as a resource you can give to those you are helping or for those looking to become tech savvy on their own.
Priority #2: Password Management
Background, Expectations, & Best Practices |
A big benefit of our hyper connected world is that we have access to almost any service or system almost anywhere in the world. Because we can access accounts and information without being physically present, unique identification is required for internet accounts. With the large amount of unique accounts most people have, it quickly becomes clear why password management is one of the biggest frustrations people face with technology; there is a lot of information, it changes, and is often simliar but different from account to account.
Like having a solid backup strategy (which we covered last week), implementing a good password management plan allows you to save time, stay more secure, and worry less. This will allow you to focus your time on what’s important and also position yourself to continue buidling your tech skills. In this article we’ll address how to approach password management, the what, why, and good software options.
Filed under: Apple
Tim Cook in Washington: Meetings w/ Sen. Hatch & Dept of Veterans Affairs, dinner w/ Jared Kushner & Ivanka Trump
Tim Cook has held a pair of notable meetings in Washington D.C. this week according to reports. First, BuzzFeed News reports that Cook met with Senator Orrin Hatch on Capitol Hill, while Politico reports that he also went to dinner with Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner. Apple VP of environment, policy, and social initiatives Lisa Jackson was also in attendance at the dinner.
Filed under: Apple
9to5Rewards: Grovemade’s solid wood and leather iPhone cases and dock [Giveaway]
9toRewards is officially out of beta, which means you’ll see a new giveaway as part of the program here every Friday on the main site (and our Twitter, Facebook, etc). Our sister site, 9to5Google (and soon 9to5Toys and Electrek.co) is also now running weekly giveaways.
This week’s giveaway is from Portland-based Grovemade, makers of high-quality wood and leather accessories for your Apple products. They are giving out their wood and leather iPhone cases and walnut iPhone dock.
Filed under: Apple
Hands-on: Incase ICON and new ICON Lite backpacks fit 15-inch MacBooks, all iPads, and much more
Incase is launching a new laptop backpack this week called ICON Lite ($99, pictured right) that packs MacBooks up to 15-inches, any iPad, and more for under $100. ICON Lite joins Incase’s existing lineup of ICON backpacks that also includes ICON ($199, pictured left) and ICON Slim ($149) to create three sizes at three price points. Check out our hands-on with Incase ICON and the new ICON Lite below:
Filed under: Apple
Friday 5: GarageBand’s new update, the creator of Flappy Bird publishes a new game, and three other apps to check out this weekend [Video]
In search of a few apps to keep you occupied this weekend? Then you’ll want to check out the latest edition of Friday 5. Inside you’ll find a major GarageBand update, a new game from the creator of Flappy Bird, an awesome iOS imaging app that’s currently on sale, and more. Watch our brief hands-on video for additional details. more…
Filed under: Apple
Review: Fabriq is a $50 AirPlay speaker with a small form-factor [Video]
We first featured the Fabriq Wireless Speaker last fall as one of our New Toys of the Day. What particularly struck us about this product was its wide range of connectivity. We aren’t just talking Bluetooth here. It is also has AirPlay, multi-room connectivity, and support for Amazon’s popular Alexa Service. And at $50, it has big-time value.
The question is, can its compact design hang with the big boys like JBL and UE?
Filed under: Apple
Satechi’s new USB-C Power Meter can detect faulty cables and chargers before they damage your MacBook
Satechi is launching a new USB-C Power Meter that can detect faulty cables, batteries, and chargers before they damage your MacBook or other hardware. USB-C Power Meter measures voltage, current, and power input over time so you can tell if an accessory is working as advertised or misbehaving.
Filed under: Apple
Final Cut Pro Diary: A video novice takes the step up from iMovie
I’ve been a photographer since I was 14, but am very much a novice when it comes to video. I’ve used bicycle-mounted action cams to put together some basic cycling videos, but these were nothing more sophisticated than taking clips straight from the camera, importing them into iMovie and adding cross-dissolves.
In an age when tech writers are increasingly expected to be videographers too, I decided it was time to take the plunge into the world of moving images. Although iMovie is a remarkably capable piece of software, I reckoned I was inevitably going to want to take the step up to Final Cut Pro at some stage, so I might as well make the transition now, rather than have to learn everything twice.
If you’re also a basic iMovie user with ambitions of getting to grips with more professional video production, you may enjoy sharing the journey with me. And if you’re an accomplished FCP X user, I’m sure that I and others in my position would love to hear your top tips …
Filed under: Apple