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Apple today has debuted a pair of new ads for its iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. The two ads, one simply titled “Live Photos” and the other titled “Less Time,” are fast-paced 30 second spots that quickly jump between using a pair of features that differentiate the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus from their predecessors…

In “Live Photos,” Apple touts the new Live Photos feature of the iPhone 6s lineup. “Live Photos are more than just photos,” Apple says in the ad. “They come alive when you touch them and then they go back to still when you let go.” The ad showcases people using Live Photos in a variety of instances, including with animals, sightseeing, and playing the snow.

In the second ad, “Less Time,” Apple demonstrates the 3D Touch feature of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. As the title of the ad implies, Apple is bragging that using 3D Touch allows you to save a considerable amount of time by using things like Peek and Pop and 3D Touch pressing on app icons to jump to specific menus and actions.

The two new ads can be seen below. Apple last debuted new iPhone ads in December, showing off the improved performance capabilities of the iPhone 6s, as well as always-listening ‘Hey Siri’ support. Recently, however, the company rebooted its award-winning Shot on iPhone campaign to include images shot with the latest generation of devices.

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: 3D Touch, ad, Apple, iPhone, iPhone 6s, iphone 6s plus, Live Photos

For more information about iOS Devices, Apple, and iPhone continue reading at 9to5Mac.

What do you think? Discuss “Apple shares new iPhone 6s ads showcasing 3D Touch, Live Photos” with our community.

After a number of reports in recent months regarding Apple’s preparations to launch its Apple Pay payments service in China, the company today announced the service is now available to customers in the country.

The announcement comes via Apple’s news site for developers and notes that apps and goods in the country can now accept the Apple Pay payments service using supported credit and debit cards. 

Apple first announced back in December of last year that it was partnering with China UnionPay to bring Apple Pay to users in China sometime in 2016. Today it announced they can now begin using the service to pay for goods and services within apps using both China UnionPay credit and debit cards:

You can now support Apple Pay for your customers in China, providing an easy, secure, and private way for them to pay using their China UnionPay credit and debit cards. Apple Pay lets users buy physical goods and services within your app without having to enter payment or contact information.

CEO Tim Cook has been vocal about growth in China including plans for Apple Pay, recently noting that he “very much” wanted to launch the platform there and that he is “very bullish” on its prospects in the country.

Yesterday we noted that the China launch was rumored for this week as Apple also reportedly eyes a launch for France this year. Today’s launch adds China to the list of supported Apple Pay countries alongside the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Earlier today Apple added another 40 banks and credit unions to its list of officially supported institutions for Apple Pay in the US.

Filed under: iOS Devices

For more information about iOS Devices continue reading at 9to5Mac.

What do you think? Discuss “Apple officially launches Apple Pay in China” with our community.

While China is expected to get Apple Pay anytime now, dozens of additional banks and credit unions across the United States have joined in supporting Apple’s mobile payment service. More than 40 new banks have joined the list of Apple Pay partners, which already totals to over 1,000 across the US and 15 across the UK. These are the latest additions:

ABNB Federal Credit Union
Beneficial Bank
Central Bank & Trust Co.
Central Bank of Jefferson County
Chartway Federal Credit Union
Chicopee Savings Bank
Commerce Bank of Washington
Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company
Cornerstone Community Bank
Cortrust Bank
Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union
Duke University Federal Credit Union
Exchange Bank
Fannin Bank
First Electronic Bank
First State Bank and Trust Company
Guadalupe National Bank
Heritage Grove Federal Credit Union
Heritage South Community Credit Union
Jackson Community Federal Credit Union
KALSEE Credit Union
Kitsap Bank
Lake County Educational Federal Credit Union
Lakeland Bank
Lone Star State Bank of West Texas
Louisiana Federal Credit Union
Mainstreet Credit Union
Monroe Bank & Trust
Mutual Credit Union
Nassau Educators Federal Credit Union
New Era Bank
North Carolina Press Association Federal Credit Union
Northwest Community Bank
Option 1 Credit Union
Otero Federal Credit Union
PlainsCapital Bank
Richfield Bloomington Credit Union
Sanford Institution for Savings
Town and Country Bank
Trinity Bank
TruStone Financial Federal Credit Union
Tulsa Federal Credit Union
Virginia National Bank
West-Aircomm Federal Credit Union
Yakima Federal Savings

You can find Apple’s full list of bank partners here. If you’re setting up Apple Pay for the first time, start by opening the Wallet app on iPhone, or Wallet section on iPad or within the Apple Watch app, then add payment.

Apple Pay lets you pay for purchases in stores that support contactless payment methods using new iPhones and Apple Watches. You can also make payments in apps on new iPhones and iPads.

If you’re bank isn’t yet supported, keep checking back as Apple is continuously adding new partners regularly.

Filed under: Apple Pay Tagged: Apple pay, Apple watch, iPad, iPhone

Visit 9to5Mac to find more special coverage of iPhone, iPad, and Apple watch.

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Panic has released their new 2.5 update for Prompt, the popular SSH application for iOS. Introducing split-screen views on the iPad and 3D Touch on the latest iPhones, this brings Prompt to the forefront with the latest features available in iOS 9.

The SSH application enables web developers and anyone who needs terminal-based access to easily do so on mobile. Prompt runs on iPhones and iPads alike. Today’s update also supports better layouts for the iPhone 6 Plus in landscape mode. Another handy feature introduced today is the ability to maintain multiple connections to a server while utilizing tabs to navigate between the open sessions.

What’s New in Version 2.5

Wow! It’s a HUGE FREE UPDATE with BRAND NEW FEATURES!

• You asked for it, we did it: Split-screen views on iPad!
• Open multiple connections to the same favorite server
• Tabs! Quickly and easily navigate between open sessions on both iPhone and iPad
• 3D Touch: Instantly connect to your three most recent servers by 3D Touching the Prompt home screen icon
• Spotlight Search: Search for Prompt favorites, then open a new connection with just one tap
• Our new accessory keys palette gives you instant access to every key you need to send commands with ease
• Terminal: Choose from four different fonts
• Improved SSH key management: Passphrases are now associated directly with keys themselves. No more entering passphrases for every server!
• Themes: Mix-and-match app themes and terminal themes. Light, Dark or both at the same time — it’s up to you!

SO MANY IMPROVEMENTS

• Improved iPhone 6+ support with better layout in landscape
• ECDSA is now supported for both server and client authentication (256, 384 and 521 bits)
• Quickly access all active sessions from the Servers list on iPhone, just a tap away
• Generate 256-, 384- and 521-bit ECDSA keys right in Prompt
• Prompt is now more colorful!

EVEN MORE

We’ve improved so much it won’t all fit here. Learn more at http://ift.tt/1QI5O8x

THANK YOU FOR USING PROMPT. IF YOU LIKE IT, SPREAD THE WORD!

Prompt 2.5 is available now for $7.99 in the App Store and is compatible with iPhones and iPads. Be sure to check out their other developer oriented applications: Transmit, an FTP client, and Coda a code editor for HTML, Java, Perl, and others.

Filed under: Apps Tagged: Coda, developers, Development, Inc, iOS, Panic, Prompt, SSH, Terminal, Transmit, Web developer, web development

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What do you think? Discuss “Panic releases Prompt 2.5 with support for Split View on iPad, 3D Touch on iPhone 6s” with our community.

It was revealed last October that Apple would be sponsoring this year’s Met Gala, with Jony Ive serving as a co-chair of the event. Now, Ive, along with Tim Cook, has sat down for an interview with fashion outlet Vogue. In the interview, the two Apple executives discuss the company’s recent foray into the fashion industry, the spaceship-like Campus 2, and more.

Cook likens Apple’s Campus 2 to the design of any of its products, as does the project’s architect Norman Foster. “The building is an echo of the ethos of Apple, which designs artifacts that, though they fulfill all sorts of functions, exist abstractly in their own right,” Foster explained while noting that the idea originated back in 2009 from a series of “rather amusing phone conversations” with Steve Jobs.

“There was from the outset a concern with breaking down barriers,” Foster explained. “The sheets of glass are so long, so clear, that you don’t feel that there is a wall between you and the landscape. And at the same time the building is an echo of the ethos of Apple, which designs artifacts that, though they fulfill all sorts of functions, exist abstractly in their own right.”

Cook also compares the design of its products and upcoming new headquarters to fashion, explaining that design is just as important to its products as it is in fashion. “In what we do, design is crucial, as it is in fashion,” he said.

Jony Ive went on to explain how much more personal technology has become over recent years, both relating to the iPhone and Apple Watch. The personalization of technology really started with the release of the first iPhone in 2007, Ive noted, explaining that prior to it, everything was too big to carry around.

 “Nine years ago, the iPhone didn’t exist, and the most personal product we had was too big to carry around with you,” he explains. “The technology is at last starting to enable something that was the dream of the company from the very beginning—to make technology personal. So personal that you can wear it.”

Apple deepened its ties in the fashion industry last year by releasing the Apple Watch Hermès, which recently expanded in availability to the Apple Online Store. “That watch is the result of two temperamentally, philosophically aligned companies deciding to make something together,” Ive stated.

Finally, Ive touched on his role as co-chair of the upcoming Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, which will be themed around “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.” Apple is sponsoring the event, while Ive is serving as a co-chair alongside Taylor Swift.

“Both the hand and the machine can produce things with exquisite care or with no care at all. But it’s important to remember that what was seen at one time as the most sophisticated technology eventually becomes tradition. There was a time when even the metal needle would have been seen as shocking and profoundly new,” Ive said.

Ive sat down with a pair of news outlets following the announcement of the Met Gala, explaining Apple’s motivation to sponsor the event. Apple has been deepening its interest in the fashion industry since the launch of the Apple Watch. The device was available at launch from a variety of high-end fashion retail locations, while it was also showcased by Vogue two separate times. The 2016 Met Gala will take place on May 2nd.

Filed under: AAPL Company, Apple Watch Tagged: Apple watch, interview, Jony Ive, met Gala, Tim Cook

For more news on AAPL Company, Apple watch, and Apple Watch continue reading at 9to5Mac.

What do you think? Discuss “Jony Ive & Tim Cook discuss the intersection of fashion and tech in new Vogue interview” with our community.

This week Greg and Zac discuss more details about Apple’s upcoming March event, the future of Apple Music, and some software bugs & hardware fails. The Happy Hour podcast is available for download on iTunes and through our dedicated RSS feed.

New episodes of Happy Hour are available every Wednesday. As mentioned, you can download this podcast via iTunes or plug in our RSS feed link into your favorite podcasting app. Send an email to listenermail@9to5mac.com (or click here) and your question/comment may be featured in an upcoming episode of Happy Hour.

Note: iTunes (web interface and app) may still be propagating the new episode which could take up to 24 hours. Subscribing to the podcast feed will guarantee the latest episode is downloaded.

Hosts:

• Zac Hall
• Greg Barbosa

Here’s what we discussed in this episode:

• 4-inch iPhone 5se & iPad Air 3 planned to go on sale March 18th
• Hands-on with an unofficial nylon, NATO-style Apple Watch band [Gallery]
• Dr Dre said to be starring in Apple Music’s first original series called Vital Signs
• Kanye West continues bizarre Twitter tirade, says his new album will ‘never’ be on Apple Music
• Kanye West (unsurprisingly) also has a gold Link Bracelet Apple Watch
• 9to5Mac Archive | Kanye West
• Apple Pay could be coming to France this year as China launch rumored for this week
• Bank confirms Apple Pay launching in China this week, going live on Thursday
• Apple says some USB-C cables shipped with Retina MacBook were faulty, launches replacement program
• Apple begins shipping replacement USB-C cables to Retina MacBook owners
• This iOS date trick will brick any device [Video]
• Apple officially acknowledges iPhone bricking ‘1970 date’ bug, says upcoming software update will fix
• Apple execs Eddy Cue & Craig Federighi talk Apple Music, App Store & more in new interview
• Sleep++ 2.0 upgrades sleep tracking with the Apple Watch
• Hands-on: Real Racing 3 with split-screen multiplayer lands on the new Apple TV [Video]

If you missed our 53rd episode last week, you can subscribe and find every episode or start off from the previous episode here.

Remember: Subscribe on iTunes to catch all of the episodes as they go live and send in your questions/comments to listenermail@9to5mac.com.

Filed under: Happy Hour Tagged: Apple, Apple Music, Happy Hour, iPhone 5se, March event, Podcast

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What do you think? Discuss “Happy Hour Podcast 054 | More on Apple’s March event, future of Apple Music, and software bugs + failed hardware” with our community.

News broke yesterday that a United States magistrate judge in California ordered Apple to comply with the FBI’s request for assistance in bypassing the passcode lock of the San Bernardino gunman’s iPhone. Hours later Apple published an open letter by Tim Cook explaining that creating a tool to bypass this specific iPhone would jeopardize the security of all iPhones.

The battle between personal privacy and information gathering as it relates to Apple and security has been building up for years now, and the government narrowing it down to one specific iPhone used by a terrorist in the U.S. has caused the debate to reach new levels. This may be Apple’s battle to lose, but it will be a very public one nonetheless.

Since Apple’s response to the FBI and court order, the White House has stood by the Department of Justice and argued that it’s not about a backdoor for all devices but just a single device, which Tim Cook’s argument already addressed.

Tim Cook’s open letter is on Apple’s homepage and headlines about the government’s demands are all over the news. From my view, Apple customers seem to be overwhelmingly in favor of Tim Cook’s position, while presidential candidates are unsurprisingly siding with the FBI. Where do you weigh in? Here’s what we know so far.

In Cook’s words, this is how he describes the government’s request:

The government would have us remove security features and add new capabilities to the operating system, allowing a passcode to be input electronically. This would make it easier to unlock an iPhone by “brute force,” trying thousands or millions of combinations with the speed of a modern computer.

Cook’s letter seems to acknowledge that it’s technically possible for Apple to comply, but that it has zero interest in doing something that it considers dangerous for all customers. One security firm has also shown that it appears possible.

In practice, what this would look like is Apple creating a new version of iOS without limitations on how many times you can guess a passcode before it locks up for a period of time. That limitation alone is currently preventing the FBI from just trying every possible passcode as quickly as possible.

iPhones with passcode locks are currently disabled after multiple failed attempts to guess passwords. Try too many incorrect passcodes on an iPhone and you’re temporarily only allowed to place emergency calls for 1 minute. Try again after that and it extends to 5 minutes, then 15 minutes, and so on.

Optionally, iPhones can be set to erase all data after just 10 failed attempts.

Because the FBI wants access to text messages, notes, photos, emails, and anything else saved on the iPhone in question, preserving the data is critical for the investigation. The FBI argues that data protected behind the iPhone passcode could offer critical evidence as to how the attack in San Bernardino was planned, who else was involved, and if any future attacks can be prevented.

The court order in this case only applies to this specific iPhone, too, but Tim Cook is right to argue it would set a precedent that would be used in future cases. The FBI has been deploring iPhone encryption publicly long before the shooting in December.

One key takeaway for me is that wow, who knew our passcodes on our iPhones were actually so secure?

Apple under Tim Cook’s leadership has been pitching privacy as a product for years now, starting largely in 2013 with the iPhone 5s and Touch ID. If iPhones were going to be storing fingerprints, Apple needed to promise customers it was safe. Same thing with Health and HealthKit, Apple Pay, and many other new features and services. And the NSA/PRISM surveillance episode only strengthened Apple’s need to take its current position.

Now we find ourselves in the midst of an ongoing national debate over what’s more important: personal privacy or national security? The San Bernardino iPhone is being used to make the argument very specific, but make no mistake that it’s about a much larger divide that’s been developing for years now. Should Apple maintain it’s rock solid position on encryption, or should it comply with the court order and FBI’s request?

In our previous poll last November, 93% of responders favorably viewed Apple’s firm stance on encryption two weeks before the San Bernardino attack and three months before the court order to unlock the terrorist’s iPhone.

My suspicion is that most readers haven’t changed their position, but I am curious how many believe Apple should comply with the FBI in this specific instance.

And from a broader standpoint, how important to you is privacy through encryption as a factor when buying Apple technology? Consider it this way: If Apple technology suddenly wasn’t encrypted and only Google technology was, would that be a big enough factor to switch platforms? 

As Ben Lovejoy wrote this morning, Apple may very well try to hold its position as long as it can, but it’s possible it will be forced to comply at some point.

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: Apple, Encryption, FBI, iPhone, privacy, Security, Tim Cook

For more news on iOS Devices, Apple, and iPhone continue reading at 9to5Mac.

What do you think? Discuss “Should Apple comply with FBI request to bypass San Bernardino gunman’s iPhone? [Poll]” with our community.

New details on Apple’s ‘Reuse and Recycle’ trade-in program have surfaced in a new Bloomberg report. Tim Culpan details the break down and destruction process that each iPhone, Mac, and iPad receives at one of the many Apple recycling contractors’ plants. With over 50 agreed upon regulations and requirements, the contractors have a heavily imposed process to adhere to.

Since Apple started its ‘Reuse and Recycle’ trade-in program for the iPhone over two years ago, little information has been known about what exactly happens once the iOS device has been boxed up by the Apple employee. When going through the in-store recycling program, users are told the device’s memory is erased and that the device will then be recycled. Although vague, recycled seems to be the best choice of words in the situation. Apple explains that the device may end up being sold into a secondary market, or depending on the state of the device, headed straight for recycling.

Li Tong, one of Apple’s contractors in Hong Kong, says that “Shredding components takes more energy than repurposing.” She works and advises her other customers on how to repurpose their discarded tech into new tech, but Apple chooses to discard and destroy all of their components. “Apple shreds it devices to avoid having fake Apple products appearing on the secondary market”, said Apple’s head of environmental affairs, Lisa Jackson.

In the electronics recycling business, the benchmark is to try to collect and recycle 70 percent, by weight, of the devices produced seven years earlier. Jackson says Apple exceeds that, typically reaching 85 percent…

Culpan’s journey through the recycling process offers a better understanding on the kind of processes Apple products go through. Apple seems to really care for and ensure that its product recycling and deconstruction is taken seriously and done in the best possible manner.

Image via Bloomberg

Filed under: General, iOS Devices, Mac Tagged: Bloomberg, iMac, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Recycling, Reuse and Recycle Program

For more news on iOS Devices, iPhone, and iPad continue reading at 9to5Mac.

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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:

Download VLC’s Remote app for iOS and Apple Watch while it’s free and save $5

Grab these popular McGraw-Hill education apps for free (Reg. $2) – Addition Top It, Beat the Computer Multiplication, more

Spotify tempts new Premium subscribers with free Google Chromecast offer

Apple 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)

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

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

Leo’s Fortune on iOS is now available for just $1 (Reg. $5)

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:

Amazon’s 6-inch Fire HD Wi-Fi tablet: 8GB $70 or 16GB $90 shipped ($30 savings)

• Games/Apps: Mario Maker Wii U + game of choice, amiibo, more $309 ($390+ value), more
• Daily Deals: The X-Files Collector’s Set $130, LG Urbane Smartwatch (Refurb) $155, more
• Nintendo Select best sellers on the way w/ new low prices: Donkey Kong, Mario 3D World,  more
• Jet Set Radio is available for free on Steam alongside a handful of other Sega titles
• Kinda Deal: Keep your cash secure w/ this fake-out book safe for $9 (Reg. $12)

It’s Wednesday, go grab your free 1 day PS4/Xbox One game rental at Redbox wp.me/p1xTlR-NKB https://t.co/edcrkw2jbN

—
9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 17, 2016

MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:

Nomad Apple Watch accessories: aluminum stand from $36 (Reg. $50), Pod Pro 6,000mAh battery $60 (Reg. $80), more

Cambond 10-ft. Braided Nylon MFi Apple-Certified Lightning Cable $11 (Reg. $17), USB-C Cable, more

• Wrap your iPhone 6/s in this minimal leather wallet case for $15 (Reg. $25), more
• Apple iPad Air 2 Smart Cover in 5 colors $15 (Reg. $35), Smart Case $20 (Reg. $70)
• iPhone 6/s/Plus Cases from $3 Prime shipped: Dual-Layer w/ Screen Protector $8, more
• Aukey 2-in-1 Mini Clip-on SmartPhone Camera Lens Kit $9 Prime shipped (Reg. $15)
• Beats Studio 2.0 Over-Ear headphones (multiple colors) $150 (Orig. $300)
• Warhammer 40,000 Deathwatch Tyranid Invasion for iOS goes free for the first time (Reg. $2)
• Beats by Dr. Dre Solo2 Wireless Headphones Active Collection: $230 (Reg. $300)
• Media: Straight Outta Compton HD download $10, Weeds Complete Collection $45, much more
• Beats by Dr. Dre Solo 2 On-Ear Headphones now half off: $100 w/ free shipping (Reg. $200)
• The popular ad-free version of the Trivia Crack app for Android drops to just $0.10 (Reg. $3)
• Philips Wake-Up Light With Colored Sunrise Simulation: $98 shipped (Orig. $170)
• Get a free pair of Level U Wireless headphones when you register a card w/ Samsung Pay
• AirPrint 3-in-1 Wireless Color Printers: Epson InkJet $150 (Reg. $200), 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)
• Pad & Quill’s leather Lowry Cuff Apple Watch band offers Hermès style for $104 (Reg. $130)
• SanDisk 64GB Wi-Fi Flash Drive for iOS/Android: $35 Prime shipped (Orig. $60), 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)
• Amazon offers rare 25% discount on Kindle Unlimited : 6-months $45 (Reg. $60), more
• 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)

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

The Coleco Chameleon retro gaming console is sure to appeal to any Millennial

NERF’s Fall 2016 line includes battery-powered 70MPH blasters, Alien designs, more

• PSA: Fallout 4 gets 3DLC packs – get your Season Pass now before it jumps up in price
• Mega Bloks details a new Destiny-themed line of kits at Toy Fair 2016
• The new Assault on Hoth LEGO Star Wars kit recreates every detail with flawless execution
• The latest Monopoly goes digital with an ATM to manage properties & bank accounts
• Square Enix announces Hitman Go: Definitive Edition for PS4, Vita and PC
• 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

Filed under: Tips and Tricks

For more information about Tips and Tricks continue reading at 9to5Mac.

What do you think? Discuss “9to5Toys Lunch Break: VLC Remote + several McGraw-Hill education apps go free, Spotify free Chromecast promo, more” with our community.

Apple has been steadily improving the tvOS App Store experience for customers and developers on the new Apple TV, and today it’s continuing by turning on support for app previews. Developers can create app previews, which are videos showing the app in action beyond just screenshots, to show customers how their apps work before they download or purchase the app.

Apple introduced app previews on the iOS App Store for iPhone and iPad as part of the iOS 8 update in 2014. OS X later enabled easy screencast creation using QuickTime, in part to help developers create app previews.

The new fourth-gen Apple TV is the first entertainment box from the company to include an App Store. Previously channels appeared at Apple’s discretion and developers couldn’t openly submit their own apps.

Since the Apple TV debuted last October, Apple has improved the App Store experience on tvOS by working to bring it on par with the iPhone and iPad App Store. Changes include adding top charts and categories, new categories, and listing on iOS when apps have tvOS versions.

And with the upcoming tvOS 9.2 software update, Apple is adding the ability to search for apps from anywhere using Siri.

Even with the rollout of app previews on the tvOS App Store, the new Apple TV still has an opportunity to improve the app experience for developers and customers alike. For instance, it’s currently not possible to easily link to a tvOS app on the web like it is with iOS apps. Apple TV apps also aren’t searchable or achievable in iTunes like iOS apps.

Still, the Apple TV has been improving at a fast pace since its debut last fall and hopefully that momentum will continue.

Filed under: Apple TV, Apps, Developers Tagged: app previews, App Store, Apple TV, tvOS

Continue reading more about Apps, App Store, and Apple TV at 9to5Mac.

What do you think? Discuss “Apple TV App Store gains app previews videos on tvOS” with our community.

Twitter has toady announced long-awaited support for native GIF search with partners Giphy and Riffsy. The addition of GIF search means that users will now be able to search for GIFs from a library of thousands and instantly insert them into their direct message or tweet.

You can search the GIF library by keyword, or even browse categories of different reactions like “Happy Dance, Mic Drop, or YOLO.” When composing a tweet or direct message, the button to access the GIF library is located right at the bottom, between the polling and camera roll options.

Twitter has partnered with popular GIF databases GIPHY and Riffsy to power its new search feature:

“GIPHY delivers real-time GIFs as they happen, helping to power Twitter’s live commentary and conversation,” says Alex Chung, founder and CEO of GIPHY. “GIPHY’s users are creating GIFs for news, entertainment, sports, and expression that can enrich Tweets. We’re excited to work with Twitter to make sharing these GIFs even easier.”

“So much can be expressed with GIFs, and the key is to find just the right one in the moment that quickly and efficiently expresses your emotions,” says David McIntosh, CEO and co-founder of Riffsy. “We’re excited to explore this partnership with Twitter and watch Twitter users discover and share their favorite GIFs in their daily lives.”

Twitter initially added support for animated GIFs to iOS back in June of 2014 and more than 100 million GIFs have been shared since then, but users have long been calling for a more seamless way to insert their favorite GIFs into tweets and direct messages.

Twitter says that GIF search feature will roll out over the “coming weeks” to everyone on iOS, Android, and Twitter.com. More information is available in the company’s blog post announcement.

The GIFs are coming! Get ready to search and send GIFs in Tweets and Direct Messages: http://blog.twitter.com/2016/introduci… https://t.co/1dDD1B4CW2—
Twitter (@twitter) February 17, 2016

Filed under: iOS Tagged: app, GIF, iOS, Twitter

Continue reading more about iOS, iOS, and app at 9to5Mac.

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While Chipotle truly innovated last year with its burrito button Apple Watch app, Domino’s is joining the party by finally making it possible to easily order pizza for delivery using the Apple Watch. The convenience factor is arguably in leagues with the Tesla summon watch app we recently saw, and it’s safe to say 2016 has officially arrived.

Domino’s already offered delivery tracking from the Apple Watch, and the latest version of the watch app actually lets you order pizza by using your personal pizza preferences. Just make sure you have a Pizza Profile and save an Easy Order ahead of time, then the next time you’re hungry and in a hurry, launch the Domino’s Apple Watch app and await your delivery.

Domino’s says it’s the first national pizza company in the country to bring this capability to the Apple Watch. Going to the door to retrieve your pizza may even add a little credit to the Apple Watch’s Activity rings. Also: 🍕⌚️🍕⌚️🍕⌚️! Amazon Echo also recently learned how to order Domino’s Pizza.

Here’s what else has changed in the Domino’s Pizza iOS app:

What’s New in Version 3.3.0

WHAT’S NEW FOR iPHONE:

– Apple Watch Ordering
The next time someone asks you what time it is, use your Apple Watch to place your Easy Order, then look them in the eye and say, “It’s pizza time.”
– Domino’s Tracker® Notifications
Enable notifications to get Tracker® updates sent directly to your phone!
– Bug fixes

WHAT’S NEW FOR iPAD:

– Timed Orders
You can now use the app to place a future timed order for carryout or delivery! Once you’ve built your order, you can change the timing on the right hand side of the cart.
– Bug fixes

You can grab the latest Domino’s Pizza app for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch on the App Store now.

Filed under: Apple Watch, Apps Tagged: Apple watch, Apple Watch apps, Domino’s Pizza, food, Pizza

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I laid out the three reasons I believe Apple is right to stand firm on encryption back in November. The tl;dr version was in the summary.

So weakening encryption would mean sacrificing core principles of civilized societies in the name of security. It would provide not just our own government but foreign governments and criminals with access to our data. And it would do absolutely nothing to prevent terrorists from communicating in secret.

Gratifyingly, 93% of you agreed with me. But much as you and I both think Apple is right, the company now appears to be in an extremely tricky position. Not only does it have a court order instructing it to assist the FBI in breaking into one specific phone, but it appears very likely that it has the technical ability to comply with this order.

Tim Cook currently remains defiant, but how likely is it that Apple could succeed in fighting the order … ?

I spoke about the case with a retired lawyer friend, Gene Rankin, former Director of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Board of Bar Examiners. He could see two possible arguments Apple could make in an application to reverse the court order.

First, the general principle, much as I outlined it in my opinion piece. That the harm to the many by compromising iPhone security outweighs the good of gathering evidence in one specific case.

Second, that Apple was only ordered to provide all “reasonable” technical assistance, and that having to create a custom version of iPhone firmware to permit access to a single device is not reasonable.

The FBI may also have weakened its case by insisting that it is not asking Apple to create a generic backdoor to iPhones, merely assist in accessing just one phone. That would strengthen Apple’s argument that the work involved would be unduly burdensome.

The irony here, of course, is that if the FBI did prevail, we can be certain in would be back next time arguing that since Apple already created the compromised firmware – and there is now legal precedent – it should help break into other iPhones. Which is the problem with this type of case. Despite my general views, I do, in the specific case of the San Bernardino shootings, find myself in sympathy with the FBI. But I consider the broader principle more important.

Depressingly, Rankin’s view is that Apple’s attempt to fight the court order is unlikely to be successful. This is a high-profile terrorism case where the FBI could argue that it is reasonable to expect Apple to devote significant resources to providing assistance.

But the other factor I could see weighing in is the response – or lack of one – from the rest of the tech industry. While the judiciary is theoretically independent, judges are not blind to the direction in which political winds are blowing. If other large tech companies like Google and Microsoft came out in strong support of Apple’s position, that may well help persuade the court that the position is a reasonable one.

So far, the signs of that happening aren’t good. Blackberry’s CEO made his position clear back in December, and there has been a distinct lack of response to Cook’s letter from the rest of the tech industry. Android phones are encrypted in a similar way to iPhones, so Google clearly supports encryption in principle, but we don’t know the company’s attitude to a specific situation like this one.

Or perhaps we do. It seems notable to me that the FBI is seeking to force Apple to break into the phone of only one of the two perpetrators. Why not both? A likely explanation is that the other shooter used an Android phone and that Google voluntarily cooperated with the FBI in helping it gain access.

All of which leaves me feeling pessimistic about Apple’s chances here.

But I’m not a lawyer. There are plenty of those available, and Apple can certainly afford the best. Cook’s bold response also makes it clear that he is likely to fight this one all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. And that, just at the moment, makes for a rather unpredictable forum! So we’ll see …

Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: court order, Encryption, FBI, Federal Bureau of Investigation, James B. Comey, privacy, Security

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Bring a little bit of nostalgia to your wrist today with the new Apple Watch game, A Tiny Game of Pong. Based on the 1970’s classic game, A Tiny Game of Pong lets players compete to beat the computer or against friends through Game Center leaderboard integrations. But how do you fit Pong on a tiny display?

The game makes use of the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown to move the player’s paddle left and right across the screen. Using the crown feels like a natural fit into the gaming experience and I was surprised at how well it really worked.

The free version of the game lets players play a never-ending game pitted against a relentless computer in an unbeatable match. Though I knew this information, none of it changed the fun I had while playing.

With a $0.99 in-app upgrade, classic playoff mode can be unlocked to allow challenging the computer and player against a one-on-one match in a first to three game.

Features

The game is classically fun and a quick way to kill some time without pulling out your iPhone, making this a nice addition to the Apple Watch’s limited gaming platform.

A Tiny Game of Pong is available for free in the App Store for a limited time. For $0.99 users can unlock additional features and help further support development of the game.

Filed under: Apple Watch, Apps Tagged: A Tiny Game of Pong, Apple watch, digital crown, game, Game Center, Pong

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Digitimes Research has predicted that iPad sales could fall this quarter to their lowest level since 2011.

Apple is expected to ship 9.8 million iPads in the first quarter of 2016, historically its lowest quarterly level, with decreases of 39.1% on quarter and nearly 20% on year.

There are a couple of issues with the forecast – the first being the patchy track-record of the source, and the second being that the ‘historic low’ claim isn’t quite accurate if you include the first year or so, as the above graph from Statista shows.

But the graph does show something else …

Namely, that the claim is a plausible one. Remove the seasonal effect – sales always jump in the holiday quarter (Apple’s fiscal Q1) – and what we see here is a solid two-year decline. Fiscal Q2 sales declining from 19.48M in 2013 through 16.35M in 2014 to 12.62M in 2015. Project that line out into this year and the 9.8M number looks feasible.

The decline does, of course, need to be put into perspective. Digitimes still gives Apple by far the greatest share of the tablet market, at 21%, with Samsung some way back at 14% and everyone else in single digits. Even the iPad Pro, the most niche product in the range, looks likely to have sold more units in a single quarter than all the Microsoft Surface units ever sold.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has consistently said that he remains upbeat about the long-term prospects of the device, with our own Zac Hall recently laying out the reasons he thinks this is a reasonable view. The expected launch of the iPad Air 3 next month should also help the numbers, but not in this quarter.

Do you agree that the iPad can bounce back? Or do you see the decline continuing? Take our poll, and share the reasons for your view in the comments.

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: DigiTimes, Digitimes Research, iPad, ipad sales, iPads, Tablets

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