According to a report out of TechCrunch, Bank of America and Wells Fargo are both working to integrate Apple Pay support into their ATMs. The report, citing “a source familiar with the terms on the projects,” says that the companies have both placed employees on multi-month long assignments to integrate the Apple Pay options into ATMs around the country.

Apple Pay integration with Bank of America and Wells Fargo ATMs would be relatively basic. Users would theoretically be able to tap their iPhone onto the ATM’s NFC reader, which would then bring up the Touch ID/pin verification on their phone. Once that is completed, users would be able to access the same normal ATM options that are available after swiping a card and entering their pin number.

Wells Fargo’s head of ATMs Jonathan Velline hinted at the fact that the company’s ATMs would soon support Apple Pay:

“We’ve been working on the technology that allows us to hook to digital wallets, leveraging NFC on mobile phones to replace the card at the transaction at the ATM. Right now the wallet that we support is Android Pay.”

When asked specifically if Apple Pay was one of the digital wallets it was planning to support, Velline said that is a “good assessment.”

Furthermore, Bank of America’s Consumer Banking Products PR representative also hinted that the company was planning to support cardless ATM solutions, even going as far as saying that it will begin rolling out the technology in select areas in late February:

“Bank of America is currently developing a new cardless ATM solution. This solution will enable customers to leverage NFC (near field communication) technology on their smart phone in order to authenticate and complete transactions at a Bank of America ATM.  We will roll out this capability in late February with associates at select ATMs in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Charlotte, New York and Boston followed by a broader roll out to customers mid year.”

The benefits of using Apple Pay at ATMs over standard cards are plentiful. Not only is a much more seamless and modern process, it also offers a variety of security benefits. Fingerprint recognition is far more secure than the standard 4-digit passcode. Apple Pay usage would also rule out the possibility of card skimmers.

As we head further into 2016, it’ll be interesting to see how Apple Pay grows and develops, especially with things like ATM support down pipeline.

Filed under: Apple Pay Tagged: Apple pay, ATM, Bank of America, Wells Fargo

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My cheap headphone jack-less iPhone mockup

While it’s widely rumored that the iPhone 7 will drop the headphone jack when it launches later this year, known Apple audio supplier Cirrus Logic may have hinted about how Apple plans to handle this transition. Speaking to analysts and investors during the company’s latest earnings call (via BI), CEO Jason Rhode made a few interesting comments about what might be planned for later this year.

Cirrus Logic, which specializes in audio-related technology for mobile devices, has been traced back to hardware inside iPhones through product teardowns in the past, although the company is quiet about its relationship with Apple like most firms that partner with the iPhone maker.

With that in mind, it’s easy to connect Apple and the upcoming iPhone 7 to a few of Rhode’s comments this week. For instance, the firm expects to push noise-cancelling headphone technology for this reason:

There are definitely people considering putting [it] in box … any time somebody talks about adding content inside a box, inside the box it ships with the phone, you can imagine the agonizing that goes into any additional micro-penny that gets added to the box.

Considering the Apple and Cirrus relationship, it’s easy to read that to potentially mean Apple’s next iPhone headphones could feature noise-cancelling tech. Noise-cancelling headphone technology has already been rumored for the next iPhone.

The Cirrus executive also spoke positively to the prospect of Lightning-based headphones, some of which are already on the market:

The amount that we can talk about that outside of other folks who are MFi [made for iPhone] partners is relatively limited, but yeah, there’s things that are up and running via the MFi program that people can take and design with today.

Lightning-connected headphones would become the only wired connection on iPhones without the headphone jack, save for using an adapter.

Beyond reading between the lines about what could ship in the box with the next major iPhone release this fall, we reported earlier this month that Apple through Beats is currently developing a cord-free, wireless earbud solution with a charging case. These premium wireless earbuds are said to feature noise-cancelling technology of their own.

Even ahead of the annual flagship iPhone upgrade event later this year, Apple is currently planning to introduce a headphone-jack equipped 4-inch iPhone 5se and new iPad Air 3 at a special event currently slated for mid-March.

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: AirPods, Beats, Bluetooth, Cirrus Logic, EarPods, headphones, iPhone, iPhone 7, Jason Rhode, Lightning, noise-cancellation, noise-cancelling headphones, wireless headphones

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Since Tesla launched the Model S in 2012, the automaker has been talking about releasing a software development kit (SDK) to create a full third-party app ecosystem for its 17-inch touchscreen, which acts as a center console for the Model S and X, but despite several inquiries from eager app developers, there has been little communication about the project until now.

During a special event for Tesla owners in Hong Kong this week, CEO Elon Musk opened up on the subject and said that the company “thought about it more” and is likely moving away from the SDK, and instead planning to allow mirroring of apps from iPhones to the center console:

“As we have sort of thought about it more, the logic thing to do from an app standpoint is to maybe allow apps on your iPhone or Android to project onto the center display, as opposed to trying to create a new app ecosystem. So that is probably going to be our focus in the future to enable you to project apps from your phone to the center screen.”

There are currently a few apps available for the Model S, but they are web browser-based, which offers its own set of limitations. I would assume most developers were hoping for a full native SDK, but the capacity to mirror apps would be considered a step in the right direction.

At the very least, it will gradually help developers tap into Tesla’s rapidly growing user base:Tesla’s strategy change might be due to worries over the security risks of releasing such an SDK. The Model S has been technically “hacked” before, but it required physical access to the vehicle. The hackers literally had to rip off the dashboard, connect a laptop and send a software command to start the car – basically presenting an alternative to “hot-wiring” an electric vehicle. The real threat is considered to be remote access as some are worried that the SDK could facilitate such a breach.

Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, which relies on projecting data from smartphone apps, are believed to be relatively safe options to integrate app ecosystems in cars and plenty of manufacturers have jumped on board, but Tesla has been so far staying away from a direct implementation of these systems.

Make sure to follow Electrek on RSS or your favorite social media to get our latest articles on Tesla Motors and the EV industry:  Twitter, Facebook or Google+

Featured image: Tesla UI redesign concept by Bureau Oberhaeuser 

Filed under: Apple Car, Apps, Developers Tagged: Apple, Apps, CarPlay, Model S, SDK, Tesla

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Apple has acquired education technology startup LearnSprout for an undisclosed sum, via Bloomberg. LearnSprout’s software lets teachers track student progress and test scores, organize class achievement targets and more school-oriented features. The acquisition follows Apple’s announcement of iOS 9.3, which includes several major new features for iPads in education, including multi-user account switching.

LearnSprout’s features were mainly marketed at PC and Mac users. With an Apple acquisition, it is likely the technology will be ported to iOS as Apple continues to push iPad into education sectors.

Apple gave Bloomberg its standard form comment on the acquisition:

Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans,” said Colin Johnson, a spokesman for Apple.

iOS 9.3 will include several enhancements for education customers, including shared iPad mode where users can switch between their user profiles to access independent data and apps. It also includes a new Classroom app for teachers that coordinates lessons and student usage of iOS devices. It would make sense to integrate grade tracking into this system in the future, just like what LearnSprout offers. There is clearly a lot of overlap between the two companies in this space.

With iPad sales gradually falling, Apple is actively promoting iPad into enterprise and education sectors to maintain growth and boost sales. LearnSprout software could end up contributing to this, adding another reason for schools to switch to iPads for their curriculum. The new iPad Pro is very much targeted at this too, with a larger display canvas for multitasking multiple apps. Apple is also prepping an iPad Air 3, potentially to be released as soon as March.

Filed under: AAPL Company, iOS, iOS Devices, Tech Industry Tagged: Education, iOS 9.3

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Venmo today introduced a new in-app payment option called ‘Pay with Venmo’ for both users and businesses alike. The feature allows vendors to directly integrate Venmo’s payment platform into their checkout process. And user’s can now simply select the Venmo option when checking out in supported apps, and no longer need to type in any credit card information.

Venmo is putting a heavy focus on the ease of use of checking out using its fairly well-known platform. Instead of users having to input credit card information for every transaction, a Venmo option will be available during checkout with supported apps. This is akin to the experience introduced by Apple Pay, with the difference being that Pay with Venmo is a cross-platform solution for both iOS and Android.

The company also appears to have high hopes that using the platform to checkout with various vendors will bring new businesses into the spotlight within the Venmo social network. Whenever a purchase is made with Venmo, users have the option to share it as a public transaction, or keep it private of course. When these purchases are made from partner vendors of Pay with Venmo, it brings an opportunity to start a discussion around the transaction amongst friends (and give the vendor free marketing).

Another noted feature is that when customers use the Pay with Venmo option, they can pay for something now, and then split the transaction amongst friends later. This is great for when multiple parties are looking to grab a cab, hotel room, or pay for dinner and split the ticket. Venmo’s solution means no longer having to hassle with the payment at the time of purchase as it can be split later on.

Venmo introducing this feature is definitely interesting in light of the fact that Apple Pay has been around for quite a while now and supported on more and more iPhones and iPads. Adding another pay avenue for the consumer allows for more options, but Apple will surely encourage their own Touch ID-based solution within apps.

Here’s what Venmo said about availability:

“We’ve emailed everyone who can start using Venmo to pay in select apps. Didn’t get an email? Right now, we’re limiting availability, but stay tuned—we’re adding users regularly, and will let you know when you can start paying!”

– Venmo

Currently the feature is only available within Munchery and Gametime, and only for select users. For businesses looking to integrate with Venmo, there is a business specific page linking to more information on how to get started. The Venmo app itself is available for free in the App Store and is compatible with iPhones and iPads running iOS 8.0 or higher.

Filed under: Apps, iOS, iOS Devices Tagged: Android, Apple, Apple pay, Gametime, iOS, mobile payments, Munchery, Pay with Venmo, payments, venmo

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Facebook shared today that it is turning on live video broadcasting from its app for all iPhone users in the United States. This feature was previously limited to public figures and verified accounts then expanded to a limited number of test iPhone users last month. Facebook’s effort in this space is similar to Meerkat and Twitter’s Periscope service, which popularized live video streaming from mobile devices last year.

While live video broadcasting is limited to members in the United States for now, Facebook says it hopes to expand the feature in other countries “over the coming weeks.”

For new users getting started, Facebook shares these instructions for how to use the live video broadcasting feature within its app:

To share live video, tap on Update Status and then select the Live Video icon. You can write a quick description and choose the audience that you want to share with before going live. During your broadcast, you’ll see the number of live viewers, the names of friends who are tuning in and a real-time stream of comments. When you end your broadcast, it will be saved on your Timeline like any other video, which you can then delete or keep for your friends to watch later.

While the feature is currently limited to US iPhone users, Facebook says it will work to bring live video broadcasting to Android phones in the future as well. Be sure to have the latest version of Facebook for iOS before trying to go live.

Earlier this week, the competing service Periscope launched an impressive iOS app update that enables live broadcasting from the view of select GoPro action cameras. Meerkat similarly supports live action broadcasting from select GoPros.

What do you think? Does Facebook’s version of live broadcasting catch your interest, or do other services already offer this ability with better implementation?

Filed under: Apps Tagged: Facebook, live video, Periscope, Twitter, video

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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:

Apple TV 3rd gen $49 in-store pick-up (Reg. $69)

Apple TV 32GB w/ Siri Remote and HDMI Cable $126 shipped (Reg. $149+), 64GB $176 shipped – also now available in refurbished condition via Apple

Apple 11-inch MacBook Air 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB (newest version): $730 shipped (Reg. $899)

Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch tablet 128GB Wi-Fi in all colors: $870 shipped (Reg. $949), more

Apple Watch Space Gray Bands – 42 or 38mm: Stainless Steel $21, Milanese Loop $17

Apple’s Get Productive iOS App Sale 50% or more off: Things, Clear, Duet Displays, Deliveries, much more

Highly-rated puzzler Osmos now 80% off on iPhone & iPad: $1 ea. (Reg. up to $5)

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

iPhone 6/s/Plus Car Mounts w/ Prime shipping: iOttie One Touch 3 $17 (Reg. $25), Magnetic Air Vent $6 (Reg. $8)

Daily Deals: Samsung 40-inch 4K 120MR Smart LED UHDTV $450, GoPro HERO4 Silver Edition Camera $300, more

• Rihanna’s latest album ‘Anti’ was released last night, download it right now for free
• Games/Apps: Evil Within $20 or less, Wolfenstein New Order & Dishonored DE $20 ea
• Magazine bundle subs from $4.50/yr: Wired, Popular Science, Men’s Health, more
• Media: ESPN’s 30 for 30 Blu-ray Collection $15 (Reg. $30+), more
• Amazon’s best-selling iPhone and Android Virtual Reality kit $20 Prime shipped (Reg. $40)
• Bluetooth 20W Speakers: Sony SRSX5 $80 shipped, TaoTronics $40 shipped
• Give your Apple Watch and iPhone a home w/ this aluminum dock: $10 (Reg. $14)
• Gold Box – up to 70% off Men’s apparel: Skechers Cardova Sneaker $32, Nautica Raincoat $60

Harmon Kardon Onyx Studio Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (open-box) $70 (Orig. $400) wp.me/p1xTlR-MTl https://t.co/zNiBCmeD8d

—
9to5Toys (@9to5toys) January 28, 2016

MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:

Samsung D3 Station 4TB USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive $100 shipped (Reg. $130+)

Free Xbox Live Gold Games for February: Hand of Fate, Styx Master of the Shadows, more

Free PS Plus Games for February: HellDivers Democracy Strikes Back, Nom Nom Galaxy, more

ULAK iPhone 6/s/Plus, iPad mini 4 and Android cases from $1 shipped (Orig. up to $30)

• 8 utility Mac apps: $5 (and rising! Orig. $392)
• Headphones: NRG Wood In-ears $13 (Reg. $25), Aukey Bluetooth $11 (Reg. $22)
• Prime Members: VIZIO Sound Bar w/ Wireless Sub $198 shipped (Reg. $218)
• Moe’s Southwest Grill: Buy One, Get One Free burrito promotion
• Sam’s Club 1-year membership + $20 gift card $45 ($120 value)
• Motorola DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem + NETGEAR Router: $100 ($160 value), more
• Ooma Telo VoIP Home Phone System (Refurb.) $60 shipped (Orig. $130)
• Free eBook download: “IT Guide to Mac Backup for Business”
• Bluetooth Speakers: Omaker Splashproof $20 (Reg. $30), Inateck $30 (Reg. $40), more
• Dell 24-inch Widescreen LED Monitor: $100 shipped (Reg. $130)
• VIZIO Refurb 120Hz Smart HDTVs: 48-inch $300 (Orig. $500), more
• Media: new Blu-rays $10 – Jurassic World, Minions, more + BOGO offer
• USB Power: Anker Astro E5 16,000mAh Dual-Port $25 (Reg. $40), more
• Aukey adapters: Bluetooth 4.1 Audio Receiver $11, Car FM Radio Transmitter $11
• $10 Free towards your next flick: Regal $50 Movie Gift Card for $40, more
• iPhone 6/s/Plus Cases: Folio Style $9.50 (Reg. $19), Clear Bumper $4 (Reg. $8)
• AirPrint Color Laser Printers: Brother $150 shipped (Reg. $200)
• Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Designed Bookshelf Speakers: $90 (Reg. $130)
• Several refurbished 12-inch MacBook w/ Retina display models are now available
• OtterBox Defender Series iPhone 6 Plus Case: $24 Prime shipped (Orig. $60)
• UE MINI BOOM Bluetooth Speaker: refurb $44 or pre-owned $30 shipped
• Nexus Deals: 6P from $450 (Reg. $500), 5X w/ $20 Gift Card $300 (Reg. $350)

Game pre-orders for Amazon Prime members –Zelda, Far Cry Primal, FFXV: $48 ea (Reg. $60)

Pay What You Want: The 2016 Mac Bundle ~12

Work Faster & Smarter on Your Mac with 12 Apps to Clear Your Hard Drive, Enhance Audio, Track Device Activity & More

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

Aereo’s founder is returning with a new ISP that beams gigabit speeds into your home

This German eBike blends a minimalist design with serious battery power

You have to see NERF’s new Crossbow and Zombie Brainsaw that are coming out this fall

Upcoming 2016 LEGO sets focus on Marvel, Star Wars and City collections

Razor introduces two new electric-powered products at Toy Fair 2016

• Netflix February Preview: Better Call Saul – Season 1, more
• Check out Amazon’s Super Bowl commercial starring Alec Baldwin and Dan Marino
• It took a year of planning and 18,000 pieces to create this custom LEGO Arkham Asylum build
• Fender brings its big name into the world of headphones with new Pro In-ear Monitors
• Here’s our first look at the new PS4/Xbox One Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game

Filed under: Tips and Tricks

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Following an announcement for a revamped news discovery and commenting experience for its homepage and Yahoo mobile apps, the company is also rolling out an updated Yahoo Mail iOS app today.

Among new features for the app, users can now customize swipes, meaning you’ll be able to choose what happens when you swipe across your messages in your inbox. Options for the customizable swipes include star, send to folder, archive, and more.

You’ll find the new customizable swipe options under Settings>Swipe actions.

And also arriving for the app today are new Multi-Select Toolbar options: “Now you can “star” and “mark as spam,” just tap on the “…” in the multi-select menu.”

To round out the update, iOS users will now be able to create, delete and rename folders, while access to all recent attachments will be accessible with search functionality when composing an email:

Have you ever tried to find and send an attachment that you’ve recently received? Say you want to share a vacation itinerary with a friend for her trip planning, or recent photos you’ve received from your family. Now when composing an email, you can see all your recently received photos and file attachments, along with a search bar to easily find what you’re looking for. Tap on the “+” button in compose and choose the paperclip icon at top left to see this screen.

Check out the updated Yahoo app for iOS on the App Store.

Filed under: Apps Tagged: custom swipes, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Yahoo Mail

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There’s a new little feature tucked away in the latest Snapchat update that allows users to share their own Snapchat URL with others. The new URL is much more user-friendly as it is something you could easily copy and paste directly into messages and profile bios all around the web. Previously, Snapchat heavily relied on username search and QR code-based cards for this purpose.

Snapchat continues to find newer avenues that make adding friends easier. This URL is the newest in username sharing on top of manually adding by username, from the address book, by Snapcodes, or even just from nearby based on location.

When clicking any of these new Snapchat add URLs, Safari launches and requests to open Snapchat, and once the user accepts, Snapchat loads and the new user is added.

You can grab the latest version of Snapchat for iPhone from the App Store.

(Via The Next Web)

Filed under: Apps Tagged: Apps, features, iOS, Snapchat, Snapchat URL, social, URL

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We learned this week that Apple shipped 74.8 million iPhones globally during the recent holiday quarter, which is just slightly up from the 74.4 million shipped during the same quarter the year prior and just under the 75 million that analysts expected.

Today Strategy Analytics has released new data showing how Apple’s last two years of shipments compare to competitors like Samsung and Huawei. The data also breaks down how Apple’s global smartphone marketshare stacks up to those same competitors.

As we already knew, Apple shipped 231.5 million iPhones globally in 2015 compared to 192.7 million globally the year prior, which maintains the company’s second place rank between Samsung and Huawei. Global iPhone shipments trailed Samsung’s 317.2 million smartphones shipped in 2014, and 319.7 million shipped last year.

Strategy Analytics especially notes that Apple’s global iPhone shipments are peaking and shifting its strategy around emerging markets like India is necessary to return to growth after the anticipated decline next quarter. Apple’s anticipated 4-inch iPhone 5se that 9to5Mac has reported on extensively will certainly become a player in these markets; the cheaper price will likely combat global current fluctuations Apple described earlier this week during its earnings call.

Also of note, in total Strategy Analytics says the total number of smartphones shipped globally in 2015 hit 1.4 billion units, up from 1.2 billion the year prior, marking a 12% increase.

And in terms of global marketshare by vendor, Apple climbed 1.1% in 2015, moving from 15% to 16.1%. Samsung, which remained in the top spot, dropped 2.5% from 24.7% to 22.2% between 2014 and 2015. Samsung did, however, regain marketshare at Apple’s expensive during the holiday quarter as you can see below:

Counterpoint Research, another firm tracking smartphone data, notes that 3 in 5 smartphones shipped in 2015 were LTE capable, adding that 900 million LTE smartphones were shipped globally last year. The firm similarly reports the same 1.4 billion smartphones shipped globally last year.

One last interesting detail: Counterpoint says that 850 smartphone brands were competing in 2015, but the top 20 brands maintained 85% of total smartphone shipments.

The major takeaway the new Strategy Analytics data is that Apple’s perhaps temporary peak iPhone quarter indeed suggests the company will need to look to emerging markets for new opportunity, and on the Android side Huawei has gained steam while Samsung remains on top for now.

Filed under: iOS Devices, Tech Industry Tagged: analytics, Counterpoint Research, firm, global, Huawei, iPhone, marketshare, Samsung, shipments, smartphone data, Strategy Analytics, tracking

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Anyone who has ever accidentally left behind their iPhone or iPad in a public place like a coffee shop will know the sinking feeling in your stomach the moment you realize you’ve done it. Even if you rush back just one or two minutes later, you know there’s a high chance that the device will be gone.

If the worst happens, and you have another device with you, Find My iPhone lets you track the stolen device – except thieves tend to know this, and all they have to do to prevent it is to power-down their ill-gotten gains. This can be done while the device is locked, with no Touch ID or passcode access needed …

What I’d like to see is a simple iOS change that replaces the current ‘slide to power off’ dialog with a ‘Use Touch ID or enter passcode to power off.’ In that way, a thief would be unable to power-down the device and you’d be able to track its location. (You’d also need to disable access to Control Center from the lock screen to prevent a thief switching it into Airplane mode, but that’s something I consider advisable anyway.)

The protection this would offer wouldn’t be perfect. If a thief has their wits about them, they’ll remove the SIM, which would also prevent tracking. But it would at least remain trackable if it’s connected to Wi-Fi – as it may well be if they haven’t yet gotten very far with it – and not all thieves will think of removing the SIM or have a removal tool on them. It would at least tilt the odds somewhat in favor of the owner.

In theory, Activation Lock means there’s no point stealing an iPhone or iPad any more, as the thief or anyone buying it from them wouldn’t be able to use it. But while some thieves have gotten the message, others haven’t. A stolen iPhone can also be stripped for parts even if it can’t be reactivated.

There’s one possible downside to my idea: if you drop your iPhone in water, you’re going to want to power it down immediately to reduce the likelihood of a short. Adding in the need for Touch ID or passcode confirmation would marginally slow you down. But given that the iPhone 6s/Plus seem to be remarkably waterproof, that’s unlikely to be an issue at least with the latest devices.

Would this be a worthwhile additional layer of protection? Take our poll, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Filed under: Feature Request, iOS Devices Tagged: Activation Lock, Crime, Find my iPhone, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Theft

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Apple today has announced a voluntary recall and exchange program for a select number of AC wall plug adapters used in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Continental Europe, New Zealand and South Korea. America is not included in the recall. Apple says that in “very rare cases” the two-pronged Apple wall adapters could break and create a risk of electrical shock if touched.

Apple said that the affected wall adapters shipped between 2003 and 2015 with Mac and certain iOS devices. Apple also says the adapters were included in the Apple World Travel Kit. The company says that it is aware 12 issues worldwide.

The recall does not affect any of Apple’s USB power adapters or customers in Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Customers who would like take participate in the voluntary recall and exchange program should visit Apple’s new support page for the recall. The company is asking that users stop using the affected wall adapters and exchange them for new, redesigned choices.

Last year, Apple issued a recall for the Beats Pill XL citing instances in which the speaker could overheat and create a fire risk. Also last year the company launched a camera replacement program for the rear camera on select iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices.

Important Notice for Certain AC Wall Plug Adapters & World Travel Adapter Kit Customers

Voluntary Recall and Exchange Program

CUPERTINO, California — January 28, 2016 — Apple® today announced a voluntary recall of AC wall plug adapters designed for use in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Continental Europe, New Zealand and South Korea. In very rare cases, affected Apple two-prong wall plug adapters may break and create a risk of electrical shock if touched. These wall plug adapters shipped with Mac® and certain iOS devices between 2003 and 2015 and were also included in the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit. Apple is aware of 12 incidents worldwide.

The recall does not affect any other Apple AC wall plug adapters designed for Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, United Kingdom, United States or any Apple USB power adapters.

Because customer safety is the company’s top priority, Apple is asking customers to stop using affected plug adapters. Customers should visit http://ift.tt/1ORMwPX for details about how to exchange the affected adapters for new, redesigned ones.

An affected two-prong plug adapter has either four or five characters or no characters on the inside slot where it attaches to the main Apple power adapter. Visit the program website for more details on how to identify an affected adapter.

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple’s four software platforms — iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple’s 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: Apple, recall

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Yahoo today announced that it’s revamping the way it aggregates news content and in the process launching redesigned commenting, news discovery, and notification features to users on Android, iOS, and through its Yahoo homepage on the web.

Not only will the experience be consistent across platforms now, the entire experience has been given a fresh coat of paint and new features with Yahoo noting that it’s “made it easier to discover and create conversations with a community around engaging content and follow the latest developing stories in a nearly infinite news stream.”

Here’s what’s new for news discovery:

With this update, we’ve made it possible to sift through more content in less time. You no longer need to open individual articles in multiple browser tabs; instead, you can simply scroll through related stories inline. Up top, our editors pick some of the most important stories you need to know, alongside content most relevant to you. For a more in-depth understanding of a story, see related stories by clicking the “heart” icon, or clicking through to find additional related stories below each article. Over time, as you click on more content, the Yahoo stream becomes more tailored to your interests. The more you use the app and homepage, the better your experience will be.

With the update you’ll also find it easier to find and hop into conversations surrounding stories, with comments now surfaced in-line, neatly folding out from underneath an article when requested.

And lastly, you’ll now be able to follow the latest stories and trends as well as receive notifications on updates directly to your mobile device or on the web.

The updated Yahoo iOS app (and the Yahoo app for Android  & Yahoo homepage) should be rolling out shortly.

Filed under: Apps Tagged: Android, conversations, homepage, iOS, mobile, news discovery, update, Yahoo

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The iPad Pro quietly gained a new capability in iOS 9.3 beta 2: German developer Stefan Wolfrum tweeted that the device can now update the firmware in devices attached to the Smart Connector. He was offered, and able to complete, a firmware update to his Logitech Create keyboard.

Firmware updates of accessories usually need you to connect them to a Mac, but as the Smart Connector is unique to the iPad Pro, it’s likely this fact that prompted the new capability …

The move also helps support Tim Cook’s contention that, for many people, an iPad Pro could be a complete replacement for a PC.

We haven’t been overly impressed with the Logitech Create keyboard, with some reporting flakey connectivity, so hopefully the firmware update will solve this issue.

The second public beta of iOS 9.3 was released yesterday, adding Night Shift mode, an updated Control Center and more.

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: iOS, iOS 9.3, iOS 9.3 beta 2, iOS 9.3 public beta 2, iPad, iPad Pro, Logitech, Logitech Create, Logitech CREATE Keyboard, Smart Connector

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