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The highly-anticipated Epic Games vs. Apple trial began today in a federal court in Oakland, California, with attorneys for both companies providing opening remarks prior to District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.
Attorneys for Epic Games attempted to paint the App Store as monopolistic and anti-competitive, keeping in mind that designers are forced to utilize Apples in-app purchase system, and therefore pay Apple a 30% commission on sales. (The rate drops to 15% for subscriptions after the first year and for qualifying developers who sign up for Apples new Small Business Program and make less than $1 million per calendar year in net revenue.).
Epic Games explained the App Store as a “walled garden” and provided e-mails from existing and former Apple executives like Steve Jobs, Phil Schiller, Craig Federighi, Eddy Cue, and Scott Forstall in an effort to show this claim.
Epic Games wants Apple to be required to enable third-party app shops on iOS and to let designers provide direct payment systems, but Apple argued that a single, highly-curated App Store is needed to safeguard the security, privacy, dependability, and quality that customers have come to expect from the company.
” Epic desires us to be Android, however we dont wish to be,” said Apple lawyer Karen Dunn, referring to the ability to sideload apps beyond the Google Play store on Android gadgets. “Our customers dont desire that either,” she added.
Epic Games is the creator of popular fight royale game Fortnite, which Apple got rid of from the App Store in August 2020, soon after Epic Games slyly introduced a direct payment alternative in the app, in defiance of the App Store rules. Epic Games then submitted a managed suit versus Apple, implicating the business of anti-competitive behavior.
At the time, Apple stated Epic Games “took the regrettable step of breaching the App Store guidelines that are applied similarly to every developer and designed to keep the store safe for our users,” adding that it would “strive to work with Epic to fix these infractions so they can return Fortnite to the App Store.” Legendary Games has declined to cooperate, however, and Fortnite remains unavailable on the App Store.
Legendary Games CEO Tim Sweeney testified at the trial today, stating that by introducing the direct payment alternative, he desired customers to see that Apple works out “overall control” over iOS and software application available on the platform.
The trial is anticipated to continue for an overall of 3 weeks, with Apples CEO Tim Cook and other executives anticipated to testify.

Apples Podcasts platform is experiencing an “blackout” for some users, according to the businesss system status page.
” Users are experiencing a problem with this service,” composed Apple. “We are examining and will update the status as more information appears.” Apple says the concealed issue began on April 29.
Only some users are affected by the outage, according to Apple. No even more information were provided, and Apple has declined to comment at this time.
April 29 is the very same day that MacRumors reported about a range of complaints that users have made about the Podcasts app because it was revamped in iOS 14.5, such as avoiding during playback, inaccurate timestamps, unresponsive scrolling, episodes failing to sync throughout gadgets after being contributed to a library, and more.
Update: The blackout has actually been marked as resolved on Apples system status page.
( Thanks, Gustavo!).

Apple revealed the new iPad Pro designs at its Spring Loaded occasion. The brand-new iPad Pros come in the very same 11-inch and 12.9-inch choices, but include a few significant upgrades over their predecessors. The iPad Pros come with optional 5G assistance. The larger iPad Pro features a mini-LED screen. Sources familiar with Apples supply chain have told Digitimes (through MacRumors) that TSMT has actually dealt with technical difficulties for the production of mini-LED screens for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro designs.

The mini-LED display screen upgrade isnt the only change planned for the 2021 MacBook Pro models. Other reports claimed previously this year that Apple plans a significant redesign for its notebooks.
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Apple unveiled the new iPad Pro models at its Spring Loaded event. The new iPad Pros are available in the exact same 11-inch and 12.9-inch alternatives, however include a couple of significant upgrades over their predecessors. Both devices work on the very same M1 processor that powers a number of Macs, include as much as 16GB of RAM and approximately 2TB of storage. The iPad Pros come with optional 5G support. However the best upgrade worries the 12.9-inch designs display.
The larger iPad Pro features a mini-LED screen. Thats the new Liquid Retina XDR display that provides the very same performance as Apples Pro Display XDR screen that retails for $5,000. A brand-new report says the exact same display screen innovation might be readily available for the 16-inch and 14-inch MacBook Pros that Apple will introduce later this year.

Chris Smith began discussing devices as a hobby, and before he understood it he was sharing his views on tech stuff with readers worldwide. Whenever hes not blogging about gizmos he miserably fails to keep away from them, although he desperately attempts. Thats not always a bad thing.

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Reports last year stated that Apple prepared to bring mini-LED screen tech to iPad and MacBook lines, beginning with the iPad Pro and some MacBook Pro variations.
iPad Pro Liquid Retina XDR show features. Image source: Apple Inc
. Sources acquainted with Apples supply chain have informed Digitimes (via MacRumors) that TSMT has attended to technical difficulties for the production of mini-LED screens for the 16-inch and 14-inch MacBook Pro designs.
Digitimes reported that “TSMT is the exclusive service provider of SMT services for the just recently introduced 12.9-inch iPad Pros mini-LED backlights and is anticipated to do the exact same for the 2 upcoming miniLED-backlit MacBook designs, the sources stated.”
The Apple supplier has actually been handling numerous production yields for crucial mini-LED parts, consisting of the circuit board and adhesive products in the mini-LED screens destined for the new MacBook notebooks. TSMT has actually adjusted its strategies, increasing production yield rates to over 95%.
iPad Pros Liquid Retina XDR screen provides a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 1000 nits of full-screen brightness, 1600 nits of peak brightness, P3 large color range, and 120Hz ProMotion support. The screen features a layer made from 10,000 mini-LEDs groups into 2,500 local dimming zones, as seen listed below. This permits Apple to change the brightness properly and reach that 1,000,000: 1 contrast ratio.
iPad Pro Liquid Retina XDR: Local dimming zones described. Image source: Apple Inc
. If the report is precise, the very same innovation ought to be readily available in this years MacBook Pros.
The 16-inch and 14-inch MacBook Pro designs will probably be revealed much later on this year. Theyll prosper the present 13-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that operate on M1 and Intel chips, respectively. Both 2021 MacBook Pro laptop computers will feature an Apple M-series processor, likely the M1s follower.

Earlier this year, I evaluated the Jeans app, which is an iPhone app that lets you easily develop your own playlist artwork. Jeans just recently got a major upgrade that not only added new artwork styles, however also integration with the Music app and a brand-new method to preview the art work with your own playlists.

Version 2.0 of the Denim app features over 20 new cover art work, including 3 new classifications: shapes, grayscale, and activities. Other classifications have actually been updated with popular demands, such as Country, R&B, House, Running, and Study.
In addition, the brand-new Gallery tab makes it simple to explore a curated collection of art work ready for you to use. Users can check out some highlighted collections and likewise all available artwork separated by classifications. However, the upgrade features much more new functions. The update comes with yet another new feature, which is called “Trial Room.”
With Trial Room, Denim app users can now get a live preview of how the art work will look right on Apple Music playlists. With just a few taps, you can select one of your playlists, and Denim app will automatically offer artwork ideas utilizing the name picked from the Music app. Heres how the designer explains the new alternative:

An entire brand-new way to create covers. Trial room incorporates with your Music Library and utilizes your playlists to immediately create sneak peeks of different art work, all by just merely tapping. See as your playlist titles amazingly appear onto art work, with no requirement to type or edit any more.

Denim is available for free on the App Store, however a $2.99 in-app purchase is required to open all the art work designs. Be sure to check out the complete review of the Denim app here on 9to5Mac.
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Take a look at 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

In addition, the brand-new Gallery tab makes it simple to check out a curated collection of art work ready for you to use. With Trial Room, Denim app users can now get a live sneak peek of how the art work will look right on Apple Music playlists. With simply a few taps, you can select one of your playlists, and Denim app will instantly provide art work ideas using the name chose from the Music app.

Apples Podcasts platform is experiencing an “failure” for some users, according to the companys system status page.
” Users are experiencing a problem with this service,” wrote Apple. “We are examining and will upgrade the status as more information ends up being offered.” Apple states the undisclosed issue started on April 29.
Just some users are impacted by the blackout, according to Apple. No further information were offered, and Apple has decreased to comment at this time.
April 29 is the same day that MacRumors reported about a range of problems that users have actually made about the Podcasts app considering that it was revamped in iOS 14.5, such as avoiding throughout playback, inaccurate timestamps, unresponsive scrolling, episodes stopping working to sync throughout gadgets after being contributed to a library, and more.
Update: The failure has been marked as dealt with on Apples system status page.
( Thanks, Gustavo!).

Today, Cult of Mac is distributing one ParcSlope stand from Apple device powerhouse Twelve South.
The ParcSlope is a dual-purpose desktop easel that operates as a typing stand for MacBook and as a sketching wedge for iPad. It elevates your MacBook or iPad Pro for a much better working angle and an ergonomic watching height.
You can utilize the ParcSlope stand for all of your tasks if you win. And if you do not, Twelve South is sweetening the giveaway with a $10 discount code to purchase the ParcSlope for everyone who enters.
This post contains affiliate links. When you utilize our links to purchase products, cult of Mac may earn a commission. Read our reviews policy.

ParcSlope stand free gift

In addition to much better ergonomics, the ParcSlope increases air flow around your device, keeping your MacBook cooler and keeping the laptops feared fans at bay.

A desktop easel for iPad
Paired with an iPad, the ParcSlope angles the tablet to an 18-degree angle for drawing, note-taking, on-screen typing and other innovative work.
Paired with a wireless keyboard, ParcSlope turns your iPad into a small desktop. It holds all designs of iPad in landscape or picture mode (iPad mini in portrait just).
Youll question how you ever worked on your iPad without ParcSlope as soon as you try it. Its a much better method to work on iPad.

Used with a MacBook, the ParcSlope keeps the laptops keyboard low to the desk but angles it upwards for the perfect angle for typing.
The ParcSlope is likewise a terrific addition to a desktop setup. Paired with a full-size keyboard, mouse and external display screen, it keeps your MacBook Pros Touch Bar within easy reach.

Elevate your MacBook experience
The ParcSlope makes it simple to personalize your workstation for optimum convenience and efficiency.

Twelve Souths ParcSlope stand elevates your MacBook or iPad to brand-new levels. Picture: Twelve SouthDesigned particularly for Apples MacBooks and iPads, the ParcSlope is a desktop stand that raises your MacBook and iPad for much better typing and viewing.
Completed in matte black and worth $60, the ParcSlope elevates your MacBook or iPad and angles the screen at 18 degrees for better convenience and productivity.

Raises MacBook screen to a comfortable, ergonomic viewing height
Angles iPad to 18 degrees for sketching and creative work
Increases air flow around MacBooks for better cooling
Grab-n-go portability with integrated cable management

About Twelve South

ParcSlope wait Twelve South
Note: Contest open to locals of the United States only. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. PST on May 9, 2021. See Terms & & Conditions for more details about the free gift.

Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to purchase items. Twelve South was founded in South Carolina by a husband-and-wife group in 2009. They are a tight-knit group, and numerous of their best Apple product ideas happen during workplace delighted hour, according to Twelve Souths “About United States” page. Use the entry widget below to sign up for our complimentary Cult of Mac Today newsletter and get in the giveaway. Twelve South is offering everybody who goes into a $10-off discount code for the ParcSlope to be used at Amazon legitimate May 10 to 15, 2021.

Twelve South was founded in South Carolina by a husband-and-wife team in 2009. They are a tight-knit group, and numerous of their best Apple item concepts happen throughout office delighted hour, according to Twelve Souths “About United States” page.
Enter to win
Utilize the entry widget listed below to sign up for our free Cult of Mac Today newsletter and go into the giveaway. Plus, connect with Cult of Mac in a range of other methods to get extra entries. Twelve South is offering everybody who goes into a $10-off promo code for the ParcSlope to be used at Amazon legitimate May 10 to 15, 2021. One redemption per person. Code will be offered to all entrants through e-mail after the giveaway ends. So even if you dont win, you get a sweet discount rate.

” This is technically real; Facebook is an advertising company that benefits from revealing ads that its users are more most likely to click. He keeps in mind that Facebook will likewise have a more difficult time demonstrating that product sales were connected to specific ads, given the limitations on what information can now stream throughout sites and apps.But you need not look much further than Facebooks most current quarterly profits report, launched last week, to see that iOS 14.5 appears not likely to press the business toward any kind of precipice. Even if every single iOS 14.5 user decides out of tracking, Facebook will still have Android devices aplenty from which to squeeze profits.Its also not as if tracking prevention makes ads go away completely.

” This is technically true; Facebook is a marketing company that benefits from revealing ads that its users are more likely to click. He keeps in mind that Facebook will likewise have a harder time demonstrating that product sales were tied to specific advertisements, provided the restrictions on what information can now stream across websites and apps.But you need not look much even more than Facebooks most recent quarterly revenues report, released last week, to see that iOS 14.5 seems unlikely to push the business toward any kind of precipice. Even if every single iOS 14.5 user decides out of tracking, Facebook will still have Android devices aplenty from which to squeeze profits.Its likewise not as if tracking avoidance makes ads go away completely.
Courtesy of Facebook

Apple announced on Monday some modifications coming to App Store taxes and costs in Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, and Sweden. While Apple will increase the rate of apps and transactions in most of the pointed out nations, among them will quickly have actually costs reduced.

The price change was verified by Apple in an e-mail sent today to designers who belong to the Apple Developer Program. According to the business, prices will be changed due to local taxes or change in the currency exchange rate of global currencies.
Heres what the business states:

When taxes or foreign exchange rates alter, we often require to upgrade rates on the App Store in particular regions and/or adjust your proceeds. In the next few days, costs of apps and in-app purchases (omitting auto-renewable subscriptions) on the App Store will alter.

In Kenya, Apple is raising rates due to a new 16% value-added tax, plus another 1.5% tax that uses to foreign developers. In Nigeria, theres a brand-new 7.5% tax that has made Apple raise prices. The App Store in Peru will have rates increased, while costs will be reduced in Sweden– more than likely due to the regional currencies.
Apple likewise warns that although prices will not change in Ireland, the “proceeds will be gotten used to reflect the value-added tax rate reversion to 23% after a temporary decline to 21%.” These changes need to become efficient in the next few days and will impact apps and in-app purchases, including subscriptions made through the App Store system.
Designers can find more details about the App Store cost increase on the App Store Connect website.
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Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

In Kenya, Apple is raising rates due to a brand-new 16% value-added tax, plus another 1.5% tax that uses to foreign designers. In Nigeria, theres a brand-new 7.5% tax that has made Apple raise costs. The App Store in Peru will have costs increased, while costs will be reduced in Sweden– most likely due to the local currencies.

Apples Podcasts platform is experiencing an “failure” for some users, according to the companys system status page.
” Users are experiencing a problem with this service,” composed Apple. “We are investigating and will upgrade the status as more information becomes offered.” Apple says the concealed issue started on April 29.
Just some users are impacted by the interruption, according to Apple. No even more information were provided, and Apple has actually declined to comment at this time.
April 29 is the same day that MacRumors reported about a range of problems that users have made about the Podcasts app since it was upgraded in iOS 14.5, such as skipping throughout playback, inaccurate timestamps, unresponsive scrolling, episodes stopping working to sync throughout gadgets after being included to a library, and more.
Well keep this story upgraded if and when we find out more.
( Thanks, Gustavo!).

Windows Latest
On May 1st, Microsoft shared an upcoming variation of its Edge internet browser with testers in the Dev Channel. Though it does not have a main release date, Microsoft Edge version 92 consists of a number of new functions, consisting of a native Office Viewer, Windows Search integration, and a tool that lets you send out tabs between your PC and Android phone.
As reported by Windows Latest, the Edge internet browser Office Viewer and Windows Search combination should help streamline your work at a desktop or laptop computer. Workplace Viewer lets you look at Word, Excel, and Powerpoint files without leaving your web browser, conserving you from downloading files (and potentially downloading malware). And with Windows Search combination, you can look up your browsing history, bookmarks, and more utilizing the Search function in your taskbar.
The new Edge tab sharing function, first found by XDA Developers, makes jumping in between your PC and Android phone a lot easier. With tab sharing, you can right click a tab to send a page to other devices visited to your Microsoft account. Like in Chrome, this function is also readily available as a devoted button in the address bar.
You can evaluate Office Viewer and tab sharing now in the current Edge Canary construct. Windows Search combination does not work properly yet, most likely due to the fact that Microsoft needs to upgrade Windows 10 to support the feature.
Source: Windows Latest via XDA Developers