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As the Legendary vs. Apple trial continues, today marked our first Apple executive testament. The vice president of the App Store, Matt Fischer, testified in the event today, detailing his involvement in the App Store, the creation of Apples standards, and more.

Fischer acts as the vice president of the App Store and has because 2010. Throughout the statement today, Fischer was asked a range of questions about his function in the App Store. The App Store VP described that Apple has long put a focus on security in the App Store and refuted recommendations about things like alternative payment methods and sideloading apps.
Fischer likewise talked about Apple Arcade, the App Store account system and fraud, and more. The App Store VP claimed to Epics attorney that Apple has not conducted research studies on whether video gaming companies utilizing third-party payment platforms in-app would cause security issues.
Apples attorney likewise asked Fischer a variety of questions about his involvement in the App Store redesign that came as part of iOS 12. Fischer likewise detailed a wide variety of instances in which Apple and Epic formerly interacted on bringing games like Fortnite and Infinity Blade to iOS, in addition to prominent including in the App Store.
The Apple legal representative likewise asked Fischer about a handful of different friendly e-mails that he received from Epic thanking Apple for the App Store promotion. When Epic released its server-side upgrade preventing the App Store In-App Payment system, Fischer was also asked about his reaction. “I was blindsided,” Fischer said.
Apple and Epic had been exchanging emails about collaborating at a future WWDC up until Epic released that change. The relationship clearly went south from there.
E-mails and evidence
There was likewise some drama during Fischers testament around the admittance of internal interaction from Apple into evidence. Judge Rogers apparently challenged Epics continued efforts to admit certain files into evidence, based on aspects like relevancy and files that estimated third celebrations.
One email shows there was an internal concern about why Hulu was able to switch in between App Store billing and Hulu billing. As it ends up, Hulu belongs to a “set of whitelisted developers” with access to the subscription cancel/refund API. The business had actually initially given Hulu access to this API to support upgrade and downgrade plan modifications before this was natively built-in to the App Store.
The Hulu scenario was internally passed around at Apple after Phil Schiller observed a tweet from developer David Barnard. Barnard questioned how the StoreKit API was able to immediately cancel App Store subscriptions, which is something Hulu was carrying out in conjunction with the launch of its brand-new live TV service.
Another e-mail exposed that Fischer normally wishes to avoid including rivals in the App Store. In one particular instance detailed in an email, Apples Accessibility team was planning an App Store editorial feature on apps that executed Voice Over assistance. The Accessibility team desired to consist of the Google and Amazon applications in this editorial function, but an Apple executive composed that “Matt feels exceptionally strongly about not including our rivals on the App Store.”
During his testament today, Fischer refuted this notion and discussed that Apple has consistently promoted apps that are competitors.
Other emails showcased Apples deal with designers ahead of the Apple TELEVISION 4K release, with a concentrate on inviting designers to produce games for the new set-top box. Some of those video games would eventually go on to be consisted of in Apple Arcade.
Well upgrade this post with more information as the trial progresses. Fischer is still on the stand.

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The App Store VP described that Apple has actually long put a focus on security in the App Store and refuted suggestions about things like alternative payment approaches and sideloading apps.
The Apple legal representative also asked Fischer about a handful of different friendly emails that he got from Epic thanking Apple for the App Store promotion. Fischer was also asked about his response when Epic deployed its server-side upgrade circumventing the App Store In-App Payment system. In one specific instance detailed in an e-mail, Apples Accessibility team was preparing an App Store editorial function on apps that carried out Voice Over support. The Accessibility group wanted to include the Google and Amazon applications in this editorial feature, but an Apple executive wrote that “Matt feels incredibly highly about not including our rivals on the App Store.”

Apples AirTag is lightweight and fairly little, but the device may be too thick for those who desire to put it in a wallet. Since Apple only uses AirTag with a single style option, Andrew Ngai decided to make his own version of Apples tracking accessory that looks like a card– and the result is rather outstanding.

The process is not precisely simple, as you may picture, but Andrew handled to do it all himself with simply a couple of tools and a lot of patience. As he demonstrated, removing the back of the AirTag was quite basic, however the components are all glued to the plastic shell with the exception of the detachable battery.
Andrew needed to heat up the AirTag to 150ºF (or 65 ℃) to get the AirTag reasoning board out of the plastic shell. However, the most significant obstacle in making the AirTag thinner was relocating the CR2032 battery, which is 3.2 millimeters thick by itself. Together with the entire structure, each AirTag is 8 millimeters thick.
By utilizing additional wired connections, it was possible to link the battery to the AirTag side by side rather of keeping them together on top of each other. The final step was to develop a 3D card made to fit the AirTags disassembled components together so that they would not come loose. The outcome was a totally practical AirTag card that can be placed in a wallet much like a charge card.

This, obviously, is not something you need to make with your AirTags as the process can completely harm the device, however its great to see the possibilities with this item.
Each AirTag costs $29 and theres likewise a 4-pack for $99, while Apple also offers multiple accessories like ring holders and leather loops. You can likewise inspect Amazons site for deals on AirTag and related accessories.
Would you like to have AirTag offered in more form aspects? Let us understand in the comments listed below.
Read:

H/T: Michael Burkhardt
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Andrew had to heat up the AirTag to 150ºF (or 65 ℃) to get the AirTag logic board out of the plastic shell. The last action was to create a 3D card made to fit the AirTags disassembled components together so that they would not come loose. The outcome was a completely functional AirTag card that can be positioned in a wallet simply like a credit card.

After some rumors and hints discovered in its mobile app, Twitter revealed today that it is now presenting the new “Idea Container” feature to some users. With this new option, creators on Twitter will be able to quickly receive money from their followers.

When the alternative is allowed in your profile, other Twitter users can send you a quantity of cash as a suggestion through the new function. Users will see a brand-new Tip Jar button when they visit a Twitter profile that currently has access to the function.
Suggestion Jar can be integrated with some popular payment services, consisting of Bandcamp, Patreon, PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App. Remarkably enough, the cash is sent out directly to the user by means of among these services without going through the App Stores in-app purchases system– which implies that Twitter is not paying the 30% commission to Apple.
To check if you can already make it possible for Tip Jar on your account, open the Twitter app, go to your profile, and tap the Edit Profile button. If you see Tip Jar in the alternatives, tap on it, and then log in to one of the payment services readily available.

Tip Jar comes ahead of Super Follow, which will let users pay to gain access to tweets, fleets, and other exclusive content from developers. According to Twitter, Tip Jar will only be readily available to selected users for now, so not every user will have the ability to utilize it.
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Knockoff apps have long been a problem in the App Store, with rip-off apps slipping previous reviewers to contend with genuine apps and steal sales, and back in 2012, Apples Phil Schiller was definitely furious when a fake app made it to the top of the App Store rankings, according to documents shared in the Epic v. Apple trial.
At the time, Temple Run was an extremely popular iOS special title, and in February 2012, a phony variation of Temple Run struck the App Store charts. Schiller sent out an e-mail to Eddy Cue, Greg Joswiak, Ron Okamoto, Phillip Shoemaker, Matt Fischer, Kevin Saul, and others on the App Store team. “What the hell is this????” he asked. “How does an obvious rip off of the extremely popular Temple Run, without any screenshots, garbage marketing text, and almost all 1-star rankings become the # 1 free app on the store?”
” Is nobody reviewing these apps? Is no one minding the shop?” he ranted on, before asking whether individuals kept in mind a talk about becoming the “Nordstrom” of App Stores in quality of service.

Phil Schiller in 2012, after a rip-off app hit # 1: “What the hell is this?????
… Is no one reviewing these Apps? Is no one minding the store?” pic.twitter.com/pNaozl6hv1
— Patrick McGee (@PatrickMcGee_) May 3, 2021
Since that 2012 tirade, App Store customers have actually continued to battle with knockoff apps that imitate real apps. A 2nd file highlighted Minecraft knockoffs that had made it into the App Store not when, but twice, and was consuming Minecraft sales, and in a third 2015 document, Schiller remarks that he “cant think” that Apple does not have automatic tools to discover and kick out rip-off apps.

At the time, Temple Run was an extremely popular iOS exclusive title, and in February 2012, a phony version of Temple Run hit the App Store charts. Schiller sent out an e-mail to Eddy Cue, Greg Joswiak, Ron Okamoto, Phillip Shoemaker, Matt Fischer, Kevin Saul, and others on the App Store team. “How does an apparent rip off of the very popular Temple Run, with no screenshots, garbage marketing text, and nearly all 1-star rankings become the # 1 totally free app on the store?”
Phil Schiller in 2012, after a rip-off app hit # 1: “What the hell is this?????
… Is no one reviewing these Apps?

Phil Schiller, 2015:
” [this fraud app] is an excellent example of the stuff we ought to have automated tools to find and kick out of the shop. I cant believe we still dont.” …” and PLEASE develop a system to automatically find low rated apps and purge them !!” pic.twitter.com/fhFvja7vXs
— Jacob Terry (@jerkob) May 5, 2021
Scam iOS apps that defraud users and mimic genuine apps continue to be a problem to this day. In recent months, designer Kosta Eleftheriou has required to speaking out versus fraud apps and highlighting significant scams in the App Store, bringing additional attention to the concern.

Sliders allow you to alter the color of the background, along with video camera blur and brightness. You can also make it possible for an “eco mode” that decreases camera resolution to save battery life.
Heres how you can try out the AirTag debug mode before Apple pulls it.

AirTag owners have actually found a hidden debug mode inside the Find My app on iPhone. It offers more comprehensive information on your tracker and allows you to customize the Precision Finding interface.
Well show you how to allow it on iOS 14.5 or later.

It appears, nevertheless, that AirTags surprise debut mode slipped through the net. It can be quickly accessed inside the Find My app on iPhone without making use of unapproved hacks. In truth, all it takes is a couple of taps.
What is AirTags hidden debug mode?
As soon as triggered, the surprise debug mode provides more comprehensive information on an AirTags stats– such as its distance from your gadget. It also gives you some choices for personalizing the Precision Finding user interface.

Apple does not usually deliver software with covert debug modes that are accessible to anybody. It has actually taken place, its an unusual event; the modes are usually removed out of public software application releases.

Enable AirTags debug mode in Find My
Prior to you jump in, theres one essential thing to note: There is no simple method to reset any changes you make inside AirTags debug mode, so play around with its sliders and functions at your own threat.
If that doesnt put you off, these are the easy actions you need to follow the gain access to the mode yourself:

You ought to now be able to see the debug mode overlay. Comprehensive info on your AirTag appears at the top of the screen above the choice to enable “eco mode,” followed by the customization sliders.
Any changes you make can not be reset.Screenshots: Reddit
The screenshots above, published on Reddit, reveal what the overlay must look like. Keep in mind, any changes you make can not be quickly reset.
Enjoy it while you can
Were practically certain the AirTag debug mode was supposed to be eliminated from public versions of iOS. Although its offered inside iOS 14.5 and the iOS 14.6 beta for now, we dont anticipate it to remain.

Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
Get close enough to your AirTag to allow the Precision Finding experience.
Tap four times on the vibrant header that shows your AirTags name.

Its likely Apple will get rid of the mode in future iOS updates, so enjoy it while you can.

KEFs wireless speakers are an almost ideal window into the future of high-fidelity audio.Two to TangoThe British company has been making speakers considering that the early 1960s, however the vast majority of audiophiles understand KEF for its more recent designs. You can get them in many colors, but my review units came in a stylish matte black with copper accents.Unlike the passive LS50 Meta speakers, which need a stereo amp to supply the juice, the LS50 Wireless II speakers are self-powered. Controls for all of the above can be adjusted with the included small black remote, or by managing the backlit touch controls on the top of the ideal speaker.New KEF SoundUnder the hood, the companys engineers have invested a substantial amount of time ensuring that the LS50 Wireless II heartily surpass the original KEF wireless design that came out numerous years ago.The new speakers feature what the business calls Metamaterial Absorption Technology, which according to KEF, enables the speakers to absorb up to 60 percent of the distortion-causing energy thats usually reflected back into the speaker cabinet. Turn on the KEF LS50 Wireless II and you are greeted by the most immersive, distortion-free sound youve most likely ever heard from speakers this size.

Audiophiles are an irritable bunch, specifically when it pertains to cordless speakers. In order to conserve area, money, or time, audio business will frequently take the design of a bigger, more costly device and dumb it down a little to make an item thats more available, and most likely better for many of us. Of course, audio lovers turn up their noses at such compromises.Until I attempted the KEF LS50 Wireless II, I tended to concur with them. Even at the high end, cord-cutting speakers simply never matched their cabled counterparts. But after a month listening to these brand-new KEFs play whatever from Sheryl Crow to Stephen Colbert, Ive heard genuine evidence that amps and cables will eventually go the way of the dodo. KEFs wireless speakers are a nearly best window into the future of high-fidelity audio.Two to TangoThe British company has actually been making speakers considering that the early 1960s, however the large bulk of audiophiles understand KEF for its more current designs. The companys exclusive Uni-Q motorists, which install the tweeters concentrically within the midrange speaker, are its contemporary calling card. These flower-like drivers have actually propelled the original LS50 design to near-mythical levels of nerd appeal given that they launched in 2012 to commemorate KEFs 50th anniversary.The LS50 Wireless II has the exact same concentric driver style as the original.
Photograph: Kef Never fear, geeks: The brand-new variation of the LS50 looks the like the old one. Theyre rounded rectangles with a curved front that showcases the gorgeous drivers. You can get them in lots of colors, however my review units was available in an elegant matte black with copper accents.Unlike the passive LS50 Meta speakers, which need a stereo amp to offer the juice, the LS50 Wireless II speakers are self-powered. Plug them into the wall, and to each other, and there are no external amps required.Even without dedicated outboard hardware, the back of the best speaker has a hodgepodge of inputs. Youll find an optical input, a coax cable jack, a 3.5-mm mini-jack, and even an HDMI ARC port for TELEVISION– an unusual feature that makes them outstanding for positioning in a living-room on either side of a screen. For fully cordless operation, you can pair a PC or phone with them utilizing Bluetooth, or include them to your Wi-Fi network for AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, or Roon streaming. Controls for all of the above can be adjusted with the consisted of little black remote, or by handling the backlit touch controls on the top of the ideal speaker.New KEF SoundUnder the hood, the companys engineers have invested a significant quantity of time making sure that the LS50 Wireless II heartily outperform the initial KEF wireless design that came out numerous years ago.The new speakers feature what the company calls Metamaterial Absorption Technology, which according to KEF, enables the speakers to take in up to 60 percent of the distortion-causing energy thats normally shown back into the speaker cabinet. The maze-like structures of this product inside each speaker arent simple to style; it took a two-year research study project with a company called Acoustic Metamaterials Group (AMG) for the business to develop.The outcomes are less made complex to comprehend than the innovation itself. Switch on the KEF LS50 Wireless II and you are welcomed by the most immersive, distortion-free noise youve most likely ever heard from speakers this size. They might look the like their predecessors, however they absolutely sound better.The depth and width of the sound phase is significantly enhanced, thanks to that lower distortion down low. Each component of the music youre listening to inhabits an almost three-dimensional place in the sound, enabling you do quickly dart focus in between them or to hear more clearly how they combine into the whole.Ive become obsessed with Lucy Dacus brand-new track “Hot & & Heavy,” which develops from synthy pads to full-fledged dance rock over the very first minute. On the KEFs, the slow addition of layers and instruments pulls me through the song, as though Im able to see each aspect of the music through a sharp, clear lens. I can hear exactly where each of Dacus singing harmonies is being in the noise, the ideal edge the engineer received from the signal ever so a little distorting when she sings her loudest.

After simply 2 weeks of recording, COVID-19 put Stranger Things season 4 production to a stop. Netflix waited up until September of 2020 to resume deal with the job, which explains the long gap between trailers.
Evaluating by the “001/004” and “002/004” captions underneath Netflixs Stranger Things trailers, we need to most likely expect two more trailers to drop in the near future. The content of those trailers will give us a much better concept of the new seasons direction, but evaluating by what weve seen, it appears like the series is moving away from Hawkins to expand Elevens origin story and develop on the conspiracies introduced in previous seasons.
Source: Netflix

Netflix
After a year of silence, Netflix is finally sharing another Stranger Things season 4 trailer. The short video looks like a flashback from Elevens past, and suggests that the next chapter of Stranger Things might look even deeper into her supernatural origin story.
Back in September 2019, which feels like a life time back, Netflix shared a brief teaser video for Stranger Things series 4 with the caption “were not in Hawkins any longer.” The streaming service followed up with a trailer in February of 2020, which you should not see unless youve seen season 3.

Sure hope Apple exposes that to the rest of us at some point. Google Play enables designers to set off cancellations and its terrific for consumer support.
— David Barnard (@drbarnard) May 6, 2021
Prior to when Epic Games implemented its own purchase options and started this whole legal fight, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney asked Apple for a special offer that would allow it to bypass the in-app purchase system, which Apple denied. Simply today Sweeney also stated that he would have accepted unique terms from Apple for lower App Store commission.

Sure hope Apple exposes that to the rest of us at some point. Google Play enables developers to set off cancellations and its excellent for client assistance.

Today is the 4th day of the Epic Games v. Apple legal battle, and documents shared in the trial continue to give us insight into the App Store and Apples business practices.
App Store Vice President Matt Fischer is on the stand answering questions from Apple and Epic lawyers, and among the e-mails shared as evidence confirms that Apple has developed special deals with major app designers like Hulu.
In 2018, a tweet from developer David Barnard commented about App Store memberships being immediately cancelled through the StoreKit API, questioning why there had not been more deals to swap billing far from the App Store.
Matt Fischer asked Cindy Lin about it, and she discussed that Hulu is a designer with unique access to a membership cancel/refund API.
Hulu becomes part of the set of whitelisted designers with access to subscription cancel/refund API. Back in 2015 they were using this to support immediate upgrade using a 2 family setup, before we had membership upgrade/downgrade abilities integrated in.
Apple does not more detail who other designers with unique access may have remained in the correspondence, but these are not features that all developers have access to.
Apple has long stated that the App Store provides a “level playing field” that treats all apps in the App Store the very same with one set of rules for everyone and no unique terms or unique offers, but its clear that some apps are indeed provided with special opportunities.

Heres are the documents where Apple staff members speak about white-listing business like Hulu for privelaged usage of App Store APIs, like the cancel/refund API. pic.twitter.com/zG9FhI7aSe
— Nick Statt (@nickstatt) May 6, 2021
Fischer was asked particularly whether Apple has provided some designers unique access to allow them to do things that other designers do not get to do, and Fischer said no, however he stated that Apple often desires to check a function with a small group prior to offering it to all developers.

Viewing this series, or any of the shows and movies on Apples streaming service, costs $4.99 a month. In addition to dramadies like Hello Tomorrow!, there are thrillers, police procedural, kidss documentaries and programs. And more.
Source: Apple.

Emmy-winner Billy Crudup in space! Thats whats can be found in Hello Tomorrow!, a half-hour comedy/drama series about a male selling timeshares on the moon.
The approaching show will be an Apple TV+ special.

Hey there Tomorrow! takes a humorously serious look as offering space.
The series is set in a retro-future world. Crudup will play Jack, whose interest and optimism make him an excellent lunar timeshare salesperson. But often the future isnt so rosy.

Billy Crudup will star in Hello Tomorrow!, a new half-hour dramedy on Apple TELEVISION+. Picture: Apple TELEVISION+.

Billy Crudup will star in Hello Tomorrow!, a new half-hour dramedy on Apple TELEVISION+. Picture: Apple TELEVISION+.

Billy Crudups acting credits return the 1980, but is probably best understood for being in Almost Famous and Watchmen.
He already has a huge function on Apple TELEVISION+. Hes on the cast of The Morning Show, for which he won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2020.

Hi Tomorrow! is written and developed by Amit Bhalla and Lucas Jansen (Bloodline, The Money). Itll be directed by Jonathan Entwistle (The End of the F *** ing World).
Apple on Thursday gave a series order for the first 10 episodes. When the program will premiere on the Apple TELEVISION+ service, its not known.
Billy Crudup currently on Apple TELEVISION+.

Seeing this series, or any of the shows and films on Apples streaming service, costs $4.99 a month.

Lauts basic AW Stand is a single piece of strong aluminum that gives your Apple Watch a place to rest while its charging. It looks terrific on any desk or bedside table, and its suitable with all Watch models.
The top of the stand is angled at 45 degrees to make your Apple Watch easy to check out in Nightstand mode, and it has a rubber sleeve that makes sure the back and sides of your Watch dont get scratched.
Tidy and simple.Photo: Laut

If youre searching for a tidy method to charge your beloved Apple Watch, or someplace to put your iPhone so that its easy to see while youre working, have a look at these classy, super-sturdy stands from Laut.
Theyre made from robust, anodized aluminum and designed to look excellent anywhere. Theyre also available at 20% off the typical price in the Cult of Mac Stores big Mothers Day sale.
Couple of things complement pricey Apple products much better than cool, aluminum devices. Theyre stylish and tidy, and if you select the best ones, theyre exceptionally useful and developed to last a life time.

Thats what you can expect when you buy a stand from Laut– a remarkable style company headquartered in Germany thats now one of the Cult of Mac Stores most popular suppliers.
Laut stands give Apple devices a great location to sit

Free Stand is super-useful anywhere
Lauts brilliantly flexible Free Stand ensures your iPhone (or other compact gadgets as much as 7 inches in size– is easy to see and constantly at the prepared. And youll want to use it all over.
Its adjustable design, which lets you modify its height and tilt, makes the Free Stand ideal for remote video calls, watching on alerts while you work, checking out recipes while you prepare, and lots more.

Anti-sleep feet prevent the AW Stand from sliding around, while its 3 color options– gunmetal, gold, and silver– allow you to match its appearance with your Apple Watch case.
The AW Stand holds a routine Apple Watch charging cable television, and its well priced at just $23.99 for a restricted time.

Robust and adjustable.Photo: Laut
The Free Stands compact form factor suggests it can be easily moved from space to space whenever you require it, while a soft-touch surface on its cradle keeps your iPhones glass back from getting scuffed.
You will likewise find some thoroughly positioned rubber pads that keep your iPhone constant, anti-sleep feet to avoid moving, and an area to position your Lightning cable television when its time for a top-up.
More Laut products on the way
The Free Stand is available in black or silver, and its offered to purchase today for just $35.99. Check it out in the Cult of Mac Store– along with the rest of Lauts incredible device collection, which is also on sale. And do not lose out other Mothers Day discounts: