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  • Phil Schiller on App Store Knockoffs in 2012: ‘Is No One Reviewing These Apps?’

    Phil Schiller on App Store Knockoffs in 2012: ‘Is No One Reviewing These Apps?’

    Phil Schiller in 2012, after a rip-off app hit # 1: “What the hell is this?????
    … Is nobody evaluating these Apps? Is nobody minding the store?” pic.twitter.com/pNaozl6hv1
    — Patrick McGee (@PatrickMcGee_) May 3, 2021
    Because that 2012 rant, App Store customers have continued to battle with knockoff apps that mimic genuine apps. A 2nd file highlighted Minecraft knockoffs that had actually made it into the App Store not as soon as, but two times, and was consuming Minecraft sales, and in a third 2015 file, Schiller remarks that he “cant think” that Apple does not have automated tools to kick and find out fraud apps.

    At the time, Temple Run was a super popular iOS unique title, and in February 2012, a fake variation of Temple Run struck the App Store charts. Schiller sent out an email 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 super popular Temple Run, with no screenshots, garbage marketing text, and nearly all 1-star rankings become the # 1 complimentary 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 scam app] is an excellent example of the stuff we ought to have automated tools to kick and find out of the store. I cant believe we still do not.” …” and PLEASE establish a system to immediately find low rated apps and purge them !!” pic.twitter.com/fhFvja7vXs
    — Jacob Terry (@jerkob) May 5, 2021
    Rip-off iOS apps that defraud users and mimic genuine apps continue to be an issue to this day. In current months, developer Kosta Eleftheriou has actually required to speaking up versus rip-off apps and highlighting noteworthy frauds in the App Store, bringing additional attention to the concern.

    Knockoff apps have actually long been a problem in the App Store, with rip-off apps slipping previous customers to complete with real 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 a super popular iOS exclusive title, and in February 2012, a fake 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 group.
    ” Is nobody reviewing these apps? Is no one minding the store?” he ranted on, before asking whether people kept in mind a speak about becoming the “Nordstrom” of App Stores in quality of service.

  • Sci-fi dramedy Hello Tomorrow! starring Billy Crudup zooms toward Apple TV+

    Sci-fi dramedy Hello Tomorrow! starring Billy Crudup zooms toward Apple TV+

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

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

    Emmy-winner Billy Crudup in area! Thats whats coming in Hello Tomorrow!, a half-hour comedy/drama series about a man selling timeshares on the moon.
    The approaching program will be an Apple TELEVISION+ unique.

    Hi Tomorrow! takes a humorously severe look as offering space.
    The series is embeded in a retro-future world. Crudup will play Jack, whose interest and optimism make him a really good lunar timeshare salesman. In some cases the future isnt so rosy.

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

    Hello Tomorrow! is written and created 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 provided a series order for the first 10 episodes. When the show will premiere on the Apple TELEVISION+ service, its not understood.
    Billy Crudup already on Apple TELEVISION+.

    Billy Crudups acting credits go back the 1980, but is probably best known for remaining in Almost Famous and Watchmen.
    He already has a big role on Apple TV+. Hes on the cast of The Morning Show, for which he won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2020.

    Watching this series, or any of the programs and movies on Apples streaming service, costs $4.99 a month.

  • KEF’s New Wireless Bookshelf Speakers Are Modern Marvels

    KEF’s New Wireless Bookshelf Speakers Are Modern Marvels

    Audiophiles are a prickly bunch, especially when it concerns wireless speakers. In order to save money, area, or time, audio companies will often take the style of a bigger, more expensive device and dumb it down somewhat to make an item thats more accessible, and probably much better for the majority of us. Obviously, audio enthusiasts turn up their noses at such compromises.Until I attempted the KEF LS50 Wireless II, I tended to agree with them. Even at the high-end, cord-cutting speakers simply never ever matched their cabled equivalents. However after a month listening to these new KEFs play everything from Sheryl Crow to Stephen Colbert, Ive heard real proof that amps and cables will ultimately go the way of the dodo. KEFs wireless speakers are an almost best window into the future of high-fidelity audio.Two to TangoThe British company has been making speakers considering that the early 1960s, however the large bulk of audiophiles know KEF for its more current styles. The businesss exclusive Uni-Q drivers, which install the tweeters concentrically within the midrange speaker, are its modern calling card. These flower-like motorists have moved the initial LS50 design to near-mythical levels of nerd appeal considering that they released in 2012 to commemorate KEFs 50th anniversary.The LS50 Wireless II has the very same concentric chauffeur style as the initial.
    You can get them in many colors, however my evaluation systems came in a classy matte black with copper accents.Unlike the passive LS50 Meta speakers, which require a stereo amp to provide 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 handling the backlit touch controls on the top of the best speaker.New KEF SoundUnder the hood, the businesss engineers have spent a significant amount of time guaranteeing that the LS50 Wireless II heartily exceed the original KEF wireless model that came out several years ago.The new speakers include what the business calls Metamaterial Absorption Technology, which according to KEF, allows the speakers to take in 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 welcomed by the most immersive, distortion-free noise youve probably ever heard from speakers this size.

    KEFs cordless speakers are a nearly ideal window into the future of high-fidelity audio.Two to TangoThe British company has been making speakers because the early 1960s, but the large bulk of audiophiles understand KEF for its more current styles. You can get them in many colors, however my evaluation units came in a sophisticated 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 changed with the included little black remote, or by dealing with the backlit touch controls on the top of the right speaker.New KEF SoundUnder the hood, the businesss engineers have invested a considerable quantity of time guaranteeing that the LS50 Wireless II heartily surpass the initial KEF cordless model that came out several years ago.The brand-new speakers include what the company calls Metamaterial Absorption Technology, which according to KEF, permits the speakers to take in up to 60 percent of the distortion-causing energy thats usually shown back into the speaker cabinet. Turn on the KEF LS50 Wireless II and you are welcomed by the most immersive, distortion-free sound youve most likely ever heard from speakers this size.

  • New ‘Stranger Things’ Season 4 Trailer References Eleven’s Origins

    New ‘Stranger Things’ Season 4 Trailer References Eleven’s Origins

    After simply 2 weeks of filming, COVID-19 put Stranger Things season 4 production to a stop. Netflix waited up until September of 2020 to resume deal with the task, which explains the long gap in between trailers.
    Judging by the “001/004” and “002/004” captions beneath Netflixs Stranger Things trailers, we must probably expect 2 more trailers to drop in the future. The content of those trailers will give us a much better idea of the new seasons direction, however judging by what weve seen, it looks like the series is moving far from Hawkins to expand Elevens origin story and develop on the conspiracies presented in previous seasons.
    Source: Netflix

    Netflix
    After a year of silence, Netflix is finally sharing another Stranger Things season 4 trailer. The brief 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 seems like a lifetime back, Netflix shared a short 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 watch unless youve seen season 3.

  • It’s easier than it should be to stalk someone with an AirTag

    It’s easier than it should be to stalk someone with an AirTag

    As Fowler describes, he tested the privacy and security measures of the AirTag by having his coworker Jonathan Baran set his phone with one of Apples new trackers and then pop it into Fowlers backpack. Fowler then spent the next week traveling around the San Francisco Bay Area while Baran tracked him (with Fowlers permission) using the Find My app on his iPhone.
    As for the three-day alert, Fowler said that it was efficient in his case and that he heard the alarm numerous times after he was out of variety of his coworker. The issue is that the alert resets when an AirTag is within range of the iPhone it has actually been combined with, which implies that somebody living with a violent partner might never ever receive the alert if they return home before the countdown ends.

    When Apple announced the AirTag tracker at its Spring Loaded event on April 20th, the greatest issue from a number of groups was the ease with which the device could be used to stalk somebody. Apple definitely isnt the very first business to sell a little, powerful tracking device, however its plainly the most popular, and individuals who may never ever have become aware of Tile or Chipolo are going to start seeing ads for the AirTag all over the place.
    Apple has made a point of talking about the procedures it has actually required to ensure that AirTags wont be used as a tool for violent people to keep an eye on their partners. If an AirTag that you do not own is on your individual when you arrive at an often checked out location, youll get an alert on your phone. AirTags also give off an alarm when they are far from their owner for three days, though Apple says it might shorten this time limit if necessary.

    Jacob began covering video games and technology in college as a hobby, but it quickly ended up being clear to him that this was what he desired to provide for a living. He presently lives in New York writing for BGR. His previously published work can be discovered on TechHive, VentureBeat and Game Rant.

    Apple has made a point of discussing the procedures it has taken to guarantee that AirTags will not be used as a tool for abusive people to keep track of their partners. If an AirTag that you do not own is on your person when you show up at an often gone to area, youll get an alert on your phone. As Fowler discusses, he tested the personal privacy and security procedures of the AirTag by having his coworker Jonathan Baran pair his phone with one of Apples new trackers and then pop it into Fowlers backpack. The issue is that the alert resets when an AirTag is within range of the iPhone it has actually been combined with, which suggests that someone living with an abusive partner may never ever get the alert if they return house prior to the countdown ends.

    These might sound like adequate steps for Apple to handle paper, however The Washington Posts Geoffrey Fowler desired to see how easy it would be to track somebody utilizing an AirTag in truth. As he found over a week of evaluating the device, “Apples efforts to stop the abuse of its trackers just arent adequate.”
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    Couple all of Fowlers findings with the fact that it is possible to get rid of the speaker from an AirTag (h/t 9to5Mac), and its simple to see why people are worried about the new accessory. There are a couple of simple steps that Apple can take to make the AirTag more “stalker-proof,” but the current procedures just arent enough.
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  • Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3 might be a lot cheaper than we expected

    Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3 might be a lot cheaper than we expected

    Chris Smith started discussing devices as a hobby, and before he understood it he was sharing his views on tech stuff with readers worldwide. Although he frantically attempts Whenever hes not writing about gadgets he badly stops working to remain away from them. Thats not always a bad thing.

    The 2 Galaxy Z handsets are supposed to feature collapsible glass shows that will be more powerful than last year, and the handsets will also be water- and dust-resistant. Samsung may have improved the build quality of other parts and the general design to prevent accidental damage. Samsung has actually also been dealing with foldable cases to accompany collapsible phones.
    The Fold 3 and Flip 3 rumors we saw so far did not reveal the pricing structure for these phones or their release dates. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 will introduce on August 3rd, according to the report.
    The Flip 3 would still be pricey, but lets not forget that Samsung handsets do not maintain their worth as iPhones do. The Flip 3 might be even more affordable in the months following the launch, which typically happens with Samsung Android flagships.
    On top of that, Samsung will definitely host different promos throughout preorders. The business has actually likewise been running extended trials for collapsible gadgets earlier this year to provide buyers more time to decide. And Samsung has actually marked down in 2015s collapsible phones currently. These are all indications that Samsung is seeking to make foldables as economical as possible. Recent reports did say the business prepares to change the Note with the more pricey collapsible handsets and increase collapsible sales while doing so.

    If the Flip 3 rate report is accurate, we d anticipate the Fold 3 to be more economical at launch than its predecessors. However, the Fold 3 is not likely to sell for less than $1,000. The Fold 2 currently retails for $1,599, $400 more affordable than its launch price in 2015. Its follower must be at least as expensive in a best-case circumstance.
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    The two collapsible phones that Samsung will apparently unveil as quickly as July have actually appeared in a number of leaks, apparently verifying that the next huge Unpacked launch occasion is approaching quickly. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 currently sound more interesting than previous Samsung foldables, whichs due to the fact that the Korean giant has been dealing with repairing the most significant complaints about this smart device form element.
    Previous foldable phones were more delicate than traditional handsets and a lot more costly. A wide variety of separate reports suggests that Samsung is bringing different upgrades to the Fold 3 and Flip 3 to increase durability. And a brand new report from Korea recommends Samsung is also looking at cutting the entry price significantly.

    A myriad of separate reports shows that Samsung is bringing numerous upgrades to the Fold 3 and Flip 3 to increase durability. The Fold 3 and Flip 3 rumors we saw so far did not expose the prices structure for these phones or their release dates. The Flip 3 would still be expensive, but lets not forget that Samsung handsets do not maintain their worth as iPhones do. The Flip 3 might be even more affordable in the months following the launch, which typically occurs with Samsung Android flagships.
    If the Flip 3 price rumor is precise, we d expect the Fold 3 to be more budget-friendly at launch than its predecessors.

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  • App Store VP testifies in Epic trial as emails reveal special API access for Hulu and other devs

    App Store VP testifies in Epic trial as emails reveal special API access for Hulu and other devs

    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.”

  • Video: User rebuilds AirTag as a thinner card that fits into wallets

    Video: User rebuilds AirTag as a thinner card that fits into wallets

    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:

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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.