Apple news

• Netflix Tests New Gamification Feature for Children's Shows

  09-03-2018 23:50 via macrumors.com
  Netflix is testing a new gamified streaming experience for children, the company confirmed in a statement provided to Variety this morning. The new feature lets kids collect "patches" for watching episodes of certain shows.Netflix says the patches, which have been available for a few weeks for some users, are designed to allow for a more interactive experience for children.Image from Twitter"We are testing a new feature on select kids titles that introduces collectible items for a more interacti
  
  Read more

• HGTV addicts, rejoice: We're going to a home and housewares show - CNET

  09-03-2018 23:45
  At the International Home + Housewares Show, which starts Saturday in Chicago, we expect to see a lot of new gadgets and appliances that could make your home life easier -- or at least more interesting.
  
  Read more

• How to quickly share your current location on iPhone

  09-03-2018 23:40 via feedproxy.google.com
  There are lots of scenarios where you might want to quickly share your location with a friend or family member. Many people are probably aware of how to do this via Apple or Google Maps, but there is a slick shortcut built right into iOS for this feature.more…
  
  Read more

• Apple investor focus shifts to capital return plans

  09-03-2018 23:31 via feedproxy.google.com
  Apple "investor focus has moved to the company's plans to boost its returns to shareholders...
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Review: HomePod one month later, and why the future looks so bright [Video]

  09-03-2018 23:19 via feedproxy.google.com
  One popular saying in basketball is that you can’t teach height. Short players can work on fundamentals, but once they’ve finished growing, they can never grow taller.
  However, basketball fundamentals can be improved and enhanced over time. Unlike height, fundamentals can be acquired through hard work.
  The HomePod is similar in that a strong hardware foundation has been laid at the outset. You can’t go back and retrofit it with better internals, so Apple made sure that the Home
  
  Read more

• Opinion: HomePod one month later, and why the future looks so bright [Video]

  09-03-2018 23:19 via feedproxy.google.com
  One popular saying in basketball is that you can’t teach height. Short players can work on fundamentals, but once they’ve finished growing, they can never grow taller.
  However, basketball fundamentals can be improved and enhanced over time. Unlike height, fundamentals can be acquired through hard work.
  The HomePod is similar in that a strong hardware foundation has been laid at the outset. You can’t go back and retrofit it with better internals, so Apple made sure that the Home
  
  Read more

• Developers can now build custom commands for Google Assistant - CNET

  09-03-2018 23:09
  A washing machine with Assistant built in could recognize commands for its specialized cycles.
  
  Read more

• What's the first video game you ever played? - CNET

  09-03-2018 23:07
  Abby Russell from Giant Bomb (which is a site about video games) joins Jeff on this week's Quick Question.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Toddler locks mom’s iPhone for 47 years

  09-03-2018 23:01 via feedproxy.google.com
  A two-year-old boy in Shanghai disabled his mother’s iPhone for the equivalent of 47 years...
  
  Read more

• 9to5Mac Daily 044 | March 9, 2018

  09-03-2018 23:00 via feedproxy.google.com
  Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.https://9to5mac.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/9to5mac-daily-03-09-2018.mp3more…
  
  Read more

• Fortnite is coming to iOS, Android with PS4 and PC cross-play - CNET

  09-03-2018 22:58
  The PUBG-like battle royale game will be released on both Android and iOS, with a beta for the latter beginning next week.
  
  Read more

• 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli gets 7 years … and more spotlight - CNET

  09-03-2018 22:57
  The internet listened closely to tweets about the infamous pharmaceuticals exec sobbing on the stand before he was sentenced for defrauding investors.
  
  Read more

• How 'Shape of Water' mixes digital effects with monster makeup - CNET

  09-03-2018 22:53
  Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-winning creature-feature builds on classic moviemaking techniques with a hint of computer-generated wizardry.
  
  Read more

• YouTube Giveaway: Spring cleaning 2018 edition — featuring LaMetric Time, Akitio Thunder 3 Quad Mini, Samsung Gear 360, more [Video]

  09-03-2018 22:52 via feedproxy.google.com
  Each month on our YouTube channel we give away Apple-related products, usually items that we’ve covered in the past on 9to5Mac. For example, in January we gave away the CalDigit AV Pro 2, and in February we gave away the Akitio Thunder3 Quad X. For March, we’ve upped the ante a bit and are giving away a massive box of Apple-related kit with spring cleaning in mind. Items include the Akitio Thunder 3 Quad Mini, LaMetric Time, Samsung Gear 360 (2017 version), Mantiz Venus eGPU enclosur
  
  Read more

• Goodyear develops tire to fix electric-car-only problems - Roadshow

  09-03-2018 22:39
  This EfficientGrip Performance concept is specifically designed to deal with the unique brand of punishment that EVs can dole out.
  
  Read more

• Review: HomePod today, tomorrow, and beyond may not be the same smart speaker

  09-03-2018 22:17 via feedproxy.google.com
  We are now one month out since HomePod was released, and I’ve been using Apple’s smart speaker every day since it launched. First on the road while traveling, then at home with a variety of other smart speakers.
  My thoughts on HomePod have shifted over that period, but my key takeaway is this: HomePod is the best smart speaker for Apple Music subscribers in the Apple ecosystem, but the experience needs to evolve before it’s ready for the masses.
  The bottom line for me is that I
  
  Read more

• Facebook gets exclusive rights to stream 25 MLB games - CNET

  09-03-2018 22:08
  The deal comes as the social network has been beefing up its sports and original content catalog.
  
  Read more

• Apple tops most intimate brands list among millennials

  09-03-2018 22:00 via feedproxy.google.com
  Apple ranked as the most intimate brand among millennials, according to MBLM's Brand Intimacy 2018 Report...
  
  Read more

• Snapchat Stories testing out Instagram-style tagging feature - CNET

  09-03-2018 21:51
  Yep, it looks like Snapchat is stealing a feature from Instagram, instead of the more customary other way around.
  
  Read more

• UK police want you to report crimes to Alexa - CNET

  09-03-2018 21:41
  A county in England has already rolled out an Alexa skill that'll read crime reports. The next integration could allow you to report a crime via your Echo.
  
  Read more

• Dozens of Popular Apps Still Don't Natively Support iPhone X, But Updates Are Coming Soon

  09-03-2018 21:14 via macrumors.com
  One of the minor disadvantages of buying an iPhone X early is having to wait for developers to update their apps with support for the smartphone's taller display. Many popular apps were updated within a few weeks after the device launched, but over four months later, there are still some notable omissions.
  MacRumors recently asked our readers to share their favorite apps that have yet to be optimized for the iPhone X display. Then, we reached out to the developers of each app to ask them if and
  
  Read more

• Amazon’s Alexa gaining new ‘Follow-up Mode’, no longer requires trigger word after every request

  09-03-2018 21:12 via feedproxy.google.com
  The most annoying thing about digital assistants is that you have to say a trigger word after every request, with few exceptions. Whether it be “Hey Siri”, “Ok Google”, or “Alexa”, it can become increasingly tiresome, especially if you’re trying to have a fluid conversation.more…
  
  Read more

• Mario Kart will race you around in Google Maps update - CNET

  09-03-2018 21:07
  Google's celebrating Mario day -- Mar10, get it? -- by turning your blue navigation arrow into Nintendo's friendly Mario Kart plumber.
  
  Read more

• Barclays: Apple’s AirPods sales continue to grow, HomePod sales have been ‘underwhelming’

  09-03-2018 21:00 via feedproxy.google.com
  The analysts expect Apple will continue to increase production of AirPods wireless earphones...
  
  Read more

• Scaffolding rises at Apple’s Fifth Avenue construction site, signaling return of iconic glass cube

  09-03-2018 20:47 via feedproxy.google.com
  As seen in new photos taken outside the work site, familiar cube-sized scaffolding has risen above the construction barriers at Apple’s flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York City.more…
  
  Read more

• 9to5Rewards: Win a HomePod + $500 gift cards & get 30% off Caseco products [Giveaway]

  09-03-2018 20:39 via feedproxy.google.com
  In case you missed our announcement, we’ll be selecting a winner to receive one space gray Apple HomePod and a $500 gift card courtesy of our sponsor Caseco. On top of our grand prize for the HomePod and $500 gift card, Caseco will be giving away a second $500 gift card to a runner-up. Head below for your chance to win, and get 30% off Caseco accessories with promo code “9to5Mac30off“ for a limited time.. more…
  
  Read more

• Barclays analyst report suggests ‘AirPods 2’ with better noise cancelling coming in early 2019

  09-03-2018 20:32 via feedproxy.google.com
  Barclays has released its latest analyst report. The analysts, who have a mixed track record of accuracy, indicate continued iPhone 8 and iPhone X ‘weakness’ is being partly offset by continued sales of iPhone 7. Most interestingly, the report says to expect new AirPods in early 2019 with noise cancelling features.
  Due to the small form factor of AirPod earbuds, noise cancelling is very unlikely to rival bigger cans with active noise cancellation like the Beats Studio 3. However, Bar
  
  Read more

• The $80 Amazfit Bip smartwatch after two weeks: Deal or no deal? - CNET

  09-03-2018 20:23
  Eight important things I've learned about this Apple Watch lookalike. Plus: $37 for a waterproof speaker that's also an FM radio.
  
  Read more

• How to download macOS Sierra

  09-03-2018 20:14 via feedproxy.google.com
  It was much harder to find than I expected it to be...
  
  Read more

• Kristen Wiig sinks claws into 'Wonder Woman 2' villain role - CNET

  09-03-2018 20:09
  "Wonder Woman" director Patty Jenkins welcomes Kristen Wiig as the spotted villain Cheetah for the superhero movie sequel.
  
  Read more

• Apple may be working on a crumb-resistant MacBook keyboard - CNET

  09-03-2018 20:08
  According to a new patent application, Apple may be close to solving one of the biggest issues with current-gen MacBooks.
  
  Read more

• Apple first tech company set up for ‘multigenerational success’, book argues, but that may hinge on Siri

  09-03-2018 20:08 via feedproxy.google.com
  A new article today from L2 takes a look at an excerpt from the NYT bestseller, The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google. Among the takeaways from the chapter, the author shares some interesting ideas on Apple’s success as it has moved from the dominating tech world to becoming an icon in the fashion industry. However, even though Apple could be the first tech company to have a good shot at multigenerational success, it has some serious compe
  
  Read more

• Galaxy S9 and Gear VR: How not to break your new phone - CNET

  09-03-2018 19:55
  Samsung's latest phone doesn't fit all VR headsets, not even all Samsung ones. But there is Google. Follow this advice.
  
  Read more

• Mario Comes to Google Maps in Celebration of Mario Day

  09-03-2018 19:47 via macrumors.com
  Mario Day, which celebrates Nintendo's iconic plumber, takes place on Saturday, March 10. To celebrate Mario Day, Nintendo has teamed up with Google to bring Mario to Google Maps.Starting today, "Mario Time" is available in Google Maps for Android and iOS devices. To enter Mario Time, tap on the yellow "?" icon that's available in the bottom right of the Google Maps app after updating the app to the latest version.
  With Mario Time enabled, your Google Maps navigation arrow will turn into Mario d
  
  Read more

• David Pogue reviews Sky Guide AR: ‘Dazzling software’

  09-03-2018 19:36 via feedproxy.google.com
  This week, the No. 1 bestselling app on the iPhone app store is an augmented-reality stargazing app...
  
  Read more

• Toyota gets into the smart taxi game, hopes to crush Uber, others - Roadshow

  09-03-2018 19:34
  Can the giant automaker use this new taxi venture to help fast-forward autonomous driving technology?
  
  Read more

• Alexa's new Follow-Up Mode can handle back-to-back requests - CNET

  09-03-2018 19:33
  Enable this new setting in the Alexa app, and the virtual assistant will keep listening for follow-up questions at the end of each exchange -- no additional wake word needed.
  
  Read more

• Best Buy is selling an 8TB WD external hard drive for $40 off

  09-03-2018 19:30 via macworld.com
  
  Space is one of the great mysteries of our time. What will SpaceX find when it goes to Mars? Are black holes gateways to other universes? And how are you supposed to work with a lot of video files with the paltry 256GB of storage space found on a starter MacBook Pro?We can’t help you out with the first two questions, but we’re happy to let you know you can affordably solve the third with B&H’s $170 deal on a WD 8TB My Book USB 3.0 external hard drive. That’s $40 off
  
  Read more

• Google now lets musicians post responses to your searches - CNET

  09-03-2018 19:29
  Musicians can post updates that'll appear in the Knowledge Panel when you search for them.
  
  Read more

• Facebook and Warner will bring licensed music to your timeline - CNET

  09-03-2018 19:14
  You can now put licensed music from the major label into your own videos.
  
  Read more

• MacRumors Giveaway: Win an iPhone X Case From Krown

  09-03-2018 19:03 via macrumors.com
  For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Krown to give MacRumors readers a chance to win one of four slim iPhone cases made from unique materials.Krown is an indie iPhone case manufacturer that offers cases for Apple's newer devices, including the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, and the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. The company makes cases in four materials (prices for iPhone X): aluminum ($24.95), concrete ($39.95), an ultra thin plastic ($19.95), and marble ($49.95). All Kro
  
  Read more

• Apple slapped with patent suit over Siri’s natural language abilities

  09-03-2018 19:01 via feedproxy.google.com
  Non-practicing entity Portal Communications on Thursday filed suit against Apple for alleged infringement...
  
  Read more

• Hands-on w/ the iPhone-size ‘Crave Plus’ 10,000 mAh Portable Charger + 40% off deal [Video]

  09-03-2018 18:56 via feedproxy.google.com
  The Crave Plus is a portable charger with an iPhone-like design that packs in an impressive 10,000 mAh battery to charge your iPhone and other devices up to 3 times. Thanks to our sponsor Crave, 9to5 readers can get an exclusive 40% off for a limited time.
  Get Crave Plus for 40% off with promo code 9to5Mac $47.99 (Reg. $79.99)
  But it’s not just the size of an iPhone. The designed-in-America Crave Plus also takes a lot of design cues from Apple’s phones with its aluminum finish a
  
  Read more

• Warner Music Group latest to team up with Facebook to add music to memories and moments

  09-03-2018 18:52 via feedproxy.google.com
  Warner Music Group is the latest to team up with Facebook to add music to its memories and moments feature. The deal will allow users to add licensed music to their videos.more…
  
  Read more

• Last male northern white rhino alive shows signs of recovery - CNET

  09-03-2018 18:41
  Sudan, the last known male northern white rhinoceros, is suffering from old age and physical ailments, but his story isn't over yet.
  
  Read more

• 9to5Toys Last Call: Apple HomePod $272, 13″ Touch Bar MacBook Pro $1,440, urBeats3 from $69, more

  09-03-2018 18:18 via feedproxy.google.com
  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. more…
  
  Read more

• ‘Bombshell’ shines spotlight on Wi-Fi inventor Hedy Lamarr

  09-03-2018 18:01 via feedproxy.google.com
  Hedy Lamarr made your smartphone possible...
  
  Read more

• eBay Launches Limited Time 20% Off Coupon: Get HomePod, Apple TV, and More Discounted [Updated]

  09-03-2018 17:54 via macrumors.com
  eBay today launched a pre-daylight savings coupon that takes 20 percent off "everything" on the online reseller's storefront, with a few exclusions including gift cards, coupons, coins and paper money, and real estate. Outside of these categories, you're free to apply the 20 percent off coupon to any other items today, including Apple products like the HomePod.eBay explained that the coupon PSPRING20 is valid until 8 p.m. PST tonight, March 9, and it applies to the purchase priceof eligible item
  
  Read more

• Your smart camera may have been spying on you - CNET

  09-03-2018 17:53
  Researchers from Kaspersky Lab discover vulnerabilities that affect a popular smart camera, which could allow a hacker to see what it was seeing.
  
  Read more

• Google gives up on tablets: Android P marks an end to its efforts to take on Apple’s iPad

  09-03-2018 17:27 via feedproxy.google.com
  Google appears ready to give up on tablets entirely...
  
  Read more

Follow @Apple_Newsl on Twitter!