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  • Apple TV+ misses out on Oscar nods for movies this year

    Apple TV+ misses out on Oscar nods for movies this year

    Apple TV+ has made big waves with its TV shows recently, but when it comes to movies, they’re still finding their footing. The latest Oscar nominations reveal that none of Apple’s films got any recognition this year.

    No Love from the Academy for Apple’s 2024 Films
    This year’s nominations for the 97th Academy Awards came out, and sadly, Apple didn’t get a single nomination in any category – not for directing, acting, or even for their documentaries or how the films look.

    Here’s a look at some Apple movies that could have been in the race if they had been shown in theaters:

    • “Blitz,” directed by Steve McQueen
    • “The Last of the Sea Women,” a much-talked-about documentary
    • “Fancy Dance,” which was Apple’s best-reviewed movie this year
    • “Fly Me to the Moon”
    • “Wolfs”

    This year’s Oscar snub really points out how Apple is still working on getting its movie game right, despite their success with TV series.

    From Oscar Glory to Current Challenges
    Back in 2022, Apple TV+ made history by being the first streaming service to win Best Picture with “CODA.” This was a big moment because even Netflix hadn’t achieved that before.

    However, since that win, Apple’s path in the movie world has seen some ups and downs. After a few films didn’t do well in theaters, and with “Wolfs” shifting to a streaming-only release at the last minute, Apple seems to be moving towards making movies just for streaming. They’re also focusing more on movies that appeal to a broader audience, like their big upcoming Formula 1 film, which might be their first big summer hit.

    Given this new direction, not getting Oscar nominations might not be as big of a blow to Apple as it once would have been. Still, it’s a bit of a letdown after their earlier Oscar triumphs.

  • Apple’s First Laser Printer: The birth of desktop publishing

    Apple’s First Laser Printer: The birth of desktop publishing

    Forty years ago today, Apple changed the world of printing with the launch of the LaserWriter. This was not just any printer; it was the start of what we now know as desktop publishing.

    The LaserWriter was Apple’s debut into the laser printing scene, and it was one of the earliest printers to use Adobe’s PostScript technology. This technology was special because it allowed for detailed and scalable printing of text, designs, and images, moving away from the less precise dot-matrix printers of that era.

    Under the hood, the LaserWriter was powered by a Motorola 68000 microprocessor, the same as in the Macintosh computers. It had its memory, could run its programs, and its processor was faster than those in the Macs, making it the most powerful piece of hardware Apple had at that time.

    With a print quality of 300 dots per inch (dpi), the LaserWriter could produce documents that looked like they came from high-end professional printers. When it first came out, it cost $6,995, which would be about $24,000 today.

    Alongside the LaserWriter, Apple introduced the AppleTalk networking system. This was groundbreaking because it enabled multiple computers to connect to one printer, making office printing more efficient than ever before.

    When combined with the Macintosh and programs like Aldus PageMaker, the LaserWriter allowed people to create and print professional-looking materials like flyers, newsletters, and ads right from their desks. This meant that publishing tools, once only available to big companies, were now within reach for smaller businesses, schools, and individual creators.

    Over time, Apple expanded the LaserWriter line, offering everything from high-end models like the LaserWriter Pro to more budget-friendly options like the Personal LaserWriter. However, as competitors like HP and Canon entered the market with cheaper yet similar technology, and as more printers worked well with Apple’s systems, the LaserWriter’s unique position weakened. By the time Steve Jobs came back to Apple in 1997, the decision was made to stop producing the LaserWriter, as focus shifted away from peripherals like printers.

  • iPhones with TikTok app sell for big bucks on eBay

    iPhones with TikTok app sell for big bucks on eBay

    People are selling old iPhones with TikTok already on them for lots of money on eBay. Some are even asking for up to $50,000! For example, someone listed an unlocked iPhone 12 Pro Max with TikTok for $50,000.

    Even though President Trump said companies wouldn’t get in trouble for not following the TikTok ban, big companies like Apple and Google are still not allowing TikTok in their app stores in the US.

    A Quick Update

    The US Supreme Court said yes to banning TikTok last Friday, and the ban started on January 19. TikTok was taken off the app stores on Sunday. Apple had to say they would follow the law. But then, Trump posted on social media that he would stop the ban when he became president again the next day, and he said companies could ignore the law without getting into trouble. So, TikTok came back online thanks to Bytedance, with Oracle, a US company, trusting Trump’s word.

    Trump then made an official statement saying the ban wouldn’t be enforced for 75 days, but lawyers said this might not be legal, meaning companies could still face huge fines of up to $850 billion. They also said Trump could change his mind if he didn’t like a company.

    eBay Listings for TikTok iPhones

    Wired noticed that some sellers on eBay are trying to make money by selling old phones with TikTok on them for much more than they are really worth.

    If you look up “TikTok phone” on eBay, you’ll find over 9,000 listings for phones from brands like Apple and Samsung, all with TikTok installed. Some listings are asking for $50,000, while many others are between $2,000 and $5,000.

    Luckily, it seems like most people aren’t paying these crazy prices. The phones with very high prices aren’t selling, and when they do sell, it’s often because buyers can offer a lower price through eBay’s “best offer” option.

    Here’s an interesting thing about these iPhones: if one user downloads apps using their Apple ID and then another user signs in with their own ID, the apps stay on the phone. But, if you ever reset your phone using your own iCloud backup, you’ll lose those apps.

    Source

  • Judge finds possible evidence that Apple paid women less than men

    Judge finds possible evidence that Apple paid women less than men

    A judge has decided that there’s a good chance Apple might have paid female employees less than their male counterparts, allowing a lawsuit from 12,000 current and former female workers to move forward.

    Apple’s Admission and Defense

    Apple has admitted there are differences in pay but insists these differences are due to individual circumstances, not deliberate discrimination.

    The Controversy Over Pay

    This issue was first highlighted in 2021 through an internal employee survey which revealed a 6% pay gap between men and women in technical positions. The survey showed men in middle-level tech roles earning about 6.25% more than women, and white employees earning 5.06% more than non-white employees in similar roles. The survey also pointed out that non-white workers received stock grants 11% later than white employees in entry and mid-level positions. Following this, Apple banned further internal pay surveys.

    The Lawsuit Against Apple

    Last year, a class action lawsuit was initiated under the California Equal Pay Act, claiming that Apple underpaid women. Apple tried to get the case thrown out, arguing the pay differences were fair based on individual factors. However, the judge disagreed, finding enough evidence to let the lawsuit proceed.

    Judge’s Ruling

    California Superior Court Judge Ethan P. Schulman’s ruling denied Apple’s request to dismiss the allegations, agreeing that there was a “reasonable possibility” of widespread unequal pay in Apple’s engineering, AppleCare, and marketing departments.

    Three Points of Discrimination

    The lawsuit points out three main issues:

    • Salary History in Recruitment: Asking for past salaries or salary expectations during hiring could perpetuate existing pay gaps. Although Apple stopped asking for salary history, they still inquire about salary expectations, which might disadvantage women who tend to negotiate less aggressively.
    • Performance Reviews: There’s an accusation that performance evaluations might favor men over women, where similar behaviors are assessed differently based on gender.
    • Talent Reviews: These reviews allegedly lead to unequal pay for men and women of similar talent levels.

    Apple’s Response

    Apple has not commented on the recent judicial decision but has previously emphasized its commitment to pay equity, stating they do not base offers on salary history and regularly review compensation to ensure fairness.

    This case will continue as Apple prepares to defend its practices in court.

    Source

  • UK Watchdog probes iPhone App Store dominance

    UK Watchdog probes iPhone App Store dominance

    The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has kicked off a thorough investigation into how mobile app stores operate, focusing on iPhone and Android systems.

    The study aims to look at whether Apple has too much control over the market and if they might be using this power in unfair ways. They’re checking how apps are sold to consumers and the rules developers have to follow to get their apps on the iPhone’s App Store.

    This investigation sounds a lot like what’s happening in the European Union, where they have rules to keep big tech companies in check.

    The CMA will look into how much competition exists between Apple and Google, including how hard it is for new companies to break into the market. They’ll check if Apple and Google are using their big influence over mobile operating systems to favor their own apps or limit choices in browsers. They’re also looking at the conditions app makers must agree to for their apps to appear in these stores.

    The investigation is set to wrap up by October 22, 2025. After that, we’ll know more about what might happen next. Possible outcomes could include penalties or changes in how these companies do business.

    In Europe, Apple was made to allow other app stores, let apps be downloaded from the internet, and give users more browser options. However, Apple also changed how they charge developers, which some big companies like Epic Games and Spotify say is still not fair. While the EU case continues, it’s likely Apple might use similar tactics when dealing with the CMA in the UK.

    Source

  • How the Apple Watch helped a business leader quit drinking

    How the Apple Watch helped a business leader quit drinking

    The Apple Watch has become known for helping people in emergencies, but for one business leader, it offered life-changing insights.

    John Mackey, who started Whole Foods, decided to stop drinking three years ago after looking at the information his Apple Watch gave him. He told Business Insider that the decision was one of the best he’s made. “I wish I had stopped drinking 30 years ago,” Mackey said, reflecting on the years he could have felt better.

    Mackey found that his Apple Watch was key in this life change. He used it to keep track of his sleep. “Some nights I slept well, others not so much,” he observed. This led him to think about what he did differently on those bad sleep nights.

    With the help of his Apple Watch and the AutoSleep app, Mackey noticed patterns. More exercise and lighter dinners helped him sleep better. But the real eye-opener was his deep sleep, or the lack of it, when he drank.

    In a podcast last year, Mackey explained how the watch influenced his decision. “It changed my life. It helped me stop drinking over two years ago,” he said. He explained how even one drink would ruin his deep sleep, making his total sleep time decrease by about an hour.

    “I didn’t want to give up alcohol because I enjoyed it,” Mackey admitted. But the evidence was clear: alcohol meant no deep sleep. He had to choose between a good night’s sleep or a drink, and he chose sleep.

    For Mackey, better sleep has meant a better life. His experience underscores how useful the sleep tracking features on newer Apple Watch models can be, including the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, which can even detect signs of sleep apnea.

    This story shows how technology, in this case, the Apple Watch, can lead to significant personal improvements by providing clear insights into our daily habits.

    Source

  • New Apple Store in Miami features a rooftop garden

    New Apple Store in Miami features a rooftop garden

    Apple has just given us a sneak peek of their brand-new store at the Miami Worldcenter, which will open its doors this Friday at 10 a.m.

    Apple’s New Miami Store: This store has been designed with the environment in mind, aiming to blend nature with shopping. Right on the roof, there’s a beautiful green space full of plants that match the local palm trees and bushes.

    “Apple Miami Worldcenter has a design that connects people with nature,” Apple explains. “When you walk in, you’ll see lots of plants inspired by Miami’s rich Latin American culture.”

    Eco-Friendly Building: They used materials from around the area to build the store, which helps in lowering the amount of carbon produced during construction.

    Services at the Store: Inside, there’s a special area where you can get help with your gadgets and pick up things you’ve bought online, all at the same spot. They’ve also set up a place where you can try out the Apple Vision Pro.

    Accessibility for Everyone: The store thinks about everyone’s needs, with different table heights, spaces for wheelchairs, and even a device to help people with hearing aids.

    Fun Activities: You can join free workshops called “Today at Apple,” where they’ll teach you creative stuff and show off how the store cares for the environment.

    This new store is not just a place to buy things; it’s a spot where nature and technology come together in Miami.

    Source

  • Apple might soon sell iPhone 16 in Indonesia again

    Apple might soon sell iPhone 16 in Indonesia again

    Apple is getting close to making a deal with Indonesia that could let them start selling the iPhone 16 again. According to Bloomberg, this deal involves Apple investing more money in the country.

    Back in October, Indonesia stopped the sale of the iPhone 16 because Apple wasn’t making enough of the phone parts there, needing at least 35% of the materials to be local. Apple has now promised to invest $1 billion, which includes setting up a factory for AirTags. This is much more than their earlier offers of $10 million and $100 million, which Indonesia turned down.

    “I strongly believe it will resolve very, very soon,” said Rosan Roeslani, Indonesia’s investment minister, in a Bloomberg TV interview in Davos. He hopes the issue will be sorted out in “one or two weeks.” He mentioned that there was some confusion about how the local content rules are calculated but thinks they’ve found a way around it.

    Indonesia is a big market for Apple, with over 280 million people using around 354 million phones. Apple has been running developer academies there since 2018, but so far, there’s no Apple factory in the country.

    Source

  • UK launches app for digital IDs and driving licenses

    UK launches app for digital IDs and driving licenses

    The UK government has just announced a new app that will store your driving license digitally. This app, coming soon to iPhones, isn’t confirmed to work with Apple Wallet yet, but you’ll be able to use it through a special government app.

    This digital driving license will help you prove your age for buying things like alcohol or cigarettes and show you’re allowed to drive. Your personal info will be safe because you’ll need to use Face ID or Touch ID to access it, even if you lose your phone.

    Later on, this app will also hold veteran cards, background check certificates, and other government documents, but you can still use the old paper versions if you prefer.

    Alongside this, the UK government is rolling out an app with a chatbot named “GOV.UK Chat”, developed with OpenAI. This chatbot is already in testing and will help you pay for services, remind you about important dates, and notify you about government updates.

    In the U.S., Apple has teamed up with various states to put driving licenses and IDs into the iPhone and Apple Watch Wallet app. So far, nine states and Puerto Rico offer this service, with six more states planning to join in.

  • Apple Vision Pro gaming could grow big soon, say game makers

    Apple Vision Pro gaming could grow big soon, say game makers

    A recent survey shows that game developers are very interested in making games for the Apple Vision Pro. Here’s what we know:

    Game Developers Are Planning New Games for Vision Pro

    According to GamesBeat, a survey at the Game Developers Conference looked at how developers feel about Apple’s new spatial computing platform.

    The survey results suggest big growth is on the way:

    • Right now, only 8% of developers who make VR or AR games are working on games for Apple’s visionOS. There aren’t many games available yet for Vision Pro, so this number is quite promising.
    • About 18% of the developers said their next project will be on Vision Pro. This means we might see a lot more games soon.
    • A quarter of the developers are very interested in Apple’s VR headset. This interest is even higher than for PlayStation VR2, which is at 25%.

    The survey included responses from over 3,000 game developers, giving us a good idea of what’s happening in the gaming world. It looks like Apple Vision Pro might become a big name in gaming soon.

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