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  • Apple opens up Swift Build and tweaks Swift playground name

    Apple opens up Swift Build and tweaks Swift playground name

    This weekend, Apple announced that they are sharing Swift Build with the world, making it open source. This tool is used for creating software both in Xcode, which is where many apps for the App Store come from and for Apple’s own projects. Apple also gave a slight name change to Swift Playground, their app where you can learn to code in Swift on iPads and Macs…

    Apple Shares Swift Build with Everyone

    On Saturday, Apple shared some big news. As Swift grows, it’s important to have tools that work the same way no matter where you’re building your software.

    By opening up Swift Build, Apple is giving everyone access to a tool that’s both strong and adaptable for making Swift projects. This is the same tool used in Xcode, which has helped create millions of apps, and it’s also how Apple builds its systems. Apple explained that this move would clear up any mix-ups from having different building methods, opening the door for new features.

    Until now, building with Xcode was different from building with Swift Package Manager, which can confuse users. By sharing Xcode’s building tool and working on it openly with the community, Apple aims to fix these issues and make building software in Swift better for everyone. This step forward will allow for new improvements across all devices and tools, making everything run smoother and giving developers more options. You can now find Swift Build on GitHub.

    Swift Playground Gets a Name Update

    John Gruber noticed that Apple has also updated Swift Playground, changing it from plural to singular. A small but interesting change in Apple’s app for learning and playing with Swift: it’s now called Playground, not Playgrounds. This name change might not seem like a big deal, but it makes sense. The app itself is your playground for experimenting with Swift, not just a place to make more playgrounds.

  • Transforming your workspace with Apple Vision Pro

    Transforming your workspace with Apple Vision Pro

    Imagine if you could swap your cramped, noisy office for a serene, inspiring place with just a twist of a dial. That’s what Apple Vision Pro offers with its immersive environments. You can escape from your everyday surroundings into places like the majestic Mount Hood or even the Moon.

    However, while Bora Bora’s beaches are great for relaxation, they don’t exactly scream productivity. I’d love to see Apple introduce settings like bustling libraries or lively cafés next.

    Picture this: you’re in a lackluster, noisy room, trying to focus on your work. With a simple turn of the Digital Crown, you’re now in the historic Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library. Need a more intense focus? How about being in the heart of NASA’s Mission Control Room in Houston?

    For those working solo and craving some creative spark, imagine setting up in the famous Café de Flore in Paris. Or, if you focus better with the hum of a crowd, try the vibrant Akihabara District in Tokyo.

    These virtual spaces could turn any dull office into an inspiring workspace. Of course, nothing beats being in these locations, but with spatial computing, you can enjoy the ambiance of a library or café right from where you are.

    Right now, many apps provide similar background scenes, but Apple’s system-level environments mean you can remain in your chosen setting while using multiple apps without interruption. This could be a game-changer for how we work and where we choose to work from.

  • Changes to AppleCare+: No more long-term plans in stores

    Changes to AppleCare+: No more long-term plans in stores

    Apple is making some changes to how you can buy AppleCare+. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, starting next week, you won’t be able to buy a two or three-year AppleCare+ plan at Apple’s physical stores or directly on your device.

    This means if you’re buying a new device in an Apple store, you’ll only have the choice between a monthly or yearly subscription for AppleCare+, not a one-time payment for several years of coverage.

    Gurman also hints that in the future, even buying these longer plans on your device might not be an option anymore. This would affect everyone who doesn’t get their AppleCare plan right when they buy their device.

    However, there’s a silver lining. If you’re okay with buying online, you can still get those two to three-year plans at the time you purchase your device.

    It looks like Apple is moving towards making all AppleCare+ plans subscription-based. But for now, if you want to pay upfront for longer coverage, you’ll need to do it online at the time of device purchase.

    For example, with a 14-inch MacBook Pro, you can still opt for a three-year AppleCare+ plan for $279 upfront, which is a bit cheaper than paying $99.99 each year for three years. So, if you prefer the upfront payment for peace of mind, keep an eye out for these changes and consider buying online when you get your next Apple product.

  • Apple and Sony Team Up: PlayStation VR controllers coming to Vision Pro soon

    Apple and Sony Team Up: PlayStation VR controllers coming to Vision Pro soon

    Apple is reportedly gearing up to add support for PlayStation VR controllers to its Vision Pro headset, according to tech journalist Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. This exciting news follows months of collaboration between Apple and Sony, which was first mentioned back in December.

    The partnership aims to introduce the PlayStation VR2 hand controllers to Vision Pro users. Apple has been in talks with Sony for quite some time and has also been engaging with game developers to ensure these controllers can be used in their games. The goal is to enhance the gaming experience on Vision Pro by offering more precise control options.

    Gurman suggests that this feature is still on track for release and is expected to come with an upcoming software update, potentially part of visionOS 3. This update would not only benefit gamers but also allow users to navigate the operating system more accurately.

    While this move could make playing games on Vision Pro more enjoyable, it’s not yet clear if it will lead to a broader selection of games or increase sales. Currently, you can’t buy these PlayStation VR controllers on their own from Sony, which might affect how quickly this feature can take off once it’s available.

    This project marks a significant step for Apple in improving the utility and appeal of the Vision Pro, blending the best of both companies’ technologies to enrich user interaction in virtual spaces.

    Source

  • Apple might unveil new iCloud party feature soon

    Apple might unveil new iCloud party feature soon

    Apple could roll out a fresh iCloud feature named ‘Confetti’ as soon as this week, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

    In his latest newsletter, Gurman revealed that ‘Confetti’ is designed to make it easier for users to send out invitations to parties, gatherings, and meetings. It’s unclear whether this new tool will come as a separate app or be part of an already existing one like the Calendar.

    This new service is linked with the recently launched iOS 18.3 update.

    Last month, the tech news site 9to5Mac found some code in iOS 18.3 suggesting Apple might be working on a new app called “Invites” for organizing events. This app would connect directly with iCloud. Gurman’s recent news supports this discovery, although many specifics remain a mystery.

    We should get more details once Apple makes its official statement.

  • Why Apple Vision Pro’s high price could be a bargain in medicine

    Why Apple Vision Pro’s high price could be a bargain in medicine

    Apple Watch is known for saving lives, but now, Apple Vision Pro is making its mark in healthcare, especially in surgery and medical training. Harry McCracken from Fast Company shares how this expensive device is becoming unexpectedly useful in medical settings.

    At UC San Diego Health, doctors use the headset to make operating rooms more efficient, reducing physical stress and enhancing work flow. Sharp HealthCare has also started a new center focused on spatial computing, and they’re hosting a big meeting where 300 experts are discussing how Vision Pro can be used in surgery, teaching, and more.

    Susan Prescott from Apple was surprised at how quickly the medical community has taken to the Vision Pro. One surprising benefit? Its high price. Prescott explains, “It’s an exciting time where we’re bringing healthcare leaders together not just to listen, but to share and inspire each other with how they’re using Vision Pro.”

    Even with its high cost, adoption in the medical field has been swift. UC San Diego Health’s surgeon, Ryan Broderick, describes how the Vision Pro helps in surgery:

    “For the best surgical view, the screen should be right in front of your face. But in many surgeries, you have to twist and turn, which can strain your neck and back over time. The Vision Pro fixes this by letting you place screens exactly where you need them.”

    The headset uses Apple’s M2 chip, like in their computers and tablets, and a special R1 chip to handle all the sensors. This setup helps prevent nausea and provides critical, real-time data during operations.

    With the Vision Pro, surgeons can see their environment while also having virtual screens positioned for comfort. Dr. Broderick’s team tested this by streaming live surgery feeds directly into the headset, improving ergonomics significantly. They’ve already done over 50 cases with promising results.

    Despite the $3,500 price tag, the value in healthcare is clear. Tommy Korn, an ophthalmologist at Sharp HealthCare, notes that typical operating room screens cost around $20,000 each. Here, Vision Pro not only offers ergonomic benefits but also seems like a cost-effective choice.

    So, while the Apple Vision Pro might seem pricey at first glance, in the medical field, it’s proving to be an investment worth considering. Check out the full story by Harry McCracken at Fast Company for more insights.

  • Apple wants more time in Google’s Search case to avoid big trouble

    Apple wants more time in Google’s Search case to avoid big trouble

    The big deal between Google and Apple, worth $20 billion a year for search rights, was found to break competition laws last summer. Although Apple isn’t on trial, what happens in this case could change things a lot for them. So, Apple has asked to slow down the court process.

    Apple Wants a Say in the Case

    Just a few days ago, Apple tried to get its witnesses into Google’s trial but was turned down. Apple isn’t accused of doing anything wrong, but they argued that Google can’t look out for Apple’s interests anymore because Google is busy protecting itself from claims that could break up its business.

    Since they couldn’t bring their witnesses, Apple has now asked for a pause in the court case. They say they need this to keep their rights safe while they appeal the decision.

    Their latest court document explains:

    “If we don’t pause this case, Apple could be hurt in ways we can’t fix later. We might lose our chance to be part of deciding what happens next, like at the trial itself, while they decide on our rights. This gets even worse because of what the other side said in our last meeting.”

    The document also mentions that courts often allow such delays when someone wants to appeal a decision about joining a case, and Apple hopes this court will agree too.

    If Apple can’t join in the way they want, they have a backup plan:

    “At the very least, the court should let Apple see all the case documents as someone not officially in the case until the higher court decides.”

    No matter what, Apple thinks they need to be involved in the court process to some extent to avoid serious damage to their interests.

  • Is there really a call for the iPod’s Return?

    Is there really a call for the iPod’s Return?

    Sometimes, I come across posts where people reminisce about the days when iPods were all the rage. I have to admit, the iPod was my introduction to the Apple world. But now, years after its discontinuation, I’m not convinced that people genuinely want the iPod back, despite their claims. Here’s my take on why.

    Apple officially ended the iPod era in 2022 with the discontinuation of the iPod touch, declaring that “music lives on.” However, the iPod had already started fading away much earlier, particularly in 2017 when the last of the iPod nano and shuffle were no more.

    Now, with the iPod gone, there’s a natural nostalgia, and some folks argue for its revival. While I get the sentiment, I think the need for an iPod doesn’t hold up in today’s world.

    A Look Back at the iPod’s Journey

    The original iPod came out in 2001, a time when computers were big and phones weren’t smart. The idea of having a device that could hold “a thousand songs in your pocket” was revolutionary. I remember the thrill of using an iPod for the first time.

    As technology advanced, Apple introduced various iPod models, including the tiny nano and shuffle. These devices were hugely popular, making up 40% of Apple’s revenue in 2006. But the landscape was changing, and Apple knew it.

    Smartphones were getting smarter. When Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone in 2007, he mentioned it would be the best iPod yet, combining music and phone functionalities. He was right; the iPhone made separate music players less necessary.

    Do We Miss the iPod?

    I used to carry both an iPhone and an iPod because early iPhones didn’t have much storage. But as iPhones improved and music streaming became the norm, the need for a dedicated music device dwindled.

    iPod sales hit their peak in 2008 with nearly 60 million units sold, but they started declining from 2009, especially after the iPhone’s introduction. By 2014, when Apple last reported iPod numbers separately, sales had dropped to just 14 million units.

    Why the iPod Might Not Make a Comeback

    Some argue that Apple could make money by bringing back the iPod. Yet, I believe Apple knows better than to expect significant sales from a relaunched iPod. The iPhone mini’s short-lived tenure shows that even when consumers claim to want something, sales might tell a different story.

    Sure, there might be an initial rush to buy an iPod for nostalgia, but long-term demand? Doubtful.

    The Legacy of the iPod

    I keep my old iPod nano on my desk, not just as a reminder of good times but also to understand why we’ve moved on. In our current tech environment, we prefer devices that do it all.

    Apple has essentially continued the iPod’s legacy through devices like the iPhone, iPad, HomePod, and even the Apple Watch, which, in many ways, is like a modern iPod nano. You can listen to music on it independently of your phone. Even with these options, though, I find myself never leaving home without my iPhone.

    So, do people want the iPod back? Probably not. The spirit of the iPod lives on, just in a different, more integrated form.

  • Apple stops making AR Glasses for Mac

    Apple stops making AR Glasses for Mac

    Apple has decided to stop working on augmented reality (AR) glasses that were meant to work with the Mac, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The idea was to make glasses that look normal but could show AR images.

    Apple wanted these AR glasses to be powered by the Mac because the glasses themselves couldn’t hold the big chip needed for AR without getting too hot or heavy. The goal was to have the glasses perform like an iPhone but use much less power. But, they found out that connecting the glasses to an iPhone wasn’t practical due to battery life issues, so they tried using the Mac instead. However, Apple’s leaders didn’t think this was a good long-term plan, so they ended the project.

    These AR glasses were lighter than Apple’s Vision Pro headset, didn’t need a head strap, and didn’t show the wearer’s eyes on the front. They also had lenses that could change color depending on what the user was doing, like signaling to others whether they were busy.

    Apple has been talking about AR glasses for nearly ten years, but the technology isn’t there yet for the kind of glasses they want. Back in 2023, Gurman mentioned that the AR glasses were somewhat of a running gag among the team, working on it just to keep CEO Tim Cook satisfied. In 2017, Cook admitted that the tech for good-quality AR glasses didn’t exist, and it seems that’s still true.

    Even though they’ve stopped the glasses project, Apple is still working on new versions of the Vision Pro, hoping to return to the AR glasses idea when the tech catches up. The glasses were supposed to use tiny projectors to show images and videos to the wearer, and Apple continues to develop special microLED screens that could be used in future AR glasses.

    Meanwhile, Apple’s competitor, Meta, is making its own AR glasses called “Orion,” which are still in the early stages and very expensive to produce. They’re planning to launch them by 2027, the same year Apple had originally aimed for its now-canceled glasses.

  • Apple seeks to protect its big money deal with Google

    Apple seeks to protect its big money deal with Google

    Apple is fighting to save its huge money-making deal with Google, which is under threat because Google was found to break competition laws. Apple has asked the court dealing with Google’s legal battle with the U.S. government for some extra time, so they can argue their case before any final decisions are made.

    The U.S. Department of Justice took Google to court over unfair competition in the search market back in 2020. After a long fight, the DOJ won. A big part of this lawsuit was Google’s agreement with Apple, where Google pays billions each year to be the first choice search engine on Apple’s Safari browser. The judge ruled that this deal was against competition laws and helped Google keep its top spot in the search engine world.

    The U.S. government wants to stop Google from making such deals with Apple and other companies, which would hit Apple’s earnings hard. For instance, in 2022, Google paid Apple around $20 billion. Apple already tried to get more involved in the case as the solutions were being discussed, but the court said no because of timing issues. Apple is now appealing that decision and wants a pause while the appeal is considered.

    Apple argues that since its deal with Google is on the line, it should have the right to join the discussion, warning that without this pause, they could be seriously harmed.

    If Apple can’t join in the legal proceedings, they won’t be able to present their own evidence or arguments. If the appeal drags on until or after the trial for solutions starts, Apple might just have to watch, unable to speak or defend itself, while the government pushes for changes that directly affect Apple, like banning any business deals with Google for ten years.

    Besides stopping deals like this one, the U.S. Department of Justice also wants to go further, suggesting Google should sell its Chrome browser and separate Android from services like Google Search and the Google Play Store. Google has a lot to lose and might focus more on saving Chrome than its deal with Apple.

    When Apple first wanted a bigger say in the case, they argued that Google can’t properly look after Apple’s interests anymore because the case covers so much ground. The DOJ, predictably, doesn’t want Apple in the part of the trial where solutions are decided, which is due to start in April.

    If the court rules against Google paying Apple to be the default search on Safari, Apple would still have to offer Google Search as an option, but they wouldn’t get paid for it anymore.

    Source

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