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The Commit-To-A-Phone-Platform Edition Sunday, May 7, 2017

Even Apple Can't Make The Internet Of Things Tolerable, by The Verge

What frustrates me is that HomeKit ignores all previous work done to standardize the Internet of Things, leaving thousands of useful products incompatible. Because HomeKit is designed to be the secure all-encompassing platform for IoT devices for iPhone users, there’s no way Apple will ever include other standards because, by their definition, they’re stupid and insecure. This forces you, your family members, house guests, and anyone else in your home to commit to a phone platform for the long haul — an unreasonable ask.

Handbrake Developers Issue Mac Security Warning After Mirror Download Server Hack, by Tim Hardwick, MacRumors

The developers of open source video transcoder app Handbrake have issued a security warning to Mac users after a mirror download server hosting the software was hacked.

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Handbrake users should note that the primary download mirror and the Handbrake website were unaffected by the hack. Downloads via the application's built-in updater with 1.0 and later are also unaffected, since these are verified by a DSA Signature and won't install if they don't pass. However, users with Handbrake 0.10.5 and earlier who used the application's built-in updater should check their system, as these versions don't have the verification feature.

When Facebook And Instagram Think You're Depressed, by Kari Paul, Vice

In spring 2016, I had a depressive spiral that drove me just short of a mental breakdown. Today—more than a year, three doctors, two antidepressants, and one therapist later—Facebook won't let me forget it.

Bottom of the Page

Just finished reading: Letterman: The Last Giant of Late Night, by Jason Zinoman (Thumb up. Especially if you are interested in Late Night talk shows.)

Just finished watching: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, by Kenneth Branagh (Thumb down. Go watch Dead Again instead. Or The Hunt for Red October.)

Currently listening: Music to be Murdered To, by Alfred Hitchcock & Jeff Alexander (Fun)

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Thanks for reading.