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The Semi-Intelligent Edition Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Take A Day Off, Coach, by Paul Kafasis, One Foot Tsunami

The same device that can check both my calendar and local traffic, then helpfully remind me when I need to leave for a doctor’s appointment, is also completely oblivious of concepts like holidays and rest days. Apple and others have created semi-intelligent facsimiles of a human assistant, but it’s clear there’s a lot of work left to be done.

Stuff

HomePod Mini Adds Support For 18W Power Adapters With 14.3 Software Update, by Chance Miller, 9to5Mac

Apple released HomePod Software version 14.3 for the HomePod and HomePod mini earlier this month, and we’ve now learned that it includes a small but notable change for the latter of Apple’s two smart speakers. With version 14.3, HomePod mini can now be powered by an 18W charger for the first time.

Today At Apple Returns To Apple Stores In Australia, Japan, And Singapore In January, by Michael Steeber, 9to5Mac

Starting January 11, 2021, 7 Apple Stores in Australia, 2 in Japan, and all 3 in Singapore will begin a reduced calendar of in-store sessions. Apple is initially offering Skills sessions, which are 30-minute events focused on fundamental creative techniques. Customers are required to wear masks and practice physical distancing. Apple cleans all demo devices between sessions.

Apple Unveils New ‘Launch@Apple’ College Mentorship Program For 2021, by Michael Potuck, 9to5Mac

Apple has quietly launched a new mentorship program aimed at first-generation college students studying accounting and economics. It includes support from Apple employees and the possibility for job shadowing and even paid internships. The new program starts early in 2021 and applications are open now.

Notes

20 Macs For 2020: #1 – iMac G3, by Jason Snell, Six Colors

At Apple’s most vulnerable moment, the iMac swooped in and saved the day. It was a hit product when Apple desperately needed a lifeline. And the success of the iMac gave Apple the momentum to finish Mac OS X and redesign the rest of the Mac product line in the iMac’s image.

Apple Hearing Study Bug Results In Accidental Historical Data Collection From Participants, by Juli Clover, MacRumors

Apple device owners who participated in the Apple Hearing Study that Apple is conducting with the University of Michigan School of Public Health are today receiving emails letting them know about a bug that resulted in excess data collection.

Apple Watch Leak Offers Rare Glimpse Inside Apple’s ‘Ultra Security Program’, by Thomas Ricker, The Verge

New images and video purporting to show an Apple Watch prototype, concealed by a security case that resembles a tiny iPod, offer a rare look behind the product-development curtain of the notoriously secretive company built by Steve Jobs.

Bottom of the Page

I've tried out a few new iOS games this past year. I enjoyed none of the games. Too many ads. Too many horrible ads. Too many stars and gold coins and what-nots. I've deleted them all.

If I do sign up for Apple TV+ this Feburary, which means I will be signing up for Apple One, which means I will be getting Apple Arcade for 'free', maybe I'll checkout the Apple Arcade games. For now, I've given up playing any new games on my iPhone.

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Thanks for reading.