MyAppleMenu

The Countless-Apps Edition Saturday, December 11, 2021

Zero-day In Ubiquitous Log4j Tool Poses A Grave Threat To The Internet, by Dan Goodin, Ars Technica

Exploit code has been released for a serious code-execution vulnerability in Log4j, an open-source logging utility that's used in countless apps, including those used by large enterprise organizations and also in Java versions of Minecraft, several website reported on last Thursday.

[...]

Additional reporting from security firm LunaSec says that cloud services from Steam and Apple iCloud have also been found to be vulnerable.

Stuff

This App Brings HomeKit Widgets Right To Your iOS Home Screen, by Bradley Chambers, 9to5Mac

You can add small, medium, or large panels for almost any combination of HomeKit access. Functionality includes individual accessories, scenes, or groups of accessories.

9 Amazing Apps To Customize Your iPhone Home Screen Design, by Denise Lim, MakeUseOf

Let’s take a look at some popular apps to customize your Home Screen and find your perfect style. We’ll explore the range of themes they offer and talk about some additional features you can expect from the apps.

MagPod Combines Sturdy MagSafe iPhone Stand And Handle, by Ed Hardy, Cult of Mac

The STM Goods MagPod is a beefy iPhone tabletop tripod that magnetically attaches to the handset. And it can do double duty as a handle. Use it for keeping an eye on your texts or making FaceTime calls.

Should More Runners Use This Virtual Training App?, by Marley Dickinson, Canadian Running

What makes Zwift unique to treadmill running is the online workouts and routes it offers you based on the time/distance you want to run. It also has programs and organized run clubs to help you reach your fitness goals and run virtually with friends.

Notes

The Wallpaper* Feature On The Apple Design Team And A Missed Opportunity, by David Sparks, MacSparky

Instead of quoting Steve Jobs, I would have preferred an explanation from Alan Dye about his philosophy of user interface design and what his north star is when he does his work. I'd like him to make his case. If he explained the thinking behind this minimal approach, it might make more sense. Maybe this article was never meant to be that kind of deep dive on design philosophy, but it feels like a missed opportunity.

Apple Finally Makes A Firmware Updater For AirPods, But You Can’t Use It, by Filipe Espósito, 9to5Mac

Apple developed AirPods Firmware Updater exclusively for Apple Technicians working in Apple Stores or authorized repair centers. That way, if something goes wrong with a pair of AirPods, technicians can restore and update the firmware to try to fix the problem without having to replace the product.

Netflix, Amazon, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus To Invest As Much As $330 Million In French Content Annually, by Elsa Keslassy, Variety

The pact provides specific guidelines on the new investment obligations that were published in the French decree that came out in July and stemmed from the implementation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMS). The legislation was put forth by the European Commission to even the playing field between streaming giants and existing players across Europe. France is the first country to have set new regulations as part of the AVMS; other countries within the E.U. are expected to follow course.

Bottom of the Page

How many movie directors are angry with me with the way I am watching their movies, breaking into multiple chunks, and watching them over multiple days?

~

Thanks for reading.