MyAppleMenu

The Detection-of-Trackers Edition Thursday, April 7, 2022

Police Records Show Women Are Being Stalked With Apple AirTags Across The Country, by Samantha Cole, Motherboard

“The thing that I am most looking forward to is seeing the makers of physical trackers agree on a standard that can then be implemented in operating systems, so that people have detection of trackers working in the background all the time, automatically, no matter what kind of phone that they have,” she said. “I think that's the only reasonable and effective mitigation to this mess we're in.”

And people who go to the police to report being stalked or harassed should have better resources to protect themselves from abusers if they do go to the police. In most of these reports, when a woman reported a stalker, the responding officer either offered them a domestic violence hotline phone number, or advised them to file (or re-file) for a protective order. Some of the officers wrote that they’d heard of AirTags being used to steal from people before, but others seemed to not understand what an AirTag was or how to disable it.

Apple Reveals First Look At New Apple Myeongdong Store, by William Gallagher, AppleInsider

"We are thrilled to deepen our relationship with our Korean customers with the opening of this special store in Myeongdong," said Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's senior vice president of Retail + People, in a statement. "Our incredible retail team is ready to welcome the local community, and we invite everyone to find endless inspiration as they explore Apple's innovative products and services."

That exploration includes a Today at Apple Remix series of sessions in store. As with the US Apple Stores and their Lady Gaga remix sessions, this special Today at Apple event will see users remixing a track by K-pop group Seventeen.

Apple Restores Opposition App To Its App Store In Russia, by Joseph Menn and Greg Miller, Washington Post

The reversal comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and outside companies, many of which have withdrawn from the market or curtailed activities there since Russia invaded Ukraine. But civil liberties groups and American officials are pushing the other way, arguing that Apple and other tech companies provide ordinary Russians with the means to find independent news sources and to connect to activists and nonprofit organizations opposed to the war in Ukraine.

Coming Soon

iOS 15.5 Includes Support For Apps With External Purchases To Satisfy Regulators, Code Confirms, by Filipe Espósito, 9to5Mac

The latest beta version of Apple’s operating system has full support for the new entitlement used by apps to indicate that they let users make external purchases. For instance, if the user deletes an app that offers external purchases, iOS will show an alert saying that it is not possible to manage purchases and subscriptions through the App Store.

Stuff

The Studio Display Vesa Mount Is A Very Un-Apple Design, by Charlie Sorrel, Lifewire

A correctly-positioned monitor is as important for user health and comfort as the correct height for a keyboard and mouse. Forcing users to add another $400 to a $1,600 monitor just to get adjustability is a poor choice. Which is a shame because this really is a beautiful monitor in every other way. Even if it does look weird on a VESA mount.

Ninox For Mac Review: Easy, Simple, Yet Powerful Database Software, by Jon L. Jacobi, Macworld

The Ninox relational database is modern in appearance and easy to use, yet delivers all the power and features that most users will ever need. Even better, it does so for a remarkably low price.

Home Widget For HomeKit Updated With Support For Cameras, Sensor Battery Level, More, by Filipe Espósito, 9to5Mac

One of the main additions of this update is support for HomeKit Cameras. Users can now get a live stream or snapshot preview of all their cameras just by tapping the widget in the app.

Satechi Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard Review: A More Affordable Alternative To The Magic Keyboard, by Allison McDaniel, 9to5Mac

It not only looks nice but types nice as well. As someone who types about 60 WPM, I find my use of it fast and efficient. The additional features like backlit keys, the option to pair to multiple Bluetooth devices, and its slim, modern design make it a fantastic bang-for-your-buck accessory.

Incase Launches New Woolenex Cases For AirTag And AirPods 3, by Juli Clover, MacRumors

The Incase Key Clip with Woolenex is designed for the AirTag, and it is a lightweight, form-fitting case that covers the AirTag in Woolenex and adds a TPU snap enclosure with key ring.

Notes

Mac Pro Historical Perspective, by Jeff Johnson

I don't understand why we have to make these painful tradeoffs in 2022 when they weren't necessary in 2012. Ten years ago we had relatively affordable, conveniently upgradable Mac Pro models. Since then we gained a faster CPU, but otherwise we've lost everything else great about the Mac Pro.

Bottom of the Page

Is Apple preparing the raise the price of Apple TV+? Many assumed that Apple has to start the service at a low price as it is building its catalog from zero without licensing or buying a back-catalog. But, now, Apple has slowly build up a, still small, but increasingly larger catalog that includes Emmy and Oscar-winning shows. It has gotten into sports programming that are not only more expensive, but where the licensing fee will definitely increase over each contract. Will Apple continue to treat Apple TV+ as a loss leader?

Maybe Apple is working with Disney to trial App Store subscription price changes because the App Store team has another customer in mind?

~

Thanks for reading.