Popular messaging app Telegram has today disappeared from the App Store on iPhone and iPad. Interestingly, both the primary Telegram app and the faster, Swift-built alternative Telegram X have been removed without any reasoning from the company itself…
As we await the release of Apple’s first quarter earnings tomorrow, some of the company’s suppliers are offering a peak at what we might see. As Bloomberg notes, both Qualcomm and Broadcom implied during their own respective earnings announcements that iPhone orders are slowing down more than normal for this time of year…
Apple this evening has stopped signing three previous versions of iOS following the release of iOS 11.2.5 last week. Specifically, the company has stopped signing iOS 11.2, iOS 11.2.1, and iOS 11.2.2 for all devices…
AT&T has teased a major DirecTV Now enhancement before, and now CEO Randall Stephenson says that update will come sometime in the spring of 2018. As previously announced, the revamped DirecTV Now will offer cloud-based DVR, interface updates, and more…
Now that the HomePod launch is just around the corner, should you spend your money on Apple's smart speaker or Libratone's?
Apple's HomePod is launching February 9. Other than what Apple has told us we're still in the dark about its capabilities and features. Are you considering buying it? Or have you had your eye on Libratone's Zipp?
If you're wondering what the difference is between the two, and whether you should grab the Zipp or go for the HomePod, we've got some information to help you decide.
Other than the physical differences, you might be wondering what makes the Zipp and HomePod stand out from each other. They're both speakers. They both support Airplay. So what makes them different?
For one thing, Siri. HomePod connects to your iPhone or iPad and gives you and your family access to Apple's personal assistant. You can ask Siri to set a timer, tell you the news or the results of a game, and play Apple Music.
Currently, Zipp is not directly connected to Alexa, but is used with an Echo device, like the Dot, to relay audio from your Echo device. I've spoken with a representative for Libratone and was informed that the Zipp will get native Alexa support soon ("early this year" was his exact wording). Additionally, users don't have to worry about privacy issues. Alexa on Zipp will require you press the bird icon to trigger Alexa's help (this update will be free to current Zipp owners as well as new buyers).
The Zipp and HomePod both feature powerful surround-sound speaker arrays. Zipp sports 360-degree full room sound, which Libratone calls SoundSpace. It has a 4-inch woofer, two 1-inch woofers, two 4-inch low-frequency radiators, and a 360-degree reflector. It has a noise isolating microphone array and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity.
The HomePod has a high-excursion woofer with a custom amplifier, a 7-tweeter array and internal low-frequency calibration. It uses direct and ambient audio beam forming and studio-level dynamic processing. It has a six-microphone array and Bluetooth 5.0 (though at this time, it doesn't appear that you can connect Bluetooth devices to it).
The Zipp is capable of SoundSpace Link, which makes it possible to connect up to 16 speakers across a wireless network by pairing up to six speakers per group and up to eight groups on one wireless network.
Though it doesn't launch with the feature, HomePod does support multiroom connectivity using AirPlay 2. We do not know at this time just how many speakers can be connected together across a single wireless network. We do, however, know that HomePod supports peer-to-peer AirPlay connectivity so you can share your HomePod functionality to friends without them having to join your home wifi.
Both speakers have a touch interface with playback controls and both support AirPlay 2. HomePod connects directly to Apple Music and, with the help of Siri, can fine-tune your listening options based on your current likes and dislikes. Zipp supports Spotify Connect and you can even program five channels with your own playlists.
The difference between HomePod and Zipp is the difference between Siri and Alexa. HomePod comes with Siri built in so you can call on the personal assistant to play music, look up stats, set timers, and more. Zipp will soon use Alexa to give you similar features, like playing music in Spotify, turning on and off the lights, and sending messages to other people also using the Alexa app. Zipp has the added benifit of not being tied to one brand. If your household uses Android, PC, Windows, and smart devices that aren't HomeKit enabled, you'll still be able to use Zipp.
If you are looking for a great speaker with robust sound and have a variety of tech brands in your household, or don't feel comfortable with the always-locally-listening Siri in your house, Zipp is the easy choice.
One of the most important features of the HomePod, however, is that Siri is built in. If you're even looking into the HomePod, you're likely an Apple user and want something that works with Siri. If you're already deep into the Apple ecosystem (Apple TV, HomeKit-compatible smart devices, iPhone, iPad, etc.), the HomePod makes more sense.
HomePod is a little shorter than Zipp, reaching just 6.8 inches to the taller 10.3-inch Zipp (though it is wider and heavier). Even though its a little guy, the HomePod is not exactly portable. That is, you have to plug it into a wall outlet (or some powerful portable battery that has wall outlet support). Part of the reason that HomePod isn't wireless is that it needs your local wifi for all those smarts. So, instead of trying to include a super powerful, super lightweight battery, Apple just made it a stay-at-home device.
The Zipp is all portable, all the time. It uses a rechargeable battery and boasts more than 10 hours of continues play. It may be taller than the HomePod, but it's about two pounds lighter, so carrying it from the picnic to the party isn't as cumbersome.
If you want a great speaker you can take with you, set up anywhere, and bust a groove with, the Zipp is your friend. If you already have a sweet portable Bluetooth speaker, maybe you're looking for a little more with HomePods at-home features.
Zipp supports Bluetooth 4.0, AirPlay and AirPlay 2, DLNA, and Spotify Connect. You can connect any Bluetooth-compatible device to it and use it as a speaker. You can also connect it using a 3.5mm jack or USB cord to any other supported audio source. It's free to do what it wants, any old time. Because Alexa has to be triggered manually with the press of a button, it's not really going to put your privacy at risk. That is unless you use one of its many connectivity options to hook up to an audio source that doesn't protect your privacy. The more open things you can connect to, the less secure your device is.
HomePod is pretty secure. Almost to the degree that it's a bummer. I'm glad that Apple keeps my information private and doesn't share my information with businesses or advertisers. But it also means that, at least at launch, I can't even connect the HomePod to a Bluetooth device.
Again, if you're all-in with Apple, it's not going to matter if you can't stream music from your Android device or connect the speaker to your PlayStation 4. It does connect to your iPhone, or iPad directly, so you can listen to Spotify, your audiobooks, TuneIn, and other apps directly from your device. It supports AirPlay, which is used to connect to Apple TV 4 and newer. So, you can also hook it up as a TV speaker as long as you're watching Apple TV.
If, however, you only have an iPhone, but you use a PC, Fire TV, and maybe some Android devices. you're not going to get the most use out of the HomePod and the Zipp might be a better fit.
Libratone's Zipp with Alexa support is only limited by the countries that support Alexa, which are quite a lot right now. So you can use most places without having to fake your location or anything. You don't even need to get a special plug for travel if you've charged it up and don't use it for more than 10 hours on your trip thanks to its rechargeable battery. It's a go-anywhere speaker. No limitations.
HomePod, on the other hand, is only launching in the U.S., UK, and Australia at first. It will be available in France and Germany in the spring, but Apple has not confirmed whether it will come to any other countries in the future. So, if you don't live in one of the five countries I just mentioned, you may not be able to use all of the features of one at all. That being said, it is highly likely Apple will roll out support for many additional countries over time.
The HomePod costs $349. It comes in white or space gray and is pretty much that solid color all over.
The Libratone Zipp is $50 less at $299. You can get it in a variety of different colored mesh with a white base and top. There's also a slightly smaller version, called the Zipp Mini, that you can pick up for only $250. It's got a lot of the same specs (It's got a 60-watt amp, a 3-inch woofer, one tweeter, and 3-inch passive radiators), but in a smaller package.
In the latest release of Slack for iOS, the company has removed its Apple Watch counterpart as a whole. So, for those who were hopeful that the Watch app would go independent, this is sad news.
iOS 11 provides a new flickable keyboard that makes it easier to type faster on your iPad.... Read the rest of this post here
"How to type faster on iPad with Key Flicks" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
Want to put your Live Photos to good use? Weave them together into delightful stories using Snapthreads.
If you're a fan of capturing life's best snippets with Live Photos but struggle to figure out what to do with them once you've collected them, you're not alone. They look fantastic as wallpapers, of course, and they're fun to look at and pretend you're perusing a Harry Potter newspaper, but sharing them in a pleasant way is kind of tough — especially because they're only about three seconds long. Enter Snapthreads. Originally started as a way to combine Snapchat videos, Snapthreads allows you to weave your Live Photos and videos into one cohesive little movie that's perfect for sharing with friends and followers alike.
Creator Becky Hansmeyer announced on her website earlier this week that version 1.5 of Snapthreads has officially launched, bringing with it a multitude of improvements that make it as easy as possible to compile your three-second memories and standard videos into nifty short films with little to no real editing experience. It's all incredibly intuitive and quick, and the "time spent" to "end result" ratio is pretty satisfying.
As I've said, Snapthreads itself is really pared down, making it fairly easy to understand. When you launch the app, it automatically pulls up all Live Photos and videos in your Camera Roll. If you'd like to view only the Live Photos in a specific album, you can do that by tapping the little albums icon in the top right-hand corner. Once you've found the content you'd like to include in your video timeline, all you need to do is tap on them to select them and then tap the checkmark button (also in the top right-hand corner) when you've finished.
After selecting your content, you should be returned to the app's main UI. Here, you'll see a preview of your video. Above it, you'll see a button that you can tap to change your video's aspect ratio to square, portrait, or landscape. Underneath your preview, you'll see a play button, a scrubber, and a thumbnail timeline of the Live Photos and videos you chose. If you'd prefer the clips be in a different order, you can rearrange them by tapping, holding, and dragging them around to your heart's content. The preview of your video draft will automatically change to reflect the current timeline after any time you rearrange your clips, too, so you don't have to worry about wondering whether or not your sequence looks pleasant.
If you have a Live Photo or video that ends a little after you'd like it to, you can also trim those individual components to make sure they look their best. You do this by tapping on the thumbnail of whichever Live Photo or video you'd like to trim, and selecting the icon featuring scissors from the menu that pops up. With this menu you can also mute the audio of an individual clip or delete it entirely.
Want to overlay some music to really give your mini-movie impact? Snapthreads has you covered on that front, too. If you tap the little music note in the top menu bar, you can choose to add music from your library to your creation. You can also choose from a collection of public domain stock music that the app already has pre-loaded. If you'd like, you can also add titles to your film for a little professional flair by tapping on the small "T" icon next to the music note.
Once you've finished assembling your video, just tap the export button in the top right corner of the app's main UI to save it to your Camera Roll. From there, you can share it wherever you please! And because you can alter the aspect ratio, you can make sure your movie will look good on any social media platform from Snapchat to Instagram.
Now, go forth and chronicle your adventures.
Do you feel that Snapthreads is a useful tool for sharing Live Photos? Do you think apps like this will actually convince you to start actually taking Live Photos on purpose if you don't already? Sound off in the comments!
Xoxo, iMore <3
Valentine's Day is fast-approaching, and you know what's better than chocolates or flowers that'll die after a week-and-a-half? A brand new set of HomePods for you and your sweetie! All you have to do is show us how you groove!
Our brand new contest and giveaway involves you snapping a photo or two, so here's how to enter:
The contest will run from today until February 14th, 2018.
The winner will receive one HomePod for themselves and one HomePod for the person tagged in the photo. Winners will be contacted through social media and international winners will be responsible for any customs fees.
Good luck, and may the HomePods be ever in your favor!
In the past, we’ve taken a look at countless gimbals for your iPhone, but some readers have been on the lookout for something a bit… bigger. We’ve gone hands-on with the Zhiyun Crane V2 gimbal that can handle anything up to a 3.9 pound DSLR.... Read the rest of this post here
"Review: Crane 3-axis stabilizer lets anyone shoot smooth footage on their DSLR" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
iOS developers can now use Apple’s command-line delivery tool to upload their app previews to iTunes Connect.... Read the rest of this post here
"Developers can now use Apple’s Transporter tool to upload app previews to iTunes Connect" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
Logitech’s latest update to the Logi Circle app has brought a new snapshot feature to its popular HomeKit-equipped Circle 2 camera. The accessory maker is also expanding its premium subscription service for homes with multiple cameras.... Read the rest of this post here
"Logitech adds preview snapshots to its HomeKit equipped Circle 2 camera" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
Apple has today extended its AppleCare+ for Mac program, previously only available in the United States and Japan, to New Zealand and Australia.
iDB’s Daily Deals post is a roundup of our favorite deals on tech and tech-related products from around the web. This includes everything from smartphones, tablets and accessories, to connected devices and even video games.
Every deal you see below has been hand-picked based on a variety of factors including personal experience, online reviews from customers and experts, and discount percentage. So what are you waiting for? Get shopping!... Read the rest of this post here
"Daily Deals presented by RAVPower: $60 BeatsX headphones, $55 4K Fire TV, and more" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
Apple has added a new Flex and Flow sound pack to GarageBand for iOS' Sound Library. Here's how to download it, and check out the great stuff inside.
(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)
Got your W-2 ready?
The TurboTax Home & Business Tax Software 2017) is down to $64.86 on Amazon. That's a drop from a street price around $80. Not only is this software $15 better than its average street price, it's also $5 lower than any previous deals we've seen. We've shared a couple deals on TurboTax software in the past, but this is the first time it has dropped this low.
You can also get the TurboTax Premier software on sale for $54.86. That's a drop from its street price of $70 and a match for its lowest ever.
This is a physical disc that will be mailed to you. It's compatible with PC and Mac.
Because these are Amazon exclusives, they also come with a year subscription to Quicken Starter Edition 2018. Quicken is a famous piece of consumer-level accounting software. You could end up with an even bigger refund on your taxes next year if you use Quicken to track your money habits now.
The Home & Business software is ideal for the self-employed and business owners out there. There's extra guidance on self-employment deductions, access to experts to answer your questions, and it will double check your return.
Spotify is testing a new tool to up the competition with Apple Music by stealing a key feature from one of the oldest companies in the streaming game: Pandora. Stations, a new stand-alone app from Spotify, launched on the Google Play Store in Australia this week allowing users to listen to curated stations without any […]
(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)
Considering the size of Nintendo Switch game cards, it only seems like a matter of time before one slides into the couch and just disappears into the ethereal world of missing socks. Due to their diminutive size, my fear of misplacing or losing my game cards has driven me to look into effective methods of storing them. Rather than storing them in a burlap sack or wrapping them up in a hobo bindle, I looked into the various carrying cases that are available on the market. Here are some of the best cartridge cases based on several criteria.
If you are one of those Nintendo fans who exclusively prefers licensed products, then Hori has you covered. Hori manufactures accessories for just about every console under the sun including a huge line of officially licensed products for the Switch. This case will hold a total of 24 game cards in addition to the space it offers for the storage of memory cards. If you are looking for a lot of storage and that official Nintendo seal, then this is the way to go, for only $10.
Maybe you are in the market for something that's a little less plain. For about $13, you can show off your love of Zelda or Mario. These cases come in four different iconic designs. They hold 12 game cards. That means if you buy the whole set, then that is space for 48 games!
If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, it should come as no surprise that AmazonBasics is the best route. This case is one of the smallest out there and at only about $9, it's a bargain. In addition to the low low price and the small portable size, it will actually house 24 game cards.
It's pretty early on in the life cycle of the Nintendo Switch. I am sure as time goes by we will be seeing a lot more great cases hit the market. For now, this list represents some of the best cases out there.
Let us know in the comments below!
Logitech has released a new firmware update to Circle 2 cameras that adds snapshot alerts for free. The feature sends a still image as a notification to your iPhone when motion is detected so you can know if it needs your attention or not.
Nylon bands for Apple Watch are in high demand for their comfort and versatility. Add in great engineering and style, and you’ve got the ideal strap to fit your everyday needs. Enter Casetify, a company that believes in being radically unique, creating beautifully designed, made-to-order products that are hand-inspected from beginning to end. The company […]
(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)
Forget Siri -- the easiest way to control the HomePod is by tapping it. Here are the touch gestures you can use with Apple's new speaker.
(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)
Keep your data with you wherever you go and keep it safe from harm!
Sometimes it's best not to store absolutely everything right on your Mac. For one, it clutters things up, and unless you're willing to upgrade your SSD (which you can't in the latest MacBook Pros), you're gonna fill things up way too fast.
Grab one of these hard drives and know that your data is protected by a shock-resistant enclosure, so that you don't have to worry about tossing it in a bag and going about your day.
Note: Always keep in mind that just because a hard drive is shock-resistant, that does not mean it is shock-proof. Shock-resistant hard drives can still die on impact.
CalDigit Tuff is PCMag's top pick for best external hard drive and it's little wonder it makes this list when it's rated to be able to survive 4-foot drops. It's also water-resistant (3 feet for up to 30 minutes) and dust-resistant.
This is the perfect hard drive if you're going to have it with you absolutely everywhere you go. It's compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and backwards compatible with the included USB-C to USB-A cable. You'll get transfer speeds of up to 130MB/s and interface speeds of up to 10Gb/s. At $180, this is easily the best option on this list.
I've never had a LaCie hard drive do me wrong. I used one all through college and it's still working even now (eight years later). The LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt is a 2TB drive that features USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt for transfer speeds of up to 240MB/s, and it's drop tested to 5 feet.
It's powered via Thunderbolt so you can get work done no matter where you are and it's compatible with RAID 0 and 1 configurations if you need a speedy network attached storage solution in the field. This one comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable for backward compatibility and you can snag it straight from Apple for $180.
Transcend's 2TB hard drive is military drop-tested for shock resistance and features a strong outer case made of flexible rubber and an internal hard drive suspension system, which provides support and flexibility in the event of a drop.
The StoreJet also has a one-touch auto-backup button, which features 256-bit AES file and folder encryption, and you get access to Transcend's "Elite" data management software.For around $100, this is an excellent drive with tons of space and a hardy build that's sure to last. It features USB 3.0.
The HD710 from ADATA is 1TB of military-grade shock- and water-resistant goodness that has passed both the IEC 60529 IP68 test and the military standard drop test. This means it's nigh-impervious to dust and can be submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.
For around $70, you get a 1TB hard drive that features USB 3.0 and it's made specifically for Mac, with Time Machine support. It's made of three layers of protection, featuring a flexible silicone outer shell, and its wraparound cable makes it incredibly handy for travel.
Now, G-Drive's drive is a bit of a cheat on this list in that it isn't a hard drive — it's a solid-state drive (SSD). It's likely the most shock-resistant drive on this list because it has no moving mechanical components. It uses an electronic interface instead, and at $380 for 1TB, it's definitely not the cheapest way to go.
But SSDs are quite a bit faster, this one allowing for up to 425MB/s in transfer rates, and it features USB 3.0, so it'll be compatible with all Macs (you may just need a USB-C to USB-A cable for your newer MacBook Pro). G-Technology promises that this drive can withstand a 6-foot drop onto carpeted concrete thanks to its rubber bumper, and it features an IP66 rating, so it's dust-resistant and can withstand being submerged in up to 1 foot of water for 30 seconds (just in case you drop it in a puddle).
Do you have a favorite rugged hard drive (or SSD)? Let us know in the comments below!
Updated January 2018: We've completely overhauled this list with new drives and pricing.
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is not a fan of Apple’s new iPhone X. Woz initially criticized the iPhone X when it was unveiled last year. He’s now has finally spent some quality time with one thanks to Tim Cook, but he says Apple made some really bad design decisions with it. Speaking at the Nordic […]
(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)
Following the news that Apple had refocused their plans for iOS 12 around stability and performance over new features, many were quick to liken the move to a “Snow Leopard release” of iOS. In recent years, the phrase has reached mythological status in the Apple community, a catch-all referring to stable software and “the good ol’ days” of the Mac.
But how did this perception develop? Was Mac OS X Snow Leopard really the gold standard of software releases, an undefeated champion in the halls of computing history? Believe it or not, the meme is almost as old as the software itself.
If you’re curious about the Bitcoin craze but haven’t jumped in yet, Square Cash has made it super simple to buy and sell Bitcoin from your iPhone. Square CEO Jack Dorsey says Cash added Bitcoin trading because the company sees Bitcoin “as a long-term path towards greater financial access for all.”
We’ve seen our fair share of portable USB-C battery packs that have been certified to work with the USB-C Power Delivery standard, also referred to as USB-C PD. The new Powerstation AC battery accessory from Mophie is one of the most compelling yet.... Read the rest of this post here
"Review: Mophie’s new Powerstation delivers juice using USB-C PD standard, adds AC outlet" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
Colgate’s new iPhone-compatible smart toothbrush promises to transform the way you brush your teeth, thanks to the magic of machine intelligence. So is the E1 Smart Electronic Toothbrush With Artificial Intelligence like having a virtual dentist at your beck and call? Here’s what we make of it after a week of tooth-cleaning action. Colgate E1 […]
(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)
How do you delete a picture or video, bring it back, or make sure it's gone for good? With Photos for Mac and iCloud!
Whether you're trying to free up storage, battling duplicates, eliminating personal photos no one else ever needs to see, or just cutting out the bad shots, Photos for Mac makes it easy to delete single or multiple pictures or videos in a snap!
If you're using iCloud Photo Library, anything you delete on your Mac will also be deleted on all your other iCloud Photo Library-enabled devices, including your iPhone and/or iPad. Deleted pictures and videos can be recovered for up to 30 days (unless you have zero storage space on your computer), or can be deleted immediately and forever. Here's how!
You can select one picture or video by clicking on it, a range of pictures or videos by clicking on the first when, then shift-clicking on the last one, or a number of arbitrary pictures or videos by command-clicking on each of them in turn.
Select the picture(s) or video(s) you want to delete
Click Delete to confirm, if prompted.
You can also delete some or all of the pictures or videos intelligently grouped by Photos into an Album.
Click on the the Album you would like to delete.
Click Delete to confirm.
The Album will no longer appear in your sidebar.
If you delete a picture or video by accident, or later regret it, you have 30 days to reverse it.
Click the Recently Deleted folder in your sidebar.
Click on the Recover button at the top right.
If you want to make sure a deleted picture or video is eradicated immediately and can't be recovered, you can do that as well.
Click the Recently Deleted folder in your sidebar.
Click on the Delete button at the top right. A prompt will appear on screen: just hit delete, and you're good to go!
If you need help deleting pictures or videos, or have any questions at all about Photos for Mac, drop them in the comments below!
Updated January 2018: Updated steps and made sure everything is up to date for the latest version of macOS.
