iPhone 7 Will Be Even Thinner!

Rumors from Mac Otakara have shown that the iPhone 7 will have a thinner design. How is this possible? Well, similar to the iPhone 5S and models before, the iPhone 7 will feature a flush camera. In addition, there will be a thinner Lightning port. Don't freak out, this won't require a new cable. The port is simply smaller without any compatibility changes. Anyways, let's hope these rumors stay true.

Image Credit: MacRumors

No 3D Touch for iPhone 5se

According to Nowhereelse.fr, photos of a 4-inch iPhone show that there are no components for 3D Touch. In addition, this model is called the iPhone SE. Whether the name is accurate, that remains to be a mystery. However, with three weeks away from the Apple Event on March 21st, production should be well underway for whatever this iPhone is.

iPhone 5se Event Will Be The Week Of March 21st

Contrary to my previous post, Re/code says that the iPhone 5se event will take place during the week of March 21st. In addition, BuzzFeed says that the event will take place on Monday, March 21st. If this is true, this event will take place one day before Apple faces off against the FBI in court. Anyways, this event will show off the iPhone 5se, a new iPad, and new Apple Watch Bands.

Pokémon Turns 20

It's hard to believe that it's been 20 years since the beginning of Pokémon. Twenty years ago today, February 26, 1996, Pokémon was born in Japan. And throughout all the PETA protests and outraged parents, this fanatical phenomenon has become part of the geek's culture. How many game series do you know that have spawned two dozen games to date, several TV animes, a timeless trading card game, and 20 movies? From Twitch Plays Pokémon to the Helix Fossil, Pokémon has proven to stand the test of time. And today, it was announced that there would be two new games in the series: Pokémon Moon and Pokémon Sun. I guess they ran out of colors, minerals, precious metals, letters, and greek letters to choose from. Anyways, be sure to dig up your old Game Boy, blow the dust off of your Pokémon game, and take a trip down memory lane. Or if you're part of the 99% who don't have the original, no worries! You can download it from the Nintendo eShop for your Nintendo 3DS for only $9.99! Happy training!

Facebook Brings Liking Into The Next Generation

We all know Liking on Facebook. However, that's changing a bit. This new feature is called "Reactions". Facebook better be careful when they say "react", they might get sued (+10 geek points to anyone who knows what I'm talking about.). To use this, just hover over the Like button (hold the button on mobile), and choose from six different options: Like, Love, Haha, Wow, Sad, and Angry. The reasoning for this is because Facebook believes that it's not be best thing to "Like" certain things. For example, a breakup post isn't something you "Like". Instead, you'd want to show sympathy with a "Sad" emoji. This is currently being rolled out, so it might not be available to you yet. 

Siri Coming To OS X

According to 9to5Mac, we will finally see Siri make its long-overdue appearance on OS X 10.12. Siri will be available from the menu bar near Spotlight and Notification Center. Siri will also be accessible with a keyboard shortcut. OS X 10.12 will be announced at WWDC in June. OS X 10.12 will be available near the end of summer. 

Apple Pencil Will Regain Features Next Beta

Yesterday, I talked about how Apple removed some of the Apple Pencil's swiping and navigation features. Today, Apple told The Verge that this will be fixed in the next beta. Apple stated that these functions were pulled for improvements. The public version of iOS 9.3 is expected in the coming weeks. 

Apple Disables Most Of Apple Pencil's Functionality In New Beta

In the iOS 9.3 beta, Apple has removed a lot of functionality for the Apple Pencil for iPad Pro. Essentially, you can only use Apple Pencil for drawing. Yes, you can do all those cool things you saw in the official announcement video (i.e. rotation and pressure), but simple functions have been removed. Functions like selecting and swiping have been removed. Why? My best guess is that it's Apple vision to have the Apple Pencil be exclusive for artists. I'm not really cool with this. While I don't own an iPad Pro or an Apple Pencil, I loved the Apple Pencil from the start. I loved that it was a truly universal wireless stylus that worked with any app because it was developed by Apple. A lot of that has been taken away now. That's not how you get the consumer to like your product. They bought your product, Apple. They should expect it to work with simple things like swiping and scrolling, they shouldn't expect these essential features to be removed, and they certainly shouldn't expect this stylus to be a product only useful to artists after being useful for everyone. It should be noted that Apple has been known to remove features and bring them back in their final form.

PC Pro?

If you've seen the Mac Pro before, then the Dune Case might look a bit familiar to you (pictured below in gold). This PC case is meant to bring a sleek design to PCs. It also has some thermal dynamic capabilities (inferior to those of the Mac Pro). Obviously, this is a copy of the Mac Pro's design (also shown below in black). This PC case is still in its Kickstarter phase, so if you'd like one, it costs $169 at the time of this post being published (based on backer tiers).

Dune Case

Apple Mac Pro

Apple Is The World's Most Admired Company For 9 Years Running

Once again, Apple has been awarded the top spot on the "World's Most Admired Companies" list by Fortune. This marks Apple's ninth consecutive year that this has happened. In second place is Alphabet, or Google for you veterans. And third is Amazon. Y'know, that one book store. 

Government Changed Password on Shooter's iPhone

Okay, I'm going to try to describe what happened as best as I can right now, but it's a bit complicated. Also, if you haven't read my opinion on the whole "backdoor dispute" thing, I recommend you read that now.

So, according to BuzzFeed, the government got a hold of some Apple engineers to help them crack open the iPhone owned by one of the shooters from the San Bernardino shooting last year. Apple suggested several ways, one that involved connecting the iPhone to a WiFi network. But, it turns out the government changed it. How? I have no idea. Apparently, the San Bernardo Health Department was the one who changed it. Yep, it's this kind of disorganization that causes this kind of stuff to happen. I wouldn't want my phone to be in the hands of people who would be changing my password and who can't keep track of said password. In fact, if this password wasn't changed, the government wouldn't need this backdoor solution. The FBI is trying to blame their own fire on Apple while they add some fuel to that fire.

If you agree with me, be sure to sign the official White House petition to support Apple and to not use a backdoor. We have until March 18, 2016 to reach 100,000 signatures.

My Opinion On The Apple "Backdoor Dispute"

You've probably heard about the dispute between Apple and the FBI. If you haven't, here's a quick recap of everything regarding this.

Let's start at the very beginning, shall we?

A few years back, some celebrities had their photos leaked from their iOS devices. Apple came under huge fire for this (I'm pretty sure they just had really bad passwords/password hints.). In the years following, Apple put a HUGE emphasis on the security on their devices. Makes sense, right?

December 2, 2015, a terrorist attack occurred in San Bernardino. Without getting too detailed, one of the shooter's iPhones were recovered and the FBI tried to unlock it. Unfortunately for them, the security was so air-tight, the FBI couldn't crack it. A federal judge has ordered Apple to intentionally create a security flaw in iOS to allow the FBI to unlock iPhones for investigation. Apple refused to do this because there could be security risks to their customers.

People are pretty split on this issue. Facebook and Twitter side with Apple while every politician ever sides with the government. What follows is my opinion and my solution. Keep in mind that this is my opinion and I believe that everyone is entitled to their own.

Personally, I side with Apple on this, not because of any bias and not because I'm worried about the FBI looking at my phone for investigation. I side with Apple on this because I don't want any hackers getting my phone. Microsoft has done this years ago and I believe many hackings can be attributed to this. With this security flaw, whatever it could be, hackers, black hat or white hat, will find a way. I feel that a lot of people underestimate what hackers are capable of. Especially if the government had phones affected by this. This would backfire against our own government, leaving them susceptible tot their own creation. It is not worth putting every person with an iOS device at risk to retrieve information that might not exist... But I do have a middle ground solution.

Apple, along with other smartphone creators, should create flashable operating systems that work with all of their phones that will unlock their phones. Each distribution of this operating system must be approved by the FBI and Apple, similar to a safety deposit box (Y'know how the boxes need two keys to open?). Apple can figure out the technical details.

If you side with Apple as well, be sure to sign the digital petition at the official White House website. We have until March 18, 2016 to reach 100,000 signatures. If not, that's fine too.

Apple Releases New 3D Touch and Live Photo Ads

Today, Apple released two more, very funny, advertisements about the iPhone 6s. These two are about 3D Touch and Live Photos. I think I can vouch for Apple when they said that Live Photos of cats are a great use of Live Photos. Best lock screen ever. Anyways, the videos are embedded below.

Instagram Rolling Out Two-Factor Authentication

According to TechCrunch, Instagram has started rolling out two-factor authentication. I've been waiting for this for a while. This is actually very important for one big reason. This will help prevent hacking of Instagram accounts. Instagram is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, social networks. With so many reputations on the line, taking a small step to make your account a bit more secure can potentially save a job. Anyways, this is being rolled out, so check your account if you're eligible. This process of rolling out is usually random, followed by an update to allow all users to have access to the feature. I hope this helps.

January 1, 1970

iOS devices have been hard locked into an unusable state when users set the date to January 1, 1970. It causes the iOS device to be not be able to turn on. Apple says that they have been working on a fix for this. However, until then, here's potentially why this happens, according to Tom Scott. January 1, 1970 is 0 in Unix Time. I could go on and on about how Unix Time works, but I won't because it's just that complicated. iOS handles this by changing the negative integer to the maximum value, also known as an integer underflow. Fun fact: this maximum value is about 20 times longer than the universe is expected to last. A number this big on a 64-bit operating system would basically crash the phone during boot up. Anyways, Apple is working on a fix to this. How they'll push an update to phones that can't boot? I have no idea. Apple asks that you contact support if you're affected.

Noise-Canceling EarPods?

While this wouldn't come out until 2017, the possibility of noise-canceling EarPods is a very likely possibility to complement the wireless era of music. Recent rumors state that Apple will likely release Lightning EarPods with the iPhone 7, then release noise-canceling EarPods in 2017. While many are disappointed with the removal of the headphone jack, it does have a few advantages. First, there will be room for two speakers on the iPhone 7, allowing for better sound. Second, this hopefully means Apple will provide quality, relatively low-cost, wireless headphones (less than $200 Beats headphones) for purchase. Anyways, let's hope for some more rumors about iPhone 7 and its headphones.

Apple Is The New Orange

If Apple were to create an original TV series, similar to what Netflix did, Dr. Dre would star in the first series, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The series is expected to be called Vital Signs. Each episode is supposed to have a dark tone and will show Dr. Dre going through a situation regarding a specific emotion in each episode. When this will air, we don't know. However, it could be distributed via Apple Music. It'd be cool if Apple would make a independent video app for this. An Apple Video app, if you will.

Apple Recalls New MacBook Charger

When the new MacBook launched, it was charged via a USB-C cable. These cables are being recalled, at least, cables from before June 2015. Although, Apple doesn't say that there are any safety risks, Apple does say that your MacBook may not charge properly with these cables. You can tell whether your cable is affected by checking the text on the cable. Affected cables only say "Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China." There is no serial number. Fixed cables have the same text, but with a serial number. If you provided a mailing address when you bought your MacBook (by registering the product or through the Apple Online Store), then no action is required and a new cable will be sent to you. Otherwise, either go to an Apple Retail Store or contact Apple Support.

Car Sounds from Apple Building

According to AppleInsider, there have been loud noises of a motor from a building that Apple leases. People are spectating that this is the building where the Apple Car is being developed. Not only that, but a resident has complained about these noises.

"(Do) there have to (be) motor noises at 11:00 p.m. at night like last night? Even with the windows closed I could still hear it."

- Resident's Letter to City of Sunnyvale

Although nothing is confirmed and these may simply be constructions noises, we can be pretty confidant that we're seeing an Apple Car in a few years. It's in very early stages, but with Apple hiring people from companies like Tesla, it looks like this project is a go.

tvOS 9.2 Beta Has Dictation

Whenever I search on the tvOS App Store on my Apple TV, I always wonder if there was dictation feature. It turns out there wasn't one yet. That changes with tvOS 9.2, which is in its beta stages. This allows you to dictate any text you want inputed on the Apple TV, instead of manually inputing the text, letter by letter. In addition, you can find apps on the tvOS App Store using Siri. For example, "Search the App Store for FOX NOW." It will then pull up the FOX NOW page in the App Store. Hopefully, this update will be out in the coming weeks.

Verizon Wi-Fi Calling To Be Implemented in iOS 9.3

With the release of the iOS 9.3 beta, Verizon Wi-Fi calling has been implemented. When data connectivity is poor, Wi-Fi can be used to improve the quality of calls. I can see this being pretty useful at conventions and urban areas. I've been waiting for this feature for quite a bit, as you'll see in my previous blog posts. Looking back, I first talked about this in November. Talk about a "Throwback Tuesday." Anyways, let's hope to see a golden master version of this beta soon.

Apple Products Advertised at Super Bowl 50 Without Official Super Bowl Ad

While Apple had no Super Bowl ad this year, they certainly did have their products advertised. Other companies made advertisements with Apple products put subtly in them. Here are some of the ads featuring Apple products.

In T-Mobile's ad, Apple Music was featured at the end of the ad to showcase their unlimited streaming feature.

Next, Hyundai featured an Apple Watch unlocking and starting a Hyundai.

And finally, Apple's Beats line made an appearance in a commercial. This one featured Cam Newton of the Panthers wearing Powerbeats earphones.

Apple Could Be Working With Energous on Wireless Charging

With rumors of iPhone implementing wireless charging in their future products, Apple could be partnering with Energous to further this concept, according to Disruptive Tech Research. Energous created WattUp, which is a technology that can charge devices from 15 feet away. Imagine stepping into your car or office space and having your phone charge in your pocket without any cables. This technology would supposedly be in the iPhone after this year's iPhone 7, an iPhone 7s if you will. That would be around 2017.

Teach Siri Name Pronounciations

If Siri pronounces a name wrong, you can fix it. First, get Siri to tell you their name by asking for their contact. Then say something along the lines of, "That's not how you pronounce that." Siri will then ask you to say the first name, offer you a list of pronunciations to choose from, and will do the same with the last name. I hope this helps!

Pink iPhone 5se?

Similar to the iPod Touch, the iPhone 5se may come in a bright pink color according to Mac Otakara. I suppose this is the iPhone 5se's equivalent of the iPhone 6s' Rose Gold color option. In addition, it would come in Silver and Space Gray. However, it may not have a Gold color option. This is a strange lineup for an iPhone color lineup, combining refined, sophisticated colors with bright, rambunctious colors.

The pink iPod Touch

Apple TV Universal Search Expanded

One of the features I was looking forward to the new Apple TV was being able to see all of the apps that can be used to play The Simpsons. However, I didn't realize that the Universal Search feature didn't work with apps such as FOX NOW and FXNOW. That changes now. Searching for movies and TV shows will now show new ways to play content. FOX NOW, FXNOW, and NAT GEO apps will now be shown in search results. Hopefully this makes binge watching that much easier.

Image Credit: MacRumors

Apple Music for Android Supports SD Cards

Apple has made it clear in the past that they will be sure to utilize elements from the Android OS into their Android apps, such as Apple Music and Move to iOS. For example, they will use the Android share icon instead of the iOS share icon in Android apps. Google actually doesn't do this in their iOS apps. If you look at YouTube for iOS for example, you'll find there are Action Bars, Android icons, and Card Views. Apple Music for Android now supports saving songs to SD cards, a feature iOS is unable to do. Although not all Androids can do this, it's interesting to see Apple use something iOS can't do in one of their apps. Now what this means is that Androids could potentially hold more songs offline than iOS. iOS devices don't have SD card readers built-in, so they can only hold about 128 GB of songs. Android devices could potentially have 128 GB of storage plus a 128 GB SD card for Apple Music. Of course, that's a far stretch to have that much music. Let's just hope that Google returns the favor by adding multitasking to YouTube for iOS. Apple Music is available for free from the Google Play Store [Direct Link].

iPad Air 3 and iPhone 5se Reveal Event Expected March 15

Move over Ides of March, because Apple is expected to have their iPad Air 3 and iPhone 5se reveal on March 15th according to 9to5Mac. While the date is a rumor, most event date rumors have proven to be accurate. This would be the first Apple event of the year. Apple would reveal the iPad Air 3, iPhone 5se, and possibly some Apple Watch updates (but no Apple Watch 2). Let's get this hype train started and hope for something good!

"As the scheduled event is still a month-and-a-half away, the date could conceivably still shift or turn into an online announcement. The media event would be Apple’s first since September, and much like the fall event, is planned to touch on three major product categories for the company."

-9to5Mac 

Pokémon Movies on iTunes

This year marks Pokémon's 20th anniversary. And with this momentous occasion, The Pokémon Company has released remastered versions of 13 of their Pokémon movies. In addition to this, there is an iTunes page dedicated to Pokémon content on iTunes. This includes apps, several Pokémon TV show series, music, books, and game guides. If you want to check it out for yourself, it is available on the iTunes Store [Direct Link].