iOS 12.1 Add Battery Performance Management to More Devices

Battery Performance Management was introduced earlier this year in an update following controversy about performance throttling. iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus were not affected by this change. However, iOS 12.1 added Battery Performance Management to these devices. This is interesting because this feature is only relevant for older devices, so we now see when Apple sees fit for devices to have this feature.

My Impressions of the New iPad Pro

I love the iPad. It feels totally different from an iPhone, yet very familiar. When I owned the original iPad, I thought it was cool, but there was plenty of room to grow. With the iPad Air 2, I thought it was a very solid model, but it could use a power boost. I felt the iPad needed a better way to compete with desktops in the post-PC era. As an amateur Android developer and Final Cut Pro video editor in high school, I wanted to be able to code and edit on the go. When I first saw the iPad Pro, I thought this could be the turning point. Apple could embrace the iPad's features and change iOS around it. So, Apple released a new iPad Pro and iOS 11, which was made to distinguish iPad from iPhone. And so, after having an iPad Air 2 for high school, I was equipped with a 10.5-inch iPad Pro with iOS 11 for college. And did it do the job?

Absolutely not.

This iPad, was by far my least favorite iPad. It advertised leaps forward, but seemingly took steps back. The bezels were so thin, it would read false inputs constantly. The camera bulges out from the back, which kind of works on iPhone, but certainly doesn't on iPad. The built-in keyboard is the biggest sin in my opinion. I don't know how Apple managed to mess up a keyboard when you have more screen space to work with, but they did. I typed leagues faster on a 9.7-inch iPad than I ever could on a 10.5-inch iPad. I never took notes on it as I had planned and opted for my MacBook Pro. The Apple Pencil was a half-baked idea. Somehow, my iPad Air 2 always held a significantly more stable WiFi connection, while my iPad Pro would constantly disconnect. Maybe I just had the world's most defective model and this is just me. I still used it, mostly for video streaming, but I knew it had so much more potential. So, given that, what do I think of today's announcement?

This is everything I wanted for my iPad Pro.

I almost wish I had held out a little over a year for this iPad Pro. This iPad feels designed from the ground up to actually work. There is an entirely new magnet system, all around the back and sides of the iPad, that make the accessories actually work as advertised. The Smart Keyboard always looked like a circus act when trying to stand it up. Now, the magnets hold the keyboard cover in place. The new Apple Pencil finally can charge by just having it magnetically attach to the iPad. It all feels very intentional and robust. They made it clear that every orientation is the right way to hold it. I personally prefer using iPad horizontally. But I'm also left-handed, so my Apple Pencil would have to attach to the other side of the iPad. I do still see some flaws from the iPad Pro. I'm sure the bezels will give me a hard time and the camera could get annoying, but we're seeing improvements that we've been wanting for a long time, and I'm very happy with that. The fact that the Apple Pencil no longer rolls on desks and can be engraved amazes me.

iOS 12.1 Releases Tomorrow

Apple announced that iOS 12.1 will release Tuesday, October 30. This is timely considering that the October Apple event is the same day. iOS 12.1 brings group FaceTime, dual-SIM, and enhanced depth control for the latest iPhones. There's also a slew of new emoji that no one will notice. We can expect this update to drop at about 10:00 Pacific Time.

Next-Gen AirPods

After Apple hinting at "Hey Siri" support for AirPods at their September event during the intro video, it seems inevitable that we'll see them at the October event. It's almost like Apple filmed the intro video, realized that AirPower would be delayed, and delayed the announcement of these new AirPods. Granted, it is unusual for Apple to hint at any new product with a concrete feature during an intro video. If AirPower has any update, it seems like AirPods will have an update as well. The video is embedded below.

iFixit Teardown of iPhone XR

Our first look into the iPhone XR comes from none other than iFixit as usual. There's not too much new, but it is interesting when taking in the context of other iPhones. iFixit goes into how the internals compare to models like the iPhone 8 and the iPhone XS. They note that the internals are like a cross between the iPhone X and the iPhone 8, with a rectangular battery and logic board. To see their full, in-depth analysis, check out iFixit's full report.

iPhone XR Released

Apple today released the iPhone XR, the more affordable and more colorful version of the iPhone XS. The phone has made the headlines in the past few weeks. Initial impressions from around the internet give the iPhone XR a strong first impression. The increased adoption of the iPhone X-style screens will hopefully encourage more developers to take full advantage of the larger screen size.

Shazam App Acknowledges Apple Acquisition

Apple is finally able to begin taking steps to overhaul Shazam to their liking after their acquisition. The first step is a new Shazam privacy policy [Source: iGeneration]. The privacy policy simply states that all Shazam data is now under ownership of Apple. That's not a huge concern considering Apple is Apple and not Google. In the future, we can expect better integration between Shazam and Apple Music, which sounds exciting.

Every Apple Logo for the October Event

As you may know, the October event for the new iPads has been marketed with a variety of different Apple logos made by artists. Every time you reload the site for the event, the logo will change. Thanks to a MacRumors reader, we now know there are over 350 Apple logos created for the event. All of them are available to view on an Imgur album created by MacRumors.

All of the Apple logos from the October 30th event invites

Potential AirPower Release Date

Ming-Chi Kuo has given a quick update of when we might be able to expect AirPower. After so many delays and a lack of information from Apple, Kuo expects AirPower to release in either late 2018 or early 2019. We don't know if Apple will say anything at October's event.

HomePod's Current Popularity

HomePod at the moment is a hard sell for many. With Alexa's detachment from any smartphone and cheaper price, many opt for an Amazon Echo. According to a survey on smart speaker ownership Strategy Analytics, Amazon Echo makes up 23 percent of their sample. This is just the Amazon Echo and doesn't include other models like the Echo Dot, which comes in second place at 21 percent. HomePod is at ninth place with a mere four percent. Between ninth and second are just a variety of Google Home and Amazon Echo models dominating the rankings.

Apple's October Event Change's OnePlus 6T Launch Date

Apple recently announced their October event will take place on October 30. OnePlus already announced that they will launch their OnePlus 6T on October 30. However, OnePlus has decided to change their event to the day earlier, due to the overlap [Source: Android Police]. As a kind gesture, OnePlus will cover any costs created by the date change to those attending the launch event. A full refund is available to those who cannot attend due to the change. It's interesting to see how this overlap is changing things for OnePlus.

macOS Mojave Notorization

With the Mac App Store unable to compete with website distribution of macOS apps, Apple has created a program that will notarize apps. Similar to how Mac App Store apps must be approved before being published, notarizing a macOS app not on the Mac App Store will help give users piece of mind knowing the software isn't malicious. The software will be reviewed by Apple. Especially after some apps were found to be using computer power to mine for cryptocurrency earlier this year, it would be nice to have apps that followed this review process. It's totally optional for developers, but it doesn't hurt to try it.

Apple Watch to USB-C Cable

Today, Apple released a new cable, which can charge Apple Watch using a USB-C cable. It features the same magnetic charger, but it features a USB-C end, instead of USB-A. This comes with a plethora of rumors suggesting that the iPad Pro will feature USB-C instead of Lightning. While it's entirely possible that the next iPad Pro may feature some ability to connect to the Apple Watch using this cable, it's more likely a coincidence. The cable is 0.3m in length and costs $29.

Apple's October 2018 Event Announced

Apple finally revealed that an October event is coming up. The invite states: "There's more in the making." Each invite has a different Apple logo, all revolving around creative takes on the iconic apple. The event will take place on October 30 in New York City. Because it's on the east coast, the event will start 10 p.m. Eastern Time.

Image Credit: Todd Haselton

The Latest Mac Mini is Four Years Old

The desktop lineup of Macs has long been neglected, aside from the iMac. It's hard to recommend most of these computers because they haven't been updated in so long. The latest Mac Mini is four years old yesterday [via MacRumors]. It was released October 16, 2014. Even then, it was just a refresh. For reference, I was a sophomore in high school when this came out, and now I'm a sophomore in college. It's quite fitting that we have rumors suggesting this wait is nearing its end. If we do have an October event this month, Apple may finally update the Mac Mini. 

Mickey Mouse and Beats

Apple and Disney have had a long relationship. Disney's characters are the only licensed characters available as an Apple Watch watch face. Now, Beats is releasing a Mickey Mouse themed pair of Beats Solo³ Wireless Headphones. It's definitely not for everyone, but it's interesting to see such a limited edition package. It comes with a collector's pin and a special carrying case. The headphones cost $349.95 and are available from the Apple Online Store.

Paul Allen

Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. And since then, it's undeniable the impact Microsoft has had on the computing industry and the world. Unfortunately, Paul Allen passed away today at the age of 65 due to complications with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer. The biggest names of Silicon Valley gave their condolences to the Allen family and Microsoft. My prayers go out to his family and those who knew him best.

The Current State of the Mac App Store

App stores on desktops are hard to pull off. Apple, Microsoft, and even Google have tried pulling it off. The need for an app store on a desktop isn't that necessary. On a smartphone, it makes sense, as it provides a safe and consistent environment for anyone to find an app. There's an even playing field. Mobile apps are constrained to smartphones and don't need the same capabilities as a desktop. Meanwhile, a desktop experience is much more demanding. You might need high-end or professional software. Users can make decisions for themselves and use Google to find these apps. Software developers can create websites that show the full extent of what their software can do through videos, demos, and links to reviews. This matters more with more expensive software. There are many other factors that I haven't pointed out, but it does question the point of the Mac App Store today. I haven't used it in the longest time. There are some great, small apps I've downloaded from smaller developers, and for them, I can imagine the Mac App Store is an ideal platform. But it's clear that in the post-PC era, App Stores are much more optimal on non-PC devices.

Apple Maps Surveyor on Foot

Most Apple Maps surveyors use vans with cameras on top to gather info of areas. However, a MacRumors reader found a man wearing an Apple Maps backpack with a huge camera setup. The setup appears to have the same technology used on the Apple Maps vans. The pedestrian setup seems to fall in line with rumors saying that Apple is looking to put more focus on walking directions in Apple Maps. Given the difficulty of surveying on foot, this will likely be limited to just major metro areas. I would definitely like to see if this would translate to indoor directions.

Image Credit: MacRumors

iPhone XR Clear Case

The iPhone X design is stunning, but it's hard to truly admire it with a case on. The glass backing is a thing of beauty, but it's also something most users would want to protect with a case. The same goes for the iPhone XR. Thanks to ivanincanada on Twitter, we know that a Canadian press release from Apple leaked a clear iPhone XR case. It would be about $40 and only compatible with the iPhone XR. As you can see below, it's a simple case with no logos that keeps the design of the iPhone XR visible. This is especially useful given the color options available for the iPhone XR.

Image Credit: 9to5Mac

CVS Finally Accepts Apple Pay

Since just after Apple Pay's launch in late 2014, CVS has disabled the ability to accept Apple Pay payments. It created an alternative, called CVS Pay. Earlier this year, Tim Cook announced that Apple Pay would roll out to CVS Pharmacies across the country. Now, the rollout seems to be complete [Source: MacRumors]. After the full cycle of a retailer refusing to accept Apple Pay, it will be interesting to see if Target or Walmart finally begin accepting the payment method in store.

Apple Pencil 2 Rumor

According to 9to5Mac, Apple may release an Apple Pencil 2 alongside the new iPad Pros. This Apple Pencil will be able to connect to different devices based on proximity. If you are closer to one iPad over the other, it will connect to the closer one. It's safe to assume this functionality means future iPhones and other Apple products will finally be able to take advantage of the Apple Pencil. We could see this as soon as next week at an Apple Keynote.

Google's Pixel 3 Conference

Today, Google announced their newest lineup of flagship products. Pretty much everything was leaked before the event. In fact, a little while back, someone actually managed to buy the Google Chromecast announced today at a Best Buy. Google tried to play off the leaks by saying we know nothing, but nothing could be further from the truth.

So you think you know… Tune in tomorrow to see for yourself. https://t.co/4zTwRXcn1x #madebygoogle pic.twitter.com/3IO3xaMaP8

— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) October 8, 2018

Needless to say, reactions were mixed. One of my hardcore Android friends switched to an iPhone X because they hated what the Pixel 3 leaks were showing. The Pixel 3 has its ups and downs. For starters, that notch is huge. I think that Call Screen thing is a nice feature. My only gripe with it is that it's basically a glorified voicemail message. In 2018, most people will just let an unknown caller go to voicemail.

I'm sure the camera holds up on the Pixel 3, but that image they said an iPhone XS took was definitely not untouched. At the very least, they turned down the brightness slider in the viewfinder. It should be common knowledge that no quality smartphone takes a photo that bad in the middle of the day.

I'm not a fan of the design of Google's Home Hub. It looks like a toy. But I do like that they didn't put a camera on it. The one thing that has kept me from buying an Echo Spot is the fact that it has a camera. Amazon can put as many microphones in my place as they want at this point. I really have stopped caring, but I don't like the idea of cameras that I will never use in any room of a house.

Finally, I just want to touch on the Google Pixel Slate. Why is Google still hung up on tablets? It seems that the general consensus of Android users don't want Android tablets, mostly because the apps are just scaled up phone apps. You look at the iPad and apps are made from the ground up to take advantage of the larger screen size. And then you hear the presenter go on about how you don't want your tablet to be a desktop, but you do at the same time. Oh, it was a mess. It's weird to say you can buy an iPad for cheaper than the Pixel Slate, and you'll probably have a better experience.

If you couldn't tell lately, I have been very critical of Apple. But one of the main reasons I do that is because pretty much every big player in the tech industry is a fish out of water right now. No one is really in the lead. And because of that, it feels more of a "I just have to outrun you" situation. No one's innovating, they're just increasing specs. And that's odd for 2018. We're living in an era where self-driving cars are already on our streets and we can casually send Teslas into space, but our smartphones are getting more and more predictable. We need to ask more of Silicon Valley, because there has been a lower standard for sometime now.

Google+ to Close

The other day, I did a quick Google search to check if Google+ was still around. Launched in June of 2011, Google released Google+, the social network owned by the technology titan. How could it go wrong? Google embraced it as the future of Google, but it never caught on. Today, Google announced that because of low user usage and a software error that caused a data breach, it would close Google+ in August of 2019. It's definitely about time that Google+ closed its doors, but August certainly is a far ways off for a service that not many people use, especially considering a data breach.

iPhone Emoji Will Be Updated

If you hate the mainstream nature of emojis as much as I do, you'll likely find yourself slowly zoning out scrolling through articles about how Apple is adding an additional 20 million emojis with each update. However, buried in the pile of new emojis is a small detail being added to an existing emoji. The iPhone emoji is currently an iPhone 8, however, in iOS 12.1, Apple will be updating it to an iPhone X-style model [Source: MacRumors]. Given the radical change in design, this is another step to say that this design is the future, which I think is a nice touch. Take a look at the change below.

Image Credit: MacRumors

Apple Park in Venom

This weekend, the big movie to see is Venom. For those of you who plan to see it soon, be sure to look out for a small Apple Park reference. Within the first five minutes of the movie, Eddie Brock will briefly mention Silicon Valley in his news report, as the movie's setting is San Francisco. There is a short clip of Apple Park drone footage in the bottom right corner. I'm not sure if this is Apple's own footage, but I personally like to believe that Sony did a quick YouTube search for Apple Park and ripped a random person's drone footage without permission. Regardless, it is definitely cool to see Apple Park become such a landmark. It is almost synonymous with "Silicon Valley Tech Campus" to many.

Remembering Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs passed away seven years ago today, October 5, 2011. To me, he represented Apple's golden era, giving us products we didn't know we needed and never following the competition. He was Apple's best leader. When Steve was in charge, you could look at the "smartphone" section of a Target and you would see a ton of cheap phones surrounding the iPhone. The iPhone stood out. It was new, different, but with no compromises. It was truly the ultimate phone. Polished and stable software and always pushing the boundaries of what a phone can do. You can hardly say that today with the current competition. Steve Jobs was truly a crazy one.

Apple actually still has a memorial hosted on their website to Steve Jobs. It has different posts from people around the world. Many of them are from 2011, which make for some interesting trips down memory lane.

iOS 12 Overtakes iOS 11

iOS 12 released about two weeks ago and Mixpanel has some interesting information about the iOS install base. iOS 12 is sitting about neck and neck with iOS 11 in terms of installation percent. As of writing this, iOS 12 barely takes the cake with 47.49% install, over iOS 11 with 45.65% install (the remaining percent being an older operating system). Today was the day where iOS 12 overtook iOS 11. That's definitely a perk for iOS developers, as Android's install base has historically been scattered. When I got my Moto G for Android development about five years ago, Android Lollipop made up a few percentage points at best of the install base. Today, it is the default version of Android to develop for due to its install base.

New Wi-Fi Naming Scheme

For years, we've referred to Wi-Fi standards using a complicated naming scheme. The device you're using is likely using the 802.11ac standard. Before that was 802.11n. As you can see, it can be a bit difficult accurately referring to each standard. So for the upcoming release of 802.11ax the Wi-Fi alliance is making a change to the naming scheme used. 802.11ax will be referred to as Wi-Fi 6. 802.11ac will be Wi-Fi 5 and so on. Putting an easy numerical identifier, along with the use of "Wi-Fi" makes it instantly clear what you're referring to. Wi-Fi 6 will be overall much faster than Wi-Fi 5 with some other performance enhancements.

Apple Pay Student IDs Rolling Out to Select Schools Today

Student ID cards can be a pain to constantly take out at a university. They're used for everything, from going to the gym, to using your meal plan, to attending a career fair. With NFC on the rise and magnetic strips on their way out, it's about time that smartphones and student ID cards got together. Today, students attending Duke University, University of Alabama, and University of Oklahoma can start using their student ID card on their iPhone and Apple Watch. When set to Express Mode, this works like the Suica card for Japanese transit when used for Apple Pay. You don't have to open any app, you just have to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to the scanner and it just works. Johns Hopkins, Santa Clara and Temple Universities will have student ID support by the end of the year. I can imagine that plenty of universities will be added throughout 2019.

Everyone Can Create

With the recent rebranding of iBooks, Apple has released some crash course books in different creative ways to use your iOS devices. It's a full on curriculum with teacher companions to make projects easy to make. The guides encompass drawing, music, photos, and video. All of the books are available for free in the Apple Books store.