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Thursday, September 5, 2019
Private Messaging Apps 'Scrambling' to Overhaul Software Following Apple Privacy Changes
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Apple in iOS 13 introduced a change that limits data collection practices using VoIP APIs, which has consequences for messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
According to a new report from The Information, the makers of encrypted messaging apps like Signal, Wickr, Threema, and Wire are now scrambling to overhaul their software to protect key privacy features that they believe may be compromised by the changes.
In a statement to The Information, an Apple spokesperson said that Apple is working with developers to alleviate their concerns.
What Apple is doing is limiting the PushKit API, which was designed to be used for VoIP calls but over time, has also been used for other purposes such as collecting data and, in the case of messaging apps, encryption. In iOS 13, the PushKit API is limited to internet calls, with Apple eliminating its other uses.
Encrypted messaging apps currently use the VoIP APIs Apple is restricting for decrypting messages on the iPhone in the background, and the change disables that functionality.
App developers will be able to work around Apple's changes, but Tom Leavy, a VP at encrypted Messaging app Wickr said that it's a "significant engineering effort" that was unexpected. Makers of encrypted messaging apps are said to be exploring "alternative tools" in iOS to work, but they're said to be "way inferior" to the existing PushKit option.
Apple is giving app developers until April 2020 to comply with the changes to the PushKit API, but developers who want to update their apps for iOS 13 and take advantage of new features must follow PushKit restrictions sooner.
This article, "Private Messaging Apps 'Scrambling' to Overhaul Software Following Apple Privacy Changes" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple in iOS 13 introduced a change that limits data collection practices using VoIP APIs, which has consequences for messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
According to a new report from The Information, the makers of encrypted messaging apps like Signal, Wickr, Threema, and Wire are now scrambling to overhaul their software to protect key privacy features that they believe may be compromised by the changes.
In a statement to The Information, an Apple spokesperson said that Apple is working with developers to alleviate their concerns.
"We've heard feedback on the API changes introduced in iOS 13 to further protect user privacy and are working closely with iOS developers to help them implement their feature requests."Julia Weiss, a spokesperson for Threema, said that Apple's changes may actually result "in the opposite of the privacy goals the changes were supposed to achieve."
What Apple is doing is limiting the PushKit API, which was designed to be used for VoIP calls but over time, has also been used for other purposes such as collecting data and, in the case of messaging apps, encryption. In iOS 13, the PushKit API is limited to internet calls, with Apple eliminating its other uses.
Encrypted messaging apps currently use the VoIP APIs Apple is restricting for decrypting messages on the iPhone in the background, and the change disables that functionality.
App developers will be able to work around Apple's changes, but Tom Leavy, a VP at encrypted Messaging app Wickr said that it's a "significant engineering effort" that was unexpected. Makers of encrypted messaging apps are said to be exploring "alternative tools" in iOS to work, but they're said to be "way inferior" to the existing PushKit option.
Apple is giving app developers until April 2020 to comply with the changes to the PushKit API, but developers who want to update their apps for iOS 13 and take advantage of new features must follow PushKit restrictions sooner.
This article, "Private Messaging Apps 'Scrambling' to Overhaul Software Following Apple Privacy Changes" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple Updates Apple TV Special Event App Ahead of September 10 iPhone Debut
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Apple is set to unveil its latest flagship iPhones on Tuesday, September 10, and ahead of that date, the company has updated its Apple Special Event app for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV models and the Events channel for older Apple TV devices.
Apple is planning to live stream the "By Innovation Only" event, and the live stream will be available through the aforementioned Events app and on Apple's Events website.
The live stream will kick off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, which is Cupertino's local time. On the east coast, it will start at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Apple is set to show off three new iPhones with upgraded camera capabilities, new Apple Watch models, and perhaps a few additional surprises such as the rumored "Apple Tag."
For those unable to watch the live stream, MacRumors will provide full event coverage both on MacRumors.com and through the MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
We'll also be providing a spoiler-free article that will offer up a direct link to the presentation for those who plan to watch it at a later time but don't want to see spoilers.
This article, "Apple Updates Apple TV Special Event App Ahead of September 10 iPhone Debut" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple is set to unveil its latest flagship iPhones on Tuesday, September 10, and ahead of that date, the company has updated its Apple Special Event app for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV models and the Events channel for older Apple TV devices.
Apple is planning to live stream the "By Innovation Only" event, and the live stream will be available through the aforementioned Events app and on Apple's Events website.
The live stream will kick off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, which is Cupertino's local time. On the east coast, it will start at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Apple is set to show off three new iPhones with upgraded camera capabilities, new Apple Watch models, and perhaps a few additional surprises such as the rumored "Apple Tag."
For those unable to watch the live stream, MacRumors will provide full event coverage both on MacRumors.com and through the MacRumorsLive Twitter account.
We'll also be providing a spoiler-free article that will offer up a direct link to the presentation for those who plan to watch it at a later time but don't want to see spoilers.
This article, "Apple Updates Apple TV Special Event App Ahead of September 10 iPhone Debut" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Samsung Cancels Galaxy Fold Pre-Orders in the U.S., Offers $250 Credit as Compensation
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Ahead of the upcoming Galaxy Fold launch, Samsung canceled pre-orders for customers who had previously signed on to purchase the device earlier this year.
Samsung this morning sent out emails to pre-order customers letting them know that their existing pre-orders, many of which were placed back in April, have been canceled. Samsung cites a rethinking of the customer experience as the reason why pre-orders were canceled.
Part of the new ordering process will include Samsung's "Galaxy Fold Premier Service," which offers customers "direct access" to Samsung experts and an optional one-on-one onboarding session that walks users through the Galaxy Fold features.
Pre-order customers who had their orders canceled are receiving a $250 Samsung credit that's redeemable for anything on the Samsung.com website.
Samsung initially delayed the Galaxy Fold after multiple reviewers ran into issues with the device. Some experienced screen failures, while others mistakenly removed a protective screen component that wasn't meant to be removed.
Samsung reengineered the Galaxy Fold to address the problems and improve durability. The top protective layer of the display was extended beyond the bezel so that it looks integrated and not like a screen protector to be removed.
The top and bottom hinge areas were strengthened with protection caps to prevent dust from getting under the display, additional metal layers under the display were included for reinforcement, and the space between the hinge and the body was reduced.
The Galaxy Fold is Samsung's first smartphone with a foldable display, able to convert from a 4.6-inch smartphone when folded to a 7.3-inch phablet when opened up. It features a 7-nanometer processor, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, six cameras, and an operating system designed for the folding mechanism.
The Galaxy Fold is priced starting at $1,980, and its new September launch date will put it in competition with Apple's 2019 flagship devices, which will be unveiled at a September 10 event next week.
This article, "Samsung Cancels Galaxy Fold Pre-Orders in the U.S., Offers $250 Credit as Compensation" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Ahead of the upcoming Galaxy Fold launch, Samsung canceled pre-orders for customers who had previously signed on to purchase the device earlier this year.
Samsung this morning sent out emails to pre-order customers letting them know that their existing pre-orders, many of which were placed back in April, have been canceled. Samsung cites a rethinking of the customer experience as the reason why pre-orders were canceled.
Ensuring that you have the best possible experience with this revolutionary new technology is our top priority. We are taking the time to rethink the entire customer experience - from purchase to unboxing, to post-purchase service - so in the meantime, we have, regrettably, decided to cancel your existing pre-order. While not an easy decision to make, we believe this is the right thing to do.Customers who had pre-orders will need to place orders once again when the Galaxy Fold launches in the United States later in September. Samsung is planning to launch the Galaxy Fold in South Korea on Friday, September 6, but the U.S. rollout is being delayed.
Part of the new ordering process will include Samsung's "Galaxy Fold Premier Service," which offers customers "direct access" to Samsung experts and an optional one-on-one onboarding session that walks users through the Galaxy Fold features.
Pre-order customers who had their orders canceled are receiving a $250 Samsung credit that's redeemable for anything on the Samsung.com website.
Samsung initially delayed the Galaxy Fold after multiple reviewers ran into issues with the device. Some experienced screen failures, while others mistakenly removed a protective screen component that wasn't meant to be removed.
Samsung reengineered the Galaxy Fold to address the problems and improve durability. The top protective layer of the display was extended beyond the bezel so that it looks integrated and not like a screen protector to be removed.
The top and bottom hinge areas were strengthened with protection caps to prevent dust from getting under the display, additional metal layers under the display were included for reinforcement, and the space between the hinge and the body was reduced.
The Galaxy Fold is Samsung's first smartphone with a foldable display, able to convert from a 4.6-inch smartphone when folded to a 7.3-inch phablet when opened up. It features a 7-nanometer processor, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, six cameras, and an operating system designed for the folding mechanism.
The Galaxy Fold is priced starting at $1,980, and its new September launch date will put it in competition with Apple's 2019 flagship devices, which will be unveiled at a September 10 event next week.
Tags: Samsung, Galaxy Fold
This article, "Samsung Cancels Galaxy Fold Pre-Orders in the U.S., Offers $250 Credit as Compensation" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Keyboard Maker Brydge Acquires Henge Docks
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Brydge, known for its line of keyboards designed for Apple's iPads, today announced its acquisition of Henge Docks, a company known for its docking solutions for Mac devices.
Brydge says that it wants to create a new range of complementary devices that would "enhance the lives of individuals" and give them a way to seamlessly transition from one device to another.
This article, "Keyboard Maker Brydge Acquires Henge Docks" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Brydge, known for its line of keyboards designed for Apple's iPads, today announced its acquisition of Henge Docks, a company known for its docking solutions for Mac devices.
Brydge says that it wants to create a new range of complementary devices that would "enhance the lives of individuals" and give them a way to seamlessly transition from one device to another.
"We've always been major supporters of Henge Docks and their products. This acquisition allows Brydge to accelerate our expansion into a proven category with products that are deeply aligned with our product roadmap. The opportunity to leverage Henge Docks' reputation in Apple-compatible products, as the springboard into similar products for other key brands such as Microsoft and Google is a milestone for our company and significantly increases our reach in the industry," said Nick Smith, Co-CEO and Founder of Brydge.Brydge is aiming to be the leader in "high quality, design-focused peripherals" and says that the Henge Docks acquisition is an "exciting step towards this vision."
Tags: Brydge, Henge Docks
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New Geekbench scores reveal big performance bump for Mediatek’s upcoming Chromebook chips
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Apple is 'Watching Cryptocurrency' and Wants to Do More With Tipping and Mobile IDs
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Apple Pay vice president Jennifer Bailey recently sat down with CNN anchor Christine Romans at a private event in San Francisco to discuss the future of payments, including Apple Pay and the Apple Card.
Apple Pay vice president Jennifer Bailey via CNN Business
As to be expected, Bailey made some boilerplate comments about the security, privacy, and ease of use of both Apple Pay and the Apple Card, but she also touched on cryptocurrency, tipping, and mobile IDs.
On cryptocurrency, Bailey said it is an "interesting" field with "long-term potential":
This article, "Apple is 'Watching Cryptocurrency' and Wants to Do More With Tipping and Mobile IDs" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple Pay vice president Jennifer Bailey recently sat down with CNN anchor Christine Romans at a private event in San Francisco to discuss the future of payments, including Apple Pay and the Apple Card.
As to be expected, Bailey made some boilerplate comments about the security, privacy, and ease of use of both Apple Pay and the Apple Card, but she also touched on cryptocurrency, tipping, and mobile IDs.
On cryptocurrency, Bailey said it is an "interesting" field with "long-term potential":
We're watching cryptocurrency. We think it's interesting. We think it has interesting long-term potential, but we're primarily focused on what consumers are using today… and are happy with. Most people are pretty happy with their debit card as an example. And so helping people do that in a more secure way on our platform and in a more real time way is what we're focused on.On tipping, Bailey said it is one area where Apple still needs to "work more on that":
We get that feedback a lot from customers about when they start using mobile payments and Apple Pay, they stop carrying cash. And one of the key areas where they would like us to do more is actually in tipping. You'll see in some of the point-of-sale systems now great tipping functionality if you pay with mobile payments, but still that personal touch is one area where we still need to work more on that.Apple Pay and the Wallet app have already provided digital alternatives to credit and debit cards, student IDs, movie tickets, boarding passes, and more. Asked what the hardest remaining item in a wallet would be to digitize, Bailey said identities, such as a driver's license or a passport:
I think the hardest thing is identity. And the reason is that identity, to be legal, has to be government issued… it has to be authenticated by the government. We see across the globe many countries starting to use mobile to add passport… you might use mobile passport when you're going through airports today. It is moving, and I think it will continue. It's not too far away… it just won't be as fast as some of the other activities we have.Bailey also confirmed that Apple is "working on" allowing users to export their Apple Card financial data to a budgeting app like Mint.
Related Roundup: Apple Pay
Tag: Jennifer Bailey
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