News Summary
Apple Music for Christmas: Exclusive Songs to Convince Subscriptions
Publish Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:22:49 +0000
Apple Music has released a special collection of reinterpretations of well-known Christmas songs exclusively available on its platform. The selection, offering a fresh take on classic holiday melodies, was recorded by a group of international artists in spatial 3D audio. This release features two main playlists: „Christmas Songs: Cover Versions“ with pop and indie artists and „Classical Christmas Songs Rediscovered“ with classical musicians. Apple Music also offers seven additional playlists covering various moods, from „Holiday Piano“ to „A Very Gospel Christmas,“ available exclusively with a subscription.
X: Blocked Users Can Still Read Posts
Publish Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:03:16 +0000
After being acquired by Elon Musk and renamed X, the quality of the former Twitter platform has declined. The latest controversial change allows blocked users to view public posts but prevents them from interacting. Critics say this compromises user privacy and potentially exposes them to harassment. The update may also violate App Store guidelines, which require functions to protect against harassment.
Prime Video Introduces AI-Generated Recaps
Publish Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:31:52 +0000
Amazon has announced „X-Ray Recaps,“ a new feature for Prime Video allowing users to get brief, non-spoiler summaries of series or episodes, generated by AI to help viewers recall the storyline after pauses. This will be integrated into Prime Video’s existing X-Ray features, but initially available only in the U.S. and on Fire TV devices.
Mac Mini Available with Price Reduction Before Launch
Publish Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2024 08:48:43 +0000
Amazon offers the new Mac Mini at a discounted price before its official release date, with savings potential varying by configuration between 25 and 30 euros due to its pre-order price guarantee. Meanwhile, Apple’s shipment times for the model have been pushed back into late November, apart from certain high-end configurations.
macOS 15.2 Brings Weather Information to Menu Bar
Publish Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2024 06:59:45 +0000
With the developer preview of macOS Sequoia 15.2, Apple introduces a built-in weather display in the menu bar, showing current conditions and temperature with more details accessible via the dropdown menu. This basic integration includes forecast updates and is derived from multiple international data sources, including Germany’s weather service.
EU Commission Investigates iPadOS for DMA Compliance
Publish Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:00:39 +0000
The EU has initiated a review to ensure that Apple’s iPadOS complies with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) following mandatory execution adjustments earlier this year. Apple was required to allow alternative app marketplaces and better access to iPadOS features for third-party accessories, and the commission will assess adherence to these rules.
WOW: Cross-Device Watching and New Promotion
Publish Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2024 18:44:16 +0000
WOW, a streaming service, will offer a new feature allowing subscribers to continue watching across devices without losing progress. Additionally, there is a new promotional offer: WOW Movies & Series + Paramount+ package at a reduced rate, including a one-year free Paramount+ subscription.
GrandTotal 9.0 Available as Upgrade for Classic Licenses
Publish Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:53:28 +0000
GrandTotal, a Mac application for creating invoices, has released version 9.0, offering new enhancements for owners of classic licenses as a one-off purchase. While newer features are available to subscription users, classic license users can still upgrade to receive the latest software capabilities and improvements.
CoverSutra 4: From iTunes Controller to Independent Music Player
Publish Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:53:48 +0000
CoverSutra has been re-released after 11 years, now as an independent music player for Mac’s menu bar, fetching local music collections from the user’s library. Originally an iTunes controller, the app now allows users to access and control their music without running Apple’s Music app, while also supporting shortcut functionality.
Apple’s Latest Find My Update Makes It Easier to Find Lost Items
Publish Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:30:49 +0000
The iOS 18.2 beta now includes a feature allowing the location of lost items to be shared with third parties, useful for strangers assisting in locating items. Recipients of the shared link do not need to use an Apple device, and provide a way for quicker recovery of lost belongings.
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