Microsoft-owned GitHub has released a new iPhone and iPad app to help developers manage projects on the go.
The new app doesn't aim to provide a complete developer environment – instead it provides a convenient way for devs to stay in touch with teams, organize tasks, give feedback, respond to comments, and review and merge pull requests when away from a computer.
There's a lot you can do on GitHub that doesn't require a complex development environment – like sharing feedback on a design discussion, or reviewing a few lines of code. GitHub for iOS lets you move work forward wherever you are. Stay in touch with your team, triage issues, and even merge, right from the app. We're making these tasks easy for you to perform, no matter where you work, with a beautifully native experience.
GitHub for iOS includes an inbox-style interface for keeping on top of notifications, quick emoji responses to comments, organization tools like labels and projects, and a native read-only code browser.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak that has many people in the United States and other countries sheltering inside their homes to avoid spreading the infection, some game developers have opted to make their games available to play for free.
Alto's Odyssey and Alto's Adventure, two popular endless runner-style games are available at no cost at the current time on iOS and macOS as the developer has dropped the price due to the coronavirus. Kingdom Rush and Kingdom Rush Origins, two popular strategy games for iOS, can also be downloaded for free.
We're compiling a list of paid games that have gone free below, and we'll add to it if we find additional titles:
If you're at home because of the coronavirus, this is also potentially a good time to try Apple Arcade if you haven't already used your free trial, though it's also a worthwhile way to spend $4.99 for a month of gaming as there are a wide range of great titles available.
We've listed some favorites below, though there are quite a few different games that will suit all tastes.
"Beastie Boys Story," a Spike Jonze documentary on the Beastie Boys that has been picked up by Apple, has had its theatrical release date delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and the closure of many theaters across the United States.
According to Deadline, a new theatrical release date will be announced at a later date, but Apple is still planning to stream the documentary on Apple TV+ starting on April 24.
"Our highest priority is the health of our audiences and employees, as well as their families and communities," said an IMAX spokesperson in a statement given to Deadline. "Given the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting theatre closures nationwide, we have decided to postpone the theatrical release of 'Beastie Boys Story' to a later date, which will be announced as soon as possible. IMAX ticket holders can receive a full refund by contacting their local theatre. Beastie Boys Story, directed by Spike Jonze, will premiere on Apple TV+ on April 24."
"Beastie Boys Story" is described as a live documentary experience focusing on the history and legacy of the Beastie Boys and their personal stories. It is based on the "Beastie Boys Book," which was published in October 2018, and will feature band members Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz discussing their long-running friendship and rise to fame.
Many theatrical releases planned for the near future have been postponed. "A Quiet Place 2" is no longer coming out in March, and Disney has pushed back the release of "Black Widow" and "Mulan."
The United States government is in talks with Facebook, Google, and other tech companies about how location data from smartphones can be used to combat the coronavirus, reports The Washington Post.
Tech companies could aggregate anonymous location data that could be used to map the spread of the coronavirus and determine whether social distancing is an effective virus mitigation strategy. The discussions, and the project, are in the early stages.
Facebook executives have said that the government is interested in understanding the patterns of people's movements, which can be provided through Facebook data. Facebook has in the past offered this kind of information in the form of disease prevention maps for health researchers, and officials could use the data to predict hotspots and where to allocate health resources.
"We're encouraged by American technology companies looking to leverage aggregate, anonymized data to glean key insights for COVID-19 modeling efforts," said an official with the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy, who spoke only on condition of anonymity.
Government sources say they are "not building a government database" and that insights gleaned from location data could "help public health officials, researchers, and scientists improve their understanding of the spread of COVID19 and transmission of the disease."
As The Washington Post points out, using smartphone location data in this way could make some Americans uncomfortable, depending on how it's implemented. The data that Facebook provides for other disease tracking projects limits the granularity of location data to a third of a mile, with no data provided about an individual's movement.
"You're trying to predict the probability that a group of people in Prince George's County might interact with a group of people from D.C.," said Laura McGorman, who leads the project. Such a prediction could offer clues for how infections might travel.
Multiple tech companies, including Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon, met with White House officials last week, where they were asked to help the government with its response to the growing outbreak.
Google is now working on an informational coronavirus website that's set to launch in the near future, which comes after President Trump mistakenly announced that Google was working on a comprehensive site that would allow people to check symptoms, arrange tests, and get test results.
Verily, a Google company, had planned to launch a coronavirus-focused website limited to the Bay Area of California, and the purpose of the site was misstated, leading to confusion. The Bay Area site has since launched, but Google is also now working on a site offering "COVID-19 education, prevention, and local resources."
White House officials, tech experts, and health officials have also created a portal of more than 29,000 coronavirus research papers that let AI tools scan and analyze data to discover new insights.
More information on the plans to use smartphone location data for combating the coronavirus can be found in The Washington Post's full article.
AltConf, which is a popular alternative conference for developers that takes place at the same time as Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, has been canceled for 2020 following Apple's announcement that WWDC is set to be a digital only event.
AltConf is designed for developers who are unable to get a ticket to WWDC, and typically, there's an event in San Jose along with satellite events around the world.
Much like many of our contemporaries, AltConf has been watching carefully the spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout the world, and assessing how this potentially affects the many worldwide AltConf events.
Unfortunately, we've come to the conclusion that it would not be prudent or safe to put on any AltConf events in 2020. It's been a tough call to make, but the safety of our team, our attendees, and the public as a whole is our most important priority.
AltConf had planned to host events in San Jose, London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Lisbon, NYC, Tokyo, and São Paulo. None of the events will be made digital as AltConf is meant to be an in-person affair that's offered as an alternative to WWDC. With WWDC taking place in a digital capacity, everyone will have the same opportunities for attendance, networking, and learning what Apple has to offer in 2020.
According to Elkin, if there is a way to bring some of the satellite events to their cities in a safe way in 2020, that may happen, but for now, it's not the plan. There will, however, be AltConf events that will take place in 2021 alongside the WWDC 2021 event.
Chinese display maker BOE has partnered with touch panel maker General Interface Solutions as both companies aim to become suppliers of Apple's rumored 5.4-inch iPhone, according to a paywalled report from DigiTimes.
Apple plans to release four so-called iPhone 12 models with OLED displays in the fall, including one 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch models, and one 6.7-inch model, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. All of the devices are expected to support 5G and they may sport a new design that includes more of a flat edged metal frame like the iPad Pro or iPhone 4.
The new 5.4-inch iPhone would be the smallest iPhone that Apple has ever offered with a notched display. By comparison, the iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch display and the iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 6.5-inch display. With a notch, slim bezels, and lack of a home button, the 5.4-inch iPhone would have an even smaller footprint than the 4.7-inch iPhone 8.
Whereas the highest-end iPhone 12 models are expected to sport triple-lens rear camera systems with a time-of-flight sensor for 3D sensing, mid-range models like the 5.4-inch iPhone are said to have a dual-lens array and, according to 9to5Mac, may lack 3D sensing.
Popular digital film collection platform Movies Anywhere today announced that it will begin letting users lend their digital movies to friends, with a new feature called "Screen Pass" (via The Verge).
Screen Pass will let you share up to three films each month, and your friend will have seven days to accept the offer, after which they will gain access to the film for 14 days. Once started, recipients will have three days to finish watching the film.
Both users will need a Movies Anywhere account, but there won't be a limit on how many times a film can be shared or how many people you share it with in a month. This means that you can share the same movie to two different people, for example, while still being able to watch it in your own library.
Not every movie will support Screen Pass, but Movies Anywhere said that over 6,000 titles will be eligible when the feature kicks off in beta later today. Eligible movies will be determined by studios, so it's likely that newer releases or very popular films won't see Screen Pass support.
Movies Anywhere is a digital locker service that houses all of your movies from platforms like iTunes, Amazon Video, Vudu, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV, Fandango Now, and more. When synced with Movies Anywhere, all of these accounts feed into the central service and let you see your entire digital collection in one place.
The closed beta will start today at 1 p.m. PT, and an open beta is planned for May. Afterwards, a wide launch of Screen Pass is slated for later in the year.
Anker's newest round of discounts have hit Amazon this week, offering shoppers a chance to save on Bluetooth speakers, wall chargers, wireless chargers, portable batteries, and Lightning cables. As usual, Anker's discounts will only last for a few days, so be sure to visit Amazon to make your purchase soon if you're interested.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
You'll find Bluetooth speakers on sale starting at $27.88, as well as a solid deal across the company's PowerCore Slim line of 10,000 mAh portable batteries (in every color). You can get your favorite colorway for $22.99, down from $39.99 this week. Most of these sales are automatically discounted, but some do require a coupon code, which you can find below.
Amazon and Best Buy today have introduced new sales on the 2019 iPad and iPad Air, including a few lowest-ever prices on the latter tablet. For the iPad, you'll see up to $50 off Wi-Fi models, including both 32GB and 128GB, priced at $279.00 and $395.00 respectively.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The iPad Air has deeper discounts, with $99 off every model this week at Best Buy. These low prices start at $399.99 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model of the 10.5-inch iPad Air, and also include the 256GB model at $549.99. Additionally, Best Buy is discounting the cellular models, starting at $529.99 for 64GB.
10.2-inch iPad
32GB, Wi-Fi - $279.00, down from $329.00 ($50 off)
128GB, Wi-Fi - $395.00, down from $429.00 ($34 off)
10.5-inch iPad Air
64GB, Wi-Fi - $399.99, down from $499.00 ($99 off, lowest ever)
256GB, Wi-Fi - $549.99, down from $649.00 ($99 off, lowest ever)
64GB, Cellular - $529.99, down from $629.00 ($99 off, lowest ever)
Long-standing mobile phone retailer Carphone Warehouse has announced that it will close all 531 of its standalone stores on Britain's high streets next month, with around 60 percent of staff (2,900) set to lose their jobs.
As part of the same company that owns Currys PC World, Carphone Warehouse has 350 mini-shops inside 305 of those stores, but these will not be affected by the changes.
The standalone stores will close on April 3. The move is not related to the coronavirus outbreak, but rather the result of the changing mobile market, according to the firm.
Group chief executive Alex Baldock told BBC News that customers were increasingly buying online and from its big stores, which sell computers and TVs as well as mobiles.
"They can't find all this in the small mobile-only stores that are one-twentieth of the size; they're visiting these less and these stores are losing more money as a result," he added.
The company says the closures represent around 8 percent of its current selling area, and the move is "an essential next step" towards making its mobile business a sustainable and profitable category.
"We have to take the difficult decisions to throw our weight behind the parts of the business that the customers are showing us they want... that's with the big stores and that's online."
Carphone Warehouse and Dixons Retail merged in 2017 to become Dixons Carphone, in a bid to fend off tough competition from internet players like Amazon. However, the online strategy has failed to pay dividends and the merged entity has lost £90 million a year as a result.
Almost 40 percent of staff (1,800) affected by the closures are expected to take new roles in the business, the firm said.
Classicbot, known for its line of Apple-inspired plush toys and figurines like the iBot G3, today introduced its newest figurine, the iBoy, which has been designed as an homage to Apple's 2001 iPod Classic.
Available for pre-order on Kickstarter, the iBoy, created by designer Philip Lee, is a cross between a robot and an iPod with a functional rotating click wheel, a mirror-like chrome finish on the back, antenna formed from EarPods, and magnetic arms.
There are no electronic parts inside as the iBoy is meant to be a figurine for display, but it does look like a functional MP3 player. With the magnetic limbs and EarPods pulled off, it can convert from robot mode to an MP3 player mode that more closely resembles the iPod.
While the rear of the iBoy has the chrome finish at the back, the body is made from an iPod-like glossy white ABS plastic, silk-screened details complete with ports, clickable buttons, and the aforementioned click wheel that actually turns.
Though we often shy away from sharing Kickstarter projects because of issues with production and oft-delayed release dates, Classicbot's Philip Lee has an established storefront and experience making many other similar toys.
The first iBoys are expected to be released in November 2020, and the earliest pre-order customers on Kickstarter can pick one up for HK$ 229, which is about $30 in U.S. currency. iBoys will come with a series of limited-edition mini posters featuring the iBoy in different poses and environments.
Update: With the project fully funded, Classicbot is adding a new black color option for users to choose from. Backers will be able to select a black iPod with a red dial, modeled after the U2 edition.
Four new iPad Pro models were temporarily listed in a Chinese user manual for iPadOS 13 on Apple's website, including two 11-inch and two 12.9-inch models, as spotted by the blog iPhone in Canada. The new model numbers include A2228, A2229, A2231, and A2233. Apple removed all four models from the user manual earlier today.
Four new iPad Pro models in Chinese user manual on Apple's website, since removed
All of this is increasing evidence that an iPad Pro refresh could be on the horizon. A few months ago, noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo forecasted that Apple will launch new iPad Pro models with a triple-lens rear camera system and 3D sensing for augmented reality in the first half of 2020, although it is unclear if the COVID-19 pandemic has changed that plan.
Update: CoinX, an anonymous Twitter account with a reputable track record, has hinted that an iPad Pro refresh could be on the horizon.
Apple retail stores will be closed until further notice, according to a new banner posted on Apple's website (via 9to5Mac).
Apple on Friday shut down all of its retail stores outside of greater China for a two week period in an effort to cut down on the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the United States and other countries.
Following the store closures, Apple published a FAQ on its website answering key questions customers might have about repairs and returns. As of writing, the FAQ still says that Apple stores will be closed outside of Greater China through March 27, suggesting Apple has yet to update the page to reflect the change.
Notably, the banner currently only appears on Apple's U.S. website, so whether or not the indefinite closures apply to all retail stores outside of China is unclear.
As part of its measures to limit the spread of coronavirus, the U.S. administration on Monday advised the public to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, so it's possible that Apple's decision to close stores "until further notice" is a response to that guidance.
Apple plans to continue to pay its hourly workers during the store closures and has expanded leave policies to accommodate personal or family health circumstances created by COVID-19, including recovering from an illness, caring for a sick loved one, mandatory quarantining, or childcare challenges.
As promised, Anker has updated its EufyCam 2 security camera with support for HomeKit Secure Video, which allows the cameras to capture and store recordings securely in iCloud.
As noted by iMore, the free update adds secure video recording directly to Apple's Home app for users with a paid iCloud storage plan.
EufyCam 2 is one of the first security cameras to support Apple's new HomeKit Secure Video feature. Support for the feature was first unveiled during Apple's WWDC 2019 keynote, but it wasn't available when the eufyCam 2 launched last fall.
The firmware containing the support is version 2.5.9 and is currently rolling out to EufyCam 2 owners as a silent automatic update. Users can also manually check the availability of the new software via the firmware update option in the eufy Security mobile app.
The release notes don't mention the feature addition, so it's unclear whether Anker's other HomeKit camera, the eufyCam 2C, is also getting the upgrade.
According to Apple, HomeKit Secure Video is only available to users that pay for 200GB or more of iCloud storage, starting at $2.99 per month. Users with the 200GB plan can store 10 days of recordings from one camera in iCloud at no extra cost, while those with a 2TB plan can store 10 days of recordings from up to five cameras. HomeKit Secure Video recordings do not count towards a user's iCloud storage usage.
Update: A spokesperson for Anker informed the blog iPhone in Canada that the rollout of HomeKit Secure Video for the EufyCam 2 has been delayed until mid to late April.
Universal Pictures is set to make new movies on global theatrical release concurrently available for rental via iTunes, Amazon, and other digital platforms, NBCUniversal has announced (via Deadline).
New releases including The Invisible Man, The Hunt, and Emma will be available to watch online as soon as this Friday, March 20, with each movie offered as a 48-hour on-demand rental for the suggested price of $19.99 in the U.S., and equivalent prices in international markets.
In addition, DreamWorks Animation's Trolls World Tour, which is scheduled for cinematic release on April 10 in the U.S., is set to become available domestically in theaters and on demand on the same day.
The announcement followed a historically poor weekend at the box office, as measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic saw theaters close and consumers prepare for a collective shut-in at home.
"Universal Pictures has a broad and diverse range of movies with 2020 being no exception. Rather than delaying these films or releasing them into a challenged distribution landscape, we wanted to provide an option for people to view these titles in the home that is both accessible and affordable," said Jeff Shell, CEO of NBCUniversal, in a statement. "We hope and believe that people will still go to the movies in theaters where available, but we understand that for people in different areas of the world that is increasingly becoming less possible."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the move doesn't apply to the studio's entire 2020 calendar, and decisions regarding other titles and the duration of the policy have yet to be made.
Several films, including the next James Bond installment No Time to Die and the ninth Fast & Furious movie, have already been delayed because of the virus. Apple has also suspended all active filming on Apple TV+ projects from outside studios, temporarily pausing work on "The Morning Show," "Foundation," "See," "Lisey's Story," "Servant," and "For All Mankind."
The United States International Trade Commission today announced an investigation into possible patent violations involving capacitive touch-controlled devices, computers, and components created by Apple, Amazon, Samsung, and others, reports Reuters.
According to a document announcing the investigation [PDF], it stems from a February complaint filed by Irish company Neodron claiming Apple and other companies are infringing on Neodron-owned patents related to touch-based devices.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Neodron, Ltd., of Dublin, Ireland, on February 14, 2020. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain capacitive touch-controlled mobile devices, computers, and components thereof that infringe patents asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
The ITC will investigate the complaint, which involves Amazon, Apple, ASUSTek, ASUS computer International, LG Electronics, LG Electronics USA, Microsoft, Motorola, Samsung, Sony, and Sony Mobile Communications to determine if there have been patent violations under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
Neodron is ultimately seeking a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders against the companies involved in the investigation. The ITC says that the launch of the investigation does not mean that a decision has been made on the merits of the case.
The case will be assigned to an administrative law judge who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing to make an initial determination as to whether there is indeed a patent infringement issue.
The U.S. ITC previously announced a similar investigation into touch-controlled devices, computers, and components in June, but Apple was not part of that particular investigation, which has now been expanded.
Six San Francisco Bay Area counties this afternoon issued a shelter-in-place mandate that affects close to seven million people along with businesses in the area, including Apple Stores, reports The San Francisco Chronicle.
In the counties of San Francisco, Marin, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, and Contra Costa, along with the city of Berkeley, residents must stay inside and venture out only for necessities. Santa Clara county includes Apple's headquarters and many additional offices, while there are multiple Apple Stores across the six affected counties.
People must work from home unless they provide essential services like public safety, sanitation, and medical services. Pharmacies, banks, and grocery stores will remain open, as will restaurants, but only for take out. Veterinary services, gas stations, hardware stores, and other essential shops are permitted to remain open, but other non-essential stores will close.
Non-essential gatherings of any size are banned, along with non-essential travel "on foot, bicycle, scooter, automobile, or public transit."
Given the shelter-in-place order, Apple Stores in the Bay Area are not likely to be able to reopen on March 27 as planned, as the order is set to last for three weeks at this time, ending on April 7 at the earliest.
The shelter-in-place order in the Bay Area is the most restrictive in the United States at this time, and have been put in place to halt the spread of the virus. The Bay Area has 251 reported cases of coronavirus at this time, but infectious disease experts believe there could be hundreds and possibly thousands of cases in the area that are undiagnosed due to testing issues.
Fortune today published a list of the 100 "greatest designs of modern times," featuring products that have made people's lives simpler, better, and more stylish.
Apple's iPhone, which first came out in 2007 and has since been updated every year, made the number one spot on the list for the way that it has "transformed human communication" and impacted almost every aspect of our lives.
"An iPod, a phone, an Internet communicator" was how the late Steve Jobs announced the iPhone to the world in 2007. At the time it was an impressive claim. Now it seems like a massive understatement for a device that changed how we live. Analysts were initially skeptical that Apple could succeed selling a premium phone for $499 in a market in which most devices were subsidized or given away by carriers. But by relentlessly pushing the envelope of hardware and software design, adding a professional-grade camera, and creating an ecosystem of apps and services, Apple has sold more than 2 billion iPhones--and in the process has become the most valuable company in the world.
Another Apple product, the 1984 Macintosh, made the second spot on the list for defining the personal computer revolution.
Six other Apple products were also included on the list in various spots. The 2001 iPod came in 10th, the 2006 MacBook Pro took the 14th spot, the App Store was 22nd, iOS is in the 29th spot, the Apple Watch made the list at spot number 46, and Apple Pay was also included as the 64th product on the list.
For its list, Fortune teamed up with the IIT Institute of Design and polled educators, influencers, freelance designers, and corporate design teams on the designs they consider "truly great," using that information to compile a top 100 list.
The complete list, which also includes products and services like Google Search, the Sony Walkman, Uber, Netflix, Google Maps, the Tesla Model S, and more, can be found on Fortune's website.
Apple's first foldable iPhone, with a book-style design featuring a ~5.5-inch outer display and a ~7.8-inch inner display with a minimal crease down the middle.
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