Vimeo today updated its macOS app with automatic uploading, giving its users a way to quickly and securely back up and bulk upload video files directly to Vimeo.
To do this, Vimeo users on Mac can create a synced folder on the Mac desktop and drop files into the folder, which automatically uploads them to Vimeo. The company says that if the Mac ever disconnects from Wi-Fi, the upload will pick up where it left off once connection is restored.
Automatic uploading cuts a ton of unnecessary steps out of your process. No more opening up Vimeo in your browser and dragging your files in one by one. No more sitting next to the computer and watching as the status bar creeps forward. No more losing track of which videos have been added. With automatic uploading, you can drop files in a synced folder and get on with your life.
Vimeo first launched an app for macOS one year ago this week, aimed at creators who use Apple's Final Cut Pro video editing software. The macOS app allows creators to export ProRes videos, adjust privacy settings and descriptions of videos, access video links and embed codes, and receive notifications about video activity.
iPhone continues to be the most popular smartphone among American teenagers based on a recent survey.
Shutterstock
A record 83 percent of U.S. teens own an iPhone as of spring 2019, according to investment bank Piper Jaffray's semiannual "Taking Stock With Teens" survey of around 8,000 high school students. Respondents were roughly 54 percent male and 46 percent female with an average age of 16.3 years.
Meanwhile, 86 percent of U.S. teens expect their next smartphone to be an iPhone, matching an all-time high set in fall 2018. This metric has steadily grown in Apple's favor over the years, rising from 75 percent in spring 2016.
iPhone popularity among teens is a good sign for Apple, as many of them could stick with the iPhone as an adult. Teens also become locked into the Apple ecosystem at an early age, becoming accustomed to services like iMessage, Apple Music, and iCloud as well as accessories like the AirPods and Apple Watch.
The survey found that 27 percent of U.S. teens own a smartwatch, while 22 percent of respondents plan to purchase an Apple Watch within the next six months. By comparison, 20 percent of teens said they plan to purchase an Apple Watch in the next six months in the year-ago survey.
Piper Jaffray divided its survey into two distinct income groups: "upper-income" with household incomes approximating $100,000 and "average-income" with household incomes approximating $55,000 based on zip code and census data.
In a fresh twist on recent iPhone rumors, Japanese tech blog Mac Otakara today reported that Apple plans to launch two entirely new 2019 iPhone models with triple-lens cameras, which would debut alongside internally updated versions of the current iPhone XR/XS/XS Max lineup.
Citing reliable sources in the Chinese supply chain, the report claims that the two new iPhone models would come with 6.1-inch and 6.5-inch OLED displays and the previously heavily rumored triple-lens camera system.
The report goes on to suggest the two new models will have a thicker body to compensate for the larger camera module, so the 6.1-inch model will be around 0.15mm thicker than the existing iPhone XS, while the camera bump will see a 0.5mm reduction in protrusion.
Likewise, the body of the 6.5-inch model will supposedly be 0.4mm thicker with a camera bump reduced by 0.25mm, which equates to an overall 0.2mm thickness increase over the current iPhone XS Max.
Mac Otakara claims the two new models will come with a USB-C to Lightning cable and an 18 Watt USB-C power adapter, with an ability for the rear of the phone to wirelessly charge Qi-compatible devices like Apple Watch and AirPods 2 "likely."
In general, the rumor mill narrative suggests triple lens camera systems are a given this year, but most other leaks – from OnLeaks in particular – have implied that the three-lens camera won't be exclusive to any one iPhone, and certainly don't suggest it will be a unique feature of additional models in Apple's lineup.
Given the leftfield claims, today's report should be taken with a grain of salt, although Mac Otakara has provided accurate information on unreleased iPhones in the past, so it's possible there's something to it.
The Netflix app for iPhone and iPad no longer appears to support AirPlay, based on an updated support document found on the Netflix website.
According to Netflix, AirPlay is no longer supported on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch due to "technical limitations." There are no details from Netflix on what those technical limitations might be.
Several MacRumors readers have attempted to use AirPlay with the Netflix app over the course of the last few days and have run into issues doing so from the Netflix app.
AirPlay can still be initiated using the Control Center on an iOS device, but when attempting to test the feature, we were unable to get Netflix content to play and received an error message.
It's not clear why AirPlay support has been removed from the Netflix app. The feature has been available since 2013 and it was working up until this week.
Netflix apps are available on the Apple TV, consoles, smart TVs, iOS devices, and more, so there's not a real need to use AirPlay to watch Netflix content, but there were instances where it was convenient to use.
Netflix has in recent months been making efforts to better protect its content. In December, Netflix stopped allowing customers to sign up for Netflix within the iOS app, and Netflix has never opted to participate in Apple's TV app, making it unavailable in the "Up Next" feature of Watch Now.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings recently confirmed that Netflix had no plans to be a part of Apple's TV plans and said that Netflix isn't interested in offering its content in alternate ways. "We want to have people watch our shows on our services," he said.
Update: A Netflix spokesperson provided further explanation on the company's decision to discontinue support for AirPlay on iOS devices, attributing it to the rollout of AirPlay support on third party devices and an inability to distinguish between them:
"We want to make sure our members have a great Netflix experience on any device they use. With AirPlay support rolling out to third-party devices, there isn't a way for us to distinguish between devices (what is an Apple TV vs. what isn't) or certify these experiences. Therefore, we have decided to discontinue Netflix AirPlay support to ensure our standard of quality for viewing is being met. Members can continue to access Netflix on the built-in app across Apple TV and other devices."
With the launch of macOS 10.15, Apple may be planning to release separate Music and Podcasts apps for the Mac, according to developer Steve Troughton-Smith.
In a tweet shared this afternoon, Troughton-Smith said that based on evidence he's discovered, Apple appears to be working on new UIKit-based Music, Podcasts, and Books apps for macOS, all three of which will join the TV app that Apple has said is in the works.
Separate apps for each of these services suggest that Apple is planning to break up the iTunes app for Mac, which is where Podcasts, Movies, and TV Shows are available at the current time. Apple already has a Books app, but an updated version or separate app that includes audiobooks could be in development.
I am now fairly confident based on evidence I don't wish to make public at this point that Apple is planning new (likely UIKit) Music, Podcasts, perhaps even Books, apps for macOS, to join the new TV app. I expect the four to be the next wave of Marzipan apps. Grain of salt, etc
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) April 5, 2019
Apple in macOS Mojave introduced the groundwork for cross-platform iOS and Mac apps, and Apple introduced dedicated Mac apps for Stocks, Home, Apple News, and Voice Memos. All of these apps were based on iOS apps, and with new the software coming in 2019, additional iOS apps could be brought to Mac to replace iTunes.
And yes, this means the much-discussed and long-awaited break up of iTunes. Finally!
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) April 5, 2019
Troughton-Smith has, in the past, shared accurate info on Apple's plans based on hints and code discovered in current versions of Apple's operating systems.
Apple in late March unveiled its new Apple News+ service, which is designed to let Apple News users access over 200 magazines and some paywalled news content for a $9.99 per month fee.
We've been using Apple News+ over the course of the last week and a half and in our latest YouTube video, we explore whether the service is worth the $9.99 monthly cost.
Apple News+ primarily focuses on magazines, and there are right around 240 to choose from right now. There are major titles like National Geographic and The New Yorker, along with many smaller specialty magazines. The subscription fee also includes access to some paywalled news content from sites like The Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Times, though as we'll explain, there are some caveats.
All the new Apple News+ content is accessible through a new Apple News+ section in the Apple News app, which is displayed regardless of whether you subscribe to Apple News+. Apple News+ features a My Magazines section with content that you're reading along with story and magazine suggestions from Apple News editors.
The user interface looks simple enough, but there are some quirks that have been confusing new subscribers. There's no clear way to add a new magazine to the My Magazines list, and in fact, you have to search for the title of the magazine in the standard Apple News interface and "favorite" it with a heart to get it to show up reliably in My Magazines or tap the title to get taken to an overview page, neither of which is intuitive.
To further confuse things, some magazines that you've read but haven't favorited will temporarily be displayed in My Magazines, and there are no options anywhere to control what shows up there, nor to customize content recommendations to make them more relevant to one's interests.
When it comes to the magazines themselves, newly released magazine issues from major companies have a digital-focused interface that lets you scroll through a list of stories to get to what you want to read, but for back issues and lesser known magazines, content is presented in a PDF format that's less than ideal.
PDFs look all right on iPad, but are difficult to read on iPhone, and the Mac interface for Apple News+ is no better. The single page spread on Mac features small text that's not easy to zoom into, making reading PDF-based magazines on most devices a less than stellar experience.
News content is included in Apple News+, but in the case of The Wall Street Journal, there are some limitations. While you can access The Wall Street Journal's full range of content, Apple is only highlighting a selection of general interest news stories, and to find anything else, you have to search. Apple News+ also only retains three days of archived content.
Other major newspapers like The New York Times and The Washington Post have refused to join Apple News+, and it's not clear if these publications will change their position.
Apple News+ is likely to improve in the future with interface updates and as more magazines adopt the customized digital-forward design, but right now, the service feels sloppy, unfinished, and confusing.
It's also not clear if it's something that will interest the general public given the heavy focus on magazines and the lack of subscription-based news that's available. Apple's prior magazine effort, Apple Newsstand, was ultimately unsuccessful. Unlimited access to magazine content might lure more readers, but whether this new venture will succeed remains to be seen.
Apple News+ had more than 200,000 subscribers following its March introduction, but all of those accounts are still on the one-month free trial that's available and are not yet paying customers.
Have you signed up for Apple News+ and do you plan to keep the subscription? Let us know in the comments, and if you have questions about Apple News+, make sure to check out our Apple News+ guide.
Last month we shared news of StackSocial's Epic Mac Bundle, which discounts eight useful Mac apps to a low price of $29.99 (valued at $478.71). This week, StackSocial gave us a heads up that this bundle will be ending for good on April 10 and ahead of that expiration date our readers have a chance to save even more on the bundle with an exclusive coupon code.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with StackSocial. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
To save on the Epic Mac Bundle, visit StackSocial, add the $29.99 bundle to your cart, and then head to the checkout screen. Once there, on the right side of the page enter the code LAST25 in the promo code box and click Apply. This will result in the bundle's $22.50 discount price, which is lasting for about six more days and will end Wednesday, April 10.
Fantastical 2 ($49.99 value): Manage your contacts, events, reminders, and more with Flexibits' popular app.
PDF Expert ($79.99 value): Quickly and easily edit PDF text, images, links, and outlines.
Flux 7 ($99.00 value): An HTML and CSS designing tool that enables you to create fully functioning websites.
Pagico 8 ($50.00 value): Stay organized and on task with an interactive flow chart that helps manage your projects and contacts.
Command-Tab Plus ($34.99 value): A keyboard-centric application switcher designed to let you switch between apps in a faster way than the typical Command + Tab.
iStat Menu ($14.99 value): Track useful Mac stats like real-time CPU, GPU, RAM, drive and network usage, Wi-Fi stats, and more.
iLocker Pro ($79.80 value): Password protect your apps and unlock them with Touch ID.
Ultdata Recovery ($69.95 value): Retrieve lost files from Macs, removable storage devices, partitions and volumes, and iOS devices
There is another discounted bundle on StackSocial this week, this one focused on creative apps from Corel. The Corel Creative Mac Bundle is valued at a total of $309.95 and available at a discounted price of $39.99 through June 30, 2019.
Just like with the Epic Mac Bundle, our readers have a chance to use an exclusive discount code and mark down the bundle even more. You can save 15 percent on the Corel Creative Mac Bundle by adding it to your cart on StackSocial and applying the code COREL15 during the checkout process. This will discount the bundle to $34.00 exclusively for MacRumors readers.
Toast 17 Titanium ($99.99 value): Easily capture your screen, burn digital media onto discs, and edit videos.
AfterShot Pro 3 ($79.99 value): RAW photo editing software that lets you upload, edit, and manage high quality images.
Painter Essentials 6 ($49.99 value): Sketch and draw on a blank canvas with realistic painting tools and effects.
WinZip ($29.99 value): Software that makes it simple to work with large groups of Zip files, so you can exchange large amounts of information with ease.
ParticleShop ($49.99 value): A powerful brush plugin for Photoshop and AfterShot 3 with 11 built-in custom brushes.
More deals and discounts can be found in our full Deals Roundup.
Velvet Caviar is best known for its range of unique, eye catching iPhone cases for all of Apple's iPhones from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone XS. If you've ever seen a marbled iPhone case on Instagram or Snapchat, it's probably from Velvet Caviar.
Velvet Caviar has a wide selection of iPhone cases with a marbled pattern, including some with holographic accents, and every one of them is impressive and attention grabbing. They're affordable too, with most priced at $30.
If marble isn't your thing, there are also adorable flower patterns, fun liquid glitter options, camo designs, clear cases with a fun selection of designs, more practical wallet cases, and even cases covered in fuzzy faux fur.
All of the Velvet Caviar cases look great, but are also protective. A plastic shell lined with Firm Flex shock absorbing material protects your iPhone from drops of up to eight feet, and a 3mm lip at the front of the case keeps your display safe too.
Along with cases, Velvet Caviar has nifty little rings that are an alternative to the Pop Socket. The $10-$12 Phone Holder Ring features a fun shape or pattern while offering the utility of a ring that gives you a better grip on your iPhone for taking pictures, FaceTiming, and more.
The Phone Holder Ring also doubles as a handy stand for watching videos, and it attaches securely to your phone or phone case using a strong (but removable) adhesive.
Velvet Caviar also offers a selection of other accessories, including screen protectors, stickers, and 4,000mAh battery packs in patterns that match the iPhone cases, which can give your iPhone a little extra juice when you need it.
We have 10 $50 gift cards to the Velvet Caviar website to give away, which can be used to purchase an iPhone case and an accessory like a Phone Ring Holder. To enter to win, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (April 5) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on April 12. The winners will be chosen randomly on April 12 and will be contacted by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before new winners are chosen.
Apple Music has surpassed Spotify's paid subscriber count in the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke with The Wall Street Journal. The shift reportedly happened earlier in 2019; Apple had more than 28 million U.S. subscribers in February compared to Spotify's 26 million paid U.S. subscribers.
Similar news broke last summer from an industry source, but now months later the WSJ is corroborating the report. According to the paper, Apple Music has been adding subscribers "more rapidly" than Spotify, with a monthly growth rate of 2.6 to 3 percent, compared to 1.5 to 2 percent for Spotify.
Apple Music is starting to see growth in areas outside the United States as well:
Apple Music is growing faster globally—at a rate of about 2.4% to 2.8%, compared with Spotify’s 2% to 2.3%—and the gap is starting to close in other markets outside the U.S., according to the people familiar with the numbers.
The numbers reported today refer only to paying subscribers and exclude any user on the Apple Music three-month free trial or the Spotify ad-supported subscription tier. If the figures did include the free tiers, Spotify does have many more users overall in the United States.
In February 2018, the WSJpredicted that Apple Music would soon overtake Spotify in the U.S., but thanks to Spotify's numerous bundle offerings with Hulu and Showtime, Spotify remained in the lead for a while longer. Apple Music does offer discounts for families and students, but has yet to partner with another streaming video company to offer a bundle like Spotify.
Apple has become increasingly focused on its services business in recent years, given their high profitability thanks to monthly and/or yearly subscription costs. Apple Music debuted in 2015 at $9.99/month, but the company also offers iCloud storage at various price levels, and just launched Apple News+ at $9.99/month. Later in 2019, users will have a chance to sign up for Apple Arcade and Apple TV+, both of which have not yet been given price points.
The National Post has shared the story of a Canadian accountant who was caught after buying nearly $7 million worth of iPhones and iPads with her company credit card and reselling them to the owner of a small electronics store.
Nadia Minetto, who was as an accounting manager at Mississauga-based software company Wescom Solutions, started buying thousands of Apple products with her company-issued American Express card in 2011. It had been her job to approve business expenses for all employees, so her spending went unnoticed.
Over the next two and a half years, the Ontario Superior Court found that Minetto sold 5,321 iPads and 4,942 iPhones to businessman Gabriel Fung, who in turn sold them at his store Plus One Solutions in the Toronto area and to wholesalers in Hong Kong, turning a profit of just over $1 million.
Fung first met Minetto after responding to her ad for an iPad on Kijiji, a popular Craigslist-like classifieds site in Canada. Their transactions eventually became more elaborate, often involving 10 to 20 devices at a time, ultimately leading to bulk shipments to the address of a virtual business set up by Fung.
The scheme came to an end in July 2014, when consultant Kristine Pacy discovered spending irregularities as Wescom was contemplating becoming a publicly traded company. The court determined that at least $6,831,834 of Wescom's money was misappropriated dating back to May 2009.
Minetto admitted to her actions and, in October 2014, she consented to a judgment in the amount of $6,831,834.17 plus interest. Wescom also won a judgment for more than $5 million against Fung, but he was awarded his cross claim for the same amount against Minetto, potentially reducing his amount owed.
This week, an Ontario appeals court dismissed Fung's appeal over his judgment, potentially bringing the case to an end.
Ember, the company that sells iPhone-connected mugs and thermoses, recently launched a new version of its Ember Ceramic Mug that is now available in a larger, 14oz size for U.S. users only. Like its previous products, the company has also partnered with Apple to sell the temperature regulating smart mug on Apple.com and in Apple stores.
Previously, the only size that the Ceramic Mug was available in was a 10oz option. While we enjoyed the overall quality and usefulness of the Ceramic Mug in our review, this sizing issue was one of the biggest downsides to the product, since it barely left any room for creamer in coffee and often led to spills.
With a bigger capacity these problems should be alleviated, but the 14oz option does come with a steeper price tag of $129.95, compared to the 10oz version at $79.95. The two mugs are identical other than their sizes, and let you set a desired temperature, track caffeine consumption via the Health app, and customize the mug's LED.
The main feature of the Ceramic Mug is that it lets you set a specific drinking temperature for your coffee or tea via the iPhone app. Over the course of a few minutes, the mug will lower its internal temperature to that setting, and then keep your drink at your desired level of warmth while you drink it.
They also both have a one hour battery life on a single charge, but if you place the mugs on the included charging coaster you can keep your drink at the desired temperature all day. The 14oz and 10oz cups are made from stainless steel with a ceramic coating so the mugs themselves are cool to the touch even with hot drinks inside.
Ember also sells a Travel Mug with all of the same temperature-regulating features as the Ceramic Mug, for $149.95. At this time, it appears that the 14oz Ceramic Mug is only available in Black on Ember.com and on Apple.com. On Apple's website, store pickup is available and shipping on the new mug arrives as soon as early next week.
Apple today shared a new "Shot on iPhone XS" video on its YouTube channel that highlights the growing surfing community in Cuba.
Apple says the short film provides "a glimpse into the Cuban surf community and a new era within the island nation" and "explores the humble beginnings of the movement and how interest in surfing is building in the country."
Apple also shared a behind the scenes look at the making of the video:
"Ola Cubana" was shot by Zak Noyle on the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max with the aid of the Freefly Movi Cinema Robot smartphone stabilizer, FILMic Pro app, AxisGO waterproof housing, and BeastGrip universal lens adapter and rig system. The video was commissioned by Apple and directed by Nick Woytuk.
Skype has increased the number of users that can be on the same audio or video group call to 50, up from the previous maximum of 25.
The bump up to 50 means bigger team chats and larger conference calls with speakers can take place, while full classes of students can participate in group calls.
The change also means Microsoft's Skype now beats Apple's FaceTime for the number of users that take part in a group call. FaceTime supports a maximum of 32 people.
In addition, Microsoft has made some changes to how larger Skype group calls start. Users now receive a notification to replace the default ringing sound, which is meant to allow every member of a group to receive a quick ping to join the call in a more unobtrusive way.
The audio and video buttons remain available to use in larger groups, so users can still mute their microphones or turn on/off their webcam.
Apple has cut the price of all Apple Music plans in India, in a move apparently aimed at fending off rival streaming services like Spotify and YouTube Music, both of which recently launched in the country within the last month.
Apple Music is now being offered for Rs 99 ($1.43) a month, down from the earlier price of Rs 120 ($1.73).
Likewise, a student membership now costs Rs 49 instead of Rs 60, while a family plan has dropped from Rs 190 to Rs 149. Yearly subscriptions meanwhile cost Rs 999 rather than the earlier price of Rs 1,200.
The new price of an Apple Music membership undercuts both Spotify and YouTube Music, whose monthly premium plans start at Rs 119 and Rs 129, respectively.
India is seen as an untapped market for streaming music services, with a population of 1.3 billion people many of whom are only just becoming active internet users.
Home to a thriving and varied multi-lingual music scene, the country already has several local streaming services like JioSaavn and Gaana, but with the big international players making their debut in the country, competition appears to be hotting up.
Fans of original iPhone game Rolando will be thrilled to hear that Rolando: Royal Edition, a remastered version of the 2008 platform-style puzzle game, is now available from the App Store on iPhone and iPad.
Rolando was one of the first games available on the iPhone back when the App Store first launched, and at the time, our sister site TouchArcade said it was among the "best games the App Store has to offer."
Rolando: Royal Edition is an overhauled version of the first Rolando game, featuring updated graphics, redesigned levels, and new mechanics. According to HandCircus, the entire game has been updated with new content.
The award-winning iPhone classic is back and better than ever! This brand-new 'Royal Edition' is a completely remastered Rolando - every interaction, every course, flower, trampoline, bomb, catapult and squirrel has been given a thorough scrub, buff and shine, making this the most gorgeous version yet!
In Rolando, the aim of the game is to guide a gang of Rolandos through traps and puzzles on a quest to save the sages from Shadow Creatures. Players use touch, tap, and tilt gestures as a control mechanism, and with the exception of new mechanics and updates to the design, original Rolando gameplay is intact.
Rolando: Royal Edition can be purchased from the App Store for $2.99. [Direct Link]
Apple has shelved plans to build a new flagship Apple Store at the Federation Square shopping center in Melbourne, Australia after heritage authorities refused an application to demolish the Yarra Building that's already on the site.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Heritage Victoria today said that the Yarra Building could not be torn down as it would result in an "unacceptable and irreversible detrimental impact on the cultural heritage significance of Federation Square." Apple in response said that it would not proceed with plans to build the store.
The retail store Apple planned to build at Federation Square after design revisions
An Apple spokesperson told The Age that Apple was disappointed it would no longer be able to build a retail store at Federation Square. "We remain committed to serving our customers in Melbourne and across Australia," said the spokesperson.
Apple first announced plans to build an Apple retail location at Federation Square in December 2017, with the company planning to make it an "Apple Global Flagship Store" that would have been Apple's most significant store in the Southern Hemisphere, offering workshops, classes, and live music events.
Apple's plans for the store called for the demolition of the Yarra Building, a move that ultimately received backlash from the Melbourne City Council and Melbourne locals unhappy with the plan to give public space to a corporation.
The original Federation Square design featured a pagoda-style building that locals also disliked, referring to it as a "Pizza Hut Pagoda." Apple in July 2018 submitted revised blueprints for the store with an updated design created after workshops with Federation Square management, the Victorian Government, and the Melbourne City Council, but permission was still required to remove the Yarra Building.
The Yarra Building, via The Sydney Morning Herald
Federation Square management in December applied to Heritage Victoria for a permit that would allow the Yarra Building to be torn down so Apple could proceed with the building of the store, but that application was denied after heritage authorities received thousands of objections from Melbourne locals.
Vizio yesterday launched a beta version of its updated Smartcast software, which allows iPhone owners who have a Smartcast-enabled TV to use AirPlay 2 and HomeKit integrations for the first time on a third-party television set.
We picked up a compatible Vizio television set (which includes the recent P and M series models at the current time) and were able to take a look at how AirPlay 2 and HomeKit work on a non-Apple device.
AirPlay 2 support on the Vizio TV lets allows TV shows and movies to be streamed from an iOS device directly to the television, with no Apple TV set-top box required. A movie can be started on the iPhone and AirPlayed right to the TV, with support for 4K HDR and Dolby Vision included.
Mirroring a Mac or iOS device screen to the TV is also possible, letting photos, spreadsheets, webpages, documents, games, and more be displayed on the larger display of the television set. We couldn't get this feature working in the beta, but it should be available in the launch version of the software.
AirPlay 2 support allows multiple audio sources to play the same content, which means a song can be played on a single television set, multiple television sets, or a Vizio TV and other AirPlay 2-enabled devices like HomePods for whole home audio.
AirPlay 2 functionality is linked with HomeKit, so Vizio television sets that support Apple's new protocols will show up right in the Home app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
From the Home app, you can do things like switch inputs, turn the television on and off, and adjust the volume. Siri can also be used for these commands, so a simple Hey Siri voice request on one of your devices can adjust volume or turn the TV on or off, just like with other HomeKit products.
Siri can AirPlay content from an iOS device or Mac to the TV too, which means a command like "Hey Siri, play Game of Thrones on the living room TV" is a quick way to play a TV show or movie without having to search for it.
Vizio's AirPlay 2 and HomeKit beta is open to all Vizio owners with a Smartcast-compatible television set, and if you're interested in signing up, you can do so on Vizio's website. At the current time, the beta works with P and M series TV sets from 2016 and beyond, but it will be rolling out to other Vizio TV owners in the future.
When the feature launches, AirPlay 2 and HomeKit will work on the following Vizio TVs, based on Apple's HomeKit TV list:
VIZIO P-Series Quantum X (2019)
VIZIO P-Series Quantum (2019 and 2018)
VIZIO P-Series (2018, 2017 and 2016)
VIZIO M-Series Quantum (2019)
VIZIO M-Series (2018, 2017 and 2016)
VIZIO E-Series (2018, 2017 and 2016 UHD models)
VIZIO V-Series (2019)
VIZIO D-Series (2018)
TVs from many other brands will also be getting AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support, including LG, Sony, and Samsung (no HomeKit). Apple also plans to bring its new TV app to third-party television sets in the future as well.
Apple's TV partners are planning to officially launch AirPlay 2 and HomeKit features at some point in the summer.
With WhatsApp Business, businesses are able to create profiles with contact details, website information, and options for automated greetings, replies, and away messages.
Whether it's an online sweet shop in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil that closes 60 percent of its sales via WhatsApp Business or a cinnamon roll company in Tijuana, Mexico that credits WhatsApp Business for allowing it to open a second location, small business owners all over the world are using the app to grow. We're excited to bring the WhatsApp Business app to even more small businesses and hear new stories about how it's helping them succeed.
WhatsApp Business also includes a desktop website component, so businesses can use a smartphone, tablet, or desktop machine to contact customers. Prior to now, the WhatsApp Business app has been limited to Android devices.
WhatsApp Business will be available in the App Store for free, but it looks like it's still rolling out at the current time. It will be available in Brazil, Germany, Indonesia, India, Mexico, the UK and the United States, with WhatsApp planning to bring it to additional countries in the near future. [Direct Link]
Vimeo today updated its macOS app with automatic uploading, giving its users a way to quickly and securely back up and bulk upload video files directly to Vimeo.
With the launch of macOS 10.15, Apple may be planning to release separate Music and Podcasts apps for the Mac, according to developer Steve Troughton-Smith.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with StackSocial. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
