Following this morning's announcement that it would be launching public betas for both iOS 10 and macOS Sierra, Apple has now released iOS 10 for members of the public beta testing program.
As we noted earlier, users interested in testing out iOS 10 should visit Apple's Beta Software Program website for more details and to register for the program. Once accepted into the program, users will be able to download a profile to install on their iOS devices that will enable them to receive the iOS 10 public beta. Make sure you first delete any iOS 9 public beta profiles you have installed and ensure you have a full, encrypted backup of your iOS 9.x device before upgrading in case you need to roll back from iOS 10.
Check out our iOS 10 roundup for details on what's new and follow along in our iOS 10 forum to discuss the changes.
Apple's public beta program for macOS Sierra is now live following this morning's announcement that both iOS 10 and macOS Sierra would be made available today. macOS Sierra will include a number of changes and new features such as Siri integration, Apple Pay for Safari, Auto Unlock via Apple Watch, and improvements for Photos, Messages, and Apple Music.
As with iOS 10, users interested in testing out macOS Sierra should visit Apple's Beta Software Program website for more details and to register for the program. Once accepted, you should be able to access a redemption code and download link to allow you to access the Sierra installer in the Mac App Store. Make sure you have a complete backup of your system before upgrading.
"Timer - Behind The Scenes" has been viewed over 3 million times on YouTube since the video was uploaded in early April. In the 90-second spot, Cookie Monster humorously interacts with Siri on iPhone 6s as he bakes chocolate chip cookies.
The series of outtakes are derived from Apple's original "Timer" ad starring Cookie Monster, which has over 11 million views on YouTube since its March debut. Both ads promote hands-free "Hey Siri" on iPhone 6s.
Ace Metrix shared in-depth insights about "Timer - Behind The Scenes" in April. "Apple sees continued success incorporating a beloved character and humor with their product," the post reads. "Even people who aren't Apple users or fans enjoyed watching."
Two days after releasing the second developer betas of iOS 10 and macOS Sierra for testing, Apple today is launching its public beta program for the forthcoming updates, allowing a broader cross section of users to test out the new features and report bugs to Apple (via The Verge and CNET).
Users interested in testing out iOS 10 and macOS Sierra should visit Apple's Beta Software Program website for more details and to register for the program. There is no charge for participating in the public beta program, but Apple strongly recommends users install the betas on secondary devices as bugs and other issues can cause problems for users during the testing process.
As the public beta marks the first opportunity for many users to try out the new operating systems, make sure to check out our iOS 10 and macOS Sierra roundups for summaries of the changes and new features and discuss with others in our iOS 10 and macOS Sierra forums. Also make sure to check out our video overviews of individual features to see what's new:
A passenger was detained by police officers at London Stansted Airport yesterday after the man was spotted carrying an iPhone case shaped like a firearm (via BBC News).
Essex Police shared a picture of the gun-shaped case over Twitter and implied that the individual could have put his own life in danger by carrying the case around an airport terminal.
In August of last year, Royal Canadian Mounted Police responded with rifles and tasers to confront a man carrying one of the cases tucked into the waistband of his shorts.
After being approached by armed police, the man, who was at the beach with his family, handed over the offending case and avoided charges.
"Unfortunately some people do not realize the risks associated with openly carrying or displaying these replicas in a public space," said an RCMP sergeant when asked about the incident. "Anyone who owns this type or similar devices should safely dispose of them immediately."
In June 2015, the New York Police Department went public with similar warnings after learning about the availability of the cases, which have since been removed from Amazon and most major online phone case shops.
Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Microsoft has released a major update for its Outlook Groups iOS app that promises an improved user experience and more collaborative functions for Office 365 users.
For those unfamiliar with Outlook Groups, Microsoft's relatively new service lets Office 365 work and education subscribers create public and private groups in Outlook 2016 which aim to offer several benefits over traditional distribution lists.
Group members get access to shared inboxes, calendars, cloud storage and OneNote notebooks, and can participate in conversations, schedule meetings, share files and notes, and initiate Skype voice and video calls.
With the addition of the Outlook Groups app, users can interact with their groups on the go via the app's shared mailbox, conversation, and collaborative note, document, and file sharing features.
The new 1.10.8 update brings a "huge uplift of experiences" across the app, and now enables users to view group events, add them to their calendar, and create new events for groups. Groups can also be added to favorite lists for the first time, while notifications can be selectively muted for different groups.
Apple Pay has launched in Switzerland today with support for MasterCard and Visa cards issued by Bonus Card, Cornèr Bank, and Swiss Bankers. Other banks and participating issuers will likely be added in the future.
Eligible cards can be scanned or added manually to Apple Pay by tapping the "Add Credit or Debit Card" option in the Wallet app on iOS 8.1 or later. Apple Pay is compatible with iPhone 6 or later, or iPhone 5 or later when the device is paired with an Apple Watch.
Apple Pay is accepted by a number of Swiss retailers, including ALDI SUISSE, Apple, Avec, Hublot, K Kiosk, Louis Vuitton, Mobilezone, Press & Books, SPAR, TAG Heuer, TopCC, and elsewhere contactless payments are accepted in the country.
The biggest change is that Verizon's unlimited talk and text plans now offer at least 30 percent more data, albeit at higher price points.
Old Plans - S: 1GB for $30/month - M: 3GB for $45/month - L: 6GB for $60/month - XL: 12GB for $80/month - XXL: 18GB for $100/month
New Plans - S: 2GB for $35/month - M: 4GB for $50/month - L: 8GB for $70/month - XL: 16GB for $90/month - XXL: 24GB for $110/month
A new Carryover Data feature allows Verizon customers to keep their unused data for an additional month. Carryover data automatically rolls your unused data for one month into the next. If you have 1GB of unused data remaining in July, for example, it would be added on top of your regular August data bucket.
Verizon has introduced a new Safety Mode that aims to eliminate overage fees by providing customers with unlimited data at low 128 kbps speeds at no charge once they have reached their monthly 4G LTE data limit. Safety Mode is included with XL and XXL plans, or $5 per month for S, M, and L plans.
Verizon customers can return to 4G LTE speeds or add more data at any time in the new My Verizon app. Additional data costs $15 per GB.
Meanwhile, Verizon customers can now get unlimited talk and text from the U.S. to Mexico and Canada, and while traveling in either country. The incentive is free for customers with XL or XXL plans, or $5 per month per line for calls from the U.S. for customers with S, M, or L plans. To roam with data in Canada or Mexico, Verizon offers a TravelPass feature for $2 per day per line.
The new features and changes are complemented by a revamped My Verizon Mobile app.
- The Feed: All you need to know about your data, account and bill in one real-time feed, with personalized products and content just for you.
- The Data Hub: Your data control center. Clearly see how much data is being used, who is using it and how to get more if you need it.
- Shop: The fastest and easiest way to browse, buy and customize the latest devices, all without leaving the app.
- On-Demand Support: In-app help that’s there before you need it with immediate answers without calling for help.
- Simplified Bill: A clear and simple bill that explains what’s changed from month-to-month. Understand and pay your bill with just a few taps.
My Verizon Mobile is free on the App Store [Direct Link] for iPhone and iPad. The revamped version of the app should be rolling out in the near future.
Update:Engadget notes that existing customers can keep their old plans and rates, but they will not receive all of the new perks such as carryover data.
Snapchat has introduced a new feature called Memories, accessible by swiping up on the main camera screen, that serves as a personal collection of your favorite saved snaps and stories.
Memories can be viewed personally, sent to your friends, or added to your Snapchat story. A snap taken more than 24 hours ago will appear with a frame around it in your story to indicate that it is older.
Memories are categorized, so you can search for keywords such as "dog" or "Hawaii" to easily find specific Snaps and Stories related to a particular night out, vacation, anniversary, birthday, or other occassion.
Memories also includes a My Eyes Only feature that makes personal snaps viewable by you only when showing your Memories to others.
Snapchat was updated today, but Memories will continue to roll out selectively over the next month or so.
Snapchat is free on the App Store [Direct Link] for iPhone and iPod touch.
Apple today seeded the fifth beta of an upcoming OS X 10.11.6 El Capitan update to developers and public beta testers, one week after releasing the fourth OS X 10.11.6 beta and more than a month since the public release of OS X 10.11.5. OS X 10.11.6 has been in testing since May 23.
OS X 10.11.6 beta 5 can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store.
OS X 10.11.6, much like OS X 10.11.5 and the El Capitan updates that came before it, focuses mainly on performance improvements and bug fixes instead of obvious outward-facing changes. According to Apple's release notes, the update improves the stability, compatibility, and security of Macs.
No obvious changes or bug fixes were found in the first four betas, but we'll update this post should anything new be discovered in the fifth beta.
Apple has also started testing macOS Sierra, the next-generation Mac operating system set to be released this fall. macOS Sierra includes features like Siri integration, auto unlocking with the Apple Watch, Apple Pay for the web, a new storage optimization feature, and more.
Apple today provided developers with the fifth beta of an upcoming 9.2.2 update to tvOS, the operating system that runs on the fourth-generation Apple TV. The fifth tvOS 9.2.2 beta comes one week after the release of the fourth beta and more than a month after the tvOS 9.2.1 update. tvOS 9.2.2 has been in testing since May 23.
tvOS betas are initially more difficult to install than beta updates for iOS and OS X. Installing the tvOS beta requires the Apple TV to be connected to a computer with a USB-C to USB-A cable, with the software downloaded and installed via iTunes or Apple Configurator. Once a beta profile has been installed on the device through iTunes, new beta releases will be available over the air.
tvOS 9.2.2, like tvOS 9.2.1, is a minor 9.x.x update, focusing mainly on bug fixes and performance improvements that aren't immediately apparent. Apple's release notes have suggested the update includes bug fixes and security improvements. No outward-facing changes were spotted in the first four betas, but this post will be updated if we discover any new features or fixes in the fifth beta of tvOS 9.2.2.
Apple is also working on the next-generation version of tvOS, tvOS 10, which includes new Siri features, single sign-on cable authentication, and more. tvOS 10, currently available to developers, will be released to the public in the fall.
Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser Apple first introduced on March 30, 2016. Apple designed the Safari Technology Preview to test features that may be introduced into the release version of Safari.
Safari Technology Preview release 8 includes bug fixes and updates for JavaScript, CSS, Web APIs, Web Inspector, media handling, rendering, accessibility, and security. Apple has also for the first time begun moving Apple Pay support code into Safari Technology Preview. Apple Pay support for Safari is coming as part of macOS Sierra, but will not be functional until websites begin supporting it.
Apple's goal with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can be run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while aimed at developers, it does not require a developer account to download.
Apple today seeded the fifth beta of an upcoming iOS 9.3.3 update to developers and public beta testers, one week after seeding the fourth beta of iOS 9.3.3 and more than a month after the release of iOS 9.3.2, a minor bug fix update. iOS 9.3.3 has been in testing since May 23.
The fifth iOS 9.3.3 beta update can be downloaded from the Apple Developer Center or over-the-air with the proper configuration profile installed.
As a minor 9.x.x update, iOS 9.3.3 features under-the-hood bug fixes, security enhancements, and performance improvements to address issues discovered since the release of iOS 9.3.2. No outward-facing changes or obvious bug fixes were discovered in the first four betas of iOS 9.3.3.
iOS 9.3.3 beta 5 comes following the developer launch of iOS 10, a new version of iOS that will be released to the public this fall, with the second developer beta of iOS 10 having launched just yesterday. iOS 10 includes features like a redesigned Lock screen experience, a revamped Messages app with its own App Store, a Siri SDK for developers, a new Home app for controlling HomeKit devices, a redesigned Apple Music app, and more.
Internet security software company Bitdefender's research lab has disclosed new malware targeting Macs called Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor [PDF]. Learn more about the malware and how to keep your Mac protected against attackers.
What is Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor?
Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor is new OS X/macOS malware arising from a malicious third-party app called EasyDoc Converter, which poses as a drag-and-drop file converter.
What is EasyDoc Converter?
"EasyDoc Converter.app" is a third-party Mac app that poses as a drag-and-drop file converter. The app has the following fake description:
EasyDoc Converter is a fast and simple file converter for OS X. Instantly convert your FreeOffice (.fof) and SimpleStats (.sst) docs to Microsoft Office (.docx) by dropping your file onto the app. EasyDoc Converter is great for employees and students looking for a simple tool for quickly convert files to the popular Microsoft format. EasyDoc Converter lets you get to work quickly by using a simple, clean, drag-and-drop interface. The converted document will be saved in the same directory of the original file.
EasyDoc Converter was previously available on software download website MacUpdate, but the app was removed by July 5. It may remain available for download elsewhere online. The app was never available through the Mac App Store.
The app was created with Platypus, a developer tool used for native Mac apps from shell, Perl, Python or Ruby scripts.
How is Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor distributed?
Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor infects Macs with EasyDoc Converter installed. The app installs a malicious script that is registered to system startup and allows an attacker to anonymously access the infected Mac.
How does Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor put my Mac at risk?
Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor creates a Tor hidden service that provides attackers with full anonymous access to the infected Mac remotely through a PHP-based local web server dubbed Web Service – via a Tor-generated address.
Attackers then have the ability to access and modify files, execute shell commands, capture images and videos from iSight or FaceTime webcams, and more through a web-based control panel:
• File manager (view, edit, rename, delete, upload, download, and archive files) • Command execution (execute commands) • Script execution (execute scripts in PHP, PERL, Python, Ruby, Java, C) • Shell via bind/reverse shell connect (remotely execute root commands) • Simple packet crafter (probe firewall rule-sets and find entry points into a targeted system or network) • Connect and administer databases • Process list/task manager (access the list of processes and apps running) • Send emails with attached files
What is a Tor hidden service?
Tor is free software that allows for anonymous communication over a computer network, known as onion routing. The software essentially re-routes network traffic through a network of computers so that it cannot be traced back to its source IP address, allowing users to browse the internet without being identified.
Tor hidden services are websites or servers configured to accept inbound connections only when they are routed through the anonymity network. A hidden service is accessed through its "onion" address, such as XXXpaceinbeg3yci.onion, which the attacker can connect to to gain remote control of the infected Mac.
Which Macs are affected?
MacUpdate listed EasyDoc Converter's system requirements as Intel-based Macs running OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or later. OS X Snow Leopard is compatible with Macs that have at least 1GB of RAM and 5GB of free disk space.
Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor is thereby capable of infecting mid 2007 or newer MacBook models, all MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, mid 2007 or newer Mac mini and iMac models, and all Mac Pro models.
Identify your Mac model by clicking on the Apple logo in the top-left macOS menu bar and selecting "About This Mac."
How do I protect myself against Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor?
The most important and obvious preventative measure is to avoid downloading "EasyDoc Converter.app" from any source. Installing unfamiliar apps from unidentified developers is almost always a security risk.
Apple's default Gatekeeper security settings already prevent EasyDoc Converter from opening, unless you ignore the warning dialog and proceed to manually open the app under System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
Mac users can also download a trusted anti-malware app such as BlockBlock, which continually monitors common persistence locations and displays an alert whenever a persistent component is added to the system.
Users that already installed EasyDoc Converter can download anti-malware software Malwarebytes, which has already been updated to detect and remove Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor.
How will Apple deal with this malware?
Apple will likely update its "Xprotect" anti-malware system to block EasyDoc Converter.
With around three months remaining until Apple is expected to announce the tentatively named iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, detailed renders of the next-generation smartphones continue to surface on the web.
The latest CAD renders, posted on Chinese social media and shared by French website NWE, provide a closer look at the possible design of the smartphones and paint a clearer picture of which features may be included.
iPhone 7 Plus with dual-lens camera (left) and iPhone 7 with larger camera (right)
There is also the addition of a second speaker grille occupying the space that would normally house the 3.5mm headphone jack, corroborating rumors that the iPhone 7 series may deliver stereo sound. At least one render has shown no stereo speakers in the past, however, so the feature's inclusion is still debated.
iPhone 7 with no headphone jack and two speaker grilles for stereo sound
On the bottom remains a Lightning connector, which is expected to evolve into an all-in-one port for audio output, charging, and accessory connectivity. There is also a traditional looking SIM card slot, which likely rules out a sketchy rumor about the iPhone 7 having dual SIM trays for use with multiple carriers.
Other features consistent with the iPhone 6s include a side-facing power button and pill-shaped volume controls, mute switch, dual-LED flash, and a microphone on the bottom and next to the rear camera.
The popularity of music streaming services has overtaken video sites for the first time in the U.S., according to market monitor BuzzAngle.
Services like Apple Music and Spotify delivered 114 billion streams in the first six months of 2016, compared to 95 billion video streams on sites like YouTube and Vevo. Overall, the market for streaming services increased by 58% year-on-year.
The surge in popularity was largely driven by the availability of albums by Beyonce, Rihanna and Drake. Rihanna's 'Work' is the most-streamed song of 2016 in the U.S, for example, while Drake's Views is the most requested album, being streamed 1.5 billion times since its release in April.
Adele's album 25 was not available to stream for seven months after it was released, yet figures show that it was streamed 168 million times in the first six days following its streaming debut on June 24.
The rise in streaming enabled music consumption in the U.S. to grow by 6.5%, despite CD sales being down 11% and digital sales falling 17%. Vinyl sales meanwhile enjoyed continuing growth, going up 17% to 3.1 million.
Spotify remains the world's most popular streaming music service with 30 million subscribers, boasting roughly twice as many paying subscribers as Apple Music, but the Swedish rival has been available in Europe for nearly eight years and in the U.S. since 2011, while Apple Music only just celebrated its first year of service.
Despite rising users and revenues, Spotify continues to operate at a loss due to expensive royalties and revenue sharing with music label partners. The service's losses rose by 10 percent to $195.7 million (173 million euros) last year, prompting some investors to question the viability of its business model.
For Apple Music's part, assuming that it maintains its current pace of growth, it is reasonable to assume that it will eventually eclipse Spotify as the top streaming service worldwide, benefiting from its prominence as a default app on iOS and offering a lengthy three-month free trial to get users hooked on the service.
Nintendo, The Pokemon Company and Niantic's augmented reality game Pokemon GO is rolling out in the App Store now. The game is available in New Zealand, Australia and is propagating through the App Store around the world and in the U.S.
The game uses augmented reality and real-world maps to allow users to venture into the real world to look for Pokemon to capture. Once collected, Pokemon can be leveled up, traded and used for battle. They can also be assigned to defend Gyms from other players. Gyms, like Pokemon, can be found by wandering out into the real world.
When a player is wandering through their neighborhood and a Pokemon is nearby, the game will send the player a notification. Certain Pokemon and items are only available in select locations. For instance, water Pokemon are available near bodies of water while certain PokeBalls are located near museums and other points of interest.
Players can also purchase an optional accessory called Pokemon GO Plus, a wrist-worn device that syncs with the game and alerts users to events happening in the game within their physical vicinity, like the appearance of a new Pokemon.
Our sister site TouchArcade shared some thoughts on the app compared to its beefier, handheld cousins on Nintendo DS.
While the feedback from the beta hasn't been entirely positive, and it's questionable whether the game will live up to the hidden complexity of the Nintendo handheld titles, Pokemon GO will certainly fill a void for anyone looking for critter catching action on their smartphone.
Pokemon GO is Nintendo's second game for iOS after Miitomo. Later this year, the company will launch two more games based on its Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing franchises.
Pokemon GO is available in the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
As a part of its push into mobile gaming, Nintendo is considering creating physical controllers and other kinds of hardware for different types of mobile games and experiences, reportsPolygon. Shinya Takahashi, Nintendo's general manager of entertainment planning and development, discussed the possibility at the company's annual shareholders meeting.
"Physical controllers for smart device applications are available in the market and it is possible that we may also develop something new by ourselves," Takahashi said. "I believe Nintendo's way of thinking is to look at whether action games are really not impossible (without a physical controller for smart device applications) to create and how we can make it happen to create such a game."
In the console and handheld gaming spaces, Nintendo has taken to crafting unique controllers that the company can take advantage of with its first-party games. Nintendo's unique controllers include a reverse trident design, motion control remotes and dual-screen handhelds.
Apple added support for iOS game controllers with iOS 7, expanding its Made for iPhone program to include game controller accessories. More recently, the company dropped its requirement for tvOS games to support the Siri Remote, allowing game developers to create more complex games for the fourth-generation Apple TV.
Nintendo also reiterated its commitment to create mobile app experiences that aren't games, like its social lifestyle game / app Miitomo. The company still has plans to release five smartphone games by March 2017, with Miitomo already released and Pokemon GO set to debut later this month. Smartphone games based on Nintendo franchises Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing will arrive later this year.
Apple Pay has 
Apple today provided developers with the fifth beta of an upcoming 9.2.2 update to tvOS, the operating system that runs on the fourth-generation Apple TV. The fifth tvOS 9.2.2 beta comes one week after the 
Apple today 
Internet security software company Bitdefender's research lab has disclosed new malware targeting Macs called 
