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Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit
Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj

Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket

The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]
Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera
Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94

Apple employees testing wheelchair features
New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa

SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards
SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If

Apple's third-quarter results due July 26
Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm

Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users
Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE

aroxnicadi Junior Member Joined: Jun 03, 2011
If I see an app that offers subscriptions, it will be either deleted or not downloaded.
Inkling Grizzled Veteran Joined: Jul 25, 2006
Changing subscriptions to 85/15 and broadening the reach is a good move. It'll result in the best apps getting even better. I already subscribe to Instapaper and should probably do the same with another favorite, Overcast, particularly if it adds audiobook capabilities and thus doubles its value. One suggestion: I'm a writer and would love for Apple do something similar with the iBookstore. Changing ebook royalties to 80/20 would clearly set Apple off from Amazon and motivate authors and publishers to steer readers to Apple.
Charles Martin Mac Elite Joined: Aug 04, 2001
aroxnicadi: have you told your electric power supplier and landlord of your refusal to have any "subscriptions" in your life? What about your cable TV or Internet provider? Hulu? Netflix? Your newspaper or magazines? Your various insurance providers? I pity the Public Television station in your area of people there share your attitude.
Or are you perhaps being just a teensy bit close-minded, and maybe should wait to see what apps offer subscriptions and why they do so, before deciding if that is right for you? As an example, I subscribe to some digital magazines, because it is far cheaper than buying each individual issue. I presently subscribe to Photoshop (and Lightroom) because it is $10 per month instead of $600-$800 every couple of years.
I wouldn't want to, nor do I expect to, see most things move to a subscription model, and even if some do I would imagine they will also continue to offer the "standalone" price as an option. But there are certainly cases to be made for somethings going to a subscription: Apple Music at $10 a month is a whole heck of a lot cheaper than me buying every single song I ever have or ever will want, for a start ...
Steve Wilkinson Senior User Joined: Dec 19, 2001
I just hope they start to work on their search technology. Apple's current state-of-search on the App Store and iTunes brings back bad memories of Alta Vista, or maybe the built-in search on WordPress blogs.
When I want to find something, I use Google and just pray someone has talked about the app on some website with a link to the App Store. Searching the App store usually turns up about everything but what I'm looking for. :(
Joined: Dec 31, 1969
What bad memories of Alta Vista? Back in 1999 that and HotBot and DirectHit were the best. Then they all mysteriously vanished.
As for subscriptions, let me make sure I understand. Suppose that I download an app then go somewhere for vacation without internet access. Then I can't use the internet, so I can't verify my app because they can't confirm my subscription, so an app that I subscribed to won't work unless I have internet access. This is immorally wrong.
As for music and iTunes, why can't I be able to play whatever music I want? I take it with me in the car. I have plenty of it on my old iPod Shuffle. I should not require a subscription to play my music.
Steve Wilkinson Senior User Joined: Dec 19, 2001
Originally Posted by And.reg
What bad memories of Alta Vista? Back in 1999 that and HotBot and DirectHit were the best. Then they all mysteriously vanished.
Basically, just crude search technology... like the kind that can't recognize that the term 'sauce' is in the string 'applesauce' or something like that, or has no way of prioritizing the real Angry Bird from the 'Angry Bird' phishing apps, and stuff like that.
While I'm the last person to be praising Big Brother, I mean Google, their search technology is pretty darn awesome. I just wish Apple would make it a bit better.
Originally Posted by And.reg
Suppose that I download an app then go somewhere for vacation without internet access. Then I can't use the internet, so I can't verify my app
Most of these models have a timeout set to some number of weeks, so they aren't authorizing each time you use them. That said, it is a difference to be considered. While either is a license (you don't own it either way) in reality, you could use PhotoShop from 10 years ago on your older computer until it dies and only pay once.
I was actually quite opposed to software subscription models (as well as games on my PlayStation), but when they are priced correctly, with a reputable vendor, it works out pretty well. For example, I don't even have to use the BluRay in my PS4 anymore, and everything I've ever bought is easy to access. Or, in the case of some of the software apps, while it's a monthly/yearly bill, I'm always up to date, and in some cases not really paying much more, if any more, money.
The big thing is watching what you've signed up for, and constantly evaluating use/value. It's easy to keep signing up for stuff that appears to not cost a lot and end up with (budget) death by a thousand paper cuts.
Originally Posted by And.reg
As for music and iTunes, why can't I be able to play whatever music I want? I take it with me in the car. I have plenty of it on my old iPod Shuffle. I should not require a subscription to play my music.
Yea, I'm still not there on the subscription thing for music/movies (aside from Netflix for stuff I'd never directly buy anyway). I'd rather have my music and movies DRM free and usable anywhere.