MacRumors

Apple released iOS 11.2.1 on Wednesday with multiple bug fixes, but an emoji-related issue continues to affect the Messages app on iOS devices.

The bug happens as follows: start a fresh conversation with a new recipient in the Messages app, send a single emoji as the first message, and much of the interface will essentially go blank with the top menu disappearing.

The glitch effectively renders the Messages app unusable until it is force closed and reopened through the multitasking menu.

The bug has affected most iPhone, iPad, and likely iPod touch models since at least iOS 11.1.2. MacRumors is able to reproduce the issue on iOS 11.2, iOS 11.2.1, and the first iOS 11.2.5 beta released yesterday.

The issue is prevalent in both iMessage conversations with blue bubbles and SMS conversations with green bubbles.

While this bug is a minor one, it adds to a growing list of issues that have surfaced over the past several versions of iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra, including a major Mac vulnerability that provided easy access to the root superuser.

Beyond the root bug, Apple has also dealt with a HomeKit-related vulnerability, an iPhone camera autofocus issue, iOS autocorrect bugs, and iPhone X glitches in cold weather, among other problems, in recent weeks.

We've alerted Apple about this bug shortly prior to publishing this article and we'll provide an update if and when we learn about a fix.

Apple today released the first public beta of iOS 11.2.5 to its public beta testing group, one day after seeding the first beta to developers and also one day after releasing iOS 11.2.1, an update that addressed a HomeKit vulnerability.

Beta testers who are members of Apple's beta testing program will receive the iOS 11.2.5 beta update over-the-air after installing the proper certificate on an iOS device.

Those who want to join the beta testing program can sign up on Apple's beta testing website, which gives users access to iOS, macOS, and tvOS betas. iOS betas are not always stable and should not be installed on a primary device.

No new features were discovered in the first developer beta of iOS 11.2.5, so it's not entirely clear what new features this beta introduces.

It's possible it focuses primarily on security improvements and bug fixes, and if that's the case, we may not know the extent of what's in the update until it sees a public release complete with detailed release notes.

Apple today seeded the first beta of an upcoming tvOS 11.2.5 update to its public beta testing group, one day after seeding the tvOS 11.2.5 update to developers. The first tvOS 11.2.5 public beta comes just a day after the release of tvOS 11.2.1, an update that fixed a HomeKit vulnerability.

The tvOS 11.2.5 public beta can be obtained by going to the Settings app on the Apple TV and navigating to the Software Updates section under "System." "Get Public Beta Updates" will need to be toggled on, and once it is, the Apple TV will download the beta software.

It's not yet clear what features and changes might be included in the tvOS 11.2.5 update as no outward-facing changes were discovered in the developer beta.

It's likely the update features security improvements and fixes for bugs that have been discovered since the release of tvOS 11.2 and tvOS 11.2.1.

Snapchat today announced "Lens Studio," an all-new application for Mac and Windows computers that lets creatives and developers create their own augmented reality effects. Although anyone can use Lens Studio, the company noted that it was built with tools aimed at those who "dabble" in 2D animation effects, as well as professional artists.

With the Mac app users can create a fully realized Snapchat AR effect, similar to the popular dancing hot dog from last summer. The app offers templates and guidelines to get started, and both 2D and 3D objects can be created. Snapchat also provides scripting API within Lens Studio so that developers can code their own fully interactive experiences.

All Snapchat users on Lens Studio can make World Lenses for Snapchat that use the rear-facing camera on a smartphone. The company also partnered with seven AR development agencies, who will be able to build both World Lenses as well as face effects on the front-facing camera.

With the launch of Lens Studio, we’re excited to make Lenses more accessible to creators, and experiences within Snapchat more personal and diverse. We’ve seen how much more fun Geofilters have become since first inviting the community to create their own three years ago — and can’t wait to see what you build with Lens Studio!

Lens Studio is a free download on both Mac and Windows, which you can download from Snapchat's website right here.

LUX Products today announced the release of its new KONO Smart thermostat with support for HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.

HomeKit integration allows the Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat to be controlled with Siri voice commands using an iPhone or iPad. Likewise, the thermostat can be controlled with Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands.

KONO Smart also has a physical knob that can be turned to adjust the temperature and access other controls on the thermostat's small digital screen.

The thermostat's other features include smart scheduling, a utility cost estimator, a built-in indoor air quality mode, and energy usage reporting.

KONO Smart has a black stainless steel cover with interchangeable decor covers that can be purchased separately for $10 each in six colors: Midnight Black, True White, Paint It, Hibiscus Red, Sea Green, and Deep Blue.

KONO Smart is available starting today for $149 and can be purchased on the LUX Products website or at Home Depot stores in the United States.

At $149, the KONO Smart is cheaper than some other HomeKit-enabled thermostats at regular prices, including the ecobee4, Honeywell Lyric Round, and Sensi Touch all priced at $199. iDevices has a basic HomeKit thermostat for $98 on Amazon.

Apple today announced that if you shop at select online retailers using Apple Pay from December 14 through December 21, you'll get a $5 App Store and iTunes Gift card. The offer is only valid for United States residents and while supplies last. Furthermore, Apple stated that there is a limit to one card per retail partner, suggesting you can get additional $5 cards if you shop at multiple online stores under the promotion.

Apple didn't specify if there is a minimum amount of money you have to spend to get the $5 card, but the company advised shoppers to see applicable partner websites for more information as the fine print might change on a retailer-by-retailer basis.

Here is the full list of Apple Pay partners participating in the promotion:

If you don't have Apple Pay set up yet, make sure to visit our guide on How to Set Up Apple Pay and Add Credit Cards. The latest addition to Apple Pay was the debut of Apple Pay Cash, which launched earlier in December and lets you directly pay friends and family members. If you have credit on your Apple Pay Cash Card, you can also use that to shop at the above retailers and get the $5 iTunes card.

For other deals and promotions, visit our full Deals Roundup.

Pandora today announced that it will now let those who use the company's free, ad-supported tier access on-demand listening after viewing a 15-second video ad. Listeners can search for a specific song, album, playlist, and then they'll have an option to view the ad in question, after which a Pandora Premium listening session will unlock.

Previously, users on Pandora's free tier had to listen to whatever song appeared next on the radio station or playlist they were currently tuned in to. With the new update, these listeners can now get an experience that's slightly closer to traditional on-demand streaming music services like Pandora's own Premium service, and Apple Music and Spotify, albeit after being forced to view an ad.

Crucially, Pandora's press release doesn't clarify how often free listeners have to view these 15-second ads in order to retain their Pandora Premium on-demand listening sessions.

“Our ad-supported listeners’ top request has consistently been the ability to directly play the specific songs, albums, or playlists they want,” said Roger Lynch, President & CEO, Pandora. “These new features address that need by marrying rewards-based advertising with the best-in-class on-demand experience we’ve created with Pandora Premium. This unrivaled experience will drive listeners to Pandora and drive awareness for Premium, while also creating new opportunities for artists, labels, publishers and advertisers.”

Pandora Premium launched earlier in 2017, combining the existing radio features with a new on-demand service that serves up personalized recommendations for each user. In total Pandora has the free tier, Pandora Plus ($4.99/month), and Pandora Premium ($9.99/month). Plus offers unlimited skips and replays but also lacks on-demand abilities, so the new functionality will also be available for Plus subscribers.

The Pandora app is available to download from the iOS App Store for free [Direct Link].