The North Dakota Senate today voted no on a new bill that would have paved the way for third-party app store options by preventing Apple from requiring developers to use its App Store and in-app purchase methods for apps.
Breaking: The North Dakota senate just voted down the bill that would've banned Apple and Google from taking a cut of app sales from firms in the state.
Arizona and Georgia are considering similar bills, which are attracting intense lobbying on all sides.https://t.co/jKRBnH7NeI
— Jack Nicas (@jacknicas) February 16, 2021
Apple Chief Privacy Engineer Erik Neuenschwander last week spoke out against the bill, saying that it "threatens to destroy the iPhone as you know it" by requiring changes that would "undermine the privacy, security, safety, and performance" of the iPhone.
North Dakota Senator Kyle Davison, who introduced the bill, said that it was designed to "level the playing field" for app developers in North Dakota and shield customers from "devastating, monopolistic fees imposed by big tech companies" like Apple and Google.
The bill would have prevented Apple from requiring a developer to use a digital application distribution platform as the exclusive mode of distributing a digital product, and it would have kept the company from requiring developers to use in-app purchases as the exclusive mode of accepting payment from a user.
Apple's representative literally said it would "destroy iPhone as you know it". Lol. I know the Mac has been declared dead many times, but come on, to have Apple be the one chanting that nonsense is beyond over the top.
— DHH (@dhh) February 9, 2021
Lobbyist Lacee Byork Anderson, who was funded by the Coalition for App Fairness drafted the initial legislation. The Coalition for App Fairness is a collaborative organization created by companies like Epic Games, Spotify, Basecamp and Tile to highlight developer issues with Apple.
It was backed by Basecamp co-founder David Heinemeier Hansson, who was embroiled in a legal fight with Apple over email app "HEY" last year. Heinemeier Hansson praised the bill and said that it gave him hope that "tech monopolies aren't going to rule the world forever."
Back in December, Parallels released a Parallels Desktop 16 for M1 Macs Technical Preview Program, which is designed to allow Parallels to run Windows on M1 Macs.
Parallels today released a second Technical Preview, introducing new features and various improvements to the software for a better usage experience. The update adds support for suspending and resuming a virtual machine, improves stability, and more, with the full feature list below.
New features - Added support for suspending and resuming a virtual machine. - Support for installing Parallels Tools in the following Linux distributives: Ubuntu 20.04 or later, Debian 10.7 or later, and Fedora Workstation 33-1.2 or later. - Compatible Linux installation images are now automatically detected in the Installation Assistant.
Improvements - Improved overall stability. - Resolved the issue with ARM-based Linux ISO images being recognized as Intel-based ones. - Resolved the issue with missing sound when a virtual machine is created from a VHDX image. - Resolved the issue with not being able to select an ISO image as an installation source when VHDX is specified in the drop-down menu.
Known issues - During the Parallels Tools update, the virtual machine's screen may freeze for several minutes, please simply wait.
The Parallels software can run Windows using Microsoft's Arm-based version that's available through the Windows Insider program, but there's no publicly available version of Arm Windows that can be purchased.
There are also several limitations to the software. It is not possible to install or start an Intel x86 based operating system in a virtual machine, and ARM32 applications do not work.
Current release versions of Parallels are not able to run on M1 Macs, so M1 Mac owners who want to use the software will need to participate in the Technical Preview program.
Throwboy, known for its line of pillows modeled after classic Apple devices, recently launched a new series of Mac-themed throw blankets.
The 1984 Throw Blanket is modeled after the first Macintosh that Apple released in 1984. Made from beige fabric that accurately matches the color of the original Macintosh, it features a black screen, a disk drive, and a rainbow logo.
With all of the details included, it is unmistakable as a classic Macintosh, making it a fun addition to any Apple fan's room. To go along with the 1984 blanket, Throwboy also has the Icon Throw Blanket, modeled after the original Mac Finder icon with a two-tone design and a smile.
There's also a cassette tape blanket that looks like a vintage cassette tape, but that one isn't Mac related.
Each throw blanket from Throwboy is priced at $46.99 and measures in at 50 inches by 60 inches. They're made from 100 percent polyester sherpa fleece with a print on one side and plush fabric on the back.
Apple today introduced the second betas of iOS and iPadOS 14.5, building on the extensive feature set that was introduced in the first betas.
Changes in the second beta are more minor in scale than what we saw in the first beta, but there are still new additions that are worth highlighting. Below, we've rounded up the changes that we've spotted in the second beta.
New Emoji Characters
As highlighted by Emojipedia, iOS 14.5 introduces several new emoji characters including heart on fire, mending heart, exhaling face, face with spiral eyes, face in clouds, along with different gender options for people with beards. There are also new couple emojis that have new skin tone mixes.
Apple has removed the blood from the syringe emoji to give it a more neutral look that also works for vaccinations. The Headphone emoji has been updated to look like the AirPods Max rather than a generic set of headphones, and the rock climbing emoji now includes a helmet.
Green Tint Fix?
Reports suggest that the second beta of iOS 14.5 may fix the green tint issue that some iPhone owners have been experiencing. Some iPhone 12 models exhibit a gray or green glow, an issue that Apple said it was investigating back in November. For some users, there are improvements, but for others, the issue still appears to exist so it's not entirely clear whether the beta definitively addresses the tint.
Battery Pack Mention
There's a vague mention of charging an iPhone with a "battery pack" in the iOS 14.5 code under the optimized charging section. It's not clear what Apple is referring to with "battery pack" since existing battery options made by Apple are Smart Battery Case. It's either unusual wording for the case or a hint of a future iPhone 12 battery pack. "To improve charging efficiency and maximize available battery life, the battery pack will keep your phone charged at around 90%," reads the text.
iPad Smart Folio Security
On the 8th-generation iPad, the 4th-generation iPad Air, the 2nd-generation 11-inch iPad Pro, and the 4th-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, Apple has added a new privacy feature that's designed to mute the built-in microphone whenever the Smart Folio is shut.
This will prevent apps from accessing the microphone when the tablet is not in use, with the feature also working with other MFi smart cases. Apple first introduced this feature in the 2020 iPad Pro models, and is expanding it to additional models.
Shortcuts
There's a new Shortcut action for taking a screenshot that can be incorporated into various shortcuts, plus new actions for locking the orientation of the iPhone and switching between cellular data modes. With the Voice & Data mode action, there are options to select 5G, 5G Auto, and 4G network options.
Apple Music
There are new slide gestures in Apple Music for adding a song to the Now Playing queue or adding it to the Apple Music Library. When long pressing on a song, there are also new options to "Play Last" and "Show Album." In the Library, the download button has been replaced by three dots that can be tapped to access a whole range of options for a song. The actions are the same as the actions that are available when long pressing on a song title anywhere in the Music app.
There's also a new "Share Lyrics" feature that lets you send lyrics and song clips to others. Just long press on any lyric when viewing the real-time lyrics of a song to bring up a share interface. This is not available for all songs that support lyrics.
The feature supports Instagram Stories and iMessage cards. If you send a song lyric using iMessages, the specific part of the song plays in the Messages app.
MagSafe Wallet
When attaching or detaching one of Apple's MagSafe Wallets to an iPhone 12 model, there's a stronger and more noticeable haptic vibration.
Software Up to Date Text
The first iOS 14.5 beta tweaked the software update text to say "Your iPhone is up to date with all of the latest bug fixes and security enhancements," but iOS 14.5 beta 2 walks that back. Now it just reads "iOS is up to date," which may be placeholder text for a future change.
App Store Privacy Labels
Apple has tweaked the look of App Store Privacy labels to make them easier to distinguish in Dark Mode.
Code Changes and Smaller Feature Tweaks
There are a handful of changes to the underlying code that don't necessarily reflect new feature implementations at this time, but could potentially serve as an indication of what's coming in the future. There are also a few smaller changes and tweaks that we've included below.
For the Find My app, there's new wording for AirTags or future third-party item trackers. "These are items that aren't yours, but have been seen with you for a continuous amount of time."
There's a mention of Web Apps accessing speech recognition.
There's an Apple Watch Accessibility option for Headphone Notifications, which allows the feature to be toggled off.
Apps can ask to connect to your Game Center friends for enhanced multiplayer.
Missing iOS 14.5 Beta 2 Features?
See something we've missed? Let us know in the comments below and we'll add it.
More iOS 14.5 Features
We have a complete list of all of the features that are new to iOS 14.5 in our dedicated iOS 14.5 features guide, which is worth checking out if you want to know what to expect when the software releases to the public in early spring.
Apple today began offering special app discounts and perks to Apple Card holders, a feature that appears to be new to the service. There are several Fitness-focused apps that are available at discounted prices or with an extended free trial for Apple Card users.
Apple is offering an extended 60-day free trial for the Strava app, 40 percent off an annual subscription for Ten Percent Happier, 50 percent off an annual subscription for Sleep Cycle, and 50 percent off an annual Lifesum subscription.
All of these deals are exclusive to Apple Card holders and can be redeemed using links that are provided in the emails that are going out to Apple Card users.
Apple has offered a similar one-time discount for Panera Bread in the past, but the wording of the email suggests that going forward, Apple may be providing new offers on a monthly basis.
The email also highlights Apple Card Monthly Installment payments for Apple Watch and extra trade-in savings that are available at the current time as part of Heart Month.
According to Apple's release notes for the second betas of iOS and iPadOS 14.5 that were released this morning, the update introduces a new privacy feature that's aimed at limiting microphone access on the iPad with a Smart Folio.
On the iPad (8th generation), iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation), when the Smart Folio is closed, the built-in microphone will mute, but developers have an option to build their apps to opt out.
iPad (8th generation), iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) now mute the built-in microphone when its Smart Folio is closed. To avoid unnecessarily recording the muted signal, the default behavior is to interrupt an audio session that is using the built-in microphone when the Smart Folio is closed. You can opt out of the interruption using the new AVAudioSession.CategoryOptions overrideMutedMicrophoneInterruption, allowing the audio session to continue playing uninterrupted while microphone input is muted. For more information, see Responding to Audio Session Interruptions.
The release notes suggest that several bugs that were in the prior beta have also been addressed. Siri can share ETAs again in CarPlay, and vehicles can start CarPlay if the iPhone is set to share contacts. Locations from Maps can be shared to Notes and Reminders, plus there are several other smaller fixes and tweaks.
There are also a few known issues in the betas. The 11-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro are unable to connect to external displays using the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.
Today's betas may also have outward-facing changes that are not mentioned in the release notes, and if we find new features, we'll highlight them in a separate article.
Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the new beta updates coming two weeks Apple released the first iOS and iPadOS 14.5 betas.
iOS and iPadOS 14.5 can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or over the air after the proper profile has been installed on an iPhone or iPad.
iOS 14.5 is the biggest update to iOS 14 to date, introducing several significant new features. First and foremost, Apple is making it easier to unlock an iPhone when you're wearing a face mask with a new "Unlock with Apple Watch" feature.
This opt-in option lets you use an unlocked and authenticated Apple Watch as a secondary authentication method to unlock an iPhone alongside Face ID. With this feature, you no longer have to enter a passcode or remove your mask to unlock your iPhone. Both an iPhone running iOS 14.5 and an Apple Watch are required to use this, and the Apple Watch cannot authenticate Apple Pay purchases, App Store purchases, or unlock third-party apps that use Face ID.
The update also brings worldwide support for 5G in Dual-SIM mode on iPhone 12 models, so if you use multiple lines, both can now connect at 5G speeds. Prior to now, Dual-SIM mode was limited to LTE networks.
With watchOS 7.4, iOS and iPadOS 14.5 include AirPlay 2 support for Apple Fitness+, so Apple Fitness+ subscribers can start a workout on an iPhone or iPAd and then AirPlay it to a compatible smart TV or set-top box. AirPlay 2 supports audio and video, but it does not display on-screen workout metrics.
PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers are supported on the iPhone and the iPad with iOS 14.5, and code suggests that Apple is going to add joint account support for the Apple Card in the near future.
iOS 14.5 includes a Waze-like crowdsourcing feature for reporting accidents, hazards, and speed checks along a route in Maps when getting directions.
There's a new "Report" button available in the Apple Maps app that lets you tap to report an accident, hazard, or speed trap at your location in the Apple Maps app, which is a feature that mapping app Waze offers for crowdsourcing accidents and other info. This is available directly on the iPhone and in CarPlay.
iOS and iPadOS 14.5 add a new feature for choosing a default streaming music service to use with Siri. So if you prefer Spotify over Apple Music, for example, you can now choose Spotify as the default app to use with Siri and all Siri song requests will go through Spotify without the need to add "on Spotify" to the end of Siri requests.
iOS 14.5 is the update where Apple will begin requiring developers to comply with its App Tracking Transparency rules. Going forward, developers will need to ask for and receive your permission to access your random advertising identifier and track your activity across apps and websites.
Apple has made design tweaks to the Apple News and Podcasts apps, plus there are new print and sort options in Reminders. There are new settings for emergency alerts, a horizontal loading screen on the iPad, and tons of other smaller feature tweaks that are outlined in our full iOS 14.5 features guide.
Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming watchOS 7.4 update to developers for testing purposes, with the new beta coming two weeks after the release of the first beta and three weeks after the launch of watchOS 7.3 with "Time to Walk" functionality, expanded ECG availability, and a new Unity watch face.
To install the watchOS 7.4 beta, developers need to download the proper configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center. Once the profile is in place, the watchOS 7.4 beta can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update.
To update to the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life, it must be placed on the charger, and it must be in range of the iPhone.
Alongside iOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4 introduces a new "Unlock with Apple Watch" feature that lets an iPhone with Face ID use an unlocked and authenticated Apple Watch as a secondary authentication measure when you're wearing a mask, alleviating the need to enter a passcode to unlock the iPhone.
Face ID does not work when wearing a mask, but this new Apple Watch feature provides an easy but still secure way to access the iPhone without the hassle of a passcode. It's similar to the Apple Watch unlocking on Mac and can be enabled in the Settings app under Face ID & Passcode.
An unlocked Apple Watch paired with Face ID can unlock the iPhone when a mask is worn, but it's only for mask usage. The Apple Watch cannot be used to authenticate Apple Pay or App Store purchases, nor can it be used to unlock apps that require a Face ID scan. In these situations, the mask will need to be removed or a passcode/password will need to be used instead.
When the Apple Watch unlocks the iPhone, you'll feel a haptic tap on the wrist and will receive a notification on the watch, similar to how it works when using the watch to unlock a Mac.
For those who use Apple Fitness+, the watchOS 7.4 update combined with iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 enables AirPlay 2 for Apple Fitness+, so workouts can be streamed to an AirPlay 2-enabled TV or set-top box. Apple Watch metrics do not show up on the screen when AirPlayed, however, and that feature is limited to iPhone/iPad/Apple TV.
watchOS 7.4 is going to be available in a beta capacity for several weeks, with Apple planning to release the update in the early spring.
Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming tvOS 14.5 update to developers for testing purposes, with the new beta software coming two weeks after Apple released the first tvOS 14.5 beta.
Designed for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV, the tvOS 14.5 developer beta can be downloaded onto the Apple TV via a profile that's installed using Xcode.
tvOS 14.5 brings support for the latest PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox Series X controllers, which can be used to play games from the tvOS App Store and Apple Arcade.
Support for the new controllers has also been included in iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5, so the latest gaming controller options from Sony and Microsoft are now compatible with Apple's product lineup.
We don't yet know if there's anything else included in tvOS 14.5 in terms of features because tvOS updates are often minor in scale, but the release of tvOS will see Apple begin enforcing its new App Tracking Transparency rules, with developers now required to ask for and receive a user's permission to access their random advertising identifier (known as the IDFA) to track user activity across apps and websites for ad customization purposes.
Going forward, when an app wants to access a person's advertising identifier on tvOS, users will have a prompt with options to "Allow Tracking" or "Ask App Not to Track." Selecting "Ask App Not to Track" will prevent the app's developer from accessing the user's IDFA, and developers will also have to respect the user's tracking preference and refrain from using other invasive cross-app tracking methods.
The main tvOS 14 update released in September brought expanded Picture in Picture support, new HomeKit integration with HomeKit Secure Video cameras, support for multiple Apple Arcade profiles, and more, with details available in our tvOS 14 roundup.
If you've logged into the App Store this morning and have noticed that there's no update button next to apps that you want to update, you're not alone.
There appears to be an App Store bug that is preventing the "Update" button that's normally displayed alongside apps from being visible, preventing apps from being updated one by one.
The update button bug seems to come and go, and not all users may be seeing it. Those that are will not see the individual update buttons when viewing app updates under their profiles in the App Store.
If you want to update your apps, the "Update All" button remains available and functional, and you can also tap over to any app's App Store description page to install an update.
Password management software LastPass is changing for free users, with the company today announcing that it no longer plans to provide free access on both computers and mobile devices. Instead, those using the free plan must choose a device type to use the service with.
Starting on March 16, 2021, those who do not pay for LastPass will need to decide if they want to use LastPass on mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad or on computers. Choosing iPhone and iPad will disable access on laptops and desktop computers, and choosing computers will disable access on mobile devices.
To use LastPass on all devices, a LastPass Premium account is required. LastPass Premium is priced starting at $3 per month when billed annually. LastPass is offering a discount at the current time that brings the price down to $2.25 per month.
For free users, the first login on or after March 16 will set the active device type, and LastPass is providing three opportunities to switch preferred devices.
Along with the access change, as of May 17, 2021, email support will be limited to Premium and Families customers. LastPass free account holders will have access to the Support Center with self-help resources and access to the LastPass Community.
Accessory maker Hyper today announced the release of the HyperJuice Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand, a MagSafe-compatible mount for charging any iPhone 12 model and AirPods in a wireless charging case simultaneously.
While the mount is compatible with the MagSafe system, it is not an official MagSafe accessory, so iPhone 12 charging speeds are limited to up to 7.5W like other wireless Qi chargers. For faster wireless charging up to 15W, options include Apple's MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger, and Belkin's 3-in-1 Boost Charge Pro.
Hyper's mount features a stainless steel and aluminum design with adjustable iPhone viewing angles, an LED charging indicator, and a 20W USB-C input.
The mount is available starting today on Hyper's website and at select retailers for $59.99.
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We're tracking a few iPad-related deals today, including offers on the new iPad Pro and iPad Air. This also includes a few ongoing deals on Apple's first party accessories like the Magic Keyboard and MagSafe Charger.
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.
In these sales you'll find notable discounts like the 256GB cellular iPad Air for $829.99, down from $879.00, which represents one of the first major discounts on this high-end model of the 2020 iPad Air. You can also save on a few iPad accessories on Amazon this week, including an ongoing $100 discount on the 11-inch Magic Keyboard, which remains the best sale we've tracked to date.
For even more iPad deals, head to our full Best Deals guide for iPad. In that guide we track the best discounts online for iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.
A new Apple patent published today by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office describes an iPhone display that, with high refresh mode enabled, may be capable of updating content at two times, three times, or even four times the native refresh rate, as reported by Patently Apple. For example, an iPhone with a 60Hz display would be able to increase its variable refresh rate to 120Hz, 180Hz, or 240Hz automatically.
For those unfamiliar, refresh rate refers to how many times a display refreshes every second. (The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the content on the display will be.) All current iPhones have a refresh rate of 60Hz, but since 2017, all iPad Pro models have featured ProMotion technology, enabling a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
Rumors of 120Hz coming to the iPhone 12 proved to be untrue, but there is renewed confidence that ProMotion will make an appearance on the iPhone 13. During the rumor cycle last year, some claimed that the iPhone 12 would automatically switch between 60Hz and 120Hz depending on what the user was doing on their device in an effort to preserve battery life. While the ability for a device to switch between 60Hz and 120Hz is not new, the patent describing the ability for an iPhone to push the refresh rate to as high as 180Hz or 240Hz is.
The lack of a 120Hz refresh rate on the iPhone so far could be linked to the fact that Apple tends to treads carefully when adding features such as ProMotion that could be detrimental to battery life or systemwide performance. Rumors suggest that Apple will overcome this power consumption dilemma by adopting low-power LTPO display technology for iPhone 13 models, allowing for 120Hz without a significant impact on battery life.
A higher refresh rate could be beneficial for several use cases, such as gaming and augmented reality. If a user is simply watching a movie or messaging a friend, the display could switch back to its 60Hz native refresh rate as a means to save battery life.
This week, new rumors claimed that alongside a 120Hz refresh rate, the iPhone 13 lineup will also have an always-on-display. Always-on displays allow users to see certain information, such as the time, date, or battery life, at all times. All high-end iPhones since the iPhone X have featured OLED displays, meaning each pixel is individually controlled, allowing the device to only light up the pixels needed to show users limited information, preserving battery life.
Apple today announced the launch of its inaugural Entrepreneur Camp for Black Founders and Developers with leaders and their teams from 13 app companies.
Apple says the program is designed to give developers the opportunity to improve their existing apps through hands-on technology labs, one-on-one code-level guidance from Apple experts and engineers, and mentorship from top Apple leaders.
"These incredible app creators and business leaders embody the entrepreneurial spirit that runs so deep in the Black community," said Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, including Racial Equity and Justice. "Their work already demonstrates the power of coding to build a better world, and we're honored to support them as they blaze a trail we know so many more will follow."
In addition, Apple is partnering with New York-based venture capital firm Harlem Capital to offer guidance and mentorship to the participants. This partnership is part of Apple's $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, which is focused on advancing racial equity in education, the economy, and the criminal justice system.
Apple's press release includes a "Meet the Developers" section highlighting the participants.
Apple may launch a foldable iPhone with a 7-inch OLED display and Apple Pencil support as soon as 2023, according to global technology research firm Omdia.
In analysis cited by investment research firm EqualOcean, spotted by iPhone in Canada, Omdia predicts that Apple will launch its long-rumored foldable iPhone in 2023. The device is said to have a display size in the range of 7.3 to 7.6-inches and feature an OLED panel.
Omdia, a global communications and digital media research organization, predicts that Apple may launch a 7.3-7.6-inch foldable OLED smartphone in 2023 and add an activity pen to its foldable iPhone.
While the machine learning translation of the original report predicts support for an "activity pen," it seems likely that this is actually referring to the Apple Pencil, or at least a variant of the existing iPad accessory of the same name.
Apple Pencil support has been rumored for the iPhone intermittently for some years, but the feature has never materialized. In spite of this, there is a clearer motive behind bringing Apple Pencil support to a larger foldable iPhone. With a display as large as 7.6-inches, the foldable iPhone would be almost as large as the iPad mini, which has a 7.9-inch display. The iPad mini has supported the Apple Pencil since 2019, so it would make sense for a foldable iPhone with roughly the same display size to support it too.
The Apple Pencil excels in illustration, handwriting, and productivity tasks that demand fine control, so Apple may have determined that its main utilities could not be significantly taken advantage of on smaller iPhones in recent years. With a display said to be almost as large as the iPad mini, there is a much clearer use-case for the Apple Pencil on a 7-inch foldable iPhone.
The report mirrors previous speculation when it comes to the OLED display panel. Apple's rumored foldable iPhone has been said to feature an OLED display, namely from Samsung, according to reports of internal durability testing and display sample orders.
In January, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple was testing foldable iPhones with a range of display sizes. A recent report from Taiwanese website Economic Daily News claimed that two prototype foldable iPhones had passed internal tests, and said that the device could launch in late 2022 or 2023.
Rumors about Apple working on a foldable iPhone date back to 2016, and the company has filed a significant number of patents related to a foldable iPhone. There has been an increasing number of reports surrounding the device in recent months, with more details emerging and even a timeframe for launch gradually taking shape.
Doppler is getting a significant update next week, bringing some notable track and album features to the increasingly popular third-party music playing app for iPhone.
For those unfamiliar, the Doppler app offers users an alternative way to experience their music library, sporting an adaptive minimalist interface with an emphasis on album artwork/metadata editing on iPhone and support for importing MP3, FLAC, AAC, and WAV file formats without having to connect to a computer.
In December, Doppler Listening reports were added, offering users an elegant overview of their listening habits over the course of the year.
And in the latest v2.3 update due to roll out on February 23, Doppler users will be able to ask Siri to play specific albums, songs and playlists within Doppler. Siri commands like "Play all songs by James Blake in Doppler" or "Play my Liked Songs playlist in Doppler" are now supported in English, French, German, and Spanish.
Users will still need to include "in Doppler" at the end of commands so Siri knows which app to use, but the developer says this should change in iOS 14.5.
Doppler will also support Siri Suggestions from next week. As Doppler is used, Siri can learn patterns around how and when music is listened to. For example, when headphones are connected, Siri can intelligently suggest music to play.
In addition, Doppler 2.3 will integrate with Spotlight search. Songs and playlists show in search results on the Home Screen. Results can be tapped to open in Doppler, or to start playing without having to open the app.
The third and final integration is Doppler for CarPlay — a custom CarPlay app to access and play content from the Doppler library. The CarPlay interface offers library-wide playback and shuffle buttons, as well as Recently Added albums and usual artists, albums and playlists. Siri support is also included, so Doppler can be controlled in CarPlay with voice alone.
Doppler costs $6.99 and is available to download for iPhone from the App Store. [Direct Link] Interested readers can subscribe to Doppler's email list to get a notification when the v2.3 update is live.
Accurate and rapid COVID-19 testing has become a critical hallmark in the battle against the pandemic. Unfortunately, getting tested on a mainstream level currently requires a trip to a clinic or government instituted site.
However, in a possible breakthrough of what it means to get tested, Kroger Health today announced it's planning to obtain FDA approval for the first smartphone-enabled COVID-19 rapid antigen test.
According to a press release, patients will administer a nasal swab themselves and complete a rapid antigen test. Then, patients will scan the rapid test using the app on their iPhone, and using AI technology, the app will provide their results "within seconds."
What the app aims to do is remove any doubt of the actual results of the test by using AI to correctly determine the location of the results line. In COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, the presence and location of a line in different areas determines whether the patient tests positive or negative for COVID-19, and some patients may misinterpret the lines, leading to a false understanding of what their result actually is.
In compliance with U.S. law, the app will automatically share the results with appropriate public health agencies and abides by all HIPAA rules and regulations. The hope is that this new test will increase the number of people who can get tested for COVID-19 themselves with a higher level of accuracy.
The new test is awaiting FDA approval, and clinical trial results submitted to the agency shows the test has a "93% positive agreement and 99% negative percent agreement compared to high-sensitivity, emergency-use-authorized PCR tests," according to Kroger Health.
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