Apple has detailed out-of-warranty repair fees for the iPhone XR ahead of the smartphone’s launch on Friday.

In the United States, Apple will charge $199 to repair a damaged iPhone XR screen and $399 to repair other damage to the device, unless it is a manufacturing defect covered by Apple’s standard one-year limited warranty. Prices vary in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other countries.

These prices do not apply to customers who purchase AppleCare+ for the iPhone XR, starting at $149 in full or $7.99 per month.

AppleCare+ is an optional warranty plan that extends an iPhone’s warranty coverage to two years from the purchase date of the plan. AppleCare+ adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a lower service fee of $29 for screen repairs and $99 for any other damage.

As with any form of insurance, AppleCare+ provides peace of mind, but only yields savings in the event it is used.

If the screen cracks on an iPhone XR, for example, the repair fee with AppleCare+ is up to $178, savings of at least $21. If the back glass shatters, the repair fee with AppleCare+ is up to $248, savings of at least $151. Those prices are based on the full $149 cost of AppleCare+ for iPhone XR plus deductibles.

If a customer pays for AppleCare+ in monthly instalments, there is the potential for even more savings versus the out-of-warranty fees.

iPhone XR pre-orders began last Friday in over 50 countries. The first deliveries to customers and in-store availability will begin Friday, October 26. The colorful device starts at $749 in the United States.

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In iOS 12, Apple has included a somewhat hidden feature that lets you see the day’s weather forecast on your iPhone’s Lock Screen when you check it for the first time after waking up.

The feature is part of Apple’s Do Not Disturb at Bedtime mode, which prevents notifications from being displayed on your iPhone’s Lock Screen when you’re supposed to be sleeping.

Many users don’t realize you can get the weather forecast to show on the Lock Screen because of the odd way that Apple has implemented the feature. Regardless, here’s how to get it working.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
   
   
2. Tap Do Not Disturb.
3. Make sure the Scheduled and Bedtime buttons are toggled on so that they’re both green.
4. You can also set your sleep and wake schedule here by adjusting the From and To times.
5. Return to the main Settings screen and tap Privacy.
   
   
6. Tap Location Services.
7. Tap Weather in the list of apps.
   
   
8. Under Allow Location Access, tap Always.
9. Exit the Settings app.

With that done, next time it’s time to wake up and Bedtime Mode is scheduled to go off, your iPhone will display the usual „Good morning!“ message along with the day’s weather, including the current temperature, weather conditions, and forecast.

To make the forecast vanish from your Lock Screen, simply tap Dismiss. To switch the temperature scale between Celsius and Fahrenheit, launch the Weather app and scroll to the bottom of the weather locations list, where you’ll find the option to do so.

It’s worth noting that once you unlock your iPhone, the weather forecast will disappear for the rest of the day, and it won’t return until the next day when you wake up and access the device after Bedtime mode has turned itself off.

As it stands, the Lock Screen weather feature offers no other flexibility, and it won’t work unless you allow the Weather app to always access your location data. Hopefully Apple will eventually change this to make it a more useful Lock Screen „widget“ in a future update to iOS.
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Following today’s news that Samsung and Apple have worked together to bring an iTunes Movies & TV app and AirPlay 2 support to 2018 and 2019 Samsung smart TVs, Apple has updated its AirPlay page with additional info on how that feature will be implemented on TVs. Among the details described as coming soon:

– Apple says „leading TV manufacturers“ will be including AirPlay 2 support in their TVs, indicating that this initiative will not be a Samsung exclusive. Apple has not, however, announced additional TV partners or a timeline for when AirPlay 2 will come to these other brands. Samsung’s support is rolling out in a firmware update for 2018 TVs and built into 2019 models „beginning this spring.“

– AirPlay 2-enabled TVs will act just like any other AirPlay 2 speaker, meaning you can send many different types of audio from an iOS device or your Mac to your TV. Music being sent to your TV via AirPlay 2 can also be synced with other AirPlay 2 speakers.

– You can already control AirPlay content such as play/pause, fast forward, and rewind via a Lock screen widget or Control Center on your iOS device, and Apple has confirmed that AirPlay content on smart TVs can be controlled the same way, including control of the TV volume.

– Smart TVs with AirPlay 2 will also integrate with Siri and HomeKit, meaning you can use your voice to request that a specific show be played on a specific TV, for example.

It’s unknown whether we can expect to hear more announcements about Apple’s smart TV partnerships this week at CES, but we’ll certainly be looking forward to more details about which TVs will support greater integration with Apple’s services and when.

This article, "AirPlay 2 on Smart TVs: Other Brands Coming, Lock Screen Controls, Siri, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Alpine Electronics at CES 2019 this week debuted two new in-car multimedia receivers with wired CarPlay and Android Auto support.

The new iLX-W650 receiver features a seven-inch anti-glare capacitive touchscreen with a shallow chassis that measures 2.4-inches deep, allowing for the system to fit into vehicles that do not have a lot of depth behind the dashboard. The receiver has a so-called mech-less design with no CD/DVD slot.

The iLX-W650 in tandem with the KTA-450 amplifier won a CES 2019 Innovation Award in the In-Vehicle Audio/Video category.

Other features include standard Bluetooth music playback, SiriusXM readiness, and three 4V pre-outs that allow aftermarket speakers, subwoofers, additional amplifiers, and sound processors to be added. Two camera inputs sold separately allow for the addition of multiple cameras, including a rear-view camera.

Alpine also added a second model to its Halo9 product lineup. Like last year’s iLX-F309, the new iLX-F259 receiver features a nine-inch capacitive touchscreen that „hovers“ over the dashboard, allowing the oversize screen to be added to a variety of vehicles without the need for custom installation.

The screen is attached to an adjustable mount that is connected to a traditional single-DIN chassis. It can be tilted at four pre-set angle points to better match the tilt and height of the dashboard and can be positioned up to 20mm deeper and up to 30mm lower than the default position during installation.

Other features of the iLX-F259 include a mech-less design with no CD/DVD slot, standard Bluetooth music playback, SiriusXM readiness, and one rear-view camera input with the option to add additional camera inputs sold separately.

The iLX-W650 and iLX-F259 will be available in March for suggested prices of $500 and $800 USD respectively at authorized Alpine retailers.

This article, "CES 2019: Alpine Previews New CarPlay Receivers, One Features Oversized 9-Inch Hovering Screen" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Ursprünglich ein PDF-Manager für iOS, hat sich Good Reader zu einem umfassenden Dokumentenverwalter gemausert.
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Multiple popular iPhone apps from major companies are using intrusive analytics services that capture detailed data like taps, swipes, and even screen recordings without customer knowledge, reports TechCrunch.

Apps that include Abercrombie & Fitch, Hotels.com, Air Canada, Hollister, Expedia, and Singapore Airlines are using Glassbox, a customer experience analytics firm that lets developers use „session replay“ screen recording technology within their apps.

Session replays let developers screenshot or record or a user’s screen and then play back those recordings to see how users interact with their apps. Taps, button pushes, and keyboard entries are all captured and provided to app developers.

Some apps, such as Air Canada, don’t properly mask data that’s recorded, exposing information like passport numbers and credit card information. Air Canada employees with access to the screenshot database can readily see this data.

TechCrunch had mobile app expert The App Analyst look at some of the apps that Glassbox lists as a customer. Not all apps leaked masked data, and most appeared to be obfuscated, but there were instances where email addresses and postal codes were visible.

„Since this data is often sent back to Glassbox servers I wouldn’t be shocked if they have already had instances of them capturing sensitive banking information and passwords,“ The App Analyst told TechCrunch.

As TechCrunch points out, all of the apps have a privacy policy, but not one makes it clear that they’re recording a user’s screen. Glassbox does not require special permission from either Apple or the user to record the screen, and without checking specific app data, there is no way to know if an app is doing this.

Glassbox also does not require its customers to mention the usage of the screen recording feature in their privacy policies.

„Glassbox has a unique capability to reconstruct the mobile application view in a visual format, which is another view of analytics, Glassbox SDK can interact with our customers native app only and technically cannot break the boundary of the app,“ the spokesperson said, such as when the system keyboard covers part of the native app/ „Glassbox does not have access to it,“ the spokesperson said.

There are other analytics companies that have practices similar to Glassbox, like Appsee and UXCam, and there are a lot of major companies that are using this kind of technology, based on their customer lists. This kind of tracking is also not limited to iOS apps — it can be done on the web as well.

With no way to detect that this is going on, all customers can do is refuse to use the apps and services of companies that are found to be engaging in shady analytics tracking purposes without clear privacy policies.

This article, "Some Popular iPhone Apps Secretly Record Your Screen for Analytics Purposes" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Yesterday, TechCrunch discovered that multiple popular iPhone apps from major companies are using intrusive analytics services that capture data ranging from taps and swipes to full screen recordings, all without customers knowing about it.

Today, Apple has informed app developers that this kind of screen recording analytics code needs to be clearly disclosed to customers or removed from iOS apps. From an Apple spokesperson’s email to TechCrunch:

„Protecting user privacy is paramount in the Apple ecosystem. Our App Store Review Guidelines require that apps request explicit user consent and provide a clear visual indication when recording, logging, or otherwise making a record of user activity.“

„We have notified the developers that are in violation of these strict privacy terms and guidelines, and will take immediate action if necessary,“ the spokesperson added.

At least one developer has already been told to remove the code that recorded app activities. From an email to the developer:

„Your app uses analytics software to collect and send user or device data to a third party without the user’s consent. Apps must request explicit user consent and provide a clear visual indication when recording, logging, or otherwise making a record of user activity.“

Apple is serious about getting rid of this code and gave the developer in question less than a day to remove it and resubmit the app before it would be pulled from the App Store.

High-profile apps like Abercrombie & Fitch, Hotels.com, Air Canada, Hollister, Expedia, and Singapore Airlines are using Glassbox, a customer experience analytics firm with a „session replay“ screen recording feature.

Session replays are designed to let developers screenshot or record or a user’s screen and then play back those recordings to see how users interact with their apps. Taps, button pushes, and keyboard entries are all captured and provided to app developers.

None of the apps above disclosed that they were recording a user’s screen in their privacy policies, which is apparently in violation of Apple’s App Store rules.

Apple also requires apps that record the screen to have a little red icon on the top left corner of the phone to make it clear that the screen is being recorded, and it sounds like Apple is going to enforce this rule for this kind of analytics tracking.

Most likely, apps will need to remove this feature because customers are not going to willingly use an app that’s recording everything that they’re doing and displaying a persistent red icon while the app is open.

There are many other analytics companies that have similar practices like Appsee and UXCam, so there are undoubtedly many more apps that are using these secret screen recording features without customer knowledge.

This article, "Apple Forces Developers to Remove Screen Recording Code From iOS Apps" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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For this week’s giveaway, we’ve teamed up with Astropad to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a Luna Display adapter. The Luna Display is a handy little dongle that’s designed to turn your iPad into a second screen for your Mac.

Using Mini DisplayPort or USB-C, the Luna Display plugs right into your Mac and then works with the iPad using the Luna Display software for Mac and iPad. Setup takes just a few seconds and the device works over a Wi-Fi connection.

At $80, the Luna Display is an affordable option for those who want a second portable display for the Mac that’s perfect for use both at home and when on the go. The connection between the two devices is seamless with little to no lag depending on your connection.

Luna Display works with any modern iPad, dating back to the iPad 2, along with the iPad mini and the iPad Pro. Newer iPads will perform better, of course, due to the faster hardware. You can also use the Luna Display with any 2012 or later Mac.

We’ve even set up an iPad Pro as a display for a Mac mini using the Luna Display, as seen in our video below, and it worked well.

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.

This article, "MacRumors Giveaway: Win a Luna Display Adapter for Turning Your iPad Into a Second Screen" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Belkin this week released new privacy-focused InvisiGlass Ultra screen protectors for the iPhone X and iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

The screen protectors are designed with two-way mirrored glass that hides the contents of your iPhone screen from onlookers when viewed from the side, but provides full visibility when viewed straight on.

Apple, which began selling the screen protectors this week, says the screen protectors use ion-strengthened glass for improved durability.

The screen protectors are available for $44.95 on Apple.com for each iPhone model. An installation kit and cleaning cloth are included for self application, or Apple Stores can apply the screen protectors when purchased in store.

Keep in mind that many privacy screen protectors are available on Amazon, often at significantly lower prices, although quality varies.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon.

This article, "Belkin Releases Privacy Screen Protectors for iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Ahead of its widely expected video service unveil on March 25, Apple is hiring strategists to arrange screenings and other publicity events for Hollywood insiders and others who vote on which movies and TV shows win prestigious awards like Oscars and Emmys, according to Bloomberg’s Anousha Sakoui and Mark Gurman.

From the report:

Apple is forming a team of people with awards strategy experience. In January, it hired one such person from Walt Disney Co.’s television group. The iPhone maker is also seeking a high-level candidate to oversee the process, one of the people familiar with the situation said. The company could be in the running for Emmy awards as early as 2020, according to people familiar with the process.

Apple already has dozens of original TV shows and movies lined up for the service, including an unnamed morning show drama starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell.

Apple would be following in the footsteps of other streaming video services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, which have all had original content nominated for awards like Oscars and Emmys in the past few years. As the report notes, winning awards could attract higher-profile directors and actors to Apple.

The report also claims that Apple will charge for some content, while other video will be free for Apple device users, backing up a CNBC report.

This article, "Apple Will Reportedly Screen Original Content for Top Awards Like Oscars and Emmys" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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