[VIDEO] The movie is called On the Rocks, and is a reunion of sorts, bringing Bill Murray and Sofia Coppola back together. Coppola won the Best Original Screenplay for 2003’s Lost in Translation (one of my favorite movies) with nominations for Coppola as Best Director and Bill Murray as Best Actor.
On the Rocks was once again written and directed by Coppola. Coming to theaters (maybe?) and Apple TV+ in October. The trailer is embedded in the main Loop post.
New York Times:
The stocks of Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft and Facebook, the five largest publicly traded companies in America, rose 37 percent in the first seven months this year, while all the other stocks in the S&P 500 fell a combined 6 percent.
And:
Those five companies now constitute 20 percent of the stock market’s total worth, a level not seen from a single industry in at least 70 years. Apple’s stock market value, the highest of the bunch, is nearly $2 trillion — double what it was just 21 weeks ago.
And:
“Covid was the perfect positive storm for these guys,” said Thomas Philippon, a professor of finance at New York University.
And let’s not forget about the billionaires. Jump to this Statista post and scroll down to the chart showing the massive growth in billionaire wealth since March 18th.
A funky little tip from OSXDaily. This is not how to force reboot your Apple Watch but, rather, how to force quit a misbehaving app.
This is akin to swiping up on an app on your iPhone to force quit it.
Apple:
Apple today announced two new live global radio offerings on Apple Music, now available to music fans in 165 countries. Beginning today, Beats 1, the flagship global radio station, will be renamed Apple Music 1, and two additional radio stations will launch: Apple Music Hits, celebrating everyone’s favorite songs from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, and Apple Music Country, spotlighting country music.
Interesting that Apple has stepped back from the Beats brand here. Note that Apple purchased Beats on August 1st, 2014. I wonder if the Beats 1 branding was part of that contract and time just ran out on that requirement. Pure speculation on my part.
Mark Gurman, Bloomberg:
Consumers currently have a chance to sign up to the warranty-and-support program within 60 days of buying an Apple product. This subscription window is increasing to up to a year now in the U.S. and Canada.
“This gives customers another opportunity to protect their device and have access to all the AppleCare+ benefits,” Apple wrote in a memo to staff seen by Bloomberg News. The company told employees the offer is available to customers who pay for AppleCare+ in full versus monthly payments, or for those that subscribe via installments on the Apple Card credit card.
Keep that change in mind. Looks like you’ll now have up to a year after you buy Apple Hardware to sign up for AppleCare+.
AppleCare is what you get for free, AppleCare+ is what you pay for. Note that you’ll have to have your device screened by an Apple retail employee to make sure it is not damaged before they’ll let you sign up.
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline:
I hear filming on the remaining two episodes started today on the Sony lot in Culver City.
Indie studio Sony Pictures TV has been at the forefront of efforts to safely return scripted series to production. The studio’s CBS show S.W.A.T. became the first broadcast drama to start filming new episodes, Its daytime drama The Young and the Restless has been back in production for weeks, its ABC comedy The Goldbergs is eying a production restart in a week; while studio’s drama The Good Doctor is looking to get filming underway in Vancouver at the end of this month.
I’ve been reading about production on many different projects slowly ramping up, with lots of actor/crew testing, mannequins and family stand-ins subbing for other actors when filming hugs, etc.
Good to hear about more and more shows coming back to life.
Apple:
Apple has ordered its first competition series, “My Kind of Country,” a groundbreaking global search for unconventional and extraordinary country music talent that will be produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Emmy-nominated Hello Sunshine, Jason Owen and Emmy Award nominee Izzie Pick Ibarra. Emmy Award-nominated Adam Blackstone will serve as musical director of the series, which will be executive produced by Done + Dusted.
First competition series? Planet of the Apps will not be forgotten!
“My Kind of Country” will revolutionize the music competition genre with a fresh, new documentary sensibility. The hybrid series will break down cultural and musical barriers in the country music space, inviting innovative musicians to unleash their authentic voices and take center stage.
Apple TV+ continues to flesh out its offerings, expanding its reach while trying to make all shows appealing, in some way or other, to a very wide audience. Difficult road to walk, so far so good.
And if you’ve avoided Ted Lasso because you couldn’t connect to the trailers, ignore them, watch the show. It’s really good.
David Shayer, TidBITS:
It was a gray day in late 2005. I was sitting at my desk, writing code for the next year’s iPod. Without knocking, the director of iPod Software—my boss’s boss—abruptly entered and closed the door behind him. He cut to the chase. “I have a special assignment for you. Your boss doesn’t know about it. You’ll help two engineers from the US Department of Energy build a special iPod. Report only to me.”
This is an unbelievable read. But totally believable, since it’s from David Shayer, who worked as a software engineer at Apple for about 18 years. Look him up. Then follow the headline link and read the whole thing.
MIT Technology Review:
At the start of the week, Liam Porr had only heard of GPT-3. By the end, the college student had used the AI model to produce an entirely fake blog under a fake name.
It was meant as a fun experiment. But then one of his posts reached the number-one spot on Hacker News. Few people noticed that his blog was completely AI-generated. Some even hit “Subscribe.”
This is remarkable. AI has come incredibly far, to the point where AI-generated content is indistinguishable from the human created. At least if you don’t look too hard. And that’s part of the issue.
Most people don’t look for signs of fakery. Part of this is how overwhelmed we all are with the river of content that inundates us. And part of this is confirmation bias. We want to believe!
Here’s a link to the fake blog if you want to see this for yourself.
Michael Potuck, 9to5Mac:
One of the exciting features of watchOS 7 is the ability to easily share and download Apple Watch faces with a direct link. But what about thinking bigger than just sharing directly with others? buddywatch is a neat new platform dedicated to sharing, discovering, and downloading new watch faces.
You’ll need the iOS 14 and watchOS 7 betas to share on BuddyWatch but, presumably, we’re just a few months away from the public release of both.
And even if you don’t have either beta installed, you can still check BuddyWatch out.
[VIDEO] The first of these ads (video embedded in main Loop post) highlights Apple TV+ comedies, including Mythic Quest (my favorite Apple TV+ show) and the brand new Ted Lasso (will watch this week, talk about with Jim on this week’s Dalrymple Report).
The second ad is more of the same, but without the comedy focus.
It’s amazing how rich the list of available shows is, especially when you consider that this all started with Apple Music’s Planet of the Apps, and that the service is less than 10 months old.
Google, in their Open letter to Australians:
We need to let you know about new Government regulation that will hurt how Australians use Google Search and YouTube.
A proposed law, the News Media Bargaining Code, would force us to provide you with a dramatically worse Google Search and YouTube, could lead to your data being handed over to big news businesses, and would put the free services you use at risk in Australia.
There is so much to read into these words. There’s a feeling of worry, of being under threat. There’s the sense that Google is warning us, a sense of alarm. And there’s the irony of one of the biggest companies on the planet alerting us about losing our data to “big news businesses”.
Read the piece, draw your own conclusions. But do read about Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code.
From the announcement:
The Government has instructed the ACCC to develop a mandatory code to address commercial arrangements between digital platforms and news media businesses. Among the elements the code will cover include the sharing of data, ranking and display of news content and the monetisation and the sharing of revenue generated from news.
The mandatory code will also establish appropriate enforcement, penalty and binding dispute resolution mechanisms.
The way I read this, the News Media Bargaining Code is trying to shift control of the news back into the hands of the publishers and creators. Is this a good thing? Will this hurt Google and other aggregators? Will this help push money back into journalism? That last bit is what I am hoping for.
This morning, the ACCC (creators of the News Media Bargaining Code) responded to Google’s open letter:
Google will not be required to charge Australians for the use of its free services such as Google Search and YouTube, unless it chooses to do so.
Google will not be required to share any additional user data with Australian news businesses unless it chooses to do so.
The draft code will allow Australian news businesses to negotiate for fair payment for their journalists’ work that is included on Google services.
This will address a significant bargaining power imbalance between Australian news media businesses and Google and Facebook.
A healthy news media sector is essential to a well-functioning democracy.
This is important stuff.
First things first, here’s the link to Fortnite on the App Store. Unless the change has not yet propogated, this link should now be dead. Do a search for Fortnite on the App Store, that’s a dead-end too.
If you are new to this fast moving story, a bit from this backgrounder from CNBC’s Kit Leswing:
Fortnite maker Epic Games on Thursday announced new payment options that allow customers to buy in-game credits direct from Epic Games on both Android and iPhone.
The direct payment option to Epic appears to skirt Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store rules, which require Epic to give those firms a 30% cut of revenue made through the app.
Push came to shove, Epic challenged Apple (and Google), and Apple pushed back.
And now Epic Games has responded with this just-filed legal action.
Feels like a boiling pressure cooker, about to blow.
[VIDEO] First things first, credit where credit is due, I lifted this straight from this Daring Fireball post.
That said, this video (embedded in main Loop post) really is remarkable. I love this format, lets you see the meticulous shot recreation. For example, about 40 seconds in, watch how well Lydia matches the footfalls of the original. Exquisite.
And if you’ve never seen the original, carve out some time this weekend to watch. It is currently streaming on HBO Max.
Nice find, Gruber.
Bloomberg:
Apple Inc. is readying a series of bundles that will let customers subscribe to several of the company’s digital services at a lower monthly price, according to people with knowledge of the effort.
The bundles, dubbed “Apple One” inside the Cupertino, California-based technology giant, are planned to launch as early as October alongside the next iPhone line, the people said. The bundles are designed to encourage customers to subscribe to more Apple services, which will generate more recurring revenue.
Follow the headline link for details, but this has been long-rumored, and definitely seems believable.
I think it would bring in people who like one particular service and are willing to bump their monthly payout to get other services at a discount. Same with people on the fence about subscribing to any one service.
I love this idea, hope it’s true, can’t wait for the October event.
New York Post:
News Corp. will continue to allow tech giant Apple to disseminate its news articles through the Apple News platform because the arrangement is helping introduce new readers to The Wall Street Journal, CEO Robert Thomson said.
Thomson said Apple News is connecting new readers to WSJ, including women and young people who might not otherwise be aware of its breadth of news coverage beyond business news.
That goes to the core of Apple’s argument for News+, that it will bring new awareness and a new audience to a news publisher.
As to the makeup of that audience, CEO Thomson continues:
It is a genuinely different audience. It’s actually, of late, more women than men. For The Wall Street Journal itself, it’s more men than women.
Certainly good news for Apple News+. Turning point? At the very least, validation of their model.
From the iOS 13.6.1 update that just dropped:
Addresses an issue where unneeded system data files might not be automatically deleted when available storage is low.
If memory is an issue for you, this is a much needed fix. See also, this related Apple support article on solving the chicken and egg problem where you don’t have enough space to download the update that solves the you don’t have enough space problem.
Apple:
Apple TV+ today announced a series order for “Harriet the Spy,” the first animated adaptation of the iconic children’s novel that chronicles the coming-of-age adventures of the irrepressible Harriet M. Welsch.
More fruit from this past May’s Apple TV+ deal with the Jim Henson Company, the deal that rebooted Fraggle Rock.
[VIDEO] This Apple IIe product video is a real slice of history. The whole thing is worth watching, but the highlight is at 3:23, Steve Jobs as you’ve likely never seen him before.
Nice find from Justin Miller. Video embedded in main Loop post.
Deadline:
Two and one-half months after it stepped up to become the producers of Killers of the Flower Moon, Apple has inked a first-look deal with its director, Martin Scorsese. The master filmmaker will base his Sikelia Productions banner at Apple in a multi-year deal for film and television projects Scorsese will produce and direct for Apple TV +.
Great move for Apple. Yet another reason I am bullish on Apple TV+.
Filipe Espósito, 9to5Mac:
In addition to Listen Now, the beta version of the Apple Music website now features a refreshed design to reflect the changes made to the Music app on iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur. The sidebar icons are all highlighted in red and the Mix playlists have been updated with new animated artworks.
Unfortunately, Apple Music Web still lacks important features such as the ability to edit playlists and song lyrics. Despite that, the Apple Music website is a convenient alternative to access Apple Music on other devices without the Music app or iTunes.
The official Apple Music web site is at music.apple.com. The new beta site is at beta.music.apple.com.
[VIDEO] Microsoft’s Windows blog:
Today, as we look ahead to the next wave of mobile productivity and creativity, we see that same opportunity to create something new with Surface Duo – not to reinvent the phone, but to inspire people to rethink how they want to use the device in their pocket.
I’m intrigued. I like the form factor, though it is about 20% wider than the iPhone 11 Pro Max, so it stretches the concept of a pocketable device. The Surface Duo is 93.3mm wide (3.67″) and the iPhone 11 Pro Max is 77.8mm wide (3.06″)
Not sure why, but this design appeals to me much more than the Samsung Galaxy Fold, feels more stable somehow, the design somehow sleeker.
To see this for yourself, check out the video embedded in the main Loop post. Will Apple follow one of these paths to create an iPhone/iPad hybrid? If so, will it be a true foldable? A hinged device like the new Surface Duo? Or something entirely new?
NorthJersey.com:
The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled Monday that a criminal defendant can be compelled to reveal his cellphone passcode to investigators, rejecting the argument that such a move violates the right against self-incrimination guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
In a closely watched case, the state’s top court narrowly sided with prosecutors seeking access to the phone data of a former Essex County sheriff’s officer accused of secretly working with a Bloods street gang. The court ruled 4-3, in a case that could have far-reaching implications for criminal investigations in New Jersey.
Click the headline link for details on the case. But this is an important piece of the ruling:
The state argued that even if the passcodes were considered testimony, Andrews should be required to provide them under a body of case law known as the “foregone conclusion exception” to the Fifth Amendment. The Prosecutor’s Office said Lowery told investigators about the text messages, which it used as a basis to obtain the search warrant. Thus, the texts were a “foregone conclusion” — they were known to exist — and the only thing stopping the state from seeing those potential pieces of evidence was Andrews, who knew the passcode.
This narrows the precedent. Still, a big ruling. Fascinating read. I expect this case to come up as an argument in future cases in other jurisdictions. A matter of time before an argument based on this case makes its way to the US Supreme Court.
Apple:
Apple today revealed that “Tehran,” the new espionage thriller from “Fauda” writer Moshe Zonder, will premiere globally Friday, September 25 on Apple TV+. The eight-episode series will premiere with the first three episodes, followed by new episodes weekly, every Friday.
“Tehran” tells the thrilling story of a Mossad agent who goes deep undercover on a dangerous mission in Tehran that places her and everyone around her in dire jeopardy.
The Apple TV+ engine continues to turn out content. Hard to believe the service started less than 10 months ago.
[VIDEO] As I mentioned yesterday, today is Woz’s 70th birthday. Follow the headline link for the details on tonight’s live event.
In the meantime, check out this official birthday song (video embedded in main Loop post) written by “song a day” songwriter extraordinaire Jonathan Mann. Excellent video.
Happy Birthday, Woz!
In a nutshell, the idea is to add an alternate appearance to Face ID taken with your mask folded in half, covering one side of your face.
Have not had the chance to test this yet, so I’m taking this with a grain of salt. But worth a try.
AP:
In a letter to CEO Tim Cook obtained by The Associated Press, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Patrick Foye said riders have been seen removing their masks to unlock their phones using face-recognition technology, despite a recent update by Apple that simplifies the unlock process for people wearing masks.
And:
“We understand Apple is working to address the issue and know that Apple has a range of technologies at its disposal as a global leader among tech companies,” Foye wrote in the letter sent Sunday. “We urge Apple to accelerate the deployment of new technologies and solutions that further protect customers in the era of COVID-19.”
I’d love a version of Face ID that could recognize me with a mask on. I’d also be OK with a delayed locking scheme that stayed unlocked as long as, say, I continued holding my iPhone in my hand. So if I put my iPhone in my pocket (or let go in any way), it would lock. But if I kept my iPhone in my hand, it’d stay unlocked. Effective for grocery runs, though not perfect.
Om Malik:
It is easy to find a replacement for TikTok. We don’t use Huawei and WeChat as ordinary Americans. But when the blowback comes, it is going to be against a company whose influence in our lives goes beyond its products.
And that company is iPhone maker, Apple.
It is not hard to imagine China retaliating against Apple as a move in the US/China trade wars. Moving on:
Barry Ritholtz, recently noted that “Four industry groups — internet content, software infrastructure, consumer electronics, and internet retailers — account for more than $8 trillion in market value, about a third of the S&P500 and a quarter of total U.S. stock market value of about $35 trillion.” Apple’s market capitalization, which was just shy of $2 trillion last week, is roughly a quarter of that $8 trillion in market value.
Fantastic for Apple, fans of Apple, and Apple shareholders. Moving on:
Google, Facebook, and Netflix, three of the most significant tech stocks don’t have that much China exposure. Apple is the one with the highest China-risk.
And:
Any disruption in Apple’s operations is going to have an impact on its market capitalization. And very quickly, Apple’s misfortunes are going to become America’s misfortunes.
And there’s the Achilles heel. Interesting read.
Juli Clover, in this MacRumors article:
Apple News in iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur has a toggle that’s designed to open web links from Apple News+ publishers directly in Apple News, which has the effect of directing users who tap to read a news story in Safari to the Apple News app instead of to the publisher’s website.
And:
Many Apple News+ users have been asking for a way to open up web links in Apple News+ to avoid paywalls on the web, so Apple News+ subscribers that pay for the service are likely to be appreciative of the new feature.
Obviously, iOS 14 is still in beta, so there’s a chance that Apple will change this behavior, or at least turn the toggle off by default, before the official public release.
I’d love to see Apple News+ make it much easier to recover the original link to an article. I can get there by digging through the share panel, but it is certainly not obvious. And Google makes this just as difficult, often offering up a link to a link that takes you to Google’s servers.
This gatekeeping behavior is not helping solve the ” news decline” problem. It’s not helping get publishers paid, and that’s not good for reporters/writers.
Bloomberg:
Apple’s share price rose almost 5% last week, leaving the company Jobs co-founded 44 years ago in his parents’ California home on the cusp of stock-market milestone: a market value of nearly $2 trillion.
And:
It was valued at about $350 billion when Jobs died. Cook, meantime, has joined one of the most elite clubs for CEOs who didn’t actually found the companies they run: his net worth has eclipsed $1 billion, according to calculations by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Reminds me of this: Name a billionaire who worked for another billionaire while both were billionaires. If you want to guess, reply to this tweet.