There’s a long, excellent profile of the new AT&T and its CEO Randall Stephenson in Fortune today, which you should read. AT&T has transformed itself into a media colossus by buying Time Warner, and understanding how the company plans to use its incredible array of content from HBO, CNN, TNT, and others in combination with its huge distribution networks across mobile broadband, DirecTV, and U-verse is important for anyone who cares about tech, media, or both. Seriously, go read it. Here’s the part I want you to pay attention to: two quick paragraphs describing how AT&T sees the future of advertising across those media properties and networks. It’s the same plan AT&T has laid out before, but it’s more specific now, and that specificity makes it chilling. I’ve bolded the scary part: “Say you and your neighbor are both DirecTV customers and you’re watching the same live program at the same time,” says Brian Lesser, who … [Read more...] about The future of AT&T is an ad-tracking nightmare hellworld
Mobile
10 lesser-known Apple Maps features you should check out
Maybe you don’t think Apple Maps is as good as Google Maps. Honestly, it’s probably not. But it’s already on your iPhone, it gets better with every update, and it does a better job of protecting your privacy. As the new Apple Maps data starts rolling out across the country, it’s going to be worth getting to know.With these tips, you may find using Apple Maps more palatable, even enjoyable.Tweak your driving optionsIf you use your iPhone for directions while driving (or have it hooked to a CarPlay compatible car), you should tweak the way it operates. Open the Settings app, then tap Maps, then tap on Driving & Navigation.You’ll see options to avoid toll roads, avoid highways (if you prefer the scenic route), and show a compass or speed limit signs during driving navigation.Perhaps the most useful settings here is the ability to control the voice navigation volume. If you can never hear it over your music (or kids), this is the place to raise it. I … [Read more...] about 10 lesser-known Apple Maps features you should check out
Hyperbolic style: All Apple decisions are terrible
It’s another week and another example of how Apple’s design choices must be seen as the worst thing ever.Writing for the Forbes contributor network and penny-farthing ride-sharing network, Gordon Kelly tells us how an “Apple Insider Corroborates Ugly New iPhone Designs.” (Tip o’ the antlers to @designheretic, Matt and Alberto.)Yes, according to several rumors, including some images posted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this year’s crop of iPhones will feature square camera bumps to house the three cameras that will be on some models. And, as we learned with the Apple Watch flop, squares are inherently hideous. This is just a fact of geometry, people.Kelly doesn’t really have a suggestion here as to how it would be more aesthetically pleasing to house three cameras, he just wants to complain. …as promising as its internals sound, Gurman has shown that externally Apple is getting it all wrong. Yes, Apple is getting it all wrong because … [Read more...] about Hyperbolic style: All Apple decisions are terrible
Apple releases iOS 12.4 beta 2 to developers and public testers
Apple released iOS 12.3 in the second week of May, bringing us its new TV app with Channels subscriptions. Just days later, it started releasing betas to developers for another point release, iOS 12.4.With WWDC just around the corner, and the first iOS 13 beta likely to land at that time, it’s not yet clear why Apple needs another release. Simple bug and security fixes generally don’t get major point-release status; we would get a 12.3.1 release if there were no significant user-facing features.Those who are part of Apple’s developer program can register a device for developer betas by heading to developer.apple.com/download. Those who are not in the developer program can register their devices for public beta releases by visiting beta.apple.com while using the device on which they wish to run the beta software. While many beta releases are stable and even include new bug fixes, we suggest you do not run beta releases on your primary device.Update 05/20/19: Apple has … [Read more...] about Apple releases iOS 12.4 beta 2 to developers and public testers
12 little-known Apple Watch features you should start using
The Apple Watch is a marvel of miniaturization and can do so much. It’s no wonder it’s the most popular watch in the world. But the tiny display and simple controls don’t leave a lot of room for tutorials and explainers. Many of the best, most useful features and controls for the Apple Watch are, not exactly hidden, but at least hard to discover.Take screenshotsWant to brag about that epic workout session or high score in an Apple Watch game? Taking a screenshot on your Apple Watch is simple. Just press and hold the side button and tap the digital crown (you can usually trigger it by simply tapping both buttons at once, which is easier since they’re on the same side of the watch).Your screen with flash, and the screenshot will appear in your Photos library on your iPhone (and your Mac, if you’re using iCloud to keep everything in sync).First, you’ll have to enable this in the Watch app on your iPhone. Go to the My Watch tab, tap General, … [Read more...] about 12 little-known Apple Watch features you should start using