Amazon Echo supports iCloud calendars ahead of rumored Siri speaker

Amazon’s Echo speakers give you voice control over calendars from Google and Microsoft, but there’s long been a notable exception to that rule: Apple. Thankfully, Amazon just filled that gap. The internet giant has quietly added support for linking Alexa to your iCloud calendar, letting you add events or check appointments that should promptly show up on your iOS devices and Macs. You’ll need to switch on Apple’s two-factor authentication, but you’re otherwise off to the races. It’s a big deal if you’re heavily invested in Apple’s ecosystem, although the timing is definitely… convenient.

Right now, rumors are swirling of Apple developing a Siri-based smart speaker that could launch as soon as June 5th, at WWDC. Whether or not that happens, it’s easy to see this as a preemptive strike on Amazon’s part. Why wait for a Siri speaker when Amazon’s hardware will support your calendars right now? It’s doubtful that Alexa will ever support everything a diehard Apple fan would want (we’re definitely not counting on Apple Music or HomeKit integration), but this might cover the bases if you just need to know when your next meeting is coming up.

Via: 9to5Mac

Source: Amazon

Android Pay hits Canada without the support of some major banks

You have to sympathize with Android-loving Canadians. While Apple Pay has been available in the country since 2015, Android Pay has been a no-show — you’ve had to pay for your Tim Hortons donuts the old-fashioned way. At last, though, it’s here. In the wake of some not-so-subtle clues to the launch (logos have been visible for weeks in some places), Google has started rolling out Android Pay in Canada. It should work anywhere that already offers tap-to-pay shopping, and it’ll accept MasterCard, Visa and debit cards from major banks including BMO, CIBC, Desjardins and Scotiabank. Many mobile and web apps will take Android Pay, too. With that said, there are some glaring omissions in support to watch out for.

To start, American Express card compatibility is only “coming soon.” That’s not such a big deal in Canada, for obvious reasons, but it’s notable. Bank support, however, is another matter. At present, there’s no mention of Royal Bank or TD cards — for Americans, that would be like going without Chase or Wells Fargo. Both of those missing banks support Apple Pay, so it’s more a matter of missing agreements than any kind of technical limitation.

The addition of Canadian access comes hot on the heels of Russia (which went online May 23rd), and brings Android Pay up to 12 countries. The service is still trailing behind Apple Pay and Samsung Pay in terms of coverage, but Google is clearly making up for lost time when half of its supported countries came aboard in the past 6 months. Although it’ll be a long, long time before contactless mobile payments are ubiquitous, the availability gap between services is already small enough that you don’t have to be very picky about your choice of devices.

Source: Google Official Canada Blog

Facebook clarifies its security settings to curb confusion

Facebook has picked up on the fact that everyone thinks its security settings are confusing. So, it has rolled out a redesign based on user research to bring some much-needed clarity to its security page.

Some of the changes include bringing important tools, like trusted contacts and two-factor authentication, to the top of the security and login page in a new “recommended” section that’s customized for you based on your current settings. And about that two-factor authentication option — it’s no longer called “login approvals,” because it took research for Facebook to realize it should just call it what it is. They’ve also grouped similar tools together under single headings and simplified the “Where you’re logged in” section, making it much easier to see where, when and on what devices you were last on Facebook.

Overall, the changes make it easier to navigate through all of Facebook’s security options no matter your level of tech savviness. And this follows an update of the website’s Privacy Basics section in January, which added more interactive guides to help you tailor your settings. To get to the revamped security section, click the little arrow at the top right of your screen, select Settings, and then Security + Login from the menu on the left.

Source: Facebook

Apple reportedly begins production of its Siri speaker

Those rumors of Apple unveiling a Siri-enabled speaker just got a little more tangible. Bloomberg sources claim that Apple has started manufacturing the voice-controlled device. It might be announced at WWDC on June 5th, the insiders say. Just don’t expect to buy one right away, though. If the rumor is accurate, the speaker “will not be ready” to ship until later in the year. Your patience may pay off, though, as there are reportedly a few features that will help it stand out next to the Amazon Echo and Google Home.

The speaker would not only be louder and crisper-sounding than its rivals, according to the rumor, but would produce virtual surround sound. It’s not clear how this would work (most music is stereo, after all), but the description sounds like Apple wants a room-filling effect. The company has supposedly considered including sensors that automatically adjust sound levels based on room noise (that is, it may lower music if you’re talking), but it’s not certain if that feature made the cut.

And of course, the device would lean heavily on integration with Apple’s ecosystem. You could use it to control HomeKit-capable smart home devices, and it’s “likely” that third-party services will support the speaker. A WWDC introduction would be very fitting in that case. Even if the speaker doesn’t ship for months, it’d give developers time to offer support.

If the speaker does launch at WWDC, the show could be very hardware-centric. There are already reports of possible Mac updates and iPad launches at the event — throw a speaker into the mix and software revisions might be the least interesting parts of the keynote. There’s no guarantees you’ll see any of these products when Tim Cook and crew take the stage, but the sheer amount of buzz suggests that something unusual is afoot.

Source: Bloomberg

Amazon refunds $70 million your kids accidentally spent in apps

Last year, a federal judge ruled Amazon was on the hook for tens of millions of dollars worth of unauthorized in-app purchases made by kids in free-to-play apps. This week, the online retail giant officially started issuing over $70 million in refunds to eligible customers as part of its settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.

If your kids (or you, yourself) were among the thousands that were hit with unauthorized charges, you should have already received an email from Amazon telling you how much you’re owed. If not, users can also check the Message Center in their Amazon account or the specific refund page to check their eligibility.

The refunds will resolve a case that started three years ago when the FTC sued Amazon for launching the Kindle Fire OS with the parental settings turned off. According to the FTC’s suit, kids were able to charge in-app purchases up to $99 without needing to enter a password, resulting in the millions of unwanted charges. Apple and Google both ran into similar issues with the consumer watchdog agency when launching their respective app stores, but those two companies acted quickly to reach a settlement with the FTC. Amazon’s case was drawn out because the company unsuccessfully tried to argue that it had adequately handled billing complaints and issued refunds where appropriate. Apple eventually agreed to pay a minimum of $32.5 million in refunds, while Google refunded $19 million in kids’ purchases.

Via: Ars Technica

Source: Federal Trade Commission

Amazon’s drone deliveries could include shipping label parachutes

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost three years since Amazon announced its plan to deliver packages via drone. The first air delivery occurred last December in the UK and the retailer continues to refine the concept with futuristic ideas to perch the flying couriers on streetlights and deploy them from flying warehouses. In a new patent discovered by GeekWire, Amazon’s next step is an “Aerial Package Delivery System,” a delivery label that includes one of those parachutes that could make shipping via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that much easier.

The patent documents describe a simple workflow for delivery via drone parachute. The images show the steps, which include “Pack item, attach parachute shipping label,” “Attach to UAV” and then “Drop at delivery location.” The patent’s abstract says that the system can include a self-adhesive backing, a “plurality of parachute cords” and a breakaway cover to land a package at a delivery spot without damaging it. The label may also include graphics and text to include an address, velocity and spin information on the package. The system may also include a harness to prevent cord tangling from any spinning during an item’s descent.

Whether the parachute shipping label will ever grace a box full of gear from Amazon is anyone’s guess, but this is certainly an interesting way to slow packages before they hit the ground. The company wants to keep its current delivery workflow process in place, writing in the patent that it wants any new aerial delivery system to be “preferably compact, self-contained and relatively inexpensive.” That bodes well for those of us who can’t wait to get their sundries from the sky.

Via: GeekWire, The Verge

Source: US Patent Office

Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 31 With Bug Fixes and Feature Improvements

Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser Apple first introduced one year ago in March of 2016. Apple designed the Safari Technology Preview to test features that may be introduced into future release versions of Safari.

Safari Technology Preview release 31 includes fixes and improvements for Web API, Javascript, Layout and Rendering, CSS Grid, Font Variations, Web Inspector, Media, Web Driver, WebCrypto, and Security.

The Safari Technology Preview update is available through the Software Update mechanism in the Mac App Store to anyone who has downloaded the browser. Full release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website.

Apple’s aim with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download.

Tag: Safari Technology Preview
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Apple CEO Tim Cook Urges U.S. President to Stay in Paris Climate Pact

Amid rumors suggesting U.S. President Donald Trump plans to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement, multiple tech CEOs have been urging him not to do so, reports Bloomberg.

On Tuesday, Apple CEO Tim Cook called the White House to ask the president not to abandon the agreement, which is a 195-nation pact committed to cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and reducing global warming. Under the terms of the pact, the United States commits to reducing carbon emissions by 26 to 28 percent over the course of the next decade.

Apple CEO Tim Cook at the Executive Tech Summit at Trump Tower in December of 2016
Trump, who said he opposes “draconian climate rules” during his presidential campaign, announced this morning that he would make his decision on the accord “over the next few days.” Officials who spoke to the New York Times said a decision has not yet been made, but Trump is expected to withdraw on the grounds that the accord would harm the economy and impact job creation in areas like Appalachia and the West.

I will be announcing my decision on the Paris Accord over the next few days. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017

A senior White House official cautioned that the specific language of the president’s expected announcement was still in flux Wednesday morning. The official said the withdrawal might be accompanied by legal caveats that will shape the impact of Mr. Trump’s decision.

Over the course of the last several years, Apple has become increasingly committed to reducing its environmental impact and running its business on 100 percent renewable energy. Most recently, Apple announced plans to pursue a closed-loop supply chain where its products would be built entirely from recyclable materials.

Along with Cook, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has asked Trump not to withdraw the United States from the Paris Accord. In a tweet, Musk said he’s done all he can to influence Trump’s decision, and in a followup tweet, Musk said he would leave the White House advisory councils he participates in should Trump choose to leave the accord.

Don’t know which way Paris will go, but I’ve done all I can to advise directly to POTUS, through others in WH & via councils, that we remain

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 31, 2017

Many other White House officials and companies are attempting to persuade Trump before he makes a final decision. In early May, CEOs from 30 companies sent an open letter pointing out the potential for negative trade implications should the U.S. exit the Paris agreement, and on Thursday, 25 major companies, including Intel, Apple, Google, Microsoft, will publish a full-page pro-accord letter in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Tags: Tim Cook, Apple environment, Donald Trump
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Rumored Siri Speaker in Production Ahead of Possible WWDC Debut

Apple’s rumored Siri smart speaker, which is designed to compete with the Google Home and Amazon Echo, is already in production ahead of a prospective debut at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, reports Bloomberg.

Citing sources “familiar with the matter,” Bloomberg says production has already started on the speaker, but it is not expected to be ready to ship until later in the year. Still, Apple could introduce the speaker at WWDC, which kicks off next Monday.

Despite rumors hinting at a touch screen, and comments from Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller questioning the usefulness of an AI-based speaker product without a screen, the upcoming Siri speaker will not feature a display.

A Siri speaker mockup with a “Mac Pro-like” concave design (Image via iFunnyVlogger)
Instead, Apple will differentiate its speaker from Amazon and Google offerings through deep integration with Apple products and superior sound quality, including virtual surround sound technology. The speaker is said to be louder and “reproduce sound more crisply” than the Home and the Echo, and it could also include sensors for measuring a room’s acoustics and adjusting audio levels automatically during use.

As with the Echo and the Home, Apple’s speaker will likely support third-party services and apps, allowing it to perform a wide range of tasks. It will also serve as a HomeKit hub.

Introducing a speaker would serve two main purposes: providing a hub to automate appliances and lights via Apple’s HomeKit system, and establishing a bulwark inside the home to lock customers more tightly into Apple’s network of services.

Inventec, the company that manufactures Apple’s AirPods, is said to be manufacturing the speaker, which has, as was previously reported, been tested in the homes of Apple employees for several months.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said there was a greater than 50 percent chance the speaker would be introduced at WWDC, so we may get our first look at the device next week. Rumors have suggested it will feature a Mac Pro-like concave top with built-in controls and a “fat” body covered in speaker mesh.

Along with the Siri speaker, Apple may also introduce new 10.5 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models and new Macs at WWDC.

Related Roundup: Siri Smart Speaker
Tags: HomeKit, Siri, bloomberg.com
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Review: CalDigit’s TS3 and TS3 Lite Thunderbolt 3 Docks Offer Solid MacBook Pro Expansion Options

While Apple’s latest MacBook Pro with support for Thunderbolt 3 has been out for over six months, the first full-featured Thunderbolt 3 docks are only just now starting to hit the market. Last month we took a look at OWC’s Thunderbolt 3 Dock that should begin shipping out very shortly, and today we’re taking a look at a pair of similar docks from CalDigit that help expand the capabilities of the MacBook Pro.

CalDigit actually has a pair of Thunderbolt 3 docks, the $200 TS3 Lite that has been available for a few months now and the upcoming $300 TS3 that is just about ready to begin shipping.

TS3

As the more expensive of the two, the TS3 is the flagship dock in CalDigit’s lineup, carrying a nearly identical block-like design to the previous TS2 based around Thunderbolt 2, although in a lighter silver color compared to the TS2’s gray finish. The TS3 can be oriented either vertically sitting on the soft rubber pad on the end of the dock or horizontally using a pair of rubber runners that snap onto the ribbed enclosure.

View of rubber pad for vertical orientation and runners (one partially removed) for horizontal orientation
At 5.2 inches high (or wide) by 3.88 inches deep by 1.71 inches thick and 1.34 pounds, it’s not especially heavy, but its block-like shape and ribbed all-aluminum enclosure do give a premium feel with a little bit of heft in the hand. The vertical and horizontal orientation options are nice to help the dock fit into a variety of desk setups, although I prefer the flatter horizontal design of the TS3 Lite and some other brands.

A single blue LED on the front of the TS3 makes it easy to tell at a glance that the dock is powered on and connected to a computer.

One major plus for the TS3 is its ability to deliver up to 85 watts over its Thunderbolt 3/USB-C connection, enough to power even the 15-inch MacBook Pro. In addition to Macs, CalDigit has also ensured that the TS3 can charge Windows computers over Thunderbolt 3.

As for its other ports, the TS3 features a front USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port that remains powered even when the dock is not connected to a computer, as well as separate audio in and out ports.

On the rear of the TS3 are two additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port with wake-on-LAN support, a DisplayPort port, and the dual Thunderbolt 3 ports to allow for daisychaining a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C display or other peripherals directly from the dock. Finally, a pair of eSATA 6G ports offer great expandability options for pro-level users. An external power brick and 0.5-meter Thunderbolt 3 cable are also included, but CalDigit is currently offering a promo upgrading the cable to two meters.

The TS3 supports either a single 5K display or dual displays at up to 4K resolution. For those looking to connect dual displays through the TS3, CalDigit has a dedicated page outlining various configuration options using both the DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports and any necessary adapters.

CalDigit offers a downloadable driver for all of its Thunderbolt docks to increase USB charging speeds and support Apple’s external SuperDrive and wired keyboard. A separate menu bar utility also makes it easy to eject drives connected to the docks. Both the driver and menu bar utility are optional downloads.

Overall Impressions

On the USB side, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports is a decent number to have available for connecting an iPhone or iPad, an Apple Watch charger, and another peripheral such as an external hard drive. I prefer the five ports offered on OWC’s dock for maximum flexibility, but I can get by with the three on the TS3. The eSATA ports are a great inclusion for pro-level users and something that’s unique to the TS3 among the major Thunderbolt 3 docks coming out in the first wave. If, like many users, you don’t have any eSATA peripherals, these ports won’t have any value for you.

I do miss the SD card slot found on OWC’s dock, a feature that should appeal to a large number of users, so it’s disappointing CalDigit opted not to include one. On the plus side, the separate audio in/out ports of the TS3 are a nice upgrade over OWC’s single combined port.

Overall, this is a great, compact Thunderbolt 3 dock that offers a good balance of features, especially if you’ve got some eSATA peripherals that need connecting.

TS3 Lite

For those who don’t need the full capabilities of the TS3, CalDigit’s TS3 Lite saves you $100 at the expense of a few features. The TS3 has a flatter, horizontal design very similar to that of OWC’s dock, coming in at 8.78 inches wide, 3.15 inches deep, and 1.06 inches high.

The TS3 Lite’s sleek form factor sits unobtrusively at the foot of an external display, with a single blue LED indicating when the dock is powered on and connected to a computer. The brushed aluminum casing is attractive, with the matte black plastic front and rear panels contrasting nicely with the aluminum.

A decently large white CalDigit word mark is printed on the top of the dock, which is a bit unfortunate but unsurprising. It can be fairly easily concealed by placing another item on top of the dock if desired. At just under a pound, the TS3 Lite is by no means hefty, but its small rubber feet help it sit fairly firmly on a desk and resist sliding.

On the performance side, one of the most significant considerations is that it can only deliver 15 watts of power over Thunderbolt 3, so it won’t be enough to charge your MacBook Pro over the single-cable connection. If you’re okay with also using your MacBook Pro’s power brick or if like me you run a dual UltraFine 5K or similar setup that can already charge the notebook through the directly connected display, then the lower wattage on this dock may work for you. The TS3 Lite also omits the two eSATA ports seen on its more expensive sibling, but essentially the entire remainder of the TS3’s ports are present here.

The front has not only a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port but also a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port that supports both data and charging functions, offering good flexibility for connecting accessories and devices needing frequent access.

The audio in and out ports move to the rear on the TS3 Lite, and they are accompanied by a Gigabit Ethernet port with wake-on-LAN support, a DisplayPort port, dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, and a single USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port. Both Type-A ports allow for stand alone charging of connected devices even if the dock is not connected to a computer. As with the TS3, the TS3 Lite comes standard with both a 0.5-meter Thunderbolt 3 cable and an external power brick, but a current promotion upgrades the cable to two meters.

The TS3 Lite supports the same display connectivity options as the TS3 at a single 5K display or dual displays at up to 4K.

Overall Impressions

At $200, the TS3 Lite offers some nice savings compared to more full-featured Thunderbolt 3 docks, and for many users it may still be good enough for their needs. The 15-watt charging capacity is likely the major limiting factor here for most users. It’s not an issue for me since I already have up to 85 watts coming into my MacBook Pro from my second UltraFine 5K display.

Only having 2 Type-A USB ports is a bit limiting, but with an extra Type-C port available and cables and peripherals starting to move in that direction, the TS3 Lite’s combination of USB ports may actually be more useful than the TS3’s trio of Type-A ports. As with the TS3, separate in and out audio ports are a nice inclusion compared to OWC’s single combined audio port.

The TS3 Lite is a solid basic hub for a MacBook Pro setup, making it easy to have accessories, Ethernet, and even a display or two all ready to be connected to your computer with a single cable. It lacks some of the more advanced connectivity options seen on other docks like eSATA, FireWire, or an SD card slot, but for what it does offer at its price point it performs well.

Wrap-up

Among CalDigit, OWC, Belkin, and Elgato, there are a variety of Thunderbolt 3 dock options coming to market all right around the same time. So far they all seem pretty similar in function, but each offers a slightly different set of features, so in that respect it largely comes down to personal preference in finding the right dock for your needs.

CalDigit’s docks will certainly fit the bill for many people, with the TS3 and TS3 Lite providing a pair of options at different price points and feature sets. Power users may like the eSATA ports on the TS3, while the extra USB-C port and lower price tag of the TS3 Lite might be appealing options for more mainstream users.

How to Buy

Both the TS3 ($300) and TS3 Lite ($200) are available to order through CalDigit’s website. The TS3 Lite is shipping now, while new pre-orders for the TS3 should ship at the end of June or early July. Those who previously pre-ordered the TS3 should expect their orders very shortly, with CalDigit telling us the entire first wave of pre-orders will ship out a week from now. Amazon is currently offering a $20 discount on the TS3 Lite, so that’s another good purchasing option.

The TS3 Lite comes with a one-year warranty, and while the TS3 box also specifies a one-year warranty, CalDigit tells us it has decided to expand the warranty on the more expensive dock to two years.

Note: CalDigit provided the TS3 and TS3 Lite docks to MacRumors free of charge for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received.

Tags: Thunderbolt 3, CalDigit
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