Apple Releases iTunes 12.7.3 With Support for HomePod

Alongside the public debut of macOS High Sierra 10.13.3, Apple today released an updated version of iTunes for Mac.

iTunes 12.7.3, according to Apple’s release notes, introduces support for the HomePod. A new AirPlay menu built into iTunes 12.7.3 is designed to make it easy to choose the HomePod as an audio source and control what plays next using an Apple Music subscription.

Apple’s full release notes for iTunes 12.7.3 are below:

iTunes is now designed to work with HomePod. Use the improved AirPlay menu to easily choose HomePod can control what plays next with your Apple Music subscription. To learn more about HomePod, visit https://www.apple.com/homepod.

Today’s iTunes update can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for free using the Software Update function.

iTunes 12.7.3 follows iTunes 12.7.2, a December update that also focused on minor improvements. iTunes 12.7, released in September, was the last major update to iTunes, eliminating the built-in App Store to focus solely on music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and audiobooks.

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Mozilla Releases Firefox 58 for Mac With Performance Optimizations

Mozilla today announced the launch of Firefox 58, building upon the new “Quantum” features that were introduced in Firefox 57 back in November.

Firefox 57 introduced a redesigned interface, new UI features, speeds twice as fast as Firefox 52, and an engine that uses 30 percent less memory than Google Chrome, and Mozilla is continuing to introduce additional improvements in Firefox 58.

Firefox 58 includes updates to Gecko, Firefox’s rendering engine, which are designed to streamline and speed up the browsing experience. Specific new additions include background tab throttling, a WebAssembly Streaming Compiler, and Off-Main-Thread Painting (OMTP) for a “significantly better” rendering process, with full details on the speed improvements available on the Firefox blog.

Improvements have also been made to the way CSS fonts are displayed for shorter loading times, there’s a new Promise feature to reduce redundant code, and functional and privacy improvements have been made to Firefox Screenshots. Full release notes for the update are available from the Firefox website.

With this release, we’re building on the great foundation provided by our all-new Firefox Quantum browser. We’re optimizing the performance gains we released in 57 by improving the way we render graphics and cache JavaScript. We also made functional and privacy improvements to Firefox Screenshots. On Firefox for Android, we’ve added support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) so you can add websites to your home screen and use them like native apps.

Existing Firefox users will be able to upgrade to Firefox 58 automatically by restarting the browser. Non-Firefox users can download Firefox 58 for macOS for free from the Mozilla website.

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Siri is Now Actively Used on More Than Half a Billion Devices

In today’s announcement about the HomePod’s February 9 launch date, Apple quietly provided new data on how many people are using Siri. According to the company, Siri is now actively used on more than half a billion devices.

As noted by Above Avalon’s Neil Cybart, that’s an improvement over the last Siri data point shared by Apple. Back at the June Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple said Siri was used on more than 375 million iOS devices each month, suggesting Siri usage has increased since the debut of iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra.

iOS 11 brought several improvements to Siri, including new, more realistic male and female voices designed to more closely mimic natural human speech. Siri also uses on-device learning to understand more about user preference, and syncs that information across all of your devices for a more consistent experience.

Siri in iOS 11 is also able to translate English to Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, and there’s a new Type to Siri accessibility feature.

Siri usage is likely to grow further with the introduction of the HomePod, which will be heavily reliant on the personal assistant. Siri is designed to serve as an in-home musicologist on the HomePod, and Apple has been working to improve Siri’s understanding of music related data.

On HomePod, Siri will be able to make music recommendations based on personal taste, aiding in music discovery, and Siri will be able to respond to a range of music related commands and queries like “Play more songs like this,” “Play something new,” “Who’s singing?” and “Play more like that.”

Siri on HomePod can also answer questions about a wide range of topics, providing weather updates, sending messages, playing podcasts, checking the news (a feature introduced in iOS 11.2.5), making calendar appointments, offering up data on movie times, and much more, and the personal assistant can be used to control HomeKit devices.

HomePod will launch on Friday, February 9, but Apple will begin accepting orders for the device on Friday, January 26. It will be available in the United States, Australia, and the UK to begin with, and it will cost $349 in the U.S.

Related Roundups: iOS 11, HomePod
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Hackers steal as much as 10 percent of new cryptocurrency funds

The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies and their underlying blockchain technologies offer advantages over traditional funding and transactional platforms, but they are a boon for hackers, too. A new report on the initial coin offerings (ICO) of new cryptocurrencies claims that as much as 10 percent of all early investor funds are stolen by hackers.

Although bitcoin and other alternative cryptocurrencies have been on the rise in recent years, the boom they saw in 2017 was partly driven by an increase in the number of ICOs. Although that trend has slackened off in the last few months, it has led to a lot of money in fiat and cryptocurrencies being snatched by nefarious attackers.

In the report published by Ey Research, it was suggested that a focus on promotion meant that security was often a secondary consideration and that phishing attacks on the cryptocurrency founders and investors were common. That might involve substituting phony wallet addresses, or stealing login information with phony phishing sites in order to transfer funds improperly.

Other attack vectors include denial of service attacks against websites involved in the ICO and attacks on employees and IT infrastructure.

In some cases, the real losses come from indirect damage to the cryptocurrency itself. Losing a portion of investor funds could reflect a lack of security with a new offering, thereby damaging the cryptocurrency’s reputation long-term and negatively impacting its value.

That can be much more heinous than even hacks of traditional banks. Ey Research’s report suggests that the average banking hack is worth around $1.5 million and insurance mitigates the damage. On the other hand, cryptocurrency exchange losses have reached upwards of $2 billion and a lack of reversible transactions and increased anonymity make them extremely attractive to hackers.

Just as attractive, however, are the reams of personal data stored on exchanges. Although many do adequately store such information as banking details, Ey Research reports that some don’t, and that information can be just as valuable to potential attackers when sold on the black market.

In terms of adequate response, the report isn’t too optimistic. Although it discusses some regulation that has been attempted — especially in cases of potential tax avoidance and money laundering — as we highlighted recently, cryptocurrency regulation is nearly impossible to perform effectively.

The report suggests that the rate of attacks is increasing, and calls on investors, founders, and regulators to do more to secure funds and private data during ICOs and on exchanges themselves.

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Apple could be ditching the MacBook Air as early as this year

The venerable MacBook Air might be getting the boot in favor of a 13-inch entry-level MacBook sometime in 2018, according to supply chain reports. Naturally, it’s important to take this all with some skepticism since it is a rumor, but it’s definitely within the realm of possibility. Looking at how Apple has neglected the MacBook Air the last couple times it’s been due for major updates, it would make sense to retire the once-popular netbook in favor of a return to form.

For years, the entry-level MacBook of choice was the plain-old 13.3-inch MacBook clad in simple white polycarbonate. It was supplanted by the MacBook Air in 2011, which has occupied its coveted $1,000 price point ever since. Citing the supply chain reports, Digitimes suggests that Apple could be planning the announcement and release of a new $1,000 MacBook to replace the aging MacBook Air sometime in the second half of 2018.

So does this actually mean a new MacBook is coming out later this year? Not exactly. This is just a rumor, but Digitimes has a pretty good track record when it comes to these reports. That, coupled with the fact that Apple has let the MacBook Air languish for years now, and it definitely makes sense that we might see a new entry-level product in Apple’s laptop stable. After all, the cheapest 12-inch MacBook is only slightly cheaper than the entry-level MacBook Pro, and both are a couple hundred dollars above the $1,000 mark.

The most recent hardware refresh Apple’s MacBook line saw came in late 2017 with the introduction of Intel’s seventh-generation Kaby Lake processors to its higher-end offerings. Both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models received the new processors, and both the premium 12-inch MacBook and entry-level MacBook Air saw a small bump in processor speed.

The MacBook Air has not seen a significant hardware update since 2015, according to MacRumors, and it is the only MacBook offering that does not feature one of Apple’s signature Retina displays. That alone could be the big change that comes to the MacBook lineup later this year — an entry-level $1,000 MacBook with a Retina display.

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Snapchat’s redesign lets you share public Stories outside of the app

As part of its redesign, Snapchat is launching a new feature that allows users to share some public stories with those who aren’t on the app. Using links provided, you will be able to send the story via email, text message, and other social media platforms for others to view via Snapchat’s website.

In November, the company announced its plans to provide a more user-friendly interface following its disappointing third-quarter financial results. Snapchat explained the redesign aims to bring more users to the app, and will also have a bigger focus on content.

In an effort pull in these new users, the company is no longer restricting its content to one platform. By allowing its Stories to be shared across various channels, it’s an opportunity to introduce Snapchat’s capabilities to those who are unfamiliar with the app entirely.

The share option will apply to its public Stories which are Official Stories, Our Stories, and Search Stories. That means you will be able to share content from verified accounts — like celebrities — along with stories hand-picked by Snapchat’s editorial team, and any stories that are crowdsourced. But you won’t be able to share your friend’s stories publicly — which might be for the best.

You can access the share option through the Discover section, which is where you’ll create links by holding down on a specific “tile” and tapping on “Share Story.” Similar to the way you would share a tweet or Instagram post, you will then copy and paste the link to send to a friend through text, email, or to post on a social network.

If you share the link to Facebook, it doesn’t auto-play but instead shows up the way a YouTube link would. As for Twitter, links to Snapchat stories will be able to play within the tweet, Mashable notes.

Links for Official Stories will be available for 24 hours while Our Stories and Search Stories are available for 30 days. The links also won’t include any advertisements, but this could change in the future.  According to Quartz, Snap says that when it does expire, shared snaps will either show the most recent snap posted to the account or you’ll receive a message letting you know the link is no longer available.

Currently, the feature is only available for those with the redesigned Snapchat app in the U.K., Australia and Canada. It will roll out globally over the next few weeks for both iOS and Android.

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Eight new Intel Coffee Lake CPUs could replace chocolate this Valentine’s Day

Intel is slated to release eight new eighth-generation “Coffee Lake” desktop processors in the near future, according to listings spotted on SiSoftware’s Sandra Platinum platform. They join the six desktop-bound chips released toward the end of 2017 and inject five Pentium- and Celeron-branded chips into the new Coffee Lake generation. Intel’s initial Coffee Lake launch consisted of four “U” processors targeting high-performance laptops. 

Here are the upcoming processors: 

Model 

Cores /
Threads 

Base
Speed 

L3
Cache 

Price 

Core i5-8600 

6 / 6 

3.1GHz 

9MB 

$329 

Core i5-8500 

6 / 6 

3.0GHz 

9MB 

$290 

Core i3-8300 

4 / 4 

3.7GHz 

8MB 

$211 

Pentium G5600 

2 / 4 

3.9GHz 

4MB 

$142 

Pentium G5500 

2 / 4 

3.8GHz 

4MB 

$127 

Pentium G5400 

2 / 4 

3.7GHz 

4MB 

$97 

Celeron G4920 

2 / 2 

3.2GHz 

2MB 

$80 

Celeron G4900 

2 / 2 

3.1GHz 

2MB 

$64 

 Notice that the list includes the Core i5-8600. Intel already offers the Core i5-8600K, but the newer K-free model doesn’t support overclocked speeds. The “K” suffix means the chip is unlocked, allowing end-users to manually increase the base and boost speeds beyond their out-of-the-box settings. Other suffixes you see throughout Intel’s branding include H (high-performance graphics), U (ultra-low power), and T (power optimized). 

The big deal with Intel’s eighth-generation rollout was that the company introduced a six-core chip to the mainstream market. The company continues with another pair of Core i5 processors with six cores along with a Core i3 chip with only four cores. The remaining five in Intel’s third wave are only dual-core products although the Pentium models provide four threads, which translates to two processing lines per core. 

Keep in mind that these eight chips are not “official” products, so the information could change, or is simply invalid. The maximum turbo clock speeds for the Core i5 processors are unknown at this point while the Core i3, Pentium, and Celeron chips won’t have boost speeds. All models fit on motherboards with the LGA 1151 socket (seat), and Intel’s Z370 chipset although we expect the company to introduce new chipsets complementing the new budget-friendly CPUs. 

Here is a better look at the new Core i5 and Core i3 chips mixed in with the current batch: 

Model 

Cores /
Threads 

Base
Speed 

Boost
Speed 

L3 cache 

Core i5-8600K

6 / 6

3.6GHz

4.3GHz

9MB

Core i5-8600

6 / 6

3.1GHz

TBD

9MB

Core i5-8500

6 / 6

3.0GHz

TBD

9MB

Core i5-8400

6 / 6

2.8GHz

4.0GHz

9MB

Core i3-8350K

4 / 4

4.0GHz

N/A

8MB

Core i3-8300

4 / 4

3.7GHz

N/A

8MB

Core i3-8100

4 / 4

3/6GHz

N/A

6MB

 What is surprising is that Intel’s third Coffee Lake wave doesn’t include additional Core i7 products for desktops. Right now, there are only two models: The six-core unlocked Core i7-8700K targeting gamers, and the locked non-K “mainstream” i7-8700 model. The latter version has a slower base speed of 3.2GHz versus the i7-8700K’s 3.7GHz base speed. But there’s only a 100MHz difference between their boost speeds. Right now, the Core i7-8600 and 8500 series appears locked to Intel’s laptop CPU family. 

We expect to hear more about the eight new processors in a few weeks, as speculation points to a possible launch around Valentine’s Day. Who needs chocolate, right? 

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A working version of the canceled Xbox smartwatch surfaces

Smartwatches have proven to be big business for Apple in recent years, but Microsoft’s attempts to carve out a slice of the market haven’t been anywhere near as lucrative. The Band and its successor the Band 2 came and went, and few were too disappointed when the line was quietly retired. Now, new images of the company’s attempt to create an Xbox smartwatch have been leaked to the internet.

In September, we were given a glimpse of what could have been when a prototype version of an Xbox smartwatch was uncovered. Much like the Apple Watch, it consisted of a small digital watch face that would presumably be compatible with various different straps. This week, images demonstrating the device’s operating system have been released.

More details. pic.twitter.com/TNKcDeU6IZ

— Hikari Calyx (@Hikari_Calyx) January 22, 2018

A hands-on with the Xbox smartwatch reveals that it would have been an activity tracker along the lines of a Fitbit, according to Engadget. Tiles reminiscent of the video game system’s interface would have been used to switch between tabs for workouts, heart rate monitoring functionality, and GPS tracking.

It’s thought that Microsoft was working on the Xbox smartwatch in 2013, just as smartwatches were beginning to hit the public consciousness. This was around the time that the Pebble Kickstarter campaign vastly overperformed, accruing some $10 million in backer donations and demonstrating the massive audience for this kind of device.

Try to feel terrible resolution of Xbox Watch… If you find the Xbox Watch can't be recharged, you can disassemble the screen with an utility knife or a razor, then hit the positive pole on the battery with piezoelectric ceramic igniter from a lighter. pic.twitter.com/TcQwMcvJEQ

— Hikari Calyx (@Hikari_Calyx) January 22, 2018

Microsoft would later shift its attention to the Band project, which was officially unveiled in October 2014 and retired in October 2016. The Band was marketed as a fitness device but possessed other smartwatch functionality that doesn’t seem to have been present in the Xbox-branded prototype, which may suggest that the companies priorities shifted somewhat during the development process.

Since the Band was phased out, Microsoft seems to have cooled on the smartwatch market. Given that the company has seemed unwilling to expand its video game interests into portable hardware to compete with Nintendo and Sony’s devices, it is interesting to see that Xbox brand used in this way. While this particular project never saw the light of day, perhaps we will see the Xbox line expand into other categories in the future.

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Avoid that surprise big bill! Here’s how to turn off in-app purchases

If you downloaded an app recently, chances are it contained in-app purchases, especially if it was a game. What was once a rarity has turned into the norm and apps are now full of opportunities to buy virtual goods that essentially don’t exist outside the game. From gems and extra lives to costumes and ammunition, if there is a way to charge money for it, a developer has done so.

While most adults can (sometimes) resist the temptation, there are kids that can’t and with your credit card now an integral part of iOS thanks to the wonder of Apple Pay, it’s all too easy for someone to spend money just to get a little further in a game. A great deal of money, actually. There are stories of totals in the tens of thousands of dollars being racked up. No one wants that. Not even to unlock every world in Super Mario Run. Luckily, there is a way to curb in-app purchases entirely so let us take a look at how to turn off in-app purchases.

Don’t miss out on more of these helpful features and check out our picks for the top iOS tips and tricks.

How to turn off in-app purchases on an iOS device:

Step 1: Locate and tap Settings while viewing the Home screen.

Step 2: Tap General inside the main Settings menu.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap Restrictions.

Step 4: Tap the Enable Restrictions button.

Step 5: Enter your desired passcode when prompted.

The previously unavailable options should now be active, and restrictions in place throughout your phone. Now, scroll down to find the one related to in-app purchases, which should be switched on. Turn off any other restrictions, such as those pertaining to installing or deleting apps, that may not be relevant. From now on, whoever is using the device will be required to input a passcode in order to make any in-app purchases. That should keep your wallet safe, and your bank manager heart attack-free.

Alternatively, if you’re using Family Sharing and want to prevent your kids from making in-app purchases on their own devices, you can use the Ask to Buy setting. This will notify you (as the person who set up Family Sharing) when your child attempts to make a purchase, and it will only proceed once you sign in with your Apple ID and approve it.

To enable Ask to Buy on an iOS device:

Step 1: Tap Settings while on the Home screen.

Step 2: Tap your name and select Family Sharing.

Step 3: Find your child’s name and tap it.

Step 4: Tap Ask to Buy to enable it.

Update: We clarified some of the steps to reflect the changes in newer iOS versions.

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Facebook twists time to make graphics easier to code with Flick

Facebook has a new creation: The Flick. And no, it’s not a fancy version of that annoying Facebook poke, it’s actually a new unit of time designed for coding video and other moving visual effects. Shared on GitHub on Monday, January 22, by Facebook’s Oculus division, a Flick is designed to simplify syncing videos and animations at multiple frame rates or monitor refresh rates and audio sample rates.

Currently, when designers create a visual in CGI, they use nanoseconds to time the visual. The problem? When you divide the most common frame or refresh rates into nanoseconds, the numbers can be infinitely repeating decimals or numbers that require several digits past the decimal. A Flick, which is a shortened name for a frame-tick, is designed so everything can be synced in whole numbers, no decimals required. Even when adjusting a graphic’s refresh rate from the standard options between 24hz and 120hz, measuring time in Flicks means using whole numbers.

Using Flicks could, in theory, simplify production of multiple types of moving content, including video, audio, moving graphics, and even video games. A Flick is 1/705,600,000 of a single second. Used for 24hz, 25hz, 30hz, 48hz, 50hz, 60hz, 90hz, 100hz and 120hz, Flicks allow developers to work with whole numbers when working with the frame duration and refresh rates. As the GitHub page states, a Flick allows developers to complete “timing work against the system high-resolution clock, which is in nanoseconds, but doesn’t get slightly out of sync when doing common frame rates.”

The development of the Flick also supports several of the most common audio sample rates, allowing developers to sync visuals and audio without using a rounded decimal number that could eventually leave the audio slightly off.

“When working with creative visual effects for film, television, and other media, it is common to run simulations or other time integrating processes which subdivide a single frame of time into a fixed integer number of subdivisions,” the post reads. “It is handy to be able to accumulate these subdivisions to create exact 1-frame and 1-second intervals, for a variety of reasons.”

Facebook says the idea behind the Flick came from a technical question from Christopher Horvath, a former Oculus architect, that first suggested the standardized time unit last year. The project has since been refined with contributions from a number of people as it made its way through Facebook’s Open Source process. The code and license are available from GitHub.

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