“Nokia 9 PureView wordt camerabeest met 5 camera’s”

HMD Global boert tot dusver heel aardig met haar Nokia-telefoons. Uiteraard mede geholpen door het slim toepassen van de Nokia-naam gecombineerd met degelijke producten draaiend onder stock Android One. Voor het volgende model wordt de PureView-naam uit het stof gehaald maar daar hebben ze dan ook een goede reden voor.

Want de vermeende Nokia 9 PureView krijgt een vijfkoppige camera achterop. Foto’s van dat eigenaardige toestel doken onlangs al op, nu weet Roland Quandt te melden dat HMD Global de naam PureView wil hergebruiken. Die naam doet terug verlangen naar de Nokia 808 PureView met z’n 41 megapixel camera. Dat toestel was z’n tijd ver vooruit en werd niet goed op waarde ingeschat. Het was namelijk nog jarenlang de beste cameratelefoon. Niet zozeer door de overdaad aan megapixels maar vanwege slimme technieken zoals pixel oversampling en functies die we nog niet eerder zagen zoals lossless inzoomen met een enkele camera.

De 808 PureView uit 2012 met z’n 41 megapixel PureView-camera

Of de nu opgedoken Nokia 9 PureView daar ook gebruik van maakt valt nog te bezien. Het hoofd van Nokia’s voormalige PureView-team ging na de verkoop aan Microsoft bij Apple aan de slag en ook de rest van de medewerkers zocht z’n heil ergens anders. De kennis is er dus niet meer, alleen de naam. Het huidige aanbod Nokia-telefoons doet ook niet vermoeden dat we heel erg veel van de 9 PureView moeten verwachten. De camera-app liet tot voor kort flink te wensen over en de camera-resultaten van zelfs vlaggenschepen bliezen ons niet uit het water. Het meebrengen van indrukwekkende hardware is vandaag de dag niet goed genoeg meer, je moet het vooral van de software-kant hebben. Hopelijk weet HMD Global ons positief te verrassen. Tot die tijd zijn wij sceptisch.

Apple Facing Shortage of 2014 and Mid 2015 5K iMac Displays, Offering Free Delayed Repairs or $600 Off a New Model

Apple has notified Genius Bars and Apple Authorized Service Providers that its inventory of displays for Late 2014 and Mid 2015 models of the 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display is constrained until mid to late December, according to an internal service document obtained by MacRumors today.

As a result, if a customer with one of those iMac models requires a display repair due to accidental damage, Apple has instructed its service providers to offer a free repair if the customer is willing to wait until mid to late December.

If a customer is unable to wait, Apple will offer a functionally equivalent 2017 model 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display to be paid for by the customer, minus a $600 or local equivalent discount. The Late 2014 or Mid 2015 iMac must be returned to Apple — the customer will never get it back.

Note that the 2017 models will be Customer Replacement Units, or CRUs, but it’s unclear if they will be refurbished or brand new.

For example, if a customer takes a base model Late 2014 5K iMac with a damaged display to an Apple Store in the United States, and declines to wait until December for a repair, the Genius Bar is instructed to offer the customer a base model 2017 5K iMac for $1,199, down from its original price of $1,799.

In order to qualify, the iMac must be out-of-warranty. If the iMac is still covered by AppleCare+ or Apple’s standard one-year warranty, Genius Bars and Apple Authorized Service Providers are instructed to proceed with a standard repair. Note that only Late 2014 and Mid 2015 models are eligible — no others.

Unsurprisingly, Apple says any iMac with excessive or catastrophic damage as a result of reckless, abusive, or purposeful conduct is ineligible for a free repair. This includes any iMac that has been crushed or bent, or partially or fully submerged in liquid. This isn’t a free 2014-to-2017 iMac upgrade program.

This procedure is to be followed by Apple Store and Apple Authorized Service Provider locations worldwide until display inventory is restored. Non-end users with two or more eligible iMacs with a damaged display are not eligible to claim a free repair to prevent resellers from abusing the offer.

All of this information comes from an internal Apple document obtained by MacRumors from multiple reliable sources, but we can’t guarantee this procedure will be offered by all service providers. We also can’t guarantee that all Apple employees or technicians will be aware of or acknowledge this temporary policy.

Related Roundup: iMacTag: AASPBuyer’s Guide: iMac (Don’t Buy)
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Apple Donates $1 Million to Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Efforts in Indonesia

Apple is donating $1 million to aid in relief efforts in Indonesia after Indonesian island Sulawesi was devastated by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami on September 28.

Following the disaster, more than 1,000 people have died in Sulawesi and several other Indonesian islands have been hit with aftershocks and similar quakes.

Sulawesi in the aftermath of a tsunami, image via Reuters
Apple CEO Tim Cook this morning tweeted about Apple’s $1 million donation.

Our hearts go out to the people of Sulawesi and all of Indonesia after this weekend’s devastating earthquake and tsunami. Apple is donating $1 million to aid relief efforts as this beautiful country starts to rebuild.

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) October 2, 2018

Apple often accepts donations from iTunes customers for relief efforts on its website, in the App Store, and in the iTunes Store, but right now, Apple is continuing to collect customer donations for hurricane Florence relief efforts.

Apple last month also donated $1 million to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts in North and South Carolina.
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Apple Seeds Second Beta of tvOS 12.1 to Developers

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming tvOS 12.1 update to developers for testing purposes, two weeks after seeding the first update and a little over two weeks after releasing the tvOS 12 update.

Designed for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV models, the new tvOS 12.1 developer beta can be downloaded onto the Apple TV via a profile that’s installed using Xcode.

We’re not yet sure what fixes and changes the tvOS 12.1 update might bring, but it’s likely to focus on bugs that have been discovered since the release of tvOS 12. No new changes were discovered in the first tvOS 12.1 beta.

Apple’s tvOS updates have historically been minor in scale, and Apple does not often provide us with detailed notes outlining what’s new. We’ll update this post should anything be found in the second beta.

Related Roundups: Apple TV, tvOS 12Buyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Neutral)
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Apple Seeds Second Beta of watchOS 5.1 to Developers

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming watchOS 5.1 update to developers, two weeks after seeding the first watchOS 5.1 beta and a little over two weeks after releasing the new watchOS 5 operating system.

Once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Apple Developer Center, the new watchOS beta can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General –> Software update.

To install the update, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the charger, and it has to be in range of the iPhone.

watchOS 5.1 includes support for Group FaceTime, with Group FaceTime calls able to be answered in an audio-only capacity on the Apple Watch. Group FaceTime allows you to chat with up to 32 people at one time.

The watchOS 5.1 update also brings a full-screen new “Color” watch face option for the Apple Watch Series 4, with users able to choose between multiple shades. There’s also a filled-in circular color option for older Apple Watch models that joins the standard Color clock face.

Should additional new features be found in the second beta of watchOS 5.1, we’ll update this post.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
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Apple Seeds Second Beta of macOS Mojave 10.14.1 to Developers

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming macOS Mojave 10.14.1 update to developers, one week after seeding the first beta and a little over a week after releasing the macOS Mojave update.

macOS Mojave introduces a new method of installing software updates, so after the initial beta has been installed using the appropriate profile from the Developer Center, additional betas can be downloaded through opening up System Preferences and choosing the “Software Update” option.

The 10.14.1 update includes support for Group FaceTime, a feature that was removed during the beta testing period. Group FaceTime, which lets you chat with up to 32 people at once, is also present in the iOS 12.1 beta.

No other significant features were found in the first developer beta of macOS Mojave, so it’s not clear if there are any additional changes. The update likely includes performance improvements and bug fixes for issues that have been discovered since the release of the Mojave update.

Should new features be found in the second beta, we’ll update this post.

macOS Mojave is a major update that brings features like a systemwide Dark Mode, stacks for organizing messy desktops, new Finder capabilities, new tools for taking screenshots, a Continuity Camera option for easily transferring photo scans and documents from iPhone to Mac, and more.

For more on macOS Mojave, make sure to check out our roundup.

Related Roundup: macOS Mojave
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Apple Seeds Second Beta of iOS 12.1 to Developers With Group FaceTime, eSIM Support, Real-Time Depth Control and New Emoji

Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming iOS 12.1 update to developers, two weeks after seeding the first beta and a little over two weeks after releasing iOS 12, a major new version of the iOS software.

Registered developers can download the new iOS 12.1 beta from Apple’s Developer Center or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.

iOS 12.1 introduces several new features that Apple promised would come to the new iPhone XS and XS Max devices. The beta introduces support for the eSIM, which is a digital SIM that lets you activate a cellular plan from a carrier without the need to use a physical SIM card.

Carriers will need to implement support for eSIM, which is likely to happen after iOS 12.1 launches. In the U.S., AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile will support eSIM.

The iOS 12.1 update brings a new real-time Depth Control feature, which lets you adjust the depth of field of your Portrait Mode photos before you capture them. Right now, in iOS 12, Depth Control is only available for post-capture editing.

If you tap on the “F” icon at the top of the screen while capturing a photo you use Depth Control to adjust the amount of background blur in an image.

In addition to these iPhone XS and XS Max features, iOS 12.1 reintroduces the Group FaceTime feature that was removed from iOS 12 during the beta testing period. Group FaceTime was present in many early betas but was ultimately removed because Apple needed more time to test it.

Group FaceTime is designed to let iPhone and Mac users conduct video and audio chats with up to 32 participants at one time, with new camera effects features included.

Apple today announced that new emoji are coming in the iOS 12.1 beta, with options to include red hair, gray hair, curly hair, and no hair, along with smiley faces that include cold face, party face, pleading face, face with hearts, and tons more.

If any additional new features are found in the second iOS 12.1 beta, we’ll update this post with details. Apple today also released a second beta version of Xcode 10.1.

Related Roundup: iOS 12
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70+ New Emoji Characters to Be Included in Upcoming iOS 12.1 Update

Apple today announced that the iOS 12.1 update, which is currently being beta tested by developers and public beta testers, will include the new Unicode 11 emoji.

Apple first promised new emoji were coming on World Emoji Day back in July, but the new characters were not included in the original iOS 12 update.

Apple plans to introduce more than 70 new emoji characters, with options for red hair, gray hair, curly hair, and no hair, along with smiley faces that include cold face, party face, pleading face, and face with hearts.

Super heroes, an eye-shaped nazar amulet, and an infinity symbol will be added, along with new animals such as kangaroo, peacock, parrot, and lobster. New food items include mango, lettuce, cupcake, and moon cake, with a full list of new Unicode 11 emoji available from Emojipedia.

Apple says that it is working with the Unicode Consortium to add additional disability-themed emoji to Unicode 12, which is set to be released in 2019.

Developers can get the new emoji right now by downloading the iOS 12.1 update, and Apple says the software will also be available for public beta testers later in the day.

Related Roundup: iOS 12
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Lifeprint’s Harry Potter printer adds motion magic to photos

Unlike the static photos of the Muggle world, in Harry Potter’s, photos come to life. For anyone who has seen the fantasy films or read the books, moving photos are one of those fun elements of the Wizarding World, the universe first introduced by J.K. Rowling in the book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 20 years ago.

But thanks to augmented reality, smartphones, and the Lifeprint instant printer, moving photos are now a thing (sort of) via the Harry Potter Magic Photo and Video Printer and App.

The printer is a partnership between Lifeprint and Warner Brothers. It uses Lifeprint’s instant printer technology (based around Zink), but adds features from Harry Potter that make it more than a standard Lifeprint device. Available in black or white, gold trim and graphics make it look like a magical gadget from the Wizarding World (or a prop from the movie set, however you want to view it). Each printer can be customized to its owner, and this includes adhesive medallions that show which Hogwarts House he or she identifies with (wand and robe not included).

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But the neat trick of this printer is the AR function. Lifeprint devices themselves are a bit magical, in that they don’t use any ink (with Zink, the ink is embedded into the paper, and colors of the image are revealed when heat is applied). And while the printed photos (called HyperPhotos) will always be 2D images, they “come to life” when you scan them with the Lifeprint app (iOS and Android), revealing a video related to the photo or a special message from a friend.

The AR function is created within the app: Simply take a photo or choose one from your camera roll, add the AR elements, and then share either by printing it and giving it to a friend, sending a digital copy, or uploading to the Lifeprint community’s “Explore” tab.

Of course, Harry Potter printer owners can unlock additional features that are exclusive to them. Once the printer is paired (it uses Bluetooth, and setup is straightforward and easy), you’ll find Snapchat-like AR facial filters (Mad-Eye Moody, anyone?) and stickers (Snitch, owls, the Dark Mark, etc.). According to Lifeprint co-founder Robert Macauley, there will be additional content in the future. And through the app, fellow Harry Potter fans can mingle and share their moving photos — creating a sort of Harry Potter fan community within Lifeprint.

Although we’ve been playing with a unit for a week, the Harry Potter-themed elements weren’t available at the time of writing. We have been using it as a standard Lifeprint printer, and found it to be easy to use. We will update this page with more impressions when the updated app is available.

Other than the Harry Potter features, the printer functions like a regular Lifeprint device. It prints onto 2 x 3-inch Zink with a sticky back, and the printer is lightweight and compact, and recharges over USB. Macauley said the print engine in the Harry Potter printer is different from the original Lifeprint printer, and is actually improved. Zink, admittedly, isn’t our favorite instant photo technology, as we find the color saturation to be off and unpleasing to look at. The color reproduction has improved in the Harry Potter printer, but it’s still not a “perfect” photo. Still, it’s the fun AR function that’s the selling point, and Macauley said a future update should improve the quality further.

While a professed Harry Potter fanatic (he can’t wait to send one to author Rowling), Macauley told Digital Trends that the idea for the partnership actually stemmed from users who commented on social media, comparing the AR feature to moving photos from Harry Potter. When Macauley and his team read those comments, it was a no-brainer. Non-Harry Potter fans may sideline this as another marketing gimmick, but they would be underestimating the community that loves the books and films.

The printer is available for pre-order at Amazon, for $150 — a $20 premium over the standard Lifeprint 2 x 3 printer. It will go on sale on October 22 at select retailers. Harry Potter fans can add it to their holiday wishlist now.

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best portable photo printers of 2018
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• Not at Hogwarts? You can still build and use a wand thanks to Kano
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• The best place to print photos online

Pictar Pro makes phones even more DSLR-like with viewfinder and better build

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Pictar app

Pictar Pro with an Android phone (Samsung Galaxy S9)

Who says smartphones can’t have viewfinders and physical controls? The Miggo Pictar Pro gives iPhone and Android phones a viewfinder and DSLR-like control wheels along with an extra battery. Even more impressive, the phone grip, like the original Pictar (see our full review), does it all without a wired or Wi-Fi connection with the phone.

The Pictar Pro is a photography-focused phone grip that’s designed to give smartphone photographers as many DSLR-like controls as possible. Like the original Pictar unveiled 2016, the Pictar Pro has a larger grip, control dials, and a shutter button to trigger photos. But the latest grip takes that even further by adding several new features, including a zoom toggle that works for photos and videos. 

One wheel controls exposure compensation to lighten or darken the image, while the second smart wheel selects the shooting modes that are available inside the Pictar app. The modes include auto, shutter priority, ISO priority, manual, macro, video, selfie, sport, and filters. The wheel also doubles as a button — pressing the wheel will scroll through the different flash buttons. Users can also change the function of the button using the app.

But perhaps even more interesting is the Pictar Pro’s optional viewfinder accessory. The viewfinder attaches via a dedicated slot and sits over the top of the phone’s screen, and then the screen is resized to fit the viewfinder. The viewfinder, with an optical plastic lens, blocks out the sunlight that can cause screen glare, making it viewable even under bright conditions. When not in use, it collapses into itself for storage.

Miggo also showed us the viewfinder, however, it was a non-working unit; Miggo claims the production version will work.

The grip also houses an extra battery that provides additional power to phones that support Qi wireless charging. A cold shoe connection at the top of the camera holds accessories, like a video light or microphone. And because the lens area of the phone is exposed, you can attach add-on lenses without the grip blocking the way.

Like the original Pictar, the Pictar Pro doesn’t connect to the phone using Bluetooth or hard connection. Instead, it communicates using sound. Each control you make, sends out a different sound that the app recognizes. When the app recognizes the sound, it changes that particular setting. 

When we reviewed the original Pictar, we thought the case performed surprisingly well using those sounds to adjust settings, without a noticeable lag. The sounds are so high pitched, they aren’t audible to humans, Miggo says.

Besides the physical controls, extra battery, and viewfinder, the shape of the Pictar Pro gives smartphone photographers a more comfortable grip. The grip also has a tripod mount screw at the bottom. Like the original Pictar, the new version is inspired by historic cameras, but this time, from ’70s and ’80s designs using a satin-finish brass construction. The grip also includes a neck and wrist strap.

Digital Trends had an opportunity to see a sample of the Pictar Pro. It has a much more solid and robust metallic build quality than the original plastic Pictar, and is a tad heavier to provide a nice weight balance when shooting. The textured “shark skin” grip is also more substantial, and a spring-loaded mechanism lets it accommodate the largest of smartphones, whether it be iOS or Android. The Pictar Pro comes with a wrist strap and a neck strap, both made from parachute cord and leather.

Miggo is taking to Kickstarter to fund the project, with awards that include the Pictar Pro starting at $119. After the campaign, Miggo estimates delivery sometime toward the beginning of 2019. While the original Pictar was designed for iPhones, the Pictar Pro, as mentioned, is compatible with a long list of iPhone and Android models, with the full list of compatible models on the Kickstarter page.

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