7 of the biggest scandals in tech history

Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

The tech industry isn’t immune to scandal. With literally trillions of dollars at stake and the ability to gain access to people from all over the world for personal or political gain, that’s no surprise. But what are the biggest scandals to have shaped the history of high tech as we know it? While it’s tough to narrow it down to just a short list, here are seven of the most infamous.

Samsung’s disastrous Note 7

Think of how much it would cost to have airlines read out the name of your company’s latest flagship smartphone before every single flight. That’s the situation Samsung found itself in back in 2016. Unfortunately, it happened to be because the company’s Galaxy Note 7 phones had a tendency to explode, and were therefore banned from airplanes.

After news stories ranging from a Note 7 torching a family’s car to one causing the evacuation of a Southwest Airlines flight, Samsung made the decision to recall the disastrous handset at great personal expense. It tried reissuing a corrected version, but this also suffered from similar issues. In the end, Samsung took the phone off the market entirely and put out a software update to brick any surviving handsets.

To this day, the company’s reputation as a handset maker is suffering the aftereffects of the Galaxy Note 7 scandal.

The treatment of Alan Turing

Unlike many of the scandals on this list, the death of Alan Turing was tragically not officially recognized as such for many years. Turing, the genius World War II codebreaker, computer pioneer and grandfather of artificial intelligence, killed himself in 1952.

This followed Turing’s conviction for gross indecency after he was exposed as homosexual at a time when this was illegal in Britain. Turing was given the choice of prison or a painful chemical castration, and opted for the latter. He subsequently committed suicide at the age of 41.

In 2013, Turing was given an official royal pardon. It reads: “Now know ye that we, in consideration of circumstances humbly represented to us, are graciously pleased to grant our grace and mercy unto the said Alan Mathison Turing and grant him our free pardon posthumously in respect of the said convictions.”

The death of Aaron Schwartz

Along with Alan Turing’s story, the death of Aaron Schwartz is the most tragic scandal on this list. Schwartz was a computer programmer and copyright activist who committed suicide in 2013 after being charged with downloading large numbers of academic journal articles to make them freely available online.

Schartz’s punishment entailed a potential maximum of $1 million in damages and 35 years in prison. He was found dead after hanging himself in his Brooklyn apartment, a victim of one of the most shameful chapters in the history of the U.S. Justice Department.

Foxconn suicides

Foxconn, a Taiwan-based manufacturer which assembles the iPhone for Apple, was at the center of a 2010 scandal after a string of suicides at its Chinese factories. In the aftermath, it asked employees to sign “no suicide” pledges and erected external nets to break the fall of any would-be jumpers.

Although Apple is not the only company to use Foxconn for manufacturing, the scandal threatened to engulf the Cupertino tech giant due its role as the most prominent Foxconn client. In a rare misstep, then-Apple CEO Steve Jobs made things worse when he defended Foxconn’s factories as being “pretty nice” and “not a sweatshop.” The comments made Jobs and Apple appear uncaring, as did his suggestion that, “We’re all over this.”

In the years since, Apple has continued to work to improve conditions in its supply chain. Nonetheless, the Foxconn incident was a reminder to many people about where exactly their beautiful shiny new devices come from.

Massive Yahoo data breach

From eBay to Anthem and Sony to Equifax, there have been a number of large-scale data breaches in the age of the internet. However, the one which looms the largest remains the 2013 Yahoo data breach of 3 billion (!) user accounts. The perpetrators of the massive hack haven’t ever been caught, although Russian spies were indicted for a later 2014 breach.

The fallout of the 2013 hack cost ex-Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer her cash bonus and slashed the company’s value by hundreds of millions of dollars. But for most users the biggest takeaway was just how unsafe our data is in the era of ultra-connectivity.

Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica scandal

Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Hacking user accounts is one thing, but helping to hack democracy itself? That was the accusation leveled at Facebook following the recent Cambridge Analytica scandal. While it’s no secret that Facebook tracks user data, the Cambridge Analytica scandal involved the alleged illegal data mining of as many as 87 million users on Facebook for political ends.

The media reported links with President Donald Trump’s presidential bid and the U.K.’s Brexit vote, which further fed fears about the way that technology can help shape opinions — often without us being aware of exactly how this is happening.

NSA spying

The worry that our tech may be spying on us surfaces every year or so when an Amazon Alexa erroneously records a conversation and sends it to another user or photos show that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has taped over his laptop webcam.

The biggest piece of evidence that we really are being watched by our tech took place in 2013, however, with revelations about the way that the United States National Security Agency (NSA) was carrying out global surveillance of foreign nationals and U.S. citizens. Edward Snowden was the ex-NSA contractor responsible for the leaks, which were published in leading media outlets around the world.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Facebook was always too busy selling ads to care about your personal data
• Localblox data breach is the latest nightmare for Facebook, LinkedIn
• Facebook rolls out stricter rules regarding email-targeted advertisements
• After data scandal, Zuckerberg promises to ‘do better for you’ in newspaper ads
• Another Facebook privacy scandal — 3 million users’ data exposed by quiz

Can we get an apology? Two big MacBook fails that Apple should fix at WWDC

Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

Apple is no stranger to controversy, but the missteps on the latest MacBook Pro design go beyond the standard fare.

WWDC is just around the corner, and while we don’t expect Apple to refresh the MacBook Pro beyond a CPU bump, it’d be a great chance to level with its fan base about the failures of its laptops. At the very least, I don’t want to hear a word about how innovative these two features were without some admission of guilt.

The failure of the keyboard

First introduced in the 12-inch MacBook, the low-travel keyboard of the MacBook Pro has been divisive. It uses a “butterfly” switch mechanism to create a greater sense of movement in the keys, without actually providing much key travel. While some people prefer it and some people despite it, its durability issues can’t be overlooked.

Reports about failing, sticky keys started in 2016, and the negative consensus only grew from there. According to annoyed Apple fans, even the smallest amount of dust could render a key useless. The public pressure hit a fever pitch in the past few months when lawsuits were filed and petitions were signed.

Apple may give some kind of acknowledgement of the keyboard problem at WWDC this year.

Normally, Apple would just replace the defective units and quietly move on, but here there’s no avoiding the issue. While we probably won’t see a recall or a replacement program on the level of the iPhone battery situation, Apple needs to fix the problem moving forward. It can’t keep selling defective keyboards in new products.

The good news is Apple is already pursuing technology that could solve the problem. In March, we reported that Apple had patented a “crumb-less” keyboard that used a couple of different approaches to keeping small particles away from the keys. We doubt Apple can iterate on that technology quick enough for WWDC in June, but Apple needs to do something to resolve the problem.

The failure of the Touch Bar

We may get some kind of acknowledgement of the keyboard problem at WWDC, but this next one is almost hopeless. The Touch Bar was first introduced in the 2016 MacBook Pro, and it looked like an interesting alternative to touchscreen laptops. The company has famously avoided them, and the Touch Bar seemed like a way to bring some of that touch capability to MacOS. Unfortunately, it ended up being more of a hassle than anything else.

Because of its location on the keyboard deck, it actually removes useful buttons. On top of that, it often freezes, which requires a reboot to fix. I haven’t spoken to a single person that uses the Touch Bar and appreciates it’s functionality over physical function row keys. Even in Apple forums, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who likes the Touch Bar. From the perspective of people who use MacBooks, it’s a total failure.

Releasing a 15-inch version without the Touch Bar would go a long way to pleasing Pro users who need the extra power.

Yet Apple can’t go back on it. It’s spent too much time and energy pouring development resources into it. There’s really only one way Apple could (and actually would) fix it: Double-down. I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple replaced the keyboard and trackpad altogether with a full-sized touchscreen in the next redesign. It’ll be a tough sell, but there’s no question it’s the direction the company is headed.

The best we can hope for is that ten years from now we’ll look back at the 2016 MacBook Pro as an awkward teenager going through puberty.

What can it do in the meantime?

Well, for starters, Apple could release a 15-inch model without the Touch Bar. Continue to make it a premium option for those willing to pay for it. That would at least please Pro users who need the extra power without the unnecessary expense of the Touch Bar.

A ‘sorry’ would be nice, too.

Editors’ Recommendations

• MacBook Pro users file class action lawsuit over keyboard issues
• Apple Store hints you shouldn’t buy a new MacBook Pro until after WWDC
• Apple offers to replace swollen batteries in certain MacBook Pros
• Failure rate of MacBook Pro ‘butterfly’ keyboards is double that of older models
• Huawei MateBook X Pro vs. MacBook Pro

PNY memory cards, credit card tool kits, and drones are all discounted today

Whether you’re looking for new tech gear or household items, we’ve got you covered.

We found plenty of great deals today that include big discounts on PNY memory cards and storage products, credit card sized toolkits, and much more. Time’s running out to take advantage of these prices, so hurry!

View the rest of the deals

If you want to know about the deals as soon as they are happening, you’ll want to follow Thrifter on Twitter, and sign up for the newsletter, because missing out on a great deal stinks!

Best Wireless Chargers for Samsung Galaxy Note 8 in 2018

What are the best wireless chargers for Galaxy Note 8?

If you ask Apple, wireless charging is the latest and greatest feature for smartphones — and one that Samsung has been perfecting on its line of Galaxy phones since 2015.

Samsung’s big and beautiful Galaxy Note 8 carries on that tradition with the same Wireless Fast Charge abilities as the Galaxy S8, and many of the best wireless chargers available are compatible with old and new Samsung phones alike.

So let’s dive in and take a look at your best options!

• Samsung Fast Charge Convertible Wireless Charging Pad
• Samsung Wireless Charging Pad w/ 2A wall adapter
• Spigen Qi Wireless Charging Stand
• Anker Wireless Charging Pad
• iOttie iON Wireless Qi Wireless Charging Pad

Samsung Fast Charge Convertible Wireless Charging Pad

It’s always best to lead with the accessories made by the phone manufacturer, and Samsung redesigned wireless charging pad/stand sure stands out from the crowd. Launched alongside the Galaxy S8, it features a premium leather-like appearance and ingenious design which allows you to easily convert this pad into an angled charging stand.

The charger also comes with a spare Samsung Fast Charge wall charger which is another accessory that ensures your phone charges safely, and allows you to fast charge your Galaxy Note 8 wirelessly at your home or office. You can snag one of your own from Amazon now for just $46. It’s a great price, considering it’s regularly sold on Samsung’s site for close to $80.

See at Amazon

Samsung Wireless Charging Pad w/ 2A wall adapter

If functionality and cost are your two biggest buying factors, you’ll want to consider Samsung’s old style of wireless charging pad, which has been deeply discounted on Amazon to around $29.

These charging pads look like mini-UFOs and are Fast Charge-compatible for devices that support it such as the Galaxy Note 8. It also comes with a Samsung 2A wall charger — always useful — and comes with a standard one-year warranty.

This is a great option if you’re looking to set up wireless charging at your home and at work because they’re so inexpensive right now. You can also get the older style as a charging stand for $39 if you prefer that look instead. You may also want to consider this bundle which includes Samsung’s car charger along with two cables (Micro-USB and USB-C) for just $37.

See at Amazon

Spigen Qi Wireless Charging Stand

Spigen is one of the best accessory makers, and its Qi Charging Stand is a fine example to back that claim.

This charging stand is angled so you are still able to see your display easily while your phone is charging. If you need a way to quickly top off your phone on your desk or a new place to keep it safe on your nightstand, this may be the choice for you. Pick yours up for under $25 at Amazon.

See at Amazon

Anker Wireless Charging Pad

Anker’s wireless charging pad for Qi-enabled devices is sleek and minimalist, which might jive well with your personal tastes. This one features LED indicators around the perimeter for a futuristic UFO look. The included Fast Charge Mode should charge your phone twice as fast as other wireless charging pads.

With a low profile means that it won’t take up much space on your desk or nightstand, and it’s backed by Anker’s 18-month warranty and friendly customer service.

You can get one for your home or office for just $22.

See at Amazon

iOttie iON Wireless Qi Charging Pad

This wireless charger from iOttie might seem like the bulkier option based on pictures, but it’s actually very intelligently designed. It’s Qi-compatible with a triple-coil charging zone that’s capable of 5V/1A output with a non-slip ring to hold your phone in place on top while it charges. And that hollow opening in the middle isn’t just for the stylish look — it’s also a docking bay for the iOttie PowerPack 3400mAh External Portable Charger which is super convenient and cool.

You can even get a bundle pack that includes the iOttie PowerPack 3400mAh External Battery for just $50, so you can have a fully charged battery pack to take along with you if you think you’ll need it. Otherwise, you can get the wireless charging pad for just $19.99.

See at Amazon

Updated June 2018: This article was refreshed with the latest pricing. These are still the best picks available for your Galaxy Note 8.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

• Galaxy Note 8 review
• Galaxy Note 8 vs. Galaxy S8+
• Which Note 8 color is best?
• Complete Galaxy Note 8 specs
• Join our Galaxy Note 8 forums

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Here’s what we’re reading, watching, playing, and listening to this week

How we’re spending our leisure time.

Everyone has a bit of quiet downtime once in a while. Whether you’re sitting quietly at home or trying to relax on a plane or just giving your busy mind and hands a break, it’s important to relax.

A good way to do that is to read a book, listen to some music or watch a movie or show. See what’s caught our attention for the week of June 2nd.

Marc Lagace

I think I’ve recommended the 30 for 30 podcast before, but I just binged through Season 3 on a recent flight and I highly recommend it.

The five-part audio documentary examines Bikram Choudhury, an Indian yoga teacher who brought his brand of “Bikram hot yoga” to America in the 1970s and made millions offering grueling nine-week training session to impassioned devotees. I remember checking out a hot yoga class for the first time and hearing the instructors preaching about the brilliant Bikram and his teachings. It all felt a bit too “cult of personality” to me and I definitely felt some creepy vibes — sadly, the podcast confirms my suspicions.

It’s a finely produced podcast that had me engaged throughout, and you can enjoy it with or without having practised yoga before.

Joe Maring

After a lot of nagging from one of my friends, I decided to pick up Call of Duty: Black Ops III Zombie Chronicles this past week when it was on sale for about $20.

I don’t plan on touching the campaign and can already tell I’m not a fan of the multiplayer, but the remastered Zombies maps from the older Black Ops games are phenomenal.

Reliving the claustrophobic bunker of Nacht der Untoten and rocking out to the hidden song in Kino Der Toten while running away from Hell Hounds in their remastered glory has been loads of fun, and it’s been exciting to check out maps like Moon and Origins that I previously missed out on.

Tom Westrick

One really cool thing I did last week was attend a songwriter’s circle at the Irving Theater in Indianapolis. At first, I thought it would be a chance for me to try out some of the songs I’ve written, but I was incorrect. Instead, it was something even cooler: four local musicians came and took turns singing and telling stories. I bought CDs from Meg Williams and Joe Shelton. If you’re interested in country music at all (or even if you just have an hour to kill), give them both a listen.

Elsewhere, I finished watching Frasier, and I’m glad the last season was just as good as the first ten. Instead of working through other Netflix series, I’m going to spend some time with my Plex library, namely Static Shock since the final DVD of that series was just released. When I’m through with that, I’ll probably start the latest season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Andrew Martonik

We’re less than two weeks out from the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and that means I’m deep into a depression surrounding the United States not being in the tournament. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be watching — oh no, I’ll be catching as many games as possible through late June and July. In the tune-up for the tournament, I found a great podcast from Gimlet Media called “We Came to Win”.

It’s a podcast series all about telling the greatest stories of the World Cup, across multiple countries and various decades of the competition. Each episode is a different story following a certain team, match, person or storyline, and ranges from 20 to 50 minutes. You can pick up just an episode here or there, or jam through the current list of eight episodes available — they’re releasing a new one each Wednesday.

The show is available on the Gimlet website but also in the Pocket Casts app. If you’re a fan of soccer, you’ll want to give it a try while we get ready for the World Cup to kick off.

Essa Kidwell

This week is crazy busy for me. Between all the writing and filming I have to do, I’ve been trying to get back to my roots and reconnect with the things I’ve loved since childhood. So, this week I’ll be reading the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Which, awesomely enough, is actually available for free on Amazon if you have Prime. I remember picking it up for the first time in my elementary school library and haven’t touched it since. I’m excited to read it again, as an adult, and see if I have any different opinions or notice anything I may not have before.

Real talk for a minute. I’m not someone who complains that the “movies don’t stick to the books” or “how dare they mess up one tiny detail to the story” unless it’s major. But let me tell you how heartbroken my younger self was when it came to watching the Goblet of Fire in theaters and they didn’t include the House Elf Kitchen. It was, for some reason, my favorite part of the book. I just wanted to see the gang tickle a painting of a pear until it laughed so hard it opened into a door that lead to the kitchen.

Alright, rant over. I’m going to get back to my books and music now. Have a good week!

Your turn

What are YOU reading, watching, or listening to this week? Let us know in the comments!

Update, June 2, 2018: This is a weekly series where we tell you what we’re into, so check back every weekend!

The Pixelbook is on sale at Best Buy and it starts at just $750

Save $250 and get free shipping on the coolest Chromebook ever.

If you love deals and have been wanting to get your paws on a Google Pixelbook you need to hit up Best Buy, where you can save a ton of money right now.

The base model Pixelbook normally sells for $999 and is now on sale for $749, and you can save the same big money if you opt for one of the more powerful upgrades — the 256GB storage model can be had for $949 (normally $1199) and the 512GB version is just $1,399 (normally $1649). And these prices include free shipping. Even the Pixelbook Pen is on sale and you can snag one (and you totally should) for $89 and save ten bucks.

The Pixelbook is one of Google’s most ambitious products ever, and one if its best. Beautiful hardware matched with Chrome’s simplicity and security make for one awesome Chromebook. But the price has always been a barrier to a lot of folks and knocking a couple of hundred dollars off — this is the lowest we’ve ever seen any of the models — is even more awesome. Awesomer, if you will.

Don’t miss out on the best price the best Chromebook has ever seen!

See at Best Buy $749

Chromebooks

• The best Chromebooks
• Chromebooks in education: Everything you need to know
• Should you buy a Chromebook?
• Chromebook Buyers Guide
• Google Pixelbook review
• Join our Chromebook forums

OnePlus 6: Which RAM and storage size should you buy?

We all like big numbers, but the extra cost doesn’t always make sense.

OnePlus has grown a bit from its days of only offering one phone in single color with no further configuration options. The OnePlus 6 now comes in three different colors, and with three distinct models that have different amounts of RAM and storage. Most people will just buy the base model to keep the cost down, but if you’re considering paying a bit more to increase the memory or storage on your new purchase, you’ll want to start right here.

Choose a color first

There are three different colors of the OnePlus 6 — Mirror Black, Midnight Black and Silk White — but unfortunately not every storage option is available in every color. So whether you care more about your storage or your color doesn’t really matter, you still need to be aware of the color options before you settle on your desired storage. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 64GB storage: Mirror Black
• 128GB storage: Mirror Black, Midnight Black, Silk White
• 256GB storage: Midnight Black

The color you’ll see most often is Mirror Black on account of it being the only color available for the base model, so if you want to have something a bit unique you’ll need to up your storage to open up the Midnight Black and Silk White options. Silk White will be extra-exclusive on account of technically being a “limited edition” run, though we don’t know how long it’ll be available.

What color OnePlus 6 should you buy?

Pick a storage size

Once you’ve picked your desired color, or at least come to terms with the color options you have, it’s time to pick a storage option. Getting 64GB in the base model is enough for most people, particularly because OnePlus is pretty light with its software and gives you a lot of free space — less than 10GB is used out of the box. Just keep in mind that if you’re used to a phone with an SD card slot, like a Samsung Galaxy, that the OnePlus 6 doesn’t have that capability. You’re stuck with the storage you buy.

Most people will get by fine on 64GB, and 128GB will be extra comfortable — only hardcore users need 256GB.

Keeping that fact in mind, you may consider bumping up to the 128GB storage, which will most likely be more than you’d need in the life of the phone even without active management. The 128GB storage model is just $50/€50/£50 more than the base device — so if you can afford it and have have any reservations about how much storage you may need, go for it. And, as we’ll discuss below, you get 8GB of RAM as part of the upgrade.

Now, who should buy the 256GB model? Well, not that many people. Unless you intend to use your OnePlus 6 to store tons of local media and massive games, you aren’t likely to fill up even 128GB. But if you know that you need 256GB based on where your current phone’s storage stands, then you don’t need this guide to tell you — just spend the extra money and get the storage, you won’t regret it. The 256GB model is another $50/€50/£50 above the 128GB, and has the same 8GB of RAM.

More RAM is just a nice bonus

You’ll notice we’re talking about RAM last in this equation. That’s because you can’t pick the RAM you want independently of the storage — if you pick the 64GB storage you get 6GB of RAM, and both higher storage options jump to 8GB.

Don’t pay $50 extra just to get more RAM — 6GB is plenty.

Do you really need 8GB of RAM in the OnePlus 6? The short answer is “no, but it’s nice to have.” With the base model phone having only 6GB of RAM and a vast majority of Android phones released today still having 4 or 6GB, there’s very little that the extra memory can do for you because software and apps just don’t expect it. It’ll come in handy if you’re running multiple intensive apps in addition to a game, under some circumstances, but really it’s just preparing your phone for the (distant) future where apps and software become even more memory intensive.

Paying $50 more just to get 2GB of extra RAM isn’t worth it, but it’s a nice addition if you do decide to make the move for more storage. So again, pick your storage first and don’t worry about RAM.

OnePlus 6

• OnePlus 6 review
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5T: How much changes in six months?
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5: Should you upgrade?
• These are the official OnePlus 6 cases
• The OnePlus 6 doesn’t work on Verizon or Sprint
• Join the discussion in the forums

Apple Leaks Video of macOS 10.14 Showing Xcode 10 With Dark Mode, News App, and More

Steven Troughton-Smith today discovered a brief video on Apple’s servers that appears to show Xcode 10 running on macOS 10.14.

The well-known developer says he found the 30-second clip buried within an API on the backend of the Mac App Store. He shared a direct link to the video, embedded below, with 9to5Mac’s Guilherme Rambo.

Given the video originates from Apple’s servers, and is for its own Xcode development tool, everything shown is very likely real.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Xcode 10 on macOS 10.14. Dark Appearance, Apple News, App Store w/ video previews pic.twitter.com/rJlDy81W4W

— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) June 2, 2018

That includes:

• Xcode 10 has a new dark interface, while the Trash icon in the dock is also darker, suggesting that macOS 10.14 may feature a systemwide dark mode, including in apps. On macOS 10.13, there is a partial dark mode, but only for the dock and top menu bar.
• There is an Apple News icon in the dock, suggesting that it will be expanding to the Mac with a desktop app.
• The desktop background could be a picture of the Mojave Desert in California during the night, hinting at a macOS Mojave name for the next version. MacRumors recently noted that Mojave could be Apple’s top choice based on the company’s recent trademark activity.

The video itself also likely confirms rumors that the Mac App Store will be redesigned on macOS 10.14 to more closely resemble the App Store on iOS 11, including the addition of preview videos like this one for apps.

The leak comes just two days before Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, where the company is expected to preview macOS 10.14 alongside iOS 12, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12. WWDC opens with a keynote on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California.

MacRumors will be in attendance at the keynote, with live coverage of the event beginning shortly after 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Stay tuned to MacRumors.com and our @MacRumorsLive account on Twitter.

Related Roundup: macOS 10.14Tags: Xcode, Apple News
Discuss this article in our forums

The latest version of MacOS now supports storing your messages in Apple’s cloud

The latest version of MacOS High Sierra is out, and with it arrives support for Messages in iCloud. Apple’s update arrives just days after the release of iOS 11.4 for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch that introduced the same feature. You can now essentially store all messages and related attachments in Apple’s cloud, which automatically appear on all of your Apple devices if logged into the same iMessages account. 

To activate this feature in MacOS, open the Messages app and navigate to Messages > Preferences > Accounts > Enable Messages in iCloud.  

To activate this feature on iOS, open the Settings app and navigate to [your name] > iCloud > Enable Messages in iCloud. 

When turned on, this feature will allow you to read all messages sent from all Apple devices no matter if it’s a MacBook or an iPhone X. That also means if you delete a message, it’s gone for good: There’s no backup stored on your other Apple devices. 

According to Apple, this cloud-based feature aims to free up space on your devices. But there’s a drawback: Your messages are stored in Apple’s cloud. Thus, if a hacker breaks into your iCloud account, theoretically he/she will have access to your private messages and attachments. But don’t worry: Apple says your messages are encrypted from end to end. 

Outside the new Messages in iCloud feature, MacOS High Sierra 10.13.5 improves “stability, performance, and security.” Also on the short list are two changes for the enterprise: Variables in SCEP payloads that now expand properly, and a fix for configuration profiles containing a Wi-Fi payload and SCEP payload. Apple provides a second security-based list of notes here. 

To get the latest version of MacOS, open the App Store, click on the Updates button at the top, and wait a moment for the app to catch up with Apple. If you don’t see High Sierra 10.13.5, you might need to install incremental security updates before Apple pushes the latest High Sierra build to your device. 

MacOS High Sierra 10.13.5 arrives just days before Apple’s developer conference next week. We expect to see iOS 12 along with ARKit 2.0, the company’s platform for augmented reality apps served up on iOS. Other platforms expected to make an appearance include Watch OS 5, tvOS 12, and possibly MacOS 10.14. 

Apple is also expected to spend time discussing how it will bring iOS and MacOS closer together without combining the two platforms. If anything, Messages for iCloud does just that: brings a unified messaging experience to MacBooks and iPhones alike. Apple CEO Tim Cook even previously said customers don’t want iOS and MacOS merged into one platform. 

Meanwhile, what you may not see during the show are new devices, as the conference will supposedly focus strictly on software, not new software running on new hardware. Apple’s MacBook portfolio isn’t expected to receive an upgrade until late 2018: The same timeframe Apple will likely introduce its next iPhone(s) and MacBook Air laptops. 

Editors’ Recommendations

• Vudu update finally lets Apple TV users stream Marvel, Disney films in 4K
• Hey, I didn’t order this dollhouse! 6 hilarious Alexa mishaps
• Firefox 60 is the first browser to support password-free internet logins
• After the San Bernardino iPhone fiasco, lawmakers introduce the Secure Data Act
• This innovative chunky padlock promises to be virtually unpickable

Collect and battle mystical creatures in Might and Magic Elemental Guardians! [Game of the Week]

Update June 1, 2018: Become the strongest Wizard in Ashan in Might and Magic Elemental Guardians, and then kick back and relax with the Sudoku-inspired puzzle game Hexologic!

Might and Magic: Elemental Guardians

Set in the same world as the previous games in the Might and Magic franchise, Elemental Guardians is a brand new RPG designed exclusively for mobile that tasks you with collecting and evolving over 400 different creatures and battling them in both a single-player campaign as well as in PvP battles.

This is a total collect-a-thon with a ton of daily missions and achievements to work towards. The animations and graphics are top-notch and there are even augmented reality features that let you bring your favorite creatures into our world and let battles unfold on your coffee table, or wherever you choose.

Might and Magic: Elemental Guardians is entirely free to play and is definitely worth checking out if you love mobile RPG games. If you pre-registered for the game, you’ll be happy to know that you also unlock Andy the Android bot as an exclusive reward so you won’t want to miss out on that!

Download Might and Magic: Elemental Guardians (Free w/IAPs)

Hexologic

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle game? Hexologic is a brand new game for Android that combines the core concept from the popular pen and paper game Sudoku with the colorful and relaxing gameplay of a good Android puzzle game.

The premise of the game is pretty simple — you tap to add dots to each hexagon in the grid and must make sure that the sum of all dots in each row adds up to the number at the end. Like any great puzzle game, Hexologic is easy to grasp but manages to up the challenge as the puzzles get more and more complex. There are over 60 puzzles to complete with more advanced modes available to up the challenge.

If you’re constantly on the lookout for a new puzzle game to chill with during your downtime, give Hexologic a try!

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