Hulu Introduces Ad-Free Subscription Plan for $12 a Month

Hulu today revealed a new plan option that will grant subscribers immunity from the service’s embedded advertisements by paying $11.99 each month instead of the traditional $7.99 (via Re/code). Available for new and existing users, Hulu’s CEO Mike Hopkins notes that it took months for the various companies and providers available on the service to support the new subscription tier, but he still expects a “solid majority” of people to stick with the $7.99 option.

Hopkins says getting the various rights owners for the Hulu catalog — which includes TV shows from NBC, ABC and Fox, as well as stuff from other networks, plus movies (note the Epix deal it just signed), plus stuff Hulu is creating on its own — to agree to the ad-free option took months.

Hulu is jointly owned by Disney, 21st Century Fox and Comcast’s NBCUniversal, and those companies are heavily invested in the business of selling TV ads. Hulu won’t come out and say this out loud, but the 50 percent price jump between the two versions is meant to give most of Hulu’s 9 million subscribers a reason to keep the version they have, and not hasten the erosion of the ad model.

A slight negative for some will come in the new tier’s “exception shows,” which will present users with bookended ads even when a subscriber is paying $12 per month. From ABC, NBC, and FOX, the seven exception shows are: New Girl, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, Grey’s Anatomy, Once Upon a Time, Marvel’s Agents of Shield, and Grimm. Perhaps a minor silver lining: the exception shows won’t include the timed ads in the middle of a video and will only include a 15-second pre-show and 30-second post-show commercial.

Users interested in signing up for Hulu Plus, or changing their current subscription to the new option, can do so over on Hulu’s official website. The Hulu app is also available to download free from the App Store [Direct Link].

Mac keychain flaw can send your passwords to hackers via text

Antoine Vincent Jebara and Raja Rahbani have discovered a Mac Keychain vulnerability that hackers can easily exploit to steal passwords, certificates, etc. with very little user interaction needed. The duo stumbled upon the flaw while working on the Keychain for their identity management software Myki. They found out that attackers can craft commands that can make Mac’s password management system prompt users to click an “Allow button” instead of asking them to type in their passwords. Once a user clicks that button, the malicious code can forward Keychain’s contents via text, though the info could also be saved somewhere for download later on.

The malware required to trigger that process can be introduced into the victim’s computer via innocuous files such as images, documents and spreadsheets. In fact, the proof of concept Rahbani and Jebara developed to test out what they discovered launches the malware-wrapped image in Preview after you click Allow. They designed it that way to show how that method can be used to allay any suspicion brewing in the back of the victim’s mind.

In Jebara’s email to Engadget, he said they already notified Apple of the vulnerability and are waiting to hear back. He explained that they decided to come out with this information, because it could be extremely harmful to users if exploited. By knowing the flaw’s nature, you can at least protect yourself by not click strange buttons that pop up in Keychain.

We disclosed because we feel that it is the right thing to do knowing that a vulnerability of this magnitude would have disastrous consequences (you wouldn’t be able to open any third-party file on your computer without the risk of losing all of your sensitive information until Apple issues a patch)…

The vulnerability is extremely critical as it allows anyone to steal all of your passwords remotely by simply downloading a file that doesn’t look malicious at all and that can’t be detected by malware detectors because it doesn’t behave the way malware usually does.

[Image credit: mangpages/Flickr]

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Tags: apple, keychain, security

New Apple TV to Start at $149, Feature Universal Search With Siri

Apple is set to introduce the next iteration of its Apple TV lineup at next week’s September 9 media event, alongside the expected announcement of new iPhones, and a previously rumored feature is gaining additional traction today with a report from BuzzFeed claiming the new Apple TV will have universal search functionality, letting users search once and get hits from multiple sources, not just iTunes.

Universal search feature will reportedly be a “cornerstone” of the new Apple TV, allowing users to, for example, search for one movie across services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and iTunes, among others. The ability to search for actors and directors will also be included in the search options, and won’t limit users to just movie or television show titles.

Sources familiar with Apple’s plans say that a cornerstone of the the company’s new set-top box is a universal search feature that will enable searches across multiple streaming video services as well as Apple’s iTunes Store. Instead of searching the catalogs of multiple video services one-at-a-time for a particular movie, you’ll now be able to search all — or most of them — at once and then choose the service on which you’d like to watch it. You’ll also be able to search for actors and directors, and run other more targeted searches as well — all with Siri.

The report also claims that the new Apple TV will “start” at a price point of $149, hinting that there could be more expensive models with perhaps the possibility of expanded storage capacities. The $149 retail price does line up with previous rumors that pegged the Apple TV of launching with either a $149 or $199 price tag. The company has been said to be keeping the third-generation Apple TV, currently priced at $69, as an entry-level option.

Along with Siri integration, the next-generation Apple TV is rumored to feature an A8 processor, a touch-pad remote, and an App Store with an SDK available for developers to create apps. The new box will be aimed at more than just video consumption, with recent rumors hinting that the newly designed remote control will include motion sensors to support “casual” gaming experiences.

Apple May Be Returning to Glass-on-Glass Touch Panels for iPhone 7

A new rumor out of Apple’s supply chain in Asia suggests that the company could be returning to using ultra-thin glass-on-glass touch panels for next year’s line of iPhones, but will remain using in-cell touch panels for the “iPhone 6s” and “iPhone 6s Plus,” both predicted to launch this month (via DigiTimes). The sources cite Apple’s issues with production bottlenecks of the in-cell technology which prevent the company from “adding new features as well as increasing resolutions.”

Makers have already begun sending samples of fully laminated G/G technology to Apple and Corning along with Asahi Glass have also reportedly sent glass samples.

Market observers have recently noted that Apple is in discussions over whether to go back to G/G instead of in-cell technology for future iPhone devices as in-cell technology is currently struggling with various production bottlenecks that are preventing Apple from adding new features as well as increasing resolutions.

Notably, the improvement in glass-on-glass production technology could grant Apple the ability to create a bezel-free iPhone that in-cell panels currently limit. The possibility of a full 4K ultra HD screen would also be in the cards according to the sources in the company’s supply chain, again pointing to current limitations on in-cell touch panels themselves, and their production.

G/G touch panels may also help Apple develop bezel-free smartphones as in-cell touch panels reportedly are struggling with touch sensitivity on the edges. Additionally, in-cell touch panels also make it difficult for vendors to pursue higher resolutions including Ultra HD (4K) due to current bottlenecks, the observers said.

Apple used glass-on-glass touch panels in its iPhone line until the iPhone 5 came out in 2012 with in-cell panels. The new line of iPhones predicted to be announced at next week’s September 9 media event will undoubtedly continue to use in-cell panels, with stronger 7000 series aluminum shells, Force Touch, an improved 12-megapixel camera, all housed in a similar design to last year’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models.

Apple Pay Gains 18 New Participating Issuers in United States

Apple updated its Apple Pay participating issuers list today with 18 additional banks, credit unions and financial institutions supporting the contactless payment service in the United States. Apple Pay now has over 450 participating issuers nationwide, and several more plan to support the NFC-based mobile payment service in the future.

The newly added Apple Pay participating issuers are reflected below, although it’s worth noting that some banks, credit unions and financial institutions listed may have already had support for the contactless payments service and are only now being reflected on Apple’s website.

The full list of new Apple Pay participating issuers:

• AltaOne Federal Credit Union
  
• American Bank of Commerce
  
• Capital Bank, N.A.
  
• Cardinal Community Credit Union
  
• Del-One Federal Credit Union
  
• Enterprise Bank and Trust Co.
  
• Envision Credit Union
  
• First Commonwealth Bank
  
• First National Bank and Trust
  
• First South Financial Credit Union
  
• FirstMerit Bank
  
• Fort Worth City Credit Union
  
• Leominster Credit Union
  
• Magnolia Federal Credit Union
  
• Monticello Banking Company
  
• Northfield Bank
  
• Southern States Bank
  
• Spire Credit Union

Apple Pay remains limited to the United States and United Kingdom, although Apple is committed to an international rollout of the mobile payments service in additional countries such as Canada and China in the future. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Apple is planning a November launch of Apple Pay in Canada.

Intel Unveils Full Lineup of Skylake Processors for Notebooks and Desktops, Early 2016 Likely for Most Macs

Intel has released detailed information about its upcoming Skylake processors for notebooks and desktops ahead of IFA 2015 in Berlin (via Ars Technica). The sixth-generation chips will deliver CPU and GPU performance improvements and longer battery life, and are likely to power future MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and iMac models released over the next year.

Retina MacBook

Intel’s new lineup of Core M processors appropriate for the 12-inch Retina MacBook will provide up to 10 hours of battery life, between 10%-20% faster CPU performance and up to 40% faster graphics compared to equivalent Broadwell chips.

CPU World accurately shared Core m3, Core m5 and Core m7 specifications last week, with all three families of chips including Intel HD 515 graphics, 4MB of L3 cache and 4.5 watt thermal design power (TDP).

The low-end Core m3 6Y30 replaces the Core M-5Y31 and is likely suited for the base model 12-inch MacBook sold for $1,299. The mid-tier Core m5 6Y54 and Core m5 6Y57 replace the Core M-5Y51 on the high-end 12-inch MacBook sold for $1,599, while the high-end Core m7 6Y75 replaces the Core M-5Y71 for top-of-the-line 12-inch MacBook custom configurations.

Core M processors have configurable TDPs, allowing for performance and heat output to be adjusted. Core m3, m5 and m7 chips can be run at 3.5-3.8 watts or be increased to 7 watts to allow for higher CPU clock speeds. For the current 12-inch MacBook, Apple boosted the 900 MHz 5Y31 chip to 1.1 GHz, 1.1 GHz 5Y51 chip to 1.2 GHz and 1.2 GHz 5Y71 chip to 1.3 GHz.

Ars Technica notes that Core M processors should be available to Apple and other PC makers now, meaning that Core m3, m5 and m7-powered notebooks could begin shipping within the next few months. However, given that the 12-inch MacBook just launched in April, it remains uncertain if Apple is willing to release updated models this soon or hold off until 2016.
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Ongoing Apple Campus 2 Progress Shown in High-Quality Aerial Video

Construction on Apple’s second campus in Cupertino is continuing at a steady pace, as seen in a new aerial video captured by drone pilot Duncan Sinfield and shared with MacRumors.

Shot earlier today, Sinfield’s video offers a detailed look at the progress Apple has made since he shot his last video on August 1, and it gives details on the different buildings Apple is constructing. Sinfield’s also cleverly overlaid some of Steve Jobs’ original commentary on the campus, making this video update well worth watching.

Work on the ring-shaped main building is continuing, as is construction on a multi-level underground parking structure. A secondary parking lot at the west of the campus is nearly finished, the auditorium has gained interior walls, and construction workers have also made progress on the Tantau development, housing research facilities.

When finished, the second Apple campus will feature a huge 2.8 million square foot ring-shaped main building, an underground parking lot, a 100,000 square foot fitness center, a 120,000 square foot auditorium for hosting events, and a dedicated visitor’s center complete with an observation deck, cafe, and Apple Store.

Apple continues to be on track to complete construction on the campus at the end of 2016.

LUNATIK EPIK Apple Watch Kit Review: Rugged Protection, but Not the Best Fit or Comfort

LUNATIK, the company that made a name for itself a number of years ago by creating popular watch bands such as the TikTok and LYNK for the sixth-generation iPod nano, has debuted a similar offering for the 42 mm Apple Watch with its new EPIK lineup.

EPIK began as a Kickstarter project that raised over $240,000 and offered a protective anodized aluminum casing for the watch itself paired with an integrated silicone sport band or aluminum link bracelet. Intended to aid in using the Apple Watch in more rugged environments, the EPIK adds protection to the Apple Watch in the form of enclosed sides, a significantly raised bezel to protect the face from impacts, and coverings for the device’s physical features.

Following the Kickstarter campaign and an early launch of a special low-end polycarbonate version initially made available through Best Buy for $60, LUNATIK is today announcing the broad release of EPIK for all customers. Aluminum models start at $140 for either a silver or black housing paired with a black silicone band, stepping up to $150 for a black housing paired with either a black or brown leather band. At the high end are the link bracelet models, which come in silver ($200) or black ($220) housing and band combinations.

LUNATIK sent me one of the black link bracelet models for review, and I’ve spent nearly a week wearing it as my sole Apple Watch band. Overall, I found it to be an interesting addition that adds some nice protection for the Apple Watch but which has a few drawbacks.
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Apple Continues to Recruit Talent to Join Secretive Automotive Team

Apple continues to recruit talent to bolster its “Project Titan” team, which is rumored to be researching an electric vehicle. Over the past several weeks, the company has hired multiple employees from Tesla Motors, Texas Instruments, and other companies in the automotive and technology industries, likely to join hundreds of others already working on the so-called “Apple Car.”

Apple hired former Tesla Motors engineering manager Hal Ockerse last month to join its own software engineering team, according to his LinkedIn profile. Ockerse was employed at Tesla between July 2014 and August 2015, working on hardware architecture and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) components, including cameras, radars, LiDAR, and engine control units (ECUs).

Ockerse does not list his responsibilities at Apple, but it is likely that he is working on Apple’s car-related project. His experience prior to Tesla includes an eleven-year stint at Gentex Corporation, where as a research manager he worked on advanced driver assist solutions, a three-axis automotive electronic compass, custom designed HDR image cameras and sensors, and more.

Apple also recruited former Texas Instruments design engineer Subhagato Dutta to join its in-house technologies team in July. Dutta is a recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, known for its research on self-driving vehicles, and worked on an automotive algorithm and imaging algorithm development team at Texas Instruments between July 2012 and November 2013.

Yakshu Madaan joined Apple as a technical program manager in July, according to his LinkedIn profile. Madaan previously served as an operations manager at Tata Motors, the largest Indian automotive manufacturer, between July 2012 and August 2014. Madaan also designed and developed fuel injection strategies as a research assistant at the Indian Institute of Technology and UBC in early 2011.

Apple has been recruiting automotive experts since at least February for its automotive-related project, including former Tesla, Ford and GM employees, but there still remains some uncertainty as to whether Apple is working on its own vehicle or building upon its CarPlay platform for an enhanced in-car experience. As expected, the project remains highly secretive in Cupertino.

Last week, it was reported that former Tesla firmware engineer Jamie Carlson left the company to join Apple’s “Special Projects” group in August, alongside several other autonomous vehicle experts. Apple also hired Doug Betts, former Senior Vice President of the Chrysler Group, and Paul Furgale, a researcher who specializes in autonomous vehicles, according to a report in July.