Apple hits back at Facebook, says new iOS 14 ad tracking rules provide user choice

cjcoops

December 2020

citylightsapple said:

I'm so glad I no longer have a Facebook account. This latest whine by them convinced me to get rid of Instagram too.

Whether you no longer have one, or even have never had one doesn't matter to Facebook... all those Facebook share wdigets you see splashed everywhere are tracking you regardless...

https://www.newsweek.com/facebook-tracking-you-even-if-you-dont-have-account-888699

"Facebook tracks internet users even if they are logged off or don't have an account on the social network, the company confirmed on Monday (April 16) as it attempted to shake off the unprecedented controversy that arose following allegations that it facilitated a breach of user data linked to an estimated 87 million accounts.

The platform has admitted that applications and websites that use Facebook services—such as embedded "like" or "share" buttons, login pages, analytics or advertising—are not able to distingish if the user actually has a Facebook account. The U.S. social network receives the information anyway."

Elgato Stream Deck review: A Mac accessory you didn't realize you need

cjcoops

June 2021

[email protected] said:

This is what the Touch Bar should have been. I loved the concept of the Touch Bar but it is massively underused in programs. I hope they add functionality and user customization instead of getting rid of it.

It is what the Touch Bar is already - you just need to install Better Touch Tool.

https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/07/20/bettertouchtool-is-the-app-the-macbook-pro-with-touch-bar-needs

There's already some preset optons for it to show its power and give you an idea of its uses
https://community.folivora.ai/t/goldenchaos-btt-the-complete-touch-bar-ui-replacement/1281

And of course it makes the excellent Touch pad even more powerful, plus keyboard shortcuts and a clipboard manager and more...

Wired CarPlay vs. wireless - the pros and cons

cjcoops

March 2

Just to be clear for those unaware..

Wireless Carplay does NOT stream music or commands over bluetooth.

Carplay connection is initiated over bluetooth, and then a wireless connection is created between the phone and the carplay device.

This is why control and music streaming is indistinguishable from a wired connection.

Next-gen Apple TV could output 120Hz video, beta code suggests

cjcoops

April 2021

Japhey said:

CheeseFreeze said:

I see zero use for an AppleTV now I have the Apple TV+ app on my Samsung TV.
What is the device’s purpose other than supporting users that don’t have such a smart TV yet?

Unless Apple would positioned it more as a console as well, including an exclusive game line-up?

I can’t speak for anyone else, but personally I prefer the UI of my ATV to all the other smart devices in my house. These include tv’s, smart Blu-ray players,Fire sticks, PS4, etc…The UI is just more intuitive to me than those other devices. Also, it’s tight integration with all of my other Apple gear and services, data privacy, Fitness+, and screen savers make it my streamer of choice. After my iPhone, it’s actually my second most used Apple product. It’s not perfect, of course…The TV app is a mess, and the remote’s issues are well documented; but it’s still better than my alternatives. Still holding out hope for that massive gaming upgrade next gen.

Plus Smart TV lack of privacy...
https://www.consumerreports.org/privacy/how-to-turn-off-smart-tv-snooping-features/
even then
”You can’t stop all data collection without disconnecting the set from the internet, but you can turn off ACR.”

My “smart” Sony A8 Oled tv is disconnected from any network ( i connected it briefly to update the tv firmware and laugh at the google tv ads that are put on your smart tv screen...), the Atv 4k is great and updated, and i use a Harmony Elite to control tv, Atv, cable box, optical audio switcher and a B&W soundbar - so i don’t need to whine about the Atv remore either.

Portless 'iPhone 13' could restore iOS without needing a cable

cjcoops

February 2021

MacQuadra840av said:

paxman said:

Wgkrueger said:

I hope that solution also includes a provision for hard wired connected car players.

To be honest you can buy pretty cheap connected bluetooth receivers so no need for a wire to actual phone.

Maybe for cars from the 90s. Most new cars have the stereo system so completely integrated into the vehicle that you cannot replace them. So no, your solution does not work with 99% of the cars on the road today that offer CarPlay. And Bluetooth is awful for listening to music. The digital connection with USB is far superior for audio quality, and CarPlay functionality.

You don't understand how Wireless Carplay works.

A connection is first established over Bluetooth, which then switches the Carplay connection over to its own wifi network (a wifi network provided by the wirelss carplay capable head unit).
Data from phone to Carplay unit is then all over a wifi connection.

I have fitted my wired Mazda Carplay unit with a wireless dongle that provides the same wireless Carplay functionality - and a USB out power port to power a Qi mat to leave your pohne on to charge while driving.