chasm

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chasm
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  • App icon customization, new emoji creation coming to iOS 18

    chasmchasm
    danvm said:
    Isn't that what MS and Google are already doing with MS Office + Copilot and Google Workspace + Gemini?
    My experience with Copilot is limited, since I try to minimize working with Windows compared to the pleasure of using a Mac.

    I find Copilot to be very good at answering clearly-put questions, either directly from the Windows desktop or within Edge. I don't use a wide range of Windows apps, but unless I missed something Copilot in Office is still a chatbot (that will summarize a report if you ask it to). I don't see much in the way of what I would call true integration into existing apps apart from adding the chatbot at this stage.

    Obviously I don't know for sure, but I'd expect Apple not to go quite that same route. I'd expect (I hope for) a key command/menu item to summarise or suggest improvements to a document. To me that would feel more "natural."

    If that's what Windows is doing/working towards, great! Looking forward to that.

    I avoid Google entirely, so I can't comment on Google Workspace + Gemini. I'm sure they'll do a nice job with it, but Google's raison d'etre is data scraping its users and selling that information. I've seen no media reports that suggest Google is changing that policy for Gemini, so that's a "never try" for me. I'd have to read Microsoft's privacy policy on Copilot before I'd trust it beyond the "playing around" stage.

    Apple's existing privacy policies are the ones I most agree with, so that's what I use for most things. Naturally, I'll check any privacy exceptions/data collection documentation that comes to light about its AI usage, if any.
    Anilu_777watto_cobra

  • Your next iPhone could be the iPad mini - iPhone 15 vs iPad mini showdown

    chasmchasm
    roundaboutnow said:
    What is the reason that iPads with cellular can't make/take "regular" cell phone calls (without VOIP or when it is not associated with an iPhone)? Is it a carrier decision that limits the iPad cellular connection to data only, or is there some other technical reason?

    The iPads (all of them) lack cellular network telephony circuitry that enables Cellular Voice and messaging services, so it can only access Internet Protocol (IP) data services.

    Perhaps the day is coming where the entire cellular phone network will run on VOIP, in which case it could become possible. Don't hold your breath, but it could happen.
    roundaboutnowwatto_cobra

  • Apple fires back at DOJ antitrust case, calls for immediate dismissal

    chasmchasm
    jdw said:
    The waste of taxpayer dollars at the DOJ with regard to ANTITRUST is set to increase, thanks to a strong push by the Whitehouse:
    https://news.bloomberglaw.com/antitrust/biden-requests-63-million-boost-to-justices-antitrust-division
    All I can say to this is that the actions of large companies — even ones we like — is at least in part driving the recent false “inflation” that is making life unaffordable for millions of people. I’m mostly talking about companies and industries that make “staples of life” products like food, housing, cars, etc, not Apple.

    Apple has long had creeping price increases on its hardware, but by contrast they hold the line on the price of a lot of their services and software. For example, the cost of iCloud storage or individual services like Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade haven’t TTBOMK changed since they were introduced five or more years ago. Can’t say that about gas, basic groceries, and health care. And yet, corporate profits are skyrocketing.

    Turns out that “the rent is too damn high” guy for a few years back was on to something. :smile: 
    williamlondonmuthuk_vanalingamwatto_cobra

  • Old iPads are a staple in US homes, long after they've gone obsolete

    chasmchasm
    randok said:
    I'm writing this on an "Early 2014" MacBook Air, which I use as my daily computer, and I can do almost everything I want (except visit a few stubborn banking sites). Apple should embrace the truism that longevity is an environmental win and make more of it. 
    Those banking sites are trying to tell you that your computer IS. NOT. SECURE. You should take that warning VERY seriously. You’re no longer receiving any kind of updates, security or otherwise. I typically retire my machines at that point and buy a new or newer one.

    I would strongly suggest you “semi-retire” that older machine to “offline activities only,” like I’ve done with my beloved 2012 MBP. It’s pretty much a games and database machine now, and that’s just fine with me (I modded it for a larger SSD and additional RAM, and it still runs like a champ for its vintage).

    Your 2014 is a ticking time bomb on the net. It is really important to use a new/newer machine for activities that need online security, and that’s not just banking stuff. Really old machines can still be useful, but should absolutely NOT be online.
    williamlondongregoriusmFidonet127Applejacswatto_cobra

  • Under-screen Face ID allegedly pushed back to 2026 iPhone 18 Pro

    chasmchasm
    charlesn said:
    Ummm... you realize the notch is gone, right? Replaced by "Dynamic Island," which is destined to join the dustbin of Apple history with other interface ideas that never gained significant support or traction ... 3D Touch, Touch Bar, etc.
    The "notch" is only gone on the latest models, not on previous models. I have an iPhone 12 and I assure you the notch is still there. A friend has an iPhone 13 and sure enough, notch. These are not ancient iPhones.

    PS. Given that the later models have to have a "pill" area for the cameras, the Dynamic Island is an unbelievably clever way of making it ever more useful. Most iPhone owners I have spoken to who have the current models seem to love it, especially once they learn what they can do with it via live activities.
    williamlondon