emoeller

sixcolors said:

iPhones have become too expensive, I simply quit upgrading.

Apple's other products don't offer any compelling upgrades to the older models I already have. I despise the new MacBook Pro and have zero interest in the trashcan 2013 Mac Pro.

Couldn't disagree more.   I held off upgrading my iMac and MBP 15" for several years longer than normal because Apple/Intel's solutions didn't fit my needs.  That changed in late 2017/2018 as all of my issues have been resolved (keyboard fixes, 32Gb available on the MBP, standardized Thunderbolt 3, significantly improved MacOS and iOS, Bluetooth 5, and yes I really like the Touch Bar and am already modifying it for my workflow using BetterTouchTool).  The speed and efficiency of my workflow is about double what my previous hardware allowed.

As for the iPhone, I again hadn't upgraded in a few years and moved from an iPhone 7 to Xs - the difference is dramatic, especially with the display and camera.  I travel internationally and the dual SIM option is great (although new in the US it has been working in Asia since launch).  

I moved to an iPad Pro 10" in 2017 but jumped to upgrade  in 2018 to the IPP 12" and couldn't be happier.    The USB-C is compatible with hubs like CalDigit's TB-3 Plus (allowing both charging iTunes connection, as well as access to the accessory ports).  I don't use the iPad like a normal computer (its a new tool, and those that want to see the iOS devices become laptop replacements or computer replacements (or vice versa) are missing the point).  Current iOS provides some unique opportunities to improve workflow across devices:  such as using tags/filters and Files app to sort and maintain data - sort of like an improved Evernote, and utilizing the Notes and pencil for on the go markup and signatures.  In short iOS devices allow me to get things done more quickly on the go, but don't provide the heavy duty lifting that a computer or laptop provides.  However the synergy between the two (which for years was lacking due to poor file sharing capabilities) has improved to the point where these devices can work together to accomplish complex tasks in almost any environment,  

In summary Apple's devices are expensive - but the Apple ecosystem as a whole is extremely efficient and provides the tools I need to do my work (and play) anywhere, anytime.   And that to me is worth the extra cost for the hardware.

I have had DVDnetflix for a couple of years and tried to subscribe to Netflix (streaming) for my AppleTV through iTunes.   It took some effort but finally got it set up earlier this year.   But apparently the two services are separate and could not be combined as I had used iTunes setup.   So I had to cancel the iTunes and set up through Netflix website then link the two accounts and now everything works perfectly.

Throughout that process the Netflix service reps kept telling me that they were really have problems with iTunes accounts and billing.   So this announcement is not too much of a surprise.  

As for Apple's streaming service - I'll believe it when I see it.   These are very difficult to set up due to combination of digital rights, local station and sports services, and new compelling content.   None of which Apple has much experience with as far as video goes (they obviously know the music business).  I think it's going to be a long bumpy road for Apple.

FYI - Apple through its “only at Apple” retail program offers the La Roche-Posay, My Skin Track.  The batteryless tiny wearable continuously reads and stores UV data, then periodically you must hold your iPhone near it to transmit the data to the app is NFC.  The app is HealthKit compatible.  I’ve had it for a few days  it works well and provides a wealth of information on air quality (a big deal in California these days) as well as UV exposure.

My S4 bricked.  I’m told to take it in to my  store and they will have to send it out for repair/replacement - a minimum of five days for turn around.  As it is only a month old I’m told it’s covered under Applecare but would count as one of my two covered repairs??? WTF...

Thanks or the article but this is a simulation of a Dynamic Desktop (as you noted).   The HEIC file format has been around for a while ( High_Efficiency_Image_File_Format ) but only formally adopted by Apple in Mojave (and iOS 12).   This format will become increasingly important for AR as Adobe and Apple have agreed to standardize on this format.  it provides multiple images along with both time and location info for each.

As a developer you can create "real" Dynamic Desktops, see this excellent blog ( wallpaper ).

The author has created this Japanese satellite Dynamic Desktop (  https://www.dropbox.com/s/kd2g59qswchsd0v/Earth%20View.heic?dl=0 ).  Simply download the file and add to your Desktop & Screensaver file folder as described above.  It looks fantastic on a 5k iMac.

I found it interesting that apparently Apple's Dynamic Desktop is limited to 16 images (as noted above 24 would be typical for a single day as it would be one per hour, but ate is apparently not possible today).