Apple is dealing with two major issues this week: yet another bug that lets particular text characters crash your device and the HomePod’s base leaving rings on fine wood furniture. We also report on two Facebook problems this week: the company’s promotion of a suspicious VPN service it owns and a bug that caused it to send unwanted text messages to those using two-factor authentication. Finally, Josh Centers reviews the YouTube TV service for cord cutters. Notable software releases this week include GraphicConverter 10.5.5, Default Folder X 5.2.2, and Alfred 3.6.
When you’re thinking about where you’re going to locate your sleek new HomePod, think twice about putting it on a wooden surface. The HomePod’s vibration-dampening silicone base can react with oiled wood surfaces, leaving unsightly rings. Learn how to avoid the problem or clean it up if your table has already been marked.
“Take Control of iOS 11” author Josh Centers shares a quick Live Photos tip that can rescue blurry photos of hyperactive subjects like kids and dogs.
Facebook has added a Protect item to a screen in its iOS app that lists Facebook services. Tapping Protect takes you to an App Store page for a VPN called Onavo Protect that admits that it is owned by Facebook and “collects your mobile data traffic.” Worse, 12.5 million iOS users may already be using Onavo Protect.
Interested in ditching cable or satellite in favor of an Internet TV service? We’ve looked at DirecTV Now, Sling TV, and PlayStation Vue in the past, and Josh Centers now dives into Google’s YouTube TV service, which recently released a native Apple TV app, and comes away impressed.
Watchlist
Fixes a bug introduced in the previous version that led to errors when mounting a network volume. ($39.99 new, free update, 13.6 MB)
Maintenance update fixes bugs in the blog editor. ($49.95 new, free update, 14.6 MB)
Major update for the open-source media player adds support for HDR and 360-degree video. (Free, 44.6 MB)
Updates the long-standing text editor to 64-bit and now requires OS X 10.11.6 El Capitan or later. ($49.99 new, free update, 13.6 MB)