The latest version of OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion features a number of highly specific performance and reliability improvements, as well as a fix for an ugly text-related bug that could render apps unusable.
In response to the wave of recent NSA revelations, 1Password developer AgileBits has posted reassurances on its blog that the popular password-storage software has not been compromised. AgileBits cites the verifiability of its data format, its lack of data collection, and the fact that the development team is spread out over the world, making it impossible for the United States government to silence it. AgileBits itself is a Canadian company.
Much has been said about the security implications of Touch ID, the new fingerprint scanner in the iPhone 5s. But TidBITS contributor and accessibility expert Steven Aquino has a different take on it, as a tool for the disabled. Steven argues that Touch ID will be a boon for iPhone users with visual or motor disabilities that make passcodes difficult to enter.
Apple has killed its Cards app for iPhone and iPad, introduced in 2011 to enable you to create and mail custom greeting cards for a fee. Cards has been removed from the App Store, and if you have it installed, the app will notify you that its associated service is no longer available. If you still want to mail cards, check out Bill Atkinson’s free PhotoCard app, which lets you email cards for free, or send them via postal mail for as little as $1.50.
Apple has released the 85-minute video of its September 2013 Special Event, featuring the debut of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. Be sure to check out the end, which features a performance by Elvis Costello.
As expected, Apple has announced the iPhone 5s, featuring new gold and silver tones, a faster processor, and a new motion chip, as well as a built-in fingerprint scanner that eliminates the need for a passcode for most people.
Former Apple CEO John Sculley gave a talk at the 2013 Forbes Global CEO Conference, where he was asked about his split with Steve Jobs, which led to Jobs leaving the company in the mid-1980s. Sculley aimed the blame squarely at Apple’s board at the time and pointed out that Jobs then lacked the business acumen for which he later became famous. Sculley said he regrets not reaching out to Jobs to bring him back to Apple later. “I didn’t do that, it was a terrible mistake on my part. I can’t figure out why I didn’t have the wisdom to do that. But I didn’t. And as life has it, shortly after that, I was fired,” Sculley said.
After being unimpressed with the original BioShock, Josh Centers has fallen in love with BioShock Infinite. What makes a game great, and can a video game be art?
Do you reluctantly need a printer, but tire of money-sucking inkjets? Brother, have we got a printer for you.
Amazon has announced the second generation of its Kindle Paperwhite ebook reader, with a number of exciting new features. Preorders are available today for $119, and units will begin shipping 30 September 2013.
Apple has sent out invitations for a special event to be held on 10 September 2013, at the company’s headquarters. We expect the announcement of new iPhone models, the imminent release of iOS 7, and perhaps some other surprises. The invitation features a number of multi-colored bubbles, and the text, “This should brighten everyone’s day.” Could it be a hint at often-rumored multicolored iPhones?
Starting in October 2013, Amazon will begin offering Kindle MatchBook, a new service that enables you to obtain free or discounted Kindle copies of any qualifying physical books that you’ve purchased from Amazon — dating all the way back to 1995! The Kindle editions will range from free to $2.99.
TidBITS Managing Editor Josh Centers joins Gene Steinberg of the Tech Night Owl Live podcast to discuss Steve Ballmer’s retirement, the future of Microsoft, where Apple might be taking Apple TV, and how Apple may be readying a stealth attack on the gaming industry.
After much speculation, Apple has officially launched an iPhone trade-in program in its retail stores. When you bring in your old iPhone, an Apple Specialist will evaluate its condition and make an offer. If you accept, you must sign a new cellular contract, and you will be given a gift card in the amount of the offer. Don’t get too excited, as Apple appears to offer less than trade-in rival Gazelle. Even if you want to take advantage of the new program, we recommend waiting until 10 September 2013, the likely announcement date of the next iPhone.
A bug in OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion and 10.7 Lion allows attackers to gain superuser access if they reset the clock to 1 January 1970. The bug shouldn’t affect most people, as the attacker also needs shell access to the Mac, and the user must have enabled superuser access in the past.