Thunderstrike 2 has been described as a scary new worm that could infect your Mac’s firmware, but Rich Mogull explains why you needn’t worry. Julio Ojeda-Zapata joins us to look at eight Apple Watch stands that are worth your attention, while Adam Engst reviews Dark Sky 5, a hyperlocal weather app that can warn you when rain is imminent in your exact location. Finally, in FunBITS, Josh Centers writes about Google’s DeepDream, software that’s designed to visualize how neural networks think and that can be used to create bizarre art out of any photo. Notable software releases this week include OmniOutliner 4.3 and Postbox 4.0.3.
Researchers will demonstrate a new proof-of-concept worm that attacks Mac firmware at this week’s Black Hat security conference. It’s fascinating research, but not something average users should worry about.
Julio Ojeda-Zapata checked out an assortment of Apple Watch charging stands, which vary wildly in design and pricing. He found a few gems. But technology changes by Apple will soon trigger a flood of new watch-stand designs.
To set itself apart from the many other weather apps for the iPhone, Dark Sky provides accurate precipitation forecasts for your exact location for the next hour. It couples that with customizable alerts for upcoming weather events and an excellent interface for the traditional 7-day forecast.
Google’s DeepDream does truly bizarre things to images. Josh Centers explains its origins, and how to try it out on your Mac.
Notable software releases this week include OmniOutliner 4.3 and Postbox 4.0.3.
Verizon is dropping smartphone subsidies and contracts, a university IT department literally took 36 iMac boxes for a spin, the author of “The Martian” explains how his Comcast email was hacked, and Apple has dismissed rumors that it will become a cellular carrier.