This is our last issue of TidBITS for the year, so we’d like to thank everyone who makes what we do possible. Until the next email issue on 2 January 2017, keep an eye on our Web site for new articles. Another sign of the season is the WinterFest sale, in which you can save 25 percent on both Take Control books and 14 of our favorite Mac productivity apps. As we were putting this issue to bed, Apple released three notable operating system updates — iOS 10.2, tvOS 10.1, and watchOS 3.1.1 — so we scrambled to explain what’s new, with a focus on the new TV app for iOS and tvOS. Next, Josh Centers reviews the Mangobeat iPhone amplifier, and Michael Cohen examines Apple’s new iBooks StoryTime app for the Apple TV. We wrap up the issue and the year with reviews of two TV services — PlayStation Vue and DirecTV Now — for those who want to stop paying so much for cable TV. Notable software releases this week include BusyCal 3.1.3 and BusyContacts 1.1.5, SpamSieve 2.9.27, Little Snitch 3.7.1, PDFpen and PDFpenPro 8.3, and Lightroom CC 2015.8 and Lightroom 6.8.
In keeping with our tradition, we’re taking the last few weeks of the year off, so look for the next email issue of TidBITS on 2 January 2017. Thanks for your attention in 2016, and here’s to 2017!
If you need help with your Mac, iOS device, or apps, or if your work would proceed more smoothly with a capable Mac app at your side, check out the multi-developer WinterFest sale. You can save 25 percent on all Take Control titles and 13 leading Mac apps.
iOS 10.2 introduces the new TV app for aggregating content across different apps. It also features some key HomeKit improvements and a bunch of new emojis.
Apple has released tvOS 10.1, and with it the TV app, which serves as the new front face for the Apple TV. Also, Apple has finally implemented its long-promised Single Sign-on feature.
The latest update to watchOS fixes some highly specific bugs and patches a pair of security vulnerabilities. It’s minor but worth installing.
Looking for a simple solution for amplifying your iPhone’s speaker? The Mangobeat is an all-natural amplifier made by an independent craftsman.
Want your kids to turn off the TV and open a book? Apple’s iBooks StoryTime for Apple TV gives your kids a counter-argument. But screen time concerns remain.
iOS and tvOS now host three services for live content without a traditional cable or satellite package: Sling TV, DirecTV Now, and PlayStation Vue. Josh Centers explains why PlayStation Vue is the superior choice for news and sports fans.
AT&T, via its DirecTV arm, joins the likes of PlayStation Vue and Sling TV with a TV streaming service that has cable-like offerings but is delivered entirely online. DirecTV Now works with the Apple TV, iOS devices, and the Mac, too.
Notable software releases this week include BusyCal 3.1.3 and BusyContacts 1.1.5, SpamSieve 2.9.27, Little Snitch 3.7.1, PDFpen and PDFpenPro 8.3, and Lightroom CC 2015.8 and Lightroom 6.8.
In our final ExtraBITS collection of the year, smartwatch pioneer Pebble has failed, Apple is investigating a fix for iPhone 6s shutdowns, the Wirecutter offers a guide to USB-C devices, and Amazon is testing a grocery store that has no cashiers.