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#1475: Equifax breach payments, Apple buys Intel’s modem business, downloading YouTube videos, charger roundup

If your data was exposed in 2017’s massive breach of credit bureau Equifax (and it probably was), you can file for damages now that Equifax has reached a settlement to reimburse victims—learn what you’re entitled to and how to claim it. Last week, Apple stunned the tech world by announcing that it was buying Intel’s struggling 5G modem business. Glenn Fleishman joins us to examine how this happened and what the implications could be. To round out the issue, Josh Centers recommends some Mac apps that can help you download YouTube videos, and Julio Ojeda-Zapata looks at wireless chargers (and a few wired ones) to fill the gap left by Apple’s cancellation of AirPower. Notable Mac app releases this week include Safari 12.1.2, Pixelmator Pro 1.4, Transmit 5.5.2, Airfoil 5.8.6, Toast 18 Titanium and Toast 18 Pro, and Security Update 2019-004 (High Sierra and Sierra).

Julio Ojeda-Zapata 6 comments

RIP AirPower, but Great Gadget Chargers Abound

Apple’s AirPower was supposed to revolutionize wireless charging for Apple users, but Apple killed it before it saw the light of day. However, lots of other wireless—and wired—chargers brim with personality and versatility. Some, as AirPower promised, can even charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods wireless case simultaneously.

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Apple Workers May Be Listening to Your Siri Conversations Josh Centers 5 comments

Apple Workers May Be Listening to Your Siri Conversations

Apple has increasingly used its stance on privacy as a selling point, but The Guardian has revealed that, like Amazon, Apple lets contractors listen in on conversations held while Siri is active. The audio may be difficult or impossible to trace back to the individuals who are speaking, but Apple should still find a better way to improve Siri.