macOS 11 Big Sur - Everything you need to know!

8 December 2020 / From Johannes Domke / Apple / Post a comment

The Mac operating system macOS 11 Big Sur was presented by Apple at WWDC20 in June 2020. The release took place in November 2020 with the first MacBooks that had an "Apple Silicon" SoC, the then newly introduced M1 chip. The name "Big Sur" goes back to a stretch of coast in California, USA - Apple uses it since OS X 10.11 California natural landmarks for naming Mac systems. In this article you will find information about new functions in macOS 11, help with the download, tips for creating a boot stick, information about problems and troubleshooting as well as further knowledge about the system.

Find everything you need to know about macOS 11 Big Sur in this guide - list of compatible Mac models, info on download, installation, features and what's new, source for wallpapers, troubleshooting articles and more!

Chapter in this post:

1 macOS 11 Big Sur – What's new in this Mac operating system?
2 What Mac models are compatible with macOS Big Sur?
3 How can I download macOS Big Sur?
4 Create a boot stick with macOS 11: Here's how!
5 macOS Big Sur Wallpaper – Where to find the desktop background?
6 Big Sur Upgrade: Problems and Solutions
7 macOS Big Sur manuals and guides
8 Your opinion on macOS 11 Big Sur
9 Similar posts

Sir Apfelot recommendation: Clean up your Mac hard drive with CleanMyMac

macOS 11 Big Sur – What's new in this Mac operating system?

One of the biggest innovations introduced with macOS 11 Big Sur is the orientation towards Apple Silicon, the System on a Chip (SoC) developed by Apple. Big Sur came onto the market with the first MacBook Pro and MacBook Air that had such a SoC installed - the "M1". The 64-bit exclusive system also introduced APFS volumes that cannot be modified by users or malware because they are encrypted via the Secure Enclave or T2 chip (more details here). They also ensure easier installation of multiple systems and beta versions on one hard drive.

There was also a visual adjustment of the system including the dock and the grouping of notifications (push messages). There were also new features for individual apps on the Mac. Like you in this overview you can read in more detail, these include adjustments to Messages, Maps, Safari, and more. Mac Catalyst improves the experience of using iPad apps on the Mac. The Privacy Report also came to the Mac with Big Sur. The familiar from the iPhone and iPad control center also finally found its way to offer a more modern control. What is your favorite innovation? Please leave a comment!

Which Mac models are compatible with macOS Big Sur?

This operating system for Mac, iMac, MacBook, Mac mini and Co. is the first system that was (also) made for ARM chips like the Apple Silicon. It ran and still runs on older Apple computers that have an Intel chip, but by no means on all of them. Therefore, here is a list of older Mac models that compatible with macOS 11 Big Sur are:

Mac Pro 2013 (2nd generation Mac Pro)
Mac Pro 2019 (3nd generation Mac Pro)
Mac Mini 2014 (Macmini7,1)
Mac Mini 2018 (Macmini8,1)
iMac 21,5 inch (Mid 2014)
iMac 27 inch with 5K (Late 2014)
iMac 27 inch with 5K (Mid 2015)
iMac 21,5 inch (Late 2015)
iMac 21,5 inch with 4K (Late 2015)
iMac 27 inch with 5K (Late 2015)
iMac 21,5 inch (Mid 2017)
iMac 21,5 inch with 4K (Mid 2017)
iMac 27 inch with 5K (Mid 2017)
iMac 21,5 inch with 4K (2019)
iMac 27 inch with 5K (2019)
iMac 27 inch with 5K (2020)
iMac Pro from 2017
MacBook 12 inch (Early 2015)
MacBook 12 inch (Early 2016)
MacBook 12 inch (Mid 2017)
MacBook Air 11 inch (Mid 2013)
MacBook Air 13 inch (Mid 2013)
MacBook Air 11 inch (Early 2014)
MacBook Air 13 inch (Early 2014)
MacBook Air 11 inch (Early 2015)
MacBook Air 13 inch (Early 2015)
MacBook Air 13 inch (2017)
MacBook Air 13 inch (Late 2018)
MacBook Air 13 inch (2019)
MacBook Air 13 inch (2020)
MacBook Pro 13 inch (Late 2013)
MacBook Pro 15 inch (Late 2013)
MacBook Pro 13 inch (Mid 2014)
MacBook Pro 15 inch (Mid 2014)
MacBook Pro 13 inch (Early 2015)
MacBook Pro 15 inch (Mid 2015)
MacBook Pro 13 inch (Late 2016)
MacBook Pro 15 inch (Late 2016)
MacBook Pro 13 inch (Mid 2017)
MacBook Pro 15 inch (Mid 2017)
MacBook Pro 13 inch (2018)
MacBook Pro 15 inch (2018)
MacBook Pro 13 inch (2019)
MacBook Pro 15 inch (2019)
MacBook Pro 16 inch (2019)
MacBook Pro 13 inch (2020)
MacBook Pro 16 inch (2020)

How do I download macOS Big Sur?

As of February 11, macOS 2022 Big Sur isn't as easy to download as a suggested upgrade from the Mac App Store. Don't you want to go to even newer and automatically suggested systems, such as macOS 12 Monterey, then you can still download an installation file for Big Sur and create an installer. This is also still possible via the Mac App Store: View and download here.

After downloading the "Install macOS Big Sur.app" (or similar name) you can right-click and display the package content, for example, the SharedSupport.dmg or InstallESD.dmg. Then you have macOS Big Sur as a DMG. Downloading a macOS Big Sur DMG or macOS Big Sur ISO from unsafe websites is not recommended.

If you still want to download the macOS 11 without the App Store, you can e.g. B. the trusted one ANYmacOS App use. These are available for free on the Website by the developer Sascha Lamprecht. With ANYmacOS you can download both public versions of Mac systems and beta versions. This works on Mac computers running macOS 10.10 or later, and for downloading systems running macOS 10.13.6 or later.

Create a boot stick with macOS 11: Here's how!

Do you want to create a boot stick with the macOS 11 Big Sur Download to run the operating system e.g. B. on a Mac, iMac or MacBook without Internet access, then this is also possible with the ANYmacOS App. In addition to downloading, this offers the option of creating an installation medium with macOS Installer. So you can upgrade not just one, but several Macs without much effort, without having to download Big Sur individually. Just have a look at the article on the app linked above, there you will find all the details.

macOS Big Sur Wallpaper - Where can I find the desktop wallpaper?

Apple gives every new operating system for its computers at least one individual background image. For a number of years, this has included dynamic wallpapers that change with the time of day. The macOS Big Sur desktop background shows the aforementioned coastline by day and night. There is also a stylized macOS 11 wallpaper consisting of a mountain range of colored stripes and color gradients - also in light and dark.

If you want to download the original Big Sur wallpaper in high resolution, you can do so, for example, at 512pixels.net. The website of the "Every Default macOS Wallpaper" project has all the Mac's default wallpapers so far - you can view the whole thing and download the graphics with this link. By the way, other interesting projects of the site are the "Apple History Library" and the "Aqua Screenshot Library". Check it out ;)

Big Sur Upgrade: Problems and Solutions

No operating system comes onto the market 100% perfect. There are always small errors, bugs, compatibility problems with individual apps and other teething problems. This was also the case with macOS 11 Big Sur. It is now running pretty smoothly and there have been updates, patches and fixes for most errors and gaps in the past (as of February 2022). At the beginning, however, there were quite a few things to watch out for.

A summary of problems and suitable solutions regarding macOS Big Sur can be found here: macOS 11.0 Big Sur problems and solutions. In the linked article we have collected general and specific shortcomings, from the faulty download or the sluggish installation of the system to other small problems and errors. We were also able to present possible solutions to many of the points listed.

macOS Big Sur manuals and guides

Manuals, instructions and support documents are available free of charge from Apple, among others. You can find the digital offers on the website of the tech giant Cupertino and in the Books app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. So whether as individual advice websites and tutorials or as a complete eBook, you can read about the individual functions and settings in macOS 11 Big Sur for free.

In addition, there are also various guides and manuals, which are available in printed form and sometimes with more detailed descriptions and more screenshots. As a small compendium next to the calculator, these help to quickly find the right instructions with just a few pages. We recommend, for example, those by Anton Ochsenkühn and Philip Kiefer.

macOS Big Sur - The standard work for beginners and those switching, PREMIUM video book: Book + 5 h ...

Anton Ochsenkühn (Author)

macOS Big Sur picture by picture - the instructions in pictures - ideal for beginners and those switching: for ...

Philip Kiefer (Author)

Your opinion on macOS 11 Big Sur

What are your thoughts on macOS 11 Big Sur for Mac computers? Is it a successful leap from the "OS X" or "macOS 10.x" systems to a new generation of systems for Apple computers? Did you quickly get used to the new look, the new functions and the further adjustments? Or do you have rather negative criticisms? Feel free to leave a comment with your opinion on macOS 11! :)

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.

Did you like the article and did the instructions on the blog help you? Then I would be happy if you the blog via a Steady Membership would support.

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GOYO: free VST plugin for voice isolation in audio recordings
Since it the Sir Applerot Podcast there, improving the audio recordings is a work in progress for me. In my case, I struggle with reverberation and ambient noise as our recording room is far from optimal. Removing this "disturbance" from the audio recordings used to be a very time-consuming task that required a lot of work in post-production. TL;DR: Continue to GOYO
The VST plugin GOYO is used for voice isolation in voice recordings - completely free!

Improving the acoustics with woolen blankets
I have already received a few good tips for improving the room acoustics from a professional in the field (thanks, Ralf!). His tip to hang thick blankets behind the two people who are speaking reduced the reverberation in our recordings considerably. However, the blankets do not help against noise caused by touching cables, fan noise, hard drive vibrations, dogs pattering and other things. I was all the more pleased that Ralf recently wrote to me that I should get the plugin GOYO from Supertone should watch.
GOYO: free and quickly installed
The GOYO tool is currently in beta and therefore still free. So you can download it for free and use it as a VST plugin for all kinds of DAWs like Cubase, Logic Pro, GarageBand, FL Studio, Ableton Live and even my podcast tool Hindenburg. Installation is super-simple, you double-click the GOYO package and the Mac immediately suggests moving it to the appropriate place for the VST plugins.
Here you can see how to activate the GOYO plugin in Hindeburg. It is sorted in the "Supertone" folder as that is the manufacturer.

What does the GOYO plugin do?
If you look at the GOYO website, the plugin describes itself as a "voice isolator". You can also find this reference to the function of the tool on the website:
De noise. de reverb. De Voice. All in one plugin
So basically it does everything you need to improve voice recording:
- It removes room reverberation.
- It removes ambient noise.
- It allows increasing the level of speech.
And the best thing about it is that you have your own controller for all three things and you can turn the signal in and out as you like. And although the Supertone plugin is still in the Beta version available, it works surprisingly well. Luckily I produced a lot of audio recordings that contain all sorts of errors. GOYO can iron them out without exception. Unfortunately, the reverberation in my office is extremely strong because more than half of the walls are made of windows. That's nice for the view, but very bad for audio recording. But the plugin even gets rid of this extreme reverberation. Also impressive is that there are no artefacts - even when the audio recording includes two speakers.
Adobe Enhance Speech works great, but somehow the audio sounds boring afterwards because all noise is completely removed.

GOYO vs Auphonic vs Adobe Enhance Speech
There are always multiple solutions to every problem. The same applies to bad audio recordings. The tools I've tried so far are
- GOYO (Plugin)
- Adobe Enhance Speech (online service – also beta)
- Auphonic (online service)
All tools have their pros and cons, which I will probably detail in another post, but a few brief comments will suffice to draw a comparison with GOYO.
- GOYO works as a plugin in the audio tool of your choice. I use Hindenburg and can edit the recording directly with GOYO and immediately try out the effect and control it using the controls.
- Adobe Enhance Speech is an online service from Adobe that is currently in beta. You can only upload your audio there and get the result back. There are no setting options and the tool makes an all-round improvement. It's very good at removing reverberation and ambient noise, but clearly struggles when two people are talking at the same time. In our case, artifacts often came back as a result. In the finished audio, this sounds like strange distortions. From my point of view, the audio seems a bit "dead" after the treatment.
- Auphonic is also an online service that offers a little more setting options. For me, Auphonic is currently the best solution, because we have already reduced the reverberation with the suspended ceilings and actually only use Auphonic to improve the voices and automatically adjust the volume between the two speakers. You can also remove background noise with Auphonic, but it didn't remove reverberation well.
I use GOYO as a plugin in Hindenburg and it is super easy to use.

My conclusion to GOYO
The fact that GOYO is currently still free and you can work with it directly in the DAW is very practical. The results I have been able to achieve with it so far are very convincing - even though the final version is not yet available. That's why GOYO is a for me Pick of the week. The operation is extremely easy due to the three controls and understandable for every beginner. I am also a layman in this area and understood it directly and heard the differences in my recordings more than clearly. And the fact that even my friend Ralf is enthusiastic about the tool shows me that this really has to be a very good audio tool. Ralf deals with audio recordings all day long and has hardware and software at his disposal that we hobbyists can only dream of. He can certainly give a more professionally sound assessment than I can. If you want to take a look at GOYO, you can find it at goyo.app. For people who would like to see a video about the GOYO plugin, I have linked one here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXyKMCDVd4U
Apple Trade In: Starting Monday, 2022 Mac models will be accepted
If you buy a new device from Apple, you can lower the price by trading in the old device. The corresponding program is called "Trade In" and can be used for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac and other products. Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, who is well connected in the Apple world, now says that starting June 5, 2023, relatively new Mac models will be accepted for trade in. One should interpret it however one wants, he writes in one Tweet. For him, this is an indication that Apple in the context of the WWDC23 Keynote introduces new computers.
According to Mark Gurman, the 2 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models equipped with the M2022, as well as the 2022 Mac Studio, will be tradeable. This points to the introduction of new chips and Macs during the WWDC23 opening.

M2 MacBook Pro, M2 MacBook Air and Mac Studio soon eligible for Trade In?
With the start of the World Wide Developers Conference 2023, not only new versions of various Apple operating systems are to be presented. New hardware will also be announced during the inaugural Keynote which are presented to the public - above all, of course, the mixed reality headset for AR and VR, which has been discussed for a long time. Furthermore, there have been rumors for months that a MacBook Air with a 15-inch display could be presented. The new information from Mark Gurman suggests that a MacBook Pro and a new Mac Studio could also be introduced. When purchasing, the previous models from 2022 could then be paid in advance. The two MacBooks are the featured during the WWDC22 keynote Basic models of the Pro and Air series with M2 chip. They both offer a 13-inch display and go with the Pro models presented in January 2023 M2 Pro and M2 Max in advance. Furthermore, from Monday the MacStudio be accepted for the "Trade In" program. This was during Peek Performance events presented in March 2022. He can choose to use one Max M1 or M1 Ultra equipped. So the new Apple computers expected for Monday could introduce new generations of M chips: M3 and M2 Ultra. That would be mine theory put forward in March conform to Apple's M-chip circuit.
Apple Design Awards 2023 – The 32 finalist apps under the magnifying glass!
It starts in a week WWDC23, and with it comes the presentation of the Apple Design Awards 2023. According to the official program During developer week, the winning apps will be announced on June 6, 2023, at 3:30 a.m. Central European Summer Time. In advance, however, there is already information about the software that made it to the final. There are six categories, each with six apps to choose from. Some apps appear in multiple categories, so there are 32 to choose from instead of 36. Below you will find information on each of the titles in the finals. If you want to give tips on which programs and games could win, please leave a comment!
There are 2023 finalist titles in the 32 Apple Design Awards. They are divided into six categories. Here you can find a look at each individual offer. Image source: Apple

Inclusivity / Inclusivity
According to Apple, the finalist apps in the Inclusivity category offer a great experience for all users, regardless of their background, ability or language. Here are the apps you can choose from:
- Anne: This iPhone app by Alessandro Di Maio is made for deaf and dumb users. You can use them to communicate in Morse code or read content. Input works via gestures on the display. Information is output via vibrations.
- Universe - Website Builder: This app for iPhone, iPad and Mac is made by Universe Exploration Company. It's a website builder that doesn't require any coding knowledge. The focus, as far as I understand, is on creating online stores.
- Passenger Assistance: This TRANSREPORT app is only available in the UK. It is intended to help make it quicker and easier to take advantage of offers of help for air travel. This should make boarding easier for people with visual or hearing impairments, with limited language skills, with wheelchairs, with a service dog, etc.
- stitch.: This game from Lykke Studios can be played on various Apple devices via Apple Arcade. It contains so-called Shikaku puzzles in the form of embroidery. In addition to the puzzle challenge, virtual embroidery should also be relaxing.
- Ancient Board Game Collection: With this app, Klemens Strasser made it back to the final. Last year he was with "Letter Rooms" included. You may also already know him from the recently presented app "Study with Subwords(It may end up at the Design Awards 2024). This year, his app introduces nine ancient board games: Konane, Hnefatafl, Nine Men's Mills, Dablot Prejjesne, Gomoku, Halatafl, Latrunculi, Five Field-Kono, and Bagh-Chal.
- Finding Hannah: This hidden object game is made by Fein Games GmbH. The story of the game describes the self-discovery of the protagonist Hannah. Although she has a comfortable life, she is not happy with it. Where will she find happiness?
Delight and Fun
The finalist apps in this category deliver memorable, engaging, and satisfying experiences. They also use technologies provided by Apple for this purpose. Here is the list of interesting offers:
- Duolingo : The Duolingo Inc. app should be known. It imparts language skills by means of interesting example sentences and memorable graphics. The sometimes quite funny sentences about learning a language and learning memories that are sometimes perceived as intrusive have long since become a meme.
- CREAM: This app comes from The CREME Group Inc. The concept is easily explained by the fact that chefs from different parts of the world film their cooking skills and pass on their favorite recipes. Users can access this content for a fee and thus cook exclusive dishes.
- chanting: The IORAMA app is music software primarily created for the iPad. The playful presentation is intended to encourage singing and the discovery of one's own voice and its abilities.
- Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!: This game is made by GAME FREAK Inc. (yes, the game studio responsible for developing the Pokémon games). It's a combination of horse racing and solitaire - combined with cute graphics. It is playable on various devices via Apple Arcade.
- knot words: This app was created by Zach Gage. It is described as a minimal and elegant logic puzzle. Words are used like in a crossword puzzle. I find it interesting that it is also supported by older systems from iOS and iPadOS version 13.6.
- afterplace: This app by Evan Kice is a pixel graphics game. It is described as a huge open world where you can discover hidden secrets, treasures and creatures. There are no virtual buttons, interaction with locations, monsters and objects is realized by tapping them directly.
interaction / interaction
According to Apple, the finalist apps in this category deliver an intuitive usable interface and effortless operation that is perfectly tailored to the respective platform. These offers are available:
- Shuffles by Pinterest: This offshoot of the well-known image platform Pinterest is aimed at younger, creative users who want to create interactive collages. According to the description in the App Store, everything should be possible, from putting together a festival outfit to creating the dream bedroom and creating a mood board.
- Tide Guide: Charts & Tables: This app from Condor Digital LLC is intended for everyone who loves to be on the beach and on the water. Whether it's the perfect sunset for a photo shoot or the wave forecast for surfing - everyone should find what they're looking for here. In addition to the information in the app on iPad, iPhone and Apple Watch, there are also widgets and live activities on the devices for quick access to important data.
- flightily: This app comes from Flightly LLC and is aimed at pilots, flight personnel and anyone interested. There is information about flights and their routes, taxi times, delays, radar and so on. An integration of mail and calendar data is possible.
- Automatoys: This game from Idle Friday LTD offers different, complex obstacle courses for a ball in several levels, which is sent on its journey by pulling a virtual lever. By turning, tilting and other manipulation of individual sections, the ball is guided to the target. An interesting 3D puzzle.
- railbound: This Afterburn game also offers puzzle fun, but in a beautifully drawn world where you have to lay tracks to get trains or wagons from A to B. The story describes the journey of two dogs around the world. That sounds very relaxing and like fun to play on rainy days or the train journey.
- Kimono Cats: This game by HumaNature Studios can be downloaded for various devices via Apple Arcade. With a main cat and a companion cat, you pull over a beautifully drawn Matsuri festival. It's like going to the carnival, with various mini-games and the goal of making the companion cat happy.
Social Impact / Social Influence
The finalist apps in this category enrich users' lives in meaningful ways and shed light on important issues. At least that's what Apple says. This is the list of individual programs:
- Duolingo: see list item under "Delight and Fun"
- Sago Mini First Words: This app by Sago Mini is a language learning game for children. The software, while said to have been developed in collaboration with specialists in speech therapy and child psychology, currently only offers "first words" content for the English language. Whether toddlers need a display to learn to speak, I dare to doubt that and I find this app rather negligible compared to the others.
- Headspace: I find the Headspace Inc. app much more useful. Because Headspace offers guided meditations and relaxation exercises. If you want to get an idea of the offer before downloading the app, I recommend the Headspace videos on Netflix (if you have a subscription there).
- Hindsight: This Annapurna Interactive game, developed primarily for the iPad, is about memories linked to everyday objects. Both the past and future of the characters are explored through interaction with the various content. Annapurna are best known for "Journey". I continue to recommend Florence and especially Donut County!
- endling: This game from the HandyGames studio is dedicated to a vixen and the task of keeping her fox cubs alive in a threatening world. The dangers include not only other animals, the cold winter weather and the world artificially changed by humans, but also humans themselves. A small change of perspective for everyone who wants to deal with forest animals and the subject of species extinction.
- Beecarbonize: Charles Games sro's Mac game is described as a climate survival card game. With the right cards you trigger political decisions, implement state-of-the-art technology and protect ecosystems so that the climate and the bees can be saved. If you are interested in the problems of the mechanized and turbo-capitalist postmodern age as well as in strategy card games, you should take a look!
Visuals and Graphics
The finalists from this category feature amazing visuals, skillfully drawn interfaces, and high-quality animations that offer a distinctive and cohesive visual experience. At least that's what Apple thinks. Here is the list of apps described in this way:
- Any distance: This Any Distance Inc. app is designed as a workout tracker for anyone who wants to record and share their outdoor activities. In addition to automatically recording time, distance, route on the map, speed and the like, there are also social network functions for sharing and challenging up to 100 friends. All of this should increase motivation.
- Gentler Streak Health Fitness: From Gentler Stories LLC comes this fitness tracker that focuses on the well-being of the users. So the goal here is not primarily the next big training goal, but a balance between fitness units and rest periods. Activities should thus be able to be carried out in a way that is more compatible with the body.
- Riveo: Forge and Form GmbH offers a video editor with various editing and effect options. Somewhat promisingly, it says that you need this app to create compelling videos that go viral. Well, maybe it also depends on the content, but what do I know...
- Diablo Immortal: This Blizzard and NetEase game made headlines when it was announced because someone in the audience asked if it was an out of season April Fool's joke. Despite the disbelief that Diablo could work as a mobile game, the game has received many downloads and fairly good reviews.
- Resident evil village: This CAPCOM game is the eighth installment in a proven horror game series that debuted on PlayStation in 1996.
- Endling: see list item under "Social Impact / Social Influence"
innovation / innovation
The finalist apps in this category of the 2023 Apple Design Awards deliver according to the official overview a state-of-the-art experience through the unique use of Apple technologies that set them apart from other offerings in their genre. This brings us to the last app list of this post:
- SwingVision: AI Tennis App: This movement analysis app by Mangolytics / SwingVision helps to improve one's tennis game. The device camera or a connected camera is used to keep a virtual eye on the player and the ball. The software's AI then analyzes the movements and path of the ball. The offer includes coaching based on the analysis to improve one's skills.
- Camo Studio: This recording app by Reincubate Ltd. is also aimed at users of cameras - whether integrated or connected. It is a recording studio with a wide range of correction and setting options. Scenes can be set and switched between for streaming, professional meetings and demonstrations. For some maybe an alternative to OBS. It's the only one of the finalist apps that isn't available on the App Store and has to be downloaded from the web.
- Rise: Energy & Sleep Tracker: This app aims to understand the connection between sufficient or enough sleep and the energy potential throughout the day. The description in the App Store goes into 100 years of sleep science; and that various sports teams and many of the Fortune 500 companies would rely on this app to perform at their best. Apparently full of energy you can stack quite high.
- Resident Evil Village: see list item under "Visuals and Graphics"
- stitch.: see list item under "Inclusivity / Inclusivity"
- MARVEL Snap: This Second Dinner/Nuverse game closes the list. It is a digital trading card game that combines characters, locations and abilities from the Marvel Universe. There should be no waiting times and long strategic moves here, the rounds should only last around three minutes. Sounds stressful.
Interesting and not-so-interesting apps at the Apple Design Awards 2023
Subjectively, for me, there are a few highlights and a few apps that I won't look at again. However, among the highlights are some that I will definitely take a closer look at - regardless of whether they win or not. Next Tuesday we'll see who could snag an Apple Design Award. Which of the programs presented are you most interested in? Please leave your opinion as a comment!
Podcast episode #010 – week 21/2023 (meta penalty)
Here you can find episode #010 of the Sir Apfelot Newsreel Podcasts, which deals with the news of calendar week 21/2023. This week we cover the confusion surrounding Apple Podcasts sorting, discuss the new iOS 16.4 lock feature when opening or closing apps, and share our experience with the AirPods Doctor. We remind you of the importance of security updates to fix current security vulnerabilities and report on the portable DAB+ radio Lenco PDR 045/046.
Join us as we look forward to the upcoming WWDC23 program and the release of Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on the iPadOS App Store. We'll also explain how to request missing LEGO bricks and introduce the new ChatGPT app for the iPhone. Finally, we look at breaking news, including the penalty against Meta and the new KulturPass for 18-year-olds. Listen in to find out all the details!
The Sir Apfelot Podcast can also be found on Apple Podcasts in the Technology section.

Content of this podcast episode

New blog posts this week
Newsreel topics
- General Data Protection Regulation: Meta has to pay a fine of 1,2 billion euros
- EU rules on crypto transactions: Tracing must be possible from 1.000 euros
- Federal Court of Justice: Google only has to delete proven false statements from the list of results
- KulturPass: 200 euros for everyone who will have their 2023th birthday in 18
- Photoshop: Adobe builds AI directly into the image processing
- Apple Tysons Corner - Reopening of the first but now converted Apple store
- First Transparency Report: App Store Report to be updated annually
- Mixed reality headset: More brands secured via Apple shell company
- The Jasper Caven case: Podcast recommendation on the "metabolic formula" scam
- Retro tinkering: play Doom via teletext technology
- click here for the newsreel blog post
Music of pond5 Do you like our podcast? Then we look forward to your rating on Apple Podcasts, Thank you!
Sir Apfelot newsreel week 21, 2023
WWDC23 is getting closer and closer. But before the blog is all about new operating systems and possibly new products from Apple for days, there are two more newsreel issues with the normal madness from the Apple and tech world. In the Sir Apfelot newsreel for calendar week 21 of 2023, you can expect the following news: billions in fines for Meta, KulturPass is intended to financially strengthen young people and boost the economy, Photoshop beta equipped with Firefly AI, first App Store transparency report from Apple, a podcast -Recommendation for the weekend, Doom in teletext optics and more!
The Sir Apfelot newsreel as a podcast
If you like podcasts, you can also listen to the current newsreel. Lynne and Jens present you the latest blog posts as well as the individual news from the newsreel - they add their own experiences and opinions to the mix. You can access the podcast with these links:
In the Sir Apfelot newsreel for calendar week 21 of 2023 you will find the following reports, among others: Facebook fined billions, regulated crypto transactions, KulturPass to bring young people and local culture together, Photoshop beta with Firefly AI, first App Store transparency report, a podcast -Recommendation, and more!

General Data Protection Regulation: Meta has to pay a fine of 1,2 billion euros
The week began with a report from the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in Ireland, which imposed a record fine of 1,2 billion euros on Facebook's parent company Meta. The reason for this is the transfer of user data from the Facebook offer to servers in the USA. Facebook was asked to store the necessary data for the Facebook service on EU servers again. The whole thing is not only preceded by a ten-year dispute about insecure data storage in the USA, as heise online shows (here and here ). The penalty and its amount should also have a symbolic effect for other technology companies. The official press release on the subject you can find here.
EU rules on crypto transactions: Tracing must be possible from 1.000 euros
Cryptocurrencies and their use should, at least at the beginning of the hype, ensure free payment methods that stand out completely from previous currency and banking concepts. Over time, Bitcoin and Co. also became a financial investment that many hoped would make them millionaires. Now, however, there is increasing regulation of this market. For example, the EU Parliament has For example, it was decided that crypto service providers must make individual transactions traceable if they exceed a value of 1.000 euros. This is accompanied by the vote on the entry into force of the rules for "Markets in Crypto-Assets" (MiCA). The official source for the current decision: here . More about MiCA: here .
Federal Court of Justice: Google only has to delete proven false statements from the list of results
If you don't want any articles, posts, websites and news about yourself in Google's results list, you can't just ask for the individual entries to be deleted. Rather, it must be proven that the information in the publications is incorrect and thus paints a false picture. Google is not obliged to research the truthfulness of the publications itself or to approach individuals. The Federal Court of Justice decided this week in an individual case, citing, among other things, the GDPR and an assessment by the European Court of Justice from 2022. ( )
KulturPass: 200 euros for everyone who will have their 2023th birthday in 18
The "Culture Pass" is a new offer from the federal government that can be used from June. Citizens who celebrate their 18th birthday this year and thus become fully legally competent are entitled to use it. A budget of 200 euros per person is provided so that concert, theater, cinema or other tickets, CDs, records, books and other cultural offers can be purchased. On the one hand, this is intended to make it easier to get started with (local) culture, and on the other hand, the KulturPass and the associated expenses are intended to give culture a financial boost. So a win-win situation for young people and organizers after the Covid 19 pandemic. There are more details about this on the official website.
Photoshop: Adobe builds AI directly into the image processing
After the above-average number of political reports this week, let's get back to the topics of software and AI. Because in the current Beta version Adobe Photoshop can use artificial intelligence for image processing. Heise online points this out in a Entry there. It shows a photo of the heise headquarters, in which penguins and a T-Rex were placed using Photoshop AI. The underlying AI called "Firefly" (already mentioned in week 12) should also be used in other Adobe products in addition to Photoshop. In addition to photo and image editing, she could also help with video production, desktop publishing and other industries.
Apple Tysons Corner - Reopening of the first but now converted Apple store
We had one for Apple and Steve Jobs fans already in week 18 published the notice that the first Apple Store at Tysons Corner Center in McLean, Virginia, USA was closed. The reason for this was a new placement in the mall and the associated redesign of the store. Like Apple now even in one German press release shows, this new store was officially opened and celebrated by local fans. "Apple's first retail location has a new home with an inclusive, innovative and sustainable design that reflects Apple's values", is it [called. In addition to the YouTube video with Steve Jobs, you can see the old shop at the time it opened in the Shop Different App commit interactively.
First Transparency Report: App Store Report to be updated annually
Last week in the summary of Apple's newsroom entries, we had fraudulent actions in the App Store as a topic, among other things. Like me this week here read at heise online, it was no coincidence. Because as a result of various legal disputes, Apple now submits an annual App Store transparency report. The one for 2022 was not mentioned in the press release and can only be found by looking at the "More Resources" section on the "Legal" page - here . Then you will find the report there (PDF file). The numbers show, among other things, how many apps were submitted and how many were rejected, where and how many were ordered to be removed (China leads by far), and so on. The scope is only two pages.
Mixed reality headset: More brands secured via Apple shell company
Whether they will ultimately be used or whether they are only intended to prevent imitations remains to be seen. In any case, a few brand names were found again, which Apple is said to have secured through shell companies for its mixed reality headset and for its operating system. The system name "xrOS" and also the term "Deep Screen" are already known to us, but now "xrProOS", "realityproOS" and "realOS" are added. The individual names and trademarks have been filed in various countries by Deep Dive LLC. The berichtet including MacRumors with reference to various other sources.
The Jasper Caven case: Podcast recommendation on the "metabolic formula" scam
Since I started researching a few articles (here , here and here ) immersed myself in the fraudulent world of YouTube ads, I developed a love-hate relationship with this crap. On the one hand, it is extremely unfortunate that advertising on social media is used everywhere for fraud and rip-off. On the other hand, it is interesting to explore the background, to uncover crude marketing networks bit by bit and so on. So this week I almost did a deep dive into Jasper Caven's weight loss scam. But fortunately, more capable people have preceded me. If you know the "metabolic formula" ads or even the products, I recommend this edition to you the Quarks Science Cops (ARD production). A good mix of information and entertainment for the weekend!
Retro tinkering: play Doom via teletext technology
"Does it play Doom?" is a question that has become a meme, which can often be answered with a yes after some tinkering - regardless of whether the device in question is a graphics-capable calculator or the display of an office printer. Teletext was added this week to the already huge collection of devices and systems on which (after some manipulation) you can play the classic shooter Doom. Little can be seen of the actual game content that is translated from the game, but it is an interesting proof-of-concept. The video is there here ; you can find the source code on GitHub. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIgQV4ClmQ0

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