Hacking

Hacking - this is how you make your world easier ...

By hacking I mean improving and simplifying things. This can be the handling of programs or the improvement of hardware by making changes to it that the manufacturer has not actually intended.

For me, hacking has nothing to do with malicious attempts to break into any computer, it is just a word for cleverly altering existing things.

If you also have some good hacks in store, feel free to send them to me.

A WiFi QR code is an uncomplicated way to pass on complicated WiFi access data to visitors or acquaintances (Photo: Unsplash).

Create a QR code to share the WiFi access data - but securely!

From Jen Kleinholz / 11 January 2023 11 January 2023

A simple and convenient way to give visitors access to your WiFi network is to generate and provide a QR code. Now there are some websites that offer such a…

Create a QR code to share the WiFi access data - but securely! Continue reading "

LaCie FireWire Hard Drive (Photo: Andreas Rentsch)

Connect old Firewire hard drive to modern USB-C Mac

From Jen Kleinholz / 19 December 2022 19 December 2022

I was just following a discussion on Twitter where my reader Andreas asked into the "Apple Bubble" if anyone had any ideas on how to convert an old LaCieTech hard drive to...

Connect old Firewire hard drive to modern USB-C Mac Continue reading "

5 macOS tips you should have known earlier

From Johannes Domke / 29 September 2022 28 September 2022

On the Apple Mac, iMac and MacBook, you can adapt the macOS operating system in various ways and use shortcuts more quickly. Here in the Sir Apfelot Blog you will find numerous …

5 macOS tips you should have known earlier Continue reading "

Art AI DALL-E 2 use without invitation

From Jen Kleinholz / 15 September 2022 16 September 2022

The AI system DALL-E - currently in version 2 - can currently only be tested with an invitation. Public use is not yet possible and therefore I was able to DALL-E ...

Art AI DALL-E 2 use without invitation Continue reading "

Web Search Trick: Find results of a specific page faster

From Johannes Domke / 4 August 2022 4 August 2022

Are you looking for a specific Apple guide for the iPhone, but the search engine only returns advertising-laden websites? Or are you looking for a specific support document for the Mac that can be found at...

Web Search Trick: Find results of a specific page faster Continue reading "

Mac tip: Apply the path to the terminal via drag and drop – my pick from KW11

From Jen Kleinholz / 6 May 2022 6 May 2022

Every now and then, as a Mac user, you have to go into the terminal and type in a command. I often find it difficult because I have to enter paths that sometimes contain spaces and ...

Mac tip: Apply the path to the terminal via drag and drop – my pick from KW11 Continue reading "

Ecological dishwashing sponges and dishcloths

Eco dishwashing sponge and sponge cloth - my pick of the KW07

From Jen Kleinholz / 3 April 2022 3 April 2022

Today I have two tips for you that have nothing to do with Apple and don't even have a power cable or battery. But I think there are...

Eco dishwashing sponge and sponge cloth - my pick of the KW07 Continue reading "

Apple Guide: Stop sharing your location with apps and people

From Johannes Domke / 27 January 2022 27 January 2022

Apple consistently cites user privacy and security as a key concern when designing devices and systems. At the same time, the iPhone manufacturer also enables extensive networking ...

Apple Guide: Stop sharing your location with apps and people Continue reading "

Who has access to my Apple devices and accounts?

From Johannes Domke / 26 January 2022 26 January 2022

Apple boasts that it attaches great importance to user privacy and protection. In the same breath, however, digital networking in the family and in the circle of friends ...

Who has access to my Apple devices and accounts? Continue reading "

Connect PS4 controller to PC - 2 ways and a super tip

From Jen Kleinholz / 5 January 2022 15 January 2022

You need the right controller if you want to play action or sports games on your PC. The PlayStation 4 controller is ideal for this purpose. The Sony PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 gamepad…

Connect PS4 controller to PC - 2 ways and a super tip Continue reading "

WebKit alternatives: Google and Mozilla experiments on iOS
There are many different ones in the App Store Web browser for iOS on iPhone and iPadOS on iPad. However, these usually only differ in terms of appearance and a few individual functions. The display of web content and the options for interacting with it is based on Apple's WebKit for all offers - from Chrome to Firefox to DuckDuckGo. Other engines are not allowed according to the current app store guidelines. This does not prevent Google and Mozilla, i.e. the makers of Chrome and Firefox, from experimenting with their own engines. Although they emphasize that they continue to comply with the Apple rules. However, it is not concealed that preparations are being made for the opening of the market.
While all iOS web browsers currently still have to render with WebKit, alternatives could be expected in the not too distant future. Chrome could then use Blink on the iPhone, and Firefox could display web content with Gecko.

WebKit alternatives: Chrome experiments with Blink, Firefox with Gecko
Whether in the official iOS App Store with more liberal regulations or through market liberalization and so-called sideloading: Google and Mozilla are preparing for the future. A corresponding one can be found on the website of The Register, among others Post , which deals with the individual efforts. Google is said to be experimenting with its own web render engine called "Blink" on iOS (Blink emerged from WebKit development around ten years ago and provides the basis for Chromium, which has been used since 2008). And Mozilla is said to use "GeckoView," a wrapper interface for the Gecko engine for the Firefox browser's web rendering. Engines like Blink, Gecko and WebKit are needed to display web content.
When will custom browser technologies be available on the iPhone?
Some media are speculating that Google, Mozilla and possibly other companies that offer iOS web browsers are preparing for the WebKit restriction to be lifted in the near future. This should be related to the EU's Digital Markets Act. With iOS 17, Apple could already offer the option of individually selecting web browsers with other render engines - i.e. by the end of 2023. This would eliminate various restrictions that currently exist for web use under iOS due to WebKit. The iPhone ticker calls in connection with this topic here such as online gaming as an area of use that is currently not possible. Do you know any other technical limitations of WebKit on the iPhone or iPad? Please leave a comment!
Apple website now with clear dropdown menus
Apple has updated the website with information about the latest devices, the store to order each offer, and support for devices and services. The biggest innovation consists of the dropdown menus that appear when you hover over one of the menu items with the mouse pointer. So you don't have to click on it, but the individual subcategories are shown directly when you touch the menu item with the cursor. Also new is the item "Entertainment", which shows the individual service and subscription offers from Apple.
On the revised Apple website, dropdown menus can now be used to get to the desired subpage faster. In addition to product pages of the store, support pages are also linked.

The new menus on the Apple website
Anyone who reads about the individual devices such as Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Co. on the Apple website from time to time will be used to clicking on the respective menu items. This is how you got (and still get) to the respective subpages, where you could then choose the exact model or other information. Now you might have to get used to it a bit. Because just hovering the mouse pointer over a menu item is enough to display the list with the individual sub-items. If the cursor hovers over "Store", then there are the menu items "Shop the Latest", "Mac", "iPad", "iPhone", "Apple Watch" and "Accessories". So-called "Quick Links" and "Special Stores" are listed on the right, a bit smaller. The latter refer to used refurbished devices, educational and business offers. Under the menu items for the individual device categories there are links to the models currently available in the store as well as to purchase options (financing, trade in, etc.), to the appropriate accessories, to support, to the OS manual and more. The "Support" menu item refers to the individual devices and in the smaller lists to overarching topics such as e.g. B. "Where is?".
Changes also on the mobile website
In addition to the changes made in computerweb browsers grab, there are also some for mobile web calls. Because if you z. For example, if you call up the Apple website in Safari on the iPhone, open the menu and select an item such as "Mac", "iPhone" or "Entertainment", you will not be taken directly to a subpage. Instead, a submenu opens that contains the sub-items mentioned above. This means that the desired model can be selected more quickly, the device comparison can be controlled or the appropriate support page can be selected on the go.
The new menus are also displayed on the go, not directly as a "dropdown" but as a submenu that opens after tapping on the respective main menu item. You can return via the small arrow at the top left.
Divoom Pixoo 64: A versatile 64×64 LED matrix for gamers and hobbyists
If you're looking for a creative and fun way to dress up your space with a beautiful gadget, this is it Divoom Pixoo 64 an excellent choice. This LED matrix is a functional and visually appealing product that can be used for a variety of purposes. In this article we take a closer look at what makes the Pixoo 64 so special and what possibilities it offers.
With 64 pixels, the Pixoo 4096 LED matrix offers a fairly high resolution and can also display information or pixel art (Photo: Divoom).

design and properties
The Divoom Pixoo 64 is a 64 by 64 pixel LED matrix that measures approximately 23 cm square. The housing is made of durable black plastic. On the front of the device you'll find a large matrix of RGB LEDs that can be programmed to display a wide range of colours, patterns, images and information. The Pixoo 64 is operated via a USB cable, so that it can be powered via any USB power supply unit. A USB-A to USB-C charging cable and a USB power adapter are included in the scope of delivery.
Technical data
Here are some specifications of the Divoom Pixoo 64 that I was able to find and put together:
- Brand: Divoom
- Model: Pixoo 64
- Colour: Black
- Dimensions: 64 x 64 cm (2,5 cm thick)
- LED matrix (64 x 64 pixels) = 4096 points
- Connection: WLAN (only 2,4 GHz/WPA2)
- Power supply via USB-C-USB-A cable (power adapter included)
- Control via app
- Weight: 1, 5 kg
The Pixoo 64 display can also be used to display the number of viewers on Twitch.

Pixoo 64 vs Pixoo Max vs Pixoo
The manufacturer Divoom offers three models of the Pixoo. So that you can see the differences, I have stored the corresponding properties in the table.

Applications
An LED matrix like the Divoom Pixoo 64 can be used in many different ways. Here are some examples that I've personally seen other people do:
- Display of pixel art (pixel art)
- decoration in the house
- Display of social media followers and subscribers (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram etc.)
- representation of KDA value in games
- Display of a ticker
- show animated GIFs
The device can even be supplied with its own data from the computer using a Python script. I have for example in a video by TechPirat seen that he announces the current Tibber electricity price via this display in the house, so that his wife, for example, is also informed whether it is currently cheap to turn on the washing machine. The device is therefore open for your own applications and not a closed system.
The Tibber electricity price display from TechPirat - a nice craft project for Tibber users (screenshot from the video).

Price
The Divoom Pixoo 64 is a high-priced gadget at well over 100 euros, but if you don't want to build it yourself with a pure LED matrix and a Raspberry Pi, you'll pay more. You can find the current price here in the Amazon product box:
24,00 EUR
Divoom Pixoo-64 WiFi Pixel Art Display with a 64x64 LED panel, unique...

【Learn Pixoo 64】 Pixoo-64 is a WiFi pixel art display with a 64x64 LED panel. It is a unique...
【Pixel Art Creation】 Creating pixel art animation is easy with Divoom app. It offers several...
【WiFi connection, more possibilities】 Pixoo 64 is used over a Wi-Fi connection, which means that Pixoo ...
159,99 EUR −24,00 EUR 135,99 EUR
Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 7.02.2023 at 19: 15 clock)
criticism from users
As good as the display itself is and how varied the possible uses are - there is also criticism of the Pixoo 64 and it should also be mentioned here. I'll work through the points of criticism in bullet points. Please keep in mind that the points of criticism were only mentioned by individual people and are therefore not things that all users find problematic.
- Apparently the app isn't very good and often loses connection on both iPhones and Androids - at least when it's useful. In my opinion, the reason could be that it works with a mixed WLAN network (5,8 and 2,4 GHz), but the Pixoo only connects with 2,4 GHz.
- Poor WiFi connection was actually mentioned more often.
- The setup is not very easy.
- Every now and then the display comes on at night and then lights up the entire room.
- The app has poor translation and is not intuitive to use.
Summary
In summary, the Divoom Pixoo 64 is an innovative and versatile LED matrix suitable for a wide range of applications. Designed to be both functional and visually appealing, it's sure to put a smile on your face. Whether you use them for home decoration, for gaming, for your YouTube studio or for party lighting, the Pixoo 64 is an excellent choice.
The use in the in-house YouTube studio should be an obvious thing, because that's where the Pixoo 64 ad is actually not infrequently seen.

MacUpdater 3 - features of the free and paid versions

We have already presented the MacUpdater, which can display and run updates for apps that do not come from the App Store, several times here in the blog (e.g. here and here ). The helpful program is now in its third version, which is why it's worth taking another look. Because in addition to a limited free version, there are also various payment options for MacUpdater 3. What are the differences and what you can do with the free version of this App you can start, you can read about that in this article.

The MacUpdater is now available in version 3. Here you will find information about the functions of the free and paid versions. At the end you will find the link to the official download page.

Use MacUpdater 3 for free

You can use the free version of MacUpdater 3 to retrieve information from around 100.000 apps that can be downloaded from developer websites, from alternative app stores or from developer platforms such as GitHub. Available updates are displayed for the installed apps. In addition, keywords and comments on the individual programs can be managed. The "ARM Migration Assistant" is also integrated, which helps when changing from Intel to Apple chip versions of the respective software. What is not possible: Scan for updates more than twice a day and initiate app updates from the MacUpdater (only initially available as a test feature, then only in the purchase version). This core feature, which gives Mac users more convenience when using apps from the web, is reserved for the paid versions of MacUpdater. The good thing is that you can secure the software with a single purchase and do not have to take out an annoying subscription.

MacUpdater 3 paid versions compared

In addition to the Free Edition, there is the Standard Edition for $14,99 (there are discounts for students), the Pro Edition for $34,99 and the Business Edition” for $35 per seat in the company. The standard edition can be installed on up to four Macs in private households. The Pro version is intended for one household and up to seven Macs. By the way, if you upgrade the MacUpdater from version 2 to version 3, you pay less. In addition to the prices, it is particularly worth taking a look at the functions:

	Mac updater standard	MacUpdater Pro	Mac Updater Business
Information about around 100k apps	ja	ja	ja
Update function for around 6.000 apps	ja	ja	ja
One click to update multiple apps at once	ja	ja	ja
Manage tags and comments	ja	ja	ja
ARM migration	ja	ja	ja
Software Support	ja	ja	ja
Audio plugin support	no	ja	ja
App reinstallation support	ja	ja	ja
Scheduled automatic app updates	no	ja	ja
Touch bar support	no	ja	ja
command line support	no	ja	ja
Workflow integration of the Alfred App	no	ja	ja
Daily scans	4	6	8

All information and the official MacUpdater 3 download can be found here on this website.

What is JPEG XL?
The JPEG format has been one of the best-known file formats for images and photos for several decades. The format used since 1992 is usually used with the extensions .jpeg or .jpg. It is known for its various compression rates, which are reflected in decreasing image quality as the file size decreases. Over the years there have always been adjustments and different sub-formats of JPEG for different (specialist) areas. But in recent years, JPEG XL has been developed, which should finally replace the previous format. But what is JPEG XL? What advantages does it bring over the old image and photo format? And what does the name mean?
What is JPEG XL and what are the benefits of the .jxl file format for images and photos? Here is a summary of the possible uses, the development and the programs that have been equipped with the necessary codecs so far.

What does "JPEG XL" stand for?
Because of the "XL" appendix, one could now assume that the new file format is intended for particularly large images - for example for poster designs, panorama photographs, RAW photos or the like. But that would be short-sighted, especially since the name does not even refer to the resolution, pixel density or memory size of the files equipped with it. The name JPEG XL consists of the following components:
- JPEG stands for the Joint Photographic Experts Group
- X stands for the JPEG formats since 2000, among which are XT, XR and XS
- L stands for Long-Term to indicate that the current file format is to be superseded
Properties of JPEG XL as an image file format
The new image and photo file format JPEG XL with the file extension .jxl is intended to address current and future expectations that are placed on corresponding files. Because in addition to reducing the file size with a fairly well-preserved image quality, there are now many other application goals. For example, JPEG XL should be adapted to the requirements of responsive web environments, i.e. the choice of size and resolution with regard to the target device should be better and faster. Encoding and decoding should run quickly and efficiently without additional hardware, even on mobile devices. There is also downward compatibility, so that servers, for example, only have to store a JPEG XL file in order to be able to offer both this and the reduced JPEG file. Existing JPEG files can be converted and converted back without loss, which should simplify the switch to the new format. But that's not all. In addition to using it on the web and on servers, there are other tasks for image files that JPEG XL should be able to do. For professional photography, for example, there is an extended color spectrum, HDR support, greater bit depth and 360° images. It also supports animations (like animated GIF files), preserves alpha channels, includes layers and thumbnails, and offers lossless and progressive encoding.
Brief outline of the development of the file format
The new JPEG XL file format was first discussed in 2018 by the Joint Photographic Experts Group. At that time there weren't any of the specifications or standards that are fixed today; these were initially demanded by the members of the group. This is how the development of the desired JPEG successor began. Then, from seven proposals, two were selected and merged (FUIF by Cloudinary and PIK by Google). The standardization of .jxl started in 2021 and continued in 2022. Version 2022 was released in September 0.7; version 0.8 followed in January 2023.
Current use and integration of JPEG XL
So there is currently no "full" version of the file format or the software and codecs behind it. Nevertheless, there are already some apps that can handle it. I used e.g. B. on Mac and PC the Affinity programs from Serif. And these can be in the version 2 (e.g. Affinity Photo 2) Output images and graphics as JPEG XL. Chalk supports the format from version 5.1. And even lesser known apps have already implemented the format - IrfanView, ImageMagick, MConverter, gThumb, Pale Moon and so on. Other programs and systems do not require an update of the official software version, but the integration of a (third-party) plugin. Under macOS this affects e.g. B. Quick Look. On Windows, for example, the photo display and the explorer can be expanded. For the graphics app GIMP there is also a plugin that is supposed to support JPEG XL from version GIMP 2.1. My disclaimer at this point: I haven't tried any of it, only looked for the export option in Affinity Photo 2.
In Affinity Photo 2 by Serif, the file format JPEG XL can be selected for the export of images. Screenshot of Affinity Photo 2.0.4 on macOS.
For use on the web, of course, you would also need Web browser support the new format. Up to a point they already have. Chromium applications like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge had implemented JPEG-XL support, but it was announced in October 2022 that the feature would be removed. And even with Mozilla's Firefox, there was no long-term support in official versions, but only in the nightly version, a preliminary version for testing new features.
More information and reading
I hope this short summary of the topic has helped you to get an idea (haha) of the new file format. If, in addition to the application examples such as 360° photos, professional photography, animated images and Co., you are also interested in the technical background and further development, then take a look at these pages, which I used as sources for this article:
- Official page on the subject at the Joint Photographic Experts Group: View here
- Goals and specifications of the new format as a PDF document: View here
- Wikipedia article with more information on format and history: View here

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Hacking

Hacking - this is how you make your world easier ...

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