Sir Apfelot newsreel week 18, 2023

It's slowly getting warmer outside and the merry month of May shows what it can do. But before you spend the weekend rejoicing in the fresh air, take a quick look at the current Sir Apfelot newsreel. Because today you will be presented with the Apple and tech news that I noticed in calendar week 18 of the year 2023. Among other things, these reports are included: WWW anniversary, controversial topic "data toll", Gmail with BIMI seal, robot dog spot at the police station, cheap deepfake bots from Tencent, passkeys for Google accounts, automatic price conversion in the app store, and more!

The newsreel is also available as a podcast

If you like listening to podcasts, you can also listen to the current newsreel. Lynne and Jens introduce you to the latest blog posts and the individual news from the newsreel and add their experiences to the mix. You can find the latest episode of the Sir Apfelot Podcast here:

» https://letscast.fm/sites/sir-apfelot-wochenschau-fa5b4a33

WWW anniversary: ​​30 years of web protocol for the general public

On Sunday, heise online has a Articles celebrated the 30th birthday of the World Wide Web. Because from April 30, 1993, the idea of ​​using the web protocol developed in the nuclear research center CERN on the Internet could be implemented. A corresponding request from Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau was granted by the directors of the research facility at the time. No license fees or similar charges were required for use. The linked source outlines not only the development that followed, but also the efforts of the previous two years. Because there were already efforts to create a World Wide Web, but with rather sobering results.

Fees for high data throughput: Again excitement about "data toll"

The European Commission has been planning for some time to ask large internet services that produce a significant amount of data to pay for the network expansion. Streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, as well as well-visited sites and services such as Google, Wikipedia and Co., could be required by law to pay corresponding fees to network operators such as Telekom, Vodafone and Co. What seems sensible at first glance can have many negative consequences for users. There is now a new open letter directed against the plans and signed by civil rights associations, MEPs, the VZBV and others. Details here.

The “blue tick” is now also a verification symbol for Gmail

What has been a contentious issue on Twitter for some time is now supposed to ensure more security on Gmail. Because verified sender addresses are now given a blue seal with a white tick by Google's e-mail service. In technical jargon, this is called a Brand Indicator for Message Identification, or BIMI for short. For example, the brand indicator for message identification shows that an e-mail really comes from the company that is named as the sender. So e.g. B. Phishing be prevented. in one Post iFun points out that there is something similar in the iPhone Mail app from iOS 16: company logos in the sender display.

Robot dog "Spot" is trained by the police

The robot dog "Spot" launched by Boston Dynamics in September 2019 can be useful for many applications. Unfortunately, such technology sooner or later ends up with the military and police (as well as in "Black Mirror" episodes). Incidentally, the forerunner of humanoid robot soldiers and task forces is also used by the police in Germany, albeit in very limited numbers and for a restricted area of ​​responsibility. At heise online there is now Details for training in the Innovation Lab of the North Rhine-Westphalia police in Duisburg. In addition, reference is made several times to the first use of the spot in a ruined fire, in which it was too dangerous for people.

Tencent Cloud: Deepfake bots from little source material

The Chinese company Tencent, which is responsible for various messenger apps, online games, social networks, web portals, online advertising and more and holds numerous shares in other web groups and (western) developer studios, is currently making headlines with a new offer. So berichtet Again online this week, Tencent Clouds can create a human-like bot with just three minutes of video footage, 100 voice clips, and 24 hours of turnaround time. What sounds interesting for service purposes, entertainment media and the like could also be used negatively for political campaigns and against individuals. The costs are around 130 euros per bot. Details can be found in the linked source.

Passkey instead of password: Google is rolling out a new option for account security

On its way to a "passwordless future," Google introduced the use of passkeys for Google accounts this week. This allows you to log into apps and websites without having to use a password. Rather, biometric data is used for login via Face ID, Touch ID or similar technologies. Among other things, this should increase the security of the accounts, since simple passwords can be guessed and even complex login data can be tapped by phishing. Details on Apple's passkeys Is there ... here. You can find the current Google blog entry on the subject with this link.

Quick security measures: Apple releases updates for Mac, iPhone and iPad

In addition to the regular system updates to new (sub) versions of macOS, iOS and Co., current versions of the operating systems also offer the option of importing "security measures and system files" to quickly eliminate bugs and security gaps. The same happened earlier this week with macOS 13.3.1(a), iOS 16.4.1(a), and iPadOS 16.4.1(a). The improvements issued for a quick update are intended to close a security gap on the Mac, the iPhone and the iPad that has not yet been specifically identified. Installation is definitely recommended. Incidentally, the quick updates are called Rapid Security Response (RSR) in English, like MacRumors here shows.

New pricing features in the App Store will come into effect next week

In addition to new price points from 29 cents to 10.000 US dollars and the corresponding equivalents in other currencies, Apple will be offering further innovations for the pricing of apps starting next week. Developers should be relieved, especially with regard to the offer on foreign markets. Because based on the price and above all on the sales revenue on the home market, Apple then offers an automatic adjustment for the target markets. Not only exchange rates and taxes are considered, but also pricing conventions. Where the broken price of x.99 euros is usual in this country, there are smooth prices in Japan, a final 8 in China and prices in South Korea that start with two identical digits ( ).

Post from December 2022: New options for pricing in the App Store

Distribution of production: iPhone 14 now also comes from Brazil

Apple is trying to get more and more device manufacturing out of China and spread it to other countries. In addition to Vietnam and India, things are also continuing outside of Asia. Such as 9to5Mac shows, Apple has now had the iPhone 14 assembled in Brazil. The source refers to a purchase report that talks about an iPhone 14 with 128 GB of storage and a blue body. Its packaging had the notice "Assembled in Brazil" and the reference to Foxconn Brazil based in São Paulo. Also, the device number ended in BR/A. The fact that iPhones are made in Brazil is nothing new. Models from the 13 series and the latest SE model were already manufactured there.

The very first Apple Store gets a new location

The very first Apple store opened in 2001 at Tysons Corner Center in McLean, Virginia (in the western Washington DC metropolitan area). After 22 years and some adjustments during this time, the shop is now closed and the entrance area is covered. The faceplate reads "Hello. Again. A new chapter is coming soon.”, as among others this tweet shows. in one Post You can also read from MacRumors on the subject that the Apple Store is to be relocated within the Tysons Corner Center. So it's not just a conversion, it's a move. If you're interested in this part of Apple's history, take a look here:

• Experience the first Apple Store via AR, just like when it opened
• Visit several Apple Stores freely accessible on the opening day
• Steve Jobs introduces the first Apple Store Retail 2001 video

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.