Sir Apfelot newsreel week 31, 2023

The German team was eliminated from the women's soccer World Cup in the preliminary round, but the Sir Apfelot newsreel is still available to you. This week I'll show you again which Apple and tech news I noticed. Among the reports for calendar week 31 of 2023 are the following: YouTube is testing AI descriptions of videos, students are hacking Tesla cars, Apple is showing quarterly results and is working on an open 3D standard, inaccurate pencil inputs are exchanged Frustrating iPad displays, aggressive new Mac malware found on the dark web, and more.

Sir Apfelot as a podcast

If you enjoy both the Sir Apfelot Blog and podcasts, then you should check out the Sir Apfelot Podcast. Lynne and Jens address interesting topics and throw their own experiences and opinions into the mix. It's currently the summer break, but we'll continue from August 12, 2023 :)

Here are the different platforms where you can listen to the two:

• Sir Apfelot Podcast on Let's Cast
• Sir Apfelot Podcast at Apple Podcasts
• Sir Apfelot Podcast on Spotify
• Sir Apfelot Podcast on Amazon Music

Bundesnetzagentur: A new version of the broadband measurement app has been released

At the beginning of 2022 I already have you presented the broadband measurement app of the Federal Network Agency. This represents an official tool to test the download and upload rates of the booked internet tariff. The data determined is suitable for negotiations with the network operator - for example, if the data rate specified in the contract is not achieved over the long term and the price must therefore be reduced. If you want to use the offer in the future, you might be interested in the update that was rolled out this week. It's the first in a year and brings the desktop app to version 3.4.0 for macOS, Windows and Linux. This fixes errors, supports current operating system versions and improves stability. (Which)

YouTube experiments: AI-generated video summaries and new channel designs

Google keeps providing information about functions that have been introduced on a trial basis on its subsidiary YouTube. There were two reports this week, namely about automatic video descriptions and about adjustments on channel pages. In the future, an AI should summarize some English-language videos and display a corresponding text in the search results and on the video subpage. This feature is intended to replace the manually created video descriptions not substitute. Channel pages will try to hide tabs without content. For example, if there are no playlists on the channel, the Playlists tab will be hidden. In addition, the information about the channel and about the other channels belonging to the channel (network) should be more easily accessible. (Which)

Privacy tool: Remove Google results about yourself

Let's stay with Google for a moment. Because a new tool was announced in the search engine operator's blog, with which the application to remove search results relating to oneself can be made more quickly and easily. The focus is on search results that reveal personal data about the person - the email address, phone number, address, etc. The option should be displayed in the Google app in the "Results about you" section, the last one year was introduced and on the relevant website. However, the whole thing is limited to English-speaking users in the USA for the time being. (Which)

Tesla Jailbreak: Locked features and personal data available through hack

Tesla vehicles are highly technical and offer not only functions for driving and letting drive but also some infotainment. In all areas there can be features that can only be activated for an extra charge or a subscription fee. But what if you bring some technical expertise, a soldering iron and additional hardware with you? Then you can jailbreak and hack into the system - bang, you've already unlocked the seat heating. For hackers with enough time, there is also the possibility of decrypting personal data and possibly carrying out identity theft. All of this was tested by three students from the TU Berlin and the security researcher Oleg Drokin. Next Wednesday there will be a presentation at the "Black Hat" event in the USA. (Sources: 1, 2)

Apple shows third fiscal quarter results

Apple released results for the third quarter of fiscal 2023 this week. Quarterly sales for the three months were approximately $81,8 billion. Earnings are reported at around $19,9 billion, or $1,26 per diluted share. Their value increased by 5% compared to the previous year. At 49%, the iPhone made the greatest contribution to sales, followed by services and subscription offers at 26%. wearables, e.g. B. the Apple Watch, and home devices and accessories accounted for 10%, while the Mac at 8% and iPad at 7% brought up the rear. If you want more information and exact numbers, here are a few sources:

• Apple press release on the subject (German): Read here
• Consolidated financial statements for Q3/2023 as PDF (English): View here
• Summary including "Earnings Call" protocol (English): Check it out here
• Summary with diagrams for illustration (German): Get information here

OpenUSD alliance to offer open standard for 3D content

In another press release this week, Apple announced that it had formed the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD for short) in collaboration with Pixar, Adobe, Autodesk, NVIDIA and the Joint Development Foundation, a subsidiary of the Linux Foundation. The abbreviation "USD" stands for Universal Scene Description. The statement states, among other things: "The aim of the alliance is to standardize the 3D ecosystem by further developing the possibilities of the Open Universal Scene Description (OpenUSD). By promoting greater interoperability of 3D tools and data, the alliance will enable developers and content creators to describe, assemble and simulate large 3D projects and deliver an ever-widening variety of 3D-enabled products and services develop.“ (Which)

iPad with replacement display: Pencil inputs become shaky and imprecise

As has been shown again this week in various forms, Apple forecloses current iPad models against unofficial display repairs. With the last models of the iPad Pro and apparently also with the current iPad mini, lines should not be displayed straight or shaped as desired if an unofficial exchange took place - even if the display of an identically constructed iPad was used. This is due to a chip that is inherent to the screen and only makes it usable properly with the motherboard assigned to it in the original device. This restricts independent workshops and repairs by users. It also makes second-hand purchases more risky. In any case, it's not a fine move from Apple. (Sources: 1, 2, 3)

Apple protects developers against Vision Pro leaks

Not only has Apple been accepting applications for the one-day “Vision Pro Developer Labs” for a week Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. The developer kit with the corresponding Vision Pro hardware was also issued to individual developers and studios. So that there is no fear of leaks from these or people connected to them, Apple mentions numerous storage and usage rules in the letters to the recipients of the technology. When used or stored openly, it must always be possible to keep an eye on it. Apart from that, it must be locked away. Third parties are also not allowed access. In addition, the Vision Pro Developer Kit may only be stored and used at the address to which it was sent by Apple. (Which)

Apple Pay: The new campaign is just advertising

Last week's Sir Apfelot newsreel was about one new campaign around Apple Pay. It was not yet clear whether this was only intended to advertise Apple Pay or whether new functions should also be introduced. As it has now turned out, however, it is only a summer advertising campaign. This goes hand in hand with new commercials, posters and influencer marketing (e.g. on TikTok). New functions related to contactless payment with Apple devices and online payment options are therefore not to be expected for the time being. (Which)

Anticipatory obedience: Removed 100+ AI apps from Chinese App Store

From August 15, 2023, new legal regulations for the use of generative artificial intelligence and the content created with it (texts, images, videos, etc.) will apply in China. Apple has now removed over 100 apps that are said to offer ChatGPT-like features from the Chinese App Store ahead of the new laws coming into force. Some of the apps are said to have been top-class, which were able to place themselves at the top of the download lists over time or even right from the start. In China, however, in addition to the (future) legal restrictions, efforts are said to be made to develop their own AIs. These will be funded accordingly. (Which)

HVNC Mac data stealing tool found on dark web

Cybersecurity firm Guardz has one offered by Russian hackers on the dark web Malware discovered, which acts as "Hidden Virtual Network Computer", short HVNC. This is a hidden piece of software that runs various Spy Malware and, if necessary, can run other software. This makes it possible to steal data undetected, record inputs and cause further damage. From stealth Mac takeover to being banned via Ransomware many things are conceivable. The basic price for the malware is $60.000, additional modules are available for $20.000. The hacking tool can get onto the Mac like any other malware: exploits, email attachments, compromised websites, Trojans- Downloads, etc. (Which)

Johannes Domke

[On vacation] After graduating from high school, Johannes completed training as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which led to his independence. He has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others, for several years now. His articles include product introductions, news, instructions, video games, consoles and much more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.