Sir Apfelot newsreel week 33, 2023

Before you watch the finals of the soccer World Cup this weekend, take a look at the new issue of the Sir Apfelot newsreel. This time I'll show you which Apple and tech news I noticed in calendar week 33 of the year 2023. The reports this time include the following: less bureaucracy for solar panels on the balcony, annual report of the German games industry as PDF, Google launched transparency platform, macOS Sonoma simplifies Mac recovery in DFU mode, suspected fraud leads to Apple -ID blocking, Deutschlandfunk offers AI podcast, 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.

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
• Sir Apfelot Podcast on YouTube

Solar package decided for faster expansion of balcony solar systems

The federal government this week passed a so-called "solar package" to make it easier to set up and use balcony solar systems. Among other things, it was decided that only registration with the market master data register is required. Registration with the network operator is no longer necessary. In addition, you no longer have to wait for the installation of a new electricity meter. And the inverter output on plug-in solar devices is now 800 watts, no longer 600 watts. However, no clear specifications were made for the connector solution required for connecting such systems. One advantage is the reduction in bureaucracy. Critical voices, however, complain about the still open connector question. All details and links to official documents: BMWK article.

New regulations and options for applying for ID documents

In addition to less bureaucracy for balcony solar systems, innovations with regard to the application for and receipt of identification documents were also decided this week. These changes were presented as a draft by the Federal Ministry of the Interior six months ago. They stipulate that from November 2023, ID cards, passports, residence permits and PIN letters can be collected from public authority machines. From November 2024, the PIN letter for eID documents will be handed over directly when applying for the ID document, so there is no need to post it or go to the machine. In addition, ID cards, passports, etc. should then be able to be sent directly to the registration address by post. From May 2025, only digital passport photos will be accepted, no more paper passport photos. All information: BMI message.

Annual report of the Association of the German Games Industry is available

If you are interested in the video game industry in Germany, we recommend the current game annual report. game is the association of the German games industry, and the annual report 2023 shows as 63-page PDF document various developments over the last year. Among other things, the average age of gamers is shown, a development of the most used platforms is shown (consoles are increasing, PC share is falling), different markets are broken down and e.g. B. shows which revenues are most important in the market for smartphone games (spoiler: these are in-app purchases). In addition to the game software, it is also about hardware, online services, gaming locations in Germany, bureaucratic hurdles, eSports, game fairs and more.

Google launches new portal for transparency, complaints and appeals

Under https://transparency.google/ Google has put a new platform online on which guidelines for the various Google offers, reporting options for violations of these guidelines and insights into the underlying processes are given. The transparency reports of the search engine giant can also be easily accessed from there. In addition to Google search, the various areas also deal with Google Ads, Google Maps, Google Play, Google Assistant, YouTube, Tenor, Blogger, Fitbit, Local Guides and the like. It is also about AI guidelines. An extensive offer, in which one can quickly lose oneself. But once you have understood the page structure, you can navigate relatively quickly.

Lawsuit against HP: Combo devices won't scan and fax if they run out of ink

In the United States, a lawsuit against electronics manufacturer HP is underway. The company is accused of not only not printing, but also not scanning or faxing, when the ink level is too low on its combination devices with print, scan and fax functions. HP initially wanted to dismiss the accusation because it allegedly had no knowledge of this "defect". However, the court pointed out that the official support had shown in a message board that the fax or scan function would fail if the ink level was low. According to the court, there was knowledge – and not the will to solve the problem. Reuters points for further observation thereuponthat the case is Freund et al v HP Inc, US District Court, Northern District of California, No. 22-03794".

From the blog: Why inkjet printers are the worst junk

First tests of Netflix games with smartphone as controller

I got you guys last week shownthat Netflix had launched a new iPhone app, which should serve as a controller for video games. Earlier this week, this was mentioned in an official message from the streaming provider. It explained that there is a limited beta test of video games on different devices for the time being - and then the iPhone can be used as a controller. So after mobile games were added to the Netflix portfolio in 2021, they should now also be able to be used on smart TVs, computers and the like. The beta test is initially limited to the UK and Canada, but could be expanded in the foreseeable future. All details: Official message.

macOS 14 Sonoma simplifies Mac recovery from DFU mode

The Mac has what is known as DFU mode, a maintenance mode in which a second Mac is used to restore or reinstall the operating system. This second Mac, which is connected via USB cable, currently needs the Apple Configurator app installed in order to be able to carry out the necessary recovery work on the Mac to be serviced. Away macOS 14 Sonoma, which will be officially released as a system upgrade in autumn 2023, the Apple Configurator should no longer be required. Like a developer on Twitter and X shown has, the whole thing can now directly from Finder be triggered off. Using 'DFU mode' or restoring via a second Mac is not a very common occurrence - it is usually necessary when an error or power failure occurs during an update / upgrade (Which).

The end for the iTunes Movie Trailers app

How nice in June on the topic “My photo stream” With regard to "iTunes Movie Trailers", most of you will certainly not be surprised that the Apple offer will be discontinued in the foreseeable future. Rather, one is surprised that the website and the app still exist. In any case, the app offer for film trailers should not disappear completely, it should be merged into the Apple TV app. That's what it says on the existing website https://trailers.apple.com/ on the subject: "Apple TV app is the new home of iTunes Movie Trailers". The website also looks as if it has managed without any design updates since the app was launched 12 years ago. The app link also refers to the old offer.

If fraud is suspected, the Apple ID can be blocked quickly

Not only old Apple offers are always discontinued, but apparently also user accounts where there is an unspecified suspicion of fraud. Accordingly, I'm about one this week Reddit post stumbled upon someone stating that the Apple ID was banned due to such a case. There was no way to undo this or get a refund for app purchases or subscriptions. Apple refers to the terms and conditions in the argumentation of such cases, which according to a support manager probably occur more frequently. And support people can't do anything about it, except suggest setting up a new Apple ID. Some comments below the Reddit post are interesting. So it is mentioned that frequent App returns and refunds may be viewed as attempted fraud.

Apple Watch: Big innovations probably only with Series X in 2024

The Apple Watch Series 9 will likely be unveiled next month. If you're waiting for a smartwatch update and aren't sure whether to get it this year or wait until next year, a few X-model rumors might help. Because in 2024 the anniversary model of the Apple Watch is coming up. And from other devices, especially the iPhone X, we know that the tenth generation of an Apple device can be accompanied by a redesign and fundamentally new features (in the case of the iPhone X, it was the elimination of the home button and the introduction of Face ID). . The Apple Watch X is said to be thinner and have new attachment mechanisms for the bracelet. Furthermore, microLED displays, blood pressure measurement and the like are in the room (Which).

"Understanding AI" from Deutschlandfunk: Podcast recommendation for those interested in AI

I have already shown you the Sir Apfelot podcast above, which occasionally deals with artificial intelligence and its use. A podcast that is now completely about AI has recently been offered by Deutschlandfunk. Two teams, each with two journalists, take turns with their topics and information on a weekly basis. So far it's about the fear of AI, AI in medicine, voice clones, and lies from text generators. The focus is not only on well-known names such as ChatGPT from OpenAI or Firefly from Adobe, but also on technologies that are less well known or used in specialist industries. listen: Here at Apple Podcasts. 

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.