Sir Apfelot newsreel week 46, 2019

Winter is slowly arriving in Germany. Sometimes there is a rebellion of the autumn temperatures, but the cold is creeping more and more over the country. The right atmosphere to hide on the couch with a cup of tea and quietly study the Sir Apfelot newsreel. In this issue, I'll show you which Apple and tech news caught my eye in calendar week 46 of 2019. Also included are: a bunker for open source software, USA against TikTok, Disney + in Germany, Facebook and clandestine camera use, Mozilla's appeal to Apple, new devices and services and other topics.

US Senators want to take action against TikTok App

After SnapChat, Instagram and Co., TikTok is one of the most popular apps for young people who want to exchange ideas about short videos, mini-short films, statements, skits and other video products. The successor to Musically has a big catch for some people: the app comes from China. The teenage hit is therefore suspected by US Senators Chuck Schumer (Democrats) and Tom Cotton (Republicans) of being close to the Chinese government. It is said that there could be censorship and possibly manipulation of US elections (or influencing voters). The taz writes more about this at this point.

Google Chrome is supposed to mark slow and fast websites

As pointed out on the Chromium Blog (English) and summarized for app threats (German), Google's Chrome web browser will soon show which websites are fast and which are slow. Exactly how the labeling will take place and what it will look like is not yet known in detail. However, it will be a great incentive for all website operators who take their project seriously. That the Browser telling you that this or that page is lame might embarrass some of the people or groups behind it. More information and assumptions can be found in the linked articles.

Facebook: Why the iOS app activated the iPhone camera

Facebook just can't get out of the data scandal headlines. Since Cambridge Analytica, however, everyone (luckily) has also been particularly critical of the Zuckerberg Group. And so reports, among other things, the iPhone ticker here about a Facebook statement on the critical behavior of the Facebook app for iOS. The iPhone app has secretly activated the smartphone camera for some users. With reference to that of The Verge published statements it is written that it should have been a "mistake" and in no way an intention. You can fix the "bug" by updating the app; in the current version the procedure no longer takes place.

Disney + launches in the US; is scheduled to start in Germany in 2020

Among other things, iFun has shownthat the streaming service Disney + (Disney Plus) has been available for users in the USA since November 12.11.2019, 31. March 2020, XNUMX is planned for the start in Germany - that berichtet for example PC Magazin with reference to an official tweet. This also states that in addition to Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy and Spain will also be able to enjoy Disney streaming at the end of March. The selection of individual films and series may vary depending on the region.

GitHub bunkers software code in a cold coal mine for 1.000 years

Do you know Norway's Svalbard archipelago? Probably not because the name, which was introduced in 1920, did not catch on in Germany; in this country one usually still says "Spitzbergen". There you will find, among other things, the "Svalbard Global Seed Vault", a collection of seeds that could secure the reconstruction of biotopes and agricultural operations after a regional or global catastrophe (Info here). GitHub has taken this as a model. The platform for open source software, which was bought by Microsoft last year, has now also started a warehouse project on Svalbard. Software code is stored in an old coal mine on foils that are supposed to last a thousand years. A Video this was uploaded by Bloomberg two days ago.

Mozilla demand: Apple should restrict ad tracking

Among other things, Mozilla is known for the Firefox browser and the mail client called Thunderbird. The organization also offers other web-based services. In addition, she takes care of the users' concerns, for example with regard to their Internet use and the traces they leave behind. That's why Mozilla, like iFun showsthat Apple should limit its ad tracking. The ad tracking function can be deactivated on the iPhone, but many would not even know how it works. According to a survey, 54% of users also demand that Apple regularly reset the ID of individual people or devices - but you can also reset your Ad ID manually in the settings: Settings -> Data protection -> Advertising.

Apple complains about NFC demand by the Bundestag

The NFC module of Apple iPhones is already open for Apple Pay’s own payment service and for read and write apps that address NFC tags or other information carriers. However, various actors are calling for the near-field communication function to be provided in general and not just selectively so that Google Pay or FitBit Pay can also be used with the iPhone. Among other things, the German Bundestag demands the NFC function for everyone, such as the iPhone ticker shows here. On November 13th, the finance committee launched a bill against the Apple Pay monopoly on iPhones. A day later, Apple complained to the Chancellery about it, as in the linked article with reference to the Handelsblatt (here) is written.

Apple rumors: iPad Pro 2020 double, Apple Glasses 2023 new, Apple Watch 6 faster

While the functions of existing Apple devices are being discussed, shows Bloomberg again new rumors about upcoming gadgets. At the beginning of 2020, a new iPad Pro should surprise us - with a dual camera and 3D sensor. The article also deals with an AR and VR headset as well as AR glasses. The devices are expected to hit the market in 2022 and 2023. Around 1.000 people should work on the project. With regard to the upcoming Apple Watch Series 6, it is said that the device for the wrist should be faster and have even better water resistance. 

Apple introduces 16-inch MBP

The day before yesterday, Apple confirmed completely different rumors: the new MacBook Pro with 16-inch display was presented as a press release, in the online shop, via YouTube video and through several other channels. The professional notebook, which starts at 2.699 euros, can be ordered from Apple, Cyberport, MacTrade and a few other retailers. I have summarized technical data, pictures, a video and the price for the best equipment for you in this post: Apple MacBook Pro 16 ″ - Rumors about the professional notebook confirmed.

Start Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield

On November 15, 2019, the games Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield for the Nintendo Switch are also coming to the store. In the new Galar region, fans of the now 23-year-old series of games can embark on a new adventure. I have put together information about the games, the three new starter Pokémon, the game world and so on: Learn about Pokémon Shield and Pokémon Sword.

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.