Innehållsförteckning för #255 från AppleMagazine

Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the electric car company is making major improvements to the Autopilot system used by its vehicles, which will dramatically reduce the number and severity of crashes in which they are involved. Sunday’s news comes in the wake of a May crash involving a Tesla Model S that was using the semi-autonomous mode at the time. The driver died after crashing into a tractor-trailer. On a conference call with reporters, Musk said he thinks that the improvements, which will roll out globally in the next week or two in the form of a software update, probably would have prevented that crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is investigating the crash, said Sunday that Tesla has provided it with information about the changes to Autopilot,…

Apple may not become an automaker, but it still wants to develop its own self-driving technology. The iPhone-maker’s automotive project, long an open secret in Silicon Valley, is shifting to focus on creating the technology for an autonomous vehicle that doesn’t require a human driver. The new direction apparently doesn’t foreclose the possibility that Apple might someday build its own car, but it opens the door to partnering with other car companies. The new emphasis was confirmed Friday by a person with knowledge of the project, after the New York Times reported that Apple is “rethinking” its automotive strategy. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the project. Apple had no official comment Friday and has consistently declined to confirm its automotive ambitions. But…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says owners of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphones should turn them off and stop using them because of the risk that their batteries can explode. The agency said Friday that it’s working with Samsung on an official recall of the phones “as soon as possible” and that it’s trying to figure out if the company’s replacement Note 7s are an “acceptable remedy.” Samsung last week began a global recall for the phone, just two weeks after its launch, because of the risk of them catching fire or exploding. At the time, Samsung said it had confirmed 35 instances of the problem, out of 2.5 million phones sold. The company did not say last week whether users should stop using the phones, and said new…

Apple wants to push consumers further into a wireless world. Its tactics: Eliminate the standard headphone jack in its newest iPhones and market new “AirPods” - tiny wireless earbuds that the company claims greatly improve on standard Bluetooth technology. But that strategy has some risks. AIRPOD ANGST Start with the AirPods themselves. These are a pair of earbuds, each with an inch or so of protruding plastic, and nothing else - no wires to hold them together, no dangling cords. If they live up to Apple’s claims, they’re a technological marvel, tiny and expensive. And, perhaps, also easily dislodged or misplaced. Analysts at IHS Technology say that Apple used a smooth-surfaced design that doesn’t conform to the shape of the ear, and note that having AirPods fall out while running…

Clint Eastwood’s “Sully” made a splash in its first weekend in theaters, bringing in a solid $35 million, according to studio reported actuals Monday. It’s slightly lower than initial estimates suggested, but still a successful launch for the fact-based film about the emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson. Tom Hanks stars in the title role in the Warner Bros. film. The Sony and Screen Gems thriller “When the Bough Breaks,” which only cost $10 million to make, placed second with $14.2 million on its opening weekend. Holdover “Don’t Breathe” took spot No. 3 with $8.3 million in its third weekend in theaters, while “Suicide Squad” took fourth place with $5.7 million, bringing its domestic total to $307.5 million. Finally, the animated newcomer “The Wild Life” landed…

The sugar industry began funding research that cast doubt on sugar’s role in heart disease - in part by pointing the finger at fat - as early as the 1960s, according to an analysis of newly uncovered documents. The analysis published Monday is based on correspondence between a sugar trade group and researchers at Harvard University, and is the latest example showing how food and beverage makers attempt to shape public understanding of nutrition. In 1964, the group now known as the Sugar Association internally discussed a campaign to address “negative attitudes toward sugar” after studies began emerging linking sugar with heart disease, according to documents dug up from public archives. The following year the group approved “Project 226,” which entailed paying Harvard researchers today’s equivalent of $48,900 for an…

THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU SUITS, SEASON 6 REUNION, PT. 2 THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW YORK CITY, SEASON 8 HERSTORY OF THE WORLD RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE ALL STARS, SEASON 2 (UNCENSORED) STREETS ON LOCK ATLANTA, SEASON 1 PABLO & JESSICA FEAR THE WALKING DEAD, SEASON 2 H1DDEN-PR0CESS.AXX MR. ROBOT, SEASON 2 LOVE AT FIRST FIGHT KEEPING UP WITH THE KARDASHIANS, SEASON 12 BORROWED TIME SUITS, SEASON 6 DO NOT DISTURB FEAR THE WALKING DEAD, SEASON 2 DRIVING MISS SIGGY THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY, SEASON 7…

The European Union wants to make fifth-generation telecommunications technology available around the bloc and have free wireless connections in every city and major public venue within the next decade. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Wednesday that the EU’s executive arm aims to have 5G technology deployed by 2025, saying that it could create 2 million jobs in Europe. He told EU lawmakers that every European city and venue should have free wireless internet access by 2020. Juncker called for more investment in high-speed internet, saying that “businesses should be able to plan their investments in Europe for the next 20 years.”…

Your iPhone will look and feel different with the iOS 10 software update. It will be easier to move around and do more without switching apps, but the changes will take getting used to. The changes are the most dramatic since 2013, when Apple redesigned icons and introduced functions with swipes from various edges. Now, new things happen when you swipe, and you can handle more tasks from the lock screen. If you aren’t prompted for the free update Tuesday, go to “Software Update” under “General” in the settings. Once you get it, here are some things to know about using it. NEW GESTURES Swiping up from the bottom edge still gets you the Control Center with quick access to the flashlight, airplane mode and other frequent functions. But it’s…

Listen up. Amazon is adding free audiobooks and a digital audio service called Audible Channels to the ever-growing list of perks for members of its Prime loyalty program. Seattle-based Amazon has been expanding the services and perks it offers members of its $99 annual Prime program, including one- and two-day shipping, beefed up video and radio streaming and other services. Audible Channels feature a blend of original programs, comedy, lectures and audio editions of news stories and articles. The channels are accessible by downloading the Audible app. A selection of 50 rotating audiobooks, such as Matthew Quick’s “The Silver Linings Playbook” and Anne Lamott’s “Stitches” will be available too. Non-Prime members can subscribe to Audible Channels for $4.95 a month, or $59.40 per year.…

HANDS-ON WITH APPLE’S LATEST GAME-CHANGER When it comes to smartphones, it’s fair to say that Apple consistently delivers. After shipping its billionth iPhone earlier this year, the Cupertino firm could have been forgiven for releasing a minor update to its iconic device this year. But if anything, disappointing device sales as of late made this keynote one of the most important ones for the company in recent times. Ultimately, Apple didn’t disappoint. As well as rolling out a new Apple Watch and announcing the release dates for its latest software updates, the company finally unveiled the iPhone 7, which sports a stunning new camera and a raft of performance improvements. Whether you’re the kind of Apple fan who queues outside an Apple Store for your latest upgraded phone, or you instead prefer…

APPLE’S INSTALLMENT PLAN Last year, Apple started offering installment-purchase plans for iPhones, with a twist. The plans start at $32.41 a month, and after 24 months you own the phone. The twist is that you can upgrade to a new phone every year - technically, after making 12 payments, turning in your old phone and starting a new installment plan. You could still owe more if your phone is damaged; while Apple includes its AppleCare service program, which covers two damage “incidents,” it will charge you $29 for screen damage and $99 for any other damage, plus tax. MONTHLY PHONE PLAN FROM CARRIERS The days of two-year contracts and subsidized phones are over. Most wireless carriers now offer a monthly buy-to-own option as standard. For example, AT&T offers an iPhone…

Captain America: Civil War The sequel to 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger and 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier sees a rift form between former allies Captain America and Iron Man. FIVE FACTS: 1. This is the longest Marvel movie to date, at two hours and 27 minutes. 2. The film coincides with the 75th anniversary of Captain America. 2016 also marks the 10th anniversary of the original Civil War comic book and Black Panther’s 50th anniversary. 3. At 19 years old, Tom Holland is the youngest person to portray Spider-Man/Peter Parker on screen. 4. In an interview, Daniel Brühl claimed the budget for the film was so huge that 20 movies could have been made from it. 5. This movie marks the beginning of Phase Three in the…

Pandora is getting ready to take on Spotify, Apple Music and others with a new, $10 monthly streaming music service, and a cheaper option as well. The Internet radio company is declining to say how much the lower-priced service will cost, but it says both options will launch before the end of the year. The new subscription service from Pandora will give users more control over which songs they want to hear. On Tuesday, the company announced new licensing deals with Sony Music, Universal Music Group and several independent record labels. It is still in talks with Warner Music Group. Shares of Pandora Media Inc. are up more than 2 percent before the opening bell.…

Apple is warning consumers about scam artists who pressure their victims into transferring money by purchasing iTunes gift cards after the fraudsters spin a bogus story about unpaid bills or a relative who needs bailing out of jail. Authorities have previously warned about similar scams involving pre-paid debit cards. But in recent months, the IRS and the Federal Trade Commission have said criminals are using the popular Apple gift cards as an easy, and difficult-to-trace, method of transferring cash. In a typical scheme, a con artist calls a victim and claims to be a tax officer, bill collector or a lawyer representing a relative who’s just been arrested. Victims are told to purchase several hundred dollars’ worth of gift cards and then provide the 16-digit code from each card, usually…

HP is buying Samsung Electronics Co.’s printer business in a transaction worth $1.05 billion. HP Inc. said Monday that it is the largest print acquisition in the company’s history and will help it go from traditional copiers to multifunction printers. HP also said the deal will strengthen its position in laser printing, which it established with Canon. Samsung’s printer business includes more than 6,500 printing patents. The deal is expected to close within a year. Last week Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Co. announced that it would spin off a big chunk of its business software line-up in an $8.8 billion deal with Micro Focus International PLC. Last year CEO Meg Whitman split HP’s operations focused on selling business technology products from its personal computer and printer operations. At its height, the combined…

The state attorney general announced settlements Tuesday with Viacom, Mattel, Hasbro and JumpStart Games to stop them from using or allowing tracking technology on their popular children’s websites. The settlements require Viacom, Mattel and JumpStart to pay penalties totaling $835,000 following a two-year investigation into violations of the 1998 federal law that prohibits unauthorized collection of children’s personal information on websites directed at users under 13. Hasbro won’t pay a penalty because it was enrolled in a Federal Trade Commission-approved online-privacy program that had some problems, according to the attorney general’s office. All four companies allowed tracking technology such as cookies on their websites in violation of the law, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said. Such technology can be used by marketers and advertisers to target potential customers. “The way the…

Uber riders in Pittsburgh can get a glimpse of the future by summoning a car capable of handling most of the tasks of driving on its own. Starting Wednesday morning, a fleet of self-driving Ford Fusions will pick up Uber riders who opted to participate in a test program. While the vehicles are loaded with features that allow them to navigate on their own, an Uber engineer will sit in the driver’s seat and seize control if things go awry. Uber’s test program is the latest move in an increasingly heated race between tech companies in Silicon Valley and traditional automakers to perfect fully driverless cars for regular people. Competitors such as Volvo and Google have invested hundreds of millions of dollars and logged millions of miles test driving autonomous…

At Apple’s iPhone 7 unveiling in San Francisco on Wednesday (07), the tech powerhouse revealed a host of new and updated hardware and software, including a new type of headphone jack and souped-up camera. Here’s a rundown of the biggest announcements. APPLE AIRPODS As expected, iPhone is removing the standard analog headphone jack and forcing headphones to use its “Lightning” connector, which plugs into the phone’s charging port. The iPhone 7 will come with an adapter so older earphones can still be used. But Apple is pushing Apple AirPods, which CEO Tim Cook says are a “breakthrough design,” wireless headphones that sync across all Apple devices and respond to touch that can access Siri. The AirPods are shipping in late October and cost $160. iPHONE 7 AND 7 PLUS Apple’s…

Sony Corp.’s video game division is readying not just games but also music, movies and other kinds of entertainment for its Virtual Reality headgear, set to go on sale next month. Sony Interactive Entertainment Japan Asia President Atsushi Morita appeared at a Tokyo event Tuesday, ahead of the Tokyo Game Show annual exhibition opening later this week. The latest in video games, including VR, will be on display at the show at Makuhari Messe in the Tokyo suburb of Chiba. One of the VR experiences promised is a music video that’s a collaboration between the “Biohazard” horror game, called “Resident Evil” in the U.S., from Japanese game maker Capcom, and L’Arc-en-Ciel, a Japanese rock band, that takes advantage of VR technology’s illusion of 3-D and 360-degree surround imagery. VR can…

AIM (Deluxe) M.I.A The fifth studio album from M.I.A is as politically charged as ever, but still maintains the danceable hip hop for which she is best known. FIVE FACTS: 1. Prior to AIM’s release, the rapper claimed that it would be her final album. 2. The artist has been nominated for three Grammy Awards during her career. 3. Time magazine named her as one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2009. 4.“M.I.A.” is a play on her own name - Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam - and a reference to the acronym of Missing in Action. 5. Her debut album Arular was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Acoustic Recordings 1998-2016 Jack White This compilation features B-sides and previously unreleased tracks spanning the entire career of one of America’s most…

SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk is calling last week’s launch pad accident the “most difficult and complex failure” in the company’s 14-year history. After a week of public silence, Musk said via Twitter that the company is still investigating the accident, its second in just 15 months. A massive fireball erupted during a prelaunch test Sept. 1 at the company’s main launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Falcon rocket and a satellite were destroyed, and the pad was damaged. Ground crews were fueling the Falcon for a brief test-firing of its engines, two days before its scheduled liftoff. The blast rocked the launch pad - which had been cleared of workers for the test-firing - and shook buildings several miles away at NASA’s neighboring Kennedy Space Center.…

Leave it to the great minds at MIT and Georgia Tech to figure out a way to read the pages of a book without actually opening it. A team of researchers from the two institutions pulled it off with a system they developed that looks like a cross between a camera and a microscope. They said it could someday be used by museums to scan the contents of old books too fragile to handle or to examine paintings to confirm their authenticity or understand the artist’s creative process. Writing in the latest issue of the journal Nature Communications, the scientists explained how they used terahertz waves - a type of radiation situated on the electromagnetic spectrum between microwaves and infrared light - to read a stack of papers with a…

Online review site Yelp’s star rating system does not make it responsible for negative reviews of businesses because it is based on user input, a federal appeals court ruled on Monday, dismissing a libel lawsuit filed against Yelp by a Washington state locksmith company owner. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the star rating system that Yelp features is not content created by the company that helps guide people to everything from restaurants to plumbers. Under federal law, the decision said, Yelp is not liable for content its users post. The ruling focused on the libel lawsuit filed by Douglas Kimzey, a locksmith business owner in Redmond, Washington. The court said Kimzey’s business received a negative review on Yelp in 2011. The review by a person identified in…