Leander Kahney's Blog, page 49

Apple Watch whiz kid puts OS X on his wrist

An intrepid Apple Watch developer has managed to make a simulation of OS X Yosemite that runs on his wearable device. 15-year-old developer Billy Ellis revealed a quick preview of his latest project on his YouTube page. The program launches from his Apple Watch’s home screen and includes icons for the Finder, Launchpad, Settings, the […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Snowden says Apple security case is most important issue in a decade

Internet privacy activist and former NSA contractor Edward Snowden has come out in favor of Tim Cook’s decision to deny a federal court judge’s request that Apple help the FBI hack the San Bernardino terrorist’s iPhone 5c. Snowden is calling Apple’s battle over security the most important tech case in a decade, and has called […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Taste the rainbow with custom Snapchat colors

Doodling on a Snapchat is fun; it lets you customize just about any snap with the power of your own artistry, or lack thereof. If you’ve noticed, though, when you choose the color for said doodle, there’s no white or black options. And what if you want something in between red and white, like, say, […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

How Apple could hack terrorist’s iPhone for FBI (if it wanted to)

A federal judge has ordered Apple to comply with the FBI’s demands to unlock the San Bernardino terrorist’s iPhone 5c. Apple CEO Tim Cook has boldly and politely refused. However, his reason has nothing to do with whether Apple has the ability to hack the iPhone. It simply doesn’t want to. Apple has spent the […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Best charging docks for iPhone and iPad

If there’s a single iPhone and iPad accessory I consider myself to be the most picky about, it would be charging docks and stands. While there isn’t a shortage of options, let’s be honest, most of them aren’t that great. They either don’t dock securely or they’re obsolete when a new iPhone or iPad form […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Spotify baits premium hook with free Chromecast

If you haven’t already grabbed a free trial of Spotify, you’re in luck – this deal makes joining the streaming music service even more enticing. Today through February 28, when you buy three months of Spotify Premium for $29.97, you’ll get a free Chromecast. You’ll need to be a US or UK resident and new […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Ex-Apple designer builds easy-to-use artificial brain

We may be a small step closer to the robot wars thanks to former Apple designer Mike Matas. Matas’ previous work includes user interfaces for Apple’s Maps, Photos, and Camera apps, as well as the Nest smart thermostat. And he showed off his latest creation, an artificial brain called (appropriately enough) The Brain, via a […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

New HomeKit gadget tracks how much electricity you’re wasting

Gadget maker Elgato has been churning out HomeKit-compatible devices like crazy, and it’s just dropped another one that takes the smartplug concept one further. Eve Energy, which became available for sale today, plugs into your wall, and then a device of your choice plugs into it. You’ll be able to turn the thing off and […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Meet the tiniest game of pong for your Apple Watch

Is this the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen on your wrist? Yes, yes it is. It’s the tiniest game of pong you ever did see, too. Game developer Matt Wiechec has made A Tiny Game of Pong for the Apple Watch and it hits all the right nostalgic notes for ancient gaming fans like […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

How to unlock your iPhone’s secret emoticon powers

Emoji has sort of taken over my iMessage conversations on the iPhone lately, and I’m willing to bet you use a lot of the cute little pictures too. What if I told you there was a hidden treasure trove of text-based emoticons that you can access in addition to your favorite emoji? Even better — […]

(via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)