Author Archives: Sarah Fielding

Apple now has replacement parts for the iPhone 16 series

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It's no secret that most technology nowadays isn't exactly built to last forever, with new product models regularly on sale on replace malfunctioning items. However, Apple, which famously announces new products each September, is taking new steps to let people repair their own devices. Apple has launched parts and tools for the iPhone 16, including the Plus, Pro and Pro Max. 

Now, if you have an iPhone 16 model that's acting up, you can go to Apple's self service repair store and — possibly — get what you need to fix it. Choose the product type and model then pick from the iPhone 16's choices of back glass, battery, camera, top speaker, TrueDepth camera, SIM tray and more. Apple's iPhone 16 should be easier to fix than its predecessor, receiving a 7/10 on the iFixit repairability scale, compared to a 4/10 for the iPhone 15. 

You can either get kits or just the necessary part with prices varying based on your phone model. For example, a battery and screw kit for the iPhone 16 Pro Max is $119, but its $99 for the regular iPhone 16. You can get quite a lot of money back on the kit prices if you return the replaced piece afterward. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, for instance, goes down to $61.88 after you send back the old battery. 

Apple created its self-service program in 2022, giving its customers access to actual Apple parts when something in their device failed. However, Apple states that the service "is intended for individuals with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices. If you are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices." So, repairs might not be as accessible if you or someone you know isn't savvy in making the swaps. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-now-has-replacement-parts-for-the-iphone-16-series-143100070.html?src=rss

Track US election results with Apple’s Live Activity feature

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Election day 2024 has finally arrived in the US and the race between vice president Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump is so close we're all going to be glued to our screens waiting to see what happens. Apple is making sure you see developments right away (and can't take any breaks from it) with Live Activities, AppleInsider reports. Starting Tuesday night, Apple News will display the ongoing US election results as a Live Activity.

The Live Activity tracker will show up on your lock screen and give you the latest election updates. It's available on iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches. If your device has a Dynamic Island, then you'll also be able to track the electoral college results there.

If you're interested in receiving Live Activity updates about the election, you can turn it on through Apple News. Click "Follow the 2024 election live" banner or open the "Election 2024" tab and you should see a notification about enabling it. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/track-us-election-results-with-apples-live-activity-feature-130032299.html?src=rss

Amazon Black Friday deals include the Echo Pop speaker for only $18

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Black Friday is one of the best times of the year to pick up a new Echo speaker — it’s usually as good of a time as Prime Day, since Amazon typically saves its best deals for these few periods. This year is no different; among the Amazon Black Friday deals is a steep discount on the Echo Pop smart speaker, bringing it down to just $18. The 55 percent discount brings Amazon’s most compact speaker down to a record-low price.

Amazon launched the Echo Pop in May 2023 as a new entry-level option for Alexa-powered devices. It features a 1.95-inch front-facing speaker which could work well in a small room like a study or a dorm room. It uses Amazon’s AZ2 Neural Edge processor to allow for on-device tasks and lets you do all the standard commands with Alexa. Plus, you can get it in four colors: Charcoal, Glacier White, Lavender Bloom and Midnight Teal. 

The Pop isn't the only Echo device on sale ahead of Black Friday. Right now, you can get the fifth-generation Echo Dot for $23, down from $50 — a 44 percent discount. The Echo Spot is also on sale, dropping to $45 from $80 and the fourth-generation Echo is $55, down from $100. 

Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-black-friday-deals-include-the-echo-pop-speaker-for-only-18-142842519.html?src=rss

Celeste’s iconic score gets an acoustic tribute album

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There's something so nice about listening to the score of your favorite games or movies. Composer ROZEN has attempted to add to this experience, releasing Celeste's Secret Hideaway, an acoustic album inspired by the game Celeste. He previously created Ghibli Secret Hideaway, another acoustic collection of arrangements, in honor of Studio Ghibli's music. 

If you haven't played it before, Celeste is a single-player adventure game in which you help Madeline cope with her mental health and inner demons to reach the top of Celeste mountain. Developer Maddy Makes Games released Celeste in 2018. ROZEN's Celeste's Secret Hideaway pays tribute to the game's original score by Lena Raine. 

"The goal with Celeste Secret Hideaway is to transform the game’s iconic melodies into warm, intimate folk and acoustic arrangements, enveloping listeners in a rich soundscape that echoes the serenity of snow-covered mountains and quiet, fire-lit cabins," ROZEN said in a statement. "Every track is designed to evoke the spirit of exploration and introspection, pairing soothing guitar work and delicate string instruments with an emotional journey. It’s a perfect soundtrack for cozy moments, drawing you into its quiet, reflective world, and making it an ideal companion for chilly fall evenings and wintry nights." The album has 12 tracks and is now available digitally and to stream, with CD, cassette and vinyl versions coming soon.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/celestes-iconic-score-gets-an-acoustic-tribute-album-133048481.html?src=rss

A four-pack of AirTags drops to $74 in this early Black Friday deal

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I don't know where my things are more often than I care to admit. Instead of stubbornly ignoring this it might be time for me to finally cave and pick up some AirTags. A new sale brings a four-pack of AirTags down to $74 from $99. The 25 percent discount brings the set's price to just $1 short of its all-time low price. 

Apple's AirTags work within the Find My network and can help you find anything from a wallet to your cat. They also emit a sound if, say, they appear online in a room filled with things and you need a more precise location. The only big annoyance with AirTags is that you have to either slip them into something (like a bag) or attach them with an accessory like a keychain case. 

Four AirTags might be a couple more than you need. If that's the case then check out Amazon's sale on a single AirTag. A 17 percent discount brings one AirTag down to $24 from $29. It's worth taking advantage of this sale if you only need one or two. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/a-four-pack-of-airtags-drops-to-74-in-this-early-black-friday-deal-130351552.html?src=rss

A four-pack of AirTags drops to $74 in this early Black Friday deal

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I don't know where my things are more often than I care to admit. Instead of stubbornly ignoring this it might be time for me to finally cave and pick up some AirTags. A new sale brings a four-pack of AirTags down to $74 from $99. The 25 percent discount brings the set's price to just $1 short of its all-time low price. 

Apple's AirTags work within the Find My network and can help you find anything from a wallet to your cat. They also emit a sound if, say, they appear online in a room filled with things and you need a more precise location. The only big annoyance with AirTags is that you have to either slip them into something (like a bag) or attach them with an accessory like a keychain case. 

Four AirTags might be a couple more than you need. If that's the case then check out Amazon's sale on a single AirTag. A 17 percent discount brings one AirTag down to $24 from $29. It's worth taking advantage of this sale if you only need one or two. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/a-four-pack-of-airtags-drops-to-74-in-this-early-black-friday-deal-130351552.html?src=rss

The name YouTube Shorts isn’t a trademark infringement, UK court rules

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Be prepared, you might never read another article using the word "shorts" so many times again. Ready? A UK high court has ruled Google is free to use the word shorts (here we go!) for YouTube's platform Shorts. A British short films television channel called Shorts International, sued Google last year, arguing the name Shorts infringed on its existing trademark for the word, you guessed it, shorts. 

The court disagreed. "None of Google’s uses of signs including the word “shorts” gives rise to a likelihood of confusion as to origin," Judge Michael Tappin stated in his ruling. "While the similarities between Google’s signs and SIL’s trade marks will give rise to a link in the minds of the limited group of UK consumers amongst whom SIL’s trade marks have a reputation, Google’s uses of signs including the word “shorts” will not cause damage to the distinctive character or repute of SIL’s trade marks." 

YouTube Shorts launched in 2020 in response to the popularity of other short video platforms like TikTok. It reached over 1.5 billion monthly users two years later and can now show videos up to three minutes long — still pretty short (that's 12 short(s) for you).

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-name-youtube-shorts-isnt-a-trademark-infringement-uk-court-rules-150258393.html?src=rss

The name YouTube Shorts isn’t a trademark infringement, UK court rules

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Be prepared, you might never read another article using the word "shorts" so many times again. Ready? A UK high court has ruled Google is free to use the word shorts (here we go!) for YouTube's platform Shorts. A British short films television channel called Shorts International, sued Google last year, arguing the name Shorts infringed on its existing trademark for the word, you guessed it, shorts. 

The court disagreed. "None of Google’s uses of signs including the word “shorts” gives rise to a likelihood of confusion as to origin," Judge Michael Tappin stated in his ruling. "While the similarities between Google’s signs and SIL’s trade marks will give rise to a link in the minds of the limited group of UK consumers amongst whom SIL’s trade marks have a reputation, Google’s uses of signs including the word “shorts” will not cause damage to the distinctive character or repute of SIL’s trade marks." 

YouTube Shorts launched in 2020 in response to the popularity of other short video platforms like TikTok. It reached over 1.5 billion monthly users two years later and can now show videos up to three minutes long — still pretty short (that's 12 short(s) for you).

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-name-youtube-shorts-isnt-a-trademark-infringement-uk-court-rules-150258393.html?src=rss

Tidal, which is in dire need of some good marketing, lays off its entire product marketing team

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Music streamer Tidal will have its second big layoff in a year, and it might dwarf the last one, Fortune reports. Jack Dorsey, CEO of Block (Tidal's parent company since 2021) announced the organization will return to the style of a start-up, with fewer employees. "So we're going to part ways with a number of folks on our team,” Dorsey told staff in a note. Block also owns Cash App, After Pay and BitKey, among others. 

“We're going to lead with engineering and design, and remove the product management and product marketing functions entirely," Dorsey's note to Tidal employees continued. "We're reducing the size of our design team and foundational roles supporting Tidal, and we will consider reducing engineering over the next few weeks as we have more clarity around leadership going forward." Tidal previously laid off about 40 people across multiple departments in December 2023.

Dorsey didn't announce the exact number of staff getting laid off, but sources within the company speculate it might be 100 individuals — one-fourth of the company's employees. "We have made some internal changes to our Tidal team to focus on serving artists in the most meaningful way," a Tidal spokesperson said in a statement. "This involved the elimination of some roles across our business and design teams. We are going to be smaller, focus on fewer things, and move with a relentless approach to product development." Tidal notably removed its free tier for users in March. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/tidal-which-is-in-dire-need-of-some-good-marketing-lays-off-its-entire-product-marketing-team-143045120.html?src=rss

Apple urged TikTok to increase its age recommendations, redacted documents show

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TikTok currently faces lawsuits from 14 states alleging the platform damages young users' mental health and they're not the only ones who think it. It turns out that Apple apparently privately pressed TikTok to raise its age recommendations from 12 and over to 17 and over, The Washington Post reports. The comments from Apple showed up in South Carolina's compliant against TikTok and were supposed to be redacted but, oops, they were accidentally made public. 

Let's dive into what was said, shall we? In 2022, Apple had a team review TikTok's age rating and found the platform had "frequent or intense mature or suggestive content." Apple added, "We hope you will consider making the necessary changes to follow the App Store Review Guidelines and will resubmit." We don't know all the details of what Apple requested as only some of the redacted content was made public. 

Yet, there's plenty of evidence in these momentarily not-redacted documents about TikTok being not so age appropriate. In fact, outsiders and TikTok's own employees found issue with what the company did to reduce content like profanity and eating disorders. The former was found in one out of every 50 pop-up alerts that minors in the US and UK received within a month's time. Advocacy group Accountable Tech found the inadvertently public information and shared it with The Post.

The accidentally public bits of South Carolina's complaint further claimed TikTok sought to "leverage goodwill in lobbying efforts" by donating to organizations like parent-teacher associations. The company also sponsored events for politicians, like an event for the foundation of South Carolina Democratic Representative James E. Clyburn, the former House majority whip. For the record, Clyburn joined the minority in voting against TikTok being sold or banned in the US. 

Unsurprisingly, TikTok wasn't so happy about having this information made public (it's all back behind black marks now). TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek called publishing the redacted information irresponsible, claimed "many of these issues have already been addressed" and stated that the company “has always enforced strict policies against nudity, sexually explicit content, and solicitation."

South Carolina isn't the only state that's lawsuit had a revealing redaction mistake. Kentucky's accidentally public documents revealed that TikTok had reportedly found "compulsive usage correlates with a slew of negative mental health effects like loss of analytical skills, memory formation, contextual thinking, conversational depth, empathy, and increased anxiety." TikTok also reportedly knew its time limit tool wouldn't be effective for minors (average daily use decreased by one minute and a half after implementation). Then there was another document which allegedly said "across most engagement metrics, the younger the user, the better the performance." Don't you just love when companies have its users' best interests in mind?  

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-urged-tiktok-to-increase-its-age-recommendations-redacted-documents-show-131501139.html?src=rss