Apple Threatens to Remove Decentralized Social Media app Damus from App Store
Apple has given Damus, a decentralized social media app, a warning that it will be removed from the App Store if it doesn't update to comply with Apple's policies. The warning is due to Damus's "zaps" feature, which allows users to earn bitcoin on posts. Apple requires tips or donations to use in-app purchases if they are connected to or associated with receiving digital content. Damus may have to remove the zaps feature to stay on the App Store, which could hinder bitcoin applications trying to innovate on lightning.
Here’s what Mark Zuckerberg thinks about Apple’s Vision Pro
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), addressed Apple's recent unveiling of the Vision Pro headset in a company-wide meeting with employees. He stated that while it "could be the vision of the future of computing," it is not the one he wants for Meta. He pointed out that Meta's upcoming Quest 3 headset will be much cheaper than Apple's offering, giving them an opening to reach a wider user base. Zuckerberg also highlighted the difference in values and vision between Meta and Apple, stating that their device is about people interacting in new ways and feeling closer while being active and doing things, whereas every demo shown by Apple was a person sitting on a couch alone.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Discusses Competition Posed by Apple’s VR Headset
Apple's recent entry into the VR/AR market has sparked interest and concern among Meta's leadership. During an all-hands meeting, Mark Zuckerberg expressed curiosity about Apple's Vision Pro headset but noted that Meta's teams had already explored the constraints posed by laws and physics, implying that Apple's solutions were not groundbreaking.
Apple's Metaverse Plans Could Leave Crypto-Based Projects Behind
While the editor remains optimistic about the future of cryptocurrency, they believe that crypto-based metaverse projects such as Decentraland and the Sandbox are doomed to fail. Decentraland currently has fewer than 500 users, and even Facebook's Meta project has not been successful in attracting users.
Apple Unveils New Mixed Reality Headset, Vision Pro, With Better-Than-4K Resolution and $3,499 Price Tag
Apple has announced the release of its new mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, in early 2024. The headset can be used for productivity, entertainment, gaming, video calls, and viewing 3D photos and videos. It is priced at $3,499, targeting professional users and early adopters.
Apple makes iOS 17 developer beta free for everyone
Apple has made the iOS 17 developer beta and other betas free for everyone, increasing access to its developer builds. Previously, access was only available through a $99/year developer account. The change means that users can now learn how to develop apps for Apple platforms without enrolling in the paid program. However, it is important to note that the developer beta may have bugs and performance issues and is not intended for use on primary devices.
Apple has bought an AR headset startup called Mira
Apple has acquired Mira, a Los Angeles-based augmented reality (AR) start-up that makes headsets for other companies and the US military. The purchase was confirmed by Apple after it was revealed on the CEO's private Instagram account. It is unclear how much Apple paid for Mira, which raised about $17m in funding to date. Jony Ive, Apple’s former design chief, was an advisor to the startup at one point.
The Apple Vision Pro features an M2 chip, a ton of sensors and a new R1 chip
Apple has unveiled its new augmented reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. The device features a custom aluminum alloy body with ventilation holes and three-dimensionally formed laminated glass on the front. It uses micro OLED displays to fit 44 pixels in the space of an iPhone pixel, promising "true 4K resolution with wide colors." There are also 12 cameras, five sensors, six microphones, and eye-tracking technology that can display your eyes on the outside of the device. The Apple M2 chip powers it all along with a new R1 chip designed for real-time processing of the real world and reducing motion sickness. The company plans to sell it for $3,499 starting in early 2024.
Apple announces visionOS, the operating system for its Vision Pro headset
Apple has announced visionOS, the operating system that will power its new Vision Pro headset. The operating system is designed for spatial computing and displaying digital elements on top of the real world. It can be used as a productivity device or entertainment device, with features such as eye tracking, 3D movies, and game controllers. The Vision Pro also has an App Store where people can download compatible apps for iPhone and iPad. Apple hopes to see a rush of developers making apps that take advantage of the new platform in hopes of becoming the next big hit. However, it remains to be seen if this new reality operating system can avoid turning into another watchOS which lost some major apps over time.
Apple announces tvOS 17: redesigned Control Center, Find my Remote, FaceTime app
The upcoming tvOS 17 operating system from Apple will include a redesigned control center interface, the ability to use an iPhone to locate the Apple TV remote, and some new photo screensaver options. Additionally, Apple will introduce the FaceTime application on Apple TV and leverage Continuity Camera to utilize the camera available on your iPhone or iPad. The updated shared experience will allow you to see friends watching content with you on the television and present a split-screen layout. Apple has also promised to release a Continuity Camera API for Apple TV, enabling applications like Zoom and WebEx to launch on tvOS. Although the exact functionality of the "Find my Remote" feature is unclear, it appears that the iPhone can detect the Bluetooth signal emitted by the remote to display a location interface. tvOS 17 will be made available to Apple TV set-top box users later this year.
