Updates Archives - Latest Tech News Blog

February 13, 2023

Apple releases iOS 16.3.1 and iPadOS 16.3.1 updates

iOS 16.3.1 is out

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Apple has released iOS 16.3.1 and iPadOS 16.3.1 with bug fixes and other performance improvements.

Users can download iOS 16.3.1 and iPadOS 16.3.1 to their respective devices. The new releases contain the usual bug fixes and performance improvements, though Apple has singled out some changes.

A fix has been included for iCloud settings, which can be “unresponsive or incorrectly display if apps are using iCloud.” There’s a second fix for instances where Siri requests to Find My failed.

The beta testing cycle for iOS 16.4 and the rest is expected to start soon. There are a number of features Apple has promised for impending release, but no official release windows have been provided.

How to update to the latest releases

Devices update automatically within a day or two depending on the user’s settings. Those who want to install the update sooner can do so manually.

For iOS and iPadOS, users can navigate to the Settings app, select General, then Software Update. Apple Watch users can update via the Watch app by selecting General, then Software Update.

February 6, 2023

Apple updates tvOS and HomePod Software to 16.3.1

HomePod mini

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Apple has released a pair of software updates affecting tvOS and the HomePod range, bringing them up to version 16.3.1.

The update, which landed on Monday and brings each to build number 20K661, can be downloaded to the Apple TV, the HomePod, and HomePod mini by all device owners.

The updates will install automatically onto each device in time, however you can manually do so on the Apple TV within the Settings app. The HomePod software update can be managed via the Home app.

It is unclear exactly what the content of the updates are, except for Apple’s patch notes stating they include “general performance and stability improvements.” The minute version number change to 16.3.1 also points to it being a minor refresh.

The last HomePod software update to version 16.3 included features enabling built-in temperature and humidity sensors in the HomePod mini and HomePod, with readings for each able to be seen within the Home app and by asking Siri for them.

Changes to ambient sounds, audio tuning for spoken content, and Find My alterations were also in the 16.3 update.

October 27, 2022

App Store Review Guideline updates now available – Latest News

October 24, 2022

The App Store Review Guidelines have been updated to support new features in upcoming OS releases, better protect customers, and help your apps go through the review process as smoothly as possible.

Revised in Before You Submit: “Provide App Review with full access to your app. If your app includes account-based features, provide either an active demo account or fully-featured demo mode, plus any other hardware or resources that might be needed to review your app (e.g. login credentials or a sample QR code).”

Revised 1.1.4: “This includes ‘hookup’ apps and other apps that may include pornography or be used to facilitate prostitution, or human trafficking and exploitation.”

Added 1.1.7: “Harmful concepts which capitalize or seek to profit on recent or current events, such as violent conflicts, terrorist attacks, and epidemics.”

Added to 2.1: “If you are unable to provide a demo account due to legal or security obligations, you may include a built-in demo mode in lieu of a demo account with prior approval by Apple. Ensure the demo mode exhibits your app’s full features and functionality.”

Added 2.5.17: “Apps that support Matter must use Apple’s support framework for Matter to initiate pairing. In addition, if you choose to use any Matter software component in your app other than the Matter SDK provided by Apple, the software component must be certified by the Connectivity Standards Alliance for the platform it runs on.”

Moved language from 3.1.7 to 2.5.18: “Display advertising should be limited to your main app binary, and should not be included in extensions, App Clips, widgets, notifications, keyboards, watchOS apps, etc. Ads displayed in an app must be appropriate for the app’s age rating, allow the user to see all information used to target them for that ad (without requiring the user to leave the app), and may not engage in targeted or behavioral advertising based on sensitive user data such as health/medical data (e.g. from the HealthKit APIs), school and classroom data (e.g. from ClassKit), or from kids (e.g. from apps in the Kids Category), etc. Interstitial ads or ads that interrupt or block the user experience must clearly indicate that they are an ad, must not manipulate or trick users into tapping into them, and must provide easily accessible and visible close/skip buttons large enough for people to easily dismiss the ad.”

Revised 3.1.1: “Apps may not use their own mechanisms to unlock content or functionality, such as license keys, augmented reality markers, QR codes, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency wallets, etc.”

Added to 3.1.1: “Apps may use in-app purchase to sell and sell services related to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), such as minting, listing, and transferring. Apps may allow users to view their own NFTs, provided that NFT ownership does not unlock features or functionality within the app. Apps may allow users to browse NFT collections owned by others, provided that the apps may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase.”

Added 3.1.3(g): “Advertising Management Apps: Apps for the sole purpose of allowing advertisers (persons or companies that advertise a product, service, or event) to purchase and manage advertising campaigns across media types (television, outdoor, websites, apps, etc.) do not need to use in-app purchase. These apps are intended for campaign management purposes and do not display the advertisements themselves. Digital purchases for content that is experienced or consumed in an app, including buying advertisements to display in the same app (such as sales of “boosts” for posts in a social media app) must use in-app purchase.”

Revised 3.1.5(iii): “Exchanges: Apps may facilitate transactions or transmissions of cryptocurrency on an approved exchange, provided they are offered only in countries or regions where the app has appropriate licensing and permissions to provide a cryptocurrency exchange.”

Revised 5.2.5: “Music from iTunes and Apple Music previews may not be used for their entertainment value (e.g. as the background music to a photo collage or the soundtrack to a game) or in any other unauthorized manner. If you provide music previews from iTunes or Apple Music, you must display a link to the corresponding music in iTunes or Apple Music.”

For full details, read the App Store Review Guidelines.

September 22, 2022

Looncup tracks menstruation and provides vaginal updates

The “world’s first smart menstruation cup” links with a phone app to provide women with information about their periods (+ movie).

The silicone Looncup collects menstrual flow as an alternative to disposable tampons or sanitary towels, similar to other reusable devices such as Mooncup.

However, Looncup wirelessly connects to a smartphone app to notify the user how close to its 25-millilitre capacity it is, as well as track the periodic cycle and give feedback about health. Updates can also be displayed on an Apple Watch.

“A Looncup can do so much more than a tampon, pad, or even a regular menstrual cup,” said the product’s developer Loon Lab. “It’s the world’s first smart menstruation cup, and it tells you how full it is, and when it’s time to refresh.”

The app acts as a diary, recording the different stages of the menstrual cycle each month. Using information collected over time, it can then send the user a message to remind when their period is coming up.

It also identifies and tracks fluid colour, which can apparently indicate problems like stress or poor sleep.

The sensor is embedded into the base of the silicone cup, which features a teet on the end for easy application and removal.

Loon Lab lists a range of qualities that give menstrual cups advantages over disposable products, including non-irritant, reusable, odourless and hypoallergenic.

The company is currently developing the sensor’s capabilities to check for health issues that can be detected from menstrual flow, like abnormal iron and blood sugar levels.

“Menstrual fluid can tell us so much,” said Loon Lab. “Every woman is unique, and we are working on several different Looncup types. For example, we’ll be able to check anaemia with hemoglobin, glucose for people suffering from diabetes, and cholesterol for people suffering from hyperpiesia.”

The device weighs 19 grams and the battery lasts approximately for six months, depending on the usage pattern.

A Kickstarter campaign launched to raise funds for developing and producing the device has surpassed its $50,000 (£33,000) target with 22 days to go until it ends.

“We believe that each tiny Looncup can make a huge impact on the lives of women around the world,” said Loon Lab.

Also aiming to solve period problems, Swedish designer Katarina Hornwall created a necklace pendant that can be used to carry emergency tampons.

June 11, 2022

Further updates on StoreKit External Entitlement for dating apps in the Netherlands storefront – Latest News

Following productive conversations with the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), today we’re introducing additional adjustments to Apple’s plan to comply with the regulator’s order pertaining to dating apps on the App Store in the Netherlands:

Developers of dating apps in the Netherlands can use the StoreKit External Purchase Entitlement, the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement, or both entitlements.
In accordance with the ACM’s wishes, we’ve made adjustments to the user interface requirements announced this past March for developers who choose to use either or both of the entitlements.
We’ve adjusted the payment processing provider criteria for developers who wish to use either of the entitlements.
The 3 percent commission discount also applies to in-app purchases that qualify for a lower commission rate (for example, App Store Small Business Program enrollees or subscription services after one year of paid service — both of which already qualify for a 15% commission).

As a reminder, developers of dating apps who want to continue using Apple’s in-app purchase system — which we believe is the safest and most secure way for users to purchase digital goods and services — may do so and no further action is needed.

We don’t believe some of these changes are in the best interests of our users’ privacy or data security. Because Apple is committed to constructive engagement with regulators, we’re making the additional changes at the ACM’s request. As we’ve previously said, we disagree with the ACM’s original order and are appealing it.

Learn more

April 12, 2022

Tested: Final Cut Pro update’s real-world speed boost to Mac Studio

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Apple’s update to Final Cut Pro on Tuesday included improvements to the app’s performance on the Mac Studio that users will notice in the real world. Here’s how much faster you can expect your exports to complete.

In AppleInsider testing, the optimizations do indeed have an effect on real world performance.

We tested a Final Cut Pro 4K video render on a Mac Studio equipped with an M1 Max, 32 GPU cores, and 64GB of Unified Memory before and after the update. The video itself was a nine-minute 4K 29.97 exported H.264 direct from Final Cut Pro.

Test results before and after update.

Prior to the update, the render took 3:30, while the same exact render took 3:10 after installing version 10.6.2 of Final Cut Pro.

There were other improvements we spotted after installing Tuesday’s update. Overall, editing is smoother and there are fewer graphical inconsistencies when editing audio waveforms.

In addition, Compressor also opened much faster on our Mac Studio compared to a three- to four-minute startup time prior to the update.

We are continuing to test the update. Additionally, while not specifically noted, we are also running tests on the M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro, to see if the update had any impact.

The update itself is a free download from the App Store for Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Compressor users.

March 25, 2022

Ag department updates eligibility for market hog pandemic program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington has clarified the definition of a spot market sale and hog eligibility under the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program, which assists producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020.

Hog producers also will now be required to submit documentation to support information provided on their program application. USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept applications through Friday, April 29, which is an extension of the April 15, 2022, deadline previously set for the program, according to a news release from Maine State FSA Office in Bangor.

USDA is offering the program in response to a reduction in packer production because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in fewer negotiated hogs being procured and subsequent lower market prices.

The program is part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative and addresses gaps in previous assistance for hog producers.

“Since opening signup for the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program, we have heard from stakeholders and interested parties who have expressed concern and confusion about eligibility criteria, particularly as they related to the definition of a spot market sale and the definition of an eligible hog,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We have clarified the intent and scope of this program to target assistance to hog producers who were hard-hit by the pandemic but have not been included in other forms of assistance. In updating the SMHPP, we are working to provide new, broader, and more equitable opportunities for farmers, ranchers and producers.”

Eligible hog producers can apply for SMHPP by completing the FSA-940, Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program application, along with required supporting documentation. Producers can visit farmers.gov for examples of supporting documentation, information on applicant eligibility and more information on how to apply.

Applications can be submitted to the FSA office at any USDA Service Center nationwide by mail, fax, hand delivery or via electronic means. To find their local FSA office, producers should visit farmers.gov/service-locator. Hog producers can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance.

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Apple updates Logic Pro X, MainStage with new features, M1 Ultra optimizations

Apple has issued new updates to its Logic Pro X, GarageBand, and MainStage music that bring new features, stability improvements, and more.

The new updates, which were issued on Monday, March 14, are relatively minor in scale, but they all add some new capabilities to Apple’s suite of music-making applications.

Additionally, Apple says that Logic Pro X is also updated to optimize performance on M1 Max and M1 Ultra chips on the new Mac Studio.

The update also contains a slew of bug fixes and performance improvements, along with other tweaks to music creation features like the step sequencer, sampler, and live loops.

On Apple’s MainStage app, which is meant for live performances, Apple has implemented a new refined design, expanded the sound library with more patches and kits, and introduced optimize performance for M1 Max and M1 Ultra Mac Studio models.

Apple also issued version 10.4.6 of its free GarageBand music app. According to Apple’s release notes, the version contains stability improvements and bug fixes.

All three updates are currently available to download from the Mac App Store.

March 4, 2022

Google Play system updates for March includes improvements for app and game discovery, NFC, and more

Keep those changes coming

It’s always great when a software company is open and honest about what’s changing in new versions, from the smallest app developer all the way up to, well, Google. And despite some recent changes that have made it more difficult to see update logs on the Play Store, it’s continuing on with listing out monthly patches to Google System Updates.

For March, the company is hitting all sorts of aspects to its services, from mobile apps to developer-focused tools, although the actual list is rather unclear. Some of the changes are further improvements to stuff we’ve seen before, like play-as-you-download games that help reduce wait times after picking up a new title from the Play Store. Other points covered are exceptionally vague, like “new features” added for better app discovery.

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Still, there are a couple of concrete points worth highlighting. Play Games Services profiles now have better privacy management tools, which is always a welcome improvement. Meanwhile, Google has made the user experience for NFC-enabled devices smoother, with enhanced feature education for newcomers to mobile payments. It should build well on last month’s changes to Google Pay.

If you’re interested, here’s the complete list of patch notes:

Critical Fixes

[Auto, Phone, Tablet, TV, Wear OS] Bug fixes for device connectivity, developer services, safety & emergency, and utilities related services.

Games

[Phone, TV] With the update to the Play Games Services profile, users will be able to better manage their privacy settings.

Google Play Store

Improvements to Play-as-you-download feature to let gamers start playing mobile games while the app download continues to reduce waiting times.
New Features to help you discover the Apps & Games you love.
Optimizations allowing faster and more reliable download and installation.
New features to the Play Pass and Play Points programs.
Enhancements to Google Play Billing.
Continuous improvements to Play Protect to keep your device safe.
Various performance optimizations, bug fixes and improvements to security, stability and accessibility.

Wallet

[Phone] Improved user experience and feature education for NFC/HCE-enabled devices.

System Management

Updates to system management services that improve device connectivity, network usage, stability, security and updatability.

Developer Services

New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support ads, accessibility, analytics & diagnostics and machine learning & AI, and security & privacy related developer services in their apps.

You can check these out in more detail — as well as explore previous monthly updates — by heading to Google’s support page. We’re only a few months into the company’s initiative to provide additional details for system changes each month, but already, it’s a welcome addition to the usual roundup of Android monthly patches.

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Upcoming Apple Developer certificate updates – News

Starting January 27, 2022, intermediate certificate updates will be available for the Apple Push Notification service (APNs) and Developer ID.

Apple Worldwide Developer Relations Intermediate Certificate (G4)

APNs SSL certificates will be issued from a new intermediate certificate (Worldwide Developer Relations G4 sub CA) exclusively focused on APNs. Once the new certificate is active and available for download, you’ll be able to use it to send push notifications to apps (including VoIP), complications, websites on Safari, and Apple Wallet passes.

Apple Developer ID Intermediate Certificate (G2)

The digital certificates you use to sign your software and installer packages on macOS will be issued from a new Developer ID Intermediate Certificate that expires on September 16, 2031. Newly issued Developer ID certificates associated with the new intermediate certificate can be used to sign software on Xcode 11.4.1 and later. If you’re running Xcode 13.2 or later, the updated certificate will download automatically when you sign software after January 28, 2022. If you’re using an earlier version of Xcode, you can download the certificate manually or create certificates compatible with previous versions of Xcode.

Your existing certificates will continue to function until expiration or revocation, whichever comes first.

Learn about Developer ID Intermediate Certificate updates

Learn about Developer Relations Intermediate Certificate updates