Apple Marzipan will bring iPhone apps to your Mac: Everything you should know - CNET

Apple's annual developer conference, WWDC, kicks off Monday, June 3. Apple uses the conference to announce upcoming changes to its suite of operating systems. That means we can expect iOS 13, MacOS 10.15, WatchOS 6 and TVOS 13. (Here's how to watch WWDC live.)

We already have a good idea of what to expect in iOS 13, the next version of the OS for your iPhone, having seen leaks of a true dark mode, a revamped Find My Friends app, iMessage user profiles, and possible mouse support coming to the iPad. What we don't know a lot about right now are Apple's plans for the Mac. 

We do anticipate we'll get additional info about Apple's plans to bring more iOS apps to the Mac, through a project currently called Project Marzipan. The idea of being able to install and use your favorite iPhone apps on your Mac is incredibly appealing and downright convenient, but it isn't going to happen overnight. Let's take a look at what Marzipan is exactly, as well as a potential name, timing and why you should even care. 

Apple News on the Mac is the same Apple News app on your iPhone, thanks to Marzipan. 

Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

What is Project Marzipan?

As far as Apple is concerned, Marzipan isn't a dessert, it's an internal code name. Specifically, it's a code name for Apple's initiative to give developers the tools to bring iOS apps to the Mac. To be clear, Apple hasn't ever directly called the initiative Marzipan; it's a name that's been leaked in various reports.

We got our first look at Marzipan apps when MacOS Mojave launched with the addition of Apple News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Home.

Previously, it hasn't been possible for iOS apps to run on a Mac (or vice versa) due to differences in the underlying frameworks -- or software code required for apps to work on a platform. Up until now, iOS has relied solely on UIKit, while MacOS has used AppKit.

With Marzipan, Apple is adding elements of UIKit to MacOS, making it possible for an iOS app to run on a Mac.

Now playing: Watch this: iOS 13, MacOS 10.15 and MacPro: Everything we’re expecting...

9:08

Will it really be called Marzipan?

We doubt it. We don't know what Apple will ultimately call these types of apps, but we have a good guess. Right now Apple refers to iOS apps that are built for the iPhone ($1,000 at Amazon) and the iPad ($249 at Walmart) as "Universal" apps, so it's possible we'll see Apple use that same name for apps built to work with the iPhone, the iPad and the Mac.

At WWDC 2018, Apple made it clear it has no plans to merge iOS and MacOS. 

Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

Wait, don't we already have Universal Apple apps?

Yes, but those apps are limited to the iPhone and iPad right now. We do have features like Continuity for using your iPhone to place phone calls on your Mac, or sharing clipboard contents between your iPad and Macbook. Looking back, it becomes clear features such as hand-off (for things like opening an email you're viewing on your iPad on your Mac) have been precursors to true universal apps in Apple's ecosystem.

When will more iOS apps come to the Mac?

At Apple's WWDC conference last year, the company announced that iOS apps coming to the Mac would roll out in two phases. The first was the release of Apple's own apps on MacOS. Then Apple promised the second phase would give developers the tools to begin porting their iOS apps to MacOS in 2019.

Apple's annual developer conference starts Monday, and we expect to hear a lot more about how Marzipan will work, what it'll really be called and any limitations that iOS developers will have to keep in mind.

Whatever Apple announces Monday will be available only to developers until a public release later this year, possibly in September, when such Apple releases typically happen.

Why should you care?

Take a look at the difference between the iOS App Store and Mac App Store in terms of quality and quantity and it quickly becomes apparent the Mac App Store is lacking all around. Developers just don't invest their time into developing apps for the Mac.

But if Apple can provide developers with a simple tool so that it takes only a few minutes to create a Mac version of their iOS app, we're likely to see the number of high-quality Mac apps increase. 

In theory, apps like Netflix, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube could wind up on the Mac. The longterm goal of Marzipan is to combine iOS and Mac apps so developers don't have to pick and choose which hardware to support. They build an app once, and it works across all your Apple devices. It's a scenario that benefits users and developers alike. 

Not to mention that learning how to use one version of the app, or finding and sticking with an app you love across all your devices, is superconvenient. 

With any luck, we'll learn a lot more about Marzipan on Monday during the WWDC opening keynote presentation, which starts at 10 a.m. PT. The keynote event will be livestreamed, should you want to tune in and see all the new feature announcements as they happen. 

$999

CNET may get a commission from retail offers.

Apple iPhone XS

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/apples-marzipan-will-bring-iphone-apps-to-your-mac-everything-you-should-know/

2019-06-01 13:00:06Z
52780305635134

Apple is expected to announce new features for the iPhone, Apple Watch, and more next week — here's everything we might see (AAPL) - Business Insider

Apple CEO Tim Cook.Justin Sullivan/Getty

• Apple will kick off its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 3, where it's expected to unveil new software features for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac computers.
• It will be an important moment for the company as its App Store and its relationship with developers has been in the spotlight in recent months.
• In addition to revealing new software for its product lineup, we will also likely hear Apple address hot-button topics such as user privacy and its relationship with developers and consumers.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. 

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is always an important event for the iPhone maker, but this year's gathering is likely to be watched particularly closely.

That's because the conference comes just as Apple's widely popular App Store and its relationship with developers have been in the spotlight for a couple of reasons. Earlier this month, a Supreme Court ruling allowed iPhone owners to pursue a lawsuit against the App Store, in which the Apple customers argued that the 30% fee Apple charges developers makes apps more expensive for consumers.

Some app developers are also concerned that the company is unfairly using its position as the operator of the App Store to gain a competitive advantage. Spotify, for example, filed an antitrust complaint with the European Commission over Apple's App Store policies, which it says gives the iPhone maker an unfair edge.

Several developers behind screen-time-management apps also interpreted Apple's decision to pull their programs from the App Store following the launch of Apple's own similar feature to be a targeted move, as The New York Times reported. (Apple says it removed these apps to protect consumer privacy).

As such, it wouldn't be surprising to hear Apple tackle these topics in some way on stage during its opening keynote, possibly by discussing how it prioritizes the interests of its customers and developer community.

Privacy has also been a prominent topic for Apple as well as other big tech firms such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon in recent months. Apple has been very vocal about its privacy efforts through a slew of ads and public comments as of late, and we're likely to hear more about this at its upcoming conference.

And, of course, among the most anticipated announcements are the new features coming to Apple's line of products, from its iPhones to the Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, which the company will preview on stage.

Here's a closer look at what to expect. 

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.businessinsider.com/wwdc-2019-preview-apple-iphone-ios-13-apple-watch-mac-2019-5

2019-06-01 12:00:00Z
52780305635134

Mortal Kombat 11 Shows Off Shang Tsung And Confirms Additional DLC Fighters - Nintendo Life

Mortal Kombat 11 managed to survive its launch, despite a few problems tied to the reward system and a number of reports about the toxic workplace culture at NetherRealm Studios. Brushing aside these launch issues, the team behind the game has now shown off the first Kombat Pack character and confirmed the majority of additional fighters coming to the game.

Fans of this overly violent release can look forward to Shang Tsung, Sindel, Nightwolf along with the guest Spawn and two other special characters, believed to be Ash from Evil Dead series and the Terminator. This pack also throws in "skin and gear" with each character, along with extra skins for existing fighters. Below is a trailer confirming all of this information and an extended look at the skilled sorcerer, Shang Tsung:

As you can see in the above trailer, Shang Tsung, who first appeared in the original Mortal Kombat game as a boss, is a demonic shapeshifter who has the ability to absorb souls and transform into other characters. In this clip, he takes on the form of Rain, Reptile, Smoke, Ermac, Noob Saibot, Sub-Zero, Scorpion and calls on Kintaro for his fatality. Kombat Pack owners get early access to Shang Tsung on 18th June. As previously confirmed, this fighter is voiced by the Japanese-American actor, martial artist and stuntman Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, who starred as the character in the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie.

In addition to this to the DLC reveal, the game has also received an absolutely massive update on the Switch, adjusting and fixing multiple issues. View the full patches notes over on the Mortal Kombat subreddit.

Are you still enjoying Mortal Kombat 11 on the Switch? What are your thoughts about the confirmed fighters? Tell us down in the comments.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/06/mortal_kombat_11_shows_off_shang_tsung_and_confirms_additional_dlc_fighters

2019-06-01 08:00:00Z
52780306764028

Apple will shut down iTunes, ending the download era, report says - Los Angeles Times

“The record companies are in a difficult situation because people want to buy their music online, but there’s no real way to do it, so they steal it,” Jobs said. “The users are in a bad situation because most of them don’t want to steal music online, but there’s no other way to get it that’s any good.” Jobs proposed iTunes as “a middle way, a middle path out of this.”

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-apple-kills-itunes-20190531-story.html

2019-06-01 06:25:00Z
52780307176121

New app tracks the trackers on your mobile device - Fox News

Apple is facing a new controversy surrounding user data and I-phone apps, and it's ironic because when it comes to privacy, Apple has taken a firm stance that goes much further than online giants like Amazon, Google and Facebook. In fact, Apple CEO Tim Cook has gone so far as to declare privacy is a human right, shortly before rolling out an ad campaign centered on the slogan "what happens on your I-phone, stays on your I-phone." So it's come as a big surprise to the Apple faithful that there are dozens of trackers running on your I-phone - and delivering the data they gather throughout the day and night.

A test run with a new app called "Disconnect" found over 5,400 trackers had gathered more than 1.5 gigabytes of data in just a single week. Even more troubling, a lot of the tracking isn't necessarily made clear in the privacy policy of the apps you're using. And what happens with all that private information may also not be spelled out in end user agreements. A lot of the time, it was even difficult to track where the data was going, opening up users to the possibility of identity theft or data corruption. 

The good news - most of the data blocked by the "Disconnect" app is simply ad tracking information for apps you get for free, and some of the captured data is about how you interact with apps so that developers can improve them over time - meaning most of the apps sending data aren't doing it to "spy" on you. Still, Apple may have to do a significant amount of damage control if it turns out their privacy pledge isn't as transparent as they thought it would be. 

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.foxnews.com/tech/new-app-tracks-the-trackers-on-your-mobile-device

2019-05-31 15:10:41Z
52780305635134

Apple WWDC preview: Here’s the new stuff that’s coming - Fox News

Apple will kick off its World Wide Developer’s Conference next week, where the tech giant is sure to have several announcements about its latest software.

Starting on Monday, Apple is expected to take the wraps off its new operating systems, including iOS 13. Apple’s mobile operating system is tipped to add dark mode, a popular feature that has already arrived on macOS, according to 9to5Mac.

Dark mode looks the most striking on apps with white backgrounds, but it also has a more practical side. Newer iPhones like the iPhone X and XS have OLED displays that use less power in dark mode and, as a result, can extend battery life.

APPLE REJECTS GOOGLE CEO'S CRITICISM OVER PRIVACY BEING A 'LUXURY GOOD'

Apple's Messages app is also expected to see a refresh, becoming increasingly similar to WhatsApp. It's anticipated it will get features that allow users to create a profile picture and who is able to see the picture. Additionally, the Mail app is slated to get better organized with the addition of searchable categories.

Tim Cook, CEO, speaks during Apple's annual world wide developer conference (WWDC) in San Jose, California, U.S. June 5, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Lam - RTX395JL (REUTERS/Stephen Lam)

It's also possible that there may be a sleep mode in the works that turns on Do Not Disturb and mutes incoming notifications. Other upgrades may include a redesigned Find My iPhone app that unifies it with Find My Friends, according to reports.

Multi-tasking on the iPad may be enhanced, thanks to the new version of iOS. For example, users will be able to open multiple windows of the same application.

GOOGLE PIXEL 3A REVIEW: THE BEST (NON IPHONE) $400 YOU'LL EVER SPEND

Mac and Apple Watch updates

With the update of the Mac operating system, users can expect to see more progress toward so-called universal apps for developers. The aim is for developers to design a single app that works on the Mac or iOS – on mouse/trackpad or touchscreen, respectively.

This could boost the number of apps on the Mac since it would make it easier for developers to target both platforms. Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple may move new apps to macOS 10.15 such as an upgraded Apple Books, a new Music app, Podcasts, and Find My iPhone/Find My Friends, according to Bloomberg.

The bad news for macOS 10.15 is some older apps may not work because 32-bit apps will no longer be supported, due to support limited for 64-bit apps in the new macOS. For example, old 32-bit versions of the QuickTime Player won’t work but the newer 64-bit version will.

APPLE'S SIRI AND AMAZON'S ALEXA SPREAD SEXISM, UN STUDY CLAIMS

In addition to updates to Apple's Mac operating system, the Apple Watch is also expected to get improvements to its operating system, watchOS.

The Apple Watch will finally get its own App Store, so you can download apps right to the Watch for the first time. To date, you have had to update the Watch via your iPhone.

Health apps are a big reason the Apple Watch is the best-selling smartwatch. New health apps expected include one that tracks menstrual cycles and one for pill reminders. Other planned apps are a Voice Memos app, calculator and an audiobook app.

While WWDC has largely been software focused in the past, Apple has occasionally announced new hardware, including new Macs. Some rumors suggest Apple may show the redesigned Mac Pro, which the company has been working on and is Pro aimed at its high-end users. It would likely come with the latest and greatest chips and hardware and be modular for easy upgrades.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.foxnews.com/tech/apple-wwdc-preview

2019-05-31 13:36:01Z
52780305635134

Call of Duty Goes Modern. Again. - Thurrott.com

After a lackluster Black Ops 4 release, Activision is predictably taking the Call of Duty back to its most popular incarnation with the stupidly named Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.

So, let’s address the name first.

The original Modern Warfare, named Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, was, as its name suggests the fourth entry in the series. It was also the first to drop the World War II themes on which the series was, to then, based. It was also a smash hit, and its sequels—the creatively titled Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 3—each raised the bar, catapulting COD into one of the biggest franchises in gaming history.

COD also saw great success with a second series, Black Ops, but its other titles, each an attempt to jumpstart a new series, were mostly lackluster and failed, at least within the context of COD, to generate much excitement. So Activision has retooled in recent years and has gone back to its roots: The previous two COD titles, Call of Duty: WWII and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, harkened back to great COD series of the past. And it was assumed, correctly, that the next title would be a new entry in the Modern Warfare series.

And that it would be called Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. But it’s not. I guess because of the oddness of the naming of the first MW title, which had a 4 in it.

OK, whatever.

Aside from hitting the same kind of creative brick wall that led to the previous two COD games, it looks like the new MW will differ from those games in at least one important way. Unlike BO4, it will have a single-player campaign, and Activision claims it will be grittier than ever—grittier, even, than the controversial MW2 sequence in which the player was instructed to indiscriminately kill civilians in a Russian airport—and, to my eyes, it appears to use a lot of DOOM 3-style darkness to amp up the tension.

Activision’s David Hodgson published the exact same blog post to Sony’s and Microsoft’s video game blogs, and it is incredibly short on details. Based on the trailer, however, the new MW sees the return of familiar characters, familiar scenarios—including, even the lame “you’re wounded and being dragged by a compadre and must fend off chasing enemies with a pistol—and familiar environments, including the Middle East. There’s night vision, ghillie suits, aircraft strikes of all kinds, and close combat, all the things that COD fans cherished from the original MW series.

And … I don’t know. As I griped previously in Another Black Ops? Call of Duty is Stuck in the Past, Activision’s inability to push COD forward has led to the franchise getting stuck in the past. It’s become the Marvel Universe of gaming, the same thing over and over again.

BO4 was notable almost solely because it introduced a battle royale game mode in response to the success of Fortnite, which is stealing away players, media attention, and dollars, and has jumpstarted the e-sports industry in ways that, frankly, COD should have capitalized on first. Worse, it ruined the year-long value for those of us, like me, who prefer traditional multiplayer and expect regular, and high-quality, map drops. It’s been very light, and many of the “new” maps are just reimagined versions of existing maps with different weather. Come on.

The new MW, meanwhile, promises a more traditional experience of multiplayer, campaign, and co-op gameplay … and that’s about it. If you peruse the Call of Duty website, you’ll discover almost nothing about the new game at all. Other than its release date, October 24, and that it will come in five editions for some reason, three of which are digital.

I assume we’ll learn more at E3. But with Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 doing everything it can to drive away traditional COD fans like myself, I’m a bit leery of the next one. Again.

Tagged with Call of Duty

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.thurrott.com/xbox/207653/call-of-duty-goes-modern-again

2019-05-31 12:16:55Z
52780306652034