Year: 2020

What’s new in MacOS Big Sur? Come find out HERE

Dan Uff November 13, 2020 0

Mid Thursday, Apple finally released MacOS Big Sur, which promises to be a huge update for the Mac. But you maybe wondering “WHAT’S NEW?” The below was taken directly from the update’s release notes.

macOS Big Sur release notes:

Design
• New design for apps makes it easier to focus on your content and take action with space efficient toolbars and full height sidebars
• Updated menu bar features wider spacing and a new translucent material that becomes more vibrant when you interact with it
• Refreshed system sounds include the boot chime and sounds for transferring files, moving items to the trash, locking files, and more

Control Center
• Control Center puts your favorite menus and controls in one handy place in the menu bar so you can quickly adjust settings as you work
• Additional controls appear when you click to expand Control Center menus
• Support for pinning favorite menus from Control Center to the menu bar

Notification Center
• Updated Notification Center brings notifications and widgets together in one view
• Interactive notifications display additional actions you can take with a deep press
• Beautiful, new data-rich widgets for Calendar, Clock, Notes, Photos, Podcasts, Reminders, Screen Time, Stocks, and Weather
• Edit view lets you to add new widgets and customize their size
• Support for widgets from third-party apps

Safari
• World’s fastest desktop browser with industry-leading performance and energy efficiency*
• Customizable new start page lets you set a background image and decide what appears, including Reading List, iCloud Tabs, Privacy Report and more
• Expanded extensions support and new dedicated category in the App Store for discovering new extensions
• New tab design featuring favicons in tabs, and website previews that appear when you hover over a tab
• Translation (beta) for English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Russian or Brazilian Portuguese
• Privacy Report gives you visibility into how Safari keeps your browsing your business, with an overview of trackers blocked by Intelligent Tracking Prevention
• Safari password monitoring securely screens saved passwords for any that may have been involved in a data breach
• Safari privacy prompts for extensions let you choose when a website can work with an extension

Messages
• Pinned conversations keep up to nine of your favorite threads at the top of the list
• Mentions let you direct a message to an individual in a group conversation
• Inline replies let you reply to a specific message earlier in the conversation
• Message effects for balloons, confetti, lasers and more
• #images helps you find and add trending GIFs to messages
• Memoji makes it simple to create a personalized character and send stickers that match your mood and personality

Maps
• Guides offer recommendations for places to go and things to do, curated by a selection of trusted brands
• Look Around to explore cities in a high-resolution, interactive 3D experience
• Indoor maps for major airports and shopping centers
• Cycling directions helps you find bike-friendly routes to your destination
• Electric vehicle routing helps you plan trips for supported vehicles that you add on iPhone

Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.
* Performance will vary based on system configuration, network connection, and other factors.

Apple facing widespread outages as MacOS Big Sur becomes available

CompuScoop Staff November 13, 2020 0

If you’re seeing your Mac that’s running Catalina experiencing major slowdowns and apps not opening, you’re not alone. It looks like an issue with an Apple server connection.

Apple has confirmed the issue with downloading macOS Big Sur on its System Status page saying “Users may not be able to download macOS Software Updates on Mac computers. The issue is currently being investigated.”

Even after Apple sharing the macOS software update problem has been fixed, users are still seeing an error after Big Sur is downloaded preventing it from being installed. It looks like it will take more time before this is fully ironed out.

Via: 9to5Mac.com

Coming Soon: Microsoft Office for M1 Macs (Now in Beta)

Dan Uff November 12, 2020 0

According to 9to5Mac.com, Microsoft has announced that it is working on a version of its Office Suite that'll take full advantage of the M1 Chip when it's released.

Microsoft plans to push a beta to eligible participants sometime Thursday.

PR: Apple Airplay 2 and HomeKit Support now available on Select 4K Roku Streaming Players

CompuScoop Staff November 11, 2020 1

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Roku, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROKU) today announced, with the release of Roku® OS 9.4, Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support is now available on select 4K Roku devices, including the Roku Ultra, Roku Streambar, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Streaming Stick+, and Roku Premiere. Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit are expected to roll out to supported 4K Roku TV models with Roku OS 9.4 in the coming days.

With AirPlay 2, Roku customers can stream, control and share their favorite content directly from their iPhone, iPad or Mac to their supported Roku device, bringing the experience to the big screen. HomeKit allows customers to easily and securely control their Roku device with their voice using the Home app and Siri on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or HomePod.

“With regular automatic software updates, the Roku OS enables consumers to easily get to the entertainment they want via the new features we add over time,” said Ilya Asnis, senior vice president of Roku OS at Roku. “With Roku OS 9.4 now available on streaming players, we are adding all-new ways to navigate and control content-rich experiences on Roku devices as well as ensuring Roku devices provide a great entertainment experience for customers, regardless of what other technology products they prefer in their homes and particularly with the addition of Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.”

Roku Ultra

The Roku Ultra is the ultimate streaming player, offering powerful, smooth streaming with channels that launch in a snap and Roku’s best wireless, now with up to 50% more range and Bluetooth^® support. Users can stream in extraordinary Dolby Vision® picture quality and experience immersive Dolby Atmos® sound when paired with compatible devices. Control the Roku Ultra by using Roku Voice via the included voice remote, or by speaking commands to devices featuring Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. Roku Ultra is perfect for cord cutters and people who love to stream.

Roku Streambar

The Roku Streambar is the ultimate two-in-one entertainment upgrade with powerful streaming and premium sound for any TV with HDMI. Users can hear every detail as they stream in vibrant 4K HDR picture quality on 4K HDR compatible TVs. Crisp, clean audio makes dialogue easier to hear and, with its compact design, fills the room with sound. Loud commercials can be quieted automatically. Setup is simple with everything in the box, including one voice remote that controls your TV, sound, and streaming.

Roku OS 9.4

Roku OS 9.4 also features the Live TV Channel Guide on Roku TVs, helpful hints for Roku Voice, Surround Level Control for Multi-Channel Audio, updated Theme Packs, and performance enhancements. Roku TV models are expected to receive Roku OS 9.4, which enables Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit for select 4K Roku TVs, in phases over the coming weeks.

Availability

The Roku Ultra and Roku Streambar are available now at Roku.com and all major retailers Nationwide. The Roku Streambar is also available in Canada, Mexico and the U.K.

For more information visit www.Roku.com.

About Roku, Inc.

Roku pioneered streaming to the TV. We connect users to the streaming content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers with unique capabilities to engage consumers. Roku TV™ models and Roku streaming players are available in the U.S. and in select countries around the world through direct retail sales and licensing arrangements with TV brands and service operators. Roku audio products are available in the U.S. and in select countries through direct retail sales. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. U.S.A.

This press release contains “forward-looking” statements that are based on our beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us on the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements include but are not limited to those related to the roll-out timing, benefits, features, functionality, impact and content made available by Roku OS 9.4, including Airplay 2 and HomeKit, as well as the features, benefits and reach of the Roku platform. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially are detailed from time to time in the reports Roku, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on Roku’s website and are available from Roku without charge.

Roku and the Roku logo are registered trademarks and Roku TV is a trademark of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. Trade names, trademarks and service marks of other companies appearing in this press release are the property of their respective holders.