Month: October 2023

FEMA will send a test emergency alert to your iPhone in the U.S. on October 4th

CompuScoop Staff October 4, 2023 1

FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) on Oct. 4, 2023.

FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this Wednesday.

The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on October 4th.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.

FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.

The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.

The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.

This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).

All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:

• Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.

• For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

• Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

• WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.

Important information about the EAS test:

• The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers.

• The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours EDT. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.

MacDailyNews Note: Unlike other Government Alerts (AMBER Alerts, Emergency Alerts, Public Safety Alerts, etc.), this test is not able to be turned off in iOS Settings > Notifications > Government Alerts, so the only way to not receive the test message on your iPhone is to turn it off completely on October 4th between 2:20pm – 2:50pm EDT: Settings > General > Shut Down and drag the on-screen slider to the right.

How to use and what IS the iCloud icon in Safari?

Dan Uff October 4, 2023 0

If you've customized your Safari's toolbar at one time or another (View > Customize Toolbar) you may have noticed an iCloud icon as one of the choices. What does it do if you drag it to the Safari's toolbar?

According to various information via the Apple Discussion Board:

It means you've enabled Safari on iCloud: It'll synchronize your tabs to your other devices, such as iPads and more.

Well, now you know. :-)

Apple announces its Again Streaming Holiday Favorites

Dan Uff October 3, 2023 0

Apple has announced that the beloved Peanuts holiday specials “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will each be available to non-subscribers for free.

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” — Stream for Free Saturday, October 21 to Sunday, October 22.
50th Anniversary: “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” — Stream for Free Saturday, November 18 to Sunday, November 19
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” — Stream for Free Saturday, December 16 to Sunday, December 17

 Apple Arcade adds four new games

Apple Inc October 3, 2023 1

Apple Arcade adds four new games — NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition, Cut the Rope 3, Jeopardy! World Tour+, and Crossword Jam+ — and more than 30 updates in October

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Allen Iverson featured on cover in special tribute to 25th anniversary of NBA 2K franchise

Apple Arcade brings fun new games and updates to subscribers monthly, including new releases, award winners, and beloved favorites from the App Store. This October, players can continue to build their NBA legacy as the world’s greatest NBA stars return for another exhilarating season in NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition, featuring NBA legend Allen Iverson as the cover athlete; swipe their way through an all-new adventure with adorable monsters in the hit mobile franchise Cut the Rope 3; challenge the world in the ultimate game of smarts in Jeopardy! World Tour+; and embark on a relaxing word journey with Crossword Jam+.

“Celebrating 25 years of NBA 2K, NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition pays tribute to where it all began. Allen Iverson, NBA 2K’s very first cover athlete when the franchise launched in 1999, is back to lead us into a new era of basketball gaming,” said Greg Thomas, Visual Concepts’s president. “This year’s installment offers more ways for fans to play with all-new modes like the Endorsement, new ways to express themselves with MyPLAYER and MyCOURT customizations, legendary showdowns with the greatest fantasy team challenge, and so much more.”

In addition to new titles, fan-favorite games such as Cooking Mama: Cuisine!, Fruit Ninja Classic+, and Cityscapes: Sim Builder will get exciting updates throughout the month. Players will be able to whip up new Halloween-themed treats with Mama, slice up fruit with the new Halloween Blade in the Abandoned Dojo, put on a citywide festival to celebrate the Day of the Dead, and so much more. All games on Arcade can be enjoyed free from ads or in-app purchases, and with strong user privacy protections, the service offers a fun and safe gaming experience for players of all ages.

New games available this month include (by order of release):

Jeopardy! World Tour+ (Uken Games): October 6

At home or on the go, Jeopardy! World Tour+ is a fresh way to play America’s Favorite Quiz Show. With the true Jeopardy! experience in the palm of their hands, players will have fun competing with other players around world in thousands of categories and earning bragging rights as they climb the leaderboards to become Jeopardy! World Tour champion.

Cut the Rope 3 (Paladin Studios): October 13

The newest chapter in the hit mobile franchise that has more than 1.6 billion downloads, Cut the Rope 3 is an exciting adventure that starts with a mysterious map and a promise of great discoveries. Players will set out to explore uncharted territories with the game’s protagonist, Om Nom, and cute little Nibble Nom. Their journey with these adorable monsters will take them to breathtaking locations and unique levels full of creative and challenging puzzles. By solving them all, they’ll find new species of Nommies and become the ultimate explorer. The game features beloved characters and signature gameplay mechanics, along with new challenges and physics-based elements that will excite fans of the series.

Crossword Jam+ (PlaySimple Games): October 20

Crossword Jam+ takes crossword-style word games to the next level, featuring fresh daily challenges that players can use to wind down for the day and relax to a mellow crossword. Players can simply swipe and connect letters to find words and boost their vocabulary. The game features breathtaking natural sceneries that are sure to put the player’s mind at ease, and Arcade subscribers will be able to access the full game with no ads or in-app purchases. They’ll solve puzzles that slowly get harder to match their growing word skills, all while visiting the most beautiful countries across the world.

NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition (2K Games): October 27

NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition delivers new ways for fans to play at home and on the go. In MyCAREER, players can step into the shoes of their very own NBA superstar, gain fans, and unlock endorsements with iconic brands such as Nike, Jordan, or Adidas. They can also customize their fit with new shoes, accessories, outfits, and tattoos. In addition to current NBA stars, players can tap NBA legends to join their streetball squad as they take on AI opponents. With the return of the Greatest mode, players can challenge new GOATs and unlock a whole new lineup of NBA superstars and legends. They’ll build the team of their wildest dreams as they take on other squads in the ultimate showdown with The Greatest Fantasy Team Challenge. Or they can sit courtside with Spectator mode and play games matching the NBA season with NBA Today. And here’s the kicker — players can now customize their indoor MyCOURT, hone their skills, and then invite their friends via Game Center to witness their greatness.

Pricing and Availability

Apple Arcade is available for $4.99 (U.S.) per month with a one-month free trial. Customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV receive three months of Apple Arcade for free.¹

Apple Arcade is part of Apple One’s Individual ($16.95 U.S.), Family ($22.95 U.S.), and Premier ($32.95 U.S.) monthly plans, with a one-month free trial.²

Arcade Originals are playable across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. App Store Greats are available on iPhone and iPad.

An Apple Arcade subscription gives a family of up to six unlimited access to all the games in its catalog.

Availability for the 200+ titles across devices varies based on hardware and software compatibility. Some content may not be available in all areas.

This offer is available to new subscribers only. Apple Arcade costs $4.99 (U.S.) per month after the free trial. One subscription covers one Family Sharing group. The offer is good for three months after eligible device activation. The plan automatically renews until canceled. Restrictions and other terms apply.
The Apple One free trial includes only services that are not currently used through a free trial or a subscription. The plan automatically renews after the trial until canceled. Restrictions and other terms apply.