News on the margin week 24 - November 30

Misinformation spreads about how the NameDrop feature works, some Google Drive user files mysteriously disappear, Apple is working on a cheaper version of the Apple Vision Pro glasses, changing the default sound for notifications and vibrations in the iOS 17.2 update, Apple abandons development of its own 5G modem, and other exciting news. On the sidelines...

Apple pays less than half of what other companies pay for Arm

Apple uses ARM CPUs in all of its devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac computers, and HomePod, and pays a fee to ARM to license the intellectual property to use these units. According to a new report, Apple pays less than other companies, as Apple pays less than 30 cents per chip, while other companies pay on average about 50 cents per chip. Although Apple is one of ARM's largest and most important customers, its share constitutes less than 5% of ARM's total revenues. These fixed fees apply to each chip, regardless of the number of cores on it. Despite attempts by SoftBank, which owns Arm, to renegotiate to raise fee rates with Apple, these attempts were not successful. Apple appears to have explored the possibility of using open source technology known as RISC-V as a long-term alternative to its chips. Although the current licensing agreement between Apple and ARM extends beyond the year 2040, ARM is constantly trying to work to renegotiate the financial terms.

Apple abandons development of its own 5G modem

Unconfirmed reports have suggested that Apple may abandon development of its own 5G modem. As it faces difficulties in developing the modem in a way that competes with the modems of other companies that have a long history in this matter, such as Qualcomm and MedTech. Apple began working on developing its own 5G modem in 2019 and using it in future iPhones and iPads. But according to reports, the 5G modem did not meet its requirements due to performance and efficiency issues, lack of support for faster mmWave technology and difficulties with Intel's code. As a result, Apple decided to abandon its development and rely on other companies' modems until further notice.

If these reports are true, this will be an important step for Apple. This will allow it to focus on developing other, more important products, such as phones and tablets. But on the other hand, this move may lead to increased dependence on other companies, such as Qualcomm. This may give these companies more leverage over Apple.

It is unclear whether Apple will return to developing its own 5G modem in the future. The company may decide to focus on other areas, such as developing new technologies.

Now the document scanner is on google drive app

Google announced the addition of the Document Scanner feature to the Google Drive app for iPhone and iPad in the latest update, a feature that has been on Android for nearly a decade. This feature allows users to quickly and easily create digital copies of paper documents. The feature will be rolled out over the course of these days, and can be accessed via the app's camera icon. The scanner detects the edges of the document in the viewfinder, aligns objects correctly, and eliminates all glare and tilt for a clean scan ready to upload.

Once the document is scanned, you can modify it as needed. You can crop it, rotate it, or add captions or tags. You can also save the document as a PDF or image file.

Apple announces the end of its partnership with Goldman Sachs

Apple plans to end its partnership with Goldman Sachs to issue the Apple Card. According to the report, the partnership will end within 12 to 15 months. This step will include both the Apple Card and the Apple Savings account.

Apple is still looking for a new partner to issue the Apple Card, but has pledged to provide the same level of service and features to customers. There were rumors earlier this year that Goldman Sachs was seeking to end its partnership with Apple as part of a strategy to shrink its consumer business.

There were also reports that the bank was discussing a potential acquisition with American Express, but these talks were unsuccessful. Synchrony Financial, a company that specializes in store credit cards, has been considered as a potential successor to the Apple Card.

The partnership between Apple and Goldman Sachs has faced some challenges, including customer service issues and regulatory scrutiny. The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau launched an investigation into Goldman Sachs due to customer complaints, which led to increased tension between the two companies. The financial dynamics of the partnership have also been a source of contention, with Goldman Sachs facing restrictions on charging fees compared to traditional credit card issuers.

Change the default sound for notifications and vibrations in iOS 17.2 update

Apple has released the fourth beta of the iOS 17.2 update, which includes a variety of new features, including the option to change the default sound for notifications and vibrations. Previously, users were limited to using the default sound and vibrations provided by Apple. But with the new beta version, users can now choose their favorite sound and vibrations from a variety of options.

Under the “Sounds & Haptics” section, there is a new “Default Alerts” section that allows you to choose the sound used for all incoming notifications other than texts, mail alerts, and calendar alerts, which already have customization options.

This new addition is a welcome option for users who want to customize their notification experience. It allows users to choose the sound and vibrations that suit their personal taste.

Apple is working on a cheaper version of the Apple Vision Pro glasses

Reports out of Asia indicate that Apple is actively working on several next-generation Vision Pro glasses. According to the report, there are four different second-generation models under development, including a direct successor to the first generation and a less expensive one that is expected to be half the cost of the first generation.

Production samples for this model are expected to begin in the second half of 2024, with a possible launch in the second half of 2025 at the earliest. Another report from Interface News indicates that Apple is working with its supply chain to discuss cost-reduction strategies further for the second and third generation, with the aim of affordability and increasing future sales. Mass production of the first generation of Apple Glass is supposed to begin in December, with an initial batch of four hundred thousand glasses, and Apple aims to achieve a sales goal of approximately one million units in 2024. The first generation of Apple Glass is scheduled to be launched early next year in United States, starting at $3499.

Some Google Drive user files have mysteriously disappeared

Google Drive users received a warning not to disconnect their accounts within the desktop app; Due to a series of reports detailing files lost from the cloud service. Concerns arose on Google's community support site when users reported the mysterious disappearance of files, with some citing data loss for six months or more. The Google Drive team acknowledged the issue, stating that they are "investigating reports of an issue affecting a limited subset of Drive desktop users." As a precaution, users are advised not to click “Disconnect Account” within Desktop Drive and not to delete or move the App Data folder. Google also recommends making a copy of the application data folder if there is available space on your hard drive, until the sync issue is resolved. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Misinformation spread about how NameDrop works

It sparked the introduction of the NameDrop feature in both operating systems iOS 17.1 And watchOS 10.1 misinformation, especially from police departments in several states, which warned users against sharing contact information “just by holding your phones close together.” The Chester City Police Department in Ohio, among others, suggested turning off NameDrop in iOS settings to prevent this alleged automatic sharing. However, NameDrop works more complicated. Explicit user permission and activation are required when an iPhone running iOS 17.1 or an iPhone running iOS 17.1 and an Apple Watch running watchOS 10.1 are placed close together and both devices are unlocked. A pop-up window then appears asking users to share contact information or a photo, and the transfer only happens when both parties accept. While the warning went viral on social media, it was criticized for causing unnecessary fear, prompting some police departments to adjust their messaging. Apple may consider adjusting the default settings in future updates, but users can currently disable NameDrop through Settings > AirDrop > Turn off Bringing Devices Together.

Miscellaneous news

◉ Apple has released the fourth beta versions of iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, macOS Sonoma 14.2, watchOS 10.2, and tvOS 17.2 updates to developers.

◉ Apple announced that its Books app now offers a “Year in Review” summary in certain countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, France, and Germany. This feature requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 17.1 or iPadOS 17.1 or later, and can be found under the “Read Now” tab under “Top Picks,” for users who have at least three titles marked “complete.” The feature allows users to view personalized highlights about the books and audiobooks they read in 2023, including total time spent reading, longest book or audiobook read, most read author and genre, highest rated book, and more.

◉ Apple will likely release the iOS 17.1.2 update next week, based on analyzes from specialists in recent days.

Sources:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10| 11| 12| 13| 14| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18