This is what you need to know about Apple TV+ and Apple TV app

Apple has used the Apple TV name a lot—and it now means different things. And we’re here to clarify bits and pieces of it, specifically what the Apple TV+ and Apple TV app are now. Apple TV+ is a subscription service that focuses on Apple originals. Some of these were teased during the recent software-focused event by stars like Oprah, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, director Steven Spielberg, to name a few. This service will be available in the fall. It can be accessed through the Apple TV app. It isn’t known yet how or where in the app Apple TV+ will be visible but we should hear about that in the future. It’ll be ad-free (you are paying for it) and will be coming to over 100 countries

Another add-on paid subscription coming to the Apple TV app will let you stream shows from Apple partners (like HBO, Showtime, and Starz) right from the app. Apple TV used to just be a TV guide of sorts that redirects you to third-party apps to view said shows, but now you will be able to watch shows from its partners right from the Apple TV app. This app used to just be available to iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV set-top box. The app itself is free, but if you would eventually want access to watching content from Apple partners (via an Apple TV Channel subscription), then you’ll have to pay for that (when the service is available, that is). The app will be making its way to the Mac this fall as well as Samsung smart TVs in the spring. Other televisions from manufacturers like Vizio, Sony, LG, etc. will be added “in the future.” Same has been said for Roku and Amazon’s Fire TV.

Apple gets into credit cards

In the world of post-iPhone revenue, Apple has to think about how it can keep its revenue stream going—both from new and old customers. How do you make them stay? One new approach they’re doing is by launching a new branded credit card, aptly called Apple Card. It’s both a digital card that lives in your Apple Pay app and a physical titanium and laser-etched card, which can be used in stores where Apple Pay isn’t available. The tech company is backed by Mastercard and Goldman Sachs to bring this card to life. Apple is saying it’s a simpler credit card without fees and rewards for its customers who use Apple Pay. But of course, there’s more to that we’re sure we’ll hear more about in the coming months. And yes, while there are no penalties for missed payments, you will accumulate interest on top of your existing balance.

While Apple believes users will opt for the digital version of Apple Card, the physical one is unique in the sense that there are no other markings outside of the user’s name. Apple’s reasoning is if the card gets stolen, there is no way for the thief to use it. The card number is unique for each device and it’s stored in the iPhone security chip, Security Element. You’ll get a dynamic security code every time you make a purchase and you will need to authenticate this biometrically. Apple promises that they don’t track what you’ve bought with that information stored in the device and not on the cloud. The Apple Card is coming to the US first. There isn’t any word yet if it’ll be crossing the border. But we’re assuming Apple wants to see how it pans out at home first.

Source: The Verge + CNBC + CNET

The latest promo for ‘Avengers: Endgame’ is a harsh reminder of who we lost

Courtesy of MCU_Direct/Twitter

With Avengers: Endgame just a month away from coming out and Marvel is reminding us of the heroes we’ve lost in Infinity War. Each actor who had an Instagram or Twitter account posted their character posters with the words “Avenge the Fallen” written over their faces. All posts also had the caption “1 Month. #AvengersEndgame” which refers to the worldwide premiere happening on April 26^th. One clever thing Marvel did was colour the posters of the MCU heroes we assume are still alive while leaving those in grey we thought we’ve lost already (Hey! We’re still not losing hope.)

Click to read more ...

Apple unveils Apple News+ subscription service

For US$9.99 a month, Apple has released its new magazine subscription service. Apple is calling it the Apple News+ service, which brings over 300 magazines to the Apple News app. Some of the titles you can expect include The New Yorker, Esquire, National Geographic, Vogue, Men’s Health, to name a few. We’re seeing this emerge from Apple’s acquisition of magazine subscription service, Texture.

The story is still developing and we’ll update later for any additional information.

Source: Engadget