Upcoming iOS update will allow users to disable intentional battery throttlling

Apple CEO Tim Cook recently confirmed that the latest update to iOS 11 will allow users to disable the intentional battery slowdown on their devices. This is the latest update to the news from last month that Apple's iOS purposely slow's down performance on older iPhones in order to counteract battery degradation (an issue that causes some older iPhones to shut off when the battery is at 40%).

Apple has taken flak for reducing performance on older devices and has since given users a discount on battery replacement services for older iPhones. In an interview with ABC News, Cook announced how Apple plans to roll out an update next month, first to devs and the to all users by March. “We’re going to give people the visibility of the health of their battery so it’s very, very transparent,” he says. “This hasn’t been done before.”

Source: The Verge

Apple pledging $350 US Billion contribution to US economy for next 5 years

Apple today announced a new set of investments to build on its commitment to support the American economy and its workforce, concentrated in three areas where Apple has had the greatest impact on job creation: direct employment by Apple, spending and investment with Apple’s domestic suppliers and manufacturers and fuelling the fast-growing app economy which Apple created with iPhone and the App Store.

Apple is already responsible for creating and supporting over 2 million jobs across the United States and expects to generate even more jobs as a result of the initiatives being announced today.

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BMW's plan to offer CarPlay as a subscription service is user-hostile

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

When buying a new car, the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto infotainment system, and the rights to use it, are usually factored into the vehicle's price or offered as an option. In many cases, it is an expected major feature and convenience that simplies a user's buying decision. Once you've purchased the vehicle, you can access CarPlay and its features all you want as a natural extension of your smartphone.

BMW, it seems, has other ideas. The German carmaker, which just recently added CarPlay to their vehicles, wants to charge a yearly subscription fee of US $80 for users. Apple CarPlay is already a $300 option when configuring a new Bimmer and while the first year to use CarPlay is free, customers will need to cough up $80 a year afterward

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Microsoft's newest Surface Book 2 devices coming to Canada

Microsoft os opening pre-orders for the larger 15-inch Surface Book 2 to 17 countries including Canada. The new and improved Surface Book 2 line improves many features in the company's flagship 2-in-1 line, including the latest Intel processors plus the ability to play high-end games as well as power VR experiences.

The larger 15-inch Surface Book 2 is the latest model and a larger form factor that will delight power users and pros looking for a versatile desktop replacement. The Surface Book comes to United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland this month and will be made available to even more countries in the next two months.

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