Entries by Nicole Batac (11823)

Thursday
Jun222023

Apple gives you the power to fix your own iPhone 14 or MacBook M2

Image: Apple

If you have an iPhone 14 or a MacBook with an M2 chip, you can now fix it yourself with Apple's help. The company has expanded its Self-Service Repair program to cover these devices and more. You can order the parts, tools, and manuals you need from Apple's website and follow the steps to repair your device at home. According to Apple, you can also fix the TrueDepth camera and top speaker on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 models in the US, UK, and seven European countries. M1-based desktops like the iMac are also included.

You don't even need to call Apple to finish the job. Just put your device in Diagnostics mode and use the System Configuration tool to verify and authenticate your repairs with official parts. This tool also makes sure your biometrics (like Face ID and Touch ID) work properly with the Secure Enclave.

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Wednesday
Jun212023

Roblox expands its platform with content for users 17 and older

Image: Roblox

Roblox is known as a family-friendly platform, but it's changing its tune. The company announced it will let creators make content for users 17 and older, who make up 38 percent of its daily active users in 2022. This content may include more mature themes and storylines in TV shows and stand-up comedy, such as violence, blood, crude humour, romantic themes, and alcohol. Players may also see gambling content that they can't interact with.

To access this content, users must verify their age and identity by uploading a photo of their driver’s license or ID and a selfie. Roblox says this will ensure a safe and engaging experience for older users. Creators can start making these experiences today. And they will be available to eligible users in the coming weeks. Roblox did not specify what makes a creator or user eligible. We have contacted Roblox for more details.

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Wednesday
Jun212023

Spotify’s lossless streaming tier may finally arrive this year

Leaked Spotify HiFi interface (Image: Jane Manchun Wong / Twitter)

Spotify may soon launch a new subscription tier with lossless audio streaming, Bloomberg reports. The tier, internally called "Supremium," could debut later this year in some markets outside the US. Spotify first announced its plans for lossless streaming, dubbed "Spotify HiFi," in February 2021 but has yet to deliver on the feature.

Spotify may have delayed the move due to its rivals, Amazon Music and Apple Music, which added lossless streaming to their standard plans at no extra cost. 

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Tuesday
Jun202023

Spotify’s desktop app gets a fresh look

Image: Spotify

Spotify has neglected its desktop app for a long time, focusing more on its mobile apps and controversial podcasters. But now, the desktop and web apps have received a major makeover that the company calls "one of the biggest revamps yet." The new design aims to match the sleek smartphone app, which feels like a long time coming given Spotify started as a browser-based service before it expanded to mobile devices.

The main content area is still the same, with easy access to music and podcast recommendations. But the left side of the app window now has the new "Your Library" feature, which the company tested earlier. This feature lets you quickly access your saved music and podcast collections and switch between playlists. You can also collapse the library for a simpler view.

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