Sir Apfelot newsreel week 3, 2023

What a week right? Apple simply presented two new powerful M2 versions and Mac models equipped with them, and then also relaunched the HomePod. But that's not the only Apple and tech news I noticed in calendar week 3 of 2023. And that's why I've put together another Sir Apfelot newsreel for you this Friday, in which you'll find various interesting news items. This week's reports include these: children and grandchildren tricks via SMS and WhatsApp still up to date, artists sue against art AI with illegal training, rumors about Google's AirTag-like trackers, Twitter bans third-party clients, book recommendations against racism .

In the Sir Apfelot newsreel for calendar week 3 of 2023 you will find the following reports, among others: Apple presents new hardware, tricks for children and grandchildren via SMS and WhatsApp, lawsuits against art AIs and DeviantArt, Google's own Bluetooth tracker, Apple's smart Home Display, Twitter Banned Client Use, and More!
In the Sir Apfelot newsreel for calendar week 3 of 2023 you will find the following reports, among others: Apple presents new hardware, tricks for children and grandchildren via SMS and WhatsApp, lawsuits against art AIs and DeviantArt, Google's own Bluetooth tracker, Apple's smart Home Display, Twitter Banned Client Use, and More!

Apple introduces new chips, computers and speakers

Apple introduced new hardware on Tuesday and Wednesday, which can already be ordered and will soon be available in stores. For example, the new 14-inch and 16-inch models of the MacBook Pro are equipped with the newly introduced "Apple Silicon" versions. But a new Mac mini can also be configured with it. And the Apple HomePod, launched in 2018 and phased out in 2021, is getting an upgrade. Here are the posts I wrote on each topic:

Children and grandchildren trick via text message still up to date

Already in November I have you alerted to a scam, where people claim they are a family member (son, daughter, grandchild, etc.) and have a new number. In addition to this lie, it is then also claimed that either money is needed quickly or another transaction has to be confirmed. In addition to this rip-off, there may also be an attempt to take over the victims' WhatsApp profile. For this purpose, a code should be transmitted, which was sent. The people on the other end can use this to verify their device for the account. What's your name online now shows, WhatsApp fraud is currently increasingly being started via SMS.

Artists are suing AI training with copyrighted images

I also have one at heise online this week Article read, which is about a trio of artists who are trying to take action against Midjourney, Stability AI and the platform DeviantArt by means of a class action lawsuit. The aim is not to prevent AI image creation, but to train artificial intelligence. This is because images from the Internet were used; most of them legally protected and without the consent of the authors. Images from the DeviantArt platform were also included, but those who published there were not informed or even compensated for them. All details in the linked source. 

Twitter officially prohibits the use of third-party clients

Elon Musk's megalomania, which has been influencing the Twitter platform for some time now, is causing further damage. Because after the failure of Tweetbot, Echofon, Twitterrific and other third-party clients for using Twitter, it was only speculated that they had violated some API guidelines. Now, however, Twitter is officially making it clear that no third-party offers are permitted in addition to the official Twitter app or website. There was no prior announcement of the change or any kind of transition period for the developers of the clients. Details are among others here at MacRumors.

“AirTag” from Google – search engine giant wants to offer its own tracker

Since the beginning of the week there have been rumors about a "locator tag" being included by Google in the selection of usable devices in the "Fast Pair" console. The tracker, which is said to be still under development, is said to have Bluetooth Low Energy and ultra-wideband radio and is therefore equipped in a similar way to Apple AirTags. There is also a speaker for playing sounds. Details on the Bluetooth tracker to be developed by the Nest team under the code names "Grogu", "Groguaudio" and "GR10" are available in this Twitter thread. 

Apple ID update on Apple TV: End up without an iPhone or iPad?

Also since the beginning of the week, a message about the iPhone compulsion on the Apple TV has been doing the rounds. The details involved updating the Apple ID account, for which an iPhone was required. In other cases, an iPad is shown as an option in addition to an iPhone for an update, such as agreeing to new terms and conditions. Such a case you can z. B. in this tweet see. Anyone who only owns an Apple TV and no other Apple device seemed to be in a fix here.

However, during the week, Apple offered a workaround for anyone who has an Apple TV but doesn't have an iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device. It should, as 9to5Mac also shows in one Post on, help to completely log out of the iCloud and log in again in order to be able to agree to the new terms and conditions directly on the device. The workaround can now also be found in the linked Twitter thread: Settings -> Users and Accounts -> [Name] -> iCloud -> Log out.

Is Apple working on a smart home display?

While Google is trying to copy Apple with its tracker technology, Apple seems to be imitating Amazon. Because like MacRumors with reference to Bloomberg shows, Apple appears to be working on a smart home display that is said to be not entirely dissimilar to the iPad. The device with FaceTime compatibility should bring options for using HomeKit, for video streaming, for video telephony and similar things. Certainly there would also be the use of Siri, shortcuts, weather display and Co. Apple TV, podcasts, photos and the like are also conceivable. The display should be designed to be attached to the wall or a bracket. So it should be more integrated into the home than a mobile iPad.

Two book recommendations to add to Apple's Black History Month offerings

In addition to the new devices, Apple also has a press release this week about its Black History Month offerings veröffentlicht. Black History Month is a period of action in the United States and Canada that aims to show the history of the black population, so that the majority narrative of the white population moves into the background and an equally important part of history is considered. Why only one month of the year should be used for this is beyond me. One should be aware of the crime called racism in all other months as well. For dealing with the topic here in Germany, I can recommend two books that I read last year:

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In the Sir Apfelot Blog you will find advice, instructions and reviews on Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, iMac, Mac Pro, Mac Mini and Mac Studio.