Apple Intelligence Beta Users Invited to 'Rate Your Experiences' and Earn Points

In the latest macOS 15.1, iOS 18.1, and iPadOS 18.1 betas, Apple has introduced a new "Rate Your Experiences" feature in its Feedback Assistant app that lets users rate the generative content served by Apple Intelligence across apps, with the aim of using the feedback to refine and train Apple's generative models.

Apple describes the new feature like so:

Help improve Apple products and services! Content such as your emails from the Mail app and messages from the Messages app will be displayed to you, along with content generated from them for Apple Intelligence features. This data always remains on your device unless you choose to submit it to Apple, after rating your experience.

In the new section, users are asked to "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" recent generated content to indicate their level of satisfaction with the results. If the "experience" shown was not good, users are invited to optionally offer more details for submission to Apple. This can be done by choosing from pre-defined feedback presented as a checkmark list, and by providing additional typed information for context.

In the case of a summarized email in the Mail app, for example, users can choose from the following issues:

Hard to understand

Missed key detail

Incorrect attributions

Too long

Irrelevant additions

Stereotyping or bias

Overly suggestive or sexual

Vulgar or offensive

Other

There are similar pre-set feedback options for other Apple Intelligence features such as Smart reply, Notifications summary, prioritized emails, Image Playground, Writing Tools, and more. The new section also includes a scoring system that lets users level up their score by providing feedback to Apple, although it's not explained what any points earned could be used for.

macOS Sequoia 15.1 developer betas. While the betas include some useful Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools, some of the Apple Intelligence additions won't be coming until later.

Tag: Apple Intelligence

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https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/apple-intelligence-beta-users-rate-experiences/

Apple Intelligence Beta Users Invited to 'Rate Your Experiences' and Earn Points

In the latest macOS 15.1, iOS 18.1, and iPadOS 18.1 betas, Apple has introduced a new "Rate Your Experiences" feature in its Feedback Assistant app that lets users rate the generative content served by Apple Intelligence across apps, with the aim of using the feedback to refine and train Apple's generative models.

Apple describes the new feature like so:

Help improve Apple products and services! Content such as your emails from the Mail app and messages from the Messages app will be displayed to you, along with content generated from them for Apple Intelligence features. This data always remains on your device unless you choose to submit it to Apple, after rating your experience.

In the new section, users are asked to "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" recent generated content to indicate their level of satisfaction with the results. If the "experience" shown was not good, users are invited to optionally offer more details for submission to Apple. This can be done by choosing from pre-defined feedback presented as a checkmark list, and by providing additional typed information for context.

In the case of a summarized email in the Mail app, for example, users can choose from the following issues:

Hard to understand

Missed key detail

Incorrect attributions

Too long

Irrelevant additions

Stereotyping or bias

Overly suggestive or sexual

Vulgar or offensive

Other

There are similar pre-set feedback options for other Apple Intelligence features such as Smart reply, Notifications summary, prioritized emails, Image Playground, Writing Tools, and more. The new section also includes a scoring system that lets users level up their score by providing feedback to Apple, although it's not explained what any points earned could be used for.

macOS Sequoia 15.1 developer betas. While the betas include some useful Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools, some of the Apple Intelligence additions won't be coming until later.

Tag: Apple Intelligence

This article, "Apple Intelligence Beta Users Invited to 'Rate Your Experiences' and Earn Points" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/apple-intelligence-beta-users-rate-experiences/

Apple Intelligence Beta Users Invited to 'Rate Your Experiences' and Earn Points

In the latest macOS 15.1, iOS 18.1, and iPadOS 18.1 betas, Apple has introduced a new "Rate Your Experiences" feature in its Feedback Assistant app that lets users rate the generative content served by Apple Intelligence across apps, with the aim of using the feedback to refine and train Apple's generative models.

Apple describes the new feature like so:

Help improve Apple products and services! Content such as your emails from the Mail app and messages from the Messages app will be displayed to you, along with content generated from them for Apple Intelligence features. This data always remains on your device unless you choose to submit it to Apple, after rating your experience.

In the new section, users are asked to "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" recent generated content to indicate their level of satisfaction with the results. If the "experience" shown was not good, users are invited to optionally offer more details for submission to Apple. This can be done by choosing from pre-defined feedback presented as a checkmark list, and by providing additional typed information for context.

In the case of a summarized email in the Mail app, for example, users can choose from the following issues:

Hard to understand

Missed key detail

Incorrect attributions

Too long

Irrelevant additions

Stereotyping or bias

Overly suggestive or sexual

Vulgar or offensive

Other

There are similar pre-set feedback options for other Apple Intelligence features such as Smart reply, Notifications summary, prioritized emails, Image Playground, Writing Tools, and more. The new section also includes a scoring system that lets users level up their score by providing feedback to Apple, although it's not explained what any points earned could be used for.

macOS Sequoia 15.1 developer betas. While the betas include some useful Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools, some of the Apple Intelligence additions won't be coming until later.

Tag: Apple Intelligence

This article, "Apple Intelligence Beta Users Invited to 'Rate Your Experiences' and Earn Points" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/apple-intelligence-beta-users-rate-experiences/

New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance

Several iPhone 16 Pro rumors have suggested that Apple will eliminate the Blue Titanium option that it used for the iPhone 15 Pro devices and replace it with a rose or gold color. Now, the latest claim is that the new color is actually bronze or has a bronze-like appearance.

According to the Weibo-based leaker "Fixed focus digital," a new iPhone 16 Pro Max color resembles a "bronze hue," while the surrounding frame has a titanium-like appearance. Earlier this month, another Chinese leaker suggested that the color code for the new iPhone 16 Pro color is simply "Rose," not the previous "Rose Gold" color that Apple first offered back in 2015 for the iPhone 6S.

expected to be available in include black, white or silver, and gray or "Natural Titanium."

finishing and coloring titanium, which will result in a glossier look than the brushed aluminum finish of the iPhone 15 Pro models. The glossy finish could look much more like the stainless steel that Apple used in prior years, but it will be more resistant to scratches.

rumored design differences and new features by following the link.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro

Tag: Fixed Focus Digital

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Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/new-iphone-16-pro-color-bronze-appearance/

New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance

Several iPhone 16 Pro rumors have suggested that Apple will eliminate the Blue Titanium option that it used for the iPhone 15 Pro devices and replace it with a rose or gold color. Now, the latest claim is that the new color is actually bronze or has a bronze-like appearance.

According to the Weibo-based leaker "Fixed focus digital," a new iPhone 16 Pro Max color resembles a "bronze hue," while the surrounding frame has a titanium-like appearance. Earlier this month, another Chinese leaker suggested that the color code for the new iPhone 16 Pro color is simply "Rose," not the previous "Rose Gold" color that Apple first offered back in 2015 for the iPhone 6S.

expected to be available in include black, white or silver, and gray or "Natural Titanium."

finishing and coloring titanium, which will result in a glossier look than the brushed aluminum finish of the iPhone 15 Pro models. The glossy finish could look much more like the stainless steel that Apple used in prior years, but it will be more resistant to scratches.

rumored design differences and new features by following the link.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro

Tag: Fixed Focus Digital

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Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/new-iphone-16-pro-color-bronze-appearance/

New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance

Several iPhone 16 Pro rumors have suggested that Apple will eliminate the Blue Titanium option that it used for the iPhone 15 Pro devices and replace it with a rose or gold color. Now, the latest claim is that the new color is actually bronze or has a bronze-like appearance.

According to the Weibo-based leaker "Fixed focus digital," a new iPhone 16 Pro Max color resembles a "bronze hue," while the surrounding frame has a titanium-like appearance. Earlier this month, another Chinese leaker suggested that the color code for the new iPhone 16 Pro color is simply "Rose," not the previous "Rose Gold" color that Apple first offered back in 2015 for the iPhone 6S.

expected to be available in include black, white or silver, and gray or "Natural Titanium."

finishing and coloring titanium, which will result in a glossier look than the brushed aluminum finish of the iPhone 15 Pro models. The glossy finish could look much more like the stainless steel that Apple used in prior years, but it will be more resistant to scratches.

rumored design differences and new features by following the link.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro

Tag: Fixed Focus Digital

This article, "New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/new-iphone-16-pro-color-bronze-appearance/

New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance

Several iPhone 16 Pro rumors have suggested that Apple will eliminate the Blue Titanium option that it used for the iPhone 15 Pro devices and replace it with a rose or gold color. Now, the latest claim is that the new color is actually bronze or has a bronze-like appearance.

According to the Weibo-based leaker "Fixed focus digital," a new iPhone 16 Pro Max color resembles a "bronze hue," while the surrounding frame has a titanium-like appearance. Earlier this month, another Chinese leaker suggested that the color code for the new iPhone 16 Pro color is simply "Rose," not the previous "Rose Gold" color that Apple first offered back in 2015 for the iPhone 6S.

expected to be available in include black, white or silver, and gray or "Natural Titanium."

finishing and coloring titanium, which will result in a glossier look than the brushed aluminum finish of the iPhone 15 Pro models. The glossy finish could look much more like the stainless steel that Apple used in prior years, but it will be more resistant to scratches.

rumored design differences and new features by following the link.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro

Tag: Fixed Focus Digital

This article, "New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/new-iphone-16-pro-color-bronze-appearance/

New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance

Several iPhone 16 Pro rumors have suggested that Apple will eliminate the Blue Titanium option that it used for the iPhone 15 Pro devices and replace it with a rose or gold color. Now, the latest claim is that the new color is actually bronze or has a bronze-like appearance.

According to the Weibo-based leaker "Fixed focus digital," a new iPhone 16 Pro Max color resembles a "bronze hue," while the surrounding frame has a titanium-like appearance. Earlier this month, another Chinese leaker suggested that the color code for the new iPhone 16 Pro color is simply "Rose," not the previous "Rose Gold" color that Apple first offered back in 2015 for the iPhone 6S.

expected to be available in include black, white or silver, and gray or "Natural Titanium."

finishing and coloring titanium, which will result in a glossier look than the brushed aluminum finish of the iPhone 15 Pro models. The glossy finish could look much more like the stainless steel that Apple used in prior years, but it will be more resistant to scratches.

rumored design differences and new features by following the link.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro

Tag: Fixed Focus Digital

This article, "New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/new-iphone-16-pro-color-bronze-appearance/

New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance

Several iPhone 16 Pro rumors have suggested that Apple will eliminate the Blue Titanium option that it used for the iPhone 15 Pro devices and replace it with a rose or gold color. Now, the latest claim is that the new color is actually bronze or has a bronze-like appearance.

According to the Weibo-based leaker "Fixed focus digital," a new iPhone 16 Pro Max color resembles a "bronze hue," while the surrounding frame has a titanium-like appearance. Earlier this month, another Chinese leaker suggested that the color code for the new iPhone 16 Pro color is simply "Rose," not the previous "Rose Gold" color that Apple first offered back in 2015 for the iPhone 6S.

expected to be available in include black, white or silver, and gray or "Natural Titanium."

finishing and coloring titanium, which will result in a glossier look than the brushed aluminum finish of the iPhone 15 Pro models. The glossy finish could look much more like the stainless steel that Apple used in prior years, but it will be more resistant to scratches.

rumored design differences and new features by following the link.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro

Tag: Fixed Focus Digital

This article, "New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/new-iphone-16-pro-color-bronze-appearance/

New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance

Several iPhone 16 Pro rumors have suggested that Apple will eliminate the Blue Titanium option that it used for the iPhone 15 Pro devices and replace it with a rose or gold color. Now, the latest claim is that the new color is actually bronze or has a bronze-like appearance.

According to the Weibo-based leaker "Fixed focus digital," a new iPhone 16 Pro Max color resembles a "bronze hue," while the surrounding frame has a titanium-like appearance. Earlier this month, another Chinese leaker suggested that the color code for the new iPhone 16 Pro color is simply "Rose," not the previous "Rose Gold" color that Apple first offered back in 2015 for the iPhone 6S.

expected to be available in include black, white or silver, and gray or "Natural Titanium."

finishing and coloring titanium, which will result in a glossier look than the brushed aluminum finish of the iPhone 15 Pro models. The glossy finish could look much more like the stainless steel that Apple used in prior years, but it will be more resistant to scratches.

rumored design differences and new features by following the link.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro

Tag: Fixed Focus Digital

This article, "New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/new-iphone-16-pro-color-bronze-appearance/

New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance

Several iPhone 16 Pro rumors have suggested that Apple will eliminate the Blue Titanium option that it used for the iPhone 15 Pro devices and replace it with a rose or gold color. Now, the latest claim is that the new color is actually bronze or has a bronze-like appearance.

According to the Weibo-based leaker "Fixed focus digital," a new iPhone 16 Pro Max color resembles a "bronze hue," while the surrounding frame has a titanium-like appearance. Earlier this month, another Chinese leaker suggested that the color code for the new iPhone 16 Pro color is simply "Rose," not the previous "Rose Gold" color that Apple first offered back in 2015 for the iPhone 6S.

expected to be available in include black, white or silver, and gray or "Natural Titanium."

finishing and coloring titanium, which will result in a glossier look than the brushed aluminum finish of the iPhone 15 Pro models. The glossy finish could look much more like the stainless steel that Apple used in prior years, but it will be more resistant to scratches.

rumored design differences and new features by following the link.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16 Pro

Tag: Fixed Focus Digital

This article, "New iPhone 16 Pro Color Could Have Bronze Appearance" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/new-iphone-16-pro-color-bronze-appearance/

Revealed: iPhone 16 Colors and Redesigned Camera in Leaked Image

Leaker Sonny Dickson today shared an image displaying a selection of iPhone 16 dummy models that reveal Apple's planned new color options and the rumored redesigned camera bump coming to its iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus devices.

The picture showcases five new colorways for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, and they match the descriptions previously predicted by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo: White, Black, Blue, Green, and Pink.

The new colors suggest Apple is going for a less muted, less desaturated color palette for the standard iPhone 16 models this year, although there could be differences in materials used compared to the dummy models shown. As a reminder, the current iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus devices are available in Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, and Black.

For the 6.1- and 6.7-inch iPhone 16 models, Apple is also planning a new vertical camera lens arrangement that is a departure from the prior diagonal lens setup. The new orientation, evidenced in the dummy units, will presumably allow the standard iPhone 16 models to capture Spatial Video for the Vision Pro headset, something only the iPhone 15 Pro models are currently capable of doing. Prior iPhones have used a square-shaped camera bump to accommodate the diagonal lenses, but Apple is able to slim down the camera bump with the new lens arrangement.

more. All four devices in the iPhone 16 series are expected to launch around mid-September.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15

Tag: Sonny Dickson

Buyer's Guide: iPhone 15 (Don't Buy)

Related Forum: iPhone

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Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/revealed-iphone-16-colors-redesigned-camera/

Revealed: iPhone 16 Colors and Redesigned Camera in Leaked Image

Leaker Sonny Dickson today shared an image displaying a selection of iPhone 16 dummy models that reveal Apple's planned new color options and the rumored redesigned camera bump coming to its iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus devices.

The picture showcases five new colorways for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, and they match the descriptions previously predicted by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo: White, Black, Blue, Green, and Pink.

The new colors suggest Apple is going for a less muted, less desaturated color palette for the standard iPhone 16 models this year, although there could be differences in materials used compared to the dummy models shown. As a reminder, the current iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus devices are available in Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, and Black.

For the 6.1- and 6.7-inch iPhone 16 models, Apple is also planning a new vertical camera lens arrangement that is a departure from the prior diagonal lens setup. The new orientation, evidenced in the dummy units, will presumably allow the standard iPhone 16 models to capture Spatial Video for the Vision Pro headset, something only the iPhone 15 Pro models are currently capable of doing. Prior iPhones have used a square-shaped camera bump to accommodate the diagonal lenses, but Apple is able to slim down the camera bump with the new lens arrangement.

more. All four devices in the iPhone 16 series are expected to launch around mid-September.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15

Tag: Sonny Dickson

Buyer's Guide: iPhone 15 (Don't Buy)

Related Forum: iPhone

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https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/31/revealed-iphone-16-colors-redesigned-camera/

New 'Friend' Necklace Offers AI Companionship

AI wearables like the Rabbit R1 and the AI Pin have attempted to capitalize on the popularity of artificial intelligence and have largely flopped, but that isn't stopping the creator of a new wearable device called Friend.

Friend is an AI necklace that is meant to serve as a personal companion, and in a video that could be the start to an episode of Black Mirror, it's shown providing support, encouragement, and companionship to the wearer.

iPhone via Bluetooth, continually listening to all interactions around the wearer. Pressing a button on the necklace allows the user to speak to Friend, with a message sent to the ‌iPhone‌ in response. Friend is also able to send messages without a conversational prompt, responding to what the wearer is doing.

said in a blog post that the device is an "expression of how lonely" he's felt. In an interview with The Verge, Schiffmann said that Friend is designed to be supportive, validating, and able to encourage ideas. "It's a great brainstorming buddy," he said. "You can talk to it about relationships, things like that."

available for pre-order for $99, and it is set to launch in January 2025.

This article, "New 'Friend' Necklace Offers AI Companionship" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/30/friend-necklace-ai-companionship/

New 'Friend' Necklace Offers AI Companionship

AI wearables like the Rabbit R1 and the AI Pin have attempted to capitalize on the popularity of artificial intelligence and have largely flopped, but that isn't stopping the creator of a new wearable device called Friend.

Friend is an AI necklace that is meant to serve as a personal companion, and in a video that could be the start to an episode of Black Mirror, it's shown providing support, encouragement, and companionship to the wearer.

iPhone via Bluetooth, continually listening to all interactions around the wearer. Pressing a button on the necklace allows the user to speak to Friend, with a message sent to the ‌iPhone‌ in response. Friend is also able to send messages without a conversational prompt, responding to what the wearer is doing.

said in a blog post that the device is an "expression of how lonely" he's felt. In an interview with The Verge, Schiffmann said that Friend is designed to be supportive, validating, and able to encourage ideas. "It's a great brainstorming buddy," he said. "You can talk to it about relationships, things like that."

available for pre-order for $99, and it is set to launch in January 2025.

This article, "New 'Friend' Necklace Offers AI Companionship" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/30/friend-necklace-ai-companionship/

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Calls Apple's Find My 'Super Creepy Surveillance Tech' That Shouldn't Exist

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney today commented on Apple's Find My service, referring to it as "super creepy surveillance tech" that "shouldn't exist."

Sweeney went on to explain that several years ago, "a kid" stole a Mac laptop out of his car. Years later, Sweeney was checking ‌Find My‌, and as the Mac was still connected to his Apple ID account, it showed him the location where the thief lived.

This feature is super creepy surveillance tech and shouldn’t exist. Years ago, a kid stole a Mac laptop out of my car. Years later, I was checking out Find My and it showed a map with the house where the kid who stole my Mac lived. WTF Apple? How is that okay?!

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) July 30, 2024

Sweeney's take is curious, because providing the location of a lost or stolen device is exactly what the ‌Find My‌ service is meant to do. Apple devices remain tied to a user's account if not removed, a feature that is meant to thwart theft.

A lot of people are saying this here. While technically true, it misses the point: you can't track the location of a device that's in someone's possession without tracking that person, and people have a right to privacy. This right applies to second hand device buyers and even to…

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) July 30, 2024

After confusion from his Twitter followers over his comments, Sweeney said that the location of a device in someone's possession can't be tracked without tracking the person, and "people have a right to privacy." He claims that detection and recovery of a lost or stolen device should be "mediated by due process of law" and not exposed to the device owner "in vigilante fashion."

When Sweeney saw how ‌Find My‌ worked, he said he turned off the feature on all of his devices.

AirTag item trackers have been criticized for their use by stalkers, the ‌Find My‌ service has not been the target of similar complaints. ‌Find My‌ and Activation Lock have been important theft deterrents, cutting down on iPhone theft. Apple recently expanded Activation Lock to include iPhone components to prevent them from being disassembled for parts.

Tags: Epic Games, Find My

This article, "Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Calls Apple's Find My 'Super Creepy Surveillance Tech' That Shouldn't Exist" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/30/tim-sweeney-find-my-creepy-surveillance-tech/

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Calls Apple's Find My 'Super Creepy Surveillance Tech' That Shouldn't Exist

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney today commented on Apple's Find My service, referring to it as "super creepy surveillance tech" that "shouldn't exist."

Sweeney went on to explain that several years ago, "a kid" stole a Mac laptop out of his car. Years later, Sweeney was checking ‌Find My‌, and as the Mac was still connected to his Apple ID account, it showed him the location where the thief lived.

This feature is super creepy surveillance tech and shouldn’t exist. Years ago, a kid stole a Mac laptop out of my car. Years later, I was checking out Find My and it showed a map with the house where the kid who stole my Mac lived. WTF Apple? How is that okay?!

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) July 30, 2024

Sweeney's take is curious, because providing the location of a lost or stolen device is exactly what the ‌Find My‌ service is meant to do. Apple devices remain tied to a user's account if not removed, a feature that is meant to thwart theft.

A lot of people are saying this here. While technically true, it misses the point: you can't track the location of a device that's in someone's possession without tracking that person, and people have a right to privacy. This right applies to second hand device buyers and even to…

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) July 30, 2024

After confusion from his Twitter followers over his comments, Sweeney said that the location of a device in someone's possession can't be tracked without tracking the person, and "people have a right to privacy." He claims that detection and recovery of a lost or stolen device should be "mediated by due process of law" and not exposed to the device owner "in vigilante fashion."

When Sweeney saw how ‌Find My‌ worked, he said he turned off the feature on all of his devices.

AirTag item trackers have been criticized for their use by stalkers, the ‌Find My‌ service has not been the target of similar complaints. ‌Find My‌ and Activation Lock have been important theft deterrents, cutting down on iPhone theft. Apple recently expanded Activation Lock to include iPhone components to prevent them from being disassembled for parts.

Tags: Epic Games, Find My

This article, "Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Calls Apple's Find My 'Super Creepy Surveillance Tech' That Shouldn't Exist" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/30/tim-sweeney-find-my-creepy-surveillance-tech/

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Calls Apple's Find My 'Super Creepy Surveillance Tech' That Shouldn't Exist

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney today commented on Apple's Find My service, referring to it as "super creepy surveillance tech" that "shouldn't exist."

Sweeney went on to explain that several years ago, "a kid" stole a Mac laptop out of his car. Years later, Sweeney was checking ‌Find My‌, and as the Mac was still connected to his Apple ID account, it showed him the location where the thief lived.

This feature is super creepy surveillance tech and shouldn’t exist. Years ago, a kid stole a Mac laptop out of my car. Years later, I was checking out Find My and it showed a map with the house where the kid who stole my Mac lived. WTF Apple? How is that okay?!

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) July 30, 2024

Sweeney's take is curious, because providing the location of a lost or stolen device is exactly what the ‌Find My‌ service is meant to do. Apple devices remain tied to a user's account if not removed, a feature that is meant to thwart theft.

A lot of people are saying this here. While technically true, it misses the point: you can't track the location of a device that's in someone's possession without tracking that person, and people have a right to privacy. This right applies to second hand device buyers and even to…

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) July 30, 2024

After confusion from his Twitter followers over his comments, Sweeney said that the location of a device in someone's possession can't be tracked without tracking the person, and "people have a right to privacy." He claims that detection and recovery of a lost or stolen device should be "mediated by due process of law" and not exposed to the device owner "in vigilante fashion."

When Sweeney saw how ‌Find My‌ worked, he said he turned off the feature on all of his devices.

AirTag item trackers have been criticized for their use by stalkers, the ‌Find My‌ service has not been the target of similar complaints. ‌Find My‌ and Activation Lock have been important theft deterrents, cutting down on iPhone theft. Apple recently expanded Activation Lock to include iPhone components to prevent them from being disassembled for parts.

Tags: Epic Games, Find My

This article, "Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Calls Apple's Find My 'Super Creepy Surveillance Tech' That Shouldn't Exist" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/30/tim-sweeney-find-my-creepy-surveillance-tech/

Emergency SOS via Satellite Launches in Japan

Emergency SOS via satellite expanded to Japan with the iOS 17.6 update that was released yesterday, according to Apple. Japanese customers with an iPhone 14 or an iPhone 15 can use Emergency SOS via satellite to get in touch with emergency services even when a Wi-Fi or cellular connection is unavailable.

Apple first introduced Emergency SOS via satellite in 2022 alongside the ‌iPhone 14‌ models, but it was initially limited to the United States and Canada. Apple has been working to bring it to additional countries since then.

Find My location when out of range of cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. The feature works for people living in Japan, as well as visitors to the country.

Emergency SOS via satellite works through a partnership with Globalstar, with ‌iPhone 14‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ models able to connect to Globalstar satellites in countries where the feature has launched. The service is free for two years after activating an ‌iPhone 14‌ or ‌iPhone 15‌. Apple has not announced pricing for Emergency SOS via satellite after the two-year period expires.

Tags: Japan, Emergency SOS via Satellite

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https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/30/emergency-sos-via-satellite-japan/

Emergency SOS via Satellite Launches in Japan

Emergency SOS via satellite expanded to Japan with the iOS 17.6 update that was released yesterday, according to Apple. Japanese customers with an iPhone 14 or an iPhone 15 can use Emergency SOS via satellite to get in touch with emergency services even when a Wi-Fi or cellular connection is unavailable.

Apple first introduced Emergency SOS via satellite in 2022 alongside the ‌iPhone 14‌ models, but it was initially limited to the United States and Canada. Apple has been working to bring it to additional countries since then.

Find My location when out of range of cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. The feature works for people living in Japan, as well as visitors to the country.

Emergency SOS via satellite works through a partnership with Globalstar, with ‌iPhone 14‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ models able to connect to Globalstar satellites in countries where the feature has launched. The service is free for two years after activating an ‌iPhone 14‌ or ‌iPhone 15‌. Apple has not announced pricing for Emergency SOS via satellite after the two-year period expires.

Tags: Japan, Emergency SOS via Satellite

This article, "Emergency SOS via Satellite Launches in Japan" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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