The creators of popular Android alternative YouTube app Vanced, which had the main benefit of blocking ads without requiring a YouTube Premium subscription (as well as some great quality of life features over the official app), have ceased operations all of a sudden. They didn't say why, but The Verge confirmed that they received a cease and desist from Google. Vanced was available for years, but it appears that the decision to create NFTs as a way to monetise the app got Google's attention. RIP to a real one.
Optus said at a CommsDay Summit today that "more and more digital providers with increasingly data-hungry services are leveraging our investments to build highly profitable businesses" that require network upgrades. Their solution to this is asking the government to implement a "policy response" to stop businesses like Netflix and YouTube getting a "free lunch". The sooner Optus gets it through its thick skull that its job is to get packets from point A to point B with the minimum amount of fuss and stop being jealous of more profitable businesses using the infrastructure THEY PAY YOU TO USE, the better.
Apple's got a shitload of new software updates for ya today. The main one is iOS 15.4, which includes the new Universal Control feature. MacStories covers it in-depth for both iOS and macOS, but simply put, it's a way to use an iPad from a Mac and vice-versa that seems to work very, very well. This is different to Sidecar, which turns an iPad into a Mac's second display. Also in iOS 15.4 is the ability to use Face ID with a mask and new emoji. macOS 12.3 adds that same emoji and brings Spatial Audio to the Mac. tvOS 15.4 lets you use use wi-fi via a captive portal, making travel with your Apple TV easier. There's also watchOS and HomePod updates.
This is pretty niche, but I love the Australian Computer Museum Society so I'll mention their little 40th anniversary of the Microbee celebration coming up this week. On March 19th at the ACMS's new premises, they'll have some talks from the creators and hands-on exhibits with Australia's most popular home grown computer - the Microbee. Readers a few years older than me might have had one of these Z80 computers in their home or classroom in the 80s as they were locally made and relatively affordable. For full details visit the ACMS website. If you can't make it in person that's okay, they're also streaming it online.
📻 Bodysnatchers - Radiohead
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