Apple and the FBI doing the “break into this terrorist’s phone” tango again
Europe is gonna force electronics manufacturers to have a common charger to fit multiple devices
ACMA tells ISPs to block a few more offshore gambling sites
A gold plated keyboard, free Win7 to Win10 upgrade, making a Windows boot USB on a Mac & an update to Downlink
Cheap Logitech mouse pad, STEM toys, Kayo & Spotify gift cards, iPad Mini
The FBI has been trying once again to get into an iPhone used by a mass murderer, but hasn't been successful in circumventing the passcode. They asked Apple for help, but Apple refused (sound familiar?), so now the US Attorney General has written to Apple begging for assistance, saying that they need their help "to see data and messages from encrypted apps like Signal or WhatsApp to determine whether he had discussed his plans with others at the base and whether he was acting alone or with help". I doubt Apple will change their position on this, so I predict 2020 will be the year new draconian laws that compromise everyone's security will get legislated.
The EU has been "encouraging" industry to come up with a single standard for mobile phone charging since 2014. It kinda worked with Android phones using microUSB for a while and now USB-C, but Apple is still out there on their own with Lightning. The EU has recognised this soft approach didn't work, so at their next plenary session debate will begin on how to get force device manufacturers to come up with a common charger to fit all "mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers and other portable devices" sold in the EU. God speed to everyone involved, the answer now more than ever is simply USB-C. Apple already does it on the iPad Pro and laptops, just do it on the rest of their product range!
ACMA has told Australian ISPs to block some more websites. Aussies will no longer be able to piss their money away at "Roo Casino, GW Casino, Wager Beat, Joe Fortune, Ignition Casino, Casino Dingo, AU Slots, Top Bet, and XBet", who are all breaching the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. ACMA is warning Australian users of these sites to pull your money out now. Unless you're a degenerate gambler that knows how to change their DNS settings to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8. I still find it really weird that ACMA and Foxtel/Village/Madman can get websites blocked. I don't necessarily disagree that these websites are shit and people shouldn't use them, but it's kinda weird to just block them. It feels wrong, even if it maybe is right?
A new version of Downlink (that Mac app that gives you a live updating satellite image of Earth as your wallpaper) is out that allows custom views so you can look at Australia instead of the entire globe.
Wanna make a Windows 10 bootable USB drive, but only have a Mac available? This guide from Alex Lubbock will hold your hand through what is a massive pain in the arse process.
Somewhat related, there's still a way to get a free upgrade of Windows 7 to Windows 10. Handy info to know if you if you score a cheap ex-lease PC that has a Windows 7 OEM sticker on it. No need to pay for Windows 10!
ADATA is selling a 24K gold plated keyboard. Unless you're an Arab oil baron or Russian oligarch, I don't know why you'd want this, but one of the 6 units can be yours for US$10,000.
Logitech G240 mouse pad (I’m using one now!) - $9 at Harvey Norman
Bunch of educational/STEM kits for kids on sale at STEM Nest
10% off Kayo & Spotify gift cards at Australia Post
64GB Apple iPad Mini 5 (the current version) - $544 at Harvey Norman
🎶 Noxious Obnoxious - Magic Dirt
😁 The Sizzle is curated by Anthony "@decryption" Agius and emailed every weekday afternoon. Join us on Slack and chat with other Sizzle subscribers.
The Sizzle is created on Wathaurong land and acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, recognising their continuing connection to land, water and community. I pay my respect to them and their cultures and to elders both past and present.