Techmeme
December 29, 2017, 9:10 AM

Top News

Apple:
Apple apologizes for inadequately communicating battery management practices that slowed down iPhones with older batteries, will offer $29 battery replacements  —  We've been hearing feedback from our customers about the way we handle performance for iPhones with older batteries and how we have communicated that process.
Apple Support:
Apple posts explainer of its device battery power management practices and their noticeable effects for users, like longer app launch times, slower scrolling  —  Our intention for iPhone is to deliver an experience that is simple and easy to use.  Doing so requires a lot of engineering and many advanced technologies.
Nilay Patel / The Verge:
Apple says it will issue an iOS software update in early 2018 with new features that give users more visibility into the health of their iPhone's battery  —  Batteries are “consumable components” now  —  Apple just published a letter to customers apologizing for the “misunderstanding” …
Mike Isaac / New York Times:
SoftBank agrees to buy at least 14% of Uber from shareholders at a $48B valuation, will invest an additional $1.25B at a $67.5B valuation, documents show  —  SAN FRANCISCO — A group of Uber's largest shareholders have agreed to sell a significant stake in the ride-hailing giant at a steep discount …
Ryan Whitwam / Android Police:
Google removes Pixel C, released in December 2015, from the Google Store; Pixel C was the only Android tablet the company sold  —  Google started selling the Pixel C about two years ago as an Android flagship tablet.  The price was high, but it was a good Android tablet.  Well, as good as Android tablets could be.
Raymond Zhong / New York Times:
South Korean government says people who trade cryptocurrencies must use their real names, as it seeks to curb speculation following ban on ICOs in September  —  South Korea will require people who trade Bitcoin and other virtual currencies to do so under their real names …
Robby Payne / Chrome Unboxed:
Android apps in the upcoming Chrome OS 64 update will be able to run in the background  —  Thanks to some reader input, we've been made aware that a missing feature we discussed not long ago that is now coming soon to a Chromebook near you.  —  That feature?  Android Parallel Tasks.
Dylan / Hacker Noon:
LastPass issues an update to fix security vulnerability in its Authenticator app for Android that allowed access to 2FA codes  —  UPDATE: The issue has been fixed.  Please see below.  —  I've found a really easy way to bypass the fingerprint/PIN authentication that protects all of your 2FA codes.
Katie Paul / Reuters:
Sources: Apple and Amazon are in discussions to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia through new investments; Apple in talks for licensed Apple Stores in 2019  —  RIYADH (Reuters) - Apple and Amazon are in licensing discussions with Riyadh on investing in Saudi Arabia, two sources told Reuters …

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Earlier Picks

Brooks Barnes / New York Times:
Yair Rosenberg / New York Times: