Apple will be shutting down iTunes Connect for the holidays, Siri’s got a new out-of-office message, and the story of the virtual assistant’s creator surprise phone call with Steve Jobs. The remainders for Tuesday, November 15, 2011 could use a good talking to.
Apple Confirms iTunes Connect Holiday Shutdown December 22-29 (MacStories)
The holiday season is upon us, and with it an iTunes Connect shutdown. The downtime means that developers won’t be able to schedule releases or price changes between December 22 and 29. Which is good, because that’s when I’m going to be on vacation too.
‘I’m Really Sorry About This, but I Can’t Take Any Requests Right Now.’ (Daring Fireball)
Speaking of time off, the next time Siri takes some it may let you know. John Gruber noted that Siri seems to have a new, more personable response for when it can’t perform searches. It beat out my suggestion: “You’re not the boss of me!”
While we’re on the topic of Siri, 9to5 Mac has summarized a Norwegian interview with the technology’s creator Dag Kittlaus (who recently left Apple). When Apple was purchasing his company, Kittlaus actually got a call from Steve Jobs himself—though, weirdly, Jobs just wanted him to look up something on the Internet for him.
Product News:
MacBook Pro Video Update 1.0 (Snow Leopard) – Apple has released a video update for Mid 2010 15-inch MacBook Pros running Snow Leopard, which fixes a problem where the computers intermittently freeze or stop displaying video. Free.
Where To? 4.0 – Version 4.0 of FutureTap’s destination discovery app for iPhone adds ratings and reviews, the ability to share reviews via Facebook and Twitter, and an improved icon/map on a place’s details page. $1.
Square 2.2 – Square has updated its iOS app to version 2.2, adding a searchable sales history, the ability to refund or send receipts for past transactions, customizable tip percentage options, loyalty rewards at point of sale, and integration with receipt printers and cash drawers for the iPad. Free.
Covert Browser 1.0 – This web browser for iPad is designed to help protect your privacy online. Any URL or data entered into Covert Browser is routed through three different servers. The browser also uses 128-bit AES encryption, and switches your IP address at regular intervals. You can also determine a specific country as your point of origin. $3.