Ben Thompson has the best overview I’ve read from both perspective about whats going on with Apple’s resistance over unlocking an iPhone for the FBI.

The dispute between Apple and the FBI is a much closer question than it is being framed as in most of the tech press. In large part this is because the dispute itself is being serially mischaracterized by both Apple supporters and detractors.

Apple also posted a FAQ page that outlines what exactly has been asked of them from their point of view.

I’m actually fairly surprised with the number of places accepting ApplePay in Dallas and I do find myself purposely shopping at places that accept it like Whole Food and Walgreens. But I agree that I’m looking forward to the day where I can use ApplePay without having to think about it every time I checkout.

I’m also looking forward to more apps and online services. accepting ApplePay. Only updating your credit card number in one place for online purchases when your bank sends you (another) new card sure is nice.

Nevertheless, there are very few locations where I can use Apple Pay to buy stuff. This is probably more an indictment of alternative payment methods in general in America then Apple Pay itself but, nevertheless, it’s disappointing that this technology is now several years old and the only places I routinely shop that accept Apple Pay are a hipster super-market and the Apple Store.

Nice post from Walt Mossberg about some of Apple’s apps that have been around a while that could use a little love. I haven’t had many problems with the new Photos app, but I definitely dread opening iTunes on my MacBook.

None of these things is insurmountable. And perhaps Apple is right that bugs do get quashed and that some of what I’m observing is due to my own setup. But I’m convinced there’s something broader going on here. Lots of small software disappointments and aggravations, adding up gradually over time, are putting the sterling experience of using Apple hardware at risk.

I couldn’t agree more. iOS Control Center needs some attention badly. I use the networking toggles all the time as well as the audio source menu for Bluetooth and AirPlay. But the rest of it can go as far as I’m concerned.

I love the top row and screen brightness settings, but as I get closer to the bottom of the screen, the usefulness of Control Center lessens. With the exception of maybe the flashlight button, I’d be fine if the bottom row went away, Calculator and that creepy new Night Mode button included.

Nice post from David Sparks about the state of Apple’s HomeKit framework. I’ve installed both some Phillips Hue smart light bulbs and the ecobee3 thermostat recently that both integrate with HomeKit. While it’s cool that I can access both via Siri, it seems crazy that there is no central app to manage both devices or integrate them with each other without using IFTTT.

I think that home automation is now more on people’s minds than it ever has been. I also think now is a great time for Apple to step in with a single solution. It seems that the existence of HomeKit indicates at least a few people at Apple agree with me. The unanswered question is why haven’t they been pressing down the gas pedal on this?

Cool MLK tribute today on Apple.com

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ ”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

And a nice post on Tim Cook’s Twitter as well.

Remembering #MLK and his timeless words. We should never forget. pic.twitter.com/b8kXa4ZFZ1

— Tim  (@tim_cook) January 18, 2016