Square killer: iPhone gets tap-to-pay

There's a fun meme that shows how the iPhone replaced everything in an old ad from Radio Shack -- mobile phones, CD players, fax machines, alarm clocks, calculators, etc.

It's time to add another piece of hardware to the list: payment terminals.

Coming later this year, you'll be able to accept payments on your iPhone from credit and debit cards, as well as digital payment systems like Apple Pay.

It's a Square killer, and another nail in the coffin for cash.

-- Leander Kahney, EIC.

Apple will give iPhone the ability to accept contactless payments without additional hardware later this year, the company confirmed Tuesday. The feature, which Apple calls Tap to Pay, will initially be available to merchants in the United States who use a “partner-enabled iOS app.”

Supply chain sources say a new model with a faster chip will be unveiled during Cupertino’s spring event next month.

The screens promise 35% deeper blacks than typical 4K displays, which tend to have poor contrast in favor of other benefits (mainly brighter colors).

The nominations are out for the 94th Academy Awards, and Apple TV+ films are up for six Oscars. Two movies from Apple’s streaming service attracted the attention of the Academy: CODA and The Tragedy of Macbeth.

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Apple reportedly bought AI Music, a startup that uses artificial intelligence to create songs in real time. The technology most likely will be integrated into Apple's Photos application for creating background music for slideshows and video montages.

The Mophie Portable Magnetic Stand folds flat but opens to hold up a MagSafe-compatible iPhone at a range of viewing angles. Apple is impressed enough to make the stand an Apple Store exclusive.

Belkin found a way to improve on Apple’s MagSafe charging puck for iPhone. Both charge equally fast, but Apple’s lies flat, while Belkin’s includes a built-in kickstand. Plus, the accessory-maker added a much longer cable.

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One more thing ...

"Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations." -- Steve Jobs

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