Good morning! A small heart attack today as it appears yesterday’s newsletter went out again… for some reason. It was good enough to read twice, but I do apologize for that happening unexpectedly.

Unreleased iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 code keeps being torn apart by the folks at 9to5Mac and MacRumors, and there are loads of interesting new things coming soon in the next major software upgrade from Apple.

One of the biggest ones on iPad/iPhone is the potential for improved mouse support. While mouse functionality is available already via Accessibility settings, this goes much further to include cursor support.

But it’s different from normal: the cursor is said to disappear if you stop moving it for a few seconds, which would bring a different feel to a standard implementation. And, frankly, it makes good sense on a touch-first device.

Then there’s a new Apple fitness app codenamed “Seymour,” with a likely public name set to be either Fit or Fitness, and is separate to the current Activity app. Indications are the app offers fitness videos to download, tracking different workouts and activities via Apple Watch during a session.

(Image via MacRumors)

Then there’s something in iOS 14 called PencilKit, which may allow for the Apple Pencil to be used in more situations, including handwriting recognition as you fill in text input. MacRumors notes that means you can enter text in apps like Messages and Mail, while external app devs will get PencilKit access too.

iMessage also has new features, none of which are too exciting, but add to the set of tools, including unsending messages, tagging people with ‘@’ mentions, mark messages unread, and so on.

Then there’s the Apple AirTag offering (see: Tile) which suggests a battery-powered version may be the norm.

And adding to the Apple Watch oxygen level tracking detail is that the Apple Watch may track sleep. Already that’s possible via third-party apps but Apple isn’t afraid to add default functionality and crush devs already offering the features.

All that said, not all new features that are being tested may make it to the final version, depending on their fit and finish.

Round Up:

🦥 Tested: The Google Pixel series has a strange USB-C transfer problem: Google's Pixel 4 is twice as slow as its competition (Android Authority).

“What to expect after my blind date with the Huawei P40” - please see the photo (Android Authority).

Get the Sony WH-1000XM3 on sale for $278 ($71.99 off) - remember the XM4 is around the corner, but this is some deal… (Android Authority).

Play real-world soccer, get FIFA Mobile rewards with this Google wearable (Android Authority).

Apple says it's safe to clean your iPhone with disinfectant wipes, just keep the cleaning agents sensible and definitely don’t use bleach (Apple).

Sensor Tower is behind “at least” 20 free apps with 35 milion downloads on iOS and Android that track data via free VPN and ad-blocking apps. A reminder that “free” apps are deeply problematic because they generally sell your data to make money. In response to this, Apple removed Adblock Focus and said it is continuing to investigate Luna VPN, while Google said it is investigating. Great reporting. (BuzzFeed).

🩺 Reset your computer once a year for a happier life. This is great advice because it really is easier than ever. (Wired).

🤝 DoNotPay made an extension for sharing Netflix passwords with friends (The Verge).

Tesla just made its one millionth car (The Verge).

🧶 How a ban on pro-Trump patterns unraveled the online knitting world (MIT).

“I'm happy to report that there is a 'Lamborghini Wave'” (Jalopnik).

SXSW lays off a third of its staff after coronavirus cancellation (Gizmodo).

Coronavirus close-up, faded star and orchestral operation — February’s best science images (Nature).

“Why does a firefly light up? Is it a defense mechanism?” (r/askscience).