Sigmund and SpaceExplored.com founder and long time 9to5Mac lead editor Zac Hall preview season 2 of Apple TV+ Original drama ‘For All Mankind’. Plus Sofia Coppola (On The Rocks) and more.
Zac talks to the shows creative team; Maril Davis (Executive Producer), Ronald D. Moore (Co-Creator, Writer & Executive Producer), Ben Nedivi (Co-Creator, Writer & Executive Producer) and Matt Wolpert (Co-Creator, Writer & Executive Producer).
App Store | iOS | Entertainment | 9+
Built using Apple's ARKit framework, 'For All Mankind: Time Capsule' bridges the ten year gap between season 1 and next week's season 2 debut of the alt-history space-race Apple original drama series from Ron Moore. The first TV+ AR experience comes from the perspective of a teenage Danny Stevens, the son of astronauts Tracy and Gordo Stevens in the series.
The app lets users interact with virtual objects (including an Apple II) and is full to the brim with little easter-eggs for fans of the show. Users with the latest iPad Pro, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max can experience additional content in the app that relies on LiDAR sensors available on those devices.
Fitness App | Apple Watch & Apple Fitness+ Required
Apple Fitness+ celebrates its three month anniversary this weekend. It's a service I have only really just begun to dip my toe into and I am already starting to see the benefits. Apple Watch users that enjoy collecting the timed limited edition awards can get their 2021 Heart Month Challenge reward by earning 60 minutes on their exercise ring on valentines day.
Apple TV+ | S2, E5 | 27 min | TV-MA
'Cake' is this week's episode of the Tony Basgallop thriller directed by Lisa Brühlmann. Following a ransom note, the Turners scramble to prepare for a pivitol meeting. As a bonus for this week M.Night Shyamalan took part in an insightful hour-long AMA earlier this week which can be viewed on YouTube.
Apple TV+ | S1, E6 | 49 min | TV-MA
As the bodies begin to pile up and filming is set to begin, Alice can't shake her suspicion that Sophie's script is based on actual events she's trying to hide. 'The Bad Reader' sees the Israeli thriller crawl to a devastating end with the series finale set for next week.
Apple TV+ | S2, E8 | 32 min | TV-14
'I'm Nobody! Who are you?' sees Emily Dickinson's poem published on the front page of the Springfield Republican, but she is shocked to discover that despite new found fame she has become invisible to the world and in return gives us a deeper look into that world surrounding her.
HBO Max | 1 hr 25 min | PG
Inspired by the work of the late artist David Driskell, this original HBO documentary explores the contributions of the world's leading African American artists to contemporary art today. From Theaster Gates and Kerry James Marshall to Faith Ringgold, Amy Sherald and many more, the film highlights the cultural contribution of the pioneering works of these great artists.
Mubi | 2 hrs 3 min | R
Cathy Yan's dramady mixes colourful characters and tales of corruption and class-disperity through several stories inspired by true events including an incident in which thousands of pig carcasses were found in the Huangpu River. This 2018 film may predate 'Birds of Prey' but it shows Yan's famed stylisation is not confined to big studio budget.
HBO Max | 2 hrs 5 min | R
In Shaka King’s historical drama, multi-award nominated Daniel Kaluuya plays the radical leader Fred Hampton, with Lakeith Stanfield as the informer who betrayed him at the commands of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. The awards contender streams for a limited time until March 14th.
Epix | 1 hr 24 min | R
This british horror follows a reclusive young nurse whose impressionable demeanour causes her to pursue a pious path of Christian devotion after an obscure trauma. Now charged with the hospice care of Amanda, a retired dancer ravaged by cancer, Maud's faith quickly inspires an obsessive conviction that she must save her ward's soul from eternal damnation, whatever the cost.
Last week's recipient of the British Independent Film Award for Best Cinematography was originally set to release on iTunes (I had a pre-order) but will now enjoy one month of exclusivity on Epix - the Apple channel currently offers a 7 day free trial.
In a week that sadly sees no new Apple Arcade titles there are lots and lots of updates. Charrua Soccer celebrates it's 1 year anniversary giving players a chance of unlocking characters they may have missed throughout the year through March 14th. Lego Brawls celebrates 10 years of Ninjago with exclusive anniversary content. A new update to Manifold Garden adds an improved photo mode, a colourblind mode and improved stability on Apple TV HD.
Other updates of note include Crossy Road Castle's new 'The Great Treehouse' tower with unlockables and challenges, Red Reign's introduction of new maps 'The Dread Swamp' and 'The Mud Pit', Slash Quest with its new mini games and gamepad customisation, more puzzle levels and mini stages for Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes and a new bonus chapter for A Fold Apart with the introduction of the games latest character: Her Royal Majesty, Princess Maggie Pupperpants!
Apple Originals have been honored with a host of awards wins and nominations since launching Apple TV+ in November 2019. Those accolades include Critics Choice Awards, Critics Choice Documentary Awards, Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards, SAG Awards, an NAACP Image Award, a Peabody Award and more.
UPDATE:
3/7/21
Critics Choice Awards Wins
3/5/21
Hollywood Critics Association Awards Wins
46th Saturn Awards Nominations
3/3/21
48th ASIFA-Hollywood Annie Awards Nominations
3/2/21
Art Directors Guild Awards 2021 Nominations
Cinema Audio Society Awards 2020 Nominations
Phoenix Film Critics Society 2020 Awards Win
3/1/21
Online Association of Female Film Critics 2020 Awards Win
MPSE Golden Reel 2021 Nominations
28/2/21
Golden Globes 2021 Win
2/22/21
Southern Eastern Film Critics Association Runner Up
2/18/21
International Film Music Critics Association 2020 Awards Win
Makeup & Hair Stylists Guild Awards Nominations
2/15/21
Seattle Film Critics Society 2020 Awards Wins
Satellite Awards 2021 Wins
2/13/21
Utah Film Critics Association 2020 Awards Wins
2/11/21
Santa Barbara Film Festival Awards Win
Dorian Film Awards Nominations
93rd Annual Academy Awards Shortlist
2/10/21
Dalls-Fort Worth Film Critics Association 2021 Awards Runner Up
2/08/21
Washington DC Area Film Critics Awards
Seattle Film Critics Society 2020 Awards Nominations
AARP Movies & TV For Grown Ups Awards Nominations
Critics Choice Film Awards 2021 Nominations
RadioTimes.com 2020 Awards Nominations
2/07/21
Toronto Film Critics Association Awards 2020 Wins
AFI Awards Honoree
2/06/21
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards Nominations
2/04/21
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2021 Nominations
2/03/21
Golden Globes 2021 Nominations
2/02/21
Sundance Film Festival Awards 2021 Wins
52nd NAACP Image Awards Nominations
Hollywood Critics Association 2021 Awards Nominations
2/01/21
Satellite Awards 2021 Nominations
Atlanta Film Critics Circle Awards 2021
1/30/21
Pandora International Film Critics Awards
1/29/21
Writers Guild of America Awards 2021 Nominations
1/27/21
New York Film Critics Online Nominations
1/26/21
2021 Film Independant Spirit Awards Nominations
National Board of Review Wins
1/25/21
AFI Awards 2020 Honoree
1/24/21
Kansas City Film Crtics Circle Awards
1/19/21
Online Film Critics Society Nominations
1/18/21
Critics Choice TV Awards 2021 Nominations
1/17/21
San Francisco Bay Area Critics Circle Awards Nominations
Hollywood Music In Media Awards Nominations
1/16/21
36th International Documentary Association Awards Nominations
1/15/21
Hollywood Music in Media Awards 2021 Nomination
North Dakota Film Society Awards 2021 Runner Up
1/13/21
Houston Film Critics Society Awards Nominations
1/11/21
Hollywood Music in Media Awards 2021 Nomination
San Diego Critics Society 2021 Awards Win
1/08/21
St. Louis Film Critics Association Nominations
1/08/21
San Diego Critics Society 2021 Awards Nominations
North Dakota Film Society 2020 Awards Nominations
1/07/21
19th Annual Columbus Film Critics Association Awards Win
1/06/21
2020 Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Awards Win
1/03/21
2020 Chicago Indie Critics Awards Win
12/28/20
North Carolina Film Critics Association 2021 Nominations
12/20/20
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards Wins
12/18/20
New York Film Critics Circle Awards 2020 Wins
Chicago Film Critics Association 2020 Nominations
12/13/20
Boston Society of Film Critics Awards Wins
11/19/20
Critics Choice Super Awards Nominations
11/16/20
Critics Choice Documentary 2020 Awards Wins
11/12/20
30th Annual IFP Gotham Awards Nominations
10/26/20
Critics Choice Documentary 2020 Awards Nominations
9/21/20
72nd Primetime Emmy Awards Wins
9/21/20
72nd Primetime Emmy Awards Nominations
6/10/20
Peabody 30 Wins
9/23/19
71st Primetime Emmy Awards Wins
9/18/18
70th Primetime Emmy Awards Wins
Apple TV+ | S1 | TV-G
The Peanuts gang have been a mainstay since Apple TV+ launched at the end of 2019, adding a host of new and familiar specials. The Snoopy Show continues where the most recent holiday specials left off, presenting a collection of six twenty-three minute episodes which hold all the charm of Charles M. Schulz original comic strip illustrations. You can read our review of the latest Peanuts outing here.
Apple TV+ | 25 min | TV-G
One week before the big day, Apple have restored the Peanuts 1975 classic in 4K, adding the short to an every expanding Apple TV+ library. "It's Valentine's Day and hearts are mostly fluttering. Charlie Brown is waiting for his valentines to start rolling in and Linus buys a present for his teacher Miss Othmar - which Sally mistakes as a gift from her Sweet Babboo."
Apple Arcade | Puzzle | 4+
In this new Apple Arcade release with unique mechanics from Lykkegaard Europe - the creators of Arcade hit tint.! - you need to use lights, mirrors and lenses to solve puzzles, unlocking and restore amusing cinematics as you go and unravelling the mystery of a famed inventor. I'm just a few hours into 'lumen'. myself and I'm enjoying it immensly thanks to it's learning curb that will satisfy both novice and experienced gamers alike.
Apple TV+ | S2, E7 | 27 min | TV-14
'Forever - is composed of Nows,' is the latest episode from the Peabody 30 2019 award winner and follows Emily as she worries that she may have blown her shot at publication leading her to spiral into depression. Her mother attempts to help her with a trip to the water cure.
Apple TV+ | S1, E5 | 48 min | TV-MA
After successfully casting Sophie the chemistry between herself and David begin to cause problems at home. New revelations cause Alice to dig deeper in to Sophie's life.
Apple TV+ | S2, E4 | 34 min | TV-MA
With M. Night Shyamalan back in the directors chair for '2:00', we join Dorothy, Sean and Julian as they welcome a new guest to the house. Unfortunatley for that guest Dorothy turns to some bold tactics in order to get what she wants.
NFL App, CBS All Access App, CBS Sports App | Feb 7
Live from a socially distanced Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs face 10 time Super Bowl participant Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. This years half-time show is one Im personally excited to see and comes from Canadian R'N'B sensation The Weeknd with the singer/songwriter promising something a Super Bowl auadience has never seen before. Super Bowl LV kicks off Sunday, February 7 at 6:30 pm ET / 5:30 pm CT / 3:30 pm PT with official pre-game coverage starting at 2:30 pm ET / 1:30 pm CT / 11:30 am PT.
Netflix | 1 hr 46 min | R
As a filmmaker and his girlfriend return home from his movie premiere, smoldering tensions and painful revelations push them toward a romantic reckoning. Emmy winner Zendaya and Golden Globe nominee John David Washington deliver career-best performances in this mesmerising two-hander that ruminates on love, life and art. The latest film from Sam Levinson.
YouTube | Feb 6 | 1 hr 27 min | Unrated
On July 25 of last year 340,000 amateur filmmakers from 192 countries, submitted parts of their lives for this poignant documentary. A follow up to 2010's film,the 87 min runtime captures a portrait of one day in a year that saw a global pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests and political division. A microcosm of 2020 through many lenses that capture a single 24-hour period, from love and loss, birth and death, triumph and tragedy, sorrow and happiness. From Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald and producer Ridley Scott.
TV app, Showtime | 1 hr 37 min | Unrated
Tying with 'Beastie Boys Story' for Best Music Documentary at last years Critics Choice Documentary Awards, Alison Ellwood takes a look at the darker side of The Go-Go's breezy fun-girl peppy pop that had the band ride the first wave of MTV stardom. A fascinating story about the first all-girl group in the U.S. to have a No. 1 record playing its own instruments and writing its own songs.
HBO Max | Feb 11 | R
This new New-Zealand based documentary has one of the most enticing titles we're likely to see this year and captures a couple who who enter into a pre-marriage polyamorous relationship. Less about love and sexuality and more about vulnerability, trust and perception, watch out for hilarious reactions from friends and family as-well-as a head-spinning twist.
This week's Apple Arcade updates are plentiful starting with a new updat to action platformer Fallen Knight titled 'Galahad's Path' which includes a newly added 'Boss Rush Mode' along with a new playable character, Galahad. Spire Blast has added the ability to mute music and sound effects, fixed minor bugs including the unlocking of achievments and dramatically reduced the size of the game (now a 1/5 of its original size). Alba fixed a crash related to iCloud whilst NUTS has added additional tutorials for first time forest researchers. Lastly Rayman Mini see's the return of Mr. Dark who will give you contracts in any game mode in order to complete your in-game collection!
The Snoopy Show - Premieres February 5th, Apple TV+
For many adults around the world cartoonist Charles M. Schulz left a sizeable imprint on their youth, penning over 18,000 cartoon strips, running in more than 2,600 newspapers for nearly half a century and reaching millions of readers around the globe in the process. Those illustrations were equally as playful as they were satirical with quippy one-liners and gags that were set in a world where adults couldn’t be seen and where no technology past the 1970’s could be used.
For a contemporary audience “Peanuts” star Snoopy will be something conjured up only by yearly tradition thanks to holiday specials like “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” or “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. For me those specials - as good as they were - always lacked the original cartoon strips zeal for imaginative childlike play, and so whilst I enjoy them, there’s always been something that just didn’t sit quite right knowing that they were deemed by many as the ultimate interpretation of Schulz’s work despite his involvement.
“The Snoopy Show”, which debuts Friday, is everything I remember those original cartoon strips to be. Those same strips that I grew so attached to. All of the original gang have been brought to life by the talented team over at WildBrain, perfectly encapsulating my memories through three seven-minute shorts per each 23-minute episode with every TV app episode tile an entry-point into another batch of short adventures.
Where-as there have been disappointing attempts in recent history to modernise “Peanuts” folklore and art style, “The Snoopy Show” really does not only reintroduce the familiar to those that have grown up with the cartoons but it also offers that whimsy that transcends generations. Yes the iconic visual art-style in intact, as is Lucy’s psychiatric booth and Charlie Brown’s charming yet nervous energy, but it’s the way Stephanie Betts and Mark Evestaff’s team have seamlessly adapted the original strips for television that offered up my personal unbridled joy. One particular early short re-tells the first meeting of Woodstock and Snoopy, and where the original strips would see both non-speaking characters communicate through thought bubbles, it’s instead their actions, yelps, titters and cry’s that emit playful emotions after a combative first meeting which soon ends in friendship and play.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true adaptation of Schulz’s work if that world wasn’t also set partially in reality, exploring frustration and other less-than euphoric feelings which is unusual in the modern landscape of cartoons. Something especially needed today as children have more and more questions and in some ways have had to deal with more disappointments than most over the last twelve months. When offering impressionable eyes escapism, its the messages that are grounded in reality that will have an ever-lasting effect.
Whilst the Emmy Award winning “Peanuts in Space: Secrets of Apollo 10,” and the Emmy nominated “Snoopy in Space” were nice re-introductions to Snoopy, Woodstock, Charlie Brown, Franklin, Lucy van Pelt, Linus van Pelt, Peppermint Patty and Sally Brown, something felt missing and left me feeling like the last of the litter to be adopted. “The Snoopy Show” ended that wait for adoption. Much like a sheepish Charlie Brown, the show threw this long-time Peanuts fan a bone, reassuring me “we’re going to be friends til the end.”
Last week Apple CEO Tim Cook opened the Computers, Privacy & Data Protection conference about privacy to coincide with Data Privacy Day. Apple published the 12 minute speech yesterday in which express concerns were repeated, arguing that digital advertising marketers have and continue to invade personal privacy whilst detailing the potential ramifications of such actions.
“As I’ve said before, if we accept as normal and unavoidable that everything in our lives can be aggregated and sold, we lose so much more than data, we lose the freedom to be human. And yet, this is a hopeful new season, a time of thoughtfulness and reform.”
Apple prides itself in actively keeping your data safe from third parties and that extends to the TV viewing experience, be it through Apple TV hardware, the TV app or AirPlay. Before I get into certain protections that Apple have in place it's important to draw some comparisons and explain what Apple are protecting against.
Whilst most focus will be on social media companies infamous for harvesting user data, the same has been happening on the majority of “smart” televisions and streaming devices for some time now. That data harvesting is happening through a technology called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) which scrapes viewing data in order to identify every show you play - including those you get over cable, over-the-air-broadcasts, streaming services, connected devices and even physical media like DVD’s and Blu-Ray. That data is then distributed to hardware vendors and third party marketers to better target advertising to you, using your IP address so that targeted ads can follow you across other connected devices like your phone or personal computer and then beyond your home network.
Given Apple's stance on data privacy, it was a surprise when the TV app, AirPlay and HomeKit began rolling out to some of the biggest offenders in 2019. What was quickly made known by the Cupertino company was that in order for those manufacturers to gain access to Apple’s services and appear more compelling to Apple customers, they would have to respect Apple customer privacy by disabling ACR when Apple services were in use.
Unfortunately there’s no evidence to suggest that the previously mentioned agreements extend to connected Apple TV hardware so here are some instructions on how to safely disable ACR on some of the most popular television brands to help make certain that your Apple TV viewing data remains yours.
Settings > Preferences > Privacy Settings > Disable Collect App and Over-the-air Usage Data.
Settings > About > Legal Information > Opt out of personalized ads
Settings > General > Live Plus > Choose to turn off data collection and this will disable LG's ACR technology.
Settings > Privacy > Smart TV experience > Uncheck Use Information fo TV inputs.
Settings > Support > Terms and Policies > Turn off Viewing Information Services to disable Samsung's ACR technology. *For older models look for SyncPlus and disable it.
Settings > System Preferences > Bravia Policy > Scroll to the very bottom of the privacy policy and you will see an option to disable Samba TV, Sony's ACR technology partner.
Settings > System > Reset & Admin > Viewing Data and toggle the option to off.
Settings > System > Reset & Admin > Smart Interactivity and toggle the option to off.
9to5Mac's Benjamin Mayo has the exclusive details:
Any current customers with free trials set to end in the February to June period will now see those subscription renewals pushed out to July. Similarly, customers with an annual subscription that expires between February and June will also get the same additional months of service at no additional charge. Apple will notify all eligible customers of the extension via email in the next couple of weeks. Like last time, the company will be compensating existing subscribers with credit refunds.
Apple One bundle customers will also see their accounts credited, though its unclear right now if that will be for the full $4.99 per month - the amount associated with an individual subscription.
Update 1/30: Apple are now sending emails to Apple One subscribers informing them that they will also receive $4.99 per month in store credit through June. Thank you to Jordan for the tip.
Apple TV+ credits will be given through June. I have Apple One plus a current free trial. @sigjudge @AppleTV pic.twitter.com/be2DO5Tvka
— Jordan (@kybldmstr) January 30, 2021
All in all this is fantastic news for Apple TV+ and its subscribers, giving customers more free access, whilst giving Jamie Elricht, Zack van Amburg and company more time to expand upon an already captivating catalogue of entertainment in a time which has seen sets open and close with regularity due to the current global pandemic.
Apple YouTube | 12 min | Unrated
When I woke today I was greated by a pleasant yet unexpected surprise. A 12 minute short reimagining a Chinese New Year legend as a contemporary coming-of-age story. Shot on iPhone 12 Pro Max, directed by Lulu Wang and created by the team behind the Golden Globe nominated film, 'The Farewell'. Truly awe-inspiring, I for one can't wait to see more collaborations between Apple, Lulu Wang and her team.
Apple TV+ | 1 hr 50 min | R
Directed by Fisher Stevens and written by Cheryl Guerriero. Palmer is the latest take on a tried and tested redemption story as a former college football star, now an ex-convict, starts to mentor a young boy. Starring Justin Timberlake, Ryder Allan Alisha Wainwright, June Squibb, and Juno Temple. You can read our review of the latest Apple Original feature here.
Apple Arcade | Action | 9+
This week's Apple Arcade release sees you control a crowd of people in an uncoventional running game where you must dodge giant fast food, slide down pipes like at a waterpark and battle food themed battle rappers. Whilst that all may sound insane, Populus Run is a thoroughly polished game with great pacing and sound design (headphones highly recommended).
Apple TV+ | S2, E6 | 29 min | TV-14
'Split in the lark' is yet another fantastic title for the latest episode of Alena Smith's Dickinson. Things don't go as planned when Emily tries to express her gratitude to Sam during a night at the opera which leads to other goose-bump inducing possibilities.
Apple TV+ | S1, E4 | 48 min | TV-MA
Following the debut of the internationally acclaimed erotic thriller, latest episode 'The Obsession' sees Alice auditioning actresses for her lead role. After believing she has found the perfect candidate - Sophie makes a surprising move.
Apple TV+ | S2, E3 | 29 min | TV-MA
Following contact with Leanne, the Turners open a family business as a front for a more important mission in 'Pizza'. The latest episode from Servant's second season is directed by Ishana Shyamalan who you will immediately recognise as M.Night's daughter. Don't be fooled, this is a strong first showing with a humerous premise.
Sundance Film Festival App | Various
The first film festival of 2021 really has crept up on us, hasn't it? It's also the first time that the annual Sundance Film Festival is going virtual. Whilst the first run of many of its screenings have already sold out, I have it on good authority that more virtual screening tickets will be released so download the app and set notifications to on. Personal highlights include Siân Heder's 'CODA', 'Censor' from Welsh director Prano Bailey-Bond, Ben Wheatley's 'In the Earth' and 'On the Count of Three' from comedian/director Jerrod Carmichael.
HBO Max | 2 hrs 7 min | R
Oscar winners Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto star in this creepy serial killer thriller from John Lee Hancock Jr that will please fans of 'Seven', and 'Silence of the Lambs'. A throwback that sees Deputy Sheriff Joe "Deke" Deacon joins forces with Sgt. Jim Baxter to search for a serial killer who's terrorizing Los Angeles.
Syfy | S1, E1 | 44 min | TV-14
When an alien crashes on Earth and hides in a remote Colorado mountain town; after assuming the identity of the town doctor, his nefarious mission is threatened when he finds out one of the townspeople, a 9-year-old boy, can see his true alien form. To quote one YouTube commenter; "Alan Tudyk playing himself? Count me in!"
TV app | Rental | 1 hr 23 min | Unrated
With Darren Aronofsky listed on the production credits I had to rent this new documentary currently screening in select theatres. Filmmaker Lance Oppenheim cracks the manicured facade of The Villages - a massive, self-contained retirement community located in Central Florida - which offers a fascinating look at the inhabitants of a wildly succesful utopian/dystopian experiment.
Amongst this week's Apple Arcade updates are a new mission from Agent Intercept titled 'Training Day' where your mission - should you choose to accept it - is to intercept a speeding arms shipment. SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit has added a host of rewards, customisable options and new character unlocks. NUTS has gained some much needed quality of life improvements for those that struggled during the games launch last week and finally Card of Darkness, Jumper John and Warp Drive have implemented many small and minor bug fixes.