This week, Phillr gets an update, iCloud encryption is in the news and Federico shows off his home screens. Also: rumors of a new Smart Keyboard, the possibility of Apple making its own podcasts and a bunch of creepy — yet soothing — whispering.

This episode of Connected is sponsored by:

• Booz Allen: Integrate. Innovate. Get it done with Booz Allen.
• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code CONNECTED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
• Direct Mail: Create and send great looking email newsletters with Direct Mail, an easy-to-use email marketing app designed exclusively for the Mac.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Connected with a Relay FM Membership

Matt Bonney's Twitter Filler Webpage

Lars Augustin's Philler Shortcut

Kyle Jones Winsted's: PWA for Twitter

Launched Episode 5: Myke Hurley

Annual Chairman (@AnnualChairman) / Twitter

Keynote Chairman (@KeynoteChairman) / Twitter

Apple's Upcoming Low-Cost iPhone Could Launch as Early as March - MacRumors

iPad kickstand and keyboard case mod on Vimeo

SwitchEasy™ CoverBuddy for 2018 iPad Pro 12.9

Adapt - Relay FM

Apple Planning to Make Original Podcasts Promoting Its TV Shows - Bloomberg

Apple May Release Backlit Smart Keyboard With Scissor Switches Alongside 2020 iPads [Updated] - MacRumors

Exclusive: Apple dropped plan for encrypting backups after FBI complained - sources - Reuters

Daring Fireball: Regarding Reuters’s Report That Apple Dropped Plan for Encrypting iCloud Backups

Apple reportedly abandoned plans to roll out end-to-end encrypted iCloud backups, apparently due to pressure from the FBI - 9to5Mac

Benjamin Mayo on Twitter: "In a 2018 interview, Cook’s comments to a German website heavily implied they are working on iCloud backups without a key (i.e. end-to-end encrypted)."

Daring Fireball: Tim Cook to Der Spiegel a Little Over a Year Ago: Apple Will Eventually No Longer Have a Key to iCloud Data

Google Online Security Blog: Google and Android have your back by protecting your backups

Can Apple live up to Apple’s privacy ads? - The Verge

iCloud security overview - Apple Support

MacStories Pixel - MacStories

Introducing MacStories Shortcuts Icons Color Edition, Featuring 350 Multi-Color Icons - MacStories

Ticci's Homescreen

Federico's Second Screen