Apple reportedly stops developing AirPort WiFi router products, moving employees to other projects
Apple is seemingly getting out of the router accessory business, ‘disbanding’ the division inside the company according to Bloomberg. This means Apple will no longer develop its $99 AirPort Express, $199 AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule products. The report says Apple is reallocating employees to focus on its core consumer products that generate the vast majority of its revenue.
The newest AirPort devices are more than three years old, so the future of the products has been in doubt for a while. Sales revenue of AirPort products must pale in comparison to Apple’s other lines, which are counted in the tens of billions of dollars.
Filed under: Apple
Supercar maker McLaren says Apple did meet with them, but didn’t bid for the business
Following a report in September that Apple was considering an acquisition of supercar manufacturer McLaren, the company has told Reuters that discussions and meetings did take place, but did not get as far as a formal bid.
Filed under: Apple
Larger-screened iPhones will see AAPL’s gross margin continue to decline, say analysts
Analysts are predicting that there is no end in sight to the decline in gross margin on the iPhone. Bernstein Research analysts (via Business Insider) are predicting that it will fall below 40% for the first time next year, and fall again to 39% in 2018. Other analysts agree.
A chart put together by the firm shows iPhone margins falling from 57.7% in 2009 to 40.8% this year, arguing that the costs of making next year’s iPhone and difficulty in charging more for it in a much more competitive environment will see it fall further over the next couple of years.
Morgan Stanley’s Katy Huberty, says that, ironically, the popularity of the iPhone 7 may have contributed to pressure on margins …
Filed under: Apple
PSA: You can save $100 on the 13-inch non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro, $1399 at Amazon
The new Touch Bar-equipped MacBook Pro models may be in short supply, but demand for Apple’s new entry-level model without Touch Bar seems slower. Amazon is already discounting the machine, a $100 discount to bring the price down to $1399.
Filed under: Apple
Apple Watch has a special Thanksgiving Activity achievement, run/walk 5K on Nov 24 to earn unique award + iMessage sticker
Apple Watch owners can get a special Activity Challenge for Thanksgiving, this November 24th. Apple Watch owners are waking up to notifications on their wrist announcing a special achievement in the Activity app, the first time Apple has done this. To receive the reward, users must run or walk 5K (3.1 miles) on November 24 using Apple’s Workout app or any third-party app that integrates workouts with HealthKit.
If users do this, they will receive a unique Achievement medal in their iPhone Activity app (pictured above) and a special iMessage sticker to send to their friends.
Filed under: Apple
Apple launches new repair program for iPhone 6s units affected by unexpected shutdowns
Just days after launching a repair program for the iPhone 6 Plus “Touch Disease” flaw, Apple today launched yet another repair program, this time for iPhone 6s users. The program is focused on users that are affected by a battery flaw that causes their iPhone 6s to unexpectedly shut down.
Filed under: Apple
Apple debuts new Apple Music ad starring Drake as it ramps up marketing for holiday season
During the AMAs this evening, Apple debuted a new ad for Apple Music starring its long-time advocate, Drake. The ad is essentially a mirror of an ad that starred Taylor Swift and was released earlier this year. Apple has shared its new Drake ad on YouTube with the title “Drake vs. Bench Press.”
Filed under: Apple
Review: Koogeek Smart Plug is a simple, inexpensive, WiFi HomeKit device to get started with Siri home automation
The Koogeek plug is a simple way to add smart HomeKit functionality to ‘any’ device you own with a plug (buy it for $34.99). The idea of a HomeKit plug outlet is by no means new — there are plenty available on the market — but the Koogeek stood out for its simplicity, form factor and WiFi connectivity (see below for full review of how to set it up and how well it works).
It also works flawlessly with the iOS 10 Home app which means the switch can be controlled via Siri or via the Control Center pane. There are some caveats to be aware of, but it’s a simple, straightforward and inexpensive HomeKit smart plug option …
Filed under: Apple
This week’s top stories: MacBook Pro reviews, iOS 10.2 beta 3, iPhone 8 OLED details, Apple’s new design book & more
How to access/write-to NTFS drives on Mac natively with Paragon NTFS 14
Have you come across an NTFS formatted drive you’re having trouble using on your Mac? It’s not just an issue for those switching from Windows machines to Mac, but also for Bootcamp users and others who want to connect the odd drive from their Windows-using friends or colleagues.
If you want to write to/edit an NTFS formatted drive on macOS, a format commonly used for drives that interface with Windows computers, there’s a couple ways of doing it. You’ll be able to read what’s on the drive, but to have full compatibility to access and edit what’s on it requires a workaround. If you want to write to an NTFS drive natively like any other drive on your Mac, there is fortunately a way to easily add that functionality using Paragon NTFS for Mac.
Here’s how it works:
Filed under: Apple