Comment: This is the year to pay attention to new MacBook Pros
Apple’s ‘hello again’ tagline for its special event this Thursday suggests an evolution of the Mac line, not just an iterative update. That’s because the world was introduced to the Macintosh in 1984 with a ‘hello’, then to the iMac in 1998 with a ‘hello (again)’, both key points in the Mac’s history. Now in 2016 it appears to be the MacBook Pro’s turn.
This will hardly be the first MacBook Pro, but we expect a slimmer design with beefed up internals and a new input method: an OLED touch panel above the keyboard that dynamically changes based on context. Apple will likely want to frame the ‘Magic Toolbar‘ (or whatever it calls it) as an important evolution in input methods like the iPod’s Click Wheel, the iPhone’s Multi-Touch, and the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown.
If you ignore the historical importance of ‘hello again’ and just see it as a clever way to say ‘hey, we just had an event last month and we’re back’, one thing is still clear based on what we expect to see at Apple’s event: this is the year to pay attention to new MacBook Pros.
Filed under: Apple
The 2016 MacBook Event shows up on Apple TV, complete with local timezone reminders
Just ahead of this week’s Apple ‘hello again’ event, the Apple Events channel has been updated with local time zone reminders of when to watch the announcements this week. The Events app refresh showcases the event invitation’s wispy and colorful Apple logo, with links to view previous events. You can even use the channel to see a reminder for when the keynote kicks off in your local timezone.
Filed under: Apple
macOS 10.12.1 software update is now available through the Mac App Store
Apple releases watchOS 3.1 to the public with bug fixes, update through iPhone Watch app
Apple has today released watchOS 3.1 to the public, the newest operating system release for Apple Watch. watchOS 3.0 introduced many new features for the wearable, but sadly watchOS 3.1 is a much more subdued affair. As far as we can tell, there are no new features included in the update despite the version numbering. However, watchOS 3.1 includes some noticeable improvements to battery life as well as the usual slew of bug fixes. The update is available for all Apple Watch Series 2, Apple Watch Series 1 and first-generation Apple Watch models.
Filed under: Apple
tvOS 10.0.1 software update for Apple TV is now available for everyone
Apple releases iOS 10.1 with Portrait Mode for iPhone 7 Plus, and fixes for other devices
Apple has just released the official build of iOS 10.1 to the general public which includes the new Portrait Mode for the iPhone 7 & 7 Plus. After being available to developers and public beta testers for the past few weeks, iOS 10.1 is now available to users on compatible iOS devices. iOS 10.1 brings the DSLR-like depth effect to iPhone 7 Plus devices, and a multitude of fixes for other devices.
Filed under: Apple
9to5Toys Lunch Break: iPad mini 4/Air 2 Wi-Fi 32GB from $309, CyberPower 900W UPS $140, Leather Apple Watch Band $14, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:
Save up to 23% on iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2 at Target: Wi-Fi 32GB configurations from $309 shipped
The best Desktop/Internet Backup/UPS you’ll find for $140 shipped: CyberPower Green
Give your Apple Watch a genuine leather band (42 or 38mm) for just $14 Prime shipped (Reg. $20)
Prime Photos FREE MONEY/PRINTS: Get $60 in Amazon computer/tablet/camera/software credit and 50 free prints just for uploading a picture
Best Buy announces free shipping on holiday orders as Target is rumored to offer the same
Beats Powerbeats2 Wireless headphones (Active Collection, multiple colors) for $100 shipped (Reg. $140)
App Store Free App of the Week: Night Sky 4 goes free for the first time (Reg. up to $4)
The best smart LED light bulbs with HomeKit, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:
Anker Smartphone Car Mounts for iPhone 7/Plus, Galaxy S7/Edge, Pixel, more in a variety of styles from $8 Prime shipped
- New MacBooks are coming this week, pick up a felt sleeve for as little as $5 Prime shipped
- Logitech’s popular Circle 1080p wireless security camera is now 25% off: $150 (Reg. $200)
- Smartphone Accessories: Aukey 5-Port 50W/10A Output USB Charger $13 (Reg. $18), more
- Games/Apps: Far Cry Primal $25, Doom $25, iOS freebies, more
- Daily Deals: Triby Speaker w/ Alexa Voice Assistant $165, Monster Mobile PowerCard $8, more
- TP-Link deals: DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem $45 + OnHub 802.11ac Router $142
- Gift Cards up to 15% off: Krispy Kreme, Barnes & Noble, Lowe’s, Children’s Place, more
- Free Xbox Live Gold Games for November: Murdered Soul Suspect, Super Dragon Bros, more
- Unlocked Moto G (4th Gen) 16 GB, 5.5″ 1080P display Prime Exclusive: $120 shipped
- LEGO City Airport Air Show Building Kit $58 (Reg. $70+) + Bricktober Toys R Us, more
MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:
Get a Lightning cable that’ll last. This 4-ft option from Inateck features tough braided nylon and is on sale for $4.49 Prime shipped (Reg. $9), more
Adobe Photoshop Elements 15 for Mac/PC: $80 (Reg. $100)
Filed under: Apple
Quick Look: the newly redesigned HDHomeRun Extend is a great tool for cord-cutters [Video]
We’ve covered the Channels app for Apple TV and iOS several times this year, and have come to the conclusion that it’s a great companion app for cord-cutters. But to take advantage of the greatness that is Channels, you’ll need a special hardware device from the folks over at SiliconDust. Enter the company’s newly redesigned HDHomeRun Extend.
Filed under: Apple
Pokemon Go schedules first in-game event for Halloween with player perks
Apple Watch Nike+ availability: stores, countries and some bad news on bands announced
A quiet update to Apple’s website earlier revealed that the Apple Watch Nike+ edition would go on sale this Friday, October 28 – and Apple has now further confirmed the date with some additional details.
You’ll naturally be able to buy the special edition Watch at Apple Stores and ‘select’ Nike retail stores, but it will also be available at a number of specialty and department stores. Macy’s is no surprise as the Apple Watch has seen availability there already, but Apple says you’ll also be able to pick up the new Watch at DICK’S Sporting Goods stores …
Filed under: Apple