Comment: Google just couldn’t leave Apple out of its iPhone competitor keynote

Google’s keynote today was knocked by some observers for having a similar style to Apple keynotes: a funny video to start things off, an intro from the CEO to set the stage, and product leaders announcing new products that they work on. I don’t really buy into that as a critique. Apple usually does an impressive keynote; they use a format that other companies should copy.

Something else that stood out is Google’s habit of using subtle references to Apple critiques to pitch its products. That’s just not very Apple. There was a reference to ‘bumping phones’ a few years ago when Apple introduced AirDrop, but Apple tastefully avoided any combustion jokes when it introduced the iPhone 7 last month. Google, on the other hand, just couldn’t leave Apple out of its keynote.

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Filed under: Apple

Google unveils Pixel & Pixel XL w/ Siri-like Assistant, ‘best ever’ mobile camera rated above iPhone 7

Today at its press event to unveil its new Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, a rebranding of its Nexus-line of devices, Google also took the wraps off new features coming to its Assistant platform and more. The company highlighted claims that its new smartphones have the best camera of any mobile device yet, including comparing it to the new iPhone 7 camera.

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Filed under: Apple

9to5Toys Lunch Break: OtterBox iPhone7/Plus cases $35, Brother Laser Printer w/ AirPrint $150, Timbuk2 MacBook bag sale, 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: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

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OtterBox iPhone 7/Plus cases are the standard and up to 31% off at Amazon – Commuter: $35, Defender w/Belt clip/kickstand: $36

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The Inkjet days are over, upgrade to Brother’s Duplex Laser Printer w/ AirPrint for $150 shipped (Reg. $200)

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Timbuk2’s 48-Hour Flash Sale has up to 40% off our favorite styles: Uptown 15-inch MacBook Backpack $83 (Reg. $119), more

Aukey 13-inch MacBook Leather and Felt Carrying Case $6 Prime shipped (Reg. $11)

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Get a $100 iTunes Gift Card for just $85 with email delivery from PayPal (15% off): save on apps, music, movies & more!

Get some free money with up to 20% off Gift Cards + free email delivery: Lowe’s, Jiffy Lube and more

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Apple’s 21-inch 4K iMac has a beautiful display, save $199 today: $1,300 shipped (Reg. $1,499)

Take $569 off Apple’s high-end 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro: $1,930 shipped (Reg. $2,499)

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The A-to-Z Programming Language Bundle (Learn C, Java, Python, Google Go, much more): $39 ($413 value) | 9to5MacAcademy

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Show off your new iPhone 7/Plus with a Slickwraps protective skin, exclusive 35% discount now live

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Design your own official Apple Magic Mouse & Keyboard in any color w/ this exclusive discount code

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App Store Free App of the Week: Flowing Meditation & Mindfulness goes free for the first time (Reg. $3+)

True Skate: one of the best skate sims for iPhone/iPad just went free (Reg. $2)

Keyboard Maestro for Mac: $20 (Reg. $36)

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Bowers & Wilkins’ latest top-end headphones cost a cool $900, but offer free Lightning upgrade later

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Review: Twelve South’s HiRise 2 Deluxe brings a slimmed-down design to your iPhone, iPad or Android device

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

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Daily Deals: Fitbit Flex Wristband in 10 different colors (Refurb) $40, LG 40-inch LED 1080p HDTV $220, more

MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:

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Bring Alexa home with Amazon’s Tap Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $100 (Reg. $130)

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The Logitech Circle Wireless 1080p Security Camera has a built-in 12 hour battery: $150 shipped (Reg. $200)

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Filed under: Apple

Review: A jet black Apple Magic Keyboard & Magic Mouse to match iPhone 7

The jet black iPhone 7 might be a little more prone to scratches and fingerprints with its glossy finish, but that didn’t stop me from choosing the color for my iPhone this year. And I’m glad I did— it’s even more stunning in person than how it appears in photographs.  

The only thing missing was a jet black Apple Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard to match my new iPhone…

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Filed under: Apple

How-To: Delete and opt out of macOS Sierra automatic downloads if you don’t want to upgrade

If you rely on your Mac and don’t want to upgrade to a newly released operating system, you may want to opt out of the automatic download that Apple is starting to push for macOS Sierra. If your Mac has already downloaded the macOS Sierra installer and you want to remove it from your hard drive, you can do that too and opt out of future automatic downloads. Here’s how…

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Filed under: Apple

Bowers & Wilkins’ latest top-end headphones cost a cool $900, but offer free Lightning upgrade later

Much as I adore my B&W P5 headphones (recently upgraded to the wireless model), I must admit that even I would think twice about buying the company’s latest top-end model: the P9 Signature. These over-ear wired headphones cost a cool $900, but they do come with one extra: register them on B&W’s website and the company will send you a Lightning upgrade early next year.

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Filed under: Apple

PSA: Now is a good time to educate your less-techy friends about ‘Apple’ phishing emails

A number of friends have recently forwarded me examples of some relatively convincing-looking phishing emails purporting to be from Apple. These include fake Apple Music subscriptions or purchases, inviting the user to login to the Apple website to cancel the transaction if it wasn’t made by them.

The link, of course, goes to a fraudulent site, but many of them are close copies of the real thing. No 9to5Mac reader would be taken in by any of them, but a non-tech person might be. So if you’re the person who acts as unofficial tech advisor to your friends, you might want to ensure they are up to speed on these …

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Filed under: Apple