Happy Hour Podcast 085 | iPhone 7 pre-order experience, Apple Watch Series 2 reviews, iOS 10 launch, and more
This week Benjamin and Zac talk about launching sticker packs, the iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2 pre-order experience, Apple’s iPhone 7 teaser, reviews for all the new hardware, AirPods versus BeatsX, and the release of iOS 10, tvOS 10, and watchOS 3. 9to5Mac’s Happy Hour podcast is available for download on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
Filed under: Apple
iPhone 7 theoretically faster than any MacBook Air, though disclaimers apply
In comparing the iPhone 7‘s Geekbench scores to a variety of flagship Android handsets, John Gruber noted that it tops the rankings in multi-core performance and leaves everything else for dust when it comes to single-core. The iPhone’s single-core score of 3,450 is almost twice as fast as the second-ranked phone, Samsung’s Galaxy S7 (see below).
He also made a couple of other interesting comparisons, comparing the iPhone 7 against MacBook Air models and the 2013 MacBook Pro …
Filed under: Apple
Hands-on: Beats Solo3 Wireless — the first available headphones featuring Apple’s new W1 chip [Video]
Apple made a big, polarizing splash when it announced its new wireless AirPods during last week’s iPhone 7 keynote. The AirPods, which are completely devoid of any wires, were met with plenty of mixed reactions online. Whether or not you agree with the design of the AirPods is one thing, but the new W1 wireless chip, Apple’s first, is promising to bring a better overall wireless audio experience to the masses.
Unfortunately, the AirPods don’t ship until late October, so unless you’re among the few who received early review units, you’ll have to wait until the fall before you can experience the $159 wireless earphones for yourself. That said, you can still take Apple’s new wireless W1 chip for a spin, arguably the most important component of its AirPods, anyway.
The W1 wireless chip is not only embedded in Apple’s AirPods, you’ll find the same chip tucked away in several pairs of new Beats-branded headphones as well. The just-released Beats Solo3 On-Ear Wireless Headphones, for instance, has the distinction of being the first product to hit the market with a W1 chip nestled inside. As such, we felt that it was only right to provide you with a hands-on look at this compelling new wireless headphone option. more…
Filed under: Apple
Unboxing video shows Jet Black and matte black iPhone 7 models side-by-side
If you’re sold on the idea of a black iPhone 7 but are still wavering between Jet Black and matte black, an unboxing video that shows the two side-by-side may help you make up your mind.
The matte black model is the larger 7 Plus, but it still gives you a good sense of how the two finishes compare. Another interesting point to note is step during the setup process where you get to choose the degree of haptic feedback offered by the touch-sensitive Home button …
Filed under: Apple
Conan pokes fun at AirPods with amusing sketch based on famous iPod ads [Video]
Apple says Jet Black iPhone 7 and all 7 Plus models sold out; breaking news to those in line
Apple has issued a statement advising that it has completely sold out of the Jet Black iPhone 7 and all versions of the iPhone 7 Plus, thanks to pre-orders. It adds that ‘limited quantities’ of other finishes of the 4.7-inch iPhone 7 will be available to walk-in customers tomorrow.
Filed under: Apple
Apple denies it has interest in acquiring Jay Z-owned Tidal streaming service
Earlier this year, it was rumored that Apple was in talks to buy Jay Z-owned streaming service Tidal. Albeit nearly three months late, Apple has now commented on the acquisition rumors in a recent interview with BuzzFeed News, denying that it has any interest in acquiring other streaming services.
Filed under: Apple
Apple sends survey over headphone jack to MacBook Pro users, perhaps hinting at eventual removal
After months of speculation, Apple last week officially announced the headphone jack-free iPhone 7. Now, the company appears to be asking MacBook Pro users to take a survey concerning their use of the various connectivity options supported by their laptop. One of the questions relates to the use of the headphone jack, perhaps indicating that Apple is considering removing the connection from the MacBook, as well…
Filed under: Apple
FBI director James Comey recommends that everyone put a cover on their computer’s webcam
Earlier this year, an image of Mark Zuckerberg’s desk emerged showing that he uses a piece of tape to cover the webcam on his MacBook Pro. While many mocked this security method by Zuckerberg at the time, the Facebook CEO now has some additional back up from someone who’s pretty security conscious: FBI director James Comey.
Filed under: Apple
Best Buy pushes Apple Watch Series 2 release date to September 28 for most
While preorders for the Apple Watch Series 2 went live last Friday from Apple and Best Buy, customers who preordered from the latter of the two options are now receiving emails informing them that their order is delayed. Best Buy this evening sent out emails informing customers of the delay, explaining that the new street date for the Apple Watch Series 2 is September 28th.
Filed under: Apple