The Walt Disney Company today announced that it has invested $1 billion for a 33 percent stake in BAMTech, a company “leading” in technology services and video streaming. BAMTech was originally formed by Major League Baseball, but has now been separated from the broader MLB Advanced Media business as part of this transaction. As part of the partnership, BAMTech will become “a key partner for Disney in the delivery and support of streaming video and other digital products from Disney, ABC Television Group, and ESPN.”

Notably, BAMTech will work with ESPN to launch an ESPN-branded multi-sport streaming video service in the future…

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Filed under: Apple

As it normally does once a product is so far into its lifetime, Apple today has made the 12.9-inch iPad Pro available via its online refurbished store. The device, which launched 10 months ago, can be had for a discounted price that varies depending on the variant that is chosen.

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Filed under: Apple

A mere week after releasing iOS 10 beta 4, Apple has seeded the fifth iOS 10 beta to developers. Join us as we go hands-on to showcase what’s new in iOS 10 beta 5. more…

Filed under: Apple

Netflix today has made its “Fast” internet speed testing service available on iOS and Android. The company originally launched the tool back in May on the web as a way to give users a chance to judge their internet’s streaming capabilities.

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Filed under: Apple

In May, Google circulated a draft proposal to effectively kill Adobe Flash by blocking the plugin and prioritizing HTML5 by the end of the year. The company is going ahead with that plan to “de-emphasize” Flash with a staged disabling of the plug-in through multiple versions of Chrome.

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Filed under: Apple

Rounding out “beta day” is the fifth developer beta of macOS 10.12 Sierra. The latest release is available now through the Mac App Store for developers. If you’re just starting to test macOS Sierra with this beta, you can find a promo code for the download via Apple’s developer website.

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Filed under: Apple

In addition to beta 5 for watchOS 3 and iOS 10 developers, Apple today has also released beta 5 of tvOS 10. To update, check through the Software Update section on the Apple TV, or grab the Configuration Profile from Apple’s Developer center if you’d like to install it for the first time.

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Filed under: Apple

Apple has released iOS 10 beta 5 for developers to test on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS 10 brings a refreshed look to Apple Music and News plus loads of new features to the platform. While Apple won’t release the operating system to the public until next month, the company is releasing regular betas to improve the software. In addition to iOS 10 beta 5, Apple has also pushed watchOS 3 beta 5 to developers.

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Filed under: Apple

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:

Best Buy’s 1-day sale has school essentials: 27″ 2TB Retina iMac $1,950 w/ .edu, Logitech keyboards, Panasonic eneloop, more

Carry your MacBook in a brand new CaseCrown messenger bag for $15, multiple styles/colors available

Daily Deals: Cheerson Nano Quadcopter $10, Emergency Solar Crank Weather Radio $18, more

Add some serious style to your Apple Watch w/ this $17 Prime shipped Leather Band (20% savings)

Introducing the 9to5Mac Academy: Tech, business, and software improvement courses at great prices

Spigen’s Universal Metal Kickstand adds a sleek built-in stand to smartphones for $10 [Video]

You can now grab a free copy of Brushstroke for iOS inside the Apple Store app ($5 value)

App Store Free App of the Week:Hocus puzzler goes free for the first time (Reg. $1)

Fantastical 2 Calendar and Reminders just hit its all-time low on Mac + up to 50% off iOS versions from $3

Best Console Releases for August: Deus Ex, No Man’s Sky, Metroid, Madden, and more

The best headphone stands & hangers to keep your desk/office nice and tidy

Here are our top-picks for your backpack this school year to stay organized and powered up

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

Here’s a pair 4K Smart Ultra HDTVs at low prices: Sony 43″ w/ Google Cast $550, Samsung 50″ $529

• Cyberpower 1500VA 10-outlet UPS + Surge Protector w/ 2 USB-ports: $137 shipped ($205 value)
• X-Dragon 9000mAh Solar Charger Panel Power Bank $12 Prime shipped (Reg. $17), more
• Games/Apps: DuckTales Remastered $4, Doom $30, iOS freebies, more
• LEGO Technic deals from $32 Prime shipped: Formula Off-Roader $40, more
• This Omron Blood Pressure Monitor connects to your iPhone for $47.50 (Reg. $70+)
• Pick up Samsung’s lust-worthy Galaxy S7 Edge 32GB (unlocked) for $570 shipped
• TaoTronics’ Aluminum LED Lamp w/ USB charging port: $30 Prime shipped (Reg. $50)
• Nintendo unveils brand new bundles: New 3DS w/ 3D Land, amiibo and more

MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:

Save 30% on any Belkin Bluetooth Keyboard Case: QODE Ultimate Lite for iPad Air 2 from $56 (Reg. $100), more

SanDisk’s 32GB iXpand USB 3.0 Flash Drive also has an iPhone/iPad Lightning connector: $40 (Reg. $60)

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Filed under: Apple

A pair of KGI reports in March and April suggested that Apple would be switching back from aluminum to glass iPhone casings in 2017, and this is now backed by a Nikkei story today.

Foxconn Technology Group is developing a glass casing for smartphones as its key client Apple Inc. is said to be revamping the iPhone, people familiar with the developments say. Apple is expected to redesign the iPhone, including giving it a glass chassis, in 2017.

A Nikkei source said that Foxconn had been working on developing a glass chassis since last year, though an earlier report made the unlikely-sounding claim that only one iPhone model would make the switch to an all-glass casing …

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Filed under: Apple