Comment: One year later, Apple Watch has kickstarted a lifestyle change
For all of its shortcomings, the Apple Watch has redeemed itself for me with its fitness and health tracking features. I wear it primarily because it’s a watch but I like (the idea of) having Siri always there plus access to important alerts instantly. The sports watch part can be ignored if you’re not interested, but being one device means its still there if you decide to explore activity tracking later.
That’s been my experience. I generally ignored activity tracking for the first year, but decided at the end of March to use the start of April as a reason to pay attention. The Activity app uses week- and month-long streaks to mark achievements, so the start of a new month (like today) can be motivating.
My real goal was to lose weight using Apple Watch as a motivator. Two months in, I’ve been very happy with the results so far and have to give Apple Watch plenty of credit for pushing me forward. My routine also involves iPhone apps, smarter food choices, and some basic equipment, but closing the Activity rings is the most compelling part.
Filed under: Apple Watch, Opinion Tagged: Apple watch
Apple releases Swift 3.0 Preview 1 ahead of WWDC 2016
Apple’s programing language Swift saw its first preview release branch for 3.0 hit yesterday as the programming language moves closer to a finalized 3.0 release due later this year. Though nowhere near a final release of Swift 3.0, this marks the beginning of the major Swift revisions that developers will see coming later this year.
Filed under: Developers, iOS Tagged: Swift 3.0
Widespread iCloud Music Library issue affecting Apple Music subscribers
A widespread issue with iCloud Music Library is currently affecting Apple Music subscribers. Apple’s System Status board hasn’t acknowledged the issue yet, but several Apple Music customers have complained online and the issue is affecting several of us here. Launching the Music app on iOS prompts users to ‘Join Apple Music’ regardless of subscription status and some customers are reporting libraries disappearing.
Filed under: Apple Music
Satechi unveils space gray, gold, and silver dual USB + USB-C car chargers
Satechi is launching a nice-looking new dual USB car charger that comes in iPhone-matching gold, silver, and space gray.
Filed under: Tech Industry
Apple readying new external 5K Display as current model goes out of stock, may feature integrated GPU
The current $999 (!) Thunderbolt Display is showing its age to put it mildly, now significantly overshadowed by Retina MacBooks and iMacs in terms of screen resolution and quality. Reaffirming earlier reports, we have heard that stock of the Thunderbolt Display at Apple Stores is quickly running out with no indications of more units on the way to replenish availability. This is often a good indicator that a refresh is imminent. We are led to believe that WWDC will be very light on new hardware. However, given the opportunity for cheers in the audience, perhaps Apple could announce the new display at the keynote with a release pencilled in for later in the year.
Independently, we have heard some rumblings about what the new display might offer. Finally bringing it up to speed with its Retina display Mac cousins, the new ‘Thunderbolt Display’ will likely feature a 5K resolution display 5120×2880 pixels. Moreover, sources indicate that Apple will take the display in a surprising direction, specifically suggesting that Apple plans to integrate a dedicated external GPU into the display itself …
Filed under: Mac, Tech Industry Tagged: Apple, iMac, iOS, Mac, Retina Display, Thunderbolt Display
Apple sends out press invites for WWDC 2016, confirms 10AM PT keynote on June 13
After officially announcing that WWDC would take place June 13th through June 17th in April, Apple today has officially invited members of the press to its kickoff keynote address. The keynote will take place on June 13th at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. Like usual, the keynote will commence at 10AM PT/ 1PM ET (via TechInsider).
Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: WWDC 2016
9to5Toys Lunch Break: iPad Pro 128GB LTE $800, VPN Unlimited Lifetime $29, Brother Color Laser Printer $143, 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:
Apple’s 12.9″ 128GB iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular is all the way down to $800 (Reg. $1,079)
VPN Unlimited: Lifetime Subscription for $29 ($500 value)
The World Class Mac Bundle brings together 8 outstanding apps: $25 w/coupon (Orig. $401)
Pay what you want for 26.5 hours of photography tutorials and 100 stock images
Get 83 hours of coding tutorials with the Comprehensive Android Development Bundle: $40 (Orig. $727)
Leave InkJet behind and switch to Brother’s Color Laser Printer w/ AirPrint for $143 shipped (Reg. $180)
Apple 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro (latest version) 2.7GHz/8GB/256GB $1,200 shipped (Reg. $1,499)
App Store $1 Amazing Apps & Games Sale: Halo, Runtastic, Lifeline, djay 2, Runstastic, more
App Store Free App of the Week: Octagon arcade-runner free for the first time in over a year ($2 value)
KAMI paper puzzle game goes free on iOS for the very first time today (Reg. $2)
MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:
Games/Apps: Guitar Hero Live iOS (Prime only) $22, AC Syndicate & Rainbow Six Siege $45, iOS freebies, more
- Give open-air headphones a try with Audio-Technica’s ATH-AD900x for $115 (Reg. $150)
- Daily Deals: JBL Charge 2 Bluetooth Speaker (Refurb) $70, more
- Here’s how you can score a free Chick-fil-A Sandwich throughout the month of June
- Smartphone Accessories: Aukey Bluetooth Speaker $22 (Reg. $28), more
- Grab the ASUS ZenFone 2 w/ 4GB RAM/128GB storage: $269 (Reg. $375+)
- Ditch your computer’s speakers for the best-selling Mackie CR3 Studio Monitors: $85 (Reg. $100)
- Remington’s grooming kits 25% off: F5-5800 Cordless Shaver w/ 2 year warranty $30, more
- Kindle First eBook freebies for June: Intrusion, Cold, Journey’s End, more
- Running Day Sales up to 50% off: Saucony runners from $39, more
MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:
AmazonBasics Felt Sleeves for MacBooks up to 15-inches are on sale from $8 Prime shipped
- Keep your kids learning with two Kindle Fire Kids Edition Tablets for $110 (Reg. $160)
- Xbox One official price drop brings 1TB bundles down to just $319 shipped, more
- Fulfill your dreams of owning a Mercedes-Benz for $175 (Reg. $230), more
- Free PS Plus Games for June: NBA 2K16, Gone Home, Echochrome, more
- Wired and Popular Science Magazine Bundle: 1yr. sub for $8 shipped ($25+ value), more
- Schwinn’s mini hand pump will keep your bike tires & more filled for $7 (Orig. $16)
- Target’s Beauty Box for men delivers $19 worth of grooming products for just $5 shipped
- Holmes 20-inch box fan in white from $13 with in-store pickup (Reg. $20+), more
- Philips Smart Lighting: Hue Go Portable LED $80, Wireless Hue Tap Switch $50
- Many acclaimed Bose speakers on sale, SoundLink Mini II $179 shipped (Reg. $199)
- Cabela’s $100 Gift Card for $85 shipped (15% off), more
- Amazon is handing out $5 in-app credits when you download select Android games
- Smart 1080p HDTVs (Refurb): 50″ VIZIO $320 (Orig. $430), Sony 48″ $300 (Orig. $500)
- Withings Activité Pop Activity Tracker and Watch: $85 shipped (Reg. $140+)
- BlenderBottle ProStak 22-Ounce Bottle from $9 Prime shipped (Reg. $12+)
- Cuisinart Food Processor in Brushed Stainless Steel $119 shipped (Reg. $150), more
- Google Play MP3 Albums for $1 (Reg. $12+): Goo Goo Dolls Greatest Hits, Deftones, more
- SanDisk Ultra II 480GB 2.5-inch Internal Solid-State Drive: $108 shipped (Reg. $130+)
- Garmin vívofit Activity Tracker in multiple colors w/ Heart Rate Monitor: $50 (Reg. $80)
- OLALA’s 13000mAh portable iPhone charger packs a lot of juice for just $28
- Gold’s Gym XRS 20 Olympic Multi-Workout Bench for $97 shipped (Reg. $200+)
- FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System with Starter Bag/Roll Set $60 shipped (Reg. $80+)
- Get a two-pack of Mini 7W LED Flashlights for only $7 Prime shipped (Reg. $9)
- Black+Decker Mini Rice/Food Cooker for under $15 Prime shipped (Reg. $20+), more
- OLALA’s 13000mAh portable iPhone charger packs a lot of juice for just $28
- Goat Simulator heads to outer space in its latest must-see iOS release [Video]
Review: Pelican’s impressive Elite Luggage is built like a tank, but is it worth the price tag?
NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:
This gorgeous $1,100 SmartBike cannot be stolen according to its creators
- iDevices’ latest creation brings HomeKit control to nearly any lightbulb in your house
- This record player has Don Draper-style, AirPlay connectivity and a secret bar
- Olympus wants you to beat the hell out of its new Tough TG-Tracker 4K Action Camera
- Grado Labs latest Brooklyn-made set of headphones blend mahogany & maple woods
- Xiaomi’s first drone records 4K video, lasts 27mins, costs $460
- LG’s new OLED 4K Ultra HDTVs are still lustworthy, just as expensive
- Jaybird’s new Freedom Bluetooth earbuds have an Apple-inspired metal design
- The second generation Boosted electric skateboard promises longer range
- National Streaming Day: I finally cut the cord and haven’t looked back, here’s how I pulled it off…
- Roboterra’s K’NEX-like coding system aims to empower young engineers
- TRNTBL is a modern day vinyl-lovers dream w/ built-in AirPlay, SONOS and Bluetooth
- Black + Decker launches app-connected Bluetooth batteries w/ USB port
- Garmin’s new vívosmart HR+ opts for GPS-tracking and heart rate monitoring over battery life
- The Tap Bluetooth wearable turns nearly any surface into a functioning Bluetooth keyboard
Filed under: Tips and Tricks Tagged: 9to5Toys, Amazon, app deals, Best Buy, Brother Laser Printer, Daily Deals, free apps, Gold Box, iPad Pro, video games, VPN
Happy Hour Podcast 069 | Siri Speaker TV, iPhone 7 storage, Thunderbolt Display 2, WWDC 2016 and more
This week Benjamin and Zac discuss Apple Watch fitness, the latest Siri Speaker rumors, iPhone 7 and Thunderbolt Display 2, and much more. 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: Happy Hour Tagged: Happy Hour
Apple beats Samsung by just one percent in American Customer Satisfaction Index
In last year’s American Customer Satisfaction Index, Apple and Samsung were neck-and-neck at 80%. In this year’s results, released today, Samsung has retained last year’s score while Apple has just edged ahead at 81%.
Apple moves up 1% to take sole possession of the industry lead at 81, just ahead of Samsung, unchanged at 80. Lenovo’s Motorola recedes 3% to 77, as does HTC (75), while LG remains at 74. Microsoft Mobile, with both Nokia- and MS-branded phones, dips to 74, followed by the smaller manufacturers, which edge up 3% to a combined score of 73.
Despite Apple winning out in overall satisfaction across models, it didn’t quite manage the top spot when it comes to specific models …
Filed under: AAPL Company, iOS Devices, Tech Industry Tagged: ACSI, American Customer Satisfaction Index, Apple awards, Apple customer satisfaction, Awards
Coach Apple Watch bands get official as they appear on retailer’s site ahead of WWDC
Some spy shots of upcoming Apple Watch bands by designer brand Coach leaked last month, but now the accessories are about to get official as Coach lists the products on its website.
A tipster shared a URL to a not yet public listing on Coach’s site, and we discovered several other models. The pages aren’t yet searchable on the site, and most don’t have images, but it looks like Coach is preparing for an upcoming launch ahead of Apple’s WWDC event later this month.
Filed under: Apple Watch Tagged: accessory, Apple watch, band, beast, camo, coach, Leather, Print, WWDC, WWDC 2016