Review: Omegon Universe2go, the iPhone enclosure that provides an augmented reality tour of the night sky
An amateur astronomy friend has a motorized telescope that allows you to tap in the name of the object you want to see – a constellation, a planet, a deep-sky object – and it automatically locates them in the sky. Universe2go offers an equally hi-tech but more casual approach to stargazing suitable for beginners – including kids.
Universe2go is an augmented reality system that uses your iPhone to do the clever stuff. In essence, it’s a more sophisticated version of Google Cardboard. You open the companion app on your iPhone, snap your phone into the plastic enclosure and then look through the goggles at the night sky. An angled mirror overlays your actual view of the sky with labels from the app.
Pause with the green pointer over a planet or constellation, and the app provides visual data and an audio commentary. Alternatively, choose an object in advance and the app uses the display to direct you to the correct part of the sky before using the augmented reality system to highlight it …
With most review products, it’s just a question of finding the time to play with them. With Universe2go, however, I also needed to wait for a time when I was outside London and the skies were clear. Which is, of course, the first issue to consider if you’re tempted to buy one. There’s little point if you live in the center of a city unless you get outside it regularly, and in a country like the UK, you may be waiting a while for clear skies in winter.
But the augmented nature of the view means that even if with some degree of light pollution, or skies a little hazier than you’d like, you can still find objects that would be difficult to identify otherwise.
Look & feel
The unit itself looks rather disappointingly low-tech at first glance. It’s just a plastic enclosure with an open front, open eye-holes at the rear, a snap-open flap for your iPhone, an angled mirrored surface and two circular mirrors above, one for each eye. It feels solid but plasticky. However, more on this later.
It is, though, reasonably compact – something you could keep in the glove compartment of a car, for example – and is lightweight, so easily carried around.
Setup
The app is a free download from the App Store. Once the app is open, you insert your iPhone into the enclosure. There are various foam cutouts for different sized phones, but really it’s held sufficiently snugly that these are superfluous. The device is suitable for any size iPhone up to the iPhone 6s, but not the Plus models. You will need to remove even thin cases.
With the iPhone installed, the app guides you through a calibration process, that aligns the stereoscopic view to the position and screen size of the phone. Calibration is achieved by tilting your head while looking through the unit. Once this is done, you choose a bright star to complete the calibration, simply holding a yellow circle over the star until it has been identified.
In use
Once set up, basic use couldn’t be easier. The app starts in Discover mode. Just look through the device and everything is automatically highlighted and labelled as you look at it. It labels all 88 constellations, as well as planets, galaxies, star clusters and nebulae.
The blend of real sky and augmented data is really well done. The augmented data doesn’t blind you to the actual stars, but the overlay helps you to spot the fainter objects. Within the first few seconds, my objections to what initially seemed like a rather high price for a piece of plastic had been somewhat allayed. It’s clear that the optical quality of the mirrors is good, and that a great deal of care has gone into balancing real and augmented views for the best possible experience. You can also adjust the brightness to match the local lighting – brighter close to towns, darker way out in the country.
Align the pointer on any highlighted object, pause for a second or two and it displays a visual data-frame with basic facts, while an audio narration tells you about the object in more detail. In the case of constellations, the narration covers both scientific facts and mythology.
Because your iPhone is locked away inside the case, you don’t have access to the touchscreen. Switching modes in the app is achieved by tilting your head. It feels strange at first, but you soon get used to it. The most useful secondary mode is Search, where you choose the type of object you want to find (star, planet, comet and so on) and then select it from an alphabetic list. The app then displays a line on the screen – follow this to the object, which it circles for you.
Mythology mode overlays a pictorial representation of the Greek figures, as well as providing the story behind the figure. A Quiz mode shows you a constellation which you then have to find in the sky.
There are two modes I would describe as pure novelty features: Deep Sky and 3D. These provide a close look at things that cannot be seen with the naked eye. To my mind, there’s really little benefit in doing this with the device rather than simply looking at images on the web.
Finally, there’s an Expert mode that allows you to tailor what is and isn’t shown on the display, as well as overlaying azimuthal and equatorial grids.
Conclusions
When I first saw the device, I had two initial responses. The first that it was a really cool idea. The second is that $99 is a lot of money for a plastic case.
Having used it, it is indeed a very cool product. As an adult now rather rusty on the little astronomy I learned as a kid, it was a great refresher. Where it will really score, though, is with kids. It provides a really fun and engaging way to learn about the night sky.
Value-wise, there is more to the unit than first meets the eye. Given the quality of the blended image it generates, I would say the price is high but probably justified. The question is whether it would be a novelty that would be used a few times then abandoned. For me, I’d have to say the answer is yes. But I can definitely see kids getting more use from it, as well as sharing it with the friends.
It does, though, need to be compared to the cost of a computerized telescope. These allow you to see way more than is possible with the naked eye – and while you can spend four figures on them, you can pick up basic ones for surprisingly little money. For example, the Celestron 127EQ is the best-seller on Amazon, and costs just $135.
Most motorized telescopes do, though, come with Windows software, so you’ll need a Windows laptop to find objects. And there’s no doubt that Universe2go is a lot more convenient as an introduction to astronomy for kids, holding off on the motorized telescopes until they get the bug. For younger kids, I think I’d go with this – with older ones, maybe go straight to the telescope.
The Universe2go costs $99 from Omegon’s Amazon store. The companion app is a free download from the App Store.
Filed under: Reviews Tagged: Amateur astronomy, astronomy, astronomy apps, Augmented reality, Star gazing, Telescope, Universe2go, Universe2go review
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Nintendo: Our second iPhone game will feature a ‘very familiar’ character
When Nintendo first announced that it would finally be launching an iPhone game, it’s safe to say, many of we children of the 90’s got a little excited. Sadly, excitement turned to bemusement once the company revealed it would be launching a weird game called Miitomo, which wasn’t exactly a game, but rather a social network.
Following its disappointing Q4 results, Nintendo has confirmed that its second title would include a “very familiar character”, and won’t be another social network attempt. It did, however, stop short of confirming exactly which character we’re going to see.
“The second game won’t be another communication app, and we plan to adopt one of our characters that fans are very familiar with,” Nintendo CEO Tatsumi Kimishima said.
While we can only hope that Nintendo releases iOS versions of Mario Karts, Donkey Kong and Zelda, it’s being predicted by analysts that the company’s smartphone games will tie in with its next rumored physical console. Dubbed the Nintendo NX, it’s predicted that the iPhone/iPad titles will combine somehow with the NX games, blurring the line between mobile and console gaming.
With Sony and Microsoft dominating the console sales market with their respective PS4 and Xbox One consoles, Nintendo needs to adjust its strategy, especially after seeing its profits drop a massive 36% last quarter. Bridging the gap between smartphones and consoles with a new set of mobile games could help the company create a stronger ecosystem, but it’s unlikely to directly bring in any major revenue for the gaming giant. Analysts predict Nintendo will avoid an aggressive in-app purchasing strategy in order to keep its long-standing fans happy.
Eventually, Nintendo will see mobile gaming as a ‘pillar’ of its company. But until the first true game arrives on iPhone we’re yet to see if its attempts at taking on the mobile gaming industry will be successful.
Filed under: Apps Tagged: App Store, Apps, gaming, iOS, Nintendo
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Apple removes ‘impact resistant’ claim from Apple Watch after losing court case over cracked screen
The BBC reports that Apple has removed the phrase ‘impact resistant’ from its description of the Apple Watch after losing a UK court case over a cracked screen. The owner said that he had been influenced by the description as he is “prone to knocking things about a bit.”
Gareth Cross, 32, from Aberystwyth, [bought] his Apple Watch Sport, but spotted a crack in the glass face 10 days later. The technology giant said work to fix the watch was not covered by warranty […]
Mr Cross took the company to the small claims court in Aberystwyth for breach of the Sale of Goods Act, and has won the case after a six-month fight. The company was ordered to refund the cost of the watch and pay £429 ($620) costs. Apple has now changed the description of the watch, removing the claim it was resistant to impact.
Cross says that he still plans to buy a replacement Watch.
Accidental damage is covered for those who pay to upgrade to AppleCare+, but not for standard warranty claims. We last year detailed the visual inspection process used by Apple to accept or deny claims.
Torture tests demonstrated that the Watch is pretty tough, but not immune to damage. The sapphire screens used on the more expensive stainless steel and Edition models is far more scratch-resistant than the Sport model, but just as vulnerable to cracks.
Filed under: Apple Watch Tagged: Apple watch, Apple Watch Sport, Broken Apple Watch, court case, trial
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Apple acquired LegbaCore consultancy firm to improve software & firmware security efforts
Back in November of 2015, Apple quietly acquired security consultancy firm LegbaCore it has recently been discovered. The acquisition was initially revealed back in December by security researcher Trammell Hudson during a presentation at the 32C3 conference. The acquisition was further corroborated by a series of tweets from founder Xeno Kovah (seen below) and the company’s website, which states that it is “not accepting any new customer engagements.”
Specific details of the acquisition are unclear at this point. Kovah and his partner Corey Kallenberg are working full-time at Apple, although their specific roles are unclear. Kovah only stated that he and Kallenbeg would be working on “low level security” at the company (via MacRumors).
LegbaCore and researcher Trammell Hudson discovered the first firmware worm to affect Macs in Thunderstrike 2, which was publicly revealed last August. Thunderstrike 2 was able to survive a full erase and reinstall of OS X because it attacked firmware tied to specific hardware components. LegbaCore alerted Apple to the problem prior to making it public and Apple was able to begin patching it.
It was during the communication about Thunderstrike 2 that Apple expressed interest in acquiring LegbaCore. “As we were having discussions with Apple in the wake of our presentation this summer,” Kovah tweeted, “it became clear that Apple had some *very* interesting and highly impactful work that we could participate in.”
This acquisition is more of an acquihire as LegbaCore doesn’t have any private technology aside from the skills of Kovah and Kallenberg. The talent, however, will certainly be useful at Apple to continue improving the company’s software and firmware security efforts.
Filed under: Mac Tagged: LegbaCore, Security, Thunderstrike
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Apple releases Xcode 7.2.1 with bug fixes and performance improvements
Apple this evening has pushed a small update to its developer software Xcode. The update bumps the app to version 7.2.1, following the initial release of version 7.2 late last year. Xcode 7.2.1 carries the build number 7C1002 and includes a handful of under-the-hood fixes and improvements.
Apple says that a variety of bugs have been fixed with this evening’s Xcode update. Hiccups relating to the command line and debugger have been fixed, while the certificate used to developer Wallet passes, Safari Push Notifications, and Safari Extensions has also been updated. As usual, the company says there are “additional bug fixes and stability improvements,” as well.
The full changelog is below:
Fixed in Xcode 7.2.1:
• Command line tool ‘xcodebuild test’ will no longer time out waiting for Simulator.app to launch
• Resolved a debugger crash that could occur in code depending on a binary Swift library or framework
• Updated the certificate used to develop Apple Wallet passes, Safari Push Notifications, and Safari Extensions
• Additional bug fixes and stability improvements
Xcode 7.2.1 is available now on the Mac App Store.
Filed under: Developers Tagged: developers, update, Xcode
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Microsoft purchases popular keyboard maker SwiftKey for $250 million
The Financial Times is reporting that Microsoft has purchased popular third-party keyboard maker SwiftKey for $250 million. While SwiftKey is most known for their predictive keyboard, the acquisition is more of an artificial intelligence play for Microsoft.
While this deal could be seen as just the latest in a line of Microsoft purchases of popular apps, it is not. A source told the FT that, “There’s a war for talent in artificial intelligence…” A majority of the company’s 150 employees around the world are expected to join Microsoft Research. In 2014, Google purchased another UK based startup working on AI for £400m.
Over 300 million people use the Android and iOS app, but SwiftKey has yet to find a reliable business model. Initially, SwiftKey was a paid app before switching to a freemium model where users pay to customize and get different themes. There are still premium versions of the app, but most people make do with the free version. While $250 million is a large sum, many investors have said that the price is lower than they would have expected a few years ago.
As a sign that that is a more of a means to get AI talent, Microsoft recently ported their Windows Phone keyboard to iOS. It’s highly unlikely that the company needs more keyboard apps. Furthermore, the built-in iOS and Android keyboards have long ago integrated similar prediction and swiping features.
Whether Microsoft will continue to support SwiftKey is unknown. We will find out more details of the deal when it is officially announced later this week.
Filed under: Tech Industry Tagged: Acquisitions, alternative keyboards, Microsoft, SwiftKey
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Microsoft purchases popular keyboard maker SwiftKey for $250 million
The Financial Times is reporting that Microsoft has purchased popular third-party keyboard maker SwiftKey for $250 million. While SwiftKey is most known for their predictive keyboard, the acquisition is more of an artificial intelligence play for Microsoft.
While this deal could be seen as just the latest in a line of Microsoft purchases of popular apps, it is not. A source told the FT that, “There’s a war for talent in artificial intelligence…” A majority of the company’s 150 employees around the world are expected to join Microsoft Research. In 2014, Google purchased another UK based startup working on AI for £400m.
Over 300 million people use the Android and iOS app, but SwiftKey has yet to find a reliable business model. Initially, SwiftKey was a paid app before switching to a freemium model where users pay to customize and get different themes. There are still premium versions of the app, but most people make do with the free version. While $250 million is a large sum, many investors have said that the price is lower than they would have expected a few years ago.
As a sign that that is a more of a means to get AI talent, Microsoft recently ported their Windows Phone keyboard to iOS. It’s highly unlikely that the company needs more keyboard apps. Furthermore, the built-in iOS and Android keyboards have long ago integrated similar prediction and swiping features.
Whether Microsoft will continue to support SwiftKey is unknown. We will find out more details of the deal when it is officially announced later this week.
Filed under: Tech Industry Tagged: Acquisitions, alternative keyboards, Microsoft, SwiftKey
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ZAGG to acquire Mophie, takeover battery, screen protection, & keyboard accessories market
Popular accessory maker Zagg today announced that it has acquired Mophie, another accessory maker best known for its iPhone battery cases and power accessories. The deal will see Zagg purchase Mophie for $100 million. Mophie CEO Daniel Huang and COO Shawn Dougherty will continue their current respective roles and will report to Zagg CEO Randy Hales.
In the press release, Hales said that the acqutision will allow the two companies to work together and deliver an even better customer and investor experience than they could as independent companies. Zagg CEO Daniel Hung echoed similar sentiments, saying that the partnership will see both brands grow around the world and continue to innovate in the mobile market.
“This strategic combination of two industry innovators with complementary product, brand and distribution platforms will enable us to deliver increased value for our customers and shareholders,” said Randy Hales, President and Chief Executive Officer of ZAGG. “We see numerous opportunities to drive revenue growth and increase profitability by leveraging the strengths of both organizations to strengthen product development, improve brand presence, and expand distribution.”
While the “definitive” deal reached today is for $100 million, Zagg notes that the price could increase based on the company’s adjusted earnings between April 1st, 2016 and March 31st, 2017. The full press release for the acquisition can be seen below:
ZAGG and mophie to Combine, Creating Diversified Leader in Mobile Accessories
- Combination forms market share leader in four top accessory categories; battery cases, external batteries, screen protection, and tablet keyboards
- Merger to create mobile accessories innovator with combined 2015 net sales of approximately $470 million
- New entity expected to enhance long-term enterprise value through revenue growth, strengthened product development, and expanded distribution
SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 02, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZAGG Inc (NASDAQ:ZAGG) and mophie inc. (“mophie”) announced today the signing of a definitive merger agreement under which ZAGG will acquire mophie. The transaction will leverage the unique strengths of two industry leaders in the mobile accessories sector to create a business with greater product diversification and improved operational capabilities.
“This strategic combination of two industry innovators with complementary product, brand and distribution platforms will enable us to deliver increased value for our customers and shareholders,” said Randy Hales, President and Chief Executive Officer of ZAGG. “We see numerous opportunities to drive revenue growth and increase profitability by leveraging the strengths of both organizations to strengthen product development, improve brand presence, and expand distribution.”
Daniel Huang, mophie Chief Executive Officer, said, “ZAGG and mophie represent two companies with strong brands and shared values. The rationale for the merger is powerful and the combination enhances each company’s growth strategy while offering a truly compelling value proposition. Together, we intend to build on our market leadership to deliver great products, advance the brand strength, and increase our global presence in mobile accessories.”
Key Strategic and Financial Benefits
ZAGG and mophie anticipate that the merger will deliver the following benefits:
- Enhanced Capabilities for Profitable Growth: The combination will create an improved technology platform, strengthened engineering and manufacturing resources in China, along with a global distribution network with facilities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
- Best in Class Product Development: Retail customers and mobile consumers will benefit from the alignment of strong product development teams that are focused on delivering Creative Product Solutions.
- Improved Brand Strength: The brand strength of the combined companies will be leveraged to increase consumer awareness through an expanded global platform and focus on always being the Preferred Brand.
- Expanded Global Distribution Channels: The combined entity intends to further increase its Targeted Global Distribution through a broader retail presence and new product introductions.
- Improved Financial Profile: The combination is expected to increase net sales and adjusted EBITDA with a focus on leveraging operational efficiencies and performance.
Transaction Structure
ZAGG has agreed to pay $100 million at closing, plus the amount by which 5X Adjusted EBITDA exceeds $100 million over a 12-month earn-out period. The 12-month earn-out period will run from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017. The purchase price at closing will be funded with cash and debt. The earn-out will be financed through a combination of cash, debt and up to $5 million in ZAGG common stock. The agreement also allows mophie to collect approximately $15 million from certain pre-merger tax and custom duties refunds and real estate sale proceeds, if received post-closing.
During the earn-out period the management teams will work collaboratively to identify operational efficiencies through the adoption of best practices from both companies.
Management, Governance and Integration
Upon closing of the transaction and throughout the earn-out period, both Daniel Huang (CEO) and Shawn Dougherty (COO) will continue in their current roles and report directly to Randy Hales. The composition of ZAGG’s board of directors will not change in connection with this transaction.
Approvals and Time to Close
The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2016 subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The board of directors of each company have unanimously approved the transaction.
Advisors
ZAGG received legal advice from Durham Jones & Pinegar, P.C., and financial advice from D.A. Davidson; mophie received legal advice from Buchalter Nemer LLP, and financial advice from Wunderlich Securities.
Conference Call and Webcast Details
ZAGG will host a conference call and webcast Tuesday, February 2nd at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.) to discuss the proposed merger. Randy Hales, President and CEO, will discuss the announcement and facilitate a brief question and answer session. The general public is invited to listen to the call via a live webcast through the Investor Relations section of the ZAGG website. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available on the ZAGG website beginning approximately two hours after the event. The webcast and a podcast will be archived and available online on ZAGG’s website for at one year following the call.
About ZAGG Inc
ZAGG is an innovation leader in accessories for smart phones and tablets. For over 10 years, ZAGG has developed creative product solutions that enhance and protect mobile devices for consumers around the world. The Company has an award-winning product portfolio that includes screen protection, mobile keyboards, power management solutions, social tech, and personal audio sold under the ZAGG®, InvisibleShield®, and iFrogz® brands. ZAGG has operations in the United States, Ireland, and China. ZAGG products are available worldwide, and can be found at leading retailers including Best Buy, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, Walmart, Vodafone, and EE. For more information about ZAGG, visit www.zagg.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About mophie, inc.
mophie, the #1 selling battery case manufacturer in the world, and #1 portable power manufacturer in North America, is a California-based, award-winning designer and manufacturer that empowers the mobile world to stay powerful. Widely acclaimed for innovative mobile solutions, mophie is the proud developer of the original juice pack®. mophie products are recognized for style and engineered for performance, providing a seamless integration of hardware, software and design. mophie has operations in California, Michigan, Netherlands, Hong Kong, and China. mophie products are available in more than 130 countries, and can be found at Apple, Best Buy, Verizon, and T-Mobile stores, as well as Sprint and other leading retailers. Visit mophie.com and follow us on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram (@mophie).
Safe Harbor
In addition to the historical information contained in this press release, this release contains (and oral communications made by ZAGG may contain) statements that relate to future events and expectations and, as such, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, outlook, assumptions, or future events or performance, often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “targets,” or similar expressions, are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking. Readers are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. In addition to any assumptions and other factors and matters referred to specifically in connection with such forward-looking statements, factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements include the following: closing of the transaction may not occur or may be delayed; expected synergies and other benefits of the transaction may not be realized; integration of the acquisition post-closing may not occur as anticipated; management time will be diverted to address transaction-related issues; litigation related to the transaction or limitations or restrictions imposed by regulatory authorities may delay or negatively impact the transaction or the post-transaction combined company; unanticipated restructuring costs may be incurred or undisclosed liabilities assumed; attempts to retain key personnel and customers may not be successful; the business combination or the combined company’s products may not be supported by third parties; actions by competitors may negatively impact results; and there may be negative changes in general economic conditions in the regions or the industries in which the companies operate. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor can it assess the impact of any such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In addition, ZAGG’s and mophie’s businesses and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond ZAGG’s and mophie’s control, which could materially affect their respective financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and those of the combined company. Readers should also review the risks and uncertainties listed in ZAGG’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports the company files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including (but not limited to) Item 1A – “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the risks described therein from time to time. ZAGG disclaims any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether in response to new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
About Non-GAAP Financial Information
Readers are cautioned that the Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation expense, other income (expense), and recovery of reserves on note receivable) contained in this commentary is not a financial measure under US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In addition, this financial information should not be construed as an alternative to any other measure of performance determined in accordance with GAAP, or as indicators of operating performance, liquidity or cash flows generated by operating, investing and financing activities, as there may be significant factors or trends that they fail to address. We present Adjusted EBITDA because we believe that it is helpful to some investors as a measure of performance. We caution readers that non-GAAP financial information, by its nature, departs from traditional accounting conventions. Accordingly, its use can make it difficult to compare current results with results from other reporting periods and with the financial results of other companies.
Filed under: iOS Devices
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Poll: Will you buy the upcoming 4-inch iPhone 5se?
With Apple’s much rumored upcoming iPhone 5se on the horizon— an upgraded version of the iPhone 5S that retains the 4-inch display size for diehard fans of the model— we want to find out if you plan on upgrading when the new device launches. That’s the question we ask in today’s poll, in addition to what device you’re upgrading from (or downgrading, depending on how you look at it).
There are a few things to consider unlike usual Apple and iPhone product launches. It looks like the iPhone 5se, as we previously reported is the current plan for the device’s moniker, will break up Apple’s usual fall release schedule with a mid-year iPhone refresh. It will also be unusual in that Apple is releasing an upgraded model of an already aging iPhone, the iPhone 5S. The thought is that the model will cater specifically to diehard fans of the smaller 4-inch display that was last included in a flagship model with the iPhone 5S. It will also get the usual upgraded internals— new processors, cameras on par with the iPhone 6, NFC, upgraded Bluetooth, Wi-Fi chips, etc— and color options that resemble Apple’s current iPhone 6s lineup.
But apart from the 4-inch display, will the upgrades that the 5se packs in be enough for you to upgrade from your current 4-inch iPhone, or perhaps even make the switch from a larger iPhone model?
And will it matter that Apple isn’t planning to make the iPhone 5se part of its most advanced, top of the line iPhone lineup— Apple is planning a design that is said to closer resemble the old 5S than the newer, rounder design of the current iPhones apart from cover glass with more modern curved edges. And adding to that, it might not exactly be the most desirable or freshest design for an iPhone around, especially by the time the iPhone 7 inevitably drops sometime later this year in the fall. Also keep in mind, as we noted in our original report, that Apple plans to discontinue the current 5s with the 5se available around the same price points.
Apple is currently planning on using its March Apple Watch 2 and iPad Air 3 press event to also introduce the new iPhone 5se and likely announce shipping and availability details.
So are you planning on upgrading to the iPhone 5se? And will you be upgrading from the 4-inch iPhone you’re currently using? Switching from a larger iPhone now that Apple has a new 4-inch model? Or holding off to see what iPhone 7 has to offer?
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: 4-inch, event, iPhone 5se, March, pricing, release date, Shipping, specs
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Apple Watch expected to officially be available in Israel next week
Even before Apple shakes up the lineup with new bands and software next month, the Apple Watch is expected to continue its initial launch around the world. Israel, which doesn’t have an Apple Retail Store presence and instead relies on authorized resellers, is said to be selling the Apple Watch locally for the first time as soon as next week.
iDigital, an authorized reseller owned by iCon Group in Israel, is expected to carry the Apple Watch Sport as well as select stainless steel models from 1,999 NIS, or about $430 USD without tax, starting Thursday, February 11th.
Apple Watch sales in Israel up to this point have gone through unofficial channels with high markup prices or through out of country purchases.
While Apple CEO Tim Cook and company have held meetings in the country over the last year, in part to tour Apple facilities in the country, word that official Apple Watch sales wouldn’t reach Israel until 2016 first spread last year.
Last week during Apple’s quarterly earnings call, Cook shared that the Apple Watch was being sold at 12,000 locations across 48 countries. Apple Watch initially launched in nine countries last April, later reaching seven more countries while steadily adding new locations around the world.
The timing of Apple Watch reaching Israel officially follows recent expansions of which languages Apple’s dictation and voice assistant support. Last year, iOS 8 added Hebrew support for speech-t0-text dictation, iOS 9 improved right-to-left language support, and iOS 9.3 adds Hebrew Siri support which is a major input method on Apple Watch.
Thanks Eytan!
Filed under: Apple Watch Tagged: Apple watch, Israel
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