Leapfrogging the one-device HomeKit “smart plugs” previously released by iHome, ConnectSense has debuted the Smart Outlet with Apple HomeKit ($80), which combines two Siri-controlled wall power outlets with a 2.4-Amp USB port. Using Wi-Fi, the Smart Outlet lets you separately monitor and control each of the three-prong outlets, while the side-mounted USB port has enough power to refuel any iPad — including the iPad Pro — or iPhone at full speed.

Designed with a subtle light bar running across the top, bottom, and front, the Smart Outlet easily replaces a single three-prong outlet, plugging in and covering the existing wall plate with no need for special wiring. ConnectSense notes that Apple’s HomeKit provides end-to-end security for its monitoring and control features, enabling you to safely use Siri or a free app for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to turn off lights or activate connected devices from afar. When paired with other accessories, HomeKit also enables you to create “scenes,” simultaneously turning off your lights, locking your door, closing your garage door, and setting your thermostat. A gallery is below…

Filed under: HomeKit Tagged: ConnectSense, homekit, iPad, iPhone, IPod Touch, Siri, Smart Outlet, USB

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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 12″ 256GB MacBook $1,100 (Reg. $1,299), 13″ 256GB Retina MacBook Pro (newest) $1,250 (Reg. $1,499), more

Anker USB Power Deals: 4-port 36W Wall Charger $14 (Reg. $20), 12W Car Charger w/ Lightning Cable $10 (Reg. $14), more

Storage Deals: PNY 128GB SDXC Flash Card $40, PNY 64GB Flash Drive $15 Prime shipped, more

$100 iTunes Gift Card for $80 with email delivery from PayPal (20% off), more

Apple’s Amazing Apps & Games sale 50% off: Threes!, Transistor, PAC-MAN, Sworkit Pro, iTranslate Voice, more

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

Games/Apps: The Order 1886 under $10 (Reg. $20), Borderlands Handsome $30, iOS freebies, more

• Networking: HooToo 802.11n Travel Router $15 (Reg. $20), more
• ClamCase Pro Keyboard Case for iPad mini $70, DEWALT Cordless Combo Kit $299
• Kindle First Books for December: Out of Sorts, A Death in Sweden, more
• Acer 1.5GHz Chromebox w/Keyboard+Mouse, more: $120 shipped ($60 off)
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Pro Headphones + FiiO ALPEN Dual DAC Headphone Amp $180 shipped ($258 value)

MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:

Free PS Plus Games for December: Far Cry 3, Gaunlet Slayer Edition, more

Free Xbox Live Gold Games for December: Thief, Adventures of Van Helsing, Sacred 3, more

OtterBox Commuter Series iPhone 6/6s Case for $19 shipped (Reg. $28+)

• Blue Condenser Mics: Spark Digital Lightning from $128 (Reg. $200)
• Anker iPad Accessories: Bluetooth Folio Keyboards for iPad Air 2, mini 4, more from $20
• eBay Gift Card Roundup: Toys R Us $100 for $85, Lowe’s $200 for $175, much more
• These men’s luxury watches are on sale for Black Friday & Cyber Monday
• Grab extra MFi Apple-Certified Lightning Cables from Anker, Spigen & Mpow from $4
• GoPro HERO4 Cameras: Session $229 (Reg. $300), Black 4K $349 (Reg. $500)
• Yamaha 7.2-channel 4K Wi-Fi Network AV Receiver: $300 shipped (Reg. $400)
• Take 50% off any album purchase from Google Play
• Pixelmator for Mac gets a 50% discount today: $15 (Reg. $30)
• Apple AirPort Extreme 802.11ac Wireless Router (refurbished): $100 shipped (Orig. $199)
• iTunes HD Movies: Godfather Trilogy $10, Rocky Collection $30, more
• Panasonic Sound Rush Plus On-Ear Headphones $15 shipped (Reg. $60)
• Herman Miller takes rare 15% off world’s best office chairs + desks
• Implosion – Never Lose Hope for iOS goes free for the first time ($10 value)

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

Unboxing and Review: Star Wars Battlefront limited edition PS4 is out of this galaxy [Video]

Mohu launches a “high-end” speaker with built-in Android display, save 10%

• Leica introduces a new low-cost M series camera, but don’t expect bargain pricing
• D-Link takes all the smart things and puts them together in one Komfy light switch
• Curate With Me, Win A Prize: 2015’s Most Coveted Holiday Tech Gifts List!
• The ultimate 4K set-top box battle [Video]
• GENII’s CAST streaming box skirts copyright rules to beam your content to friends

Filed under: Tips and Tricks Tagged: 9to5Toys, 9to5Toys Lunch Break, Amazon Prime, apple deals, Best Buy, Black Friday, coupon codes, Cyber Monday, Daily Deals, Deal of the Day, eBay Daily Deals, free apps, free shipping, iPad deals, itunes deals, itunes gift cards, playstation 4, Retina MacBook Pro, xbox one

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A few weeks ago we noticed that Google has started testing pre-release versions of Chrome through Apple’s TestFlight beta distribution service, and today the version in testing then has been released to everyone through the App Store. The latest version of Chrome for iOS takes advantage of Apple’s new pressure sensitive iPhone 6s displays and offers even more hardware keyboard shortcuts that will benefit iPad users.

Update to the latest version of Chrome for iOS on iPhone 6s or 6s Plus and press firmly on the Home screen icon to reveal quick access to voice search within the app as well as private browsing in incognito mode and opening a new tab for regular browsing. There’s not as much 3D Touch support as Apple’s Safari browser yet, but it’s a solid start.

Voice search also makes an appearance in the new update with a new keyboard shortcut for Bluetooth and Smart Connector hardware keyboards. Google has added additional keyboard shortcuts that make using Chrome on iOS more like using the browser on the desktop with new options for changing tabs, opening tabs, and closing tabs also included. These make working on an iPad with a connected keyboard much easier for users skilled on notebooks and desktops.

Below you can find the full list of Chrome hardware keyboard shortcuts now available on iOS (and a wider list here). You can hold the Command (⌘) key to prompt Chrome to display this shortcuts within the apps as a quick reminder, or bookmark this cheat sheet for future reference.

• ⌘ T — New Tab
• ⌘ shift N — New Incognito Tab
• ⌘ shift T — Reopened Closed Tab
• ⌘ L — Open Location…
• ⌘ W — Close Tab
• ⌘ D — Bookmark This Page…
• ⌘ F — Find in Page…
• ⌘ R — Reload
• ⌘ left arrow — Back
• ⌘ right arrow — Forward
• ⌘ Y — History
• ⌘ shift . — Voice Search

Chrome also works with iOS 9’s new Split View feature for viewing two apps side-by-side on iPads. Safari can’t view two tabs side-by-side yet, so Chrome is a free solution for users needing to reference two web pages.

The latest version of Google Chrome for iOS, version 47.0.2526.70, is available for free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad.

Filed under: Apps Tagged: 3D Touch, Browsers, Chrome, force touch, Google, hardware keyboards, keyboard shortcuts

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The developers of the UI design tool Sketch have announced their decision to exit the Mac App Store, following in the footsteps of many other software makers, such as Panic.

The company cited a number of factors that contributed to this decision, including strict limitations placed on apps sold through the digital storefront—the same reason Panic gave for Coda’s removal.

So as not to leave its customers hanging without the ability to update, Sketch will allow App Store customers to move to the direct-sale version of the app.

Sketch owners who want to continue receiving updates will need to download a copy of the app from the company’s website and use a new built-in tool to transition their App Store license to the new version of the software. A new license number will be emailed to the user to allow them to run the app on any other computers they want.

While some iCloud features are reserved solely for App Store apps, iCloud documents for Sketch are stored in iCloud Drive, so they’re accessible to any Mac app, including the direct-sale version.

This move probably won’t come as a big shock to many people, given how little Apple appears to value the Mac App Store over the mobile version. Many problems have plagued the store, most recently a certificate bug that completely broke many apps for some users.

Another issue highlighted by Sketch as having affected their final decision is the review process employed in both of Apple’s software distribution outlets. App review can last up to a week (or longer in some cases) before a piece of software becomes available to download. This greatly hampers developers’ ability to push out rapid bug fixes and leads to a slow pace of development from the users’ perspective.

While some developers will always have concerns about sandboxing or other potentially limiting safety features, it’s not likely Apple will make changes in that area to accommodate app makers at the expense of security.

Where Apple can make changes, it just doesn’t seem interested in doing so. Developers have waited since iOS 9 was announced at WWDC this year for App Bundles to arrive on the Mac App Store, but Apple has made no indication that this feature will ever arrive.

Other features, like paid upgrades or temporary demo versions, have been called for on both Mac and iOS, but so far Apple hasn’t obliged, leaving developers to get creative with their upgrade pricing schemes instead.

While iOS developers don’t have a choice in how they distribute their apps, Mac developers do, and it’s not surprising to see more and more of them taking the route that allows them to skip paying Cupertino’s 30% cut while simultaneously gaining the ability to charge for upgrades, offer app trials, and operate outside the sandbox while pushing updates as often as they want with no week-long review process. Don’t expect Sketch to be the last app to do so.

Filed under: Apps Tagged: Mac App Store, sketch

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While Apple’s Christmas ad brought Stevie Wonder and Andra Day together this year for a warm performance of ‘Someday at Christmas’, Microsoft decided to take to the cold streets of New York City this year for their holiday commercial … right in front of the iconic 5th Avenue Apple Store. Taking a rather cheeky approach to celebrating the season while naming the competition, Microsoft Store employees from a nearby location traveled down the block to sing ‘Peace on Earth’ to “some old friends” decked in red shirts … Apple Store employees.

Some look a bit cold and others maybe bored, but most of the Apple Store folks appeared to be good sports about the whole stunt. It doesn’t hurt that the Microsoft Store employees delivered the song quite beautifully. Maybe there’s a future career on Apple Music or Beats 1 calling?

Of course, the rivalry between Microsoft and Apple is a lot more complicated than the old days of Steve Jobs versus Bill Gates. Now iPads are displayed in Apple Stores with Microsoft Office apps installed and the Office team took Apple’s stage at the last big event. Still, Apple CEO Tim Cook doesn’t hold back when talking about Microsoft’s iPad+MacBook competitors with the “compromised” Surface tablet and Surface Book hybrid.

Check out the full ad below (you can even watch it in 4K if you’ve got a new iMac!) and let us know what you think. Too cheesy or a class act?

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: 5th Ave, Apple, Apple Store, christmas ad, Holiday ad, Microsoft Store

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Apple is lending its usual support to World AIDS Day, turning its store logos red and promoting (PRODUCT)RED items on its homepage (below). The company also notes its own role in fundraising for the charity, which works to eradicate AIDS within a generation.

When you buy (PRODUCT)RED™ merchandise, you’re supporting the fight for an AIDS-free generation. So far, over $320 million has been raised for the Global Fund — more than $100 million by Apple alone — to provide education and medical care to those most affected.

A number of special (RED) versions of Apple products are featured on the RED.org website as well … 

In addition to the red iPhone 6s leather case noted yesterday, the project features a (RED) version of the Beats Solo2 headphones as its headline product. The technology section also includes (RED) models of the iPod shuffle, nano and touch, plus iPad Air Smart Cover and iPad Air 2 Smart Case.

Apple’s website currently has (RED) as the first of five features in its homepage carousel, the others being its Christmas ad, gift-finder, iPad Pro and iPhone 6s.

If you’re confused by the various versions of (PRODUCT)RED and (RED) brandings, it’s all to do with a compromise reached with Steve Jobs …

It’s not just the Apple Store either. The iPhone and iPad App Store is also featuring a collection of Supercell games, namely Boom Beach, Clash of Clans, and Hay Day, with (RED) packs to raise money for the initiative.

Top photo: Chochise Taylor

Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: AAPL, ProductRED, red, World Aids Day

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British Airways has revealed that use of its Apple Watch app rose by 386% between June and October, and the airline is responding by introducing new scanners to allow Watch owners a faster way of dropping any hold bags, reports Advance.

Customers will be able to slide their wrists under the new ‘Scan and Go’ devices to scan their boarding pass, print their own bag tags and speed through the airport. A total of 136 of the new gadgets are being installed at check in desks across Heathrow’s Terminal 3 and 5, and will be ready for use on 15 December.

The scanners can also be used with the smartphone app.

BA’s app provides access to real-time flight status, gate information, a countdown to the departure time and the weather at their destination, as well as displaying a QR code that can be used at both Security and the gate.

The airline is planning an update to the iPad version which includes Highlife entertainment listings, allowing customers to peruse the in-flight movies prior to boarding.

Via Gizmodo

Filed under: Apple Watch, Apps Tagged: Airlines, Apple watch, Apple Watch apps, BA, British Airways, Scan and Go, Travel

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Apple’s Personal Pickup service – where you place your order online but can pick it up from a local Apple Store as early as an hour later – just hit six more European countries today: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.

Long limited to the U.S. only, it made its way to Australia and Canada a couple of weeks ago, and the UK a few days later. German site Macerkopf first noticed its availability in Germany, before updating with the additional five countries.

Personal Pickup can be a useful option if you’re in a hurry, allowing you to get your hands on a product the same day while minimizing the amount of time you spend fighting the crowds in an Apple Store.

Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: Apple Retail Store, Apple Store, Gifts, online store, personal pickup, Shopping

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Add a World AIDS Day sticker – or geofilter – to a Snapchat photo today, and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will donate $3 to (PRODUCT)RED. The LA Times reports that it hopes to raise as much as $3M from the initiative – something that could be achieved if just 1% of Snapchat users joined in.

You can also raise $3 by sharing a themed video clip on Instagram.

If you’re willing to part with a little cash, donating to the cause will buy you entry into one or more of a range of competitions with prizes like a bike ride through Central Park with Bono, a trip to the Games of Thrones set and meeting Snoop, Jimmy Kimmel, George Clooney, Matt Damon and more.

Apple is also joining in, with an iPhone 6S leather case in (what else) red.

Via Engadget

Filed under: Apps Tagged: Bill Gates, ProductRED, Snapchat, World Aids Day

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Adobe’s latest update to its Creative Cloud software suite introduces a new 3D modelling tool, Fuse – and renames Flash Professional CC as Adobe Animate CC in recognition of the fact that HTML5 has now become the dominant standard for web-based animated content. Steve would be pleased.

Creating realistic 3D faces and bodies has always been one of the toughest challenges for designers, a task Adobe aims to make very much easier with the addition of a new app in the Creative Cloud armory: Fuse CC. The app, which is currently a Preview version, is intended to allow anyone to easily create animated 3D human models … 

You don’t need 3D expertise or expensive 3D software. With Fuse CC you can easily assemble your own human characters using a wide selection of body parts, hair choices, clothing items and clothing textures like leather, cotton, metal and plastic […]

Save your characters directly to your Creative Cloud Libraries, and then drag them into Adobe Photoshop CC to pose and move them thousands of different ways using the enhanced Properties panel. Fine-tune your characters’ movements even after you’ve placed them in a scene.

You can mix-and-match faces and bodies, and then add everything from hair to shoes.

Adobe has made Fuse available as a free preview to all Creative Cloud members, but notes that the offer runs for “a limited time” so it’s worth grabbing now.

Adobe has also updated the entire Creative Cloud suite with a range of few features. Photoshop CC gets a UI with customizable toolbar and the addition of Design Space (Preview), intended to help UI and web designers generate results in fewer clicks.

Illustrator CC introduces a new Shaper Tool, which Adobe says “lets you draw with loose, natural gestures that magically transform into perfect geometric shapes” – together with faster ways to create and edit vector shapes.

The remaining apps see a range of new features.

Filed under: Apps Tagged: Adobe, Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Photoshop, Creative Cloud, Fuse CC, Photoshop

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