Apple releases fifth iOS 11.4.1 and macOS 10.13.6 beta to developers
While not a major update in any way, Apple is today releasing the fifth developer builds for iOS 11.4.1 and macOS 10.13.6. Theses updates are also available for public beta testers. Being a bug fix update to the earlier release, we aren’t expecting any new user facing features.
Comcast alerts Xfinity Mobile customers of increased video and hotspot restrictions
Xfinity Mobile, Comcast’s wireless service that uses Verizon’s network is sending out emails to customers ahead of new restrictions for video and hotspot data use.
Possible A12 Geekbench score suggests next-gen iPhone X upgraded with 4GB RAM, 10% speed boost
9to5Toys Lunch: Best Buy July 4th Sale, Apple Watch Series 3 LTE $319, Belkin Valet Powerbank $73, more
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watchOS 5 beta now includes ‘Raise To Speak’ Siri on Apple Watch without ‘Hey Siri’
‘Raise To Speak’ Siri is a new Apple Watch feature included in the watchOS 5 update that allows you to activate the voice assistant without saying ‘Hey Siri’ or pressing any buttons.
Raise to Speak was first announced at WWDC in early June, but the feature didn’t appear to work when watchOS 5 beta 1 and beta 2 were first released. That’s changed for several testers in the last few days however. Here’s how to double-check you have Raise to Speak enabled and how to try it:
Photos claim to show new 18W USB-C charger that will be bundled with the 2018 iPhones
Photos purporting to depict an engineering prototype of the rumored Apple 18 W USB-C charger, expected to be bundled with the 2018 iPhone and iPads have surfaced (via Macotakara). This charger is expected to come in the box with the new iPhones, in addition to a USB-C to Lightning cable, for customers to take advantage of fast-charging without having to buy additional accessories.
These images show the design of the new charger, although the labelling differs from Apple’s standard style. The 18 W power throughput is denoted, and the USB-C connector hole is clearly visible.
Tonara 360 aims to simplify the business side of music lessons
Tonara 360 launched today with an interesting concept: increasing student practice time between lessons and helping teachers manage the “business” side of music lessons. more…
Citi: AAPL predicted to hit $200 with compelling holiday season iPhone lineup and continued services growth
For those that follow the stock market, Apple’s share price dropped from record highs over the last month, falling from $194 to circa $185 levels amidst trade war jitters and some news of lower iPhone production levels. Tim Cook says he doesn’t worry about short-term stock price moves, but investors certainly do. Citigroup today released a report that expects AAPL to crest the $200 mark in 2019.
Review: Lightwave Light Switch, the best UK HomeKit solution for smart lighting
Apple’s smart home standard, HomeKit, is gradually picking up steam as more accessory manufacturers get on board. However, the availability of HomeKit accessories is still much smaller outside of the US.
For smart lightning, bulbs like Philips Hue are great for a quick-and-easy way to add HomeKit into your home, but ideally you want to make your light switches themselves smart. Lutron Caseta has been available in the US for some time. Now, there’s a (great) choice for UK homes too: the LightwaveRF Light Switch. Read on for my full review.
MediaTek angling for future iPhone 5G modem orders, enters HomePod supply chain in meantime
MediaTek is a possible alternative modem manufacturer for Apple to consider for future iPhones. Amidst its disputes with Qualcomm over patent royalties, Apple has turned to Intel to reduce Qualcomm’s marketshare over iPhone modems. However, it has been reported that Apple is also considering to bring MediaTek onboard as a second supplier.
Digitimes says that Apple is yet to commit to orders with MediaTek. For the 2018 iPhone lineup, Apple is currently expected to source about 70% of modems from Intel, with Qualcomm receiving the minor share of orders.