Comment: Stop using AR as a gimmick and give us truly transformative experiences
I’m with Tim Cook in thinking that augmented reality (AR) is far more exciting and relevant than virtual reality (VR).
VR has its uses, of course, but the need to wear a headset is a significant limitation. To me, VR is something you use at a specific time for a specific purpose, whether it’s playing a game or looking around a virtual representation of a building.
AR, in contrast, is something I think could become a much more integrated part of our lives. But it only makes sense if AR transforms the experience. Too many AR apps are, in my view, just gimmicks …
Logi Circle 2 HomeKit camera now easier to mount with new magnetic base
Logitech already makes my go-to HomeKit camera with the Logi Circle 2 ($177.98, reg. $179.99), and today a new mounting option is being introduced to make positioning the camera in just the right spot much easier. Magnetic Mount ($19.99) works with both wired and wireless Circle 2 cameras and enables mounting on any flat metal surface indoors or outdoors without requiring tools.
Logitech Crayon now available to schools, earlier than expected
The Logitech Crayon, a lower-cost stylus using Apple Pencil technology, is now available for purchase by schools for $49.95 …
Apple Pay expands to over 30 more banks across the United States
Apple Pay continues to pick up new banks and credit unions every few weeks — and soon three new countries. These are the latest new banks and credit unions added in the US that let you pay with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac…
A virtual machine could be the solution to keeping 32-bit apps running in macOS
Apple last month started warning users of 32-bit apps that future versions of macOS would not run ‘without compromise.’
It was a vague warning, but suggests that Apple does have a plan to allow 32-bit apps to continue to run even after macOS has nominally switched to a 64-bit-only environment …
Microsoft reportedly planning cheaper Surface tablets to compete against $329 iPad
Apple launched a new version of the $329 iPad in March, with a faster processor and Apple Pencil stylus support. The $329 iPad has helped prop up iPad sales significantly since it was introduced last year. Apple has said that the 9.7-inch tablet is its most popular iPad.
Bloomberg reports that Microsoft is looking to compete in ths price range with some new Surface tablets that hit $400 price points. The products are expected to debut later this year.
Twitter crowdsourcing action against ‘unhealthy tweets’ which don’t violate policies
Twitter currently uses a combination of human review and AI to identify problematic tweets. Where a tweet violates the company’s policies, it is removed.
But the company is now aiming to use an innovative approach to dealing with tweets which don’t technically break the rules but are ‘unhealthy’ or detract from the conversation …
‘Multiple sources’ say Research Triangle Park tops Apple’s shortlist for new campus
Apple announced back in January that it was planning to grow its US operations with a new campus.
The company plans to establish an Apple campus in a new location, which will initially house technical support for customers. The location of this new facility will be announced later in the year.
Since then, there has been much speculation on where it might be located …
Berkshire Hathaway is now AAPL’s second-largest shareholder, passing BlackRock
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway recently disclosed that it had increased its stake in AAPL to 240.3M shares, worth more than $42B at the time …
Google launches its AI-driven Apple News competitor ‘Google News’ for iPhone & iPad
Last week at its annual I/O developer conference, Google unveiled its new AI-powered “Google News” application. Replacing the neglected Newsstand service from Google, and seen as a direct competitor to the Apple News app, Google News is now available on the App Store…