This week’s top stories: HomePod first impressions, iOS 11.3’s battery health features, and more
In this week’s top stories: Apple releases the latest iOS 11.3 beta with battery performance settings, HomePod arrives, a controversial redesign for YouTube on Apple TV, and more. Read on for all of this week’s top stories…
025: HomePod launch day edition | 9to5Mac Daily
Today we’ve got the latest stories around HomePod’s official launch, plus weekend Apple deals from 9to5Toys.
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Insiders claim to share how iOS iBoot source code leaked
Motherboard is out today with a follow-up on how Apple’s iBoot source code was leaked. While Apple has responded that it’s not an issue for the security of current products, some believe it could still be important in finding new vulnerability and bugs in iOS. Here’s the latest on how it all happened.
Before HomePod: History of the short-lived iPod Hi-Fi
The reviews are in and HomePod is finally here, but let’s take one last look at Apple’s short-lived home speaker from 2006, the iPod Hi-Fi. The similarities between the two launches are deeply similar, although I think the timing of HomePod’s launch suggests it won’t face the same fate as iPod Hi-Fi anytime soon.
Here’s how Apple is displaying HomePod in its retail stores [Gallery]
Apple’s HomePod went on sale this morning in the U.S., and customers who preordered the smart speaker are receiving their shipments across all three countries where the device is available, including Australia and the United Kingdom.
9to5Toys Lunch Break: $100 iTunes Gift Card $85, Apple Watch Series 3 from $294, Beats Studio3 $280, more
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HomePod Diary: Hands-on, and this thing is a Sonos Play 5 killer
There are Apple products I’ve been more excited to receive, but I can’t think of any that I’ve awaited with such impatience. The reason? Curiosity about that audio quality!
I wrote last time that it was Home hub and voice control of HomeKit devices for my partner that really sold it to me, and I wasn’t expecting too much from it on the audio front. Sure, it was going to beat out other smart speakers, but I didn’t see it as serious competition to proper HiFi brands.
But as the reviews came in, I started to wonder …
Sonos welcomes ‘Fruit Machine’ Apple’s HomePod with a clever playlist and a snarky hidden message
The relationship between Apple and Sonos is complicated to say the least. Apple Stores sell Sonos speakers and Sonos supports Apple Music streaming, but the two companies are competing head on in the smart speaker space with the Alexa-equipped Sonos One and the Siri-powered HomePod.
With HomePod hitting stores today, Sonos has welcomed Apple’s new competitor with a clever and snarky playlist that you just have to see.
Apple puts Beats headphones on sale, but fails to match these deals from third-party retailers
HomePod repair cost nearly price of new unit, AppleCare+ ideal for parents and pet owners
HomePod is now in the hands of customers and Apple is publishing more details, tips, and guides for its first smart speaker. We previously discovered that AppleCare+ for HomePod would cost $39, and now Apple has shared that out-of-warranty repair and replacement will cost almost as much as a new HomePod.