Sonos rolls out Spotify control with voice using Alexa ahead of delayed HomePod launch
Sonos has officially launched support for controlling Spotify music playback using Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant with the wireless speaker system. The partnership between the three companies brings voice control to the largest music streaming service on hi-fi wireless speakers ahead of Apple’s delayed HomePod smart speaker launch.
Comment: Apple is in a no-win position in its increasingly difficult relationship with China
Just today we heard the latest episode in Apple’s troubled relationship with the Chinese government: it has been required to remove Skype from the local App Store following a request from the Ministry of Public Security.
The stated reason was that the app ‘doesn’t comply with local law’ – which appears to be code for offering end-to-end encryption plus allowing users to open accounts without using their real name.
This is just the latest clampdown by the Chinese government on its own citizens, and is far from the first time that Apple has been placed in the position of doing something which directly contravenes the company’s own values …
Construction of Apple’s stunning ‘second spaceship’ campus in Sunnyvale nears completion [Gallery]
Less than five miles from Cupertino, nestled in the shadows of the newly-opened Apple Park, construction crews are quietly putting the finishing touches on another massive development project built under guidance from Apple. A striking architectural feat when viewed from any angle, Sunnyvale’s new “Central & Wolfe” campus will open in its doors to thousands of Apple employees in early 2018. 9to5Mac stopped by the future campus to see how the new buildings are shaping up.
HomePod project cancelled & revived several times; was originally three-feet tall; ‘blindsided’ by Amazon – Bloomberg
Apple removes Skype from Chinese app store after request from Ministry of Public Security
Apple admits student interns worked illegal hours on iPhone X production line
Apple has confirmed a Financial Times claim that high school students interning at Foxconn exceeded their legal hours while working on the iPhone X production line. The company has, however, denied claims that the students were forced to carry out the work as a condition of graduation from school.
The report relates to 3,000 high school students who take part in a three-month long work experience program …
Pokémon Go players catch over 500M Pokémon in first two days of week-long challenge
Are you waiting for the HomePod or buying another smart speaker instead? [Poll]
Last week, Apple announced that it was delaying the release of its HomePod smart speaker into 2018 in order to continue refining the product. Of course, that means Apple will miss the biggest shopping month of the year, but it will likely be worth the wait.
We outlined a few alternatives to the HomePod over the weekend, and now we’re curious: Are you going to hold out for the HomePod or buy another smart speaker instead?
AT&T hit with antitrust lawsuit over Time Warner deal
Review: Hunter SimpleConnect ceiling fan is a 2-in-1 HomeKit essential for home automation
Hunter is a company known for commercializing ceiling fans over 130 years ago, and today the company is the only firm making smart home ceiling fans that work with Apple HomeKit. Hunter’s SimpleConnect line includes three ceiling fan models available in multiple finishes that are priced from $299.
Each Hunter ceiling fan includes a built-in LED light that makes SimpleConnect a 2-in-1 essential for HomeKit homes. This enables Siri control from Apple devices, Control Center access on iPhone and iPad, automation with other smart accessories through Apple’s Home app, and much more.