Intel today officially announced specs and a release date for its new X-series desktop processors that will include 12- to 18-core models that could find their way into future Macs. Intel plans to make -14- to 18-core processors from the lineup available starting in September, just in time for Apple’s upcoming iMac Pro slated for a December launch:

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I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with cases for iDevices. My general view is that we pay a lot of money for a beautifully-designed device, so it seems a great shame to hide them away inside a case.

On the other hand, there are some cases that are beautiful in themselves. For example, my iPhone 6 lived in a Mujjo Leather Wallet Case most of the time. That was mostly, though, for the convenience of being able to carry a couple of cards with me when I wanted to go out without my wallet. My iPhone SE travels naked.

My iPad spends a lot of its time attached to a Brydge keyboard, which also protects the screen, but doesn’t sit inside a case. My MacBook Air does still live inside a Burkley hardshell leather case because I’m a big fan of leather and think that looks just as good as the machine itself.

But the portability of my 2016 MacBook Pro means that this, not the Air, is the machine I carry with me when I need more than an iPad. That meant I did need to think about protecting it …

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If you’re a Verizon customer, you can score up to four months of free Apple Music and other perks using the new Verizon Up reward program. Verizon Up lets subscribers earn free rewards just for being a customer.

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The augmented reality apps keep coming. Car-maker Genesis has ditched a conventional owners’ manual in favor of an AR app for its 2017 G80 and G90 models.

The app provides 135 how-to videos for common user maintenance procedures, with augmented reality features to identify car parts and launch the guides …

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Apple has run ads on Instagram for some time. Starting from today, it is taking the platform more seriously, having started making its own posts. The account is sharing photos and videos taken on iPhones as part of its Shot on iPhone campaign.

The Apple Instagram account has the handle you’d expect, @apple, and is verified to confirm its legitimacy. Apple has slowly adopted social media, although it still is yet to write a real tweet.

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Apple looks set to be opening a ninth Apple Store in Japan. The company is currently recruiting all the usual store positions in the city of Kyoto …

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Lighting company LEDVANCE has announced its first HomeKit-compatible lightbulbs that work without a hub. This means you can dip a toe in the smart lighting waters by buying just a single bulb. The company says it also makes for a simpler installation process.

Installation is easy. Screw in the Bluetooth-enabled bulb into any lamp in your home, apartment or dorm room. Sync it with the Home app on your Apple device that is already an integral part of your busy life. Start controlling the light. It’s that simple.

The company says that one product will available for pre-order later today, while two others will follow ‘in the near future’ …

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Despite some reports suggesting that the iPhone 8 might be available in limited colors, we’ve now seen mockups of quite a few possibilities.

KGI suggested that it would be available in fewer colors than normal, but didn’t get more specific than that. A Macotakara report suggested that it would not be available in white. Benjamin Geskin claimed that a new mirror-like option would be introduced. Yet another image showed black, silver, white and gold – but no rose gold.

And yet another possibility emerged over the weekend …

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Bloomberg last week reported that Apple is planning to launch an LTE version of the Apple Watch last year. John Gruber then suggested that a new form factor was also in the works – though he later added a sentence somewhat walking back the idea.

That tidbit came from an unconfirmed little birdie, though, so I wouldn’t bet the house on it.

But assuming there is actually a new form factor on the way, the natural assumption would be that it would be that we’re discussing the same model. A new top-of-the-range Watch with both LTE functionality and a new design. That is the most likely bet, but I could see a second possibility here …

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