Amazon exec says Siri & Alexa should be able to talk to each other, HomePod not a huge threat

Apple wasn’t shy about comparing its new HomePod speaker to existing competition from the likes of Amazon and Sonos, and now an Amazon executive has spoken on the company’s newfound rival. Amazon’s senior VP of devices David Limp explained that he believes Alexa and Siri should be able to communicate with one another, while also pointing to the HomePod’s price as an advantage for Amazon…

more…

DirecTV Now dropping support for Safari, Chrome exclusive starting in July

DirecTV Now, a live-TV streaming service that piggybacks on AT&T’s television services, is one of the ways that cable cord-cutters can still access their favorite shows online. Now, without any official notice as of this writing, customers visiting the site on Safari and Internet Explorer are being told to download Google Chrome as other browsers will no longer be supported after June…

more…

tvOS 11 brings Home Screen Sync and automatic dark mode switching to Apple TV

While tvOS 11 didn’t see stage time at the WWDC keynote on Monday, there are two new features that you can try now in the tvOS 11 developer beta: Home Screen Sync and automatic appearance switching. Home Screen Sync is especially welcome for homes with multiple Apple TVs, and appearance switching handles dark and light mode based on time of day. Here’s how it works:

more…

HomeKit in iOS 11: Sprinklers & faucets, QR code & NFC setup, improved latency, software authentication & more

During the third day of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, the company shared the latest updates coming to its HomeKit home automation platform. Among the updates, Apple is introducing new product type categories, a much easier setup process for accessories, improved latency, software authentication to allow older accessories to add support, and more.

more…

9to5Toys Lunch Break: SanDisk Memory Sale at Amazon, 9.7-inch iPad 128GB $399, Leather Apple Watch Band $13, more

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

Amazon SanDisk Sale 25% off: wireless flash drives, memory cards, more

Apple’s 2017 9.7-inch iPad Wi-Fi 128GB $399 at B&H (Tax NY/NJ only)

Add a leather band to your Apple Watch in multiple colors for $13 (Reg. $21)

Apple iPhone 6s 16GB in multiple colors now $280 shipped (refurb)

Apple’s new iPad Pro pre-orders launch w/ up to $50 gift cards, tax benefits

The best cases for Apple’s new 10.5-inch iPad Pro

Sonos launches big sale w/ discounts on PLAY:1, SUB, PLAYBASE, and more

Affinity Photo and Designer apps drop to $40 ea. on the Mac App Store (20% off)

Review: Logitech’s K840 is an affordable gateway to mechanical keyboards

Review: VAUX Speaker brings improved sound, portability, and simplicity to the Echo Dot

9to5Rewards: Monoprice Tube Amp Bluetooth Speaker System [Giveaway]

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

Daily Deals: Logitech Performance Mouse MX $40, VIZIO 48″ 1080p HDTV with Chromecast built-in $330, more

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon coming to Nintendo 3DS this fall, more

Mophie intros new iPhone 7/Plus and Galaxy S8/Plus Wireless Charge Force cases

Super Nintendo World getting Mario Kart rides, massive PR event, more

MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:

Harman Kardon discounts its Onyx AirPlay/Bluetooth Speaker to $150

Laser Wireless Printers: Dell w/ AirPrint $50, Canon All-in-One $85

Anker’s new PowerCore MFi iPhone 7 Battery Case 20% off: $45 shipped

Ring Video Doorbells get a $50 discount at Amazon, Best Buy, more: Pro model $199

Fitbit fitness trackers up to 40% off: Flex 2 $60, Alta $100, more

more…