Feature Request: iBeacon-based locations in the home for smarter HomeKit control

The Next Web has an interesting piece talking about what Jeff Powers refers to as ‘Class 2 smarthomes.’

With today’s tech – Class 1 – we do have things liked timed automations, but a lot of the time we’re controlling things manually. Class 2 smarthomes would, he argues, be truly smart, and figure out a lot more things on their own.

Some of what he proposes would be pretty complex, but there’s one idea in there which Apple could fairly easily implement, and which would make HomeKit a lot friendlier for non-techies …

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Comment: Latest rumor could give Apple a fantastic (and sensible) MacBook line-up

The rumor mill notched up a surprise today. We’ve long been hearing reports of Apple working on an entry-level 13-inch MacBook, and there has been speculation of a price in the $899 to $999 range.

That all seemed to make perfect sense. The existing MacBook Air is positively ancient by the standards of the rest of the MacBook line-up, so a new machine to replace this seemed an obvious fit.

But a new report today suggested that the new machine could have a price tag of $1200 – and that paints a different picture entirely …

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Best Buy 2-day Anniversary Sale: up to $750 off MacBooks, Apple Watch, TVs, much more

Best Buy has launched its 2-day Anniversary Sale this morning, discounting MacBooks, Apple Watch, TVs, smart home accessories and much more. You can find all of the deals on this landing page, or hit the jump for more details and our top picks. A new twist in today’s sale is that My Best Buy members receive free shipping on all orders (sign-up here at no cost). Otherwise, the usual $35 minimum remains.

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Digitimes: $1200 13-inch ‘entry-level’ MacBook in September, $160 AirPower, no new iPad mini

Digitimes has today released a report that covers a variety of topics, focused on Apple’s September launch schedule. Quoting industry sources, the site says that Apple will launch a $1200 Kaby Lake ‘entry-level’ MacBook in September.

They also believe the iPad mini 4 will continue to be sold as-is, and expect Apple to announce the AirPower release date at the 2018 iPhone event, with a price point in the $160-$190 range …

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Review: Lifx Tile is a fun but flawed HomeKit accent lighting accessory

One thing is for sure: accessory makers are pulling out all of the stops when it comes to decorative HomeKit lighting accessories. Back in May, we took a look at the Lifx Beam accessory, which offers smart lightning in a neon tube-like format.

Now, Lifx is back with its Tile accessory, which is seemingly its more direct competitor to the Nanoleaf Aurora. Unfortunately, where the Aurora excels, the Lifx Tile often seems to fail…

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