AAPL market cap reaches record $812 billion as analyst raises target to $1 trillion
Apple’s market cap has reached a new record high of over $800 billion ($812 billion at the time of publishing), with shares of AAPL hitting a high of 153.70 during trading today.
Apple’s Workflow for iOS restores Chrome actions, adds Apple Music features
Workflow, the automation app recently acquired by Apple, has just released a new update with bug fixes and the return of Google Chrome and Pocket functionality. The actions which were originally pulled after the Apple acquisition, were added alongside the introduction of two new Apple Music features.
Siri Speaker Wishlist: hi-fi audio, multi-user control, HomeKit features, more
As someone who enjoys testing new gadgets, I’ve been very tempted at times to purchase and try both the Amazon Echo and Google Home voice assistant speakers. Rumors of an Apple version have convinced me to hold off, however, and it’s possible once again that we may soon see Apple’s take on the category.
Amazon Echo and Google Home both offer features that I’d like, but there are things I do with Siri on my iPhone and Apple Watch that only a Siri Speaker would offer. Here’s my Siri Speaker wishlist:
9to5Toys Lunch Break: 13-inch MacBook Pro w/ Touch Bar 512GB $299 off, Apple Watch Series 1/2 from $200, 9.7-inch iPad $299, 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: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:
Apple’s Touch Bar-enabled 13-inch 512GB MacBook Pro $299 off
Apple Watch Series 1/2 $70 off in nearly every style, priced from $200
Apple’s new 9.7-inch iPad 32GB in Silver, Gold or Space Gray $299 shipped (Tax NY/NJ only)
Apple iPhone 7 Smart Battery Case in multiple colors: $65 (Reg. $99)
Caterzillar iOS platformer gets very first price drop: $1 (Reg. $3)
- Moodnotes for iOS now free for very first time (Reg. $4)
- Block Fortress titles for iOS hit lowest price in years: $1 ea
- App Store Free App of the Week: Zip-Zap iOS puzzler goes free for very first time (Reg. up to $2)
- Brothers A Tale of Two Sons for iOS drops to just $3
- Star Wars iMessage Stickers for iOS now 50% off
10 reasons why the Panasonic Lumix GH5 might be my next camera [Video]
9to5Rewards: Waterfield Designs’ popular Bolt Briefcase [Giveaway]
MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:
Nomad’s gorgeous Horween leather iPhone 7/Plus cases 40% off, from $24
Sonos PLAY:1 gets discounted to $180 in both colors
- Roku Premiere+ Streaming Media Player $79, refurb for $65 (or less)
- Anker PowerHouse sports a 120,000mAh battery, four USB ports, more: $330
- Today’s Best iOS & Mac Game/App Deals: Moodnotes, Braveland, more
- Bose SoundLink III Portable Bluetooth Speaker $180 (Reg. $269)
- Logitech Wireless Bluetooth Adapter hits $10 (Reg. $20, all-time low)
- Philips Hue Go Multicolor Smart Light for $46 shipped (Reg. $80)
- Today’s Best Game Deals: Last Guardian $29, Bloodborne from $10, more
- Amazon slashes WORX 20V String Trimmer/Blower just in time for yard work: $73/ea
- Blue Raspberry USB Microphone for Mac/PC/iOS $160 (Reg. $200)
- Jaybird X3 Sport Bluetooth Earphones now $100 (Reg. $130)
- Anne Klein watches up to 60% off in Amazon’s Gold Box, from $40
- Daily Deals: Beats Tour2 In-Ear Headphones $50, more
- LG 2.1-Ch. Sound Bar w/ Wireless Subwoofer $120 (Reg. $160)
- Beyerdynamic teases Xelento wireless earphones with high-end aluminum design
- TP-Link and WeMo Wi-Fi Smart Plugs from $23
- Mokase turns your iPhone or Android into an on-the-go coffeemaker
- Tile Slim Phone/Item Finders: 4-Pack $52 shipped + more
- Smartphone Accessories: Anker 40W 4-Port USB Wall Charger $18, more
- Eufy Duo 2-in-1 Cordless Upright/Hand Vac $90 shipped, more
NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:
Fender releases new Mustang GT iOS/Android-connected amps [Video]
Degreeº is an in-ear thermometer for kids that beams continuous stats to your iPhone
Weber’s Summit Charcoal Series hits with mouthwatering features, big price tag
- Reigning Champs x adidas release French Terry Collaboration
- AirBuddy is the “smallest and lightest” diving gear on the market
- Momo smart hub sports facial recognition and works with Hue, Nest, more
- GE Sol smart lamp coming this fall with HomeKit and Alexa support
- Aero is the portable eBike that folds in 3 seconds, has a 45 mile range
- Battle Bay for iOS/Android from the makers of Angry Birds available now
- Loewe bild 9 OLED 4K UHDTV combines mid-century design, high-end tech
- Tregren T-series is the “true” smart garden for your kitchen
- Target launches World of Inspiration Collection in time for Summer
- Acer’s newest 32-inch 4K display is definitely built for professionals
- DJI sees new competitors: Bolt Drone w/ VR hits Kickstarter under $175
- Monoprice unveils Strata Home: affordable Sous Vide cookers, robo vacs and more
- Dreamscreen adds reactive backlighting to your 4K TV and home theater setup
- Zara’s New Beach and Picnic Collection is full of color
- Dreamscreen adds reactive backlighting to your 4K TV and home theater setup
- WaterField drops new Bolt waxed canvas/leather Microsoft Surface bag
- Kobo Aura H20 is a waterproof eReader perfect for days at the beach
- BatteryPro charges your Apple Watch & iPhone on-the-go, save 20% on pre-orders
MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:
Pad & Quill up to 50% off: leather backpacks, Apple Watch stand, more
Logitech M705 Wireless Marathon Mouse $19.50 (Reg. $30+)
Herman Miller 15% off sale delivers rare discounts, free shipping
Apple plans half city-block purchase for new facility in Reno
Reno City Council is set to discuss Apple potentially purchasing a half-city block of land for a new facility, according to KRNV. If accepted, this would follow Apple’s decisions in building out a $50 million data center in Reno.
New Apple Watch Activity Challenge discovered ahead of Mother’s Day
Apple will run its next special Activity Challenge for Apple Watch owners on Mother’s Day, which takes place on Sunday, May 14. Like with Earth Day or New Years, Watch users will be able to earn a special achievement medal and iMessage sticker (shown above).
The challenge won’t be visible in the Activity app on the iPhone until Friday, although we have found backend references to it in the iOS code. Here’s what you will have to do if you want to earn the reward …
Opinion: HomeKit is great fun for techies but not yet ready for the mass market
As regular readers may recall, I’m a long-time user of home automation technology who made the decision to go all-in on HomeKit in the new year. I only waited that long because it takes a bit of time to get UK-compatible versions of quite a lot of devices.
I’ve been documenting the process in my Smart Home Diary series. For me, as a gadget lover, it’s been a no-brainer.
But even for a techie, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. There have been some irritations, and there is definite scope for improvement. Having had time to reflect on the transition and the experience, I’m concluding that while HomeKit is great fun for techies, it’s not quite ready for the mass-market …
Apple offers extended three year repair program for iPad Pro Smart Keyboards w/ sticking keys & other ‘functional’ issues
Apple has launched a new extended repair program for its Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro, allowing customers experiencing certain issues with the product to receive repairs or replacements from Apple for three years after the device is purchased. Apple informed its retail staff and authorized service providers of the new policy in an internal memo obtained by 9to5Mac (pictured below).
Apple reveals plans for D.C.’s Carnegie Library store: restoration, subtle branding, new skylight
It was in September of last year that we first heard that Apple was in talks to open an Apple Store in Washington D.C.’s famous Carnegie Library, with more details emerging later in the year. The company has now revealed more of its plans as it prepares for a presentation this evening …
Voice-controlled speaker market predicted to double as Apple reportedly works on its plans
As Apple is believed to be working on its own ‘Siri speaker‘ product, research firm eMarketer has predicted that the U.S. market for voice-controlled speakers will double this year.
The number of active U.S. users will more than double for the devices this year, to 35.6 million, eMarketer said.
Reuters reports that in the market currently dominated by Amazon and Google, there is currently a clear leader …