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Apple Pay now available in Singapore for American Express customers, support for Visa & others coming soon

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

Apple Pay is now available in yet another country. Apple today has updated its website and Apple Pay support page to reveal that the service is now available in Singapore. Through a partnership with American Express, users in Singapore can now take advantage of the company’s mobile payments solution.

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Filed under: Apple Pay Tagged: Apple pay, jennifer bailey, Singapore

Apple unveils redesigned webpage sharing details on how to succeed in the App Store

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

Alongside officially announcing details for its Word Wide Developer Conference, Apple this evening has launched an entirely redesigned webpage with guides on how to make “great apps for the App Store.” On the webpage, Apple details how interested users can join the Apple Developer Program, manage applications, promote applications, and much more.

The App Store makes it simple for users around the world to discover, download and enjoy your apps. Grow your business with resources designed to help you create great apps and reach more users.

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Filed under: Apps

Lacie, Promise, and CalDigit introduce new Thunderbolt 3-enabled hardware at NAB 2016

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

The National Association of Broadcaster’s trade show in Las Vegas is in full swing, and several prominent hardware makers have unveiled new Thunderbolt 3-equipped tools. Although there are no current products in Apple’s lineup that support Thunderbolt 3, it’s widely assumed that such hardware, made possible by Intel’s Skylake microarchitecture, is in the pipeline.

The folks over at Lacie, Promise, and CalDigit have all revealed new Thunderbolt 3 products at NAB 2016, bringing high bandwidth and high-capacity storage solutions to market.

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Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: CalDigit, DisplayPort, Drive bay, LaCie, NAB, press release, Promise, RAID, Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1

Report: Apple meeting with ‘triple A-list’ talent to create lineup of original TV shows

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

Apple has long been rumored to be interested in creating its own original video content for Apple TV users. Earlier this year, the company announced its first original TV show that will focus on the “app economy” and feature music artist Will.i.am. Fast Company today reports, however, that this series is only the very beginning for Apple when it comes to in-house video content.

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Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: Apple, Apple Music, Netflix, original content, TV

Mini-review: These simple iMac-style iPhone stands are both cute, but one wins out for me

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

If you’re going to leave an iPhone in a dock all night to charge, or on your desk all day at work, you’ll want a powered one. Options there include Apple’s own dock, Belkin’s Charge Dock and Enblue’s Premium One.

But if you are constantly picking up and putting down your iPhone in the course of the day, sometimes a simple unpowered stand can be more convenient. I tried a couple of iMac-style stands supplied by MobileFun: the Elago M2, left, and Spigen S310, right.

Both are very similar in overall form-factor. An aluminum body with iMac-style foot, two prongs at the front to hold the phone in place, padding to cushion the phone against the stand and cutouts at the rear in case you do want to run a Lightning cable through to it. The obvious visual difference between the two is that the Spigen has a black rubber coating at the front …

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Filed under: Reviews Tagged: Elago M2, Elago M2 review, iPhone accessories, iphone dock, iPhone stand, Spigen S310, Spigen S310 review

SongShift lets you import Spotify playlists into Apple Music with incredible ease

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

SongShift is a just-released app that lets Spotify users import playlists directly into Apple Music. In the past, there have been some roundabout ways to accomplish that task, but SongShift is one of the first apps that takes advantage of a new iOS 9.3 provision that makes it possible for third-party apps to access Apple Music.

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Filed under: Apple Music, iOS Devices Tagged: App Store app, Apple Music, playlists, review, Spotify, video

Siri announces WWDC 2016 will be held June 13th through June 17th in San Francisco

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

In an unusual chain of events, it appears Apple is announcing the WWDC dates through Siri. Although the Apple website has not been updated with any new info, Siri is proudly proclaiming that WWDC 2016 will indeed be held in San Francisco from June 13th to June 17th. This is either a strange way to announce the conference … or a big mistake on Apple’s behalf. WWDC is expected to feature the unveiling of iOS 10, OS X 10.11 and more.

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Filed under: AAPL Company, iOS, iOS Devices Tagged: iOS 10, WWDC, WWDC 2016

Former Apple executive & board member Bill ‘The Coach’ Campbell passes away

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

Re/code today reports that Silicon Valley icon and longtime Apple board member Bill “The Coach” Campbell has passed away at age 75 after a long battle with cancer. The unfortunate news comes from “many prominent tech players,” following earlier unconfirmed reports. Campbell was a mentor to many tech leaders, including Steve Jobs, Larry Page, and Jeff Bezos.

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Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: Apple, Bill Campbell, Google, Steve Jobs

Retailers are running out of 12-inch MacBooks, refresh (hopefully with more USB) likely soon

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

Is Apple planning to refresh its 12-inch MacBook? BestBuy is currently listing all models of the device as unavailable on its website leading some to speculate that Apple could be planning a refresh. 

If the Best Buy listings are indeed a hint at an upcoming refresh— other retailers still list the 12-inch MacBook as in stock— it would come ahead of Apple’s WWDC event typically held in June and often used to introduce new Macs. But it wouldn’t be entirely surprising, as the 12-inch MacBook happens to be one product in Apple’s lineup currently due for an update and Mark reported previously that faster MacBooks were considered for the iPhone SE event in March but likely wouldn’t arrive until April or May. We also reported that Apple was planning new MacBook Pros for sometime later in the year.

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The Best Buy website listings aren’t enough to confirm a MacBook launch before WWDC, but adding to the speculation are references to an “early 2016” 12-inch MacBook discovered in the latest OS X server software. That would seem to indicate a refresh coming before June when WWDC is usually held.\

And yet more signs of impending MacBook refreshes: we’ve recently seen a number of discounts over on 9to5Toys including the 12-inch macBook as low as $1250 and deals on MacBook Pro Retina and more.

While WWDC seems like the ideal venue for the next major product announcements, it wouldn’t be the first time Apple does a silent spec update on a MacBook without a press release or event if that’s what ultimately happens. It’s also not a big stretch to imagine the 12-inch MacBook, being Apple’s newest design and likely the future of the MacBook line, would get a relatively minor upgrade this year compared to other MacBooks that could get stage time at WWDC. If that’s the case, we’d expect the usual internal upgrades for the processor options, etc, but we wouldn’t be mad if we also got more USB to accompany the single USB-C port it currently has. 

Earlier this month we compiled the latest intel on the future of Apple’s MacBook lineup, noting that MacBook Air, the 12-inch MacBook, and the Retina MacBook Pros are all approaching or passing the one year mark since being introduced or last updated.

We’ve reached out to Best Buy, Apple, and other retailers for comment.

Filed under: Mac Tagged: 12-inch, Apple, Best Buy, MacBook, press release, refresh, update

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Belkin Surge Protector w/ USB $14, Dell 24″ 4K Monitor $361, Pad & Quill Apple Watch Dock $79, more

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

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:

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Amazon Gold Box – up to 60% off select Belkin surge protectors: 3-Outlet w/ Dual 2.1A USB: $14 Prime shipped, more

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Displays: Dell 24-inch 4K $361 (Reg. $400+), LG Ultra-Thin Bezel 27-inch 1080p $180 (Reg. $299)

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Smartphone Accessories: Pad & Quill Timber Catchall Stand for Apple Watch in cherry wood finish $79 (Reg. $99), more

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Review: Are these third-party $11 Apple Watch Sport bands any good? Turns out, they aren’t too bad.

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App Store Free App of the Week: Space Marshals goes free for the very first time ($5 value)

Upgrade Your Mac with 3 Great Apps: Scapple $9 (Orig. $15), STAMP Premium $5 (Orig. $10), Ghostnote $7 (Orig. $10)

BADLAND 1 & 2 for iOS now matching lowest prices ever from $1 (Reg. $5)

Apple offers Day One 2 iOS journal app for free ($10 value)

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

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DODOcase 40% off sitewide: iPad Pro Two Tone Case from $49 shipped, iPhone & Apple Watch accessories, more

MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:

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Samsung 55-inch 4K 120Hz Smart UHDTVs: $1,200 (Reg. $1,500), 3D $1,375 (Reg. $1,800)

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

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Samsung goes big with the “world’s first” bezel-less curved 4K Ultra HDTV

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: 9to5Toys, Amazon, app deals, Belkin, Best Buy, Daily Deals, Dell 4K, free apps, Gold Box, Pad & Quill, video games

Apple’s iPhone image sensor producer Sony details Kumamoto earthquake impact

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

Sony Corporation has issued an official news release in regards to the status of their manufacturing companies in Japan after the Kumamoto earthquakes. Having confirmed the safety of their employees in the affected regions, Sony has listed out a few details of the manufacturing sites that have been impacted as result of the earthquake.

Sony’s semiconductor factory in Kumamoto, which primarily manufactures image sensors for cameras, had seen its production halted after the earthquake and has yet to be started again. According to Sony, damage to the site is currently being evaluated, but the timeframe for resuming has yet to be confirmed. Sony’s main facility for smartphone image sensors in Nagasaki and its sister-site, Oita Technology Center, had its operations suspended but production had resumed on April 17th.

Currently there is no news as to how or if this will affect Apple’s current or future product line-up, specifically the dual-camera rumored to be integrated into the iPhone 7. TSMC, one of Apple’s chipmakers, was also affected by earthquakes back in February. Seeing a long-term loss impact of around less than 1% for 2016 production, TSMC remained confident they would be able to hit revenue targets. That earthquake which was responsible for the deaths of 116, and injuring countless others, also saw major damages to multiple other manufacturing plants around Taiwan.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Yuya Shino

Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: Apple, earthquake, Kumamoto, Sony

LinkedIn today launching Tinder-style swiping iPhone app to help U.S. students find jobs

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

The LinkedIn profile of the typical student may look a little empty at this stage in their career, but the company believes its network can still be useful. It’s today launching an iPhone app to help students identify companies and job titles that might be suitable for them, as well as pointing to live job postings that may be of interest.

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Filed under: Apps Tagged: LinkedIn, LinkedIn app, LinkedIn student app, Tinder

Taylor Swift features in another new Apple Music commercial, singing along to Jimmy Eat World

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

Taylor Swift and Apple Music have today launched another commercial on Twitter promoting Apple’s $9.99 streaming music service, featuring song ‘The Middle’ by Jimmy Eat World. It is unclear if the minute-long ad will be exclusive to online promotional channels or also be shown on TV.

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Filed under: Apple Music, iOS, iOS Devices, Tech Industry Tagged: ad, Apple Music, commercial, iOS, Taylor Swift

German report claims Apple Car could be manufactured in Austria by BMW/Mini maker Magna

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

German publication Frankfurter Allgemeine is reporting that Apple may be planning to use Austrian-based automotive contract manufacturer Magna to manufacture the Apple Car. The publication also says that Apple has created a ‘secret lab’ in Berlin where it has head-hunted a small cross-disciplinary team of 15-20 upcoming engineers from a number of German car companies.

Magna specialises in making limited-edition models for major car manufacturers, having made the Mini Paceman and Clubman for BMW, as well as the BMW X3. It is expected to make over 100,000 vehicles for BMW over the next 6-7 years …

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Filed under: Apple Car Tagged: Apple Car, Apple Car manufacturer, Magna, Magna International

8 of the Weirdest Shark Tank Products That Got Investments

by | Apr 18, 2016 |

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Whenever you watch an episode of Shark Tank, there always seems to be at least one product an entrepreneur pitches that makes you go: “Whaaa?”

That’s a big part of Shark Tank‘s appeal. If every product (or service) that got pitched on the show was perfectly reasonable, and perfectly matched to some target market, the show’s ratings would likely plummet. I mean, just imagine the tagline for a show like that: “Shark Tank: The show where entrepreneurs with realistic expectations pitch sensible products based on extensive market research.”

To keep things interesting, the show’s producers will sprinkle in the odd product … like Pet Paint, for example, which is “colored hairspray for your dog.” (Although to be fair, Barbara Corcoran did make an offer.) Or, Squirrel Boss, which is a bird feeder that has the added functionality of being able to electrocute squirrels at the push of a button. (No, seriously.)

Every once in a while, however, one of these seemingly strange Shark Tank products will land an investment. Don’t believe it? Check out eight of the weirdest products that actually got investments below. 

8 of the Weirdest Shark Tank Products That Got Investments

1) Custom cat drawings (I Want to Draw a Cat for You)

In season three of Shark Tank, billionaire Mark Cuban put up $25 thousand for a 33% stake in a company that sells custom drawings of cats.

This is a fact. This really happened. There is video evidence.

Entrepreneur/professional-stick-figure-cat-artist Steve Gadlin had a dream: To bring custom cat art to every home, using the power of the internet. Mark Cuban, no doubt, believed in that dream.

As the I Want to Draw a Cat for You website still reads (even though the company recently went out of business), Gadlin and his team would create — for $29.95– any cartoon cat configuration you desired:

Want two cats getting married on a beach? A ninja cat fighting a giant talking pickle? A cat on a unicorn leaping over a rainbow? You’re the boss!”

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(Source: Groupon)

2) Light-up rave gloves (EmazingLights)

It was like something out of a science-fiction movie when entrepreneur Brian Lim — donning an oversized cartoon head — walked into the tank. The lights inside the studio went dim, and then a group of gloved dancers began moving their hands, their fingertips glowing and swirling in a brilliant display of colors.

Welcome to the world of “gloving”: A modern dance style that involves wearing gloves that have LED-illuminated fingertips. Lim’s company, EmazingLights, makes these futuristic gloves. And while you might think that the “sharks” would’ve scoffed at or dismissed the product as a novelty, they all ended up wanting a piece. (The fact that EmazingLights had $7 million in annual revenue at the time certainly helped Lim’s cause.)

The $650K deal ultimately went to Daymond John and Mark Cuban. The two “sharks” received 5% of the company, plus a 20% commission on any future licensing deals.

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(Source: CNN)

3) A potty training system for cats (CitiKitty)

This is another one of those products where I feel obligated to state: Yes, this is a real product that exists in the world and is available for purchase.

Now that any remaining disbelief has hopefully been suspended, let’s dive into the concept a bit more. CitiKitty is basically a litter box that you put over your toilet seat. Once your cat becomes accustomed to doing its business there, you can remove the inner part of the litter box, section by section, over time. By the end of the training period, the litter box is completely gone and your cat can (ideally) use the toilet like a human.

And while it might seem a little strange to some, former “shark” Kevin Harrington pounced on the idea, making a deal with CitiKitty founder Rebecca Rescate worth $100 thousand. Harrington received a 20% equity stake in the company.

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(Source: citikitty.com)

4) A sports bra with built-in waterproof pockets (Boobypack)

Marketed as the “fanny pack for your rack,” Boobypack isn’t necessarily a weird product, but it’s definitely a product that the “sharks” were intrigued by.

At one point during the episode, Boobypack founder and CEO Christina Conrad had an offer on the table form “shark” Robert Herjavec: $80 thousand for 30%. Conrad countered with $80 thousand for 25%. Herjavec wouldn’t budge from 30% and then bam! Barbara Corcoran took the deal for 25%.

I could tell you more about the Boobypack story, but my colleague actually had the opportunity to interview Conrad and wrote a great post about her experience on the show. You can check it out here.

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(Source: The Surge)

5) Lip balm that creates a reaction when you kiss (Kisstixx)

 

Here’s the concept: you apply one flavor of Kisstixx lip balm (e.g., raspberry), and someone else applies a different flavor of Kisstixx lip balm (e.g., lemonade), and when the two of you kiss … well, I mean, the two different lip balms obviously smudge together. Oh, right, and then there’s a “chemical reaction of flavor and scent.”

The idea was intriguing enough that Mark Cuban ended up making an offer, which college pals Dallas Robinson and Mike Buonomo accepted: $200 thousand for a 40% share in Kisstixx.

According to the Huffington Post, Kisstixx saw a 3,000% increase in website traffic and sold more than 5,000 units following their appearance on the show.

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(Source: kisstixx.com)

 

6) Bagged wine cocktails sold in a box that looks like a stereo (BeatBox Beverages) 

 

While we’re on the topic of funky flavor combinations, let’s take a look at BeatBox Beverages. Co-founders Brad Schultz, Aimy Steadman, and Justin Fenchel created the company based on the belief that “boxed wine doesn’t have to be boring.”

BeatBox Beverages’ products all come in neon-colored boxes that resemble stereos. Flavors of the “bag-in-a-box party drink” include blue razzberry, cranberry limeade, and box a’rita.

When it was all said and done, Mark Cuban apparently liked what he tasted. He invested $1 million in BeatBox Beverages in exchange for a third of the company.

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(Source: justelementary.com)

 

7) Live horror entertainment (Ten Thirty One Productions)

I think it’s safe to say that most investors don’t have a company in their portfolio that specializes in producing haunted hayrides and other live horror events.

Mark Cuban, however, isn’t like most investors.

When entrepreneur Melissa Carbone walked into the Shark Tank with her team of ghastly ghouls, it seemed likely that all of the “sharks” would be scared away from making deal. Cuban, however, ended up putting down $2 million for a 20% stake in Carbone’s company. It was one of the biggest deals in the show’s history.

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(Source: Business Insider)

8) Energy bars made from crickets (Chapul)

While eating insects is a common practice in many parts of the world, in the U.S. the idea of munching on bugs as a snack still leaves many people squeamish.

Entrepreneur Pat Crowley, however, believes that his Chapul bars, which are made from cricket flour, can help people “leap over this psychological hurdle” of eating insects. For Crowley, this is important because insects are a much more sustainable source of protein compared to traditional sources, like beef.

When Crowley pitched his cricket bar company Chapul on Shark Tank, both Robert Herjavec and Mark Cuban made offers. Cuban ended up hopping away with the deal: $50 thousand for a 10% stake in the company.

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(Source: J. Walter Thompson Intelligence)

Can you think of any other products that should be on this list? Let us know in the comments section below.

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