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The best MIDI keyboards for Mac and Logic Pro
Now that we are well in to 2017, we thought it was a good time to re-assess the MIDI keyboard situation for Mac users. We have some new contenders on the block that have pushed some old favorites to the side, while AKAI, Native Instruments and more continue to bring some of the best and most affordable controllers to market.
Head below for our 2017 picks of the best MIDI keyboards for Mac users: more…
Dash for iOS returns to the App Store following fraudulent review controversy
The popular developer utility app Dash has returned to the iOS App Store with Apple’s approval, according to the app’s developer. Dash was previously removed from the App Store after Apple claimed the developer’s account was related to fraudulent reviews.
Sphero unveils iOS-controlled Lightning McQueen racer for $300
Since the company’s launch, Sphero has grown to become a household name with its line of RC toys. From the standard model to interactive BB-8, Sphero has managed to capture a real sense of wonder and delight with its creations. With Cars 3 right around the corner, it only makes sense for the Disney-backed company to add yet another lovable character to its lineup. Today, Sphero has launched the Ultimate Lightning McQueen, which lets you drive, play games, and train for the next big race with the iOS-enabled racing star.
DJI’s new $499 Spark drone offers gesture controls, compact design [Gallery]
Today in New York City, DJI unveiled the new Spark drone with a focus on portability and gesture-controls. This comes after a busy year for the industry leader in the drone category following the release of its Phantom 4 Advanced.
DJI claims that users will be able to go from in-hand to in-the-air taking photos in just seconds. Geared towards entry-level pilots looking to capture drone-quality images and video, Spark has a number of consumer-friendly features.
Today’s news also includes new smartphone apps with quick and simple editing features in line with what we saw from GoPro in the fall. Full details below.
New iPhone 8 renders show rear Touch ID and color variations
Two new sets of images claiming to show the upcoming design of the so-called iPhone 8 due out later this year have shown up in Chinese social media today. Both show the edge-to-edge display and vertical dual camera design as seen in previous schematics and dummy units, and the latest images show how the iPhone 8 could look in various colors…
9to5Toys Lunch Break: 9.7″ iPad Pro $475, Amazon 1-Day Logitech Sale, iOttie iPhone Car Mount $19, 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 9.7-inch iPad Pro gets $124 discount, priced from $475
Amazon 1-Day Logitech Sale up to 50% off: keyboards & more from $15
Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard $60 (Reg. $80)
iOttie’s premium iTap Smartphone Car Mounts drop to $19 (over 20% off)
Anker iPhone/Android Dashboard Mount drops to $14 (Reg. $24)
Best Buy is clearing out official Apple Watch Sport Bands, starting at $34 (or less)
Apple 13-inch MacBook Air 256GB gets a $279 discount to $920 shipped
Apple iPhone 6s (manufacturer refurb): 16GB $280, 64GB $340, more
Apple iPhone 5s 16GB Pre-paid for $99 shipped (Reg. $170)
Assassin’s Creed Identity for iOS drops to just $1 (Reg. $5)
- Lumino City’s handcrafted worlds drop to lowest price ever at $1 (Reg. $5)
- The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is now just $1 on the App Store (Reg. $7)
- Cartoon Network’s iOS RPG Attack the Light hits lowest price in years: $1 (Reg. $3)
- App Store Free App of the Week: Eggggg platformer free for very first time (Reg. $3)
Review: iClever’s Surge Protector packs 12 ports to charge your gear [Deal]
Review: This is Ground takes on Apple Watch in style w/ new Connoisseur bands
9to5Rewards: Twelve South Action Sleeve for Apple Watch [Giveaway]
MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:
Pad & Quill offering 20% off leather/linen iPad & Apple Watch accessories
Hands-on: Clockwork Synergy’s stylish Apple Watch bands, save 30% [Exclusive]
- Kogeek’s HomeKit-enabled Light Switch now $34 w/ this promo code (25% off)
- Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer Kit w/ HomeKit + Alexa support for $120, more
- Dodocool 13.3-inch Felt MacBook Sleeve w/ pouch for $6: 40% off
- Jackery 26000mAh QC 3.0 Power Bank $53, more
- Thule Subterra 15″ MacBook Bag $30, Logitech Wireless Keyboard $20, more
- Uber Gift Cards 10% off starting at under $23 w/ free email delivery
- Petco Gift Cards are the best way to save on pet supplies: $100 for $85 + more
- Samorost 3, Machinarium & Botanicula now $1 ea. on iOS (Reg. $5)
- Today’s Best iOS & Mac Game/App Deals: Machinarium, Heroes of Loot, many more
- Today’s Best Game Deals: Bloodborne Complete $17.50, Hitman $30, more
- Hoover’s WindTunnel Bagless Upright Vac now matching all-time low at $97
- Salomon and Merrell running shoes/hiking boots 40% off today at Amazon, starting from $60
NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:
BIKI is an underwater 4K camera drone that can go wherever you swim
Belkin intros new line of compact Pocket Power banks starting at $20
Ambi Climate returns with its second generation Alexa-enabled air conditioner controller
- Haikara smartwatch focuses on fashion with customizable watch faces and bands
- This Vintage Vinyl Bluetooth Speaker is actually made out of reclaimed records
- Beyond Zero’s liquor freezer puts your cocktail “in the rocks”
- NikeLab releases urban commuter, all-condition ACG.07.KMTR
- Monoprice is now making a professional quality 3D Printer at just $159
- Love Hultén’s new vintage-inspired mahogany Astovox Hi-Fi System
- Atomos Ninja Inferno: A great way to speed up your Panasonic GH5 workflow [Video]
- LEGO’s latest is a massive 2,800-piece Minecraft Mountain Cave set
- WATTS is the customizable battery backup system meant to fit any home
- Kanex debuts new GoPower Magnetic Charging Apple Watch Stand, more
- BOSON Building Blocks bring LEGOs and other projects to Life!
- Amazon upgrades Fire tablet lineup w/ thinner design and new features [Deal]
- Nanoleaf ditches the smartphone with its 12-sided Aurora Remote
- Moog unveils the new limited edition Subsequent 37 CV synth
- The Witcher takes on Game of Thrones with new Netflix series
- Alexa-enabled 4K TVs from Westinghouse hit w/ Fire OS built-in
- Apogee Control now comes free w/ Element 88 Thunderbolt interfaces
- Jammy: the new portable iOS-connected smart guitar with telescopic neck
- Mophie’s new Galaxy S8/S8+ cases add up to 3,300mAh of extra power for $99, available now
- Arckit lets you build custom model cityscapes easier than LEGO
- Polk’s new Chromecast-powered MagniFi soundbar offers 5.1-Ch. surround sound
MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:
Caseology iPhone 7/Plus and Galaxy S8/Plus cases in multiple styles from $4
iTunes Movie Deals: 10-film Action Collection $10, Pirates of the Caribbean $13, more!
LEGO, Batman, Adventure and Fantasy iTunes Digital Movie Sale from $5
Bose SoundLink Mini Series I Bluetooth speaker for $130 shipped (refurb, Orig. $200)
Elgato’s expansive Thunderbolt 3 Dock for new MacBook Pros launching on June 6
Elgato first unveiled its new Thunderbolt 3 Dock for the latest MacBook Pros back in January as part of CES 2017, and today the company has officially announced a ship date. Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock will ship in just under two weeks on June 6 in the United States, across Europe, and Australia. Here’s a recap of how Thunderbolt 3 Dock expands MacBook Pro I/O:
Pick 12 great Mac apps/utilities from selection of 60 (!!) for $20 [+ 9to5Rewards Giveaway]
From 9to5Toys:
Bundlehunt is offering up a selection of 60 solid apps, utilities and learning resources where you can select any 12 of them for just $19.99 ($1.66/app!) . That total is often a lower price than the retail price of one of the apps and the biggest selection of popular Mac apps we’ve seen for anywhere near $20.
There’s something in here for everyone and there’s bound to be more than a few apps you wouldn’t buy at retail but probably make sense at under $2/each.
Also, we’ll be giving away 2 of these to 9to5 Rewards enthusiastic sharers on Twitter and Facebook so if $20 is too rich for your blood, play for a chance at these 60 apps.
As always, you can count on 9to5Toys for all of the best deals on apps and more each day. Head below for a full list of what’s available in this bundle…
Honda’s 2018 Odyssey Minivan goes on sale as latest vehicle with Apple’s CarPlay
PSA: Many major media players vulnerable to attack via malicious subtitles files [Video]
Security researchers have discovered a surprising new way for attackers to gain control of a machine: malicious subtitles. The vulnerability is device-independent, meaning it could be used to gain control of anything from an iPhone to a Mac.
Report: Apple set for trial production run of microLED devices as it looks beyond OLED
An iPhone and Mac could be all you need to renew your eyeglasses prescription
Mail-order eyeglasses company Warby Parker has created an iPhone app that can replace a visit to the optometrist for some customers.
Has your eyeglasses prescription expired? Want to take a vision test at home? Well, welcome! Introducing Warby Parker Prescription Check. This is our brand-spanking-new mobile refraction service that, if you are eligible, allows an eye doctor to assess your vision and provide an updated eyeglasses prescription. (Is there anything your phone can’t do?!)
You’d of course expect there to be some small-print when you’re dealing with something as important as your eye-sight, and there is …
Analysts say Apple’s reality distortion field wearing off in China as iPhone sales drop 20%
IFTTT launches Maker tier with support for multiple Applet actions
Officially unveiling today, IFTTT hopes to draw more developers to its connected services platform with its new Maker tier. The new tier would allow developers to more finely tune their Applets with multiple services, and even add in more triggered actions. Today’s announcement is a follow up on IFTTT’s partnership program from last year where they began working directly with companies like BMW and Spotify.
6 AI Startups We’re Keeping an Eye On
The other day, I was airing some grievances to a friend. The whining topic du jour: artificial intelligence, or AI.
“Every time I hear about it, I think, ‘Sure, that’s cool,’” I said. “But sometimes I wish it would slow down — there’s so much happening there, and so fast.”
“Well, I have bad news for you,” my friend told me. “It’s not going away anytime soon.”
He was right. AI continues to be all the rage in the worlds of both tech and business, and is growing at a lightning-fast pace. At the most recent Google I/O, an entire suite of new AI-related product features were unveiled. Microsoft, meanwhile, launched an entire investment arm dedicated to this type of technology. And as research from CB Insights indicates, in 2016, over 500 AI startups raised roughly $5 billion in funding.
But which ones are going to stick around?
We thought you might ask that — that’s why we sought out the six that have piqued our greatest interest. We’ve listed them below and summarized what it is that they’re trying to do … and why they’ve got our attention.
6 Artificial Intelligence Startups to Watch
1) Bizible
What the Company Does
In its earliest days, Bizible’s revenue attribution product provided technology to help its customers better assess spending activity and make better decisions. Now, its new revenue planning product uses machine learning to help B2B marketers plan for every revenue-related scenario. Think: The product crunches the historical revenue attribution data to help predict what GeekWire calls “‘what if’ scenarios — like increasing marketing spend … or reducing event sponsorship budgets.”
Why We’re Paying Attention
We love it when companies examine what they already do best and say something like, “Wait a minute — we can use this information to make something even better.”
In Bizible’s case, that was the marketing expenditure data it already organized and helped customers analyze. The next step, the company decided, was to help marketers make even better use of that data — with the help of intelligent algorithms that predict the results of a given current spending track, and provide budgetary alternatives that address the aforementioned scenarios.
It’s that AI technology, CEO Aaron Bird told GeekWire, that helps marketers “have a good understanding of causality in the past … in order to do a good job of planning the future.”
2) UiPath
What the Company Does
New-York-based UiPath is known best for its robotic process automation (RPA) technology — the kind that helps to automate what can become tedious business tasks, like data entry. As PYMNTS explains, eliminating the need for human labor on such processes can help “companies save money by offloading these tasks from human contractors.”
Why We’re Paying Attention
To be completely honest — the type of technology being created by UiPath scares us a little. The potential drawback of human job elimination by way of AI continues to be a hotly-contested topic, and while it does make us slightly shake in our boots, we can’t help but be fascinated by the companies that throw their respective hats into that particular automation ring.
But we also find ourselves drawn to the UiPath Academy — a “free of charge, self-led online learning environment where anyone in the world can enroll and train to obtain a UiPath RPA certification.” The point of that certification? Creating more RPA experts that can help companies implement and make the best use of technology like UiPath’s.
From a certain perspective, that could be seen as UiPath’s method of countering the potential job elimination resulting from widespread RPA — by cultivating a population of experts who know how to make the best use of AI within certain organizations.
3) vHive
What the Company Does
In the B2B realm, most marketers don’t spend a ton of time thinking about how they would make use of a fleet of drones — at least, we don’t. That is, until we learned about vHive: The maker of cloud-based technology for enterprise-level organizations that want to use drones to manage field operations.
Why We’re Paying Attention
Drones are an area of technology that’s seen mixed results over the past decade. Many brands continue to experiment with numerous uses of drones — one of the most interesting cases we’ve come across is telecom company BT using drones to provide internet service in places impacted by war and natural disasters.
But at the same time, few brands seem to be able to truly make it work — some are missing sales estimates, laying off members of their drone teams, or closing up shop altogether. So when we learn about startups in this realm receiving high amounts of funding — vHive secured $2 million from VC and private investment in its first round — it makes us ask, “Okay, so what’s different about this one?” Perhaps it’s the focus on fleet management, or the target audience of enterprise-level companies, but we’re curious to see how this works out.
4) Agolo
Source: agolo
What the Company Does
Another player in the New York AI field, Agolo’s technology is designed to synthesize and summarize the media most important to professionals in order to do their jobs. Here’s a peek at how it works:
Why We’re Paying Attention
Information overload is a problem that doesn’t seem to be going away — at least, not anytime soon. And as bloggers, we often have to monitor a high volume of news about marketing and technology. That’s why intelligent systems like Agolo’s tend to make us positively giddy — they can help us figure out what we need to do, and automatically find and summarize the news that’s going to help us best do our jobs.
But that benefit isn’t limited to bloggers. Marketers from every industry struggle with staying on top of the news and content they need to see in order to remain informed about competition, regulations, and more.
5) Vault
What the Company Does
Another Israel-based startup, Vault’s technology has a primary focus on the entertainment industry. It uses big data to help professionals in this sector address and resolve both marketing and financial decision-making problems — partially with its box office sales prediction technology.
Why We’re Paying Attention
Even though it’s been a while since I actually visited a movie theatre, I still positively geek out over box office rankings. After all, I’m both a consumer and a marketer, and I like to see the products — software and films alike — that amass an eyebrow-raising audience.
That’s something that makes one of Vault’s products, Deep Audience, so interesting to us — its ability to take the entertainment industry’s media assets, like movie trailers or a script, and apply an algorithm that can analyze who’s going to be drawn to it.
From there, entertainment marketers can make important decisions about how to package and communicate the product to this audience, depending on size, composition, and other factors. Our hope: The Deep Audience becomes available and applicable to marketers within industries beyond entertainment.
6) All Turtles
What the Company Does
Okay, so we may have cheated a bit on this one. All Turtles is actually a self-described “AI startup studio” that provides guidance and other resources to founders of companies within this sector. The approach, according to its website, is to tackle “one frontier at a time,” starting with AI.
Why We’re Paying Attention
The act of AI startups receiving funding isn’t exactly rare news — after all, that’s how we found out about many of the companies on this list. What intrigues us about this one, however, is that it’s a startup for startups: one that was founded by Phil Libin, who’s held executive roles in both the VC and tech sectors.
That’s a powerful combination of skills and experience. We’re curious to see how it’s applied and carried out in an area of business and technology that, in the grand scheme of things, is still in its earliest stages — but shows no signs of ceasing to grow at full-tilt.
Types of Intelligence
What stands out to us about many of the companies listed here is the potential impact their work could have on a number of populations. Automated business processes, predictions, and fleet management are all very cool — but we’re eager to see how many of these brands develop technologies that will benefit individuals on a personal level. AI certainly has the ability to help professionals do their work more seamlessly. But it could also have a positive impact on, for example, aging populations, by automating in-home assistance that can keep seniors healthy in their homes longer.
In any case — these are just some of the reasons why we’re watching the world of AI unfold.
Which AI startups are you keeping an eye on? Let us know in the comments.
Garmin launches a seriously-specced 360-degree action cam at an equally serious price
Garmin has announced the Virb 360, a high-spec 360-degree action cam shooting at an impressive 5.7K at 30fps. The unusual resolution is designed to create enough spare pixels to automatically apply spherical stabilization to output smooth 4K video in the company’s own Virb Edit software.
As with earlier Virb action cams, there’s built-in GPS to allow you to overlay data like speed, altitude and location – as well as data sent via Bluetooth from any device with an ANT+ sensor. But the features don’t end there …
Apple’s transparency report reveals doubling in controversial National Security Letter data requests
Apple has posted its latest transparency report on government requests for the company to disclose personal data belonging to customers, and it reveals that the number of FISA/National Security Letters it received roughly doubled in the second half of last year. These are classified requests for data, in which companies are not even allowed to report that they have received the orders.
CNET notes that FISA and NSL requests have been strongly criticised by privacy campaigners.
Critics of National Security Letters, like the Electronic Frontier Foundation, say they ‘allow the FBI to secretly demand data about ordinary American citizens’ private communications and Internet activity without any meaningful oversight or prior judicial review’ …
Apple launches new Swift app development curriculum for free on iBooks, offered at six community colleges this fall
Apple has today announced that is launching a new app development curriculum designed to teach students how to start using Swift to create fully functional iPhone apps. The course will be available for free on iBooks (not yet visible in the iBookstore) for anyone to download.
This fall, Apple says six American community colleges will teach the curriculum as well as ‘select high schools’. Apple wants to help more people learn to code and enter the app economy.