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New report supports glass design for iPhone 8, with iPhone 4-style stainless steel frame
A new supply-chain report supports long-running rumors that this year’s iPhone will abandon aluminum in favor of glass back and front. The Digitimes report states that Apple will use a stainless steel frame to hold together glass panels along the lines of the iPhone 4 design.
The next-generation iPhone is expected to abandon its conventional aluminum back cover design and will adopt a new design using two reinforced glass panes and a metal frame in the middle. The metal bezel will be made of stainless steel using a forging process to enhance its sturdiness and reduce costs and manufacturing time.
The prospect of a mostly-glass design was first raised in a KGI note in April of last year, supported by subsequent reports from Foxconn, glass suppliers and elsewhere. The move seems likely in the light of other rumors regarding the iPhone 8 …
Filed under: Apple
4 Education Marketing Trends to Keep an Eye on in 2017
Content, SEO and email marketing are not going away but it’s important to stay ahead of the curve so you don’t fall behind. Here are some of 2017 education marketing trends that will help you to stay ahead of the curve.
Video Goes Big and Goes Live
The powerhouse engagement stats for video content keep growing. People watch more content online. Nearly half of Millennial digital video consumption happening on mobile. Incorporating video into your content plans is no longer optional. Eighty-six percent of colleges already have a presence on YouTube. Next year, it’s all about live video.
Facebook Live (Facebook’s live streaming app) is now available to all. It’s being heavily promoted on that old video channel – your television. YouTube continues to improve its own live stream functionality.
Fortunately, campuses are natural hives for creating compelling live video. Any school event can be live streamed (as long as your school policies permit this). “Student on the street” interviews about a hot topic of the day. Day in the life videos for different student personas. Clips from classes and lectures.
Your school has tons of live action worth streaming live. You can even continue to repurpose video recorded as part of a live stream into future content.
People Value Experiences – Make It Real
Nothing connects people together more than sharing a real-world experience. People want experiences that make them feel. That’s what they’ll post on Instagram and Snapchat. If your school only exists in their heads, it doesn’t feel real to your prospects.
Experiential marketing is about giving prospects an opportunity to engage with your school 1:1. They don’t have to be on the school’s grounds at the time. On-campus tours and interviews are great ways to pull in high value prospects. But experience marketing is something a bit different.
Think about how many school fairs or communities your school visits to drive recruitment. You can do more than just have a table. One Canadian university brought a photo booth to fairs. Prospective students created customized photos of themselves. Then they created new ones to show how they saw themselves in a new field.
Here are some more experiential marketing examples.
People can’t stop sharing first-hand experiences that move their hearts and souls. Use digital channels to drive people to the experience. They’ll help you amplify the campaign’s reach — making it far more effective than if it just sat on your website.
Prospects Expect Personalized, Relevant Content
For years, e-commerce and social media sites have been customizing our web experiences. It’s been normal, expected. Now we expect all our digital engagements to provide that sort of personalization. There’s too much content out there to consume for a school to catch anyone’s eye with generic content.
Personalizing content requires much more than inserting a prospect’s name into an email. Effective personalization is providing the most relevant content. You learn this when you analyze their online behavior. What content do they consume? On what visit — first, second, third? What content formats do they prefer? On which visit? All that helps you identify where they are in their enrollment journey.
To personalize, think bigger and go beyond email. You can personalize the headlines they see when they visit your website. Do the same with the blogs you suggest as links on the pages they’re already reading. The more data you collect, the more precise your personalization can become.
The costs for not personalizing your content aren’t limited to people ignoring your content. (Although that’s a good reason for concern.) Ignored content is merely ignored. On the other hand, bland or misdirected content undermines your brand. Whereas poor quality, irrelevant content gets remembered and shared — for all the wrong reasons.
Catch the Snapchat Wave
Snapchat is one of the fastest growing social media platforms, especially for young people. According to its stats, every day it reaches 41% of all 18-to-34 year-olds in the U.S. Wondering where your prospects went? They’re in Snapchat.
Snapchat lets you share images and short videos. You can curate them into longer “Stories.” You can even make an experience out of your campus tour. Use Snapchat to turn it into a scavenger hunt (your own version of Pokeman Go!). Student guides can post short videos of where they are. They don’t away the exact spot — they offer a clue instead. Visiting prospects now have to ask students on campus — or ask on Snapchat — to figure out the clue and find the guide.
You can also use Snapchat as a channel for student ambassadors and faculty to share personal perspectives on campus life. Like Instagram and Twitter, Snapchat works with hashtags. Research your personas to find the hashtags that will get your Snapchat content found by them.
Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is a form of word of mouth marketing (WOMM), but with a boost. WOMM is so effective because it’s third party validation of your school. People trust what other people have to say and for good reason. They know that even when you’re providing valuable, relevant content, you’re still biased. This is why marketers always want content to go viral. All that sharing is third party, WOMM validation.
But you can’t plan viral. Nor do you want to throw content at the wall and hope people share it. Influencer marketing is about identifying the key folks who exert a powerful influence on your target persona.
Those key influencers have a large audience that mirrors your own target personas. Ideally, they also share content relevant to your pet topics. If your content targets military students, you might identify some influencers in the veterans’ community, even if they don’t focus on education specifically.
You can use influencers to share your content. They can also create content relevant to your school. Now you can reach out to the veteran with a podcast show that reaches the military community. Offer them an interview with one of your counselors on the challenges of military personnel adjusting to civilian and campus life.
You could reach out to an Instagram star popular with high school students. Ask them to share an image of students getting creative at your school or of your successful stadium “white out” (or whatever your school colors are).
More info on Influencer Marketing Here: Content Marketers Guide to Influencer Marketing
Blog posts and downloadable guides aren’t going anywhere. The 2017 trends are all about diving into the most current ways and formats for engaging with prospects. Use them to up your content marketing game and stay ahead of your competition.
The Evolution of the Strategic CMO [Infographic]
As marketers, we spend a lot of time strategizing and writing about how business professionals can adapt to the constant state of change that characterizes the digital world.
The tricky thing when it comes to all of that change is that it can be challenging for marketing executives to learn the ins and outs of new technologies and run the business while still prioritizing growth and big-picture branding changes. And according to a recent survey from the CMO Council, there’s a significant disconnect between what CMOs know they should be focusing on and how they’re actually spending their time.
In fact, while 48% of CMOs surveyed knew they needed to spend time developing strategies for long-term growth, in reality, 45% of CMOs said they spent their time reviewing budgets, approving content and campaigns, and evaluating marketing plans.
Check out the infographic from the CMO Council below to learn more about how CMOs are spending their time, what they’re accomplishing and what they’re neglecting, and how marketers can shift priorities to help the entire team.
How to Better Moderate Your YouTube Comments
Need help moderating your YouTube comments? Wondering if YouTube’s new moderation features can save you time? YouTube has made it easier to weed out irrelevant, inappropriate, or offensive comments so you can spend time engaging with the people who matter most. In this article, you’ll discover how to use YouTube’s comment moderation tools. #1: Add […]
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How to Determine the Ideal Hourly Rate to Charge Your Clients [Free Calculator]
If you’re a freelancer, you probably have a lot on your plate.
Balancing multiple projects, building your personal brand, and keeping up with client requests is no easy feat, and the last thing you want to worry about is undercharging for your services.
Determining your ideal hourly rate can seem like a high-stakes guessing game. How much do you need to charge your clients to live the lifestyle you want? How do you factor in your overhead costs, vacation days, and other expenses? How can you be sure you aren’t undervaluing your work?
To help you quantify your ideal hourly rate without breaking a sweat, we created a free tool that does the heavy lifting for you: The Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator.
With just a few simple inputs, this tool will automatically crunch the numbers, calculating the ideal hourly rate you need to charge your clients to build a profitable freelancing business.
You can access our free calculator here. It will give you your ideal rate based on the following areas:
- How many days you want to take off per year
- How much you plan to spend on overhead expenses (office space, project management software, etc.)
- How much you would like to earn annually
- Retirement, benefits, and self-employment taxes
Ready to get started? Click here to start calculating your ideal hourly rate, and never worry about undercharging for your services again.
Apple reportedly working with Carl Zeiss on digital glasses with augmented reality
A report in November claimed that Apple was considering the possibility of entering the digital glasses market, as Snapchat recently did. Now, Robert Scoble, a popular blogger, claims that Apple is working with German optics company Carl Zeiss on its digital glasses.
Filed under: Apple
iPod godfather Tony Fadell describes early work on iPhone, time he almost lost a prototype in an airport
Earlier today we shared some of the tricks Apple used to perfect its on-stage demonstration of the iPhone 10 years ago. Phil Schiller and Tim Cook have also offered up comments on the anniversary, with Cook touting that “the best is yet to come.”
Now, Tony Fadell, commonly referred to as the “godfather” of the iPod, has shared his stories from working on the iPhone, including the time he thought he lost an early prototype of the device…
Filed under: Apple
After Verizon acquisition, Yahoo will change its name to ‘Altaba’ and Marissa Mayer will step down
To say Yahoo has had a rough go of it recently would be an understatement. While in the midst of an acquisition by Verizon, the company has faced a pair of massive data breaches, exposing the information of over 1 billion customers.
A new regulatory document filed today shows that Verizon’s acquisition of the company is moving closer to completion, while it also reveals that following the acquisition, Yahoo will change its name to Altaba and Marissa Mayer will step down.
Filed under: Apple
How to use an iPad as an external display and Touch Bar for your Mac [Video]
As an LG UltraFine 5K Display owner, I’ve been using my MacBook Pro in closed-clamshell mode for the last week. Closed-clamshell mode allows me to drive an external display with the MacBook’s lid closed.
While such a setup looks neat and takes up less desk real estate, there are a few downsides involved. The most obvious downside is that you lose the MacBook Pro’s second screen. But for new MacBook Pro owners, losing the Touch Bar might be the bigger downside of the two.
If you’re an iPad owner, there is a decent solution to this problem. You can use your iPad as an external Touch Bar by using Duet, a $9.99 app on the App Store. Duet allows you to use an iOS device as an external display, and its most recent update adds Touch Bar support. This makes the app a viable solution for those wishing to employ clamshell mode on the latest MacBook pro, and for those with older Mac hardware without the Touch Bar. Watch our brief hands-on video to see how it works in action. more…
Filed under: Apple
Apple planning new flagship retail store in Milan, Italy with outdoor amphitheater
As Apple continues to expand its retail presence around the world, the company is said to be planning a new flagship location in Milan, Italy. According to a local report, Apple’s preliminary guidelines for the store were approved by the city’s planning department last month.
Filed under: Apple
Roland to release $100 GO:MIXER for iOS devices/YouTubers + new Rubix series of Mac/iPad interfaces
Roland has just introduced its new GO:MIXER for iOS and other smartphones. The palm-sized mixer allows users to connect up to 5 devices at once through its mono mic and analog line instrument inputs. While there are a number of options for multi-track set-ups on iOS including the popular IK Multimedia interfaces, the sheer number of inputs and affordable price tag make the GO:MIXER worth a closer look.
It is bus-powered via your iOS device and measures only 3.75-inches (95 mm) square by just over an inch in height (28 mm). GO:MIXER features front-panel gain controls for each input along with a master knob normalled to the stereo output (nice for headphones as well).
Roland is aiming the 5-input mixer at YouTubers and the video making crowd. The 5-way simultaneous inputs and dedicated mixing controls will be a really nice touch for YouTube musicians and other live soundtrack type work.
Filed under: Apple
Carpool Karaoke on Apple Music to feature 16 half-hour episodes with celebrity hosts, interview format
When Apple acquired the rights to bring The Late Late Show’s Carpool Karaoke series to Apple Music last summer, one major question at the time was who would host the new series. James Corden hosts the viral series for the CBS version, but it was said from the start that his role would only be executive producer for the new series. Now new details about the Apple Music Carpool Karaoke series have surfaced.
Filed under: Apple
10 years on, how the iPhone changed our lives, reactions from the 9to5Mac team
It was a widescreen iPod for music and video, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough Internet communications device, but it would soon also become our flashlight, our wallet, our passport, our light switch, and the lens with which we’d capture and store our memories day in and day out.
Apple changed the world on this day in 2007 when Steve Jobs unveiled the original iPhone. For some of us at 9to5Mac the iPhone was our introduction to Apple and the device we grew up with. For others, a new era for the company and mobile computers. But for all of us, a game changing device that would impact our lives in many ways.
As the iPhone celebrates it’s 10th anniversary this week, the 9to5Mac team takes some time to remember our first iPhones and just how far the device has come…
Filed under: Apple
Spigen launches the first AirPods stand + charging dock
Designed specifically for Apple’s AirPods, Spigen’s new AirPods Stand offers one of the first charging dock solutions to keep your case upright on a desktop, bedside table, or any other flat surface.
The edges of the AirPods charging case are rounded, and while that makes it particularly nice to carry around in your pants pocket, it means the case won’t stand up on its own. Spigen’s stand ($11.99) fixes that problem, by giving you a desktop stand that doubles as a charging dock with a cutout that lets you insert your own Lightning cable in the back.
Filed under: Apple
macOS 10.12.3 beta 3 for developers rolling out now
Apple is rolling out the third macOS 10.12.3 pre-release software update to developers. New features haven’t been discovered in previous macOS 10.12.3 betas, suggesting the software update is focused on bug fixes and performance improvements. We’ll update with any notable changes below:
Filed under: Apple
Apple releases iOS 10.2.1 beta 3 for developers
Apple has released the third iOS 10.2.1 beta for developer testing on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS 10.2.1 is likely a bug fix and performance improvement release. The initial beta was released on December 14 with a second beta issued before the holiday break. We’ll update to the latest version and highlight any changes discovered below.
Filed under: Apple
9to5Toys Lunch Break: latest 13-inch MacBook Pro $1,300, 9.7-inch iPad Pro $500, Tile Slim Tracker $25, 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 latest gen 13-inch MacBook Pro in Space Grey and Silver for $200 off: $1,300 shipped (Reg. $1,499)
Apple’s 9.7-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi 32GB is on sale for $500 shipped in all colors at Best Buy (Reg. $599)
Never forget your wallet, iPhone or backpack again: Tile Slim Tracker returns to its Amazon all-time low at $25 Prime shipped
Runtastic PRO Running, Jogging and Fitness Tracker for iOS goes free for the first time in over a year (Reg. $5)
- App Store Free App of the Week: Lifeline Whiteout for iOS goes free on the App Store for the very first time (Reg. $2)
- The massively popular White Noise relaxation app for iOS/Apple TV/Watch just went free for the very first time (Reg. up to $2)
9to5Toys Best of CES 2017 Awards
CES 2017 Coverage:
Bang & Olufsen brings AirPlay and Chromecast connectivity to its new Beoplay M5 speaker
Razor’s new Blade Pro is the “world’s first portable laptop with three built-in monitors”
The OjO Commuter Scooter is a zero-emissions electric two-wheeler with 20 miles of range
UBTECH introduces new robots at CES including the smart Alexa-enabled Lynx Humanoid, more
Take a look at Dell’s new Canvas workstation display and Totem radial controllers
MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:
Logitech’s Multi-Device K380 Bluetooth Keyboard offers up to two-years of battery life for $25
- Enter tax season with a new AirPrint-enabled Dell Laser Printer for $50 (Reg. up to $100)
- Games/Apps: Assassin’s Creed Ezio Collection from $24 or Syndicate $10, iOS freebies, more
- Smartphone Accessories: Lumsing Bluetooth Stereo Receiver Transmitter $17 (Reg. $27), more
- The Sennheiser HD558 Audiophile Over-Ear Headphones are back down to $80
- Grab these APC Surge Protectors: 7-Outlet APC SurgeArrest Professional w/ Phone $15, more
- Garmin Forerunner 35 Fitness Tracker w/ built-in GPS and HRM: $170 (Reg. $200)
- Save $100 on DJI’s new Mavic Pro Fly More Combo for $1,199 (Tax NY only)
- AmazonBasics 8-pack of High-Capacity AA Rechargeable Batteries for $16 (all-time low)
- Staples 128GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive $15, Westinghouse 40-inch LED 1080p HDTV $180, more
- Choose from two Lifespan Treadmills in today’s Gold Box for $999 shipped (Reg. $1,300+)
- The top-rated 8-Quart Instant Pot 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker for $129 (Reg. $160)
- Grab a 3-Pack of the best-selling Mr. Beams Motion-Sensing LED Nightlights for $15.50, more
- Get fluffy Belgian waffles at home with the Oster DuraCeramic Maker for just over $15
MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:
DJI is selling its Phantom 3 Professional Quadcopter with 4K Camera for $699 shipped (Orig. $1,259)
Filed under: Apple
Hands on: Nvidia’s GeForce Now streaming finally brings great gaming to Mac [Video]
Gaming on Macs has never been a primary use case, but for the few who do want to use their Macs for gaming — whether on the desktop or on a Macbook — there have never been great options. However, at CES 2017, NVIDIA has revealed that it’s game streaming service, GeForce Now, is headed to the platform.
Filed under: Apple