It’s designed to teach kids the fundamental building blocks of how computers work, and it’s super cool.
News
Essential Home Tries to Snag the Smarthome Crowd from Siri
Andy Rubin’s company, Essential, just set the bar for Apple’s rumored Siri voice assistant appliance.
Second Beta of iOS 10.3.3 Brings New Wallpapers to iPad Pro
The beta will bring new wallpapers to the 12-inch iPad Pro, along with minor bug fixes and security patches.
MacBook Pro Shipping Delay Hints at New Models for WWDC
Slow ship times ahead of Worldwide Developer Conference are a pretty good sign we’re about to get a MacBook Pro refresh.
Enjoy Your Memorial Day
In honor of Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday, the staff of The Mac Observer will be taking the day off. We will resume our regular coverage of the Apple Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch world on Tuesday, May 30th, 2017.
Leaked Memo Pegs iPhone 8 Launch After September 17
The memo hints at a mid-September iPhone 8 launch, but the actual blackout dates are puzzling.
Adam Curry's Podcaster Pro Aims to be All-in-One Podcasting Solution
With features like noise gates, compressors, dual mic inputs, and multiple virtual USB audio devices, the Podcaster Pro aims to solve all the common (and some uncommon!) needs that podcasters have both in their main studios as well as on-the-road.
New Report Backs Up Touch ID Embedded in iPhone 8 Display
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company apparently spilled the beans on Apple’s iPhone 8 design with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor embedded in the display.
Apple Bringing Editorial Direction to Apple News, Hires Experienced New York Magazine Exec
Politico reported that Apple brought on Lauren Kern, an experienced editor from New York Magazine.
Jony Ive Appointed Chancellor at Royal College of Art
He won’t be leaving Apple though; this position is more of a ceremonial thing.
Apple Watch Most Accurate Heart Rate Fitness Tracker, Sucks at Calorie Counting
The study also says Samsung’s Gear S2 smartwatch is really bad at tracking heart rate.
Apple Transforms PR Site to a 'Newsroom' and Redesigns Executive Profiles
Out is a headline-oriented list of press releases and in is a Flipboard-like “Newsroom” with cover photos and clickable tiles.
Belkin Launching HomeKit Compatible WeMo Bridge This Fall
Belkin’s new commitment means you’ll be able to control WeMo smarthome devices with Siri.
GOP, Businesses Want to Spam Your Voicemail Without Calling Your Phone
If businesses get their way your voicemail will be a new target for spam.
Warby Parker Brings Eye Checkup to Your iPhone
Warby Parker’s new app may save you a trip to the optometrist.
What We Know About Apple’s 5G Wi-Fi Testing
Apple applied for an experimental license to test 5G technology, specifically using millimeter wave frequencies.
Apple Launches New Swift Curriculum on iBooks Store for Free
Apple wants everyone to know how to code for the Mac, iPhone and iPad, so new training resources are rolling out today.
Samsung Galaxy S8 Iris Scanner Already Hacked
Samsung’s Galaxy S8 smartphone iris recognition biometric security feature is surprisingly easy to hack.
IKEA is Making HomeKit Smart Lights Affordable for Everyone
IKEA’s reputation for budget priced furniture carried over into smart lights last year, and now it’s about to do the same for HomeKit, too.
Apple and Nokia Reach Agreement in Patent Licensing Dispute
Apple and Nokia settled their patent licensing dispute on Monday and are besties again.
Supreme Court Just Killed Marshall Texas Patent Troll Business
A patent battle over flavored water may turn into a win for iPhone and Mac maker Apple, and a big loss for patent trolls. Thanks to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Monday, patent infringement cases must be filed in the jurisdiction where the offending company is incorporated, which will greatly limit the court choices open to patent trolls.
Apple's New Switcher Campaign — for iPhone
Apple launched a new advertising campaign called Switch to iPhone at apple.com/switch. The campaign trades the white of the company’s original I’m a PC campaign for dark pastels and simple, compelling imagery. The message is that it’s simple to switch to iPhone, which is faster, that your music will sound better, and that moving your photos is easy. Watch the four videos that make that argument in our full story.
Leaked Pics Compare iPhone 8 Size to iPhone 7s and 7s Plus
It’s a pretty safe bet we know what the still unconfirmed iPhone 8 will look like when it’s unveiled this fall, and now we have a better idea of how it stacks up size-wise with the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus. Reports so far say the iPhone 8 will be about the same size as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7s, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing in the leaked phone mold photos.
Nike Unveils VaporMax Flyknit Apple Watch Bands
Nike wants your Apple Watch to match your shoes, so the company is launching a new line Nike+ of sport bands. The “Day to Night” line match the company’s Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit running shoes with color coordinated Apple Watch Nike+ bands.