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Jeff Gamet

Jeff Gamet is the Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and co-host of the Apple Context Machine podcast. He is the author of “The Designer’s Guide to Mac OS X” from Peachpit Press, and writes for several design-related publications. Jeff has presented at events such as Macworld Expo, the RSA Conference, and the Mac Computer Expo. In all his spare time, he also hosts TMO’s Daily Observations podcast, co-hosts The iOS Show podcast, and makes guest appearances on several other shows, too. Jeff dreams in HD.

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Amazon Unveiling New Hardware at Surprise Event Today

Amazon is hosting a surprise media event 1 PM eastern time on Thursday to announce new hardware products. The company isn’t saying what it’ll introduce, but it’s a safe bet the Echo is involved. Along with new smart speakers and a rumored Echo subwoofer, we may see some other gear outside the smart speaker space. The Verge says,

Amazon could be shifting focus toward Alexa in general, with plans to unveil up to eight smart home devices this year. Rumored products range from a voice-controlled in-car accessory to a smart microwave oven. The latter is particularly interesting given Amazon recently began offering Blue Apron-style meal kits, both online and at its Amazon Go cashier-less outposts. The smart oven, if confirmed, could potentially be tied to Whole Foods as well.

So maybe you’ll be talking to your microwave oven soon, or at least sharing more of your cooking habits with Amazon.

Check Out the First Captain Marvel Trailer

Marvel Studios has been hard at work on its newest super hero movie, Captain Marvel, and the first trailer looks pretty awesome. Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson, is an interplanetary soldier trying to protect Earth from an alien invasion. We get to see Captain Marvel, Nick Fury and Agent Colson, the Skrulls who can shape-shift to look like anyone, plus lots of action. Captain Marvel is scheduled for release on March 8th, 2019.

1Password Adds iOS 12 Password AutoFill Support

AgileBits has a 1Password update out that adds support for iOS 12’s password AutoFill feature. Now you can use 1Password on your iPhone or iPad to automatically fill in user names and passwords, just like Apple’s own Keychain. If you need to login to a website, for example, iOS 12 can automatically fill the fields with the information from your 1Password database. Once the 1Password update is installed you’ll need to enable AutoFill in iOS 12’s Password & Accounts settings. You can find the update in the Updates section in the App Store app.

HYPER Intros Wireless Charging Adapter for AirPods

Apple still hasn’t released its wireless charging case for Apple’s AirPods, so HYPER stepped up with its Wireless Charger Adapter. The adapter slides on to your AirPods case and adds Qi charging support. It works with any 5W Qi-compliant charger, and gives your AirPods case a full charge in 1.5 hours. The HYPER Wireless Charger Adapter for Apple AirPods is priced at US$49.99 and is available now at the company’s website.

Apple Donates $1M to Hurricane Florence Relief

With Hurricane Florence making landfall in North Caroline and the promise of destruction in its wake, Apple is donating US$1 million to the American Red Cross for relief efforts. Apple CEO Tim Cook shared the announcement on Twitter saying, “The Carolinas are in our hearts. To our employees there, first responders and everyone in Hurricane Florence’s path, please stay safe.” Florence is a Category 1 hurricane, and is expected to cause flooding and property damage. Here’s Tim Cook’s Tweet: