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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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Build Your Own Touch Screen Computer with Kano's Computer Kit Touch

Kano just released a new version of its Raspberry Pi-based portable computer kit with a touch screen. It’s a kit that has everything to build your own portable computer with a touch screen display with easy to understand instructions that also teach you about how computers work. It takes less than minutes to build the kit and the included micro SD card has the operating system and several educational apps pre-installed. You can learn about coding, using the command line, and more. It’s a great way to learn more about computers and coding. You can get the Kano Computer Kit Touch at the Kano website for US$279.99.

New Video Shows iPhone XS Camera is Bonkers Good

The camera technology in the iPhone XS looks pretty impressive, and Apple has a video showing off some of what it can do with video. The video shows off the slow motion, time lapse, and 4K features in a little under a minute. You get to see how the shots were set up along with the footage they capture. It’s beautiful and makes me want to get my hands on an iPhone XS right now instead of on September 21st when deliveries start.

LCD 6.1-inch iPhone Could See Shipping Delay

If you’re planning on getting Apple’s 6.1-inch LCD iPhone on launch day, good luck with that. A Bloomberg report says Apple could delay its release because of manufacturing issues related to the LCD panels. The report says,

Apple has faced tight supply of the new low-cost model due to minor complications fitting backlights for the LCD screen, according to people familiar with the matter. That could mean the lower-cost device ships in limited quantities initially, they said. Apple may be tempted to delay availability of the LCD version to gauge demand for the more expensive largest new iPhone.

That means there’s a good chance that Apple will announce the 6.1-inch iPhone model on Wednesday, but only the 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch OLED models will ship this month. We could have to wait several weeks before the 6.1-inch model is available. If you want a new iPhone right away you’ll have to get the higher end OLED models.

Sphero Intros BOLT Robot for STEAM Education

Sphero announced its newest robot, Sphero BOLT, on Monday. The sphere-shaped robot is targeted at the education market, but is available to everyone. It packs an array of infrared and ambient light sensors, LEDs, and a digital compass in its clear body. You can program it from a wide range of devices including iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, Kindle, Macs, and PCs. Sphero BOLT is priced at US$149.99 and is available at the Sphere website.

Apple's New iPhone Names: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR

Apple’s branding for the new iPhone models to be announced this Wednesday may leave some shoppers non-plussed. The new iPhones, according to Bloomberg, will be the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR. The XS and XS Max models will come with 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch OLED screens and the XR model will have a 6.1-inch LCD screen. The report adds,

The phones may raise the iPhone average sales price, boosting revenue and profit, while expanding the total number of active Apple devices to support sales of accessories and digital services. Still, none of the phones will feature breakthrough new features, with more significant changes planned for next year, the people said.

Apple also plans to introduce Apple Watch Series 4, the AirPower wireless charging pad, a new entry-level MacBook, and a pro user-focused mini desktop Mac this year. It’s shaping up to be a busy—and expensive—fall.