Originally published at: http://appletalk.com.au/2017/03/tuesday-morning-news140317/
Mobile marketing firm Fiksu has discovered the existence of previously-unknown iPad models, which TechCrunchs reports is evidence enough of an upcoming refresh. The refresh is widely expected to introduce a new 10.5-inch model alongside the current 12.9 and 9.7-inch iPad Pros, perhaps with an A10X chipset, but it’s unclear whether this refresh will include any kind of hardware upgrade for the smaller iPad mini.
If Apple’s supply chain sources are to be believed, this iPad refresh could happen as early as next week. There hasn’t been any invites given to members of the press, so it’s possible this will be the kind of online-only announcement that we’ve seen a handful of times from Apple, but it’s still early in the week for our friends in the US, so there’s still time for Apple to send out invites and build some hype.
Apple has updated its HomeKit page with new categories for HomeKit-compatible accessories. HomeKit-compatible home accessories and appliances are now organised by function rather than brand, and there’s now some kind of indication on when upcoming products will be available. Whether HomeKit is an attractive feature when choosing your next fan or window blind still remains to be seen, however.
A new study claims Apple’s ResearchKit generates reliable health data, at least for asthma patients. While the data collected by the asthma treatment app was used to correlate asthma problems with location and air quality, of the 7,600 people who enrolled in the study, about 85% completed one survey, and just 30% completed more than one survey over the six-month study period.
The sixth beta of iOS 10.3 has been released to developers, but wait, what’s this? A simultaneous release to members of Apple’s public beta testing program? It must mean only one thing: we’re getting close to the general public release.
Not wanting its loyal Mac customers to feel left out, the sixth beta of macOS 10.12.4 has also been released to developers. Like the iOS release, both developers and members of Apple’s public beta program can download the latest beta.
If you’re thinking of purchasing the LG UltraFine 5K display, 9to5Mac says you can tell whether your model has the updated shielding without taking it home and using it near a router by simply looking at the serial number. It’ll mean being able to take a look at the box, but the good news is, an online purchase will almost certainly be unaffected.
There are about three good podcast clients for iOS these days, and that very short list is comprised of Castro, Overcast, and Pocket Casts. Two of the three have been seen a major update this year, while Pocket Casts has seen steady updates since its last major update in July. Macworld’s review of all three podcast clients tells us about the pros and cons and the birds and the bees — wait, OK, maybe not that last one.
YouTube’s latest app is Uptime, which is the video giant’s take on social video watching. Live comments and reactions to videos are possible with Uptime, although there doesn’t seem to be any way of broadcasting video within the app itself. You’ll also need an invite code to activate the app, even though it’s free — MacStories says PIZZA is currently working.
I’m really not sure what to make of Apple’s latest ad, Sticker Fight, that takes iMessage stickers to the streets. It’s a fun ad and all, don’t get me wrong, but in no way represents the iMessage sticker experience. Maybe I’m getting old.
