The video streaming industry took some key steps forward in the last few days as DirecTV Now arrived and Apple’s TV app became closer to becoming a reality. Meanwhile, the smartwatch industry took a decidedly less positive turn on two fronts.
Top News Stories
Expect iOS 10.2, tvOS 10.1 very soon
On Friday, Dec. 2, Apple released the fifth iOS 10.2 to developers. With the iTunes Connect holiday shutdown set to begin on Dec. 23, expect new public versions of iOS 10 and tvOS 10 to arrive in the coming days.
The next-generation versions of both operating systems feature Apple’s new unifying TV app, which was first introduced in October.
Meanwhile, the long-anticipated DirecTV Now service went online. Available for as little as $35 per month, the satellite-free video streaming service is available on Apple TV and other platforms including iOS and Roku.
Full Review: DirecTV Now is Another Viable Way for Apple TV Users to Cut the Cord
Other industry news:
Apple’s Renew and Recycle Site Now Accepts Any Apple Watch
Tim Cook Tells Customer He Expects AirPods to Ship Over the ‘Next Few Weeks’
Apple is Testing at Least One New iPhone Model with a Curved, OLED Display
‘Unprecedented’ Sales Numbers Expected for ‘iPhone 8’
On the App Store
One of the most requested features for Netflix has now gone online. Subscribers of the most popular video stream service can now download content for offline use.
Other app news:
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Is Coming to iOS ’Very Soon’
Fun Gets Right up in Your Facebook Again With Instant Games
YouTube for iOS Now Lets You Know How Far You’ve Watched a Video
CNN Acquires Beme, Casey Neistat’s Video-Sharing App
Get Netflix in the App Store
Get Facebook in the App Store
Get YouTube - Watch and Share Videos, Music & Clips in the App Store
Get beme: Share video. Honestly. in the App Store
In Review
Christine Chan reviews new App Store titles
Since last week, four new apps and games were added to the AppAdvice review library, including:
Reunite With Feline Friends in Aurora – Puzzle Adventure
It’s Always Partly Sunny in This Gorgeous Weather App
Master the Art of Bushido in Roguelike Puzzler Swap Sword
Puzzle Platformer Sally’s Law Brings a Series of Fortunate Events
Get Partly Sunny - Weather Forecasts in the App Store
Get Sally's Law in the App Store
Get Swap Sword in the App Store
Get Aurora - Puzzle Adventure in the App Store
Accessory News and Reviews
It wasn’t a great week for non-Apple Watch smartwatch manufacturers. Early in the week, it was reported that Fitbit was buying Pebble mainly for its technology, meaning we’ve probably seen the last product branded with the Pebble name.
Meanwhile, Motorola announced that the company won’t be releasing a next-generation Moto 360 smartwatch — at least with Android 2.0. They said that wearables do not have broad enough appeal for them to continue in the medium.
Other accessory news:
Protect Your Valuables With Sen.se’s New GuardPeanut Sensor
Tim Cook Tells Customer He Expects AirPods to Ship Over the ‘Next Few Weeks’
Protect Your New MacBook Pro With an American-Made Waterfield Bag or Sleeve
Incipio Esquire Series iPhone 7 Cases Look Professional