The unofficial start of the summer is here. This means we’re getting ever-closer to Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which kicks off on June 13. Here, we look back at the week that was.
Top News Stories
Apple set to release its own Echo-like product
First, there was the Amazon Echo. Later this year, Google Home is set to launch. It now appears that Apple is also getting in on the home-based voice-recognition game.
CNET claims that Apple’s own Echo-inspired product is set to launch in the near future. It would, the report explains, be “self aware,” and able to detect the people who are in close proximity to the product through using on-board cameras equipped with facial recognition software.
The news comes not long after we heard that Apple could bring Echo-like features to its Apple TV, too. Though a dedicated Echo-style product also seems to be in the works, and could exist alongside similar functionality in Apple’s set-top box.
Pebble unveils new wearable devices
The folks behind what many of us know as “the original smartwatch,” have announced their 2016 lineup: three new products, including one that doesn’t even require a smartphone connection, are now available for customers to back using the Kickstarter platform.
The Pebble Core is a $99 dongle that lets users perform a number of tasks without requiring a smartphone connection. It has built-in GPS, and so the dongle can track your walks and runs; it also syncs with RunKeeper and a bunch of further apps in order to port in your data.
Next, the Pebble 2 is similar to the original and offers an e-paper black and white display, a 168 x 144 screen resolution, and Gorilla Glass to keep the screen scratch-free. There’s also a built-in heart rate monitor, which is also found on the third new product, the Pebble Time 2. Both smartwatches look very much like the previous-generation
In terms of price, Pebble 2 retails for $129, while the Pebble Time 2 is $199.
AT&T changes its Next program
The AT&T Next device payment plan is getting simpler on Thursday, June 9. Instead of four different options, AT&T will now offer two choices:
AT&T Next Every Year: Upgrade to a new device every year, with a 24-month financing program term.
AT&T Next: Upgrade every 2 years, with a 30-month financing program term.
Also making news:
Report: In Battle With Apple Pay, ‘SamsungPay Mini’ Is Coming to iPhone
Watch an iPhone 6s Battle the Samsung Galaxy S7 in this Great Drop Test to the Death
Apple’s Latest Invention: A Wi-Fi Direct Headset
On the App Store
This week, we continued to update our popular AppLists. Now called AppCollections, these lists focus on games and apps for the iPhone/iPod touch and iPad. New lists this week include: 1+1 Has Never Looked Better and Most Addicting Arcade and Endless Games Ever.
Other app news:
Osmo Coding Launches to Help Kids Learn to Code in a Fun Way
Spotify Matches Apple Music with a $14.99 Monthly Family Plan for up to Six Users
WRIO Keyboard Sweetens Your Typing With Honeycomb
Rescue Your Inbox and Email Address, Throttle Is Coming
Get Spotify Music in the App Store
Get WRIO Keyboard in the App Store
Get to Know Apple TV
This week, Cupertino added NBC to the Apple TV’s Universal Search. The feature allows Apple TV owners to perform a search that scans through the content libraries of multiple supported apps and services.
Universal Search now supports all four major U.S. networks, as well as iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney’s suite of TV channels, Showtime, PBS, Starz, Nat Geo, and FX.
Other Apple TV news:
Confirmed: Apple Did Pursue Buying Time Warner, HBO
The Incident Drops Onto the Apple TV With Fun Multiplayer Support
Wearables and Other Accessory News
It’s Memorial Day weekend in the United States — a time for remembering our fallen heroes. It’s also the unofficial start of summer 2016. To celebrate, we’ve put together “7 Perfect iPhone and iPad Accessories for any Summer Vacation.”
Other accessory news:
The Jaybird Freedom Wireless Headphones Fly Onto the Market
OtterBox’s uniVERSE iPhone Case Can be Used With Swappable Accessories
Step Into Virtual Reality with Speck’s Pocket-VR with CandyShell Grip
The UE Roll 2 Is the Perfect Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker for Summer
ZAGG’s Mobile Charging Station is a Great Travel Companion for an iPhone and Apple Watch
What will be making news next week? Stay with AppAdvice to find out.
Brent Dirks, Sandy Stachowiak, and Joe Wright contributed to this report.