DraftKings and FanDuel stop operating in New York, for now

We hope you aren’t an ardent DraftKings or FanDuel fan in New York — that reprieve they got isn’t going to last. The state’s Attorney General has reached agreements with both daily fantasy sports sites that will have them shut down paid contests in New York from March 21st until at least September, when they get to appeal a ruling that put them on the wrong side of the law. You can still use them as a New Yorker if you’re out of state, but you’re otherwise out of luck.

Whether or not they reopen depends on more than just the appeal. New York’s government has bills in motion that could legalize daily fantasy sports, possibly before the legislature winds down its current session on June 30th. The Attorney General will drop nearly all lawsuits against the companies (claims of false advertising would stick) if one of those bills becomes law by the end of June. If the Attorney General wins the appeal, however, things will be bleak — DraftKings and FanDuel drop their lawsuits, the state ditches most of its claims and the services likely stay dark. However it shakes out, there will be many people sitting on pins and needles for the next several months.

Via: Legal Sports Report

Source: Attorney General (PDF 1), (2)

Apple Releases watchOS 2.2 With Multi-Watch Support for iPhone, Maps Improvements

Apple today released new software for the Apple Watch, upgrading watchOS 2 from version 2.1 to version 2.2. WatchOS 2.2, which has been in testing since January 11, comes more than three months after the release of watchOS 2.1 and brings a couple of important new features alongside bug fixes and performance improvements.

The 2.2 update can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General –> Software Update. To install the update, the Apple Watch must have 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the Apple Watch charger, and it must be in range of the iPhone.

WatchOS 2.2, along with iOS 9.3, introduces support for pairing multiple Apple Watches with a single iPhone. Both updates are required, and each watch paired with an iPhone running iOS 9.3 must have watchOS 2.2 installed.

There are few other outward-facing changes included in watchOS 2.2, but the update brings improvements and a new look to the built-in Maps app. Maps now supports the Nearby feature first introduced with iOS 9, allowing users to quickly locate local points of interest, and it has new buttons for quickly accessing directions to home and work.

Along with multi-watch support and a revamped Maps app, watchOS 2.2 also brings under-the-hood performance improvements and bug fixes to address issues that have been discovered since the release of watchOS 2.1.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 2
Tag: watchOS 2.2
Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)
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Apple Offers Lightning to USB-C Cable for Fast-Charging 12.9-inch iPad Pro

Apple has introduced a Lightning to USB-C Cable to its online accessory store that lets users connect their iPhone, iPad, or iPod with Lightning connector to a computer’s USB-C port for syncing and charging.

Significantly, the cable can be used with an Apple 29W USB-C Power Adapter to take advantage of the fast charging feature on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but not the brand new 9.7-inch iPad Pro, which lacks the fast-charge capability.

The new adapter will be a welcome option for iPhone and iPad owners who also own a 12-inch MacBook, which uses a 29W USB-C Power Adapter.

The cable comes in 1-meter and 2-meter lengths, costing $25 and $35 respectively, and both are shipping immediately. Apple’s 29w USB-C Power Adapter is separately available for $49.

Tags: USB-C, March 2016 event
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Hands-On With iPhone SE, 9.7″ iPad Pro, and New Apple Watch Bands

Following today’s Apple event that saw the 4-inch iPhone SE, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and new Apple Watch bands and pricing announced, members of the press have been invited for hands-on time with the new products.

The new iPhone SE looks almost identical to the iPhone 5s, beyond the switch to matte-chamfered edges and a color-matched stainless steel Apple logo on the rear.

The new 4-inch smartphone retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, despite rumors that Apple will switch to an all-in-one Lightning connector on the iPhone 7 due later this year.

A closer look at the iPhone SE’s new matte-chamfered edges (Image: The Verge)
iPhone SE is available in the same four colors offered across most of Apple’s newer product lineups: Gold, Silver, Space Gray, and Rose Gold.

16GB and 64GB models can be purchased for $399 and $499 respectively. The 16GB model is also free when subsidized with a two-year carrier contract. Financing plans are available from $17 per month.

The new iPad Pro also looks virtually identical to its larger 12.9-inch sibling, with the only noticeable difference being the tablet’s smaller 9.7-inch screen akin to iPad Air.

A side-by-side comparison of the new 9.7″ iPad Pro (right) and 12.9″ iPad Pro (left) (Image: The Verge)
The smaller iPad Pro has adopted many of the same pro-level features, including an Oxide TFT display, Smart Connector, Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard support, and the same positioning of other ports and buttons.

The new 9.7-inch iPad Pro comes in four colors: Silver, Gold, Space Gray and Rose Gold. Pricing starts at $599 for 32GB of storage with Wi-Fi only, while 128GB and a new 256GB option will be available for $749 and $899 respectively. Pre-orders begin March 24 and shipments to customers will start March 31.

Meanwhile, new Apple Watch bands and finishes were announced at today’s event. Apple introduced new Woven Nylon bands in a variety of colors, a Space Black Milanese Loop, and new colors for the Leather Loop, Modern Buckle, and Sport bands.

New woven nylon, leather, and sport Apple Watch bands (Image: The Verge)
Apple Watch now starts at $299, and the new bands can be ordered from Apple’s website starting today for $49 and up. Orders placed today currently have estimated shipping times of late March for most new bands.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 2, iPad Pro, iPhone SE
Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral), iPad Pro (Buy Now)
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Apple Releases iTunes 12.3.3 With Support for iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro

Alongside OS X 10.11.4 El Capitan, Apple has released an iTunes 12.3.3 update, introducing support for the iPhone SE and iPad Pro. Following the update, those who purchase a 9.7-inch iPad Pro or an iPhone SE will be able to sync their devices with their computers once they are available for purchase.

In a recent interview, Apple iTunes chief Eddy Cue promised Apple would introduce a new version of iTunes with an improved Apple Music interface, but new Apple Music features are not included in the release notes so it’s likely that iTunes update will be coming at a later time.

Today’s 12.3.3 iTunes update can be downloaded from the Mac App Store.

Tag: iTunes
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