Senate bill would make it harder to delete government data

It has only been a bit over 100 days, but the Trump administration is already known for making previously available date harder to find. Within just one month, it not only decided to hide the White House’s visitor logs, but also to shutter the Open.gov portal that contains the White House staff’s finances and other info. To make it harder for this administration and future ones to hide data and pull info that’s already out there, Senators Gary Peters and Cory Gardner have introduced a bipartisan bill aptly called Preserving Government Data Act of 2017.

If the Public Online Information Act of 2010 paved the way for government info to be available on the internet, this one was designed to protect them from getting yanked down. A federal agency, for instance, won’t be able to secretly pull down a set of controversial documents from its website if this bill becomes a law. It will compel feds to notify the public six months in advance and to provide a darn good reason for what they want to do. Aaron Mackey, a legal fellow at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told Wired: “It imposes a sort of accountability tool. Once something is out there, this makes it really hard to make it secret again.”

Senator Cory Gardner said in a statement published by the nonprofit government data watchdog Sunlight Foundation:

“Once data has been published and made available to the public, it should remain available to the public.

Whether it’s a technology entrepreneur working on their next innovation or a retailer seeking better weather forecasting to help organize shipments, data is utilized to achieve numerous goals and plays a critical role in improving processes and our daily lives. I’m proud to work with Senator Peters on legislation that ensures government data remains readily accessible in an appropriate manner and that we continue to prioritize government transparency.”

However, the bill isn’t perfect in its current form. As Wired said, it has such a broad definition of data that it would force feds to notify the public even of the tiniest updates to their websites and documents. It’s like keeping every assignment you’ve ever done, every receipt you’ve ever received and every text you’ve ever sent or gotten in your life. The bill might need to be refined to become more feasible before it can become a law.

Source: Wired, ITIF, Sunlight Foundation

HP and Acer announce budget laptops running Windows 10 S

Microsoft revealed it was working with hardware partners to develop Windows 10 S devices, and now we know which ones.

HP and Acer are the first two hardware partners to announce Windows 10 S-powered laptops. That means these laptops run the new, locked-down version of Windows 10 that meant for students. The two companies actually just announced new versions of existing laptops. Nothing physical about the devices have changed; they merely run Windows 10 S and have cheaper price tags to boot.

• What is Microsoft Windows 10 S?
• Microsoft unveils the Surface Laptop, a Windows 10 S device

HP’s new ProBook x360 Education Edition has a 11.6-inch (1366 x 768 display), Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. It costs $329 with full Windows 10, but the Windows 10 S version is currently on sale for $299. Acer’s new TravelMate Spin B1 Convertible is a touchscreen laptop with an 11.6-inch (1080p) display, Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage.

Acer

In other words, it’s just like HP’s laptop, but it comes with a touchscreen and a stylus. Normally priced at $399.99, it’s now $299. These affordable price tags will undoubtedly help Microsoft compete with inexpensive Chromebooks found in many classrooms today.

HTC Vive’s new ergonomic headstrap is now out, offers audio integration

The HTC Vive headset is about to get a lot more comfortable.

The HTC Vive’s original, basic headstrap does what it’s supposed to do, but it’s not exactly comfy to wear or as good as the headstrap found on rival headsets. However, starting 6 June, you can upgrade the HTC Vive’s headstrap. You just have to purchase HTC’s new Deluxe Audio Strap. It’s basically a ergonomic head-mount accessory that’s a mix between the Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR headset’s mounting kits.

This strap adds integrated headphones in order to offer more convenient audio – rather than having to use your own headset. This feature fixes one of the minor concerns we highlighted in our HTC Vive review. There’s also a new size-adjusting dial, so you can easily change the fit of the headstrap, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your personal VR experience.

More rigid and durable than the current strap, this new bit of kit should ensure comfortable gaming and coems with a hinge to allow you to quickly remove the headset without taking the whole thing off. It promises a more ergonomic cradle for your head and is designed provide an even more immersive experience on top of what the basic HTC Vive headset can offer.

The Deluxe Audio Strap is a $100 add-on that HTC announced at the beginning of the year alongside the Vive Tracker, a small gadget designed to be added to any real-world object so it can be used as a controller for games – this could be anything from gloves to fire hoses, guns and bats.

The Tracker should be available “later in the year”.

China increases restrictions on internet news outlets

The Chinese government has been ramping up tighter control of its internet in the past year. The latest set of new restrictions released by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) adds more limitations on what news can be created and distributed by online platforms. But the biggest new rule: Every editorial staff must be approved by the national or local government internet office.

The new rules, as listed on the CAC’s website, go into effect on June 1st. After that, any blog, website, forum, search engine, instant messaging app or similar news-distributing platform must have a party-sanctioned staff, according to Reuters. Each worker must be trained at and get credentials from the central government. Internet providers must also abide by these media rules. Lastly, a new statute requires domestic businesses considering partnerships with foreign entities or accepting outside funding must get clearance from the State Internet Information Office.

These are the latest rules by China’s President Xi Jinping in a clear effort to expand the party’s control of the internet flowing out to the nation’s citizens. Some of the efforts his administration has made in the last year are overtly restrictive, like the harsh cybersecurity laws released last November and making VPNs illegal back in January. Others, like the just-announced Chinese Wikipedia to be released in 2018, seem to be supplying public need with party-approved content. We’ll see whether these new rules allow media platforms to retain any of their already-diminished independence.

Source: Reuters

Microsoft Surface Laptop With Windows 10 S: Our first take

At $999, the cost of Microsoft’s rarified new laptop may upset more students than it helps educate.

“Societal change requires more than technology.” That statement makes sense, of course, but it’s an odd sentiment to hear from Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft – a company that does nothing but build and sell technology.

“I’m here today as a heretic,” he said Tuesday, at a special event in New York City to unveil the company’s massive education push. It involves more than just tech, of course. “We’re under no illusion that technology alone is the answer to transforming education,” he said, noting that parents and teachers and society are key to empowering kids and improving education overall.

But putting the right tools in the hands of parents and kids remains important, even if it’s not all that’s important. To that end, has Microsoft unveiled the new Surface Laptop, its first traditional laptop, and its first aimed directly at students. Well, students with a thousand bucks to blow on a new laptop, anyway.

Innovation, design, and features

The Surface is a showcase for innovation and premium design, but in some ways, the new Laptop is a departure from that. Take the Surface Book, for example, which looks like a book from the side, thanks to a unique hinge that unrolls as you open the device. Although the hinge on the new Laptop is nice, it’s downright conventional compared to the Book. The screen does open smoothly, but it’s a far simpler piece of engineering.

“Societal change requires more than technology.”

There’s also no kickstand to prop up the screen because the Laptop is, well, a laptop. It doesn’t convert in to a tablet. Having used several generations of Pro, I had a mixed relationship with the kickstand; yes, it was neat, and yes, it was beautifully engineered. But I never sat on an airplane and used it comfortably.

It’s safe to say the Laptop is the most conservative Surface device yet. Conservative doesn’t mean bad, of course, just…less revolutionary. That said, the Laptop is really, really nice. It has a 13.5-inch screen, with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 2,256 x 1,504 resolution (that works out to 201 pixels per inch). It looks gorgeous. Past Surface displays have proven top-notch, especially on the Surface Studio, and the new Laptop is no different.

The Surface Laptop is light, at 2.76 pounds, and feels very slim. The keyboard has a suede-like Alcantara material covering the top of it, which isn’t as soft under the palms and wrists as it might appear, but was pleasing enough, especially compared to the plastic or metal you’re used to feeling. Just don’t spill a drink on it. The key action felt decent too; there’s 1.5 mm of travel, which was plenty to my fingers.

Adam Balkin/Digital Trends

Adam Balkin/Digital Trends

Adam Balkin/Digital Trends

Adam Balkin/Digital Trends

There aren’t many ports to speak of. On the right side is the proprietary charging port, the same one Microsoft has used in earlier Surface models. On the right there’s a USB Type A port, rather than the more modern, double-sided Type C connectors you’ll find on phones like the Google Pixel XL and the Samsung Galaxy S8. That’s just annoying, and doesn’t really seem like a future-proofing plan. It’s my one big complaint when it comes to hardware.

Windows 10 S – short for silly?

So, let’s talk software for a second.

The Surface laptop ships with Windows 10 S, a new version of the OS designed specifically for schools and education. It’s optimized for speed, Microsoft says. What does that mean? Think about this scenario. Imagine you’re the IT manager at Ridgewood High. You’ve bought several hundred laptops, and each classroom has a cage where students pull laptops upon walking into class. The odds are good they won’t get the same one each time, meaning opening the laptop is a first-boot scenario. And with ordinary Windows 10, that can take up to 40 seconds. Win 10 S does it in 10 seconds.

In my brief time with the Surface Laptop, I confirmed that the wake time is like lightning. Close the cover, let the laptop sleep, and it’s on and ready to roll before you’ve finished lifting the screen to start working. That’s a great experience.

The sacrifice made for speed is application support, however. Windows 10 S limits the apps you can install to those in the Windows Store, and while there are some, there certainly isn’t a raft of them. This is either a crucial limitation or a big relief, depending on where you sit. As the owner of a laptop, you’ll hate it. (“Why can’t I install this app again? Everyone else I know can!”) As a school administrator who can prevent students from installing stuff they find on the Interwebs, this could seem like a godsend.

As an ordinary human being who has installed countless apps from countless websites, this seems like a hindrance to me. I’m not a student, of course, and Microsoft has made an allowance for that. For just $49 (with a limited-time free upgrade offer), you can convert from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro, and unlock all the goodness of everything you’re used to – meaning this laptop might be a great one for ordinary folks willing to go through that upgrade process.

Is the price right? That depends

The cost of the Surface Laptop with Windows 10 S is the real concern here. At a starting price of $999, it’s hardly a cheap laptop to compete with Chromebooks. Microsoft’s partners will supply those, with Win 10 S products starting as cheaply as $189. But what are you getting for $999? Yes, it has top-of-the-line hardware, and yes, it’s incredibly thin and light, and genuinely well built. That’s great – yet also irrelevant, if students simply can’t afford it.

Microsoft spent a good portion of its reveal presentation comparing the Surface Laptop to Apple’s line of notebooks, and the numbers all skew towards the Surface product, which is thinner, lighter, and faster than Apple’s. But the MacBook never claimed to be ideal for your 15-year-old. I’ve seen what kids do to things. It isn’t pretty, and the cost of this rarified PC may upset more students than it helps educate.

Outside of the education space, though, Microsoft may have a hit on its hands. The Surface lineup has been synonymous with high quality, and the new Laptop is no departure there. Anyone considering an Apple product would do well to look at it, and think about the value being offered here. You might learn a thing or two.

Highs

• Premium look and feel
• Inviting fabric interior
• Fast as lightning, especially at boot
• Gorgeous display

Lows

• No USB Type-C? You’re kidding
• Runs Windows 10 S by default

This terrifying robot can drill through your skull in 2 minutes – and that’s a good thing

Why it matters to you

The University of Utah has developed an automated drill for cranial surgery. It can cut an opening in the skull in just 2.5 minutes; 50x faster than a human surgeon.

A drill-wielding robot that bores into your skull for a quick spot of impromptu brain surgery sounds like a scene from a future sci-fi dystopia, in which AI treats Earth’s surviving humans like lab rats.

In fact, it’s a new research project from the good folks at the University of Utah, who have developed a computer-driven automated drill for cranial surgery. That means safely cutting an opening — called a bone flap — in the skull so that the brain can be accessed underneath. While it would take an experienced surgeon 2 hours to carry out this task using hand-drilling, the University of Utah’s robot is able to achieve the same thing in just 2.5 minutes. That’s 50x faster than was previously possible — which for some reason makes us all kinds of nervous!

While that may be the case, though, there are actually excellent reasons for doing this kind of surgery very rapidly. In other words, it’s not the brain surgery equivalent of Bishop the android’s ultra-fast knife trick from Aliens, that’s just there to show how good robots have gotten.

Carrying out cranial surgery quickly means less time for a wound to be open and a patient to be anesthetized, thereby offering a reduced risk of infection.

Using the technology, a patient is first imaged using a CT scan, allowing for the gathering of bone data and information about sensitive structures like nerves and major veins. The surgeons then program the drill’s optimal route using 3D modeling tech, which Alagar Krishnan Balaji, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering, describes as being a bit “like Google Maps” — only on a much, much smaller scale. Due to the fine-grain precision of the robot, it’s possible for it to drill down within 1mm of sensitive structures.

“The specific advantage is that machines, when designed correctly, do not get tired or fatigued and are capable of performing repetitive tasks consistently and well,” Balaji told Digital Trends. “However, you do need to inform the machine what it is supposed to do very explicitly. The surgeon is still involved with the surgery, but for a tedious job like bone removal, the machine takes over and does the preliminary tasks quickly — thus allowing the surgeon to focus on other later aspects of the surgery with greater efficiency and reduced fatigue.”

According to Balaji, there were several engineering challenges involved with the project, such as the ability to link the 3D imaging technology seamlessly with the surgical drill, as well as making a robot portable enough that it could be maneuvered around operating theaters.

“As a mechanical engineer who specializes in machining of materials such as metals, the different material and incredibly complex geometry encountered in neurosurgery was [also] particularly challenging,” he continued.

At present, the robot is just a proof-of-concept that’s yet to make it into hospitals. But with its impressive tech demo, researchers at the University of Utah hope that it will be only a matter of time before it becomes a regularly-used tool in the surgeon’s arsenal.

Microsoft unveils Surface Laptop, lightweight OS at education-themed press event

Why it matters to you

We’ve got a rundown of all that Microsoft revealed during Tuesday’s education-themed press event in New York City, including the new Surface Notebook.

Microsoft’s press event held in New York City on Tuesday covered five specific areas targeting education: A new lightweight operating system, utilizing Microsoft Teams, programming in Minecraft, using mixed reality, and a high-powered Surface-branded notebook. Overall, the theme of the entire event focused on empowering students and teachers with the tools to make the learning environment more fun and absorbing.

Windows 10 S

We expected Microsoft would announce this platform, formerly known as Windows 10 Cloud, during Tuesday’s education-themed event. It’s a lightweight version of Windows 10 optimized for low-end hardware, enabling laptop makers to sell devices with starting prices of $189. That means Microsoft is targeting Google’s Chromebook dominance in the education sector. Similar to Chrome OS, Windows 10 S will be locked down, enabling students to grab apps solely from the Windows Store. However, third-party apps can be installed only if the platform is upgraded to Windows 10 Pro.

Solutions hitting the market based on Windows 10 S include the HP Probook x360 11 G1 EE, the Dell Latitude 11 3000 Series 3189, the Asus Vivobook W202, and the Acer Travel Mate Spin B1. Fujitsu, Samsung, and Toshiba have solutions in the works as well. Current devices in the classroom packing Windows 10 Pro can convert to Windows 10 S for free.

Microsoft Teams in classrooms

Microsoft Teams isn’t just for enterprise use — it’s a great collaboration tool for teachers and students too. Combined with OneNote Class Notebooks, teachers can distribute assignments, converse directly with students in and out of the classroom, and even communicate with parents and other staff members. Teams also provides the ability to integrate external resources such as guest speakers, and empowers students to express themselves without becoming offensive to others.

In addition to all the cool Microsoft Teams goodies, Microsoft Intune for Education is available now. Even more, Microsoft is offering Office 365 for Education with Microsoft Teams for free.

Code Builder for ‘Minecraft: Education Edition’

Available as a beta now, Code Builder connects Minecraft to the third-party ScratchX and Tynker coding platforms as well as Microsoft MakeCode. Inside Minecraft, players are joined by an “Agent” character that serves as a sidekick, which carries out the coding commands. This sidekick can essentially build anything in the virtual Minecraft world, from 3D printed objects to huge, historic architectures like the Globe Theater in 16th-century London and the Parthenon.

Along with Code Builder, Microsoft said that it will offer a free Minecraft: Education Edition subscription with the purchase of a qualifying Windows 10 “education” PC.

Mixed reality

This portion of the press event focused on bringing mixed reality capabilities into the classroom. For instance, students could create the solar system in Paint 3D, drop it into PowerPoint, and create transitions for an animated, 3D presentation. Students can also import 3D models into Microsoft Teams and integrate the scaled object into a live feed using any webcam. Pearson Education plans to integrate 3D and mixed reality into its 2018 curriculum that supports the Windows 10 mixed reality headsets.

Remember, mixed reality headsets supported by Windows 10 Creators Update will arrive this holiday season for a starting price of $299.

Surface Laptop

Finally, Microsoft waited to reveal new hardware until the end of the show. The Surface Laptop is now available for pre-order with a starting price of $999, and is powered by the new Windows 10 S platform. Shipping in Platinum, Burgundy, Cobalt Blue, and Graphite Gold, the laptop will sport a 13.5-inch PixelSense display, seventh-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, and a battery capable of up to 14.5 hours on a single charge.

Unfortunately, customization is locked down to several different CPU/memory/storage configurations (two i5 models and two i7 models). Microsoft appears to be targeting Apple’s latest MacBook Pro lineup, sporting a thin and light form factor without sacrificing performance.

Microsoft unveils Surface Laptop, lightweight OS at education-themed press event

Why it matters to you

We’ve got a rundown of all that Microsoft revealed during Tuesday’s education-themed press event in New York City, including the new Surface Notebook.

Microsoft’s press event held in New York City on Tuesday covered five specific areas targeting education: A new lightweight operating system, utilizing Microsoft Teams, programming in Minecraft, using mixed reality, and a high-powered Surface-branded notebook. Overall, the theme of the entire event focused on empowering students and teachers with the tools to make the learning environment more fun and absorbing.

Windows 10 S

We expected Microsoft would announce this platform, formerly known as Windows 10 Cloud, during Tuesday’s education-themed event. It’s a lightweight version of Windows 10 optimized for low-end hardware, enabling laptop makers to sell devices with starting prices of $189. That means Microsoft is targeting Google’s Chromebook dominance in the education sector. Similar to Chrome OS, Windows 10 S will be locked down, enabling students to grab apps solely from the Windows Store. However, third-party apps can be installed only if the platform is upgraded to Windows 10 Pro.

Solutions hitting the market based on Windows 10 S include the HP Probook x360 11 G1 EE, the Dell Latitude 11 3000 Series 3189, the Asus Vivobook W202, and the Acer Travel Mate Spin B1. Fujitsu, Samsung, and Toshiba have solutions in the works as well. Current devices in the classroom packing Windows 10 Pro can convert to Windows 10 S for free.

Microsoft Teams in classrooms

Microsoft Teams isn’t just for enterprise use — it’s a great collaboration tool for teachers and students too. Combined with OneNote Class Notebooks, teachers can distribute assignments, converse directly with students in and out of the classroom, and even communicate with parents and other staff members. Teams also provides the ability to integrate external resources such as guest speakers, and empowers students to express themselves without becoming offensive to others.

In addition to all the cool Microsoft Teams goodies, Microsoft Intune for Education is available now. Even more, Microsoft is offering Office 365 for Education with Microsoft Teams for free.

Code Builder for ‘Minecraft: Education Edition’

Available as a beta now, Code Builder connects Minecraft to the third-party ScratchX and Tynker coding platforms as well as Microsoft MakeCode. Inside Minecraft, players are joined by an “Agent” character that serves as a sidekick, which carries out the coding commands. This sidekick can essentially build anything in the virtual Minecraft world, from 3D printed objects to huge, historic architectures like the Globe Theater in 16th-century London and the Parthenon.

Along with Code Builder, Microsoft said that it will offer a free Minecraft: Education Edition subscription with the purchase of a qualifying Windows 10 “education” PC.

Mixed reality

This portion of the press event focused on bringing mixed reality capabilities into the classroom. For instance, students could create the solar system in Paint 3D, drop it into PowerPoint, and create transitions for an animated, 3D presentation. Students can also import 3D models into Microsoft Teams and integrate the scaled object into a live feed using any webcam. Pearson Education plans to integrate 3D and mixed reality into its 2018 curriculum that supports the Windows 10 mixed reality headsets.

Remember, mixed reality headsets supported by Windows 10 Creators Update will arrive this holiday season for a starting price of $299.

Surface Laptop

Finally, Microsoft waited to reveal new hardware until the end of the show. The Surface Laptop is now available for pre-order with a starting price of $999, and is powered by the new Windows 10 S platform. Shipping in Platinum, Burgundy, Cobalt Blue, and Graphite Gold, the laptop will sport a 13.5-inch PixelSense display, seventh-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, and a battery capable of up to 14.5 hours on a single charge.

Unfortunately, customization is locked down to several different CPU/memory/storage configurations (two i5 models and two i7 models). Microsoft appears to be targeting Apple’s latest MacBook Pro lineup, sporting a thin and light form factor without sacrificing performance.

LG now has a 42.5-inch display that’s optimized for multitasking

Why it matters to you

If you want a large high-resolution display that won’t force you to take out a second mortgage on your house, then LG has a new option to consider.

Anyone looking to add a high-end monitor to their PC setup is not hurting for great options lately. Whether someone is looking for high resolutions, fast refresh rates, high dynamic range (HDR), or other trendy buzzwords, chances are there’s one or more option available.

LG has been at the forefront of companies offering high-resolution displays, starting with its Ultrafine 5K monitor aimed at Apple’s MacBook Pro. Now, the company is introducing a high-resolution option for everyone else with its LG 43UD79-B, as Engadget reports.

The LG 43UD79-B is a 42.5-inch 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) resolution display that promises some serious image quality. Contrast is rated at 1000:1 at a 178-degree viewing angle, while LG has baked in support for more than 1.07 billion colors. AMD FreeSync support promises solid gaming performance with minimal tearing and stuttering, although the monitor tops out at a 60Hz refresh rate. LG is also building in blue-light flicker reduction technology to minimize eye fatigue.

The 43UD79-B offers a host of features to help users squeeze value out of its expansive panel. For example, picture-by-picture (PbP) and picture-in-picture (PiP) modes allow the monitor to simultaneously display four 21.3-inch Full HD screens utilizing multiple sources. A remote control provides easy access to the on-screen display (OSD) functionality.

Finally, the monitor offers a solid range of connectivity options. Inputs include four HDMI ports (two HDMI 1.0 and two HDMI 1.4), a DisplayPort, and a USB Type-C connection. Downstream support is provided by a pair of USB 3.0 ports, with additional support for connecting two computers and sharing a keyboard and mouse. Dual 10-watt speakers provide the audio.

LG is shipping the 43UD79-B in Japan on May 19 for 83,000 yen, or around $745. As Engadget notes, pre-orders for the monitor are already showing up in the U.S., with pricing running just shy of $700. Availability outside of Japan has not yet been announced.

Apple’s earnings show declining iPhone sales, average returns in second quarter

Why it matters to you

iPhone demand may be slowing ahead of probable new product launches this coming fall.

Apple, the world’s most valuable tech company, had a pretty average second fiscal quarter. Despite a new iPad, a bright red iPhone, and a bevy of new Apple Watch bands and other accessories, Apple only slightly beat Wall Street’s expectations on revenues — and it missed on sales.

After the closing bell on Tuesday, Apple’s reported revenue of $52.9 billion versus an expected $53.02 billion — $2.10 per share versus $2.02 per share. Apple’s software and services — including AppleCare, Apple Pay, and digital content sales — brought in $7 billion, but device shipments dipped or remained unchanged across the board. The company shipped 50.8 million iPhones versus a projected 52 million, and Mac and iPad sales held at 4.1 million ($5.84 billion)  and 8.9 million ($3.89 billion), respectively.

Apple CEO Tim Cook credited the growth in revenue to “robust demand” for the iPhone 7 Plus. But despite a colorful new Project (RED) iPhone, the company failed to make a major splash in an industry suffering a sales slowdown. According to a survey conducted by 451 Research, smartphone buying intent among North American consumers hit a nine-year low.

Falling sales in China did not help. Fierce competition from Oppo, Vivo, Huawei, Xioami, and other regional brands drove iPhone shipments down 12 percent in the country compared to the same quarter a year ago, and analysts at Warren Capital estimate that the region saw a two percent decline in overall smartphone activation.

An ill-timed buying cycle contributed, too. Venture capitalist Gene Munster estimates that as many as 300 million iPhones may be set for an upgrade later this fall, when Apple is expected to announce new models.

Julian Chokkatuu/Digital Trends

If there is a silver lining, it’s Apple’s “other product” category, which includes the Apple Watch, iPods, Beats headphones, and other accessories. It raked in $2.87 billion — much better than the $2.26 billion analysts were expecting.

More good news? Potentially lucrative developments lie on the horizon.

Apple is dipping its toes into content creation with Planet of the Apps, its first original show. It will be available exclusively to Apple Music subscribers later this year.

A new Mac Pro is on the way. Apple’s Phil Spencer told Buzzfeed News that the company was “completely rethinking” the high-end workstation after a lukewarm reception to its last refresh in 2013.

And there could be a new product line on the horizon — or several. Rumor has it that Apple’s readying a high-end, Siri-powered home speaker that will compete directly with Amazon’s Echo series and Google’s eponymous Google Home. It could launch as soon as June at Apple’s worldwide developer conference.

Apple’s autonomous car project, meanwhile, is ongoing. In late April, white Lexus SUVs outfitted with an array of sensors and cameras were spotted emerging from an Apple facility in California — one of three vehicles the California Department of Motor authorized Apple to test earlier in the month.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends