Charitybuzz Auctions Lunch With Eddy Cue at Apple’s New Headquarters

Charitybuzz today launched an auction in which the winning bidder will have lunch with Apple’s services chief Eddy Cue at the company’s newly constructed Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California.

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Here’s your chance to have lunch with Eddy Cue at the stunning new 175-acre Apple Headquarters in Cupertino, CA, where you will learn more about Apple’s industry-leading content stores and online services. This is a rare opportunity to see “Apple Park” and engage in a one-on-one, in-depth conversation with one of the most innovative business minds of our generation.

The auction has an estimated value of $50,000. Bids can be placed between now and June 28 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time, in support of the National Association of Basketball Coaches Foundation in Kansas City, Missouri.

The National Association of Basketball Coaches Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to bring attention to the positive aspects of the sport of basketball and the role coaches play in the academic and athletic lives of today’s student-athletes. Cue is a longtime basketball and Golden State Warriors fan.

The private meet and greet will be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon date by June 30, 2018. The winning bidder must be at least 18 or older. The cost of the meal and gratuity is included, but travel and accommodations are not. The experience cannot be resold, re-auctioned, or transferred.

The lunch does not include a formal tour inside Apple Park facilities, and photography is not permitted, according to Charitybuzz.

Cue, who is officially Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, currently oversees the iTunes Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, Siri, Apple Maps, iCloud, and Apple’s iWork and iLife suites of productivity apps.

Apple executives have participated in several Charitybuzz auctions over the years, with CEO Tim Cook most recently raising over $680,000 for the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.

Tags: Eddy Cue, Charitybuzz
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Keep your Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus crystal-clear and smudge-free with a screen protector

Update: Added offerings from ZAGG, Skinomi, IQ Shield, iTURBOS, and Olixar.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus have gorgeous curved displays that you’ll want to protect. It’s worth looking into Galaxy S8 cases, screen protectors, and other accessories now. If this particular aspect of owning a new phone is usually tedious for you, don’t worry, because we’ve already done some digging of our own and compiled a list of the best Galaxy S8 screen protectors from a variety of mostly well-known brands. Some are on the pricier side, but having a good screen protector is going to be a lot cheaper than replacing the display, or the entire phone. Scroll down to see which companies have screen protectors we think you should look into.

Incipio Plex Plus Shield Edge ($35)

The Plex Plus screen protector immediately addresses any concerns you may have about covering the entirety of the Galaxy S8’s display, as it was designed with the curved edges in mind. This S8 screen protector is tempered glass, so only a serious scrape or fall will leave a blemish, and its static-free finish prevents a build up of dust and lint, keeping the S8’s screen pristine and as clear as the day you got it. If you have the Galaxy S8 or the larger Galaxy S8 Plus, then the Plex Plus will protect your display from harm.

Buy one now from:

Incipio (S8) Incipio (S8 Plus)

Moshi IonGlass ($40+)

Moshi’s IonGlass is another glass screen protector, but unlike the above Plex Plus, Moshi has used a unique strengthening process to make their IonGlass more effective than tempered glass. The end result is an S8 screen protector that will be very hard to scratch, dent, or shatter, and one that provides complete edge-to-edge display protection. It’s made to perfectly fit the Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus, is thinner than other screen protectors (meaning it’ll be hard to feel after application), and any fingerprint smudges or stains can be easily wiped away thanks to the oleophobic coating applied during its production.

Buy one now from:

Amazon (S8) Moshi (S8 Plus)

OtterBox Alpha Glass ($40+)

You probably know OtterBox for their protective cases, but their screen protectors are also worth looking into. The company’s Alpha Glass, for example, is a tempered glass protector that can match up with any other offering on this list. It’s curved to complement the Galaxy S8’s design, and is both shatter- and scratch-resistant. The sensitivity from the smartphone’s touchscreen isn’t compromised, nor are the clarity and quality of the display. It’s a completely clear screen protector that is backed by OtterBox’s 1 year warranty, so you can buy one knowing you have the company’s support if the Alpha Glass under performs.

Buy one now from:

Amazon (S8) Amazon (S8 Plus) OtterBox (S8) OtterBox (S8 Plus) MobileFun (S8)

Verizon Ultra Screen Protector ($45)

Verizon doesn’t have a special name for their screen protector, only referred to as the “Ultra Screen Protector;” it’s simply a really good protector for your Galaxy S8. Aside from the features you’ve come to expect, such as edge-to-edge coverage, smudge-resistance, and incredible transparency, its most unique trait is that it was made using Dragontrail Pro, a chemically enhanced glass that is used on a number of laptops, TVs, and smartphones. The end result of using such a glass is similar to that of the Moshi IonGlass: A stronger glass screen protector that is hard to damage. Once it’s applied (and a case is used), those around you will have a hard time believing it’s not an unprotected screen.

Buy one now from:

Verizon (S8) Verizon (S8 Plus)

Spigen Neo Flex ($9+)

The Neo Flex screen protector from Spigen isn’t made out of glass like the others on this list. Instead, it’s made using a flexible TPU material that is like the film protectors many of us are probably used to. What it lacks in glass materials, it more than makes up for in capabilities, like the one that allows it to self-heal, or subtly erase minor scratches over time. It cuts down on the amount of oils and fingerprint residue that could appear on the display, prevents bubbling during application and use, and touchscreen sensitivity remains unaffected. The one potential downside may be the spray-on solution required to make it stick to the Galaxy S8, but if you’re not bothered by a small amount of mist, then Spigen’s Neo Flex is definitely one of the cheaper solutions to keep your display intact.

Buy one now from:

Amazon (S8) Amazon (S8 Plus) Spigen (S8) Spigen (S8 Plus)

ZAGG InvisibleShield Sapphire Defense Curve ($50)

Zagg is well known for making (pricey) smartphone cases and screen protectors, and the recent Sapphire Defense Curve, while as expensive as its predecessors, has a variety of features that justify the high price tag. The aptly-titled Sapphire Defense Curve was made with the Galaxy S8’s curved display in mind. When applied, it covers the entire front of the phone, including the curved edges. This screen protector has also been infused with sapphire crystals, making the glass protector more durable and difficult to shatter. Its impact-absorption properties allow it to handle even the most dangerous of everyday drops. It maintains your phone’s touch capabilities and clarity, fingerprint smudges are easy to deal with, and it’ll even stay on and intact when used with a protective case. If you’re been a fan of Zagg in the past, their latest creation for the Galaxy S8 will keep them on your good side.

Buy one now from:

ZAGG (S8) ZAGG (S8 Plus)

Skinomi TechSkin ($8)

People often use screen protectors with their phone cases, and Skinomi’s TechSkin respects your desire to do so. For the modest asking price, you get a screen protector that’s self-healing, flexible, and tough to puncture. The film protector will also prevent yellowing, and if ever removed, will not leave a sticky residue behind. It’s an affordable screen protector that will get the job done, and a good option if you’re not looking for anything too fancy.

Buy one now from:

Amazon (S8) Amazon (S8 Plus) Skinomi (S8) Skinomi (S8 Plus)

IQ Shield LiQuidSkin Full Coverage Screen Protector ($8)

IQ Shield’s offering is similar to the aforementioned Skinomi TechSkin, which is to say it won’t empty your bank account. This is another film protector that should work nicely with your case of choice. It requires a squeegee and a liquid solution to apply, but the process is relatively easy and should leave your device bubble-free. This screen protector will also heal itself from minor scratches, and shouldn’t interfere with your phone’s touchscreen capabilities, or change how your device feels during use. If you’re at all familiar with IQShield’s products, you know what you’re in for this time around, too.

Buy one now from:

Amazon (S8) Amazon (S8 Plus) IQ Shield (S8) IQ Shield (S8 Plus)

iTURBOS Screen Protector ($8)

This screen protector from iTURBOS doesn’t offer anything special in terms of protection, but it can still provide the front — and curved edges — of your Galaxy S8 with solid protection. Like most offerings on the market, the film protector is scratch-resistant, and will maintain the quality of your HD display. It’s a good alternative if you’ve already tried the aforementioned film protectors, but want to keep experimenting. Applying the protector is also as easy as expected, and it should be both dust- and bubble-free during and after application, which is ideal if you struggle to keep your display clean while using a screen protector.

Buy one now from:

Amazon (S8) Amazon (S8 Plus)

Olixar Tempered Glass Screen Protector ($22)

Olixar is another company often associated with smartphone accessories, and its tempered glass protector makes a solid case for the company’s continued investment in keeping your devices pristine. This particular screen protector is, as the name implies, made of glass, making it more durable than those of the film variety. It also covers the Galaxy S8’s curved sides, which is what all Galaxy S8 owners want from their screen protectors. It doesn’t negatively affect your phone’s display either, and it has been tested with several smartphone cases — including those from OtterBox and Spigen — to ensure it won’t slide off or keep your case from fitting correctly.

Buy one now from:

Mobile Fun (S8) Mobile Fun (S8 Plus)

Go hands-free with Anker Soundsync Drive Bluetooth receiver, now just $17

People hardly go anywhere without their smartphones. Nonetheless, concerns over road safety and the fact that many jurisdictions have passed hands-free driving laws necessitate either turning off one’s phone in the car or, better yet, investing in a handy wireless receiver like the Anker Soundsync Drive.

The Anker Soundsync Drive does much more than allow you to take hands-free calls, which you can already do on most phones with built-in speaker modes. This handy little Bluetooth receiver instead turns your car’s cabin into a hands-free ecosystem by connecting your smartphone to your vehicle’s stereo and routing audio through the speakers.

The compact Soundsync Drive is less than two inches wide and easily mounts to your car’s dash. The receiver utilizes Bluetooth 4.0 technology to effortlessly sync with your smartphone or other compatible wireless device and hooks up to your stereo via USB and a 3.5mm audio jack. After that, you can pair the Soundsync Drive with your chosen device with the press of a button. The device itself also features three controls for media playback, taking and ending calls, and activating voice-controlled smartphone functions like Siri or Cortana.

Speaker mode, while handy, is generally an inelegant solution that merely amplifies your phone’s small built-in audio driver. This usually results in loud, muddy sound that is not pleasant to listen to and is certainly not ideal for enjoying music. In comparison, the Anker Soundsync Drive receiver uses active noise suppression and delivers clear audio directly through your car speakers, giving your music the sound quality it deserves.

The Anker Soundsync Drive retails for $40, but a solid 58 percent discount shaves $23 off the price. This lets you score this road-safe Bluetooth receiver for just $17 from Amazon. The highly rated Soundsync Drive is the perfect hands-free solution for using your phone safely on the road and for saving some money while you are at it.

Amazon

Microsoft’s photo editor Pix gets smart art styles, faster performance

Why it matters to you

The painter-like style transfers popularized by Prisma are now accessible inside an app that also offers smart shooting with AI capabilities.

Artificial intelligence powers Microsoft Pix’s ability to shoot better photos, from choosing the best shot using a pre-burst to automatically adjusting settings. Now, that same neural network is allowing users to turn their shots into stylized art. On June 15, Microsoft announced updates to Pix that give the photo app Prisma-like painterly effects.

The app update gives the photo editor the ability to apply style transfers. Unlike the traditional photo filter, style transfers actually alter the structure of the image by applying texture and pattern adjustments along with color changes. The update brings 11 new transfer styles from rendering fire into photos to creating pointillism-like art.

Microsoft says that additional style transfers are expected to be released in the next few weeks.

“These are meant to be fun features,” Josh Weisberg, a principal program manager in Microsoft’s Computational Photography Group, said in a blog post. “In the past, a lot of our efforts were focused on using AI and deep learning to capture better moments and better image quality. This is more about fun. I want to do something cool and artistic with my photos.”

Along with the style transfers, the app update includes Pix Paintings, which shows those photos rendering into the new styles in a time-lapse video.

Both new options were developed by training deep neural networks with a large number of different paintings. By analyzing what makes a particular style different from another, the program is able to learn how to transform photographs into those specific styles.

With the update, Microsoft is also pushing to keep the AI program off the cloud and on mobile devices. The size of neural networks traditionally requires running the program on a cloud system, but the update will now run on the device, which means users can apply the effects faster and without using data.

Microsoft Pix’s latest update is now available for download for iOS devices from the App Store.

Amazon goes all-in on physical stores, buys Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion

Why it matters to you

Prime members may have tantalizing new benefits when Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods Market closes.

Any question about Amazon’s intentions to compete with traditional brick and mortar grocery stores has been answered. Today Amazon and Whole Foods Market announced that the e-commerce giant will buy the Whole Foods Market grocery store chain.

Calling it a definitive merger, the all-cash deal is worth $13.7 billion, or $42 per share, of Whole Foods stock. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2017, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.

Whole Foods Market stores and its headquarters operation won’t look much different after the sale. Whole Foods co-founder and CEO John Mackey will stay on as CEO, while the stores will continue to operate using the Whole Foods Market brand. Whole Foods will also retain its same sources worldwide, Mackey said. The headquarters will remain in Austin, Texas.

“This partnership presents an opportunity to maximize value for Whole Foods Market’s shareholders, while at the same time extending our mission and bringing the highest quality, experience, convenience, and innovation to our customers,” Mackey said in the joint statement.

The Whole Foods deal is Amazon’s largest purchase. According to Bloomberg, Amazon’s biggest purchase to date has been its 2014 $970 million acquisition of Twitch Interactive, Inc. Bloomberg also reported that at the end of March 2017, Amazon was holding about $21.5 billion in cash and equivalents.

Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos said, “Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best natural and organic foods, and they make it fun to eat healthy. Whole Foods Market has been satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers for nearly four decades — they’re doing an amazing job and we want that to continue.”

Whole Foods Market, the first “Certified Organic” grocer in the U.S., posted sales of $16 billion, according to its fiscal 2016 report. The chain has more than 460 stores in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

In March, Amazon announced AmazonFresh Pickup service for Prime members, a convenience with which customers could order groceries online and pick them up at AmazonFresh depots. The program was reportedly being tested for Amazon employees at two Seattle locations.

HTC U11 debuts in India with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage for a sensible ₹51,990 ($800)

HTC is back to winning ways with the U11.

HTC made several questionable decisions regarding its strategy in India over the last two years, but it finally looks like the Taiwanese manufacturer is learning from its mistakes. The HTC U11 has made its debut in the country, offering hardware that can hold its own next to the likes of the Galaxy S8 and LG G6. Crucially, HTC got the pricing right this time around, giving the U11 a better chance than any other HTC device in recent memory.

The HTC U11 gets all the basics right when it comes to the hardware — you’re looking at a 5.5-inch QHD panel backed by Gorilla Glass 5, 2.45GHz Snapdragon 835, 6GB of RAM, 128GB storage, microSD slot, 12MP camera, 16MP front shooter, 4G with VoLTE, and a 3000mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0. The phone also has IP67 certification for dust and water resistance, and runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box.

The highlight of the HTC U11 is a squeezable frame that offers a new way of interaction with your phone. With Edge Sense, you’ll be able to squeeze the sides of the phone to perform actions, like launching the camera, taking a screenshot, and more.

It’ll be interesting to see how the HTC U11 fares in India. For the first time in several years, there isn’t a major drawback with an HTC flagship — if you overlook the fact that it doesn’t have a 3.5mm jack, and the aggressive pricing gives customers a third option in this segment.

The phone will be up for sale on Amazon India during the last week of June, and HTC will also make the device available at thousands of retail stores across the country. You can also pre-order direct from HTC starting tomorrow to be eligible to receive a free flip cover.

Who’s looking to pick up the HTC U11?

HTC U11

• HTC U11 review
• HTC U11 specs
• Manufacturing the U11: Behind the scenes
• Join our U11 forums
• HTC U11 vs Galaxy S8
• HTC U11 vs LG G6

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Where to buy the HTC U11 in the U.S.

HTC U11 in the U.S.: where, when and for how much.

HTC’s relationships with the U.S. carriers have weakened, and with the launch of its 2017 flagship the U11 it has just one carrier on board. The HTC U11 is exclusive to Sprint at launch, but has other retail partners for a proper unlocked model. The pricing from Sprint is set at $0 down and $29 per month for two years, or a total price of $696. Sprint will be offering the U11 in black and blue colors, at least at launch.

Thankfully, you are only stuck going to Sprint if you want to buy the phone directly from your operator. HTC is also selling the U11 unlocked on Amazon and HTC.com, continuing an excellent trend of selling directly to consumers who want to bypass the carriers. It’s available immediately for order from both storefronts for $649, with an additional color choice of silver alongside black and blue.

Amazon

Amazon is selling the U.S. unlocked model of the U11, coming in black, silver and blue colors. The listing has a proper price of $649, plus free shipping for Prime members. Amazon offers special 12-month financing if you use an Amazon Store Card.

See at Amazon

HTC

It’s always a fine idea to buy a phone directly from the manufacturer. HTC sells the U11 directly for $649 in the same black, silver and blue color options — no word yet on when (or if) the red and white color options will be available. HTC offers 24-month financing from its website.

You’ll notice that HTC lets you select your carrier when buying, but don’t be confused by that — selecting AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon gets you the same unlocked model. HTC is simply trying to explain that its unlocked phones work on all U.S. carriers. The Sprint model is indeed a Sprint-specific SKU, though.

See at HTC

Sprint

If you’re already a Sprint customer or perhaps switching and can get some incentives on a new phone, you may end up finding that getting a U11 directly from Sprint makes the most sense for you.

Sprint only offers the black and blue colors, and the price is a smidge higher at $696 (or $29/mo), so seriously consider buying the unlocked one for more options and a lower price.

See at Sprint

HTC U11

• HTC U11 review
• HTC U11 specs
• Manufacturing the U11: Behind the scenes
• Join our U11 forums
• HTC U11 vs Galaxy S8
• HTC U11 vs LG G6

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HTC

HTC Vive: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re new to the HTC Vive or a VR veteran, this is your ultimate guide!

Earlier this year HTC debuted it’s first virtual reality headset, the HTC Vive. With the intention of providing high quality experiences to the masses, the headset has emerged as a consumer favorite as of late.

Whether you’re just starting out with the platform or been rocking a headset since launch, we’ve complied the best tips and tricks to take your experience that extra bit forward. From buyer’s guides, tutorials and troubleshooting, we’re sure to cover your needs!

Read more at VR Heads!

T-Mobile gets busy this summer rolling out new 600MHz network

The Un-carrier has a busy, busy summer ahead of it.

T-Mobile ran away with 45% of the 600MHz spectrum at the FCC’s spectrum auction earlier this year, and the time has come to start using it. T-Mobile is going to use its newly acquired licenses for 600MHz to beef up its high-speed LTE network this summer.

The FCC finally sorted out the last of the paperwork with the magenta-colored carrier this week, and now T-Mobile has announced its plans to beef up its network during the summer with this new bandwidth. It’s planning to develop the new spectrum and prep test sites this summer, with the hope of bringing that bandwidth to the average user later this year. Phones supporting 600MHz spectrum should also be available by that time.

The hope here is that with this low-band spectrum, which travels further and can penetrate thicker walls, T-Mobile can start really competing with AT&T and Verizon where it counts. Can it come back to school in the fall a whole new wireless network? Maybe, maybe not, but at least the work has started.

Apple hires the executives that brought ‘Breaking Bad’ to Sony

Apple’s push into television has been given a massive boost after the company announced it has hired two of the industry’s biggest executives. Former Sony Pictures Television presidents Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg have jumped ship to lead Apple’s video programming division and will report directly to SVP of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue.

While Erlicht and Van Amburg aren’t exactly household names, the shows they’ve helped produce are. The duo are responsible for bringing Breaking Bad showrunner Vince Gilligan to Sony studios and were more recently involved in the development of hit streaming shows like Netflix’s The Crown and Amazon’s Sneaky Pete (which is produced by Bryan Cranston).

“Jamie and Zack are two of the most talented TV executives in the world and have been instrumental in making this the golden age of television,” said Cue in a press release. “We have exciting plans in store for customers and can’t wait for them to bring their expertise to Apple — there is much more to come.”

Currently, Apple’s roster of original content is fairly small, with shows like Planet of the Apps and Carpool Karaoke only recently being made available. Earlier this year, reports suggested that Apple was in the process of acquiring Hollywood talent with the view to launch a small number of high-quality original concepts to rival shows like Westworld and Stranger Things.

With device sales beginning to slow, Apple has shifted some of its focus to software and services. Original TV series — and eventually movies — may be used to lure Apple Music subscribers. The company is currently playing catch-up to Spotify and is a minnow in the video streaming market, at least compared to Netflix and Amazon.

Variety reports that Van Amburg and Erlicht will formally leave Sony Pictures Television later this summer, meaning Apple fans will have to wait a little longer to see what their vision is for Apple’s video business.

Source: Apple