Apple wants iMessage to be your customer service app

Apple has been steadily improving iMessage over the past year, and now apparently it wants to get businesses in on the action. Enter Business Chat, Apple’s as-yet-unreleased tool to provide customer service through iMessage.

While the service hasn’t been officially announced yet (there’s a 10 AM PT/1 PM ET talk scheduled for June 9 at WWDC), Business Chat is touted as a way for consumers to interact with businesses and make purchases on the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. It will be integrated into some of Apple’s native apps, including Safari, Maps, Siri and Spotlight. While the actual chatting will presumably happen in iMessage, the service will originate within these apps.

It’s not surprising Apple is making the foray into facilitating communication between businesses and consumers; after all, it’s in their interest to keep as many people within their own ecosystem as possible. The more you can do with an app, especially one that integrates features such as Apple Pay, the more likely you are to stick with it.

There’s a growing trend toward instant customer service communication. Facebook has been improving Messenger for businesses, and Twitter has been working on customer service features for years. As we move more towards instant customer service through private messaging (rather than phone or email), it will be interesting to see how these services develop new tools to enhance communication. One thing is for sure though: the way we interact with businesses is quickly changing, and hopefully for the better.

Via: TechCrunch

Source: Apple

California and China partner on clean energy tech

The Trump administration’s decision to leave the Paris Accord has already prompted some states to forge their own pro-environment pacts, but the latest such alliance is… unusual. California and China are forming a partnership that will see the two work together on clean energy technology, including carbon capture and IT that can keep greenhouse gases in check. They’ll also unite on emissions trading and additional “climate-positive” initiatives. It sounds like a contradiction to work with China when it’s notorious for its pollution, but it makes more sense in light of the country’s recent efforts to turn itself around.

China is in the midst of an aggressive push to become the world’s preeminent source of clean energy. And it’s not just for the sake of the planet — it sees clean tech as a way of boosting the economy. In addition to the jobs that come from producing solar panels and wind turbines (it’s already a giant in those fields), it could sell unneeded electricity to other countries. One of the nation’s key energy officials, Li Junfeng, has even gone so far as to say “coal is over” — a sharp contrast to the current US government’s eagerness to defend coal whenever possible.

If there’s a problem, it’s that the team-up may take a long time to get going. You might not see much emissions trading when China is currently focused on its very large domestic market, and the deal is more than a little lopsided when the world’s most populous country is involved with a single US state. Both are hotbeds for eco-friendly tech, however, so it wouldn’t be surprising to (eventually) see soem progress that wasn’t possible before.

Source: Reuters

OnePlus 5 launches on June 20th

After a steady stream of teasers, OnePlus is finally ready to put its money where its mouth is: the smartphone maker is holding a launch event for the OnePlus 5 on June 20th at 12PM Eastern. It’s not saying more about the phone alongside the news, but the “focus on what matters” tagline is a not-so-subtle allusion to the 5’s DxO-backed camera. As it is, both official tidbits and leaks already give an idea as to what to expect — this should be another flagship-class device that (hopefully) undercuts rivals on price.

On the record, OnePlus has acknowledged that the 5 will include a Snapdragon 835 like the Galaxy S8 and many other high-end Android phones circa 2017. It’ll keep the fingerprint reader on the front, too. Other details are less certain, but an Android Authority prototype leak hints at OnePlus joining the dual camera craze. You can also expect gobs of RAM (the OnePlus 3T already has 6GB), a hefty battery (reportedly 3,600mAh) and an improvement on the company’s signature Dash Charging.

The one gray area is price. AA has heard that the price will be higher than the $439 you pay for a 3T today, but it’s not clear what kind of price hike you could expect, if any. There could be just a modest bump, but it also wouldn’t be shocking if OnePlus has to veer closer to the $650 or higher pricing you tend to see for top-tier phones. Its prices have been creeping upward over the years, and taking on the biggest names in the business requires some expensive hardware.

Are you prepared for the OnePlus 5? Focus on what matters and join our keynote live on June 20. https://t.co/uuWc1m3pz1 pic.twitter.com/KfbVfMyh00

— OnePlus (@oneplus) June 6, 2017

Source: OnePlus

HP’s VR backpack PC doubles as a desktop

Last year, HP revealed its solution to the trail of cables that plagues every Vive experience — a VR powered-PC in a backpack. Aiming to make virtual reality a more immersive and portable experience, the latest in the company’s Omen gaming range promised to transform users into a cable-free, VR-ready turtle. Now, a year later, HP has redesigned the Omen in an attempt to make it more versatile.

Thanks to the addition of a Nintendo Switch-like dock, The Omen X Compact Desktop now presents users with a much better value proposition. While previously this kit could only be used for VR experiences on the go, this dock solves the device’s biggest problem, easily transforming the gimmicky kit into a regular desktop-friendly PC.

Spec wise, the Omen X Compact is a fairly decent PC in its own right, boasting a GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card and a Kaby Lake i7 processor. Bizarrely though, the computer and dock are being sold separately from the backpack parts, with the pair starting at $2,499. If you want the Omen’s key selling point, however, you’ll need to shell out an extra $600 on top of that for the backpack accessory.

The Omen X Compact goes on sale in July. With virtual reality failing to take off in quite the way many hoped, HP’s decision to future-proof the device seems like a wise one. Yet, with VR’s killer apps arguably yet to come, the question is whether this impressive setup is worth $3,000 in the first place.

Via: The Verge

Mophie Launches Charge Force Cases for iPhone 7/7 Plus, Along With Attachable Powerstation Mini

Mophie today launched new Charge Force cases for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, introducing battery pack attachments and wireless charging features into the cases for Apple’s newest smartphone line.

The Charge Force case for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus includes built-in magnets that align the leather case to any Mophie Charge Force base accessory, immediately powering up the iPhone when connected. Additionally, the Charge Force case is compatible with any other wireless charging systems, including those made by Qi, adding a wide array of wireless charging functionality to iPhone 7.

The company said that the new cases for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus provide protection from everyday wear and tear, and don’t add “excess bulk” to the iPhone. There’s also easy access to the iPhone’s Lightning port so users can charge their iPhone through a wired connection, or use wired headphones and listen to music.

“mophie is committed to developing technologies that keep devices charged all day,” said Chris Ahern, President at mophie. “This case accomplishes that goal, not through additional batteries, but by making charging throughout the day effortless.”

The notably lean design of the case also protects from everyday wear and tear without adding excess bulk to your device. Raised corners provide added protection against scratched and cracked screens. Premium leather, TPU bezel and superior design strengthen the case’s durability.

Mophie also announced the Charge Force Powerstation mini, which offers users a quick and compact solution to charging their iPhone 7 when not near a wireless pad or AC port. The portable pack includes a 3,000 mAh battery that magnetically attaches to the back of the Charge Force iPhone 7 case, and charges up the iPhone when connected.

The iPhone 7 Charge Force case with a Powerstation mini attached
Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus versions of Mophie’s Charge Force leather case cost $59.95, and come in black, tan, brown, blue and (PRODUCT)RED. The Charge Force Powerstation mini costs $49.95 and works with both sizes of iPhone.

Check out Mophie’s website for more Charge Force products and accessories.

Related Roundup: iPhone 7
Tag: Mophie
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Apple Music Marketing Exec Bozoma Saint John Reportedly Leaving Apple for Uber

Last week, news came out that Bozoma Saint John — Apple Music and iTunes head of Global Consumer Marketing — was planning to leave Apple, without any indication given as to why Saint John was leaving Apple or where she planned on working next. TechCrunch is today reporting that the former Apple executive is now looking to head to Uber, although her specific role at the ride-hailing company is unclear.

Given Saint John’s background in marketing, a similar position is predicted for her at Uber. According to sources, Uber is looking at Saint John’s hiring as a way to “turn the tide on recent issues,” suggesting that she might be coming in to help shift the negative spotlight placed on Uber in recent months.

We received the news via a tip, and have confirmed the appointment through multiple sources at Uber. The company, we understand, views the appointment as important in helping “turn the tide on recent issues.”

As for what role she will be taking, that’s something we’re still trying to figure out. We understand that Uber will be making more details public later. Saint John’s track record is in marketing — most recently at Apple but also with a long stint at Pepsi, among other places.

Over the past few months public opinion regarding Uber and its company culture has been largely negative online. The backlash against Uber reached new heights in January, when users began a #DeleteUber hashtag on Twitter in response to Uber’s decision to keep up and running throughout the strike at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, where protesters fought against President Trump’s executive order banning immigrants from specific countries entering the U.S.

In addition, Uber’s background GPS tracking tactics caused worry by users online last year, the FTC filed a complaint against the company for posting inflated yearly wages on various job-seeking websites, Waymo sued Uber for intellectual property theft, and it came out that Apple CEO Tim Cook was on the verge of removing Uber from the iOS App Store after Apple discovered that Uber was secretly “fingerprinting” iPhones that used the app.

If she officially joins Uber, Saint John would be one of the newest hires following a collection of departures from the company over the past six months. These include: Brian McClendon (VP of maps and business platform), Jeff Jones (president), Gary Marcus (AI lead), Rachel Whetstone (SVP of communications), Sherif Marakby (VP of global vehicle programs), Ed Baker (VP of product), Amit Singhal (SVP of engineering), and self-driving car head Anthony Levandowski, who was tied to the Waymo lawsuit.

Tag: Uber
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iOS 11 Preview: Control Center Gets Customizable With 3D Touch

Apple on Monday introduced iOS 11, the next major version of its mobile operating system for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The software update, available this fall, includes a completely redesigned Control Center that fits on one page and is much more customizable thanks to 3D Touch.

Control Center’s default appearance (left) and with additional controls (right)
When you deep press on the Music pane, for example, a larger pane with volume, playback, and other controls pops open. Likewise, when you deep press on the pane with Airplane Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Cellular Data toggles, a larger pane pops open with AirDrop and Personal Hotspot toggles.

More granular controls appear by deep pressing with 3D Touch
On iOS 11, users can add and organize additional controls and toggles to appear in Control Center through the Settings app. However, the following controls are default and cannot be hidden: the system toggles pane, music, orientation lock, brightness, volume, Do Not Disturb, and AirPlay Mirroring.

In Settings, users can add and organize additional controls to appear in Control Center
The following controls can be added and organized in Settings:

• Accessibility Shortcuts
• Alarm
• Apple TV Remote
• Calculator
• Camera
• Do Not Disturb While Driving
• Flashlight
• Guided Access
• Home• Low Power Mode
• Magnifier
• Notes
• Screen Recording
• Stopwatch
• Text Size
• Timer
• Voice Memos
• Wallet
Control Center still lacks a truly customizable drag-and-drop layout, but the return to a single-page design and some customizability are welcomed improvements. The ability to add additional controls such as Low Power Mode and Accessibility Shortcuts will also be appreciated by many users.

The first iOS 11 beta was released to registered Apple developers on Monday. A public beta will be available in late June through the Apple Beta Software Program. The software update should be officially released in September.

Related Roundup: iOS 11
Tag: Control Center
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Logitech Debuts Slim Combo Case for 10.5-Inch and 12.9-Inch iPad Pro With Detachable Backlit Keyboard

Logitech has revealed an all-new “Slim Combo” case for the new 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPads, which Apple announced during yesterday’s WWDC keynote. Logitech said it worked with Apple to ensure the new case will be in Apple retail stores the same day as the new iPads, and users interested can begin purchasing the case from Logitech and Apple’s websites today.

The Slim Combo case can be used in four different modes: Typing, Viewing, FaceTime, and Reading. The company said that users will be able to comfortably type, remove the keyboard to sketch with Apple Pencil, switch to portrait mode for FaceTime, and more.

“In the past, you were bound to a workspace with a PC, and used your tablet for quick messages or entertainment when you weren’t in the office; that’s not the case anymore,” said Michele Hermann, vice president of mobility at Logitech. “To be a pro today, you need the power of the PC, but more easily available whether you’re on a train, at the park, in a meeting or wherever you need to be. The Slim Combo unleashes the power of iPad Pro to bring you the future of personal computing; a future that’s easier, faster and more fun.”

The keyboard connects using Apple’s Smart Connector and features full-size backlit keys (with three levels of brightness) as well as a dedicated row of iOS shortcut keys. Shortcuts include Home, screen brightness, search, switch keyboard language, keyboard brightness, media controls, volume controls, and a lock screen toggle.

When done typing, the keyboard acts as a front-facing protective cover for the iPad’s screen. Multiple viewing angles are supported thanks to two micro hinges that let the case recline within a 50-degree range, and Logitech has also added in an Apple Pencil holder. For the larger 12.9-inch version, users can fold half of the cover under the keyboard to reduce its footprint.

The Slim Combo for 10.5-inch iPad Pro is available to purchase today from Logitech at $129.99, while the Slim Combo for 12.9-inch iPad Pro is listed at $149.99, and both are available in black and classical blue. Apple is also selling the cases on its online store.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Tag: Logitech
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Don’t expect the iMac Pro to be upgradeable, and nothing will be sold separately

Why it matters to you

If you liked the look of the iMac Pro’s accessories, getting hold of them will be difficult and expensive.

Apple has dashed any hopes fans had of being able to buy accessories for the ultra-powerful iMac Pro separately, confirming that they could only be purchased with the system. On top of that, it’s confirmed that users will not be able to upgrade or replace the system’s memory, limiting consumers to whatever they had when they purchased the all-in-one PC.

Across most of its product ranges, Apple has traditionally maintained a circled wagon approach to its hardware. Apart from the odd outlier, its systems have not been upgradeable — that’s one of the advantages of building your own PC instead. But that doesn’t mean people weren’t disappointed at this latest news, as some had hoped that the iMac Pro would ape the 27-inch iMac that’s available now, which does have user-upgradeable memory.

The iMac Pro though, will not. Apple has said it will come with between 32GB and 128GB of ECC memory, but whichever options the consumer picks will be what they’re stuck with in the future.

The same goes for accessories. Although many expressed excitement at the new style and aesthetic of the iMac Pro’s space grey wireless keyboard and mouse, Apple has made it clear that they will not be purchasable separately. That means anyone who wants them will need to buy them with a $5,000 iMac Pro, which no one is likely to do for the accessories alone.

It’s certainly possible that those who do buy the system may look to offset its cost a little by selling those accessories on auction sites. That will be the only way for Apple fans unable to dish out such a cost to get their hands on the peripherals otherwise. Apple will certainly not be selling them itself (as per 9to5Mac).

The powerful iMac Pro is set to go on sale in December this year, packing an Intel Xeon processor, Gigabit Ethernet, and AMD Vega graphics under the hood. Its price will start at $5,000.

Best app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Everyone likes apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers put paid apps on sale for free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest apps on sale in the iOS App Store.

These apps normally cost money and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged. 

007’s Vidicon

Feel like spying? 007’s Vidicon — Spy Video Camera can record video surreptitiously. So if you’re trying to be stealthy about your filming, this just may be the app for you.

Available on:

iOS

Yoga Studio

This Ultimate Yoga app allows you to play, create, customize, and schedule easy-to-follow HD video yoga classes. It features 80-plus ready-made yoga and meditation classes with HD video.

Available on:

iOS

ScanBee

ScanBee turns your iPhone into a portable scanner. It allows you to scan any document into a high-quality PDF file.

Available on:

iOS

Instaflash

Instaflash is your go to photo app with all the tools you need to perfect your photos instantly. Transform dark and dull shots into vibrant photos and amaze your friends and family.

Available on:

iOS

Universal Image Search Pro

Search a large database of images to find the one you want. You’ll get image results from Google, Bing, and Flickr, all in one place.

Available on:

iOS

Binaural Energy

Binaural beats are scientifically proven frequencies designed to induce specific states of mind. The beats in Binaural Energy have been engineered to help you wake up and give yourself an energy boost.

Available on:

iOS