Google Play Movies finally adds AirPlay support
Cupertino recently announced that the Apple TV has some 2,600 applications in its ecosystem and one of them just got a pretty major update. The app in question is none other than Google Play Movies and TV. The update? AirPlay support. No, you aren’t misreading that. It actually happened. If you’re heavily invested in Mountain View’s entertainment ecosystem (but for whatever reason haven’t added a Chromecast to your A/V gear), this should come as pretty welcome news.
Of course, you’ll need at least a third-generation Apple TV to use it and the device itself has to be running system software 7.0 or above according to the app’s iTunes page. Google also added HD and cellular streaming for good measure and redesigned the app itself. Despite all that though, “Google Play Movies and TV and chill” just doesn’t roll off the tongue very naturally.
Source: iTunes
Apple Pushing iPhone Upgrades During Holiday Shopping Season
Apple this week has encouraged customers to trade in and upgrade to a new iPhone through its website, email and an App Store banner advertisement.
Apple’s new section on its iPhone website reminds customers about trading in their current smartphone at the Apple Store or online through partner Brightstar for up to $320 instant credit. Apple accepts the iPhone 4 or later for trade in.
Apple’s website, left, and email, right, promoting iPhone upgrades this week
Apple’s mass email to U.S. customers promotes the iPhone Upgrade Program and shares details about how the financing program works. The email also provides similar details about trading in a smartphone for up to $320 instant credit.
Apple has also made the controversial decision to advertise the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus to older iPhone users directly in the App Store, with a pop-up banner advertisement that can be dismissed by tapping on “skip” in the top-right corner.
iPhones are unsurprisingly one of the hottest gifts during the holiday shopping season, so it is unsurprising that Apple is pushing its latest smartphones at this time of the year alongside free shipping, extended returns and complimentary gift wrapping. Undoubtedly, though, the move will also stir discussion about iPhone sales.
Apple sold 48 million iPhones in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, up from 39.2 million in the year-ago quarter. iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus sales topped a record 13 million during their launch weekend, but KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently predicted the iPhone 6s may not outsell the iPhone 6.
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Mercedes-Benz Shares Full Lineup of 2016 U.S. CarPlay Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz has issued an internal announcement to U.S. dealers (via C450 AMG) that confirms CarPlay will be supported in a number of 2016 model year vehicles starting with December 1, 2015 or January 8, 2016 production or later.
CarPlay can be controlled using the central controller or touchpad, if equipped, on supported Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Siri voice commands can be activated by pressing the voice control button on the steering wheel.
CarPlay works with compatible iPhones plugged into a specific USB port on supported Mercedes-Benz vehicles, labeled “2” below on the right.
Apple CarPlay® will be a completely different interface than the customary Mercedes-Benz infotainment. The customer will not be able to use the Mercedes-Benz headunit functions at the same time as CarPlay®. For example, use of the Spotify app cannot be done simultaneously with COMAND Navigation.
CarPlay is available in 2016 CLA, GLA and B-Class vehicles with December 1, 2015 production or later as a standalone $350 package or “Multimedia Package with Smartphone Integration” upgrade.
Apple’s in-dash software is also available in the 2016 E400 Coupe, E550 Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, E550 Cabriolet and CLS400 Coupe with December 1, 2015 production or later with the “Premium 1” or “Premium 2” equipment package ($3,650-$4,080).
CarPlay is included standard with COMAND Navigation in 2016 CLS550 Coupe and CLS63 S Coupe models with December 1, 2015 production or later, and 2016 GLE400, GLE450 Coupe, GLE63 and GLE63 S models with January 8, 2016 production or later.
Mercedes-Benz 2016 U.S. CarPlay Vehicles
– 2016 B-Class
– 2016 CLA
– 2016 CLS400
– 2016 CLS550
– 2016 CLS63 S
– 2016 E400 Coupe
– 2016 E550 Coupe
– 2016 E400 Cabriolet
– 2016 E550 Cabriolet
– 2016 GLA
– 2016 GLE300d
– 2016 GLE350
– 2016 GLE400
– 2016 GLE450
– 2016 GLE63
– 2016 GLE63 S
CarPlay provides hands-free or eyes-free access to Maps, Phone, Messages, Music, Podcasts and other third-party apps including Spotify, Rdio, iHeartRadio, CBS Radio and MLB At Bat. The platform also uses Siri voice control and interfaces with your vehicle’s knobs, dials and buttons for safer access to common iPhone features.
CarPlay is or will soon be available in a wide range of 2016 U.S. vehicles from Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ferrari, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo. Apple lists over a dozen other committed CarPlay partners on its website.
CarPlay is compatible with the iPhone 5 or later running iOS 8 or newer.
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New Update Makes Tumblr First Major Social Network to Support Live Photos
While iPhone 6s and 6s Plus users can share Live Photos with each other through services like iMessage, the hybrid image / video can’t be easily shared to social networks. Today, Tumblr updated its iOS app with Live Photos support, making it the first major social network to do so.
As TechCrunch notes, Tumblr users tend to upload, share, and re-share GIFs and other kinds of animated images, including memes, at a rapid rate, likely making Tumblr the first place where Live Photos would be widely seen and viewed.
The app was also updated with 3D Touch support. Now, users can press down on the app’s icon to search the service from their home screen, activate Live Photos, and peek and pop into other users’ Tumblrs by clicking on their name or avatar. While Tumblr does support Live Photos, they’re only viewable within its iOS app. Other updates to the Tumblr app include the ability to send a post to any Tumblr user and messaging.
Tumblr for iOS is available in the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
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The Wirecutter’s best deals: The iPad Air 2, and more!
This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer’s guide to the best technology. Read their continuously updated list of deals at TheWirecutter.com.
You may have already seen Engadget posting reviews from our friends at The Wirecutter. Now, from time to time, we’ll also be publishing their recommended deals on some of their top picks. Read on, and strike while the iron is hot — some of these sales could expire mighty soon.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 Digital Camera
Street Price: $748; MSRP: $900; Deal Price: $600
This is the best price we’ve seen on this camera by a huge margin. It’s nearly $150 below its previous best deal. Free shipping is included.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 is the upgrade pick in our guide on the best superzoom camera. Amadou Diallo said, “The Panasonic FZ1000’s sensor is four times larger (and several times better) than the one in our main pick. Spending the extra money on this model gets you shallower depth of field, less image noise at high ISO settings, and a lens that lets in a lot more light. You do have to settle for a rather limited 16x zoom range, though.”
iPad Air 2 64GB
Street Price: $600 MSRP: $600 Deal Price: $475
This isn’t the best price we’ve seen on this tablet, but close. Staples had a couple sales that brought it down to $450. One was around the start of fall, the other recently during Black Friday. They managed to sell out of them during Black Friday, so if you missed your chance to grab it then, $475 is still an excellent deal.
The iPad Air 2 is our pick for the best tablet. Chris Heinonen and Dan Frakes wrote, “The new iPads are always better than last year’s, and the newest devices always have a better balance of speed and features than older hardware. Also, the things that have made all the iPads strong tablets — like unbeatable app choices — are still present in this generation of the tablet.”
Canon Powershot ELPH 350 HS Camera
Street Price: $200; MSRP: $210; Deal Price: $140
We recently featured a deal on this for $159 that came with a small bundle, which included an alright camera bag and a 16GB SD card. Considering the costs of SD cards and how small this camera is, the additional $20 savings makes for a much nicer deal.
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 350 HS is our pick for the best cheap camera. Amadou Diallo said, “This budget-priced point-and-shoot camera is compact, dead simple to use, and able to take photos that look better than other cameras’ in its price range.”
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Street Price: $100; MSRP: $140; Deal Price: $79
Here’s a chance to get these headphones at a great price if you missed their Black Friday discount. This deal isn’t quite as good, but it’s still better than the street price. There’s also a deal right now to get these headphones plus a Blue Yeti USB mic for $130, but if all you’re looking for are the headphones, this is the better deal.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones are the runner-up pick in our guide on the best $150 over-ear headphones. Lauren Dragan said, “The Audio Technica ATH-M40x pair is pretty well balanced for the price, with a crisp, articulate high end (that some listeners might find too bright) and rich bass. The replaceable cable is a nice bonus.”
Deals change all the time, and some of these may have expired. To see an updated list of current deals, please go to The Wirecutter.com.
Tim Cook throws more shade at Google because Apple can’t win the classroom
Once he and his company is threatened by an outsider, Apple’s Tim Cook heads straight to the press and drops a quote that gets attention. The latest victim of a frustrated outburst from the Apple CEO is the Chromebook, the family of computers that runs Google’s Chrome OS. This comes as Google expects there to be more Chromebooks distributed in schools than all other devices combined.
While not naming Chromebooks specifically, Cook was clear in targeting them indirectly.
“Assessments don’t create learning. We are interested in helping students learn and teachers teach, but tests, no. We create products that are whole solutions for people — that allow kids to learn how to create and engage on a different level.”
Cook referred to Chromebooks as “test machines” even before providing that little bit on allowing students to learn and teachers to teach. Are students and teachers not benefiting from Google’s efforts in education? The company has continuously built up its Classroom platform since launching in 2014 and introduced virtual reality to the classroom as well. Meanwhile, Apple is trying to sell school districts iPads, but that hasn’t worked out very well for and the Los Angeles Unified School District legally went after the company in April. The two parties reached a settlement of $4.2 million in September. This is all while Google can get hardware manufacturers to produce low-cost Chromebooks for schools at a rapid pace.
And this still doesn’t feel as feisty as the time Cook called Android a “toxic hellstew,” to which Sundar Pichai defended Android’s security and pointed out that Google’s mobile operating system is being adopted at faster pace than anything else. You’re going to have to try harder next time, Tim. Because none of the millions of people using Chromebooks around the world are feeling like they have “test machines” in their hands. Perhaps Apple could do better in education if they released accessible products. A glorified iPad that starts at $799 and is way less productive than a mountain of Android and Windows devices probably shouldn’t have been Apple’s most recent move if education is such a big deal to the company. Who knows, maybe the next “one more thing” at an Apple event will be a low-cost MacBook.
Source: BuzzFeed News
Come comment on this article: Tim Cook throws more shade at Google because Apple can’t win the classroom
Griffin’s ‘Survivor Play’ Case for Apple TV Siri Remote Now Available
Back in September, Griffin announced its first product for the fourth-generation Apple TV, a silicone case designed to protect the Apple TV Siri Remote. As of today, Griffin’s Survivor Play remote control case is available for purchase.
The Survivor Play mimics the design of sleeves for the hand-held Wii Remote, wrapping the Siri Remote in a soft textured silicone that adds grip and padding that may save it from breaking should it be dropped on accident. The Siri Remote slips easily into the sleeve, which protects the back, the sides, and part of the front while still leaving the buttons, the built-in touch pad, and the Lightning port available for use.
At the back, there’s a thick but ergonomic grip included, which Griffin says makes the Survivor Play easy and comfortable to hold on to even during long gameplay sessions.
Given that there have already been multiple reports from people who have broken the glass touch area on their Apple TV Siri Remotes, the Survivor Play is a useful accessory that could prove to be quite popular with Apple TV owners. Because it leaves the Lightning port open, it can be paired with a Remote Loop for even more peace of mind.
Griffin’s Survivor Play for the Siri Remote can be purchased from the Griffin website for $19.99.
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The Apple TV already has over 2,600 apps
It really shouldn’t surprise anyone that the new Apple TV is already home to over 2,600 apps. The company that helped launch the entire app-centric industry might have been a bit late to the streaming-media box app store, but according to data collected by appFigures, tvOS is well on its way to becoming another popular platform for developers to build upon.
According to the data, the number one type of app available for the Apple TV are games. It’s not surprising that 38 percent of the store is hoping to make the device a gaming console. But, users have other plans.
The top 10 apps are all from major streaming companies, Netflix, Hulu etc. In fact, 28 of the top 50 apps are entertainment with only eight games games breaking into that list. Of course it’s easier to build a game than to become a major content provider. So expect more games for the box in the foreseeable future.
Source: appFigures
MacRumors Gift Guide by Joe: 64GB iPhone 6s on T-Mobile, V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Headphones and More
Earlier this week, my coworker Juli Clover kickstarted our MacRumors Gift Guides with a list of items that she owns and loves, would love to receive or would love to gift to someone. Today, she passes the reins onto me.
Our second gift guide this week is written by myself, Joe Rossignol, and is based on gifting an iPhone 6s on T-Mobile, including some of my personal favorite headphones and accessories that can be bundled with the smartphone.
SIM-Free 64GB iPhone 6s – $749 or Financed:
iPhone 6s is Apple’s newest smartphone, featuring a faster A9 chip with 2GB of RAM, 3D Touch and Live Photos. Apple continues to offer a base model with 16GB storage, but upgrading to 64GB is highly recommended for iPhone users with a higher number of apps, photos and music. iCloud storage is also available.
Apple sells the 64GB iPhone 6s in Gold, Rose Gold, Silver or Space Gray for $749, while T-Mobile’s newer JUMP! On Demand financing program breaks down the cost of the smartphone into 24 equal monthly payments of $27.09 with $99.99 due upfront. A credit check and qualifying service are required.
Also read more about Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program.
T-Mobile 6GB Simple Choice Plan – $65/Month:
T-Mobile is progressively becoming a more attractive U.S. carrier for iPhone users on a budget. Under the leadership of CEO John Legere, the carrier has replaced contracts and subsidizing pricing with attractive price points and features that are highly competitive with larger rivals AT&T and Verizon.
One of the most valuable plans offered by U.S. carriers is T-Mobile’s 6GB Simple Choice postpaid or prepaid plan, which for $65 per month includes unlimited talk, text messaging and up to 6GB of 4G LTE data nationwide, in addition to complimentary features such as Binge On, Data Stash, Mobile Without Borders and Music Freedom.
- Mobile Without Borders: Unlimited talk and text messaging to and from the U.S. and Canada and Mexico, and free 4G LTE roaming in select markets
- Simple Global: Unlimited low-speed data and texting at no extra cost, and flat-rate calls for 20 cents per minute, in 145 other countries outside of the U.S.
- Data Stash: At the end of the month, your unused 4G LTE data, up to 20GB total, rolls forward into your Data Stash to be used any time within 12 months. If you use 3GB of your 6GB 4G LTE data in January, for example, you could use up to 9GB of 4G LTE data in February. T-Mobile is also offering 10GB of 4G LTE data for free until December 31, 2015 as a one-time promotion for new customers.
- Music Freedom: T-Mobile offers unlimited streaming music from a number of top services, including Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Rdio, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, SoundCloud, SiriusXM and more. The data used by these apps does not count against your monthly allotment.
- Binge On: T-Mobile offers unlimited 480p video streaming from a number of top services, including Netflix, HBO Now, HBO Go, Hulu, WatchESPN, Showtime, Starz Play, Encore Play, Vevo, MLB.tv, NBC Sports, Movieplex Play, Vessel, Sling TV, Sling Box, T-Mobile TV, Go90, DirecTV, Univision Sports, Crackle, FOX Sports, FOX Sports Go, Vudu, and Ustream.
For most iPhone users, 6GB of 4G LTE data per month should be a reasonable amount, especially when considering the dozens of music and video streaming services that T-Mobile does not count against your data allotment. T-Mobile’s network is still inferior to AT&T and Verizon in some areas, however, so be sure to check their coverage map.
V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Headphones – $300
Apple’s EarPods included in the box with the iPhone 6s are likely good enough for the average iPhone user, but heavy music listeners or audiophiles may prefer to invest in a more premium pair of headphones. Nearly five years ago, I did so myself by purchasing a pair of V-MODA Crossfade LP headphones.
V-MODA continues to sell a lineup of premium headphones today, including new Crossfade Wireless headphones for $300 [Amazon]. The on-ear headphones deliver up to 12 hours of award-winning sound over Bluetooth per charge, or you can use the USB port or 3.5mm headphone jack for wired analog listening with zero latency.
Related Rumor: Apple May Replace 3.5mm Headphone Jack on iPhone 7 With All-in-One Lightning Connector
V-MODA’s Crossfade Wireless headphones use high-end Crossfade M100 drivers and are designed with an ergonomic steel flex headband, patented 50mm dual diaphragms, interchangeable soft memory cushions, custom 3D printed shields with laser engraving and other premium materials.
Bluelounge Backpack – From $149
Bluelounge’s Backpack is another product that I have owned for several years, it having accompanied me on multiple trips to New York City, Las Vegas, San Francisco and other destinations. The roll-top backpack is modern, eco-friendly and versatile, featuring solid aluminum carabiners and neoprene compartments that can hold smartphones, tablets and other day-to-day items.
Bluelounge’s Backpack is also waterproof and transitional in size, making it a perfect gift idea for the college student or outdoorsman among your family or friends. The backpack, made from 100% PET recycled materials and solid aluminum, is available in small for $149 (black or green) or in large for $159 (black or gray).
Anker Ultra Slim Extended Battery Case – $39.99
Apple introduced its new Smart Battery Case earlier this week for $99, which is two-and-a-half times more expensive than Anker’s Ultra Slim Extended Battery Case for iPhone 6s on sale for $39.99 [Amazon]. Anker’s case also delivers an extra 2,850 mAh battery capacity, providing up to 120% extra battery life per charge, compared to Apple’s 1,877 mAh battery case.
Anker’s Ultra Slim Battery Case may be slightly harder to put on your iPhone, and does not display the case’s battery level on the Lock screen or in Notification Center, but its affordable price point is hard to ignore. Wirecutter calls it the best battery case for iPhone 6s.
We’re going to be sharing additional gift guides over the next week, so make sure to keep an eye out for them. If you have a favorite product, feel free to add it to our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide Master List, which is going to be turned into a gift guide culled from our forum members’ most loved items.
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tvOS App Store After One Month: 2,624 Apps in Total, Entertainment Apps Most Popular With Consumers
It’s been more than a month since tvOS and the tvOS App Store launched alongside the new fourth-generation Apple TV, marking a good time to take a look at the state of the tvOS App Store. AppFigures today published some figures on tvOS apps, giving us an overview of the new App Store’s progress since it launched.
There are a total of 2,624 apps available in the tvOS App Store, and AppFigures expects growth to hit 5,000 apps in January and 10,000 apps early in 2016, with an average of 447 apps being added to the tvOS App Store each week. At that growth rate, tvOS is closely mirroring the growth of the original iOS App Store. In July of 2008, the iOS App Store launched with 500 apps, and expanded to 9,676 apps four months later in November of 2008.
At six months, the iOS App Store was at 15,000 apps and 500 million downloads, so it will be interesting to see if the tvOS App Store keeps pace. As of now, its growth rate compared to the growth rate of the iOS App Store is promising — in a few years, the tvOS App Store could closely resemble the iOS App Store in terms of app availability.
Of course, Apple will need to entice developers to the platform for it to be as successful as the iOS App Store, and that could be an uphill battle. TouchArcade editor-in-chief Eli Hodapp recently spoke to multiple tvOS developers who have popular apps and games in the tvOS App Store, many of whom are earning $100 “on a good day” with revenue that’s been trailing off since the Apple TV launched.
The tvOS App Store may be growing steadily, but if Apple can’t encourage developers to create high-quality content for the platform, it could go the way of the Mac App Store instead of the iOS App Store. Aside from a handful of super popular apps, most Mac App Store apps aren’t bringing in a lot of money and some developers are even abandoning the platform because of the way Apple has handled it.
There are no ads available in tvOS apps, so developers must charge money up front or generate revenue through in-app purchases. A lot of people have come to expect content for free through the iOS App Store, which is problematic. According to AppFigures, 39 percent of apps on the tvOS App Store are paid apps. Most paid apps are priced at $0.99, and almost all paid apps are priced below $4.99.
When it comes to the composition of apps in the tvOS App Store, games are, unsurprisingly, the most popular category, making up 38 percent of all Apple TV apps. Of the 2,624 apps available, 1,002 of those are in the Games category. Entertainment, which includes apps like Netflix or Hulu, is the second most popular category, followed by Education and Lifestyle.
Though games are the most prolific apps in the tvOS App Store, based on the top 50 most downloaded apps, customers are more interested in the Entertainment category, downloading apps like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Go. Games is the second most popular download category, followed by News.
AppFigures data was gathered from its Appbase app catalog, which contains more than four million apps from all major app stores, including Apple TV apps.
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