EU Inquiry Finds No Evidence Apple Colluded With Record Labels to End Freemium Music

The European Commission has failed to find evidence that Apple conspired with record labels to put a stop to free music streaming services, reports Re/code, citing sources with knowledge of the investigation.

The European Commission spoke with multiple digital music services and record labels, but was not able to find evidence of illegal activity, putting an end to the probe. Investigators’ “files will remain open,” however, as Spotify continues with licensing talks with major labels.

European regulators began scrutinizing Apple’s discussions with record labels in April, over concerns Apple would use its influence to persuade music companies to put an end to free ad-supported music services such as Spotify. Apple Music, unlike Spotify, does not offer a free listening tier.

Rumors later suggested Apple was indeed leveraging its power in the music industry to push record labels to stop offering licensing options for freemium music tiers, leading to investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, both of which are ongoing.

According to Re/code‘s sources, while the European Commission has found no evidence of collusion between Apple and record labels, it has also launched a separate investigation into Apple’s App Store policies concerning competing music services.

Separately, the EU has asked Spotify and other music streaming services for information pertaining to Apple’s mobile App Store, according to people with knowledge of the situation. Regulators are seeking information on the restrictions Apple places on apps offered through the store.

Apple’s App Store policies are also currently being looked at by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, due to the 30 percent fee the company collects on app and subscription revenue. The FTC is concerned that Apple’s fee and its policies, such as a ban on links to outside stores, are illegal under antitrust law.

Apple Debuts New ‘Photos & Videos’ iPhone Ad

Continuing on with its “If it’s not an iPhone, it’s not an iPhone” advertising campaign, Apple today updated its YouTube channel with a new “iPhone – Photos & Videos” ad that focuses on the photographic capabilities of the iPhone.

The ad depicts an assortment of artfully arranged iPhones that display photos and videos in an assortment of different patterns. A voiceover accompanies the ad, pointing out the iPhone’s popularity as a camera and its ease of use.

Every day millions of amazing photos and vids are shot with iPhone. That’s because the iPhone makes it easy for everyone to shoot amazing photos and videos.

The style of the video mimics the other ads that are part of this particular campaign, “Loved,” “iPhone – Hardware & Software,” and “Amazing Apps,” all of which were released in July. As with those videos, Apple ends the “Photos & Videos” ad with the tagline “If it’s not an iPhone, it’s not an iPhone.”

Apple’s latest campaign is the third series of ads for the iPhone, following an initial set of comedy ads from Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake and the “Shot on iPhone 6” campaign that highlights photos captured with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

As part of its newest advertising efforts, Apple also recently introduced a “Why There’s Nothing Quite Like an iPhone” web campaign that focuses on features that differentiate the iPhone from competing devices, pointing out the iPhone’s integration of hardware and software, wide range of apps, camera, resistance to malware, Touch ID, and Apple Pay.

Buyer’s Guide: Discounts on iPad Air 2, MacBook Air, Apple Accessories, and More

If you’ve been waiting to buy an iPad Air 2, this may be the week to do it. Best Buy has cut prices on many models by $50 to $100. Prices aren’t the lowest we’ve seen, but they’re close, especially on higher-capacity models.

Best Buy is also having a sale on some of its MacBook Air models, dropping the prices by $100. With the deal, the prices are the lowest we’ve seen on the 11-inch MacBook Air models since they were released. Best Buy is also now selling the Apple Watch, but there are no discounts to be had on the device.

Apple’s Back to School promotion is still going on, and as of this week, it’s expanded to the online store as well. Apple is offering a free pair of Beats Solo2 headphones with the purchase of a Mac.

iPad Air 2

Best Buy is discounting its selection of iPad Air 2 models this week, dropping prices from $75 to $100. The biggest discount is on the 128GB Cellular iPad Air 2 in Gold and Space Gray, available for $729.99, the lowest price we’ve seen on that particular model.

The 16GB Wi-Fi only model is available for $449, the 64GB Wi-Fi model is available for $524.99, and the 128GB Wi-Fi model is available for $599.99, $100 off.
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Apple to Debut New iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV on September 9

Apple’s annual fall iPhone event will likely be held on Wednesday, September 9, reports BuzzFeed‘s John Paczkowski, who has provided reliable information on event dates in the past. According to sources that spoke to BuzzFeed, the event will be held during the week of September 7, with September 9 targeted as the most likely date.

The event’s focus will be on the next-generation iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, both of which will feature a Force Touch display, an A9 processor, an improved camera system, and a faster LTE chip, among other features. Apple may also unveil new iPads at the event, but the 12.9-inch iPad Pro “seems to be a wildcard,” says Paczkowski, meaning it could come at the event or at a later date.

In addition to the iPhone and iPad, Apple is also expected to unveil the next-generation Apple TV. The Apple TV will be a huge update over its predecessor, featuring an updated A8 processor, a full App Store, a touch-based remote control, and Siri integration. It will, of course, include an entirely revamped body as well.

With Apple unveiling the new iPhones on September 9, pre-orders, if available, are likely to kick off on Friday, September 11. The two devices are then likely to officially launch later in the month, perhaps on September 25. iPads and the Apple TV will probably launch during the same time frame.

Bellabeat Review: The Leaf is a Pretty Activity Tracker, But the Accompanying App Needs Improvement

There are a huge number of wearable activity trackers on the market, but few of those are directed specifically at women, an issue Bellabeat aims to fix with the Leaf. The Leaf is an activity tracker that looks more like a stylish piece of jewelry than a standard tracker from a company like Jawbone, Nike, or Fitbit, disguising itself as a “leaf” accessory able to be worn on the wrist, collar, or neck.

Like many activity trackers on the market, the Leaf tracks steps taken and sleep quality, but when paired with the app using Bluetooth, it also tracks menstruation and ovulation and it offers guided breathing exercises to reduce stress when worn around the neck, setting it apart from other fitness offerings.

Hardware

As the name suggests, the Leaf is a Leaf-shaped accessory consisting of a stainless steel backing, a wood base (American Ashwood) housing the activity tracker and battery, and a stainless steel leaf-shaped clip that fits over the wooden portion. With the clip, it can be worn on a shirt collar or hem (less than 2mm thick), and with attachments at the top and bottom, it can be attached to a chain and worn around the neck or attached to a leather loop and worn around the wrist. Both the necklace chain and the leather wrist strap ship with the Leaf.

Size wise, the Leaf weighs 0.64 ounces and measures in at 1.89 inches by 1.18 inches and it’s a half an inch thick. I am petite with small wrists and it fit on my wrist using the tightest wrap setting. It was comfortable to wear on my wrist, but it looked bulky on me.
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iPhone 6s Roundup Updated

Apple’s iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are coming next month, and we’ve updated our iPhone 6s and 6s Plus roundup with details on expected features, an extensive list of part leaks, and a fantastic new video that walks through all of the changes we’ll see in the new devices.

Make sure to check it out.

MacRumors Giveaway: Win a Pad & Quill Leather Backpack or Briefcase

For our next giveaway, we’ve partnered again with Pad & Quill, the maker of premium MacBook, iPhone, and iPad cases and other accessories. Pad & Quill is graciously offering three bags from the company’s new line-up of briefcases and backpacks, including the Leather Backpack (also available in a larger size), the Briefcase (also available in a larger size), and the Luxury Briefcase.

The Leather Backpack models are made of heavy waxed canvas and full-grain American steer leather. Each has a padded laptop sleeve, with the smaller model accommodating laptops up to 13 inches and the larger one accepting laptops up to 15 inches. The Leather Backpack will retail for $295 and the Large Leather Backpack will retail for $365. Both are available for pre-order now and will begin shipping later this month.

The Briefcase models are also made of heavy waxed canvas and full-grain leather. Both models will fit laptops up to 15 inches, with the Large Briefcase offering 25% more room compared to the Briefcase. Also scheduled to begin shipping later this month, the Briefcase will retail for $295 and the Large Briefcase will retail for $365.

The Luxury Briefcase is made entirely of leather, with a full-grain leather exterior and pigskin leather interior. It will fit laptops up to 15 inches and will begin shipping in early September with a retail price of $495.

All of these Pad & Quill bags feature leather hand-crafted by a leather artisan and have a 25-year warranty.

To enter to win, use the Rafflecopter widget below and enter your email address. Your email address will not be given to any third party and will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page. Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to enter.

Three winners will be chosen for this giveaway. The first winner selected can choose one of the Leather Backpack models. The second winner selected can choose one of the Briefcase models. The third winner selected will receive the Luxury Briefcase.

a Rafflecopter giveawayThis contest will run from today (August 7) at 12:00 pm Pacific time through 12:00 pm Pacific time on August 14. The winners will be chosen randomly on August 14 and will be contacted by email. The winners have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address. The prizes will be shipped to the winners for free.