iPhone SE 2 May Release?

Just when I thought we ran out of hope, it seems that we have some good evidence suggesting a May release for the iPhone SE 2. According to Mac Otakara, case makers are saying that the iPhone SE 2 will have no headphone jack and feature Touch ID. Touch ID likely means Face ID will not be on the iPhone SE 2, which also likely means that we will have a regular display. In addition, some legal documents filed in April for unreleased iPhones are suggesting a May release, as we saw similar documents being submitted for a new iPad in February, with a release in March. It would be nice to finally see the iPhone SE get a proper refresh, even if it isn't that significant.

Alexa Skill Blueprints

Amazon Echo has brought another enticing feature to its platform, Alexa Skill Blueprints. I've done some coding for Amazon Alexa in the past. It take a good amount of commitment to get acquainted with. However, Alexa Skill Blueprints gives custom functionality to Alexa without the need for code. It's simple input/output. When you set a custom question, Alexa will issue a custom response. This only works on that device, which gives each device more personality. The potential here is limitless. Things like leaving instructions for a house sitter is just one of many ideas for this. Alexa Skill Blueprints are currently available in the U.S. and owners can get started on the Amazon Alexa website.

$550 6.1" iPhone Coming in 2018?

Part of the issue with the iPhone X and its sales is the price. Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple will release a 6.1" iPhone priced as low as $550. This would likely be an LCD model, not an OLED, with the iPhone X design. This would likely make the transition to an iPhone X-style screen go much quicker. That's also very encouraging to app developers to optimize their apps for the new display. Hopefully, this price is in the ballpark and we see adoption.

Apple Park Drone Shots

Duncan Sinfield is a drone videographer that frequently gets drone shots of Apple Park. However, he fears that his Apple Park visits may come to an end soon. He states that within ten minutes of takeoff, two security cars are sent to his location where he is asked to stop. He politely respects their wishes and leaves. He also uses this as a warning for others hoping to get drone shots of Apple Park. While I understand any disappointment regarding this, it does make sense that Apple would want to regulate third-party drones for both safety and security reasons. Duncan's drone footage is below if you'd like to see it.

Why You Shouldn't Worry About GrayKey Box

GrayKey Box has been making the news lately. GrayKey Box is a device that can unlock an iPhone. It has been heavily marketed to police forces. Suddenly, you have clickbait articles telling you to change your passcode to alphanumeric. Relax. Let's get two things straight. First, as a regular law-abiding citizen, there's no reason to believe your phone will be confiscated. But more importantly, GrayKey Box has no promise of being future-proof, as a single update from Apple could close this backdoor. In addition, these cost $15,000 for the base-model, and $30,000 for the enhanced model. A regular thief won't have access to this. So, don't worry. Your iPhone is as secure as it always has been.

Apple and Advertising

I've voiced a lot of criticisms about HomePod. However, I think it's important to look at what makes HomePod different. While I do believe, to some extent, HomePod was a rushed product, HomePod does bring technologies that Google Home and Amazon Alexa can't touch. Having iMessage capabilities, sound quality, and the Apple ecosystem are huge wins for HomePod, but Apple never mentions it, at least in their marketing. I'm tired of seeing all these "hip and with the kids" iPhone X ads from Apple. They're too weird and off-putting to me knowing their long history with advertisements. Apple ads used to have wit, charm, emotion, and creativity put into them. Not some kid licking watermelon off an iPad because... education. I think if Apple made an ad showing how these devices worked together so well, instead of just focusing on one product, more people would be aware of what a HomePod is and why we want one. Apple has become known as the company with an ecosystem that works so well together over the past few years and they should definitely capitalize on it. Maybe make a series of advertisements for different lifestyles. Call them things like "iPhone + Apple Watch" and "iPad + Apple TV." Show how combinations of their products will bring a cohesive experience to everyday tasks. Make the consumer want to see more combinations and peak their interest. I would love a creative change in their marketing like this.

Apple Wanted a Gold iPhone X

Documents from the FCC reveal that the iPhone X was supposed to release in a gold color [Source: MacRumors]. This document was filed in September, which suggests that the gold color may have been axed at the last second. Despite this, rumors have surfaced lately about a potential release of a gold iPhone X. I honestly don't think it would be in Apple's best interest to release it now, especially after the release of the PRODUCT(RED) iPhone 8.

Apple's Warning to Leakers

It's no secret that there have been a ton of leaks for Apple products in the recent history. In truly ironic fashion, Apple has released a document that details punishments for leakers, and that document has been leaked itself [Source Bloomberg]. In short, the document goes over how many employees have been caught and fired over leaking information. It also seems to implicitly confirm that iOS 12 will likely be feature-light and focused on bug fixes. I recommend viewing the whole document for those who are curious. But this is interesting to see Apple stepping up on leakers. I wouldn't mind less rumors just for more surprise at Apple events. 

Ring Smart Doorbell Price Drop

Ring was recently acquired by Amazon and, as a result, Amazon has discounted the entry-level Ring Video Doorbell. Down from $149, the video doorbell is now just $99. Ring Video Doorbells allow the user to get notifications when your doorbell has been rung and lets you see and talk to whoever is at the door. These doorbells are often used as a crime deterrent. In addition, Ring is still promising HomeKit support for Apple users. The entry-level Ring Video Doorbell is available from Amazon for $99 [Affiliate Link].

HomePod Sales Cut

Apple is beginning to notice the repercussions of the HomePod's rushed production. According to Bloomberg, Apple has cut the amount of HomePods produced due to poor sales. Some stores have supposedly sold less than 10 units a day. I think a lot of this is due to a lack of innovation on Apple's part. I've gone on many times before about how this is Apple playing catchup with the smart speaker market and how HomePod had potential that isn't here at launch. I do believe that HomePod sales will pick up when AirPlay 2 comes out, but not significantly. If sales do pick up significantly, it will likely be the holiday season, potentially a Black Friday sale. Additionally, if Siri can do significantly more in iOS 12, this would also drive up sales. For now, there isn't much reason to buy a HomePod. Maybe we'll hear more about it at WWDC this year.

Why There's No Red iPhone X

Whenever there's any coverage on the new PRODUCT(RED) iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus models, people seem to wish there was a PRODUCT(RED) iPhone X. Personally, I think Apple wouldn't want to waste money making it in red. While tech journalists may have some demand for a red iPhone X, consumers likely won't be willing to buy a new, expensive iPhone just to have it in red. No one was really holding off on buying an iPhone X because of a red color. A red folio was a good middle ground. Owners of the iPhone X can easily swap out their case for a new look without having to buy a new iPhone and prospective owners can focus on two simple, yet striking colors. I will say that I'm not a fan of the iPhone X folio. I opted for a regular leather case because the folio feels very cheap for the $99 price tag. It feels like a regular leather case glued onto a foldable case. Regardless, it's nice that Apple gave iPhone X users a chance to get a PRODUCT(RED) accessory for their iPhone.

Apple Music Playlist Covers

I was going through my Apple Music library and I found that my playlist covers were not aesthetically pleasing. In the "Recently Added" view, playlists are shown in the same area as albums. By default, playlists show up to four quarters of album artwork contained in the playlist. The issue? This often makes playlists blend into your albums. In addition, you don't have much say which albums are shown in the art, so if you have multiple playlists that share albums, they may look very similar. However, in the "For You" section, you'll find curated mixes for you, like the "Chill Mix." The artwork for these mixes are simple, the Apple Music logo with the title text below it on top of a simple gradient. This art is nice and simplistic, but it also pops. So, I made some mockups of my own playlists. Personally, I think letting Apple Music users have the ability to natively create their own playlist artwork would be great. Adding more customization to a playlist makes it more personal and encourages sharing. Plus, you can easily pick them out when surrounded by albums. I would like it if Apple made this more accessible to Apple Music users.

(PRODUCT)RED iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus Release Imminent

According to MacRumors, Virgin Mobile leaked an internal document stating that the rumored (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will be announced tomorrow. Supposedly, there will be pre-orders, so they may not ship immediately. It should also be noted that there probably won't be a (PRODUCT)RED iPhone X. There is some hope for an announcement about AirPower tomorrow as well.

Google's Chief of Search and AI Acquired by Apple

Apple has hired Google's chief of search and artificial intelligence [Source: The New York Times]. This is a great hire by Apple. I think this will take Siri in a much better direction than it was going before, especially with HomePod on the market. I think within the next two years, we could see a radically different Siri, as Apple has been ramping up on hires for A.I. recently. 

Apple Over-Ear Headphones Concept

There have been some rumors of Apple developing a pair of high-end over-ear headphones under the Apple brand. With AirPods, EarPods, and HomePod, I'm guessing this could be called HeadPods. Just a random guess. Curved.de stepped in and made their concept for (Over)EarPods. I love the inspiration it takes from HomePod. However, I'm not sure if there would be much use for the LED panel on the side. I do like it design-wise, but I don't see much potential for it. I wouldn't mind seeing this with USB-C or Lightning support, as opposed to the micro-USB connector of the Beats brand. Be sure to check out the video below for a full concept.

New Mac Pro Launching in 2019

From TechCrunch, Apple's new Mac Pro will be launching in 2019. Apple is stressing that this Mac will be truly geared towards professionals. This has been a growing concern in recent years, so it's nice to have acknowledgement directly from Apple. Apple also stated that it will not be launching any sooner, so don't expect some miracle breakthrough. I'm looking forward to seeing what Apple has planned. Their transparency is hopefully a sign of change for professionals who need Apple's tech to keep up.

Apple App Store Quality Control

Quality over quantity is Apple's policy with the App Store. Last year, Apple enforced a new policy that would strictly cut down on apps that weren't being updated properly. Trust me, there's no worse feeling than downloading an app that does a specific function, but it's terribly outdated. Especially when there's no other option. According to Appfigures, the App Store's app count is down. It wouldn't surprise me if the majority of these removed apps were completely abandoned.

Intel i9 Processors

With news of Apple making their own processor chips by 2020, Intel has just announced their new Intel i9 processors. These are specifically designed for laptop performance. It could possibly be in a MacBook Pro refresh this year. They also refreshed their i5 and i7 processors for desktops. Now, if you can't tell by how I'm writing this post, I'm not an expert on processors. I'm a software guy. So, putting this in relation to software, it's exciting to see a new standard of higher performance coming in the near future. Hopefully, we see some refreshes this year with WWDC coming soon. 

The State of Apple Watch Apps

The Apple Watch has been more and more popular. It has undeniable growth. Yet, Instagram has become one of the latest apps to remove Apple Watch functionality. Why is this? Apple's vision is that the Apple Watch exists so you don't have to use your iPhone, your iPhone exists so you don't have to use your iPad, and your iPad exists so you don't have to use your Mac. The trickle down effect doesn't seem to work exactly the same with the Apple Watch. Apple Watch apps clearly don't work in the context of social media and games. They work with fitness apps and notifications forwarded from iPhone apps. Developers are realizing this. This shouldn't discourage any prospective Apple Watch owners. I rarely use Apple Watch apps, but Apple Watch acts as a pager of sorts. It can forward notifications and you can decide whether to take action on those notifications on your iPhone. 

April Fools' Day 2018

This year felt like one of the biggest years for April Fools' jokes from technology companies, yet Google wasn't nearly as involved as it was in previous years. TwelveSouth is selling a desk that goes around your neck. Discord is announcing an update that will randomly crash to "keep you on your toes." I especially enjoyed Logitech and Google Japan's ideas, which I've embedded below. For Google Japan's video, be sure to turn on English captions.