Apple today seeded the third beta of an upcoming macOS Mojave 10.14.3 update to developers and public beta testers, three weeks after releasing the second beta and a month after the launch of macOS Mojave 10.14.2.
The new macOS Mojave 10.14.3 beta can be downloaded through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences after the proper profile has been installed from Apple's Developer Center or through the public beta testing program.
We don't yet know what improvements the next update to macOS Mojave will bring, but it is likely to include bug fixes and performance improvements for issues that weren't able to be addressed in the macOS 10.14.2 update.
No new features were found in the first two betas of macOS 10.14.3, but if we find anything new in the third beta, we'll update this post.
Kwikset today at CES 2019 announced that its HomeKit-enabled Premis smart door lock will be available in a new contemporary style with sleek, square lines later this year in the United States. While pricing was not disclosed, the current Premis is available for $229 regularly in the United States.
Kwikset Premis in new contemporary style on left, Mighton Avia on right
Premis enables homeowners to unlock and lock a door in four different ways: using the Home app on iOS, using Siri voice commands, entering a passcode on the touchpad, or the old fashioned route of using a key. And with a HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad set up as a home hub, the lock can be controlled away from home too.
Premis can also be added to HomeKit scenes. When you arrive home, for example, you could say "I'm home" to Siri and the deadbolt will unlock, perhaps alongside your lights turning on and your bedroom blinds lowering for the evening.
Homeowners can assign up to 30 customizable user codes to guests for use when the homeowner isn't present using the companion Kwikset Premis app for iOS, which also lets users manage those user codes, view lock activity, track lock status, receive lock notifications, and more. The app is free on the App Store.
In related news, Mighton has introduced Avia, a HomeKit-enabled smart lock that works on multipoint locking doors. The lock will be available in May 2019, according to Apple, which provided MacRumors with a summary of recently announced HomeKit-compatible accessories timed for CES 2019. Pricing was not disclosed.
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Netgear today announced a new version of its Orbi Mesh Wi-Fi System, which is equipped with 6th-generation Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax technology that supports gigabit wireless speeds.
According to Netgear, the Wi-Fi 6 version of the Orbi will allow for new performance benchmarks for Mesh Wi-Fi systems, delivery sustained gigabit wireless speeds across the home.
For those unfamiliar with Orbi, it is a multi-node mesh Wi-Fi system much like the Linksys Velop that Apple sells in its retail stores. With Orbi, the idea is to set up multiple Orbi access points throughout the home to ensure high-speed Wi-Fi coverage in all rooms.
The new Orbi Mesh Wi-Fi System features 1024 QAM with a 4x4 Wi-Fi 6 backhaul, for increased speeds, coverage, and capacity.
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest version of the Wi-Fi protocol, which will be baked into future computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Accessories with Wi-Fi 6 support connected to a system like the Orbi will be able to achieve higher data transfer speeds.
No Apple devices take advantage of Wi-Fi 6 at this time, but it's likely to be built into future iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Netgear says that its next-generation Orbi system is ideal for households that have a "multitude" of connected devices running high-bandwidth internet for purposes like 4K video streaming, always-on smart home devicds, and video monitoring security systems.
The Orbi with Wi-Fi 6 will be available in Netgear's Orbi RBK50 series in the second half of 2019.
Zagg today unveiled a new line of keyboard products designed for Apple's latest iPads, including the fifth and sixth-generation 9.7-inch iPads and the 2018 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models.
Slim Book Go
ZAGG's Slim Book Go offers full protection for the iPad, with a stand-style case and detachable keyboard.
Designed to be slim and lightweight for easy transport, the Slim Book Go offers multiple viewing angles, backlit laptop style keys that can be set to seven colors, and a built-in holder for the Apple Pencil.
It's able to connect to up to two devices at once, with an option to easily toggle between them, making it ideal for use with both an iPad and an iPhone. The keyboard is battery powered and it is able to last up to a year between charges depending on usage.
The Slim Book Go is available for the 9.7-inch iPad starting today at a price point of $99.99. Versions for the 11-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be coming this spring, with the 11-inch model priced at $99.99 and the 12.9-inch model priced at $129.99.
Rugged Book Go
The Rugged Book Go is similar in design to the Slim Book Go, but it features better drop protection, much like other products in ZAGG's rugged lineup.
It will be able to withstand drops of up to 6.6 feet thanks to a durable TPU-wrapped enclosure. ZAGG plans to release the Rugged Book Go for the 11-inch iPad Pro this spring at a price point of $149.99.
Messenger Folio
ZAGG also plans to expand its Messenger Folio line, introducing a version for Apple's 11-inch iPad Pro. The Messenger Folio is ZAGG's more affordable keyboard series, offering up a lightweight protective case and a keyboard that does not feature backlit keys.
Unlike the Slim Book Go, the Messenger Folio is not a two-piece setup and the keyboard is not detachable. It does, however, feature a folio-style casing as the name suggests, with a built-in stand for the iPad.
The Messenger Folio features a tab for holding the Apple Pencil in place and a magnetic lock closure to keep the case closed up when the keyboard is not in use.
ZAGG plans to release the Messenger Folio for the 11-inch iPad Pro in February for $69.99.
Glass+ VisionGuard Screen Protector
Along with its new keyboards, ZAGG today announced that it is introducing an InvisibleGlass+ VisionGuard screen protector for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and the 2018 iPad Pro models.
The VisionGuard is designed to cut down on blue light exposure while also keeping the iPad's display safe from scratches and dings.
InvisibleShield Glass+ VisionGuard screen protectors are available for the 11-inch iPad Pro ($64.99), 12.9-inch iPad Pro ($74.99), and 9.7-inch iPad Pro ($59.99) starting today from the Zagg website.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with ZAGG. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Back in August, a California jury awarded Canadian patent holding company WiLan $145.1 million in an ongoing dispute with Apple after the iPhone was found to have infringed on two WiLan patents related to wireless communications technology.
Apple won't be paying WiLan $145.1 million, though, as the court recently decided that WiLAN must accept reduced damages of $10 million or prepare for a new trial to figure out how much Apple needs to pay.
The court did agree, however, that Apple infringed on the two patents, so the company will need to pay WiLan some amount in damages.
WiLan and Apple have been ordered to enter into discussions to attempt to find a resolution, and WiLan says that it remains open to a "fair and reasonable" settlement with Apple.
WiLan describes itself as "one of the most successful patent licensing companies in the world." Apple's legal dispute with WiLan started back in 2010, when WiLan claimed Apple violated one of its Bluetooth related products.
There are quite a few notable deals that began today to kick off the new year, starting with discounts on Anker's wall chargers, wireless chargers, car chargers, Bluetooth speakers, and more. Many of the sales don't require a discount code, and these will be lasting for most of January.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Anker January Codes
5-in-1 USB-C Hub - $25.99 with code AKCHUB34, down from $45.99 (exp. 1/21)
4-in-1 USB-C Hub - $29.99 with code AKCHUB36, down from $49.99 (exp. 1/22)
At Costco, members can save on both Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 4 models. Because of their age, Series 3 models have the best discounts, with prices as low as $229.99 for the 38mm aluminum model. Series 4 models are being discounted by about $15 across the board, beating the price of rival retailers like Best Buy and Target. To see the savings, you'll need to be a Costco member.
If you're close to a Micro Center store, the retailer has Apple's AirPods for $139.99, down from the regular $159.99 price tag. This sale is only available in Micro Center's retail stores, but it's worth it if you are near one, since this discount is one of the better prices we've seen on AirPods recently.
There are also quite a few iPad deals carrying over from 2018 into this year, with offerings from Amazon and B&H Photo. At B&H Photo you'll find the older 2017 models of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, with discounts of as much as $280 off the regular price of each device (including both Wi-Fi and Cellular options).
Amazon has the the latest 11-inch iPad Pro and 9.7-inch iPad models, including Wi-Fi and Cellular devices. A few of these prices are matched at MacMall, and you can find all of the sales in the list below.
Ikea this week added to its line of HomeKit-connected smart home products with the launch of the Kadrilj and Fyrtur smart roller blinds, which are now available for purchase in Germany.
Both of the smart blind products are powered via a battery that allows users to raise or lower them through an included remote control, a smartphone app, or through Alexa, Google Assistant, or HomeKit.
The blinds come in six different sizes to fit a variety of windows, ranging from 80x195cm to 140x195cm. Both are a gray shade, but the Kadrilj is a darker gray than the Fyrtur and less transparent.
Ikea's website says that the blinds are available in some German Ikea stores, and will be available online starting on February 2. Pricing starts at 99 euros for Kadrilj and 199 euros for Fyrtur.
It's not yet clear if the February 2 online rollout will include availability in the United States, but with the blinds available in Germany, a U.S. launch is not likely to be too far behind.
Update: Ikea's HomeKit-enabled smart blinds will be available in the United States starting on April 1. Ikea plans to sell the Fyrtur model in the U.S., with the Kadrilj model limited to other countries.
At this year's Consumer Electronics Show, Seagate is launching a number of new external hard drives and solid state drives under its Seagate and LaCie brand names, offering up a new range of data storage solutions.
Seagate's premium LaCie brand is launching two new products, including the LaCie Mobile Drive and the LaCie Mobile SSD.
The LaCie Mobile Drive offers up to 5TB of storage for those who need a lot of storage space, while the LaCie Mobile SSD offers up to 2TB of storage space and transfer speeds of 540MB/s, for instances when quick data transfer is needed.
The two new LaCie drives, which are launching in January, feature a unique diamond-cut design that's meant to complement the aesthetics of Apple's Mac notebook lineup.
LaCie's Mobile Drive offers a two year warranty, while the LaCie Mobile SSD offers a three year warranty and a three year subscription to the Seagate Rescue Data Recovery plan.
Under the Seagate brand, multiple new Backup Plus drives are launching. The Backup Plus Ultra Touch, available in 1TB or 2TB capacities, is designed to offer a "high-touch sensory experience" with features that include automatic backup and multi-device folder sync.
The Backup Plus Slim, available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, and the Backup Plus Portable, in 4TB and 5TB capacities, are Seagate's newest drives in a classic line, offering an aluminum finish in black, blue, and silver, with automatic backup included.
All new Backup Plus models ship with a complimentary two month subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan.
Seagate's Backup Plus Ultra Touch will be available starting in February. while the Backup Plus Slim and Backup Plus Portable will launch in March.
Austrian Apple supplier AMS today announced the launch of new sensor technology that could be incorporated into future iPhones to cut down on the size of the notch that houses the TrueDepth Camera System used for Face ID.
AMS has developed a new RGB light and IR proximity sensor that's designed to be installed behind a smartphone's OLED display, reducing the outside area required for these sensors.
The company says that its new light and proximity sensor could perhaps result in the elimination of the bezel in its entirety.
"Smartphone OEMs today are striving to maximize their products' screen-to-body ratio, reducing the bezel area as much as possible on the display's face," said David Moon, Senior Marketing Manager at ams. "The TCS3701 enables phone designers to take this trend to a new level, potentially eliminating the bezel entirely. This is only possible because the TCS3701 can operate behind an OLED display, a breakthrough enabled by the outstanding sensitivity of the device and by the implementation of sophisticated measurement algorithms to compensate for the optical distortion caused by the OLED display."
According to AMS, the light and IR proximity sensor can sense ambient light passing through an OLED display, with unique algorithms developed to allow for accurate detection of ambient light without interference by the display's pixel brightness.
As noted by Reuters, AMS is the company that provides Apple with optical sensors for the TrueDepth camera system on the iPhone X, XR, XS, and XS Max. While AMS does not list Apple as a customer, analysts believe Apple accounts for approximately 45 percent of AMS' business.
Rumors have suggested that Apple is planning to introduce a smaller notch in its 2019 iPhones, and this new technology from AMS paves the way. We've also heard rumors suggesting Apple could debut an iPhone design that eliminates the notch entirely, but it's not entirely clear just how that would work as the front-facing camera still needs to be able to function even with some sensors under the display.
Apple today seeded the third beta of an upcoming iOS 12.1.3 update to developers, three weeks after releasing the last beta and a little over three weeks after releasing iOS 12.1.2, an update that focused on bug fixes for the eSIM feature and changed certain iPhone features in China after a Chinese court found that some iPhones infringe on Qualcomm patents.
Registered developers can download the new iOS 12.1.3 beta from Apple's Developer Center or over-the-air once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Developer Center.
The third iOS 12.1.3 beta is technically the second beta, but because iOS 12.1.3 includes the same updates that were supposed to be included in the iOS 12.1.2 beta that was released earlier, Apple released the initial iOS 12.1.3 as a second beta rather than a first beta.
Apple seeded one beta of iOS 12.1.2 before tweaking the software to include some emergency bug fixes and the aforementioned software changes in China, rushing the update out and pushing content originally planned for iOS 12.1.2 to iOS 12.1.3 instead.
iOS 12.1.3 will mark the fourth update to iOS 12. We don't yet know what features are included, and no major changes were found in the original iOS 12.1.2 beta that was the precursor to iOS 12.1.3 or the first beta labeled 12.1.3. As a 12.x.x update, iOS 12.1.3 likely focuses on minor changes, bug fixes, and operating system tweaks. If we find anything new in the "third" iOS 12.1.3 beta, we'll update this post.
Update: Apple has also made a new beta of iOS 12.1.3 available to public beta testers.
Apple today seeded the third beta of an upcoming watchOS 5.1.3 update to developers, three weeks after seeding the second beta and a month after releasing watchOS 5.1.2.
Once the proper configuration profile has been installed from the Apple Developer Center, the new watchOS beta can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General --> Software update.
To install the update, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it must be placed on the charger, and it has to be in range of the iPhone.
As a minor 5.1.x update, watchOS 5.1.3 likely focuses on addressing issues that weren't able to be fixed with watchOS 5.1.2. No new changes were found in the first two betas of watchOS 5.1.3, but we'll update this post if we find new features in the third beta.
The prior watchOS 5.1.2 update introduced the long-awaited ECG feature for the Apple Watch Series 4, allowing Apple Watch owners to take single-lead electrocardiograms to detect atrial fibrillation, which can be a sign of serious health problems.
Apple today seeded the third beta of an upcoming tvOS 12.1.2 update to developers for testing purposes, three weeks after seeding the second tvOS 12.1.2 beta and a month after releasing tvOS 12.1.1.
Designed for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV models, the new tvOS 12.1.2 developer beta can be downloaded onto the Apple TV via a profile that's installed using Xcode.
tvOS updates have historically been minor in scale, focusing on under-the-hood bug fixes and improvements rather than outward-facing changes. Apple unfortunately provides little to no information on what's included in tvOS updates, so we may not discover anything new after installing the beta.
Though we don't often know what's included in tvOS updates, we let users know when new software is available so developers and public beta testers are able to download it upon release. If there are noticeable changes in the third tvOS 12.1.2 beta, we'll update this post with details
Update: Apple has also made a new beta of tvOS 12.1.2 available to public beta testers.
Ring, which was purchased by Amazon last year, today debuted its latest line of home security products. The Ring Door View Cam, its newest doorbell option, is the most notable.
The Door View Cam is designed to replace the viewfinder or peephole built into a front door, and while it doesn't require drilling or permanent door modifications, it does require the removal of the existing peephole.
Ring's Door View Cam fits into the empty space of the viewing hole, filling the space on both sides of the door. It features a rechargeable battery, motion detection, an impact sensor to detect knocking if the doorbell isn't pressed, two-way talk, and 1080p HD video that supports door activity detection, person detection, night vision, and more.
In addition to providing a video feed, the peephole the new Ring camera replaces remains functional. Ring says that the Door View Cam is ideal for apartments and rental locations because of its easy installation.
The Ring Door View Cam will be available in the United States later this year for $199. Ring also plans to release it in UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
Ring is also adding new accessories to its Ring Alarm security system, including a $35 smoke and carbon monoxide detector, a $35 flood sensor, and a $30 add-on siren, along with new outdoor lights.
All of Ring's products work with Alexa, but despite promising HomeKit for some of its video doorbell devices, Ring is not adding HomeKit compatibility to any of its new devices. The new Ring Door View Cam, like other Ring doorbell options, does not work with HomeKit.
Apple-certified accessory maker Griffin today at CES 2019 announced that it will be releasing a collection of new wireless charging solutions under its PowerBlock and Reserve brands for the iPhone and Apple Watch later this year.
PowerBlock wireless fast charging mat • Supports Apple and Samsung fast wireless charging • Rubberized surface secures phone while charging • Integrated LED indicates charging status • Case compatible; charges through lightweight cases • $59.99 • Available in first quarter of 2019
PowerBlock wireless fast charging mat with Apple Watch dock • Nightstand mode compatible with all generations of Apple Watch • Rubberized surface secures phone while charging • Integrated LED indicates charging status • Charge any Qi-enabled device and Apple Watch simultaneously • $79.99 • Available in first quarter of 2019
PowerBlock wireless charging stand/mat • Easily transitions between charging pad and stand • Supports landscape and portrait mode wireless charging • Compatible with Qi-enabled smartphones • Case compatible; charges through lightweight cases • $39.99 • Available in second quarter of 2019
Reserve wireless charging bank • Built-in 5,000mAh rechargeable battery • Rubberized surface secures phone while charging • Integrated LED indicates charging status • Case compatible; charges through lightweight cases • $39.99 • Available in first quarter of 2019
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Griffin. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission, which helps us keep the site running.
Apple-certified accessory maker Griffin today at CES 2019 announced that it will be releasing a collection of USB-C to Lightning cables and power adapters for the latest Apple devices in the second quarter of 2019.
Griffin will offer basic USB-C to Lightning Cables in four-foot and six-foot sizes for $19.99 and $29.99 respectively in the United States, along with a five-foot option with a more premium braided aluminum design for $34.99. All three cables are pending certification under Apple's Made for iPhone program.
In tandem, Griffin will be releasing three new PowerBlock and PowerJolt power adapters: a wall charger with an 18W USB-C port for $39.99, a wall charger with an 18W USB-C port and 12W USB-A port for $49.99, and a car charger with an 18W USB-C port for $39.99. Each comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable.
USB-C to Lightning cables and power adapters can be used with the 2018 iPad Pro and to fast charge the iPhone 8 and newer.
Last month, Apple informed members of its Made for iPhone program that third-party Lightning to USB-C cables are now permitted to be manufactured, and we're now seeing the first options from Griffin and Belkin and likely others.
The cables and power adapters will be available on Griffin's website.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Griffin. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission, which helps us keep the site running.
Lutron Electronics today announced a new addition to its Caseta smart lighting system, this one focused on making most ceiling fans into "smart" ceiling fans with a new fan speed control switch. Lutron doesn't specifically mention HomeKit compatibility for the new fan controls, but the existing Caseta system does support HomeKit through a smart bridge.
Like it did for regular bulbs, the Caseta by Lutron fan speed control system connects to a user's existing ceiling fan to allow them to wirelessly control the fan from their smartphone, or the physical switch. The fan control doesn't require a canopy module and can be easily added to the Lutron app.
The company says the installation process is as fast as 15 minutes, resulting in four fan speeds and the ability to set a favorite speed setting. Users can call up Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control the fan via their voice, or purchase the added Pico Remote for $42 for manual controls.
The Caseta by Lutron fan speed control system will be available in March for $80. The control will be available in white, ivory, light almond, and black, and is compatible with a single 1.5A ceiling fan, and users will need a neutral wire for installation.
Following in the footsteps of Samsung and Vizio, LG today at CES 2019 announced that AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support is coming to its 2019 smart TVs.
AirPlay 2 support will allow users to stream videos, music, photos, and more directly from an iPhone, iPad, and Mac to new LG smart TVs, complete with lock screen controls. HomeKit support will enable users to easily control the TVs using the Home app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac or Siri voice commands.
LG's press release:
Users can use their own voice to get things done with Amazon Alexa, a new addition to LG's AI TV lineup in 2019, and the support of Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. With AirPlay 2, users can easily play videos directly from their Apple devices, iTunes and other video apps, music or photos to their LG SIGNATURE OLED TV R. With Apple HomeKit support, customers will be able to control their LG TV using the Home app or by asking Siri.
Harman Kardon has announced its latest series of smart home speakers, the "Citation Series," which combine various hardware designs with Google Assistant, an LCD touch screen, and Chromecast. Sometime in early 2019, the speakers will be updated with AirPlay 2 support, allowing users to wirelessly stream music from an iOS device, Apple TV, or HomePod by asking Siri.
Each speaker in the Citation Series has aluminum detailing paired with wool fabric that's available in Winter Grey or Classic Black color options. Customers can use the speakers individually or build a 5.1-channel surround sound system with multi-channel and multi-room abilities.
The Citation Series has Google Assistant built in, so users can stream music and ask questions by saying "Hey Google" nearby. This will also let them control Android-connected smart home products.
“Consumers increasingly look to their home entertainment systems to do more than just play music,” said Michael Mauser, President, Lifestyle Audio at HARMAN. “While features like voice control and multi-room streaming are becoming standard, the Harman Kardon Citation Series is anything but. The pairing of our unprecedented audio legacy and premium design with smart features and ease of use gives Citation the opportunity to truly transform the listening experience.”
There are numerous speakers in the Citation Series, including multiple countertop speakers, a soundbar, a subwoofer, a tower speaker, and more. These speakers are available to purchase now on Harman Kardon's website, starting at a price of $199.95 for a countertop speaker and rising to $2,499.95 for a pair of tower speakers.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Harman Kardon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
