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Apple's Iconic Fifth Avenue Store Moving to Temporary Location on January 20 During Renovations

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In June 2015 it was reported that Apple would renovate its iconic Fifth Avenue retail store, temporarily relocating its operations to the vacated FAO Schwarz toy store in the General Motors Building. A MacRumors reader spotted a new sign in front of the iconic store that reveals the relocation will happen on January 20.

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FAO Schwarz vacated its location in the General Motors Building in July 2015 due to the rising cost of rent. The space is just a couple feet away from the iconic glass cube, making the relocation largely seamless for frequent customers of the Fifth Avenue store.

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Apple's Fifth Avenue store and the former FAO Schwarz space, far right (Flickr)

While the extent of the renovations at the Fifth Avenue store are unknown, the company has been expanding or relocating a number of its older stores to accommodate increased foot traffic. The Fifth Avenue location was last renovated in 2011, when larger, more seamless panes of glass were installed. The renovation was completed in November 2011.

Ahead of the closure, the store will have reduced hours of 6:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on January 16-18. The location is usually open on a 24 hour, 365 day basis.

Tags: Apple Store, FAO Schwarz, Fifth Avenue, New York City
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Instagram Adds Support for Wide Color and Live Photos

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At Apple's September 2016 special event, Instagram announced several new features for its app to take advantage of various iPhone capabilities. Today, co-founder Mike Krieger announced that two of the features, wide color support and Live Photos support, are rolling out to users.

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Instagram had to revise its photo filters to support the iPhone 7's new camera capabilities. The new photo filters will allow users with an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus to see and capture a wider variety of hues in their photos.

Live Photos support for Instagram Stories has also been implemented. This allows users to upload GIFs into their Instagram Stories without using the standalone Boomerang app. To upload a Live Photos to Instagram Stories, users just have to 3D Touch on the Live Photos they want to upload before they upload it.

The other big feature Instagram announced in September, the ability to use the iPhone 7 Plus' telephoto lens for one-finger zoom, has not yet gone live. Neither wide color or Live Photos support for Instagram Stories require a user to update the app.

Instagram is available in the App Store for free [Direct Link]

Tag: Instagram
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Verizon Eliminates Two-Year Contracts for Smartphone Upgrades

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Starting today, Verizon will no longer be allowing customers who are upgrading their smartphones to purchase a two-year contract, effectively eliminating two-year contracts for all new and existing users.

While Verizon did away with two-year contracts for new customers back in August of 2015, existing customers were able to re-purchase two-year contracts when upgrading their smartphones. That option is no longer available, and customers will be transitioned to device payment plans as their contracts expire.

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Two-year contract upgrade options are no longer available at Verizon stores and have been eliminated at partner stores, including Apple retail stores.

Customers who are currently on a two-year contract will need to purchase a phone outright or choose a device payment plan when their contracts expire and they need to upgrade their phones. A device upgrade fee will be required as well.

Verizon device payment plans for the iPhone 7 start at $27.08 per month, while plans for the iPhone 7 Plus start at $32.08 per month. Verizon offers a range of data plans, from 2GB for $35 per month to 24GB for $110 per month, with a $20 access fee for smartphones.

Verizon's move to fully eliminate two-year contracts comes on the heels of T-Mobile's "Un-carrier Next" announcement, which will see T-Mobile offering a single $70 per month unlimited plan with no additional fees.

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Pepcom at CES: HomeKit Accessories Galore, a Tiny Apple Watch Charger, an iPhone-Connected Car HUD, and More

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One of the best ways to see the highlights of what CES has to offer is at the shows -- CES Unveiled, Pepcom, and ShowStoppers. MacRumors videographer Matt hit up Pepcom last night, where he searched for the coolest, most interesting products available on the show floor.

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Amid the highlights at Pepcom were the motion-activated Ring Floodlight Cam, iDevices HomeKit-enabled switches and outlets, the HomeKit-enabled Eve Series, Incase luggage equipped with batteries and Bluetooth, and a snazzy keychain-sized Apple watch charger from Kanex.

Navdy's iPhone-connected heads-up display unit for use in cars was one of the neatest products at Pepcom, and Corning was there showing off Gorilla Glass 5, which is more resistant to impacts and could be used in future iPhones.

If you missed our CES Unveiled video, make sure to check it out here, and for our full CES coverage, click here. Stay tuned to MacRumors and follow us on YouTube because we're going to have more CES content to share this week.

Tag: CES 2017
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CES 2017: Henge Docks Debuts New Horizontal and Vertical Docking Stations for 2016 MacBook Pro

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Henge Docks, known for its range of docks for Apple's line of notebooks and iOS devices, today introduced new docking stations designed for the 2016 MacBook Pro. There are a total of three new docks: the Tethered Docking Station, the Vertical Docking Station, and the Horizontal Docking Station.

The Tethered Docking Station, available in Space Gray, is designed to be an extension of the MacBook Pro, with an 85-watt power supply, three USB Type-A ports, two Mini DisplayPorts, an SD card slot, a Gigabit Ethernet port, an audio port, and support for USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (there are two models). An angled design allows the MacBook to rest directly on the dock.

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The Vertical Docking Station, also available in Space Gray, includes pass-through connections for USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, allowing customers to dock their MacBook Pros and have an instant connection to peripheral devices. Designed to pair with the Tethered Docking Station, the Vertical Docking Station is available for all three MacBook Pro models.

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The Horizontal Docking Station is an all-in-one-dock that features 13 ports and the ability to drop your MacBook in place to have immediate access to all of your accessories. It features 85-watt power, support for up to four external displays, multiple USB Type-A ports, an SD card slot, and more. Like the other docks, it is available with either Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C support.

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Henge is also announcing a new partnership with Apple, which will see it becoming an Apple Authorized Business Solution Provider. Henge can now sell bundles that include Apple MacBooks and Henge docking stations, and plans to introduce a variety of options that can save customers up to $150.

Bundles will range from the Clique paired with an Apple Magic Trackpad 2 and Apple Magic Keyboard to a new MacBook Pro paired with a Horizontal Docking Station.

"This partnership, coupled with the new products we are launching, allows us to offer our customers a complete workstation setup in one convenient spot, and at a discounted price," said Matthew Vroom, Henge Docks CEO. "It's an honor that we were selected for this program after having worked so hard to build products designed to complement and enhance the Apple user experience."

All of the docks will be available during the spring of 2017. The Vertical Docking Station will be available for $149, while pricing for the Tethered Docking Station and Horizontal Docking Station will start at $199 and $499, respectively.

Tags: CES 2017, Henge Docks
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Alpine Introduces $900 Infotainment System With Wireless CarPlay

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While wireless CarPlay implementations have been supported since iOS 9, the functionality has so far been limited to BMW models. That will change next month, however, as Alpine has introduced a new aftermarket system with wireless CarPlay that will be available in February for a suggested price of $900.

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The wireless support enables drivers to connect an iPhone to CarPlay via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to make and receive calls, access text messages, play music, get directions, check traffic conditions, and more. Previous standard and aftermarket CarPlay configurations have required connecting an iPhone with a Lightning cable.

Alpine's new iLX-107 in-dash receiver, which debuted at CES 2017 this week, features a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, LED backlighting, and standard AM/FM radio functionality. Alpine offers five other aftermarket CarPlay systems with screen sizes ranging from 7-9 inches, priced from $900 to $4,000.

While the iLX-107 has a $900 list price, resellers may offer it at cheaper price points as seen with previous Alpine models. Prospective buyers looking for cheaper options should consider aftermarket systems without wireless CarPlay from Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, JBL, Sony, and other manufacturers.

Related Roundup: CarPlay
Tags: Alpine, CES 2017
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology
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T-Mobile to Simplify Phone Bills With Single Unlimited Data Plan and No Additional Fees

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T-Mobile CEO John Legere today hosted a T-Mobile "Un-carrier Next" event at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he announced that T-Mobile is only going to sell its unlimited T-Mobile One plan going forward.

Existing customers will be able to keep their current plans, but new customers will only be able to purchase the $70 T-Mobile One plan, which gives unlimited data access.

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T-Mobile will do away with taxes, surcharges, access fees, and other additional charges, including them all in the T-Mobile One Plan fee, which isn't changing. For a family of four, T-Mobile One will cost $40 per month per person ($70 for the first line, $50 for the second line, and $20 for each additional line). What T-Mobile advertises is what you'll pay.

There's some fine print involved. Autopay is required, and the top 3 percent of data users (upwards of 28GB) may notice reduced speeds until next bill cycle. Video streams at 480p, and tethering is limited to Max 3G speeds. Higher quality video streaming will require T-Mobile One Plus, which costs an additional $15.

T-Mobile is also introducing a "KickBack" program, which will give customers a $10 bill credit for each phone line that uses 2GB of data or less starting on January 22.

According to Legere, "new rules are needed for the mobile internet," which is what has inspired T-Mobile to change its policies. Legere shared the rules T-Mobile will stick to in 2017:

1. Mobile internet shouldn't be sold by bits and bytes.

2. What you see should be what you pay.

3. Only you have the power to change what you pay.

4. You shouldn't have to pay for what you don't use.

All of today's announcements are accompanied by a "Tax Rebate" promotion. Every customer who switches to T-Mobile from another carrier will receive a $150 gift card, with no trade-in required. The gift card applies to every line that's transferred to T-Mobile.

T-Mobile also plans to continue building out its LTE network over the course of 2017, and expects to have LTE available to 320 million at the end of the year, putting it on par with Verizon.

Over the last two years, T-Mobile has aimed to disrupt traditional mobile service with its Un-carrier initiatives. T-Mobile began with uncoupling device costs from service costs in 2013, and then went on to offer several additional incentives to encourage customers to switch to the carrier, including paying early termination fees, offering a JUMP! upgrade plan, unlimited texting and 2G data in 100 countries, free streaming music from Spotify, Rdio, iTunes Radio, and Pandora, one week free trials to test the T-Mobile service, Wi-Fi calling, data rollovers, low-cost plans for businesses, free "Binge-On" video and music streaming, freebies on "T-Mobile Tuesdays," and a $70 unlimited plan.

Tag: T-Mobile
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iOS 10 Now Installed on 76% of Active iOS Devices

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Nearly four months after iOS 10 was released to the public, the operating system is installed on 76 percent of active iOS devices, according to new numbers posted on Apple's App Store support page for developers.

iOS installation rates have grown significantly over the holiday period, jumping up 13 percentage points between the end of November and the beginning of January. On November 27, 2016, iOS 10 was installed on 63 percent of devices.

18 percent of devices continue to run iOS 9, and six percent of devices are running iOS 8 or earlier.

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iOS 10 adoption rates may have seen a jump thanks to the release of iOS 10.2 on December 12. iOS 10.2 introduced several new features, including a new "TV" app, new emoji, improvements to Live Photos, and a huge list of bug fixes.

Around this time last year, iOS 9 was installed on 75 percent of active devices, so iOS 10 adoption rates have eclipsed iOS 9 adoption rates during the same time frame in 2016.

Apple has been steadily releasing updates to iOS 10, and rumors suggest we will see the first beta of the next major update, iOS 10.3, on January 10.

Related Forum: iOS 10
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CES 2017: Razer Debuts 'Project Valerie' Triple Display Laptop

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Razer, known for its gaming laptops and accessories, today unveiled its latest product, the world's first triple display laptop. Project Valerie features a Razer laptop that's equipped with one main display and two fold out side displays, all of which are 4K.

Each display measures in at 17.3 inches, for what Razer says is the most expansive viewing experience in a notebook. Project Valerie is powered by an NVIDIA GeForce 1080 GPU and supports NVIDIA Surround View with a resolution of 11520 x 2160 for an immersive gaming experience.

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While the three displays can be used as a single display, they can also be used individually to run multiple applications at the same time. An automated deployment system that uses durable aluminum hinges lets the laptop be set up in a matter of seconds, with perfect display alignment.


According to Razer, though its equipped with three displays, Project Valerie has a form factor that's comparable to other 17-inch gaming laptops on the market, fitting neatly into a laptop bag so it can be taken anywhere. It's about 1.5 inches thick and weighs approximately 12 pounds.

Project Valerie is still a prototype machine and it is not clear if it will eventually see a release. No launch date information or pricing details are available, but interested customers can sign up to learn more about it on Razer's website.

Tags: CES 2017, Razer
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Hands-On: OWC's 'DEC' Adds an SD Card Slot, Ethernet, and USB Type-A Ports to the MacBook Pro

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With the release of the 2016 MacBook Pro, there were a slew complaints over the compromising thinness and the removal of ports. For professionals who rely on the MacBook Pro, this latest iteration fell short of expectations. The outcry was so loud, in fact, that Apple slashed prices on its USB-C adapters, a move rarely seen from the company.

This is the DEC from Other World Computing. It's a new dock for the 2016 MacBook Pro that's designed to return some of the missing features Apple removed. It's unique in the way that it connects to the computer and the functionality it brings.

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The DEC attaches to the bottom of the MacBook Pro by replacing the screws that hold on the bottom plate. This method won't void your warranty, but it will allow for the dock to be securely attached at all times.

At first glance the DEC looks comically large, but in person the size and weight are more than manageable. OWC claims that when attached to a 2016 MacBook Pro, the DEC will be as thin as the 2012 MacBook Pro. Weight didn't seem to be an issue, but this is an unfinished prototype that doesn't have all the hardware in place.

When considering the functionality of the dock, the size and weight compromises may be worth it. The DEC connects to the MacBook Pro over Thunderbolt 3 and will bring USB Type-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, an SD Card Slot, and up to 4TB of storage. Additional features are also being considered, such as an expanded battery pack.

The models shown here are still in prototype phase, but OWC assured us the final models will be available within months. The DEC will come in both Silver and Space Gray, and at release it will be available for the 15-inch MacBook Pro. Pricing is not yet available, but OWC expects it to be priced lower than the BTO 2TB storage upgrade available from Apple.

Tags: CES 2017, OWC
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Elago's W3 Charging Stand Turns Your Apple Watch Into the Original Macintosh

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Elago's W3 Stand for Apple Watch can turn Apple's modern wearable device into a classic Macintosh, all while charging and protecting the Apple Watch. The Nightstand Mode-only accessory has a slot for the Apple Watch's charging puck and a small compartment that you slide the Apple Watch into, turning its 38mm or 42mm display into that of a retro Mac. The dock was originally announced last November, but is just now gaining attention online.

elago-apple-watch-dock-2 To prevent scratching on the Apple Watch's casing, band, and screen, the entire W3 dock is made of soft silicone, also making it easy to place and remove the Watch. The image used on Elago's website appears to use the Stone Sport Band on the Apple Watch, which is now unavailable on Apple.com. Any band and case combination will work on the dock, however.

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Those interested can purchase the W3 Stand from Elago's website for $13.49, as well as on Amazon for $11.99. An alternate black version is also available.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Tag: Elago
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
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CES 2017: Leviton Debuts New HomeKit-Enabled Light Switches and Dimmers

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levitonLeviton today unveiled new HomeKit-enabled light switches and dimmers at CES 2017, including a 1000W Universal Dimmer, 600W Universal Dimmer, and 15A Universal Rocker Switch.

Like other smart light switches and dimmers, the trio of new Decora products can be used in tandem with the free Decora Smart Home app for iPhone and iPad to control lights and loads.

The app has customizable settings for bulb type, adjustable fade rate, minimum and maximum brightness levels, and more.

With HomeKit, the products can also be controlled with Siri voice commands and Home app on iOS 10 to easily turn on, off, dim, or brighten an individual light or an entire room, zone, or home.

The dimmers and switch can leverage HomeKit scenes including "Good Morning" and "Good Night." Other custom HomeKit scenes can be configured in the Home app to automatically turn off lights, lock doors, close the garage door, and set the thermostat to the desired temperature in just one step.

The dimmers feature rocker paddles and embedded LEDs to display the illumination level, but the LEDs vanish when not being used to ensure a clean design. The in-wall dimmers and switch are also designed to function with low-wattage light sources, such as a single LED bulb or a strand of holiday lights.

Light switches comprise one of the most crowded HomeKit accessory categories, with several competing options available from Elgato, iDevices, Incipio, and more.

Leviton said the new Decora lighting control accessories will be available in April. Pricing was not disclosed.

Tags: HomeKit Guide, Leviton
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Hulu Bringing CBS-Owned Networks to Live TV Service, Which Will Be Priced 'Under $40' Per Month

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Hulu and CBS have reached an agreement that will bring CBS-owned channels to Hulu's upcoming live-streaming service, as well as grant subscribers on-demand access to recent episodes of popular CBS shows like Mom and The Big Bang Theory (via The Wall Street Journal). Full access to current and past seasons of these shows will remain on CBS All Access.

The current deal includes user access to CBS Sports Network and Pop, a pop culture focused network, with the potential for more CBS networks -- like CBS’s Smithsonian Channel and The CW -- to be added down the line. Although unspecified, it's also predicted that Hulu will continue to offer the CBS-owned premium network Showtime as an add-on within its new live-streaming package. Current Hulu subscribers can purchase Showtime for $8.99 on top of their monthly Hulu cost.

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According to people close to the deal, CBS will receive "more than $3 per monthly subscriber" at the service's launch, with the multiyear contract signaling the potential for the network's take to rise above $4.

The streaming service aims to offer a more personalized, intuitive version of cable TV than that offered by traditional pay-TV distributors and even newer streaming entrants. At launch, Hulu’s offering will also include a cloud-based digital video recorder and many local station affiliates.

CBS’s pact with Hulu shows that at least for now the network is finding a way to have its cake and eat it, too—striking deals with distributors while maintaining a stand-alone streaming service with some 1.2 million subscribers. Moreover, the deal with Hulu involves CBS’s direct rivals; the streaming service is owned by Disney, Fox, Comcast and Time Warner.

During the announcement at an investor conference this week, Hulu Chief Executive Mike Hopkins also mentioned that the service is set to cost users "under $40" per month. The service will include Hulu's existing video content library as well, which now includes a wide selection of movies from Disney.

Word of Hulu's upcoming live-streaming service began spreading last May, when it was said that the company's new subscription plan would directly introduce it as "a competitor to traditional pay-TV providers," in addition to on-demand streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Hulu's unnamed cable-like service will now be backed with channels from CBS, Walt Disney, Time Warner, Fox, and NBC.

Hulu will be entering a steadily growing and competitive market with its live-streaming service. Both Sling TV and DirecTV NOW are available to users on the iOS and Apple TV App Stores for streaming and viewing live television networks without the need for a traditional cable subscription. In the past, Apple tried to launch its own $30-$40 TV service but became "frustrated" and ultimately shelved the plans after failing to find mutually advantageous ways to work with network programmers.

Tags: CBS, Hulu
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CES 2017: Honeywell Debuts Two Home Security Cameras, Adding HomeKit to Lyric Security System

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Honeywell today unveiled two indoor security cameras and confirmed plans to add HomeKit to its Lyric Security system at CES 2017 in Las Vegas.

The semi-cylindrical Lyric C1 camera captures 720p video at 30 FPS with a 135-degree viewing angle, while the circular Lyric C2 camera records in 1080p at 30 FPS and has a 138-degree viewing angle. Both models have a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way audio functionality.

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Honeywell's new Lyric C2 (left) and Lyric C1 (right) home security cameras

Like other smart home security cameras, including the just-announced D-Link Omna 180 Cam HD and Canary's All-in-One Home Security System and Camera, the Lyric C1 and Lyric C2 let homeowners monitor their homes while they are away for extra peace of mind, with both motion and noise detection.

The free Honeywell Lyric app enables users to control and view a live stream of their Lyric cameras with an iPhone or iPad. When the camera detects motion or certain sounds, users will receive notifications directly on their devices to get a bird's eye view of what's happening in their homes. Screenshots are also available.

The cameras have wired power and connect to a home's Wi-Fi network to provide live streaming at all times. Recordings can be saved locally to an 8GB SD card included with every Lyric C1 and C2 camera, even if the home's Wi-Fi is not working. Free cloud storage per day is also included, with 7- and 30-day upgrades available.

Honeywell said the new Lyric cameras will be available within the first three months of 2017. Pricing was not disclosed.

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Meanwhile, the Lyric Home Security and Control System, originally launched in 2016, will receive a software update with HomeKit support within the first three months of 2017, enabling homeowners to control the system using Siri voice commands or Apple's new Home app on iOS 10.

The Lyric Home Security and Control System is a pro-installed security monitoring system with a 7-inch touchscreen and built-in camera. If a Lyric sensor or motion detector detects an unusual situation, the system will provide visual and audible notifications and send alerts to a paired iPhone or iPad.

Tags: CES 2017, HomeKit Guide, Honeywell
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CES 2017: OtterBox uniVERSE Modular Case System Coming to iPad Air 2 and 9.7-Inch iPad Pro

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OtterBox today announced that it will soon be expanding its modular uniVERSE case system to the iPad Air 2 and 9.7-inch iPad Pro, along with the introduction of new partners for the system like Brydge, olloclip, and Tile. uniVERSE combines the rugged protection of the company's brand with modular add-ons that enhance the features of the case, which is even more expansive on iPad thanks to two slotted rails, a new center connection point, and a removable spine -- all access locations for third-party modules.

The company announced a few partners for the uniVERSE iPad case system at CES. Options for users will include the addition of Tile's Bluetooth tracker, a lens clip from olloclip, credit card slots from Wagner, and a 9.7-inch aluminum keyboard from Brydge.

otterbox-universe-ipad The full list includes:

  • StabylCam StabylRig Image Stabilizer – handheld video and photo stabilizer for clear, crisp imagery and recording

  • Tile Slim Bluetooth Tracker – quickly find keys, smartphones and other valuables

  • olloclip Lens Set for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus – professional-style lenses to make the best photos and videos even better.

  • Wagner wallets and multi-tools – carry credit cards and a variety of tool functions like a knife, bottle opener, saw, hex and more

  • PopSockets Grip – get a grip on iPhone with a telescoping grip and viewing stand

  • HANSNAP – multi-adjustable hand strap for easy filming and screen viewing

  • ECO Sensors SPARROW Portable Air Monitor – a wearable environmental health and safety monitor that measures air quality and alerts the user of life threatening situations.

  • Brydge 9.7 Keyboard – maximize the functionality of iPad while providing the productivity of a laptop with this stylish, high-grade aluminum keyboard

  • ikeGPS Spike Laser Measurement Tool – comprehensive but simple-to-use smartphone laser measurement solution

  • FIRST Healthcare Magnetic Positioning Arm – position tablet in space near workstation for hands-free work

Users can already purchase uniVERSE for the iPhone 6/6s, iPhone 6/6s Plus, and iPhone 7/7 Plus at OtterBox's official website. For iPhone, the company has introduced modules that support the Square credit card reader, battery packs, and more.

Related Roundups: iPad Air , iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Air (Neutral), iPad Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPad
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CES 2017: Apple Pay Integration With 'MORE.' Loyalty Program Coming to 300,000 U.S. Vending Machines

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Self-serve technology company USA Technologies today announced that it will soon integrate its MORE. loyalty and payroll deduct program with Apple Pay at more than 300,000 vending machines across the United States. With the partnership, and inclusion of the MORE. program, users at any participating machine will be able to purchase an item with Apple Pay and receive exclusive offers, promotions, and discounts toward future purchases.

The company mentioned that for any user who begins the Apple Pay checkout process at one of the machines, and isn't a part of the MORE. loyalty program, the machine will be able to instantly enroll the user into the program and have their new digital reward card added directly into Apple Pay. USA Technologies believes that the system as a whole is "much more efficient" for both customers and operators of the supported vending machines.

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“Consumers are getting more accustomed to paying with their phones, and with all of the digital noise coming at consumers 24/7, loyalty and rewards programs that easily integrate into popular payment methods like Apple Pay are a win/win,” said Maeve McKenna Duska, senior vice president of sales and marketing, USA Technologies.

“By offering MORE. with Apple Pay we are giving consumers a loyalty program that seamlessly integrates with their lifestyle, rewarding them for using the one thing they always have on hand, their iPhone or Apple Watch. We expect the MORE. integration with Apple Pay will not only fuel participation in the unattended loyalty program, but also underscore the ease, security and simplicity of Apple Pay transactions for everyday purchases like those made at vending machines, laundromats, self-serve kiosks, parking and more.”

Walgreens was the first retail store to support the Apple Pay loyalty card feature, followed by other companies, including Kohl's. The addition of a loyalty card normally turns the checkout process into a two-step system -- activating the rewards card with Touch ID, and then doing the same for the actual payment card -- but Kohl's streamlined that into a one-touch rewards and payment system.

Although unconfirmed, USA Technologies' description of the MORE. and Apple Pay collaboration sounds like it will offer one-touch checkout as well. For anyone interested, the company has more details about the MORE. program on its website.

Related Roundup: Apple Pay
Related Forum: Apple Music, Apple Pay/Card, iCloud, Fitness+
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CES 2017: Promise Technology Unveils New 2TB Apollo Cloud With Lower $199 Price Tag

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Promise Technology today unveiled the latest version of its Apollo Cloud personal cloud storage device, which offers 2TB of storage for $199. The 2TB Apollo Cloud joins the original 4TB model which is priced at $249.

The Apollo Cloud is designed to combine the ease of use of the cloud with the security of local storage, making network-attached storage simple and accessible for anyone. The Apollo Cloud lets individuals, families, and small businesses share and access files from anywhere.

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Content stored on Apollo Cloud can be accessed through dedicated iOS and Mac apps. Up to 10 users can use the Apollo Cloud, with each receiving personal storage and the ability to share files with others.

Apollo Cloud features AES-256 encryption to safeguard data, and it has been optimized for macOS Sierra and Time Machine backups. Apollo is hoping the new 2TB storage tier and entry-level pricing will make the Apollo Cloud available to an even broader range of users.

The 2TB Apollo Cloud will be available from Apple retail stores and the online Apple Store in February.

Tags: Apollo, CES 2017, Promise Technology
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CES 2017: Clarion, JVC, and Kenwood Debut New Aftermarket CarPlay Systems

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Clarion, JVC, and Kenwood have introduced new CarPlay systems at CES 2017 this week in Las Vegas, providing iPhone users with additional aftermarket options for adding Apple's in-car software to their dashboards.

Clarion's new flagship NX807 unit is a 7-inch HD touchscreen with tilt control. In addition to CarPlay, it is SiriusXM ready and features an HDMI input, dual USB ports, support for Pandora and Bluetooth music streaming and calling, embedded GPS navigation, RCA audio and video inputs, rear-view camera support, and more.

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For audio aficionados, the NX807 has optical digital output that enables plug-and-play integration with Clarion's Full Digital Sound processor. The unit also supports high-resolution 96kHz/24-bit FLAC audio and has a 15-band graphic equalizer with low-pass and high-pass filters and Dynamic Bass Enhancement.

Clarion said the NX807 will be available in early 2017 through retailers such as Amazon, Crutchfield, and Sonic Electronics. Pricing was not disclosed.

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Kenwood's new DMX7704S unit has a new clear resistive display panel with improved touch response and electronic viewing angle adjustment. In addition to CarPlay and Android Auto, it features dual USB ports, HD Radio, SiriusXM access, Pandora and Bluetooth music streaming and calling, rear-view camera support, and more.

The DMX7704S supports the High-Resolution Audio format and is able to play media encoded as 192kHz/24-bit WAV (Waveform Audio) or DSD (Direct Stream Digital) files. The receiver is also compatible with FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) and AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) files. It has a built-in 13-band equalizer.

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Kenwood said the DMX7704S is scheduled to ship in February for a suggested price of $550. Sound of Tri-State appears to be accepting pre-orders now.

JVC will be introducing seven new multimedia receivers for 2017, including two with CarPlay and Android Auto support. A new KW-M730BT model, for example, will feature a 6.8-inch screen with a USB port and support for 192kHz/24-bit FLAC-encoded media. Pricing will start at $280, with first quarter availability.

None of the Clarion, JVC, or Kenwood models appear to support wireless CarPlay. iPhones must be connected to the systems with a Lightning to USB cable.

Related Roundup: CarPlay
Tags: CES 2017, Clarion, JVC, Kenwood
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology
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