MacRumors

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Incipio today introduced a new Kiddy Lock Case for the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, which is designed to prevent children from accessing the Home button on the two devices with a sliding cover and a secure latch.

The Kiddy Lock Case fully covers the Home button and renders it inaccessible, preventing kids from opening apps, accessing Touch ID functionality, making phone calls, and more. It's ideal for parents who hand their phones over to kids to play games, but don't want them accessing other features on the device.

"With the abundance of child-friendly tech toys these days, children still seem to find your personal devices the most appealing," said Carlos Del Toro, Director of Products, Incipio. "Inspired by our customers, the design of the Kiddy LockTM Case provides caregivers and parents alike a piece-of-mind knowing they're still in control of their personal device, even when in the hands of children."

Incipio made the case from a tough, shock-absorbing material to keep the iPhone safe from accidental drops, and a raised bezel protects the screen. There's also a built-in kickstand for use when viewing TV shows or movies.

The Kiddy Lock Case will be available during the first quarter of 2017 for $39.99, and it will come in Black, Cyan, Purple, Magenta, and Pink. Customers considering the Kiddy Lock Case should be aware that Apple offers Guided Access, a built-in tool for preventing access to the Home button and other iPhone features. Guided Access is a free accessibility feature that can be turned on in the Settings app.

Alongside the Kiddy Lock Case, Incipio is also introducing the Incipio ONE Dynamic Case Ecosystem for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The Incipio One features a range of interchangeable back plates that can be used with a base iPhone 7 case.

Back plates include a leather Card Holder able to store two credit cards and an ID, a 3,000 mAh battery bank, a Qi Wireless Charging module, a Style Plate in several finishes and colors, and a leather Style Plate Premium.

The ONE ecosystem will be available during the first quarter of 2017. The base case will be priced at $39.99 and the accessory plates will be available at prices ranging from $19.99 to $39.99.

Misfit today introduced the Misfit Vapor, its first smart watch that includes a touchscreen. Vapor is Misfit's most advanced wearable device yet, with fitness, sleep, and heart rate tracking along with GPS and standalone music functionality.

Vapor has a 1.39-inch circular AMOLED display that's attached to a traditional watch band, for a setup that's not too bulky and can fit a wide range of users. The following sensors and hardware are built into the Vapor: accelerometer, altimeter, gyroscope, optical heart rate sensor, GPS, and microphone.

With GPS, the Vapor does not need to have a smartphone nearby to play music or keep track of their workouts, and with Bluetooth connectivity and built-in storage, music can be played directly from your wrist, much like with the Apple Watch. It's swimproof and water resistant up to 50 meters.

Vapor includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor and 4GB of memory, and in addition to Bluetooth, it supports WiFi. It connects to a magnetic charging cradle for power, and lasts for two days on a single charge.

Misfit Vapor opens the next chapter of even more customizable options for our users. Touchscreen smartwatches offer an almost infinitely versatile platform on which to build new experiences, products, and services. The future of wearables will grow out of both truly wearable hardware and advanced software that is tailored to create a compelling, personalized user experience. Vapor takes us one step closer to achieving that vision," said Preston Moxcey, General Manager of Misfit.

At 44mm, the Vapor slightly bigger than the Apple Watch, and it will come in two finishes: Jet Black and Rose Gold, both with matching bands. Misfit plans to begin selling the Vapor later this year for $199.

D-Link has unveiled its first HomeKit-enabled home security camera at CES 2017 this week. The new Omna 180 Cam HD is the first product in D-Link's forthcoming Omna family of HomeKit-enabled devices.

The cylindrical Omna 180 Cam HD features a 1080p camera with a 180-degree field of view, a built-in microphone and speaker with two-way audio, infrared night vision up to 16 feet, and motion detection with the option to record motion-triggered video clips directly to a microSDXC card up to 128GB with no subscription costs.

HomeKit support enables users to control the Omna 180 Cam HD with an iPhone or iPad through Apple's Home app on iOS 10. When the camera detects motion, users can receive Lock screen notifications to get a snapshot of what's happening in their homes. The camera can also trigger Scenes with other HomeKit products.

Like other smart home security cameras, the Omna 180 Cam HD lets homeowners monitor their homes while they are away for extra peace of mind. One of its main competitors is Canary's All-in-One Home Security System and Camera, which also incorporates a built-in 90-plus-decibel siren and temperature/humidity/air quality monitoring.

D-Link said the Omna 180 Cam HD will be available in the first quarter of 2017. Pricing was not disclosed.

At CES today, smart lock maker August announced the newest addition to its home security line, called the August Smart Lock Mortise Kit. The company called the new product the first solution in North America that converts mortise style door locks into smart locks. Mortise locks are typical in multi-unit apartment buildings and integrate the locking bolt functionality directly into a door's handle.

With the new kit, August said that building managers can install smart locks in their properties and control access to the building, as well as individual units, all from the connected August smartphone app. The August Smart Lock is installed on the inside of the door, so all of the fixtures remain unchanged on the outward-facing side, and users can still use a traditional keyed entry if they desire.

August has given the Mortise Kit to some property owners in a beta test:

“We’ve been Beta testing the August Smart Lock in our properties. We embrace innovation that serves our customers and the new mortise solution offers benefits for our apartment residents, and for us as the property owner,” said Yat-Pang Au, CEO of Veritas Investments, owner operator of $2 billion in urban mixed use multi-family and retail property in San Francisco.

“Residents appreciate the control and improved home security August offers. As a property owner, the flexibility to offer residents shared-economy services including laundry pickup, cleaning and grocery delivery is a great benefit too.”

Additionally, August announced a partnership with Logitech's POP home switch system. With the collaboration, users can create home automation recipes through a POP switch without having to interact with any connected smartphone apps after the initial set-up process. For example, a switch next to your bedside table can send a signal to an August lock, and lock up your house when tapped at night. Logitech sells the POP switch on Amazon at $99.99 for the starter pack of two switches and one bridge, while additional switches can be added on at $39.99.

For those interested in the August Smart Lock Mortise Kit, which encompasses a mounting plate and adapter, the company mentioned that it will be available for certified locksmiths, property developers and managers for $100. That'll be added on top of the base price of the August Smart Lock, which costs $229 and was last updated with HomeKit and a new design in April 2016.

We've seen it in third-party speakers and cars already at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but Amazon's Alexa is also about to become a smartphone personal assistant. Chinese mobile company Huawei used CES 2017 to announce it will be the first handset maker in the U.S. to pre-load the voice-activated AI into a phone.

Less than a week ago, Alexa was exclusive to Amazon's tablets and Echo smart speakers, but anyone who picks up the U.S. version of Huawei's flagship Mate 9 smartphone – set to launch "early 2017" – will also be able to invoke the virtual assistant.

Huawei's announcement sets the stage for Alexa to compete directly in a mobile market already busy with AI assistants battling it out for supremacy. Meanwhile, Apple's Siri is still only available on iOS devices and Macs running macOS Sierra, although rumors have persisted that Cupertino is working on its own Siri-powered connected smart speaker, while the AI is likely to feature heavily in any autonomous car system the company may be working on.

Elsewhere, Google recently upgraded its Google Assistant for its own-branded Pixel phones, and last year Samsung acquired Viv – developed by the creators of Siri – for integration in its next round of flagship smartphones.

Ford has announced it is teaming up with Amazon to integrate Alexa virtual assistant into its cars, allowing vehicle owners to access shop, search, and control smart home features on the road.

The partnership means owners of Ford cars equipped with the SYNC 3 AppLink system will be able to access Amazon's Alexa voice-activated virtual assistant from the driver's seat, enabling them to check the weather, add items to shopping lists, play audiobooks, and control Alexa-compatible smart home devices, like lights and thermostats.

"Ford and Amazon are aligned around a vision that your voice should be the primary way to interface with your favorite devices and services," said Don Butler, executive director, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services. "Customers will be able to start their vehicles from home, and manage smart home features while on the road – making life easier."

Ford said that beginning next month, some owners of its vehicles will be able to use Alexa voice commands to access certain car functions and even check the range of their car. Specifically, owners of the Ford Focus Electric, Fusion Energy, and the C-MAX Energy will be able to use their Amazon Echo or Echo Dot smart speaker in the home to lock their car or start the engine remotely. Ford said it plans to offer the Alexa commands in more of its SYNC Connect cars at a later date.

The second phase of the rollout, expected this summer, allows Ford owners to tap into a broad set of Alexa skills using their voice while driving – helping them keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

"We're excited to work with Ford to enhance the driver experience both inside and outside of the vehicle," said Steve Rabuchin, vice president, Amazon Alexa. "We believe voice is the future, and this is particularly true in cars. The ability to use your voice to control your smart home, access entertainment, manage to-do lists and more makes for an extraordinary driving experience. We can’t wait for Ford customers to try this out."

Amazon's Alexa has been cropping up in a range of upcoming products at CES so far this year, appearing in third-party smart speakers, TVs, lamps, and even refrigerators.

Speck, best known for the cases and accessories it makes for Apple's line of products, is showing off two new protective cases at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. The Presidio Clear is Speck's first drop-resistant laptop case, while the Presidio Show is its latest iPhone case.

The Presidio Clear is made with a dynamic transparent material that Speck is calling "Impactium Clear," and according to the company, it is able to absorb and disperse shock, protecting the MacBook from drops as high as four feet.

It's made from the same material as Speck's Presidio smartphone cases and is entirely transparent, preserving the design of the MacBook. It is UV resistant so it won't yellow over time. The case snaps on to the front and the bottom of the MacBook, and a raised edge around the case offers a no-slip grip that makes it easier to hold on to one of Apple's thin notebooks.

For the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (and the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus), Speck is debuting new clear Presidio Show cases that are designed to match the colors of Apple's latest devices. The Show was specifically made for the Jet Black iPhone, giving users a way to keep it safe while showing off its glossy finish.

The Show uses Speck's Impactium material, which the company says will protect the iPhone from drops up to 10 feet (this is Speck's only clear case with the superior drop protection). While a black version is available now, gold, rose gold, and silver versions will be available in the near future.

The Presidio Show for the iPhone 6, 6s, 7, 6 Plus, 6s Plus, and 7 Plus is available for $39.95 starting today from the Speck website.

The Presidio Clear, which will be priced at $99.95 and comes in Clear and Onyx Black, will be available for the 13-inch MacBook Pro in February of 2017. Presidio Clear cases for additional MacBook models will be available later in the year.

Western Digital today announced the launch of its latest SanDisk-branded product, a 256GB SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1 Solid State Flash Drive, which it says is the fastest, highest capacity USB flash drive the company has ever made.

Designed to provide the speed and reliability of a solid state drive in the form factor of a small USB flash drive, the SanDisk Extreme Pro can reach read speeds of up to 420MB/s and write speeds of up to 380MB/s. According to Western Digital, a full-length 4K movie can be transferred to the drive in less than 15 seconds.

"The combination of SSD performance and a compact USB form factor offers the ultimate performance and convenience for moving files easily and quickly," said Sven Rathjen, vice president of marketing, Client Solutions Business Unit, Western Digital. "With its increased capacity and blazing speeds, the SanDisk Extreme PRO USB 3.1 Solid State Flash Drive is our sleekest, most powerful SanDisk USB device yet."

Western Digital plans to begin offering the SanDisk Extreme Pro USB 3.1 Solid State Flash Drive in late January from retailers like Amazon.com and Best Buy. It will be priced at $179.99.

Western Digital is also debuting a new SanDisk-branded A1 microSD card at CES, which offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s. With read IOPS (input-output access per second) of 1,500 and write IOPS of 500, it can open apps and process files more quickly. SanDisk's Ultra microSD card with A1 will be available in January of 2017 for $199.99.