Mitchel Broussard

Mitchel is a Contributing Editor at MacRumors. Southern Louisiana-born, he lives off of bad TV, good books, and great video games. Despite a few close calls, he has yet to forget the face of his father.



Netflix CEO Says Apple TV+ and Disney+ Will Create 'A Whole New World' of 'Tough Competition'

Friday September 20, 2019 8:36 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings recently discussed what he thinks about the upcoming launch of new rivals Apple TV+ and Disney+, as well as Netflix's plans to retain subscriber interest after their launches (via Variety). According to Hastings, "it's a whole new world starting in November," referring to the November 1 launch of Apple TV+ and November 12 launch of Disney+. The CEO said that it will be "tough competition" for Netflix, but the company will continue on course with its core strategy of offering bingeable TV shows and movies. This means that Netflix isn't planning on trialing drastically different content types, like Amazon Prime Video is with live sports, or experimenting with different release models. “While we’ve been competing with many people in the last decade, it’s a whole new world starting in November…between Apple launching and Disney launching, and of course Amazon’s ramping up,” said Hastings, who also cited NBCUniversal’s coming Peacock service. “It’ll be tough competition. Direct-to-consumer [customers] will have a lot of choice.” There are now numerous standalone streaming services that vie for customer attention, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Now, the upcoming HBO Max, CBS All Access, the upcoming NBC Peacock, Shudder, and many more. Apple TV+ will launch November 1 with a handful of exclusive TV shows, including "The Morning Show," "Dickinson," "See," and "For All Mankind." Apple is making the service free for a full year for anyone who purchases an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod Touch, or Mac. Apple TV+ will cost
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Evidence of New Smart Battery Cases for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max Found in iOS 13 Code

Friday September 20, 2019 7:09 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
References to three new Smart Battery Cases made by Apple have been found inside the code for iOS 13.1, appearing to confirm that the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max will all be getting Smart Battery Cases in the future (via 9to5Mac). iPhone XS Smart Battery Case The model codes for the cases are A2180, A2183, and A2184, which are believed to represent Smart Battery Cases for the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max, respectively. Similar discoveries for a new Smart Battery Case line for the iPhone XS and XS Max were made last year, weeks ahead of an official launch. One of the main upgrades on the iPhone 11 line, particularly for the "Pro" models, is the battery life of each smartphone. The iPhone 11 Pro is said to have 4 more hours of battery life than the iPhone XS, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max has 5 hours more battery life than the iPhone XS Max. This has translated into reviews for the 2019 iPhones praising all-day-long battery life. Smart Battery Cases would guarantee even longer battery life for the iPhone 11 family, for anyone who truly doesn't want to have to worry about charging their
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iOS 13 Audio Sharing Feature is Coming to All Beats Headphones With H1 and W1 Chips

Friday September 20, 2019 7:06 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
One of the new features set to officially launch in iOS 13.1 next week is "Audio Sharing," which lets you share the audio that you hear from your iPhone with another user. While this feature was initially announced as being supported only for AirPods and Powerbeats Pro with Apple's H1 chip, it will also be coming to all Beats headphones that use a W1 chip, including Beats Studio3 Wireless, BeatsX, Powerbeats3 Wireless, and Solo3 Wireless (via Engadget). Engadget says the update for Beats headphones will arrive on September 23, although iOS 13.1 won't be released until the following
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Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5 ECG Feature Launches in India

Friday September 20, 2019 6:11 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Apple added an ECG app to the Apple Watch Series 4 last year, providing users in select territories the ability to measure the electrical activity of their heart. This ECG feature is now live for users in India as of the launch of watchOS 6 (via Business Today). Regulatory clearance is required for the ECG feature, so it's only launched so far in the United States, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, and most countries in Europe, including the United Kingdom. The feature is said to already be live for users in India today if they own the Apple Watch Series 4 and upgrade to watchOS 6. It will also be available for Indian users who purchase the Apple Watch Series 5, available in the country from September 27. ECGs are captured by holding a finger on the Digital Crown of the Apple Watch, which will detect a sinus rhythm (normal), an abnormal result, or, sometimes, test results will be inconclusive. The idea is that you can take this information to your doctor, if the results are abnormal, and use it as a basis to discover if you have any larger issues at hand. In total, it takes about 30 seconds for the Apple Watch's ECG functionality to
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Apple Card Now Provides 3% Daily Cash When Shopping at T-Mobile

Thursday September 19, 2019 6:25 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
iPhone owners will now be able to use their Apple Card in T-Mobile stores and receive three percent Daily Cash as a reward. The news was announced today by T-Mobile, and is timed to coincide with the launch of the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max tomorrow, September 20. The carrier specifically said that shoppers will be able to use their Apple Card with Apple Pay and get three percent Daily Cash at any T-Mobile store. This makes T-Mobile the only current wireless provider to support three percent Daily Cash on the Apple Card. “We’re all about giving customers the best value in wireless, and we’re doing it again by offering 3% Daily Cash on Apple Card,” said John Legere, CEO of T-Mobile. “More options. More value. And cash back, including on Apple’s newest products. It’s just the Un-carrier way.” As of now, Apple Card supports three percent Daily Cash with Apple itself, Uber, Uber Eats, Walgreens, Duane Reade, and now T-Mobile. Apple announced in August, amid the Apple Card launch, that it would be expanding merchant support for three percent Daily Cash, and it has continued to do so over the past few weeks. Apple Card offers three Daily Cash reward tiers: one percent for all purchases made with the physical Apple Card, two percent for Apple Card purchases via Apple Pay, and three percent for these select merchants. You can apply for Apple Card in the Wallet app on iPhone. T-Mobile is also highlighting its current offer where you can trade up and get 50 percent off the iPhone 11 Pro. If you're interested in the iPhone 11, you can also get 50
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Facebook Announces 'Portal TV' for Streaming Content and Holding Video Calls

Wednesday September 18, 2019 5:49 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Facebook today announced a new set of Portal video chat devices, including one that is aimed to compete in the streaming TV market. This device is called the Portal TV, and it connects to a TV set with a standard HDMI cable and can stream content as well as enable video calls through Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. According to Facebook, video calling is the primary feature of Portal TV, because there aren't many supported streaming apps announced as of today. Customers will be able to stream Amazon Prime Video, listen to Spotify, and download apps like Showtime, CBS All Access, Starz, Pluto TV, Red Bull TV, and Neverthink. More apps are said to be coming soon, but Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and other popular platforms will not be on Portal TV at launch. Speaking with Bloomberg, Facebook executive Andrew Bosworth said that the ability to video call friends and family on a TV-based device will make it unique in a crowded market. Bosworth went on to suggest that people will likely switch on alternative devices for their video streaming when they're done video calling on Portal TV. Otherwise, Facebook is also launching updated Portal devices in two new sizes: an 8-inch "Portal Mini" and 10-inch regular "Portal." The new Portals have improved speakers, and a physical shutter so users can easily disable the camera and microphone. Of course, with any news related to Facebook, the company has attempted to double down on privacy assurances. With the new Portal models, it said that users can opt out of the company accessing voice recordings collected by the Portal in
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Deals: Amazon Offers All-Time-Low Prices on New MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and More (Up to $400 Off)

Tuesday September 17, 2019 12:02 pm PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Amazon this week is discounting numerous Apple notebooks and tablets, offering new all-time-low prices in each instance. You can save as much as $400 in these sales, which relate to the 2019 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, and the 2018 iPad Pro and iPad. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. 2019 MacBook Pro To start off, there's a unique coupon available for the 13-inch MacBook Pro this week on Amazon. The retailer has discounted the all-new 2019 MacBook Pro with 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD to $1,599.99, down from $1,799.00, which in and of itself is an all-time-low price. But, when you clip the on-page coupon to take an additional $200 off (totaling $400 off), you can get the computer for just $1,399.99, easily beating the prices found on Best Buy and B&H Photo. This is the model that Apple updated in May 2019, with an eighth-generation Intel processor and new butterfly keyboard technology. Head to Amazon to check out the sale before it ends soon. 2018 11-Inch iPad Pro You can also save on the 11-inch iPad Pro from 2018 this week, with Amazon offering another all-time-low price. The 1TB Wi-Fi iPad Pro is available for $1,149.99, down from $1,349.00 ($200 off). If you prefer the 12.9-inch model, Amazon has the 1TB 12.9-inch iPad Pro at $1,349.99, down from $1,549.00 ($200 off), which is another lowest-ever price. These are the iPad Pros that received a major design overhaul last fall, with slim bezels, Face ID, USB-C, and
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NBC's Streaming Service is Called 'Peacock' and Will Exclusively House The Office and Parks & Rec

Tuesday September 17, 2019 8:41 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
NBCUniversal today revealed that the name of its upcoming streaming television service is "Peacock," a reference to the company's logo. The service is still set to launch in April 2020, and NBC also provided more information on the content users will see at launch and beyond (via Vulture). We knew that Peacock would be getting The Office to stream exclusively, but NBC today revealed that its service will also be the only place you can stream Parks and Recreation starting next fall. Parks and Rec is currently available on a multitude of streaming platforms, including Netflix and Hulu, but come fall 2020 it will be removed from those services. “The name Peacock pays homage to the quality content that audiences have come to expect from NBCUniversal,” said Bonnie Hammer, who’s overseeing the service in her role as chairman of NBC’s direct-to-consumer and digital-enterprises division. And while there was nothing official in the release Tuesday, Hammer seemed to indicate Peacock will also have news and sports content. “Peacock will be the go-to place for both the timely and timeless — from can’t-miss Olympic moments and the 2020 election to classic fan favorites like The Office,” she said. Peacock will also house exclusive original shows, including a reboot of Battlestar Galactica from the creator of Mr. Robot, a Saved by the Bell revival, a Punky Brewster revival, a spin-off of one of The Real Housewives shows, and a new comedy from Mike Schur, creator of The Good Place. Former NBC shows on Peacock include: SNL, Cheers, 30 Rock, Frasier, Friday Night Lights,
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Amazon Music Adds Lossless Streaming Tier for $14.99/Month ($12.99 for Prime)

Tuesday September 17, 2019 6:43 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Amazon today introduced a new tier of Amazon Music, called Amazon Music HD, which offers lossless versions of audio files for streaming or downloading. This tier will cost $14.99/month, or $12.99/month for Amazon Prime members (via The Verge). Amazon is offering a catalog of over 50 million songs in "High Definition," which are songs with CD-quality bit depth of 16 bits and a 44.1kHz sample rate. Then, there are "millions" of songs in Ultra HD, meaning they have 24-bit and sample rates that range from 44.1kHz up to 192kHz. All of these songs will be delivered in a lossless FLAC file format. Amazon is hoping that being the first of the so-called big three streaming music services (Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify) to offer lossless streaming will win some converts. Tidal has always offered lossless streaming as one of its main selling points, but its price is $19.99/month, which Amazon is now undercutting. Amazon’s VP of Music, Steve Boom says that “It’s a pretty big deal that one of the big three global streaming services is doing this — we’re the first one.” Amazon Music isn’t often in the conversation about music streaming competition, which usually ends up following a Spotify vs. Apple Music narrative. But Amazon considers itself in their company, and with the new HD offering it’s looking to differentiate itself and perhaps raise its profile. According to reports from earlier this year, Amazon Music had 32 million subscribers as of April 2019. That compares to the 60 million subscribers gained by Apple Music as of June 2019, and the 100 million Spotify
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iPhone 11 Review Roundup: Improved Camera, Battery Life, and Performance Result in the iPhone for 'Just About Everybody'

Tuesday September 17, 2019 6:30 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
The iPhone 11 is set to launch this Friday, September 20, and in advance of that release date the first reviews for the smartphone have begun appearing online. Apple has provided review units of the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max to media outlets, but this article will focus only on the iPhone 11 and you can check out our separate iPhone 11 Pro review roundup right here. As the lower-cost device, the iPhone 11 lacks some of the hardware and software features of the Pro line, but numerous reviewers pointed out that the line between the 11 and the 11 Pro has blurred even more this year. In short, this will likely be the iPhone that is the best choice for most customers this season. Wired echoed many of these sentiments, calling it the iPhone for "just about everybody" and applauding the smartphone's camera upgrade, solid battery life, low cost, and the speed of the A13 Bionic processor. The site particularly appreciated Apple's no-nonsense UI design for the camera app, pointing out how this improves the camera as a whole, even if it might not be as good as others on the market. Image via Wired It would be a stretch to say that the camera on the iPhone 11 has wowed me or has set a new standard that other phone makers will have to race to match. The iPhone 11 Pro, with its funky three-lens camera module on the back, is noticeably better. But one area where Apple deserves credit is in the overall packaging of its camera features and the design of the app’s interface. Smartphones are now cluttered with so many features that it can be hard to
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MacRumors Exclusive: Save Up to 40% on Anker's USB-C and Lightning Cables, Wireless Chargers, and More

Monday September 16, 2019 10:19 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
MacRumors has partnered with Anker again this week to offer our readers a chance to save on nine accessories, including USB-C chargers, wireless chargers, Lightning cables, and portable battery packs. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Savings reach as much as 40 percent off the devices listed below, starting as low as $11.99 for Anker's own Lightning to USB-C power cable, which can be used to fast charge a compatible iPhone. All of the discount codes have been organized in our list, so be sure to browse the sale before the codes expire this Sunday, September 22. Anker Sale Powerline III USB-A to Lightning Cable (White and Black) - $11.99 with code MACRA8812, down from $14.99 Powerline II USB-C to Lightning Cable - $11.99 with code MACRA8632, down from $15.99 USB-C Power Strip with Power Delivery - $28.79 with code MACRA2767, down from $35.99 PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C Hub - $32.19 with code MACRA8352, down from $45.99 60W 2-Port USB-C Charger - $43.99 with code MACRA2029, down from $54.99 PowerWave 7.5W Pad Wireless Charger - $16.99 with code MRA2501Z1, $21.99 PowerWave 7.5W Stand Wireless Charger - $25.99 with code MRA2521W, down from $32.99 PowerCore 10,000 mAh - $34.99 with code MACRA1235, down from $45.99 PowerCore Speed 20,100 mAh with 30W PD Charger - $59.99 with code MACRA1275, down from $99.99 Head to our full Deals Roundup for even more of the latest Apple-related
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Charlie Hunnam Cast as Lead in Apple TV+ Series 'Shantaram'

Monday September 16, 2019 9:01 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Apple has cast actor Charlie Hunnam in its upcoming series "Shantaram," which will air on Apple TV+ sometime after the service debuts this November (via Variety). The series is an adaptation of the Gregory David Roberts novel of the same name, the rights to which Apple acquired back in June 2018. Image via Variety/Eric Charbonneau The novel is based somewhat on Roberts' real life, focusing on a character named Lin (Hunnam), who is a convict that flees from an Australian prison and hopes to get lost in the city of Bombay. In the city, Lin stumbles across an underworld of criminals while individuals from his life in prison hunt him down. Apple won the rights to the book amid a competitive bidding war that was said to include multiple streaming companies. Previously, plans to adapt "Shantaram" included Joel Edgerton in the role as Lin for a feature film, but plans fell through, leading to the idea of a streaming TV series. "American Hustle" screenwriter Eric Warren Singer will serve as the showrunner and executive producer of the new Apple series. Singer also worked on "The International", "Only the Brave", and wrote the script for the upcoming sequel "Top Gun: Maverick." Hunnam is known for his roles in "Sons of Anarchy," "Pacific Rim," and "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword." It's not clear yet when "Shantaram" will premiere on Apple TV+, but since casting has just gotten underway and filming has not yet begun, it's likely that we won't see the show debut until mid-to-late 2020 at the
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Deals: Mophie Launches New Convertible Wireless Charging Stand, Save 20% With Exclusive Discount Code

Monday September 16, 2019 8:14 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Mophie this week launched a new wireless charging stand for any Qi-enabled smartphone, including the latest iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max devices. The accessory is available on Mophie's website for $69.95. Mophie's new stand can convert from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, allowing you to charge your iPhone in portrait mode, landscape mode, or flat on its back. You can also use the new accessory to charge the AirPods with Wireless Charging Case. MacRumors Exclusive Discount Code Our readers should note that we have an ongoing 20 percent discount code with Mophie through the end of September. So, if you're interested in the new wireless charging stand you can get it for $55.96, down from $69.95 -- the lowest price available online. Use the code RUMORS20 to see this discount. This discount code is available sitewide on Mophie's website, so you can use it to save on portable batteries, battery cases, charging cables, and more. This includes the all-new Juice Pack Access battery cases for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Mophie. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
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Deals Spotlight: Save Up to $50 When Pre-Ordering Apple Watch Series 5 on Amazon

Monday September 16, 2019 6:21 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Amazon is offering customers a chance to save when pre-ordering the Apple Watch Series 5, which is set to be released this Friday, September 20. The retailer's sale is focused on select models of the cellular Apple Watch Series 5, and offers up to $50 off these devices. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. We've listed a few models on sale below, and you can head to Amazon to browse the full sale right here. Readers should note that some of the sales are only for certain case sizes, and some others require you to clip an on-page coupon to get the discount. Apple Watch Series 5 Pre-Order Discount (GPS + Cellular) 40mm Stainless Steel with White Sport Band - $649.00, down from $699.00 ($50 off) 44mm Space Black Stainless Steel with Black Sport Band - $699.00, down from $749.00 ($50 off) 44mm Space Black Stainless Steel with Black Milanese Loop - $749.00, down from $799.00 ($50 off) 44mm Stainless Steel with Milanese Loop - $749.00, down from $799.00 ($50 off) Check out our full Deals Roundup for even more bargains and discounts, including information on iPhone 11 pre-order
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J.J. Abrams Declined Apple's $500 Million Offer Because it Would Have Restricted Bad Robot Productions to Apple TV+

Friday September 13, 2019 8:53 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
A new article by The Hollywood Reporter today sheds light on why director/producer J.J. Abrams declined a big deal with Apple, which would have seen his Bad Robot production company become one of the main creators for exclusive content on Apple TV+. According to sources, Abrams and his wife Katie McGrath wanted to be able to sell Bad Robot's content to other outlets. Of course, Apple wanted the company to exclusively produce shows and movies that would only be made available on Apple TV+ and nowhere else. Ultimately, Abrams decided to stick with WarnerMedia, which offered far less than Apple. Sources familiar with the deal say it is less about money and more about the larger opportunities that come with an established media giant like WarnerMedia. Abrams is said to have wanted a set number of guaranteed slots on Warner Bros.' feature film release calendar, though it's unclear if that was included in the new agreement. With Warners, Abrams has the ability to create new features that could see his new deal reach the billions if he's able to create a successful franchise. Now that Bad Robot remains under WarnerMedia, the company is able to create shows like "Lisey's Story" and sell it out to other brands, including Apple. Abrams hopes to turn Bad Robot into a "consumer brand" in this way and get its content in front of as many people as possible, which would have been more difficult if it were locked behind the Apple TV+ exclusivity barrier. Apple's exclusivity deal (valued in the $500 million range), also would have restricted Abrams' ability to work on outside
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iPhone 11 Pre-Order Deals: Save On Apple's Latest Smartphones Through AT&T, Verizon, and More

Friday September 13, 2019 6:47 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max are now available for pre-order on Apple.com and cellular carriers as of this morning. As usual, most carriers are offering some perks if you choose to pre-order the new iPhone through their websites, so we've listed each promotion below. 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. AT&T $300 Reward Card If you use AT&T, the carrier is offering a chance to get a $300 reward card when you order select smartphones online, as long as they are purchased with a qualifying installment plan. You'll have to add a new line to a new or existing account, as well. After paying taxes for the smartphone upfront, and a $30 activation fee, you'll get the $300 reward card within 3-4 weeks after redemption. The iPhone also must be placed on an eligible AT&T unlimited plan. Compatible iPhone models include: iPhone 8, 8 Plus, XR, X, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (priced up to $1450). Customers should note that the iPhone 8 64GB is excluded. BOGO You can also buy an eligible iPhone 11 model and get one at a discounted price (or free) when both are placed on an eligible AT&T unlimited plan. You'll have to buy the two iPhones on a qualifying installment agreement, add at least one new line to a new or existing account, pay taxes for each device up front, and pay a $30 activation or upgrade fee for each device. iPhones compatible in this offer include: iPhone 8, 8 Plus, XR, X,
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iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 11 Pro: Which to Buy?

Thursday September 12, 2019 1:02 pm PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Apple's latest iPhones, the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, are nearing their release dates on September 20. Apple is separating the new smartphones into its usual low-cost versus high-cost categories, with big differences between the two models coming down to the camera, display, and battery life. Design Although they look very similar, the iPhone 11 is made with an aluminum frame and both the front and back are made of glass. The iPhone 11 Pro has the same glass build as the iPhone 11, but with a premium matte finish on the back of the device. Instead of an aluminum frame, its frame is made of stainless steel. For all three 2019 iPhones, Apple claims that its glass is the "toughest glass found in a smartphone," and promises durability if you happen to drop or otherwise accidentally harm your iPhone. For both smartphones, the square camera bump has a polished glass finish. The iPhone 11 is 5.94 inches tall, 2.98 inches wide, and 0.33 inches thick, with a weight of 6.84 ounces. The iPhone 11 Pro is ever slightly smaller at 5.67 inches tall, 2.81 inches wide, and 0.32 inches thick, with a weight of 6.63 ounces. Of course, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the biggest of the bunch at 6.22 inches tall, 3.06 inches wide, and 0.32 inches deep, at a total weight of 7.97 ounces. The iPhone 11 comes in Purple, Yellow, Green, Black, White, and Product Red. The iPhone 11 Pro comes in Midnight Green, Silver, Space Grey, and Gold. All models have the same front-face notch, bezels, antenna bands, volume and side buttons, mute switch, speaker grills, microphones, and Lightning
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Slack Launches Support for Dark Mode on Mac

Thursday September 12, 2019 8:25 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Slack today launched dark mode for all desktop apps, including Mac, Windows, and Linux. This follows the company previously making dark mode available on iOS back in June. To find dark mode in Slack on Mac, click on your name in the left sidebar > Preferences > Themes. This will show you a quick preview of how everything will look, and then you can choose to switch to dark mode or stay in light mode. The company has also added new themes specifically tailored for dark mode, all of which are also available today. There is no required update to see dark mode on Slack, but you'll need to restart the app to get it to appear. Slack also confirmed that in the near future you will be able to set Slack to switch automatically between light and dark mode, based on your macOS settings. The company didn't provide a specific release date for this feature but said it will be available fairly
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HomePod Gaining New 'Ambient Sounds' Siri Feature This Fall, Radio Station Support Launching September 30

Wednesday September 11, 2019 8:53 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Apple this week quietly updated the HomePod's product page on Apple.com, including a few release dates for upcoming features (via 9to5Mac). HomePod will gain the ability to tune into live radio stations through Siri controls on September 30, after this feature was first announced at WWDC in June (and made available to some users in Germany this July). Additional HomePod features, including multi-user support and music handoff, will not launch until "later this fall." With iOS 13, Siri on HomePod can recognize the voices of different HomePod users, queuing up each person's favorite music on the speaker. Handoff lets any media you have playing on your iPhone or iPad be handed off to the HomePod. One new feature has also been added to the HomePod page on Apple.com, called "Ambient Sounds." Apple says that you'll be able to relax to sounds like ocean waves, forest birds, rainstorms, and more with this feature, also coming in the fall. It sounds like the company is working on making ambient noise a big new feature of the HomePod, after being requested by users since the speaker launched in early 2018. Although Apple Music has a multitude of ambient noise playlists, this should make it even easier to start playing relaxing sounds on HomePod. There have been numerous announcements from Apple this week thanks to the iPhone event yesterday, including the all new iPhone 11 family, the new 10.2-inch iPad, and Apple Watch Series 5.
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Apple Drops $149 Price Tag of Milanese and Leather Loop Apple Watch Bands to $99

Wednesday September 11, 2019 6:27 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Alongside the announcement of the Apple Watch Series 5 yesterday, Apple has now updated the price on some of its high-end leather and metallic bands. Specifically, the original $149 price tag of Leather Loop and Milanese Loop Apple Watch bands has now dropped to $99. This means that they're only $50 more expensive than Apple's cheapest Sport Bands and Sport Loops, which cost $49. Leather Loop is now available in Meyer Lemon, Black, and Saddle Brown; it only fits 44mm Apple Watch cases. Milanese Loop is available in Silver, Gold, and Space Black; it can fit both 40mm and 44mm cases. Apple has not dropped the price of the Modern Buckle any further, although at $149 it is still $100 cheaper than it initially was at launch. Hermès bands are as much as $539, and the Silver Link Bracelet is $349, while the Space Black Link Bracelet is $449. More information about the new Apple Watch Series 5 can be found in our full launch post on the new
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