Review: Focal Spark Wireless In-Ear Headphones
Earlier this week, we reviewed the Spark, a classy and competent wired headphone from established audiophile speaker manufacturer Focal. This time, we're trying out Spark Wireless ($99), the Bluetooth version of Focal's entry-level headphone range.
Apple’s Greg Jozwiak reveals strong developer uptake in new ARKit tech
In an interview with The Australian, Greg “Joz” Jozwiak, Apple’s VP of iOS, iPad, and iPhone Product Marketing, provide some insights into Apple’s new ARKit technology that will be rolling out in iOS 10, describing the rapid uptake by iOS developers has been “unbelievable,” and describing some of the applications that he’s already seen rolling out for the new technology: “They’ve built everything from virtual tape measures (to) ballerinas made out of wood dancing on floors. It’s absolutely incredible what people are doing in so little time.”
Daily Deal: Nomad Horween Leather iPhone Folio Wallet Case
Today in iLounge Deals, you can get the Nomad Horween Leather iPhone Folio Wallet Case for iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus only $37.49 — that’s 24% off the regular price. This classy combination of iPhone case and wallet is made from minimally treated, vegetable-tanned leather from one of America’s oldest tanneries, and is designed to patina beautifully over time giving it a sophisticated look. Three slots inside allow you to carry up to six credit cards and folded cash.
Get the Nomad Horween Leather iPhone Folio Wallet Case now for only $37.49
Alpine releases first aftermarket Wireless CarPlay System
Alpine has released the iLX-107 ($900), the first aftermarket Wireless CarPlay system. Although this is not the first CarPlay receiver in Alpine’s lineup, it’s particularly unique as it not only provides support for Apple’s Wireless CarPlay standard, but is the first of such aftermarket receivers. The unit itself sports a 7” VGA display with a capacitive touchscreen, and is designed to provide full Apple CarPlay support over a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection, as well as compatibility with Alpine’s own TuneIt iPhone app. Most of the other usual Alpine features are in here as well, including a 9-band parametric equalizer, 6-channel time correction, accessory expandability, and support for 50W on 4 channels and three 2V pre-outs.
August adds Visual Notifications for Doorbell Cam + more
August has released an update to the iOS app for its Smart Lock and Doorbell Cam, adding visual lock screen notifications for the Doorbell Cam as well as several other improvements for the Smart Lock and Smart Keypad. Although promised HomeKit support for the Doorbell Cam has yet to materialize, users of the August app will be able to access image preview alerts directly from the notification on their iPhone or iPad lock screen to they can quickly determine who is at the door without having to unlock their iPhone or wait for the August app to open. Although users will be unable to take any action from the Lock Screen without full HomeKit support, a “View” button provides the ability to open the August app to view the Doorbell cam live feed directly and choose to respond via the intercom or unlock an associated August Smart Lock.
Gear: Speck Balance Folio for iPad Pro (10.5” & 12.9”)
Speck has released its Balance Folio protective cases for 10.5” iPad Pro as well as the 12.9” iPad Pro. The new cases bring Speck’s quality drop protection to Apple’s newest pro tablets with a stylish yet minimalist design that’s 20% slimmer than the company’s StyleFolio iPad cases.
IK Multimedia announces iRig Pro I/O
IK Multimedia has announced the release of the iRig Pro I/O, a new pocket-sized mobile audio/MIDI interface for iPhone/iPad and Mac users. The successor to the company’s highly rated 2013 iRig Pro, iRig Pro I/O raises the bar with a plethora of new features as well as bundled software and apps to enhance the digital musician’s experience. iRig Pro I/O provides a wide range of connectivity options, with inputs for guitars, basses, studio mics, vocal mics, keyboard, and more, with a combo XLR and 1/4” input as well as MIDI inputs for digital instruments. Built-in 24-bit analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters with a 96KHz sampling rate provides for professional audio quality in a device that can fit into your pocket and be ready to go with your iPhone or iPad for spontaneous jam sessions. A high-quality 1/8” headphone/line out is included with level control to provide pass-through audio for connecting to headphones, mixers, and powered monitor speakers — particularly applicable for iPhone 7 users — and built-in device charging is supported with an external power adapter for extended playing sessions. iRig Pro I/O retails for $150 and is available now from the IK Multimedia online store and other IK authorized retailers. We’ll be publishing a full review in the coming weeks.
New Kickstarter campaign producing documentary on ‘Firing Steve Jobs’
A new Kickstarter campaign has been launched seeking funding for a new documentary about the early history of Apple and Steve Jobs. Titled “Firing Steve Jobs,” the documentary promises to take a unique point of view on the dramatic events surround Jobs’ firing from Apple in the early days of the Mac back in 1985. The documentary plans to feature interviews with John Sculley, Mike Markkula, Steve Wozniak and many others, with a goal to capture the contradiction and controversy that led to the decision to dismiss Jobs without frills or embellishment but focusing merely on the facts behind the story, painting a portrait of who Steve Jobs was at the time from the perspective of those who worked most closely with him in the early days of Apple. The new documentary is expected to be released in the spring of 2018, provided the project meets its funding goal of €35,000 before the close of the Kickstarter campaign.
Daily Deal: ExoMount CD Car Mount
In our iLounge Deal for today, we’re offering the ExoMount CD Car Mount for only $19.99 — that’s 33% off the regular price. This easily-installed car mount hooks into your car’s CD player slot so you can keep your hands free while driving while still being able to see your iPhone in a centrally-mounted position. You can rotate it 360-degrees to choose the best orientation that works for you, and the bracket is compatible with just about any smartphone on the market.
Review: Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Second Generation), 10.5-inch iPad Pro
Apple’s 12.9” iPad Pro, debuted in late 2015, represented the company’s first attempt to take the tablet in a new direction, with a larger model targeted toward creative professionals or those looking at the iPad as more of a laptop replacement. The “Pro” designation was not only clearly earned by the larger form factor, but also supported by a number of other significant improvements, such as support for Apple’s first-ever stylus (the Apple Pencil), a new Smart Connector that provided plug-in compatibility for the Apple Smart Keyboard and other third-party keyboard cases and accessories, and significant video and audio improvements. It was clear that the 12.9” iPad was a tablet to be contended with, and while originally there was the feeling that the “Pro” capabilities would remain the exclusive domain of Apple’s largest iPad, the company subsequently unveiled a 9.7” iPad Pro model six months later, including most of the core capabilities of its larger sibling, while also adding a new True Tone display and significantly better cameras, but lacking USB 3.0 support and faster USB-C charging.
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