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Apple's next new thing
A hybrid iPad/HomePod device is on the horizon.
Leander Kahney
December 04, 2024
My mom loves to listen to BBC Radio 4’s Tweet of the Day on the “wireless,” as she calls her Amazon Echo Show 10, which I got her for Xmas a couple of years ago.
She also uses the smart speaker — which has a swiveling 10-inch screen — for recipes, music on demand, setting timers, and viewing her video doorbell.
She’s mostly indifferent to it, tbh, but I find it a fascinating device, especially the way it swivels toward you when you speak to it. It also sounds pretty good.
If only it were an Apple product. Then she’d be able to use it for FaceTime calls and for streaming Apple TV+ shows like Slow Horses, which she’s just become a fan of.
So I can’t wait to see what Apple’s cooking up in this area. The latest rumor, from the pretty-reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, says Cupertino will launch its Echo Show killer next year. And there likely will be other smart home goodies in store, too. So excited!
Also in today’s newsletter:
There are a few interesting tidbits in Wired’s interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook, like the fact the he uses Apple Intelligence to reply to customer emails.
Another interesting fact from a different source: Apple is testing Amazon’s custom-built AI chips for pretraining Apple Intelligence.
The second half of next year will also likely see a new iPad Pro with a mighty M5 chip.
I’m gonna get this deal myself: It bundles lifetime access to a bunch of the top AI tools for just $30.
I’m also really interested in this teeny-tiny Android smartphone for just $90. I just learned that Shimano released a great bicycling app that finally makes it practical to use a smartphone as a bike computer replacement. This little Android handset looks perfect for that. (There’s an iOS version of Shimano’s app, but my iPhone 16 Pro Max is likely too heavy for an out-front mount.)
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team
A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team
Tweets of the day
Apple - what are you doing...
— Aaron (@aaronp613)
6:12 PM • Dec 4, 2024
navigating the ios 18 photo app
— n (@micropIastlcs)
1:29 PM • Dec 3, 2024
✨ Introducing Festivitas for macOS! 🎄
Deck your dock and menu bar with endlessly customizable festive lights. Add a touch of holiday magic to your Mac ✨💻
It's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!
You'll find the download link in the replies 👇
— Simon B. Støvring (@simonbs)
12:53 PM • Dec 4, 2024
Wallpaper of the day
Colorful, minimalist mountain landscape with a full moon iPhone 16 Pro Max Wallpaper
— iPhone Wallpapers (@iPhonewal)
8:56 AM • Dec 3, 2024
One more thing ...
Companies, as they grow to become multibillion-dollar entities, somehow lose their vision. They insert lots of layers of middle management between the people running the company and the people doing the work. They no longer have an inherent feel or a passion about the products. The creative people, who are the ones who care passionately, have to persuade five layers of management to do what they know is the right thing to do.
Today’s poll
Would you buy a HomePod with a screen? |
Results from yesterday’s poll: Does your music taste differ significantly from your partner's?
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