The AppAdvice tech week in review: New Apple devices are just weeks away
The final full week of January 2016 is in the history books. Here’s a look back at the week that was.
The biggest story of the week: Apple’s big March
It looks like Apple is gearing up for a busy spring.
The next 9.7-inch iPad could arrive in March, alongside the long-rumored “iPhone 5se.” The “iPad Air 3″ may come equipped with a 4K screen, as well as 4GB of RAM. The tablet could also feature four speakers, a rear-facing flash and be compatible with the Apple Pencil.
Meanwhile, the 4-inch iPhone 5se is expected to be very similar to the iPhone 6, as opposed to the iPhone 5, as was once believed. The handset is more than likely going to include the A9 and M9 chips, which will allow for always-on Siri activation. The iPhone 5se will also see a boost in capacity. The handset will likely debut with 16 GB and 64 GB variants, rather than 16 GB and 32 GB.
Also making news: Apple stops the music
Apple has officially stopped streaming iTunes Radio for free. Instead, the Pandora-like Internet radio service is now part of the subscription-based Apple Music, which begins at $9.99 per month.
Other app news:
Big app news: Spotify videos are here
The Spotify Music app stayed true to the plan from a May 2015 press release announcing video distribution. On Friday, Jan. 29, iOS users began seeing video content from Comedy Central, ESPN, BBC, Maker Studios, and others.
For now, content consists mainly of short clips, however, there are also plans for Spotify Originals and exclusive content. Videos are available through a Spotify Premium subscription.
Other app news:
- Apple’s Safari is now the only major iOS browser to support the Do Not Track initiative
- Adobe brings back Bob Ross in ‘The Joy of Sketching’
- Guides by Lonely Planet is your perfect pocket travel buddy
- To catch up on the news on your Apple TV, just Watchup
- Oh iTunes, why have you forsaken the Apple TV?
Accessory news: No more charging cables?
As soon as next year, we may be able to say “good riddance” to Apple’s fraying-prone iPhone and iPad charging cables. According to Bloomberg, Apple is developing a new wireless charging technology that could be integrated into new iOS devices as soon as 2017. The company is said to be working on the technology with its partners in the U.S. and Asia.
This technology could allow wireless charging over longer distances and allow iOS devices to be, as Bloomberg puts it, “powered from further away than the charging mats used with current smartphones.”
Other accessory news:
- The Master & Dynamic MW60 Wireless Headphones impress
- Maybe $100 was too much to pay for an Apple Pencil
What will happen during the week ahead? Visit AppAdvice each day to find out.
