The AppAdvice tech week in review: Apple's big month approaches
The biggest story of the week: Buy new iOS devices next month?
With the rumored “iPhone 5se” and “iPad Air 3″ apparently set to be unveiled at a special media event on Tuesday, March 15, buyers won’t have to wait very long to purchase either new device. According to a new report from 9to5Mac, both devices could go on sale as early as Friday, March 18.
In addition to the new iOS device models, Cupertino could also announce new Apple Watch bands next month.
Also making news: The latest Apple TV beta is all about voice
In the most recent beta of tvOS 9.2 for Apple TV, Cupertino has added dictation support to supplement your use of the keyboard in the media content stores and places that require you to enter your username or password.
The change also makes it easier to find content. If you want to do a quick search for games or any other category from the tvOS App Store, you can just tell Siri, and she will show you a selection of apps from that particular group.
Apple is expected to release tvOS 9.2 to the public in the coming weeks.
Other news:
- Stream all your favorite music videos with Vevo on Apple TV
- Apple’s streaming TV talks remain on hold, says CBS CEO
- Apple is reportedly bankrolling a new original TV series starring Dr. Dre
- Apple’s Sunnyvale campus isn’t a quiet neighbor
- Class-action lawsuit filed in response to iPhone’s Error 53
Big app news: Facebook’s battery woes continue
Want to increase your iPhone’s battery life? Just uninstall the Facebook app. In a new study, The Guardian found that uninstalling the popular app will increase battery life by 15 percent.
Facebook announced in October that it was investigating reports by some users that its iOS app was causing excessive battery drain.
Other app news:
- Sort posts and use 3D Touch with the updated Vine app
- Explore parallel worlds in Abandoned: The Underground City
- Popular fitness app Runkeeper acquired by sportswear company Asics
- Fight the dead and fear the living in The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land
- Confirmed: Microsoft acquired app with same name as its Groove music service
Accessory news: Belkin joins forces with Apple to repair iPhone screens
Apple has officially rolled out its screen protector installation program to Apple Stores in the United States and other countries. In partnership with Belkin, Apple will have dedicated machines in stores. If something happens during installation with the machine, Apple will give users a free protector and reinstall it for no charge.
Other accessory news:
- Analysts say the ‘iPhone 7’ won’t feature noise-canceling Lightning headphones
- The iPad Pro could charge much faster if Apple would allow a USB 3 Lightning cable
- Oittm’s Stainless Steel Link Bracelet adds a touch of class to the Apple Watch
What will be making news next week? Stick with AppAdvice to find out.
Jeff Byrnes, Aldrin Calimlim, Brent Dirks, and Sandy Stachowiak contributed to this report.
