The Tech Media Minute: Apple Gets Into the Reality TV Business With 'Planet of the Apps'
In a possible headscratcher, Apple is getting into the reality TV business with the launch of “Planet of the Apps.” Meanwhile, there’s more reason to believe that the days are numbered for the iPhone’s 3.5mm headphone jack.
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Apple launching a “Planet of the Apps” reality TV show
Do you have what it takes to create the next Pokémon Go app? Apple wants to hear from you. The iPhone maker has launched an open casting call for the company’s new Apple TV-based reality series, “Planet of the Apps.”
According to the call, Apple is looking for “100 of the world’s most talented app creators.” Those chosen “will have the chance to receive hands-on guidance from some of the most influential experts in the tech community, featured placement on the App Store, and funding from top-tier VCs.”
For more information, visit the show’s official site.
Apple’s Lightning Earpods make an appearance
It’s long been reported that the “iPhone 7” will ship without a 3.5mm headphone jack. Because of this, Apple is likely to include a Lightning connected set of EarPods with the handset.
A Weibo user has posted photos purportedly showing a new version of Apple’s EarPods that can connect to an iPhone via the 8-pin Lightning port. The EarPods look almost identical to the current model, which makes you wonder what happened to Apple’s innovation.
The next iPhone is likely to launch in September.
ABC no longer wants you to Watch
Disney’s ABC is rebranding its ABC Watch app. Now simply called ABC, the app continues to feature current programming from the network. In addition, it has added 38 full seasons of 38 “throwback” shows, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Among the older series now available to stream via ABC are “Felicity,” “My So-Called Life,” and “Sports Night.” The updated service also features seven original short-form digital series, with more to come.
Trending today
Trending today
Ah yes, it’s #NationalFrenchFryDay!
Also causing chatter on this Hump Day:
On this day
Today, July 13 is Embrace Your Geekness Day and Fool’s Paradise Day.
Cisco Live continues in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Rewind: On this day in 1898, the radio was patented by Guglielmo Marconi.
Extra reading
Looking for more to read? We’ve got you covered:
- Google Launches Smarter Ads For Broader Searches And Holiday Shopping, Tech Times
- Apple Watch will ruin your life and I’m ashamed to have one on my wrist, The Independent
- Oculus launching the Rift without the Touch controllers probably wasn’t a great move, TechCrunch
Want even more? Check out Tech Media Extra.
The Tech Media Minute is published Monday through Friday on AppAdvice.
