The Tech Media Minute: The End of Jawbone, 'iPhone 7' Geekbench Tests
One of the biggest names in wearable technology could soon be making an exit. Meanwhile, the first benchmark tests for the next iPhone have arrived. Here’s a look at today’s technology news.
Top news stories
Jawbone on the block?
Back in April, I suggested that Apple should purchase Jawbone, the iconic wearable electronics maker that has long suffered from financial difficulties. This week, The Information reported that the company “has approached at least one hardware manufacturer about possibly selling itself, according to a person with knowledge of the discussion.”
I continue to believe that Apple and Jawbone should get together.
As I noted this spring, Jawbone offers a vastly superior health and wellness app versus Apple’s Health app. The company’s UP app tracks sleep, activities, and diet. A Smart Coach helps you make better choices through a series of daily, personalized tips. Best of all: you don’t need a Jawbone fitness device to use most of the app’s most valuable tools. Jawbone UP also works across multiple platforms.
We could hear about Jawbone’s plans very soon. The Information notes that Jawbone recently told one of its business partners it couldn’t make an August payment deadline.
“iPhone 7” Geekbench test leaks
Chinese microblogging site Weibo (via Techtastic.nl) has posted an image claiming to show Geekbench test results for the upcoming “iPhone 7.”
The image reveals that the “iPhone9,2” features a 2.37GHz dual-core ARM A10 processor and 3GB of RAM. By comparison, the iPhone 6s Plus has a 1.84GHz dual-core A9 chip and 2GB of memory.
New iPhones are expected to launch next month.
Apple goes to the Olympics
Samsung, not Apple, is an official sponsor of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Regardless, Cupertino is still trying to make a splash in Rio. Special-edition watch bands are available about six miles from the main Olympic park, according to Reuters.
They note:
The watch bands do not feature the iconic Olympic rings logo or the word “Olympics”, which are for the exclusive use of sponsors like Samsung. Instead, they come in a choice of 14 national team colors, including the United States and Canada. A Brazil-themed nylon band was close to selling out this week.
Jumping on a plane to Rio is the only way to get one of these $92.80 bands — unless you visit eBay, of course. One buyer is selling all 14 bands in a lot for $5,600.
Trending today
Trending today
Have you seen the #PhelpsFace? It’s a great way to start your day.
Also making news:
On this day
Today, Aug. 9 is Book Lover’s Day and Chinese Valentine’s Day/Daughter’s Day.
The USENIX Security Conference begins in Austin, Texas tomorrow, Aug. 10. The three-day event brings together researchers, practitioners, systems programmers and engineers, and others interested in the latest advances in the security of computer systems and networks.
Rewind: On this day in 1974, Richard M. Nixon became the first and only president to resign while in office. In 1930, animated cartoon “Dizzy Dishes” debuted starring Betty Boop.
Extra reading
We’ve looked around the web and found these other stories worth considering:
- Apple Denies iPhone Price Fixing in Russia, Fortune
- Why every iPhone 7 spec and rumor points to virtual reality, ZDNet
- All of the ways Instagram stories and Snapchat stories are the same, The Verge
Want even more? Check out Tech Media Extra.
The Tech Media Minute is published Monday through Friday on AppAdvice to highlight the biggest stories in technology.
