Monday, February 11, 2019

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MacRumors Readers Hoping for USB-C Instead of Lightning in 2019 iPhones

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This morning, we asked our readers on Twitter if they'd prefer to see USB-C ports or Lightning ports in the 2019 iPhone lineup, and the results so far are clear -- MacRumors readers are ready to transition to USB-C.

With more than 15,000 responses across both platforms at the time this article was written, 74% of Twitter users have chosen USB-C over Lightning, as have 71% of Facebook users.


There have been some rumors suggesting Apple is at least considering transitioning to USB-C in the 2019 iPhone lineup, with USB-C prototypes supposedly floating around, but the most recent information from Japanese site Mac Otakara suggests Apple will continue to use Lightning for the 2019 iPhone lineup.


Given the mixed rumors, it's looking like we may not be seeing a shift to USB-C in 2019, but it's still possible, and the rumors are encouraging because it means we may see a transition away from Lightning in the near future. iPhones in 2020 or 2021 could feature USB-C, even if the 2019 iPhones don't.

Many current iPhone users may be reluctant to shift from Lightning ports because they've spent years collecting Lightning-based accessories, but there are some benefits to be aware of. With USB-C, iPhones would charge faster than with the current 5W iPhone adapter and Lightning cable setup, and cables would be interchangeable with cables for the MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and iPad lineup.

With USB-C support for the iPhone, a single cable could be used to charge all of the above listed devices, and existing power adapters for these devices would fast charge the iPhone, providing at least 50% power in 30 minutes and 80% power within an hour.


MacRumors readers on social networks have weighed in, but we also want to hear from those who are visiting the site. Our Twitter and Facebook polls are open for the rest of the day, so go vote! USB-C or Lightning?

Also, if you don't already, make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, where we share news stories, polls, videos, tips and tricks, and other interesting Apple-related information.

Related Roundup: 2019 iPhones

This article, "MacRumors Readers Hoping for USB-C Instead of Lightning in 2019 iPhones" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Amazon Acquires Mesh WiFi Maker Eero

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Amazon today announced that it is acquiring eero, a company known for its mesh Wi-Fi systems.

eero makes a range of easy-to-use and somewhat affordable mesh Wi-Fi systems, designed to extend Wi-Fi signal across a person's entire home, putting an end to areas with weak signal.


There are no details on the purchase price, but Amazon says that it is acquiring eero to "help customers better connect smart home devices."
"We are incredibly impressed with the eero team and how quickly they invented a WiFi solution that makes connected devices just work," said Dave Limp, SVP of Amazon Devices and Services. "We have a shared vision that the smart home experience can get even easier, and we're committed to continue innovating on behalf of customers."
Mesh Wi-Fi systems like eero are ideal for smart home setups with many internet connected devices, and the acquisition fits well with Amazon's growing portfolio of smart home products such as Ring.


This article, "Amazon Acquires Mesh WiFi Maker Eero" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Average U.S. iPhone User Spent $79 on Apps Last Year

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iPhone users in the United States spent an average of $79 on App Store games and apps in 2018 according to an upcoming Sensor Tower report shared today by TechCrunch.

At $79, the revenue generated per active U.S. iPhone grew 36 percent year over year, up from an average of $58 spent per iPhone in 2017. iPhone users spent about $21 more in 2018 on in-app purchases and paid downloads.


Much of the spending growth came from mobile gaming, with 56 percent of the $79 total average attributed to App Store games.

Spending was also up quite a lot in other categories such as entertainment, music, social networking, and health and fitness.


Sensor Tower believes that subscription apps are a contributing factor for the increased spending in many of these non-faming categories.

Apple's App Store is a major revenue driver for Apple in its services category, with app purchases continually setting new revenue records. The App Store hit a new single-day revenue record on New Year's Day, for example, with customers spending a whopping $322 million.

Over the holiday period including Christmas and New Year's Day, the App Store raked in more than $1.22 billion.


This article, "Average U.S. iPhone User Spent $79 on Apps Last Year" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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New 'Epix Now' Service Offers 4K TV and Movies for $5.99 Per Month

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Epix, owned by MGM, today announced the launch of a new Epix Now service, which provides access to original Epix TV shows and thousands of movies for $5.99 per month.

Original Epix Now TV shows include "Berlin Station," "Deep State," "Get Shorty," "Graves," and "Pennyworth."


The service also offers popular movies that include "Arrival," "A Quiet Place," "Mother," "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back," "Iron Man 2," and more. Many classic films are also included.


Epix Now is offering some of its content in 4K, and offline viewing is an available option. The four Epix linear live channels are available to Epix Now users as well.
"2019 is poised to be an incredible year of growth for our network," said Michael Wright, President, EPIX. "Launching EPIX Now and providing consumers nationwide with access to our premium original programming and blockbuster movies is an exciting moment for our company and solidifies our commitment to bring high-level storytelling to as many people as possible. We look forward to welcoming new audiences to our network."
Content can be watched on the Apple TV and iOS devices, with Epix offering a 7-day free trial.

Epix Now has a lot of services to compete with, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, STARZ, Showtime, and others.


This article, "New 'Epix Now' Service Offers 4K TV and Movies for $5.99 Per Month" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Samsung Again Teases Foldable Smartphone Ahead of February 20 Event

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In a new "The Future Unfolds" ad for its upcoming February 20 keynote event, Samsung today teased hints of its upcoming "Galaxy Fold" foldable smartphone.

Not a lot can be seen in the video, but the words in the video appear to wrap around a foldable surface, a reference to Samsung's first smartphone with this folding design.


Samsung in November introduced its Infinity Flex display technology, demonstrating it in a device with a 7.3-inch flexible display that can be folded right in half, collapsing from a tablet size down to a smartphone size.


At the time, Samsung said that it had to invent new materials and reimagine the display from the ground up to create its Infinity Flex technology.

Samsung is developing a new software platform for the device in partnership with Google, which is designed to support two UIs - one for when the device is open and one for when the device is closed.


Samsung's foldable smartphone will debut at its upcoming February 20 event, which will also see the launch of the new Galaxy S10 smartphone lineup.

The Galaxy S10 devices won't feature foldable displays, but there will be three options at various price points and with different display sizes. Samsung's Galaxy S10 lineup is expected to feature small "hole punch" camera cutouts to maximize available screen area.


Samsung will introduce its new smartphones at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California, months ahead of when Apple will debut its 2019 iPhone lineup.

There have been some rumors suggesting Apple is exploring foldable display content, but right now, there's no concrete evidence that Apple is working on a smartphone with a foldable display.

Tag: Samsung

This article, "Samsung Again Teases Foldable Smartphone Ahead of February 20 Event" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Deals Spotlight: AT&T Offering Apple TV 4K At No Cost When Signing Up for Fiber Internet

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AT&T has kicked off a new Apple TV 4K promotion, this one tied to the company's Fiber Internet service. For the month of February, anyone who signs up for AT&T Fiber Internet 300 or Fiber Internet 1000 will have the chance to get a 32GB Apple TV 4K at no cost. Shoppers should note that the deal is contingent upon AT&T Fiber being available in your area.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with AT&T. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

AT&T Fiber Internet 300 costs $70/month and Fiber Internet 1000 costs $90/month, and both plans require customers to sign up for a twelve-month agreement. For Fiber Internet 300, customers will have a 1TB monthly data cap, and a $10 charge for each additional 50GB of data they need if they exceed their cap. Fiber Internet 1000 has no data cap.

To get the new deal, head to ATT.com, click "Check Availability," and enter your address. Those eligible for the deal and in an area supported by AT&T Fiber will then see the plans available to purchase. Choose either the 300 Mbps or 1000 Mbps tier, and during the checkout screen enter the promo code GET4KTV to add the Apple TV 4K to your order at no additional cost.


If you've been planning to switch to Fiber Internet, AT&T's new promo is a great chance to save a lot of money on a brand-new Apple TV 4K. At 32GB, these models currently sell for around $170 at places like B&H Photo.

AT&T previously offered a notable discount on the 32GB Apple TV 4K during a DirecTV Now promotion, which required customers to prepay for 3 months of DirecTV Now at $105 to get an Apple TV at no cost. The company has since ended this offer, and during a recent earnings report AT&T stated that DirecTV Now saw a large decline in subscribers after the deal ended.

Anyone interested in the new offer should visit AT&T's website to browse Fiber Internet packages, and be sure to head to our full Deals Roundup to check out more sales happening this week.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals
Tag: AT&T

This article, "Deals Spotlight: AT&T Offering Apple TV 4K At No Cost When Signing Up for Fiber Internet" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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