Wednesday, July 8, 2020

‘Hey Google’ virtual event: new Assistant abilities for manufacturers, no new Chromecast for users


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Apple's Independent iPhone Repair Program Adds More U.S. Locations and Expands to Canada and Europe

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Apple today announced that over 140 more repair businesses are now participating in its Independent Repair Provider Program in the United States. The program, launched in August 2019, is also being expanded to Canada and Europe.


The program allows independent repair shops like uBreakiFix to offer certified out-of-warranty service for iPhones, such as display and battery replacements. Participating businesses receive access to the same Apple genuine parts, tools, training, repair manuals, and diagnostics as Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers.

Independent repair shops need to have an Apple-certified technician who can perform the repairs to qualify for the program. Apply here.

"When a customer needs a repair, we want them to have a range of options that not only suits their needs but also guarantees safety and quality so their iPhone can be used for as long as possible," said Apple COO Jeff Williams.

To verify that a company participates in the program, visit this page.
This article, "Apple's Independent iPhone Repair Program Adds More U.S. Locations and Expands to Canada and Europe" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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[Exclusive] Redmi Note 9 Launching in India in Third Week of July


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Amazon's Alexa App Gains 'Hands-Free' Voice Activation Feature

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Amazon is making it possible to use Alexa "hands free" from within its Alexa mobile app for iOS, reports TechCrunch.


Up until now, you had to tap the blue Alexa button at the bottom of the screen before you could issue a voice command.

After updating the app, users will be able to simply speak to Alexa to make lists, control smart home devices, and more, without having to touch their iPhone.

While Amazon calls it "hands free," it's not like you'll be able to invoke the company's digital voice assistant if your phone is locked or when you're in another app.

What users will be able to do, however, is ask Siri to open the Amazon Alexa app, and then they can start using the new hands-free experience from there.

After updating the app, users will be presented with the option to enable the hands-free detection and can then begin to use the feature. According to TechCrunch, a setting is also being made available that will allow users to turn the feature off at any time.

Amazon says the feature is rolling out over the next several days to users worldwide on both iOS and Android.
Tags: Amazon, Alexa

This article, "Amazon's Alexa App Gains 'Hands-Free' Voice Activation Feature" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Stores in Victoria, Australia to Reclose Following Return of Lockdown

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Four Apple stores in Victoria, Australia are set to reclose for up to six weeks from July 9, following a spike in coronavirus infections in the state.


As reported by 9to5Mac, Apple Highpoint in Melbourne was the first store to reclose on July 2 as the deteriorating health situation prompted a reintroduction of stage three lockdown measures across the state capital.

Apple's other retail stores in Victoria will now also reclose. They include Chadstone, Southland, Doncaster, and Fountain Gate. All four stores had been operating on a reduced pickup and appointment-only Genius Support service since last week.

The reimposed stay-at-home measures are expected to last at least six weeks, with only essential travel like buying groceries and medicines allowed. Restaurants and cafes have been ordered to shut, although shopping malls and other retailers are technically allowed to remain open, suggesting Apple took the decision to close its stores of its own accord.

Melbourne's stage three restrictions were reintroduced on Tuesday following a record high of 191 new coronavirus cases.
This article, "Apple Stores in Victoria, Australia to Reclose Following Return of Lockdown" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple releases new betas of iOS 14, iPadOS 14

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Apple has also released new pre-release versions of its other operating systems

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Apple's foldable iPhone patent shows exposed strip

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Another patent indicates that Apple is working on a foldable iPhone

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