Apple Insider – Page 129

Posted on November 3, 2018 by — Leave a comment

Apple HomePods are on sale for $269 ($80 off) today only

By Christine McKee
Saturday, November 03, 2018, 01:22 pm PT (04:22 pm ET)

Woot is knocking $80 off Apple’s HomePod in open box condition today only. Now $269.99 while supplies last, this is the lowest price anywhere for the smart speaker. Since Woot is owned by Amazon, Prime members can also take advantage of free shipping for added value.

$80 off Apple HomePods

Apple HomePod in White or Space Gray
On sale for $269.99
($80 off + free shipping for Prime members*)
*Requires Amazon Prime membership for free shipping.

Woot is back at it with one-day only Apple deals, and this time the HomePod is seeing an $80 markdown. Pick up Apple’s HomePod in White or Space Gray for just $269.99 today only. And since Woot is an Amazon owned company, shipping is free for Prime members.

According to Woot, these HomePods are in open box conditiontion and come with a 90-day Woot warranty. In comparison, you would have to pay full MSRP from other retailers for a new unit, according to our Smart Speaker Price Guide.

This deal is valid on Nov. 3 only while supplies last. Woot’s Apple deals have been known to sell out early, so don’t delay if you want to take advantage of the special offer.

Additional Apple Deals

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running a handful of additional exclusive promotions this month on Apple hardware that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in discounts on AppleCare, software and accessories. These deals are as follows:

Posted on November 3, 2018 by — Leave a comment

Apple, other tech giants sign letter opposing Trump administration’s attempt to define gender

Apple and more than 50 major U.S. companies drafted a letter this week supporting the legal rights of transgender people as the Trump administration reportedly considers narrowing gender definitions.

Apple CEO Tim Cook at then U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump’s tech summit in 2016.

The cadre of big-name brands, which includes tech giants Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft and others, threw their collective weight behind a letter opposing potential Trump administration efforts to define gender by biological traits identified at birth, reports CBNC.

The letter is in response to a The New York Times report that earlier this month shined a light on efforts to reverse legal protections afforded to transgender individuals instated during the Obama administration.

A Department of Health and Human Services memo obtained by the Times reveals a push to establish a legal definition of sex under Title IX, the civil rights law banning gender discrimination in education programs receiving financial assistance from the federal government. Language in the memo suggests the Trump administration is considering a more narrow definition of gender, more specifically one that is based on birth genitalia.

“Sex means a person’s status as male or female based on immutable biological traits identifiable by or before birth,” the memo said, according to the Times. “The sex listed on a person’s birth certificate, as originally issued, shall constitute definitive proof of a person’s sex unless rebutted by reliable genetic evidence.”

The department drafted and has been circulating the memo since last spring. Under the proposal, an estimated 1.4 million Americans who identify as a gender other than the one they were assigned at birth could lose Title IX protections, the report said.

In its letter this week, the more than 50 U.S. companies rebuked the proposal in no uncertain terms.

“We oppose any administrative and legislative efforts to erase transgender protections through reinterpretation of existing laws and regulations,” the letter reads. “We also fundamentally oppose any policy or regulation that violates the privacy rights of those that identify as transgender, gender nonbinary, or intersex.”

While Apple has a history of speaking out on LGBT issues — condemning Trump’s withdrawal of protections for transgender public bathroom use and decrying a ban on transgender soldiers, for example — the wider tech community stays largely silent on such matters.

The letter in its entirety:

We, the undersigned businesses, stand with the millions of people in America who identify as transgender, gender nonbinary or intersex, and call for all such people to be treated with the respect and dignity everyone deserves.

We oppose any administrative and legislative efforts to erase transgender protections through reinterpretation of existing laws and regulations. We also fundamentally oppose any policy or regulation that violates the privacy rights of those that identify as transgender, gender nonbinary, or intersex.

In the last two decades, dozens of federal courts have affirmed the rights and identities of transgender people. Cognizant of growing medical and scientific consensus, courts have recognized that policies that force people into a binary gender definition determined by birth anatomy fail to reflect the complex realities of gender identity and human biology.

Recognizing that diversity and inclusion are good for business, and that discrimination imposes enormous productivity costs (and exerts undue burdens), hundreds of companies, including the undersigned, have continued to expand inclusion for transgender people across corporate America.

Currently more than 80 percent of the Fortune 500 have clear gender identity protections; two-thirds have transgender-inclusive health care coverage; hundreds have LGBTQ+ and Allies business resource groups and internal training efforts.

Transgender people are our beloved family members and friends, and our valued team members. What harms transgender people harms our companies.

We call for respect and transparency in policymaking, and for equality under the law for transgender people.

The letter was signed by Accenture, Adobe Systems Inc., Airbnb, Altria Group, Amalgamated Bank, Amazon, American Airlines, Apple, Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP), Bank of America, Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, BNY Mellon, Cargill, Cisco Systems Inc., Citi, Clifford Chance, Corning Incorporated, Corteva Agriscience, Deutsche Bank, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Facebook, Fastly, Inc., Google, Hogan Lovells International LLP, HSBC, IBM Corporation, Intel Corporation, Intuit Inc., Iron Mountain, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Levi Strauss & Co., LinkedIn, Lush Handmade Cosmetics, Lyft, Marriott International, MassMutual, MGM Resorts International, Microsoft Corp., Nike Inc., PepsiCo, Replacements, Ltd., Ropes & Gray, Royal Bank of Canada, S&P Global, Salesforce, Sheppard Mullin, Sodexo Inc., Splunk, State Street Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company, The Dow Chemical Company, TiVo Corporation, Trillium Asset Management, Twitter Inc., Uber and Warby Parker.

Editor’s note: Due to its political nature, comments for this article have been disabled.

Posted on November 2, 2018 by — Leave a comment

Apple Heart Study not used to gain FDA clearance for Apple Watch Series 4 ECG

By Mikey Campbell
Thursday, November 01, 2018, 09:30 pm PT (12:30 am ET)

The Apple Heart Study, conducted in partnership with Stanford Medicine, collected heart rate data from more than 400,000 Apple Watch users in its attempt to determine whether wearable devices can effectively detect irregular heart rhythms. Contrary to previous reports, however, the results were not used to gain clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Apple Watch Series 4’s ECG feature.

The ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4.

Stanford revealed the scope of the Apple Heart Study in an announcement Thursday, saying the clinical trial was the largest screening study on atrial fibrillation ever conducted. A paper detailing the study and its design was published in the American Heart Journal today.

Apple closed enrollment in August, some eight months after it launched the program in 2017. Participants began receiving word that the study was complete in September, though Stanford says data collection will be completed early next year, in line with previous statements from Apple.

Following the closure to enrollment, Apple quietly submitted a de novo request for FDA clearance to two Apple Watch apps that would feature prominently in Apple Watch Series 4. The first app handles interpretation of and display of electrocardiogram readings from the wearable’s new ECG system, while a second uses optical sensors to identify irregular heart rhythms.

The FDA issued regulatory Class II clearances — over-the-counter access — for both.

Previous reports claimed Apple leveraged the Heart Study in both de novo requests, but Stanford says the trial was used only in respect to atrial fibrillation notifications.

The clarification makes sense, as the Heart Study related to atrial fibrillation, not ECG systems or data collection. During the months-long trial, a specialized app collected pulse rate data from Apple Watch Series 1, 2 and 3 hardware. In some cases, the app was able to detect and notify users of irregular pulse rate episodes.

The study, according to Stanford, sought to determine how many patients who received irregular pulse notifications were found to have atrial fibrillation, and how many went on to get medical attention. Calculating the accuracy of the system against simultaneous ECG recordings was a tertiary goal of the trial.

Though it did not factor into regulatory approval of Apple’s ECG solution as previously thought, the Heart Study can be considered an important first step toward providing consumers with easily accessible medical hardware.

“We now have access to high-quality sensors that can measure and detect changes in our bodies in entirely new and insightful ways without even needing to go to the doctor, but we need to rigorously evaluate them,” said Mintu Turakhia, MD, associate professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford. “There’s never really been a study like this done before.”

Apple is expected to activate the ECG feature in Apple Watch Series 4 later this year.

Posted on November 1, 2018 by — Leave a comment

Apple declares iPhone 5 obsolete six years after launch

By AppleInsider Staff
Wednesday, October 31, 2018, 09:06 pm PT (12:06 am ET)

As this year’s cutting edge iPhone XS and XR handsets ship to rave reviews, Apple quietly declared its six-year-old iPhone 5 — itself once considered the world’s most advanced smartphone — obsolete.

The iPhone 5 was added to Apple’s “vintage and obsolete” product list on Tuesday, noting the hardware is now considered vintage in the United States and obsolete in the rest of the world. Devices that fall into the “vintage” category, defined as products in production for more than five years but less than seven, are excluded from ongoing repair support except in regions where local laws preclude such prohibitions.

Mac Otakara noted the addition to Apple’s product support document on Wednesday.

Apple debuted iPhone 5 at a special media event in 2012. The 4-inch handset was the first of Apple’s smartphones to move away from the 3.5-inch screen size that dictated iPhone’s form factor for five device generations. Apple has since embraced a looser stance on designs with larger screens, a trend toward “phablets” that culminated in this year’s 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max.

Along with a larger Retina display, iPhone 5 introduced a number of technologies, some of which, like the proprietary Lightning port, are still in use today. The handset was Apple’s first to support 4G LTE connectivity and its last to sport a 32-bit A-series chip. Apple cut off iOS support for iPhone 5, and other legacy devices with 32-bit processors, when it released iOS 11 last year.

Apple routinely obsoletes legacy devices as new hardware versions take their place.

Posted on October 31, 2018 by — Leave a comment

Zuckerberg says iMessage biggest competitor to Facebook’s messaging services, takes dig at Apple’s China policies

In a rare concession that Facebook’s messaging services are threatened by an industry stalwart, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Apple’s iMessage is leading Messenger and WhatsApp in key markets like the U.S.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. | Source: Reuters

Zuckerberg’s remarks came early in a quarterly earnings conference call for the third quarter of 2018 on Tuesday. The Facebook chief started the call by discussing core products and services, noting the company has identified a shift in the way users are communicating.

Specifically, Facebook is seeing a transition from publicly shared content to private messaging and stories, the latter accomplished through products like Messenger and WhatsApp. While public sharing via Facebook will always be important, sharing over private or semi-private channels is gaining in popularity, Zuckerberg said.

And that puts Facebook and its various tendrils in competition with Apple.

“People share more photos, videos and links on WhatsApp and Messenger than they do on social networks,” he said. “We’re leading in most countries, but our biggest competitor by far is iMessage and in important countries like the U.S. where the iPhone is strong, Apple bundles iMessage as the default texting app, and it’s still ahead. In countries where there’s more competition between iOS and Android, like much of Europe, people tend to prefer our services.”

Interestingly — perhaps ironically given the recent outcry over Facebook’s business structure — Zuckerberg cites privacy as one of the main reasons users prefer his company’s products over iMessage. In particular, the company’s end-to-end encrypted services, like WhatsApp, have a “stronger record on privacy.”

In conceding iMessage, and its standing as a “bundled app,” is shaping up to be a tough challenge in what he views as a burgeoning private messaging industry, Zuckerberg took the opportunity to hit back at Apple and CEO Tim Cook.

“WhatsApp is completely end-to-end encrypted, does not store your messages and doesn’t store the keys to your messages in China or anywhere else,” Zuckerberg said. “And this is important because if our systems can’t see your messages, then that means governments and bad actors won’t be able to access them through us either.”

The China comment pokes a sore spot for Apple, which has been criticized for kowtowing to the country’s censorship-happy regime in return for continued access to a vast well of consumers. Notably, Apple at the behest of China’s government recently migrated Chinese iCloud data to in-country servers run by partner Guizhou-Cloud Big Data Industry Co. Ltd. The initial move stirred controversy, but a subsequent “infrastructure agreement” with state-owned Tianyi Cloud service seemed to fly in the face of Apple’s widely touted assurances against government snooping.

Cook over the past months has consistently criticized companies like Google and Facebook for participating in data monetization strategies. The executive delivered a pointed, no holds barred rebuke of such practices in a speech at the 40th International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners in Brussels last week, saying personal data collection amounts to “surveillance.”

“Our own information is being weaponized against us with military efficiency,” Cook said, coining the phenomenon as the “data-industrial complex.”

Posted on October 30, 2018 by — Leave a comment

Lowest prices anywhere: Apple’s 15″ MacBook Pro on sale for $1,799; upgraded model $750 off

In anticipation of Apple’s Oct. 30 event, Apple authorized reseller B&H is serving up exclusive savings on Mid 2017 15-inch MacBook Pros. Pick up a factory sealed 15-inch MacBook Pro for just $1,799 or an upgraded model with additional storage and top-of-the-line graphics for $2,049 ($750 off). All with free expedited shipping. Only at AppleInsider.

Apple 15 inch MacBook Pro exclusive discount

2017 15″ MacBook Pro on sale for $1,799

2017 15″ MacBook Pro (2.8GHz, 16GB, 256GB, Radeon 555) in Silver | MPTU2LL/A
On sale for $1,799.00
($600 off + free expedited shipping*)
*To activate the discount, see the instructions below. Free expedited shipping is valid on contiguous U.S. orders only.

For three days only, Apple authorized reseller B&H Photo is knocking $600 off Apple’s Mid 2017 15-inch MacBook Pro in Silver exclusively for AppleInsider readers. Now $1,799.00 using the step-by-step instructions below, this price is the absolute lowest available for the standard config, according to our 2017 15-inch MacBook Pro Price Guide.

In addition to the exclusive savings, B&H is throwing in free expedited shipping on orders shipped within the contiguous U.S. for fast delivery to your doorstep (typically within one to three business days). Compare this offer to a 2018 model and the cost jumps to $2,149, a $350 increase.

To activate the limited-time offer, please follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Instructions: To redeem the discount, simply click through this exclusive pricing link using AppleInsider’s desktop site and look for the advertised offer.

Please note: These deals cannot be activated through the B&H and AppleInsider apps at this time. If you still cannot see the exclusive price using the desktop site, all is not lost! Need help? Send us a note at deals@appleinsider.com and we will do our best to assist.

Add AppleCare

You can easily tack on an AppleCare extended protection plan to this 15″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar for $379 by selecting the AppleCare option immediately after you press the “Add to Cart” button on B&H’s website.

Or save $750 on a config with loads of upgrades

2017 15″ MacBook Pro (2.9GHz, 16GB, 512GB, Radeon 560) in Space Gray | MPTT2LL/A
On sale for $2,049.00
($750 off + free expedited shipping*)
*To activate the discount, see the instructions below. Free expedited shipping is valid on contiguous U.S. orders only.

Prefer an upgraded processor, more storage and top-of-the-line graphics in the sleek Space Gray color? B&H Photo also has the 2.9GHz, 16GB, 512GB, Radeon 560 configuration marked down to $2,049.00, a discount of $750 off MSRP exclusively for AI readers. This discount represents the lowest price available by at least $100, according to our 2017 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar Price Guide.

In addition to the cash discount, B&H Photo is throwing in free expedited shipping within the contiguous U.S. for fast delivery to your doorstep.

Since B&H is an Apple authorized reseller, you can rest assured these are brand new, factory sealed systems with Apple’s standard limited one-year warranty and 90 days of free telephone support. Want to add AppleCare? You can easily do so in your cart during checkout.

To activate the limited-time offer, please follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Instructions: To redeem the discount, simply click through this exclusive pricing link using AppleInsider’s desktop site and look for the advertised offer.

Additional 15-inch MacBook Pro bargains

2017 15″ MacBook Pro (2.8GHz, 16GB, 256GB, Radeon 560) Space Gray | Z0UB2LL/A
On sale for $1,999.00
($500 off + free shipping*)

2017 15″ MacBook Pro (2.9GHz, 16GB, 512GB, Radeon 560) Silver | MPTV2LL/A
On sale for $2,099.00
($700 off + free shipping*)

2017 15″ MacBook Pro (3.1GHz 16GB 1TB Radeon 560) Silver | Z0UD-MPTU31
On sale for $2,499.00
($900 off + free shipping*)

2017 15″ MacBook Pro (3.1GHz 16GB 2TB Radeon 560) Space Gray | Z0UC0LL/A
On sale for $2,999.00
($1,200 off + free shipping*)
* Free shipping is valid on shipments within the contiguous U.S.

Add AppleCare

You can easily tack on an AppleCare extended protection plan to these 15″ MacBook Pros with Touch Bar for $379 by selecting the AppleCare option immediately after you press the “Add to Cart” button on B&H’s website.

Don’t forget these accessories

Microsoft Office 365 Personal (1 PC or Mac License / 1-Year Subscription)
On sale for $49.99 with clippable coupon
($20 off + free shipping*)

OWC 12 Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock (Space Gray)
Buy for $249.00
(Free shipping*)

Apple Magic Mouse 2 (Space Gray)
On sale for $92.99
($7 off + free shipping*)
* Free shipping is valid on shipments within the contiguous U.S.

Additional Apple Deals

Posted on October 28, 2018 by — Leave a comment

Crime blotter: Find my iPhone locates stolen police cruiser, murder of Apple India exec, more

As California Apple Store thefts have stopped following the recent arrests, new Apple thefts are reported elsewhere in the country. Plus, the uproar over an Apple India executive’s murder continues.

The late Vivek Tiwari (via the Vivek Tiwari memorial Facebook page)

The latest in an occasional AppleInsider series, as we look at the world of Apple-related crime.

Controversy continues over police shooting of Apple executive in India

Vivek Tiwari, an Apple sales manager in India, was shot dead by police in late September in the Northern town of Lucknow. According to an al-Jazeera account, Tiwari was shot by a constable during a traffic stop, in what is described as “the latest in a series of extrajudicial killings by police in the state.” Those constables have been arrested. The death, according to Reuters, has been described by police as an accident, while a Special Investigations Team recently reconstructed the crime scene for the third time, according to The Times of India.

The death has been huge news in South Asia but has not been much reported in the U.S. media, and Apple has not commented on the matter.

Huge Apple product haul taken from Illinois Best Buy

Thieves took more than $150,000 worth of Apple items, including computers, iPads and Apple Watches, from a Best Buy location in Peoria, Ill. According to the PJ Star, the theft took place after hours, either Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

Arrests made in Missouri thefts

While the recent spate of Apple Store thefts in California appears to have ended after the ring responsible was indicted, another Apple theft operation may be active in the Midwest. Three were arrested for iPhone, iWatch and iPad thefts from a pair of Walmart locations in Missouri, KMOV reported. As all three suspects are from Houston, police believe they are part of a “larger operation.”

Target employee accused of stealing iPhones, iPod from distribution center

A woman from Milwaukee has been charged with stealing $2,649.97 from a Target Distribution Center in Oconomowoc, Wisc. The woman admitted that she took two iPhone Xs, an iPod Touch and two pairs of Airbuds, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

$6,000 in Apple Watches stolen in Virginia>

Two women stole $6,000 in Apple merchandise from a Virginia Beach Apple Store, most of it Apple Watches, in a two-day period at the end of September. According to WAVY, the two women were captured on surveillance video.

Apple Store theft in Connecticut

Another Apple Store theft was reported this month on the East Coast. A man from Staten Island was arrested for stealing three laptops from the Greenwich, Conn., Apple Store. According to Greenwich Time, the thefts took place in January of 2017, although the man wasn’t arrested until this month.

Find My iPhone helps cop locate stolen cruiser, arsonist

A deputy in Florida had his police cruiser stolen by an accused arsonist– but then used Find My iPhone to find the car. According to The Orlando Sentinel, the officer rescued a man from a burning home, but then came outside to discover the cruiser gone, with his phone in it.

Police chased and eventually located the car while the alleged arsonist, a 58-year-old woman, was discovered by a police dog. The suspect was arrested and charged with both arson and grand theft of a car.

Man arrested in Delaware with fake Apple products, fake money

Police in Delaware arrested a New York man this month after they searched his car and discovered both counterfeit cash and fake Apple products. According to WDEL the man, who “looked nervous,” had bogus computer and iPhone USB cables, ear plugs, and power adapters in his glove box.

The man was charged with counterfeit trademark, driving without a license, and making an improper lane change.

Have an Apple-related crime story for us? Email AppleInsider and tell us about it!.

Posted on October 27, 2018 by — Leave a comment

Finding the best iPhone XS Max case for your needs: we put dozens to the test

Apple’s iPhone XS Max has a new larger size, which means many who pick one up will be looking for new case options. We’ve scoured the internet to find over 50 cases from over 20 of the best case purveyors to help you find one that best suits you.

With so many options, we couldn’t include them all in this written post, so check out our hands on video as we show off all the cases in glorious HD.

Pad & Quill

Few companies have such a strong history of using premium materials in their products as Pad & Quill. This holds true for their latest cases as well. Our favorite was their Bella Fino Leather iPhone XS Max folio-style case.

Pad & Quill Bella Fino Folio in Chocolate

The one we rock has the Chocolate hue of exterior leather and Deep Sea Blue on the inside. Because of the added size found on the iPhone XS Max, Pad & Quill is able to add four card slots to the left along with a cash pocket and a clear ID window.

As far as the iPhone portion goes, the phone can be snapped into a thin shell-style case, or the case can be removed and the iPhone can be mounted directly within the folio with removable 3M adhesive. We preferred the minimalist style of putting the phone in naked rather than in the shell.

Where to buy: Pad & Quill’s Bella Fino Folio for the iPhone XS Max is currently on sale for $80.95 with exclusive coupon code INSIDER.

Kerf

Kerf Walnut case

If you want something to set you apart, Kerf’s fantastic wood cases are a great option to consider. Coming in several different woods including bulletwood, spalted beech, paduk, African mahogany, and more. The model we use is the walnut.

Each case is handmade and has many small touches, including moving wood buttons for the volume and side buttons. Inside is a velvety soft suede lining.

Where to buy: Kerf’s iPhone XS Max wood cases start at $79 and can be ordered from Kerf directly. Shoppers can also save 10% with promo code PS10.

RhinoShield

RhinoShield SolidSuit Cases

RhinoShield’s offerings are comprised of two main case styles. The full coverage snap-on soft shells, and the modifiable Mod NX.

Their frames are what we really love, as you can choose the color of the bumper, the buttons, and the edge/back panel. This kind of modular system is rarely seen on cases because of the level of detail that has to go into all the parts, while still being protective. That is what is so impressive because all RhinoShield’s cases can withstand drops of up to 11 feet.

RhiinoShield Mod NX case in red with clear back panel

Each of the Mod NX cases can have different colored buttons, different bumpers, and different backs. They could be used purely as a bumper with an open back, or they can ditch the rim and use a backplate for more protection.

Where to buy: RhinoShield’s Mod NX cases for the iPhone XS Max can be ordered in a variety of colors on Amazon for $34.99 with free shipping.

Sena

Sena black leather case

Sena is leather purveyor, who has a fantastic simple leather case for the latest iPhones.

This black, pebbled leather case is minimalistic and wonderful. The oft-ignored interior has a racing-inspired design in the microfiber that we loved. They’ve also taken a cue from Apple using metal buttons on the sides, rather than the hard-to-discern leather imprints others employ.

Where to buy: Sena’s full selection of iPhone XS Max cases can be found on its website, while select offerings are also available from Sena through Amazon.

Nomad

Nomad Rugged Folio in black and brown

Nomad, an AppleInsider favorite, has many new cases available for the latest iPhones. In particular, we check out the Rugged Folio, Rugged Tri-Folio, and the Rugged Case.

All cases use premium Horween leather out of Chicago that develops a rich patina the more you use it.

Nomad Rugged Case in brown

Both the Rugged Folio and Rugged Case have been around awhile but they got some new upgrades for the new devices. The Rugged Folio is thinner, with a more flexible cover. The Rugged Case is also substantially thinner, which makes a huge difference when in use.

Nomad Rugged Tri Folio iPhone XS Max case

Nomad Rugged Tri-Folio case

The Rugged Tri-Folio is all new, offering a great integrated solution for those with huge wallets. There are so many pockets and card slots to handle cash, cards, and more. We love that you can hold so much while keeping the back of the phone open for wireless charging.

Where to buy: Nomad’s Rugged Case for the iPhone XS Max retails for $44.95, while the Rugged Folio sells for $59.95. The all-new Rugged Tri-Folio wallet case costs $79.95, with all three options available from Nomad directly.

Spigen

Spigen cases

Spigen is a prolific case maker, putting out countless designs and styles to appeal to a wide variety of users. Our favorites for the iPhone XS Max include the Ultra Hybrid, Liquid Crystal, and the Liquid Air.

Ultra Hybrid has a clear back with a rubberized bumper surrounding the edges as well as camera bump. The border is a matte black which offers some great contrast with the rest of the phone. Liquid Crystal and Liquid Air are both minimalist cases. Liquid Crystal is a simple all-clear case with some flexibility and Liquid Air offers a thin case with a textured pattern on the back.

Another popular option is the Tough Armor case that integrates a kickstand into the body.

Where to buy: Spigen’s iPhone XS Max cases can be purchased through Amazon at a discount off retail. The Ultra Hybrid is currently selling for $11.99 and up, depending on color selected, while the Liquid Crystal is up to 20% off with prices as low as $11.99. The Liquid Air sells for slightly more, at $12.99, while the Tough Armor case with a kickstand can be purchased for as low as $16.99.

Toast

Toast walnut case with chevron inlay

There are a few wood cases out there, see Kerf and Pad & Quill above for example. Toast is different by optionally adding designs into the wooden skin that attaches with genuine 3M adhesive.

Saying we were pessimistic about these skins is an understatement, but after quickly affixing this to our XS Max, we loved it. There is so much detail, all of which is laser cut. The designs are super intricate and look even better in person.

The skin even is perforated to go around all the corners of the phone as well, with optional covers for the front edge, buttons, and camera cutout. We neglected the front rim, but did like using the coves for the camera and buttons.

Our cover was walnut with a series of chevrons embedded within it that we got to design ourselves. For some designs, there is also a metal component to add an additional design element.

Where to buy: Toast’s wooden cases for the iPhone XS Max start at $34 with the front panel available for an additional $10. Optional designs range from $5 to $10, with the entire lineup available directly from Toast.

Tech 21

Tech 21 clear case

Clear cases are clearly popular this year, most likely to highlight the wonderful glass and metal nature of the new iPhones, including the stylish gold color.

Tech 21’s clear case can withstand drops from up to 10 feet and has internal ribs along the sides to aid shock absorption.

Where to buy: Retailing for $$39.95, the Clear Case for the iPhone XS Max can be ordered from tech21 directly.

Incase

Incase too has a clear case, but we fell more in love with the Coque textured snap case.

Incase Coque texture case

This two-tone case has a soft-touch matte finish on the bottom and a unique fabric on the top.

Each of the buttons is denoted by subtle markings on the outside which frankly can be a bit tough to feel, but keeps the design simple.

Where to buy: The Textured Snap Case sells for $39.95 at Incase.

Burkley

Leather cases are popular, which makes Burkley a go-to for all-leather cases.

Burkley wallet case

They have several designs, especially when it comes to wallet cases. They have ones that open horizontally on the back as well as vertically depending on your preference.

If you don’t like the wallet cases, they have a snap-on case with a TPU exterior, textured leather on the back with color matched suede on the inside.

Burkley leather shell case

Our favorite case though was their simple leather shell. It has a burnished leather look we love that even has leather on the insider. Most cases go with a cheaper suede or microfiber, but Burkley went all leather. Plus, it is already broken in so you don’t have to wait for it to start looking distressed.

Where to buy: A variety of Burkley’s leather cases are available through Amazon fulfillment with prices starting at $39. Alternatively, the cases can be purchased from Burkley Case directly.

Silk

Silk Wallet Slayer Vol 1

Silk has a very simple and affordable wallet-style case for the XS Max that is entirely made of a rubber-like material. Even the tension device that keeps the cards from falling out.

They come in more vivid colors which is a nice changeup from the usual medley of browns and blacks.

Where to buy: Silk’s Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 case for the iPhone XS Max is available on Amazon in a variety of colors and patterns, with prices starting at $14.99. Users can even customize the design for $24.99 for a personalized feel.

Incipio

Jumping into the Incipio cases, there are once more many options, colors, and styles.

Incipio Esquire Series (left), Octane Pure (center), and Designer Series (right)

We chose our top three to talk about which includes the Esquire Series, Octane Pure, and Designer Series.

The Esquire Series utilizes an almost denim-like fabric to wrap the case which has a classy, handsome look to it. Octane Pure has a tough, clear, solid back but mixes it up with a colorful bumper around the edges. Lastly, the Designer Series is a clear case with some beautiful prints on the back. This one looks particularly good on the gold iPhone XS Max.

Where to buy: Incipio’s Esquire Series for the iPhone XS Max sells for $34.99 on Amazon, with the Octane Pure retailing for $29.99. The Desert Dahlia case from Incipio’s Design Series is available on Amazon for $24.99 as well, with free shipping.

OtterBox

One can’t put together a case roundup without OtterBox being in the mix. This old standby has slimmed up their cases over the years, much to the joy of their customers.

Otterbox Commuter (left), Pursuit (center), and Defender Pro (right)

Their three case lines include the Commuter, the Pursuit, and the Defender Pro.

Commuter has the smallest footprint (though not the thinnest) while still offering lots of protection. It also uses a two-material design with a hard shell case on top of the soft silicone shell. Pursuit ups the ante by covering the speaker ports as well as the Lightning port. They’ve also used that added protection to route the audio from the lower speaker towards you, rather than away.

Defender Pro is the most rugged of the series, with the bulkiest design that really does add the most protection. With the Pro version, a holster/belt clip is included for carrying while out on a job site and covering the screen.

Where to buy: Although OtterBox is knocking 10% off cases through its own website with promo code OTTER10, Amazon rings in cheaper on the Commuter Series, which is currently up to 36% off.

Totallee

Totally shell in black

Totallee makes astonishingly thin cases that feel more like a skin than a real case. They may not necessarily protect everything when you drop your phone, but it adds some protection along the back and edges, prevents scratches, adds a lip to the camera module, and the texture provides additional grip.

We had the black model, but there are clear, frosted, and colored ones to choose from.

Where to buy: Amazon has Totallee’s iPhone XS Max cases on sale for $27.97 in your choice of six colors.

Casetify

Casetify clear case

Casetify has another clear shell, this time with a rugged and grippable black bumper around the edge of the phone.

There is also a ring of lettering around the camera module showing off the brands name.

Where to buy: Casetify’s clear grip case for the iPhone XS Max can be ordered from Casetify directly for $40 with free shipping.

X-Doria

X-Doria Defense Shield case

From X-Doria, we checked out the Defense Shield. This stunning case has a solid clear back with a vivid red metal frame around the edge.

It is on the high-end of protective cases, capable of protecting against 10 feet of impact.

Like Otterbox, the audio on the bottom is routed forward, though it doesn’t have as much of a chin.

Where to buy: The Defense Shield is available at both Amazon and X-Doria itself, with X-Doria coming in slightly cheaper at $25.50 thanks to 15% off coupon code DORIA-15%.

Pitaka

Pitaka may look like a simple skin-style case, but it is so much more. It is actually an exceptionally rigid case made of aramid fiber, similar to carbon fiber. It is extremely sturdy and thin when attached. There is a slight ridge around the camera module to add protection when set down.

What sets Pitaka apart is the integrated magnetic plate that allows it to attach to any of the magnetic mounts out there on the market. Of course, Pitaka has their own magnetic mounts to go with it.

Unlike others that have an integrated metal plate, this case also works with wireless chargers.

Where to buy: The Pitaka Magcase retails for $49.99 at Amazon.com with free shipping.

UAG

UAG’s Monarch series of cases is their flagship line of iPhone cases. It uses a series of layers of premium materials for great protection and an eye-catching appearance. On our crimson red case, there is top grain leather, metal alloy, a proprietary rubber-like material all cradling your phone.

UAG Crimson Monarc case

There are less flashy versions of the Monarch with black and silver, but we were partial to the red.

If you are looking for less expensive versions of the Monarch series, there are similar UAG cases that keep a familiar appearance without all of the premium materials.

Where to buy: Retailing for $59.95, the Monarch series is available in your choice of three colors at Amazon.com.

Alto

Alto iPhone XS Max cases

Alto uses fine Italian leather in their products, be it wallets, Apple Watch bands, or their cases.

They come in some vivid colors that we rarely see with leather cases such as coral, lime, and caramel.

For the XS and XS Max line of cases, Alto is bringing back some of their fabric cases —another popular trend this year.

These cases are usually split between the denim top and a leather bottom portion.

Three different styles of cases are available —a standard shell case, the metro case with a slot of a couple cards, and the Anello case that has anchor points to attach a strap.

Where to buy: All three styles (Original, Metro and Anello) retail for $72 at Alto.

LifeProof

Lifeproof Next (left) and Slam (right)

LifeProof, another old standby, has a few options for the new iPhones. Notably, the Slam and Next cases, which are a bit similar in their design.

Both cases completely seal in your phone, requiring a “key” that is included in the box or perhaps a nickel to open. This helps keep out dust, snow, and other debris.

They each have a clear back and tinted sides, though the Slam has the stylish patterns printed on them.

Where to buy: LifeProof’s Slam case sells for $49.99, while the Next cover costs $79.99 at LifeProof.com.

Just Mobile

Just Mobile clear case

Lastly, bringing up the tail end of our roundup is Just Mobile. Their Tenc Air is a clear case unlike the others because of more built-in protection including the air cushion anti-shock corners. It also won’t yellow over time like the cheap ones.

To pair with it, they’ve also introduced Xkin 3D screen protector that truly goes edge-to-edge on the curved displays of the iPhone XS Max. It is made of several layers including tempered glass and anti-stain coatings.

Where to buy: Both the Tenc Air case and Xkin 3D screen protector for the iPhone XS Max sell for $34.95 on Amazon.

Posted on October 27, 2018 by — Leave a comment

Apple $7B behind in royalty payments to Qualcomm

By Mikey Campbell
Friday, October 26, 2018, 07:40 pm PT (10:40 pm ET)

Apple is now $7 billion behind in patent royalty payments to Qualcomm after directing contract manufacturers to withhold further remittance on grounds that the chipmaker participates in unfair licensing practices, according to testimony presented in court Friday.

Apple’s iPhone X used both Qualcomm and Intel modems.

Qualcomm commented on Apple’s unpaid royalties in a court hearing in California, reports Reuters.

Apple does not directly license Qualcomm patents, though money from the tech giant does end up in the chipmaker’s coffers through reimbursements made to partner manufacturers that do pay royalties.

The $7 billion figure, and a number of other major details surrounding the sprawling legal battle, are in dispute. Apple for its part argues Qualcomm’s royalty rates are unfair and amount to price gouging and extortion.

Last year, Apple filed suit against Qualcomm, claiming the chipmaker participates in monopolistic practices and other nefarious business strategies including withholding nearly $1 billion in rebates as retribution for participating in a South Korean antitrust investigation. The initial case ultimately spawned some 100 separate suits and countersuits around the world.

As it applies to royalties, Apple alleges Qualcomm flouts FRAND (fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory) patent commitments to charge customers, including suppliers, exorbitant rates on standard-essential patents. The chipmaker further restricts sales to buyers who agree to license its SEPs, a practice Apple refers to as “double-dipping.”

When Apple halted royalty payments, so too did partner suppliers using Qualcomm IP.

During today’s proceedings, Qualcomm also attempted to forward a motion to render moot Apple’s patent validity challenges, reports Bloomberg. The company filed the motion earlier this month and presented its case in court on Friday.

At issue are nine Qualcomm patents “handpicked” by Apple to illustrate weak spots in the chipmaker’s portfolio of mobile technology IP. Apple is attempting to invalidate the inventions that Qualcomm asserts is essential to current mobile standards. Qualcomm is attempting to avoid scrutiny of the patents by saying it has no plans to leverage them in infringement assertions against Apple and its contract manufacturers.

Apple in its own filing opposed the request, saying Qualcomm is attempting to deflect allegations of double-dipping. Specifically, Apple argues that Qualcomm should not be able to demand a license on patented technology if that same technology is built into its baseband chips sold to smartphone makers.

In addition to the California court action, Qualcomm lodged a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission that seeks to halt the import of iPhones powered by Intel modems.

For its part, Qualcomm on multiple occasions has said the legal battle comes down to favorable IP pricing, and that it expects the fight to end in a settlement.

Posted on October 26, 2018 by — Leave a comment

Lowest price ever: Apple’s current 13-inch MacBook Pro on sale for $999 today only

By Christine McKee
Thursday, October 25, 2018, 10:02 pm PT (01:02 am ET)

For 24 hours only, Woot has Apple’s standard Mid 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro with function keys on sale for $999.99, a discount of $300 off MSRP and the lowest price we’ve seen to date. Supply is limited for these cheap Macs, with previous Woot Apple deals selling out in a matter of hours.

Apple 13 inch MacBook Pro with function keys in Space Gray

Apple’s current 13″ MacBook Pro just $999.99

2017 13″ MacBook Pro with function keys (2.3GHz 8GB 128GB) in Space Gray
On sale for $999.99
($300 off + free shipping*)
*Requires Amazon Prime membership for free shipping.

Woot has done it again, offering shoppers the lowest price we’ve ever seen on Apple’s Mid 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro with function keys. Pick up the standard model (2.3GHz, 8GB, 128GB, MPXQ2LL/A) in Space Gray for just $999.99 today only. This represents a $300 discount off original MSRP and the most aggressive discount seen to date on the popular system. Plus, since Woot is an Amazon owned company, shipping is free for Prime members.

According to Woot, these MacBook Pros are in new condition and come with Apple’s standard limited one-year warranty. To put the deal in perspective, it would cost $200 to $300 more to buy the same configuration from other retailers, according to our 13-inch MacBook Pro Price Guide.

This deal is valid through Oct. 26 while supplies last. Woot’s Apple deals often sell out early, so don’t delay if you want to take advantage of the reduced price.