Apple’s Best HomeKit Security Cameras, Lights, Outlets and More coming in 2017

Apple's HomeKit home automation feature can be super convenient when you have the right accessories in place, but finding compatible hardware isn’t always the easiest. That finally started to change last year with the introduction of lots of new HomeKit-enabled smart home products.

These are the best new HomeKit products hitting the market this year:

• August already offers one of the easiest connected locks to install and start using with the $229 HomeKit enabled smart lock, and now the company is introducing the $99 Mortise Kit for mortise style locks.
• Carrier is launching its first HomeKit-compatible smart thermostat this year with a new model in is Cor line. The company says its upcoming HomeKit HVAC controller will ship for $249 in early 2017.
• Chamberlain is delivering the first-ever HomeKit solution for garage door openers in the first half of this year. MyQ Home Bridge will bring HomeKit support to current Chamberlain MyQ garage door openers and be priced at $69.99 after a special $49.99 introductory price in April.
• D-Link will be shipping one of the first HomeKit-Compatible home security cameras this year after iOS 10 added supports for video in Apple's new Home app.
• Elgato had an impressive showing of HomeKit hardware at CES this year with current and upcoming accessories on display. Eve Extend is a battery-powered Bluetooth range extender that makes using outside accessories possible or more reliable. Pricing and availability will be coming in the future.
• Focalcrest has promised an upcoming Mixtile Hub that claims to be able to make smart home accessories that rely on ZigBee, Z-Wave and Protocols compatible with HomeKit.
•  Koogeek is expanding its HomeKit lineup with $34.99 Smart Plugs and $50.99 Smart Sockets that work over Wi-Fi and will launch this year.
• Honeywell currently offers two HomeKit thermostats mentioned above, and soon the company will introduce two new Wi-Fi indoor cameras with HomeKit support. The Lyric C1 and C2 are expected to launch in Q1 2017. Honeywell also promises HomeKit support for its Home Security and Control system.
• iDevices makes HomeKit-enabled lights and plugs, and a new wall-mounted instant switch will control those accessories for under $100 starting this summer.
• Incipio has a $99 Smart Power Strip coming in Q2 with four individually controllable HomeKit power outlets which is one of the first of its kind. A smart wall switch will also arrive in Q2 for $59.99.
•  Kwikset has HomeKit support in its latest Premise smart locks.
•  Levitron is launching a new line of Decora Smart In-Wall Dimmers and Switches with HomeKit support starting in April. Three models will include: 1000W Universal Dimmer (up to 450W LED), 600W Universal Dimmer (up to 300W LED), and 15A Universal Rocker Switch (up to 600W LED).
• Nanoleaf showed off one of the most unique HomeKit-related products with their upcoming Music Visualization Module for Aurora smart lighting panels.
• Netatmo is adding a small collection of HomeKit-compatible smoke detectors with their upcoming Smart Smoke Alarm.
• Ring committed to working with HomeKit last summer when video support was added, and last week the company unveiled a $249 Floodlight Cam that will work with Apple’s Home app.
• Withings is bringing HomeKit support to its Home Plus baby monitor and home security camera in the first quarter of this year for $199.

HomeKit works best when you have lot of accessories and there is plenty of new hardware on the rise.

Source: 9to5mac 

Apple Seeds macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Beta 3 to Developers

Apple on Monday seeded the third beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.3 to developers. The third beta comes three weeks after the release of the second beta version of Apple's upcoming Mac operating system.

The first beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.3 – build 16D25a – is available for download via the Apple Developer Center or via the “Update” tab in the Mac App Store. 

Apple’s official release notes merely say the new beta “improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.” No specific changes, bug fixes, or feature additions were discovered in the first two betas, but we'll update this post should any new features be found in the third beta. 

Oftentimes, with bug fixes, it's hard to tell what's included until Apple supplies detailed release notes with a release. The previous update, macOS 10.12.2, introduced several important bug fixes to resolve battery life issues, fix graphics problems, and more. 

Available since September, macOS Sierra is the latest Mac operating system. It includes Siri support, Apple pay for the web, Universal Clipboard, Apple Watch auto unlocking, improved iCloud Drive integration, Picture-in-Picture multitasking, and dozens of smaller features.

Certainly, it won’t be long now until Apple takes the final step and releases macOS Sierra 10.12.3 to the general public. This specific version has been in testing for coming up to a month, and given the relatively small nature of the improvements, it’s likely that a public release is right around the horizon.

As always, the latest macOS Sierra 10.12.3 beta is now live to download and install immediately from the Mac App Store to those who are currently running a previous pre-release seed of macOS 10.12.3.

Quanta to make next-generation Apple Watch in third quarter of 2017

“Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation Apple Watch that is Apple Watch Series 3 in the third quarter of 2017 and the wearable device will be manufactured by Quanta Computer and features better performance and longer battery life, according to a Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN) report citing market watchers”.

Read More – Digitimes 

This is an isolated report, of course, so don’t take it as gospel just yet. Unlike new iPhone 8 rumors, attention on Apple Watch is lower and manufacturers do not have to scale production as aggressively. This means the product is generally less likely to leak out from the supply chain.

What the report suggests, though, is that Apple will keep the same design of Watch for another generation. It is worth noting, though, that the Apple Watch Series 2 looked the same as the first-generation model … but still added features like GPS, waterproofing, and a brighter display.

Other previous rumors have claimed Apple plans to add cellular connectivity to the next Apple Watch after battery life concerns prevented the feature from being included in the Series 2 device. Also suggested is a potential switch to micro-LED displays, which are thinner and lighter than current screens and offer improved color gamut and brightness. 

Perhaps Apple Watch is considered a ‘timeless item’ where exterior changes are not as necessary as the constantly-evolving phone. The iPad has also ‘looked the same’ for longer a period of time than the iPhone has, although the tablet is expected to see major updates in the spring.

It also lessens the idea that Apple will add new health and fitness sensors over time; the report plainly says “improving battery efficiency is Quanta’s main task for the new Apple Watch and its other hardware will not see much change”.

Apple Stops Signing iOS 10.1 and 10.1.1 Following the Release of iOS 10.2

Following the release of iOS 10.2 in December 2016, Apple has stopped signing iOS 10.1 and iOS 10.1.1 for all devices. This means that users are now no longer able to downgrade to the operating system if they are having some sort of issue with the latest iOS 10.2 releases.

Because Apple has stopped signing the two operating systems, users will no longer be able to downgrade to the operating system after updating to iOS 10.2. This means that once you update, you’re permanently committed to the new version.

Generally, Apple stops signing older iOS releases to prevent users from downgrading and being vulnerable to security holes that have since been patched. This primarily affects jailbreak users the most, but there was never a jailbreak available for iOS 10.1 or iOS 10.1.1.

Read more about what is there in Apple iOS 10.2 releases.

Apple has released iOS 10.2 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS 10.2 includes several new features like Unicode 9.0 emoji, three new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus wallpapers, a new TV app, additional camera features, new Messages screen effects, and more.

These are the changes discovered during iOS 10.2 beta:

• Three new wallpapers in iOS 10.2 beta (only for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus)
• New widget for Videos app
• New Preserve Camera setting
• New emoji (looks like Unicode 9.0 update/also on macOS 10.12.2, watchOS 3.1.1)
• New ‘Press and Hold to Speak’ menu under Home Button Accessibility settings
• New ‘Celebration’ Messages screen effect
• New ‘Show Star Ratings’ option under Music Settings
• New headphone icon in status bar for Bluetooth audio devices (previously seen with the Beats Solo3)
• TV app now included on iOS 10.2 beta, Videos app still present
• TV widget joins Videos widget
• SOS feature similar to Apple Watch when clicking power button 5x (which may be a requirement in India next year)
• Music now points to relocated shuffle and repeat controls (which have a button look now)
• TV app totally replaces Videos app on beta 3
• Feedback app returns in beta 3
• Previously seen SOS feature now only available in India (due to upcoming requirement)
• New ‘Love’ screen effect joins ‘Celebration’ in Messages

iOS 10.2 introduces new features including the TV app (US Only), a new and unified experience for accessing your TV shows and movies across multiple video apps. Emoji have been beautifully redesigned to reveal even more detail and over 100 new emoji have been added including new faces, food, animals, sports, and professions. This update also includes stability improvements and bug fixes.

Source: 9to5mac

Apple Extends Developer Deadline for Mandatory App Transport Security Support

Apple on Wednesday informed developers that it has extended the deadline by which apps submitted to the various App Stores will required to use App Transport Security (ATS), a standard introduced in iOS 9 and OS X 10.11.

According to Apple Developer, ATS, first introduced in iOS 9 and OS X v10.11, will now not become mandatory for apps to support by the 1 January 2017. Instead, Apple has decided to give developers "additional time to prepare" for the switch and so has extended the original deadline.
Although ATS is switched on by default in Apple's development toolset, developers currently have the option of deactivating the feature. During this year's Worldwide Developers Conference, however, the company said it would begin enforcing ATS support starting Jan. 1, 2017.

ATS is a feature of Apple's iOS and OS X operating systems which ensure that applications do not load resources over HTTP connections, which are not secure and may be eavesdropped on by attackers. Instead, ATS requires that resources are loaded through HTTPS, a secure communication protocol often used by other services including online banks and e-commerce websites which encrypts data through Transport Layer Security Layer (TLS).

Currently, ATS is enabled by default but app developers do have the option of disabling the feature.

Apple has not announced an expected timeline for ATS integration, saying only that developers will be updated when a new deadline is confirmed. No new deadline has been set for developers to utilize ATS, but the iPad and iPhone maker has promised an update when a new date has been confirmed.

Source : Apple Developer

Apple Launches Beta 2 of iOS 10.2.1 and macOS Sierra 10.12.3

iOS 10.2.1 Beta 2 (14D15) to Developers

Apple announced that it has released iOS 10.2.1 beta 2 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to developers with build number 14D15 for developers. This update follows the public release of iOS 10.2.

iOS 10.2 included newly redesigned emojis, the TV app for US users, a couple of new screen effects in Messages, amongst other enhancements. iOS 10.2.1 is also available for public beta testers with a release usually a few days behind developer releases. Right now this is available for Registered users of Apple Developer Program.

macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Beta 2 (16D17a) to Developers

Apple seeded the second beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.3 update to developers, one week after releasing macOS Sierra 10.12.2 

Sierra 10.12.2 brought in new emoji, wallpapers, graphics and System integrity protection fixes and the removal of the system battery's estimated 'time remaining' feature.

This second seed of macOS Sierra 10.2.3 beta is available on the developer center and rolling out to the Mac App Store now with a size of 1.04GB.

According to Apple's release notes, the 10.12.3 update "improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac." No specific changes, bug fixes, or feature additions were discovered in the first beta, but we'll update this post should any new features be found in the second beta.

iOS 10.2.1 Beta 2 (14D15) and macOS Sierra 10.12.3 Beat 2 (16D17a) are now available to install over-the-air via Settings-General-Software Updates on iOS devices and under the Mac App Store's Updates tab on the Mac.

Source: Apple Developers Blog

Apple iOS 10.2 Public Beta Version Released

Apple recently rolled out the second beta for its iOS 10.2. This update introduces quite a few important features and upgrades to the iPhone maker’s mobile operating system. The second beta version that Apple has developed for iOS 10.2 is in general not enabled for regular user’s access. These versions are for developers to give a head start in building and tweaking their apps to employ an upcoming iOS update. Frequently, a public beta is rolled out along the developer beta. As the second beta of iOS 10.2 includes a new app, Apple has apprehended a public launch. 

What's New in iOS 10.2 Second Public Beta?

The biggest upgrade to the second beta version of iOS 10.2 is the new TV app for iPhone. This is an Apple’s platform for online videos. Through this app, users will be able to browse through most of the TV shows and movies, besides the videos hosted on various online platforms. One thing to be considered is the exclusion of Netflix content.

The second beta version adds a new SOS function. this will automatically connect the iOS device with some emergency services soon after five presses on the home button. This feature also has the options to be available in select countries. The Apple’s Music app will also see minor changes to its edge. 

Additional Features

One of the major inclusions to the second beta version is the provision of full support to Unicode 9.0. This would expand the choices for emoticons and emojis in the iOS. Few of the emoji to be added are the facepalm emoji, shrug emoji and a group of new emojis that would represent animals and professions.

The first beta version revealed that the iOS update will include an option to Preserve Settings for the Camera app. This feature will retain the options that the users make while taking pictures. This comes with a new widget for the Video apps too. 

The Non-Developers Can Use it Too

Luckily, for non-developer users, there is a way to install the second beta version even without having an Apple developer account. This method to use the second beta of iOS 10.2 without having a developer account was unveiled by the YouTube user iCrackUri Device. The video demonstrates that the users do not even need to link their iPhone or iPad to their computer. To start, the users will first have to install the Apple’s developer beta profile. Once installed, the new beta version will be accessible as an over-the-air upgrade automatically.

Source

Android Nougat 7 vs. Apple iOS 10 - smart phones OS go head to head

Google recently launched the most recent version of android, android nougat seven whereas Apple remains performing on the coming version of its OS, Apple iOS 10. Both the companies have worked different the operational systems that power their mobile devices for more than half a decade. Whereas iOS was launched in 2007, android was released in 2008 with both the operating systems undergoing a minimum of seven major versions in last eight years.

User Interface

The user interface for both the operating systems has taken a significant overhaul concerning however polished it looks after multiple changes. even though the basic core principles of the home screen in android and the lack of home screen in iOS are glaring, but the delicacy is clear from the initial versions.

Apple iOS 10 focuses on interaction using force touch in Apple devices, where Apple has specifically introduced sensors inside the display to detect the amount of pressure being applied accurately. In addition to force touch, Apple is bringing ‘Rise to wake’ feature which is the Android equivalent of ‘Always on’ display. The company has also changed its stance, introducing widgets on the lock screen and notifications drawer. Another important changes is the support for 3rd party apps to leverage widget framework and include dedicated widgets specific to different apps.

While Android 7 Nougat has changed the navigation bar buttons to include a new function of ‘Quick Switch’ which can be accessed by double tapping the recent button to jump to the last app that you were using. Even though Nougat does not have anything regarding newer ways to interact with the content but we can look forward to a unique experience with Daydream compatible devices.

Notifications

Apple iOS notification system is one of the most robust notification systems in the mobile operating space with a quick glance for everything happening on your iOS device. Apple is making the experience better with the ability to interact with your notifications, right from your lock screen. This newer notification system works with third party apps as well where developers can push live updates to the notifications.

Android Nougat has also improved the notification system, enabling the users to interact with the notifications without opening the app. Google redesigned the entire notification system in Nougat with a uniform width, smaller fonts, and notifications stacked according to apps. Users can even pull down the notification and reply to messages directly from the notification, without opening the messaging app.

Digital Assistants

Apple’s AI based digital assistant, Siri will gain a lot of capabilities with the latest update. Users will be able to book cabs, send messages to a particular contact in a specific third party app like WhatsApp among regular things like conducting an online search, ask for directions, schedules, set alarms, reminders, notifications and making calls all by telling Siri.

Even though Google’s AI-based digital assistant, Google Now does not have these many automation or magical ‘speak, and you shall get it done’ commands, but the offering is gradually improving with each interaction, and we can see it coming in a more comprehensive way with the upcoming Google Pixel lineup.

Messaging

Apple has revamped its messaging service, iMessage from the ground up, adding more social features with a lot of glitter and flash. This is a significant improvement regarding the way one can interact with mere messaging client, but we will wait for the real world change that it brings when it releases.

Things are contrasting if we talk about the Android Nougat side of messaging. Even though Google is working on its new messaging service ‘Google Allo,’ but there is no fixed date for the launch of the app and the efforts to improve messaging seem to be scattered with Messaging, Hangouts, and upcoming Google Allo.