Throwing a wrench into rumors, the previously accurate Twitter account CoinX today claimed that Apple plans to release not only a 10.2-inch seventh-generation iPad, but also an entirely new 10.5-inch iPad without Pro branding. The tablets will not be released simultaneously, according to the tweet.
Both iPad 7 (10.2”) and the “new” iPad (10.5”, non-Pro) are coming. But not at the same time.
— CoinX (@coiiiiiiiin) March 13, 2019
If accurate, Apple could perhaps be planning to release a slightly scaled back version of the existing 10.5-inch iPad Pro, which could allow it to fill a price point between the $329 lower-end iPad and the $799 and up 2018 iPad Pro models.
CoinX has an accurate track record, having previously tweeted the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR names of the 2018 iPhones before anyone else, in addition to the 2018 iPad Pro being 5.9mm thick and a few minor details about other Apple products. It is unclear where the information is sourced from.
The 10.2-inch iPad should end up being a larger-screen version of the existing 9.7-inch iPad, and it will likely be released within the next few weeks alongside minor refreshes to the iPad mini and iPod touch. It's unclear if any of the products will be unveiled at Apple's services-focused March 25 event.
The 10.5-inch non-pro iPad could be released later this year, perhaps alongside the next iPad Pro lineup.
Rumors suggest that a new iPad mini is on the horizon, and a supposed case for the tablet shared by Indian blog 91Mobiles today points towards few outward design changes beyond a center-positioned rear microphone. The blog attributes the photos to Slashleaks contributor Sudhanshu Ambhore.
Beyond the centered microphone, the case is consistent with the iPad mini 4 design, including two speakers and a Lightning connector along the bottom, a headphone jack and power button along the top, volume buttons along the right side, and what appears to be a circular, single-lens rear camera.
The case, if accurate, corroborates information shared by OnLeaks and Japanese blog Mac Otakara, both of which heard that the so-called iPad mini 5 will look virtually identical to the iPad mini 4. In other words, this could amount to a mere spec bump, including an upgraded processor per analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Apple is set to host a media event on March 25 at Steve Jobs Theater, but BuzzFeed News reported that a new iPad mini and next-generation AirPods are "unlikely to make an appearance" during the keynote. Instead, Apple is widely expected to introduce subscription-based video and news services.
If the new iPad mini is not unveiled during the event, it could be announced via press release, which would be fitting if it is merely a spec bump. Rumors also point towards minor refreshes to the 9.7-inch iPad and iPod touch.
The iPad mini 4 was released in September 2015 and remains available for purchase starting at $399 in the United States.
In the wake of reports that claimed DirecTV Now was planning to raise prices for its customers again, the streaming service today posted a new FAQ page confirming that all existing customers will see a $10/month price hike effective April 12, 2019 (via Variety). This means that if you are currently subscribed to DirecTV Now's Live a Little, Just Right, Go Big, Gotta Have It, or Todo y Más packages, you will pay $10/month more than you are now.
At the same time, DirecTV Now has confirmed that it is raising the price of its premium channel add-ons, but only for legacy subscribers who are now adding these channels onto their plans. This means that HBO is increasing from a $5/month add-on to $15/month, Cinemax is increasing from $5/month to $11/month, and Starz is increasing from $8/month to $11/month. This change takes effect today, March 13.
If you subscribe to Live a Little, Just Right, Go Big, Gotta Have It, or Todo y Más packages and had a premium channel add-on prior to these changes, you will keep your current lower price as long as the premium remains added on your account. So, these new premium channel prices are aimed at legacy DirecTV Now customers who subscribe to one of the five original packages, and decide to add HBO, Cinemax, or Starz onto their account as of today.
Cheap premium channel add-ons have been a major selling point for DirecTV Now, but now that the subscription tier line-up will be slimmed down and HBO will be added directly into the new DirecTV Now Plus and DirecTV Now Max plans, it appears that the company has decided to do away with this selling point. This is likely due to the new assets that AT&T gained from the Time Warner acquisition, including the HBO family of channels.
We broke down all of these changes below:
DirecTV Now Price Hike
(Affects all existing customers from April 12, 2019)
Live a Little: from $40/month to $50/month
Just Right: from $55/month to $65/month
Go Big: from $65/month to $75/month
Gotta Have It: from $75/month to $85/month
Todo y Más: from $45/month to $55/month
DirecTV Now Premium Channel Price Hike
(Affects existing customers who add a premium channel from March 13, 2019)
HBO add-on: from $5/month to $15/month
Cinemax add-on: from $5/month to $11/month
Starz add-on: from $8/month to $11/month
Customers who keep paying for the service on one of these packages will not see any changes to their channel lineups. For new customers, DirecTV Now will have two new plans: DirecTV Now Plus ($50/month, 40+ channels) and DirecTV Now Max ($70/month, 50+ channels). Both of these plans include HBO, as well as cable channels from WarnerMedia, NBCUniversal, Disney and Fox, but they exclude channels from A+E Networks, AMC Networks, Discovery, and Viacom.
As these new packages launch, new customers will no longer be able to sign up for Live a Little, Just Right, Go Big, Gotta Have It, or Todo y Más packages, and will only see Plus and Max as options on DirecTV Now's sign up page. The company is already promoting Plus and Max on its website, and giving one month for free to new customers signing up with the promo code MARCH2019.
As a point of comparison, DirecTV Now's cheapest plans ($50/month for both Live a Little and Plus) do not compare very favorably to rival services. PlayStation Vue starts at $44.99/month, YouTube TV starts at $40/month, FuboTV starts at $39.99/month, Hulu With Live TV costs $44.99/month, and SlingTV's Orange & Blue plan is priced at $40/month (just $25/month right now). That's not to mention services which have launched to offer ultra-stripped down packages, like Philo's no-sports service that starts at $16/month.
Last summer's DirecTV Now price hike from $35/month to $40/month was in an effort to align the service with the rest of the market and "compare favorably with our competitors," according to the company. Now, DirecTV Now will have the most expensive entry-level price on the market among the main streaming TV services.
Apple this week announced an increased commitment to coding and education in Southeast Asia through the expansion of its App Development with Swift curriculum at partner schools in Singapore. The company also announced the opening of Indonesia's second Apple Developer Academy in Surabaya.
In Singapore, the Singapore University of Technology and Design and RMIT Online have each launched app development courses using Apple's curriculum for adult learners. Singapore's first autism-focused school, Pathlight School, will also offer a Swift Accelerator program that builds on the same program available to all schools.
“At Apple, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools we have to make the world a better place,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. “We're thrilled that students of all ages in Singapore will now be able to tap into the language of coding, gaining the skills they need to grow and succeed in the app economy and beyond.”
The Singapore University of Technology and Design designed a new app development course that targets working adults who are looking to learn new skills while balancing a full-time job. According to the president of SUTD, Professor Chong Tow Chong, "SUTD looks forward to continuing our close collaboration with Apple in helping our working adults to embrace digital transformation for enhanced employability."
In Indonesia, Apple marked the first graduation of students from its Developer Academy in Jakarta, which has expanded from 75 to 200 students. Later in 2019, Apple plans to open the second Academy in Indonesia, this one in Surabaya.
Apple is well-known for its interest in teaching coding to people of all ages and skill levels, launching the "Everyone Can Code" initiative back in 2016 with the goal of introducing coding curriculum to students around the world. This plan was spearheaded by Apple CEO Tim Cook, who always speaks passionately about the importance of teaching coding to kids at a young age.
Spotify has filed a complaint against Apple with the European Commission, accusing the iPhone maker of enforcing App Store rules that "purposely limit choice and stifle innovation at the expense of the user experience" and "acting as both a player and referee to deliberately disadvantage other app developers."
In a blog post, Spotify founder and CEO Daniel Ek took particular issue with Apple charging a 30 percent "tax" on App Store purchases. This results in Spotify charging existing subscribers $12.99 per month for its Premium plan via the App Store just to collect nearly the $9.99 per month it charges normally.
Ek believes this gives Apple an "unfair advantage," since Spotify is unable to fairly compete with Apple Music's standard $9.99 per month price within the App Store. This is a big deal given there are over a billion active iOS devices.
As an alternative, if Spotify chooses not to collect payments via the App Store, Ek notes that Apple "applies a series of technical and experience-limiting restrictions" on the company. Over time, this has also included "locking Spotify and other competitors out of Apple services such as Siri, HomePod, and Apple Watch."
Ek stresses that this is "not a Spotify-versus-Apple issue" and simply about seeking "the same fair rules for companies young and old, large and small."
Apps like Uber and Deliveroo, for example, are allowed to collect payments directly from customers since they offer "goods or services that will be consumed outside of the app," according to Apple's App Store guidelines. Unlike Spotify, this allows these apps to bypass Apple's 30 percent commission.
Ek summarized what he is asking for into three points:
"First, apps should be able to compete fairly on the merits, and not based on who owns the App Store. We should all be subject to the same fair set of rules and restrictions—including Apple Music."
"Second, consumers should have a real choice of payment systems, and not be 'locked in' or forced to use systems with discriminatory tariffs such as Apple's."
"Finally, app stores should not be allowed to control the communications between services and users, including placing unfair restrictions on marketing and promotions that benefit consumers."
Ek notes that Spotify tried "unsuccessfully" to resolve the issues directly with Apple, leading to its carefully considered complaint with the European Commission. Spotify is based in Stockholm, Sweden.
Spotify has launched a "Time To Play Fair" website and shared a companion video to inform customers about its complaint.
Apple has already invited members of the press to an event on March 25, where it's believed the company will reveal its TV streaming service and Apple News subscription service. Today, Bloomberg has shared a few new details about the upcoming event, suggesting that Apple may preview new Apple Pay features and that most of Apple's original TV shows will miss the streaming service's launch window.
Additionally, Apple is said to be "racing" to secure movies and TV shows from partner companies ahead of the event. According to people familiar with the matter, Apple is offering concessions to partners in order to get deals done by a Friday deadline. These include HBO, Showtime, and Starz.
"At least a couple deals" are expected to close by Friday, but it's unclear if Apple will get all the programming from outside media companies that it wants for its streaming service.
Today's report claims that most of the shows and movies on the streaming service at launch will be from outside partners, not Apple's own shows, so the company is attempting to ensure that there is plenty of content to entice customers to check the service out.
At an all-hands meeting with employees in January after announcing disappointing holiday sales, Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook told employees how critical services are to the company’s future. This trio of new services will be the first major addition to the portfolio for consumers since the company launched Apple Pay in 2014 and Apple Music a year later.
The idea of an Apple services bundle is also brought up again in today's report, with Bloomberg's sources stating that Apple could offer the TV service and Apple News service at a discount for anyone who subscribes to both.
Lastly, Apple might take time to detail the company's iPhone-connected credit card, built in partnership with Goldman Sachs. Code named "Project Cookie", Goldman Sachs is said to have nearly 40 people working on the Apple deal, while Apple's side is being led by the Apple Pay team.
Back in 2008, we wrote about Rolando, a platform-style puzzle game that was one of the first games back when the iPhone and the App Store were both new. At the time, our sister site TouchArcade said it was among "the best games the App Store has to offer."
The original Rolando game is no longer on the App Store because of the 2017 crackdown on 32-bit apps, but Rolando developer HandCircus today announced that a remastered version of the game is coming on April 3rd, which will be good news to fans of the Rolando series.
Rolando: Royal Edition is an overhauled version of the original Rolando game from 2008, with updated graphics, redesigned levels, and new mechanics. HandCircus says that the entire game has been updated with new content.
The award-winning iPhone classic is back and better than ever! This brand-new 'Royal Edition' is a completely remastered Rolando - every interaction, every course, flower, trampoline, bomb, catapult and squirrel has been given a thorough scrub, buff and shine, making this the most gorgeous version yet!
In Rolando, the goal of the game is to guide a gang of Rolandos through traps and puzzles on a quest to save the sages from the Shadow Creatures. With the exception of new mechanics and updates to the design, the original Rolando gameplay appears to be intact.
Rolando: Royal Edition can be pre-ordered from the App Store for $1.99, a 1/3 discount off of the planned launch price. [Direct Link]
Apple today shared additional new videos that are part of its ongoing iPhone Tips series called "iPhone Can Do What?" that was launched last week. The series is designed to highlight features that are available on the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR.
The new videos cover sending and receiving money through iMessage using Apple Pay Cash, finding a missing Apple device using the Find My iPhone app, using dual-SIM functionality to have two phone numbers on an iPhone at once, and the A12 Bionic chip.
Each video's description links to Apple's full iPhone tips website, which includes additional short tutorial videos and tips on available iPhone features. Apple has uploaded quite a few videos in this tutorial series so far.
Google today released Chrome 73, the newest stable version of its Chrome browser for Mac and Windows. Chrome 73 has been in beta testing since February, with several new features included.
On macOS Mojave, Chrome 73 introduces support for Dark Mode. The browser window will display the darker colored theme automatically whenever Dark Mode on Mojave is enabled. Dark Mode in Chrome looks similar to the darker toolbar available when using Chrome in Incognito Mode.
Other new features in Google Chrome include tab grouping for better organizing multiple tabs, support for keyboard media keys, and an automatic picture in picture option enabled when swapping away from an active video.
There's a new Sync and Google Services section under Settings to make it easier to control data collection settings and other options, spell checking improvements, and a new badge API that will let web app icons include a visual indicator for things like unread item counts.
There are a number of changes for developers in Chrome 73, including signed HTTP exchanges, constructable style sheets, and support for Progressive Web Apps on Mac.
Multiple security fixes have been addressed in Chrome 73, with Google outlining security updates in a blog post. Chrome 73 can be downloaded using the update button in Chrome if you already have it installed or through the Chrome website.
Popular accessory makers Anker and Aukey have shared the latest collection of discount codes this week, offering sales on wireless headphones, USB-C chargers, Lightning cables, portable batteries, wireless chargers, and much more. These two companies make devices that are great companions to Apple accessories, offered at prices that are typically much cheaper than Apple itself.
Anker
Anker has four discount codes this week, mainly for its PowerWave products, as well as many more sales that don't require any codes since the discounts have been automatically applied. Some of these expire as soon as this weekend, so be sure to browse them all below:
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
March Codes
5-in-1 USB-C Hub - $29.99 with code ANKERC32, down from $42.99 (exp. 3/18)
Aukey's sales total six discount codes, including offers on wireless earbuds, USB-C chargers and cables, and one powerbank. All of Aukey's codes will expire this Thursday, March 14.
In another sale, accessory maker Targus is discounting a collection of its laptop backpacks, sleeves, and carrying cases. The bags in this sale can hold all of Apple's notebook models, making them perfect for taking to school or when traveling.
As part of its Special Buy of the Day sale, The Home Depot is offering some Leviton accessories for up to 30 percent off today only. The main items in the sale are Leviton's Smart Wi-Fi Switches, some of which are compatible with Apple's HomeKit platform.
The cheapest model on sale is the Leviton 15 Amp Decora Smart Switch with HomeKit Technology (2-Pack), available for $62.96, down from $89.94 ($26.98 off). With HomeKit support, you can talk to Siri to turn your lights on and off, and connect the switches to the Home app on iOS devices.
Head to our full Deals Roundup to check out more sales going on this week.
Apple is rumored to be working on an Apple News subscription service that would provide access to magazines and paywalled news content for a monthly fee, and hints of that new subscription service have been spotted in macOS Mojave 10.14.4.
Developer Steve Troughton-Smith this morning shared some screenshots of the new subscription service pulled from the latest macOS 10.14.4 beta.
The screenshots show notifications from the Apple News subscription service, which will alert subscribers when new issues of their favorite magazines are available. Similar subscription information has also already been seen in iOS 12.2, with the subscription service called "Apple News Magazines."
Apple's magazine subscription service is based on Texture, the digital magazine app that it purchased in 2018. Texture, which is still available via the App Store, provides access to over 200 popular magazines like People, The New Yorker, Time, National Geographic, Shape, Newsweek, and more, all for a $9.99 per month fee.
Unsurprisingly, it looks like Apple News' magazine service is prepared to launch on macOS too pic.twitter.com/df0oyJXvjF
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) March 12, 2019
It's likely Apple's built-in Apple News magazine subscription service will be priced similarly, with customers able to sign up in the Apple News app and pay through standard iTunes billing.
Apple is also working on incorporating news subscription options into Apple News, however, so pricing and full details on how the service works remain unclear. Apple is likely planning to offer paywalled news and magazine access for one monthly fee, though some news sites are not on board.
There's a bunch you can discern about Apple News' magazines from what's in the OS betas: for example, the magazines are PDF-based (like most iPad magazines), and issues can be stored offline. The magazine genres are listed as pictured. Most of its code is written in Swift pic.twitter.com/Uc1gN0qygu
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) March 12, 2019
According to rumors, while magazine publishers have agreed to Apple's subscription plans, the Cupertino company has been clashing with news publishers over the planned revenue split. Apple wants to collect 50 percent of the subscription revenue from its Apple News service, which is unappealing to paywalled sites that already collect more money from their standalone subscription options.
We'll learn more about Apple's subscription plans for its news service on March 25, which is when Apple is holding an event to unveil both the news subscription service and its upcoming streaming TV service.
Apple is working on second-generation AirPods that are expected to be announced sometime soon, perhaps even during the month of March.
We know the AirPods 2 aren't out yet, but we're launching a new giveaway feature that will see us offering MacRumors readers a chance to win unannounced Apple products at launch, and we're starting with the AirPods.
We're hosting a giveaway in our AirPods 2 roundup, which you can access by clicking this link or by clicking on the image above. The links will take you right to the giveaway section of the roundup complete with entry form and rules, but make sure to check out the rest for all of the AirPods 2 rumors we've heard so far.
Rumors have suggested the next version of the AirPods will come with "Hey Siri" support for making hands-free Siri requests and a new wireless charging case for Qi-based wireless charging at a minimum, but there are a few other possible features rumored.
Apple is perhaps working on a black color for the second-generation AirPods, and the AirPods could also feature an updated coating that's more matte in color. If Apple does release white AirPods and black AirPods, you can pick whichever color you like best.
There have been some vague hints of other features like heart rate monitoring, but we're not convinced these rumors are accurate. Such a feature could come to the AirPods at some point, but most information has suggested the first AirPods refresh will be rather minor in scale.
Whatever AirPods are coming next from Apple is what our giveaway winner will be receiving at the conclusion of the giveaway.
We're going to be accepting giveaway entries in our AirPods roundup in the United States and Canada until the day that the AirPods are announced, at which point we'll pick a winner, ask for your color preference, and send a pair of fresh new AirPods your way. For full rules and details, make sure to check out the details over in our roundup.
Netflix plans to output even more interactive television shows similar to the Black Mirror episode "Bandersnatch", but it's unclear as of now if any of these will work on the Apple TV. Netflix vice president of product Todd Yellin announced the company's intent to make more interactive content at a conference in Mumbai today (via Variety).
These shows, and potentially movies, will extend beyond the science fiction setting of Black Mirror and could even include romances, comedies, and more, where the audience gets to choose the outcome. Yellin said that the output of these stories will increase over the next two years.
“[Bandersnatch] is a huge hit here in India, it’s a huge hit around the world, and we realized, wow, interactive storytelling is something we want to bet more on,” Yellin said. “We’re doubling down on that. So expect over the next year or two, to see more interactive storytelling. And it won’t necessarily be science fiction, or it won’t necessarily be dark. It could be a wacky comedy. It could be a romance, where the audience gets to choose, should she go out with him or him.”
When "Bandersnatch" released in December 2018, Apple device users had to watch the episode on an iPhone, iPad, or web browser to get the full experience. When selected on the Netflix Apple TV app, a brief apology video would play and point users toward the correct device with which they could watch the episode.
Despite being unavailable on Apple TV, "Bandersnatch" can be viewed on TV streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Android TV. Netflix has launched interactive TV shows before, including "Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale" and "Minecraft: Story Mode." While some of these kids' shows are playable on Apple TV, like Puss in Book, they are linear versions that automatically choose the outcomes for you.
Others, like Minecraft, display an apology message on Apple TV and ask you to visit a supported device to watch the show. Although the Apple TV remote lacks the more complex controls provided by game consoles, computers, and smart TVs, it's unclear why Netflix hasn't figured out a way to get these shows to work on the Apple TV with the Siri Remote.
Still, this isn't the first time Netflix has been at odds with an Apple platform or service, as the streaming company continues to resist support for Apple's TV app. We've reached out to Netflix regarding future support for its interactive shows on the Apple TV, and will update this article if they provide a comment.
Canadian software company Corel today announced that CorelDRAW has returned to the Mac for the first time since 2001.
The all-new 2019 version of the graphic design software suite is compatible with not only Windows but also Mac, complete with support for Dark Mode on macOS Mojave and the Touch Bar on the latest MacBook Pro models, providing quick access to layout settings, text controls, and more.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2019 for Mac adheres to Apple's Human Interface Guidelines, meaning that menus, buttons, labels, and other user interface elements are consistent with Apple's first-party Mac apps.
CorelDRAW is best known for vector graphic design and illustration, but it can also be used for page layout, layer-based photo editing, RAW image processing, indexing and organizing font libraries, and more. The suite will compete with the likes of Adobe Illustrator and Affinity Designer on Mac.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2019 for Mac is available now for $499 as a one-time purchase or $198 per year on a subscription basis via Corel's online store in the United States. The suite can also be downloaded from the Mac App Store and activated via in-app purchase. Access to the new web-based CorelDRAW.app is included.
Mesh Wi-Fi company Eero was acquired by Amazon one month ago, launching speculation by some consumers that the acquisition would allow Amazon access to even more user data. In a new interview with The Verge, Amazon SVP of devices and services Dave Limp claimed that Amazon will "not change anything" about Eero, and that Eero is "not changing a word" of its privacy policy.
Many users raised concerns over Amazon's new ownership of Eero, given that Amazon's existing Alexa devices have some ability to track and listen to user behavior inside their home. At the time of the acquisition, Eero promised one user on Twitter that it does not track customers' internet activity and will not start doing so under Amazon, which Limp doubled down on today.
Specifically, Limp said that the only interaction Amazon plans to have with Eero is to "add resources" and provide "a little bit of advice here and there."
Amazon's Dave Limp: “The company’s doing well,” Limp said. “Nick and his team are doing well. The roadmap is great, their customer service is great, their engineering is great. We’re just going to keep the team intact.
Eero CEO Nick Weaver: “If anything, we’re just going to strengthen our commitment to both privacy and security,” Weaver told us. “We’ve got some pretty clear privacy principles that we’ve used for developing all of our products, that are the really the underpinnings of everything. Those aren’t going to change.”
In celebration of the acquisition officially closing, Eero routers are available for $100 off today only on Amazon. The Gold Box deal includes three bundles of the mesh Wi-Fi system: 1 Eero and 1 Eero Beacon for $199.00, down from $299.00; 1 Eero and 2 Beacons for $299.00, down from $399.00; and 3 Eeros for $399.00, down from $499.00.
Like other mesh Wi-Fi routers, Eero is a full system that includes a base router and signal-boosting "Beacons" to extend the range of the signal and provide blanket Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Smaller living spaces should be good with just one Beacon, but you can add on more for extended coverage. Head to Amazon to check out the sale before it expires later tonight.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Connected health company Withings today announced new features coming to its sleep sensor mat, Withings Sleep, which will help track and provide detailed information about breathing disturbances during the night. This feature is available to all Withings Sleep owners today, and is the first step towards more advanced sleep apnea detection, which is coming later in 2019.
Withings says that a breathing disturbance can be any sign of troubled breathing that happens at night, which can be fairly common but goes unnoticed by most people. While these disturbances can be harmless, when they happen more frequent and become more intense, they have the chance to impair sleep quality and act as a sign of a chronic illness such as sleep apnea.
With breathing disturbances tracking on Withings Sleep, users will be able to identify early warning signs of these issues. Withings Sleep itself is a slim mat that you place under the mattress to track sleep cycles, heart rate, snoring, and more. The new feature monitors all of these statistics to track the intensity of breathing disturbances.
Each disturbance is then rated in the Health Mate app, from low to high, while providing monthly charts to see how your progression has been. The app also provides educational content so you can learn how these disturbances impact sleep, blood pressure, fitness, and weight, and seek proper medical care if needed.
Withings notes that these features are the "first step" towards launching a full sleep apnea detection update on Withings Sleep, planned for the end of 2019 and dependent upon FDA and CE clearances. According to Withings, the Withings Sleep is the first device to offer breathing disturbances detection on a non-intrusive in-home sleep tracking system.
“Despite its prevalence and serious consequences, sleep apnea goes largely undetected as current tests are confined to the clinical and sleep lab environment,” says Eric Carreel, President of Withings. “By allowing people to track the intensity of breathing disturbances, we are helping them identify warning signs early. This announcement is very important as it furthers our mission to bring medical grade analytics into the home and is the first step towards the medical certification of sleep apnea detection which we aim for by the end of this year.”
Withings Sleep is a direct competitor to the Apple-owned Beddit sleep monitor system, which is a flexible strip placed under a sheet on top of a mattress that tracks sleep time, heart rate, respiration, temperature, movement, and more.
Those with the Withings Sleep can update their device with breathing disturbances tracking starting today, through the Health Mate iOS app. Withings sells the Withings Sleep for $99.95 on its website and on Amazon.
Following a collection of student-related bundles, Spotify today announced that Spotify Premium will now include a free subscription to Hulu With Limited Commercials at no extra cost, for all users in the United States. The bundle is launching today and is open for sign-ups by Spotify Premium customers in the U.S. through June 10, 2019 (via The Verge).
Hulu With Limited Commercials recently lowered in price to just $5.99/month, but now Spotify Premium users will gain access to the video streaming service for free, as long as they stay subscribed to Spotify. This means that for $9.99/month, these users will be able to listen to all of the music on offer at Spotify, as well as stream the ad-supported version of Hulu.
To start saving, new Spotify Premium users can sign up for a 30-day free trial now and activate Hulu on the "Your Services" page in account settings. Those who already have Spotify Premium with Hulu, the company will automatically switch these users over from a $12.99/month price to the new $9.99/month price.
Lastly, those who already have a Hulu account but not Spotify will have to cancel their billing through Hulu and switch it over to Spotify. All Hulu plans connected to Spotify for this offer can not have any extras added onto it, so premium channels like HBO aren't allowed.
For the student bundles, Spotify and Hulu last August updated their offer by including Showtime. This means that eligible college students can get a Spotify Premium subscription ($9.99/month), Hulu With Limited Commercials subscription ($5.99/month), and a Showtime subscription ($10.99/month) for $4.99 per month total.
Niantic, known for Pokémon Go, has been working with WB Games on a new augmented reality project set in the Harry Potter universe. Today, Niantic officially unveiled some gameplay details, giving us our first look at how the game will work.
In Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, players become recruits of the Statute of Secrecy Task Force and must investigate and contain a "Calamity" that has befallen the wizarding world.
Players (or witches and wizards) from around the world will need to come together to cast spells and return Foundables, which are apparently artifacts, creatures, people, and memories, to their proper place after freeing them from Confoundable magic, all with the goal of keeping magic hidden from muggles.
As you step outside and explore the world, the Map will reveal Traces of magic, highlighting the location of magical Foundables. While these Traces can be found all around you, certain Foundables may be more likely to appear at various types of real-world locations including parks, banks, municipal buildings, college campuses, libraries, monuments, zoos, art galleries, and more. Cast a variety of spells to overcome the Confoundable magic, keep the magical Foundables safe, and send them back to the wizarding world. By returning Foundables, you'll earn unique rewards that can be tracked in the game Registry.
All in all, it sounds similar to Pokémon Go, with players locating magical artifacts instead of Pokémon, and using spells rather than Pokéballs to capture them. Players will have access to inns to replenish spell energy, magical ingredients for brewing potions, and portkeys that unlock AR portals into "iconic wizarding world locations."
According to Niantic, combat will also be included when witches and wizards visit real-world locations called Fortresses, which host Wizarding Challenges. These are real-time multiplayer battles against dangerous foes, similar to the raids in Pokémon Go.
Players will be able to specialize in different magical professions, including auror, magizoologists, and professors, each with unique skills and abilities.
Niantic plans to launch Harry Potter: Wizards Unite on iOS and Android later in 2019.
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The cheapest model on sale is the 
