MacRumors

Following a debut earlier this year at CES, TrackR's new Bluetooth item tracker, called "TrackR pixel," is now available to purchase on the company's website. The pixel has a few upgraded features over the TrackR bravo, the previous iteration of the company's Bluetooth trackers, including a longer range, louder ring, an LED light for when an item is lost in the dark, more color options, and a cheaper price point at $24.99.

Similar to other Bluetooth trackers, the TrackR pixel allows users to attach the small device -- which is about the size of a quarter -- to items of value or interest that might get easily lost on a day-to-day basis, like keys, wallets, bags, or even pets. Once TrackR pixel is synced to the iOS TrackR app [Direct Link], users can ping and light up the TrackR to relocate their lost items. Conversely, a button on the TrackR itself can be pressed to make a user's smartphone ring loudly, even on silent.

"Our goal is for people to no longer need to remember where all their items are located. Instead, technology should keep track of where our things are for us and our families," said Chris Herbert, CEO and Co-Founder of TrackR.

"TrackR pixel is a step towards that future with its small and light design, built-in LED light, over one year battery life, and expansive Bluetooth range, making it one of the most versatile and easy-to-use tracking devices out there. Plus, it's backed by the TrackR Crowd Locate network, which helps our customers find more than two million items worldwide each day."

If a missing item is out of the range of the user's nearby vicinity, TrackR's Crowd Locate Network is activated, sourcing anonymous updates of their TrackR's last known location whenever another TrackR user passes within range of it. TrackR said that this Network receives more than 360,000,000 individual item updates per month. There's also a Family Sharing feature that lets family members share items with one another, using their own personal network of phones to more easily find items like car keys around the house.

Additionally, TrackR mentioned that Amazon Alexa integration will allow Echo users to easily ask TrackR to ping their missing devices. Like the company's previous Bluetooth trackers, TrackR pixel uses a replaceable coin cell battery, letting users easily replace the battery when it dies without having to purchase an all-new TrackR. The device is powered by, and can be replaced with, any CR2016 lithium coin battery.

TrackR pixel is available today in black, white, gray, navy blue, red, purple, pink, aqua, and a web exclusive TrackR green on the company's website. Prices start at $24.99 for a 1-pack, $99.99 for a 4-pack, $124.99 for an 8-pack (regular $199.99), and $149.99 for a 12-pack (regular $299.99). The company said that TrackR pixel will be launching soon in U.S. Best Buy stores as well.

Logitech has revealed an all-new "Slim Combo" case for the new 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPads, which Apple announced during yesterday's WWDC keynote. Logitech said it worked with Apple to ensure the new case will be in Apple retail stores the same day as the new iPads, and users interested can begin purchasing the case from Logitech and Apple's websites today.

The Slim Combo case can be used in four different modes: Typing, Viewing, FaceTime, and Reading. The company said that users will be able to comfortably type, remove the keyboard to sketch with Apple Pencil, switch to portrait mode for FaceTime, and more.

“In the past, you were bound to a workspace with a PC, and used your tablet for quick messages or entertainment when you weren’t in the office; that’s not the case anymore,” said Michele Hermann, vice president of mobility at Logitech. “To be a pro today, you need the power of the PC, but more easily available whether you're on a train, at the park, in a meeting or wherever you need to be. The Slim Combo unleashes the power of iPad Pro to bring you the future of personal computing; a future that’s easier, faster and more fun.”

The keyboard connects using Apple's Smart Connector and features full-size backlit keys (with three levels of brightness) as well as a dedicated row of iOS shortcut keys. Shortcuts include Home, screen brightness, search, switch keyboard language, keyboard brightness, media controls, volume controls, and a lock screen toggle.

When done typing, the keyboard acts as a front-facing protective cover for the iPad's screen. Multiple viewing angles are supported thanks to two micro hinges that let the case recline within a 50-degree range, and Logitech has also added in an Apple Pencil holder. For the larger 12.9-inch version, users can fold half of the cover under the keyboard to reduce its footprint.

Last week, news came out that Bozoma Saint John -- Apple Music and iTunes head of Global Consumer Marketing -- was planning to leave Apple, without any indication given as to why Saint John was leaving Apple or where she planned on working next. TechCrunch is today reporting that the former Apple executive is now looking to head to Uber, although her specific role at the ride-hailing company is unclear.

Given Saint John's background in marketing, a similar position is predicted for her at Uber. According to sources, Uber is looking at Saint John's hiring as a way to "turn the tide on recent issues," suggesting that she might be coming in to help shift the negative spotlight placed on Uber in recent months.

We received the news via a tip, and have confirmed the appointment through multiple sources at Uber. The company, we understand, views the appointment as important in helping “turn the tide on recent issues.”

As for what role she will be taking, that’s something we’re still trying to figure out. We understand that Uber will be making more details public later. Saint John’s track record is in marketing — most recently at Apple but also with a long stint at Pepsi, among other places.

Over the past few months public opinion regarding Uber and its company culture has been largely negative online. The backlash against Uber reached new heights in January, when users began a #DeleteUber hashtag on Twitter in response to Uber's decision to keep up and running throughout the strike at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, where protesters fought against President Trump's executive order banning immigrants from specific countries entering the U.S.

In addition, Uber's background GPS tracking tactics caused worry by users online last year, the FTC filed a complaint against the company for posting inflated yearly wages on various job-seeking websites, Waymo sued Uber for intellectual property theft, and it came out that Apple CEO Tim Cook was on the verge of removing Uber from the iOS App Store after Apple discovered that Uber was secretly "fingerprinting" iPhones that used the app.

If she officially joins Uber, Saint John would be one of the newest hires following a collection of departures from the company over the past six months. These include: Brian McClendon (VP of maps and business platform), Jeff Jones (president), Gary Marcus (AI lead), Rachel Whetstone (SVP of communications), Sherif Marakby (VP of global vehicle programs), Ed Baker (VP of product), Amit Singhal (SVP of engineering), and self-driving car head Anthony Levandowski, who was tied to the Waymo lawsuit.

Update: Saint John has confirmed that her role at Uber will be "Chief Brand Officer," telling Recode, "I know what I'm walking into," in reference to the company's current turmoil.

“The beauty of a new role is sort of [my ability to] define it,” Saint John told Recode in an interview. “My background is in marketing. That’s what I’m going to be focused on mostly. [But] I reserve the right to change it a little bit. The business is going to continue to grow and change and perhaps the needs for marketing and branding will change in six months.”

“I know what I’m walking into,” she said. “I think it’s a really exciting time to tell the story well. Certainly there have been lots of things that have been swirling around [about] Uber but I’m interested in telling the story about the service and what is happening from the brand standpoint.”

“I have to focus on what I have to focus on,” she continued. “There’s not a lot I can do about what’s already happened at Uber.”

Saint John said her first responsibility is to "change the perception of the brand," and that she believes "there are good stories and real stories and things that are happening that should be told that folks just don’t know."

Mophie today launched new Charge Force cases for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, introducing battery pack attachments and wireless charging features into the cases for Apple's newest smartphone line.

The Charge Force case for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus includes built-in magnets that align the leather case to any Mophie Charge Force base accessory, immediately powering up the iPhone when connected. Additionally, the Charge Force case is compatible with any other wireless charging systems, including those made by Qi, adding a wide array of wireless charging functionality to iPhone 7.

The company said that the new cases for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus provide protection from everyday wear and tear, and don't add "excess bulk" to the iPhone. There's also easy access to the iPhone's Lightning port so users can charge their iPhone through a wired connection, or use wired headphones and listen to music.

“mophie is committed to developing technologies that keep devices charged all day,” said Chris Ahern, President at mophie. “This case accomplishes that goal, not through additional batteries, but by making charging throughout the day effortless.”

The notably lean design of the case also protects from everyday wear and tear without adding excess bulk to your device. Raised corners provide added protection against scratched and cracked screens. Premium leather, TPU bezel and superior design strengthen the case’s durability.

Mophie also announced the Charge Force Powerstation mini, which offers users a quick and compact solution to charging their iPhone 7 when not near a wireless pad or AC port. The portable pack includes a 3,000 mAh battery that magnetically attaches to the back of the Charge Force iPhone 7 case, and charges up the iPhone when connected.

The iOS Camera app will finally be able to recognize QR codes within iOS 11, as was discovered yesterday during the developer-focused beta launch of Apple's new mobile operating system. On current iterations of iOS, users have to find and download a third-party QR code scanning application if they wish to use their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to scan a code.

When iOS 11 launches in the fall, the Camera app will natively provide a QR scanning function to all users. Some beta users have taken to Twitter to share a glimpse of the feature in action, and it appears expectedly straightforward: open the Camera app, point the iOS device at a QR code, and tap on the drop-down notification to act upon it.

Check out the MacRumors iOS 11 tidbits post for more information about what can be found in the newest version of iOS.

Apple on Monday introduced iOS 11, the next major version of its mobile operating system for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

iOS 11 is compatible with 64-bit devices only, meaning the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and iPad 4 do not support the software update.

iOS 11 is compatible with the following iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models:

The first iOS 11 beta was released to registered Apple developers on Monday. A public beta will be available in late June through the Apple Beta Software Program. The software update should be officially released in September.

Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed on Monday that the company has been helping the U.K. government investigate terror attacks in the country, despite being criticized by officials for its steadfast support of digital services that use end-to-end encryption.

"We have been cooperating with the U.K. government not only in law enforcement kind of matters but on some of the attacks," Cook said during a Bloomberg Television interview on Monday. "I cannot speak on detail on that. But in cases when we have information and they have gone through the lawful process we don't just give it but we do it very promptly."

Cook went on to suggest that rather than breaking encryption and risking the security of millions of users' private data, technology companies could provide police with metadata – revealing when, where, and who sent and received messages, but not their content – which could be extremely helpful in criminal investigations. "Metadata, if you're putting together a profile, is very important,” said Cook.

The comments follow a third attack in as many months in the U.K., which has reignited the debate surrounding online surveillance in the country. The current Conservative government is demanding new powers that would force technology companies to compromise encryption protocols.

In the wake of Saturday's terrorist attack at London Bridge, Prime Minister Theresa May again called for new laws to regulate the internet, demanding that internet companies do more to remove places online where terrorists can communicate. "We cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed," she said. "Yet that is precisely what the internet and the big companies that provide internet-based services provide."

Recently the U.K. government passed a bill that could theoretically mean companies are legally bound to do comply with such requests, although the practicalities of such a law have been repeatedly questioned by security experts. Apple's privacy and encryption policy has also been criticized by U.S. law enforcement officials and the company publicly clashed last year in court with the FBI over the issue.

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