MacRumors

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.

Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Amid a day of new hardware and software reveals from Apple, the company also announced the launch of Monument Valley 2, which is out now exclusively on the iOS App Store for $4.99 [Direct Link]. Released by ustwo Games, Monument Valley 2 is the sequel to the popular 2014 iOS game Monument Valley, which tasked players with navigating a princess through a series of increasingly difficult optical illusion mazes.

According to the developer, Monument Valley 2 follows in its predecessor's footsteps with all-new levels that are "filled with illusory, meditative puzzles," but this time players are guiding a mother, named Ro, and her child through the game's puzzles. Ustwo Games notes that knowledge of the original game isn't needed to enjoy the sequel, but the two games are set in the same universe.

Dan Gray, head of studio at ustwo Games says, "We wanted to find the perfect reason to return to Monument Valley, and the story of a mother who's not only a parent but a creator of this world is a narrative we felt compelled to tell. We spent two years hiring some of the industry's most talented people for this team, and we're excited to show this whole new take on a game fans have been asking for."

The game's major features include:

• A standalone adventure - A completely new story from the Monument Valley universe. You don’t need to have previously played Monument Valley to enjoy Monument Valley 2.
  

• Individually crafted puzzles - Enjoy beautiful levels filled with illusory, meditative puzzles, using brand new interactions to explore the changing dynamics between characters.
  

• Contemporary visuals - Artwork inspired by an eclectic mixture of architectural styles, artistic movements and personal influences, each translated into stunning geometric structures.
  

• Beautiful audio - Immerse yourself in uniquely melodic interactive soundscapes, tailored perfectly to every step of Ro and her child's journey.

Monument Valley 2 is available to download now on the iOS App Store for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices running iOS 9 or later, and costs $4.99. [Direct Link]

Apple today updated its Apple Beta Software Program website to announce that iOS 11, macOS High Sierra, and tvOS 11 public betas will be available for public beta testers in the near future.

Apple has offered macOS and iOS public betas for several years now, giving non-developers a chance to try out new software features ahead of a public launch while also providing Apple with extra feedback, but tvOS is a new addition.

For the first time, with tvOS 11, Apple plans to allow non-developers to install the beta software. To download the tvOS 11 beta, public beta testers will need to connect an Apple TV to a computer running iTunes using a USB-C cable. The tvOS software is then installed on the Apple TV using iTunes, with subsequent updates available over-the-air.

The tricky installation requirements are likely the reason why previous tvOS betas haven't been made available publicly.

It's not entirely clear when the tvOS beta will be made available to public beta testers, but during the keynote, Apple said iOS and macOS High Sierra would be available for public testers in late June, so that's presumably when the new public tvOS 11 beta will also be available.

As for features, Apple has not yet detailed what's new in tvOS 11 and it received little coverage during the keynote event aside from the mention of a new Amazon Prime Video app that's coming to the Apple TV later this year.

In an interview today with Bloomberg TV, Apple CEO Tim Cook said customers will be "blown away" by the experience of the HomePod.

"I think people are going to love it. I know they are," said Cook. "I think they're going to be blown away by the experience."

When questioned about why a customer should choose to purchase the HomePod over the Amazon Echo or Google Home, especially considering it's the most expensive of the three, Cook said Apple's focus was on creating a "breakthrough speaker" that delivers a high-quality audio experience in the home.

"What we tried to do is build something that is a breakthrough speaker first," said Cook. "Music is deep in our DNA, dating back to iTunes and iPod. We wanted something that, number one, sounded unbelievable. I think when people listen to it, they're going to be shocked over the quality of the sound."

"Of course, it does a lot of other things, right, and all of those are important as well, but we wanted a really high-quality audio experience," said Cook.

"There's a lot of things you can do with it," he added. "There's a lot of things that Siri knows how to do from the phone. We'll start with a patch of those as [Apple marketing chief] Phil [Schiller] showed today during the keynote, and then you can bet there's a nice follow-on activity there as well."

Cook said Apple has been working on the HomePod for "multiple years," and as usual, it wasn't focused on being first to the market.

"We didn't have the first MP3 player. We didn't have the first smartphone. We didn't have the first tablet," he said. "For us, it's not about being first. It's about being the best, and giving users an experience that delights them every time. We don't let that impatience result in shipping something that's just not great."

Cook also briefly reflected on today's iOS 11 announcements, ARKit serving as a "foundation" for Apple's augmented reality efforts, and why he elected against joining U.S. President Donald Trump's various councils and committees.

HomePod will be available in December for $349 in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It'll launch in other countries next year.

On Apple's Developer site, there's a section outlining an upcoming iOS 11 Messages feature called "Business Chat."

Business Chat wasn't mentioned during the keynote event, but based on the text that describes the feature, it's going to allow businesses to make themselves available for quick chats directly in Messages for customer service purposes. Customers will be able to find businesses using Safari, Maps, Spotlight, and Siri, and then initiate iMessage conversations.

Business Chat is a powerful new way for businesses to connect with customers directly from within Messages. Using Business Chat, your customers can get answers to questions, resolve issues and complete transactions on their iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Customers can find your business and start conversations from Safari, Maps, Spotlight, and Siri.

As The Verge points out, Business Chat will allow Apple to compete with social networks like Facebook and Twitter, where businesses use direct messaging functionality to interact with customers.

Features like Apple Pay and calendar integration will be added to the Business Chat option, allowing customers to make purchases right in a chat session, and it will also support third-party apps so businesses can develop custom features.

Apple plans to provide more details on Business Chat during a developer session that will take place on June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

With the debut of new iPad Pro models today at WWDC, Apple has introduced a few new accessories for its tablets. Two of the new additions to the iPad Pro accessory line are called the Leather Sleeve for 10.5-inch iPad Pro and the Leather Sleeve for 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and they include a sleeve for the iPad Pro as well as a slot for users to store their Apple Pencil. The cases cost $129.00 for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and $149.00 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

To match, Apple has also debuted a new $29.00 Apple Pencil Case, which acts as standalone storage for Apple's stylus accessory. Both the Leather Sleeve and Pencil Case come in Saddle Brown, Taupe, Midnight Blue, and Black.

Users interested in the more traditional Smart Cover can buy a version of Apple's popular case for their new 10.5-inch iPad Pro at a price of $49.00, in seven colorways: Mist Blue, Pollen, Flamingo, White, Pink Sand, Midnight Blue, and Charcoal Gray. A Smart Keyboard for 10.5-inch iPad Pro is up for sale on Apple's website at $159.00.

Both iPad Pro sizes have received new Leather Smart Cases as well, with the 10.5-inch iPad Pro version costing $69.00 and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro version costing $79.00.

To stay up-to-date on all the latest WWDC news, or to catch up with anything you might have missed, be sure to check out the MacRumors WWDC 2017 event recap post.