It's official, HomePod is launching in mainland China and Hong Kong in early 2019.
Apple will launch HomePod in China and Hong Kong in early 2019
Accessories
Apple’s long-awaited iPhone XR clear case is now available
Apple today started selling its own clear case for iPhone XR through its online store and at Apple Stores around the world for $39.
Save hundreds of dollars by upgrading RAM in your 2018 Mac mini with iFixit’s DIY kit
If you choose to upgrade your 2018 Mac mini from the default 8 gigabytes of RAM to, say, 32 gigs at the time of purchase using build-to-order options on Apple's online store, that'll be an extra $600. iFixit's do-it-yourself kit can give you the same upgrade for $275 less.
Cheaper MFi-certified Lightning to USB-C cables are coming early next year
Apple is currently the only seller of certified Lightning to USB-C cables, but more affordable options from third-party accessory makers are reportedly coming early in 2019.
Picaso Lab’s new leather sleeve that fits 2018 iPad Pro + Smart Keyboard goes on pre-order
Picaso Lab's leather solution for keeping your 2018 iPad Pro along with your Smart Keyboard attachment safe from unwanted damage while traveling is now available for pre-order.
Review: Twelve South Journal CaddySack—a premium leather tote for cables & adapters
I like Apple gear but I hate my chargers, cables and adapters mostly because I never ever have a good solution for carrying them around in style so end up throwing them in some unsightly plastic pouch. Premium Apple accessory maker Twelve South recently expanded its stylish Journal line of cases with, among other notable arrivals, a refreshed CaddySack tote made from a supple cognac leather for storing various accessories, chargers and cables.
How to change which HomePod listens to your commands when using paired HomePods
If you have two HomePods that are paired to create a stereo setup, only one of these HomePods will be used to listen to your voice queries. When saying a command such as "Hey Siri, what time is it in London?", only that HomePod will be listening to you although the other HomePod might be physically closer to you.
As far as I can tell, there is no way to manually select what HomePod is the dominant one during the initial pairing process, but there is a way to swap which one will actively listen to you once the stereo pair has been created.
Nodus premium leather iPhone XS Max cases review
I rarely utilize a case for my iPhone. Something about covering up all the metal and glass just keeps me from appreciating the craftsmanship. When I do cover my iPhone, I want the experience to be just as premium as using it without a case. That's when I turn to The Nodus Collection.
Currently, they are having a Black Friday sale now through Monday November 26 and you can save 20% on their entire website, no code required.
Review: Willgoo case keeps your Apple Pencil charged and its accessories within easy reach
I'm always forgetting to charge my Apple Pencil in a timely fashion, which can be annoying when I'm out and about without any dongles or cables. And because of its design, I refrain from stowing the Apple stylus in my bag or backpack out of fear it might break without any protection. Apple's leather case and others I've tried weren't very helpful. But Willgoo's handy stylus carrying box with a built-in battery has solved my Pencil woes in one fell swoop.
Harry Potter coding wand is coming to Apple stores
More than 300 Apple stores in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand will be selling a Harry Potter wireless coding wand starting this December.
Using iPad Pro as the main display for Mac mini with Astropad’s Luna Display
Mac mini is a BYOKDM purchase, meaning the miniature computer requires that you Bring Your Own Keyboard, Display and Mouse. Thank to Astropad's awesome Luna Display dongle for the Mac, your iPad Pro can actually become the primary display for your Mac mini.
Review: Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio for 2018 iPad Pro—depends on your preference
Apple has updated its Smart Keyboard alongside the new iPad Pro models for 2018. Taking user feedback seriously, the new iPad keyboard features a streamlined design that’s finally adjustable for added versatility while protecting both the front and the back of your tablet.