tvOS 9.1 software update for Apple TV 4 now available

In addition to releasing the second major update to El Capitan and iOS 92 with  Safari View Controller enhancements, Arabic Siri support and other improvements, Apple this morning also posted a matching software update for the fourth-generation Apple TV.

Marking the second software update since the new Apple TV's debut in October of this year, tvOS 9.1 (build 13U85) is a bug-fix update which includes a couple of fixes for the most pressing issues reported by users.

Apple releases OS X 10.11.2 El Capitan update

Following an extensive testing, Apple on Tuesday released OS X 10.11.2 (build number 15C50), the second major update to El Capitan, for public consumption. In addition to improving the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac, OS X 10.11.2 improves iCloud Photo Sharing for Live Photos, as well as the reliability of Wi-Fi networking, Handoff and AirDrop.

Moreover, the software update includes fixes for Bluetooth devices disconnecting on a whim, the Mail app deleting messages in an offline Exchange account and problems with importing photos from an iPhone to a Mac using a USB cable.

Apple reportedly planning Apple Watch 2 media event in March 2016

Citing sources with knowledge of the plans, 9to5Mac is reporting that Apple is planning a media event in March of next year to unveil a second-generation Apple Watch, with the possible announcement of a rumored four-inch iPhone refresh in tow as well.

If true, the company would start shipping the second-generation watch in April, a year following the original model's debut in April of 2015.

Today’s Pixelmator for Mac update brings several new features

Pixelmator, one of the best Photoshop alternatives on any platform, has received a nice little update in the Mac App Store this morning. Bumped to version 3.4.1, the refreshed app brings half a dozen new features and refinements and packs in nearly two dozen bug fixes and stability improvements, including faster and more responsive performance on 2011 Macs with Intel's HD 3000 graphics cards.

Apple launches Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader to support USB 3.0 transfer speeds on iPad Pro

If you're looking to quickly transfer photos and videos from your camera's SD Card to the iPad Pro, then look no further than Apple's own Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader ($29.00) to handle the job. Apple explicitly states on its store page that the peripheral supports USB 3.0 transfer speeds on the iPad Pro.

Interestingly, the same cannot be said for Apple's Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, as that still only supports USB 2.0 transfer speeds. The Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader, which just launched and is available to ship in 3-5 business days from Apple's online store, appears to be the only accessory to support USB 3.0 transfer speeds on the iPad Pro at this time.

Review: CleanMyDrive 2—stylish, lightweight app to get rid of junk cluttering your drives

MacPaw, a fresh, independent developer behind the versatile and powerful CleanMyMac application, today unleashed a major update to CleanMyDrive.

CleanMyDrive is a free-of-charge Mac utility designed to help reclaim free disk space by cleaning the junk from your internal hard drives and external storage devices such as USB thumb drives, SSDs and more

The new and much improved CleanMyDrive 2 app boasts a completely redesigned user interface that lets you check disk stats, drag-and-drop files directly to any drive, automatically clean disks after hitting the Eject button and more.

With it, cleaning hidden junk that's been clogging up your drives is easy and fun.

Tim Cook shares ‘Just Say Hi’ video message for Cerebral Palsy Foundation

Apple CEO Tim Cook has joined the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, an initiative dedicated to transforming lives for people with cerebral palsy through research, innovation and collaboration.

In an interesting video message posted to the foundation's website, Cook can be seen conversing with Siri as he invites people to 'just say hi' to those whose lives have been affected with cerebral palsy.

Sony releases PlayStation messaging app for iOS

Sony today released a brand new iPhone application in the App Store, PlayStation Messages. Conceived as a messaging app for fans of the PlayStation console, the software provides messaging capabilities that used to be part of the official PlayStation app, including availability and presence indicators, group chats with up to a hundred players, rich media in messages such as photos, voice, stickers, attachments and more.

Apple launches $99 Smart Battery Case for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s

Apple on Tuesday released its very first battery pack, dubbed the Smart Battery Case and designed for the iPhone 6s and the previous-generation iPhone 6.

The $99 accessory provides device protection and offers even longer battery life: up to 25 hours of talk time, eighteen hours of Internet use on LTE (ten hours without the case) and twenty hours of video playback versus eleven hours provided by the iPhone 6s.

The built-in battery rests on the backside, beneath the credit card-sized protruding bulge. Passthrough and crossover designs permit users to connect Lightning accessories whilst the case is in use and let the case charge itself and the iPhone at the same time.

This accessory joins Apple's existing lineup of $35 Silicone Cases for the iPhone 6s and the recently launched $49 iPhone Lightning Dock and is available starting today from the Apple Online Store and Apple retail stores.

iDB Holiday Gift Guide: Timothy’s Picks

'Tis the season for warm fires, cold days, peppermint mochas, fruitcakes, shopping, and, of course, iDB's holiday gift guide! Another year has passed, more tech and accessories have been released, and I'm more excited than ever to show you what I've been collecting this year.