NatGeo TV now available on Apple TV

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 2, 2015

Apple's $69 set-top box has just gained a new channel from National Geographic, as first noted by MacRumors. The new 'NatGeo TV' channel, now available on the device's Home screen, includes streaming content from National Geographic and Nat Geo Wild, as well as current show episodes available for streaming the day after they air on television.

In addition to these shows, the new channel gives you on-demand access to past episodes of popular National Geographic shows. Some content is free, but on-demand streaming requires authentication with a cable TV provider.

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Let’s Talk iOS 084: Google line slash zero

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated January 27, 2019

Episode 84: A detailed discussion of Google I/O and Google's business model. Jony Ive's new promotion. The unicode bug that crashes your iPhone. The downsides of Apple Watch. Native Apple Watch apps. Cody travels with his Apple Watch for the first time.

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iHome launches smart plug receptacle with HomeKit, pre-orders beginning June 15

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 2, 2015

Among the first wave of HomeKit-certified devices from SmartLinc and Ecobee, which dropped today ahead of Worldwide Developers Conference next week, iHome on Tuesday launched its HomeKit-enabled smart plug receptacle.

The first in iHome Control series of smart home products, the iHome iSP5 SmartPlug not only controls smart home appliances but “dumb” ones like lamps, using Apple's HomeKit. The accessory will be available for pre-order on iHome.com beginning June 15.

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HomeKit-enabled $150 Insteon Hub now shipping, hitting retail stores in July

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

Available for pre-order since CES 2015, Insteon said today its hub with support for Apple's HomeKit will begin shipping to retail stores early next month. Dubbed the Insteon Hub, the device can now be ordered at $149.99 through Amazon.com and via SmartHome.com.

Controlling HomeKit-enabled accessories away from home requires a hub in the form of a third-generation Apple TV with Apple TV software 7.0 or later, or a dedicated product like the Insteon Hub.

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Thunderbolt 3 will feature USB Type-C and be twice as fast as its predecessor

Jeff Benjamin ∙ June 2, 2015

Today, Intel announced the next revision to Thunderbolt, aptly entitled Thunderbolt 3. While it's no surprise that the revision brings increased bandwidth (40Gbps vs 20Gbps) to the specification, the biggest news is the adoption of the new USB Type-C connector.

Instead of using Mini DisplayPort, which Thunderbolt has used since its inception, Intel is "skating where the puck is headed" and jumping to USB Type-C. This presents many potential benefits to the end user.

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Imgur for iOS picks up upload feature

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 2, 2015

Imgur back in March 2015 released a much improved iPhone client for browsing the fascinating world of animated GIFs, replacing its original iOS app which got removed from the App Store due to user complaints.

Tuesday, they refreshed the software with a key feature request from many users: the ability to directly upload your own images and animated GIFs to the service. Previously, you had to use a different app to send your memes to the service or resort to using the web interface.

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Ecobee announces HomeKit-enabled, Wi-Fi connected smart thermostat with Siri commands

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 2, 2015

First HomeKit-certified devices are beginning to appear ahead of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference next week. Tuesday, accessory maker Ecobee announced its smart thermostat for the connected home with HomeKit-certified chips for full compatibility with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

Soon to replace Ecobee's existing thermostat that has been selling in Apple's retail stores, the refreshed third-generation accessory features Wi-Fi connectivity, compatibility with Apple's HomeKit and integration with Siri so you can control your room's temperature using spoken commands on your iOS device.

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Elgato unveils HomeKit-compatible smart devices for the connected home

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 2, 2015

Ahead of Worldwide Developers Conference which kicks off next Monday with a keynote, accessory maker Elgato has launched several smart devices for the connected home built on Apple's HomeKit platform that it previewed at CES 2015. These accessories use Bluetooth Low Energy and a special iOS app so they're battery-friendly and fully controllable through your iPhone.

As first noted by German blog iFun.de, the company's smart home sensor dubbed the Eve, along with other accessories such as the Eve Room, Eve Weather, Door & Window Eve and Eve Energy, can now be pre-ordered from Amazon.com.

These devices make a vision of the HomeKit-enabled connected home a reality by gathering data on air quality, temperature, humidity, air pressure, energy consumption and more.

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Armadillo Gold Rush review: roll your way through a labyrinth of danger

Lory Gil ∙ June 2, 2015

Back in early the 2000s, Armadillo Gold Rush was a big hit on feature phones. It was fairly well made for its time and ended up being a fan favorite. The game has been updated for the smartphone market and is now available on iOS with all of its original charm, but with better graphics and smoother gameplay. We’ve got a game review of Armadillo Gold Rush on iOS for you today.

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MXtechnic ultrathin keyboard case for iPhone 6 is a low-cost alternative to on-screen typing

Lory Gil ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Whether you are trying to win a speed texting contest or writing an article for your blog from your iPhone 6, the on-screen keyboard is not exactly a highly productive feature. To get the most out of your typing experience, you may want to invest in a keyboard case

MXtechnic makes an ultra-thin, slide-out, wireless keyboard case that gives you a more tactile typing experience than the on-screen keyboard on the iPhone 6, and the price tag makes it even more appealing.

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Apple to live stream this year’s WWDC keynote

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

It looks like Apple is going to once again be providing a live stream of its WWDC keynote this year. On Monday the company updated its Events channel on Apple TV with a new program labeled "WWDC 2015 Keynote - LIVE."

There's no word on Apple's website yet regarding streaming to other devices, but the company typically offers live video on both Macs and iOS products via its Safari web browser. It's set to begin at 10am Pacific Time on June 8.

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