Smart speakers coming in 2018 will have more functions, including 3D lenses for increased distances sensing accuracy and features like integrated pico projectors.
Smart speakers with pico projectors and 3D sensing features due in 2018
Rumors
The next iPad Pro rumored to run 7nm A11X Bionic chip with 8 CPU cores
Apple and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) are developing a next-generation mobile chip that will make its debut in an upcoming iPad Pro revision next year.
Amazon abandons plans to launch a skinny TV bundle, for now
Online retail giant Amazon has reportedly scrapped plans to launch a so-called skinny TV bundle for a set fee as content owners are reluctant to break with decades-old business models revolving around the traditional cable bundle.
watchOS GymKit goes live in Australia
Apple's GymKit has now made its worldwide debut in Australia, with Fitness First in central Sydney becoming the very first gym globally to offer this feature which brings fitness buffs connected workouts with cardio equipment.
Bloomberg: 2019 iPhones to add rear 3D sensor for better augmented reality features
Bloomberg reported this morning that Apple is working on a rear 3D sensor different from the TrueDepth camera that would improve augmented reality features and depth mapping.
Apple’s “headset-like” AR device apparently coming no later than 2019
Apple is thought to work on some kind of an augmented reality headset accessory and now a high-ranking official with one of Apple's key Taiwanese suppliers claims that the rumored device will be coming no later than the year 2019.
KGI: 6.5″ iPhone X Plus & 6.1″ LCD model on tap for launch in the second half of 2018
Apple is predicted to release a Plus version of iPhone X next year featuring an OLED panel measuring 6.5 inches diagonally versus the current 5.8-inch iPhone X model.
Additionally, it could be working on a bezel-less 6.1-inch LCD phone for a 2018 launch.
Apple estimated to build 4 million HomePods next year
Inventec Appliances, a subsidiary of Taiwanese electronic contract manufacturer Inventec and currently the sole HomePod manufacturer, will only ship about 50,000 units of Apple's $349 Siri-driven wireless speaker by the end of this year.
Future HomePod may offer 3D sensing features, including facial and image recognition
Japanese outlet Nikkei Asian Review speculated on Monday that a future HomePod might incorporate 3D-sensing features, including facial and image recognition that may or may not be based on iPhone X's Face ID technology.
Instagram is testing a new feature that would let you follow hasthtags
Instagram is testing a new feature with a small subset of its users that may eventually permit its customers to follow hashtags on the service, like they would other people.
Bloomberg: 2018 iPad Pro to feature Face ID, custom GPU, slimmer bezels & new Pencil
Bloomberg report today that Apple is working on a revamped 2018 iPad Pro featuring slimmer top and bottom bezels, a faster processor with a custom Apple GPU and no Home button or Touch ID.
Bloomberg: Apple working on AR headset with custom OS & CPU for 2020 launch
Bloomberg on Wednesday said that Apple has tasked its growing team of several hundred engineers from across the company with the development of a standalone augmented reality headset under the umbrella code name of “T288” for a possible launch in 2020.