Launch

Siri website gets prettier and more helpful

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple on Wednesday launched a revamped Siri website with a slew of changes, including an all-new design and several other improvements. Atop the new page is a video of Siri in action, followed by a comprehensive page of information on the digital assistant's features.

Users can now sort Siri's abilities into categories, such as 'Staying in Touch, Getting organized, Sports, and Entertainment. There are also dedicated sections for how to get directions and how to find answers to commonly-asked questions, all by talking to your device.

Facebook launches standalone web version of Messenger

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Facebook on Wednesday unveiled a new standalone web version of its Messenger chat service, giving users a way to message their friends and family without dealing with News Feed and other interruptions. It can be accessed at Messenger.com, and can be used in a browser tab on your desktop the way you'd use the mobile app.

"Messenger.com is for users who want to message without the other distractions that Facebook can provide," a spokesperson told Recode. "If you’re messaging through Facebook, that means News Feed and your friends’ user profiles are nearby. Messenger.com is about focus."

Some Apple Watch models may see delayed shipping times at launch

Cody Lee ∙ April 8, 2015

Customers who don't opt to pre-order an Apple Watch this Friday could run into inventory problems when trying to order the Apple Watch at launch. German-based Apple blog Macerkopf.de has discovered what looks like shipping dates for the wearable, which appeared on Apple's German and U.K web stores, and some models show up to 6 week lead times for select models.

New CNNgo channel launches on Apple TV, cable subscription required

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

CNN announced on Wednesday that its new CNNgo channel is now available on Apple TV. This marks the first Turner brand to launch on Apple's set-top box, and it features the largest collection of CNN’s on-demand content to date.

In addition to on-demand programming, the channel also offers access to Live TV and shows, such as the popular Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown and Anderson Cooper 360. Of course for these things you'll need cable credentials.

Grocery chains Winn-Dixie and BI-LO now accepting Apple Pay

Cody Lee ∙ November 15, 2014

Winn-Dixie and BI-LO, two major grocery store chains in the southeastern region of the US, are now accepting Apple Pay. MacRumors reports that it was told the companies would begin processing AP payments next week, but the system seems to have already gone live in many stores.

This is a significant coup for Apple, who has been seeing pushback from high profile retailers in recent weeks regarding Apple Pay. Winn-Dixie and BI-LO have over 1,300 locations between them, which are spread throughout North and South Carolina, Georgia and surrounding states.

Apple retail chief tells employees Apple Watch launching in ‘spring’

Cody Lee ∙ November 2, 2014

Apple's Angela Ahrendts has told staffers that the highly anticipated Apple Watch will be launching in the spring, according to a new report from 9to5Mac. The site says the company's Senior Vice President of Retail and Online Stores recently sent out a video message to employees, where she noted the new timeframe.

More specifically, Ahrendts tells her employees that they are "sprinting a marathon," hinting at the busy times the retail channel has ahead of them. From a transcript of her comments, she says "we’re going into the holidays, we’ll go into Chinese New Year, and then we’ve got a new watch launch coming in the spring."

Microsoft launches $199 fitness band with 10 sensors

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Microsoft this morning unveiled its long-rumored wearable: the Microsoft Band. With a design resembling Samsung's Gear Fit, the fitness-tracking wristband features 10 sensors, supports all major mobile platforms, and integrates with Microsoft's new cloud-based Health service.

Interestingly enough, Microsoft decided to skip any kind of media event or press release, opting instead to reveal the device to Recode following the discovery of new Health apps on iOS and Android last night. So was this meant to downplay an insignificant launch? Let's find out.

Apple launches Maps Connect, a way for businesses to manage their Apple Maps listings

Cody Lee ∙ October 21, 2014

Apple has launched a new self-service portal for US businesses to add or edit listings within Apple Maps. Dubbed Apple Maps Connect, the portal aims to allow small business owners to ensure that their listings are up-to-date and accurate.

According to Search Engine Land, who has used the service, Maps Connect is free, and listings appear in Apple Maps on both desktop and mobile versions. You simply login with your Apple ID, and either create or claim your business listing.

Apple Pay launching Monday, October 20th

Cody Lee ∙ October 16, 2014

During his on-stage introduction at Apple's iPad event today, Tim Cook announced a release date for Apple Pay. The company is set to launch the new mobile payment service on Monday, October 20th, alongside the release of the iOS 8.1 update.

Additionally, Cook said that Apple has signed on 500 new banks since announcing Apple Pay last month, and a number of new retailers. The service will work with iPhone 6, 6 Plus and Apple Watch in stores, and iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 online.

Apple said to be planning October 24 launch for new iPads

Cody Lee ∙ October 14, 2014

Apple is planning to launch its new iPads on October 24, according to a new report from MacRumors. Citing a reliable source, the outlet claims that the new tablets expected to be unveiled on Thursday will become available for purchase on Friday of the following week.

The source told the site that Apple was shipping "mass quantities" of a new product to the United States, in preparation for the October 24 launch, although they did not specifically say iPads. That being said, given timing and context, the product is almost certainly tablets.

The survival guide to waiting in line for iPhone 6

Sébastien Page ∙ September 18, 2014

We're almost there, folks! After months of rumors, speculations, and leaks from "sources familiar with the matter," iPhone 6 will be launching tomorrow Friday at 8am. For many of us, this is arguably one of the most exciting days of the year. If you have pre-ordered your iPhone 6, then you'll likely be waiting for it from the comfort of your home, or maybe it will just be waiting for you at the door when you come back from work.

But for those of us who haven't pre-ordered and opted to get in line to pick up an iPhone 6, some decisions have to be made, and a game plan has to be drawn. Today, I'll share with you some of the things I've learned from waiting in line for an Apple product several years in a row. This is not rocket science, but it might as well be.

Apple releases iOS 8, now available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Sébastien Page ∙ September 17, 2014

Apple has released iOS 8, the latest version of its mobile operating system, to the public on Wednesday after months of testing by developers.

iOS 8 has been months in the making and was unveiled for the first time in June, at Apple's annual developers conference. Building on the foundations of iOS 7, iOS 8 can be qualified as a more opened version of the operating system, as developers are now able to tap deeper into the software and offer more powerful features to iOS users.