Apple released a bunch of solid commercials Tuesday, but iPhone X is my favorite. It uses some gorgeous colors splashing around as a lure for the devices OLED screen. The colors grabbed my attention during the keynote when it was first shown. They reminded me a lot of the 70s’ kid’s toy, the Magic Window, but with a lot more colors. It’s compelling, bold, striking, and sexy. Interestingly, text at the end of the spot indicates that it hasn’t been approved by the FCC, and specifies that it can’t be sold until it is.
Bryan Chaffin
Bryan Chaffin is the cofounder of The Mac Observer and currently serves as Afternoon Editor. He has contributed to MacAddict and MacFormat magazines, and co-authored the last two updates of iPad and iPad Pro for Dummies with Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus and Ed Baig. You can find out more about Bryan at his personal site, GeekTells, or find his Twitter link below.
Articles by Bryan Chaffin
![Apple Uses ‘One More Thing’ to Announce iPhone X [Update]](https://www.macobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/phil-schiller-iphone-x.jpg)
Apple Uses 'One More Thing' to Announce iPhone X [Update]
The new 5.8-inch model sports an OLED screen, Face ID instead of Touch ID, and inductive charging support.
![Apple Announces iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus [Updated]](https://www.macobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/phil-schiller-iphone-8.jpg)
Apple Announces iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus [Updated]
It will ship with 64GB and 256GB models, starting at $699 for iPhone 8 and $799 for iPhone 8 Plus.
Apple Claims Apple Watch #1 Watch in the World
Apple CEO Tim Cook said Tuesday that Apple Watch is not just the number one smartwatch on the planet, it’s now the number one watch. It would represent a huge accomplishment for Apple, and one that should scare the pants off the watch world. In the screenshot I included, Apple Watch is about to overcome Rolex to be the top brand in terms of sales.
Apple Says New York City's 5th Ave Glass Cube Will Return
Apple senior vice president Angela Ahrendts said Tuesday that the iconic glass cube will return to its 5th Ave Apple store location. The announcement came during the company’s fall media event, in Apple Park’s Steve Jobs Theater.
Join TMO in a Live Hangout for Apple's Media Event
Hey, folks. Join the TMO “backroom” while we watch, process, and discuss Apple’s keynote today in realtime. We’ll have the chatroom open so you can share your thoughts, too!
The Complete iOS 11 Developer Course and iOS Mastery Bundle: $29
We have a deal for developers called the Complete iOS 11 Developer Course and iOS Mastery Bundle. It’s comprised of five different training courses for learning to code for iOS 10 and iOS 11, as well as beginner courses for tvOS and watchOS, with Swift 3. This bundle is $29, but we coupon code “iOS11” will get you another 11% off.
![The Evolution Of The iPhone [Infographic]](https://www.macobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/evolution-iphone-infographic-teaser.webp)
The Evolution Of The iPhone [Infographic]
It’s an interesting walk down memory lane that includes specs and pics for each iPhone model.
Build Websites without Code Using Blocs 2 for Mac: $39.99
We have a deal on Blocs 2 for Mac, a visual web design tool that lets you create websites without writing a line of code. There’s a lot more information in the deal listing, and you can get it through us for $39.99.
Watch 9 Cameras for Livestreaming Hurricane Irma
Some go offline as conditions worsen, but as of this writing, all of these cameras were working for livestreaming Hurricane Irma
Civilization VI Adds Nubia Civilization and Scenario Pack
The update also includes some bug fixes, improvements to the game AI, improvements for other civilizations, and adjustments to game balance.
Droplr 4-Year Subscription: $39.99
We have a deal on Droplr, a collaboration and sharing service aimed at teams. It works on macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Our deal is on a four year subscription for $39.99.
BopPad Uses Smartcloth to Improve Drum Pad Response
There’s a new drum pad out there from Keith McMillen Instruments (KMI) that uses smartcloth to make the device more accurate and responsive. At least that’s what the company claims, and they’re using smart fabric sensors from BeBop Sensors to do it. Funded on Kickstarter last year, BopPad is a, “location and pressure-sensitive drum controller with a wicked-fast playing surface.” I’ve yet to meet an electronic drum I love to play, but I’m looking forward to checking out BopPad. Just watch the video. The device is $199 through the KMI website.
Hey Musicians, How about a Wearable Metronome?
Here’s something for musicians called Soundbrenner Pulse. It’s a wearable metronome that uses haptic feedback so you can feel the beat. The company says that haptic feedback is “up to seven times stronger than the vibrational alerts found in today’s smartwatches.” This is a standalone device that can be strapped around your arm or leg, or worn on your chest. Better yet, it’s controlled by an app that can sync with up to five Soundbrenner Pulses. That means five people in the band could be marching to the same beat! Come on, that could be game changing for musicians! Soundbrenner Pulse is $99 at Amazon, and it’s shipping now.
Ztylus Stinger Car Charger Emergency Tool: $19.95
We have a cool device for you today called the Ztylus Stinger Car Charger Emergency Tool. It’s a car charger with two USB ports, but it also has a built-in window breaker and seat belt cutter for emergency use. It’s $19.95 through us.
iOS 11 Favorite Features, Apple’s Entertainment Plans, Apple Watch Cheaters - ACM 427
iOS 11 is coming, and Bryan and Jeff discuss some of what they’re looking forward to. They also talk about Apple’s big plans in making movies and TV shows, and why it’s important for Apple to do so. The cap the show with a look at Apple Watch being involved with a baseball cheating scheme.
Pay What You Want for the Complete iOS 11 Developer Bundle
Check out the Complete iOS 11 Developer Bundle, a collection of four iOS 11 developer training courses. This is one of our Pay What You Want deals, meaning you can pay anything—even a penny—and get one of the courses (the Starter Edition). Beat the average price, and you’ll get all four. Make the leaderboard at any point, and you’ll be entered into a giveaway.
Apple Releases iOS 11 Developer Beta 10 and iOS 11 Public Beta 9
Both releases are likely golden master candidates, though Apple hasn’t specifically stated that.
Infographic with 58 Interesting Facts about Bitcoin
If you’re curious about Bitcoin, many of these facts may be new to you.
Filmora for Mac with Video Assets: $49
We have a deal for you on Filmora for Mac, video editing software. It comes bundled with Filmora Education Set, a collection of 60 video assets. You can get this package through us for $49.
These Could Be the Official Names of Apple's New iPhones
Kudos to 9to5Mac‘s publisher, Seth Weintraub, for a huge scoop. Reporting from Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA), an electronics trade show in Berlin, Mr. Weintraub uncovered what could well be the official names of Apple’s next round of iPhones. Specifically: iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone Edition. The news is based on leaks from Apple’s supply chain that wound up in the hands of case makers. Those case makers were confident enough in their intel to start printing up packaging for cases for unannounced iPhones. Read through his entire piece, as he makes a very compelling argument for why this information is likely reliable. If it does turn out to be true, it would mean that Apple is skipping the “iPhone 7s” and jumping straight to iPhone 8 for its base iPhone line. The much-rumored special iPhone, which had been dubbed everything from iPhone Pro to iPhone 8, will be iPhone Edition. It’s a good lineup of names, in my opinion, and I think there’s a lot of merit to this story.
Apple Seeds macOS High Sierra Developer Beta 9 Build (17A360a)
Friday’s release accelerates an already accelerated release cycle, as the last round of developer betas hit just four days ago.
FRETX on Your Guitar Shows You Where to Play
Check out FRETX, one of those devices I’d write up as Cool Stuff Found if I didn’t get to offer you a deal on it. This device slips onto the neck of your guitar and then lights up to show you where to put your fingers. It’s controlled by a smartphone app, and it’s $69.99 through us.
Instagram Stories Now Available on the Web
Instagram announced Thursday that the platform’s Stories will soon be viewable on the Web. This means IG users will be able to see them on a browser on Mac or PC, or on a mobile device if you don’t want to use the Instagram app. Previously they were available only in the app. Stories were essentially copied from SnapChat, and have proven immensely popular for Instagram, too. Stories last 24 hours only and are comprised of either live streams, videos, or stills. I’m not seeing them in my personal Instagram feed yet, but the company said that when they appear, they’ll be, “at the top of feed on mobile web, and to the right of your feed on desktop web.”
