Apple rumoured to be releasing a cheaper MacBook Air later in 2018

There hasn’t been much innovation in the realm of MacBook Air in recent years. But at least in terms of price, Apple reportedly has something up its sleeve, at least if we are to believe the rumours. According to Apple analyst KGI Securities, a cheaper version of the ultra-thin MacBook will be headed our way in the second quarter of the year. There will supposedly be a 13-inch MacBook Air “with a lower price tag,” which is expected to help boost laptop sales for the company. At the moment, the current generation of the MacBook Air’s retail price starts at $1,199.

Source: The Verge

Apple rumoured to be readying high-end over-ear headphones

Will the AirPods be joined by an over-ear option?

Audio seems to be the next focus for Apple, if the latest rumour is to be believed. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims Apple plans to release over-the-ear headphones this year. In an investors’ note spotted by Apple Insider, Kuo said the company will release a new premium pair of headphones. It seems like a natural transition for Apple with the recent launch of the HomePod and the rumoured second iteration of the AirPods, following the success of the first versions. The company also has Beats branding under its belt but it’s possible Apple might enter the high-end headphone market using its own branding. And yes, we expect it to be quite pricey—if they do decide to pursue this. Apple hasn’t released a comment on the report yet.

Source: CNET

New Apple AirPods might launch ‘as soon as this year’

Review: Apple AirPods

The next iteration of the Apple AirPods might come sooner than we think. A new report from Bloomberg claims the company might release the next version of these in-ear wireless headphones “as soon as this year.” The next AirPods will reportedly have upgraded wireless chip designed by Apple to keep its Bluetooth connection. This version will also supposedly be able to rouse Siri just by saying the keywords “Hey, Siri.” You no longer need to physically tap on the AirPods to do so.

On top of this, a water-resistant version might come out as early as 2019. But like the new iPhones, these won’t be built for complete submersion. Instead they’ll be able to handle splashes of water and rain. We might also expect a wireless AirPods charging case soon, as Apple has previously said.

Source: CNET

Apple reportedly buying Shazam, deal might be announced on December 11

Apple is supposedly finalizing a deal with the company behind the music recognition app Shazam to buy the latter for a rumoured amount of US$401 million. The deal will reportedly be finalized over the weekend with the deal being officially announced on December 11, Monday. Shazam currently already integrates with Apple’s Siri and Apple Music—on top of working with Spotify and Snapchat as well. Both companies haven’t commented on the report. What this potential deal could mean to the other services Shazam is available on we can’t say. For now, we just have to wait for confirmation that this deal pushed through.

Source: NME