Apple HomePod will reportedly let you make calls soon

Review: Apple HomePodA recent report claims you’ll get more out of your HomePod soon. It’ll supposedly bring one important feature: the ability to make and receive calls. According to iGeneration, their look at the iOS 12-based software update for the device will let this happen, among some other useful features. As long as the HomePod is paired with your phone, it’ll let you make or answer calls. It’ll also help you locate your iPhone, improve translation features, and have the ability to switch Wi-Fi networks without needing to reset the device. If the report is to be believed, this might make the HomePod a more attractive purchase for consumers.

Source: TechRadar

Are we getting new iPhone colors?

You might have been seeing this around but KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently reported that Apple might be releasing new color variants for the upcoming iPhone X-like devices. The five new colors include red, orange, blue, white, and grey. It will be available for the “entry-level” 6.1-inch LCD-toting iPhones. These are rumoured to be priced at around US$700 (around CA$915). There is also going to supposedly be a higher-end 6.5-inch OLED iPhone model that will be around US$1,000 (around CA$1,300) and this dual SIM device will come in black, white, and a new gold. There might also be a smaller 5.8-inch iPhone X coming.

There’s a possibility that Kuo is referring to Space Grey and Silver when he talks about “grey” and “white” but there are still four other new colors to choose from. The red might also be a PRODUCT(RED) phone but Apple usually doesn’t release this when new iPhones are launched. These new changes, Kuo reports, might result in significant growth for the iPhone with the $700 variant accounting for 55 percent of sales.

Source: 9to5Mac

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