On September 20th, Apple killed the OS X name and released macOS Sierra, which is now available for all Mac computers released after the end of 2009. The headline feature of the update is Siri; the assistant that's been on iOS devices since the iPhone 4s. Mac computers are the last of Apple's four platforms to receive the assistants, following in the footsteps of the Apple Watch and fourth-generation Apple TV. One of the nicest features of Siri is the ability to pin her results to Notification Center as a widget. This would work great for sports scores and Pages documents, but we noticed that the widgets disappeared on our test unit every time we were logged out. To add on to the Continuity features from OS X Yosemite, Apple added a Universal Clipboard feature. This means that if one was to copy something on their iPhone or iPad, they could paste it on their Mac. Apple Watch users can also enjoy the new Auto-Unlock feature, which automatically unlocks the user's Mac when an Apple Watch is nearby. For iCloud users, macOS Sierra also backs up files in the Documents and Desktop folders. iCloud also optimizes the Mac's storage be uploading rarely accessed files to the cloud, which is similar to the Nextbit Robin's (2016, Nextbit) cloud storage features. Finally, iOS features like Memories, iMessage effects, and Picture in Picture are now in macOS Sierra. For Mirror Journal, this was Roan Thibault.
Mark your calendars! Google's Allo messaging app may be launching Wednesday, September 21st on both Android and iOS. This is acvording to Evan Blass, a highly-trusted personality for leaks on technology. On September 18, Blass (@evleaks) tweeted "Hello Allo (launches this week). Also, Phandroid reports that Google is releasing promotional material for the app before it's release. However, the advertisements still do not show a release date. Android Authority and 9to5 Google were the first to predict the September 21st release date, and it makes sense as the date meets Google's "late summer" deadline. This will mean the highly-anticipated messaging app will launch one month after it's video calling companion, Duo, and will also be released after Apple's big iMessage update that includes many Allo features. Allo currently has a near-five star rating on Google Play and promises to be a compelling alternative to WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Google's own Hangouts, which will soon be repurposed for enterprise use. Google is currently staying silent on a definitive release date for Allo, and many say it might be released in October along the rumored Pixel phones (Marlin and Sailfish). For Mirror Journal, this was Roan Thibault.
Over the course of two months, we tried out iOS 10's beta, and it was great. From the many new features to the new designs, we liked it a lot. A key new feature is the new iMessage update. This includes the new Apple Watch/like Digital Touch feature, a built-in image search, iMessage apps, bubble effects, and stickers. Also, there is a new layout for Apple Music and Apple News, which now includes subscriptions. There is also a new built-in Home app, which is basically a hub for all HomeKit devices. Stock applications like this new Home app are now removable. The only non-deleteable apps are Health, Messages, Photos, Camera, Clock, Phone, Find my iPhone, Wallet, Safari, and of course Settings. Finally, there is a new feature in the Photos app that creates daily 'Memories' for you, which lists photos, Live Photos, locations, and faces, which can be set up in the 'Faces' folder. It also creates a slideshow for you with adjustable music and duration. These are just a few features to list, but rest assured, there are many more. iOS 10 is now available for the iPhone 5, 5s, 5c, SE, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, and the 6s Plus. It also ships with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. Other supported devices include the iPod Touch 5th generation, both iPad Pro models, all iPad Air models, the fourth generation iPad, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, and iPad mini 4. For Mirror Journal, this was Dante Gaudio.
After announcing the new Charge 2 and Flex 2 trackers last month, the American startup Fitbit released the new trackers for sale just in time for back to school season. So what's new? The Flex 2, like the new Apple Watch series, will be waterproof to the point that it can go for a swim. In fact, the Flex 2 will be able to track laps and strokes automatically. Also, the fifth light on the LED display will be repurposed as a notification light that flashes different colors for call and text notifications. Other new features include hourly reminders to move, which the company introduced with it's Alta tracker earlier this year. Finally, the Flex 2, like the original Flex tracker, it will remain the most customizable Fitbit with bangles and pendants available in addition to regular bands. Charge 2, the replacement to the Charge HR tracker (not the Charge), will enjoy many of the Fitbit Blaze's features, like auto-tracking for workouts, reminders to move, call, text, and calendar notifications, and some new features of it's own. These new features are a 'Breathe' app that offers guided breathing sessions based off the user's heart rate, and a snapshot of one's Cardio Fitness Level in the app, which basically answers the question that everybody's afraid to ask: "Am I in shape?" Other than that, the two trackers will retain the same features from the originals. For swimmers, the Flex 2 will be a nice upgrade, but the Apple Watch Series 2 will be released on the 16th and offers some tough competition in the smartwatch realm. The Charge 2, however, we cannot recommend because Fitbit's Blaze is only fifty dollars more, and according to a source who asked not to be named, the Blaze is "definitely worth the extra money." For Mirror Journal, this was Roan Thibault.
Apple just announced three new products at the September 7 event today, and the iPhone 7, the highlight of the event, includes a better camera, a touch-sensitive home button, and two brand-new colors (black and jet black) stole the show. It also dropped the 3.5 millimeter headphone jack, including Lightning EarPods in the box instead. Luckily, Apple decided to include a Lightning to headphone jack adapter as well, unlike the 2016 MacBook (which features one USB-C port and no adapters). This still, however, won't remedy the older iPhone's ability to listen to music and charge at the same time. The only two ways to accomplish this is to use wireless earphones or use the iPhone 7 Lightning Dock, which is a $40 add-on. Other features include a dual-lens shooter on the Plus model which includes a digital zoom feature which can zoom up to two times forward using digital zoom and up to ten times using software zoom. Another advantage withe the 7 Plus's camera includes an upcoming depth-of-field feature which will be available in a new iOS update for Plus users. A surprise with both models includes an IP67 water and dust resistance rating. Apple says this means the new iPhone can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for thirty minutes. A remedy Apple is introducing to the removal of the headphone jack are called AirPods, which are basically EarPods without the wires. They wirelessly charge in the included case and connects to the iPhone just by opening the case near the device. Finally, Apple introduced what it calls Apple Watch Series 2, which are also water resistant and include a built-in GPS system. Apple also added a new dual-core processor to both Series 2 and Series 1. There are two new models, which includes a ceramic case and a Nike edition which launches in October. Other small features announced at the event is iOS 10's release date (Sep. 13), macOS Sierra's release date (Sep. 20), a Super Mario game for iPhone, and the ability to collaborate on iWork documents. Stay tuned for our iOS 10: First Looks article coming your way when iOS 10 comes out officially. For Mirror Journal, this was Roan Thibault.
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September 2017
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