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This week: 

• HomePod is already stumbling in sales—is it doomed?  
• Apple Is the richest company on earth, so where are all its billionaires?
• Face ID could replace passwords on your favorite websites
• The death of Touch ID scheduled for this fall
• And stay tuned for Under Review, where we go hands on with an $80 tech-packed coffee cup, a beautiful new HomeKit smart lock, and the all-new Mavic Air drone.

 

This week: 

• HomePod is already stumbling in sales—is it doomed?  
• Apple Is the richest company on earth, so where are all its billionaires?
• Face ID could replace passwords on your favorite websites
• The death of Touch ID scheduled for this fall
• And stay tuned for Under Review, where we go hands on with an $80 tech-packed coffee cup, a beautiful new HomeKit smart lock, and the all-new Mavic Air drone.

  This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   The single-router wifi model just doesn’t work for our increasingly high-bandwidth world. The EEROdistributed system will blanket your home in hyper-fast, reliable WiFi, and you can score free overnight shipping with code "CultCast" at checkout.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lewiswallace   New RED iPhone 8 So beautiful. So red. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O9dNuiOWDg   Join us for a live hangout on Friday the 13th, 12PM Pacific! live.thecultcast.com   Erfon’s YouTube review of the tech-packed Ember Ceramic mug https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6oOEv70mec   Apple's Stumbling HomePod Isn't the Hot Seller Company Wanted https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-12/apple-s-stumbling-homepod-isn-t-the-hot-seller-company-wanted

• Is the HomePod toast?
• According to some Apple store workers, inventories are piling up and Apple has cut orders with their manufacturer.
• "At first, it looked like the HomePod might be a hit. Pre-orders were strong, and in the last week of January the device grabbed about a third of the U.S. smart speaker market in unit sales, according to data provided to Bloomberg by Slice Intelligence. But by the time HomePods arrived in stores, sales were tanking, says Slice principal analyst Ken Cassar. “Even when people had the ability to hear these things,” he says, “it still didn’t give Apple another spike.””
• According to Slice Intelligence: During the HomePod’s first 10 weeks of sales, it eked out 10 percent of the smart speaker market, compared with 73 percent for Amazon’s Echo devices and 14 percent for the Google Home
• Why aren’t people buying HomePods?

 

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This week: 

• Whoa!  Apple just stole Google’s head of A.I. to make Siri smarter
• Apple plans to ditch Intel processors on the Mac 
• You won’t believe the massive cash being pay to silicon valley’s A.I. talent
• Future iPhones could boast curved displays and touch-free controls
• iOS 11.4 public beta arrives with AirPlay 2, but it won’t work with your HomePod
• And a Leander gives us the scoop on his new Tim Cook book!

  This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   The air you were meant to breathe is finally here. For $75 off your first order, visit molekule.com and enter the code CULTCAST at checkout.    CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeod for the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace / @bst3r   CultCast live hangout on Friday the 13th at 12PM PST! http://live.thecultcast.com   Apple steals Google’s A.I. wiz to make Siri smarter https://www.cultofmac.com/539125/apple-steals-googles-john-giannandrea-ai-siri/

• John Giannandrea used to be in charge of Google’s search and artificial intelligence, but now he works for Apple.  He’s leading the drive to make the company’s Siri voice assistant smarter, a goal many would agree is overdue.
• NYT: Apple said on Tuesday that Mr. Giannandrea will run Apple’s “machine learning and A.I. strategy,” and become one of 16 executives who report directly to Apple’s chief executive, Timothy D. Cook.
• This is the most high-profile move yet in a ongoing drive to hire more talent for the Siri team.
• Mr. Giannandrea came to Google in 2010, where he helped make AI and machine learning part of all the company’s products, from search to Gmail. And now he’s doing that for Apple.
• Apple is also looking to hire  to hire 142 more people for Siri-related jobs, almost twice as many as this time last year.

  Tech Giants Are Paying Huge Salaries for Scarce A.I. Talent https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/22/technology/artificial-intelligence-experts-salaries.html

• Fun fact: Engineers with A.I. expertise are some of the most sought-after people in Silicon Valley, with salaries sometimes exceeding eight figures.
• Tech’s biggest companies are placing huge bets on artificial intelligence, banking on things ranging from face-scanning smartphones and conversational coffee-table gadgets to computerized health care and autonomous vehicles.
• Typical A.I. specialists, including both Ph.D.s fresh out of school and people with less education and just a few years of experience, can be paid fr

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This week: Apple has powered up the new iPad so much, it’s hard to resist!  Plus: what you need to know about iOS 11.3; everything Apple revealed at its “field trip” event; report says  Watch Plus is incoming; and you asked, we answer—from the best Home apps, to our Mac Mini predictions, to Commando Vs. Predator—we answer your most burning questions.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lewiswallace / @IanFuchs   Apple is finally selling a space gray keyboard and mouse https://www.cultofmac.com/537711/apple-is-finally-selling-a-space-gray-keyboard-and-mouse/  

• Mac fans that love the look of the new space gray iMac Pro — but don’t want to plop down four grand — can finally buy the computer’s coveted accessories separately. 
• The space srey keyboard costs $149. That’s $20 more than the normal silver keyboard Buying a space gray 
• Magic Mouse will set you back $99, while the normal version costs just $79. The black Lightning cable that comes with the iMac Pro is still exclusively available to iMac Pro owners, though.

  New in iOS 11.3

• New Animoji
• Battery tools
• Privacy popups
• HomePod update 

    Everything Apple revealed at its ‘field trip’ event https://www.cultofmac.com/537703/everything-apple-revealed-at-its-education-field-trip-keynote/

• New 9.7inch iPad
• Updates to iWork
• Updated Classroom and new Schoolwork Cloud Apps
• ClassKitAPI
• More iCloud storage for students and teachers

  iPad vs. iPad Pro: Which is right for you? https://www.cultofmac.com/538053/ipad-vs

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This week: 

• Apple’s surprise education event could showcase new, cheaper hardware 🔥
• A huge upgrade is may be coming to the screens of Apple products
• Why 2018’s iPhone X refresh could cost less than last year’s model
• Fortnite streamers are striking it rich, and the iOS version will totally blow your mind

  This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @killianbell / @lewiswallace     Apple’s surprise education event could showcase new, cheaper hardware https://www.cultofmac.com/535399/apple-issues-invites-for-education-event-on-march-27/

• Apple issued invites last Friday for an education-themed event in Chicago on March 27.
• The invite promises “creative new ideas for teachers and students.” That could indicate the arrival of more-affordable Apple devices — like the new MacBook Air and iPad we’ve been hearing about.
• Apple is hosting the event in a high school, rather than on its Cupertino campus or at a convention center in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously claimed Apple has a more-affordable MacBook Air in the pipeline. The lightweight laptop, which has been looking a little long in the tooth for a while now, might get a Retina display and updated internals.
• Reports indicate the new MacBook Air could cost as little as $799. The 9.7-inch iPad could drop to $259. If so, the devices’ lower price tags would make them ideal for students and schools on a budget.
• Caligragphy on invitation--I’m guessing the new cheaper iPad will support the Apple Pencil, currently only supported on the iPad Pro models.

    Apple developing its own ‘MicroLED’ displays for future devices (A huge upgrade coming to the screens of Apple products) https://www.cultofmac.com/535817/apple-developing-its-own-microled-displays-for-future-devices/

• What is microLED?  Before we get to that, we need to talk about current screen technology.
• • Most of the screens you see today are LCD, Liquid Crystal Display illuminated with  backlight (usually LEDs).
  • • LCDs are easy to manufacture, cheap, and perform well over a long period of time.  
    • But because they have a back light, colors can look washed out, especially blacks
  • The iPhone X has an OLED display. Each OLED pixel can self illuminate when exposed to electrical current, so there’s no need for ba

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This week: 

• Leander goes to the Spaceship campus and he’s back to tell us all about it.
• Siri sucks, Apple knows it, and they’re not sure how to fix it.
• Our 2018 WWDC hardware expectations!
• And you asked, we answer:  Has Tesla become more innovative than Apple? Plus our very honest opinions about the price, features, and value of the MacBook Pro with Touch bar.

  This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   WWDC 2018 returns to San Jose, runs June 4 to 8 https://www.cultofmac.com/534629/wwdc-2018-kicks-off-on-june-4-in-san-jose/

• Apple will kick off its 29th annual Worldwide Developers Conference on MondayJune 4. keynote at 10am?
• The week-long event, which will offer the first previews of Apple’s next big software updates, will again be held in the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose.

  Alt-conf! https://www.cultofmac.com/534701/altconf-2018-offers-a-free-alternative-to-wwdc/

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This week: 

• A new cheaper HomePod is likely on the way
• A leaked apple email harkens the end of iTunes
• It looks like changing the battery in your older iOS devices can bring some surprising performance increases
• MoviePass is tracking iOS users every move, and privacy experts are madder than a beehive
• And we wrap up with a What We’re Into, with our reviews Black Panther, Annihilation, Daredevil, The Punisher, and the first security camera for your car!

  This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Cheaper HomePod might lead Apple’s push for lower prices https://www.cultofmac.com/533247/cheaper-homepod-iphone-ipad/

• A version between $150 and $200 will change that, if a report from Taiwan’s Economic Daily News is correct.
• This unconfirmed report doesn’t say what features will change to lower the cost that significantly. However, a separate research note from Rosenblatt analyst Jun Zhang says the upcoming cheaper HomePod will be smaller.
• This isn’t expected to be a replacement for the current HomePod. It would be a lower-priced alternative that’s within the grasp of a far wider potential audience, enabling Apple to better compete with the Amazon Echo and Dot smart speakers.

    Leaked Apple email hints at the possible end of iTunes  https://www.cultofmac.com/532813/apple-end-of-itunes-email/

• Apple could kill off iTunes in the near future, a new report suggests.
• It cites an email that Apple reportedly wrote to peop

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This week: 

• Reliable sources say Apple is working on an“audiophile” grade set of headphones with built-in AirPods magic.  SIGN US UP. 
• Wow Apple plans to revolutionize healthcare
• The cool, weird, and whacky HealthKit gadgets you’ve never heard of
• And we wrap up with Pro whistling, rock accordion, and arguments over which actors have the hands-down best filmography on an all-new Get to Know Ur Cultist.

  This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   Apple audiophile headphones tipped with AirPods magic https://www.slashgear.com/apple-audiophile-headphones-tipped-with-airpods-magic-26521085/

• Apple is aiming to pivot its AirPods success into a set of Apple-branded over-the-ear headphones, reports suggest, effectively competing with its own Beats range.
• KGI analyst and accurate Apple psychic Ming-Chi Kuo is says a new pair of Apple-branded over-the-hear audiophile-grade headphones is coming our way.
• Kuo’s prediction went on to say we shouldn’t expect to see the new Apple headphones until Q4 2018 at the very earliest
• In the meantime expect a new version of the AirPods to hit the market, with always-on "Hey Siri" functionality so a simple, and a new case with wireless charging capability

  Apple wellness clinics will offer ‘world’s best healthcare’ https://www.cultofmac.com/531283/apple-wellness-clinics-will-offer-worlds-best-healthcare-to-employees/

• Apple plans to launch new wellness clinics that will offer employees and their families “the world’s best healthcare.”
• AC Wellness will be independently operated, according to its official website — but job listings suggest it is a wholly Apple-owned subsidiary. One of its clinics will be situated inside Apple Park, the Cupertino company’s brand new headquarters.
• Apple has started recruiting for two AC Wellness clinics in Santa Clara, California — one of which will be located at Apple Park. They will initially serve Apple employees and their families when they open this spring, but Apple has much bigger plans, according to CNBC.
• “Aside from the typical roles involved with a primary care clinic, Apple is also looking to hire “designers” who will help implement a program focused on preventing disease and promoting healthy behavior,” reads the report, which cites people familiar with the plan.
• “Sources said the company will leverage its medical clinics as a way to test out its growing range of health services and products, which it is starting to roll out to consumers at large.”

  iPhone sweeps Consumer Reports’ best camera list https://www.cultofmac.com/531915/iphone-sweeps-consumer-reports-list-best-phone-cameras/

• The ca

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What a show this week!  We talk: a new gaming console from Apple?  Some new evidence says yes. Plus: some of HomePods best features get delayed; why Leander switched from 1Password to Dashlane; how to get a heckuva great deal on a new iPad; and we wrap up with the smart bike helmet you haven’t heard of, a rugged charge-it-all solar-powered battery back, and an updated version of one of our favorite products on an all-new Under Review.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   Thanks to Kevin McLeodfor the music you hear on today’s episode.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace     Is AppleTV about to become a gaming console? http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2018/02/apple-files-major-apple-tv-logo-trademark-update-focused-on-all-things-related-to-gaming-including-a-video-game-console.html

• Apple has updated their Apple TV logo trademark by adding all things related to gaming.
• Apple's Trademark filing 87801324 filed last Friday and published today by USPTO was filed solely under international class 028 which specifically covers the following:

• "video game consoles; controllers for game consoles; video output games, namely, video output game machines for use with televisions; apparatus for electronic games adapted for use with an external display screen or monitor.”
• This is a significant update that has to be taken seriously. Bringing a whole new level of gaming to Apple TV could be another twist coming to Apple TV in addition to a video content service driven by Apple Worldwide Video.

  Looks like multi-room AirPlay just got further away https://www.cultofmac.com/530155/airplay-2-0-delayed/

• One of the best features for Apple’s new HomePod appears to be facing some big delays.
• AirPlay 2.0 promises to give HomePod users the ability to stream the same song to different devices in different rooms from a single iPhone. But with the release of iOS 11.3 beta 3 this morning, Apple has decided to pull the feature from testing.
• The functionality of AirPlay 2.0 was pretty buggy in the first two beta builds of iOS 11.3. Apple removed it in the latest betas of iOS 11.3 and tvOS 11.3 that just came out.
• Until AirPlay 2.0 comes out, you also won’t be able to pair two of Apple’s new smart speakers together so they play stereo sound or multi-room audio.

  Why I switched from 1Password to Dashlane [Review] https://www.cultofmac.com/525405/dashlane-review-password-manager/

• Our thoughts on apps with subscription fees

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This week: friends, HomePod is even better than the hype, it’s one of the best products Apple's ever made. Plus: HomePod vs. the rivals; the big HomePod flaw you need to know about (and the one Apple is trying to downplay); how Apple plans to revamp their future software; and is another new Apple product on the horizon?  We think so, and we’ll tell you what it is.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   From how to become more productive and professional to how to read body language, network, and negotiate, the Art of Charm podcast covers anything that will help you become a high-performer at home and at work.  Check it out at theartofcharm.com/podcast.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Consumer Reports says HomePod doesn’t sound as good as its rivals https://www.cultofmac.com/528645/consumer-reports-says-homepod-doesnt-sound-good-rivals/

• One of the most reputable tech review sites isn’t that impressed with the HomePod’s superb sound.
• While most reviewers have noted the HomePod as the best sounding speaker they’ve ever listened too, Consumer Reports claims Google Home Max and Sonos One sound better.
• “The HomePod will serve many music fans well, but CR testers did hear some flaws. The HomePod’s bass was a bit boomy and overemphasized,” wrote Consumer Reports. “And the midrange tones were somewhat hazy, meaning that some of the nuance in vocals, guitars, and horns was lost

  Audiophile Review: HomePod 'Sounds Better' Than $999 KEF X300A Digital Hi-Fi Speakers https://www.macrumors.com/2018/02/12/homepod-audiophile-review-standing-ovation/

• Reddit user WinterCharm posted exhaustive audio performance testing results for HomePod to the Reddit audiophile community.
• Using specialized equipment and a controlled testing environment, the review features in-depth analysis of the smart speaker's output when compared to a pair of $999 KEF X300Adigital hi-fi monitors, representing a "meticulously set up audiophile grade speaker versus a tiny little HomePod that claims to do room correction on its own”.
  • "I am speechless. The HomePod actually sounds better than the KEF X300A. If you're new to the Audiophile world, KEF is a very well respected and much loved speaker company. I actually deleted my very first measurements and re-checked everything because they were so good, I thought I'd made an error. Apple has managed to extract peak performance from a pint sized speaker, a feat that deserves a standing ovation. The HomePod is 100% an Audiophile grade Speaker."

  Siri on HomePod Correctly Answered 52.3% of Queries in New AI Test https://www.macrumors.com/2018/02/10/siri-on-homepod-new-ai-test/

• Our ol’ pal Genie Munster, in a new test shared today by Loup

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This week: the HomePod reviews are coming out hot and heavy, and they’re surprising.  We’ll tell you what people like, love, and hate about Apple’s new speaker. Plus: something strange is happening at Apple HQ… we’ll tell you more.    This episode supported by   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   HomePod meta review: Superb sound, stupid Siri https://www.cultofmac.com/527523/homepod-meta-review-great-sound-shitty-siri/ Apple seeded a few review units to major outlets ahead of this Friday’s HomePod launch. The embargo lifted Tuesday morning, and the early reviews reveal a few surprising tidbits about the HomePod.   HomePod sound quality is amazing

• TechCrunch: “Apple’s HomePod is easily the best sounding mainstream smart speaker ever. It’s got better separation and bass response than anything else in its size and boasts a nuance and subtlety of sound that pays off the 7 years Apple has been working on it.”

  HomePod sounds better than expensive speakers

• WSJ: “The HomePod sounds noticeably richer and fuller than almost every other speaker we’ve testedApple’s audio engineering team did something really clever and new with the HomePod, and it really works. I’m not sure there’s anything out there that sounds better for the price, or even several times the price.

  HomePod sucks at music recommendations

• Apple frames the ability to tell Siri to play your favorite music, and immediately hear soothing tones blasted out of the speaker, as one of the HomePod’s main draws. Cupertino promises that Siri will learn your musical tastes over time, but based on The New York Times’ review, that’s not what actually happens.

  HomePod only syncs with one iCloud account

• That sucks if you don’t live alone.

  Not a very good assistant

• Siri is limited and doesn’t compete with Alexa or Google intelligence.
• • TechCrunch: Siri doesn’t do a lot of “other” stuff that isn’t about audio content. Apple says this is because the vast majority of people use these speakers for basic commands like playing music and setting timers. But it does offer best-in-class voice recognition, vastly outstripping the ability of other smart speakers to hear you trying to trigger a command at a distance or while music is playing, but its overall flexibility is