Year: 2019

CES: TP-Link finally adding Apple HomeKit to their Kasa devices

CompuScoop Staff January 7, 2019 0

Electronics maker TP-Link is introducing HomeKit support to its smartplugs starting in early 2019, potentially providing a significant boost to Apple's platform.

The Kasa Smart Plug Mini will be first model to gain support, TP-Link said. The company didn't indicate whether any other existing Kasa accessories would follow suit, or whether it's planning to offer HomeKit in upcoming products like its wall outlet, outdoor plug, security cameras, or video doorbell.

Though smartplugs by the likes of iDevices and Belkin already feature HomeKit, the Kasa Smart Plug Mini could become crucial to the platform because of TP-Link's deals with Amazon. The latter regularly sells the Mini for just $15 when people buy an Echo speaker, so many homes may suddenly find themselves with a new reason to use HomeKit.

HomeKit developments are making some waves at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Above all is the addition of AirPlay 2 to TVs by the likes of Samsung and Vizio, bringing Siri and HomeKit alongside it. HomeKit will allow automations as well as manual control of things like power, volume, and inputs.

Samsung is going a step further, incorporating a native iTunes app into its software. Until now iTunes has been restricted to Apple hardware and a Windows app.

Via: Appleinsided.com

Do you want to learn how to program in Swift? Check YouTube

Dan Uff January 7, 2019 0

Ever since YouTube came online in February of 2005, it has become the go to place for the latest how to videos on any subject one could think of.

But did you know that the web site has become a very good resource to learn how to program with Swift?

Currently, there are thousands of YouTube videos on the topic. From the basics, to the advanced, anyone can learn how to code in Swift in no time.

We want to help you get started - so click here to start your journey.

Airplay 2 coming to other TVs including Samsung

Dan Uff January 7, 2019 0

Earlier today, we reported that iTunes music will be coming to Samsung Smart TVs sometime in the next few months.

Now Apple has updated its Airplay 2 web page to include the following:

Leading TV manufacturers are integrating AirPlay 2 directly into their TVs, so now you can effortlessly share or mirror almost anything from your iOS device or Mac directly to your AirPlay 2–enabled smart TV. You can even play music on the TV and sync it with other AirPlay 2–compatible speakers anywhere in your home.

It seems that Apple is gearing up to enhance the living room viewing experience other than relying on the Apple TV.

iTunes Movies coming to Samsung Smart TVs

CompuScoop Staff January 7, 2019 0

Talk about unlikely bedfellows: Samsung has struck a deal with Apple to include an iTunes Movies and TV Shows app on its 2018 and 2019 smart TVs. The TVs will also support Airplay, making it easier for iPhone owners to beam music and videos to their TV sets.

The iTunes app and Airplay update will be deployed to 2018 Samsung TVs via a firmware update starting this spring, and presumably be included on 2019 TVs at launch. It will allow Samsung TV owners to browse their existing iTunes libraries, and also rent and purchase new movies and TV show episodes from the iTunes store.

“We look forward to bringing the iTunes and AirPlay 2 experience to even more customers around the world through Samsung Smart TVs, so iPhone, iPad and Mac users have yet another way to enjoy all their favorite content on the biggest screen in their home,” said Apple senior vice president Eddy Cue in a statement.

“Bringing more content, value and open platform functionality to Samsung TV owners and Apple customers through iTunes and AirPlay is ideal for everyone,” added Samsung TV services executive vice president Won-Jin Lee.

The partnership is interesting for a number of reasons. For one thing, it brings two companies together that weren’t able to compete in each other’s field. Samsung has long struggled to create its own content services, and in recent years decided to instead rely on partnerships with companies like Spotify, Google and now Apple.

Apple on the other hand has struggled to compete in the smart TV space, with cheaper streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV regularly outselling the company’s expensive Apple TV box.

However, getting a foothold on third-party devices could also help Apple to further grow its services business. This may become especially important as Apple is looking to launch its own video service this year.

Samsung announced the partnership one day before it will unveil its 2019 TV line-up at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas Monday. The company is also expected to announce bringing support for Google Assistant to 2019 Samsung TVs.

Source: Variety.com