Apple HomePod is now discontinued

Apple has officially discontinued the big and pricey HomePod. The company is choosing to shift its focus to the smaller and newer HomePod mini. But the company promises to provide HomePod customers access to software updates, service, and support through Apple Care.

Here's a statement from the company: "HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers amazing sound, an intelligent assistant, and smart home control all for just $99. We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care."

Source: TechCrunch

Metrolinx now supports Apple Pay on Toronto's Up Express

You can now use your iOS device to pay for your fare on Toronto's Up Express, which connects Downtown Toronto with Toronto Pearson International Airport. It will work to pay for adult fares, but you'll still need a Presto card for student or senior discounts.

According to Metrolinx, you have to make sure to avoid "card clash" when paying via Apple Pay. If you tap on using Apple Pay on your iPhone, you'll need to tap on again when you get off at your destination using your iPhone. Don't use other Apple Pay-supported devices on the same trip (like your Apple Watch). Onboard, you will also use your iPhone to get your ticket verified. 

You can preset your preferred credit card on your iPhone for easy access. It will support Visa, Mastercard, or American Express credit cards as part of this pilot.

Source: 9to5Mac

Apple analyst reports Apple AirPods 3 launch won't be until Q3 2021

Source: 9to5Mac

You might have been seeing leaks about Apple's next-generation AirPods, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims you shouldn't expect it to come out soon. Kuo claims production on the "AirPods 3" will happen in the third quarter of 2021. He claims the audio accessory just isn't ready yet.

According to Kuo, AirPods shipment will decline this year as it faces increasing competition from its rivals. Apple reportedly shipped 90 million AirPods in 2020, but the company is expected to ship around 78 million this year. There's a possibility that Apple might continue to sell the second-generation AirPods when Apple launches the AirPods 3, but Kuo isn't certain about this yet.

Source: 9to5Mac

Microsoft to adopt four-week release cycle for Edge updates

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Microsoft plans to adopt a four-week release cycle for its browser's stable builds, following Google Chrome's footsteps. The company plans to start this new schedule with Edge 94, which is expected to arrive in September. 

Google announced plans to follow a four-week cycle earlier this month, with the launch of Chrome 94 coming in the third quarter of 2021. The aim is to release new features faster. Since both browsers are based on Chromium, it makes sense for Microsoft to follow the same schedule.

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