Apple Stores are now just Apple stores

Take special notice of the capitalization. Apple Stores will no longer be called Apple Stores. Instead, these “community hubs” will simply go by Apple *insert store’s location*. For example, the newly opened Apple store in World Trade Center is now just Apple World Trade Center. The tech company is looking to reframe the idea of its stores just being a place to purchase Apple products and accessories. There will be things like 6K video screens, greenery, and even the dismantling of Genius Bar setups in some stores to put in more seats. This change is spearheaded by Apple’s Senior VP for retail Angela Ahrendts. She was quoted saying at the unveiling of Apple Union Square, “The store becomes one with the community.”

Some of the other changes you can expect in Apple’s stores will include a more boutique feel to them with seasonal displays that will showcase various products. This time, they’re showing off iPhone photography accessory. It goes to show Apple is looking to sell you a lifestyle instead of just products.

Source: The Verge

Google to end support for Chrome apps on all platforms outside Chrome OS

Screencap: Ubergizmo

In the coming months and year, Google will slowly be phasing out support for Chrome apps on other platforms outside of its own Chrome OS platform. This means, Windows, Mac, and Linux users will lose access to them. By the second half of 2017, these apps won’t show up on the Chrome Web Store. Newly-published apps coming out at the latter part of this year will only be available on Chrome OS. By early 2018, users can no longer load these apps. What will be remaining there are the extensions and themes.

And while it seems like a big deal, it would seem only a small number of users are using Chrome apps. According to Google, “Today, approximately 1 percent of users on Windows, Mac, and Linux actively use Chrome packaged apps, and most hosted apps are already implemented as regular web apps.” And with the advancements in open web, Google feels like there isn’t a real need for these apps. Google is encouraging developers to migrate their Chrome apps to the web or help out Google with new APIs to fill in gaps left by the Chrome apps.

Facebook tries to take on Snapchat with new teens-only app Lifestage

If you follow a logical line of thought Facebook really is trying to win back the teens they’ve lost to the likes of Snapchat. Now, the company is trying out a new teens-only iOS app developed by one of its younger product managers, 19-year-old Michael Sayman. Called Lifestage, it sort of harks back to the days of slam books but focuses more on your interests. It’s also like a video diary of sorts as you get asked questions about yourself but instead of typing things out you, you record small clips to answer and when you answer a new question, your friends will be able to see what’s new with you.

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Sony delivers new head units with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibilituy

The marriage of in-car infotainment systems and smartphones is inevitable as more car manufacturers are offering their new vehicles with the ability to run either Apple's CarPlay or Google's Android Auto (or both). For those of us who like our older vehicles but who want in on the latest and greatest, there are solutions like Sony's XAV-AX100 in-car audio system.

The XAV-AX100 makes it easy to connect your phone to your car has never been better with the option of Apple CarPlay. CarPlay allows you to use your phone in a safe and smart way whilst staying focused on the road, letting you access Apple Music, Maps, make phone calls, and send messages all through the touchscreen, or vocally with Siri.

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