Apple's iBeacon hardware revealed in FCC application

Apple's iBeacon technology allows for low-powered transmitters to recognize nearby devices and push localized information. This is useful for retailers or business owners wanting to reach out to customers to push sales and product information. Various third party manufacturers have built iBeacon devices but it looks like Apple is stepping in and looking to create their own line of iBeacon optimized hardware. An FCC application revealed Apple might be considering its own iBeacon devices and while there's no indication this will be made available to to the consumer market, some analysts are seeing the potential of using iBeacons for the connected home via Apple's HomeKit which is their framework for controlling and communicating with connected devices. iBeacon has been kept generally under wraps even if the use of these devices is becoming widespread.

Retailers like Best Buy, Crate & Barrel, JCPenney, Old Navy, Sports Authority, Target and others are said to be testing the implementation of iBeacons, which are optimized for iPhones but will also work with other smartphones, albeit in a limited capacity.

Source: Appleinsider

Roku adoption moves past Apple TV in the US

Roku has finally surpassed Apple TV in terms of popularity in the US. "The Evolving Market For Streaming Media Devices," by market research firm Parks Associates revealed that "44 percent of households that own at least one streaming device use a Roku," while Apple's avowed hobby, the Apple TV, accounts for "26 per cent of both sales and usage." Both the latest Roku and Apple TV sell for about the same price although there are various Roku models featuring lower prices and limited features.

While not acatually in the same league, Google's Chromecast has been making waves. Being a much cheaper (and functionally limited device) may have added to its popularity. Google and Roku sold an estimated 3.8 million streaming media devices last year, with Apple selling just over 2 million Apple TVs. 

While Apple has pushed modest updates to Apple TV in the US (more limited in Canada) and includes various new services, Roku's business model is to offer as much free content as possible as well as integrate the ability to play casual games with their wireless controller. Many believe that Apple TV is up for a redesign and a feature upgrade, perhaps in tandem with the upcoming iOS 8 release in the fall which could change the game in streaming media device market.

Source: Appleinsider

Video: Apple promotes inclusion inspiring innovation in moving Pride video

Apple's released a video of their first ever Pride parade appearance as a company. As described, "On June 29, thousands of Apple employees and their families marched in the San Francisco Pride Parade. They came from around the world — from cities as far as Munich, Paris, and Hong Kong — to celebrate Apple's unwavering commitment to equality and diversity. Because we believe that inclusion inspires innovation." Participants wore a colour-free Apple logo on their shirts as well as distributed iTunes Cards to participants in the parade.

Apple reportedly hires TAG-Heuer's sales director for....you know

The cauldron of iWatch-related intrigue continues to bubble with reports that Apple's just hired away TAG-Heuer's sales director.

Jean Claude Biver, president of LVMH's watch division (comprised of Luis Vuitton, Hublot, Zenith, TAG-Heuer) said as much during a taped interview with CNBC (see below). He also makes a straight faced reference to the iWatch, an as of yet unnanounced yet widely speculated on future product.

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