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Unreleased HomePod model found buried within the iOS 16 beta – XDA Developers

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One of the many interesting parts of playing around with beta software is poking for things that you’re not supposed to find. In the case of iOS 16, announced just yesterday at WWDC, it seems Apple has buried references to a HomePod. But not just any HomePod. This is a HomePod that doesn’t exist yet. At least, not outside Apple’s fortress of secrecy.

The story comes by way of 9to5Mac which stumbled upon the interesting mention while having an aforementioned poke around in the beta software. They found references to “AudioAccessory6” buried in the beta, which fits with the HomePod naming scheme, but doesn’t refer to an existing model. For reference, the HomePod Mini was AudioAccessory5, and the original model AudioAccessory1.

There have been various rumors of a new HomePod and it’s not outrageous to think there would be one coming this year. The HomePod Mini debuted in late 2020, while the original launched in 2018. Two years between each. We would expect the next iPhone to start hitting shelves in its usual September window with iOS 16 arriving at the same time, so a new HomePod before the holidays would fit nicely.

Supply chain analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, has previously reported on the possibility of a new HomePod either in Q4 of this year or Q1 2023. So, again, this would fit with what is now being found within iOS 16. Kuo’s reports suggest something of a revision to the HomePod line rather than anything radical. We’re certainly not expecting the previously rumored HomePod/Apple TV hybrid to be the mysterious AudioAccessory6.

The HomePod, and smart speakers in general, is an important gateway into the smart home, too. The HomePod Mini doesn’t have the reach of an Amazon or Google speaker, but it certainly has its strong points. And with Apple all-in on supporting Matter, now more than ever might be the time to get a new smart speaker out the door. As an additional treat, Apple is preparing to make HomePod Software 16 available as a beta to the public for the first time this year.

Source: 9to5Mac

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Business

Payments tech company Lightspeed Commerce conducting strategic review of business

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MONTREAL – Lightspeed Commerce Inc. says it is conducting a review of its business and operations including talks relating to a range of potential strategic alternatives.

The Montreal-based payments technology company made the comments after reports concerning a potential transaction involving the company.

Lightspeed says it periodically undertakes a review of its business and operations with a view of realizing its full potential.

A strategic review is often seen by investors as a prelude to a sale by a company.

Lightspeed says its board of directors is committed to acting in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.

Company founder Dax Dasilva returned to the role of chief executive officer earlier this year and has been working to return the company to profitability.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2024.

Companies in this story: (TSX:LSPD)

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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Economy

Bank of Canada trying to figure out how AI might affect inflation, Macklem says

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OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.

In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.

“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.

“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”

The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.

In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.

However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.

The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.

“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

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CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.

The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.

United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.

“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.

The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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