roundaboutnow
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'Apple Glass' could have lenses that automatically adapt to a wearer's eyesight
Check out http://www.deepoptics.com/
They don't seem to have a commercial product yet, but it looks like they are on the right track for dynamically focusable lenses. Part of their proposed solution involves eye tracking, so it knows if you are looking at something near or far (or in between). Focus adjustment is LCD based (as alluded to in the article) which changes the index of refraction of the lens, so rapid adjustment is possible with no moving parts, no deforming fluid filled chamber.
Also, although it would be nice to be able to automatically detect changes in users vision quality over time and adjust accordingly, a "calibration" step periodically should take care of this, since vision doesn't change drastically in a short period of time.
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Master & Dynamic MW08 true wireless earbuds review: impressing in every way
In the Cons, what is meant by this?:
"Connection isn't as strong as AirPods"
Is it the BT connection reliability or range, or perhaps general iPhone integration? Or...?
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Samsung's 2021 monitors boast USB-C power delivery and UHD resolutions
I wish 27" 5K monitors would come down in price. I'm really spoiled by the pixel pitch of the iMac 27" 5K screen. I'm thinking about a future 16" MBP with an external monitor for my home rig once I bring my work iMac back to the office.
I would prefer a single large 5K (or 6K or 8K) monitor, but it looks like I can get three 24" 4K monitors for less than the price of a single 5K. That would be about the same pixel pitch as the 5K, with a lot more screen real estate. Hmm...
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Apple's original HomePod was overpriced, and that doesn't bode well for AirPods Max
This is what held me back (plus the initial price). I'm all for added features only accessible when you're in the ecosystem (I do have a bunch of Apple stuff), but an analog input or HDMI/ARC connection to let me connect to my older TV, or letting a Windows laptop or a friends non-Apple phone connect via Bluetooth would have been nice. It's not like Apple doesn't understand versatility--like their headphones, there are other examples of Apple hardware (and software) being able to interface with the world at large.prokip said:PS. I have also HomePods x 2. I used HomePods next to a $10K+ speaker set up and they performed reasonably well. The HomePods obviously did not have the deep down punch of the expensive speakers, but their high frequency spatial sound was just great.
My overwhelming criticism of the HomePods is their lack of connectivity with anything outside of the Apple ecosystem !!! For that they deserve their fate.
BUT the AirPods Max do not suffer that constraint, and can be connected to anything by Bluetooth and even by a direct cable.
If you think $549 is expensive for the AirPods Max, you really do not know what you are buying.
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Apple discontinues full-size HomePod, to focus on HomePod mini
Roku has something pretty close to what you are describing. I've been eyeing the bigger Roku soundbar, which does make use of HDMI ARC, so the other TV sources' audio will play back on it. It may not sound as good as a HomePod (I don't have one to compare), but I'm sure it will sound better than the built-in TV speakers. It is 4K, has the AppleTV app and all the other main streamer apps, and even has Airplay2 -- for about $150. For another $150, they have a wireless sub, and yet another $150 gets you a pair of wireless surrounds. I would prefer an Apple version of this concept, but that's not likely to happen any time soon, if ever.dewme said:Not a huge surprise. I just came across this story a few minutes ago, coincidently after having been listening to my HomePod since early this morning. The good news is that it seems like a solidly engineered and constructed product so hopefully it will last several more years and continue to deliver a great listening experience.
Sloughing off products that aren't hitting their targets or gaining marketshare is an inevitable fact of life for profitable businesses. You have to free up resources and focus for the next round of products that will get their opportunity to run the race and thrive. Survival of the fittest.
As much as I hate to say it, I'm thinking the axe blade may be swinging in the direction of Apple TV next. It's a great product, but it's stuck in a tweener hole (sucker hole?) between low cost streamers and gaming consoles. I've bought a few Apple TV 4Ks because they are super easy to setup and have been very reliable for me. Yeah, the price is definitely higher than it probably should be for what it does, but I'm willing to pay for convenience.
There was a time when I thought Apple might combine the HomePod and Apple TV into something like an "Apple Soundbar Pro" that would put all of the Apple TV features and apps into the soundbar hardware, which would also function as a high-end audio HomePod (using HomePod minis as satellite speakers) and an integrated HomeKit hub. They could probably make it all work through a single HDMI ARC connection to 4K TVs and monitors. But with the demise of the HomePod and Apple rolling much (but not all) of the Apple TV functionality into smart TV apps, my hopes aren't very high for such a mashup. Who knows? The only thing that's certain is uncertainty.
