Apple confirms chip switch, offers details of iOS 14

Apple confirms chip switch, offers details of iOS 14 | Comcast now offers Spotify on Xfinity devices | Camp YouTube brings kids virtual summer fun

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June 23, 2020

Consumer Technology Association SmartBrief

News covering the consumer technology industry

Today's Digital Pulse

Apple confirms chip switch, offers details of iOS 14

(Lionel Bonaventure/AFP via Getty Images)

Apple has confirmed that it will switch to using its own chips, rather than Intel's, for Mac laptops and desktops, and it has unveiled details of its iOS 14 upgrade, including widgets on the home screen and an app for real-time translation. The update, which will work on iPhones going back to the 2016 iPhone SE and 2015 iPhone 6s Plus, will enter beta testing before it is introduced in the fall.

Full Story: CNBC (6/22), The Verge (6/22), BBC (6/22)

Smart Home

Comcast now offers Spotify on Xfinity devices

(Pixabay)

Comcast is rolling out Spotify across its entire footprint, with X1 and Xfinity Flex subscribers getting it first and plans to expand distribution through an app "in the coming days." The company reported that streaming music has had double-digit increases compared to last year.

Full Story: Variety online (6/22)

Camp YouTube brings kids virtual summer fun
Engadget (6/22)

Apple enhances HomeKit automation, adds facial recognition
VentureBeat (6/22)

Hulu rolls out interactive ad platform for viewers, brands
TechCrunch (tiered subscription model) (6/22)

From Blue Chips to Startups

Microsoft shuts down Mixer, sends gamers to Facebook

Gamers who use Microsoft livestreaming service Mixer will have to switch to Facebook Gaming next month, Microsoft says. The company intends to bring its xCloud game-streaming service to Facebook.

Full Story: The Verge (6/22), BBC (6/22)

Nintendo pulling away from mobile market
Seeking Alpha (free registration) (6/22)

Email app Hey gets Apple approval after last week's clash
CNBC (6/22)

Tunes with friends: App blends video chat, music
Fast Company online (6/23)

Tech News

Google security tool will alert users to password leaks

(Pixabay)

Google has enhanced its Password Checkup tool to alert users if their passwords have been leaked. The feature, which will be available on the Security Checkup dashboard, will assess user login information against a database of 4 billion credentials that have been compromised.

Full Story: The Verge (6/23)

Microsoft unveils personal version of Teams
The Verge (6/22)

Movies Anywhere now available on Vizio TVs
CNET (6/23)

Upgrades for next gen included when Marvel's Avengers debuts
Engadget (6/23)

Retail Trends

A look at shifting consumer behaviors amid lockdown

Activate Consulting research reveals how consumer habits have shifted during the pandemic lockdown, including an increase in product searches, with page views skyrocketing between 91% and 220% at retailers such as Best Buy and Costco. The report also reveals increased interest in online grocery shopping, streaming services and live sports, as well as greater willingness to pay for content.

Full Story: MediaPost Communications (6/19)

Association News

Doctors step up to telehealth

The COVID-19 outbreak has accelerated the growth and acceptance of remote health monitoring and virtual care. Beyond sparking opportunities for technology innovation, the pandemic has been a catalyst for reimagining how doctors can connect with their patients. Learn more.

Biweekly CTA Tech Use and Purchase Tracker: COVID-19 Impact

Fielded June 12 to 14, 2020, the Bi-Weekly Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Tech Tracker, now fielded every other week, monitors US household use and purchases of tech, including online services and devices, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purchases of headphones and earbuds reached an all-time high -- 21% of US households, up 4 percentage points from the last wave, fielded May 29 to 31, with important uses both inside and outside the home. For more key findings and to sign up for updates, visit www.cta.tech/techtracker.

Global Tech Challenge: Resilience applications open

Although India has made remarkable progress in saving lives through proactive disaster preparedness and risk reduction, India is also looking at building greater resilience of its communities and infrastructure to climate change through the use of emerging technologies. In partnership with the World Bank, we're calling on the tech community to help governments better prepare for and respond to the effects of climate change. Learn more about the Global Tech Challenge: Resilience and apply by July 20.