Important Innovations

Start, Open and Lock Your Car with Your iPhone Source:  Apple CEO Tim Cook announcing CarKey Just Announced! Digital Car Keys Apple launched its annual conference for software developers with a brand new and very convenient product - a virtual CarKey.  The system enables iPhone owners to start, open and lock their car with their iPhone.  The feature is coming with iOS 14 and with a new iOS 13 updates on iPhones and also Apple Watches.  You just need to hold your iPhone with the CarKey feature near to the vehicle to have it work as a key. Starts with New BMW & Expands The new system will work first with BMW 5 Series vehicles that start shipping in July.  Apple says that more car brands that work with CarKey will be on the market next year.  The new system allows owners to share digital car keys with family and friends through Apple's iMessage system. Mapping for EVs Apple also announced that it has updated its mapping application with information on the locati

Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Plus, Note 20 Ultra Source:  Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Image Among Hottest Smartphones of 2020 The Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Plus and the Note 20 Ultra are among the most anticipated Android phones being released in 2020.  Some experts say they could be gamechangers. Big Screens and 5G These are big screen phones that are expected to deliver advanced 120H2 displays, very fast performance, advanced cameras and 5G connectivity.  These Android phones are expected to be Samsung's best smartphones to date.  The Galaxy Note 20 expected specs include a screen size of 6.42 inches, Ram of 8GB, storage of 128 GB and a battery of 4000-4300 mAh.  The Galaxy Note 20 Plus/Note 20 Ultra is expected to have a screen size of 6.87 inches, Ram of 12 GB, storage of 256 or 512 GB and battery size of 4500-5000 mAh.  Samsung says the cameras in these smartphones are revolutionary. Big Competition Coming From Apple The Samsung phones are expected to be unv

Three New Versions of Fire Tablet Source:  Amazon Fire Tablet Designed for the Whole Family & Their Budget Here's interesting new technology that Amazon just rolled out. Today, Amazon launched three new and upgraded versions of its Fire Tablet.  The new Fire has longer battery life, more storage and faster performance.  The pricing is set at a very competitive level starting at $89.99  The tablet is designed for the whole family with a special version for kids.  It is budget friendly and likely will trigger a new tablet war among tech giants. Available Online The new lineup includes the "all new" Fire HD 8 with 32 GB of internal storage, the Fire HD 8 Plus with wireless charging embedded and the Fire HD 8 Kids.  The new tablets will be available online for pre-order and will start shipping on June 3. Amazon and Apple   The Fire line of tablets were launched as Kindle Fire in 2011. They were viewed as a contender against Apple and its d

For Apple and Google, Big Health Tech Futures Source:  Stock Image Perspective from Apple CEO Tim Cook Apple and Google are launching their joint coronavirus contact tracing software. They just provided the first version to Android and iOS  developers to test it before a broader consumer launch.  The public launch will happen when Apple and Google approve the final public health version. This is a huge move in tracking the spread of the virus.  Apple alone controls a whopping 50% of the global smartphone market.  The contact tracing over their phones will provide a key means of spotting  and preventing the spread of the coronavirus, while protecting individual privacy. Consumers Opt In or Out It's up to each individual to decide to opt in or opt out of the contact tracing technology.  Both Google and Apple say the system will not disclose the individual's identity.  For those who opt in, there will be easy Bluetooth based contact tracing across iOS and Android smart pho

Apple, Google, Samsung's Less Expensive Pricing Source: Apple New Phones, More Affordable Apple just unveiled its new iPhone SE 2020.  It's priced at $399.00, is leading edge and the most affordable smart phone in Apple's lineup.  Apple's new strategy is to introduce less expensive phones.  This is the first time  that it has done so since 2016.   Apple has two key reasons. In these turbulent times, consumers are watching their wallets and not as free to upgrade on expensive models. Also, less expensive phones attract new consumers and  Apple wants to grow its new customer base. Bionic Chip Some of  the features of the iPhone SE 2020 include  wireless charging, Apple's A13 Bionic chip, a home button, Touch ID, haptic feedback and a Portrait mode. Interestingly, it doesn't have 5G connectivity and no facial  ID. Bargain Phone Wars The new iPhone faces stiff competition.

New Data Site for Mobility Trends Source:  Apple Mobility Trends Tracking Global Movements to Slow Spread Apple and Google are taking leading roles in using technology to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Several days ago, they announced they're jointly developing contact tracing technology through their global smartphone networks to stop the spread of the disease. 3 billion people worldwide use  their phones.  Now, Apple just  announced that it's building a site to release data, designed to help public health officials know if people are travelling less during lockdown orders. Apple Maps Apple is doing this by comparing Apple Map requests in mid-January, before the pandemic hit, with current daily requests. This documents the volumes of  people driving, walking and taking public transit in places around the world.  The data is updated daily.  It covers major cities and 63 nations. Personal Privacy

Redesigning the iPhone Source:  Stock Smartphone image 2020 New Product Launches Despite the global coronavirus pandemic, Apple is moving forward with a number of new products and product modifications. Of most importance, it's redesigning the iPhone this year.  Reports indicate 2, new iPhonePro models with 3 cameras on the back.  And the screens are expected to be slightly larger.  These smart phones will also have new iPodPro's LIDAR,  3-D scanning systems.  There are also reports that the iPhone 11 will be replaced by 2 lower end, 2 camera models. More New Products In the second quarter of 2020, Apple is expected to release a smaller, less expensive HomePod speaker.  There are also expectations of new versions of Apple TV, MacBookPro and a new entry level iPAD. Some exciting new tech to look forward to and check out.