Mac Mini ‘Pro’ reportedly launching with new MacBook Air 2018

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Apple is prepping the long-awaited return of the Mac Mini and MacBook Air, giving both computers their first major refresh in several years, according to a new report today.

The ‘Mac Mini Pro’ could easily be the new name of the Mac Mini 2018 described by Bloomberg citing anonymous sources. Expectations are for new storage and processor options, a first for the Mac Mini since October 2014.

This may not be a routine update. Apple is said to be focusing on pro users, with the report specifically mentioning how the Mac Mini has been popular among app developers, those running home media centers, and server farm managers.

The company still sells the four-year-old Mac Mini for $499 (£479, AU$749) without a keyboard, mouse, or screen. That has made the small desktop computer affordable, even with powerful internal specs (at the time of the computer’s launch).

Of course, to the surprise of absolutely no one, the cutting-edge Mac Mini Pro is said to be more expensive than the version that’s on sale right now.

MacBook Air time

Apple’s MacBook Air 2018, on the other hand, is targeting computer shoppers who are looking for an entry-level Mac deal. The rumors on this laptop has been consistent for months – Apple just needs to launch it.

It’s said to have a 13-inch screen with thinner bezels and a much-needed high resolution display, according to Bloomberg. The current MacBook Air (which has merely been getting year-to-year specs bumps) is the last Apple laptop without a ‘Retina’ display and with limited (very distracting) viewing angles.

The real selling point here is almost certainly going to the price. The MacBook Air 2017 currently costs $999 (£949, AU$1,499) but the design is rather dates. The superior 12-inch MacBook starts at $1,299 (£1,249, AU$1,899). The latter is a hard sell to schools and users looking for laptops on a budget.

When will they launch?

Today’s report notes that the MacBook Mini Pro and MacBook Air 2018 could launch in October, which is typically when Apple reveals its new iPad or computer lineup.

Apple is also expected to hold a press conference to launch the iPhone 9 and iPhone 11 in early September, theorized to be September 12. We could see the new Mac computers then, or discover maybe hints of them.

iOS 12 is expected at the early September launch event, while MacOS 10.4 Mojave could be the big software highlight for an October event.

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Bezel-less Vivo Nex is launching in India by the end of July

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With its almost bezel-free screen, in-display fingerprint scanner and pop-up selfie camera the Vivo Nex is one of the most interesting phones of the year, and while so far it’s only launched in China, there’s now reason to think you might be able to buy it one day soon.

That’s because Vivo has just announced plans to bring the Nex to India as well as Russia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan by the end of this month. There’s no word on pricing details just yet.

There’s also no word on a launch for countries like the US, UK or Australia, but this may show an intention to bring it to other markets around the world soon.

That said, we wouldn’t count on it, as right now Vivo doesn’t have much of a presence in any of those regions, but the Nex would be a good handset to change that with, since it’s one of the first phones to include the features listed above.

Ahead of the competition

If Vivo does launch the Nex in the west it could get a head start on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S10, which will quite possibly have an in-display scanner of its own, and while the whole industry is seemingly moving towards bezel-free screens, no company has come as close as Vivo, other than Oppo with the Oppo Find X.

With the Vivo Nex also sporting a 6.59-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display, a dual-lens rear camera, a Snapdragon 845 chipset and 8GB of RAM there’s plenty of reason to hope it does become more widely available, and with today’s news it seems at least slightly possible that it might, but don’t hold your breath.

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Next Xbox reportedly launching in 2020

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Microsoft confirmed earlier this week that it’s working on the next generation of Xbox consoles, and today we have some possible details on just what we’re in for come the next round of Xbox One. 

Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox project is codenamed Scarlett, reports Brad Sams of Thurrott, who viewed content relating to a number of as-yet-unannounced devices Microsoft intends to release over the next couple of years. 

Earlier, we reported on another Sams’ scoop, this time about the next version of HoloLens and its potential early 2019 release. 

According to the site, Microsoft will launch its next-gen Xbox console in 2020. But this won’t just be a singular Xbox Two.

Instead, Scarlett is apparently a family of devices, so there could be multiple Xbox consoles and/or other kinds of devices and accessories related to Xbox gaming hitting store shelves in two years’ time.

By November 2020 the Xbox One X will be four years old, which is young in terms of console lifespan. But, with Sony expected to launch the PS5 in the next few years – and 2020 seeming likely for that console’s release date – Microsoft no doubt wants to steal a bit of PlayStation’s thunder with new gaming devices of its own. 

We’ll have to wait and see if new leaks tell us any more about the Xbox Two family of devices. Chances are, this is the first of many leaks related to the new hardware.

In the meantime, here’s what we learned from Micorsoft about its plans for the coexistence of cloud streaming services and consoles at E3 2018.

• It’s the week of E3 2018! Get caught up on everything that’s happened so far

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Superdrug is launching a mobile network

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Superdrug is to launch its own Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), offering discounted connectivity to members of its loyalty programme.

The service is exclusive to holders of a Superdrug Health and BeautyCard and costs £10 a month for 4GB of data and unlimited calls and texts. Any unused data can be rolled over the following month and if it is used up, then there are top ups on offer.

Several other retailers have their own MVNO, but Superdrug’s attempt to use one to foster customer loyalty and acquire more marketing data is novel. Indeed, any card holder on the network will get double points when they make purchases in-store.

Superdrug Three

The network is powered by Three, which is also used by Carphone Warehouse’s iD Mobile and SMARTY – an online only MVNO from Three itself. Indeed, Three and Superdrug are both owned by CK Hutchison and there are several Three concessions in Superdrug stores.

“We are very excited about Superdrug Mobile, which is a great example of an already strong brand further strengthening its customer engagement model through a mobile offering,” said Three’s director of wholesale, Lynda Burton.

“We worked closely together on the complex task of integrating their loyalty scheme into a mobile offering to deliver a great product. We understand that brand owners are not always telecoms experts, so we make things simple so that our partners can focus on managing their customers while we take care of everything else.”

Last month CK Hutchison announced a Europe-wide agreement with Xiaomi to sell its smartphones. Both Three and Superdrug were mentioned as stockists for the devices.

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