AppleInsider Podcast discusses the idea of an ARM powered MacBook, the latest from Google, and MicroLED rumors

In our latest episode, AppleInsider editors Neil Hughes and Victor Marks discuss:

• ARM CPUs in MacBooks. We've had this rumor on and off for years, but it's started making noise again. Neil and I both think it could be real on a long enough timeline.
• Victor and Neil both like Apple's work on MicroLED displays. The guess is that Apple would use it to make longer-life or always on Apple Watch displays
• Apple acquired the init.ai team. Init.ai was working on artificial intelligence for customer service. The application here is clearly Siri improvements.
• Production issues with the TrueDepth camera indicate iPhone X production will be limited to about 30M units. Previously it was thought output might be higher.
• Major League Baseball is testing Apple's NFC for ticketing. This is the first use of Apple's devices for this application.
• We talk about all the Google devices - Home Max, Home Mini, and the Pixelbook.
• And the 70 USD Roku stick. It seems like Apple has vacated the $99 price point. Sure, it's easier to come down than raise prices, but Apple hasn't had a problem doing either in the past.
• Victor is optimistic about Parker, an augmented reality child's toy that's now an exclusive in Apple Retail
• Neil still likes his Apple Watch Series 3, and talks about the Nike+ version coming out
• We talk a little about the Beats Studio3, which has the W1 chip for seamless bluetooth handoff across Apple devices, and active noise cancellation.
• Neil mentions charging - we made a video that shows the speed difference between wireless charging and wired, and Neil still is a little frustrated by the cost of cables and power supplies required to charge the iPhone at its fastest.
• We sent Mikey to the GoPro event a few days ago, and he got to go hands-on with a number of the new GoPros. Neil likes the 360 ones the best. The best news is, they use the same HEVC video codec that iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra are using now, as well as Apple TV 4K.

The show is available on iTunes and your favorite podcast apps by searching for "AppleInsider." Click here to listen, subscribe, and don't forget to rate our show.

Listen to the embedded SoundCloud feed below:

Show note links:

• Check this out: First come, first served: $95-$200 off Mid 2017 13" MacBook Pros with Touch Bar + free shipping & no tax outside NY & NJ. Click here for all the details. That's a savings of about $240 to $325 when you figure in how much you're saving on sales tax.
• Apple looking to develop custom ARM chips for future Macs, cutting out Intel - report
• Apple's investment in micro LED predicted to lead to future Apple Watch with longer battery life
• Apple reinforcing macOS, iOS Siri team with acqui-hire of init.ai startup crew
• TrueDepth Camera with Face ID could limit Apple's iPhone X production to 30M units this year
• MLB testing iPhone, Apple Watch NFC technology for contactless ticketing
• Google Home Mini offers affordable voice assistant, music streaming for $49
• $399 Google Home Max with SmartSound takes aim at Apple's HomePod
• Roku unveils $70 Streaming Stick+ with 4K & HDR, faster Express & Express+ models
• Review: Apple TV 4K is an impressive extension of the iTunes ecosystem to the living room
• Apple is exclusive retailer of 'Parker,' world's first AR teddy bear
• Nike+ Run Club app updated with new Apple Watch Nike+ features ahead of device launch
• First look: Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones with Pure ANC & Apple W1 chip
• Three more reports of swollen batteries in iPhone 8 Plus surface, still not statistically significant
• Comparing iPhone 8 charging speeds with fast charge, wireless and more
• GoPro turns to HEVC compression for Hero 6 Black, same codec used by Apple in iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra
• Hands-on: GoPro Hero 6 Black

Follow our hosts on Twitter: @thisisneil and @vmarks.

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