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MAGZET Brings MagSafe Concept to Audio Jack

The MAGZET seeks to solve a common problem with standard 3.5mm audio jacks. While they do a good job of transmitting audio, one pull in the wrong direction and a mobile device or notebook can end up on the floor. This is a worst-case scenario, however many are familiar with degraded plugs that wear over time, delivering static to headphones. The MAGZET prototype is a convenient way to add MagSafe-like functionality to existing audio jacks.

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The device works by inserting the MAGjack into any device with a 3.5mm audio output. This means several MAGjacks can be placed and left in computers, iPhones, or anywhere indefinitely. The trick is to plug a set of headphones into a MAGkap, which converts the plug into a magnetized connection. To connect the headphones, bring the MAGkap close to the MAGjack and built-in magnets will snap the cable into place automatically.

Periscope App Broadcasts Live Video From iPhone

Twitter has launched its live-streaming video app Periscope for iOS. The social networking app makes it possible to broadcast live video quickly and simply, right from an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Followers are notified that your broadcast is live, and they can join and comment on the stream in real time. Periscope even has a "hearts" feature that allows viewers to tap the screen to send fluttering hearts as a sign of appreciation.

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Periscope will keep track of hearts received, ranking Periscope users in a "Most Loved" list. Earlier this month, Twitter shut down the competing service Meerkat, which was using Twitter accounts to function. Unlike Meerkat, Periscope allows for video replays to be watched for up to 24 hours after the live broadcast.

Apple Patents Flexible Docking Station

Judging from a recently awarded patent, Apple may have its sights set on a flexible version of the Lightning dock. Titled "Dock connector with compliance mechanism", the patent features a docking station for iOS devices that would allow the unit to pivot when plugged in.

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Think of it as MagSafe for the Lightning dock. Not only would pushing on a connected device simply roll, slide or pivot the mechanism to avoid damage, but the dock could be configured to return the connector to an upright position. Current dock-based Lightning connectors aren't known for their flexibility. Much like the previous 30-pin connector, male Lightning connectors are generally in a fixed position.

Apple Rumored to launch 4-inch iPhone 6c in Second Half of 2015

Apple will release three iPhone 6 models in the second half of 2015, according to the DigiTimes. Unnamed "industry sources" claim that Apple will release a 4-inch iPhone 6c model alongside the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus later this year. All three models will come equipped with LTPS panels manufactured by Japan Display, Sharp and LG Display, NFC and Touch ID. The S-series models will also be powered by new A9 chips, while the smaller iPhone 6c will run on the same A8 chip found in the current iPhone 6 models, according to the report.

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If true, the iPhone 6c will be the second iPhone released under Apple's "c" brand. The first was the iPhone 5c released in 2013. The DigiTimes' report makes no mention if the iPhone 6c will also be plastic like its predecessor, but it did mention that all new iPhone models "will come equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass".

Try On the Apple Watch with Augmented Reality

For iPhone owners who can't wait another three weeks to try on the Apple Watch, there's an app for that. ARWatch comes from Underside, a Belgian company with a portfolio including iOS apps and augmented reality projects. The app is free, easy to install and works like a charm.

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That being said, you won't find ARWatch on the App Store. While there are no indications that ARWatch contains malware, install at your own risk. Everything begins with a magical PDF file that can be downloaded here. Print out this file, then use an app such as QR Reader for iPhone to scan the QR code at the bottom of the page.

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