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Acorn version 4 brings revamped UI, speed enhancements, non-destructive filters & much more

Jordan Kahn May 2 2013 - 7:26 am PT

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Flying Meat, the developer behind the popular Photoshop-like image editing app called ‘Acorn’, today has released version 4.0 of the app bringing a number of new highly requested features and performance enhancements. Acorn 4 brings new non-destructive filters, multiple layer selection, new shape tools such as “Stars, Arrows, and a Bezier anchor,” and a revamped UI with the tools palette in a separate window.

Layer styles and filters are now merged together into a happy new UI. Chain filters together to create endless combinations of unique effects knowing you can always change your mind later on.

Other improvements include enhancements to speed, a new UI for filters dubbed the ‘Merlin HUD’, and Boolean shape operations, and Curves to “Adjust the tonal response and even the individual color channels to perfect the midtones, shadows, highlights, and contrast.”

Acorn version 4.0 is available to purchase now for a special price of $29.99 until the end of the month. Photoshop 11 Elements sells on the Mac App Store for $79.99, while competitor Pixelmator sells for $14.99.

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/65273340 w=400&h=300]

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Songza for iOS updated with shake-to-play, improved HQ Audio and playback, more

Zac Hall May 2 2013 - 6:30 am PT

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Popular music streaming service Songza for iOS updated to version 3.0 today featuring significant performance improvements and a few new features.

Users can now shake their device while on Songza’s concierge page, which allows you to make a playlist based on your activities like studying or working out. Pretty cool.

What’s New in Version 3.0

Welcome to Songza 3.0, reimagined to help make the things you do every day better!

– Doing something special? From the Concierge screen on iPhone or iPod Touch, shake your device and tell Songza exactly what you’re up to; Songza will then find the right music to make it better. For example, you could enter ‘Entertaining’ and Songza will find you music to soundtrack the perfect party.

– Enjoying your favorite artists is now better than ever. When you search for an artist, you’ll see every expert-curated playlist on Songza that features them. Any playlist you choose will begin with a song by that artist.

– Get faster performance and less buffering, even when you have so-so internet connection. We’ve also fixed the most common crashes and bugs.

– When you’re in a rush, a long press on any Concierge situation (e.g. Driving) immediately starts playing the playlist Songza thinks you’ll love most at that moment. Starting your Songza playlist can now be as fast as turning on your car radio.

– Songza’s HQ Audio feature, powered by Audyssey, significantly improves your headphone sound quality without increasing your data plan usage. With Songza 3.0’s improved HQ Audio, 200 headphone models are now available and it’s now easier to select your headphones whenever you add a new pair.

– A new full-screen Concierge experience takes advantage of the iPhone 5 screen and removes visual clutter, while a simplified navigation focuses on the most powerful and user-friendly additional features.

– To make music discovery easier, in-app tips on iPhone or iPod Touch help you move from playlists you’re getting tired of to new playlists that will make you feel fresh all over again.

– We’ve made navigation simpler by removing unnecessary things and unburying cool features like browsing playlists by mood, genre, decade or activity.

Songza 3 is available for free in the App Store.

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Twitter for iOS updated with location-based trends, improved Vine playback, more

Zac Hall May 1 2013 - 10:56 am PT

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Twitter for iOS received an update today that brings location-based trends to your iPhone or iPad, first reported by AllThingsD.

See what’s happening near you or around the world by viewing Trends in hundreds of locations.

Also:
• Invite friends to join Twitter from within the app
• Improved playback of Vine videos
• Replies to retweeted Tweets now include both the author and person who retweeted the Tweet
• Enjoy a smoother experience due to bug fixes and other improvements.

The update is available now in the App Store.

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Amazon updates Kindle iOS app with new accessibility features, VoiceOver support for the visually impaired

Jordan Kahn May 1 2013 - 7:56 am PT

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Amazon announced today that it is updating its Kindle mobile apps, starting with an update to the Kindle iOS app,to include new accessibility features for the blind and visually impaired. The updated app now includes VoiceOver support and new accessibility features, the addition of the Hiragino Mincho ProN (Serif) font selection for Japan, and an enhancement to the app’s ‘Before you go’ feature that now offers “the ability to download a free sample and email yourself a reminder about recommended books.”

A full list of new accessibility features available in today’s update below:

• Read aloud over 1.8 million titles available in the Kindle Store using Apple’s VoiceOver technology. Over 300,000 of these books are exclusive to the Kindle Store. Over 900,000 books are less than $4.99; over 1.5 million are less than $9.99.
• Seamlessly navigate within their library or within a book, with consistent title, menu and button names; navigate to a specific page within a book and sort books in the library by author or title.
• Read character-by-character, word-by-word, line-by-line, or continuously, as well as move forward or backward in the text.
• Search for a book within their library or search within their book and navigate to specific text.
• Add and delete notes, bookmarks, and highlights.
• Use customer-favorite features like X-Ray, End Actions and sharing on Facebook and Twitter.
• Look up words in the dictionary and Wikipedia.
• Customize the reading experience including changing the font, text size, background color, margin, and brightness.
• Use iOS accessibility features like Zoom, Assistive Touch, and Stereo to Mono, as well as peripheral braille displays.

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AT&T U-Verse customers now have access to WatchESPN and FOX NOW iOS apps

Jordan Kahn May 1 2013 - 6:34 am PT

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AT&T U-Verse customers will be pleased to learn that today they have access to new content on their iPhone and iPad. The WatchESPN app was previously available to most that subscribe to an ESPN package, but up until today AT&T U-Verse subscribers were not included. With update to version 1.6.6 today, U-Verse customers can now access live streaming feeds from ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPNU directly from within the universal iOS app for iPhone and iPad.

More great TV content is available on iOS devices today for AT&T U-Verse subscribers. The FOX Now iPhone and iPad app, which provides access to latest episodes from popular FOX shows like Family Guy, American Dad, and Hell’s Kitchen, was updated today providing access to both AT&T U-Verse and Suddenlink subscribers. The app also gets a bunch of new features including automatic full screen for videos, a streamlined universal navigation drawer, filters, and much more.

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Vemedio releases Instacast for Mac public beta (Updated 2x: early bird pricing, Instacast Mac 1.0 available)

Zac Hall May 1 2013 - 6:25 am PT

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Instacast for iOS is a hugely popular podcast catcher for podcast fans, but aside from iTunes, there hasn’t been much activity in this space on the desktop.

Last year, Vemedio, maker of Instacast, launched version 3.0 of their iOS podcast client, which moved from using iCloud sync to their own more reliable solution.

Today, Vemedio released its first public beta of Instacast for Mac for free, but I’m sure we can expect Vemedio to be a paid app when it launches.

Download the beta here.

Instacast for Mac public beta available for download. Have fun! http://t.co/pvBEqoGclZ

— Vemedio (@vemedio) May 1, 2013

Shameless plug: We just launched our own Happy Hour podcast on iTunes over the weekend. Subscribe here!

Update: Vemedio has announced early bird pricing for Instacast for Mac is now available at $14.99 and has no immediate plans for a Mac App Store version due to its robust feature set.

Update 2: Vemedio has taken Instacast out of beta after just 28 days with early bird pricing around until May 31st.

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Apple seeds OS X 10.8.4 build 12E40 to developers

Jordan Kahn Apr 30 2013 - 1:35 pm PT

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A week after seeding build 12E36 to developers on April 23, Apple has just pushed out OS X 10.8.4 beta build 12E40 to developers. Apple is once again asking developers to focus on WiFi performance, Graphics, and Safari. We’ll update this post if developers have anything new to report. Thanks, Anonymous!

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Vine updated with front-facing camera support, mentions

Zac Hall Apr 30 2013 - 9:35 am PT

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via guardian.co.uk

Your Vine stream will probably start to include a lot more faces, for better or worse, as the Twitter-owned video-sharing app received an update today to include support for the iPhone’s FaceTime camera as well at mentions:

Today we’re introducing an update to Vine that we think you’ll love. Over the last few months, we’ve asked for your feedback on a lot of things, from reporting bugs to suggesting new features. We’ve been listening. Here are a few new additions to Vine:

You can now shoot with the front-facing camera. When creating a post, tap the button in the bottom left corner to try the front-facing camera. You can switch back and forth between the regular and front-facing camera as many times as you want.

Vine now supports mentions, so you can tag people in your post. Users who are mentioned will receive a notification in Activity. To mention a user, type @username and select the name among the suggestions you’ll see. See the screenshot below for an example — when I type @chris, I see suggestions for Chris Fry, Chris Hardwick and Christofer Drew. When I select Chris Hardwick, his Vine profile will automatically link in my post’s caption.

The update is available now on the App Store.

(Source: Vine Blog)

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Mother’s Day must have: Felt app lets you create and send beautiful handwritten cards via iPad for $4/ea

Jordan Kahn Apr 30 2013 - 9:25 am PT

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Just launched on the App Store in time for Mother’s Day, the Felt iPad app lets you create and send real handwritten cards directly from your iPad for a flat rate of $3.99 including shipping. It has competitors with Apple’s own Cards app ($4.99 per card), and the Inkly app, which lets you upload handwritten messages via a photo, but neither have found a way to integrate the handwritten aspect right in the iPad app like Felt. The slick interface shown in the video above allows you to easily handwrite not only the letter but also address the envelope by hand. Once your done the app handles the rest by sending out a real card printed on “premium Mohawk card stock and a kraft paper envelope” within 24 hours.

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MirrorCase for iPad lets you shoot video and take notes at the same time

Jordan Kahn Apr 30 2013 - 7:00 am PT

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Just launched on Kickstarter today, RHP Multimedia is hoping to bring an iPad version of its MirrorCase originally launched for iPhone that allows users to shoot hands free photos and video while continuing to use the iPad. Normally iPad users would be forced to hold up the tablet in a vertical position in order to capture photos and video using the device’s main, rear camera. MirrorCase offers a hands-free solution by integrating “a high-quality first surface mirror to reflect back any image that is in front of the device”, allowing you to keep the iPad in a horizontal position ideal for taking notes or multitasking while shooting video.

The key is the MirrorCase companion app that the company is attempting to fund through its Kickstarter campaign. The app will include, for instance, the ability to take notes or make annotations while viewing a live, resizable preview of the video you’re shooting, PDF and Dropbox integration, and adjustable video resolution and frame rates.

You can preorder a MirrorCase for iPad now for $50 with shipments expected to start in August.

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Jawbone launches new ‘UP Platform’ to integrate other health tracking services with iPhone app

Jordan Kahn Apr 30 2013 - 6:25 am PT

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Jawbone, the company behind the Jawbone Up fitness tracking wristband and companion app, today is announcing some big news including a new API to allow other apps to access its fitness tracking data and the acquisition of competitor BodyMedia. The new API  dubbed the “Up Platform” will see the company create its own app ecosystem of sorts, allowing other developers to access Jawbone UP data and integrate their apps to “complement your UP experience.”

To go along with the new API, Jawbone has already updated its UP iOS app with a new side menu that allows users to share their data with integrated apps and the ability to “to seamlessly integrate new data into your feed, lifeline, and trends.”

Initially Jawbone has partnered with a number of fitness related apps including: IFTTT, LoseIt!, Maxwell Health, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal, Notch, RunKeeper, Sleepio, Wello and Withings. Here are a few examples of how Jawbone UP integration works with these third-party services:

-Log a run or bike ride with RunKeeper or MapMyFitness, and view your workout data in UP, including maps of your route, to see how last night’s sleep may have impacted your speed or distance.
-Step on your Withings Smart Body Analyzer and automatically import your weight into UP to track it in the context of how you sleep, eat and move, and get support from your UP teammates as you work toward your goal.
-Create IFTTT Recipes to receive nudges based on your UP activity, like texting you to go for a run if the weather is sunny, or tweeting at your workout partner when you reach 15,000 steps.
-Complete a workout with a live personal trainer in your home or hotel room using Wello, and log the workout directly into UP.

Devs can reach out to Jawbone here if they are interested in integrating their service with UP.

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How to enable Google Now on iOS for Google Apps accounts

Jordan Kahn Apr 29 2013 - 3:16 pm PT

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From 9to5Google:

Earlier today Google officially pushed out an update to its existing Google Search app for iPhone enabling the Google Now service with weather and traffic conditions, updates on breaking news and sports, and more. Some users logging into Google Search through a Google Apps account might have noticed that using the features would prompt an error that “your administrator hasn’t enabled Google Now for your domain.” Hanselman.com shares instructions on enabling the feature which aren’t exactly obvious since the setting is buried in “Android settings”.

Google Apps for Business, Education, and Government: Google Now needs to be turned on by an administrator before it can be used.

If you are an administrator, you can enable Google Now for users in your organization by following these steps:

1. Sign in to your Google Apps control panel.
2. Go to Settings > Mobile > Org Settings > Android settings.
3. Click the checkbox next to Enable Google Now to turn on Google Now.
4. Click Save.

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Square Register gets kitchen tickets & barcode scanning on iPad + new UI, custom tipping, more on iPhone

Jordan Kahn Apr 29 2013 - 5:44 am PT

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The Square Register app was updated today with a number of new features for merchants on top of a redesigned UI for the iPhone app. Merchants running the Square Register POS app on their iPad will now have access to barcode scanning with the ability to sync a Bluetooth barcode scanner, new easy order modifiers, as well as customizable kitchen tickets.

iPhone users of the Square Register app are greeted today with an all new design that adds new features such as custom tipping, smarter payments with multiple custom amounts, and a customizable item library.

Square just posted the video above to coincide with the update showing off how owners of Piada in Midtown Manhattan are taking advantage of the Square Register solution.

A full list of of what’s new in version 3.0 of Square Register is below:

What’s New in Version 3.0

New on iPhone:
– Item library: Add items to a sale with a tap. Build your item library to simplify and speed up checkout. Customize items with photos, names, and prices.
– Smarter payment pad: Add multiple custom amounts to a sale, add notes to each amount, and view or edit all amounts in one place before charging.
– Custom Tipping: Allow customers to enter custom tip amounts.
– New look: Ring up customers and edit settings more easily than ever with an all-new design.

New on iPad:
– Easy order modifiers: Customize orders at the counter and send them to your kitchen while your line keeps moving.
– Customizable kitchen tickets: Include a custom name or number on each kitchen ticket.
– Barcode scanning: Sync your Bluetooth barcode scanner with Square Register to speed up your checkout.

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Little Snitch updated to 3.1 with Automatic Profile Switching and more

Jordan Kahn Apr 29 2013 - 5:34 am PT

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Developers Objective Development just announced a nice update to its extremely popular network and application monitoring tool known as ‘Little Snitch’. For those of you unfamiliar, Little Snitch allows users to set up rules that control network access for specific apps and services, allowing you to control when and how apps on your machine talk to the internet. A previous update brought profiles to the app, offering users the ability to switch between different sets of rules for different workflows. Today’s update to version 3.1 enhances that feature by offering Automatic Profile Switching:

With the new Automatic Profile Switching these profiles now can be activated automatically when the computer starts using a specific network connection (e.g. the office, home or some public network) – thereby adapting your network security to the current environment…The first time you connect to a network, Little Snitch presents you the new Profile Switching Alert which lets you define the profile to be activated automatically the next time you join the same network. Of course, this also activates the profile right when you click the OK button.

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Watch our LIVE 9to5Mac Happy Hour April 26, 2013

9to5 Staff Apr 26 2013 - 2:06 pm PT

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Subscribe now on iTunes!

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New “Learn More About In-App Purchases” section helps protect consumers from apps like this [video]

Jordan Kahn Apr 26 2013 - 7:23 am PT

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In March Apple decided to add “offers in-app purchases” warnings in iTunes and on the App Store following a class action lawsuit brought on by parents arguing the iOS freemium model, i.e. in-app purchases, allowed children to easily rack up thousands of dollars. Today, as noted by AppAdvice, Apple has now added a new “Learn More About In-App Purchases” section on the App Store detailing how in-app purchases work and how parents can manage they preferences through Parental Controls (pictured below). On a related note, in the video above IGN shows off how kids could easily spend thousands of dollars in apps that aggressively push ridiculously expensive in-app purchases to games clearly aimed at children.

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AT&T’s ‘Digital Life’ home automation suite goes live in 15 markets; iOS apps, pricing

Mark Gurman Apr 25 2013 - 9:02 pm PT

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Last year, AT&T rolled out a test phase of its new Digital Life home automation and security suite. Starting today, the company will be rolling out the final product in 15 markets. The system is launching in Atlanta, Austin, Texas, Boulder, Colo., Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Riverside, Calif., San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis and select areas of the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area. The company says that it hopes to reach 50 markets by the end of this year.

The home automation system includes many facets, though security seems to be the aspect that AT&T is promoting the most.

The foundation of AT&T Digital Life is complete home security with 24/7 professional monitoring. Through AT&T-owned and operated, U.S.-based monitoring centers, professionals will respond to emergencies and alert police and fire authorities. Customers can choose which alerts they want to receive and how.

Through iPad and iPhone applications, customers can also manage items throughout their home. In addition to camera, lights, and thermostats, the company offers some bonus packages:

• Camera Package – View live video from inside and outside of the home for an additional $9.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

• Energy Package – Control appliances, lighting and thermostats for convenience and energy efficiency for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

• Door Package – Allow a pet sitter or repairman into your home remotely with automated door locks, or check to see whether your garage door is open or closed for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

• Water Detection Package – Detect water leaks before damage occurs for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

• Water Control Package – Detect leaks and shut off water at the main water source for an additional $9.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

Pricing and more below:

dALLAS, April 26, 2013 – Secure your home, check in on your kids or pets, adjust the temperature, let your housesitter in the front door, or check to see if you closed your garage door, from almost anywhere all on the go.  Available today for the first time in 15 markets, AT&T Digital Life^SM makes customers’ lives easier by simplifying the management of their home.  Digital Life offers customers security, convenience and peace of mind, in a customizable and easy-to-use experience from smartphones, tablets or PCs.

AT&T* today announced the first commercial launch markets for AT&T Digital Life: Atlanta, Austin, Texas, Boulder, Colo., Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Riverside, Calif., San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis and select areas of the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area.  AT&T plans to introduce Digital Life in up to 50 markets by the end of 2013.

Security

The foundation of AT&T Digital Life is complete home security with 24/7 professional monitoring. Through AT&T-owned and operated, U.S.-based monitoring centers, professionals will respond to emergencies and alert police and fire authorities. Customers can choose which alerts they want to receive and how.

“We know how important security is to our customers, and this was our top priority when we set out to build Digital Life,” said Kevin Petersen, senior vice president, AT&T Digital Life. “People rely on their mobile devices more than ever, so Digital Life offers an easy and convenient way to secure their homes, protect their families and simplify their lives from virtually anywhere.”

Remote Access

AT&T Digital Life is an all-digital, fully integrated, wireless home management system, giving customers flexibility to manage their home from their smartphone, tablet or PC. Customers can purchase Digital Life regardless of their wireless or wireline broadband provider.  The Digital Life application is available on most web browsers and apps are available for iOS, Android smartphones and Windows Phones. To ensure customers’ privacy is protected, Digital Life has a secure log in system each time the app is opened from any Internet-connected device.

Easy to Use

In addition to security, Digital Life offers a robust suite of automation services that can be customized to meet customers’ needs.  A user-friendly application was designed to be as simple as possible, making it easier than ever to manage your home.  The AT&T Digital Life application gives customers control over cameras, door locks, lights, thermostats, small appliances and more by setting alerts or programs to manage your home.  It’s all integrated into one simple system.

Customization

AT&T Digital Life provides total flexibility so you get exactly what you want.  You can build a system with the features you want, and you can add features or make changes easily as your needs evolve. Unlike competitors, AT&T Digital Life is a major home security and automation system that can be ordered completely online, in an AT&T store, over the phone, or with an in-home sales consultant.  Pricing is competitive and transparent, making it easy for customers to understand and purchase solutions to meet their needs.

Pricing

Customers can choose from two base plans: Simple Security, which is our basic home security package; or Smart Security which includes enhanced security features and the option to add home automation.

• Simple Security – Includes 24/7 home monitoring, 24-hour battery backup, a wireless keypad, keychain remote, recessed sensors and an indoor siren for $29.99 a month plus $149.99 for equipment and installation.
• Smart Security – Includes the benefits of Simple Security plus a choice of three of the following features: motion sensor, carbon monoxide sensor, glass break sensor, smoke sensor or takeover kit.  Smart Security begins at $39.99 a month plus $249.99 for equipment and installation.

Customers who select Smart Security can add these automation packages:

• Camera Package – View live video from inside and outside of the home for an additional $9.99 a month plus equipment and installation.
• Energy Package – Control appliances, lighting and thermostats for convenience and energy efficiency for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.
• Door Package – Allow a pet sitter or repairman into your home remotely with automated door locks, or check to see whether your garage door is open or closed for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.
• Water Detection Package – Detect water leaks before damage occurs for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.
• Water Control Package – Detect leaks and shut off water at the main water source for an additional $9.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

“AT&T’s Digital Life service is fully featured with one of the market’s best selection of pre-packaged bundles and connected devices.  With straightforward and competitive prices, the AT&T value proposition will leave the company in a good position to capture market share in the growing connected home market,” said Larry Hettick, Contributing Analyst, Consumer Services, Current Analysis.

“We’re bringing you security and convenience features that can be easily integrated into your life, making things simpler for you and your family”, said Petersen. “We conducted extensive research, listened to our customers and worked hard to build a single integrated solution with an unmatched set of assets all built around our customer’s needs.”