Deals: Refurbished Apple Watch Series 4 Models Discounted From $280 in Woot's New Flash Sale

Woot's latest flash sale is focusing on refurbished models of the Apple Watch Series 4, available in both 40mm and 44mm sizes. These discounts are only for Wi-Fi models of the Apple Watch Series 4, as cellular models have sold out quickly at Woot.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Woot. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

40mm models are priced at $279.99, and you can get them in a Rose Gold case color with Pink Sport Band, or Silver case with White Sport Band. All of these models of the Apple Watch Series 4 come with 16GB of internal storage, which you can use to store music on the wearable.

44mm models are priced at $299.99, and they come in both previously mentioned colorways as well as in a Space Gray aluminum case with a Black Sport Band. Because Woot is owned by Amazon, Prime members can get free shipping if they purchase one of these Series 4 models today.

These refurbished Apple Watch models are expected to have a moderate level of wear and tear, which may include scratches, dents, and dings. Woot promises that outside of their physical appearance, they have been tested to be in full working condition.

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals

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Get 50% Off a VAVA 9-in-1 USB-C Hub [Exclusive]

VAVA 9-in-1 USB-C Hub | $30 | Amazon | Use code KINJAVA417

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Bloomberg: Apple's First ARM Mac to Launch by 2021 With 12-Core Processor

In line with a timeframe shared by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last month, Bloomberg today reports that Apple is planning to release at least one Mac with its own custom-designed ARM-based processor by 2021.


The report claims that Apple is developing three Mac processors based on the A14 chip in upcoming iPhone 12 models. At least one of these processors will apparently be much faster than the A-series chips in the iPhone and iPad. Like the A14 chip, the Mac processors are expected to be manufactured by TSMC based on its 5nm process.

Apple's first Mac processors will have 12 cores, including eight high-performance cores and at least four energy-efficient cores, according to the report. Apple is said to be exploring Mac processors with more than 12 cores for further in the future, with the company already designing a second generation of Mac processors based on the A15 chip.

The first ARM-based Mac is likely to be a notebook, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects at least one Mac desktop with an Apple processor next year too.

Tags: bloomberg.com, Arm Macs

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Apple CEO Tim Cook Says Contact Tracing API Available From April 28

Following a conference call with Apple CEO Tim Cook, EU industry leader Thierry Breton has said in a statement that Apple has a "responsibility" to make sure that contact tracing apps work on its iPhones, reports Reuters.
Image via @ThierryBreton

It is "the responsibility of companies such as Apple to do their utmost to develop suitable technical solutions to make the national apps work. Coordination with EU member states' health authorities is paramount," Breton said in a statement.

The two did not talk about any specific case, an EU official said.

The comments follow a spat between Apple and the French government, which has demanded that the company change the privacy settings of its iPhones to make them work with France's planned contact tracing app.

iOS prevents apps like the one France is working on from using Bluetooth in the background if the data collected is going to be moved off of the device, which is a rule designed to protect user privacy. With this limitation, a contact tracing app is only able to access Bluetooth when an iPhone is unlocked and the app is open.

France is aiming to launch a contact tracing app by May 11, but it has complained that Apple's restriction is standing in the way. However, Apple is developing its own Bluetooth-based smartphone tracking solution to allow governments and health agencies to reduce the spread of the coronavirus while also protecting user privacy.

iGeneration reports that Cook gave Breton a release date for its contact tracing API during their call. In a press conference following the talks, Breton revealed that Cook told him the first version of the API will be available on April 28.

Apple's original statement about the API on April 10 said it would be released in May, and would enable interoperability between Android and iOS devices using apps from public health authorities.

In the coming months, Google and Apple will work to enable a broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform by building this functionality into their underlying platforms. Apple says that this solution is more robust than an API and will allow more individuals to participate, if they choose to opt in, and it will enable interaction with a broader ecosystem of apps and government health authorities.

Tag: European Union

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How to Use Custom Virtual Backgrounds in Skype Video Calls

Skype has introduced support for custom backgrounds in video calls, following the recent popularity of an equivalent feature in Zoom.

The option to use custom backgrounds is part of the version 8.59.0.77 update for Mac, Windows, Linux, and Web, which began rolling out on April 16. As Skype's release notes describe the feature:

"Want to look like you're calling from the beach, or from space? Now you can, with custom backgrounds for your video calls."

Once you've received the update, follow these steps to use a custom background while on a call. The second set of steps in this article explain how to set up a custom background for all your calls.

How to Add a Custom Background to Your Skype Call

1. Launch Skype and initiate a call.
   
2. Once you're connected, click the More menu (the three dots) or hover over the video button.
   
3. Click Choose background effect.
   
4. Add a new image to customize your background effect, or select one you've previously added. You can also Blur the real background of the room you're in.
   

How to Set Up a Custom Background for All Your Skype Calls

1. Launch Skype and click your profile picture.
   
2. Click the Settings button (the cog icon), then click the Audio & Video button (the mic icon).
   
3. Add a new image to customize your background effect, or select one you've previously added. You can also Blur the real background of the room you're in.

In addition to custom backgrounds, this latest Skype update also makes it easier to share files directly from your Mac to your Skype contacts and offers quicker access to call controls in the chat window. You can learn more about the update on the Skype website.

Tag: Skype

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