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In case you haven't heard, there's another Apple media event scheduled for Thursday, and owners of the Apple TV can sit back and enjoy all the announcements courtesy of the Apple Events channel. Today's Morning Report also has additional details on when Apple Pay might launch from partner Panera Bread, as well as availability for a new smartphone-connected door lock. It's all just a click away!
Apple TV Events Channel Returns for Latest Keynote
Although it's hardly a surprise, the Apple Events channel has again popped up overnight on Apple TV devices ahead of Thursday's media event in Cupertino, which kicks off at 10AM PDT (1PM EDT). Like last month's iPhone 6 event, today's announcements will be streamed live to Apple TV, as well as on Apple's website to Safari users on Mac OS X or iOS.
Thus far, today's event seems to be somewhat underwhelming for Apple fans, with refreshed, Touch ID-enabled iPads already confirmed yesterday in a leaked iOS 8.1 user guide. Apple is also expected to confirm a release date for OS X Yosemite, with rumors of new Mac hardware also a possibility, so stay tuned to MacLife.com for all the news as it breaks.
Panera Bread Internal Memo Suggests Oct. 20 for Apple Pay Launch
We reported earlier this week that Walgreens retail locations are preparing for the launch of Apple Pay as early as this Saturday, October 18, but that now appears to be a tad presumptuous. 9to5Mac reported Wednesday that retailer Panera Bread has issued an internal memo to employees pegging the launch date on Monday, October 20 instead.
"This message is intended for bakery-cafes that have installed Verifone systems," the internal memo reads. "As you are aware, Panera is a featured partner with Apple in their announcement of the iPhone 6 and the new Apple Pay platform. Now, we are excited to share that Apple is very close to releasing Apple Pay and actually planning to launch on October 20th."
The memo also notes that other NFC-enabled payment systems like Google Wallet and SoftCard (formerly ISIS Wallet) are also likely to see an influx of new customers thanks to awareness of Apple Pay. Panera Bread locations without the appropriate VeriFone hardware will receive additional details next Monday.
August Smart Lock Goes on Sale at Apple Retail Stores
The makers of the August Smart Lock announced this week that the $249.99 device is now available at Apple Retail Stores nationwide, following a successful preorder campaign that allowed early adopters to buy with a $50 discount. The deadbolt replacement hardware is powered by four AA batteries and works with a Bluetooth-connected iPhone app to lock and unlock a door, but has the unique ability to generate time-limited access for family members or service personnel along with Auto-Unlock, which senses when a connected device is approaching, and EverLock, which automatically locks the door behind you.
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(Image courtesy of MacRumors and iDownloadBlog)