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New AirPods Pro coming at iPhone 14 Apple Event | AppleInsider

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Apple will be using its September 7 special event to launch the second generation of AirPods Pro alongside the iPhone 14, a report claims, just days ahead of the event itself.

Apple’s special events in September primarily focus on the annual iPhone update, but other products do get launched at around the same time. While AirPods are considered to be a good candidate for a launch during the same event, a report insists that Apple will be bringing out new AirPods Pro this time around.

During the event, AirPods Pro 2 will be unveiled, according to Mark Gurman’s “Power On” newsletter for Bloomberg on Sunday. Though rumors were fairly strong about a launch sometime in the fall, Gurman insists it will happen during Wednesday’s presentation.

Over the months, rumors for the personal audio accessories have put forward claims of a stemless design, some debate over whether there will be some form of built-in fitness tracking, and case changes. There have been suggestions the charging case could include a form of hearing aid functionality, complete with a microphone and a speaker that could help with Find My recovery.

However, it is also entirely plausible that the new AirPods Pro could more closely resemble the first generation in form and function, with internal hardware improvements including changes to the H1 chip and Bluetooth connectivity a possibility.

What is certainly rumored to stay the same is connectivity for charging, with the case thought to continue with Lightning for the moment, but changing to USB-C in 2023.

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Microsoft is removing social hubs from its virtual events platform

Microsoft is removing social hubs from its virtual events platform

The technology company considers AltspaceVR as an important part for the future of the Metaverse.

The technology company considers AltspaceVR as an important part for the future of the Metaverse.

Microsoft has planned to remove social hubs including the Campfire, News and Entertainment Commons from AltspaceVR, an event-based community space owned by the Windows maker.

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The technology company considers AltspaceVR as an important part for the future of the Metaverse and through this measure they aim to make this space safe from inappropriate behavior and harassment. 

“As we continue to develop and innovate on products like AltspaceVR, – which is a building block for the future of the metaverse – safety within the environment must be part of the foundation,” AltspaceVR said in a blog.

“Everyone should always feel safe in experiences like AltspaceVR, experiences that will make the metaverse a reality.”

Microsoft will also require all users to log-in to AltspaceVR using a Microsoft Account.

Besides these changes, the existing Safety Bubble will now be turned on by default and new attendees joining Events will be automatically muted.