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News - page 115

Alleged next-gen HomePod with LCD panel pops up in photos

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The big HomePod could be back soon. But how pricey and how functional will it be?
Apple's next HomePod could pack a LCD screen on top.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Alleged photos of a HomePod prototype with an LCD screen on top have surfaced online. They showcase the smart speaker with a big touch-based LCD panel on top.

Apple’s current-gen HomePod has a small touch surface on top for controlling music playback and volume.

Science shows Brie Larson’s Lessons in Chemistry is an immediate hit

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This cooking show comes with some broiling-hot commentary.
This cooking show comes with some broiling-hot commentary.
Photo: Apple

Brie Larson as a frustrated scientist with a love of cooking is a recipe for a hit series on Apple TV+. After premiering earlier this month, Lessons in Chemistry is already the second most popular series or film on streaming, according to a market analysis.

New episodes debut every week on Apple’s streaming service.

Slash $1,900 off this powerful MacBook Pro plus other major deals

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2021 MacBook Pro with M1 Pro, M1 Max
Order yours today.
Photo: Apple

If you’re in the market for a MacBook Pro, a bunch of deals currently at B&H Photo are too good to pass up — like $1,900 off a 2021 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro. And other laptop deals range from a couple hundred bucks off to more than a thousand bucks off regular prices.

Remember when those MacBook models seemed beyond your financial reach? Well, all you had to do is wait a couple years. See below, and we threw in some newer M2 models, too.

Old and new MacBook Pros work in harmony [Setups]

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This setup features an M2 MacBook Pro, but it still uses a 2015 Retina model, too.
This setup features an M2 MacBook Pro, but it still uses a 2015 Retina model, too.
Photo: [email protected]

Who says an 8-year-old MacBook Pro is too old? Today’s featured setup relies on a new M2 MacBook Pro for most of the real work, but a 2015 Retina model still contributes regularly.

“Used it for school but recently graduated in May, only use for it now is YouTube/visuals until it dies,” graphic designer and Redditor izzyontheweb said. “Could you believe it’s a 2015 model and still works amazing?”

FCC decision could make future Apple Vision AR headsets smaller

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Apple Vision Pro
Future Apple Vision headsets might be more comfortable to wear because of an FCC vote.
Photo: Apple

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to allow unregulated devices to use the 6 GHz band to wirelessly communicate over short ranges. Apple could use this to enable fast communication between its Vision AR headsets and other computers, like an iPhone.

Apple is one of several companies that asked the FCC to make the change back in 2019.

Up your streaming game with affordable new teleprompter

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Maintain natural eye contact while your read from a script with Elgato Prompter.
Maintain natural eye contact while your read from a script with Elgato Prompter.
Photo: Elgato

Video streamers with a lot to say know that working without a script can be challenging, and most teleprompters TV hosts use to read while maintaining eye contact are pricey. But the new Elgato Prompter brings the technology to the masses for $280, the company said Tuesday.

So you can look like a pro on your YouTube video or Zoom call. And Promter’s screen serves as an extra monitor for Mac or PC, too.

X-rays show crazy complexity of Apple’s Thunderbolt 4 cable

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X-rays reveal the differences between high-quality Thunderbolt and USB-C cables versus cheaper options.
X-rays reveal the differences between high-quality Thunderbolt and USB-C cables versus cheaper options.
Photo: Lumafield

Thunderbolt cables cost far more than standard USB-C ones, and a series of X-ray scans of various options reveals why. The virtual teardown shows that the Apple Thunderbolt 4 (USB‑C) Pro cable has far more features than one might expect for such a simple accessory. Cheaper ones are as bare-bones as could be expected.

The scans are both beautiful and informative.

Apple might not find AirTag 2 until 2025

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AirTag
Apple's item tracker is a hit, and a new version is on the way.
Photo: Mark Chan/Unsplash

It seems the wait for Apple’s second-generation tracker tag will be longer than previously thought. A trusted Apple tipster predicted Wednesday that AirTag 2 won’t be out until 2025.

That’s somewhat surprising considering the original model has been very successful.

Drop’s new mechanical keyboards take customization to new level

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The magnetically attached polycarbonate cases come in five colors. You can also get black or silver aluminum.
The magnetically attached polycarbonate cases come in five colors. You can also get black or silver aluminum.
Photo: Drop

Drop rolled out its new CSTM80 line of customizable mechanical keyboards starting with a tenkeyless model, the company said Tuesday.

“CSTM” in the name hints at how much you can modify them — in addition to easily swapping out keycaps and switches, you can change the magnetically attached case for a different look.

Separating work and personal life with 2 MacBooks and 3 displays [Setups]

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That desktop wallpaper is distracting, to say the least.
That desktop wallpaper is distracting, to say the least.
Photo: [email protected]

A problem users face with home computer setups is how to separate work from personal use. Today’s setup brings work and personal laptops to the mix — both M1 Max MacBook Pros, coincidentally — along with three displays, including a massive OLED smart TV.

And as is often the case on social media, solid advice sounded loud and clear above the noise.

Apple Watch data shows you should play more pickleball

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Never heard of pickleball? Don't worry, Apple has tips for you.
Never heard of pickleball? Don't worry, Apple has tips for you.
Photo: Apple

As the nascent sport of pickleball becomes more popular worldwide, new Apple research shows both it and its older sibling, tennis, pack big health benefits.

The Apple Heart and Movement Study tracked Apple Watch data from thousands of users to get the results.

Foldable iPad might launch in 2024

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AI rendering of a folding iPad.
A folding iPad might look much like this concept.
Render: Midjourney/Lewis Wallace

Apple’s first computer with a foldable display will reportedly be an iPad. And the folding tablet could be on the market as early as 2024.

This is just the latest in a long series of reports about the device, so it might really be happening.

Apple opens second Vision Pro developer lab in the US

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Developer gives ‘audible gasp’ using Vision Pro the first time
Vision Pro developer lab is a great way to test your visionOS app.
Photo: Apple

Apple is expanding the Vision Pro developer labs to additional regions. This will allow more developers to try out the mixed-reality headset ahead of its launch in early 2024.

The Cupertino giant is opening new Vision Pro developer labs in New York, US, and Sydney, Australia.

Wait for new 32-inch iMac could stretch out to 2025

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24-inch iMac 2021 with Apple M1 processor. In blue and pink
Don't hold your breath waiting on a 32-inch iMac.
Photo: Apple

The much-anticipated 32-inch iMac is a couple of years way, according to an industry analyst who’s a reliable source of Apple predictions.

And a refresh to the current 24-inch version won’t be out before the end of 2023, according to the same analyst.

mophie’s slim new MagSafe power bank does double duty as iPhone stand

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mophie snap+ juice pack mini with stand
mophie's latest is both a power bank and a portable stand for your iPhone.
Photo: mophie/Zagg

The mophie snap+ juice pack mini with stand is more than a MagSafe-compatible power bank. Its built-in kickstand means it can also prop up your iPhone while it’s charging for FaceTime calls or watching videos.

It’s the latest addition to a sizable collection of chargers and stands from mophie.

Power up Apple gear on the go with super-slim USB-C chargers

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You can slip one of these right in your pocket. They're not much thicker than your iPhone.
You can slip one of these right in your pocket. They're not much thicker than your iPhone.
Photo: Nomad

Sure, gallium nitride (GaN) technology keeps making powerful device chargers smaller, but Apple accessories maker Nomad looks to be pushing the envelope further with its remarkably slim new USB-C adapters.

The 35W and 65W chargers could be perfect for grabbing some juice for devices like iPhone 15 and MacBook Air while you’re out and about.

Dress your iPhone as a Disney villain with these fun new cases

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Casetify Disney Villains collection
You iPhone and AirPods can have some Hallowe'en fun, too.
Photo: Casetify

Hallowe’en is right around the corner, and to celebrate Casetify launched a collection of iPhone cases
featuring Disney villains. And there are accessories for AirPods and Apple Watch, too.

More of a Rick and Morty fan? Casetify has an array of iPhone, MacBook, etc. options for you, too.

New Ecobee smart doorbell beams video to thermostat screen

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You're on camera via thermostat screen, complete with vertical field of view and smart sensing.
You're on camera via thermostat screen, complete with vertical field of view and smart sensing.
Photo: Ecobee

The new Smart Doorbell Camera that Ecobee rolled out Tuesday offers an “industry leading” vertical field of view and a “first of its kind” live video stream beamed to a thermostat screen, the company said.

For any smart home powered by HomeKit or Amazon Alexa, the camera offer clear vision day or night, radar-sensing tech for accurate detection and a battery-free enclosure that allows reliable usage in extreme temperatures, Ecobee said.