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News - page 121

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.

Ted Lasso‘s Hannah Waddingham glams it up for Apple TV+ holiday special

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"Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas" debuts November 22.
Photo: Apple TV+

English actress Hannah Waddingham won an Emmy Award playing AFC Richmond soccer club owner Rebecca Welton on Apple TV+ hit comedy Ted Lasso. But now she’s changing into a glittery gold dress and leading a holiday music special, the streamer said Tuesday, dropping a fabulous photo.

Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas debuts November 22 on Apple TV+.

Get ready to grab the first budget Apple Pencil

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Apple Pencil (USB-C) with iPad
Apple Pencil (USB-C) with iPad is the lowest-cost stylus made by Apple.
Photo: Apple

Apple just took the wraps off a lower-price version of its iPad stylus. The new Apple Pencil uses a USB-C port for charging so it’s a better fit for use with the budget iPad.

“Apple Pencil has revolutionized note taking, sketching, and illustrating, unleashing endless possibilities for productivity and creativity,” said Bob Borchers, Apple VP of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Combined with the versatility of iPad, the new Apple Pencil unlocks another great option to experience the magic of digital handwriting, annotation, marking up documents, and more.”

The new version is $50 less than Apple Pencil 2, the premium model. But it lacks some of the features of the top-of-the-line version.

iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade?

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iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro Comparison
Apple has made some big upgrades in the two years since iPhone 13 Pro's release.
Photo: Apple

The iPhone 15 Pro packs significant upgrades over its immediate predecessor, like a titanium body, a brighter display, a faster processor and better cameras. But are these changes enough to warrant an upgrade from your 2-year-old iPhone 13 Pro? Find out in this comparison.

Cost of iPhone 15 Pro Max components rises 12%

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iPhone 15 Pro Max teardown
The iPhone 15 Pro Max Bill of Materials is higher than for previous models.
Photo: iFixit

The cost of the components that go into the iPhone 15 Pro Max is up significantly when compared to its predecessor, according to an analysis of the various parts that make up Apple’s latest smartphone.

The change helps justify the jump in price for this model.

New home calls for new-and-improved workstation [Setups]

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Just a few years ago I worked on a laptop on whatever messy desk I found. Now I have dual-monitor M1 MacBook Pro setup with a standing desk and a proper office chair.
Just a few years ago I worked on a laptop on whatever messy desk I found. Now I have dual-monitor M1 MacBook Pro setup with a standing desk and a proper office chair.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

I moved to a new home over the weekend, and in it I’ve already built a new workstation. What better time to revamp things? Actually, it’s more like another stage in my computer setup’s herky-jerky evolution.

I went from just a PC laptop a few years ago to various iterations of a MacBook Pro workstation to my new rig, featuring dual monitors, a standing desk and a proper office chair for the first time in ages.

Know Apple Music’s next song at a glance with LivePod app [Awesome Apps]

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LivePod iOS app for Apple Music
With LivePod, you'll never have to open Apple Music to know what song is coming.
Photo: LivePod
Awesome Apps

Wish you didn’t have to open the Apple Music app to see what song will play next? The new iOS app LivePod turns your Apple Music Up Next queue into a Live Activity on your Lock Screen. And with newer iPhones, it shows up in the Dynamic Island.

You can use it for free on a limited basis.