A new AirTag is coming next year with enhanced privacy, security features
Macworld It looks like the long wait for a new AirTag is almost over. After sparse and tentative rumors earlier this year that Apple was working on a 2nd-gen model, a new report indicates that the project has made firm progress and is on track for a launch in mid-2025. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman writes that Apple has been running “manufacturing tests” on the device (codenamed B589) and that thanks to progress in these tests, Apple “is getting ready to bring it to market.” The likely release timeframe remains midway through 2025, which will be roughly four years after the launch of the original AirTag. In May we were told only that the AirTag 2 would feature a better chip with improved location tracking, but Gurman is now prepared to disclose a little more about what Apple has in store. Aside from better range and a bolstered onboard wireless chip the new device will, he claims, offer improved privacy, as Apple wrestles with one of the most controversial issues with the first product. Gurman doesn’t mention a design change—or the addition of a much-needed keyring hole—so expect the new AirTag to be virtually indistinguishable from the old one. To a minority of unethical customers, the AirTag’s attraction is that it can be used for stalking, and there have been numerous high-profile incidents where people have discovered strange AirTags in their cars or personal effects. The company addressed the issue with software updates to warn people who find themselves accompanied by an unknown AirTag, but this can to an extent be neutered by removing the device’s speaker. So the speaker on the AirTag 2 will be harder to remove. The AirTag is a fascinating product with bags of potential and a troubling flaw, so we look forward to hearing more about the 2nd-gen version. I remain unconvinced that it’s possible to thwart stalking without also thwarting the device’s function as an anti-theft measure, since the two situations are functionally identical, even if they are ethically different. But perhaps Apple will change my mind next year–especially if they’ve been reading my list of ways to improve the AirTag.

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Apple preps new AirTag with expanded range and even better privacy
Apple is working on a new AirTag — code-named B589 — for release around the middle of 2025. The new AirTag has now progressed… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Believe it or not, an Apple TV set is still a possibility
Macworld For several years back in the late 2000s and early 2010s, there were persistent rumors that Apple was making its own TV set (mostly stemming from analyst Gene Munster). It made sense after all—at the time, flat-screen TVs were attainable luxury items that fit well into Apple’s media-focused products, including the relatively new Apple TV streaming box. Obviously, those rumors never came to pass and as the years went by without a release, we assumed the project was dead. But a new report claims that might not be the case, According to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, the project still has a glimmer of life. Gurman doesn’t say much, but in a section talking about a rumored wall-mounted smart home control center, he mentions that Apple is “evaluating” the possibility of a TV set as part of a new smart-home push. However, Gurman says the project depends on the wall tablet’s success, which will reportedly arrive next year. That device is Apple’s first real entry into the smart home and will reportedly “control appliances, handle videoconferencing and use AI to navigate apps.” Rather than running tvOS, Gurman implies that the TV set will be more like a larger version of the smart home tablet, with a camera for the ability to use FaceTime as well as other non-tvOS apps, including Safari, Notes, and Calendar. Additionally, it would show home security footage as well as control music, which the current Apple TV can do. It would presumably also have a a 4K panel, built-in spatial audio speakers, and the ability to either hang on a wall or sit on a stand. Still, it sounds like such a device is still many years away and very much not a priority for Apple CEO Tim Cook. However, if Apple were to design a TV set, we’re pretty sure there are several Jony Ive prototypes floating around Cupertino.

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Porch pirates appear to be accessing AT&T data to track iPhone deliveries
A new report today suggests that porch pirates – thieves who steal packages left on doorsteps shortly after delivery – have accessed tracking data from AT&T systems to follow iPhone deliveries. There has been a marked uptick in iPhones being stolen from doorsteps after being ordered from AT&T and delivered by Fedex, apparently with the help of real-time delivery updates … more…

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Bug stops M4 Macs from virtualizing older macOS versions
Owners of Apple's newest Mac models running M4 chips aren't able to run older versions of macOS in a virtual machine, thanks to a mystery booting issue.MacBooks running older versions of macOSRunning a virtual machine with older generations of macOS can have its uses, ranging from security and development to simply being able to run software that won't work with newer macOS versions. However, there seems to be a problem when it comes to using a virtual machine in this way on an M4 chip.Detailed by the Eclectic Light Co. and pointed out by Csaba Fitzl, issues have been found when trying to run macOS versions released before macOS 13.4 Ventura in a virtual machine on an M4 Mac. On an M1, M2, or M3-generation Mac, there is no issue, as it only happens on the M4. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Final Cut Pro 11 auto-caption feature is a huge win for creators and accessibility alike
Apple last week launched Final Cut Pro 11, and the company clearly consider the new features offered to be a big deal. The last time Apple did a full version number change was the launch of Final Cut Pro X (aka FCP 10) way back in 2011. Final Cut Pro 11 includes eight new features, and the AI-driven automatic caption feature was one of the headline ones … more…

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What To Focus on at Microsoft Ignite This Year: Avoiding AI Catastrophes
Because of Microsoft’s leadership in AI, Ignite is one of the few places to get the critical information you need to make better choices and ensure your expensive AI deployment is successful. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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Save a bundle on great iPhone accessories this Black Friday!
Macworld Buying for the Apple fan who has everything We’re entering 2024’s holiday shopping season, which runs from Black Friday until Christmas. This means two things: great prices on superb tech products, and lots of difficult buying decisions. It’s hard enough knowing what to buy for yourself, but how do you choose gifts for your friends and loved ones? In this article, we offer our advice on great gifts to buy for the Apple fans in your life. What you shouldn’t buy First things first. Should you buy them an Apple device? If you’re very rich, and absolutely confident that you know exactly the right configuration and model to get, then… maybe. But in general, Apple fans plan their major purchases a long time in advance, and will know best which product to buy and when. How about an accessory for a device your loved one already owns? A case, stand, charging dock, or battery pack will cost far less than an entirely new device, and is therefore less of a commitment, and less of a risk. High-quality accessories are a great way to super-power iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods, enabling your loved one to get more out of the products they’ve spent a big chunk of money on. And best of all, you don’t need to worry about picking the correct storage capacity or configuration. What you should buy Okay, so a premium accessory for your loved one’s favorite Apple product is the right general choice. But what specifically should we buy? The first step is to make sure you buy from a reputable manufacturer with a track record in the industry. The second is to check that you’re getting high-quality products at a sensible price, so online reviews will be an important resource. The choice of vendor is up to you, but one option worth considering is ESR, a leading mobile accessories brand. The company has been in the industry for 15 years, amassing more than 100 million users­ and a huge number of positive reviews–and no wonder, bearing in mind the wide range of quality products it sells at reasonable prices. Take the 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger with Qi2 and CryoBoost™, for example. This attractive and versatile accessory can wirelessly charge your loved one’s iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods case at the same time, and does so at market-leading speeds thanks to the company’s proprietary cooling technology. This is currently 22% off, only $69.99 from Amazon. And you can get an extra 10% off with the code ESRFDL99! ESR Or the Qi2 MagSafe Battery Pack with Kickstand, a sleek and slim iPhone power bank featuring an integrated kickstand for portrait and landscape viewing: the perfect way to upgrade iPhone battery life while boosting its capabilities for TV or movie watching, and for FaceTiming friends and family (including you, the gift giver!). With ultraportability, fast charging speed and a stunning slimline profile, this is only $35.99 from Amazon. Or pay slightly more for the 10,000mAh option that’s now 25% off, costing just $37.49 from Amazon. If your loved one drives, perhaps the MagSafe Car Charger with Qi2 and CryoBoost (41% off and only $31.49 from Amazon; you can get extra 10% off with the code ESRCZQI2) is the right choice. The device’s 18 powerful N52 magnets maintain a secure contact even on rough roads, and it can fully charge an iPhone 16 Pro in an astonishing 1 hour and 8 minutes, even when using GPS, thanks to the CryoBoost cooling technology. That’s a solid 10% better than rival Qi2 chargers. What about ESR’s Classic Hybrid Case with Stash Stand? Engineered to survive drops from up to 11 feet, this smart case is nevertheless amazingly slim and light, adding just 1.6mm to the thickness of your loved one’s iPhone. The clever design means you can keep on using MagSafe accessories while using the stand, and charging speeds are exceptional. A bargain at $23.99 from Amazon. Or to look after your phone’s display, consider the Armorite Screen Protector ($15.29 from Amazon). You can save an extra 10% on all iPhone 16 cases and screen protectors until December 25 by using the code ESRiPhone16. This is just the tip of the iceberg of ESR’s amazing range of Apple accessories, boasting premium design, market-leading charging speeds, useful cooling features, and low prices. For protection, consider the FlickLock™ Case ($18.99 from Amazon) for the latest AirPods. For all-round utility, the Aura Wallet Stand (HaloLock) ($39.99 from Amazon) is a terrific choice, combining a securely held magnetic five-card wallet with a strong and useful hinge stand that lets you position the iPhone in portrait or landscape at any angle between 15° and 160°. And for the iPad owner in your life, what about the Shift Magnetic Case ($49.99 from Amazon)? With six unique use modes and highly adjustable viewing angles, it’s the ultimate versatile upgrade for an Apple tablet. The choice, in the end, is yours. But no matter how demanding the Apple fan in your life may be, ESR has something that they’ll love. Good luck!

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Foxconn India drops recruitment discrimination against married women
Apple iPhone supplier Foxconn has reportedly told its various recruitment partners to cease putting conditions about marital status and other issues in job ads for the company.One of several Foxconn manufacturing facilities in India — image credit: FoxconnFoxconn was first accused of discrimination in June 2024. The company's chair, Young Liu, then tried evading questions about the issue, but India's government demanded answers.Now according to Reuters, Foxconn has capitulated and has ordered its recruitment agencies to cease discrimination. Foxconn had previously admitted to discrimination around 2022, but denied it was still happening. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Discriminatory job ads for iPhone workers ended after Reuters report; Apple didn’t comment
Reuters found discriminatory job ads for iPhone workers in India, with recruitment leaflets stating that women applying for positions with Foxconn must be unmarried and aged 18 to 32. The offending ads have been withdrawn following the launch of state and federal investigations into Foxconn’s hiring practices by the Indian government, but neither Foxconn nor Apple has yet offered any explanation for the original requirements … more…

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Dear Oura: Challenge Apple at your own risk
Macworld A big tech company, assuming its managers are sensible, is always looking for new places to make money. Smartphones and laptops might be paying the bills right now, but that won’t remain the case forever. Like sharks, tech giants must keep moving, or perish. And these movements can be alarming for the smaller fish. If you’re a plucky young startup with a lightly profitable niche in some technological backwater, rumors of a big launch must be as terrifying in their way as the sight of a Viking longship for a 9th-century French peasant. Why, you wail to yourself, can’t they just leave us alone? The most famous proponent of the Viking maneuver–although the company would probably prefer the term Pirate–is Apple. In a recent interview, Tim Cook reminded us of Cupertino’s mantra: “Not first, but best.” Let someone else start the ball rolling, then rock up later with a better product and grab all the revenue. Considering it propelled Apple all the way to the first-ever three-trillion-dollar valuation, it must be a reasonably good strategy. Nobody is entirely safe from Apple’s depredations. The auto giants, as improbable as it now seems, spent years fearing for their livelihoods and trying to decide if it was better to oppose Project Titan or join it. But if you want to know who’s most urgently scanning the horizon for black sails right now, it’s the makers of smart rings. With good reason: As I’ve written elsewhere, a smart ring would fit neatly into Apple’s product ecosystem. Small but with bags of potential, it’s a market ripe for Apple to take an interest. But not everyone agrees. Tom Hale, CEO of the wearables specialist Oura, has come out with the bold prediction that Apple won’t make a smart ring. Cupertino, he reckons, probably isn’t convinced that there is value in having both a ring and a watch. Besides, he notes in a parting burn, “It’s hard to do this product category right.” Ouch. This probably strikes Mr Hale as excellent banter, and it’s arguably good PR too: The remarks, after all, have earned the smaller company plenty of headlines. But he might come to regret it all the same. He wouldn’t be the first incumbent to mock Apple’s chances of entering their market and end up with egg on his face. Nobody took the iPod seriously. And before the iPhone came out, bosses at Microsoft and Palm laughed at its prospects, citing the lack of a keyboard and Apple’s lack of experience in the space respectively. Such a poorly made longship! Those Vikings probably won’t manage to burn down any houses at all. Ah! Well. Nevertheless… The lesson from this isn’t that Apple always succeeds (it doesn’t). It’s that Apple is more adaptable than you might think. At the start of the century, it was a Mac company with no obvious expertise with smaller electronics. But it learned and hired and researched and made itself into a music player and later smartphone company by sheer force of will. Nobody spends more than Apple on R&D for projects that may never come to fruition. No company is more committed to evolving into new areas. And if Tom Hale or anyone else thinks Apple hasn’t had a team working on smart rings for years, they’re out of their minds. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but it’s cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Have your say “Thank you for your mini MacBook article,” writes John W in response to last week’s Apple Breakfast. “While I love the size of the 11-inch iPad, I really want macOS, not iOS, so an 11-inch MacBook does have some appeal to me. The issue (and you are 100% right on this call) is the shrunken keyboard! If they ever make a folding-screen 11-inch MacBook, I just might pop for that. For now, I’m keeping my 27-inch iMac and iPhone Max, but an 11-inch portable device is very appealing!” Trending: Top stories For the first time ever, you don’t need to be afraid to buy a new Mac. Apple Vision Pro needs something bigger than a software update. Halyna Kubiv explains why the iPhone 17 will succeed where the iPhone 16 failed. Apple is doomed because no one wants to wait for anything, says the Macalope. If you’re upset about the M4 Mac mini, you’re just using it wrong. M4 Mac mini teardown shows future upgradability in a seriously packed package. The incredible M4 Macs create Apple’s biggest challenge yet. How much MacBook do you really need? We help you find the right configuration. Apple’s controversial list of the top 100 albums of all time is now a $450 book. Podcast of the week Apple’s new M4 Macs started shipping last Friday, and we have the new Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro in-house. Why are these some of the more exciting Macs to hit the market? Find out on the latest episode of the Macworld Podcast! You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast on Spotify, Soundcloud, the Podcasts app, or our own site. The rumor mill Apple’s next big thing may be a smart iPad you can hang on your wall. Apple ramps up smart glasses project as it looks past Vision Pro. Apple may be gearing up to launch its first smart home camera. Software updates, bugs, and problems Apple accused of misleading consumers over AirPods Pro ‘audio defect’. Apple faces £3 billion legal claim over alleged competition law breaches. Carrier gaffe appears to reveal crucial iOS 18.2 launch date. (It should be a fun one. There’s a feature that helps you remember songs based on where you heard them.) Apple quietly added ‘Inactivity Reboot’ in iOS 18.1 to safeguard a lost or stolen iPhone. Chrome for iOS adds Shopping Insights, enhanced Google Lens, and more. And with that, we’re done for this week’s Apple Breakfast. If you’d like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters. You can also follow us on Facebook, Threads, or Twitter for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.

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Rumor: Apple developing second-generation AirTags, looking for mid-2025 device launch
Apple initially released the AirTag in April 2021, the device not receiving any hardware updates in more than three and a half years since the launch. Even so, a new version of the hardware is rumored to be in development. Per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is aiming to release a new version of the AirTag […] Source

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Baseus Nomos Qi2 Magnetic Power Bank review: fastest possible iPhone battery charging
Macworld At a glance Pros Built-in USB-C cable 15W wireless or 45W wired charging Cons Less useful for older iPhone users Our Verdict The Baseus Nomos Magnetic Power Bank boasts a high battery capacity, 15W Qi2 wireless charging, and the fastest wired charging we’ve tested so far on any iPhone power bank. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$81.99 Best Prices Today: Baseus Nomos Magnetic Power Bank Qi2 45W 10000mAh Retailer Price $81.99 View Deal Baseus $81.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Capacity: 36Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (30W) Output charger: Wireless (15W Qi2) & USB-C (45W) On test charged iPhone to: 170% Weight: 8.2oz (232g) Dimensions: 4.25 x 2.7 x0.8 inches (10.8 x 6.8 x 2cm) Colors: Gray, Black Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 models Unless you are a work-from-home obsessive or recluse, a power bank for your iPhone is an essential accessory to your mobile life. Since Apple introduced magnetic wireless charging to the iPhone, these power banks have become increasingly convenient while decreasing in size. Apple’s MagSafe has been available on all iPhones since the iPhone 12, allowing us to magnetically clamp a compatible accessory to the back of the iPhone. Wirelessly charging the iPhone is as simple and efficient as it can get. But it’s not the fastest way to get power into your phone. If the charger is certified by Apple as MagSafe it should wirelessly charge at 15W. If it is merely “MagSafe compatible”, charging speed is at a lower 7.5W. The newer Apple-approved Qi2 wireless charging standard is rated at the same 15W as MagSafe. For more information read our MagSafe vs Qi2 comparison. While wireless charging is convenient, charging with a cable is nearly always faster as it is a more efficient method of transferring power. The problem with wired charging is it requires a cable, and these are both messy to carry with you and easy to forget. Check out our roundup of the For a full comparison read our roundup of the best MagSafe and magnetic power banks for iPhone. for more choices. Like a few of the most recent magnetic power banks, the Baseus Nomus Magnetic Power Bank boasts its own built-in USB-C cable so is especially useful for iPhone 15/16 owners whose phones feature a USB-C charging port—but wirelessly it works as well for Lightning-port iPhone 12/13/14 users too. The cable can be used to output power to an iPhone 15 or 16 and connect to any USB-C charger to charge the power bank itself. Simon Jary / Foundry Battery test results The Baseus Nomos Magnetic Power Bank has a high battery capacity of 36Wh or 10000mAh. Slimmer iPhone power banks offer less than half of that capacity but 10K is a sweet spot for lots of top-up power and portability. Our testing process involved running an iPhone down to 5% and then using the power bank to take the phone back to 100 percent. Then we run the phone down again until the power bank runs out of juice to keep the phone charged. The Baseus Nomos power bank took the 5 percent-charged iPhone to 100 percent, and then reached a further 71%—meaning the total recharge adds up to a 166% score (95 + 71). That’s not as high as some of the 10K wireless power banks we have tested. The highest any other similar wireless battery pack, the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank, has reached in our tests is 191 percent. Charging speed While the Baseus Magnetic Power Bank came up a little short in our charging tests, its fast-charging performance blows the opposition away. As it uses Qi2 technology, its wireless charging is rated at 15W, which puts it at the top of the pile in this respect. The Anker Zolo is still pegged back at 7.5W. Anker does have a Qi2 power bank—the svelte Anker MagGo 10K Slim Power Bank—but this doesn’t feature a built-in cable. For ultimate charging speed you should charge using the power bank’s built-in USB-C cable that can reach an impressive 45W. That 45W is more useful for some Samsung phones that can suck up that amount of power. It’s likely that even the most recent iPhones won’t accept much more than 30W during charging. Whatever, it’s still much faster than even 15W wireless charging. The integrated 5.5-inch cable is a real benefit when it comes to refilling the power bank as it means you don’t need to find a spare cable when you need to. That’s useful to all iPhone users, but only the 15/16 iPhones can draw power from the power bank using the built-in cable. To charge older iPhones at the fastest speed, the Nomos features a spare USB-C port that you can use with a USB-C to Lightning charging cable instead of using the built-in cable. That port can or the integrated USB-C cable can input recharge the power bank at 30W. Simon Jary / Foundry Size and design Measuring 4.25 x 2.7 x 0.8 inches (10.8 x 6.8 x 2cm) the Baseus Nomos Magnetic Power Bank is around the same size as the Anker Qi2 MagGo Power Bank that matches it on battery capacity and fast wireless charging. That Anker power bank lacks an integrated USB-C cable, however. Anker’s Zolo Magnetic Power Bank is the closest rival in terms of capacity and built-in cable but is pegged back at MagSafe-compatible 7.5W wireless speeds. Like the Zolo the Nomos features a built-in kickstand. It also has a small but useful charging display that shows battery level and input and output power. It weighs a reasonable 8.2oz (232g), which is acceptable. It is available in two smart but hardly exciting colors: black and gray. The integrated USB-C cable neatly folds away into the power bank body. Simon Jary / Foundry Price The Baseus Nomos Magnetic Power Bank (Qi2 45W 10000mAh) is priced at $81.99 and is currently available only in the U.S., either direct or via Amazon. In comparison, the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank is cheaper at just $49.99 but charges wirelessly at 7.5W rather than 15W, and its built-in cable maxes output at 30W. As the iPhone can’t be charged at much more than 30W, this isn’t a significant difference, and that price point might appeal to you. Verdict With its built-in USB-C cable, fast 15W wireless and faster 45W wired charging speeds, the 10K Baseus Nomos Magnetic Power Bank has just about everything a magnetic power bank can offer at the highest levels.

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HP 975 Keyboard and 715 Mouse review
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Competitively priced HPAC app lets you reprogram Fn keys and mouse buttons Good battery life for both devices Can pair using Bluetooth or USB transmitter Cons Mouse isn’t ambidextrous as claimed Mouse may be too small for some people HPAC app could be easier to use No Cmd/Option keys labelled on keyboard Our Verdict HP’s latest keyboard and mice double act are competitively priced, but they don’t cut corners on build quality or providing a range of useful features. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$120.00 Best Prices Today: HP 975 Keyboard Retailer Price $49.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket HP 715 Mouse Price When Reviewed: $79.01 Best Prices Today: $79.01 at HP | $113.78 at Amazon It’s not often that we recommend HP’s range of PC accessories to Mac users, but the company recently launched a number of keyboards, mice and webcams that are now Mac-compatible when used with the HP Accessory Centre app – also known as HPAC – which is available on the Mac App Store (for macOS 11.0 and later). And, as well as being Mac-compatible, its HP 975 Dual-Mode Keyboard and HP 715 Multi-Device Mouse are well designed, versatile and provide good value for money. The 975 Dual-Mode keyboard is a full-size keyboard that looks very similar to rival models from Apple and Logitech, with a slim, low-profile design that includes a row of programmable Function keys, as well as a set of navigation keys and a numeric keypad for number crunching. The dark grey keyboard is sturdily built, and the keys feel firm and responsive when typing, but the keyboard costs just $120/£89.99, so it’s less expensive than rivals such as the Logitech MX Keys ($109.99/£109.99) or Apple’s Magic Keyboard ($129/£129). HP It’s called a dual-mode keyboard as you can pair it with two devices via Bluetooth, and also connect a third device using a small USB wireless transmitter that’s included with the keyboard (although this transmitter has a USB-A interface, so you’ll need to provide an adaptor for Macs that only have USB-C). The keyboard is primarily designed for Windows PCs, so it has a Windows key and Alt key next to the Space bar, but you can reassign those keys to function as the standard Command and Option keys on a Mac using the Keyboard Settings panel on your Mac. You also have the ability to reprogram most of the Function keys as well, using the HPAC app. By default, the top row of Function keys are programmed to provide standard controls such as Volume and Brightness adjustment, and Play/Pause for music and video. However, the HPAC app allows you to reprogram those standard commands very easily, using a simple series of pull-down menus that provide several different commands for each key. And, in addition to those primary commands, you can also assign secondary commands to these keys as well, which are activated by using the Fn key in the bottom left corner of the keyboard. This is a little complicated, though, as the HPAC app doesn’t really explain how to differentiate the primary and secondary commands, which left us randomly stabbing buttons and keys for a while before we figured out how this feature works. Foundry The HPAC app provides a number of other features as well, including the ability to change the brightness and duration of the keyboard backlight, and to give you a warning notification when the battery drops below a specific level. Battery life is good too, lasting for around six months if you don’t use the backlight very often. You can also use the HPAC app with HP’s mice, such as the HP 715 Multi-Device Mouse shown here. Priced at $79.01/£81.60, the HP 715 is quite compact, so you can easily carry it around with a laptop if you want to. I found it a little small compared to the chunky Logitech mouse that I normally use, but that’s a matter of personal taste. And, despite the compact design, the HP 715 manages to find room for lots of useful features, including left/right mouse buttons, and two thumb buttons on the left-hand side of the mouse (which seem mostly suitable for right-handed people, despite HP referring to the mouse’s ambidextrous design). There’s a clickable scroll wheel that can scroll both horizontally and vertically (although the vertical scrolling seems a bit slow, even after adjusting it in the HPAC app). The mouse should last for around three months when fully charged, and HP says that a quick one-minute charge will give you up to three hours of battery life if it runs down when you’re away from the office. HP Like the HP 975 keyboard, the mouse can be paired with two devices using Bluetooth, and a third device using the USB dongle included with the mouse (although the dongle uses a USB-A interface again). You also have great freedom to reprogram the various buttons and scrolling wheel functions – although, once more, this process isn’t clearly explained, so you’ll need to do a bit of experimenting to make the most of the mouse’s many features. Should you buy the HP 975 Keyboard and 715 Mouse? It’s good to see HP extending its support for the Mac, including full Mac-compatibility for its HPAC app. The keyboard and mouse are both well made, with lots of customisable controls to help boost your productivity at work, and their competitive pricing means that the HP 975 and 715 can give rivals such as Logitech and Apple a real run for their money.

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Apple might soon retire its Lightning to Headphone jack adapter
Apple might be quietly discontinuing its Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter, as it is marked as "sold out" in its US online store. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple may soon be discontinuing the Lightning to Headphone Jack adapter
Originally introduced in 2016, it now seems like Apple’s Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter may soon be discontinued (via MacRumors). more…

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M4 Mac reviews go multiball! [The CultCast]
This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: So ... many ... M4 Mac reviews! Griffin says the new Mac mini and the updated iMac make him go gaga. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple drops the Lightning adapter that still let iPhones use wired headphones
Users who haven't got around to buying Apple's short Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter after eight years are now out of luck, as the iPhone 7 accessory appears to be discontinued.Apple's Lightning EarPods and (top) the adapter for users of older EarPods.Apple's Phil Schiller may have described the iPhone 7's dropping of the headphone jack as being "courageous," but the company wasn't brave enough to completely kill off wired headphones. Instead, it simultaneously launched a short, stubby Lightning to 3.5mm adaptor, and included it in the box for the iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone X and XS models.Launched in September 2016, this adapter has now been available to buy for $9 until now, eight years later. Now it's showing as sold out in the US and most other online Apple Stores. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Blender benchmark highlights how powerful the M4 Max’s graphics truly are
Apple released its new MacBook Pros with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chipsets last week – and early CPU benchmarks (via Geekbench) painted a very promising picture for Apple’s highest end M4 Max chipset. Now we’re taking a look at some GPU benchmarks, and the M4 Max continues to hold quite strong. more…

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Could an Upcoming Apple Smart-Home Tablet Lead to Mobile Robots – and Maybe Even a TV Set?
"Here's how Apple's next major product will work," writes Bloomberg's Mark Gurman: The company has been developing a smart home command center that will rival products like the Amazon Echo Hub and Google Nest Hub... The product will run many of Apple's core apps, like Safari, Notes and Calendar, but the interface will be centered on a customizable home screen with iOS-like widgets and smart home controls... The device looks like a low-end iPad and will include a built-in battery, speakers and a FaceTime camera oriented for a horizontal landscape view. The square device, which includes a roughly 6-inch screen, has sensors that let it change the interface depending on how far a user is from the screen. It will also have attachments for walls, plus a base with additional speakers so it can be placed on a table, nightstand or desk. Apple envisions customers using the device as an intercom, with people FaceTiming each other from different rooms. They'll also be able to pull up home security footage, control their lights, and videoconference with family while cooking in the kitchen. And it will control music throughout the home on HomePod speakers. The device will work with hundreds of HomeKit-compatible items, a lineup that includes third-party switches, lights, fans and other accessories. But the company doesn't plan to roll out a dedicated app store for the product. Given the lack of success with app marketplaces for the Vision Pro, Apple Watch and Apple TV, that's not too surprising. Looking ahead, the article concludes "The success of this device is still far from assured. Apple's recent track record pushing into new categories has been spotty, and its previous home products haven't been major hits." But Gurman shares the most interesting part on X.com: If the product does catch on, it will help set the stage for more home devices. Apple is working on a high-end AI companion with a [$1,000] robotic arm and large display that could serve as a follow-up. The company could also put more resources into developing mobile robots, privacy-focused home cameras and speakers. It may even revisit the idea of making an Apple-branded TV set, something it's evaluating. But if the first device fails, Apple may have to rethink its smart home ambitions once again. Gurman also writes that Apple is also working on a new AirTag with more range and improved privacy features (including "making it more difficult for someone to remove the speaker.") Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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