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09 Nov 2024
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Rare iPhone Prototype Was Likely Used for Testing Haptic Button Technology - MacRumors
Apple uses a variety of test devices and prototypes when it is considering new iPhone features, and one such test device was recently discovered by AppleDemoYT, who shared a video today. This rare prototype iPhone was originally sourced from a facility that recycles electronics.
The "Vesica Piscis" iPhone is unique because it doesn't have an Apple logo, and it instead a symbol that looks like two crescent moon shapes. It's a symbol that has been seen on prototype Apple devices before, specifically an early version of the AirTag. The shape that Apple is using is a mathematical shape formed when two disks with the same radius intersect, called vesica piscis in latin. It's a symbol that has influenced everything from architecture to art.
It appears to use components from the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro, though it also has parts that belong to neither of those iPhones. There are volume and power buttons that do not click when pressed. Apple is known to have worked on buttons with haptic feedback for the iPhone 15, but it's not a feature that ever materialized.
There is a single, combined volume button rather than separate buttons, and a modified SIM tray that is shorter than normal and secured with screws. Engraving on the volume button side suggests that the device was at a "Ranger" prototype stage and was used for field testing.
Some of the internal components, such as the camera, are non-functional and appear to be placeholders, and there are a minimal number of internal cables connecting to the logic board. One cable connects to the charging port and another connects to the buttons on the device. The logic board itself has a unique layout that is a cross between the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro.
When turned on, the iPhone displays a message about microcontroller initialization being completed, and when connected to a Mac, it is labeled as "Bender," which seems to be a Futurama reference. It does not respond to input.
Based on the serial number, it appears the device was manufactured in May 2021, which predates the iPhone 13 Pro. It does not seem to be an iPhone 13 Pro prototype, though, because the iPhone 13 Pro would have already been finalized. The camera bump is similar to the iPhone 14 Pro, so it could be a 14 Pro, but the mix of components makes it difficult to identify.
AppleDemoYT speculates that it is a test device for experimental features rather than a prototype for a specific iPhone model, and it may have been designed to test haptic button technology.
Whatever it was used for, the Frankenstein iPhone provides an interesting look at some of the testing that Apple does when considering new features.
This article, "Rare iPhone Prototype Was Likely Used for Testing Haptic Button Technology" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
The "Vesica Piscis" iPhone is unique because it doesn't have an Apple logo, and it instead a symbol that looks like two crescent moon shapes. It's a symbol that has been seen on prototype Apple devices before, specifically an early version of the AirTag. The shape that Apple is using is a mathematical shape formed when two disks with the same radius intersect, called vesica piscis in latin. It's a symbol that has influenced everything from architecture to art.
It appears to use components from the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro, though it also has parts that belong to neither of those iPhones. There are volume and power buttons that do not click when pressed. Apple is known to have worked on buttons with haptic feedback for the iPhone 15, but it's not a feature that ever materialized.
There is a single, combined volume button rather than separate buttons, and a modified SIM tray that is shorter than normal and secured with screws. Engraving on the volume button side suggests that the device was at a "Ranger" prototype stage and was used for field testing.
Some of the internal components, such as the camera, are non-functional and appear to be placeholders, and there are a minimal number of internal cables connecting to the logic board. One cable connects to the charging port and another connects to the buttons on the device. The logic board itself has a unique layout that is a cross between the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro.
When turned on, the iPhone displays a message about microcontroller initialization being completed, and when connected to a Mac, it is labeled as "Bender," which seems to be a Futurama reference. It does not respond to input.
Based on the serial number, it appears the device was manufactured in May 2021, which predates the iPhone 13 Pro. It does not seem to be an iPhone 13 Pro prototype, though, because the iPhone 13 Pro would have already been finalized. The camera bump is similar to the iPhone 14 Pro, so it could be a 14 Pro, but the mix of components makes it difficult to identify.
AppleDemoYT speculates that it is a test device for experimental features rather than a prototype for a specific iPhone model, and it may have been designed to test haptic button technology.
Whatever it was used for, the Frankenstein iPhone provides an interesting look at some of the testing that Apple does when considering new features.
This article, "Rare iPhone Prototype Was Likely Used for Testing Haptic Button Technology" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Rare iPhone Prototype Was Likely Used for Testing Haptic Button Technology - MacRumors
Apple uses a variety of test devices and prototypes when it is considering new iPhone features, and one such test device was recently discovered by AppleDemoYT, who shared a video today. This rare prototype iPhone was originally sourced from a facility that recycles electronics.
The "Vesica Piscis" iPhone is unique because it doesn't have an Apple logo, and it instead a symbol that looks like two crescent moon shapes. It's a symbol that has been seen on prototype Apple devices before, specifically an early version of the AirTag. The shape that Apple is using is a mathematical shape formed when two disks with the same radius intersect, called vesica piscis in latin. It's a symbol that has influenced everything from architecture to art.
It appears to use components from the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro, though it also has parts that belong to neither of those iPhones. There are volume and power buttons that do not click when pressed. Apple is known to have worked on buttons with haptic feedback for the iPhone 15, but it's not a feature that ever materialized.
There is a single, combined volume button rather than separate buttons, and a modified SIM tray that is shorter than normal and secured with screws. Engraving on the volume button side suggests that the device was at a "Ranger" prototype stage and was used for field testing.
Some of the internal components, such as the camera, are non-functional and appear to be placeholders, and there are a minimal number of internal cables connecting to the logic board. One cable connects to the charging port and another connects to the buttons on the device. The logic board itself has a unique layout that is a cross between the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro.
When turned on, the iPhone displays a message about microcontroller initialization being completed, and when connected to a Mac, it is labeled as "Bender," which seems to be a Futurama reference. It does not respond to input.
Based on the serial number, it appears the device was manufactured in May 2021, which predates the iPhone 13 Pro. It does not seem to be an iPhone 13 Pro prototype, though, because the iPhone 13 Pro would have already been finalized. The camera bump is similar to the iPhone 14 Pro, so it could be a 14 Pro, but the mix of components makes it difficult to identify.
AppleDemoYT speculates that it is a test device for experimental features rather than a prototype for a specific iPhone model, and it may have been designed to test haptic button technology.
Whatever it was used for, the Frankenstein iPhone provides an interesting look at some of the testing that Apple does when considering new features.
This article, "Rare iPhone Prototype Was Likely Used for Testing Haptic Button Technology" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
The "Vesica Piscis" iPhone is unique because it doesn't have an Apple logo, and it instead a symbol that looks like two crescent moon shapes. It's a symbol that has been seen on prototype Apple devices before, specifically an early version of the AirTag. The shape that Apple is using is a mathematical shape formed when two disks with the same radius intersect, called vesica piscis in latin. It's a symbol that has influenced everything from architecture to art.
It appears to use components from the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro, though it also has parts that belong to neither of those iPhones. There are volume and power buttons that do not click when pressed. Apple is known to have worked on buttons with haptic feedback for the iPhone 15, but it's not a feature that ever materialized.
There is a single, combined volume button rather than separate buttons, and a modified SIM tray that is shorter than normal and secured with screws. Engraving on the volume button side suggests that the device was at a "Ranger" prototype stage and was used for field testing.
Some of the internal components, such as the camera, are non-functional and appear to be placeholders, and there are a minimal number of internal cables connecting to the logic board. One cable connects to the charging port and another connects to the buttons on the device. The logic board itself has a unique layout that is a cross between the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro.
When turned on, the iPhone displays a message about microcontroller initialization being completed, and when connected to a Mac, it is labeled as "Bender," which seems to be a Futurama reference. It does not respond to input.
Based on the serial number, it appears the device was manufactured in May 2021, which predates the iPhone 13 Pro. It does not seem to be an iPhone 13 Pro prototype, though, because the iPhone 13 Pro would have already been finalized. The camera bump is similar to the iPhone 14 Pro, so it could be a 14 Pro, but the mix of components makes it difficult to identify.
AppleDemoYT speculates that it is a test device for experimental features rather than a prototype for a specific iPhone model, and it may have been designed to test haptic button technology.
Whatever it was used for, the Frankenstein iPhone provides an interesting look at some of the testing that Apple does when considering new features.
This article, "Rare iPhone Prototype Was Likely Used for Testing Haptic Button Technology" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Amazon Discounts the 13-Inch M2 MacBook Air With 16GB RAM to $749.99 Low Price - MacRumors
Amazon today introduced a new price drop on the M2 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM, specifically for the 13-inch model with 256GB of storage. You can get this computer for $749.99 in two colors, down from $999.00.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
This deal beats the previous low price by about $50, and it requires you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final sale price. Amazon has the MacBook Air in Space Gray and Midnight at this price, and right now they're the only retailer offering it.
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
$249 OFF13-inch M2 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB) for $749.99
Apple updated the MacBook Air lineup last week to start with 16GB of RAM, up from 8GB, and otherwise there have been no changes to the computer.
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Amazon Discounts the 13-Inch M2 MacBook Air With 16GB RAM to $749.99 Low Price" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
This deal beats the previous low price by about $50, and it requires you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final sale price. Amazon has the MacBook Air in Space Gray and Midnight at this price, and right now they're the only retailer offering it.
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
$249 OFF13-inch M2 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB) for $749.99
Apple updated the MacBook Air lineup last week to start with 16GB of RAM, up from 8GB, and otherwise there have been no changes to the computer.
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Amazon Discounts the 13-Inch M2 MacBook Air With 16GB RAM to $749.99 Low Price" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Amazon Discounts the 13-Inch M2 MacBook Air With 16GB RAM to $749.99 Low Price - MacRumors
Amazon today introduced a new price drop on the M2 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM, specifically for the 13-inch model with 256GB of storage. You can get this computer for $749.99 in two colors, down from $999.00.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
This deal beats the previous low price by about $50, and it requires you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final sale price. Amazon has the MacBook Air in Space Gray and Midnight at this price, and right now they're the only retailer offering it.
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
$249 OFF13-inch M2 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB) for $749.99
Apple updated the MacBook Air lineup last week to start with 16GB of RAM, up from 8GB, and otherwise there have been no changes to the computer.
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Amazon Discounts the 13-Inch M2 MacBook Air With 16GB RAM to $749.99 Low Price" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
This deal beats the previous low price by about $50, and it requires you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final sale price. Amazon has the MacBook Air in Space Gray and Midnight at this price, and right now they're the only retailer offering it.
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
$249 OFF13-inch M2 MacBook Air (16GB/256GB) for $749.99
Apple updated the MacBook Air lineup last week to start with 16GB of RAM, up from 8GB, and otherwise there have been no changes to the computer.
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Amazon Discounts the 13-Inch M2 MacBook Air With 16GB RAM to $749.99 Low Price" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
New Mac Mini's Storage Can Be Upgraded, But It's Not Easy - MacRumors
Quinn Nelson has shared a super informative teardown video for the new Mac mini on his YouTube channel Snazzy Labs, offering the most comprehensive look inside Apple's smallest computer ever that we have seen so far. Give it a watch below.
Yesterday, we reported that the new Mac mini features modular storage, and YouTube channel dosdude1 has already opened up the base model and upgraded its storage capacity from 256GB to 1TB. The steps included removing the original NAND storage chips from the board with a heat gun, preparing the new NAND chips by reballing them, soldering the new NAND chips to the board, and restoring the Mac mini in DFU Mode.
While those steps are impractical for the average customer, the video proves that storage in the new Mac mini can technically be upgraded without having to pay for Apple's overpriced storage upgrade options when ordering the computer.
Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: TeardownBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini's Storage Can Be Upgraded, But It's Not Easy" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Yesterday, we reported that the new Mac mini features modular storage, and YouTube channel dosdude1 has already opened up the base model and upgraded its storage capacity from 256GB to 1TB. The steps included removing the original NAND storage chips from the board with a heat gun, preparing the new NAND chips by reballing them, soldering the new NAND chips to the board, and restoring the Mac mini in DFU Mode.
While those steps are impractical for the average customer, the video proves that storage in the new Mac mini can technically be upgraded without having to pay for Apple's overpriced storage upgrade options when ordering the computer.
Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: TeardownBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini's Storage Can Be Upgraded, But It's Not Easy" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
New Mac Mini's Storage Can Be Upgraded, But It's Not Easy - MacRumors
Quinn Nelson has shared a super informative teardown video for the new Mac mini on his YouTube channel Snazzy Labs, offering the most comprehensive look inside Apple's smallest computer ever that we have seen so far. Give it a watch below.
Yesterday, we reported that the new Mac mini features modular storage, and YouTube channel dosdude1 has already opened up the base model and upgraded its storage capacity from 256GB to 1TB. The steps included removing the original NAND storage chips from the board with a heat gun, preparing the new NAND chips by reballing them, soldering the new NAND chips to the board, and restoring the Mac mini in DFU Mode.
While those steps are impractical for the average customer, the video proves that storage in the new Mac mini can technically be upgraded without having to pay for Apple's overpriced storage upgrade options when ordering the computer.
Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: TeardownBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini's Storage Can Be Upgraded, But It's Not Easy" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Yesterday, we reported that the new Mac mini features modular storage, and YouTube channel dosdude1 has already opened up the base model and upgraded its storage capacity from 256GB to 1TB. The steps included removing the original NAND storage chips from the board with a heat gun, preparing the new NAND chips by reballing them, soldering the new NAND chips to the board, and restoring the Mac mini in DFU Mode.
While those steps are impractical for the average customer, the video proves that storage in the new Mac mini can technically be upgraded without having to pay for Apple's overpriced storage upgrade options when ordering the computer.
Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: TeardownBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini's Storage Can Be Upgraded, But It's Not Easy" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Top Stories: M4 Mac Launch, iOS 18.2 Changes, and More - MacRumors
There's been a lot to catch up since last week's introduction of the M4 MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac models, and we've learned more about the new machines as they've made their way into the hands of reviewers and now regular customers.
Apple is also rolling along on iOS 18.2 development with additional Apple Intelligence features, and it's now in public beta as well as developer beta ahead of an expected early December release. Read on below for all the details on these stories and more!
M4 Pro Chip Benchmark Results Reveal an Extremely Impressive Performance Feat
Ahead of the official launch of the M4 Macs, we began seeing some impressive benchmarks for the new chips. While we had some idea of the raw performance of the base M4 chip given its inclusion in the iPad Pro released earlier this year, the M4 Pro and M4 Max are brand-new higher-end chips with correspondingly better performance.
The M4 Pro tops even the M2 Ultra in multi-core CPU performance, with the M4 Max pushing things even further with two additional CPU cores compared to the M4 Pro in their highest configurations. On the graphics side, the new M4 Max can't quite match the M2 Ultra with its 76-core GPU at the high end, but it comes pretty close and blows past the M3 Max.
For a comparison of all of the M4 variants found in the latest Macs, be sure to check out our guide.
Mac Mini With M4 and M4 Pro Reviews: Smaller Design and Pro Performance Make for Major Upgrade
With the new M4 Macs being announced around a week and a half of ahead of their public launch, media and YouTubers were able to get some early hands-on time with the new machines.
Reviewers appreciated the Mac mini's redesign and beefed-up power, while the MacBook Pro delivers solid spec improvements and a fantastic new nano-texture display glass option. The M4 iMac offers a similar nano-texture glass option, a Center Stage camera, and updated colors.
We've had a brief chance to go hands-on with the Mac mini ourselves, and it's definitely an impressive upgrade in nearly every way.
Apple Silicon Unified Memory: How Much Mac RAM Do You Need?
With all Macs now starting with at least 16GB of unified memory, it's worth considering how much you should opt for when choosing or configuring a new Mac for purchase. After all, memory can't be upgraded after purchase, so you need to get it right the first time.
One of our latest guides walks through the various memory options ranging from 16GB on consumer machines all the way up to a maximum of 192GB on the Mac Pro, so see where you fall based on the tasks you need your Mac to be able to accomplish.
Everything New in iOS 18.2 Beta 2
Apple is continuing work on iOS 18.2 and related updates that are expected to officially launch in early December, and the latest beta seeded to developers and public beta testers this week includes a number of changes.
A new Find My feature lets you temporarily share the location of an item like an AirTag with an "airline or trusted person" which can be useful when trying to track down lost luggage or other items. Siri integration with ChatGPT has been enhanced with information on daily limits for free users, as well as offering the ability to upgrade to a paid ChatGPT Plus plan. There are a number of other tweaks in the latest beta, so check out the full article for more!
Apple Acquires Photo Editing App Maker Pixelmator
In a surprise announcement, Pixelmator shared that it is being acquired by Apple, bringing its popular Pixelmator and Photomator apps under Apple's purview.
While there will be no immediate changes to the existing apps, the move could eventually see Pixelmator become an advanced image editing app for Apple, which previously offered Aperture in that role but ceased development on it a decade ago and it eventually stopped working on machines running macOS Catalina and later.
The Best Early Black Friday Apple Deals
Yes, it's that time of year again! Holiday shopping deals are already kicking into high gear with several weeks still to go before the main shopping blitz.
We're seeing solid deals on Apple products like AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and more, so make sure to keep tabs on all of our coverage to help save some money on all of those holiday gifts!
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!Tag: Top Stories
This article, "Top Stories: M4 Mac Launch, iOS 18.2 Changes, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple is also rolling along on iOS 18.2 development with additional Apple Intelligence features, and it's now in public beta as well as developer beta ahead of an expected early December release. Read on below for all the details on these stories and more!
M4 Pro Chip Benchmark Results Reveal an Extremely Impressive Performance Feat
Ahead of the official launch of the M4 Macs, we began seeing some impressive benchmarks for the new chips. While we had some idea of the raw performance of the base M4 chip given its inclusion in the iPad Pro released earlier this year, the M4 Pro and M4 Max are brand-new higher-end chips with correspondingly better performance.
The M4 Pro tops even the M2 Ultra in multi-core CPU performance, with the M4 Max pushing things even further with two additional CPU cores compared to the M4 Pro in their highest configurations. On the graphics side, the new M4 Max can't quite match the M2 Ultra with its 76-core GPU at the high end, but it comes pretty close and blows past the M3 Max.
For a comparison of all of the M4 variants found in the latest Macs, be sure to check out our guide.
Mac Mini With M4 and M4 Pro Reviews: Smaller Design and Pro Performance Make for Major Upgrade
With the new M4 Macs being announced around a week and a half of ahead of their public launch, media and YouTubers were able to get some early hands-on time with the new machines.
Reviewers appreciated the Mac mini's redesign and beefed-up power, while the MacBook Pro delivers solid spec improvements and a fantastic new nano-texture display glass option. The M4 iMac offers a similar nano-texture glass option, a Center Stage camera, and updated colors.
We've had a brief chance to go hands-on with the Mac mini ourselves, and it's definitely an impressive upgrade in nearly every way.
Apple Silicon Unified Memory: How Much Mac RAM Do You Need?
With all Macs now starting with at least 16GB of unified memory, it's worth considering how much you should opt for when choosing or configuring a new Mac for purchase. After all, memory can't be upgraded after purchase, so you need to get it right the first time.
One of our latest guides walks through the various memory options ranging from 16GB on consumer machines all the way up to a maximum of 192GB on the Mac Pro, so see where you fall based on the tasks you need your Mac to be able to accomplish.
Everything New in iOS 18.2 Beta 2
Apple is continuing work on iOS 18.2 and related updates that are expected to officially launch in early December, and the latest beta seeded to developers and public beta testers this week includes a number of changes.
A new Find My feature lets you temporarily share the location of an item like an AirTag with an "airline or trusted person" which can be useful when trying to track down lost luggage or other items. Siri integration with ChatGPT has been enhanced with information on daily limits for free users, as well as offering the ability to upgrade to a paid ChatGPT Plus plan. There are a number of other tweaks in the latest beta, so check out the full article for more!
Apple Acquires Photo Editing App Maker Pixelmator
In a surprise announcement, Pixelmator shared that it is being acquired by Apple, bringing its popular Pixelmator and Photomator apps under Apple's purview.
While there will be no immediate changes to the existing apps, the move could eventually see Pixelmator become an advanced image editing app for Apple, which previously offered Aperture in that role but ceased development on it a decade ago and it eventually stopped working on machines running macOS Catalina and later.
The Best Early Black Friday Apple Deals
Yes, it's that time of year again! Holiday shopping deals are already kicking into high gear with several weeks still to go before the main shopping blitz.
We're seeing solid deals on Apple products like AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and more, so make sure to keep tabs on all of our coverage to help save some money on all of those holiday gifts!
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!Tag: Top Stories
This article, "Top Stories: M4 Mac Launch, iOS 18.2 Changes, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Top Stories: M4 Mac Launch, iOS 18.2 Changes, and More - MacRumors
There's been a lot to catch up since last week's introduction of the M4 MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac models, and we've learned more about the new machines as they've made their way into the hands of reviewers and now regular customers.
Apple is also rolling along on iOS 18.2 development with additional Apple Intelligence features, and it's now in public beta as well as developer beta ahead of an expected early December release. Read on below for all the details on these stories and more!
M4 Pro Chip Benchmark Results Reveal an Extremely Impressive Performance Feat
Ahead of the official launch of the M4 Macs, we began seeing some impressive benchmarks for the new chips. While we had some idea of the raw performance of the base M4 chip given its inclusion in the iPad Pro released earlier this year, the M4 Pro and M4 Max are brand-new higher-end chips with correspondingly better performance.
The M4 Pro tops even the M2 Ultra in multi-core CPU performance, with the M4 Max pushing things even further with two additional CPU cores compared to the M4 Pro in their highest configurations. On the graphics side, the new M4 Max can't quite match the M2 Ultra with its 76-core GPU at the high end, but it comes pretty close and blows past the M3 Max.
For a comparison of all of the M4 variants found in the latest Macs, be sure to check out our guide.
Mac Mini With M4 and M4 Pro Reviews: Smaller Design and Pro Performance Make for Major Upgrade
With the new M4 Macs being announced around a week and a half of ahead of their public launch, media and YouTubers were able to get some early hands-on time with the new machines.
Reviewers appreciated the Mac mini's redesign and beefed-up power, while the MacBook Pro delivers solid spec improvements and a fantastic new nano-texture display glass option. The M4 iMac offers a similar nano-texture glass option, a Center Stage camera, and updated colors.
We've had a brief chance to go hands-on with the Mac mini ourselves, and it's definitely an impressive upgrade in nearly every way.
Apple Silicon Unified Memory: How Much Mac RAM Do You Need?
With all Macs now starting with at least 16GB of unified memory, it's worth considering how much you should opt for when choosing or configuring a new Mac for purchase. After all, memory can't be upgraded after purchase, so you need to get it right the first time.
One of our latest guides walks through the various memory options ranging from 16GB on consumer machines all the way up to a maximum of 192GB on the Mac Pro, so see where you fall based on the tasks you need your Mac to be able to accomplish.
Everything New in iOS 18.2 Beta 2
Apple is continuing work on iOS 18.2 and related updates that are expected to officially launch in early December, and the latest beta seeded to developers and public beta testers this week includes a number of changes.
A new Find My feature lets you temporarily share the location of an item like an AirTag with an "airline or trusted person" which can be useful when trying to track down lost luggage or other items. Siri integration with ChatGPT has been enhanced with information on daily limits for free users, as well as offering the ability to upgrade to a paid ChatGPT Plus plan. There are a number of other tweaks in the latest beta, so check out the full article for more!
Apple Acquires Photo Editing App Maker Pixelmator
In a surprise announcement, Pixelmator shared that it is being acquired by Apple, bringing its popular Pixelmator and Photomator apps under Apple's purview.
While there will be no immediate changes to the existing apps, the move could eventually see Pixelmator become an advanced image editing app for Apple, which previously offered Aperture in that role but ceased development on it a decade ago and it eventually stopped working on machines running macOS Catalina and later.
The Best Early Black Friday Apple Deals
Yes, it's that time of year again! Holiday shopping deals are already kicking into high gear with several weeks still to go before the main shopping blitz.
We're seeing solid deals on Apple products like AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and more, so make sure to keep tabs on all of our coverage to help save some money on all of those holiday gifts!
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!Tag: Top Stories
This article, "Top Stories: M4 Mac Launch, iOS 18.2 Changes, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple is also rolling along on iOS 18.2 development with additional Apple Intelligence features, and it's now in public beta as well as developer beta ahead of an expected early December release. Read on below for all the details on these stories and more!
M4 Pro Chip Benchmark Results Reveal an Extremely Impressive Performance Feat
Ahead of the official launch of the M4 Macs, we began seeing some impressive benchmarks for the new chips. While we had some idea of the raw performance of the base M4 chip given its inclusion in the iPad Pro released earlier this year, the M4 Pro and M4 Max are brand-new higher-end chips with correspondingly better performance.
The M4 Pro tops even the M2 Ultra in multi-core CPU performance, with the M4 Max pushing things even further with two additional CPU cores compared to the M4 Pro in their highest configurations. On the graphics side, the new M4 Max can't quite match the M2 Ultra with its 76-core GPU at the high end, but it comes pretty close and blows past the M3 Max.
For a comparison of all of the M4 variants found in the latest Macs, be sure to check out our guide.
Mac Mini With M4 and M4 Pro Reviews: Smaller Design and Pro Performance Make for Major Upgrade
With the new M4 Macs being announced around a week and a half of ahead of their public launch, media and YouTubers were able to get some early hands-on time with the new machines.
Reviewers appreciated the Mac mini's redesign and beefed-up power, while the MacBook Pro delivers solid spec improvements and a fantastic new nano-texture display glass option. The M4 iMac offers a similar nano-texture glass option, a Center Stage camera, and updated colors.
We've had a brief chance to go hands-on with the Mac mini ourselves, and it's definitely an impressive upgrade in nearly every way.
Apple Silicon Unified Memory: How Much Mac RAM Do You Need?
With all Macs now starting with at least 16GB of unified memory, it's worth considering how much you should opt for when choosing or configuring a new Mac for purchase. After all, memory can't be upgraded after purchase, so you need to get it right the first time.
One of our latest guides walks through the various memory options ranging from 16GB on consumer machines all the way up to a maximum of 192GB on the Mac Pro, so see where you fall based on the tasks you need your Mac to be able to accomplish.
Everything New in iOS 18.2 Beta 2
Apple is continuing work on iOS 18.2 and related updates that are expected to officially launch in early December, and the latest beta seeded to developers and public beta testers this week includes a number of changes.
A new Find My feature lets you temporarily share the location of an item like an AirTag with an "airline or trusted person" which can be useful when trying to track down lost luggage or other items. Siri integration with ChatGPT has been enhanced with information on daily limits for free users, as well as offering the ability to upgrade to a paid ChatGPT Plus plan. There are a number of other tweaks in the latest beta, so check out the full article for more!
Apple Acquires Photo Editing App Maker Pixelmator
In a surprise announcement, Pixelmator shared that it is being acquired by Apple, bringing its popular Pixelmator and Photomator apps under Apple's purview.
While there will be no immediate changes to the existing apps, the move could eventually see Pixelmator become an advanced image editing app for Apple, which previously offered Aperture in that role but ceased development on it a decade ago and it eventually stopped working on machines running macOS Catalina and later.
The Best Early Black Friday Apple Deals
Yes, it's that time of year again! Holiday shopping deals are already kicking into high gear with several weeks still to go before the main shopping blitz.
We're seeing solid deals on Apple products like AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and more, so make sure to keep tabs on all of our coverage to help save some money on all of those holiday gifts!
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!Tag: Top Stories
This article, "Top Stories: M4 Mac Launch, iOS 18.2 Changes, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Awe-inspiring science reporting, technology news, and DIY projects. Skunks to space robots, primates to climates. That's Popular Science, 150 years strong.
This weird craft trend is going viral … and you’ll want in - Popular Science
Scrapbooking has evolved. Forget perfectly placed photos on pristine pages. Junk journaling is a looser, more expressive way to preserve your memories. Think movie stubs, concert wristbands, even that napkin with a funny doodle on it.
Anyone can start a junk journal—yes, even those who don’t think they’re artistically gifted. Supplies include junk, a journal, pens, tape/glue, and this Kodak instant photo printer (if you want to get extra crafty). Print inkless photos or make DIY stickers for $69.99 (reg. $99.99). Save 30 percent on this gadget while supplies last—we only have 50 left!
How to start your junk journalGot a Friendsgiving coming up? Turn the event into your first junk journal spread.
The most important thing is to get pictures of you and your friends. At the gathering, you might show off your pocket photo printer. Use the free Kodak app to add a fun photo border, filter, and stickers, and print an adhesive-backed photo in under 60 seconds.
Before you head home, grab every piece of “junk” you can find for your journal: your name card, a napkin, ribbon, turkey-shaped confetti, etc. The more creative you are, the better.
Arrange everything on your blank journal page in any way you’d like. If you have any blank spots, you might find some Thanksgiving pictures online, print them, and cut them out like DIY stickers.
Great gift for creativesIf you know someone who’s into photography or Polaroid cameras, this could also make an excellent gifting option. It’s a bit more modern, easier to use, and the replacement film is cheaper. Plus, the printers come in fun colors.
Grab one of these Kodak Step photo printers for $69.99 (reg. $99.99) before they’re sold out to save 30 percent.
Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer – $69.99
StackSocial prices subject to change.
The post This weird craft trend is going viral … and you’ll want in appeared first on Popular Science.
Awe-inspiring science reporting, technology news, and DIY projects. Skunks to space robots, primates to climates. That's Popular Science, 150 years strong.
10 striking snapshots from the Weather Photographer of the Year awards - Popular Science
Foreboding clouds, snow-kissed countrysides, and clashes of seasons. The winners of this year’s Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year Competition showcase our planet’s volatile beauty.
Photographer Gerson Turelly took home the competition’s inaugural Standard Chartered Climate Award, which was implemented to document the connection between weather patterns and the broader implications of climate change. Turelly’s photograph (below) shows a kayaker navigating the streets of Porto Alegre, Brazil after destructive floods pummeled the area last spring.
“Rowing”Climate Award
This compelling image shows the centre of Porto Alegre, Brazil, during the devastating Rio Grande do Sul floods in Spring 2024. In this image, a road has turned into a waterway down which a young man paddles his kayak. Gerson notes that the kayaker was headed towards the worst affected areas to help rescue stranded people.
Credit: Gerson Turelly
The Royal Meteorological Society announced the winners, selected by a panel of experts from the fields of meteorology, photography and journalism. This year, the competition received entries from photographers in 84 countries.
“I’m delighted with the variety and quality of this year’s winning photographs which show a real window into the world’s weather and climate, in both its regional differences and its interconnectivity,” judge and Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society Liz Bentley said. “From African dust impacting on Athens to tranquil weather over volcanoes, from a sudden local downpour to increased intense rainfall and flooding around the world, we are reminded that climate change is impacting on weather patterns everywhere, and that the global community needs to come together to act now and curb any further temperature rise.”
“Sprites Dancing in the Dark Night”Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year 2024
As multiple thunderstorms raged around Shanghai, Xin travelled to the Chongming District and after a few hours, a “faint red figure” flashed in their eyes and this remarkable image was captured. The judges commented that it is rare to see an image with this extent and number of sprites.
Credit: Wang Xin “Circular Rainbow”
Smartphone Third Place
Peter held his camera phone steady through a turbulent landing at Seattle- Tacoma International Airport to capture this complete circular rainbow. Our judges enjoyed how the image “encapsulates the spirit of smartphone photography” in its opportunism. The circular rainbow would have been there for just a second and Peter captured it.
Credit: Peter Reinold Peter Reinold “Fire and Ice”
Young Weather Photographer Third Place
Lincoln grabbed his camera and took this picture from his house in Austin, Texas, as a thunderstorm began rolling in. The Gulf of Mexico is warming rapidly due to climate change, boosting the supply of moist air and raising the potential of intense storms in the region.
Credit: Lincoln Wheelwright “Hoarfrost Heaven”
Main Title Runner up
A spectacular display of hoar frost over the Derwent Valley, UK. Judges loved the colours and light in Andy’s photo, as well as the sense of layers provided by the rolling hills, the different types of trees and the thin layers of mist. As one judge put it: “The more you stare at it, the more you see.”
Credit: Andy Gray “African Dust Over Athens”
Smartphone Runner Up
The influence of Saharan dust on Athens during April 2023 and is a reminder of the interconnectivity of weather conditions around the world, an aspect that particularly impressed the judges.
Credit: Lesley Hellgeth “Saturated Earth and Sky’s Promise“
Young Weather Photographer Runner Up
A panoramic image of Cuckmere Valley in East Sussex. The judging panel noted how the photograph seems to contain two seasons: summer on the left and autumn on the right. The beauty of the sky contrasted with the flooding on the ground is a reminder of both the wonder and misery the sky can bring.
Credit: Ellis Skelton Untitled
Standard Chartered Smartphone Weather Photographer of the Year Winner
[The photographer] had gone out with the expectation of capturing a sunrise but was instead rewarded with this glorious view of smoking volcanoes in East Java, Indonesia. The judging panel praised the subtlety of the shot, appreciating the combination of the curves of the landscape and the curves of the tree in the foreground with the basin of clouds and the blue sky above.
Credit: Nur Syaireen Natasya Binti Azaharin ‘Rain Aria’
Young Weather Photographer of the Year
[Windmann’s] winning photo captured this stunning shot during an open-air performance of Madame Butterfly on the eastern shore of Bodensee (also known as Lake Constance) in Bregenz, Austria.
Credit: Angelina Widmann
The post 10 striking snapshots from the Weather Photographer of the Year awards appeared first on Popular Science.
Awe-inspiring science reporting, technology news, and DIY projects. Skunks to space robots, primates to climates. That's Popular Science, 150 years strong.
Why overpay for international data when you have this travel hack? - Popular Science
Are you traveling abroad for the holidays or checking off a bucket list destination? We’re a little jealous of your upcoming adventure. But, we’re not so jealous of how much your international phone plan will be when you get the bill in the mail.
Instead of getting the usual physical SIM card from your provider (we’re looking at you, Verizon), and paying an arm and a leg to stay connected while you’re traipsing through Paris or Tokyo, why not try aloSIM? This digital SIM card comes with $50 to spend on mobile data, and right now, it’s only $24.97 (reg. $50) for one day more.
The most affordable way to stay connectedA digital SIM card is essentially mobile data, so you don’t have to worry about getting a physical SIM card through your mobile carrier—or deal with overpriced roaming charges when you return. Check out how easy it is to use aloSIM:
- Download aloSIM to your phone, tablet, or computer. You can only use this eSIM on one device only!
- Select a data package for the location and duration of your trip. aloSIM works in over 175 countries and has plans starting as low as $4.50 and as short as a week or as long as a month.
- Activate the data package when you arrive at your destination. We recommend setting up your eSIM before you even arrive at the airport so you don’t have to deal with extra stress or spotty WiFi.
You’ll get a free Hushed phone number along with your eSIM and data credits. This second phone line is perfect if you need to leave a number for your dinner or tour reservation but don’t want to put down your actual number.
One important thing to keep in mind is that data packages expire at the length of time stated at redemption, even if you have remaining data. This means leftover data from your trip to France or Japan will not carry over for future use.
Save on international data for life and get aloSIM and $50 of data credits for just $24.97 while supplies last. This offer ends tomorrow, November 10 at 11:59 p.m.
aloSIM Traveler’s Mobile Data Plan: Pay $25 for $50 Credit
Only $24.97 at Popular Science
StackSocial prices subject to change.
The post Why overpay for international data when you have this travel hack? appeared first on Popular Science.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger12310125
Dressing Miku - Google Maps Mania
tldr: miku-earth is an interactive map of people's drawings of the virtual idol Hatsune Miku dressed in the national costumes of countries and subcultures around the world.I like to imagine that Hatsune Miku is just the first step in a new era of virtual celebrities, paving the way for the likes of William Gibson’s Rei Toei to suddenly emerge as real virtual beings. Both Miku and Rei Keir Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052313829398691711noreply@blogger.com0
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger12310125
Dressing Miku - Google Maps Mania
tldr: miku-earth is an interactive map of people's drawings of the virtual idol Hatsune Miku dressed in the national costumes of countries and subcultures around the world.I like to imagine that Hatsune Miku is just the first step in a new era of virtual celebrities, paving the way for the likes of William Gibson’s Rei Toei to suddenly emerge as real virtual beings. Both Miku and Rei Keir Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052313829398691711noreply@blogger.com0
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
MacRumors 2024 Gift Guide - MacRumors
If you're looking for the perfect tech or tech-adjacent holiday present for someone who loves Apple products or just uses them daily, we've come up with useful suggestions that might be helpful to you.
These are some of our favorite products, many of which we use personally or have gifted to our friends and family members in the past. We'll be adding to the list throughout November, so check back in for more ideas.
Aura Frames
Priced starting at $149, Aura digital frames make a good gift for anyone who has digital photos, which is most of us these days. You can load photos on the frame using the Aura iPhone app, and since images are stored in the cloud, there's no limit.
Multiple people can upload images to a single frame, so it's a great way to share photos with friends and family members. If you know someone that's not technically savvy, like a grandparent, it's still the perfect gift because you can load photos for them remotely. The $149 10.1-inch Carver is Aura's most affordable option, but there are sizes up to 15 inches, like the $299 Walden. Aura also makes higher resolution options, including the $199 Mason, and all the frames come in multiple colors to match any decor.
Everyone I've gifted an Aura frame to has loved it, and it's my go-to for people that are hard to shop for.
Nanoleaf Light Panels and Display Boxes
Nanoleaf recently came out with some of its most useful light panels to date, the Blocks. Priced starting at $225 for the combo kit, the Blocks come with different options like a pegboard you can hang things on, a shelf for knick knacks, and a texture panel that adds visual interest. There are smaller and larger squares, and all of the pieces are interchangeable for creating a unique setup.
Like all Nanoleaf products, the Blocks can be controlled with the Nanoleaf app or with HomeKit, and can be set to multi-colored patterns in a range of shades. These lights are bright enough to serve as a replacement for a standard light, which makes them extra versatile. Any gamer would appreciate these panels for a gaming setup, but they also work around TVs, in offices, and more.
If you know someone that has collectibles, Nanoleaf also has the $250 EXPO Smart LED Display Case. This is the perfect gift for someone that collects high-end sneakers, anime figures, or anything in that vein. It can be set to 16 million colors or shades of white, and colors can change in time with music.
For those that already have a Nanoleaf setup, the $27 Sense+ Smart Wireless Switch is a sensible and inexpensive add-on that's super useful. It provides a physical control option for HomeKit lights, and there are built-in motion and daylight sensors for automating scenes. The Sense+ can be used for turning lights on or off, dimming lights, and swapping scenes.
Sonos Ace Headphones
Apple's recent AirPods Max "refresh" was disappointing and only added a USB-C port, and there are several other noise cancelling headphones on the market that are a better investment in 2024, like the Sonos Ace. Priced at $449, the Sonos Ace are cheaper than the AirPods Max and offer a more comfortable fit thanks to a lighter weight. There isn't as much pressure on the head with the Sonos Ace, and the ear cups are a comfortable memory foam that can fit a wide range of ear shapes and sizes.
When we tested out the Sonos Ace earlier this year, and we were impressed with the sound quality. Sonos added support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, and there's a TrueCinema feature that maps the space around you for the best surround sound. ANC blocks out irritating noise around you as well as the AirPods Max do, but if you need to hear sounds from the surroundings, there's an Aware Mode.
You can also pair the Sonos Ace with the Arc and the Arc Ultra Soundbars, which makes them a solid gift for someone in the Sonos ecosystem or someone looking for comfortable, premium over-ear headphones.
AirPods
You'll never go wrong with AirPods as a gift, and this year there are three solid options to choose from. For the best noise cancelling, Apple sells the $249 AirPods Pro 2, but you can probably find a pre-holiday sale to get them even cheaper.
The AirPods Pro 2 have silicone tips that fit snugly in the ears to drown out sound, and with hearing aid support, these are the best bet if you have a family member that has mild hearing loss but doesn't wear hearing aids.
People with hearing loss that have tested this out have been impressed with how well the hearing aid capability works, and AirPods Pro are much, much cheaper than traditional hearing aids. Hearing aid capabilities aren't yet available everywhere, including Canada and Australia, but support is available in Europe, the U.S., and 90+ other countries and regions.
If you're purchasing for someone who doesn't like silicone ear tips, the AirPods 4 are an option. You can get them with or without Active Noise Cancellation. The ANC version doesn't cut out quite as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2, but it's enough to make a difference.
With ANC, the AirPods 4 cost $179, and without ANC, they're $129, which is the cheapest price Apple offers for AirPods. You might see some minor sales around Black Friday, but deep discounts are unlikely because the AirPods 4 are newer.
Aqara U300 Smart Lock
It's probably a little weird to gift someone a Smart Lock for the holidays, but it's a genuinely useful home product that a lot of people probably don't have already.
I've tested a few different smart locks, and I'm a fan of Aqara's options. The $200 U300 is the newest model, and it's for doors that only have a handle and not a deadbolt, like a door into a garage.
The $270 U200 is designed for doors that have a deadbolt, so your standard front or back door, plus there's the more affordable $190 U100 version. I like Aqara locks because there are so many ways to unlock them. They have support for Home Keys so you can use NFC with your iPhone or Apple Watch Wallet app, but there are also passcodes you can enter with the keypad, NFC cards, and even a fingerprint sensor that works surprisingly well. You can let in guests, have the door autolock after it's closed, and set alarms.
Aqara does recommend a hub with its locks so you can control them away from home, but it's not entirely necessary. I also like a hub, because it ensures my locks are always connected to Wi-Fi and I don't run into connectivity issues. Aqara has some other useful sensors like its Presence Sensor for motion detection and activating HomeKit scenes, but I haven't tried them out. They're worth looking at if you're considering an Aqara lock and hub, since they also connect to the hub.
Philips Hue Lights
I think I've tried every HomeKit smart bulb and light available at this point, and Philips Hue lights are unquestionably the best you can get. I have no patience for lights that constantly disconnect or have connectivity issues, and the Hue bulbs don't. Yes, there is a $60 Bridge, but it's worth it, and not all lights require it.
The $200 White and Color Starter Kit comes with four Hue bulbs that can go in any lamp that supports E26 bulbs, and it comes with the hub. It's one of the best bets if you're buying a gift for someone who is new to smart home products. The bulbs can be controlled with the Home app or the Hue app, and they can be set to 16 million colors. Hue has great light effects and scenes that really shine when you have multiple bulbs.
For a cheaper option, there's the $70 Starter Kit that comes with a hub and two E26 white bulbs. There's no color with these, but they can be set to different shades of white.
For computer or media setups, the Gradient Light Strips priced starting at $70 are excellent. Some other options:
Mokuyobi Bags and Backpacks
For something beyond the boring black and brown computer bags you see everywhere, Mokuyobi has a range of multicolored bags in multiple styles. Most of them come with padded laptop compartments that are ideal for Macs and iPads, along with tons of other pockets.
I have several Mokuyobi bags that I have used for years and they still look brand new, and I get compliments on them all the time. This is a solid option if you're shopping for someone who likes color. I especially like the mega backpack because it holds a laptop and an absolute ton of other stuff, so it makes a useful carry-on for flights.
There are smaller backpacks too, from the classic looking Atlas to the pocket laden Flyer backpack. You can also get colorful laptop cases that fit everything up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro. The bags from Mokuyobi aren't cheap, but they come with a lifetime warranty.
Bambu Lab 3D Printer
Bambu Lab makes a range of 3D printers that you can print to using just an app on your iPhone or your Mac. The A1 Mini is just $200, or $349 with the AMS Lite that lets you print with up to four filament colors. Bambu's printers are sort of the iPhone of 3D printers in that they're relatively easy to operate and have a lot of bells and whistles to streamline printing and cut down on issues. Models like the X1C come with an enclosure.
I've had the $999 X1C for over a year now and do not hesitate to recommend it for those interested in getting into 3D printing. It's easy to use, there are thousands of STLs out there for making everything you can think of, and you can even make your own using software like Tinkercad or Fusion 360.
I haven't personally used the A1 Mini, but it's a much more affordable way to try 3D printing, and it could make a great gift for an older teen or a partner who likes to tinker.
Ugreen Uno Chargers
Ugreen wasn't a company I was familiar with until this year, but the "Uno" line of products caught my eye. Uno is a range of charging accessories that Ugreen cleverly outfitted with little digital faces, and I love them.
I'm reviewing Ugreen's Uno products later this month, but I wanted to include them here because I think they make for a fun gift that's not too expensive and that stands out from other charging products on the market.
There's a $47 100W charger with four ports and a $36 65W charger with three ports, both of which have legs and digital panels with face emoji that change based on charging state. When a device is fast charging, for example, there's a face that looks like it has its mouth full, and when charging is finished, there's a little face with sunglasses.
There are also two power banks that have the little emoji faces, one that's 10,000mAh with Qi2 for $50, and one that's 5,000mAh with USB-C and 7.5W Qi charging for $33. They come with built-in stands that look like little headphones, which is a nice touch because you can use the stand for watching videos or FaceTiming.
There's also a $49 desktop charger that can charge an iPhone and AirPods, a $17 6-port USB-C hub, and even a $13 USB-C cable with a little face. Of the bunch, I think the power banks will make the best gift, because who can't use another power bank?
As an adult, I'm a fan of the little robot chargers, and I'm sure I'm not alone, but these are also fun for kids.
Bird Buddy
Available starting at $189, the Bird Buddy is the kind of gift that almost anyone will like, which makes it great for the person that has everything. It is a Wi-Fi connected smart bird feeder that sends you pictures of the birds that come to visit.
You'll need to fill it with seed regularly and charge it up when necessary, but other than that, it operates on its own. To do away with charging, I recommend the solar version, which starts at $239.
There's a Bird Buddy Pro now that can capture 2K video in HDR and with slow motion for even better snapshots, or if you like hummingbirds, there's a model just for feeding them. I've gifted the Bird Buddy and it's been a huge hit, with adults and kids too.
Gift Suggestions
Have a great product suggestion we don't have in our list? Let us know in the comments below.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these companies and may earn commissions on purchases made through links in this article.
This article, "MacRumors 2024 Gift Guide" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
These are some of our favorite products, many of which we use personally or have gifted to our friends and family members in the past. We'll be adding to the list throughout November, so check back in for more ideas.
Aura Frames
Priced starting at $149, Aura digital frames make a good gift for anyone who has digital photos, which is most of us these days. You can load photos on the frame using the Aura iPhone app, and since images are stored in the cloud, there's no limit.
Multiple people can upload images to a single frame, so it's a great way to share photos with friends and family members. If you know someone that's not technically savvy, like a grandparent, it's still the perfect gift because you can load photos for them remotely. The $149 10.1-inch Carver is Aura's most affordable option, but there are sizes up to 15 inches, like the $299 Walden. Aura also makes higher resolution options, including the $199 Mason, and all the frames come in multiple colors to match any decor.
Everyone I've gifted an Aura frame to has loved it, and it's my go-to for people that are hard to shop for.
Nanoleaf Light Panels and Display Boxes
Nanoleaf recently came out with some of its most useful light panels to date, the Blocks. Priced starting at $225 for the combo kit, the Blocks come with different options like a pegboard you can hang things on, a shelf for knick knacks, and a texture panel that adds visual interest. There are smaller and larger squares, and all of the pieces are interchangeable for creating a unique setup.
Like all Nanoleaf products, the Blocks can be controlled with the Nanoleaf app or with HomeKit, and can be set to multi-colored patterns in a range of shades. These lights are bright enough to serve as a replacement for a standard light, which makes them extra versatile. Any gamer would appreciate these panels for a gaming setup, but they also work around TVs, in offices, and more.
If you know someone that has collectibles, Nanoleaf also has the $250 EXPO Smart LED Display Case. This is the perfect gift for someone that collects high-end sneakers, anime figures, or anything in that vein. It can be set to 16 million colors or shades of white, and colors can change in time with music.
For those that already have a Nanoleaf setup, the $27 Sense+ Smart Wireless Switch is a sensible and inexpensive add-on that's super useful. It provides a physical control option for HomeKit lights, and there are built-in motion and daylight sensors for automating scenes. The Sense+ can be used for turning lights on or off, dimming lights, and swapping scenes.
Sonos Ace Headphones
Apple's recent AirPods Max "refresh" was disappointing and only added a USB-C port, and there are several other noise cancelling headphones on the market that are a better investment in 2024, like the Sonos Ace. Priced at $449, the Sonos Ace are cheaper than the AirPods Max and offer a more comfortable fit thanks to a lighter weight. There isn't as much pressure on the head with the Sonos Ace, and the ear cups are a comfortable memory foam that can fit a wide range of ear shapes and sizes.
When we tested out the Sonos Ace earlier this year, and we were impressed with the sound quality. Sonos added support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, and there's a TrueCinema feature that maps the space around you for the best surround sound. ANC blocks out irritating noise around you as well as the AirPods Max do, but if you need to hear sounds from the surroundings, there's an Aware Mode.
You can also pair the Sonos Ace with the Arc and the Arc Ultra Soundbars, which makes them a solid gift for someone in the Sonos ecosystem or someone looking for comfortable, premium over-ear headphones.
AirPods
You'll never go wrong with AirPods as a gift, and this year there are three solid options to choose from. For the best noise cancelling, Apple sells the $249 AirPods Pro 2, but you can probably find a pre-holiday sale to get them even cheaper.
The AirPods Pro 2 have silicone tips that fit snugly in the ears to drown out sound, and with hearing aid support, these are the best bet if you have a family member that has mild hearing loss but doesn't wear hearing aids.
People with hearing loss that have tested this out have been impressed with how well the hearing aid capability works, and AirPods Pro are much, much cheaper than traditional hearing aids. Hearing aid capabilities aren't yet available everywhere, including Canada and Australia, but support is available in Europe, the U.S., and 90+ other countries and regions.
If you're purchasing for someone who doesn't like silicone ear tips, the AirPods 4 are an option. You can get them with or without Active Noise Cancellation. The ANC version doesn't cut out quite as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2, but it's enough to make a difference.
With ANC, the AirPods 4 cost $179, and without ANC, they're $129, which is the cheapest price Apple offers for AirPods. You might see some minor sales around Black Friday, but deep discounts are unlikely because the AirPods 4 are newer.
Aqara U300 Smart Lock
It's probably a little weird to gift someone a Smart Lock for the holidays, but it's a genuinely useful home product that a lot of people probably don't have already.
I've tested a few different smart locks, and I'm a fan of Aqara's options. The $200 U300 is the newest model, and it's for doors that only have a handle and not a deadbolt, like a door into a garage.
The $270 U200 is designed for doors that have a deadbolt, so your standard front or back door, plus there's the more affordable $190 U100 version. I like Aqara locks because there are so many ways to unlock them. They have support for Home Keys so you can use NFC with your iPhone or Apple Watch Wallet app, but there are also passcodes you can enter with the keypad, NFC cards, and even a fingerprint sensor that works surprisingly well. You can let in guests, have the door autolock after it's closed, and set alarms.
Aqara does recommend a hub with its locks so you can control them away from home, but it's not entirely necessary. I also like a hub, because it ensures my locks are always connected to Wi-Fi and I don't run into connectivity issues. Aqara has some other useful sensors like its Presence Sensor for motion detection and activating HomeKit scenes, but I haven't tried them out. They're worth looking at if you're considering an Aqara lock and hub, since they also connect to the hub.
Philips Hue Lights
I think I've tried every HomeKit smart bulb and light available at this point, and Philips Hue lights are unquestionably the best you can get. I have no patience for lights that constantly disconnect or have connectivity issues, and the Hue bulbs don't. Yes, there is a $60 Bridge, but it's worth it, and not all lights require it.
The $200 White and Color Starter Kit comes with four Hue bulbs that can go in any lamp that supports E26 bulbs, and it comes with the hub. It's one of the best bets if you're buying a gift for someone who is new to smart home products. The bulbs can be controlled with the Home app or the Hue app, and they can be set to 16 million colors. Hue has great light effects and scenes that really shine when you have multiple bulbs.
For a cheaper option, there's the $70 Starter Kit that comes with a hub and two E26 white bulbs. There's no color with these, but they can be set to different shades of white.
For computer or media setups, the Gradient Light Strips priced starting at $70 are excellent. Some other options:
- Lightguide bulbs - These would be perfect paired with a simple lamp base, because the bulb is meant to be the star. I have two of the ellipse bulbs, and they're enormous and look great.
- String lights - For holiday fans or those with patio setups crying out for lighting, the Hue Festavia String Lights would make a good gift.
- Signe floor lamp - The Signe floor lamp isn't the most practical light because it doesn't have a wide radius and is meant to face the wall, but it makes for great accent lighting.
- Hue Go - The Hue Go is a portable lamp that you can use plugged in or with the built-in battery, and it supports all of the same features as Hue bulbs. It's a nice accent light and good to have around for power outages.
- Hue Go Portable Table Lamp - This is a lot like the Hue Go, but it's a more traditional looking lamp. It's water resistant, so it can go outdoors, too.
Mokuyobi Bags and Backpacks
For something beyond the boring black and brown computer bags you see everywhere, Mokuyobi has a range of multicolored bags in multiple styles. Most of them come with padded laptop compartments that are ideal for Macs and iPads, along with tons of other pockets.
I have several Mokuyobi bags that I have used for years and they still look brand new, and I get compliments on them all the time. This is a solid option if you're shopping for someone who likes color. I especially like the mega backpack because it holds a laptop and an absolute ton of other stuff, so it makes a useful carry-on for flights.
There are smaller backpacks too, from the classic looking Atlas to the pocket laden Flyer backpack. You can also get colorful laptop cases that fit everything up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro. The bags from Mokuyobi aren't cheap, but they come with a lifetime warranty.
Bambu Lab 3D Printer
Bambu Lab makes a range of 3D printers that you can print to using just an app on your iPhone or your Mac. The A1 Mini is just $200, or $349 with the AMS Lite that lets you print with up to four filament colors. Bambu's printers are sort of the iPhone of 3D printers in that they're relatively easy to operate and have a lot of bells and whistles to streamline printing and cut down on issues. Models like the X1C come with an enclosure.
I've had the $999 X1C for over a year now and do not hesitate to recommend it for those interested in getting into 3D printing. It's easy to use, there are thousands of STLs out there for making everything you can think of, and you can even make your own using software like Tinkercad or Fusion 360.
I haven't personally used the A1 Mini, but it's a much more affordable way to try 3D printing, and it could make a great gift for an older teen or a partner who likes to tinker.
Ugreen Uno Chargers
Ugreen wasn't a company I was familiar with until this year, but the "Uno" line of products caught my eye. Uno is a range of charging accessories that Ugreen cleverly outfitted with little digital faces, and I love them.
I'm reviewing Ugreen's Uno products later this month, but I wanted to include them here because I think they make for a fun gift that's not too expensive and that stands out from other charging products on the market.
There's a $47 100W charger with four ports and a $36 65W charger with three ports, both of which have legs and digital panels with face emoji that change based on charging state. When a device is fast charging, for example, there's a face that looks like it has its mouth full, and when charging is finished, there's a little face with sunglasses.
There are also two power banks that have the little emoji faces, one that's 10,000mAh with Qi2 for $50, and one that's 5,000mAh with USB-C and 7.5W Qi charging for $33. They come with built-in stands that look like little headphones, which is a nice touch because you can use the stand for watching videos or FaceTiming.
There's also a $49 desktop charger that can charge an iPhone and AirPods, a $17 6-port USB-C hub, and even a $13 USB-C cable with a little face. Of the bunch, I think the power banks will make the best gift, because who can't use another power bank?
As an adult, I'm a fan of the little robot chargers, and I'm sure I'm not alone, but these are also fun for kids.
Bird Buddy
Available starting at $189, the Bird Buddy is the kind of gift that almost anyone will like, which makes it great for the person that has everything. It is a Wi-Fi connected smart bird feeder that sends you pictures of the birds that come to visit.
You'll need to fill it with seed regularly and charge it up when necessary, but other than that, it operates on its own. To do away with charging, I recommend the solar version, which starts at $239.
There's a Bird Buddy Pro now that can capture 2K video in HDR and with slow motion for even better snapshots, or if you like hummingbirds, there's a model just for feeding them. I've gifted the Bird Buddy and it's been a huge hit, with adults and kids too.
Gift Suggestions
Have a great product suggestion we don't have in our list? Let us know in the comments below.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these companies and may earn commissions on purchases made through links in this article.
This article, "MacRumors 2024 Gift Guide" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
MacRumors 2024 Gift Guide - MacRumors
If you're looking for the perfect tech or tech-adjacent holiday present for someone who loves Apple products or just uses them daily, we've come up with useful suggestions that might be helpful to you.
These are some of our favorite products, many of which we use personally or have gifted to our friends and family members in the past. We'll be adding to the list throughout November, so check back in for more ideas.
Aura Frames
Priced starting at $149, Aura digital frames make a good gift for anyone who has digital photos, which is most of us these days. You can load photos on the frame using the Aura iPhone app, and since images are stored in the cloud, there's no limit.
Multiple people can upload images to a single frame, so it's a great way to share photos with friends and family members. If you know someone that's not technically savvy, like a grandparent, it's still the perfect gift because you can load photos for them remotely. The $149 10.1-inch Carver is Aura's most affordable option, but there are sizes up to 15 inches, like the $299 Walden. Aura also makes higher resolution options, including the $199 Mason, and all the frames come in multiple colors to match any decor.
Everyone I've gifted an Aura frame to has loved it, and it's my go-to for people that are hard to shop for.
Nanoleaf Light Panels and Display Boxes
Nanoleaf recently came out with some of its most useful light panels to date, the Blocks. Priced starting at $225 for the combo kit, the Blocks come with different options like a pegboard you can hang things on, a shelf for knick knacks, and a texture panel that adds visual interest. There are smaller and larger squares, and all of the pieces are interchangeable for creating a unique setup.
Like all Nanoleaf products, the Blocks can be controlled with the Nanoleaf app or with HomeKit, and can be set to multi-colored patterns in a range of shades. These lights are bright enough to serve as a replacement for a standard light, which makes them extra versatile. Any gamer would appreciate these panels for a gaming setup, but they also work around TVs, in offices, and more.
If you know someone that has collectibles, Nanoleaf also has the $250 EXPO Smart LED Display Case. This is the perfect gift for someone that collects high-end sneakers, anime figures, or anything in that vein. It can be set to 16 million colors or shades of white, and colors can change in time with music.
For those that already have a Nanoleaf setup, the $27 Sense+ Smart Wireless Switch is a sensible and inexpensive add-on that's super useful. It provides a physical control option for HomeKit lights, and there are built-in motion and daylight sensors for automating scenes. The Sense+ can be used for turning lights on or off, dimming lights, and swapping scenes.
Sonos Ace Headphones
Apple's recent AirPods Max "refresh" was disappointing and only added a USB-C port, and there are several other noise cancelling headphones on the market that are a better investment in 2024, like the Sonos Ace. Priced at $449, the Sonos Ace are cheaper than the AirPods Max and offer a more comfortable fit thanks to a lighter weight. There isn't as much pressure on the head with the Sonos Ace, and the ear cups are a comfortable memory foam that can fit a wide range of ear shapes and sizes.
When we tested out the Sonos Ace earlier this year, and we were impressed with the sound quality. Sonos added support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, and there's a TrueCinema feature that maps the space around you for the best surround sound. ANC blocks out irritating noise around you as well as the AirPods Max do, but if you need to hear sounds from the surroundings, there's an Aware Mode.
You can also pair the Sonos Ace with the Arc and the Arc Ultra Soundbars, which makes them a solid gift for someone in the Sonos ecosystem or someone looking for comfortable, premium over-ear headphones.
AirPods
You'll never go wrong with AirPods as a gift, and this year there are three solid options to choose from. For the best noise cancelling, Apple sells the $249 AirPods Pro 2, but you can probably find a pre-holiday sale to get them even cheaper.
The AirPods Pro 2 have silicone tips that fit snugly in the ears to drown out sound, and with hearing aid support, these are the best bet if you have a family member that has mild hearing loss but doesn't wear hearing aids.
People with hearing loss that have tested this out have been impressed with how well the hearing aid capability works, and AirPods Pro are much, much cheaper than traditional hearing aids. Hearing aid capabilities aren't yet available everywhere, including Canada and Australia, but support is available in Europe, the U.S., and 90+ other countries and regions.
If you're purchasing for someone who doesn't like silicone ear tips, the AirPods 4 are an option. You can get them with or without Active Noise Cancellation. The ANC version doesn't cut out quite as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2, but it's enough to make a difference.
With ANC, the AirPods 4 cost $179, and without ANC, they're $129, which is the cheapest price Apple offers for AirPods. You might see some minor sales around Black Friday, but deep discounts are unlikely because the AirPods 4 are newer.
Aqara U300 Smart Lock
It's probably a little weird to gift someone a Smart Lock for the holidays, but it's a genuinely useful home product that a lot of people probably don't have already.
I've tested a few different smart locks, and I'm a fan of Aqara's options. The $200 U300 is the newest model, and it's for doors that only have a handle and not a deadbolt, like a door into a garage.
The $270 U200 is designed for doors that have a deadbolt, so your standard front or back door, plus there's the more affordable $190 U100 version. I like Aqara locks because there are so many ways to unlock them. They have support for Home Keys so you can use NFC with your iPhone or Apple Watch Wallet app, but there are also passcodes you can enter with the keypad, NFC cards, and even a fingerprint sensor that works surprisingly well. You can let in guests, have the door autolock after it's closed, and set alarms.
Aqara does recommend a hub with its locks so you can control them away from home, but it's not entirely necessary. I also like a hub, because it ensures my locks are always connected to Wi-Fi and I don't run into connectivity issues. Aqara has some other useful sensors like its Presence Sensor for motion detection and activating HomeKit scenes, but I haven't tried them out. They're worth looking at if you're considering an Aqara lock and hub, since they also connect to the hub.
Philips Hue Lights
I think I've tried every HomeKit smart bulb and light available at this point, and Philips Hue lights are unquestionably the best you can get. I have no patience for lights that constantly disconnect or have connectivity issues, and the Hue bulbs don't. Yes, there is a $60 Bridge, but it's worth it, and not all lights require it.
The $200 White and Color Starter Kit comes with four Hue bulbs that can go in any lamp that supports E26 bulbs, and it comes with the hub. It's one of the best bets if you're buying a gift for someone who is new to smart home products. The bulbs can be controlled with the Home app or the Hue app, and they can be set to 16 million colors. Hue has great light effects and scenes that really shine when you have multiple bulbs.
For a cheaper option, there's the $70 Starter Kit that comes with a hub and two E26 white bulbs. There's no color with these, but they can be set to different shades of white.
For computer or media setups, the Gradient Light Strips priced starting at $70 are excellent. Some other options:
Mokuyobi Bags and Backpacks
For something beyond the boring black and brown computer bags you see everywhere, Mokuyobi has a range of multicolored bags in multiple styles. Most of them come with padded laptop compartments that are ideal for Macs and iPads, along with tons of other pockets.
I have several Mokuyobi bags that I have used for years and they still look brand new, and I get compliments on them all the time. This is a solid option if you're shopping for someone who likes color. I especially like the mega backpack because it holds a laptop and an absolute ton of other stuff, so it makes a useful carry-on for flights.
There are smaller backpacks too, from the classic looking Atlas to the pocket laden Flyer backpack. You can also get colorful laptop cases that fit everything up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro. The bags from Mokuyobi aren't cheap, but they come with a lifetime warranty.
Bambu Lab 3D Printer
Bambu Lab makes a range of 3D printers that you can print to using just an app on your iPhone or your Mac. The A1 Mini is just $200, or $349 with the AMS Lite that lets you print with up to four filament colors. Bambu's printers are sort of the iPhone of 3D printers in that they're relatively easy to operate and have a lot of bells and whistles to streamline printing and cut down on issues. Models like the X1C come with an enclosure.
I've had the $999 X1C for over a year now and do not hesitate to recommend it for those interested in getting into 3D printing. It's easy to use, there are thousands of STLs out there for making everything you can think of, and you can even make your own using software like Tinkercad or Fusion 360.
I haven't personally used the A1 Mini, but it's a much more affordable way to try 3D printing, and it could make a great gift for an older teen or a partner who likes to tinker.
Ugreen Uno Chargers
Ugreen wasn't a company I was familiar with until this year, but the "Uno" line of products caught my eye. Uno is a range of charging accessories that Ugreen cleverly outfitted with little digital faces, and I love them.
I'm reviewing Ugreen's Uno products later this month, but I wanted to include them here because I think they make for a fun gift that's not too expensive and that stands out from other charging products on the market.
There's a $47 100W charger with four ports and a $36 65W charger with three ports, both of which have legs and digital panels with face emoji that change based on charging state. When a device is fast charging, for example, there's a face that looks like it has its mouth full, and when charging is finished, there's a little face with sunglasses.
There are also two power banks that have the little emoji faces, one that's 10,000mAh with Qi2 for $50, and one that's 5,000mAh with USB-C and 7.5W Qi charging for $33. They come with built-in stands that look like little headphones, which is a nice touch because you can use the stand for watching videos or FaceTiming.
There's also a $49 desktop charger that can charge an iPhone and AirPods, a $17 6-port USB-C hub, and even a $13 USB-C cable with a little face. Of the bunch, I think the power banks will make the best gift, because who can't use another power bank?
As an adult, I'm a fan of the little robot chargers, and I'm sure I'm not alone, but these are also fun for kids.
Bird Buddy
Available starting at $189, the Bird Buddy is the kind of gift that almost anyone will like, which makes it great for the person that has everything. It is a Wi-Fi connected smart bird feeder that sends you pictures of the birds that come to visit.
You'll need to fill it with seed regularly and charge it up when necessary, but other than that, it operates on its own. To do away with charging, I recommend the solar version, which starts at $239.
There's a Bird Buddy Pro now that can capture 2K video in HDR and with slow motion for even better snapshots, or if you like hummingbirds, there's a model just for feeding them. I've gifted the Bird Buddy and it's been a huge hit, with adults and kids too.
Gift Suggestions
Have a great product suggestion we don't have in our list? Let us know in the comments below.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these companies and may earn commissions on purchases made through links in this article.
This article, "MacRumors 2024 Gift Guide" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
These are some of our favorite products, many of which we use personally or have gifted to our friends and family members in the past. We'll be adding to the list throughout November, so check back in for more ideas.
Aura Frames
Priced starting at $149, Aura digital frames make a good gift for anyone who has digital photos, which is most of us these days. You can load photos on the frame using the Aura iPhone app, and since images are stored in the cloud, there's no limit.
Multiple people can upload images to a single frame, so it's a great way to share photos with friends and family members. If you know someone that's not technically savvy, like a grandparent, it's still the perfect gift because you can load photos for them remotely. The $149 10.1-inch Carver is Aura's most affordable option, but there are sizes up to 15 inches, like the $299 Walden. Aura also makes higher resolution options, including the $199 Mason, and all the frames come in multiple colors to match any decor.
Everyone I've gifted an Aura frame to has loved it, and it's my go-to for people that are hard to shop for.
Nanoleaf Light Panels and Display Boxes
Nanoleaf recently came out with some of its most useful light panels to date, the Blocks. Priced starting at $225 for the combo kit, the Blocks come with different options like a pegboard you can hang things on, a shelf for knick knacks, and a texture panel that adds visual interest. There are smaller and larger squares, and all of the pieces are interchangeable for creating a unique setup.
Like all Nanoleaf products, the Blocks can be controlled with the Nanoleaf app or with HomeKit, and can be set to multi-colored patterns in a range of shades. These lights are bright enough to serve as a replacement for a standard light, which makes them extra versatile. Any gamer would appreciate these panels for a gaming setup, but they also work around TVs, in offices, and more.
If you know someone that has collectibles, Nanoleaf also has the $250 EXPO Smart LED Display Case. This is the perfect gift for someone that collects high-end sneakers, anime figures, or anything in that vein. It can be set to 16 million colors or shades of white, and colors can change in time with music.
For those that already have a Nanoleaf setup, the $27 Sense+ Smart Wireless Switch is a sensible and inexpensive add-on that's super useful. It provides a physical control option for HomeKit lights, and there are built-in motion and daylight sensors for automating scenes. The Sense+ can be used for turning lights on or off, dimming lights, and swapping scenes.
Sonos Ace Headphones
Apple's recent AirPods Max "refresh" was disappointing and only added a USB-C port, and there are several other noise cancelling headphones on the market that are a better investment in 2024, like the Sonos Ace. Priced at $449, the Sonos Ace are cheaper than the AirPods Max and offer a more comfortable fit thanks to a lighter weight. There isn't as much pressure on the head with the Sonos Ace, and the ear cups are a comfortable memory foam that can fit a wide range of ear shapes and sizes.
When we tested out the Sonos Ace earlier this year, and we were impressed with the sound quality. Sonos added support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, and there's a TrueCinema feature that maps the space around you for the best surround sound. ANC blocks out irritating noise around you as well as the AirPods Max do, but if you need to hear sounds from the surroundings, there's an Aware Mode.
You can also pair the Sonos Ace with the Arc and the Arc Ultra Soundbars, which makes them a solid gift for someone in the Sonos ecosystem or someone looking for comfortable, premium over-ear headphones.
AirPods
You'll never go wrong with AirPods as a gift, and this year there are three solid options to choose from. For the best noise cancelling, Apple sells the $249 AirPods Pro 2, but you can probably find a pre-holiday sale to get them even cheaper.
The AirPods Pro 2 have silicone tips that fit snugly in the ears to drown out sound, and with hearing aid support, these are the best bet if you have a family member that has mild hearing loss but doesn't wear hearing aids.
People with hearing loss that have tested this out have been impressed with how well the hearing aid capability works, and AirPods Pro are much, much cheaper than traditional hearing aids. Hearing aid capabilities aren't yet available everywhere, including Canada and Australia, but support is available in Europe, the U.S., and 90+ other countries and regions.
If you're purchasing for someone who doesn't like silicone ear tips, the AirPods 4 are an option. You can get them with or without Active Noise Cancellation. The ANC version doesn't cut out quite as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2, but it's enough to make a difference.
With ANC, the AirPods 4 cost $179, and without ANC, they're $129, which is the cheapest price Apple offers for AirPods. You might see some minor sales around Black Friday, but deep discounts are unlikely because the AirPods 4 are newer.
Aqara U300 Smart Lock
It's probably a little weird to gift someone a Smart Lock for the holidays, but it's a genuinely useful home product that a lot of people probably don't have already.
I've tested a few different smart locks, and I'm a fan of Aqara's options. The $200 U300 is the newest model, and it's for doors that only have a handle and not a deadbolt, like a door into a garage.
The $270 U200 is designed for doors that have a deadbolt, so your standard front or back door, plus there's the more affordable $190 U100 version. I like Aqara locks because there are so many ways to unlock them. They have support for Home Keys so you can use NFC with your iPhone or Apple Watch Wallet app, but there are also passcodes you can enter with the keypad, NFC cards, and even a fingerprint sensor that works surprisingly well. You can let in guests, have the door autolock after it's closed, and set alarms.
Aqara does recommend a hub with its locks so you can control them away from home, but it's not entirely necessary. I also like a hub, because it ensures my locks are always connected to Wi-Fi and I don't run into connectivity issues. Aqara has some other useful sensors like its Presence Sensor for motion detection and activating HomeKit scenes, but I haven't tried them out. They're worth looking at if you're considering an Aqara lock and hub, since they also connect to the hub.
Philips Hue Lights
I think I've tried every HomeKit smart bulb and light available at this point, and Philips Hue lights are unquestionably the best you can get. I have no patience for lights that constantly disconnect or have connectivity issues, and the Hue bulbs don't. Yes, there is a $60 Bridge, but it's worth it, and not all lights require it.
The $200 White and Color Starter Kit comes with four Hue bulbs that can go in any lamp that supports E26 bulbs, and it comes with the hub. It's one of the best bets if you're buying a gift for someone who is new to smart home products. The bulbs can be controlled with the Home app or the Hue app, and they can be set to 16 million colors. Hue has great light effects and scenes that really shine when you have multiple bulbs.
For a cheaper option, there's the $70 Starter Kit that comes with a hub and two E26 white bulbs. There's no color with these, but they can be set to different shades of white.
For computer or media setups, the Gradient Light Strips priced starting at $70 are excellent. Some other options:
- Lightguide bulbs - These would be perfect paired with a simple lamp base, because the bulb is meant to be the star. I have two of the ellipse bulbs, and they're enormous and look great.
- String lights - For holiday fans or those with patio setups crying out for lighting, the Hue Festavia String Lights would make a good gift.
- Signe floor lamp - The Signe floor lamp isn't the most practical light because it doesn't have a wide radius and is meant to face the wall, but it makes for great accent lighting.
- Hue Go - The Hue Go is a portable lamp that you can use plugged in or with the built-in battery, and it supports all of the same features as Hue bulbs. It's a nice accent light and good to have around for power outages.
- Hue Go Portable Table Lamp - This is a lot like the Hue Go, but it's a more traditional looking lamp. It's water resistant, so it can go outdoors, too.
Mokuyobi Bags and Backpacks
For something beyond the boring black and brown computer bags you see everywhere, Mokuyobi has a range of multicolored bags in multiple styles. Most of them come with padded laptop compartments that are ideal for Macs and iPads, along with tons of other pockets.
I have several Mokuyobi bags that I have used for years and they still look brand new, and I get compliments on them all the time. This is a solid option if you're shopping for someone who likes color. I especially like the mega backpack because it holds a laptop and an absolute ton of other stuff, so it makes a useful carry-on for flights.
There are smaller backpacks too, from the classic looking Atlas to the pocket laden Flyer backpack. You can also get colorful laptop cases that fit everything up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro. The bags from Mokuyobi aren't cheap, but they come with a lifetime warranty.
Bambu Lab 3D Printer
Bambu Lab makes a range of 3D printers that you can print to using just an app on your iPhone or your Mac. The A1 Mini is just $200, or $349 with the AMS Lite that lets you print with up to four filament colors. Bambu's printers are sort of the iPhone of 3D printers in that they're relatively easy to operate and have a lot of bells and whistles to streamline printing and cut down on issues. Models like the X1C come with an enclosure.
I've had the $999 X1C for over a year now and do not hesitate to recommend it for those interested in getting into 3D printing. It's easy to use, there are thousands of STLs out there for making everything you can think of, and you can even make your own using software like Tinkercad or Fusion 360.
I haven't personally used the A1 Mini, but it's a much more affordable way to try 3D printing, and it could make a great gift for an older teen or a partner who likes to tinker.
Ugreen Uno Chargers
Ugreen wasn't a company I was familiar with until this year, but the "Uno" line of products caught my eye. Uno is a range of charging accessories that Ugreen cleverly outfitted with little digital faces, and I love them.
I'm reviewing Ugreen's Uno products later this month, but I wanted to include them here because I think they make for a fun gift that's not too expensive and that stands out from other charging products on the market.
There's a $47 100W charger with four ports and a $36 65W charger with three ports, both of which have legs and digital panels with face emoji that change based on charging state. When a device is fast charging, for example, there's a face that looks like it has its mouth full, and when charging is finished, there's a little face with sunglasses.
There are also two power banks that have the little emoji faces, one that's 10,000mAh with Qi2 for $50, and one that's 5,000mAh with USB-C and 7.5W Qi charging for $33. They come with built-in stands that look like little headphones, which is a nice touch because you can use the stand for watching videos or FaceTiming.
There's also a $49 desktop charger that can charge an iPhone and AirPods, a $17 6-port USB-C hub, and even a $13 USB-C cable with a little face. Of the bunch, I think the power banks will make the best gift, because who can't use another power bank?
As an adult, I'm a fan of the little robot chargers, and I'm sure I'm not alone, but these are also fun for kids.
Bird Buddy
Available starting at $189, the Bird Buddy is the kind of gift that almost anyone will like, which makes it great for the person that has everything. It is a Wi-Fi connected smart bird feeder that sends you pictures of the birds that come to visit.
You'll need to fill it with seed regularly and charge it up when necessary, but other than that, it operates on its own. To do away with charging, I recommend the solar version, which starts at $239.
There's a Bird Buddy Pro now that can capture 2K video in HDR and with slow motion for even better snapshots, or if you like hummingbirds, there's a model just for feeding them. I've gifted the Bird Buddy and it's been a huge hit, with adults and kids too.
Gift Suggestions
Have a great product suggestion we don't have in our list? Let us know in the comments below.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these companies and may earn commissions on purchases made through links in this article.
This article, "MacRumors 2024 Gift Guide" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
ChatGPT Experiencing Outage, iOS 18.2 Siri ChatGPT Integration Not Working - MacRumors
OpenAI's ChatGPT service is experiencing an outage at the current time, which means the ChatGPT website and app are not available, and the Siri ChatGPT feature in iOS 18.2 is non-functional at the current time.
According to OpenAI's website, the company is aware of an issue that has caused ChatGPT to be unavailable and it is investigating the issue. Functionality will be restored as soon as possible.
This article, "ChatGPT Experiencing Outage, iOS 18.2 Siri ChatGPT Integration Not Working" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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According to OpenAI's website, the company is aware of an issue that has caused ChatGPT to be unavailable and it is investigating the issue. Functionality will be restored as soon as possible.
This article, "ChatGPT Experiencing Outage, iOS 18.2 Siri ChatGPT Integration Not Working" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
ChatGPT Experiencing Outage, iOS 18.2 Siri ChatGPT Integration Not Working - MacRumors
OpenAI's ChatGPT service is experiencing an outage at the current time, which means the ChatGPT website and app are not available, and the Siri ChatGPT feature in iOS 18.2 is non-functional at the current time.
According to OpenAI's website, the company is aware of an issue that has caused ChatGPT to be unavailable and it is investigating the issue. Functionality will be restored as soon as possible.
This article, "ChatGPT Experiencing Outage, iOS 18.2 Siri ChatGPT Integration Not Working" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
According to OpenAI's website, the company is aware of an issue that has caused ChatGPT to be unavailable and it is investigating the issue. Functionality will be restored as soon as possible.
This article, "ChatGPT Experiencing Outage, iOS 18.2 Siri ChatGPT Integration Not Working" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Green Bubble Emoji Reactions From Android Users Now Show Up Properly on iPhones - MacRumors
With the launch of iOS 18, Apple added support for RCS, or Rich Communication Services. RCS replaces SMS/MMS as the default messaging standard for any "green bubble" conversations, and because it's more modern, it supports features like read receipts and typing indicators.
RCS is also supposed to support emoji reactions from Android users, but it wasn't working properly when iOS 18 launched. It's not clear what changed, but The Verge says that something that Google or Apple tweaked made it work as of this week.
When an Android user uses an emoji reaction to a message that you've sent over RCS, the emoji will now show up in line with the message bubble, just like it does on with iOS Tapback reactions.
Prior to now, if an Android user used an emoji reaction to a message in a conversation with an iPhone user, the emoji would show up on a separate line, which was confusing and not how the feature was meant to work.
The Verge says it tested emoji reactions between iPhones running iOS 18.1 and several different Android phones, and reactions display both ways as intended.Tags: Android, RCS
This article, "Green Bubble Emoji Reactions From Android Users Now Show Up Properly on iPhones" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
RCS is also supposed to support emoji reactions from Android users, but it wasn't working properly when iOS 18 launched. It's not clear what changed, but The Verge says that something that Google or Apple tweaked made it work as of this week.
When an Android user uses an emoji reaction to a message that you've sent over RCS, the emoji will now show up in line with the message bubble, just like it does on with iOS Tapback reactions.
Prior to now, if an Android user used an emoji reaction to a message in a conversation with an iPhone user, the emoji would show up on a separate line, which was confusing and not how the feature was meant to work.
The Verge says it tested emoji reactions between iPhones running iOS 18.1 and several different Android phones, and reactions display both ways as intended.Tags: Android, RCS
This article, "Green Bubble Emoji Reactions From Android Users Now Show Up Properly on iPhones" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Green Bubble Emoji Reactions From Android Users Now Show Up Properly on iPhones - MacRumors
With the launch of iOS 18, Apple added support for RCS, or Rich Communication Services. RCS replaces SMS/MMS as the default messaging standard for any "green bubble" conversations, and because it's more modern, it supports features like read receipts and typing indicators.
RCS is also supposed to support emoji reactions from Android users, but it wasn't working properly when iOS 18 launched. It's not clear what changed, but The Verge says that something that Google or Apple tweaked made it work as of this week.
When an Android user uses an emoji reaction to a message that you've sent over RCS, the emoji will now show up in line with the message bubble, just like it does on with iOS Tapback reactions.
Prior to now, if an Android user used an emoji reaction to a message in a conversation with an iPhone user, the emoji would show up on a separate line, which was confusing and not how the feature was meant to work.
The Verge says it tested emoji reactions between iPhones running iOS 18.1 and several different Android phones, and reactions display both ways as intended.Tags: Android, RCS
This article, "Green Bubble Emoji Reactions From Android Users Now Show Up Properly on iPhones" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
RCS is also supposed to support emoji reactions from Android users, but it wasn't working properly when iOS 18 launched. It's not clear what changed, but The Verge says that something that Google or Apple tweaked made it work as of this week.
When an Android user uses an emoji reaction to a message that you've sent over RCS, the emoji will now show up in line with the message bubble, just like it does on with iOS Tapback reactions.
Prior to now, if an Android user used an emoji reaction to a message in a conversation with an iPhone user, the emoji would show up on a separate line, which was confusing and not how the feature was meant to work.
The Verge says it tested emoji reactions between iPhones running iOS 18.1 and several different Android phones, and reactions display both ways as intended.Tags: Android, RCS
This article, "Green Bubble Emoji Reactions From Android Users Now Show Up Properly on iPhones" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Apple Releases iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Parts for Do-It-Yourself Repairs - MacRumors
Apple this week made parts and tools for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max available to order through its self-service repair store in the U.S. and many European countries, seven weeks after the devices launched.
There are parts and tools available for repairing or replacing an iPhone 16's display, battery, rear camera system, TrueDepth camera for Face ID, back glass, bottom and top speakers, main microphone, and more. Tool kits are available to rent for seven days for all four iPhone 16 models, with U.S. pricing set at $49 for each kit.
Apple already shared repair manuals for all four iPhone 16 models in September, and now the necessary parts and tools are available to customers.
Launched in 2022, Apple's self-service program provides customers with access to genuine parts, tools, and manuals to repair select iPhones and Macs, as well as the Studio Display. The company has said the program is "intended for individuals who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices." Some of the repair manuals on Apple's website have warnings outlining important information, such as safety risks.Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProTag: Self Service RepairBuyer's Guide: iPhone 16 (Buy Now), iPhone 16 Pro (Buy Now)
This article, "Apple Releases iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Parts for Do-It-Yourself Repairs" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
There are parts and tools available for repairing or replacing an iPhone 16's display, battery, rear camera system, TrueDepth camera for Face ID, back glass, bottom and top speakers, main microphone, and more. Tool kits are available to rent for seven days for all four iPhone 16 models, with U.S. pricing set at $49 for each kit.
Apple already shared repair manuals for all four iPhone 16 models in September, and now the necessary parts and tools are available to customers.
Launched in 2022, Apple's self-service program provides customers with access to genuine parts, tools, and manuals to repair select iPhones and Macs, as well as the Studio Display. The company has said the program is "intended for individuals who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices." Some of the repair manuals on Apple's website have warnings outlining important information, such as safety risks.Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProTag: Self Service RepairBuyer's Guide: iPhone 16 (Buy Now), iPhone 16 Pro (Buy Now)
This article, "Apple Releases iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Parts for Do-It-Yourself Repairs" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Apple Releases iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Parts for Do-It-Yourself Repairs - MacRumors
Apple this week made parts and tools for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max available to order through its self-service repair store in the U.S. and many European countries, seven weeks after the devices launched.
There are parts and tools available for repairing or replacing an iPhone 16's display, battery, rear camera system, TrueDepth camera for Face ID, back glass, bottom and top speakers, main microphone, and more. Tool kits are available to rent for seven days for all four iPhone 16 models, with U.S. pricing set at $49 for each kit.
Apple already shared repair manuals for all four iPhone 16 models in September, and now the necessary parts and tools are available to customers.
Launched in 2022, Apple's self-service program provides customers with access to genuine parts, tools, and manuals to repair select iPhones and Macs, as well as the Studio Display. The company has said the program is "intended for individuals who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices." Some of the repair manuals on Apple's website have warnings outlining important information, such as safety risks.Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProTag: Self Service RepairBuyer's Guide: iPhone 16 (Buy Now), iPhone 16 Pro (Buy Now)
This article, "Apple Releases iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Parts for Do-It-Yourself Repairs" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
There are parts and tools available for repairing or replacing an iPhone 16's display, battery, rear camera system, TrueDepth camera for Face ID, back glass, bottom and top speakers, main microphone, and more. Tool kits are available to rent for seven days for all four iPhone 16 models, with U.S. pricing set at $49 for each kit.
Apple already shared repair manuals for all four iPhone 16 models in September, and now the necessary parts and tools are available to customers.
Launched in 2022, Apple's self-service program provides customers with access to genuine parts, tools, and manuals to repair select iPhones and Macs, as well as the Studio Display. The company has said the program is "intended for individuals who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices." Some of the repair manuals on Apple's website have warnings outlining important information, such as safety risks.Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProTag: Self Service RepairBuyer's Guide: iPhone 16 (Buy Now), iPhone 16 Pro (Buy Now)
This article, "Apple Releases iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Parts for Do-It-Yourself Repairs" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
08 Nov 2024
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
New Mac Mini Teardown Provides Look Inside Apple's Smallest Mac Ever - MacRumors
YouTube channel Brandon Geekabit today shared a teardown video for the new Mac mini base model with the M4 chip, 256GB of storage, and 16GB of RAM. The video provides the first complete look inside Apple's smallest Mac ever, revealing the computer's logic board, built-in power supply, cooling system, and other components.
While previous Mac mini models with Apple silicon chips had plenty of unused internal space, since the computer had not been redesigned since it used Intel processors, components take up nearly all of the space inside the new model.
The bottom metal plate on the Mac mini continues to double as an antenna. Once that is removed, you can see the fan and heat sink that help to keep the computer running cool. Beyond that, you can see the Mac mini's modular storage that we reported on earlier today. The base model with 256GB of storage has two 128GB chips, which means it will no longer have slower SSD speeds compared to higher-capacity models. Last, you can see the Mac mini's logic board with the M4 chip and the power supply below that.
The new Mac mini has an innovative thermal architecture, in which air is guided from the bottom foot to different levels of the computer.
As far as the new Mac mini's repairability is concerned, we will have to wait for the website iFixit to share its own teardown video.
Overall, the new Mac mini is an impressive engineering feat made possible by the industry-leading performance-per-watt characteristics of Apple silicon. The new Mac mini launched in stores today, and we recently shared our own hands-on video.Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: TeardownBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini Teardown Provides Look Inside Apple's Smallest Mac Ever" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
While previous Mac mini models with Apple silicon chips had plenty of unused internal space, since the computer had not been redesigned since it used Intel processors, components take up nearly all of the space inside the new model.
The bottom metal plate on the Mac mini continues to double as an antenna. Once that is removed, you can see the fan and heat sink that help to keep the computer running cool. Beyond that, you can see the Mac mini's modular storage that we reported on earlier today. The base model with 256GB of storage has two 128GB chips, which means it will no longer have slower SSD speeds compared to higher-capacity models. Last, you can see the Mac mini's logic board with the M4 chip and the power supply below that.
The new Mac mini has an innovative thermal architecture, in which air is guided from the bottom foot to different levels of the computer.
As far as the new Mac mini's repairability is concerned, we will have to wait for the website iFixit to share its own teardown video.
Overall, the new Mac mini is an impressive engineering feat made possible by the industry-leading performance-per-watt characteristics of Apple silicon. The new Mac mini launched in stores today, and we recently shared our own hands-on video.Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: TeardownBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini Teardown Provides Look Inside Apple's Smallest Mac Ever" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
New Mac Mini Teardown Provides Look Inside Apple's Smallest Mac Ever - MacRumors
YouTube channel Brandon Geekabit today shared a teardown video for the new Mac mini base model with the M4 chip, 256GB of storage, and 16GB of RAM. The video provides the first complete look inside Apple's smallest Mac ever, revealing the computer's logic board, built-in power supply, cooling system, and other components.
While previous Mac mini models with Apple silicon chips had plenty of unused internal space, since the computer had not been redesigned since it used Intel processors, components take up nearly all of the space inside the new model.
The bottom metal plate on the Mac mini continues to double as an antenna. Once that is removed, you can see the fan and heat sink that help to keep the computer running cool. Beyond that, you can see the Mac mini's modular storage that we reported on earlier today. The base model with 256GB of storage has two 128GB chips, which means it will no longer have slower SSD speeds compared to higher-capacity models. Last, you can see the Mac mini's logic board with the M4 chip and the power supply below that.
The new Mac mini has an innovative thermal architecture, in which air is guided from the bottom foot to different levels of the computer.
As far as the new Mac mini's repairability is concerned, we will have to wait for the website iFixit to share its own teardown video.
Overall, the new Mac mini is an impressive engineering feat made possible by the industry-leading performance-per-watt characteristics of Apple silicon. The new Mac mini launched in stores today, and we recently shared our own hands-on video.Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: TeardownBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini Teardown Provides Look Inside Apple's Smallest Mac Ever" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
While previous Mac mini models with Apple silicon chips had plenty of unused internal space, since the computer had not been redesigned since it used Intel processors, components take up nearly all of the space inside the new model.
The bottom metal plate on the Mac mini continues to double as an antenna. Once that is removed, you can see the fan and heat sink that help to keep the computer running cool. Beyond that, you can see the Mac mini's modular storage that we reported on earlier today. The base model with 256GB of storage has two 128GB chips, which means it will no longer have slower SSD speeds compared to higher-capacity models. Last, you can see the Mac mini's logic board with the M4 chip and the power supply below that.
The new Mac mini has an innovative thermal architecture, in which air is guided from the bottom foot to different levels of the computer.
As far as the new Mac mini's repairability is concerned, we will have to wait for the website iFixit to share its own teardown video.
Overall, the new Mac mini is an impressive engineering feat made possible by the industry-leading performance-per-watt characteristics of Apple silicon. The new Mac mini launched in stores today, and we recently shared our own hands-on video.Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: TeardownBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini Teardown Provides Look Inside Apple's Smallest Mac Ever" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Awe-inspiring science reporting, technology news, and DIY projects. Skunks to space robots, primates to climates. That's Popular Science, 150 years strong.
500+ Xbox games for the price of a pizza? This Xbox Game Pass Ultimate deal is insane - Popular Science
Gamers, you’ve found the golden ticket. We’ve uncovered a hidden gem in the gaming world: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-month membership for less than Microsoft’s own price…28 percent less, to be exact. It doesn’t matter if you’re currently subscribed, either, both new and existing members can take advantage of this deal.
The only catch? Only 150 codes are available for $36.49 (reg. $50.97). So, head directly to checkout now to make sure you get yours. You can stack up to five for 15 months of play.
First-time subscriber? Here’s what’s included 500+ games and day-one releasesHow many times have you wanted to try a new game but didn’t want to spend the money in case it wasn’t your vibe? With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can play them as much as you want during your membership before buying them outright.
Here are some current titles you’ll probably want to play:
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Donut County
- Inscryption
- Mafia: Definitive Edition
When new games are released, you can pre-download and play them the same day they come out. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to come out Dec. 9, and you can be one of the first to test it out.
Don’t miss out on essentially unlimited games—we might already be sold out of codes. Check out now.
Online multiplayerIf not for the gaming library, you might just want to be able to play with your friends on Xbox consoles, PC, and the cloud. Well, go right ahead, gamer.
EA Play membership for freeStill don’t have enough games? You’ll have EA Play membership to play franchises like The Sims, Madden, and Battlefield to quench the last of your thirst.
Skip directly to checkout to get your 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership for $36.49 (reg. $50.97) while codes last. There are 150 available, and they’re going fast.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
The post 500+ Xbox games for the price of a pizza? This Xbox Game Pass Ultimate deal is insane appeared first on Popular Science.
Awe-inspiring science reporting, technology news, and DIY projects. Skunks to space robots, primates to climates. That's Popular Science, 150 years strong.
Find out why this gadget just made VPNs obsolete - Popular Science
You’ll never believe what people are using instead of VPNs. A tiny, physical device now offers the same powers of encrypting your online activity and bypassing geo-restrictions, except without the subscription fees or ads.
It’s called the Deeper Connect Air, a VPN travel router. Instead of using an app, you’ll connect your devices to this router like Wi-Fi for seamless digital privacy. While the cost is more upfront, you’ll save a fortune in fees. These are in such high demand that they’ve been out of stock for weeks, but you can order one now for $169 with free shipping before they sell out again.
Here’s how the VPN router worksThe initial setup might sound intimidating, but returning to your devices day after day will be a breeze. It might even be easier than your digital VPN. Here’s what the setup looks like:
- Plug the router’s USB-C output into your laptop.
- Select a worldwide server from 150,000+ options.
- Wirelessly pair up to five devices at once—all devices are compatible.
You’re all set to browse or stream with military-grade encryption—for life. It’s no wonder these always sell out—head to checkout to get yours before they’re gone.
Like other VPNs, if you’re hoping to unblock content on streaming services, choose a server in your preferred country. The Deeper Connect Air has server speeds up to 300Mbps, so you shouldn’t notice any lag or buffering.
Plus, this VPN router blocks ads at the server level as you browse or stream. Yeah, even pesky YouTube ads. You can also enact parental controls if you wish to restrict certain websites or types of content from your household.
Check out now to get the Deeper Connect Air for $169 with free shipping while supplies last—these are selling out fast.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
The post Find out why this gadget just made VPNs obsolete appeared first on Popular Science.
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Hands On With Apple's New M4 Mac Mini - MacRumors
Apple launched the new Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro models with M4 chips today, and because the Mac mini is the only one of the machines that got a design update, we thought we'd check it out to see how it compares to the prior version.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
The 2024 version of the Mac mini is much smaller than the previous M2 model, so it takes up less space on a desktop. It's 5 by 5 inches, down from 7.75 by 7.75 inches, and you can really see a difference when they're side-by-side. There were rumors that the Mac mini could be as small as the Apple TV, but it's not that small.
It's impressive to have a powerful M4 computer in such a small enclosure, and with so many available ports. There are two ports on the front and three on the back, all USB-C or Thunderbolt. If you have USB-A accessories, you'll need an adapter. There's also an HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an Ethernet port, and a port for the power cable.
You can get the Mac mini with an M4 or an M4 Pro chip, and the M4 version has three Thunderbolt 4 ports at the back while the M4 Pro version has three Thunderbolt 5 ports that support faster transfer speeds. The M4 and the M4 Pro offer notable speed improvements over the prior M2 and M2 Pro chips. We've got the full array of benchmarks in the video, but CPU performance is up to 55 percent faster in the M4 Pro compared to the M2 Pro. GPU performance is up significantly, and even the SSD is faster.
Apple is also selling the M4 Macs with 16GB RAM at a minimum, which is a major upgrade over the previous 8GB starting RAM for the base model.
The Mac mini is priced starting at $599, but that's because it doesn't come with a display or peripherals. You'll need to supply your own. It's a solid machine for home or work, and because it's so small, you can take it from one place to another if you have two setups with displays and accessories.
There is one downside to the Mac mini. If you often turn your Mac off and on, you might be annoyed to find that the power button is on the bottom of the device. To access it, you'll need to lift the Mac mini up a bit. That's no big deal if you don't turn your computer off regularly, but if you do, just note there's a little bit of an extra hassle to deal with.
Did you get a new M4 Mac mini, or do you plan to? Let us know in the comments below.Related Roundup: Mac miniBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "Hands On With Apple's New M4 Mac Mini" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
The 2024 version of the Mac mini is much smaller than the previous M2 model, so it takes up less space on a desktop. It's 5 by 5 inches, down from 7.75 by 7.75 inches, and you can really see a difference when they're side-by-side. There were rumors that the Mac mini could be as small as the Apple TV, but it's not that small.
It's impressive to have a powerful M4 computer in such a small enclosure, and with so many available ports. There are two ports on the front and three on the back, all USB-C or Thunderbolt. If you have USB-A accessories, you'll need an adapter. There's also an HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an Ethernet port, and a port for the power cable.
You can get the Mac mini with an M4 or an M4 Pro chip, and the M4 version has three Thunderbolt 4 ports at the back while the M4 Pro version has three Thunderbolt 5 ports that support faster transfer speeds. The M4 and the M4 Pro offer notable speed improvements over the prior M2 and M2 Pro chips. We've got the full array of benchmarks in the video, but CPU performance is up to 55 percent faster in the M4 Pro compared to the M2 Pro. GPU performance is up significantly, and even the SSD is faster.
Apple is also selling the M4 Macs with 16GB RAM at a minimum, which is a major upgrade over the previous 8GB starting RAM for the base model.
The Mac mini is priced starting at $599, but that's because it doesn't come with a display or peripherals. You'll need to supply your own. It's a solid machine for home or work, and because it's so small, you can take it from one place to another if you have two setups with displays and accessories.
There is one downside to the Mac mini. If you often turn your Mac off and on, you might be annoyed to find that the power button is on the bottom of the device. To access it, you'll need to lift the Mac mini up a bit. That's no big deal if you don't turn your computer off regularly, but if you do, just note there's a little bit of an extra hassle to deal with.
Did you get a new M4 Mac mini, or do you plan to? Let us know in the comments below.Related Roundup: Mac miniBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "Hands On With Apple's New M4 Mac Mini" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Hands On With Apple's New M4 Mac Mini - MacRumors
Apple launched the new Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro models with M4 chips today, and because the Mac mini is the only one of the machines that got a design update, we thought we'd check it out to see how it compares to the prior version.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
The 2024 version of the Mac mini is much smaller than the previous M2 model, so it takes up less space on a desktop. It's 5 by 5 inches, down from 7.75 by 7.75 inches, and you can really see a difference when they're side-by-side. There were rumors that the Mac mini could be as small as the Apple TV, but it's not that small.
It's impressive to have a powerful M4 computer in such a small enclosure, and with so many available ports. There are two ports on the front and three on the back, all USB-C or Thunderbolt. If you have USB-A accessories, you'll need an adapter. There's also an HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an Ethernet port, and a port for the power cable.
You can get the Mac mini with an M4 or an M4 Pro chip, and the M4 version has three Thunderbolt 4 ports at the back while the M4 Pro version has three Thunderbolt 5 ports that support faster transfer speeds. The M4 and the M4 Pro offer notable speed improvements over the prior M2 and M2 Pro chips. We've got the full array of benchmarks in the video, but CPU performance is up to 55 percent faster in the M4 Pro compared to the M2 Pro. GPU performance is up significantly, and even the SSD is faster.
Apple is also selling the M4 Macs with 16GB RAM at a minimum, which is a major upgrade over the previous 8GB starting RAM for the base model.
The Mac mini is priced starting at $599, but that's because it doesn't come with a display or peripherals. You'll need to supply your own. It's a solid machine for home or work, and because it's so small, you can take it from one place to another if you have two setups with displays and accessories.
There is one downside to the Mac mini. If you often turn your Mac off and on, you might be annoyed to find that the power button is on the bottom of the device. To access it, you'll need to lift the Mac mini up a bit. That's no big deal if you don't turn your computer off regularly, but if you do, just note there's a little bit of an extra hassle to deal with.
Did you get a new M4 Mac mini, or do you plan to? Let us know in the comments below.Related Roundup: Mac miniBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "Hands On With Apple's New M4 Mac Mini" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
The 2024 version of the Mac mini is much smaller than the previous M2 model, so it takes up less space on a desktop. It's 5 by 5 inches, down from 7.75 by 7.75 inches, and you can really see a difference when they're side-by-side. There were rumors that the Mac mini could be as small as the Apple TV, but it's not that small.
It's impressive to have a powerful M4 computer in such a small enclosure, and with so many available ports. There are two ports on the front and three on the back, all USB-C or Thunderbolt. If you have USB-A accessories, you'll need an adapter. There's also an HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an Ethernet port, and a port for the power cable.
You can get the Mac mini with an M4 or an M4 Pro chip, and the M4 version has three Thunderbolt 4 ports at the back while the M4 Pro version has three Thunderbolt 5 ports that support faster transfer speeds. The M4 and the M4 Pro offer notable speed improvements over the prior M2 and M2 Pro chips. We've got the full array of benchmarks in the video, but CPU performance is up to 55 percent faster in the M4 Pro compared to the M2 Pro. GPU performance is up significantly, and even the SSD is faster.
Apple is also selling the M4 Macs with 16GB RAM at a minimum, which is a major upgrade over the previous 8GB starting RAM for the base model.
The Mac mini is priced starting at $599, but that's because it doesn't come with a display or peripherals. You'll need to supply your own. It's a solid machine for home or work, and because it's so small, you can take it from one place to another if you have two setups with displays and accessories.
There is one downside to the Mac mini. If you often turn your Mac off and on, you might be annoyed to find that the power button is on the bottom of the device. To access it, you'll need to lift the Mac mini up a bit. That's no big deal if you don't turn your computer off regularly, but if you do, just note there's a little bit of an extra hassle to deal with.
Did you get a new M4 Mac mini, or do you plan to? Let us know in the comments below.Related Roundup: Mac miniBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "Hands On With Apple's New M4 Mac Mini" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Best Buy Reveals Black Friday Plans With Sitewide Sales Available Now - MacRumors
Black Friday sales are continuing today with Best Buy kicking off early Black Friday deals that will last for the next few days. Similar to other retailers, Best Buy's early Black Friday event includes sitewide savings on Apple products, headphones, TVs, monitors, video games, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Best Buy's Black Friday Schedule
Best Buy's early Black Friday sale begins today, and new doorbusters will go online every Friday in November. On November 21, the retailer's Black Friday sale will officially begin and run through November 30. We've broken down the schedule below:
Best Buy's Early Black Friday Sale
You'll find plenty of Apple devices on sale during this event, including MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, iPad, MacBook Air, and more. Of course, there are plenty non-Apple products to shop as well, including the best prices of the year on select TVs and gaming laptops.
SITEWIDE SALEBest Buy Early Black Friday
Some of these deals will require a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, which begin at $49.99 per year. With My Best Buy Plus you will get free two day shipping, exclusive discounts, and an extended 60-day return window on most products.
Apple
iPad
14-inch M3 MacBook Pro
16-inch M3 MacBook Pro
Headphones
TVs
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundups: Apple Black Friday, Apple DealsRelated Forum: Community Discussion
This article, "Best Buy Reveals Black Friday Plans With Sitewide Sales Available Now" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Best Buy's Black Friday Schedule
Best Buy's early Black Friday sale begins today, and new doorbusters will go online every Friday in November. On November 21, the retailer's Black Friday sale will officially begin and run through November 30. We've broken down the schedule below:
- Friday 11/8: Doorbusters every Friday begins
- 11/8 through 11/20: Early Black Friday deals
- 11/21 through 11/30: Black Friday sale
- 12/1 through 12/2: Cyber Monday sale
Best Buy's Early Black Friday Sale
You'll find plenty of Apple devices on sale during this event, including MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, iPad, MacBook Air, and more. Of course, there are plenty non-Apple products to shop as well, including the best prices of the year on select TVs and gaming laptops.
SITEWIDE SALEBest Buy Early Black Friday
Some of these deals will require a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, which begin at $49.99 per year. With My Best Buy Plus you will get free two day shipping, exclusive discounts, and an extended 60-day return window on most products.
Apple
iPad
- 9th Gen iPad - $199.99 ($130 off)
- 10th Gen iPad - $299.00 ($50 off)
- 11-inch M2 iPad Air (128GB Wi-Fi) - $499.00 ($100 off)
- 13-inch M2 iPad Air (128GB Wi-Fi) - $699.00 ($100 off)
14-inch M3 MacBook Pro
- M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB - $1,099.00, down from $1,599.00
- M3, 8GB RAM, 1TB - $1,299.00, down from $1,799.00
- M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB - $1,399.00, down from $1,999.00
- M3 Pro, 512GB - $1,599.00, down from $1,999.00
- M3 Pro, 1TB - $1,999.00, down from $2,399.00
- M3 Max, 1TB - $2,799.00, down from $3,199.00
16-inch M3 MacBook Pro
- M3 Pro, 36GB RAM, 512GB - $2,299.00, down from $2,899.00
- M3 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB - $2,899.00, down from $3,499.00
Headphones
- Beats Solo 4 - $99.99 ($100 off)
- Beats Studio Buds - $99.99 ($50 off)
- Jabra Elite 10 - $149.99 ($100 off)
- Beats Studio Pro - $169.99 ($180 off)
- Sony WH1000XM4 Noise-Cancelling Headphones - $229.99 ($120 off)
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra - $329.00 ($100 off)
TVs
- 43-inch Roku 4K Smart TV - $169.99 ($80 off)
- 50-inch Samsung Crystal UHD 4K TV - $249.99 ($50 off)
- 65-inch LG 4K Smart TV - $399.99 ($200 off)
- 75-inch Samsung Crystal UHD 4K TV - $549.00 ($200 off)
- 65-inch Samsung QLED 4K Smart TV - $799.99 ($200 off)
- 65-inch Sony Bravia LED 4K Smart TV - $999.99 ($200 off)
- 65-inch LG OLED 4K UHD Smart TV - $1,499.99 ($300 off)
- 65-inch Samsung The Frame 4K TV - $1,599.99 ($400 off)
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundups: Apple Black Friday, Apple DealsRelated Forum: Community Discussion
This article, "Best Buy Reveals Black Friday Plans With Sitewide Sales Available Now" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Best Buy Reveals Black Friday Plans With Sitewide Sales Available Now - MacRumors
Black Friday sales are continuing today with Best Buy kicking off early Black Friday deals that will last for the next few days. Similar to other retailers, Best Buy's early Black Friday event includes sitewide savings on Apple products, headphones, TVs, monitors, video games, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Best Buy's Black Friday Schedule
Best Buy's early Black Friday sale begins today, and new doorbusters will go online every Friday in November. On November 21, the retailer's Black Friday sale will officially begin and run through November 30. We've broken down the schedule below:
Best Buy's Early Black Friday Sale
You'll find plenty of Apple devices on sale during this event, including MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, iPad, MacBook Air, and more. Of course, there are plenty non-Apple products to shop as well, including the best prices of the year on select TVs and gaming laptops.
SITEWIDE SALEBest Buy Early Black Friday
Some of these deals will require a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, which begin at $49.99 per year. With My Best Buy Plus you will get free two day shipping, exclusive discounts, and an extended 60-day return window on most products.
Apple
iPad
14-inch M3 MacBook Pro
16-inch M3 MacBook Pro
Headphones
TVs
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundups: Apple Black Friday, Apple DealsRelated Forum: Community Discussion
This article, "Best Buy Reveals Black Friday Plans With Sitewide Sales Available Now" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Best Buy's Black Friday Schedule
Best Buy's early Black Friday sale begins today, and new doorbusters will go online every Friday in November. On November 21, the retailer's Black Friday sale will officially begin and run through November 30. We've broken down the schedule below:
- Friday 11/8: Doorbusters every Friday begins
- 11/8 through 11/20: Early Black Friday deals
- 11/21 through 11/30: Black Friday sale
- 12/1 through 12/2: Cyber Monday sale
Best Buy's Early Black Friday Sale
You'll find plenty of Apple devices on sale during this event, including MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, iPad, MacBook Air, and more. Of course, there are plenty non-Apple products to shop as well, including the best prices of the year on select TVs and gaming laptops.
SITEWIDE SALEBest Buy Early Black Friday
Some of these deals will require a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, which begin at $49.99 per year. With My Best Buy Plus you will get free two day shipping, exclusive discounts, and an extended 60-day return window on most products.
Apple
iPad
- 9th Gen iPad - $199.99 ($130 off)
- 10th Gen iPad - $299.00 ($50 off)
- 11-inch M2 iPad Air (128GB Wi-Fi) - $499.00 ($100 off)
- 13-inch M2 iPad Air (128GB Wi-Fi) - $699.00 ($100 off)
14-inch M3 MacBook Pro
- M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB - $1,099.00, down from $1,599.00
- M3, 8GB RAM, 1TB - $1,299.00, down from $1,799.00
- M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB - $1,399.00, down from $1,999.00
- M3 Pro, 512GB - $1,599.00, down from $1,999.00
- M3 Pro, 1TB - $1,999.00, down from $2,399.00
- M3 Max, 1TB - $2,799.00, down from $3,199.00
16-inch M3 MacBook Pro
- M3 Pro, 36GB RAM, 512GB - $2,299.00, down from $2,899.00
- M3 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB - $2,899.00, down from $3,499.00
Headphones
- Beats Solo 4 - $99.99 ($100 off)
- Beats Studio Buds - $99.99 ($50 off)
- Jabra Elite 10 - $149.99 ($100 off)
- Beats Studio Pro - $169.99 ($180 off)
- Sony WH1000XM4 Noise-Cancelling Headphones - $229.99 ($120 off)
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra - $329.00 ($100 off)
TVs
- 43-inch Roku 4K Smart TV - $169.99 ($80 off)
- 50-inch Samsung Crystal UHD 4K TV - $249.99 ($50 off)
- 65-inch LG 4K Smart TV - $399.99 ($200 off)
- 75-inch Samsung Crystal UHD 4K TV - $549.00 ($200 off)
- 65-inch Samsung QLED 4K Smart TV - $799.99 ($200 off)
- 65-inch Sony Bravia LED 4K Smart TV - $999.99 ($200 off)
- 65-inch LG OLED 4K UHD Smart TV - $1,499.99 ($300 off)
- 65-inch Samsung The Frame 4K TV - $1,599.99 ($400 off)
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundups: Apple Black Friday, Apple DealsRelated Forum: Community Discussion
This article, "Best Buy Reveals Black Friday Plans With Sitewide Sales Available Now" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Awe-inspiring science reporting, technology news, and DIY projects. Skunks to space robots, primates to climates. That's Popular Science, 150 years strong.
Why wet dogs shake so much - Popular Science
After getting wet, many hairy mammals–particularly dogs–shake off the excess water from their fur. Scientists are now getting closer to understanding the neural mechanism behind the “wet dog shakes.” Using lab mice, a team of researchers from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Harvard Medical School found that the behavior is triggered when particular mechanoreceptors in the skin are activated. The findings are detailed in a study published November 7 in the journal Science.
The wet dog shakes are an effective way to remove water from fur and also potentially eliminate irritants, tangles, and parasites. It works particularly well in areas like the neck and back that are more difficult for animals to reach by licking or self-grooming. Hairy mammals have over 12 types of sensory neurons and each have their own function to find and interpret various feelings and trigger responses like shaking. Even though this behavior is fairly common across several species, the neural mechanisms behind it have been largely unexplored.
[Related: New evidence suggests dogs may ‘picture’ objects in their minds, similarly to people.]
In the new study, the team focused on a type of ultra-sensitive touch detecting receptors called C-fibre low-threshold mechanoreceptors (C-LTMRs). These receptors work by wrapping around hair follicles and are associated with pleasant affective touch.
First, the team applied multiple types of stimuli like oil and water to the mice’s backs and necks. After applying the stimuli, the team looked for a response from several mechanosensory neurons.
The team then genetically modified some of the mice by removing most of their C-LTMRs. Taking out these receptors stopped the mice from shaking, indicating that they are essential to controlling the sensation that is essential for triggering the wet dog shake.
Next, they explored how the signals from C-LTMRs travel through the mice’s nervous system. They traced this pathway to a group of neurons in the spinal cord. This neural pathway connects to the parabrachial nucleus–an area in the brain that helps process pain, touch, and temperature. The team then changed the neurons so that they can be switched on and off in response to light. It blocked the activity of the spinal neurons and allowed them to create a map of the path that the sensory neurons were taking.
[Related: Dogs and wolves remember where you hide their food.]
Compared to the control mice, the altered mice had a 58 percent reduction in shakes. Blocking the activity to the brain’s pain, touch and temperature region also produced similar results. The control mice continued to scratch and groom themselves normally, which suggests that this is the neural circuit specific to wet dog shakes.
According to the results, the C-LTMRs are the key sensory players behind the wet dog shakes. Future research into this common behavior could investigate if overactive C-LTMRs add to conditions like twitch-skin syndrome in cats. This is when felines suddenly rip their skin and twitch excessively. It could also be used in studying skin hypersensitivity in humans.
The post Why wet dogs shake so much appeared first on Popular Science.
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
The MacRumors Show: visionOS 2.2 and Where Vision Pro Goes Next - MacRumors
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss visionOS 2.2 and Apple's potential move into iPhone-connected glasses.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos
visionOS 2.2 brings Wide and Ultrawide modes to the Vision Pro's Mac Virtual Display feature. Mac Virtual Display allows Apple's Vision Pro headset to be used as an external display for a Mac. The feature has been available since visionOS was first released earlier this year, but the wider options are new in the latest beta. Apple has previously said the ultrawide version of Mac Virtual Display is equivalent to having two physical 4K displays sitting side by side on a desk.
We discuss the experience of using the new Mac Virtual Display modes and whether it makes the Vision Pro more useful. visionOS 2.2 will likely be released to the public in December alongside iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and other updates.
We also talk through where Apple's Vision product line is headed next. There are now a multitude of rumors from reliable sources about a new, M5-powered Vision Pro headset with Apple Intelligence that is apparently set to launch next year.
Apple is also said to be "seriously considering" a new Vision device that offloads computing to a paired iPhone and serves as an accessory for watching movies, similar to Xreal.
The MacRumors Show also has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips:
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel!
You can also listen to The MacRumors Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion with Jon Prosser about talk all of Apple's latest Mac announcements.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Kevin Nether, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.Tag: The MacRumors Show
This article, "The MacRumors Show: visionOS 2.2 and Where Vision Pro Goes Next" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos
visionOS 2.2 brings Wide and Ultrawide modes to the Vision Pro's Mac Virtual Display feature. Mac Virtual Display allows Apple's Vision Pro headset to be used as an external display for a Mac. The feature has been available since visionOS was first released earlier this year, but the wider options are new in the latest beta. Apple has previously said the ultrawide version of Mac Virtual Display is equivalent to having two physical 4K displays sitting side by side on a desk.
We discuss the experience of using the new Mac Virtual Display modes and whether it makes the Vision Pro more useful. visionOS 2.2 will likely be released to the public in December alongside iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and other updates.
We also talk through where Apple's Vision product line is headed next. There are now a multitude of rumors from reliable sources about a new, M5-powered Vision Pro headset with Apple Intelligence that is apparently set to launch next year.
Apple is also said to be "seriously considering" a new Vision device that offloads computing to a paired iPhone and serves as an accessory for watching movies, similar to Xreal.
The MacRumors Show also has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips:
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel!
You can also listen to The MacRumors Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion with Jon Prosser about talk all of Apple's latest Mac announcements.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Kevin Nether, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.Tag: The MacRumors Show
This article, "The MacRumors Show: visionOS 2.2 and Where Vision Pro Goes Next" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
The MacRumors Show: visionOS 2.2 and Where Vision Pro Goes Next - MacRumors
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss visionOS 2.2 and Apple's potential move into iPhone-connected glasses.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos
visionOS 2.2 brings Wide and Ultrawide modes to the Vision Pro's Mac Virtual Display feature. Mac Virtual Display allows Apple's Vision Pro headset to be used as an external display for a Mac. The feature has been available since visionOS was first released earlier this year, but the wider options are new in the latest beta. Apple has previously said the ultrawide version of Mac Virtual Display is equivalent to having two physical 4K displays sitting side by side on a desk.
We discuss the experience of using the new Mac Virtual Display modes and whether it makes the Vision Pro more useful. visionOS 2.2 will likely be released to the public in December alongside iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and other updates.
We also talk through where Apple's Vision product line is headed next. There are now a multitude of rumors from reliable sources about a new, M5-powered Vision Pro headset with Apple Intelligence that is apparently set to launch next year.
Apple is also said to be "seriously considering" a new Vision device that offloads computing to a paired iPhone and serves as an accessory for watching movies, similar to Xreal.
The MacRumors Show also has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips:
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel!
You can also listen to The MacRumors Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion with Jon Prosser about talk all of Apple's latest Mac announcements.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Kevin Nether, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.Tag: The MacRumors Show
This article, "The MacRumors Show: visionOS 2.2 and Where Vision Pro Goes Next" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos
visionOS 2.2 brings Wide and Ultrawide modes to the Vision Pro's Mac Virtual Display feature. Mac Virtual Display allows Apple's Vision Pro headset to be used as an external display for a Mac. The feature has been available since visionOS was first released earlier this year, but the wider options are new in the latest beta. Apple has previously said the ultrawide version of Mac Virtual Display is equivalent to having two physical 4K displays sitting side by side on a desk.
We discuss the experience of using the new Mac Virtual Display modes and whether it makes the Vision Pro more useful. visionOS 2.2 will likely be released to the public in December alongside iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and other updates.
We also talk through where Apple's Vision product line is headed next. There are now a multitude of rumors from reliable sources about a new, M5-powered Vision Pro headset with Apple Intelligence that is apparently set to launch next year.
Apple is also said to be "seriously considering" a new Vision device that offloads computing to a paired iPhone and serves as an accessory for watching movies, similar to Xreal.
The MacRumors Show also has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips:
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel!
You can also listen to The MacRumors Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion with Jon Prosser about talk all of Apple's latest Mac announcements.
Subscribe to The MacRumors Show for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests such as Luke Miani, Matthew Cassinelli, Brian Tong, Quinn Nelson, Kevin Nether, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Sam Kohl, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.Tag: The MacRumors Show
This article, "The MacRumors Show: visionOS 2.2 and Where Vision Pro Goes Next" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Skipping the New MacBook Pro? Here Are the Rumors About M5 Models - MacRumors
The new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips launched in stores today. If you are not planning to upgrade this year, be aware that there are already rumors about next year's MacBook Pro models with M5 series chips.
It appears the MacBook Pro will remain on an annual upgrade cycle next year. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said camera module shipments for MacBook Pro models with M5 series chips will begin in 2025, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also recently said MacBook Pro models with M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips will launch next year. In fact, he said Apple's development of those chips was already near completion.
MacBook Pro announcement dates:
Gurman believes the MacBook Pro will not receive any major design changes next year, with bigger changes like an OLED display and a thinner design rumored for 2026. The last major redesign to the MacBook Pro line occurred in 2021.
All in all, expect the MacBook Pro to receive yet another modest spec bump with performance improvements and other internal upgrades next year, and start saving your money for the two-generations-away models with a "total redesign."
Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook Pro
This article, "Skipping the New MacBook Pro? Here Are the Rumors About M5 Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
It appears the MacBook Pro will remain on an annual upgrade cycle next year. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said camera module shipments for MacBook Pro models with M5 series chips will begin in 2025, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also recently said MacBook Pro models with M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips will launch next year. In fact, he said Apple's development of those chips was already near completion.
MacBook Pro announcement dates:
- M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max models: October 30, 2024
- M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max models: October 30, 2023
- M2 Pro and M2 Max models: January 17, 2023 (it has been rumored that this launch was initially planned for October 2022)
- M1 Pro and M1 Max models: October 18, 2021
Gurman believes the MacBook Pro will not receive any major design changes next year, with bigger changes like an OLED display and a thinner design rumored for 2026. The last major redesign to the MacBook Pro line occurred in 2021.
All in all, expect the MacBook Pro to receive yet another modest spec bump with performance improvements and other internal upgrades next year, and start saving your money for the two-generations-away models with a "total redesign."
Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook Pro
This article, "Skipping the New MacBook Pro? Here Are the Rumors About M5 Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Skipping the New MacBook Pro? Here Are the Rumors About M5 Models - MacRumors
The new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips launched in stores today. If you are not planning to upgrade this year, be aware that there are already rumors about next year's MacBook Pro models with M5 series chips.
It appears the MacBook Pro will remain on an annual upgrade cycle next year. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said camera module shipments for MacBook Pro models with M5 series chips will begin in 2025, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also recently said MacBook Pro models with M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips will launch next year. In fact, he said Apple's development of those chips was already near completion.
MacBook Pro announcement dates:
Gurman believes the MacBook Pro will not receive any major design changes next year, with bigger changes like an OLED display and a thinner design rumored for 2026. The last major redesign to the MacBook Pro line occurred in 2021.
All in all, expect the MacBook Pro to receive yet another modest spec bump with performance improvements and other internal upgrades next year, and start saving your money for the two-generations-away models with a "total redesign."
Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook Pro
This article, "Skipping the New MacBook Pro? Here Are the Rumors About M5 Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
It appears the MacBook Pro will remain on an annual upgrade cycle next year. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said camera module shipments for MacBook Pro models with M5 series chips will begin in 2025, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also recently said MacBook Pro models with M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips will launch next year. In fact, he said Apple's development of those chips was already near completion.
MacBook Pro announcement dates:
- M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max models: October 30, 2024
- M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max models: October 30, 2023
- M2 Pro and M2 Max models: January 17, 2023 (it has been rumored that this launch was initially planned for October 2022)
- M1 Pro and M1 Max models: October 18, 2021
Gurman believes the MacBook Pro will not receive any major design changes next year, with bigger changes like an OLED display and a thinner design rumored for 2026. The last major redesign to the MacBook Pro line occurred in 2021.
All in all, expect the MacBook Pro to receive yet another modest spec bump with performance improvements and other internal upgrades next year, and start saving your money for the two-generations-away models with a "total redesign."
Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook Pro
This article, "Skipping the New MacBook Pro? Here Are the Rumors About M5 Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
New Mac Mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro Now Available for Same-Day Pickup at Apple Stores - MacRumors
It is launch day for the new Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro in the U.S., and same-day pickup is now available at many Apple Store locations across the country. The same is true for many other countries around the world.
To order a product with Apple Store pickup, add the product to your bag on Apple.com, proceed to checkout, select the "I'll pick it up" option, enter your ZIP code, choose an available Apple Store location, and select a pickup date. Payment is completed online, and a valid government-issued photo ID and the order number may be required upon pickup.
Same-day Apple Store pickup is not available for custom Mac configurations with upgraded specifications ordered through Apple's online store.
As we recently reported, Apple's extended return policy is now in effect for the holiday shopping season. If you purchase a new Mac from Apple between today and December 25, it is eligible for return until January 8 in the U.S. and many other countries.Related Roundups: iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac miniTag: Apple StoreBuyer's Guide: iMac (Buy Now), MacBook Pro (Buy Now), Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forums: iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro Now Available for Same-Day Pickup at Apple Stores" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
To order a product with Apple Store pickup, add the product to your bag on Apple.com, proceed to checkout, select the "I'll pick it up" option, enter your ZIP code, choose an available Apple Store location, and select a pickup date. Payment is completed online, and a valid government-issued photo ID and the order number may be required upon pickup.
Same-day Apple Store pickup is not available for custom Mac configurations with upgraded specifications ordered through Apple's online store.
As we recently reported, Apple's extended return policy is now in effect for the holiday shopping season. If you purchase a new Mac from Apple between today and December 25, it is eligible for return until January 8 in the U.S. and many other countries.Related Roundups: iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac miniTag: Apple StoreBuyer's Guide: iMac (Buy Now), MacBook Pro (Buy Now), Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forums: iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro Now Available for Same-Day Pickup at Apple Stores" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
New Mac Mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro Now Available for Same-Day Pickup at Apple Stores - MacRumors
It is launch day for the new Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro in the U.S., and same-day pickup is now available at many Apple Store locations across the country. The same is true for many other countries around the world.
To order a product with Apple Store pickup, add the product to your bag on Apple.com, proceed to checkout, select the "I'll pick it up" option, enter your ZIP code, choose an available Apple Store location, and select a pickup date. Payment is completed online, and a valid government-issued photo ID and the order number may be required upon pickup.
Same-day Apple Store pickup is not available for custom Mac configurations with upgraded specifications ordered through Apple's online store.
As we recently reported, Apple's extended return policy is now in effect for the holiday shopping season. If you purchase a new Mac from Apple between today and December 25, it is eligible for return until January 8 in the U.S. and many other countries.Related Roundups: iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac miniTag: Apple StoreBuyer's Guide: iMac (Buy Now), MacBook Pro (Buy Now), Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forums: iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro Now Available for Same-Day Pickup at Apple Stores" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
To order a product with Apple Store pickup, add the product to your bag on Apple.com, proceed to checkout, select the "I'll pick it up" option, enter your ZIP code, choose an available Apple Store location, and select a pickup date. Payment is completed online, and a valid government-issued photo ID and the order number may be required upon pickup.
Same-day Apple Store pickup is not available for custom Mac configurations with upgraded specifications ordered through Apple's online store.
As we recently reported, Apple's extended return policy is now in effect for the holiday shopping season. If you purchase a new Mac from Apple between today and December 25, it is eligible for return until January 8 in the U.S. and many other countries.Related Roundups: iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac miniTag: Apple StoreBuyer's Guide: iMac (Buy Now), MacBook Pro (Buy Now), Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forums: iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini, iMac, and MacBook Pro Now Available for Same-Day Pickup at Apple Stores" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Awe-inspiring science reporting, technology news, and DIY projects. Skunks to space robots, primates to climates. That's Popular Science, 150 years strong.
Get a 98-inch TCL TV for 47% off with this early Black Friday deal - Popular Science
Getting a big, cheap TV used to require serious commitment. You had to get up early on Black Friday, shake off your turkey-induced hangover, and lineup outside of a big box store in hopes of scoring a deal. Right now, however, you can grab a 98-inch TV for just $1,598, which is 47 percent off of its retail price and $400 cheaper than its typical sale price. We ranked the Q6 our best budget 4K TV in our buying guide, so it’s no slouch when it comes to performance.
TCL 98″ Q Class 4K UHD HDR QLED Smart TV with Google TV $1,598 (was $2,998 also available at Best Buy and Walmart)
TCL
See ItThis TV is part of TCL’s Q-series, which relies on Quantum Dot technology to increase brightness and color performance. It offers three HDMI ports, (we would have liked four, but it’s not a dealbreaker), Bluetooth connectivity, 4K resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The real selling point, though, is the size. It can be hard to visualize just how large a 98-inch TV really is. For a quick reference, imagine a queen-sized mattress on your wall because the dimensions are similar. It’s seriously huge.
TCL 98-Inch QM7 QLED 4K Smart QD-Mini LED TV $2,298 (was $2,998, also available at Best Buy and Walmart)
TCL
See ItIf you have a little extra cash to spend, you could upgrade to this QD-Mini LED model, which offers everything you’d get out of the typical Q-series, but benefits from Mini LED backlighting and Quantum Dots working together. With 150 local dimming zones, it can achieve superior contrast and brightness at the same time. That’s great news if you have a lot of ambient light or you really like the image to pop on the screen. Also, it’s still enormous.
You likely won’t see these get any cheaper on actual Black Friday and they’ll probably sell out if you try waiting for them to drop any more so don’t sleep.
The post Get a 98-inch TCL TV for 47% off with this early Black Friday deal appeared first on Popular Science.
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Apple's Extended Return Policy Now in Effect for 2024 Holiday Season - MacRumors
Apple today indicated that its extended return policy is now in effect for the 2024 holiday shopping season. The policy applies to most products that Apple sells, but there are a few exceptions, including carrier-financed iPhones.
In the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and many other countries, most products purchased between November 8 and December 25 of this year may be returned through January 8, 2025, according to Apple's website. All purchases made after December 25 in those countries are subject to Apple's standard 14-day return policy.
If you placed an order through Apple's online store, the extended return policy applies to eligible products that you receive between November 8 and December 25 too. That means anyone who pre-ordered a new Mac mini, iMac, or MacBook Pro has until January 8 to return those computers, if they choose to.
In some countries, such as Italy, Spain, Japan, and Mexico, the return window is slightly longer. Apple says most products purchased in those countries between November 8 and January 6 may be returned through January 20.
Apple has also updated its online "Store" page with gift recommendations for the holidays.Tag: Apple Store
This article, "Apple's Extended Return Policy Now in Effect for 2024 Holiday Season" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
In the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and many other countries, most products purchased between November 8 and December 25 of this year may be returned through January 8, 2025, according to Apple's website. All purchases made after December 25 in those countries are subject to Apple's standard 14-day return policy.
If you placed an order through Apple's online store, the extended return policy applies to eligible products that you receive between November 8 and December 25 too. That means anyone who pre-ordered a new Mac mini, iMac, or MacBook Pro has until January 8 to return those computers, if they choose to.
In some countries, such as Italy, Spain, Japan, and Mexico, the return window is slightly longer. Apple says most products purchased in those countries between November 8 and January 6 may be returned through January 20.
Apple has also updated its online "Store" page with gift recommendations for the holidays.Tag: Apple Store
This article, "Apple's Extended Return Policy Now in Effect for 2024 Holiday Season" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
Apple's Extended Return Policy Now in Effect for 2024 Holiday Season - MacRumors
Apple today indicated that its extended return policy is now in effect for the 2024 holiday shopping season. The policy applies to most products that Apple sells, but there are a few exceptions, including carrier-financed iPhones.
In the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and many other countries, most products purchased between November 8 and December 25 of this year may be returned through January 8, 2025, according to Apple's website. All purchases made after December 25 in those countries are subject to Apple's standard 14-day return policy.
If you placed an order through Apple's online store, the extended return policy applies to eligible products that you receive between November 8 and December 25 too. That means anyone who pre-ordered a new Mac mini, iMac, or MacBook Pro has until January 8 to return those computers, if they choose to.
In some countries, such as Italy, Spain, Japan, and Mexico, the return window is slightly longer. Apple says most products purchased in those countries between November 8 and January 6 may be returned through January 20.
Apple has also updated its online "Store" page with gift recommendations for the holidays.Tag: Apple Store
This article, "Apple's Extended Return Policy Now in Effect for 2024 Holiday Season" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
In the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and many other countries, most products purchased between November 8 and December 25 of this year may be returned through January 8, 2025, according to Apple's website. All purchases made after December 25 in those countries are subject to Apple's standard 14-day return policy.
If you placed an order through Apple's online store, the extended return policy applies to eligible products that you receive between November 8 and December 25 too. That means anyone who pre-ordered a new Mac mini, iMac, or MacBook Pro has until January 8 to return those computers, if they choose to.
In some countries, such as Italy, Spain, Japan, and Mexico, the return window is slightly longer. Apple says most products purchased in those countries between November 8 and January 6 may be returned through January 20.
Apple has also updated its online "Store" page with gift recommendations for the holidays.Tag: Apple Store
This article, "Apple's Extended Return Policy Now in Effect for 2024 Holiday Season" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Denver Slaughterhouse Measure Reveals Impacts of Meat Industry - Planetizen
Denver Slaughterhouse Measure Reveals Impacts of Meat Industry
Diana Ionescu
Fri, 11/08/2024 - 08:10
Primary Image
Denver County voters rejected a ballot measure that would have closed a slaughterhouse in the Globeville neighborhood that processes 15 to 20 percent of the total lamb slaughter capacity in the country.
According to research by Jennifer Martin, an associate professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University, “Our report found that a closure of the Denver facility would require most of the sheep harvested there to instead be harvested in other states.” If the measure had passed, it could have had a 2 percent impact on livestock production nationwide. “The effects, which have been observed after closures of meat-processing facilities in other regions, would have included fewer sheep produced and a decline in the economic value of live sheep. Additionally, the closure would have resulted in a loss of livestock employment opportunities and a transition away from sheep production toward other enterprises.”
Martin explains how “The ballot measure highlighted the complexities of the meat supply chain and the challenges sheep producers face in getting lamb meat to consumers.” The meat industry is global, Martin notes, and “Balancing the value of the export market with imports from other countries underpins the profitability of livestock and meat producers across the globe.”
Geography Colorado Category Education & Careers Land Use Tags Publication The Conversation Publication Date Fri, 11/01/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links Denver slaughterhouse ban could affect food systems in Colorado and beyond 1 minuteDenver Slaughterhouse Measure Reveals Impacts of Meat Industry - Planetizen
Denver Slaughterhouse Measure Reveals Impacts of Meat Industry
Diana Ionescu
Fri, 11/08/2024 - 08:10
Primary Image
Denver County voters rejected a ballot measure that would have closed a slaughterhouse in the Globeville neighborhood that processes 15 to 20 percent of the total lamb slaughter capacity in the country.
According to research by Jennifer Martin, an associate professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University, “Our report found that a closure of the Denver facility would require most of the sheep harvested there to instead be harvested in other states.” If the measure had passed, it could have had a 2 percent impact on livestock production nationwide. “The effects, which have been observed after closures of meat-processing facilities in other regions, would have included fewer sheep produced and a decline in the economic value of live sheep. Additionally, the closure would have resulted in a loss of livestock employment opportunities and a transition away from sheep production toward other enterprises.”
Martin explains how “The ballot measure highlighted the complexities of the meat supply chain and the challenges sheep producers face in getting lamb meat to consumers.” The meat industry is global, Martin notes, and “Balancing the value of the export market with imports from other countries underpins the profitability of livestock and meat producers across the globe.”
Geography Colorado Category Education & Careers Land Use Tags Publication The Conversation Publication Date Fri, 11/01/2024 - 12:00 Publication Links Denver slaughterhouse ban could affect food systems in Colorado and beyond 1 minute Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
14-Inch vs. 16-Inch MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide 2024 - MacRumors
The MacBook Pro is available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, with three distinct models starting at $1,599, $1,999, and $2,499, so which should you choose?
With a range of three similar models in the lineup to choose from, our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these MacBook Pros is best for you. The three models are as follows:
Each MacBook Pro is configurable to add more a more powerful processor and larger quantities of memory and storage. Read on for a detailed break down of all of the differences between the three MacBook Pro models.
14-Inch MacBook Pro
(With M4)
14-Inch MacBook Pro
(With M4 Pro and M4 Max)
16-Inch MacBook Pro
14.2-inch display
14.2-inch display
16.2-inch display
0.61 inches thick (1.55 cm)
0.61 inches thick (1.55 cm)
0.66 inches thick (1.68 cm)
Weighs 3.4 pounds (1.55 kg)
M4 Pro: Weighs 3.5 pounds (1.61 kg)
M4 Max: Weighs 3.6 pounds (1.62 kg)
M4 Pro: Weighs 4.7 pounds (2.14 kg)
M4 Max: Weighs 4.8 pounds (2.16 kg)
Configurations start with M4 with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
Configurations start with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU
Configurations start with M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU
High Power Mode to boost M4 Max performance
High Power Mode to boost M4 Max performance
120GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Pro: 273GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Max: 546GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Pro: 273GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Max: 546GB/s memory bandwidth
16GB, 24GB, or 32GB unified memory
M4 Pro: 24GB or 48GB unified memory
M4 Max: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory
M4 Pro: 24GB or 48GB unified memory
M4 Max: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory
Support for two external displays
M4 Pro: Support for two external displays
M4 Max: Support for up to four external displays
M4 Pro: Support for two external displays
M4 Max: Support for up to four external displays
Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports
Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port (with 240W cable only)
Up to 24-hour battery life
M4 Pro: Up to 22-hour battery life
M4 Max: Up to 18-hour battery life
M4 Pro: Up to 24-hour battery life
M4 Max: Up to 21-hour battery life
Integrated 72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
Integrated 72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
Integrated 100-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
70W USB-C Power Adapter
70W USB-C Power Adapter (with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU) or 96W USB-C Power Adapter (with M4 Pro with 14-core CPU or M4 Max, configurable with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU)
140W USB-C Power Adapter
512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage
512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage
512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage
Starts at $1,599
Starts at $1,999
Starts at $2,499
Display Size
The MacBook Pro is offered in 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch display sizes. The 16.2-inch display is a better replacement for a desktop machine and provides much more screen space to arrange multiple windows and use professional applications that benefit from the additional display area. The 14.2-inch display is still larger than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, and will likely be the best overall balance of needs for most users.
Design
The 16-inch model is, of course, physically larger than the 14-inch model, with a markedly bigger overall footprint. It is also worth noting that the 16-inch model is also 0.13 cm thicker and up to 1.4 pounds (0.64 kg) heavier.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is decidedly more portable and comfortable than the 16-inch model to carry around on a daily basis. Though the 16-inch MacBook Pro can still fit in larger bags and is an acceptable size for travel, it is a much bigger, heavier machine. If you are considering the 16-inch MacBook Pro, you should make sure you are comfortable with its size and weight—especially if you plan to use it on the go.
Chip Configurations
Both the 14-inch and 16-inch models are equally upgradeable to the M4 Max chip with a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU, but if you are looking to spend as little as possible or do not need a high level of performance for intense workflows the 14-inch MacBook Pro is also available with the standard M4 chip. The M4 offers a more balanced processor with more of a focus on efficiency to prolong battery life, which will be more appropriate for users with less demanding requirements. Buyers should be aware that the M4 chip is limited to 120GB/s memory bandwidth, 32GB of memory, 2TB storage, and supports just two external displays.
The base configuration of the 14-inch MacBook Pro features an M4 Pro with 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, while the base 16-inch model contains an M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU. If you upgrade the 14-inch model to the same M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU that the 16-inch model starts with, it increases to $2,299 – just $300 less than the starting price of the 16-inch model.
For those who are leaning toward buying the 16-inch MacBook Pro and want the 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU at a minimum, the slimmer price difference between the two models to just $300 may make it easier to justify getting the larger machine. On the other hand, if you do not need the performance of the M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, the 16-inch model may be overkill, and getting the 14-inch model will be the best way to keep costs down.
High Power Mode
The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips offer a software feature called High Power Mode. When enabled, High Power Mode boosts the machine's performance to better meet the needs of intensive, sustained workloads.
High Power Mode is designed to optimize and improve performance for resource-intensive tasks, such as color grading 8K ProRes video, according to Apple. When enabled, High Power Mode will de-prioritize resource-hungry system processes in order to leverage the full performance capability of the M4 Max chip. The setting is effectively the opposite of "Low Power Mode," which aims to decrease system performance in favor of prolonging battery life.
The M4 and M4 Pro chips do not feature High Power Mode, so if you want the ability to selectively push your processor to its limits, you will need to buy a machine with the M4 Max chip.
Battery Life
Owing to its larger size, the 16-inch MacBook Pro contains a larger battery and has longer-lasting battery life. The 14-inch model contains a 72.4-watt-hour battery, while the 16-inch model contains a 100-watt-hour battery.
Apple says the M4 14-inch MacBook Pro can deliver up to 24 hours of battery life when playing back video, but this drops to 18- or 22-hours when configured with the M4 Pro or M4 Max. The 16-inch model features 22-hours of battery life with the M4 Max and 24-hours with the M4 Pro when playing back video. For users who need maximum battery life, the M4 14-inch model or the M4 Pro 16-inch model will be the best options. That being said, the battery life of the other configurations is still good enough for most users.
Charging and Connectivity
The 14-inch MacBook Pro uses a 70W or 96W USB-C power adapter for charging, while the 16-inch model comes with a 140W power adapter. Both models support fast charging, but a 96W or higher USB-C power adapter is required. The 96W USB-C power adapter is a $20 option on the base model 14-inch MacBook Pro, but it comes as standard with M4 Pro configurations with a 14-core CPU and ones with the M4 Max.
Both models can use the MagSafe 3 or USB-C ports to fast charge. They can charge with up to 100W via their USB-C ports, but since the 16-inch model has a larger battery, it is not classified as "fast charging" on this machine.
The MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips features Thunderbolt 5 ports, but the model with the standard M4 chip is limited to Thunderbolt 4. Thunderbolt 4 wired transfers should be more than sufficient for most users, but it is still a difference worth noting.
Final Thoughts
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is $500 more than the 14-inch model with the base M4 Pro chip, so you should be sure that you need the additional display area, battery life, and perhaps even High Power Mode support to justify its higher price. That being said, if you upgrade the 14-inch model to the same M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU that the 16-inch model starts with, the price difference shrinks to $300, and it may be worth opting for the larger model—especially if you could take advantage of its longer battery life.
Buyers of the 16-inch model should be aware that it is considerably larger, thicker, and heavier than the 14-inch model, to the extent that it could be needlessly cumbersome to some users. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is clearly a more portable machine, so if you intend to carry your MacBook Pro around frequently or need the versatility of it easily fitting into a bag for transport, the smaller model is the better option by far.
If you need more than 16GB of memory and are interested in the 14-inch model with the M4 chip, a 24GB memory configuration pushes the price up to $1,799. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip has 24GB of memory as standard and starts at $1,999. In this case, it may be worth spending the extra $200 to gain two extra CPU cores and six extra GPU cores, unless you are particularly concerned about losing two hours of battery life.Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook Pro
This article, "14-Inch vs. 16-Inch MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide 2024" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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With a range of three similar models in the lineup to choose from, our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these MacBook Pros is best for you. The three models are as follows:
- 14-Inch MacBook Pro with M4: An entry-level model for users who need a machine that is more powerful and versatile than the MacBook Air.
- 14-Inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max: A more powerful, high-end model with a choice of performance-focused chips. It comes with higher memory bandwidth, larger quantities of memory, support for additional external displays, and an 8TB storage option, but loses two hours of battery life.
- 16-Inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max: A model with identical specifications to the 14-inch model with the M4 Pro or M4 Max chips, but with a significantly larger display and up to two extra hours of battery life. It also gains High Power Mode to boost performance.
Each MacBook Pro is configurable to add more a more powerful processor and larger quantities of memory and storage. Read on for a detailed break down of all of the differences between the three MacBook Pro models.
14-Inch MacBook Pro
(With M4)
14-Inch MacBook Pro
(With M4 Pro and M4 Max)
16-Inch MacBook Pro
14.2-inch display
14.2-inch display
16.2-inch display
0.61 inches thick (1.55 cm)
0.61 inches thick (1.55 cm)
0.66 inches thick (1.68 cm)
Weighs 3.4 pounds (1.55 kg)
M4 Pro: Weighs 3.5 pounds (1.61 kg)
M4 Max: Weighs 3.6 pounds (1.62 kg)
M4 Pro: Weighs 4.7 pounds (2.14 kg)
M4 Max: Weighs 4.8 pounds (2.16 kg)
Configurations start with M4 with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
Configurations start with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU
Configurations start with M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU
High Power Mode to boost M4 Max performance
High Power Mode to boost M4 Max performance
120GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Pro: 273GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Max: 546GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Pro: 273GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Max: 546GB/s memory bandwidth
16GB, 24GB, or 32GB unified memory
M4 Pro: 24GB or 48GB unified memory
M4 Max: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory
M4 Pro: 24GB or 48GB unified memory
M4 Max: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory
Support for two external displays
M4 Pro: Support for two external displays
M4 Max: Support for up to four external displays
M4 Pro: Support for two external displays
M4 Max: Support for up to four external displays
Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports
Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port (with 240W cable only)
Up to 24-hour battery life
M4 Pro: Up to 22-hour battery life
M4 Max: Up to 18-hour battery life
M4 Pro: Up to 24-hour battery life
M4 Max: Up to 21-hour battery life
Integrated 72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
Integrated 72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
Integrated 100-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
70W USB-C Power Adapter
70W USB-C Power Adapter (with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU) or 96W USB-C Power Adapter (with M4 Pro with 14-core CPU or M4 Max, configurable with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU)
140W USB-C Power Adapter
512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage
512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage
512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage
Starts at $1,599
Starts at $1,999
Starts at $2,499
Display Size
The MacBook Pro is offered in 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch display sizes. The 16.2-inch display is a better replacement for a desktop machine and provides much more screen space to arrange multiple windows and use professional applications that benefit from the additional display area. The 14.2-inch display is still larger than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, and will likely be the best overall balance of needs for most users.
Design
The 16-inch model is, of course, physically larger than the 14-inch model, with a markedly bigger overall footprint. It is also worth noting that the 16-inch model is also 0.13 cm thicker and up to 1.4 pounds (0.64 kg) heavier.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is decidedly more portable and comfortable than the 16-inch model to carry around on a daily basis. Though the 16-inch MacBook Pro can still fit in larger bags and is an acceptable size for travel, it is a much bigger, heavier machine. If you are considering the 16-inch MacBook Pro, you should make sure you are comfortable with its size and weight—especially if you plan to use it on the go.
Chip Configurations
Both the 14-inch and 16-inch models are equally upgradeable to the M4 Max chip with a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU, but if you are looking to spend as little as possible or do not need a high level of performance for intense workflows the 14-inch MacBook Pro is also available with the standard M4 chip. The M4 offers a more balanced processor with more of a focus on efficiency to prolong battery life, which will be more appropriate for users with less demanding requirements. Buyers should be aware that the M4 chip is limited to 120GB/s memory bandwidth, 32GB of memory, 2TB storage, and supports just two external displays.
The base configuration of the 14-inch MacBook Pro features an M4 Pro with 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, while the base 16-inch model contains an M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU. If you upgrade the 14-inch model to the same M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU that the 16-inch model starts with, it increases to $2,299 – just $300 less than the starting price of the 16-inch model.
For those who are leaning toward buying the 16-inch MacBook Pro and want the 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU at a minimum, the slimmer price difference between the two models to just $300 may make it easier to justify getting the larger machine. On the other hand, if you do not need the performance of the M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, the 16-inch model may be overkill, and getting the 14-inch model will be the best way to keep costs down.
High Power Mode
The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips offer a software feature called High Power Mode. When enabled, High Power Mode boosts the machine's performance to better meet the needs of intensive, sustained workloads.
High Power Mode is designed to optimize and improve performance for resource-intensive tasks, such as color grading 8K ProRes video, according to Apple. When enabled, High Power Mode will de-prioritize resource-hungry system processes in order to leverage the full performance capability of the M4 Max chip. The setting is effectively the opposite of "Low Power Mode," which aims to decrease system performance in favor of prolonging battery life.
The M4 and M4 Pro chips do not feature High Power Mode, so if you want the ability to selectively push your processor to its limits, you will need to buy a machine with the M4 Max chip.
Battery Life
Owing to its larger size, the 16-inch MacBook Pro contains a larger battery and has longer-lasting battery life. The 14-inch model contains a 72.4-watt-hour battery, while the 16-inch model contains a 100-watt-hour battery.
Apple says the M4 14-inch MacBook Pro can deliver up to 24 hours of battery life when playing back video, but this drops to 18- or 22-hours when configured with the M4 Pro or M4 Max. The 16-inch model features 22-hours of battery life with the M4 Max and 24-hours with the M4 Pro when playing back video. For users who need maximum battery life, the M4 14-inch model or the M4 Pro 16-inch model will be the best options. That being said, the battery life of the other configurations is still good enough for most users.
Charging and Connectivity
The 14-inch MacBook Pro uses a 70W or 96W USB-C power adapter for charging, while the 16-inch model comes with a 140W power adapter. Both models support fast charging, but a 96W or higher USB-C power adapter is required. The 96W USB-C power adapter is a $20 option on the base model 14-inch MacBook Pro, but it comes as standard with M4 Pro configurations with a 14-core CPU and ones with the M4 Max.
Both models can use the MagSafe 3 or USB-C ports to fast charge. They can charge with up to 100W via their USB-C ports, but since the 16-inch model has a larger battery, it is not classified as "fast charging" on this machine.
The MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips features Thunderbolt 5 ports, but the model with the standard M4 chip is limited to Thunderbolt 4. Thunderbolt 4 wired transfers should be more than sufficient for most users, but it is still a difference worth noting.
Final Thoughts
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is $500 more than the 14-inch model with the base M4 Pro chip, so you should be sure that you need the additional display area, battery life, and perhaps even High Power Mode support to justify its higher price. That being said, if you upgrade the 14-inch model to the same M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU that the 16-inch model starts with, the price difference shrinks to $300, and it may be worth opting for the larger model—especially if you could take advantage of its longer battery life.
Buyers of the 16-inch model should be aware that it is considerably larger, thicker, and heavier than the 14-inch model, to the extent that it could be needlessly cumbersome to some users. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is clearly a more portable machine, so if you intend to carry your MacBook Pro around frequently or need the versatility of it easily fitting into a bag for transport, the smaller model is the better option by far.
If you need more than 16GB of memory and are interested in the 14-inch model with the M4 chip, a 24GB memory configuration pushes the price up to $1,799. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip has 24GB of memory as standard and starts at $1,999. In this case, it may be worth spending the extra $200 to gain two extra CPU cores and six extra GPU cores, unless you are particularly concerned about losing two hours of battery life.Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook Pro
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14-Inch vs. 16-Inch MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide 2024 - MacRumors
The MacBook Pro is available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, with three distinct models starting at $1,599, $1,999, and $2,499, so which should you choose?
With a range of three similar models in the lineup to choose from, our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these MacBook Pros is best for you. The three models are as follows:
Each MacBook Pro is configurable to add more a more powerful processor and larger quantities of memory and storage. Read on for a detailed break down of all of the differences between the three MacBook Pro models.
14-Inch MacBook Pro
(With M4)
14-Inch MacBook Pro
(With M4 Pro and M4 Max)
16-Inch MacBook Pro
14.2-inch display
14.2-inch display
16.2-inch display
0.61 inches thick (1.55 cm)
0.61 inches thick (1.55 cm)
0.66 inches thick (1.68 cm)
Weighs 3.4 pounds (1.55 kg)
M4 Pro: Weighs 3.5 pounds (1.61 kg)
M4 Max: Weighs 3.6 pounds (1.62 kg)
M4 Pro: Weighs 4.7 pounds (2.14 kg)
M4 Max: Weighs 4.8 pounds (2.16 kg)
Configurations start with M4 with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
Configurations start with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU
Configurations start with M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU
High Power Mode to boost M4 Max performance
High Power Mode to boost M4 Max performance
120GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Pro: 273GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Max: 546GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Pro: 273GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Max: 546GB/s memory bandwidth
16GB, 24GB, or 32GB unified memory
M4 Pro: 24GB or 48GB unified memory
M4 Max: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory
M4 Pro: 24GB or 48GB unified memory
M4 Max: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory
Support for two external displays
M4 Pro: Support for two external displays
M4 Max: Support for up to four external displays
M4 Pro: Support for two external displays
M4 Max: Support for up to four external displays
Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports
Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port (with 240W cable only)
Up to 24-hour battery life
M4 Pro: Up to 22-hour battery life
M4 Max: Up to 18-hour battery life
M4 Pro: Up to 24-hour battery life
M4 Max: Up to 21-hour battery life
Integrated 72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
Integrated 72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
Integrated 100-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
70W USB-C Power Adapter
70W USB-C Power Adapter (with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU) or 96W USB-C Power Adapter (with M4 Pro with 14-core CPU or M4 Max, configurable with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU)
140W USB-C Power Adapter
512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage
512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage
512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage
Starts at $1,599
Starts at $1,999
Starts at $2,499
Display Size
The MacBook Pro is offered in 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch display sizes. The 16.2-inch display is a better replacement for a desktop machine and provides much more screen space to arrange multiple windows and use professional applications that benefit from the additional display area. The 14.2-inch display is still larger than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, and will likely be the best overall balance of needs for most users.
Design
The 16-inch model is, of course, physically larger than the 14-inch model, with a markedly bigger overall footprint. It is also worth noting that the 16-inch model is also 0.13 cm thicker and up to 1.4 pounds (0.64 kg) heavier.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is decidedly more portable and comfortable than the 16-inch model to carry around on a daily basis. Though the 16-inch MacBook Pro can still fit in larger bags and is an acceptable size for travel, it is a much bigger, heavier machine. If you are considering the 16-inch MacBook Pro, you should make sure you are comfortable with its size and weight—especially if you plan to use it on the go.
Chip Configurations
Both the 14-inch and 16-inch models are equally upgradeable to the M4 Max chip with a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU, but if you are looking to spend as little as possible or do not need a high level of performance for intense workflows the 14-inch MacBook Pro is also available with the standard M4 chip. The M4 offers a more balanced processor with more of a focus on efficiency to prolong battery life, which will be more appropriate for users with less demanding requirements. Buyers should be aware that the M4 chip is limited to 120GB/s memory bandwidth, 32GB of memory, 2TB storage, and supports just two external displays.
The base configuration of the 14-inch MacBook Pro features an M4 Pro with 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, while the base 16-inch model contains an M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU. If you upgrade the 14-inch model to the same M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU that the 16-inch model starts with, it increases to $2,299 – just $300 less than the starting price of the 16-inch model.
For those who are leaning toward buying the 16-inch MacBook Pro and want the 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU at a minimum, the slimmer price difference between the two models to just $300 may make it easier to justify getting the larger machine. On the other hand, if you do not need the performance of the M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, the 16-inch model may be overkill, and getting the 14-inch model will be the best way to keep costs down.
High Power Mode
The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips offer a software feature called High Power Mode. When enabled, High Power Mode boosts the machine's performance to better meet the needs of intensive, sustained workloads.
High Power Mode is designed to optimize and improve performance for resource-intensive tasks, such as color grading 8K ProRes video, according to Apple. When enabled, High Power Mode will de-prioritize resource-hungry system processes in order to leverage the full performance capability of the M4 Max chip. The setting is effectively the opposite of "Low Power Mode," which aims to decrease system performance in favor of prolonging battery life.
The M4 and M4 Pro chips do not feature High Power Mode, so if you want the ability to selectively push your processor to its limits, you will need to buy a machine with the M4 Max chip.
Battery Life
Owing to its larger size, the 16-inch MacBook Pro contains a larger battery and has longer-lasting battery life. The 14-inch model contains a 72.4-watt-hour battery, while the 16-inch model contains a 100-watt-hour battery.
Apple says the M4 14-inch MacBook Pro can deliver up to 24 hours of battery life when playing back video, but this drops to 18- or 22-hours when configured with the M4 Pro or M4 Max. The 16-inch model features 22-hours of battery life with the M4 Max and 24-hours with the M4 Pro when playing back video. For users who need maximum battery life, the M4 14-inch model or the M4 Pro 16-inch model will be the best options. That being said, the battery life of the other configurations is still good enough for most users.
Charging and Connectivity
The 14-inch MacBook Pro uses a 70W or 96W USB-C power adapter for charging, while the 16-inch model comes with a 140W power adapter. Both models support fast charging, but a 96W or higher USB-C power adapter is required. The 96W USB-C power adapter is a $20 option on the base model 14-inch MacBook Pro, but it comes as standard with M4 Pro configurations with a 14-core CPU and ones with the M4 Max.
Both models can use the MagSafe 3 or USB-C ports to fast charge. They can charge with up to 100W via their USB-C ports, but since the 16-inch model has a larger battery, it is not classified as "fast charging" on this machine.
The MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips features Thunderbolt 5 ports, but the model with the standard M4 chip is limited to Thunderbolt 4. Thunderbolt 4 wired transfers should be more than sufficient for most users, but it is still a difference worth noting.
Final Thoughts
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is $500 more than the 14-inch model with the base M4 Pro chip, so you should be sure that you need the additional display area, battery life, and perhaps even High Power Mode support to justify its higher price. That being said, if you upgrade the 14-inch model to the same M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU that the 16-inch model starts with, the price difference shrinks to $300, and it may be worth opting for the larger model—especially if you could take advantage of its longer battery life.
Buyers of the 16-inch model should be aware that it is considerably larger, thicker, and heavier than the 14-inch model, to the extent that it could be needlessly cumbersome to some users. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is clearly a more portable machine, so if you intend to carry your MacBook Pro around frequently or need the versatility of it easily fitting into a bag for transport, the smaller model is the better option by far.
If you need more than 16GB of memory and are interested in the 14-inch model with the M4 chip, a 24GB memory configuration pushes the price up to $1,799. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip has 24GB of memory as standard and starts at $1,999. In this case, it may be worth spending the extra $200 to gain two extra CPU cores and six extra GPU cores, unless you are particularly concerned about losing two hours of battery life.Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook Pro
This article, "14-Inch vs. 16-Inch MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide 2024" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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With a range of three similar models in the lineup to choose from, our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these MacBook Pros is best for you. The three models are as follows:
- 14-Inch MacBook Pro with M4: An entry-level model for users who need a machine that is more powerful and versatile than the MacBook Air.
- 14-Inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max: A more powerful, high-end model with a choice of performance-focused chips. It comes with higher memory bandwidth, larger quantities of memory, support for additional external displays, and an 8TB storage option, but loses two hours of battery life.
- 16-Inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max: A model with identical specifications to the 14-inch model with the M4 Pro or M4 Max chips, but with a significantly larger display and up to two extra hours of battery life. It also gains High Power Mode to boost performance.
Each MacBook Pro is configurable to add more a more powerful processor and larger quantities of memory and storage. Read on for a detailed break down of all of the differences between the three MacBook Pro models.
14-Inch MacBook Pro
(With M4)
14-Inch MacBook Pro
(With M4 Pro and M4 Max)
16-Inch MacBook Pro
14.2-inch display
14.2-inch display
16.2-inch display
0.61 inches thick (1.55 cm)
0.61 inches thick (1.55 cm)
0.66 inches thick (1.68 cm)
Weighs 3.4 pounds (1.55 kg)
M4 Pro: Weighs 3.5 pounds (1.61 kg)
M4 Max: Weighs 3.6 pounds (1.62 kg)
M4 Pro: Weighs 4.7 pounds (2.14 kg)
M4 Max: Weighs 4.8 pounds (2.16 kg)
Configurations start with M4 with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
Configurations start with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU
Configurations start with M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU
High Power Mode to boost M4 Max performance
High Power Mode to boost M4 Max performance
120GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Pro: 273GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Max: 546GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Pro: 273GB/s memory bandwidth
M4 Max: 546GB/s memory bandwidth
16GB, 24GB, or 32GB unified memory
M4 Pro: 24GB or 48GB unified memory
M4 Max: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory
M4 Pro: 24GB or 48GB unified memory
M4 Max: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory
Support for two external displays
M4 Pro: Support for two external displays
M4 Max: Support for up to four external displays
M4 Pro: Support for two external displays
M4 Max: Support for up to four external displays
Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports
Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port
Fast charging over MagSafe 3 or USB-C port (with 240W cable only)
Up to 24-hour battery life
M4 Pro: Up to 22-hour battery life
M4 Max: Up to 18-hour battery life
M4 Pro: Up to 24-hour battery life
M4 Max: Up to 21-hour battery life
Integrated 72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
Integrated 72.4-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
Integrated 100-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
70W USB-C Power Adapter
70W USB-C Power Adapter (with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU) or 96W USB-C Power Adapter (with M4 Pro with 14-core CPU or M4 Max, configurable with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU)
140W USB-C Power Adapter
512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage
512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage
512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage
Starts at $1,599
Starts at $1,999
Starts at $2,499
Display Size
The MacBook Pro is offered in 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch display sizes. The 16.2-inch display is a better replacement for a desktop machine and provides much more screen space to arrange multiple windows and use professional applications that benefit from the additional display area. The 14.2-inch display is still larger than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air, and will likely be the best overall balance of needs for most users.
Design
The 16-inch model is, of course, physically larger than the 14-inch model, with a markedly bigger overall footprint. It is also worth noting that the 16-inch model is also 0.13 cm thicker and up to 1.4 pounds (0.64 kg) heavier.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro is decidedly more portable and comfortable than the 16-inch model to carry around on a daily basis. Though the 16-inch MacBook Pro can still fit in larger bags and is an acceptable size for travel, it is a much bigger, heavier machine. If you are considering the 16-inch MacBook Pro, you should make sure you are comfortable with its size and weight—especially if you plan to use it on the go.
Chip Configurations
Both the 14-inch and 16-inch models are equally upgradeable to the M4 Max chip with a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU, but if you are looking to spend as little as possible or do not need a high level of performance for intense workflows the 14-inch MacBook Pro is also available with the standard M4 chip. The M4 offers a more balanced processor with more of a focus on efficiency to prolong battery life, which will be more appropriate for users with less demanding requirements. Buyers should be aware that the M4 chip is limited to 120GB/s memory bandwidth, 32GB of memory, 2TB storage, and supports just two external displays.
The base configuration of the 14-inch MacBook Pro features an M4 Pro with 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, while the base 16-inch model contains an M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU. If you upgrade the 14-inch model to the same M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU that the 16-inch model starts with, it increases to $2,299 – just $300 less than the starting price of the 16-inch model.
For those who are leaning toward buying the 16-inch MacBook Pro and want the 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU at a minimum, the slimmer price difference between the two models to just $300 may make it easier to justify getting the larger machine. On the other hand, if you do not need the performance of the M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, the 16-inch model may be overkill, and getting the 14-inch model will be the best way to keep costs down.
High Power Mode
The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips offer a software feature called High Power Mode. When enabled, High Power Mode boosts the machine's performance to better meet the needs of intensive, sustained workloads.
High Power Mode is designed to optimize and improve performance for resource-intensive tasks, such as color grading 8K ProRes video, according to Apple. When enabled, High Power Mode will de-prioritize resource-hungry system processes in order to leverage the full performance capability of the M4 Max chip. The setting is effectively the opposite of "Low Power Mode," which aims to decrease system performance in favor of prolonging battery life.
The M4 and M4 Pro chips do not feature High Power Mode, so if you want the ability to selectively push your processor to its limits, you will need to buy a machine with the M4 Max chip.
Battery Life
Owing to its larger size, the 16-inch MacBook Pro contains a larger battery and has longer-lasting battery life. The 14-inch model contains a 72.4-watt-hour battery, while the 16-inch model contains a 100-watt-hour battery.
Apple says the M4 14-inch MacBook Pro can deliver up to 24 hours of battery life when playing back video, but this drops to 18- or 22-hours when configured with the M4 Pro or M4 Max. The 16-inch model features 22-hours of battery life with the M4 Max and 24-hours with the M4 Pro when playing back video. For users who need maximum battery life, the M4 14-inch model or the M4 Pro 16-inch model will be the best options. That being said, the battery life of the other configurations is still good enough for most users.
Charging and Connectivity
The 14-inch MacBook Pro uses a 70W or 96W USB-C power adapter for charging, while the 16-inch model comes with a 140W power adapter. Both models support fast charging, but a 96W or higher USB-C power adapter is required. The 96W USB-C power adapter is a $20 option on the base model 14-inch MacBook Pro, but it comes as standard with M4 Pro configurations with a 14-core CPU and ones with the M4 Max.
Both models can use the MagSafe 3 or USB-C ports to fast charge. They can charge with up to 100W via their USB-C ports, but since the 16-inch model has a larger battery, it is not classified as "fast charging" on this machine.
The MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips features Thunderbolt 5 ports, but the model with the standard M4 chip is limited to Thunderbolt 4. Thunderbolt 4 wired transfers should be more than sufficient for most users, but it is still a difference worth noting.
Final Thoughts
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is $500 more than the 14-inch model with the base M4 Pro chip, so you should be sure that you need the additional display area, battery life, and perhaps even High Power Mode support to justify its higher price. That being said, if you upgrade the 14-inch model to the same M4 Pro with 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU that the 16-inch model starts with, the price difference shrinks to $300, and it may be worth opting for the larger model—especially if you could take advantage of its longer battery life.
Buyers of the 16-inch model should be aware that it is considerably larger, thicker, and heavier than the 14-inch model, to the extent that it could be needlessly cumbersome to some users. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is clearly a more portable machine, so if you intend to carry your MacBook Pro around frequently or need the versatility of it easily fitting into a bag for transport, the smaller model is the better option by far.
If you need more than 16GB of memory and are interested in the 14-inch model with the M4 chip, a 24GB memory configuration pushes the price up to $1,799. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip has 24GB of memory as standard and starts at $1,999. In this case, it may be worth spending the extra $200 to gain two extra CPU cores and six extra GPU cores, unless you are particularly concerned about losing two hours of battery life.Related Roundup: MacBook ProBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook Pro
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Awe-inspiring science reporting, technology news, and DIY projects. Skunks to space robots, primates to climates. That's Popular Science, 150 years strong.
Watch a clever elephant use a hose to get clean - Popular Science
A pair of elephants at the Berlin Zoo have figured out how to use a hose as a make-shift flexible shower head. Not only do they use the water to get clean, but they have been observed turning the water off, potentially as a kind of prank. The behaviors are yet further examples of tool use in non-human animals and are detailed in a study published November 8 in the Cell Press journal Current Biology.
Tool use known throughout the animal kingdom. Chimpanzees use sticks as tools to get to various grubs and honey. Crows also use sticks to probe for hidden sources of food. Humpback whales catch fish in “bubble nets,” which some scientists consider to be a type of tool use. Now, it appears that some elephants at the Berlin Zoo in Germany like to use hoses–particularly an Asian elephant named Mary.
A video abstract for the 2024 Current Biology paper on elephant water hose tool use.CREDIT: Urban et al./Current BiologyVIDEO: A video abstract for the 2024 Current Biology paper on elephant water hose tool use.CREDIT: Urban et al./Current Biology
“Elephants are amazing with hoses,” Michael Brecht, a study co-author and Humboldt University of Berlin neuroscientist said in a statement. “As it is often the case with elephants, hose tool use behaviors come out very differently from animal to animal; elephant Mary is the queen of showering.”
Study co-author and Humboldt University of Berlin PhD student Lena Kaufmann witnessed Mary using the hose as a shower and captured some footage. The team was immediately impressed with this behavior and co-author Lea Urban decided to analyze it in more detail.
“I had not thought about hoses as tools much before, but what came out from Lea’s work is that elephants have an exquisite understanding of these tools,” Brecht says.
[Related: Neanderthals likely used glue to make tools.]
They found that Mary systematically showers her body. She coordinates the water hose using her limbs. She typically uses her trunk to grasp the hose behind its tip to use it as a stiff shower head. In order to get to her back, she uses a more lasso-like strategy. She grabs the hose farther up and swings it over her body. When she was presented with a larger and heavier hose, Mary used her trunk to wash instead of the more bulky and less useful hose.
According to the team, these behaviors offer a new example of goal-directed tool use in animals. However, what surprised them most was how a fellow Asian elephant named Anchali reacted during Mary’s showering.
Both elephants showed aggressive interactions around showering time. At one point, Anchali began pulling the hose towards himself and away from Mary. This lifted and kinked the hose and disrupted the water flow. While the team is not entirely sure of Anchali’s intentions behind this, it appeared that she was displaying some kind of second tool use behavior, possibly as an act of sabotage.
An on hose ‘trunkstand’ further disrupts the water flow in the hose. CREDIT: Urban et al-Current BiologyVIDEO: An on hose ‘trunkstand’ further disrupts the water flow in the hose. CREDIT: Urban et al-Current Biology
“The surprise was certainly Anchali’s kink-and-clamp behavior,” Brecht says. “Nobody had thought that she’d be smart enough to pull off such a trick.”
According to Brecht, there was plenty of debate in the lab about Anchali’s behavior and what it could mean. Then, the team observed Anchali find another way to disrupt Mary’s shower. In this second case, she did what the researchers call a “trunkstand” to stop the water flow. Anchali placed her trunk on the hose and then lowered her body onto it.
Anchali’s Kink and clamp behavior. The authors of this study were very surprised by this behavior. CREDIT: Urban et al-Current BiologyVIDEO: Anchali’s Kink and clamp behavior. The authors of this study were very surprised by this behavior. CREDIT: Urban et al-Current Biology
The elephants are trained not to step on the hoses and very rarely do. The team suspects that’s why Anchali devised a more challenging workaround to stop the water from flowing during Mary’s showers without stepping on it.
“When Anchali came up with a second behavior that disrupted water flow to Mary, I became pretty convinced that she is trying to sabotage Mary,” Brecht said.
[Related: Female sea otters use tools more than males.]
According to the team, the results are a reminder of how well elephants can manipulate and use tools. This is made possible by the strong grasping ability of their trunks. These appendages contain an estimated 150,000 muscle units and could be the most sensitive organ found on mammals. The team hopes to explore what this finding with captive elephants means for elephants in their natural habitats.
“Do elephants play tricks on each other in the wild?” Brecht asked. “When I saw Anchali’s kink and clamp for the first time, I broke out in laughter. So, I wonder, does Anchali also think this is funny, or is she just being mean?”
The post Watch a clever elephant use a hose to get clean appeared first on Popular Science.
Awe-inspiring science reporting, technology news, and DIY projects. Skunks to space robots, primates to climates. That's Popular Science, 150 years strong.
Like humans, chimps often perform tasks differently when crowds are watching - Popular Science
Human performance—be it artistic, academic, social, or otherwise—is often influenced by the size of the crowd around them. But we aren’t the only species that adjusts to an audience. According to recent research, some of our closest animal relatives display the same crowd-induced performance boosts and limitations depending on crowd size. The new evidence indicates these innate psychological influences date back to well before the evolution of human cultures that valued reputation and authority.
It’s already well known that chimpanzees organize themselves into hierarchical societies, but experts previously disagreed on how much their peers may influence their emotions, actions, and performance capabilities. But as a study published on November 8th in the journal, iScience, details, even chimps appear susceptible to the “audience effect” in certain social situations.
[Related: Chimp conversations can take on human-like chaos.]
To assess how this effect manifests in chimps, researchers at Japan’s Kyoto University relied on their study facility’s comparatively unique environment. There, chimps interact with humans on a nearly daily basis through the use of touch screen-based, food reward experiments. Because of this, the team offered six chimpanzees three different, numerical-based touch screen tasks that varied in complexity and cognitive requirements.
In the first task, chimps needed to touch numbers 1-19 sequentially after they appeared in adjacent order on their screen. The second game again required the animals to select the numbers in order, but only after the numerals displayed in disparate places across the screen. Task three, the most difficult, had chimps select the numbers in order once more. This time, however, all other numbers would disappear when the primates pressed a single digit, requiring them to quickly memorize the positions in real-time. Researchers then analyzed each primate’s performance results collected from thousands of sessions over six years of testing.
Reviewing the data identified two particular trends. Chimps’ average performances improved by a “statistically significant” amount on their most difficult task in tandem with an increased number of fellow experimenters. But for the easiest task, the animals performed worse if they knew more chimps or familiar humans were standing nearby.
“Our findings suggest that how much humans care about witnesses and audience members may not be quite so specific to our species,” Shinya Yamamoto, a study co-author at Japan’s Kyoto University, said in a statement on Friday. “… [I]f chimpanzees also pay special attention towards audience members while they perform their tasks, it stands to reason that these audience-based characteristics could have evolved before reputation-based societies emerged in our great ape lineage.”
Study co-author Christen Lin added that while one might not expect a chimp to care if another species watches them performing a task, “the fact that they seem to be affected by human audiences even depending on the difficulty of the task suggests that this relationship is more complex than we would have initially expected.”
The team noted that they still aren’t certain what neurological mechanisms trigger these behavioral changes in both primates and humans. Still, they hope that further studies of our ape relatives may help one day better explain these shared, cross-species experiences.
The post Like humans, chimps often perform tasks differently when crowds are watching appeared first on Popular Science.
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
AirPods Pro 2 Hit $169.99 Low Price on Amazon [Update: Expired] - MacRumors
Amazon today has Apple's AirPods Pro 2 earbuds for the all-time low price of $169.99, down from $249.00. It's been about a month since we last tracked this price on the AirPods Pro 2, and right now Amazon is the only major retailer with the deal.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
If you're looking for deals on other AirPods models, like the new AirPods 4, be sure to check out our guide on the Best Early Black Friday AirPods Deals. Right now you can get the AirPods 4 for $114.00 from Woot, an all-time low price.
$79 OFFAirPods Pro 2 for $169.99
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Update: This deal has expired.
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This article, "AirPods Pro 2 Hit $169.99 Low Price on Amazon [Update: Expired]" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
If you're looking for deals on other AirPods models, like the new AirPods 4, be sure to check out our guide on the Best Early Black Friday AirPods Deals. Right now you can get the AirPods 4 for $114.00 from Woot, an all-time low price.
$79 OFFAirPods Pro 2 for $169.99
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Update: This deal has expired.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "AirPods Pro 2 Hit $169.99 Low Price on Amazon [Update: Expired]" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
AirPods Pro 2 Hit $169.99 Low Price on Amazon [Update: Expired] - MacRumors
Amazon today has Apple's AirPods Pro 2 earbuds for the all-time low price of $169.99, down from $249.00. It's been about a month since we last tracked this price on the AirPods Pro 2, and right now Amazon is the only major retailer with the deal.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
If you're looking for deals on other AirPods models, like the new AirPods 4, be sure to check out our guide on the Best Early Black Friday AirPods Deals. Right now you can get the AirPods 4 for $114.00 from Woot, an all-time low price.
$79 OFFAirPods Pro 2 for $169.99
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Update: This deal has expired.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "AirPods Pro 2 Hit $169.99 Low Price on Amazon [Update: Expired]" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
If you're looking for deals on other AirPods models, like the new AirPods 4, be sure to check out our guide on the Best Early Black Friday AirPods Deals. Right now you can get the AirPods 4 for $114.00 from Woot, an all-time low price.
$79 OFFAirPods Pro 2 for $169.99
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Update: This deal has expired.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "AirPods Pro 2 Hit $169.99 Low Price on Amazon [Update: Expired]" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
New Mac Mini Has Modular Storage, 256GB Model Will Have Faster SSD - MacRumors
Apple has returned to using two 128GB storage chips in the new Mac mini with 256GB of storage, according to a partial teardown video shared on social media today. This means the base-model Mac mini with the M4 chip will not have significantly slower SSD speeds compared to higher-end configurations of the computer with 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage, as multiple NAND chips allows for faster SSD read and write speeds.
The teardown video also reveals that storage is modular in the new Mac mini, meaning that it can be easily removed since it is not soldered down. As we saw with the Mac Studio, however, replacing the modular storage is complicated.
The previous-generation Mac mini base model with the M2 chip has a single 256GB storage chip, resulting in 30% to 50% slower SSD read and write speeds compared to higher-capacity models. The slower speeds led to criticism from some customers.
The new Mac mini has modular storage (via iFixit Answers forum)
A single 256GB storage chip also led to slower SSD speeds in the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro base models with the M2 chip a few years ago. Apple returned to using two 128GB storage chips in 256GB configurations of MacBook Air models with the M3 chip earlier this year, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro line was discontinued last year and replaced with an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro that starts with 512GB of storage.
The criticism surrounding Apple's decision to use a single 256GB chip in some base-model Macs a few years ago primarily came from a vocal contingent of tech enthusiasts, and the average customer is unlikely to even notice the slower speeds in common day-to-day tasks. Nevertheless, it appears that customers who do want the fastest SSD speeds do not need to worry about which storage capacity they choose when ordering the new Mac mini.Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: TeardownBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini Has Modular Storage, 256GB Model Will Have Faster SSD" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
The teardown video also reveals that storage is modular in the new Mac mini, meaning that it can be easily removed since it is not soldered down. As we saw with the Mac Studio, however, replacing the modular storage is complicated.
The previous-generation Mac mini base model with the M2 chip has a single 256GB storage chip, resulting in 30% to 50% slower SSD read and write speeds compared to higher-capacity models. The slower speeds led to criticism from some customers.
The new Mac mini has modular storage (via iFixit Answers forum)
A single 256GB storage chip also led to slower SSD speeds in the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro base models with the M2 chip a few years ago. Apple returned to using two 128GB storage chips in 256GB configurations of MacBook Air models with the M3 chip earlier this year, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro line was discontinued last year and replaced with an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro that starts with 512GB of storage.
The criticism surrounding Apple's decision to use a single 256GB chip in some base-model Macs a few years ago primarily came from a vocal contingent of tech enthusiasts, and the average customer is unlikely to even notice the slower speeds in common day-to-day tasks. Nevertheless, it appears that customers who do want the fastest SSD speeds do not need to worry about which storage capacity they choose when ordering the new Mac mini.Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: TeardownBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini Has Modular Storage, 256GB Model Will Have Faster SSD" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac News and Rumors
New Mac Mini Has Modular Storage, 256GB Model Will Have Faster SSD - MacRumors
Apple has returned to using two 128GB storage chips in the new Mac mini with 256GB of storage, according to a partial teardown video shared on social media today. This means the base-model Mac mini with the M4 chip will not have significantly slower SSD speeds compared to higher-end configurations of the computer with 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage, as multiple NAND chips allows for faster SSD read and write speeds.
The teardown video also reveals that storage is modular in the new Mac mini, meaning that it can be easily removed since it is not soldered down. As we saw with the Mac Studio, however, replacing the modular storage is complicated.
The previous-generation Mac mini base model with the M2 chip has a single 256GB storage chip, resulting in 30% to 50% slower SSD read and write speeds compared to higher-capacity models. The slower speeds led to criticism from some customers.
The new Mac mini has modular storage (via iFixit Answers forum)
A single 256GB storage chip also led to slower SSD speeds in the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro base models with the M2 chip a few years ago. Apple returned to using two 128GB storage chips in 256GB configurations of MacBook Air models with the M3 chip earlier this year, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro line was discontinued last year and replaced with an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro that starts with 512GB of storage.
The criticism surrounding Apple's decision to use a single 256GB chip in some base-model Macs a few years ago primarily came from a vocal contingent of tech enthusiasts, and the average customer is unlikely to even notice the slower speeds in common day-to-day tasks. Nevertheless, it appears that customers who do want the fastest SSD speeds do not need to worry about which storage capacity they choose when ordering the new Mac mini.Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: TeardownBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini Has Modular Storage, 256GB Model Will Have Faster SSD" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
The teardown video also reveals that storage is modular in the new Mac mini, meaning that it can be easily removed since it is not soldered down. As we saw with the Mac Studio, however, replacing the modular storage is complicated.
The previous-generation Mac mini base model with the M2 chip has a single 256GB storage chip, resulting in 30% to 50% slower SSD read and write speeds compared to higher-capacity models. The slower speeds led to criticism from some customers.
The new Mac mini has modular storage (via iFixit Answers forum)
A single 256GB storage chip also led to slower SSD speeds in the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro base models with the M2 chip a few years ago. Apple returned to using two 128GB storage chips in 256GB configurations of MacBook Air models with the M3 chip earlier this year, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro line was discontinued last year and replaced with an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro that starts with 512GB of storage.
The criticism surrounding Apple's decision to use a single 256GB chip in some base-model Macs a few years ago primarily came from a vocal contingent of tech enthusiasts, and the average customer is unlikely to even notice the slower speeds in common day-to-day tasks. Nevertheless, it appears that customers who do want the fastest SSD speeds do not need to worry about which storage capacity they choose when ordering the new Mac mini.Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: TeardownBuyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac mini
This article, "New Mac Mini Has Modular Storage, 256GB Model Will Have Faster SSD" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Chicago Transit Increasing Rail Service to Pre-Pandemic Levels - Planetizen
Chicago Transit Increasing Rail Service to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Diana Ionescu
Fri, 11/08/2024 - 07:00
Primary Image
The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) rail lines will increase service by 20 percent this fall, adding 1,200 new rail trips per week.
According to an article in Mass Transit, “The new rail schedule returns rail service levels to pre-COVID-19 pandemic service levels, with some strategic adjustments to better meet current ridership patterns.” The agency is adjusting service to match new demand on weekends and reduced rush hour weekday demand.
The agency is working to hire and train new operators to be able to staff higher-frequency service. “In 2024, CTA committed to training up to 200 new rail operators, double the amount from the previous year. CTA has trained and qualified more than 150 rail operators who have since been added into service, with the remaining cohorts of employees currently in training and expected to begin qualifying for rail operator status before the end of the year.”
The CTA’s bus lines are also back to 98 percent of pre-pandemic service levels, with plans to return to full pre-pandemic schedules for winter service later this year. “CTA says it is currently second among peer transit agencies across the U.S. in year-over-year ridership growth. Ridership on the 58 bus routes that received additional service in 2024 is up 13 percent year-over-year, outpacing other routes, which grew by four percent year-over-year.”
Geography Illinois Category Transportation Tags- Chicago
- Chicago Transit Authority
- CTA
- Public Transit
- Transit Frequency
- Transit Service
- Transit Ridership
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