Apple macOS Monterey is coming soon, and this update may surprise you, or so we think. The preview from the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2021 showcased several new ways for users to connect, complete more tasks, and seamlessly work across multiple Apple devices. A few examples are Universal Control and AirPlay to Mac, which are new Continuity features that provide more ways to work effortlessly across the Apple ecosystem. Read more for the entire macOS Monterey presentation and additional information.
Photo credit: Ian “RendersByIan” Zelbo
Apple speculator Jon Prosser has allegedly come across some information about the upcoming M2-powered MacBook Air, and it’s rumored that it could be released in new colors, similar to the 2021 iMac. From these renders, we see that it no longer has the famous wedge design, and opts for a flatter chassis similar to that of the MacBook Pro, although it should be considerably thinner than its larger counterpart. Read more for a video and additional information.
Photo credit: Sarang Sheth
Smartphones already have reverse wireless charging, a technology that enables them to wirelessly discharge its own battery into another device. However, Apple may be looking to integrate reverse wireless charging into at least one of its future MacBook laptops, according to two US patents the company was recently granted. One of them has sketches that show a MacBook with charging coils located beneath the trackpad and palm rest areas. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Apple has just released macOS Big Sur, the latest version of the company’s desktop operating system. It’s available to Mac users as a free software update and introduces a stunning redesign that is packed with new enhancements for key apps including Safari, Messages, and Maps. In addition to new privacy features, this version of macOS has been engineered to take full advantage of all the power of the M1 chip. An all-new Control Center gives users quick access to controls for Do Not Disturb, displays, keyboard brightness, and more, straight from the menu bar. Read more for two videos, including a review, and additional information.
Apple just revealed M1, the most powerful chip the company has ever created and the first one designed specifically for the Mac. This system on a chip (SoC) boasts a unified memory architecture for dramatically improved performance, 16 billion transistors, the world’s fastest CPU core in low-power silicon, the world’s best CPU performance per watt, the world’s fastest integrated graphics in a personal computer, and incredible machine learning performance with the Apple Neural Engine. Read more for a video of the presentation, additional pictures and information.
Apple announced that it has added mouse support for iPads, and so accessory makers are now beginning to build trackpads directly into their keyboard cases, starting with the Brydge Pro+. This sleek aluminum keyboard case boasts backlit keys and has a battery life of up to 12 months, depending on your usage, or 20-hours if the backlight is always on. Read more for two videos and additional information.
Anker’s PowerPort Atom III USB-C Charger fits in your pocket and can be picked up for $23.99, today only, originally $34.99. In addition fully charging a MacBook 12” in 2 hours, it can also charge iPhone (8/8+/X/XS/XS/Max) up to 50% in just 30 minutes, which is around 2.5× faster than a standard 5W iPhone stock charger. Product page. Read nore for a hands-on video review and additional information.
Say goodbye to the butterfly keyboard, and hello to the new Magic Keyboard in Apple’s latest 16″ MacBook Pro with a refined scissor mechanism that delivers 1mm of key travel and a stable key feel, as well as an Apple-designed rubber dome that stores more potential energy for a responsive key press. IFixit has already managed to get their hands on a unit and tore down the keyboard for the internet to see. Read more for the video and additional information.
Photo credit: Daniel Brunsteiner
A recently discovered Apple patent describes a responsive keyboard mechanism through which various layers shape-shifting glass would be able to be modified depending on what they’re being used for. When this is combined with haptic feedback, you basically get a touchscreen display that simulates an actual computer keyboard. Read more to see the patent and what the final keyboard could look like on a future MacBook Pro.
Sure, you can have strong passwords and rock solid encryption technologies to keep private work data safe, but those tools can’t stop prying eyes from simply looking over your shoulder, or even capturing a photo of what’s on your screen. It’s officially called visual hacking, and thankfully, there’s an easy fix – a simple privacy filters. It takes just a few seconds for someone to snag confidential information from a computer screen, which could potentially be used for malicious intent. However, not all of them work the same, with many reducing visibility when applied, that is, unless…you’re talking about Moshi’s Umbra. Once adhered to your MacBook Air / MacBook Pro / Pixelbook / Surface Pro display, it severely restricts the viewing angle, without reducing visbility. That’s right, anyone who tries to sneak a peek from the sides or top will just see a blackened screen. Best of all, the Umbra is fully washable, and can be reapplied repeatedly, 100% bubble-free each time. Product page. Read more for our full review.