keyword: Apple

a-jury-says-intel-owes-$2.18-billion-for-infringing-a-zombie-chip-company’s-patents

A jury says Intel owes $2.18 billion for infringing a zombie chip company’s patents

Intel may owe quite a bit of cash to a semiconductor company that hasn’t existed for 20 years. A Texas jury has asked Intel to pay $2.18 billion for infringing two patents owned by VLSI Technology, according to Bloomberg.

VLSI seemingly rose from the dead in 2019 specifically to sue. The last time it was a company was in 1999 when Philips purchased the semiconductor design firm for $1 billion, with its assets later traveling to Philips spinoff NXP (which you may know from its tap-to-pay NFC chips, among other things). NXP will reportedly get some of Intel’s money, too.

One of VLSI’s claims to fame was being part of the original project with Apple and Acorn to produce the first ARM processors — and the ARM company — responsible for the underpinnings of the chips that now appear in every smartphone, most tablets, and a growing number of laptops and servers.

Technically, the patents are newer than all of that VLSI history. They were originally issued to Freescale Semiconductor, and Sigmatel in 2009, 2010, and 2012, respectively, and the earliest of them was filed in 2005. But Bloomberg reports they were all assigned to the new VLSI in 2019, an LLC that’s attached to a Fortress Investment Group.

Calling out VLSI as a zombie brand was part of Intel’s argument, according to Bloomberg:

VLSI “took two patents off the shelf that hadn’t been used for 10 years and said, ‘We’d like $2 billion,”’ Lee told the jury. The “outrageous” demand by VLSI “would tax the true innovators.”

But that didn’t keep jurors from awarding roughly a tenth of Intel’s yearly profits — $2.18 billion — for infringing two of the three patents. (They’re about “managing clockspeed in an electronic device,” a “minimum memory operating voltage technique,” and “voltage-based memory size scaling,” in case you’re curious.)

Intel tells The Verge that it’s not done fighting yet: “Intel strongly disagrees with today’s jury verdict. We intend to appeal and are confident that we will prevail.”

Fortress and VLSI Technology have other lawsuits pending against Intel, too.

hulu-reenables-picture-in-picture-mode-for-ios-14

Hulu reenables picture-in-picture mode for iOS 14

Hulu has fully reenabled picture-in-picture support (PiP) on iOS, MacRumors reports, which means half-watching network TV is once again possible for Hulu subscribers on iPhone and iPad devices. Hulu joins a collection of major streaming services that support the feature on iOS, leaving YouTube as the major exception.

PiP for iPhones was enabled for Hulu around iOS 14’s original release, but it was later disabled to “work on a few updates to provide the best experience for our viewers,” Hulu said. Now that the feature is back, users can enable PiP mode by starting a show or movie and touching the PiP button to pop the video into a resizable, floating player.

The picture-in-picture button inside Hulu’s app.
Image: Hulu

Hulu joins services like Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max in supporting PiP. All of those services now either feature a dedicated PiP button like Hulu or default to picture-in-picture if you swipe to the home screen while a video is playing.

YouTube remains the odd one out. Picture-in-picture is not allowed in Google’s official YouTube app for iOS. Paying for YouTube Premium enables background play, but that only extends to audio on iOS. Google has also periodically disabled and reenabled PiP support for the web version of YouTube on iOS. As of October 2020, PiP was possible again, though it doesn’t appear to work as of today. Right now, only iPhones running the iOS 14.5 beta can do PiP on the web version of YouTube, according to MacRumors.

If you’re curious how to get PiP set up on your own device, check out The Verge’s guide.

nasa’s-latest-mars-rover-has-the-same-processor-as-an-imac-from-1998

NASA’s latest Mars rover has the same processor as an iMac from 1998

NASA’s brand-new Perseverance rover is the most advanced machine that’s ever landed on Mars. But when it comes to rovers, “state of the art” is a subjective term. Perseverance is running on none other than a PowerPC 750, a single-core, 233MHz processor with just 6 million transistors that’s most famous for powering the original “Bondi blue” iMac from 1998. It’s the same type of processor that NASA already uses in its Curiosity rover.

That may seem like a waste to some. After all, even with the difficulty of buying computer parts these days, surely NASA could have found the budget for something like Intel’s $500 Core i9-10900K CPU (with 10 cores and a max clock speed of 5.3GHz) somewhere in the $2.7 billion cost of Perseverance. But as New Scientist explains, such an advanced chip is actually a detriment to the unique operating conditions of Mars.

Image: Apple

That’s largely because Mars’ atmosphere offers far less protection from harmful radiation and charged particles than Earth’s atmosphere. A bad burst of radiation can badly wreck the sensitive electronics of a modern processor — and the more complex the chip, the more can go wrong. Plus, at 138 million miles away, it’s not like NASA can just swap out the processor if things go sideways. Because of those conditions, Perseverance actually features two computing modules: one is a backup just in case something goes wrong. (A third copy of the module is also on board for image analysis.)

To make the system even more durable, the PowerPC 750 chip in Perseverance is a little different than the one in the old iMacs. It’s technically a RAD750 chip, a special variant that’s hardened against radiation and costs upwards of $200,000. The chip is popular for spacecraft, too: in addition to Perseverance and Curiosity, it also powers the Fermi Space Telescope, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Deep Impact comet-hunting spacecraft, and the Kepler telescope, among others.

While the processor may be weak compared to a modern smartphone or gaming PC, NASA’s spec sheet for Perseverance notes that it’s far more powerful than earlier rovers like Spirit or Opportunity: its 200MHz clock speed is 10 times faster than those older rovers, and with 2GB of flash memory, it offers eight times the storage. (Rounding things out, Perseverance also has 256MB of RAM in case you were looking to build your own rover.)

But while the chip itself has been to Mars before, Perseverance features some new computer technology that’s debuting on the planet for the first time: Linux, which powers the Ingenuity helicopter that will attempt to fly autonomously on Mars as part of Perseverance’s mission.

final-fantasy’s-creator-is-back-with-a-classic-rpg-made-of-incredible-handcrafted-dioramas

Final Fantasy’s creator is back with a classic RPG made of incredible handcrafted dioramas

Hironobu Sakaguchi talks about his upcoming Apple Arcade game Fantasian

Fantasian has everything you’d expect from a new Hironobu Sakaguchi experience. The creator of the Final Fantasy series is once again making a roleplaying game that takes place in a lush fantasy world, features turn-based combat, and centers on a globe-spanning quest. There’s even a new soundtrack from famed composer — and frequent Sakaguchi collaborator — Nobuo Uematsu.

But what makes Fantasian unique is clear from a single screenshot: the game world has a distinct vibe because it’s built from tiny, handcrafted dioramas. “We really wanted to capture that touch and feel, and unique charm, that is only found in these dioramas,” Sakaguchi says.

Fantasian is developed by Mistwalker, a studio Sakaguchi founded in 2004, and is currently listed as “coming soon” to Apple Arcade. He says the concept began around three years ago when he and some collaborators replayed Final Fantasy IV for the first time in years. “Playing that game reminded me of how much I really adore that classic RPG genre, and renewed my interest in it,” Sakaguchi explains. “It made me want to go back to my roots.”

The premise of Fantasian, meanwhile, even sounds like classic Final Fantasy. Here’s a snippet:

The tale begins in a realm governed by machines, in which Leo causes a massive explosion at a hybrid magic-tech factory, resulting in his memory loss. Following the one memory left to him — a vision of a young woman — he is transported to a dusty frontier town called En. There, he is reunited with the girl from his memory, Kina.

In an effort to recover Leo’s memories and find their own destinies, the two set off on an adventure together. During their travels, Leo’s past is revealed bit by bit as are the many layers that make up the game world. Within this multi-dimensional universe, the balance of “Chaos and Order” becomes a key factor in the struggle for these realms and the machinations of the gods who wish to control them.

The creation process from concept art to in-game.
Photo: Mistwalker.

Mistwalker has released several RPGs over the years, including titles like Blue Dragon and The Last Story; in 2014 the team expanded to mobile with the Terra Wars series. Sakaguchi says his goal with each new game, dating back to Final Fantasy, is to introduce some kind of innovation. In the case of Fantasian, new features like a mechanic that lets you banish enemies to another dimension to battle later so that you can explore without interruption, as well as combat skills based around aiming, are key selling points.

But the most obvious innovation is the way the game looks — and it was a lot of work. Every space you’ll explore in Fantasian, including both interior and exterior locations, is actually a hand-made diorama. There are more than 150 of them in total, created by a team that included artists who worked on franchises like Godzilla and Attack on Titan. The process starts with concept art, and then the artists start building props and other elements of the diorama. Once completed, the set is photographed, turned into a 3D model, and transported into the game engine, where it can then be enhanced with effects like lighting or fog.

Sakaguchi says that the process was “very tedious” and forced the designers to approach their creations differently compared to a traditional video game. “You have to be very conscious and intentional with how you construct the environment, because unlike 3D CG where I can add another path or modify an environment later on, you don’t really have that flexibility,” he says. It also took the team a while to find a 3D scanning method that could show the models with enough fine details.

While he admits that “I was sweating a few times during development,” Sakaguchi says that the painstaking process was necessary to achieve the look he desired. “You could argue, well, if you wanted to make dioramas, you could do a diorama-esque visual using all 3D models, and playing with the textures, or lighting, or shading perhaps. But instead we opted for a much more analog methodology,” he explains, adding that the team had to be “really careful” with post-processing, so as to not ruin the effect.

The handcrafted feeling was also well-suited to Apple Arcade, where many players will be controlling the game via touchscreens. “There’s an interesting synergy between touching something with your fingers and hands through the screen that has been created by these artisans by hand,” Sakaguchi says.

Fantasian will be playable on iOS, Mac, and Apple TV, and Sakaguchi says that, aside from the touch controls, the game hasn’t been tailored specifically to Apple Arcade. Instead, the goal was to create a console-like experience for mobile devices. He describes the game as “a really comprehensive RPG experience.”

Classic-style Japanese RPGs are having a resurgence of sorts, thanks in part to veteran creators either returning to or sticking by what they love. Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii started in 1986 and is still going strong, for instance, while comparatively new series like Bravely Default are designed explicitly to bring lapsed fans back to the genre. It’s a similar story for Sakaguchi.

“Let’s be honest, I’m in the latter chapters of my game development career, and each game can take years to go from conception to release,” he says. Because of this, he’s tackling projects that bring him “genuine joy” to work on. “I personally enjoy playing these types of games, and that is what brings me back to it,” he says of his long-standing connection to fantasy RPGs.

Sakaguchi is also well-known for creating expansive universes, ones that often grow beyond just a single game. It started with Final Fantasy and continued through to Terra Battle, which has already seen a sequel and spinoff, with more planned. Right now, that isn’t the goal for Fantasian, which has been designed as a standalone experience, according to Sakaguchi.

Whatever project comes next, Sakaguchi and the team at Mistwalker have to solve at least one problem first — figuring out what to do with Fantasian’s 150 painstakingly crafted dioramas.

“That’s actually one of the biggest challenges we’re facing right now, trying to figure out where to store these things,” he says. “I really don’t want to have to throw them away.”

apple’s-most-affordable-ipad-is-down-to-$299-at-select-retailers

Apple’s most affordable iPad is down to $299 at select retailers

At $329, Apple’s eighth-generation iPad is the most affordable tablet offered by the tech giant. But if you want to save some additional cash, you can buy the base model, which includes 32GB of storage, for only $299 at Amazon in space gray only (in stock March 28th). Walmart is price-matching the e-commerce giant, but you have the option to buy it for $299 in space gray or rose gold.

This iPad includes a 10.2-inch display and features an A12 Bionic processor. The tablet also includes a Touch ID fingerprint sensor and a Smart Connector, allowing you to connect it to a Smart Keyboard.

March is a great month for PS4 and PS5 owners. If you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription, you can snag a free digital copy of Final Fantasy VII Remake. If you need to buy a subscription or renew your membership this month, you can grab a one-year membership to the service for only $28 at Eneba.

Amazon and Best Buy have discounted Crucial’s P5 internal SSD. You can grab a 1TB configuration for only $110, the lowest price yet. It’s a good option for PC owners looking to upgrade their systems or improve their games’ loading times. Crucial says the P5 SSD promises up to 3400 MB/s read speeds and 3000 MB/s write speeds.

Crucial P5 1TB SSD

  • $110
  • $150
  • 27% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

A good SSD option for people looking to improve loading speeds on their PC games with up to 3400 MB/s read speeds and 3000 MB/s write speeds.


  • $110


    at Amazon


  • $110


    at Best Buy

how-to-import-your-passwords-to-chrome-and-the-google-password-manager

How to import your passwords to Chrome and the Google Password Manager

If you’re moving from LastPass (or another password manager you’re dissatisfied with), you may be tempted to simply go with the password manager that comes with your browser or operating system. It’s certainly an easy solution, and a reasonable one, depending on your point of view. Until recently, third-party password managers were known to be more secure, but Apple and Google have been working to make their built-in password managers more secure, while Microsoft is adding one to its authenticator app. So it could be a viable choice.

One way, however, that these built-in password managers don’t stand up to their independent competitors is how tricky it can be to get preexisting passwords into their systems.

If you tend to hang out in the Google ecosystem and / or you have an Android mobile device, that means you can be using the Google Password Manager to store and synch your passwords via the Chrome browser. Unfortunately, like Apple’s Safari, Google Chrome makes it extremely difficult to import passwords from a CSV file.

The only way to do it that I could find was to try to enable a disabled Chrome feature that allows you to import passwords. After searching online, I found several methods to enable it, depending on which version of Chrome you’re running. I am currently running version 88, and while I was able to use the following method to add the import command to Chrome (thank you to Guiding Tech for pointing me toward this possible solution), my copy of Chrome was never able to actually import the CSV file I had downloaded from LastPass.

Be that as it may, here is the process I used. Perhaps you’ll have more luck. I’ll let you know how I finally managed to get my passwords into Chrome right afterward.

  • In Chrome’s top address bar, type in chrome://flags. This will bring you to the Experiments page.
  • In the “Search flags” box on top, type in “password import.” (Probably just typing “password” will be enough.)

In Chrome’s Experiments page, you can enable the Import feature.

  • Find “Password import” and click on the drop-down menu on the left (it will probably be labeled “Default”). Select “Enabled.”
  • Select “Relaunch.”

  • Now that you’ve added the import function, go to to your Chrome Settings (by selecting the three dots in the upper right corner and choosing “Settings”).
  • Find “Passwords” (which will be in the “Autofill” category) and click on the arrow on the right.
  • Look for “Saved Passwords,” and click on the three dots on the right. You should see a drop-down that includes the selection “Import.”

Chrome should now have an Import selection under Saved Passwords.

  • Click on “Import.” You’ll be able to select a CSV file from your file manager — and hopefully, import your passwords.

If that works for you — great! If not, then there is a last desperate way to get your passwords into Chrome, which is the one that finally worked for me.

  • Download Firefox (if you don’t have it already) and start it up.
  • Click on the three lines in the upper right corner and select “Logins and Passwords.”
  • Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Import from a File.”
  • Select your CSV file and import it.

Firefox has no qualms about importing a CSV password file.

Now that your passwords are in Firefox, you can transfer them easily to Chrome:

  • In Chrome, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and go to “Bookmarks” > “Import Bookmarks and Settings.”
  • Select Mozilla Firefox in the drop-down menu, select “Passwords” (and “Autofill form data” if you had any), and click on “Import.”

Chrome has no problem importing passwords from rival browsers.

That (phew!) should do it! But if you don’t want to go through all that, there are always free alternative password managers that you can try.

ipad-pro-and-iphone-12-pro-limited-edition-collection

iPad Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Limited Edition Collection

Caviar introduces the Apple Collection. This luxury Limited Edition collection includes three iPad Pro tablets and two iPhone 12 Pro (Max) smartphones.

Caviar, known for enriching and decorating existing Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones, has just announced its new Apple Collection. The new series consists of two iPhone 12 Pro (Max) models and three iPad Pro tablets. The Apple accessories are enriched with a wood texture and an apple tree with golden and diamond apples – which resembles the typical Apple logo. The smartphone and tablet are also provided with a well-known quote from Tim Cook and / or Steve Jobs.

With these new models, Caviar pays tribute to the visionary talent of Apple’s founder and his supernatural ability to predict the future of technology. It was Steve Jobs who turned Apple into a company that brings “golden apples” to its owners.

Caviar’s exclusive and stylish Apple Collection is available for a range of prices, from $ 6,000 USD for the gold iPhone 12 Pro to a whopping $ 185,000 for the diamond iPad Pro.

Apple Collection: iPad Pro Diamond & Wood

The jewel in the Apple Collection is the iPad Pro Grand Apple. This luxurious tablet is adorned with no less than 81 sparkling diamonds with a diameter of 3mm, which are incorporated into the apples of the apple tree. Two memorable quotes are engraved in the earth of the apple tree: ‘Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition’ by Steve Jobs and ‘Let your joy be in your journey, not in some distant goal’ by Apple CEO Tim Cook.

The case is decorated with more than 1 kilogram of 18-karat gold. The smartphone is further enriched with dark apple tree wood, which is used as a background for the apple tree. As the design is very refined, only one copy will be produced.

The starting price of this unique iPad Pro Limited Edition is set at $ 184,310 USD (128GB). For this amount you will receive the 11-inch variant with 128GB of memory. If desired, the customer can also opt for the 13-inch model. Both models are available in 4 memory variants: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and finally 1TB.

Is this getting a bit too much of a good thing? Caviar has also announced two cheaper alternatives. The iPad Pro Diamond Apple has a similar design to the Grand Apple. This time, however, significantly less gold is used, which means that the suggested retail price is also considerably lower. The starting price for this model is $ 12,420 USD.

In the third iPad Pro model, the earth, in which the apple tree stands, is not made of 18-karat gold, but of wood. 99 copies of this special Apple tablet are produced. The iPad Pro Golden Apple has a starting price of $ 8,140 USD.

iPhone 12 Pro Diamond & Gold

In addition to the three iPad Pro tablets, Caviar has also announced two iPhone 12 Pro (Max) models, which are cast in the same theme. The smartphones also feature a beautiful apple tree, enriched with durable and robust apple wood and golden and diamond apples.

The Diamond Apple model is decorated with 9 beautiful diamonds with a diameter of 3mm and a radius of 1.5mm. The suggested retail price for this Limited Edition is set at $ 8,910 USD (128GB). In addition, there is a choice of 256GB and 512GB.

With a starting price of $ 6,080 USD, the iPhone 12 Pro Golden Apple is the cheapest addition to Caviar’s 2021 Apple Collection. In this variant, the golden earth has been replaced by wood. Caviar will only produce 99 copies of both iPhone 12 Pro models, with a unique number engraved on the side of the device.

For all models, Caviar only decorates the back of the device. Meaning that the front and all the features are identical to those of the standard iPad Pro / iPhone 12 Pro. Caviar also offers a custom service to meet your specific needs, for example you can choose a different text or other materials on request.

a-folding-iphone-could-be-coming-in-2023,-says-ming-chi-kuo

A folding iPhone could be coming in 2023, says Ming-Chi Kuo

Rumors about a folding iPhone are nothing new, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (who has a very strong track record) is weighing in with information of his own: he says that Apple could be looking at a 2023 launch, and that the phone could have a screen between 7.5 and eight inches (via MacRumors). Previous rumors have suggested that the screen would be smaller, closer to the size of an iPhone 12 Pro Max.

There have been numerous reports about Apple prototyping a folding iPhone, but according to MacRumors, Kuo says that the product has “not yet officially kicked off.” Meanwhile, competitors like Samsung, Motorola, and Royole have all released multiple foldable phones (though they’re mostly expensive and clearly early implementations of the tech).

According to Kuo, the screen will be iPad Mini-sized when folded out, so it seems as if Apple is going for the Galaxy Fold approach of having a regular-sized phone that folds out into a small tablet, rather than the Z Flip or Razr approach of having a compact folding phone. (This is a bummer to me, but it seems like the folding phablet approach is the most popular at the moment.) It’s unclear who would be making those folding displays — there have been rumors of Apple working with both LG and Samsung.

While the rumors of a prototype and this report from Kuo indicate that Apple is indeed working on a folding phone, it’s not something to wait around for just yet. Kuo’s 2023 launch date is dependent on Apple being able to figure out “key technology and mass production issues.” As we’ve seen, folding phones can be hard to get right. If Apple can do it, though, it could be in the position to do what it does best: adopt a technology after other companies have figured out the bugs and pitfalls, and release a product that seems polished in comparison.

apple-not-switching-to-usb-c-iphones-in-the-near-future,-according-to-ming-chi-kuo

Apple not switching to USB-C iPhones in the near future, according to Ming-Chi Kuo

The dream of a USB-C iPhone may be dead, according to the latest research note from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The company reportedly has no plans to adopt USB-C on future iPhone devices or integrate a Touch ID sensor into the power button (two technologies that exist on Apple’s iPad hardware, like the 2020 iPad Air).

The report, obtained by AppleInsider, explains the rationale behind Apple’s decision: “We believe that USB-C is detrimental to the MFi business’s profitability, and its waterproof specification is lower than Lightning and MagSafe,” according to Kuo.

Therefore, instead of a USB-C iPhone, Kuo suggests that Apple may jump straight to a long-rumored portless iPhone that relies exclusively on wireless charging — and specifically, Apple’s MagSafe technology — to charge. MagSafe, in particular, would provide a neat solution to both of the concerns Kuo raises: by eliminating ports, MagSafe would be even more waterproof than even Lightning, and Apple still controls the MagSafe standard through its MFi program, ensuring it’ll be able to continue to reap the rewards of licensing fees.

However, Kuo also notes that Apple doesn’t think MagSafe’s ecosystem has reached the point where it can be relied on as the sole charging method for the iPhone. Instead, he predicts that Apple will continue to use its Lightning port “for the foreseeable future.”

Kuo’s report also shoots down another persistent rumor for future iPhones: the idea that Apple might introduce a Touch ID sensor in the power button, similar to the one it offered on last year’s iPad Air refresh. According to Kuo, there’s no timeframe for Apple to add that upgrade either. An earlier report from Bloomberg, however, notes that Apple is testing a Touch ID scanner integrated directly into the display for this year’s iPhone lineup, although whether it actually makes the cut remains to be seen.

The entire report from Kuo contains far more information on Apple’s future iPhone lineup, including a smaller notch and faster refresh rates for this year’s iPhones, rumors of a hole-punch camera in 2022, and a potential eight-inch foldable iPhone that could launch as early as 2023.

apple-has-reopened-all-of-its-us-retail-stores-for-the-first-time-in-nearly-a-year

Apple has reopened all of its US retail stores for the first time in nearly a year

Every Apple Store location in the US has reopened as of today, roughly two weeks prior to the anniversary of the first store closures due to the coronavirus pandemic that began on March 13th, 2020. The news, reported by 9to5Mac this morning, coincides with the last of Apple’s Texas retail stores reopening on Monday. Apple also confirmed to The Verge that all 270 US Apple Store locations are now open in some capacity for either in-store shopping or online order pickup.

This, of course, has no direct correlation with the rate of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the US; Apple, in many cases, follows local health guidelines and has preemptively closed its retail stores in some instances. But it does signal that Apple feels confident in its restrictions on in-store shopping at certain locations and the safety measures it has put in place, which include mandated face masks and limited occupancy.

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced nearly a year ago that the company would close all of its retail locations outside of mainland China until the end of the month. At the time, Apple had been developing its COVID-19 mitigation strategy for its China network of stores, which had first started closing on February 1st prior to the coronavirus’ widespread outbreak in the US. On March 17th, Apple said it would keep all retail stores outside China closed indefinitely as COVID-19 cases skyrocketed around the world.

What followed in the months after involved a complex mix of store openings and closures as Apple adhered to local and state health guidelines and also prioritized the safety of its own retail employees. In some cases, stores were opened in limited capacity only to close again later on, while others stayed shut for extended periods of time.

Apple began enacting its official reopening strategy in the US in early May and that carried on for months through the summer into the fall. Yet Apple has shown a willingness to act fast in responding to changing conditions. In December 2020, it shuttered every store in California and London as case numbers surged through the holidays. Early last month, Apple temporally closed every store in the UK.

For a fascinating pair of infographics detailing the rate of Apple Store closures in the US from last March to today, check out 9to5Mac’s story here.

iphone-13-might-finally-bring-a-smaller-notch-and-faster-screens,-ming-chi-kuo-reports

iPhone 13 might finally bring a smaller notch and faster screens, Ming-Chi Kuo reports

Apple’s 2021 iPhones might finally have a smaller notch and, for some models, faster refresh rate displays, according to a new note from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He also shared rumored information about other upcoming iPhones, including when we could see a foldable phone from Apple.

Let’s start with the iPhone launching this year, which we’ll call it the iPhone 13. Kuo says the iPhone 13 lineup will consist of the same models as the iPhone 12, meaning that despite reports of poor sales of the iPhone 12 mini, the smaller phone could still get a refresh this year (via MacRumors). The two iPhone 13 Pro models will also have 120Hz refresh rate screens thanks to LTPO display technology, according to Kuo, finally bringing the iPhone on par with many Android flagships’ high refresh rate screens.

The iPhone 13 models will all have a smaller notch, Kuo says, though if you wish that Apple would do away with the notch entirely, you might have something to look forward to in 2022. Kuo reports that at least some of the 2022 iPhone models will move to a hole-punch display, which could be similar to many Android phones like Samsung’s Galaxy S21 lineup and Google’s Pixel phones (via MacRumors).

However, in addition to a selfie camera, the iPhone’s notch currently contains components used for Apple’s Face ID biometric authentication system, and Kuo didn’t elaborate on if or how this rumored hole-punch display for iPhones could still pack in everything needed for Face ID. And if you’re dreaming of a iPhone with no visible notch or hole punch, Kuo says that Apple may launch a truly all-screen iPhone in the second half of 2023 at the earliest, according to 9to5Mac.

Kuo also says the iPhone 13 devices will still have a Lightning port, will have Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X60 modem (which is a step up from the X55 modem included in the iPhone 12), and will have larger battery capacities than the iPhone 12.

There’s also a new iPhone SE in the works that will support 5G and have an improved processor, according to Kuo (via MacRumors). This new SE is expected to have a similar form factor as the current $399 model with a 4.7-inch screen and could launch in the first half of 2022, Kuo says.

Kuo has previously reported that Apple has a larger iPhone SE in the works that uses a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button, which would be similar to the new iPad Air, but it sounds like the 5G-capable iPhone SE may be something different. Kuo said in the new note that “there is no visibility on the current schedule” for Apple to bring power button Touch ID (or, notably, USB-C) to iPhones, according to AppleInsider, leaving the future of this rumored larger iPhone SE uncertain.

Apple is also working on a foldable iPhone with a 7.5- to eight-inch display that could launch in 2023, Kuo says. However, the project seems to be in a very early stage, according to MacRumors’ article about Kuo’s report.

A 2023 launch would be dependent on Apple being able to solve “key technology and mass production issues” this year. He says the product has “not yet officially kicked off,” so it appears to still be in the research stage and previous rumors have indicated Apple could still decide not to proceed with it.

Bloomberg has also reported on Apple’s early plans for a foldable iPhone, saying in January that the company “hasn’t solidified plans to actually launch” the new device.

apple-airpods-pro-vs-samsung-galaxy-buds+:-which-should-you-buy?

Apple AirPods Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Buds+: Which should you buy?

(Pocket-lint) – It’s safe to say that the TWS (or True Wireless) earbuds market has grown phenomenally over the past few years. Thanks mostly to the huge popularity of Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro. 

Just because they’re the market leaders doesn’t make them the only options worth considering. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds+ are a decent shout too. Especially if you’re not an iPhone user. Hopefully by the end of this and having watched our video below we’ll help you decide whether the AirPods Pro or Galaxy buds+ are the best option for you. 

squirrel_widget_168834

Design

  • Buds+: 17.5 x 19.2 x 22.5mm
  • AirPods Pro: 30.9 x 21.8 x 24mm
  • Buds+: IPX2 splash resistant
  • AirPods Pro: IPX4 water resistant

At the design stage there might be something here that makes you choose one over the other. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds are a neat little rounded triangle shape, but have subtle built-in fins to help keep them in your ears, plus a silicone tip to create a seal within your ear to cut out some noise from outside.

If you’re after a pair that stays in while you’re running or working out, this is going to be your best bet. But, we’ve the found design of the tips and earphones isn’t quite comfortable enough to wear for long periods.

Apple’s AirPods Pro also have the silicon tips to help create that seal in the ear – but they’re a little less secure, so not really great for working out. They seem more comfortable over longer stints though. 

We didn’t find that either of them fell out of the ears during everyday listening, while commuting or walking. The AirPods are light enough that they sit pretty well-balanced in the ear.

The charging case

  • Buds+: USB Type-C wired and Qi wireless charging
  • AirPods: Lightning wired and Qi wireless charging

Both come with a charging case, and despite being different shapes and sizes, they’re both neat and portable and made from glossy plastic.

The AirPods Pro case charges using either a Lightning cable (the same as the iPhone) or you can use a wireless charger. Samsung’s uses either a USB Type-C cable or wireless charging. So either way, they’re as convenient as each other to top up on the go.

Sound and noise cancelling

  • Buds+: Ambient noise mode
  • AirPods Pro: Adaptive Noise Cancelling

AirPods Pro is by far the best pair for noise cancelling. Once in the ears, it’s almost as if they close you in a noiseless bubble, even when there’s no music playing.

They’re great for ensuring you can hear your music as intended when on busy trains or on a plane. It’s also constantly monitoring and analysing external noise and adjusting to match, as well as using an internal mic to detect any leakage and adjusting the sound to compensate.

There’s a transparency mode you can use on the AirPods Pro, but you can’t really adjust it. It’s one setting, and it works well for hearing traffic and platform announcements.

Samsung provides something of a passive shield against the noise around you, although they don’t have any active noise cancelling. Walking near a busy road, they do a good job of cutting out the ambient noise, and they have a really effective ambient mode that lets you choose how much external noise you want to let in using microphones on the exterior.

As for sound quality overall, we like Samsung’s approach of using the app to adjust the sound. Set to ‘Normal’, the Samsung seems a bit more bassy and full than the AirPods, but then you can change it to be more treble heavy, clearer, or add even more bass. The Samsung headphones sound a bit harsher, with a slightly boomy bass. It’s not that it’s bad at all, but to our ears, we didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the AirPods.

The AirPods Pro sound good. You get a bit less bass overall, but it’s better controlled and the sound overall seems a bit clearer with tighter treble. There’s really not a lot in it though, and we think you’d enjoy listening to either of these two.

Battery life

  • Buds+: 11 hours playback out of case (22 hours total)
  • AirPods: 4.5 hours playback out of case (24 hours total)

Looking at the ever important battery life, and when it comes to pure out-of-the-case longevity, there’s one winner here: Galaxy Buds+.

They can play music constantly for up to 11 hours before needing to be plonked back in the case again. They have one single charge in the case, meaning you’ll get a maximum of 22 hours before needing to charge the case.

AirPods Pro max out at 4.5 hours in one stretch, with 24 in total including the case. Overall, the listening time – including the battery case is similar – for both of them.

But, if you regularly go more than 4-5 hours in one sitting where you need to be taking calls or listening to music, the Galaxy Buds+ are best, when used in stereo.

Convenience, control and features

If you’re an Apple user, there’s added convenience to using AirPods. That H1 chip inside means that once it’s paired with one of your Apple devices, it’s paired with all of them. Of course, you can pair AirPods with Android phones too, it’s just not as convenient as with an iPhone. One of the other benefits of AirPods however is that you can take them out and the music will stop automatically.

Samsung’s don’t seem to do that at all. In our testing, they just kept playing in both earbuds whether you had both of them out of your ears or not.

Apple AirPods also have the convenience of being able to use one at a time, so you can just use the right one for a long call, and if the battery runs out, put the left one in and seamlessly switch.

Samsung offers a bit more control overall using the app, where you can set the sound profile, see the battery level and choose ambient noise, and use it to find your earphones when lost.

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Price

  • Galaxy Buds+: £159
  • AirPods Pro: £249

On the whole, it may come down to price for you. Galaxy Buds are £159 and include the wireless charging case.

AirPods Pro are the more advanced, in terms of noise cancelling and wireless connectivity, and cost £249, also with a wireless charging case. Comfortably more than Galaxy Buds+ and that’s quite a difference.

So, if you’re in the Apple ecosystem and want that advanced noise cancelling and convenience, or even if you’re not and just want a good pair of noise cancelling in-ears, it may just be worth it for you.

If you just want a solid pair of buds to listen to music with, Samsung will save you a lot of money.

Writing by Cam Bunton.

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Apple Releases macOS Update to Stop USB-C Docks from Bricking MacBooks

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Apple recently updated macOS to resolve an issue that, according to ZDNet, could result in some USB-C docks bricking specific MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models.

Apple said that “macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 prevents MacBook Pro (2019 or later) and MacBook Air (2020 or later) models from incurring damage when they are connected to certain third-party, non-compliant powered USB-C hubs and docks.”

Mac owners affected by the bug initially speculated that Apple’s new M1 chip was to blame. The first Macs to feature the chip weren’t released until 2020, however, so the inclusion of the “MacBook Pro (2019 or later)” line suggests that isn’t the case.

But it wouldn’t be surprising if the M1-equipped MacBook Pro was disproportionately affected by this bug compared to its Intel-bearing counterpart simply because it doesn’t offer nearly as much connectivity out of the box.

The most recent Intel-equipped MacBook Pro offers four USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 ports; the model featuring the M1 chip only has two USB 4 / Thunderbolt 3 ports. Both have headphone jacks, too, and the MacBook Air has the same configuration.

It’s not hard to imagine someone whose laptop only has two ports—one of which has to be used to charge the device—turning to a USB-C dock sooner than someone whose laptop has two more ports. Those cables have to go somewhere, right?

Luckily the specificity of Apple’s release notes suggests that most USB-C docks were safe—only some “third-party, non-compliant powered” accessories were to blame. Docks that were standards-compliant or non-powered shouldn’t have caused issues.

Still, the best way for anyone who owns a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air affected by this bug to stay safe would be to install macOS Big Sur 11.2.2, which is available now.