(Pocket-lint) – Apple took its time waiting to unveil its AirTag tracker, but the system is finally here, offering an in-house alternative to the tracking offered by the likes of Tile in recent years.
Which is the best iPhone? iPhone SE, XR, iPhone 11, 12 or 12 Pro?
It’s a simple little puck that can help you find the things you care about, but if you buy an AirTag on its own you might find it a little hard to attach to things. That’s where the range of optional accessories comes in, and it’s got some great items to offer up. We’ve gathered the very best AirTag accessories on offer, right here.
Apple
Belkin Secure Holder with Key Ring
View offer on the Apple Store
First up we’re turning away from Apple’s many in-house efforts to highlight this one from Belkin – an affordable, sturdy way to turn your AirTag into a keyring.
We think this is a better choice for most people than Apple’s more expensive alternatives, even if it’s a little generic.
Apple
AirTag Leather Key Ring
View offer on the Apple Store
Next, though, we do turn to Apple’s own roster. This lovely leather keyring is a bit classier and is available in a selection of nice colours.
It’s sturdy and a little bigger than Belkin’s, and should be perfect for a more fashionable addition to luggage or anything else.
Apple
AirTag Loop
View offer on the Apple Store
If you want a similar loop design, but don’t need the hassle of leather, this is a great option from Apple.
It’s made from waterproof polyurethane and is therefore a little more weather-resistant, as well as more affordable, making it great for adventuring.
Apple
AirTag Leather Loop
View offer on the Apple Store
Rounding out all of the options above, Apple gives us its loop design, this time in leather – so you can really have it however you want.
It’s still nice and cleanly designed, and classy to look at, making it a great pick.
Apple
AirTag Herms Key Ring
View offer on the Apple Store
At the exteme end of the pricing scale, Apple has teamed up with Hermès again to create custom-designed AirTag holders.
There are a few designs but we think the simplest is the strongest – this Barénia key ring is beautiful to look at. Its price is eye-watering, though, so we don’t imagine this will work for many people.
Apple
Belkin Secure Holder with Strap
View offer on the Apple Store
Finally, we’re back to Belkin, which has another version of its Secure Holder that comes with a strap – a useful little addition to make it easier to attach to a wide range of items.
We really do think these holders are the most sensibly priced chioces out there right now.
Apple has been quietly sticking special locator beacon chips into some of its new iPhones that’ll let you unlock your car and find lost items through walls — the latter thanks to the $29 AirTags announced today — but sadly, you won’t find that chip in the new M1-based iPad Pros or the long-awaited new Siri remote for the Apple TV.
Apple confirmed to us that the U1 locator chip, which uses pulses of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio to broadcast its precise location, won’t appear in the Siri remote. We’re waiting on final bulletproof confirmation about the iPad Pros, but it also doesn’t appear in their product page, spec sheet, or press release. Last year’s iPad Pros didn’t include a U1 chip, either.
Is Apple expecting us to stick AirTags to our iPads and TV remotes to escape the jaws of the ever-ravenous couch? Unlikely, but the company has been pretty choosey about which devices get the chip so far. You can find it in the iPhone 11 and newer (but not the iPhone SE) and the Apple Watch Series 6 (but not the Apple Watch SE), but we’re pretty sure it hasn’t made its way to any iPads or MacBooks that have been announced since the chip’s introduction in September 2019.
Theoretically, Apple could build an ecosystem where any Apple device can easily find any other Apple device (not to mention UWB devices from Samsung, which is also deeply invested in the tech and has its own AirTag-like device as well). But for now, you’ll primarily just be using your phone to find AirTags, not other gadgets, except perhaps your future car.
In a press release for Apple’s new Tile-like AirTag tracker, the company has revealed that iOS 14.5 will officially arrive “starting next week” — as spotted by Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern. AirTags go on sale April 30th and will only work with devices running iOS 14.5 or higher. Likewise, watchOS 7.4 and macOS 11.3 will also launch next week, as they support new Apple Podcast feature updates.
Apple first launched the 14.5 beta to the public earlier this year in February alongside watchOS 7.4 beta (no word on whether that’s arriving soon, too). Along with AirTag support, it will implement Apple’s new App Tracking Transparency requirement, which mandates that developers ask for permission to track users for ad targeting. The feature was announced last year and met with sharp resistance from Facebook in particular, which argues that the move will harm small businesses that benefit from ad tracking.
iOS 14.5 also introduces some welcome inclusivity features, like the ability to change Siri’s voice and new skin tone options for some emoji. Another feature we’ve appreciated in our testing thus far is Siri’s ability to learn which audio-listening apps you prefer for certain activities. This stops short of letting you select a new default app, like picking Spotify for all of your streaming music requests, but it’s a helpful evolution in any case.
Of course, this feature may or may not make it to the final release, but we do know now when we can expect to find out which features made the final cut. Apple doesn’t say specifically which day we can expect 14.5, but when it does, iPhone users will be able to download the update in their phone’s settings as always.
Microsoft has started inviting Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to test its Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) service on iPhones and iPads today. The service works through web browsers, allowing it to also run on PCs and Macs on Edge, Chrome, or Safari. We’ve managed to get an early look at this beta and see how Xbox Cloud Gaming works on an iPhone or iPad.
The web interface for xCloud (yes, we’re going to keep calling it xCloud) is very simple to use. It scales across devices like the iPhone, iPad, or even a large monitor attached to a PC to provide quick access to games. Microsoft has even included a search interface, which is something that’s strangely missing on rival service Google Stadia.
You don’t need to install any apps or extensions; it works natively in Chrome, Safari, or Edge. All you need is a compatible USB or Bluetooth controller. Some games even work with Xbox Touch Controls, so a controller isn’t required if you’re happy to tap on the screen and play. I managed to quickly start games using an Xbox Elite 2 controller paired to an iPhone 11 Pro.
Once you launch a game, you’ll have to wait a fair amount of time for it to actually load. Much like xCloud on Android, the backend servers for Microsoft’s Xbox game streaming are actually Xbox One S consoles. This older Xbox hardware isn’t powered by a modern CPU or SSD, so game loads are affected as a result. Microsoft is planning to upgrade xCloud servers to Xbox Series X hardware at some point this year, though.
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Streaming on an iPhone.
I’ve only been playing xCloud via the web for a few hours, so it’s difficult to judge the experience, but I’ve certainly run into a lot of connection issues both wireless and wired with my desktop PC. Microsoft says it’s working on a routing issue with this beta, but it’s worth pointing out this is a test service, and it’s only just launched, so hiccups like this are to be expected.
Once the connection settles down, it’s very similar to xCloud on Android. If you run this through a web browser on a PC or iPad, you’ll even get a 1080p stream. It feels like I’m playing on an Xbox in the cloud, and there’s a dashboard that lets me access friends, party chats, achievements, and invites to games. This is all powered by Xbox Game Pass, so there are more than 100 games available — and even some original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles that can be streamed.
You can search and easily launch Xbox games in a browser.
Xbox Touch Controls can be used for certain games.
Microsoft hasn’t said when the company plans to roll this out more broadly yet, but given the early connection issues, there’s clearly still some work to be done until the web version is available for everyone. Still, it’s impressive how well this scales across multiple devices and opens up the ability to stream Xbox games to virtually any device that has a Chromium or Safari browser.
I also tried this xCloud browser version on the new Edge app for Xbox consoles, but it’s not fully supported yet. Both the service and the browser are in early beta right now, so full support might come at a later date. Either way, I imagine that xCloud will arrive on Xbox consoles through the ability to quickly stream a game while you’re waiting for it to download in the background. That’s really where xCloud makes sense on a console that can already play Xbox games.
This browser-based version of xCloud does open up the service to many more possibilities, too. Xbox chief Phil Spencer has previously hinted at TV streaming sticks for xCloud, and Microsoft has already committed to bringing the service to Facebook Gaming at some point. It’s easy to imagine Xbox Game Streaming apps for smart TVs, coupled with the ability to access the service from web browsers to ensure almost any device can access an Xbox Game Pass subscription. That’s clearly Microsoft’s goal here, and this beta feels like just the beginning.
Apple is continuing its move from Intel to Arm on the desktop, putting its M1 processor new line of iMacs and in the iPad Pro. Both were announced at Apple’s “Spring Loaded” virtual event, and are the first time each of those product lines is using the new chip. Previously, the iPad Pro used Apple’s custom A-series chips, while the iMac used Intel processors.
iMac
The new iMacs come in seven colors: blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange and purple, and are somewhat reminiscent of the iMac G3. They are built from the ground up for the new chips, unlike the 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and Mac Mini, which used existing chassis. The new iMac has a redesign with a much-smaller logic board with two tiny fans. Apple says these small fans will keep the computer under 10 decibels, which the human ear shouldn’t be able to hear. It’s just 11.5 millimeters thin. Apple says the iMac is 85% faster than the previous 21-inch model, which used Intel chips. It also says graphics are up to 2x faster than previous models. In Final Cut, Apple is claiming up to four streams of footage in 1080p, or one in 4K. The company took time to focus on iOS apps working on macOS, as well as the broad range of compatible apps that have come to M1 since it launched last year. The new display is 24-inches diagonally and has narrow bezels, with a 4480 x 2520 resolution and 500 nits of brightness. It also uses TrueTone, like the laptops, to change color temperature based on your surroundings.
Image 1 of 8
(Image credit: Apple)
Image 2 of 8
(Image credit: Apple)
Image 3 of 8
(Image credit: Apple)
Image 4 of 8
(Image credit: Apple)
Image 5 of 8
(Image credit: Apple)
Image 6 of 8
(Image credit: Apple)
Image 7 of 8
(Image credit: Apple)
Image 8 of 8
(Image credit: Apple)
The camera, microphones and speakers are also getting upgraded. The camera is a 1080p FaceTime sensor, higher than the 720p we see in the MacBook laptops. The microphones use beam forming to focus on your voice and avoid background noise. This should all help out in work-from-home situations.
The speakers have increased amounts of power, with increased bass response. The full system is six speakers, including tweeters and woofers. With Dolby Atmos, it supports surround sound.
(Image credit: Apple)
The M1 iMac has 4 USB-C ports, including 2 Thunderbolt ports, with support for a 6K display. There’s a new magnetic power connector, with a woven cable, that connects to the power adapter. If you want wired connectivity, Ethernet connects to the power adapter and is routed to the system.
The keyboard has new emoji, spotlight, and do not disturb keys. A separate model will have Touch ID on the desktop for the first time. The Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad will also have new color-matched aluminum.
(Image credit: Apple)
The new iMac starts at $1,299 and will be available to order on April 30, shipping in May. At that price you get an 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, as well as two Thunderbolt ports. At $1,499, that bumps up to an 8-core GPU and also adds two USB 3 Type-C ports.
iPad Pro
(Image credit: Apple)
iPadOS will take advantage of M1 as well, being the first non-macOS device to use the new design. Apple said it will offer a 50% jump over the previous iPad Pro. The GPU will be a 40% increase over the last model.
This replaces the A-series chips that Apple previously used in the iPad Pro (and currently uses in the iPhone and other iPads).
Additionally, Apple is touting storage access that is twice as fast as its predecessor, as well as a new 2TB configuration. Notably, the new iPads will have the same 8GB and 16GB RAM options as other M1 devices.
The USB-C port has been upgraded to Thunderbolt with USB 4 support, with four times more bandwidth over the the USB-C port on the previous iPad Pro. It supports more displays and storage as well.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Apple)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple has also added 5G to iPad Pro, making this the first M1 device to feature the technology, and it will support millimeter wave in the United States.
There’s a TrueDepth camera in the front, and the iPad Pro has a LiDAR camera on the back for AR applications. The TrueDepth shooter has a 12MP ultra wide camera, which can keep people in view from a distance on video calls, using machine learning to move the frame.
Apple is changing up the display technology, too. It’s moving the 12.9-inch iPad to the same tech as the Pro Display XDR. It’s called Liquid Retina XDR, with 1,000 nits of brightness and 1,600 nits at its peak. It also has the same 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
The 12.9 inch iPad Pro will use a mini-LED display, and the screen is comprised of 10,000 of them. This is Apple’s first time using the technology, which is also rumored to move into MacBooks later in the year. It will also support HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR 10. The 11-inch iPad Pro is sticking with an LED “liquid retina” screen.
The 11-inch iPad Pro will start at $799. The 12.9-inch model with the XDR display starts at $1,099. Orders open April 30, with shipments starting in the second half of May.
Apple has taken the wraps off its Apple TV 4K 2021. The latest version of Apple’s video streamer includes a host of new features including high frame rate HDR support at 60 frames per second and an all-new Siri Remote.
It’s powered by a new chip, the A12 Bionic, which debuted in 2018’s iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. Apple boldly claims using the A12 brings “a significant boost in graphics performance, video decoding, and audio processing” to the video streamer.
But the most eye-catching addition is a new colour balance feature that uses your iPhone’s sensors to optimise the video output for your particular TV. More specifically, it uses the light sensor in the iPhone to compare the colour balance to industry standards. The Apple TV 4K then automatically tweaks its picture output to allegedly deliver more accurate colours and better contrast based on the measurements it takes from your TV.
It’s certainly an interesting take on picture calibration, but we’ll have to see it working in the flesh to decide whether Apple’s method does actually make a difference and can actually improve picture quality.
Apple’s Siri Remote has been overhauled and is all-new for the Apple TV 4K 2021. It features a new clickpad control with five-way navigation which is also touch-enabled so you can swipe your way through menus.
Additionally, the outer ring of the new clickpad actually works as a jog wheel, so you can slide your thumb around the edge to skip through video content.
If you already own an Apple TV 4K box you can buy the new Siri Remote separately for £55. It also comes as standard with the Apple TV HD, also known as the fourth-generation Apple TV, which launched way back in 2015. This new combination costs £139.
The 2021 Apple TV 4K is available in 32GB and 64GB variants for £169/$179 and £189/$199 respectively. You’ll be able to pre-order from the 30th April, with the device going on sale during the second half of May.
MORE:
Apple’s new TV calibration feature is coming to older Apple TV models
Apple launches new Apple iPad Pro with Liquid Retina XDR screen and M1 chip
One of the most intriguing features of the just-announced new Apple TV 4K is one that allows the video output to be tailored to you TV’s specific colour balance. Essentially, the Apple TV outputs a test image to your TV that you then measure using an iPhone. The Apple TV then compares the measured colour balance to ‘industry-standard specifications’ and adjusts its output to correct any inaccuracies and improve contrast.
If that sounds like a feature well worth trying out, you might be excited to learn that it’s not exclusive to the new version of the Apple TV 4K: the press release sent out after the live stream includes a small note that says the feature will also be coming to all previous versions of the Apple TV 4K and the Apple TV HD. The feature will be coming with tvOS 14.5 and your iPhone will also need to be running iOS 14.5, and both updates are apparently coming next week.
On top of that, Apple has also stated that the new Siri Remote can be bought separately for £55, making another upgrade available to existing Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD owners.
So why would you buy the new Apple TV 4K? That’s a good question. It’s got a much faster chip – the A12 Bionic – but so far the only new feature this unlocks that’s been mentioned is high frame rate HDR content, which is currently in very short supply.
Of course, there may well be more to it than that. We’re looking forward to getting hands-on with the new Apple TV 4K to find out.
MORE:
New Apple TV 4K: everything we know so far
Check out our list of the best TVs you can buy right now
Apple has unveiled its latest iPad Pro. As predicted, the 12.9-inch version of the top-end tablet boasts a cutting-edge Liquid Retina XDR (Mini LED) display. That’s good news for filmmakers who want to create and edit Dolby Vision HDR video. There’s also Apple’s new M1 processor, which Cupertino claims will deliver a “50%” jump in performance compared to the previous iPad Pro. The new 11in iPad Pro, by contrast, has to make do with a normal Liquid Retina display.
The speed bump should help power the 12.9-inch slate’s Liquid Retina XDR screen, which features 10,000 Mini LEDs for a peak brightness of 1600nits and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. Apple says it’s the very same XDR tech featured in the firm’s pricey Pro Display XDR monitors. Nice.
There’s also a new 12MP ultra-wide TrueDepth camera with a 120-degree field of view. The camera uses machine learning for something called ‘Centre Stage’, which follows your position around the room, keeping you centered, and automatically zooming out when others enter the scene.
Talking of which, Apple’s LiDAR camera now supports Smart HDR thanks to that beefy M1 processor. That should make it easier to create Hollywood-style green screen special effects complete with realistic shadowing.
(Image credit: Apple)
Design-wise the iPad Pro 2021 looks an awful lot like its predecessor, complete with a “100 percent recycled” flat-sided aluminium enclosure. Four speakers and Apple’s “best-ever” studio quality mic array should ensure you can make yourself heard in noisy environments.
As expected, the iPad Pro 2021 is the first iPad to support 5G. The high-speed connectivity could come in handy for those who work remotely. Apple has also blessed its high-end tablet with support for Thunderbolt and USB-C with USB4. Last but not least, the 12.9-inch model is available with a whopping 2TBs of storage – enough space to stash around 220 hours of 4K HDR video content.
So, when you can buy this “giant leap forward”? Both iPad Pros will be available to preorder from 30th April, and begin shipping from the second half of May.
The 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 costs from £749 ($799, AU$1199) for the Wi-Fi model and £899 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at £999 ($1099, AU$1649) for the Wi-Fi model and £1499 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
Tuesday’s grand unveiling also saw Apple take the wraps off the Apple TV 4K 2021, Apple Podcast Subscriptions, a new iPhone 12 in purple and AirTags, a location tracker that clips to your rucksack.
MORE:
New Apple TV 4K uses iPhone sensors to boost picture quality
Apple has unveiled its latest iPad Pro. As predicted, the 12.9-inch version of the top-end tablet boasts a cutting-edge Liquid Retina XDR (Mini LED) display. That’s good news for filmmakers who want to create and edit Dolby Vision HDR video. There’s also Apple’s new M1 processor, which Cupertino claims will deliver a “50%” jump in performance compared to the previous iPad Pro. The new 11in iPad Pro, by contrast, has to make do with a normal Liquid Retina display.
The speed bump should help power the 12.9-inch slate’s Liquid Retina XDR screen, which features 10,000 Mini LEDs for a peak brightness of 1600nits and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. Apple says it’s the very same XDR tech featured in the firm’s pricey Pro Display XDR monitors. Nice.
There’s also a new 12MP ultra-wide TrueDepth camera with a 120-degree field of view. The camera uses machine learning for something called ‘Centre Stage’, which follows your position around the room, keeping you centered, and automatically zooming out when others enter the scene.
Talking of which, Apple’s LiDAR camera now supports Smart HDR thanks to that beefy M1 processor. That should make it easier to create Hollywood-style green screen special effects complete with realistic shadowing.
(Image credit: Apple)
Design-wise the iPad Pro 2021 looks an awful lot like its predecessor, complete with a “100 percent recycled” flat-sided aluminium enclosure. Four speakers and Apple’s “best-ever” studio quality mic array should ensure you can make yourself heard in noisy environments.
As expected, the iPad Pro 2021 is the first iPad to support 5G. The high-speed connectivity could come in handy for those who work remotely. Apple has also blessed its high-end tablet with support for Thunderbolt and USB-C with USB4. Last but not least, the 12.9-inch model is available with a whopping 2TBs of storage – enough space to stash around 220 hours of 4K HDR video content.
So, when you can buy this “giant leap forward”? Both iPad Pros will be available to preorder from 30th April, and begin shipping from the second half of May.
The 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 costs from £749 ($799, AU$1199) for the Wi-Fi model and £899 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at £999 ($1099, AU$1649) for the Wi-Fi model and £1499 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
Tuesday’s grand unveiling also saw Apple take the wraps off the Apple TV 4K 2021, Apple Podcast Subscriptions, a new iPhone 12 in purple and AirTags, a location tracker that clips to your rucksack.
MORE:
New Apple TV 4K uses iPhone sensors to boost picture quality
Apple just wrapped up its “Spring Loaded” event, announcing new iPads, iMacs, and more. It was jam-packed with news from the company.
If you want to read about what was announced as it happened, check out our live blog with commentary from Nilay Patel, Dieter Bohn, and Chaim Gartenberg. But if you just want the news, read on.
Apple’s new iPad Pro.Image: Apple
Apple’s new iPad Pros have the company’s M1 chip
Apple unveiled its newest iPad Pro tablets, and they’re equipped with the same Apple-designed M1 chip in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini (and the new iMac, also announced today). The 12.9-inch model has an upgraded display that uses 10,000 Mini LEDs, and Apple calls it the Liquid Retina XDR display. Both iPad Pros also have a new 12-megapixel ultrawide camera that can automatically track you during video calls.
You can order the tablets order on April 30th, and they will be available in the second half of May. The 11-inch model starts at $799, and the 12.9-inch model starts at $1,099.
Apple’s new iMac.Image: Apple
Apple’s totally redesigned iMac has an M1 chip, too
Apple debuted a completely redesigned iMac that also has the M1 chip. It’s really thin, has a 24-inch screen, a 1080p FaceTime camera, and comes in seven different colors. They’ll also come with a new wireless keyboard that includes Touch ID for authentication.
You can buy the new iMac in four colors starting at $1,299, and in seven colors and better specs starting at $1,499. You can order it starting April 30th, and it will be available in the second half of May.
Apple’s AirTags.Image: Apple
Apple finally unveils its Air Tags item trackers
At long last, Apple took the wraps off its long-rumored AirTags item trackers, which you can track in the Find My app. You can customize your AirTag with emoji, too. You’ll be able to pre-order them on Friday for $29, and they’ll be available on April 30th. You can also get a four-pack for $99.
Apple’s Cindy Lin discussing Apple TV.Image: Apple
The Apple TV 4K is getting a A12 Bionic chip
Apple revealed a new Apple TV 4K, which comes equipped with the same A12 Bionic chip found on the iPhone 12. It can now play HDR and high frame rate videos. It will start at $179 for 32GB. It will be available to pre-order on April 30th and will be available in the second half of May.
Apple’s new Apple TV remote.Image: Apple
Apple redesigned the Apple TV remote
Apple revealed a new Apple TV remote, which is made of aluminum and has a click pad at the top. There’s also a Siri button on the side.
Ted Lasso, from Ted Lasso. Image: Apple
Ted Lasso’s second season debuts on July 23rd
Apple debuted a charming new trailer for the second season of its beloved show Ted Lasso. The season debuts on July 23rd.
The new purple iPhone.Image: Apple
The iPhone 12 will soon come in purple
Apple is releasing a new purple iPhone 12. It will be available for pre-order on Friday, and it launches on April 30th.
Apple is launching in-app podcast subscriptions
Apple announced that subscriptions are coming to the Podcasts app, which give you benefits like ad-free listening. The service will launch in 170 regions and countries next month. The company is also redesigning the Podcasts app.
Apple has just announced a new Apple TV streaming box, replacing the Apple TV 4K that came out in 2017. The new model retains the name of the prior model but comes with a more powerful A12 Bionic chip that lets it play HDR video at higher frame rates. It’s also powerful enough to support 60fps Dolby Vision playback over AirPlay from a compatible iPhone.
The old Apple TV 4K, which has been Apple’s flagship set-top box for four years, supports 4K streaming as well as HDR, including Dolby Vision. It also supports Dolby Atmos sound codecs. But it doesn’t support 120Hz refresh rates, which might be important should you ever want to play serious games on an Apple TV. It also has the most notoriously bad remote control.
Fortunately, Apple has completely redesigned the remote for the new Apple TV 4K with an improved, more ergonomic design and more capabilities. The new remote is thicker than the prior model, has a new five-way touch controller in place of the maligned swipe pad of the original, and a proper power button to turn off your TV. The Siri search button has been moved to the side of the remote, under your right thumb.
Apple did not redesign the Apple TV box itself — it remains a squircle-shaped puck that you have to put on a shelf or entertainment center, unlike the dongle designs that many of Apple’s competitors use now. A new feature allows the Apple TV to optimize the colors of your TV screen using the light sensor on an iPhone. Apple says it is working with a number of content providers to produce high frame rate HDR content for the new Apple TV, including Fox Sports, NBCUniversal, Paramount Plus, Red Bull TV, and Canal Plus.
The new Apple TV 4K starts at $179 for 32GB of storage and will be available to purchase starting on April 30th. A 64GB model will also be available for $199. Apple is also selling the older Apple TV HD, which is limited to 1080p resolution, with the new remote for $149.
All of those prices are a lot higher than Apple’s competitors, such as Amazon, Google, and Roku. Apple is betting once again that people will pay for performance and ecosystem in a set-top box and is charging a hefty premium for it.
Researchers have discovered that the XCSSET malware has started targeting M1-equipped Macs via Xcode, The Hacker News reported Monday and has been updated to compromise accounts on various cryptocurrency trading platforms.
Xcode is the integrated development environment (IDE) used to make apps for the iPhone, iPad, and other Apple hardware. Even if a cross-platform framework is used to develop a particular app, it must pass through Xcode to reach those platforms.
That means XCCSET is limiting itself to technically savvy people who, if we had to guess, would be more likely to own cryptocurrency than the average Mac owner. Targeted attacks like this are often more successful than broader ones.
Kaspersky warned that XCSSET had been updated for Apple’s custom silicon in March. The malware wasn’t focused on cryptocurrency at the time, the security company said. Instead, it featured a variety of modules that were designed to:
Reading and dumping Safari cookies
Injecting malicious JavaScript code into various websites
Stealing user files and information from applications, such as Notes, WeChat, Skype, Telegram, etc.
Encrypting user files
Trend Micro then warned on April 16 that XCSSET had been updated to bypass security features introduced with macOS Big Sur, change the icons it uses to match system icons, and attempt to gain access to victims’ accounts on crypto platforms.
The company’s advice was clear: “To protect systems from this type of threat, users should only download apps from official and legitimate marketplaces,” it said. But that’s hard to do when it comes to finding Xcode projects to work with or learn from.
XCSSET’s expansion to cryptocurrency makes sense. The value of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and even Dogecoin has continued to rise in recent months, and stealing coins from someone else is probably requires fewer resources than mining them would.
Adding support for Apple’s custom silicon was also prudent. Devices featuring the M1 chip have been well-reviewed, and with Apple’s plan to ditch Intel entirely by the end of 2022, it makes sense to start targeting its chips now.
Other malware creators appear to agree. We saw reports of the first malware targeting Apple silicon in February, and in March, the Silver Sparrow malware was discovered on approximately 30,000 macOS devices, some of which had M1 chips.
Apple is officially launching a Tile-like item tracker that will work with the company’s software and services. Dubbed AirTag, the small circular tag will allow you to track items within Apple’s “Find My” app on iOS. Much like Tile, Apple’s AirTags will be useful for tracking items like keys or wallets, and you’ll be provided with notifications when you’re separated from your item.
Details about AirTags first appeared in copies of the iOS 13 beta nearly two years ago, and the AirTags name was also spotted in iOS 13.2. Apple accidentally confirmed the AirTags name in a deleted support video last year, too. Following the rumors, it has taken Apple a considerable amount of time to make AirTags a reality.
Apple will clearly be competing with Tile with its AirTags, but the location-tracking company has been attempting to embed its technology directly into Bluetooth chips in recent years. Tile has previously teamed up with Qualcomm, Dialog Semiconductor, Silicon Labs, and Toshiba to include Tile compatibility as an option on devices. Tile has also embedded its location-tracking network into gadgets from Boosted and Bose, and is prepping its own AirTags competitor that could let you find lost items through walls.
Apple will certainly face some competition from Tile’s broader reach here, but the deeper integration with iOS and iPhones will be a significant challenge for Tile and other competitors like Samsung’s $29.99 Galaxy SmartTags. Apple’s launch of AirTags comes nearly a year after Tile filed a complaint with the European Commission, accusing Apple of anti-competitive behavior. Tile argues that Apple’s iOS 13.5 update to Bluetooth settings has disadvantaged third-party tracking products in favor of Apple’s own Find My app that doesn’t include the same restrictions by default.
Apple has strenuously denied the allegations, and the company has even opened up its Find My app to third-party products recently. Devices will need to play by Apple’s Made for iPhone (MFi) accessory rules, so companies will need to apply to get certified and have their products tracked in the Find My app. Apple is also offering a chipset specification for third-parties to integrate with the Ultra-Wideband found in Apple’s latest iPhones.
Developing… we’re adding more to this post, but you can follow along with our Apple “Spring Loaded” live blog to get the news even faster.
VanMoof S3 with PowerBank arriving at Castricum aan Zee from Amsterdam.Photo by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
We put a new 2021 S3 model to the test on a three-hour ride
VanMoof, maker of some of our favorite electric bikes, just announced the PowerBank, a range extender that also charges the internal battery of the company’s S3 and X3 models. Not only does the emotional-support battery promise to ease range anxiety by extending VanMoof e-bike commutes by a claimed 45 to 100 km (28 to 62 miles), it also addresses VanMoof’s biggest limitation: non-removable batteries that enable a sleek look, but could necessitate hauling the 19-kg (42-pound) bikes indoors to be charged.
I’ve had a new VanMoof S3, improved for 2021 (more on that later), with the PowerBank since Friday. After 3 hours in the saddle on two 90-minute rides, I can attest to the extended range and more convenient charging. It’s not cheap and it’s not perfect and I didn’t go quite as far as VanMoof claims, but the PowerBank makes a compelling case for purchase.
The 378Wh capacity PowerBank attaches in seconds (about 20 of them). It has an on / off button so you can choose when it charges the larger 504Wh battery found inside both the full-sized S3 and smaller X3 e-bikes. It charges from a standstill or while riding, and adds an extra 2.8 kg (6.2 pounds) to the total weight of the bike. That’s a reasonable (and unnoticeable) tradeoff if it means never having to carry the bike up the stairs to your apartment again. It also adds $348 / €348 / £315 to the cost of a bike that already starts at $1,998 / €1,998 / £1,798.
The PowerBank sits in a permanent mount you must first attach to the S3 or X3 e-bikes. The PowerBank battery then wedges into the frame and locks in place with a supplied key, and is further secured with two velcro straps. A third velcro strap is used to keep the charging cable from flopping around as it snakes up to the underside of the top tube and into the bike’s charging port. I rode on some rather bumpy brick roads and didn’t hear a single rattle from the assembly.
The thick velcro straps, while being inelegant, blend nicely into the dark black S3 model. But the straps and bulky battery are visually jarring on the smaller, light blue X3 e-bike.
Light blue VanMoof X3 fitted with a PowerBank. Eww.Image: VanMoof
While a first for VanMoof, range extenders are not uncommon amongst e-bike makers, especially for electric mountain bikes. Last month Specialized announced the Como SL commuter e-bike with an optional $449.99 range extender that it says adds about 31 miles (55 km) of range.
Over the weekend I tested a PowerBank fitted to a brand new VanMoof S3 on a 76.7 km (47.7 miles) round trip from Amsterdam to the coastal hamlet of Castricum aan Zee, and back. That’s beyond the 60 km stated range of a VanMoof ridden at max power, and far beyond the 47 km I managed during my S3 range test in April of 2020. VanMoof claims that a fully charged S3 battery coupled to a PowerBank has a range of between 105-250 km (65-155 miles), depending upon the level of powered assist you’re using. I wasn’t anywhere close to that.
I rode at full power (level 4) on exceedingly flat Dutch terrain making liberal use of the Turbo Boost button. A bit more than half of my testing was directly into a fairly strong 14-knot headwind, the rest benefited from a 6-knot tailwind. In total, I’d estimate that I could have ridden about 80 km (50 miles) before both the S3 and PowerBank batteries were empty. In other words, the VanMoof PowerBank coupled to the new S3 extended my range by about 70 percent compared to 47 km (29.2 miles) I managed last year.
In my testing, I noticed that the S3 battery emptied faster than the PowerBank could recharge it while riding at max power with lots of Turbo Boost button presses. (VanMoof confirmed this behavior after my testing was complete.) So rather than risk having to stop and recharge on the way home (or ride in a less fun economy mode), I took advantage of a 20-minute ferry wait to top off the S3 battery when it was showing just 15 percent remaining. I likely would have made it the final 7.9 km home even without the top-up, but the whole point of having a PowerBank is to avoid range anxiety and I was in a hurry to get back.
As to my buttocks, well, I should give the VanMoof’s custom saddle honorable mention. It’s surprisingly comfortable, and the first time I’ve ridden it — my S3 review bike was fitted with a different saddle last year. While I did notice a bit of discomfort down there when climbing onto the bike for my return journey, it was far less than expected.
Despite my test coming in below the lowest range estimate for the PowerBank, VanMoof still stands by its numbers. “It should give most riders an additional 45-100km range depending on conditions and an individual’s use-level,” said the company in an email response to my findings. Apparently, my aggressive riding style, weight (190 pounds / 86 kg), height (6 feet / 183 cm), and ambient conditions at testing make me an outlier.
Some other observations…
VanMoof e-bikes don’t provide a USB charging port for phones mounted on the handlebar and the arrival of the PowerBank doesn’t change that. That’s an oversight in my opinion. A range extender enables riders to travel longer distances, which often requires GPS navigation on a phone operating at peak brightness and paired with Bluetooth headphones for turn-by-turn directions and maybe some music playing over your 4G / 5G connection. My three-year old iPhone wasn’t up to the task, which meant tethering it to yet another battery I had to carry in my jacket. I forgot about the cable when I stopped off at a ferry crossing, nearly causing me to topple over.
VanMoof says a USB port was considered but was ultimately left off for “waterproofing reasons.” Shame.
I should also note that the S3 I tested was one of the models that recently added support for Apple’s Find My tracking network. While that was the headline item, VanMoof’s X3 and S3 e-bikes were also upgraded with improved on-bike displays that are more visible in direct sunlight, and electronic shifters that are more accurate. I complained about the display readability in my review last year and it is slightly improved. More importantly, the e-shifter seems much improved over the S3 variation that I reviewed at launch in April of 2020. At the time I said it glitched on 2 out of 100 shifts, but the automatic four-speed on my new S3 glitched about 1 out of 100+ shifts over my three hours of riding. I characterize a glitch as an unexpected mechanical “clink” sound, a surprise free-wheel of the pedals when you expect to feel resistance, or an obvious feeling of being in the wrong gear.
VanMoof, unlike many e-bike makers, is able to constantly improve the hardware and software of its e-bikes because it has a dedicated factory and relatively tight control over a supply chain of custom VanMoof parts. That means it doesn’t have to compete for Shimano shifters or Bosch motors, for example, which left many bike manufactures without parts for months after the recent surge in e-bike demand. Good thing, too. The first shipments of S3 and X3 models were plagued by issue rates as high as 10 percent, the company co-founders told me last year.
VanMoof says it also improved the internal wiring of its bikes for better resistance to weather, added new pedals for better grip, and new fender flaps to reduce excess splash on wet roads. It also made the shipping boxes more environmentally friendly — important when you consider that VanMoof ships around 12,000 of those giant boxes a month, as of September 2020.
All this is to say that the 2021 S3 and X3 models, the ones with the “Locate with Apple Find My” label printed under the top tube, are the best VanMoof e-bikes yet, which really is saying something. The new PowerBank option is just icing on the cake.
All photos by Thomas Ricker / The Verge unless otherwise stated
It’s no secret that one iPhone 13 model will have a 120Hz screen, but one analyst reckons there will be a second 120Hz handset in the new range.
According to Ross Young, the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max will both have LTPO displays, which allow for a 120Hz refresh rate. Previously, it was thought only the Pro Max model would have the feature.
Heard some rumors in the industry and media that there would only be one LTPO model from Apple later this year. Can confirm that is not the case. Apple fans can relax!April 16, 2021
See more
That would be double the refresh rate of the current iPhone range. A higher refresh rate means less blur, and is particularly well suited to fast-moving content particularly games.
Most recent high-end phones have refresh rates of either 90Hz or 120Hz. Samsung has even launched some mid-range devices with those refresh rates. So Apple’s move would be welcomed by many.
LTPO screens allow for variable refresh rates. While they top out at 120Hz, they can also go much lower for less intensive tasks such as reading emails. This would save the device’s battery life.
Apple already uses LTPO displays for its Apple Watch device, so it isn’t completely new to this technology.
In other iPhone 13 news, a screen protector has leaked (via 9to5Mac) that suggests the device will have a smaller notch than the iPhone 12. The notch houses the front-facing camera for taking selfies and authenticating using Face ID. A smaller notch would take up less of the screen, making content more immersive.
According to 9to5Mac, the new notch will be around 30 per cent smaller – another welcome change in a handset that’s already shaping up to be quite the phone.
MORE:
Read all about it! New iPhone 13: release date, price, leaks and all of the news
Will a new iPad launch tomorrow? iPad Pro 2021: release date, price, specs and all the news
Google fan? Check out the best Android phones
And Apple fans will want the best iPhones money can buy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
