Mac | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:57:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png Mac | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Death Stranding comes to iOS next week https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/death-stranding-comes-to-ios-next-week/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/death-stranding-comes-to-ios-next-week/#respond Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:28:31 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=645185 Back in June of last year, Hideo Kojima announced that the award-winning open world ‘strand-type’ game Death Stranding would be coming to Apple’s Mac platform. This was later followed up by the reveal that the game would also be coming to the latest iPhone models. Initially intended to release late last year, Death Stranding has …

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Back in June of last year, Hideo Kojima announced that the award-winning open world ‘strand-type’ game Death Stranding would be coming to Apple’s Mac platform. This was later followed up by the reveal that the game would also be coming to the latest iPhone models. Initially intended to release late last year, Death Stranding has now gotten an official iOS release date,

Making the announcement via a press release, the team at Kojima Productions said “DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT, the definitive version of the genre-defying action game directed by Hideo Kojima and starring Norman Reedus, makes the trek onto Apple devices on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. The game will be available on iPhone 15 Pro models powered by the A17 Pro chip and every iPad and Mac with M-series chips.”

The game will cost $39.99 at launch, but during the pre-order period you can get the title for 50% off, bringing it down to just $19.99 – a great deal for what is arguably one of the most unique AAA games of the past generation.

Death Stranding marks the 3rd AAA game to come to Apple’s latest iPhones, with Resident Evil Village and RE4 Remake coming out late last year. With each of those titles taking a different approach to graphical and performance options, it will be interesting to see how Death Stranding’s settings are presented when the game launches in a week’s time.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Apple’s new gaming push? What other AAA games would you like to see come to mobile? Should Death Stranding follow RE4 or Village’s settings setup? Let us know down below.

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First Apple M3-based systems could launch in October https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/joao-silva/first-apple-m3-based-systems-could-launch-in-october/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/joao-silva/first-apple-m3-based-systems-could-launch-in-october/#respond Mon, 17 Jul 2023 10:30:30 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=623390 Besides the new generation of iPhones, Apple might have another big announcement before the year's end. Recent reports suggest that after the announcement of the iPhone 15, the Cupertino-based company will reveal the first M3-based devices in October. According to Bloomberg, the initial wave of Macs powered by the M3 chip could be released as …

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Besides the new generation of iPhones, Apple might have another big announcement before the year's end. Recent reports suggest that after the announcement of the iPhone 15, the Cupertino-based company will reveal the first M3-based devices in October.

According to Bloomberg, the initial wave of Macs powered by the M3 chip could be released as soon as October. In the latest Power On newsletter, it's reported that there's potential for another launch following Apple's annual iPhone event in September. It's anticipated that Apple will shift its attention towards a fresh lineup of Macs during this event. Although October may seem too early for new high-end MacBook Pros or desktops, it's believed that the new chip will debut on either the next iMac, a new 13-inch MacBook Air, a 13-inch MacBook Pro, or a combination of the three.

In early March, reports suggested that Apple was in the advanced stages of developing two new iMac models based on the M3 chip. The upcoming iteration is anticipated to bear resemblance to Apple's existing M2 SoCs in terms of CPU and GPU but deliver noteworthy enhancements in both performance and power efficiency thanks to TSMC's N3 node.

Apple usually announces new iPad models alongside its latest Macs. However, that may not be the case this time around, as major upgrades are not anticipated until the arrival of the M3 iPad Pros with OLED screens next year. However, rumours claim Apple is developing a new iPad Air with updated internals, so there's a chance that aside from Mac devices, there will be a new iPad launch before the end of the year.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you expect from Apple's upcoming M3 chip? What type of gains are you expecting from it compared to the M2?

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Apple launches first 15-inch MacBook Air https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/mac/joao-silva/apple-launches-first-15-inch-macbook-air/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/mac/joao-silva/apple-launches-first-15-inch-macbook-air/#respond Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:45:14 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=618530 Over the years, the MacBook Air has traditionally been the smallest and thinnest laptop in Apple's line-up. Now for the first time, Apple is introducing a 15-inch MacBook Air, matching the display size previously reserved for the MacBook Pro.  The new MacBook Air 15 naturally has a larger display than the MacBook Air 13, but …

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Over the years, the MacBook Air has traditionally been the smallest and thinnest laptop in Apple's line-up. Now for the first time, Apple is introducing a 15-inch MacBook Air, matching the display size previously reserved for the MacBook Pro. 

The new MacBook Air 15 naturally has a larger display than the MacBook Air 13, but both displays use the same LCD technology. Both have a typical brightness of 500 nits and similar maximum resolutions, although the 13-inch model has a slightly higher Pixels Per Inch measurement. Many design elements carry over from the 13-inch Air, including the presence of two Thunderbolt 4 ports via USB Type-C, MagSafe 3 magnetic charging, and the signature flat edges. If users require additional ports, they will need to consider the MacBook Pro.

The MacBook Air 15 also has a 1080p webcam hidden within the notch at the top of the display. The laptop weighs just 1.5KG and measures in at 11.5mm thick. Colour options include Midnight, Starlight, Silver and Space Gray.

For battery life, Apple claims that the MacBook Air should last up to 18 hours on a single charge and should offer as much as 2x more performance compared to a 15-inch Windows laptop.

The MacBook Air 15 will start at $1,299, with the price going up depending on user-selected upgrades, like additional memory or more storage. The MacBook Air 13 starts at $1,099, but the older M1 version will still be available, priced at $999.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you prefer the bigger MacBook Air over the 13-inch model?

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Apple launches new flagship M2 Ultra processor https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/mac/joao-silva/apple-launches-new-flagship-m2-ultra-processor/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/mac/joao-silva/apple-launches-new-flagship-m2-ultra-processor/#respond Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:00:12 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=618504 Apple has made some big announcements at WWDC. One of the most important should be the addition of the M2 Ultra, which is set to power the updated Mac Studio and brand-new Mac Pro systems. With this release, Apple completes its transition away from Intel's CPUs, solidifying its commitment to in-house silicon.

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Apple has made some big announcements at WWDC. One of the most important should be the addition of the M2 Ultra, which is set to power the updated Mac Studio and brand-new Mac Pro systems. With this release, Apple completes its transition away from Intel's CPUs, solidifying its commitment to in-house silicon.

The M2 Ultra connects two M2 Max dies. Apple boldly claims that it is the most powerful chip for a personal computer. Boasting an impressive 24 CPU cores, divided into 16x performance cores and 8x efficiency cores, the M2 Ultra offers a 20% performance boost compared to its predecessor, the M1 Ultra. Additionally, users will have the option to configure the M2 Ultra with up to 76 GPU cores and the maximum amount of RAM supported on the system has increased to 192GB.

Moving on to the new devices, the new Mac Studio retains the familiar design of its predecessor. However, incorporating the new M2 Ultra chip promises tangible benefits, particularly in multi-core workloads. It's worth noting that the M2 Max, which is already available in the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, will be included in the starting configurations of the Mac Studio. This ensures that users at least have some options in terms of performance.

As for the new Mac Pro, the physical design of the Mac Pro remains consistent with the previous Intel Xeon model, offering both vertical and rack-mounted options to suit different needs. One notable improvement is the integration of ProRes video capabilities. Instead of relying on the AfterBurner card as an optional add-on, the new Mac Pro harnesses the power of seven AfterBurner cards. This advancement allows for ingesting 22 camera feeds directly to ProRes, catering to the needs of video professionals. Connectivity options are also robust, with 8x Thunderbolt ports and dual Gigabit Ethernet available. Additionally, users now have the option to incorporate PCIe Gen 4 expansion cards, offering five slots for video, networking, audio, and video IO cards. At the moment, there's no specific information on third-party graphics compatibility.

Apple has confirmed that the Mac Studio will carry a starting price of $1,999, while the new Mac Pro will start at $6,999. Both systems will become available on June 13th.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Has Apple's in-house silicon effort impressed you so far? 

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Death Stranding and future Kojima games coming to Mac https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/death-stranding-and-future-kojima-games-coming-to-mac/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/death-stranding-and-future-kojima-games-coming-to-mac/#respond Tue, 06 Jun 2023 08:45:14 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=618514 Apple’s annual WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) has concluded, and alongside the official announcement of iOS17, new Macbooks and the company’s long-awaited AR/VR headset, Hideo Kojima made an appearance to reveal that Kojima Productions’ games are coming to MacOS. During the MacOS section of Apple's latest WWDC event, the video game legend Hideo Kojima took to …

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Apple’s annual WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) has concluded, and alongside the official announcement of iOS17, new Macbooks and the company’s long-awaited AR/VR headset, Hideo Kojima made an appearance to reveal that Kojima Productions’ games are coming to MacOS.

During the MacOS section of Apple's latest WWDC event, the video game legend Hideo Kojima took to the digital stage to say “Hi, everyone, I’m super excited to be here to tell you about what we have been working on for the Mac. I have been a die-hard Apple fan since I bought my first Mac back in 1994. It has been a dream of mine to see my team’s best work come to life on the Mac. Now we are entering a new era for gaming on the Mac.”

Kojima continued, “So I’m very happy to announce that we’re bringing Death Stranding Director’s Cut to the Mac later this year! Death Stranding on the Mac takes full advantage of the latest Apple technologies to provide the best experience to our fans.”

Perhaps even more exciting is the fact that this partnership is not limited to just Death Stranding, with Kojima saying “This is just the beginning, and we are actively working to bring our future titles to Apple platforms.”

Apple’s M chips have proven to be rather impressive, and so it is exciting to see game developers starting to support the new hardware – helping to slowly destigmatise the idea of playing games on a Mac. Death Stranding will come to MacOS later this year.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What did you think of WWDC? What was your favourite announcement? Would you consider gaming on a Mac? Let us know down below.

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Minix NEO Storage Pro 480GB Review https://www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/simon-crisp/minix-neo-storage-pro-480gb-review/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/ssd-drives/simon-crisp/minix-neo-storage-pro-480gb-review/#respond Wed, 27 May 2020 13:00:34 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=468560 It's an external SSD/hub, designed specifically for Apple's MacBooks

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Launching on Indiegogo today, Minix's NEO Storage Pro 480GB is a 4-in-1 portable storage hub that is designed specifically for Apple's MacBook Air and Pro, and as the name might suggest, it comes with a built-in 480GB SSD. Is this a good option for any MacBook users out there?


The Minix's NEO Storage Pro 480GB hub is an elegant streamline design that plugs directly into both the Thunderbolt 3 ports in the side of a MacBook Air or Pro. It provides a single Thunderbolt 3 port (that supports charging), one USB 3.0 port as well as an HDMI (4K @ 60Hz) port.

Inside the hub sits an M.2 480GB SATA SSD which, with its 400MB/s read/write rating isn't going to set the world on fire with its performance. There's no indication of what the drive is inside the NEO Storage Pro but using CrystalDiskInfo and a bit more delving, we get a firmware version that seems to point to an Apacer drive of some sort.

Minix back the NEO Storage Pro with a 3-year warranty.

Physical Specifications:

  • Usable Capacities: 480GB.
  • NAND Components: n/s
  • Interface: USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 x 2
  • Form Factor: External.
  • NAND Controller: n/s
  • Dimensions: 135 x 33 x 10mm
  • Drive Weight: 55.3g.

Be sure to check out our sponsors store EKWB here

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Apple to host a virtual WWDC on the 22nd of June https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/apple-to-host-a-virtual-wwdc-on-the-22nd-of-june/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/apple-to-host-a-virtual-wwdc-on-the-22nd-of-june/#respond Thu, 07 May 2020 12:06:20 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=465719 Every year in June, Apple takes to the stage to host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. Due to the current global climate however, there was uncertainty with regards to how Apple planned to facilitate the conference this year. Though it was previously confirmed that WWDC would still be going ahead, the electronics manufacturer has now …

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Every year in June, Apple takes to the stage to host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. Due to the current global climate however, there was uncertainty with regards to how Apple planned to facilitate the conference this year. Though it was previously confirmed that WWDC would still be going ahead, the electronics manufacturer has now provided more details on what can be expected come the start of WWDC in late June.

Traditionally, Apple’s WWDC has taken place some time within the first half of June. Unsurprisingly however, due to COVID-19 and all of its knock-on effects, the conference will be taking place later in the month – on the 22nd of June to be specific. This is not all that is changing this year however.

For the first time in its 30+ year history, WWDC20 will take place exclusively online. Commenting on this change, Apple stated that “although our gathering will be virtual this year, we want to recognize and celebrate the creative contributions of our young developers from around the world. We can’t wait to see this next generation of innovative thinkers turn their ideas into a reality.”

Of course, while WWDC serves as a time and place where developers from all over the world can come together to learn from each other, the annual conference also gives fans a sneak peek at the future of Apple’s software. Apple confirmed that fans will get a chance to receive “early access to the future of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.”

Not much is currently known about the future of iOS and Apple’s other services. It’s therefore exciting to see what the global smartphone manufacturer has planned. Though it may be taking place later than usual and will be presented in a new manner, it is encouraging to see that WWDC will still soon be upon us. Apple’s full press release can be found HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you looking forward to WWDC? Will you be watching it on the 22nd of June? What features would you like to see come to iOS 14? Let us know down below.

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Apple announces new MacBook Air with improved keyboard https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/apple-announces-new-macbook-air-with-improved-keyboard/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/apple-announces-new-macbook-air-with-improved-keyboard/#respond Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:13:43 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=457656 Yesterday, Apple stealth released new and improved MacBook Air and iPad Pro models. Though the MacBook Air had already received a refresh back in October 2018, the laptop was lacking in many ways. With this latest release, Apple appears to have resolved many of these issues, including the controversial ‘Butterfly Keyboard’. In October 2018, Apple …

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Yesterday, Apple stealth released new and improved MacBook Air and iPad Pro models. Though the MacBook Air had already received a refresh back in October 2018, the laptop was lacking in many ways. With this latest release, Apple appears to have resolved many of these issues, including the controversial ‘Butterfly Keyboard’.

In October 2018, Apple introduced the newly designed MacBook Air. It was slimmed down, given a Retina display, and had much smaller bezels. Many of the moves that Apple was making with the Air served to push the laptop forward into the future. The laptop was not perfect however.

Storage started at just 128GB, and though it could be upgraded, would cost a great deal more. The processor, while serviceable, was only a dual-core during a time when quad-core CPUs were becoming much more commonplace in ultrabooks. Lastly, the Butterfly Keyboard.

Introduced in 2015, the Butterfly Keyboard was intended to allow for devices to be even thinner thanks to the low travel of the keyboards, while maintaining a clickiness to the keys. Though some consumers enjoyed the feeling of the keyboard, many were plagued by sticky keys and general consistency issues. Apple introduced a second and later third generation Butterfly Keyboard, but the complaints continued. Finally in 2019 Apple replaced the Butterfly Keyboard in its MacBook Pro line-up, giving the 16-inch MacBook Pro a new scissor-switch keyboard.

The new MacBook Air has solved these three key issues with the previous generation Air. Firstly, base storage has been doubled to 256GB, while keeping price the same. Next, though the CPU is still a dual-core variant, users now have the option to upgrade to a quad-core i5 or i7. Lastly, the Butterfly Keyboard has been replaced by the new scissor-switch style “Magic Keyboard”. Other improvements include an upgrade to DDR4 RAM, and Bluetooth 5.

Though not a revolutionary leap, the new MacBook Air takes many of the complaints thrown at the old one, and improves upon them, creating a much more refined product. The MacBook Air is available right now, and starts at £999.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the new MacBook Air? Do you prefer Windows or MacOS? What features would you like to see added to the MacBook Pro for its refresh? Let us know down below.

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Twelve South launch premium Journal case series for Apple devices https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/james-dawson/twelve-south-launch-a-premium-case-series-for-apple-devices/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/james-dawson/twelve-south-launch-a-premium-case-series-for-apple-devices/#respond Sun, 15 Mar 2020 13:37:20 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=456880 Twelve South has introduced new lines to its luxury leather case range by adding the Journal series for MacBook and iPad Pro. Both new cases are crafted from full-grain cognac leather and are designed to offer a luxurious premium feel. The new Journal series from Twelve South includes cases for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and …

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Twelve South has introduced new lines to its luxury leather case range by adding the Journal series for MacBook and iPad Pro. Both new cases are crafted from full-grain cognac leather and are designed to offer a luxurious premium feel.

The new Journal series from Twelve South includes cases for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and the iPad Pro, as well as the Journal CaddySack which is a travel tote for chargers, cables and adaptors. The Journal case series features dual zippers, micro-suede lining, internal pockets for storing documents or accessories and reinforced corners to keep Apple devices protected.

Journal cases for the iPad Pro also double up as a viewing stand for the device as well as being a typing and sketching wedge. The integrated kick stand holds the iPad at a comfortable viewing angle for various applications or illustrating with the Apple Pencil. An internal pocket offers a convenient place to store documents or a slim compact keyboard and there is also space to charge the Apple Pencil beside the iPad magnetic charger. Thanks to a snap-in-shell, the iPad Pro is held securely in the case without compromising the edge-to-edge liquid retina display.

Twelve South has fashioned the Journal for MacBook out of top-quality water and UV resistant leather, it features smart details including leather zipper pulls, embossed elements and modern black stitching. The slim form factor of the Journal case means users can adjust screen angles, comfortably type and easily access USB ports without having to remove the case. At the bottom of the interior of the Journal MacBook case is a hidden compartment perfect for carrying documents.

Both new luxury Journal cases are available to purchase from Amazon UK now. The Journal for iPad Pro is priced from £99 with designs to fit both 11” and 12.9” 3rd generation iPad Pro. The Journal for MacBook is priced from £119.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Are you currently looking for a premium leather case to protect your iPad Pro or MacBook? What do you think of the new Journal cases from Twelve South?

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iOS 14 set to bring with it full mouse support; new iPad keyboards with trackpads https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/ios-14-set-to-bring-with-it-full-mouse-support-new-ipad-keyboards-with-trackpads/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/ios-14-set-to-bring-with-it-full-mouse-support-new-ipad-keyboards-with-trackpads/#respond Tue, 10 Mar 2020 15:06:42 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=456135 iOS 13 served as a major development for iPads. Introduced alongside the update last year was iPadOS – an offshoot of iOS which provided more utility to iPad users, narrowing the gap between tablets and laptops. It would appear as though iOS 14 is set to bridge this even further as code within iOS suggests …

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iOS 13 served as a major development for iPads. Introduced alongside the update last year was iPadOS – an offshoot of iOS which provided more utility to iPad users, narrowing the gap between tablets and laptops. It would appear as though iOS 14 is set to bridge this even further as code within iOS suggests that the Apple devices are set to receive full system-wide mouse support with the next OS update.

Reported by 9to5Mac, “Apple is set to roll out rich system-wide support for mouse cursors with iOS 14”. With iOS 13 and iPadOS 13, Apple introduced the feature in a much more basic manner, where mouse support was enabled, but only through accessibility settings. Furthermore, the support itself was limited and on a system level, featured no optimisations. It would appear that this is set to change with iOS and iPadOS 14.

According to 9to5Mac, “The changes coming to the software will bring most of the cursor features you recognize from a Mac desktop experience to iOS”. This means the cursor will disappear after a few seconds of not being used – unlike the current implementation which is permanently featured on the screen. Furthermore, the cursor will be more dynamic, shifting based on what it is hovering over. Currently, the cursor simply shows a circle, regardless of the function. Lastly, the mouse support will cover gesures such as a two finger click serving as a right click.

Apple is also allegedly set to reveal new hardware to coincide with this new software. The company will apparently release new smart keyboards which feature a trackpad on them, allowing users to take advantage of these new systems being added.

The release of iPadOS 13 brought many desktop features to the iPad, including a full browser and greater window support, among other functionalities. It looks as though iPadOS 14 will take this to the next logical step, and finally bridge the gap between iPad and laptop. Of course, we will have to wait and see what Apple themselves announce, and whether this comes to fruition or not.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Would you like to see full mouse support come to iPad? Would you ever replace your laptop with an iPad? What is the one missing iPad feature currently stopping you, if any? Let us know down below.

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Twelve South launch the Curve SE notebook stand https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/mac/james-dawson/twelve-south-launch-the-curve-se-notebook-stand/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/mac/james-dawson/twelve-south-launch-the-curve-se-notebook-stand/#respond Mon, 24 Feb 2020 09:28:02 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=453436 Twelve South has introduced a new stylish and functional Curve SE notebook stand designed to match the modern appearance of clean office spaces and Apple accessories such as the Magic Mouse and Keyboard, making it the ideal partner for MacBook users. Not only does the Twelve South Curve SE notebook stand have a classy looking …

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Twelve South has introduced a new stylish and functional Curve SE notebook stand designed to match the modern appearance of clean office spaces and Apple accessories such as the Magic Mouse and Keyboard, making it the ideal partner for MacBook users.

Not only does the Twelve South Curve SE notebook stand have a classy looking appearance, but it is also functional too. The Curve SE comes in a matte white finish and is designed to elevate the MacBook to a position which is more comfortable and ergonomic for the user, relieving neck and shoulder strain during long periods of use.

“Desktop accessories, especially MacBook stands are inherently home decor. They should match your room, your style, your desk and complement (not copy) your MacBook. Our latest solution, while deceptively simple, is a beautiful matte white MacBook stand we call Curve SE,” said Andrew Green, founder & designer at Twelve South comments.

As well as providing an ergonomic workspace for MacBook users, the Twelve South Curve SE notebook stand offers improved airflow under the device, to ensure optimal cooling during intense workloads with its construction from a single piece of sturdy aluminium allowing 70% of the base of the notebook to be exposed. Anti-slip silicone pads and curved arms ensure the device is held firmly in place on the Curve SE stand.

The Twelve South Curve SE notebook stand is available to purchase in the UK now via Amazon, priced at £49.99. The Curve SE stand is also available in black.

KitGuru says: Professional MacBook users will most likely find the Twelve South Curve SE notebook stand pretty useful with its stylish looking design and ergonomic features. What do you guys think of this new notebook stand from Twelve South?

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TerraMaster announces the Thunderbolt 3 equipped TD2 DAS https://www.kitguru.net/components/hard-drives/james-dawson/terramaster-announces-the-thunderbolt-3-equipped-td2-das/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/hard-drives/james-dawson/terramaster-announces-the-thunderbolt-3-equipped-td2-das/#respond Sun, 26 Jan 2020 14:00:27 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=448746 TerraMaster has proudly announced a new lineup of Thunderbolt 3 equipped direct-attached storage solutions to provide fast video and data access to content creators and multimedia professionals. The new TD2 direct-attached storage (DAS) line from TerraMaster utilises the power of Thunderbolt 3 to allow 40Gbps data transfer in a two-bay plug and play device, ideal …

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TerraMaster has proudly announced a new lineup of Thunderbolt 3 equipped direct-attached storage solutions to provide fast video and data access to content creators and multimedia professionals.

The new TD2 direct-attached storage (DAS) line from TerraMaster utilises the power of Thunderbolt 3 to allow 40Gbps data transfer in a two-bay plug and play device, ideal of Mac Pro media professionals who require large storage solutions with high-speed access in a portable form factor.

TerraMaster has equipped the TD2 DAS with Thunderbolt technology so users can connect multiple devices simultaneously via a daisy chain, allowing you to scale devices from a single source. The TerraMaster TD2 two-bay device supports professional-grade RAID0 or RAID1 configuration for improved performance or data redundancy.

TD2 DAS also supports HDDs up to 16Tb capacity, in both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch format to allow for the use of either SSD or HDD storage devices. Total supported capacity of the TD2 is 32GB, enough to provide large, high-speed and portable storage wherever you are working. Daisy chain allows you to scale your production with up to six TD2's, for a Hugh 168TB total storage capacity.

The TerraMaster TD2 DAS features a compact and portable form factor that has a allows users an easy transition from laptops while on the go, to your workstation when back at the office or home.  An easy-grip handle on the device allows it to be carried with you wherever you need. The device is also compatible with previous generations via the Thunderbolt-to-Thunderbolt 3 converter to quickly move between devices.

TerraMaster has made the TD2 DAS available to purchase now from its online store, priced at £299.90.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: The TerraMaster TD2 DAS should offer busy professionals more than enough data storage, with its huge 32TB capacity when two drives are installed. What do you guys think of this new portable DAS from TerraMaster?

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The new Microsoft Edge browser is out of preview and available to download now https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/james-dawson/the-new-microsoft-edge-browser-is-out-of-preview-and-available-to-download-now/ https://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/james-dawson/the-new-microsoft-edge-browser-is-out-of-preview-and-available-to-download-now/#respond Thu, 16 Jan 2020 10:00:38 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=446985 Just over a year ago, Microsoft announced that it would be rebuilding its Edge web browser based on the Chromium open source project. The goal of this project was to improve compatibility and to create a partnership with the Chromium community to improve the Chromium engine itself. Microsoft has stuck to its promises and today, …

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Just over a year ago, Microsoft announced that it would be rebuilding its Edge web browser based on the Chromium open source project. The goal of this project was to improve compatibility and to create a partnership with the Chromium community to improve the Chromium engine itself. Microsoft has stuck to its promises and today, the new Microsoft Edge browser is out of preview and available to download.

Ever since its launch, the Microsoft Edge browser has lived in the shadow of other browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, especially with enthusiast PC users. Microsoft is hoping that will change this year with a brand new version of Edge, based on the Chromium engine. The new Microsoft Edge browser features Privacy Promise which is designed to keep users safe while online and offer transparency on how your browsing data is collected while giving you full control of how the said data is used to improve your browsing experience.

Another new feature of the Chromium based Edge browser is customisation. Users can create new page layouts to appear how they want and select the types of news that is displayed on the page. The new Microsoft Edge also features AAD support, an Internet Explorer mode, 4K streaming, Dolby Audio, inking in PDF, Microsoft Search in Bing integration and support for Chrome-based extensions.

The new Microsoft Edge is available to download for supported Windows versions including Windows 10, 8.1, 8 and Windows 7. Edge is also available on macOS, iOS and Android too. Users who want to download and try out the new Edge browser can follow this link and select the relevant operating system. For users who would prefer not to install it manually, Microsoft will be rolling out the new Edge browser in future Windows 10 updates during the next several months, this is planned to begin in the coming weeks, starting with Windows Insiders in the Release Preview ring.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you think the new Chromium based Edge browser will be a big improvement over previous versions and will you be downloading and testing it out? Or would you just prefer to stick with the current browser you are familiar with?

 

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Apple Arcade introduces annual subscription https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/apple-arcade-introduces-annual-subscription/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/apple-arcade-introduces-annual-subscription/#respond Tue, 17 Dec 2019 13:51:15 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=442148 Apple Arcade is a video game subscription service, which allows users to access over 100 iOS, iPadOS, tvOS and MacOS games. The service was launched in September, but only allowed for a rolling monthly subscription, at a cost of £4.99 per month. Apple have now added a second payment option, for those that feel confident …

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Apple Arcade is a video game subscription service, which allows users to access over 100 iOS, iPadOS, tvOS and MacOS games. The service was launched in September, but only allowed for a rolling monthly subscription, at a cost of £4.99 per month. Apple have now added a second payment option, for those that feel confident in the service. Users can now sign up for a year of Apple Arcade, at the cost of £49.99, effectively saving you £10 over the monthly option.

Apple Arcade launched on the 19th of September. The service was created as a counter to the stigma that exists against mobile gaming. The service features over 100 games, none of which have ads, in-app purchases, or require an online connection – three of mobile gaming’s most frustrating features. New titles are being added on a regular basis, with console-quality titles such as Sayonara Wild Hearts, Exit the Gungeon, Cat Quest II, and Oceanhorn 2 all part of the service.

With that in mind, for those who feel confident in Apple Arcade, and are willing to commit more money upfront, the service has now introduced a new annual subscription. Previously, the only option was to pay monthly, at the cost of £4.99 per month. The new annual subscription will set users back £49.99, a saving of £10 over the monthly alternative – equivalent to that of paying for 10 months on the monthly plan.

Existing subscribers can swap to the yearly plan by going to the subscriptions menu in the app store. Apple appears to be remaining committed to Apple Arcade, and this added quality-of-life improvement is a testament to that fact.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Apple Arcade? Do you use the service? What is your favourite game on it? Let us know down below.

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Logitech has launched a $200 webcam for the Apple Pro Display XDR https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/james-dawson/logitech-has-launched-a-200-webcam-for-the-apple-pro-display-xdr/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/james-dawson/logitech-has-launched-a-200-webcam-for-the-apple-pro-display-xdr/#respond Fri, 13 Dec 2019 15:42:35 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=441567 Logitech has announced the launch of a new product designed for Apple’s £5000 monitor, the Apple Pro Display XDR. The Logitech 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam for the Apple display also comes with a premium price tag too. The first webcam specifically designed for Apple’s Pro Display XDR has been introduced by its maker Logitech. The …

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Logitech has announced the launch of a new product designed for Apple’s £5000 monitor, the Apple Pro Display XDR. The Logitech 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam for the Apple display also comes with a premium price tag too.

The first webcam specifically designed for Apple’s Pro Display XDR has been introduced by its maker Logitech. The Logitech 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam features a contemporary design with a seamless magnetic mounting system that offers Mac users high-quality video output, to help communicate and record from your desktop with the new Apple Pro Display XDR.

Logitech’s 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam is capable of providing crystal clear 4k UHD video for an ultra-crisp resolution with excellent colours and detail. The secure magnetic mounting system means the webcam is easy to set up and position while holding it firmly in place even when tilted downwards. The Logitech 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam features RightLight 3 with HDR technology, so the lighting on the webcam automatically adjusts to low light or direct sunlight situations.

Compatible with leading video conferencing software means the Logitech 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam makes communication with friends and colleagues through faceTime, Zoom and Skype seamless. With just a single click, users will be able to host meetings with perfect 4k UHD resolution for the best possible experience available.

The Logitech 4K Pro Magnetic Webcam is available to order from Logitech and Apple priced at $200 USD so we expect it to be £200 once it becomes available in the Logitech UK store.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says:  Currently you can pick up Logitech C930e webcam for around £120 here in the UK, which could be considered by some to be quite expensive for a 1080p webcam. Would you guys be willing to pay up to £200 for this new 4k Pro Magnetic webcam from Logitech?

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AMD offer a Radeon Pro W5700X 16GB GPU option in the latest Mac Pro https://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/james-dawson/amd-to-offer-a-radeon-pro-w5700x-16gb-gpu-option-in-the-latest-mac-pro/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/james-dawson/amd-to-offer-a-radeon-pro-w5700x-16gb-gpu-option-in-the-latest-mac-pro/#respond Wed, 11 Dec 2019 11:15:21 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=441030 Just a few weeks ago, AMD launched its brand-new professional GPU, the Radeon Pro W5700 series is now set for a performance boost with a 16GB W5700X version being made available as a configuration option in Apple’s latest Mac Pro. The recently launched Radeon Pro W5700 is based on AMD's latest generation RDNA architecture to …

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Just a few weeks ago, AMD launched its brand-new professional GPU, the Radeon Pro W5700 series is now set for a performance boost with a 16GB W5700X version being made available as a configuration option in Apple’s latest Mac Pro.

The recently launched Radeon Pro W5700 is based on AMD's latest generation RDNA architecture to offer performance, scalability and power efficiency. The new Radeon Pro W5700X is designed to help Apple Mac Pro users’ power through visual and content creation workloads easily with its workstation-class performance in image or high-resolution video rendering and computationally intensive workflows.

“The new Apple Mac Pro provides professionals with leadership levels of performance and memory bandwidth to power high-end creative applications,” said Scott Herkelman, corporate vice president and general manager, Radeon Technologies Group at AMD. “With multiple advanced AMD Radeon Pro GPUs to choose from, customers can select the best Mac Pro configuration to tackle the heaviest of workloads, unleash creativity and increase productivity.”

The AMD Radeon Pro W5700 series offers creative professionals cutting edge performance with its industry-leading 7nm manufacturing process and high bandwidth GDDR6 memory. Key features of the AMD Radeon Pro W5700X include:

  • Exceptional compute performance – Equipped with 40 compute units, the AMD Radeon Pro W5700X GPU delivers up to 9.5 TFLOPS of theoretical single-precision (FP32) floating point performance.
  • AMD RDNA architecture – AMD RDNA architecture enables AMD Radeon Pro W5700X GPUs to deliver exceptional performance matched with remarkable power efficiency.
  • Advanced GDDR6 Memory – Up to 32GB of advanced GDDR6 memory with up to 448 GB/s bandwidth provides ultra-fast transfer speeds to power data-intensive professional applications.

For more information on AMD Radeon Pro W5700 series graphics cards, check out the official Radeon Pro product page. You can find all the info on the new Mac Pro specifications and even configure your own MAC Pro here.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: You can now order the latest MAC Pro with AMD Radeon Pro W5700 graphics from Apple, with various configuration options to suit your needs. Any of you guys got one on order yet?

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Apple hosts a celebration for the best apps and games of 2019 https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/apple-hosts-a-celebration-for-the-best-apps-and-games-of-2019/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/apple-hosts-a-celebration-for-the-best-apps-and-games-of-2019/#respond Tue, 03 Dec 2019 14:22:15 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=439706 Apple hosted an event in New York yesterday, where the company celebrated the best games and apps of 2019. In their own words: “In 2019, apps made their mark by reflecting the zeitgeist of our society and sitting at the nexus of digital and pop culture”. With that in mind, Apple chose to highlight a …

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Apple hosted an event in New York yesterday, where the company celebrated the best games and apps of 2019. In their own words: “In 2019, apps made their mark by reflecting the zeitgeist of our society and sitting at the nexus of digital and pop culture”. With that in mind, Apple chose to highlight a number of apps which they deemed to have stood out above the rest, throughout 2019.

Winning the iPhone app of the year was Spectre Camera by Lux Optics. This camera app focuses on creating long exposure photos, “leverag[ing] a dizzying amount of tech”. The app is available for £2.99.

The iPad app of the year was awarded to Flow, by Moleskine. This digital notebook app allows you to use tools such as graphite pencils and chisel-tipped markers which are “meticulously tuned to mimic the real thing”. Its minimalist UI allows for artists to focus on the most important aspect, drawing. The app is free to download, with a monthly subscription to unlock the full feature set.

The Mac app of the year was awarded to Affinity publisher, by Serif Labs. Serif Labs have been praised for offering Adobe-like services, for a much cheaper cost. “Affinity Publisher makes pro-level design accessible to everyone, whether you’re creating a photo-rich coffee table book or a flyer for your second grader’s play”. Affinity Publisher is currently available for a one-time purchase of £33.99 (Normally £48.99).

The iPhone game of the year was awarded to Sky: Children of the Light. Developed by thatgamecompany, of Journey fame, Sky allows you to “Fly across sweeping landscapes to help celestial beings find their way back to the heavens in this groundbreaking social quest”. The game is free to play.

The iPad game of the year was awarded to Hyper Light Drifter. This console indie game originally released in 2016 for PC and consoles, with the iPad port arriving earlier this year. ‘A dazzling, action-packed reimagining of classic 16-bit adventure games, “Hyper Light Drifter” blends dreamlike exploration with fight-for-your-life survival’. The title is available for £4.99.

A number of other apps and games were recognised by Apple, such as GRIS for Mac game of the year, Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap for the Apple TV game of the year, and Sayonara Wild Hearts as the Apple Arcade game of the year. The full list of recognised apps and games can be seen here.

Discuss on our Facebook page Here.

KitGuru says: What do you think of Apple’s choices? What were your favourite apps of 2019? Are you glad to see Apple putting a greater emphasis on mobile gaming? Let us know down below.

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A MacBook Pro 16 could be on its way soon https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/james-dawson/a-macbook-pro-16-could-be-on-its-way-soon/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/james-dawson/a-macbook-pro-16-could-be-on-its-way-soon/#respond Sun, 20 Oct 2019 12:00:34 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=430807 Over the last few months, rumours have been doing the rounds that Apple will be launching a new MacBook Pro 16-inch version. The device could be getting closer to release after a hidden image in the macOS Catalina beta was found. According to MacGeneration, a file in the macOS Catalina beta 10.15.1 contains a reference …

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Over the last few months, rumours have been doing the rounds that Apple will be launching a new MacBook Pro 16-inch version. The device could be getting closer to release after a hidden image in the macOS Catalina beta was found.

According to MacGeneration, a file in the macOS Catalina beta 10.15.1 contains a reference to a 16.1-inch MacBook Pro 16 which could confirm many rumours about the device being in development. Along with that, there are even icon images of the system too.

Images of the MacBook Pro 16 appear to reveal that it looks extremely similar to the current MacBook Pro 15-inch. However, if you look closely at the images you will notice the bezels around the display are ever so slightly thinner. Other than that, the chassis seems almost identical.

If the rumours are true, a 16-inch MacBook would provide the largest screen on the device since Apple discontinued the 17-inch model back in 2012. Apple has remained tight-lipped on the MacBook Pro 16 so there are no official specifications just yet. However, various sources have hinted the device will include an Intel Coffee Lake CPU.

 

According to IHS Market's Jeff Lin “The 16-inch MBP will use the Intel Coffee Lake-H Refresh. The 15.4 [inch] MacBook [Pro] will end production Nov 19, We think 15.4 [inch] MacBook volumes will shift to 16 [inch],” he added.

It has also been widely thought that the new MacBook Pro 16 will reintroduce the scissor mechanism keyboard instead of the butterfly keyboards that have been problematic since their debut. According to The Verge, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that “the larger model will introduce a new keyboard that will trickle down to the rest of the lineup in 2020”.
KitGuru says: If these rumours are correct, MacBook users could be treated to a larger screen in a new device very soon. What do you guys think about the potential new device? is 16-inch good enough for you?

 

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Apple now offers next-day MacBook keyboard replacements in-store https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-now-offers-next-day-macbook-keyboard-replacements-in-store/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-now-offers-next-day-macbook-keyboard-replacements-in-store/#respond Wed, 24 Apr 2019 13:06:56 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=411218 In an attempt to apologise for the embarrassment caused by its faulty butterfly keyboard designs, Apple introduced a free replacement program for nine affected models. An internal memo shows that the company is still trying to make amends, as Apple significantly cuts down turnaround time by handling replacements in-store. Apple launched its MacBook repair program …

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In an attempt to apologise for the embarrassment caused by its faulty butterfly keyboard designs, Apple introduced a free replacement program for nine affected models. An internal memo shows that the company is still trying to make amends, as Apple significantly cuts down turnaround time by handling replacements in-store.

Apple launched its MacBook repair program in June, 2018, allowing eligible owners to send their device directly to the company for a free replacement keyboard. Although this effort helped save the company from an even larger backlash and calm multiple lawsuits, customer dissatisfaction remained high due to the 3 to 5 business day wait time, sometimes longer.

Fortunately, this solution seems to have only been a temporary measure. An internal memo titled “How to support Mac customers with keyboard-related repairs in store” was obtained by MacRumors, showing that the firm is still prioritising those affected by its own mistake.

“Most keyboard-related repairs will be required to be completed in store until further notice,” reads the notice. “Additional service parts have been shipped to stores to support the increased volume. These repairs should be prioritized to provide next-day turnaround time. When completing the repair, have the appropriate service guide open and carefully follow all repair steps.”

So far, only MacBook and MacBook Pro devices released between 2015-17 are eligible. Both the 2018 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air remain prone to the same keyboard issues, yet despite being under warranty, are still not included in the replacement scheme.

For the time being, mailed returns still seem to be available on the website, which suggests that some stores might not yet be enrolled in the new system or Apple is being thoughtful to those that don’t have the means to travel to one.

KitGuru Says: Apple is understandably working on a new keyboard design for its next-generation MacBook devices after three faulty generations of butterfly switches, but there’s no telling when they will debut or what patent the company will run with. It’s good to see that Apple hasn’t left its existing customers to suffer in the meantime, with this new program proving quite favourable.  

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Apple apologises for its dodgy MacBook butterfly keyboards https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-apologises-for-its-dodgy-butterfly-keyboards/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-apologises-for-its-dodgy-butterfly-keyboards/#respond Fri, 29 Mar 2019 13:28:06 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=408416 Apple’s butterfly switches on modern MacBook keyboards have been the subject of much controversy over the past few years, continuing to pose problems even after three revisions. Although the company has addressed these issues in the past, Apple once again feels the need to apologise to affected users for the troubles they’re experiencing. Debuting in …

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Apple’s butterfly switches on modern MacBook keyboards have been the subject of much controversy over the past few years, continuing to pose problems even after three revisions. Although the company has addressed these issues in the past, Apple once again feels the need to apologise to affected users for the troubles they’re experiencing.

Debuting in 2015, the butterfly keyboard was designed with a much narrower profile to allow for thinner MacBook devices. Unfortunately, this caused a much higher failure rate than Apple’s previous iterations, most notably including sticky key issues that stemmed from intruding dust.

Future revisions introduced steps to end these problems, such as the latest third generation’s rubberised cover over the switches, but these mitigations have seemingly proved ineffective for some who have had to resort to free repairs. Taking to a statement with The Wall Street Journal, Apple has once again acknowledged that these problems do exist, although its efforts aren’t completely in vain.

macbook-pro-2016.png

“We are aware that a small number of users are having issues with their third-generation butterfly keyboard and for that we are sorry,” the company writes. “The vast majority of Mac notebook customers are having a positive experience with the new keyboard.”

Earlier this year, a new patent suggested that Apple was looking into all-new glass designs to drop the butterfly keyboard in its entirety. Patents don’t always make it to market however, so it’s worth waiting to see what the company has up its sleeve.

KitGuru Says: There are many sceptical parties out there that don’t believe Apple’s apology is genuine. While we can’t say one way or another, its recent improvements have been a step in the right direction. Hopefully AppleCare will continue to help the remaining users plagued by issues.

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Apple seems to have mitigated ‘Flexgate’ in its newer 2018 MacBook Pros https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-seems-to-have-mitigated-flexgate-in-its-newer-2018-macbook-pros/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-seems-to-have-mitigated-flexgate-in-its-newer-2018-macbook-pros/#respond Tue, 05 Mar 2019 11:48:50 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=405782 Apple seems to have mitigated flexgate issues in its 2018 MacBook Pro devices.

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A new Apple controversy reared its ugly head at the beginning of this year, with affected MacBook Pro owners referring to display backlighting issues as “flexgate.” Although whispers suggest that Apple is gearing up to launch an “all-new” 16-inch device that would solve the issues with a redesign, it seems as though the company could very well have quietly fixed lighting issues on its 2018 MacBook Pros.

Devices from 2016 onwards were affected with problems ranging from a ‘spotlight effect’ to the complete failure of the display backlight. This was supposedly caused by thinner flexible ribbon cables located underneath the Touch Bar, stretching every time the laptop was opened, according to iFixit. This should result in the simple swapping of a $6 cable, but due to Apple’s fusing of components to the screen, repairs can range as high as $600.

MacRumors forum user Olivia 88 discovered that Apple seems to have been aware of the problem before it came to light, as its newer MacBook Pro range features a longer cable in the 2018 model than its predecessors. This has since been corroborated by the folks over at iFixit:

“Since we were just wrapping up writing the repair manual for the 2018 model anyway, we checked inside our 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro again to measure its cable against its 2016 predecessor—and found the 2018 cable was, in fact, a full 2mm longer. Since this change appears in both our 15-inch model and Olivia88’s 13-inch model, it’s plausible this change is present in multiple, if not all, 2018 MacBook Pros.”

Of course, this isn’t a definitive way to circumvent potential issues, but the teardown experts at iFixit suggest that it could give MacBook Pros a little more longevity. Apple has yet to comment on flexgate, but we might hear more if reports surrounding a 2019 redesign prove to be true.

KitGuru Says: While mistakes happen, it’s unacceptable for a company to make such a fundamental mistake. Still, it’s good to see the company doing something about it, even if it has yet to acknowledge it publicly.

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Apple will reportedly launch an “all-new” 16-inch MacBook Pro this year https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-will-reportedly-launch-an-all-new-16-inch-macbook-pro-this-year/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-will-reportedly-launch-an-all-new-16-inch-macbook-pro-this-year/#respond Mon, 18 Feb 2019 12:26:07 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=404258 After discontinuing its 17-inch MacBook Pro devices back in 2012, it looks as though Apple could once again offer larger models. Reports are suggesting that the firm is set to launch a 16-inch to 16.5-inch MacBook Pro later this year, complete with an “all-new design.” Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed his findings in a …

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After discontinuing its 17-inch MacBook Pro devices back in 2012, it looks as though Apple could once again offer larger models. Reports are suggesting that the firm is set to launch a 16-inch to 16.5-inch MacBook Pro later this year, complete with an “all-new design.”

Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed his findings in a research note over the weekend, obtained by MacRumors. Beyond its potential 2019 release and up to 16.5-inch display, little is known about the purported device and its supposed redesign.

Given that customers were made to wait 4 years between the last comprehensive redesign when Retina displays were introduced, it was expected that the current Touch Bar model would last through until 2020. It is a little surprising that this wait might be cut short, however Apple tackling an all-new design isn’t entirely unexpected given recent troubles with the butterfly keyboard and “flexgate” problems.

Earlier this month, Apple was approved a patent to end its sticky key problems once and for all, potentially introducing a new glass panel workaround. It’s not certain whether this design will make it into a 2019 MacBook Pro, should the reported leak hold water, but it would be considered “all-new.”

Kuo’s research also teased the possibility of Apple’s return into the professional display market. Apple discontinued its Thunderbolt Display in 2016, forcing new users to opt for LG’s UltraFine 5K. It looks like Apple could be taking things into its own hands once again, as Kuo notes plans to introduce a 31.6-inch 6K display with a “Mini LED-like backlight design.”

Lastly, the company could potentially debut a 32GB RAM variant of the current 13-inch MacBook Pro design. Currently, that amount of memory is limited to the 15-inch MacBook Pro.

KitGuru Says: Considering that MacBook Pro laptops are still widely used in professional industries, more screen real-estate is always welcome. Here’s hoping that Apple learns from its previous issues.

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Apple is looking to end sticky key problems with new glass panel keyboard technology https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-is-looking-to-end-sticky-key-problems-with-new-glass-panel-keyboard-technology/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-is-looking-to-end-sticky-key-problems-with-new-glass-panel-keyboard-technology/#respond Thu, 07 Feb 2019 19:00:49 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=403403 In an attempt to quell keyboard issues on its range of MacBook Pro laptops, Apple subtly added a silicon membrane in its latest model to prevent dust build-up affecting the butterfly switches. It looks as though the company is set to go in an entirely different direction with future devices, introducing a layered glass approach. …

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In an attempt to quell keyboard issues on its range of MacBook Pro laptops, Apple subtly added a silicon membrane in its latest model to prevent dust build-up affecting the butterfly switches. It looks as though the company is set to go in an entirely different direction with future devices, introducing a layered glass approach.

Published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the “Computer with keyboard” application was first spotted by AppleInsider. The single glass panel looks to bridge the gap between traditional chicklet-style notebook keyboards and those seen on touchscreen devices.

Raised portions of the keyboard would remain identifiable for touch typists, while providing the user with tactile feedback. When a key is pressed, the panel detects the pressure and reacts accordingly, and in some elements use a lower layer to effectively “push” the key back into place.

This design comes with a number of pros and cons in its concept. Firstly, it manages to alleviate previous concerns of dust build-up to prevent switches from catching over time, as foreign bodies can’t get underneath the key to interrupt the mechanism. This comes with the caveat that keys simultaneously cannot be replaced and there are a number of questions regarding troubleshooting and repair.

It does also mean that layout and response can be changed on-the-fly for different users, and present a number of interesting shortcuts made possible within software. Lastly, glass takes up much less space than its physical counterpart, allowing for thinner devices and/or more room for hardware underneath.

Overall, this is just one of many patents that Apple files on a regular basis meaning the likelihood of seeing it reach market is uncertain. Previously, the company had also filed for a ‘keyless keyboard’ that houses a similar dual-layer mechanism but forgoes the raised, tactile segments seen in its more recent listing.

Keyboard: Rather than opting for a thinner device, I really would hope that Apple would introduce more cooling. MacBooks tend to last quite a long time in comparison to rivals, but I’d always encourage more cooling on portable devices. What do you think of the glass keyboard?

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MacBook Pro’s newest ‘flexgate’ issue might be expensive to repair https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/macbook-pros-newest-flexgate-issue-might-be-expensive-to-repair/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/macbook-pros-newest-flexgate-issue-might-be-expensive-to-repair/#respond Wed, 23 Jan 2019 13:30:50 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=401876 Apple’s MacBook Pro is no stranger to controversies, experiencing keyboard, speaker and throttling issues since its 2016 overhaul. It turns out that it doesn’t end there, as a new hardware problem dubbed “flexgate” is causing a spotted effect on displays, and in some cases complete failure. Breakdown experts at iFixit determined that Apple replacing the …

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Apple’s MacBook Pro is no stranger to controversies, experiencing keyboard, speaker and throttling issues since its 2016 overhaul. It turns out that it doesn’t end there, as a new hardware problem dubbed “flexgate” is causing a spotted effect on displays, and in some cases complete failure.

Breakdown experts at iFixit determined that Apple replacing the thicker wire cables used in previous designs with thinner, flexible ribbon cables under the Touch Bar was the main cause of the issue. As each cable is pulled tight every time the laptop was opened, it is believed to cause damage over time, resulting in the ‘spotlight effect’ at the base of the screen, and eventually the backlight fully borking.

MacBook Pro devices from as early as 2016 are affected by flexgate, although it isn’t clear just how widespread the issue is. Due to its long-term nature, the problem could occur at any point during the notebook’s life cycle, if at all. Still, users with any one of the following should make sure to open their device with extra care:

  • MacBook Pro (13­-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2016)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2017)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2018)

Perhaps the most irritating thing about it all is that the modern redesign fuses the screen to the components, meaning that repairs can cost up to a whopping $600. This contrasts previous $6 cable replacements that used to be threaded through the hinge.

Without further testing, it’s difficult to tell whether the newest MacBook Air model is also affected given its incredibly similar layout. Apple has yet to acknowledge the issue, but it’s worth keeping an eye on your device and handling it with extra care in the interim.

KitGuru Says: Apple has fallen into the same trap that many tech companies seem to be pursuing: thinner means better. Of course, it does to an extent, but not if it means the reparability or longevity of a device.

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Do You Have A Hard Drive Cleanup Routine For Your Mac? https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/mac/larry-alton/do-you-have-a-hard-drive-cleanup-routine-for-your-mac/ Tue, 18 Dec 2018 07:00:14 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=398788 When was the last time you cleaned your Mac and deleted unnecessary files? If it’s been a while – months or even years – it’s time to create a cleanup routine you can stick to. Thankfully, CleanMyMac X has arrived, and now features malware screening, and scripts to repair disk permissions and rebuild your Spotlight …

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When was the last time you cleaned your Mac and deleted unnecessary files? If it’s been a while – months or even years – it’s time to create a cleanup routine you can stick to. Thankfully, CleanMyMac X has arrived, and now features malware screening, and scripts to repair disk permissions and rebuild your Spotlight index.

CleanMyMac X is the preferred cleanup tool by Mac users, and it’s a tool best supported by a regular cleanup routine. Here’s why:

A regular cleanup routine saves disk space, time, and money

MacOS Sierra kickstarted a new era of automated cloud-based file storage that many Mac users aren’t even aware of. New OS upgrades come with built-in storage optimization technology that automatically moves junk and useless files, along with your files, to the cloud. This feature is supposed to prevent you from running out of disk space. It’s a nice idea, but ultimately, many users end up paying for iCloud storage to store junk files.

Rather than moving junk to the cloud, there’s a better way to avoid the pesky error message that says, “your startup disk is almost full.” Or, the dreaded, “your startup disk IS full.”

First, understand that a startup disk is literally just your hard drive. Hard drives can be partitioned, but for the average Mac user, they’re not. “[Say] your Mac’s hard drive is 500GB,” Macpaw explains. It has one disk on it, so all 500GB of storage is on that disk. The disk has an operating system (OS X El Capitan), and user data (apps, etc.). And since you only have one disk, this is your startup disk: all 500GB.”

According to Macpaw, your Mac will slow down when your hard drive exceeds 85% capacity. Storing large files on your desktop will also slow down your Mac.

If you’re receiving the error message of an almost-full startup disk, it’s time to free up some space. Considering the high capacity of today’s hard drives, if you’ve reached 85% capacity, you’ve got some significant cleaning to do. It’s going to be a tedious job. A regular cleanup routine makes the task less daunting.

Routines remove worry and stress

By turning tasks into a regular routine, you eliminate the stress of having to find time to accomplish those tasks. Set aside time weekly or monthly to perform a cleanup on your Mac. Set aside an hour for cleaning on the first of the month, for example. Stick to that commitment and you’ll never have to worry about when you’ll get a chance to do it.

Without a cleanup routine, you’ll have plenty of reasons to put off cleaning your desktop. You have to go to work, make dinner, take out the trash – you’ll want to do anything but organize your computer. Create a cleanup routine and schedule it into your busy life to avoid procrastination.

Hard drive recovery is expensive and risky

It’s not cheap to hire someone to recover files from a dead Mac if the hard drive is broken. In most cases, you’ll have to pay for the services even if nothing gets recovered. Hard drive failure is common and happens due to both manufacturer defects and vibration.

Having a regular hard drive cleanup routine won’t prevent hardware malfunctions. However, backing up your files, cloning your startup disk, and creating an emergency flash drive will save you in the event of a crash.

You’ll be able to find your files when you need them

Spotlight search is useful, but what happens when you can’t remember a file name? Or when you saved it? Did you save it to your desktop and move it into a miscellaneous folder later? What happens when you need that image for work or school?

Organizing your files as you save them is the most critical step in making your files findable.

Using tags and color codes makes files easier to find, but you still have to assign each file a tag or color. If you don’t already drop your files into organized folders, you’re probably not going to take the time to use tags and colors.

Make it part of your daily routine to organize all downloads for that day before you turn off your Mac.

Your cleanup routine ensures you’ll use your tools

Even when apps run automatically, you still need to push a few buttons. Commit to a routine to ensure you make use of your tools. Cleaning and organizing files is more tedious than cleaning your house. If your computer stays messy for too long, you won’t want to do it at all.

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Apple is now getting sued for not putting dust filters in iMacs https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-is-now-getting-sued-for-not-putting-dust-filters-in-imacs/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-is-now-getting-sued-for-not-putting-dust-filters-in-imacs/#respond Fri, 30 Nov 2018 17:01:34 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=396847 Apple is no stranger to lawsuits, often finding itself in and out of court for patent infringement, allegedly borking its own software and clashing with its Android rivals. The latest class action complaint comes from MacBook and iMac users, who claim that the lack of dust filters has caused a number of issues with their …

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Apple is no stranger to lawsuits, often finding itself in and out of court for patent infringement, allegedly borking its own software and clashing with its Android rivals. The latest class action complaint comes from MacBook and iMac users, who claim that the lack of dust filters has caused a number of issues with their systems.

The filing pertains to MacBooks, iMacs and their Pro variants sold since 2013, alleging that the company’s choice to forgo dust filters has allowed passage of unwanted dirt. In turn, this has caused smudged displays, thermal throttling and in some cases unnecessary internal damage to components due to overheating.

“Apple is the most valuable company in the world today because consumers trust it to make reliable, quality products, yet it has failed to remedy one of the most simple and well-known problems in the technology community – the accumulation of dust. This filter defect is costing Apple owners hundreds of dollars in repairs, and Apple refuses to take responsibility,” Steve Berman, managing partner and co-founder of law firm Hagens Berman, told MacRumours. “We intend to hold Apple accountable for this costly defect affecting millions of its computers.”

Not only have those affected been forced into pricey first-party repairs, as Apple eschews third-party interference, the company has also been charging for full-fledged screen replacements where simply cleaning and re-fitting would resolve the issue. Of course, any fix is temporary without the dust filters necessary to prevent further build-up, according to the complaint.

Currently, the lawsuit is collecting participants experiencing issues at no extra cost. Those with an Apple device sold between 2013 and 2018 who think they’re deserving of compensation for similar problems they’ve found with their device should sign up here.

KitGuru Says: There are many people out there that haven’t experienced such problems with their Apple devices. While this disparity should certainly be investigated, it’s worth mentioning that those who haven’t had trouble don’t invalidate those that do. It’ll be a long battle ahead to find out whether or not Apple will be held responsible, but in the meantime we hope those that have had issues find a prompt solution.

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MacBook Pro 2018 users are experiencing speaker issues https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/macbook-pro-2018-users-are-experiencing-speaker-issues/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/macbook-pro-2018-users-are-experiencing-speaker-issues/#respond Fri, 10 Aug 2018 14:00:43 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=382800 Apple has experienced quite the shaky launch of its premium priced 2018 MacBook Pro laptops, retroactively pushing a fix that stopped its Intel Core i9 from throttling. It seems that the device has more problems under the hood, however, as multiple users have come forward regarding intermittent crackling coming from the built-in speakers. Complaints have …

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Apple has experienced quite the shaky launch of its premium priced 2018 MacBook Pro laptops, retroactively pushing a fix that stopped its Intel Core i9 from throttling. It seems that the device has more problems under the hood, however, as multiple users have come forward regarding intermittent crackling coming from the built-in speakers.

Complaints have flooded online spaces, with MacRumours noting multiple YouTube videos documenting the issue. The sound issues seem to take the form of an electronic distortion that appears at random intervals when the speakers are in use, in some cases resulting in complete sound loss.

Many Reddit users have noted that the problem arose when running Windows or MacOS with Boot Camp installed. This is reminiscent of a problem that affected both 2016 and 2017 versions of MacBook Pro devices, which could potentially worsen to the point that the speakers were irreparably damaged. Apple eventually acknowledged the issue, issuing a firmware fix in the form of its Audio Driver Update for Boot Camp, using Apple Software Update for Windows to avoid further issues.

It’s unclear whether this will be as simple of a fix for 2018 MacBook Pro users when Apple acknowledges the issue, but it looks as though the problem luckily isn’t as severe this time around. While still unsubstantiated, some Redditors claim that the problem disappeared when installing the latest macOS Mojave beta, meaning Apple might be testing a fix under the radar.

While users wait for Apple’s official fix, there are plenty of workarounds noted by those previously affected by the problem. If you’ve tried rebooting to no luck, some claim that resetting the System Management Controller and NVRAM made the issue disappear, while others swear that disabling the “Hey, Siri” functionality does the trick.

KitGuru Says: Even if the problem is a little less severe this time around, it’s an unacceptable issue for a £2,700 device to have. Still, all signs point to Apple having a fix in the works even if it hasn’t spoken up just yet. Have you been experiencing speaker issues with your MacBook Pro?

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MacBook Pro 2018 throttling fix https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/macbook-pro-2018-throttling-fix/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/macbook-pro-2018-throttling-fix/#respond Tue, 24 Jul 2018 11:02:44 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=380662 Last week, users began getting their hands on the new 2018 MacBook Pro machines, unfortunately for those splashing the cash for the Core i9 model, some thermal throttling does occur under load. On the bright side, a fix has already been discovered.

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Keyboards aren’t the only area Apple has been having trouble with recently. Last week, users began getting their hands on the new 2018 MacBook Pro machines, unfortunately for those splashing the cash for the Core i9 model, some thermal throttling does occur under load. On the bright side, a fairly simple fix has already been discovered.

It turns out that the ultimate cause of this throttling is not the CPU but rather the VRM. Apple set the voltage too high, which is why performance throttling kicks in before it should. This is something that may end up being fixed via a software patch later down the line but in the meantime, there is a user-generated fix that can be used.

The fix comes courtesy of u/randompersonx on Reddit. The fix involves putting your MacBook Pro 2018 into a custom system integrity protection state and setting the laptop to allow unsigned kernel extensions. Obviously, this is fairly advanced tinkering so if you are worried about your warranty, then perhaps wait for Apple to sort this on its end. However, if you’re okay with some DIY adjustments, then you can find the fix below:

1) install https://github.com/sicreative/VoltageShift

2) CHANGE DIRECTORY to where voltageshift was installed (you can't just run it with a full path in the command line, there is a bug in it which makes it require you actually being in the directory and writing ./voltageshift … not ~/voltageshift/voltageshift)

3) sudo chown -R root:wheel VoltageShift.kext

4) ./voltageshift read 0x610

RDMSR 610 returns value 0x4283e800dd8320

I'll translate what the important bits here means: MSR 610 is the MSR_TURBO_POWER_LIMIT

Hex 3e8 == 1000

1000 / 8 == 125

This means that PL2 (Power_Limit_2) is set to 125 Watts. Power Limit 2 is the “Turbo Boost” limit.

Hex 320 == 800

800/8 = 100

This means that PL1 (Power_Limit_1) is set to 100 Watts. Power Limit 1 is the “Steady State” limit, ie: how much power the CPU is configured to try and pull for extended periods of time.

The math for the timing variable is complicated, so just take my word for it, but: Power_Limit_1_Time …

dd = 28 Seconds.

So, Apple has shipped the i9 Macbook Pro with it's CPU power regulation set to to 125 Watt Turbo for 28 seconds, 100 Watt Steady state.

I've spent a few hours testing at many different draw rates until I could find the rate at which the VRM does not max out, for my machine, that is 49 Watts. Note that this does not include power draw for other accessories (ie: the GPU), so if you are drawing heavy power using other chips, you might need to set the limit lower than 49 watts.

I've also spent a few hours testing the maximum amount of time you can draw in Turbo from the VRM without maxing it out, and for my machine, it is 8 seconds.

So, putting this all together …

49 * 8 = 392

392 in hex is 188

Like I said earlier, the time values are complicated, so just take my word for it, but …

D9 = 7 seconds.

1B = 8 seconds.

9B = 10 seconds.

[…]

DD = 28 seconds. (default)

Compiling this all together leads to the CORRECT MSR for this machine: 0x4283E8001B8188

5) And you can set this using this command: ./voltageshift write 0x610 0x4283E8001B8188

Note, this gets overwritten every time you reboot, so if you want to set this, you will need to do it on boot. I'll probably write up a launchd script to do this.

We have tried this fix ourselves on an in-house Core i9 MacBook Pro and it did work. Alternatively, there is an app called Volta for macOS, using this you can undervolt the CPU, which also seems to give positive results based on our own test.

Obviously, it appears that Apple did not test the Core i9 MacBook Pro thoroughly enough. Users shouldn’t really need to generate these fixes themselves when shelling out thousands of pounds. However, now that the root cause has been figured out, Apple will likely be able to provide an official fix itself.

KitGuru Says: As a long term MacBook Pro user, I was very surprised to hear of these throttling issues. Hopefully Apple will confirm that a fix is on the way soon, although users already seem to have done most of the legwork on that front.

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Apple’s latest £2,700 MacBook Pro is reportedly throttling performance due to thermal issues https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apples-latest-2700-macbook-pro-is-reportedly-throttling-performance-due-to-thermal-issues/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apples-latest-2700-macbook-pro-is-reportedly-throttling-performance-due-to-thermal-issues/#respond Wed, 18 Jul 2018 15:43:09 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=380141 Apple launched its brand new MacBook Pro last week, sporting high-end Intel Core i9 processors and an equally premium £2,700 price tag. Unfortunately, one gadget expert is calling the company out for drastically throttling the device’s performance thanks to thermal issues. YouTuber Dave Lee got his hands on the latest 15-inch MacBook Pro, touting base …

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Apple launched its brand new MacBook Pro last week, sporting high-end Intel Core i9 processors and an equally premium £2,700 price tag. Unfortunately, one gadget expert is calling the company out for drastically throttling the device’s performance thanks to thermal issues.

YouTuber Dave Lee got his hands on the latest 15-inch MacBook Pro, touting base clock speeds of 2.9GHz. While Geekbench results show the laptop to excel in multi-core processing, Lee’s own run-of-the-mill tests show the device falling well below its default clock, limiting itself to just 2.2GHz when using Adobe’s Premiere Pro video editing software.

This is less to do with Intel’s efforts with its high-end chip and more to do with Apple’s inability to sufficiently cool the processor, diminishing the performance considerably. Even more “absurd” according to Lee is that Apple has unlocked the chip, marketing it as overclockable for enthusiasts. “All of that CPU potential is wasted inside this chassis,” all thanks to its thermal solutions.

“If you have any kind of extended computational work that uses the CPU, and that's probably why you're looking at these devices in the first place, it's going to throttle. And that's unacceptable to me,” Lee noted on his YouTube channel, Dave 2D. It is worth noting, however, that Lee only presented tests with the one application, which may not be representative of the device’s overall performance.

Portable PC systems often sacrifice some processing performance in order to preserve the silicon and therefore the longevity of the device, however these results take reduced performance to a new level, particularly for such an expensive device. While we’ve yet to see more people come forward about the problem, it’s certainly worth keeping a note given just how much of an investment the 2018 MacBook Pro i9 configuration is.

KitGuru Says: It’s not all doom and gloom, considering Geekbench tests are singing the praises of the new MacBook Pro. Hopefully we will see more tests conducted in the coming weeks to clarify how regular this occurrence is.

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Apple will give developers the tools to port iOS applications to MacOS in 2019 https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-will-give-developers-the-tools-to-port-ios-applications-to-macos-in-2019/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-will-give-developers-the-tools-to-port-ios-applications-to-macos-in-2019/#respond Thu, 07 Jun 2018 11:46:24 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=375958 Apple has been gearing up for cross-platform applications for quite some time, making its iOS apps compatible with MacOS. Despite the functionality still being in the closed testing stage, the firm announced that it would be giving developers the tools to make the transition at some point in 2019. During its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, …

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Apple has been gearing up for cross-platform applications for quite some time, making its iOS apps compatible with MacOS. Despite the functionality still being in the closed testing stage, the firm announced that it would be giving developers the tools to make the transition at some point in 2019.

During its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple unveiled MacOS Mojave, a sizeable update that ushers in a host of new features including a system-wide Dark Mode. Some of these features, such as News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Home applications are all ported from iOS applications, showcasing just how far development has come for cross-platform functionality.

This is achieved through Apple integrating elements of iOS’s UIKit frameworks directly into MacOS, which is presumably what spawned rumours of a unified operating system at the end of last year. Apple has been keen to reiterate that it will be keeping its two operating systems distinct from one another, instead giving Mac access to the overwhelming amount of applications within its mobile app store.

Currently, developers using the UIKit have access to target iPhone or Apple TV when developing their application, with Mac soon to follow. Some of the process will be automated when enabling cross-platform applications, such as a long press on a touchscreen device equating to a double click on Mac. Others, however, might require extra coding to integrate menus, sidebars and toolbars.

Despite the changes, Federighi assures users that Mac computers will still behave as they always have done: “It's still MacOS, you still have the Terminal, you can still attach four monitors to it, you can still hook up external drives.”

KitGuru Says: Apple’s push into cross-platform is nothing new, as Google has been slowly building the same thing across Android and ChromeOS, but this does add validation to the move. Still, not all mobile applications make sense on a desktop, so don’t expect to be able to access everything flawlessly.

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