MacBook | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:36:21 +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 MacBook | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Apple is reportedly planning to launch a 20.3-inch foldable Macbook in 2027 https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/joao-silva/apple-is-reportedly-planning-to-launch-a-20-3-inch-foldable-macbook-in-2027/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/joao-silva/apple-is-reportedly-planning-to-launch-a-20-3-inch-foldable-macbook-in-2027/#respond Sun, 10 Mar 2024 23:00:24 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=650986 A recent report claims Apple is working on a foldable 20.3-inch MacBook, with plans for mass production to commence in 2027. According to the report, this foldable MacBook is the only foldable device from Apple with a known development plan.  Although rumours about Apple's foldable MacBook have surfaced before, with previous reports suggesting that Apple …

The post Apple is reportedly planning to launch a 20.3-inch foldable Macbook in 2027 first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
A recent report claims Apple is working on a foldable 20.3-inch MacBook, with plans for mass production to commence in 2027. According to the report, this foldable MacBook is the only foldable device from Apple with a known development plan. 

Although rumours about Apple's foldable MacBook have surfaced before, with previous reports suggesting that Apple was considering a foldable tablet, the design of the foldable MacBook remains a mystery. However, it is rumoured to have a single foldable OLED display that can be used in various configurations, including as a laptop mode with a virtual keyboard on the bottom half of the screen or as a large tablet when fully unfurled.

Image credit: Apple Insider

The new report comes from Ming-Chi Kuo (via Apple Insider), who has “set” a more firm release date for the upcoming foldable device. While there has been ongoing speculation regarding the possibility of a foldable iPhone or iPad being mass-produced in 2025 or 2026, the foldable MacBook is the only gadget with a definite timeline.

Apple seems to be taking a more cautious approach to introducing foldable devices, compared to rivals like Samsung, Motorola, and Huawei, who have already launched foldable smartphones. Apple is working on improving the technology before bringing it to market. As Apple's first foldable device, it will be interesting to see what design decisions are made and what hardware configurations are included.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: With more companies prototyping foldable devices, it's no surprise that Apple is also planning to launch such devices. Still, it seems that we'll have to wait a few years before seeing a foldable phone, tablet or laptop from the company.

The post Apple is reportedly planning to launch a 20.3-inch foldable Macbook in 2027 first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/joao-silva/apple-is-reportedly-planning-to-launch-a-20-3-inch-foldable-macbook-in-2027/feed/ 0
Apple launches upgraded MacBook Air with M3 processor https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/joao-silva/apple-launches-upgraded-macbook-air-with-m3-processor/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/joao-silva/apple-launches-upgraded-macbook-air-with-m3-processor/#respond Tue, 05 Mar 2024 15:00:11 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=650437 Apple has recently unveiled the latest MacBook Air laptops powered by the new M3 chip. While it was expected that the MacBook Air would receive a similar upgrade to the MacBook Pro, it was unclear when it would happen. However, Apple has finally announced that it has updated the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air, with …

The post Apple launches upgraded MacBook Air with M3 processor first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Apple has recently unveiled the latest MacBook Air laptops powered by the new M3 chip. While it was expected that the MacBook Air would receive a similar upgrade to the MacBook Pro, it was unclear when it would happen. However, Apple has finally announced that it has updated the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air, with both models already available for pre-order.

Externally, no modifications have been made to any of the laptops. The 13-inch MacBook Air underwent a complete redesign two years ago, including a boxier chassis, a larger 13.6-inch display, an upgraded 1080p camera, and a MagSafe charging connector. On the other hand, the 15-inch MacBook Air was introduced less than a year ago and shares many of the same features as its smaller brother.

The most significant improvements to the updated MacBook Air models can be found under the hood. The M3 processor is based on a 3nm node and supports various new technologies such as ray tracing, mesh shading, and dynamic caching. The M3 found on the new MacBook Air laptops is Apple's latest entry-level processor, offering an 8-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU. Apple claims that the CPU performance is up to 35% faster, and the GPU performance is up to 65% faster than the M1. Moreover, the CPU and GPU are up to 20% faster than the M2.

Apple has also included support for up to two external screens, a significant improvement from the M1 and M2 Macs that could only handle one external display. However, it is worth noting that the MacBook Air must be closed for both displays to function. Both MacBook Air models have Wi-Fi 6E, providing twice as fast download rates as the M2-powered models.

The 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air are only available with the standard M3 CPU. However, the 13-inch MacBook Air offers the option of an 8-core or 10-core GPU, while the 15-inch model comes exclusively with a 10-core configuration. The base versions of both capacities come with 8GB of unified memory and 256GB of storage. However, you can expand both models up to 24GB of unified memory and 2TB of storage at an additional cost. Midnight, Starlight, Space Grey, and Silver are the available colour options.

Both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs are now available directly from Apple's website, starting at £1,099 and £1,299, respectively.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: For most, the smaller and more portable version should be good enough, offering a decent display and performance for everyday tasks. For those who spend all day working on their laptop and don't like working with an external monitor, the 15-inch MacBook Air is probably the way to go.

The post Apple launches upgraded MacBook Air with M3 processor first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/joao-silva/apple-launches-upgraded-macbook-air-with-m3-processor/feed/ 0
Apple is reportedly developing a cheaper MacBook to rival Chromebook https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/joao-silva/apple-is-reportedly-developing-a-cheaper-macbook-to-rival-chromebook/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/joao-silva/apple-is-reportedly-developing-a-cheaper-macbook-to-rival-chromebook/#respond Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:45:25 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=629578 If you were looking for a cheaper MacBook, then you might be in for a treat. A recent report claims Apple is developing a “low-cost” MacBook planned to release next year, competing with Google's Chromebooks and other entry-level laptops. The M1 MacBook Air from 2020 is Apple's current cheapest MacBook offering, but a new report …

The post Apple is reportedly developing a cheaper MacBook to rival Chromebook first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
If you were looking for a cheaper MacBook, then you might be in for a treat. A recent report claims Apple is developing a “low-cost” MacBook planned to release next year, competing with Google's Chromebooks and other entry-level laptops.

The M1 MacBook Air from 2020 is Apple's current cheapest MacBook offering, but a new report from Digitimes (via TechPowerUp) has revealed that Apple is working on a low-cost MacBook laptop to compete with Chromebooks and entry-level notebooks targeting the education sector. As per the report, the cheap MacBook could be released as soon as H2 2024.

The source claims that Apple will probably launch a new product line for these cheap MacBooks to differentiate them from the existing MacBook Air and Pro lines. The lower price will result from using less expensive materials for the exterior shell and cheaper mechanical components.

Apple apparently takes nine months to get from product research to mass manufacturing, but there have been no reports of a new model hitting the supply chains. That implies that such a MacBook is at least nine months away and that the chances of the product launching in the first half of 2024 are low.

As noted in the original report, Apple's iPad lineup is currently the most affordable Apple product for students, but as tablets, they're not as easy to use as Chromebooks for student workloads. Additionally, they are pricier than Chromebooks, leading students to choose Google OS-based laptops. As such, a low-cost MacBook may be the answer Apple is looking for. However, we don't expect Apple will be looking to compete with the cheapest Chromebooks, which can go for as little as £150.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you think MacBooks are too expensive? How much cheaper would it need to be for you to get one?

The post Apple is reportedly developing a cheaper MacBook to rival Chromebook first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/joao-silva/apple-is-reportedly-developing-a-cheaper-macbook-to-rival-chromebook/feed/ 0
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 …

The post First Apple M3-based systems could launch in October first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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?

The post First Apple M3-based systems could launch in October first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/joao-silva/first-apple-m3-based-systems-could-launch-in-october/feed/ 0
Razer launches Razer Skins for laptops, consoles, mobile devices and more https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/joao-silva/razer-launches-razer-skins-for-laptops-consoles-mobile-devices-and-more/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/joao-silva/razer-launches-razer-skins-for-laptops-consoles-mobile-devices-and-more/#respond Sun, 25 Jun 2023 10:00:03 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=620685 Razer has introduced a new customisation product called Razer Skins. These skins are designed to personalise various devices, providing a precise fit and a range of new designs.  Crafted with 3M vinyl materials, Razer Skins offer resistance against scratches and scuffs. Rigorous testing ensures that each skin fits the device, maintaining its full functionality. Manufactured …

The post Razer launches Razer Skins for laptops, consoles, mobile devices and more first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Razer has introduced a new customisation product called Razer Skins. These skins are designed to personalise various devices, providing a precise fit and a range of new designs. 

Crafted with 3M vinyl materials, Razer Skins offer resistance against scratches and scuffs. Rigorous testing ensures that each skin fits the device, maintaining its full functionality. Manufactured by Razer in the US, these skins can be applied without needing any additional tools. Moreover, they can be removed effortlessly without leaving any residue or causing damage to the device's surface.

Initially available for a wide range of Razer devices, such as Blade gaming laptops, Razer Edge, and the Razer Kishi line, Razer Skins will also be available for many other devices, including the Steam Deck, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S consoles, select MacBooks, and soon, the Nintendo Switch. Razer plans to expand the lineup by including more devices in the future.

Razer Skins are now available for purchase in the US and Canada through Razer.com, Razer Stores, and select retailers. Availability in select countries within Asia and Europe is expected later this year. The pricing of these skins varies based on the device, with laptops including Blades and MacBooks starting at $24.99, consoles including Steam Deck and Xbox from $34.99, and mobile devices including Kishi and Edge priced from $19.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Planning on getting one of the Razer skins for any of your devices? 

The post Razer launches Razer Skins for laptops, consoles, mobile devices and more first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/joao-silva/razer-launches-razer-skins-for-laptops-consoles-mobile-devices-and-more/feed/ 0
Apple M3 Pro specifications leak out https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/joao-silva/apple-m3-pro-specifications-leak-out/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/joao-silva/apple-m3-pro-specifications-leak-out/#respond Mon, 15 May 2023 15:00:51 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=614803 Apple's upcoming high-end MacBook and iPad models may feature the M3 Pro processor, which is set to offer significant improvements over its predecessor. The new chip is expected to have more CPU and GPU cores and more onboard memory.  According to Bloomberg, the M3 Pro may come with a 12-core CPU (six performance and six …

The post Apple M3 Pro specifications leak out first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Apple's upcoming high-end MacBook and iPad models may feature the M3 Pro processor, which is set to offer significant improvements over its predecessor. The new chip is expected to have more CPU and GPU cores and more onboard memory. 

According to Bloomberg, the M3 Pro may come with a 12-core CPU (six performance and six efficiency cores) and an 18-core graphics engine, making it a substantial upgrade over its predecessor. Compared to Apple's previous M2 Pro chip, that's two more efficiency cores and an extra 2 GPU cores. The upcoming chip is also expected to have an additional 4GB of onboard memory, packing 36GB in total.

While these upgrades may seem underwhelming, they are reportedly confined to Apple's “base-level” configurations. Higher-tier models may have even more impressive upgrades, such as an M3 Max with 14 CPU cores and over 40 GPU cores or an M3 Ultra with 28 CPU cores and over 80 GPU cores. These components are expected to be integrated into a single die based on a TSMC 3nm process node.

The first batch of Macs equipped with M3 chips is expected to be released either at the end of this year or at the beginning of the next one. Apple is also reportedly planning to introduce a 15-inch MacBook Air equipped with the M2 chip sometime this summer. However, the company is already developing iMacs and high-end and low-end MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models using M3 chips.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: The previous Apple M-series chips have proven to be quite capable, and we expect the same from the M3 series. However, Intel and AMD are reportedly working on SoCs capable of rivalling the upcoming M3 chips, so there could be tough competition in the years ahead, although it is unlikely an Intel or AMD CPU/GPU would make its way into a Macbook or iPad at this point. 

The post Apple M3 Pro specifications leak out first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/joao-silva/apple-m3-pro-specifications-leak-out/feed/ 0
Apple will pay $50M to settle MacBook ‘butterfly switch’ keyboard lawsuit https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-will-pay-50m-to-settle-macbook-butterfly-switch-keyboard-lawsuit/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-will-pay-50m-to-settle-macbook-butterfly-switch-keyboard-lawsuit/#respond Wed, 20 Jul 2022 08:45:53 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=568589 Several years ago, Apple debuted a new keyboard design for its MacBook laptops, using ‘butterfly' key switches. This turned out to be a disastrous move, with many customers facing issues with their keyboards easily breaking. At the time, Apple set up a free repair program, but there was still a class action lawsuit over the …

The post Apple will pay $50M to settle MacBook ‘butterfly switch’ keyboard lawsuit first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Several years ago, Apple debuted a new keyboard design for its MacBook laptops, using ‘butterfly' key switches. This turned out to be a disastrous move, with many customers facing issues with their keyboards easily breaking. At the time, Apple set up a free repair program, but there was still a class action lawsuit over the situation. Now several years later, Apple has agreed to settle. 

As reported by Reuters, Apple has agreed to a $50 million settlement in the butterfly switch keyboard class action lawsuit. The agreement will see a portion of the settlement given out to eligible customers. In order to be eligible for a piece of the payout, you'll need to have purchased a MacBook with the butterfly switch keyboard and have had it repaired at some point.

The Butterfly switch was a new design aimed at making Apple's laptops even slimmer. The first butterfly switch keyboards arrived in 2015, and it quickly became apparent that the smallest amount of dust could cause the switch to become unresponsive. Between 2015 and 2019, Apple tried to get its butterfly switches working properly across multiple generations of MacBooks. Eventually, Apple gave up and pivoted to a different design for MacBooks from 2020 and beyond.

Estimated payouts from the settlement will vary considerably. If your MacBook only needed minimal repairs, such as a keycap replacement, then you'll be on the lower end of the scale, whereas customers who had to have the entire top half of the laptop replaced will get more. Payouts should range from $50 to just under $400.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The butterfly switch keyboard design was perhaps Apple's biggest failure of the last decade. Sure it led to thinner MacBooks, but the keys were mushy and easily breakable. What's more surprising is that Apple persisted with this design for four years despite the constant complaints and clear issues. 

The post Apple will pay $50M to settle MacBook ‘butterfly switch’ keyboard lawsuit first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-will-pay-50m-to-settle-macbook-butterfly-switch-keyboard-lawsuit/feed/ 0
Apple M2-powered 16-inch MacBook Pro and iPad Pro on the way https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-m2-powered-16-inch-macbook-pro-and-ipad-pro-on-the-way/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-m2-powered-16-inch-macbook-pro-and-ipad-pro-on-the-way/#respond Fri, 10 Jun 2022 11:56:29 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=563943 Apple launched its next-generation M2 processor earlier this week, alongside a new MacBook Air and a 13-inch MacBook Pro featuring the chip. Before the end of the year, we should see even more M2-powered devices from Apple, including bigger MacBook Pro models, and a new iPad Pro.  According to Bloomberg, new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook …

The post Apple M2-powered 16-inch MacBook Pro and iPad Pro on the way first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Apple launched its next-generation M2 processor earlier this week, alongside a new MacBook Air and a 13-inch MacBook Pro featuring the chip. Before the end of the year, we should see even more M2-powered devices from Apple, including bigger MacBook Pro models, and a new iPad Pro. 

According to Bloomberg, new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros should ship in late 2022 featuring a new M2 Max chip, expanding the CPU from eight-cores to up to twelve-cores and increasing the number of GPU cores up to 38.

As for the standard M2 processor, we'll see that in the 13-inch MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air and soon, a new iPad Pro. According to supply chain consultant, Ross Young, a new 14-inch iPad Pro with a Mini-LED display is on the way. This new iPad Pro should replace the current-gen M1-powered iPad Pro.

Apple typically announces new Macs and iPads during October, during an event roughly one month after the annual September iPhone launch. With that in mind, much of this should be made official then.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The standard M2 has arrived but it sounds like the M2 Max isn't far behind. 

The post Apple M2-powered 16-inch MacBook Pro and iPad Pro on the way first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-m2-powered-16-inch-macbook-pro-and-ipad-pro-on-the-way/feed/ 0
No Man’s Sky is coming to iPad https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/no-mans-sky-is-coming-to-ipad/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/no-mans-sky-is-coming-to-ipad/#respond Tue, 07 Jun 2022 10:30:05 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=563399 Apple recently held its Worldwide Developers Conference stream, where the iPhone manufacturer announced all manner of new software updates for its various devices, from the Macbook to the Apple Watch and more. One of the most interesting announcements was the fact that No Man’s Sky will soon be coming to the iPad as a native …

The post No Man’s Sky is coming to iPad first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Apple recently held its Worldwide Developers Conference stream, where the iPhone manufacturer announced all manner of new software updates for its various devices, from the Macbook to the Apple Watch and more. One of the most interesting announcements was the fact that No Man’s Sky will soon be coming to the iPad as a native app.

Apple’s M series of chips have been praised for their speed, power and efficiency. Despite this power, few games take full advantage of these chips due to the iPad lacking many console-equivalent games. This may soon be changing, as Apple has announced that:

“The power of Apple silicon enables every new Mac to run AAA games with ease, including upcoming titles such as EA’s GRID Legends and Capcom’s Resident Evil Village. And since Apple silicon also powers iPad, game developers can bring their AAA games to even more users, like No Man’s Sky from Hello Games, which is coming to both Mac and iPad later this year.”

No Man’s Sky’s procedurally generated nature means that it will be rather interesting to see just how much the space exploration game will push the iPad’s hardware. No Man's Sky is available on all modern gaming devices from PlayStation to Xbox to PC and even the Switch.

There is little doubt that the game will perform better than at least the Nintendo Switch, and as such, hopefully No Man’s Sky becomes the first in a new wave of console games being ported to mobile.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What did you think of WWDC? Do you own an iPad? Should more console games come to phones and tablets? Let us know your thoughts down below.

The post No Man’s Sky is coming to iPad first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/no-mans-sky-is-coming-to-ipad/feed/ 0
Apple to launch three new Macs next month https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-to-launch-three-new-macs-next-month/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-to-launch-three-new-macs-next-month/#respond Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:33:00 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=550280 Apple isn't very good at keeping a secret and despite repeated internal attempts to stop leaks, information still seems to make its way out of the company's HQ freely. Currently, Apple is expected to hold a hardware-focused event in March, during which we could see three new Macs announced.  Apple has updated the Eurasian Economic …

The post Apple to launch three new Macs next month first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Apple isn't very good at keeping a secret and despite repeated internal attempts to stop leaks, information still seems to make its way out of the company's HQ freely. Currently, Apple is expected to hold a hardware-focused event in March, during which we could see three new Macs announced. 

Apple has updated the Eurasian Economic Database with three new Macs, all of which are expected to be unveiled at Apple's Spring hardware event in early March.

The three new Macs are listed with the model numbers A2615, A2686, and A2681 and will run macOS Monterey, the newest version of macOS at this point in time. We will likely see the next major macOS version announced in June, during Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

As Macrumors points out, new Macs aren't the only new devices expected to be announced in March. Apple is also working on a new iPhone SE model, as well as a new iPad Air.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: While there are three Macs listed on the database, we're likely looking at one MacBook with multiple configuration options, such as more SSD storage, or a more powerful processor. 

The post Apple to launch three new Macs next month first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-to-launch-three-new-macs-next-month/feed/ 0
Apple facing production delays for MacBooks and iPads https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-facing-production-delays-for-macbooks-and-ipads/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-facing-production-delays-for-macbooks-and-ipads/#respond Thu, 08 Apr 2021 09:24:06 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=511106 While Apple has mostly managed to maintain its production through the pandemic, the global chip shortage is finally starting to have an impact on the company. According to a new report, Apple is facing production delays for MacBooks and iPads due to component shortages.  According to Nikkei, “a portion of component orders” have now been …

The post Apple facing production delays for MacBooks and iPads first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
While Apple has mostly managed to maintain its production through the pandemic, the global chip shortage is finally starting to have an impact on the company. According to a new report, Apple is facing production delays for MacBooks and iPads due to component shortages. 

According to Nikkei, “a portion of component orders” have now been pushed back to the second half of 2021, leaving Apple in a tricky position with its MacBook and iPad product lines. On the MacBook side of things, the issue seems to be mounting certain components on circuit boards during assembly, while the iPad delays are down to a shortage of displays and display components.

This ties in with a story from earlier this week, as many industries have begun suffering due to a lack of display driver chips, which are crucial for properly functioning LCD displays. This has impacted production of cars, consumer electronics, smart home products and now, tablets too.

The iPhone could be next in line for production issues. While Apple has managed to maintain healthy stock levels of its flagship product so far, sources say component supply is “quite tight”, so things could take a turn in the months to come.

KitGuru Says: While there may be some supply chain constraints, Apple is still expected to announce a new iPad soon with a Mini-LED display. 

The post Apple facing production delays for MacBooks and iPads first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-facing-production-delays-for-macbooks-and-ipads/feed/ 0
Apple announces MacBook Air with ARM-based M1 processor https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-announces-macbook-air-with-arm-based-m1-processor/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-announces-macbook-air-with-arm-based-m1-processor/#respond Tue, 10 Nov 2020 18:27:59 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=493582 Today during Apple's ‘one more thing' event, the first ARM-powered MacBook was officially announced. Apple is officially moving on from Intel CPUs for macOS, starting with the 2020 MacBook Air.  The MacBook Air is shipping with an Apple Silicon M1 processor, which is built on TSMC's 5nm process. It eight cores, split between four ‘high-performance' …

The post Apple announces MacBook Air with ARM-based M1 processor first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Today during Apple's ‘one more thing' event, the first ARM-powered MacBook was officially announced. Apple is officially moving on from Intel CPUs for macOS, starting with the 2020 MacBook Air. 

The MacBook Air is shipping with an Apple Silicon M1 processor, which is built on TSMC's 5nm process. It eight cores, split between four ‘high-performance' cores and four ‘high-efficiency' cores. If you are familiar with Apple's iPad or iPhone SoCs, then you'll be quite familiar with this idea already. The M1 seems to have quite a lot in common with the current A14 Bionic found in the iPhone 12 and iPad Pro.

According to Apple, the 2020 MacBook Air is faster than “98 percent of PC laptops sold in the last year”. In a comparison, Apple claims that the new MacBook Air delivers 3.5x better CPU performance compared to the previous Intel MacBook Air. Graphics performance is also said to be 5x better than previous generations of Intel MacBooks.

Aside from that, you can expect the new MacBook Air to feature a super thin and light chassis, a 49.9Whr battery, a 13-inch 2560×1600 display, up to 16GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage. The 2020 MacBook Air is available starting this month with prices starting at $999 USD.

KitGuru Says: The first ARM-powered MacBook has officially arrived. Now we'll just have to wait to see user benchmarks to see how it holds up compared to previous Intel-based laptops. 

The post Apple announces MacBook Air with ARM-based M1 processor first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-announces-macbook-air-with-arm-based-m1-processor/feed/ 0
Apple supply chain partner reportedly hit with ransomware attack https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/apple-supply-chain-partner-reportedly-hit-with-ransomware-attack/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/apple-supply-chain-partner-reportedly-hit-with-ransomware-attack/#respond Tue, 10 Nov 2020 14:58:51 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=493520 Later today, Apple is expected to announce its first Apple Silicon (ARM) powered MacBook. Unfortunately, some behind the scenes issues may already be complicating the launch, including one Apple partner being hit by a ransomware attack. Compal, an Apple partner that helps assemble MacBooks, has apparently been hit with a ransomware attack this week. As …

The post Apple supply chain partner reportedly hit with ransomware attack first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Later today, Apple is expected to announce its first Apple Silicon (ARM) powered MacBook. Unfortunately, some behind the scenes issues may already be complicating the launch, including one Apple partner being hit by a ransomware attack.

Compal, an Apple partner that helps assemble MacBooks, has apparently been hit with a ransomware attack this week. As reported by Bleeping Computer, the ones behind the attack are demanding 1,100 Bitcoin, which as 9to5Mac points out, would be worth $17 million USD at this point in time.

The specific attack here appears to be called ‘DoppelPaymer', a ransomware operation that attacks enterprise targets by gaining access to administrative privileges and then spreading the malware to other PCs on the network.

Compal itself is trying to maintain a positive public outlook over this, claiming that this was an “abnormality in the office automation system”, rather than a more significant attack. Seemingly, everything will be back to normal at Compal soon enough. Whether or not this impacts Apple's MacBook production queue at all remains to be seen. Apple will be announcing its first Apple Silicon powered Mac later today during a special event.

KitGuru Says: There seems to be some conflicting information here. Either way, this story will raise a few eyebrows during the first few weeks of MacBook availability once Apple launches new models. 

The post Apple supply chain partner reportedly hit with ransomware attack first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/apple-supply-chain-partner-reportedly-hit-with-ransomware-attack/feed/ 0
The first ARM-powered Mac tipped to launch next month https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/the-first-arm-powered-mac-tipped-to-launch-next-month/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/the-first-arm-powered-mac-tipped-to-launch-next-month/#respond Fri, 09 Oct 2020 17:00:47 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=489358 Apple is all set to announce the next batch of iPhones next week but it looks like the company may still have more product launches planned before the end of the year. Today, reports indicate that another Apple event will come in October to introduce the very first Apple Silicon powered Mac.  Apple announced its …

The post The first ARM-powered Mac tipped to launch next month first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Apple is all set to announce the next batch of iPhones next week but it looks like the company may still have more product launches planned before the end of the year. Today, reports indicate that another Apple event will come in October to introduce the very first Apple Silicon powered Mac. 

Apple announced its intention to release ARM powered Macs earlier this year, putting an end to its reliance on Intel for CPUs. These chips will be custom designed by Apple to meet the power needs of specific products. According to Bloomberg, the first ‘Apple Silicon'/ARM based Mac will launch in November.

The launch will come during another Apple event in November. Currently, rumours suggest that the first Apple Silicon Mac will be a 13-inch MacBook Pro or a new MacBook Air.

The first Apple Silicon chip will be a 12-core processor based on the 5nm process node. As usual, TSMC is going to be Apple's manufacturer. Just how well these systems will perform remains to be seen. Apple sent out developer kits earlier this year and has been preparing macOS optimisations for the jump from Intel to Apple Silicon.

KitGuru Says: It is going to be very interesting to see hands-on with the first ARM-based Mac and examine the performance differences. Do you think Apple's switch to ARM will be a success? 

The post The first ARM-powered Mac tipped to launch next month first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/the-first-arm-powered-mac-tipped-to-launch-next-month/feed/ 0
Apple to announce first ARM-based Mac this month https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-to-announce-first-arm-based-mac-this-month/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-to-announce-first-arm-based-mac-this-month/#respond Tue, 09 Jun 2020 15:00:42 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=471458 We've been talking about the possibility of Apple switching to ARM chips for Macs for a couple of years now. Over time, reports of Apple making the jump have picked up a lot of steam and later this month, Apple will apparently be making it all official.  According to sources speaking with Bloomberg, Apple will …

The post Apple to announce first ARM-based Mac this month first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
We've been talking about the possibility of Apple switching to ARM chips for Macs for a couple of years now. Over time, reports of Apple making the jump have picked up a lot of steam and later this month, Apple will apparently be making it all official. 

According to sources speaking with Bloomberg, Apple will unveil its first ARM-powered Mac later this month during an all-digital version of WWDC. Normally, Apple's World Wide Developer Conference takes place on the Apple Campus in the beginning of June. However, due to COVID-19, this year the event will take place digitally.

This online-only version of WWDC is expected to take place starting on the 22nd of June and will reveal details on a few ARM-based processors Apple is planning. Three of these chips are being designed for use in Mac computers and are based on the upcoming A14 chip, which will power the next iPhone starting in September.

Apparently, Apple's shift to ARM is based on Intel's slow performance gains, whereas internal tests of Macs running on ARM-based hardware have been improving greatly. This will be the first major processor shift that Apple has taken since moving from PowerPC to Intel back in the mid-2000s.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: This move has been in the making for quite some time now. We first began discussing it in May 2018 and it looks like by the end of this month, it will all be official. What do you all think of Apple's decision to move over to ARM-processors instead of Intel? 

The post Apple to announce first ARM-based Mac this month first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-to-announce-first-arm-based-mac-this-month/feed/ 0
More sources point to ARM-powered Macs in 2021 https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/more-sources-point-to-arm-powered-macs-in-2021/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/more-sources-point-to-arm-powered-macs-in-2021/#respond Thu, 23 Apr 2020 13:03:08 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=463697 Another round of sources have come to light, claiming that Apple will design its own CPUs for future Macs beginning in 2021.

The post More sources point to ARM-powered Macs in 2021 first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
It has long been rumoured that Apple is looking to move away from Intel and x86 onto their own custom ARM silicon. Apple has even taken steps to hire ARM chip specialists and the way we see it, the first Mac to be powered by one of these custom processors shouldn’t be too far away. Analysts have begun backing up that idea this year and now, Bloomberg sources also cite a 2021 launch date. 

Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo have been touting an ARM-powered MacBook for some time now. The switch from Intel to Apple's own ARM CPU design would also cut production costs by a significant amount.

According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on a range of chips for future Macs, with the first one set to be based on the 5nm process. Beyond that, the first chip will have 12-cores, eight of which are ‘high performance', with an additional four ‘efficiency' cores, similar to how mobile SoCs are already designed.

There will be multiple SKUs as part of this effort. Apple is also said to be working on tools that would enable old apps built for Intel CPUs to run in a compatibility mode on ARM-powered Macs. All of this should take place in 2021, possibly starting with a lower-end 12-inch MacBook before moving up to the likes of the MacBook Pro and iMac.

KitGuru Says: This move has been a long time coming, with evidence coming to our attention back in 2018. Bloomberg's Apple sources are usually reliable too, so at this point, it seems like a sure thing. With that in mind, we will likely see a few more leaks before the end of this year. 

The post More sources point to ARM-powered Macs in 2021 first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/more-sources-point-to-arm-powered-macs-in-2021/feed/ 0
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 …

The post Apple announces new MacBook Air with improved keyboard first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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.

The post Apple announces new MacBook Air with improved keyboard first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/mustafa-mahmoud/apple-announces-new-macbook-air-with-improved-keyboard/feed/ 0
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 …

The post Twelve South launch premium Journal case series for Apple devices first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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?

The post Twelve South launch premium Journal case series for Apple devices first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/james-dawson/twelve-south-launch-a-premium-case-series-for-apple-devices/feed/ 0
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 …

The post Twelve South launch the Curve SE notebook stand first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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?

The post Twelve South launch the Curve SE notebook stand first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/mac/james-dawson/twelve-south-launch-the-curve-se-notebook-stand/feed/ 0
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 …

The post Apple apologises for its dodgy MacBook butterfly keyboards first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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.

The post Apple apologises for its dodgy MacBook butterfly keyboards first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-apologises-for-its-dodgy-butterfly-keyboards/feed/ 0
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. …

The post Apple is looking to end sticky key problems with new glass panel keyboard technology first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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?

The post Apple is looking to end sticky key problems with new glass panel keyboard technology first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-is-looking-to-end-sticky-key-problems-with-new-glass-panel-keyboard-technology/feed/ 0
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 …

The post Apple is now getting sued for not putting dust filters in iMacs first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
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.

The post Apple is now getting sued for not putting dust filters in iMacs first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/apple-is-now-getting-sued-for-not-putting-dust-filters-in-imacs/feed/ 0
Could Apple make the jump to ARM MacBooks? https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/could-apple-make-the-jump-to-arm-macbooks/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/could-apple-make-the-jump-to-arm-macbooks/#respond Thu, 18 Oct 2018 13:30:07 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=374806 It has long been rumoured that Apple is looking to move away from Intel and x86 onto their own custom ARM silicon. Today we'll be taking a look back at Apple's history, to assess the chances of such a major shift in direction taking place on one of their biggest product lines.

The post Could Apple make the jump to ARM MacBooks? first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
It has long been rumoured that Apple is looking to move away from Intel and x86 onto their own custom ARM silicon. Today we'll be taking a look back at Apple's history, to assess the chances of such a major shift in direction taking place on one of their biggest product lines.

Late last week, 9to5Mac reported on a project internally named “Star”, which involves prototypes with the number “N84” with a touch screen, GPS, compass, SIM card slot and a water-resistant housing. On it’s own, this just sounds like another iPhone or iPad, however after reading further into the report it appears that these prototypes boot using an EFI (extensible firmware interface) similar to Apple’s current Intel Macs. These devices are said to be running a derivative of iOS and not Mac OS which makes it seem more likely that this will be an iOS notebook than an ARM based Mac.

The article doesn’t go on to give much more depth than that, and doesn't mention whether the device will include a keyboard or what size screen it will have. However, it does speculate that the long-rumoured ARM based MacBook could be in development under the “Star” project name.

The concept of Apple moving away from x86 to a different processor may at first seem far fetched, however it isn’t something they haven’t done before. To understand the significance of all of this, a bit of back story is required.

A long time ago in an office far, far away from Redmond…

As far back as 1991, Apple started to move away from the Motorola 68000 series to the IBM PowerPC architecture, with the first PowerPC Macs being released in March 1994 under the Power Macintosh name.

The transition from 68K to PowerPC took several years and it was only with the release of Mac OS 8.5 in October 1998, over four years later, that support for the old 68K architecture was dropped.

One of the main reasons the transition was so successful was that Apple included a 68K emulator as part of Mac OS, allowing the PowerPC Macs to run most 68K software efficiently, much like Rosetta on Intel based Macs which we will go into more depth on later.

A slightly less long time ago in a no doubt bigger office that was still far, far away from Redmond…

On June the 6th 2005, Apple announced their plans to move to Intel from PowerPC, and in October 2005 Apple released the Dual Core Power Mac G5, which would go on to be the last PowerPC Mac to be released.

After more than 10 years of PowerPC Macs, a lot had changed, starting with the return of Steve Jobs in 1997. Apple had gone from a stale manufacturer of beige boxes running outdated software, to the cutting edge of design. However the PowerPC architecture was starting to fall behind. Intel had been releasing Hyper Threaded Pentium 4s for a couple of years and had started manufacturing the dual core Core Duo line of CPUs, which far outperformed the single core PowerPC processors.

In January 2006 Apple announced the first Intel based Macs in the form of the first-generation MacBook Pro and the iMac Core Duo, and in February, the Mac mini was refreshed with Core Duo CPUs.

These new Intel Macs brought with them a new technology called Rosetta.

Rosetta was an emulator created by Apple that could seamlessly run PowerPC code on an x86 processor, allowing nearly the entire back catalogue of software for PowerPC to run on Intel Processors. This made switching from a PowerPC to an Intel Mac almost as easy as upgrading from a G4 to a G5.

One of the primary benefits of the new Macs, was the ability to run x86 code. This allowed Macs to run Windows for the first time, significantly increasing their versatility. Apple began officially supporting this with the release of Boot Camp.

In August 2006 Apple completed the transition to x86 by announcing the Mac Pro and the Intel based Xserve, replacing the PowerMac G5 and the Xserve G5 respectively, marking the end of an era for Apple.

The move to Intel was arguably one of Apple’s greatest decisions, as it allowed people to switch from PCs without the grief of replacing all of their applications. By allowing the use of Boot Camp or a virtual machine running Windows, people could run their Windows applications alongside Mac OS, making switching to an Intel Mac from a PC almost as painless as upgrading from PowerPC. Along with the timing (everyone remembers Vista right?), this brought along  the largest influx of new customers Apple had ever seen, bringing the Mac ever closer to the point where it is today (nearly 10% of global market share).

Present day, in an office in Redmond…

With the introduction of Microsoft’s ARM version of Windows 10, the market for low powered machines with a full desktop operating system is becoming larger, creating a potential gap for Apple to fill with an ARM based Mac. The question is, will project “Star” fill that gap? Or is it just another iPhone or iPad?

Present day, in a massive round office far, far away from Redmond…

If project “Star” is a new ARM based Mac, can Apple pull off another move like the one from PowerPC to Intel, or will it end in disaster under the more conservative reign of Tim Cook? Will they even do it? We don’t know. But the rumours seem to suggest that they could be planning to do just that, which as we've seen before, is entirely possible.

KitGuru Says: If Apple does release an ARM powered MacBook, then the Air seems to be the most likely target. It could sit alongside the current range, offering a lower price point alternative, to compete with the likes of the Chromebook or any upcoming Windows 10 ARM laptops. 

This article was originally published on the 30th of May 2018. Given that there is new information coming out about Apple's ARM plans, it seemed like a good time to re-post for those that missed it the first time around. 

The post Could Apple make the jump to ARM MacBooks? first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/could-apple-make-the-jump-to-arm-macbooks/feed/ 0
Hitch in the production of Apple’s 13-inch entry-level MacBook causes delay https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/hitch-in-the-production-of-apples-13-inch-entry-level-macbook-causes-delay/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/hitch-in-the-production-of-apples-13-inch-entry-level-macbook-causes-delay/#respond Mon, 30 Apr 2018 15:12:19 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=372032 Just as Apple gets its current MacBook problems under control, it seems that production of its 13-inch entry-level addition isn’t faring too well itself. Due to what is believed to be processor issues, the company has pushed its production back from Q2 to later this year, as well as withdrawing its presentation at the Worldwide …

The post Hitch in the production of Apple’s 13-inch entry-level MacBook causes delay first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Just as Apple gets its current MacBook problems under control, it seems that production of its 13-inch entry-level addition isn’t faring too well itself. Due to what is believed to be processor issues, the company has pushed its production back from Q2 to later this year, as well as withdrawing its presentation at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

The exact cause of the delay hasn’t been revealed, although Digitimes’ sources have speculated that it could be “problems with some key components such as processors,” particularly in light of Intel’s announcement that its 10nm chips are also experiencing a delay due to yield issues.

“Some MacBook Air supply chain players who have readied full inventories of materials to support second-quarter production will face low capacity utilization before starting to deliver shipments in the third quarter,” states the report.

So far, not much has been confirmed about the upcoming device, however speculation suggests that Apple’s new entry will start around $799 to $899 as a “budget-type MacBook Air,” sporting a resolution of 2,560×1,600 up from the previous MacBook Air's 1,440×900.

Luckily, it seems the delay isn’t expected to take too long, reportedly moving its mass production from the second quarter into the second half of the year instead, with supply chains readying up materials for Q3 specifically.

KitGuru Says: A delay in production and therefore release is better than low yield upon launch, which prevents customers from getting their hands on Apple’s latest and greatest. This is something the company is known for but seemingly trying to quell since the iPhone X debacle. Would you be interested in a new 13-inch MacBook?

The post Hitch in the production of Apple’s 13-inch entry-level MacBook causes delay first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/damien-cox/hitch-in-the-production-of-apples-13-inch-entry-level-macbook-causes-delay/feed/ 0
Apple may refresh its MacBooks next month but the iPad Mini is on the chopping block https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-may-refresh-its-macbooks-next-month-but-the-ipad-mini-is-on-the-chopping-block/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-may-refresh-its-macbooks-next-month-but-the-ipad-mini-is-on-the-chopping-block/#comments Wed, 17 May 2017 17:31:48 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=334715 Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is just around the corner, which means there are announcements ahead. According to the most recent reports, WWDC will be kicking off with hardware upgrades to the 12-inch MacBook and the MacBook Pro lineup. However, the iPad Mini might be on the chopping block, meaning we may never see …

The post Apple may refresh its MacBooks next month but the iPad Mini is on the chopping block first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is just around the corner, which means there are announcements ahead. According to the most recent reports, WWDC will be kicking off with hardware upgrades to the 12-inch MacBook and the MacBook Pro lineup. However, the iPad Mini might be on the chopping block, meaning we may never see an updated version to Apple's mini tablet.

Let's start off by talking about the new MacBooks. According to sources speaking with Bloomberg, Apple will be kitting out the MacBook and MacBook Pro with updated Kaby Lake processors. On top of that, the MacBook Air may also get an update though the report doesn't have too many details on that front, straying away from things like an updated ‘Retina' display.

Out of the three, a MacBook Air update would be the most surprising, given that Apple has seemingly forgotten about its original ‘thin and light' in recent years. It is currently the only Apple laptop to not feature a retina display, which goes to show how long it has been.

Now let's move on to the iPad Mini. While the iPad lineup still sells fairly well, right now, the Mini is being burned at both ends. The original iPad Mini launched at a time when Apple was still straying away from larger phone displays. However, now with the 5.5-inch iPhone Plus models on the market, the iPad Mini makes less sense.

According to sources speaking with BGR, Apple's new 9.7-inch iPad simply offers better value, it has a larger display, has better hardware and is even cheaper than the iPad Mini 4. This, combined with the fact that the iPhone 6/7 Plus are taking sales away, is apparently leading Apple to discontinue the iPad Mini going forward.

KitGuru Says: The original iPad Mini and iPad Mini 2 were both seen as good value at the time. However, things have changed significantly since then, especially with the Plus-sized iPhone now being so popular. Do you guys prefer smaller sized tablets? Do you think there is still a market for them, even with larger smartphones becoming the norm?

The post Apple may refresh its MacBooks next month but the iPad Mini is on the chopping block first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-may-refresh-its-macbooks-next-month-but-the-ipad-mini-is-on-the-chopping-block/feed/ 2
Microsoft continues to tempt Mac users with Surface devices https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/microsoft-continues-to-tempt-mac-users-with-surface-devices/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/microsoft-continues-to-tempt-mac-users-with-surface-devices/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2016 16:11:51 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=314405 It seems like things are looking good for Microsoft and its Surface line-up as the company revealed this week that more people are switching to Surface than ever before. The company also claims that it is snapping up a lot of former Apple customers specifically, following the “disappointment of the new MacBook Pro”. In a …

The post Microsoft continues to tempt Mac users with Surface devices first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
It seems like things are looking good for Microsoft and its Surface line-up as the company revealed this week that more people are switching to Surface than ever before. The company also claims that it is snapping up a lot of former Apple customers specifically, following the “disappointment of the new MacBook Pro”.

In a self-congratulatory blog post today, Microsoft revealed that November has been the “best month ever” for Surface tablet sales, which is likely partially down to Black Friday deals on the Surface Pro 4. However, aside from it being deal season, Microsoft cites another key reason for high sales- a lot of Mac users are switching.

surface-book-hero

“Our trade-in program for MacBooks was our best ever, and the combination of excitement for the innovation of Surface coupled with the disappointment of the new MacBook Pro – especially among professionals – is leading more and more people to make the switch to Surface”.

Microsoft didn't provide any specific figures for its claims but given the issues some users are currently facing with the new MacBook Pro, alongside some questionable design choices it is easy to see why some may be disappointed in Apple's latest flagship laptop.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Microsoft's Surface line-up has generated a lot of buzz this year. The tablets are continuing to do well, the Surface Book was a very impressive bit of tech, the Surface Hub has launched and soon, Microsoft's Surface Dial and Surface Studio will join the roster. Do any of you own a Surface device? Have you been happy with it?

The post Microsoft continues to tempt Mac users with Surface devices first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/microsoft-continues-to-tempt-mac-users-with-surface-devices/feed/ 4
AMD’s new mobile GPUs for MacBooks aren’t that powerful https://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/jon-martindale/amds-new-mobile-gpus-for-macbooks-arent-that-powerful/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/jon-martindale/amds-new-mobile-gpus-for-macbooks-arent-that-powerful/#comments Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:38:29 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=309994 Despite what the adverts would have us believe, the real fundamental differences between Windows based PCs and Macs, aren't all that stark. One area where they are though, is in graphical power and the latest generation of MacBooks continues that tradition. They pack in AMD's new Radeon Pro 4XX mobile chips and while fine for …

The post AMD’s new mobile GPUs for MacBooks aren’t that powerful first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Despite what the adverts would have us believe, the real fundamental differences between Windows based PCs and Macs, aren't all that stark. One area where they are though, is in graphical power and the latest generation of MacBooks continues that tradition. They pack in AMD's new Radeon Pro 4XX mobile chips and while fine for media, they won't be very good for gaming.

This new line up of Polaris mobile graphics chips is made up of the Radeon Pro 450, 455 and 460, built on the 14nm FinFET process used in the creation of the RX 480 and similar. In terms of raw performance they are more akin to a RX 450, considering the RX 460 desktop card is nearly 30 per cent more powerful than the top end version.

In specifications released by AMD (via Ars), the Radeon 450 Pro is capable of just one teraflop of computing power. To give this some context, the RX 460 desktop GPU produces 2.2 teraflops. A several-generations-old Radeon 5870 produces 2.7 teraflops. While these mobile chips aren't designed to act like desktop graphics cards, you would assume they'd be able to compete with a high-end card that's half a decade old.

macbookpolaris

AMD/Apple suggest that this new line of MacBooks with Polaris hardware are great for creatives

The big advantage with AMD's new RX series mobile GPUs though is of course power draw. While their desktop counterparts might be quite energy efficient, they can still pull as much as 75 watts of power. In comparison, these new Pro GPUs can operate at under 35w, which should help preserve battery life.

In reality, while these chips will let you do some gaming, you'll need to keep settings low and they won't be very impressive a couple of years down the road.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: I almost shudder to think what an Apple gaming laptop would cost. It would probably be like buying a desktop from PC world: mid-range GPU, high-end prices. 

The post AMD’s new mobile GPUs for MacBooks aren’t that powerful first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/jon-martindale/amds-new-mobile-gpus-for-macbooks-arent-that-powerful/feed/ 19
Microsoft wants to help Mac users switch to Surface Book https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/notebook/matthew-wilson/microsoft-wants-to-help-mac-users-to-switch-to-surface-book/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/notebook/matthew-wilson/microsoft-wants-to-help-mac-users-to-switch-to-surface-book/#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2015 10:23:40 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=273231 Microsoft officially announced its Surface Book laptop earlier this month, featuring Intel's Skylake processors and a custom Nvidia GPU. At the time, Microsoft compared its new offering to the Macbook Pro and now, it is targeting Apple users once again with the launch of a site aimed at helping OS X users switch over to …

The post Microsoft wants to help Mac users switch to Surface Book first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Microsoft officially announced its Surface Book laptop earlier this month, featuring Intel's Skylake processors and a custom Nvidia GPU. At the time, Microsoft compared its new offering to the Macbook Pro and now, it is targeting Apple users once again with the launch of a site aimed at helping OS X users switch over to Windows 10 on the Surface Book.

Apple has put a lot of effort in to things like trackpad gestures and shortcuts with OS X and over time, we have seen similar features begin to make their way in to Windows. Microsoft's new site shows off some of the Surface Book's shortcuts and trackpad changes.

mac-pc_1x

Aside from information on how to properly use and navigate Windows 10, Microsoft has also provided advice for those wanting to migrate their files, emails, photos or videos over from OS X to Windows.  The whole thing seems to call back to one of Apple's own campaigns called ‘Switch', which was aimed at convincing Windows users to switch to Mac many years ago. Now the tables have turned and Microsoft is trying to win over Apple users.

For those who aren't so familiar with the Surface Book, it is Microsoft's latest entry to the Surface line of products. Like the Surface tablets, the Book can be used in tablet or laptop mode, though the keyboard and trackpad docking station is much more premium. It uses an Nvidia Maxwell GPU with 1GB of VRAM, a choice between an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 Skylake CPU and 16GB of RAM for all of those Chrome tabs. There is also 1TB of storage so you should have plenty of room.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The Microsoft Surface Book was one of the company's more exciting announcements this year. However, I do wonder if those invested in the Mac ecosystem would be convinced to make the switch. Do any of you happen to use OS X on a regular basis? I have a Macbook Pro myself for my portable computing needs but I spend most of my time on Windows at my PC. 

The post Microsoft wants to help Mac users switch to Surface Book first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/notebook/matthew-wilson/microsoft-wants-to-help-mac-users-to-switch-to-surface-book/feed/ 1
Apple: We will not merge iOS and Mac OS X operating systems https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/anton-shilov/apple-we-will-not-merge-ios-and-mac-os-x-operating-systems/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/anton-shilov/apple-we-will-not-merge-ios-and-mac-os-x-operating-systems/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2015 22:59:35 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=270152 Even though Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro will overlap with the company’s MacBook laptops in the market because it will essentially target the same audience with similar capabilities, Apple does not want to merge the two operating systems into one in a bid to provide unified user experience. Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple, believes …

The post Apple: We will not merge iOS and Mac OS X operating systems first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Even though Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro will overlap with the company’s MacBook laptops in the market because it will essentially target the same audience with similar capabilities, Apple does not want to merge the two operating systems into one in a bid to provide unified user experience. Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple, believes that the company should continue to offer two platforms that are tailored for different usage models.

“We don't believe in having one operating system for PC and mobile,” said Tim Cook during a fireside chat with Aaron Levie, CEO of Box, a company that provides cloud storage for businesses, reports Cnet News. “We think it subtracts from both, and you don't get the best experience from either. We are very much focused on two.”

apple_mac_macintosh_iphone_ipad_all_products

Microsoft Corp.’s latest Windows 10 operating system is designed to run on PCs, tablets, smartphones and other devices. Microsoft believes that one platform with similar user experience is better for the consumer. For example, a number of PC makers have introduced hybrid 2-in-1 personal computers with detachable keyboards, which can be used as PCs and as tablets, which means that the OS should support both usage models. Google is also working on unification of the Android and the Chrome OS. However, Apple has turned down possible ideas of introducing Macs with touchscreens.

“We don't think [touch] the right interface [for PCs], honestly,” said Mr. Cook. “Mac is sort of a sit-down experience.”

apple_ipad_pro_hq_1

Although Apple has no plans to merge its two operating systems into one, it brings features from PCs to mobile devices and wise versa. For example, it is possible to answer a phone call from a MacBook without even touching an iPhone. It is also possible to work on the same things on Macs and mobile devices from Apple virtually simultaneously.

“Apple continues to see the need for a continuum of experience but not a need for both experiences to merge if that means there is a compromise to make,” said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst with Kantar Worldpanel. “I think that is the right approach.”

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: One operating system across different products has both pros and cons. On the one hand, it is easier to develop and maintain one operating system that works on everything. However, launching desktop applications on mobile devices means poor user experience. Moreover, testing all the combinations of hardware and software is a very expensive and time-consuming process, if a company wants to guarantee excellent experience and performance to its clients. PCs are better controlled using keyboards and mice, but for mobile devices touch-screens are more efficient, unless you type a lot. On the other hand, convergence of different mobile devices is inevitable and it looks like physical keyboards will not last forever…

The post Apple: We will not merge iOS and Mac OS X operating systems first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/anton-shilov/apple-we-will-not-merge-ios-and-mac-os-x-operating-systems/feed/ 4
Apple is reinventing the headphone jack https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-is-reinventing-the-headphone-jack/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-is-reinventing-the-headphone-jack/#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2015 11:28:25 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=269670 Apple is once again attempting to reinvent connectors for its devices. The company has a long history with proprietary connectors, we have seen the 30-pin dock connector on older iPhones and iPods, we have seen the Lightning connector and now, Apple is trying its hand at reinventing the headphone jack. In an effort to create …

The post Apple is reinventing the headphone jack first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
Apple is once again attempting to reinvent connectors for its devices. The company has a long history with proprietary connectors, we have seen the 30-pin dock connector on older iPhones and iPods, we have seen the Lightning connector and now, Apple is trying its hand at reinventing the headphone jack.

In an effort to create even thinner devices, Apple has filed a patent for a new type of headphone jack, which will measure in at 2.5mm thanks to a new D-shape connector. The patent was initially found by Apple Insider and the connector works exactly the same as other 2.5mm and 3.5mm connectors that we are used to.

Apple Patent
The smaller profile connector will allow Apple to cut down on device thickness once again, which is one of Apple's primary design focusses these days. Unfortunately, this likely won't do wonders for battery life, though Apple has found a way to very thin stack batteries, as seen in ‘the new Macbook'.

So from this, we can expect next year's iPhone to be very thin. We will have to wait and see what that means for other features and most importantly, battery life.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Proprietary connectors are never a good thing when compatibility is concerned. It will be interesting to see if Apple goes ahead with this on the iPhone 7 and how people react to being told that their own headphones won't work without an additional adapter. 

The post Apple is reinventing the headphone jack first appeared on KitGuru.]]>
https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-is-reinventing-the-headphone-jack/feed/ 14