Apple refreshes MacBook Air and MacBook Pro range with speed boosts

Apple refreshes MacBook Air and MacBook Pro range with speed boosts

If the Apple Watch and new MacBook were not enough, Apple had more hardware to reveal at today's launch event. In addition to the 'regular' MacBook (if such a word is really applicable), there was also the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display.

Key changes include the addition of a fifth generation Intel Core processor, improved battery life, and double-speed flash storage as well as the Force Touch trackpad. Updated 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Airs were also unveiled, with the larger model gaining a fifth generation Intel Core processor, Intel HD Graphics 6000, Thunderbolt 2, and faster storage.

apple watch steel

I should want an Apple Watch -- but I don't

I’m the target audience for the Apple Watch. I own an iPhone, and iPad, I’ve invested heavily in apps over the years, and I wear a watch so am used to glancing at my wrist when I want to see the time, rather than looking at my phone screen. The price doesn’t scare me off, either. Going into the Spring Forward event I was around 85 percent certain I would be buying an Apple Watch.

But now? Now I really don’t want one at all.

By Wayne Williams -
Apple announces all-new MacBook in gold, silver and space gray

Apple announces all-new MacBook in gold, silver and space gray

The highlight of today's Apple event was undoubtedly the Apple Watch, but there was also time to announce the all-new MacBook. The first and most obvious change is that this time around, Apple's laptop will be available in three different colors -- gold, silver and space gray.

Portability is very much the name of the game with this new release. The MacBook weighs in at a mere two pounds, and is just 13.1 mm thick -- including the wafer-thin display which measures less than 1 mm. This is the lightest MacBook ever and, like the Apple Watch, Apple is promising that you will get all day usage from a full battery charge.

Apple Watch

Will you buy Apple Watch -- yours from $349 to $10K-plus?

The long-hyped smartwatch from the maker of iPhone is now official. Apple takes preorders from April 10, and sales start 14 days later. For all the hype, the price is what really distinguishes the device, which will be available in aluminum, stainless steel, and solid gold—with the latter selling for minimum $10,000.

Apple Watch Sport is the lower-cost option in 38mm and 42mm cases, starting at $349 and $399, respectively. Apple Watch ranges from $549 to $1,049. Apple Watch Edition is the pricey one starting at $10K. At launch, the wristwear will be available in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States. Today's big question: Will you buy one? And which?

By Joe Wilcox -
Apple carves itself a niche the top of the market with Apple Watch

Apple carves itself a niche at the top of the market with Apple Watch

For many people, Apple has long been seen as a company that pumps out expensive products. Today this view was crystallized with the release of the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Edition, crafted from 18 karat gold has a starting price of $10,000. But if this is a little beyond your reach, there are other options to choose from.

Starting at the more reasonable $349 for a 38mm model, or $399 for the 42mm model, the aluminum Apple Watch Sport is the entry-level version and the one which is likely to sell in the greatest numbers. There's also the eponymous stainless steel Apple Watch which starts at $549 for the 38mm model and $599 for the larger version. Was it worth the wait? Tim Cook would certainly like you to think so.

Apple Watch app iOS 8.2

Apple releases iOS 8.2 -- here's what's new

As expected, at its Spring Forward press event, Apple today revealed more details about Apple Watch (be warned, it goes all the way up to $10k), and announced a new, lighter MacBook. But Apple also introduced iOS 8.2, which is needed to make use of the new wearable. Here is what the latest version brings to the table, starting with the Apple Watch connectivity.

After installing iOS 8.2, iPhone users will be able to pair, sync and configure Apple Watch from their smartphone, using the new Apple Watch app that is on the homescreen. Also, there's a new Activity app which shows up after pairing an Apple Watch, showing achievements and fitness data on iPhones. It should be said that Apple Watch only works with iPhone 5 and later models.

By Mihăiță Bamburic -
dreamstime_m_39828958

How crowdsourcing in Japan is changing ideas about work

Crowdsourcing has become something of a phenomenon in recent years. It has usurped traditional ways of finding work, gathering information and getting projects large and small off the ground.

The category can be segmented into sub-categories like "Crowdfunding" (Kickstarter, IndieGogo, Crowdcube), "Cloud Labor" (Elance, oDesk) and "Distributed Knowledge" (Wikipedia).

By Melissa Francis -
HBO Now

HBO announces HBO NOW streaming service -- exclusive to Apple at launch

The Apple 'Spring Forward' event is currently underway, and the first big announcement is that HBO NOW, the name of Home Box Office’s standalone premium streaming service, will be exclusive -- initially at least -- to Apple customers.

Similar to HBO GO, HBO NOW will offer more than 2,000 titles online and includes every episode of every season of its programming, including of course, Game of Thrones. It costs $14.99 a month and Apple customers who sign up in April can enjoy a 30-day free trial. It will be available to watch on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, or directly on Apple TV.

By Wayne Williams -
Apple Watch launches

Apple Watch launches -- Live blog

So, the clocks have sprung forward and Apple's event is now underway. We'll get to find out more about the highly anticipated Apple Watch, finding out all-important details such as how long the battery is going to last between charges.

The will no doubt be a few surprises along the way, but this is the first change we'll get to see if Apple is really in a position to take on Android Wear. Buckle up... here we go...

halo

Microsoft releases Xbox One Halo: The Master Chief Collection Bundle

I have wanted an Xbox One since launch, but have delayed my purchase for multiple reasons. I'm at the point now where we are too far removed from launch to pay full retail. In other words, for me to dive into Xbox One ownership, I need a deal.

Today, Microsoft announces a deal that may be hard to resist. The Xbox One Halo: The Master Chief Collection Bundle comes with four Halo games. The best part? The price remains the same -- $349. In other words, the games are free!

By Brian Fagioli -
Android Wear Ad

Google responds to Apple Watch

The newest Android "be together. not the same." commercial posted to YouTube today ahead of Apple's big smartwatch launch. The video series focuses on individuality and choice, which packs a little more punch for a wearable where one size likely won't fit all.

I like the background music, "On the Regular" by SHAMIR, in an advert by every measure focused on Apple Watch's presumed young and hipster crowd. You can be square, round, or whatever you want with Android Wear.

By Joe Wilcox -
Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge unboxing and hands-on videos

Samsung shows off the cameras in the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge with new video

Just recently Samsung held a big event at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. A whole lot of hoopla surrounded the launch of the two new Galaxy S6 phones, with plenty of news coverage both online and on TV.

Now Samsung is getting into the details about what you'll get with its latest handsets. The company has released a video meant to showcase the cameras built into these devices. There are a number of interesting features in this department.

By Alan Buckingham -
PCFerret200-175

Find hidden data on your computer with PCFerret

How well do you know your PC, the data it holds, how it’s really being used by others? PCFerret is a freeware tool for Windows Vista and later which claims it can help you find out.

Despite the intriguing pitch, PCFerret opens with a relatively ordinary system information report. It covers the core details you’d expect -- hardware, network, drive statistics, user accounts etc -- and can be saved to HTML for easy sharing, but it can’t compete with the more specialist competition.

By Mike Williams -
Cloud handshake collaboration

Clarizen strengthens integration with Box

Enterprise collaboration software specialist Clarizen is introducing enhanced integration between its product and cloud storage service Box, making it easier for businesses to manage and share materials.

Thanks to strengthened integration between the two cloud services, companies can now connect files and folders seamlessly between platforms, leading to increased productivity that drives business results.

By Ian Barker -
FotoSketcher

FotoSketcher gains amazing 'brushstrokes' effect

David Thoirin has announced the release of FotoSketcher 3.00, a freeware Windows application for transforming digital photos into works of art.

The headline addition this time is a new Painting 10 (brushstrokes) effect, which turns your source image into a painting -- complete with the look of layered brush strokes -- in a couple of clicks.

By Mike Williams -
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