Satechi launches elegant 2-in-1 USB-C charger for Apple Watch and AirPods
Living in Apple's ecosystem is a very rewarding experience. I know it is a cliché, but "it just works" is the truth. Are Apple products perfect and without issues? No. But when all of your gear is from Apple, it often works together brilliantly. An iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods together, for instance, is a trio that creates beautiful synergy -- especially when away from home.
If you are a road-warrior with both an Apple Watch and AirPods, Satechi has a new charger that you must check out. The elegant 2-in-1 USB-C charger connects to either a MacBook or iPad with USB Type-C ports and provides a mini charging pad that accommodates both AirPods or Apple Watch. Its small size makes it perfect to just toss in a bag. Best of all, since it charges both devices, you can potentially carry fewer chargers and ultimately reduce clutter.
Linux sudo vulnerability also affects macOS
We recently wrote about a serious vulnerability in the sudo tool which could be used to gain root access to Linux systems. Now a security researcher has found that the security flaw also affects macOS Big Sur -- including on new M1 Macs.
The Baron Samedit vulnerability -- or CVE-2021-3156 -- is a heap-based buffer overflow bug that was discovered by cybersecurity firm Qualys. While it was initially thought to only affect Linux systems, researcher Matthew Hickey (who also goes by the name Hacker Fantastic) found that macOS is also vulnerable with only very minor changes needed to the original exploit.
Apple warns that iPhone 12 handset could be dangerous for some users
Apple has issued an extended warning that the additional magnets found in iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max as well as MagSafe accessories could pose a risk to people with pacemakers and defibrillators.
The company had previously acknowledged the potential for the magnets to interfere with certain implanted medical equipment, but has now gone further in explaining the risk and offering advice. Apple says that distancing is important, particularly when charging wirelessly.
Microsoft ad claims the Surface Pro 7 is a better choice than a MacBook Pro
There has always been a healthy rivalry between Microsoft and Apple, and with a new ad, the Windows maker is spoiling for a fight -- a Surface Pro 7 vs MacBook Pro fight.
The ad sees Microsoft making the bold claim that its self-produced Surface Pro 7 is a better device -- and a better choice -- than Apple's MacBook Pro. One of the key arguments Microsoft uses is that its own device is much cheaper, helped by the fact that there is a special deal available at the moment.
Apple blocks sideloading of iOS apps on M1 Macs
The arrival of Apple's M1 chips opened up the possibility of running iPhone and iPad apps under macOS. Running natively in this way is reliant on developers making the necessary changes to their creations which can then be installed via the Mac App Store.
But, of course, not all developers are willing or able to make the necessary updates and so their apps have not been available in the App Store. However, many people have been side-stepping this obstacle by sideloading unsupported apps. Having noticed this activity, Apple has intervened and blocked such sideloading.
Satechi launches a quartet of backlit Mac keyboards and an aluminum iPad stand
Last year, Apple released new Mac computers powered by the company's own M1 processors. Not only are there new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops, but a new Mac mini desktop too. I am fascinated by the new Apple Silicon processors, so last week, I bought my very own Mac mini. Guess what? It is a phenomenal computer that I love very much so far.
The problem with the Mac mini, however, is it doesn't come with a keyboard or mouse. This is by design, as Apple hopes Windows users will replace their current desktops with the little Mac -- simply reusing existing keyboards, mice, and monitors. Unfortunately, a Windows keyboard is not ideal for a Mac. Will it work? Yes, but it doesn't have the exact same keys, such as "COMMAND." And so, Mac mini buyers would be wise to buy a Mac keyboard.
Apple is offering free screen replacements for iPhones with touch issues
If you have an iPhone with a screen which has become unresponsive to touch, you might be in line for a free replacement.
Apple has launched a new display module replacement program for iPhone 11 handsets. The company says that it is only this model of iPhone that is affected, and in order to qualify for a free replacement, the handset needs to have been produced between November 2019 and May 2020.
Logitech Circle View Doorbell only works with Apple HomeKit
Video doorbells are friggin' awesome. For my home, I rely on the Arlo smart doorbell and I couldn't be happier with it. Arlo's offering was very easy to install, but more importantly, it lets me know when there is any activity at my front door, such as food delivery people, packages, the occasional nighttime raccoon, and more. For a few dollars a month, I can even save recordings to the cloud.
Of course, not all video doorbells are the same. For instance, you should avoid Amazon's Ring Doorbells as there are too many privacy red flags surrounding it. While Arlo is great, another respected company is getting into the doorbell game. You see, Logitech has launched the Circle View Doorbell, and it looks like a solid product. Unfortunately, it only works with Apple HomeKit, meaning Android users should look elsewhere.
Apple AirPods Max are wireless headphones for rich people that don't value money
Are you rich? Me neither. While I am not poor, I work hard for my money, and I am not about to waste it on frivolous things. So when I saw the price of Apple's new AirPods Max wireless headphones, I nearly fainted. Are you ready for this, folks? The company is asking $550! Seriously. Oh, Apple...
Don't get me wrong, they actually look like nice over-ear headphones. I really like the design; they look well-made and comfortable. And of course, Apple has all kinds of fancy technology to try and justify the asking price. But let's cut out the marketing for a moment and be honest -- you'd be a fool to spend so much money. Hell, these beautiful Audio-Techinca Bluetooth headphones can be had for less than a third of the price!
Early adopters of iOS 14.2 report iPhone battery drain
It's only a matter of weeks since Apple agreed to pay out $133 million following the batterygate scandal that saw the performance of older iPhones being throttled. Now it looks as though the company could have another battery issue on its hands.
An increasing number of users who jumped to install iOS 14.2 are reporting that their iPhones are losing battery power very quickly. A similar problem is also being reported by people who have installed iPadOS 14.2.
Satechi launches USB-C Magnetic Wireless Charging Cable for Apple iPhone 12
With the iPhone 12 series of smartphones, Apple went all-in on magnets with its all-new MagSafe technology. I say "all-new" as it is not the same MagSafe used in older MacBook computers -- Apple is simply reusing the name. This new MagSafe is essentially a "wireless" charger (with a wire) that connects to the back of the iPhone magnetically. It's kind of weird, and sort of cool, but yeah, it requires an iPhone 12.
With all of that said, popular accessory-maker Satechi has its own MagSafe-compatible cable on the way. While it looks nicely made, I am not entirely sure why it exists. It is $10 less than Apple's version, which is appreciated, but it apparently maxes out at 7.5 watts -- half the potential wattage of Apple's model (I have reached out to the company to clarify). The Satechi Magnetic Wireless Charging Cable is about 2-feet longer, however.
Developers manage to run Windows 10 and Linux on M1 Macs
The launch of Apple's new range of Macs with its own M1 chips was met with excitement -- and benchmarks showed great performance even from base models. There was just one problem for some people: an inability to run Windows.
For anyone used to running Windows alongside macOS -- and, for that matter, Linus Torvalds and his desire to run Linux on an M1 MacBook Air -- there's good news. A team of developers have been able to get both Windows 10 and Linux running on Apple silicon.
Linus Torvalds wants Linux running on Apple's new M1 Macs
When Apple launched its new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and Mac Mini systems, there was much excitement about the performance boost the M1 chips are bringing to the table.
People who have been running Windows and Windows apps on Macs, however, are less happy due to the lack of support for Boot Camp, and the lack of M1-ready virtualization software from the likes of Parallels. But what about the prospect of Linux on M1 Macs?
TCL MOVEAUDIO S150 Bluetooth earbuds cost much less than Apple AirPods
TCL is on a come-up in a big way. The company's televisions are wildly popular thanks to their low prices and excellent features, and its smartphones are disrupting the industry. For instance, the wonderful TCL 10 5G UW can be had for a song -- a mere $120 when you sign up for a Verizon Unlimited plan. That's definitely the best early Black Friday deal I have seen.
TCL is not only about smartphones and televisions, however. For instance, the company makes tablets too. Today, it launches new wireless earbuds that rival Apple AirPods at a fraction of the price. Called "MOVEAUDIO S150," these Bluetooth 5.0 earbuds are chock-full of cool features -- they are waterproof, have touch controls, and the charging case uses USB-C.
Batterygate: Apple to pay $113 million for throttling iPhone performance
Apple has agreed to pay $113 million as part of a settlement in Washington DC and 33 states over the "batterygate" scandal.
Starting back in 2016, Apple used updates to iOS to throttle the performance of older iPhones in a bid to improve battery life. While the company’s intensions may have been good, the fact that customers were not warned about the reduction in performance did not work in its favor.
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