macOS 10.15 Catalina is the most exciting version of Apple's operating system in years
So, like, here's the deal folks. macOS is a really great operating system, but it has gotten a bit stale in recent years. That isn't necessarily a bad thing -- the lack of excitement is largely due to the maturity of macOS. But also, it was because Apple wasn't paying as much attention to the desktop OS. And hey, I get it, iOS is the company's bread and butter. With that said, Mac users are a ferociously passionate bunch, so Apple made a big mistake by neglecting them -- especially as iPhone sales are slowing.
Thankfully, Apple has finally gotten the message from its loyal customers, and it has begun focusing on Mac again. The keyboard on its laptops are still a problem, but the iMac and even the Mac mini are now modern and well-received. Earlier today at WWDC, Apple even unveiled the upcoming redesigned Mac Pro, and it is a friggin' stunner! It is exactly what professional Mac users have wanted for years.
New version of Windows 95 runs faster on Windows 10, macOS and Linux
Windows 95 has been enjoying a little nostalgia-fueled revival recently. There have been concepts made for modern versions of the ancient OS on desktop and mobile and it’s even possible to give an Apple iPhone a Windows 95 makeover.
Last year, developer Felix Rieseberg released Windows 95 as an Electron app and he updated this a few months ago so it could run gaming classics like Doom. His latest update gives the OS a welcome performance boost.
The first Microsoft Edge preview build arrives for macOS -- this is why you should care
If you’re a Windows 10 user then you might be interested in -- or even excited for -- the next generation of Microsoft’s Edge browser which is being built around Chromium.
If you’re a Mac user, then you likely couldn’t care less about it. Still, Microsoft is hoping it can change your mind and today it introduces the first preview build for macOS.
Microsoft brings its Windows Defender antivirus software to Mac
In February, Microsoft announced Microsoft Threat Experts, a new service within Microsoft 365 Security designed to better protect businesses.
Today, the software giant extends its endpoint protection platform to Mac, and in keeping with that move renames the Windows Defender ATP platform to Microsoft Defender ATP.
Google Project Zero reveals 'high severity' macOS vulnerability that Apple has failed to patch
Google's Project Zero has gone public about a "high severity" flaw in the macOS kernel after Apple failed to patch it 90 days after being told about the problem.
A security researcher discovered a problem in XNU that means it is possible to perform malicious activities. The security bug related to copy-on-write (COW) behavior, enabling an attacker to manipulate filesystem images without the operating system being notified. Apple was informed of the vulnerability back in November, but has failed to release a patch.
Developer launches new version of Windows 95 that runs under Windows 10, macOS and Linux
Who doesn't feel a little nostalgic from time to time? Progress is great, but sometimes it's nice to look back at how things used to be -- even if it's only to laugh at how different and primitive things used to be. The world of computing is no different in this regard.
Last year, developer Felix Rieseberg released Windows 95 as an Electron app to let 90s computer users relive their younger years. Now he's back with a second version of the Windows 95 app, and it's even better than ever -- gaming classics such as Doom and Wolfenstein3D are now included, for starters!
KeySteal: huge macOS vulnerability can be exploited to reveal keychain passwords
A disgruntled security researcher has revealed a one-click exploit that takes advantage of a macOS vulnerability to reveal all of the passwords stored in a Mac's keychain.
Linus Henze developed an exploit tool called KeySteal that uses a 0-day bug to extract keychain passwords on macOS Mojave and older. He stresses that neither root access nor administrator privileges are required, and no password prompts are generated by the tool. Henze is not going to help Apple to fix the problem because the company does not offer a bug bounty program for macOS.
Microsoft Office for macOS getting dark mode
One of the coolest new features of macOS Mojave is dark mode. As the name implies, it quite literally allows the user to make a system-wide switch to a darker interface. It works quite well, but unfortunately, app developers have to take advantage of it in their code -- their programs will not support dark mode by default. This means that even when you turn dark mode on, some apps will look out of place. Yeah, that inconsistency kind of stinks, but luckily, many developers -- not all -- have been updating their software to support the feature.
One huge app in particular is still not updated -- Microsoft Office. Regardless of what you think of the Windows-maker, it cannot be denied that Office is outstanding. It is still the best office suite after all these years. On macOS Mojave and later, it will be getting even better, as Microsoft is planning to introduce dark mode to Office at some point in the future. As is typical with the company, the feature will first be given to "Insiders" (aka free beta testers).
Accell launches Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station for Windows 10 and macOS
For a while, it was hard to find a decent Thunderbolt 3 docking station. Oh, there were plenty of USB-C docks, but believe me, other than sharing a connector type, they are nowhere near as good as TB3 variants. From my experience, USB-C models can be a bit problematic -- especially with macOS.
Nowadays, however, there are many Thunderbolt 3 docks on the market. Today, Accell -- a company known for selling quality products at affordable prices -- launches a TB3 dock that looks quite beautiful and futuristic. Rather than being a simple rectangle, it slopes downward on the front. This is not just for looks -- it is designed to prop up the laptop for better viewing and typing angles.
Apple releases first macOS 10.14 Mojave public beta
Having released the first public beta of iOS 12, Apple has done the same for macOS 10.14 Mojave. As with the public beta of its mobile operating system, this public build of Mojave is free for anyone to try out -- there's no need to be a paid-up member of the developer program.
There's quite a lot to look forward to in this latest version of macOS, but what seems to be causing the most excitement is the introduction of dark mode. If you want to see what all the fuss is about -- and find out if it lives up to the hype -- you can download macOS 10.14 Mojave for free.
Leaked video shows Apple News, Xcode 10 and dark mode in macOS 10.14
A developer discovered a video on Apple servers that not only shows Xcode 10 running on macOS 10.14, but also reveals a dark mode as well as an icon for the Mac News app nestling in the Dock. The leak comes just days ahead of this year's WWDC.
Steven Troughton-Smith found the video in an API for the Mac App Store backend, and leaked his findings to an eager audience. Coming direct from Apple's servers, this leak is something of a rarity as it gives a glimpse of what's coming up in macOS pretty much direct from the horse's mouth.
Will iOS and macOS converge? Don't hold your breath...
Apple has no plans to merge iOS and macOS, with Tim Cook explaining: "I don't think that's what users want."
This runs counter to rumors and speculation that have circulated in recent years, but in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald Cook makes it clear that the two operating system will remain distinct entities.
Apple encourages the switch to 64-bit with 'not optimized for Mac' message
Today Apple started its push of 64-bit apps. The company's desire to banish 32-bit software and move everyone to modern, 64-bit versions is no secret and now it is starting the process of encouraging people to make the switch.
With macOS High Sierra 10.13.4, messages will start to appear when 32-bit apps are run. They say "[app name] is not optimized for Mac" and they only appear once so as not to be a pest, but it's a gentle nudge for users and developers alike that the future for Apple is very much going to be based on 64-bits.
Apple could drop Intel and start making its own chips for Macs
Apple could be planning to ditch Intel and start to manufacture its own chips for Macs by 2020, according to a new report.
The move would be in line with what the company has done for iPhones and iPads -- the A11 Bionic chips are already designed in-house. Intel's share price dropped by 6 percent as the rumors of the plan came out.
Twitter kills its Mac app, and that's a good thing
In 2016, I bought my very first Mac -- a beautiful MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. Since then, the laptop and I have been inseparable. The computer comes with me when I go to, say, a coffee shop, but it also serves as my desktop when I am home by connecting to a large monitor, keyboard, and mouse. In other words, I love the computer, but also, I really admire macOS.
When I first began using the Mac, I downloaded a bunch of software I thought I would enjoy. As a big Twitter user, I obviously installed the official app for that social network. You know what? It sucked. I tried to make it work, but ultimately, using a web browser was just a much better experience. On any desktop operating system, users are wise to use a browser. Let's be honest -- Twitter apps are best saved for smartphones and tablets. Twitter the company apparently agrees, as today, it officially kills the Mac app.
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