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Google’s Apple jack attack comes full circle
What’s that smell? Is that a steaming pot of hypocrisy someone left on the back burner on high? Why, so it is!
The Verge tells us what’s cooking at Google.
“After roasting Apple about headphone jacks, Google quietly dumps it from Pixel 6A” (Tip o’ the antlers to Tay.)
Well, this is just shocking. If you can’t trust advertising, what can you trust?
Google: “Ha, get a lot of these guys taking the headphone jack off their phones! Our phones proudly have headphone jacks!”
Also Google: “Gerry, get me design, pronto.”
If you’re playing along at home you might recall that this is not the first company to first mock Apple for getting rid of the headphone jack and then doing the exact same thing later. Three years ago it was Samsung.
“Samsung ditches headphone jack after jabs at jackless rivals”
And, yes, Jackless Rivals is the name of the Macalope’s indy alternative band. You probably haven’t heard of us. We’re pretty subversive. (“Subversive” means “We can’t get booked anywhere because we don’t know how to play instruments”, right?)
The funny thing is, though, not only did Samsung do the same thing before, Google itself did the same thing before, as The Verge notes.
In an ad for the very first Pixel — released in 2016, the same year as the iPhone 7 — Google noted this key feature: “3.5mm headphone jack satisfyingly not new.” But the headphone jack was gone from the Pixel 2 released just a year later.
Google must be really packing on the pounds what with all this having cake and eating it, too.
“Oh, nur, I couvn’t prossibly eaf any murr.” [shoves cake in mouth and pockets]
IDG
It’s one thing to make fun of something when don’t currently have plans to do the exact same thing, and in 2016 Google probably didn’t. They’d rather wait and see if Apple could get away with it. But it’s another to have a phone on the drawing table without a headphone jack while at the same time running ads saying how awesome headphone jacks are.
Steve Jobs was no stranger to deriding something a competitor’s device had and then later adding it to Apple’s offering. Although, when he said “If you see a stylus, they blew it” he was probably referring to a stylus that was less than $90. Probably, right? Still, the company has rarely run an ad campaign deriding a competitor for a feature and then implemented that same feature less than a year later.
It was dumb when Apple lauded itself for its “bravery” in removing the headphone jack. But it’s undeniable that Apple has a leadership position in design in the smartphone industry and if you didn’t think other vendors would soon follow suit and also remove the headphone jack, well, then you don’t know headphone jack about how the smartphone industry works.
Apple finally patches months-old security flaws in Big Sur, Catalina
Along with macOS Monterey 12.4, which brought the first non-beta version of Universal Control and refinements for the Studio Display’s webcam, Apple released Big Sur 11.6.6 and Security Update 2022-004 Catalina Monday to patch numerous flaws and vulnerabilities, some of which were patched months ago in Monterey.
Among the dozens of updates are several that “may lead to arbitrary code execution,” which are among the highest risk vulnerabilities. Two of the patches arrived in March with macOS Monterey 12.3.1 and had previously been known to have possibly been exploited:
- AppleAVD
- Available for: macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur
- Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
- Description: An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking.
- Graphics Drivers
- Available for: macOS Big Sur
- Impact: A local user may be able to read kernel memory.
- Description: An out-of-bounds read issue existed that led to the disclosure of kernel memory. This was addressed with improved input validation.
In addition, there are numerous other security patches related to a range of macOS functions, including Intel Graphics Driver, Kernel, OpenSSL, Printing, Wi-Fi, and WebKit. You can read the full range of updates on Apple’s security page.
We recommend updating your Mac as soon as possible. To update macOS Big Sur or Catalina, go to System Preferences, then Software Update and follow the prompts to download and install the update.
For advice on how to keep your Mac secure read: How secure is a Mac? Best Mac security settings
Best MagSafe chargers
We’ve rounded up the best MagSafe and MagSafe-compatible chargers, from the plain to the multi-functional and even the most colorful.
Apple’s MagSafe technology presents a more efficient way of wirelessly charging compatible iPhones.
MagSafe is the ring of magnets around the iPhone 12 and 13’s internal charging coil, which senses compatible accessories and magnetically snaps securely into place with the right accessories.
MagSafe is supported by all models of iPhone 12 and iPhone 13. It allows certified and compatible accessories to magnetically clamp to the back of the iPhone, creating a strong and less wasteful connection.
MagSafe charging can be twice as fast as standard Qi wireless charging for a number of reasons.
First, it supports 15W iPhone charging, compared to the usual 7.5W from a Qi charger; note, though, that this is 12W for the iPhone 12/13 mini.
Standard non-MagSafe magnetic chargers – also known as MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers – are limited to 7.5W.
In our tests, MagSafe speeds slowed to under 10W once the iPhone reached 50 percent charged.
That’s still faster than the compatible chargers but the speed benefit of certified MagSafe isn’t quite as stark as the simple numbers suggest.
Second, the connection is much more precise than what you get from just placing your phone on top of a non-magnetic wireless charging pad. Wireless charging is inefficient, losing as much as 50% of its power through poor placement and a handful of environmental factors. With MagSafe’s optimum positioning, that wireless inefficiency is more like 30% wastage compared to cabled charging via Lightning.
And you’re less likely to wake up to find your phone wasn’t correctly placed so didn’t charge at all!
Why wireless?
Wireless charging is convenient and fine for situations when you don’t need a super-fast recharge.
If you’re leaving your home in 20 minutes and need as much juice as possible, plug in the Lightning cable as even a 12W USB charger can power up an iPhone a third faster than wireless, and 50% faster if you use a 20W USB-C-to-Lightning PD charger.
It is less wearing than constantly inserting a cable into your phone, and more reliable as that vulnerable Lightning port can fill with fluff and dust after all the time spent in your trouser pocket or bag and it’s one of the most common reasons that an iPhone refuses to charge even when connected with a cable.
It’s easy to clean with a toothpick (but please do it softly!) but will affect most of us at some time.
Wireless charging isn’t affected by the build-up of dust and fluff in the phone port and is also less vulnerable to oxidation and corrosion.
With wireless, you don’t have to remember to run around trying to find who’s taken your Lightning cable, and it’s certainly a lot neater.
Of course, wireless charging is not really wireless, unless you are using a portable MagSafe battery pack. The MagSafe charger is still connected by a cable to your wall charger; it’s just the connection to the phone that is properly wireless.
MagSafe certification
Apple certifies MagSafe accessories with its Made for iPhone (MFI) badge. This ensures that the output charging is 15W, compared to non-certified but MagSafe-compatible Qi chargers that are usually just 7.5W.
Certified MagSafe chargers also have a single-wire NFC antenna that allows the iPhone to identify the device, a built-in magnetometer, and a compass to prevent interference while you are using your iPhone while it’s charging.
Don’t rule out mere MagSafe-compatible chargers as they are often high quality and nearly always noticeably cheaper. “MagSafe compatible” is used widely to mean any accessory that includes a bunch of magnets.
Outside of Apple’s own products and a couple from favored accessory maker Belkin, there aren’t a lot of MFI-certified MagSafe chargers to choose from anyway. These two companies have the certified market sewn up.
Choose a well-respected brand, such as Anker, and you’ll get a quality product.
While super-cheap charging cables should be avoided as they can be unsafe, compatible wireless charging is inherently safer due to the technology. But we’d still stay clear from something that looks too cheap.
And, of course, the iPhone 12 and 13 models work with non-magnetic chargers, too; check out our roundup of the best wireless chargers for iPhone.
Multi-device magnetic chargers
The most basic form of MagSafe or magnetic charger is the simple pad that latches on to the compatible iPhone. Some pads feature a pop-out arm so the iPhone can be propped up while charging.
There are also products that can charge an iPhone and other Apple devices, such as an Apple Watch or wireless AirPods charging case at the same time.
Note that the AirPods case must be of the wireless variety, and the original AirPods case lacked this functionality.
These multi-device chargers come in either flat pad form or as more vertical stands.
What else you need
Some MagSafe chargers come with their own wall charger, but most require you to add your own. Apple recommends at least a 20W USB-C power adapter (wall-socket charger) and we agree. You won’t get over 15W charging power from the MagSafe charger to the iPhone, but 20W all but guarantees you’ll get as much power as you can.
The Anker Nano II 30W Fast Charger is one of our favorites, and we have tested the best wall chargers to help you choose a recommended solution.
Apple MagSafe Charger – Best simple MagSafe charger if you must buy Apple
Pros
- 15W
- MagSafe certified
Cons
- Short cable
Output charging: 15W
Cable: 1m (3.3ft)
Wall charger: Not included
Colors: White
The most obvious MagSafe Charger to buy for your Apple iPhone is, of course, the Apple MagSafe Charger. It’s the charger that Apple would have shipped with the iPhone if it did such things anymore.
It’s as minimalist a design as you’d expect from Apple – it looks a lot like the Apple Watch Charger.
You can also use it to charge your AirPods.
Its main advantage over the non-certified competition is its 15W charging power. It’s still half as fast as using a Lightning cable but more convenient when you’re not in a desperate rush.
But it’s not perfect. The charger is too small and light to stay on the desk when you pick up your iPhone, making it a poor wireless charging pad. The 1m cable is far too short to comfortably charge and use your iPhone at the same time.
Don’t forget that it still requires a USB-C wall charger (at least 20W recommended if you want the full 15W potential).
Belkin Boost Up Charge Pro Wireless Charger Pad with MagSafe – Best simple MagSafe charger
Pros
- 15W
- MagSafe certified
- Kickstand
- Long, strong cable
Cons
- More expensive than Apple charger!
MagSafe: Certified
Output charging: 15W
Cable: 2m (6.6ft)
Wall charger: Not included
Colors: Black, White
Available in two predictable colors, the Belkin MagSafe Charger Pad is as fast as Apple’s Charger and comes with a longer cable and handy pop-up stand.
The cable is twice as long as Apple’s, which makes using the phone much easier when charging. It’s also thicker nylon-braided cable with a handy integrated silicone cable tie.
It is pricier than Apple, which is a surprise, so you’re paying a premium for the longer premium cable and the kickstand but we think it’s worth the extra if you must have a certified 15W MagSafe charger.
You can buy direct from Belkin with a 27W power adapter included or just on its own if you already have a wall charger to use.
Anker PowerWave Magnetic Pad – Best budget magnetic charger
Pros
- Inexpensive
Cons
- 7.5W
Output charging: 7.5W
Cable: 1.5m (5ft)
Wall charger: Not included
Colors: White
Another basic magnetic charger, Anker’s PowerWave Magnetic Pad works just like the Apple and Belkin chargers, but at the lower 7.5W as it’s not officially certified by Apple.
It works just fine, though, and is one of the cheaper premium magnetic chargers.
The cable is a decent length at 1.5m.
ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Charger – Best budget magnetic charger with kickstand
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Kickstand
- Color options
Cons
- 7.5W
MagSafe: Compatible
Output charging: 7.5W
Cable: 1.5m (5ft)
Wall charger: Not included
Colors: White, Black, Blue, Pink
This is a small, simple magnetic charging pad that has a kickstand that lets you prop your attached iPhone 12/13 up either in landscape or portrait mode for video viewing or hands-free FaceTime calls.
The cable length is reasonable at 1.5m.
It’s available in four colors, so is wildly more flamboyant than the other magnetic wireless chargers tested here.
Belkin Magnetic Portable Wireless Charger Pad – Best budget magnetic charger with 2m cable
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Long cable
Cons
- 7.5W
Output charging: 7.5W
Cable: 2m (6.6ft)
Wall charger: Not included
Colors: Black, White
Belkin doesn’t just make MagSafe chargers; it has a range of compatible magnetic products, too.
Its low-end Magnetic Charger Pad is not as fast as Apple’s Charger as it’s one of the non-MagSafe-certified products, but it is cheaper and comes with a cable that is twice as long as Apple’s, which gives you more flexibility depending on the distance of your power socket to where is most convenient for you for charging. It also features a handy cord wrap.
An LED indicates if there’s any charging interruption from another object that maybe could harm your phone.
If you don’t mind the slower 7.5W charging, this is an affordable solution that beats the official Apple product with its longer cable.
Belkin Boost Up Charge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand – Best 2-in-1 MagSafe charger
Pros
- 2-in-1 charging
- 15W
- Includes charger
Cons
- AirPod LED can't be turned off
MagSafe: Certified
Output charging: 15W
Cable: 1.2 m (4ft)
Wall charger: 40W AC power adapter
Colors: Black, White
As an officially MFi-certified MagSafe charger, the Belkin Charge Pro hits the 15W heights just like the Apple chargers.
Like Apple’s own Duo Charger it can simultaneously power up your AirPods at 5W on its Qi circular base, plus it has the bonus of being a stand that can hold the iPhone in either portrait or landscape mode with its stable weighted base.
It’s a bit plasticky but still looks suitably Apple-ish, and it beats the Apple 2-in-1 on price.
A small LED shows whether the placed AirPods case is wirelessly charging.
Anker PowerWave Magnetic 2-in-1 Stand – Best budget 2-in-1 magnetic stand
Pros
- 2-in-1 charging
- Inexpensive
Cons
- 7.5W
MagSafe: Compatible
Output charging: 7.5W
Cable: 1.2 m (4ft)
Wall charger: Not included
Colors: White
Built to charge both an iPhone 12/13 and wireless AirPod case charger, the Anker PowerWave isn’t MFi certified and therefore doesn’t reach the 15W phone charging heights of the Apple.
Its 7.5W charging is fine if you have the time; if you’re in a real hurry you’d be better off using a cable than using a 15W certified MagSafe charger anyway.
The AirPods are charged at 5W, which is standard for all such multi-device magnetic chargers.
You get angled landscape and portrait modes with this good-looking stand from one of our favorite premium accessory makers.
The magnetic link is super strong so you don’t need to worry about the iPhone falling off even during re-angling.
Anker MagGo 633 Magnetic Wireless Charger – Best charger stand with portable power bank
Pros
- Charging stand
- Magnetic power bank
Cons
- 7.5W
MagSafe: Compatible
Output charging: 7.5W
Cable: 1.5 m (5ft)
Wall charger: Not included
Colors: White, Black, Misty Blue
Anker’s MagGo 633 isn’t just another passive iPhone and wireless AirPod case charger stand with angled landscape and portrait modes. It is much cleverer than that.
You can remove the charging section from the stand and use it as a 5000mAh portable magnetic charger that clamps onto the back of an iPhone 12/13 and will charge your phone on-the-go up to a near full charge.
The power bank holster on the stand can be angled up to 40 degrees.
The detachable power bank is powered up while in the stand, via the connected 1.5m USB-C cable that requires a decent (at least 20W) wall charger. You can swap out the cable for a longer or shorter one if that’s what you require.
This is a great combination of desk-bound charger and portable power bank. For more options, read our roundup of the best MagSafe power banks.
Belkin Boost Up Charge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with MagSafe – Best 3-in-1 MagSafe charging stand
Pros
- 3-in-1
- 15W
- Stylish
- Includes wall charger
Cons
- Expensive
MagSafe: Certified
Output charging: 15W
Cable: 1.5m (5ft)
Wall charger: 40W AC power adapter
Colors: Black, White
Belkin has a 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger that is a stand where the phone and Watch are held high and the AirPods case sits underneath in a Qi-compatible hollow on the base.
This is more stylish that other wireless charging stands, having a Sixties space-age design with chrome arms, and a silicone-covered plastic base.
A stand is useful as it lifts the charging phone to a height that makes it easier to FaceTime or watch videos without having to hold the phone aloft. It can hold the phone in either portrait or landscape mode.
In order to support the weight of the phone, the circular base has to be quite wide, at 13.5cm.
An LED indicates if the AirPods are charging, and it ships with its own power supply unit.
Alogic MagSpeed 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station – Best budget 3-in-1 magnetic charger
Pros
- 3-in-1
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Short cable
MagSafe: Compatible
Output charging: 7.5W
Cable: 1m (3.3ft)
Wall charger: Not included, except in Australia: 20W AC power adapter
Colors: Black
For a budget 3-in-1 magnetic stand that will charge your iPhone 12/13, AirPods wireless-charging case and Apple Watch, the Alogic MagSpeed 3-in-1 Wireless Charger is a simpler product than the Belkin 3-in-1 but works just fine – although at the lower charging speed as it isn’t MagSafe certified.
The iPhone can be angled in either portrait or landscape mode, but it can’t be angled up or down.
If you are buying in Australia (Alogic is an Australian company), you get a 20W charger, but elsewhere you’ll need to use your own wall charger.
Belkin Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with MagSafe – Best 3-in-1 MagSafe charging pad
Pros
- 3-in-1
- 15W
Cons
- Expensive
- Phone lies flat
MagSafe: Certified
Output charging: 15W
Cable: 1.5m (5ft)
Wall charger: 40W AC power adapter
Colors: Black, White
Belkin has two models of 3-in-1 wireless charger, both MFi-certified, that can simultaneously charge your portable Apple goodies: iPhone, AirPods and Watch.
If you’ve bought into the whole Apple device ecosystem, this one will charge all you pocketable or wearable devices.
This model is a flat pad that also includes the possibility to leave the Watch in Nightstand mode as a bedside or desk clock. We would have preferred if the phone charger could also be angled to prop up the phone for video viewing.
While minimalist in design, it does take up a fair section of desk – measuring about 23cm across and 8cm wide, and the iPhone sticks out at either side.
The pad format is better for travel portability than a charging stand, and it comes with its own wall power supply unit, so you don’t need to add your own USB-C charger.
An LED indicates if the AirPods are charging.
Casetify Magnetic Wireless Charger
Pros
- Hundreds of options
Cons
- 7.5W
MagSafe: Compatible
Output charging: 7.5W
Cable: 1m (3.3ft)
Wall charger: Not included
Colors: Many cool and/or odd patterns
We picked the English Breakfast pattern for its sheer wanton oddness but there are plenty of other patterns (Acid, Checks, Cherry Blossom) and pictures (Yeti, Harry Potter, Snoopy) to choose from.
Indeed, there are 238 different wireless charger fronts to choose from.
This 100% recyclable slim charger has eco sustainability points, too, as it’s made with recycled aluminum and printed with eco-friendly ink.
Belkin Boost Up Charge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger
Pros
- 10W
- Dedicated car accessory
Cons
- Not compatible with all car vents
MagSafe: Compatible
Output charging: 10W
Cable: n/a
Wall charger: n/a
Colors: Black
Use your iPhone for satnav directions or to have easy access to your playlists in the car with this magnetic wireless charger and car vent mount, which works in both landscape and portrait modes.
It comes with a 20W Power Delivery 3.0 car power supply and USB-C cable.
The magnetic link is strong, which should mean that it can cope with any big bumps in the road.
It works best with straight, horizontal vent slats up to 3mm in thickness and 20mm in depth. It does work with vertical slats, but there might be slight movements if the mount is overloaded with weight, says Belkin.
Moshi SnapTo Magnetic Car Mount with Wireless Charging
Pros
- Wall mountable
Cons
- 7.5W
- Requires special case
MagSafe: Compatible
Output charging: 7.5W
Wall charger: Not included
Colors: White
The Moshi SnapTo Magnetic Wireless Charger can mount to a wall. Attach the included firm 3M fixture to a convenient wall, perhaps beside your bed or office desk, and then slide in the magnetic charger.
Then simply place your phone onto the charger.
It can also be used as a landscape charging phone stand.
It’s important to note that you will need a compatible case (Overture, iGlaze, Vesta or Altra) according to Moshi.
Apple allows subscription apps to increase auto-renewal price without user consent
Claiming that auto-renewing subscription apps are sometimes currently being “unintentionally interrupted” when users fail to spot the notification of a price increase and don’t opt into the new price, Apple yesterday announced a change to the App Store rules. Subscription apps can now increase the price and carry on auto-renewing without users giving explicit consent.
Apple is at pains to downplay any concerns that this will lead to exploitation. For one thing there will still be notifications of the increase, “including via email, push notification, and a message within the app,” and any users who see these notifications and don’t consent to the increase will be able to go into the app and cancel their subscription. (Mind you, considering that this change was supposedly required because users weren’t seeing the notifications and opting in, one might question whether they are any more likely to see them and opt out.)
We can get an idea of what this notification will look like by examining what now seems to have been a pilot scheme Apple ran for the Disney+ app: as Max Seelemann noticed in March, users of this app were notified of a price increase rather than asked for their consent.
Secondly, there are fairly tight limits placed on the degree to which app developers can ratchet up the price. They won’t be allowed to increase the price more than once per year (or rather, any increases that exceed that limit will have to go through the current explicit opt-in process), and these rises will be capped at $5 (or equivalent in local currency) or $50 for an annual subscription, and 50 percent of the current price. There is no danger of an unscrupulous developer turning a $1.99 monthly renew into $199 without you knowing about it.
Apple further adds that this change will only be implemented in regions where local laws allow it. In Chile, for example, users will need to give their consent for any increases to the subscription price.
It is possible to cancel a subscription at any time. Read: How to cancel a subscription on iPhone or iPad for advice on how to do that.
The big question: Does Google also do this?
No. Apple is setting itself apart from its main app-store rival in making this change.
If you look in the relevant help page for Android developers, you’ll read the following:
“When you increase the price of a subscription, you have at least seven days to notify your existing subscribers about the price change before Google Play begins directly notifying them.
“Existing subscribers have at least 30 days to review the price increase and decide whether to accept it. If they do not accept the price increase, their subscription is automatically canceled before they would otherwise pay the higher price.”
This is a big call. Will users prefer the nominal convenience of Apple’s new policy, or the tighter financial control offered by Google? It will be interesting to see how this plays out, and how the two companies sell their respective visions to users. Perhaps Google will follow suit.
Tech Talk: Elation Professional’s SpectraColor Explained
SpectraColour uses not three or four flags, but seven: cyan, magenta, yellow, red, green, blue, and a variable CTO filter. The most immediate advantage this sort of system confers is that it allows red, green, and blue primary colours to be vastly brighter
The post Tech Talk: Elation Professional’s SpectraColor Explained appeared first on CX Network.
iOS 15.5 brings dozens of security fixes alongside Wallet, Podcasts updates
With just three weeks to go until WWDC, Apple has released iOS 15.5 and iPadOS 15.5 to all devices running iOS 15. It is a much smaller update compared to 15.4, which brought numerous new features to iPhones and iPads.
The new update is mostly bug fixes and security updates, but there are a few new features users will notice. According to Apple’s release notes, the Wallet and Podcasts apps have received the most attention:
- Wallet now enables Apple Cash customers to send and request money from their Apple Cash card.
- The outdated iTunes Pass has been rebranded as Apple Account and support for the Italian Bancomat and Belgium’s Bancontact banking networks have been added to Apple Pay in Italy.
- Apple Podcasts includes a new setting to limit episodes stored on your iPhone and automatically delete older ones.
Additionally, Apple has fixed an issue with HomeKit that tripped up some automations triggered by people arriving or leaving. There are also more than two dozen security updates in iOS 15.5, several of which have the ability to execute arbitrary code.
Apple has also taken Universal Control out of beta in iPad OS 15.5 and macOS Monterey 12.4, though there doesn’t appear to be any new functionality. New frameworks for SportsKit and Apple Music Classical were also spotted in the beta, though they haven’t yet been implemented in the OS. It’s possible that iOS 15.5 lays the groundwork for new features or hardware being released at WWDC, but that remains to be seen.
To download and install iOS 15.5 or iPadOS 15.5 on your iPhone or iPad, head over to the Settings app and tap General, then Software Update and follow the prompts.
Kordz launches Category cabling components range
Kordz has launched an end-to-end solution for Category cabling with its new components range. The launch comes as use of networked devices increases year-on-year, and so does the requirement for professional integrators to deliver a reliable network infrastructure as the backbone for AV and networking systems. Networks, HDBaseT and PoE devices all require a Category cabling infrastructure. The range includes a tool-less Kordz PRS Cat6A Keystone RJ45 Socket and a Field Termination Cat6A RJ45 Plug to give installers a full Kordz engineered ecosystem which delivers on the Kordz promise of ‘Connectivity Assured’. The Kordz PRS Keystone RJ45 Socket and Kordz […]
The post Kordz launches Category cabling components range appeared first on Connected Magazine.
PPDS unveils Wave cloud platform in pro displays
PPDS has launched Wave, a brand new, state-of-the-art cloud platform that provides advanced control and management capabilities and opportunities for professional displays. Launched at ISE 2022 in Barcelona, Wave – a part of PPDS’ evolving ‘total solutions’ strategy – is a highly secure, intuitive and scalable remote device management platform. Developed especially for the extensive Philips professional SoC display portfolio and to meet the changing needs and requirements of end customers, Wave helps to ensure faster, more cost-effective installation and service times for multiple displays. The Wave platform removes the complexities of installing and setting up different display models and […]
The post PPDS unveils Wave cloud platform in pro displays appeared first on Connected Magazine.
Lowell Turns 75!
The best wireless chargers for iPhone
Over the last few years wireless charging has gone from novelty concept to a conventional function of any modern iPhone. We won’t pretend that wireless charging is always an ideal substitute for plugging in, but it’s a very hassle-free way to keep your phone topped off throughout the day. Freed from the bother of plugging and unplugging, a wireless charger on your desk is as good a place as any to set your phone, knowing the battery is being steadily replenished, ready for your next outing. A wireless charger by your bed makes it easy to grab and go in the morning or to “just check one thing” without fussing with the lightning cable.
We’ve tested a big heap of wireless chargers, and these are some of our favorites.
Update 05/16/22: We’ve cleaned up our guide by removing some old produces and double-checking our recommendations.
MagSafe, the next generation
Apple officially gave up on its ambition to bring the AirPower wireless charger to market back in 2019. Instead, the company has moved ahead with a far more useful and intriguing idea: MagSafe. It debuted on the iPhone 12 (every model) but we expect it to continue to be available on future iPhones.
MagSafe combines a ring of magnets for secure attachment, an single-coil NFC to identify accessories, and a magnetometer to know when an item is attached, all around a more powerful Qi-based wireless charging coil (up to 15 watts, up from 7.5 watts in other iPhones). Note that a lot of devices are being billed as “MagSafe compatible,” but that doesn’t mean they support the faster charging or NFC—they merely have a ring of magnets in them. MagSafe compatible is not necessarily real MagSafe.
iPhones with MagSafe still work with regular Qi wireless chargers, they are just limited to the same 7.5-watt charging rate as earlier iPhones with them. And MagSafe is used for more than just charging—the magnetic attachment feature will make it possible to snap on all sorts of accessories.
Since MagSafe accessories are not all just for charging, and require an iPhone 12 or later, we have a separate article for them.
Read more about MagSafe in our guide.
The best wireless chargers
Wireless chargers tend to come in three variants: stands, pads, and multi-device chargers. There are times when a stand makes more sense. In particular, they’re useful for iPhones with Face ID, as a good stand with a steep angle will point your phone at your face enough for Face ID to work. This makes it a lot easier to unlock your phone to quickly check something without taking it off the charger.
Stands are great for reading your phone while it charges, but sometimes you want it to lie flat. It’s less conspicuous on your desk or bedside table, and easier to just plop it down in any direction. Wireless charging pads tend to be a little less expensive than stands, too.
Now that AirPods have an optional wireless charging case and the Apple Watch is so popular, we’ve also seen an explosion of 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 chargers meant to charge several Apple devices at once.
These are our picks for the best pad, stand, and multi-device charger, but there are a great many such products out there; you may find a different device at a different price better suits your priorities.
Logitech Powered 3-in-1 Dock
If you want something clean and simple to put on your bedside table or desk to charge all that stuff at once, Logitech’s Powered 3-in-1 dock is a quality solution, though at $129, it’s going to cost you.
The dock is a little on the large side, but with clean lines and a nice matte finish that keep it from being an eyesore. It also includes its own Apple Watch charger, while many similar docks require you to insert your own.
The steep angle of the phone stand makes it easy to use your phone while it charges, and is well-placed to ensure Face ID works without requiring you to pick up your phone. The wide flat area to the left of the stand can charge any Qi-compatible device, including other phones or AirPods.
I had no trouble charging my phone with a thick case on it, either on the stand or the pad area, and you don’t have to be too precise with the placement. The charging lights are tiny and dim, so as not to be distracting next to your bed at night.
The charging cable is a proprietary DC barrel connector, which is more annoying than USB-C, but not uncommon on these multi-device chargers. The cable is at least thin and flexible, with a nice matte finish, and a built-in cable management tie.
Logitech basically gets everything right about a dock that combines an iPhone charging stand, Apple Watch charger, and charging pad for AirPods (or other devices). The only real gripe I have is the price. If you see it listed for less than $100, it’s a good buy. Otherwise, there are other options that might not be quite as nice, but are a lot easier on the wallet.
Moshi Otto Q
The charger uses a USB-C connection (yay!) and Moshi supplies a USB-A to USB-C cable (yay!) that is about a foot shorter than it really should be (boo!). The price—around $40—is reasonable but as there is no power adapter included, you’ll have to either use one of the many USB-A power adapter you probably have lying around or add the price of buying a new one.
With the right adapter (one with 9V output like most Quick Charge adapters), the pad supports fast 7.5W charging for iPhones and 10W charging for supported Android phones. In fact, Moshi says it has been tested to be the fastest wireless charger by the German magazine Mac&I. I don’t know about that (we don’t test charging speed of all wireless chargers), but it definitely charged up my iPhone quickly and reliably, even with a relatively thick case on it.
This is a great wireless charger, it just needs to cost a little less given that it doesn’t come with a power adapter and the included cable is shorter than I’d like.
Belkin Boost Charge Wireless Charging Stand
With the new Boost Charge wireless charging stand, Belkin has made a couple of welcome tweaks. Instead of a proprietary power adapter that ends in a barrel plug, it uses a standard USB power adapter with micro-USB cable. That’s a great shift—there’s no real need for devices like this to give us yet another cable and plug we can’t use with any of our other gear.
Unfortunately, the design is nearly identical. A couple of small LED charging indicator lights are gone, and the finish is matte instead of glossy, but that weird retro-future circular pod design is the same as it ever was. It’s comfortable and easy, but it doesn’t exactly look good on your desk.
The stand supports 7.5W charging on iPhones, and for Android phones up to 10W, so you get the fastest charging available. I had no trouble getting a solid charging connection with a relatively thick case on my iPhone XS Max, too.
The price is a lot more reasonable this time around. Where the previous model retailed for an extravagant $70, the new one tops out at $50, and it’s not unusual to find it listed for half that price.
Other wireless chargers tested
While these other chargers weren’t our favorites, they may suit your own needs. There are only so many different ways you can wrap a copper coil in a hunk of plastic, so it’s safe to say that your own personal sense of style and pricing sensitivity might a different charger the right choice for you.
Nomad Base Station Pro
Modula5 wireless charging system
Each of the ‘pods’ of this system can charge either a phone/AirPods or an Apple Watch. Just buy as many pods as you need and snap them together on the left or right edge, then plug a single USB-C power cable into any one of them. Mix and match in whatever order you wish, up to 7 devices (with a maximum of 5 phones). You’ll need a fairly beefy USB-C power adaptor if you want to charge three or more iPhones at once, but you only need one – one plug, one cable.
The premium price and somewhat utilitarian design are not worth it for individuals or couples with just a few devices, but families dealing with severe cable clutter are going to be very happy with this. The best value is the bundle with two phone pods and a 30W USB-C power adapter for about $80.
Sette Q wireless charging pad
Moshi’s Sette Q is a generously big, high-speed, dual-charging pad. It’s available on its own for $90, but it’s only $10 more to get it with a 30W USB-C power adapter that has nice cable management cutouts, so the choice there is obvious. It’s bigger than it appears in a photo; large enough to easily put two Plus Max-size iPhones next to each other without jostling for perfect placement. And it’s got the nice grey fabric design of the reset of Moshi’s ‘Q’ product line, including the matching USB-C cable.
The pads support the Qi extended power profile (EPP) up to 15 watts, which is well in excess of what most phones are capable of. iPhones max out at 7.5 watts, and even Android phones with higher-rate wireless charging usually top out at 10-12W. The bundled power adapter will charge two iPhones at 7.5W just fine, but if you want to charge two phone at 15W you need to use a 45W power adapter that supplies at least 15V at 3A.
There’s a USB-A port along the front edge that seems all but dedicated charging an Apple Watch, as that’s one of the last remaining popular USB-A charging devices. Moshi even sells a little compact folding Apple Watch charger for $50 called Flekto that is made to fit right in. That’s a bit pricey and it’s hard to recommend, but if you have need to charge two iPhones at the same time and want a nice big, reliable, attractive charging pad, the Settle Q (with power adapter) is not a bad choice.
Moshi Lounge Q
Logitech Powered Pad
Anker PowerWave 7.5 Stand
Aircore 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand
Aukey’s Aircore 2-in-1 stand is well-priced at around $30, though you’ll have to supply your own Quick Charge 3.0 compatible power adapter (it comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable).
Available in black or white, it’s not the most attractive wireless charging stand, but it gets the job done. It easily charges an iPhone at up to 7.5 watts in either landscape or portrait orientation, and reliably charged my iPhone 12 even with a fairly thick case on it.
On the back of the stand is an area for charing AirPods or AirPods Pro, which is a little more finicky about placement (but then, that’s typical of AirPods wireless charging).
The downside to this stand is its light weight and small rubber feet. It tipped and slid around pretty easily when plunking my phone down or grabbing it in a hurry. While this does a good job of charging, I’d recommend a stand with a bit more heft to it.
Prismo Wireless Charging Pad
Most wireless charging pads go out of their way to be unobtrusive, especially since they’re commonly used on nightstands and dressers. RapidX’s Prismo charger goes the other way.
Its main distinguishing feature is a ring of RGB LED lights around the base. A small button on the bottom toggles it between nine different modes, including five solid colors and various pulsing and rotating variants. Though it’s not in the instructions, a long-press of the button will thankfully turn the light off.
Ironically, this RGB LED ring never has anything to do with actually charging your phone. Instead, there’s a separate pinhole charging light on the top of the pad, which is quite dim.
The pad is large and works well, with a good non-slip grip surface. And the $30 price isn’t bad, though you’ll need to supply your own QC 2.0 or 3.0 power adapter.
AirUnleashed
Samsung Wireless Charging Pad
Aircore 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand
The Aircore 3-in-1 is a lot like the AirCore 2-in-1, only made for those who need to charge their Apple Watch as well. It’s well priced under $30, but it’s hard to recommend unless you can live with a bit of wobble and a light that never turns off.
The phone charging stand is like that on the 2-in-1, well-suited to iPhones with thick cases and capable of charging in portrait or landscape orientation. Next to it you’ll find a spot to charge AirPods and a stand for your Apple Watch. As with many such stands, you’ll have to supply your own Apple Watch charging puck, routing the cable through the base.
You’ll also need to supply your own power adapter, as the stand only comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable.
While the charging itself works fine, the stand would tip back precariously every time I plunked my phone down on it. This wobbling wasn’t enough to dislodge AirPods or an Apple Watch, but it’s pretty sloppy-feeling. I’m also not in love with the way the LED lights shine blue continuously (or green if a device is charging). They’re not too bright, but I wouldn’t want it on my bedside table.
Mophie Wireless Charge Pad
Belkin BOOST UP Wireless Charging Pad
Letscom W01 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
Qimini Pocket Wireless Charger
Are you interested in a charger you don’t see listed here? That’s not surprising—while we try to cover the most popular brands, there are literally hundreds of wireless chargers on the market. We can still help make sure you get a product you’re happy with, though. The next page contains some helpful general advice to consider when deciding which wireless charger to buy.
Qi vs. PMA
There are two major standards for wireless charging: PMA (Power Matters Alliance) and Qi (pronounced “chee”). If you see a charger that only supports PMA, keep moving. The new iPhones only support Qi.
Fortunately, Qi is by far the most common standard for consumers, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a compatible charger. What’s more, every Qi compatible charger should work just fine with every iPhone from the iPhone 8 onward, even if it doesn’t specifically list support for them on its packaging or marketing materials.
5W vs. 7.5W performance
The new iPhones shipped with initial wireless charging limited to just 5 watts. That’s pretty slow, but then again, the in-box power adapter is also only 5 watts. So wireless charging really isn’t any slower than the (admittedly pitiful) power adapter that comes in the box.
The iOS 11.2 update increased the maximum wireless charging speed to 7.5 watts. That’s 50 percent faster, but charging speeds vary, and they slow down a lot as the battery gets full. Still, if you want the best performance in a wireless charger, look for one that can support 7.5 watts or more. Some pads support faster charging speeds only on some Android phones, but are limited to 5 watts on iPhones.
For pads that don’t come with fast-charging adapters, you’ll want to look at the store pages to see what is required to enable higher-speed charging. Some enable faster charging only when using an adapter with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology, some work with any high-wattage USB power adapter (like the iPad adapter Apple sells). See what is required before buying a new adapter.
Flat or standing?
You’ll see two types of wireless chargers on the market: flat pads, and angled stands. A flat pad is simple and easy, but you might want to consider a stand. With a stand it’s a lot easier to use your phone while it’s charging up.
And with iPhones that have Face ID, a standing charger makes it easy to unlock your phone without picking it up.
Portrait and landscape orientation
If you get a stand instead of a flat charger, you’d be wise to make sure it’s made to work with your phone in both landscape and portrait orientation.
Most of the time, you’ll plop down your phone standing upright. And Face ID on iPhones will only work when the phone is upright, too.
But a charger that works well with your phone in landscape mode makes it easy to play certain games, and of course watch videos, without taking your phone away from those precious free electrons.
Case concerns
If you keep a case on your phone, you shouldn’t worry too much about whether it will work with a wireless charging pad or stand. The vast majority of cases will work just fine.
There are three types of cases that can pose problems, however:
The first is a case with a metal back (or a battery case). That battery case may seem attractive with its extra 5,200 mAh of extra juice, but it won’t work with wireless chargers.
The second is a wallet case. A particularly thin one might actually work, but electromagnetic induction and credit card magnetic stripes just don’t mix. If you don’t want to screw up your cards, don’t put them between your phone and a wireless charger.
The third is especially thick cases. Most chargers will work fine with any case up to about 3mm thick, and some can go through a 5mm case with ease. But maybe you’re a demolition derby racer and also work construction plus you’re a rodeo clown on the weekends. Maybe you have an extra-rugged case. If so, it’s probably too thick to get a wireless charge going, even if it doesn’t have a metal back (as many extra-rugged cases do).
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Crazy AirPods deals for May 2022!
Apple’s AirPods wireless headphones offer an iconic look, exceptional convenience and strong audio quality. They come with a premium price tag, however, so it’s important to shop around for a good deal… or find a bunch of tech experts who’ll do this for you. That’s where we come in.
In this article we round up the best AirPods discounts and bundle deals to help you save money. We’ve got the best prices on the new AirPods launched in October 2021, and we’ve dug up superb deals on the AirPods Pro, early-2019 AirPods and AirPods Max.
Best AirPods deals
Apple sells two sets of basic AirPods: the new third-gen model for 2021 (MSRP $179 in the US, and RRP £169 in the UK), and the second-gen model from 2019 ($129/£119).
The automatic price-comparison tables below gather the latest and best prices on the AirPods from the major retailers.
AirPods (third gen, 2021; MSRP $179)
Apple finally updated the ultra-popular AirPods last October, after a wait of more than two and a half years. The new models feature a more Pro-like design and a MagSafe-compatible charging case; they also have improved battery life and water resistance, and support for Spatial Audio. Get all the info you need in our AirPods 3 review.
You can buy direct from Apple, but you’ll find the best prices elsewhere in the automated table below. For specific advice, read our guide on where to buy the AirPods 3.
As you can see it’s a struggle to find a huge discount, but you shouldn’t be paying full price at this point. Best Buy has been selling the AirPods for $169 ($10 off Apple’s price) but that deal appears to have ended; Amazon, meanwhile, is usually good for a small discount but is currently out of stock. If you can’t find these earbuds below the MSRP we’d recommend waiting for a better price.
In the UK, John Lewis, AO, Currys, and Amazon all have the 3rd-gen AirPods for £159, or £10 off the RRP… But Laptops Direct has nudged ahead with a price of £149. We recommend that you visit multiple sites to check the delivery charges to your area, and bear in mind that John Lewis offers a longer guarantee.
AirPods (second gen, 2019; MSRP $129)
Note that this version of the AirPods comes with an old-fashioned charging case which needs to be plugged in, as opposed to the wireless charging case bundled with the 2021 AirPods and AirPods Pro. (You can buy a wireless charging case separately, however.)
Check the automated table below for any deals that have popped up since we last updated this article.
Apple is your baseline, selling in the US for $129, but you should be able to find a discount elsewhere. As with the third-gen AirPods, however, Best Buy has withdrawn what was a very appealing deal: the 2019 AirPods were recently $109.99, but have reverted to the MSRP of $129. It may be worth waiting.
In the UK, John Lewis, Currys, Amazon and Very have all managed to shave £10 from Apple’s RRP, selling for an appealing £109. (Note, however, that the same sites were selling for £99 as recently as March, so it may be worth waiting to see if prices drop again.)
If even this sounds too expensive, you might still be able to get the first-gen AirPods from 2016; we’ve seen them for $50-$60 on eBay–albeit pre-owned, which may be off-putting for earbuds!– under £80 on eBay UK. Alternatively, you can check out our guide to the best AirPods alternatives.
Best AirPods Pro deals
The AirPods Pro came out in 2019, and we expect a new version to come out later this year. If you buy direct, Apple will sell you the AirPods Pro for $249/£239, but there are better offers elsewhere. The comparison table below gathers the lowest prices on the AirPods Pro so you can be sure not to miss out on any appealing deals.
AirPods Pro (MSRP $249)
Best Buy is leading the way in the US, selling the AirPods Pro for $199.99: that’s a discount of $49.01, or just under 20 percent.
In the UK, John Lewis, AO and Laptops Direct are all selling the AirPods Pro for £189 (an excellent £50 off the current RRP); check them to all to see if there are delivery charges for your area. All else being equal, we’d go with John Lewis for its two-year guarantee.
Best AirPods Max deals
Right now, the AirPods Max are available to buy directly from Apple for $549/£549. The headphones are also available from Best Buy in the US.
As you can see in our automated table embedded below, third-party retailers are starting to undercut Apple by a significant margin.
AirPods Max (MSRP $549)
Amazon is the best bet in the US right now, selling all five colors for $479, a saving of $70. It’s worth checking Best Buy as well, since it recently advertised the AirPods Max for just $449, but at time of writing the site is charging $499.99.
In the UK, until recently Laptops Direct had at least one color finish for under £400, but the best it can manage now is £429 on the pink, green, blue, and silver models. (The site doesn’t appear to have any stock of the Space Grey version.) It’s worth checking to see if Amazon can do better on your favored color.
For an in-depth look at your options here, read Where to buy AirPods Max.
How to get a good deal on AirPods
Good AirPods deals are rare and tend not to last long. If you see one (and you’re sure the supplier is legit: look it up on TrustPilot if you’ve not bought from there before), grab it.
The recommend price of the AirPods Max is $549 / £549 / AU$899.
For the AirPods Pro it’s $249 / £239 / AU$399.
For the early-2019 AirPods it’s $129 / £119 / AU$219.
You should never pay more than these prices: we’ve seen unscrupulous retailers claim the MSRP/RRP is higher and work out ‘savings’ based on that.
The 2016 AirPods were removed from sale as soon as the early-2019 models came out, so never officially got a price cut from their launch price of $159/£159. But if you do plump for these much older models, you shouldn’t be paying even $100. If you can’t find a seriously good deal, go for newer ones instead.
Remember to take delivery and postage fees into account when evaluating deals; we include it in our list of prices but most retailers won’t add it until you’re at the checkout. And watch out for deals that seem too good to be true, but turn out to have no stock. We see this a lot.
Bundle deals
The best way to get a good price on AirPods may be to bundle them with a phone, although this is mainly an option in the UK.
Three offers a variety of bundles that includes the AirPods. Visit the company’s accessories page to browse the best options for you.
EE lets you add AirPods to your plan for £10 a month spread over 11 months plus a £10 upfront fee (if you’ll settle for the 2019 models), or £15 a month + £10 for the 2021 models. The AirPods Pro, including the new MagSafe case for 2021, are £22 a month but with no upfront fee. In each case you’ll need to click Apple, then your choice of AirPods model.
Vodafone and O2 aren’t currently bundling the AirPods with their iPhone plans, although O2 sells the 2021 AirPods, the early-2019 AirPods and the AirPods Pro on their own.
Whichever bundle you go for, remember to check if you’re getting the AirPods Pro, the early-2019 AirPods (sometimes called the second-gen or AirPods 2) or the new 2021 AirPods (third-gen or AirPods 3). If you’re getting the AirPods Pro, find out if they include the new MagSafe charging case.
AirPods buying advice
Wondering if a pair of AirPods is right for you? Let’s discuss the pros and cons.
First of all, there are four models, of which three are still on sale: the original AirPods (2016), long discontinued; the early-2019 AirPods, which are similar but add Hey Siri; the late-2019 AirPods Pro, which add improved audio quality and active noise cancellation, plus a new design; and the 2021 AirPods, which add MagSafe support, improved battery life and some elements of the Pro design.
(Plus there’s the AirPods Max from 2020, which are over-ear headphones and essentially a completely different product to the rest of the AirPods range. For this reason we will discuss the Max model separately.)
All four non-Max models are wireless, sitting in your ears and in theory staying there through snugness of fit alone. The advantages of this are clear–they allow you to go running or work out without worrying about snagging the cables–but they may fall out once you pick up the pace. Our experience, however, is that the AirPods are among the best earbuds around in this regard.
The AirPods Pro offer a snugger fit than the others because they have a choice of flexible ear tips, and are actually able to tell you whether you’ve selected the right tip or not.
Sound quality is decent but not exceptional on the original and early-2019 models; the AirPods Pro are a step above thanks in part to their better fit and implementation of active noise cancellation. (We haven’t tested the 2021 AirPods’ audio quality yet, but Apple as ever talks a good game.) What AirPods consistently do better than non-Apple headphones is co-ordinate with other Apple products, thanks to the W1 chip (in the 2016 model) and H1 chip (2019 and 2021) which makes pairing with an iPhone a breeze.
Battery-wise, most non-Max AirPods will last around five hours, but that’s not the end of the story: they come with a little charging case with its own larger battery, so you can pop them back in for a rapid top up. The case should offer another 24 hours (give or take) before it’ll require charging. The 2021 AirPods, however, offer more in this department, with claimed figures of six hours out of the case and 30 hours in total. We’ve got some advice on getting better AirPods battery life.
Apple’s 2019 AirPods can respond to Hey Siri commands, charge wirelessly if you opt for the Wireless Charging Case, and offer more talk time than the originals. Those features are kept in the 2021 models, with Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ added to the mix.
For more detailed advice and thoughts on the best alternatives to Apple’s three cheaper AirPods models, read our guides to the Best wireless headphones and, more specifically, the Best wireless earbuds.
The AirPods Max are a lot more expensive and a totally different proposition. Audio quality is almost universally considered to be exceptional, but it’s debatable whether it’s exceptional enough to justify that premium price tag. And many reviewers have pointed out that the case is oddly designed, given that the one part of the headphones that it doesn’t protect–the mesh headband–is the one that’s most vulnerable to damage.
The AirPods Max are an appealing prospect, but unlikely to be practical for most budgets.
Report: iOS 16 to bring ‘major changes’ with ‘fresh’ apps
With WWDC 2022‘s opening keynote exactly three weeks away, a widely respected analyst has spilled the beans on the flagship iOS 16 update expected to headline the presentation.
In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman looks ahead to the new version of the iPhone’s operating system software. “There should be major changes across the system,” Gurman predicts, including “new ways of interacting” and “some fresh Apple apps.”
It isn’t clear what precisely Gurman means by these predictions, but the theory of new interactions points to upgrades in the way widgets work in iOS. As MacRumors observes, the home screen widgets originally added in iOS 14 are not currently interactive; that could be about to change.
As for “fresh Apple apps,” Gurman may simply mean that Apple intends to update–or “refresh”–a number of the in-house apps that are bundled with iOS, such as Safari, Messages and so on. But that’s standard fare for an iOS update, and we’re optimistic that Gurman actually means Apple is going to launch entirely new apps, much as it launched Files in iOS 11, Measure in iOS 12 and Translate in iOS 14.
While the functionality of the software is expected to change up significantly, its appearance will stay largely the same, with Gurman explaining that he doesn’t expect a “full redesign.” The last time Apple completely revamped iOS’s appearance was the controversial iOS 7 redesign in 2013–when the quasi-realistic ‘skeuomorphic’ design language gave way to vivid flat colors–and Apple has preferred to make smaller tweaks ever since.
Gurman’s predictions are followed by much of the industry, although he isn’t infallible: AppleTrack currently assigns him an accuracy rating of 86.4%. His iOS 16 predictions, however, seem plausible and fit in with what we already know and what has happened in the past. If anything, indeed, they could be criticised for being too safe.
iOS 16 will be announced and demonstrated at WWDC on June 6, and released immediately as a beta for developers to test. Following a series of evolving beta releases for both devs and members of the public beta test program, iOS 16 will have its full public launch in the fall, most likely in September alongside the iPhone 14.
How to find & delete duplicate files on Mac
If your Mac is starting to run slow the first thing to check is if you are running low on space. It’s generally advised that you should have 10% of your total space free on your Mac for the most optimum working. If you are down to your last few GB then it’s time to do some house work and grab yourself some space back.
Over time, a Mac is likely to accumulate a large collection of duplicate files that take up this valuable space so that’s a good place to start. However, finding and deleting them can be time-consuming if you do it one by one, so in this article we show you quicker ways to cleanse your system of these delinquent doppelgängers.
Why do I have duplicate files?
In most cases these will be mistaken downloads (caused by clicking on a link twice), Mail and Messages attachments, a convoluted filing system, a bad habit of dragging things to your desktop, or a number of other possibilities. Unless you’re an unusually fastidious Mac user, duplicates are going to turn up one way or another.
How to find duplicates using the Finder
It is possible to locate duplicate files on your system by using the Smart Folders feature in the Finder.
- Start by opening the Finder app.
- Navigate to File > New Smart Folder in the menu.
- Click on the ‘+’ button in the upper-right corner.
Now you can search for documents, photos, music, or several other files types. The key is how you sort the results. Ordering them by name should bring up any duplicates that are easy to spot. (If it’s not displayed in name order click on the drop down menu to switch to List view).
Foundry
Just remember to check the date to see if it is a true duplicate – you don’t want to delete the wrong version of an important document, for example. (If you can’t see the date right click and choose Date Added, you can even add Date Last Opened to make sure you pick the right one to delete.
Foundry
While this is doable, it’s far from ideal. One issue could be that you have given the same file different names and this method will not show that up.
It’s also a time consuming process and the time spent ploughing through the long list of files could be better spent by visiting the App Store and buying software that will find and safely delete the duplicates for you instead.
Best Apps for finding duplicate files on Mac
There are a number of duplicate file finders on the Mac App Store which will automatically search your system and recommend file doubles that can be removed.
Many are free, including Duplicate File Finder Remover and Duplicates Cleaner. You could also try the Find Duplicates feature of Parallels Toolbox, which offers a functioning free trial for seven days, and we like Gemini 2 from MacPaw which has a three day functioning trial.
Most apps offer similar features, in that you ask the app to scan your hard drive, then are presented with a list of duplicates, accompanied by the original file so you know which ones are safe to delete.
All of the apps listed above will certainly clear up some space on your Mac, and you can always start with the free ones then move up to a paid version later if you find the features useful.
Usually you’ll have to move to a paid version for advanced features such as deleting duplicate folders, hidden files and similar functions.
Gemini 2
One of our favourite duplicate removal apps, and one with a good level of positive feedback from customers, is Gemini 2: The Duplicate Finder, which is free to download and includes a free three day trial. It offers a Smart Cleanup feature for $19.99/£18.49 as an in-app purchase. While the name might be more in keeping with a dystopian sci-fi novel, the app is a powerful tool for your Mac.
Once you have granted permission to scan your folders Gemini 2 will go ahead and Scan for Duplicates. The scan of our 256GB drive (with about 150GB files) took about seven minutes. When the scan had finished it had turned up 12.63GB worth of duplicates.
Gemini 2 selected 45.6MB files automatically – these were duplicated photos. We were able to automatically delete these by clicking on Smart Cleanup.
Foundry
However, there were still GBs of files left that were ripe for removal. It is possible to sort through the duplicates choosing which version to keep. Click on Select More to go through all of the duplicates that Gemini has found. You can flick through these and choose the one you want to lose. It’s a bit of a drag that you have to do this manually, but it’s still easier, and more visual, than using the Finder. You can also choose to delete every instance of the file or photo if you really don’t need it.
Foundry
Since we were removing photos Gemini reminded us that we need to also remove the photos from Recently Deleted in Photos, alternatively we could wait 30 days for them to be removed automatically. You can review what was trashed and ‘Put back’ any files you have second thoughts about (but this step needs to be taken before you delete the contents of your Recently Deleted folder.)
Not only can Gemini find doubles of any files on your hard drive, but it also searches external drives and cloud storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox. All this is accompanied by the ability to immediately replace any accidentally deleted files.
Read more about Gemini – and the firm’s other related apps, such as CleanMyMac X – on MacPaw’s website.
Duplicate File Finder
Duplicate File Finder can scan your Home folder, or you can choose a particular folder or drag files in. There are two versions of the software – a free and a Pro version. The latter adds a few extra features, such as the ability to merge folders, and restore removed duplicates. The Pro version costs $19.99/£20.99 for one Mac.
You’ll need to grant it permission to scan various folders and sections of your Mac. The software will then scan for duplicates with some fancy graphs representing the kind of files it has found.
Foundry
You can then click on the Cleanup Hints section to find some files to delete. At every step there is a detailed overlay showing you what to do. Just click on the x to remove it.
In each case you can review the duplicate before deleting. As with Gemini you can remove the duplicates or you can remove all versions of the file or photo. The Review and Remove option does let you see a visual of where the duplicated file was located, which might be useful.
Foundry
You can also choose Auto Select to pick the duplicates for you – you can even refine the selection. You get to review these before they are removed.
Foundry
Duplicate File Finder creates a Duplicates album in Photos, which you will need to delete within the Photo app. You will also have to remove these from Recently Deleted.
More advice…
For more decluttering tips, be sure to read our How to free up space on a Mac feature, and a separate article that explains how to empty the Trash on your Mac. We also have advice about how to remove duplicated music in iTunes (or the Music app).
We also have this guide to ways to speed up a slow Mac and How to delete Other storage on the Mac, How to delete System on the Mac, and an article that explains How to delete cache on a Mac.
Three Google features Apple should borrow for its next big thing
The larger technology companies get, the more and more commonalities there seem to be between their products. That’s probably not surprising: after all, if only a couple of huge companies are developing smartphone operating systems, chances are they’ll get closer and closer over time as companies borrow from each other, playing leapfrog as they continually innovate.
Like any giant company, Apple’s no stranger to having features similar to those in its products rolled out by competitors. But it’s also hardly one to ignore a good idea, even when it’s created by a rival (for example, the graphical user interface on desktop computers).
This past week, Google held its annual I/O developers conference, at which it showed off a ton of new devices and features for its products. And, as always, there were those who noted that many looked like they’d been pulled directly from Apple products. So, turnabout being fair play, here are a few places where Apple might be able to take a cue from one of its biggest competitors.
Right side up
The iPad is the undisputed leader in the tablet industry. No other company has come even close to the success that Apple has seen in this category. But that doesn’t mean everyone else is going to stop trying. Google announced last week that it would be rolling out its own Android-powered tablet in 2023 and gave a quick preview of the device.
The Pixel Tablet has its front-facing camera on the correct side.
Which, unsurprisingly, looks a lot like an iPad. Granted, a tablet is a device that’s basically all-screen–how different could it look, really?
However, there was one significant difference: the Pixel Tablet’s front-facing camera is in the middle of the long edge of the display and, from what little Google showed off, the company seems to be pushing the idea that it’s primarily a landscape device. That’s one thing Apple could do better: its front-facing iPad camera remains tethered to one of the iPad’s short edges, which not only makes video conferencing calls a pain (wait, where am I looking again?) but also detracts from the experience on devices with Face ID, where you seem to be constantly getting that “Camera is covered” message.
Apple already sells covers that are designed to prop the iPad in landscape mode and keyboards that basically turn them into laptops. Landscape is clearly the orientation of choice for users, but apparently, that front-facing camera has yet to get the message.
Talk to me
Voice assistants remain a hot area for tech companies, with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa all battling it out. Google’s spent a lot of time in its latest updates improving the reliability and ease of talking to the assistant, introducing a Quick Phrases option, which lets you choose several commands that can be issued without having to say the voice assistant’s wake word (i.e. “Hey Google), a Look and Talk feature that tells the Google Assistant when you’re talking to it and thus doesn’t require the wake word, and better comprehension when you pause or don’t remember the exact word for something.
Google Assistant will have improvements that help fill the gaps of vocal commands.
All of these are innovations that Siri could dearly use. In particular, the Look and Talk feature seems like one that Apple has all the ingredients for, at least on devices equipped with Face ID. And if the company is planning on moving into the “wireless speaker with a screen” segment of the voice assistant market, that feature would be a particular boon there.
I’m a little more mixed on Quick Phrases, if only because we’ve all become so accustomed to addressing our virtual assistants when talking to them, but I appreciate that Google allows you to choose which phrases you want Google to listen for. And Apple absolutely needs to improve Siri’s recognition of halting speech or forgotten words in queries: many has been the time that I ended up with the assistant eagerly playing the wrong song–usually at a very loud volume–when I stumbled my way through a title.
Found in translation
One of Google’s final announcements in its I/O presentation was also its most ambitious. CEO Sundar Pichai introduced a video demoing a new pair of augmented reality glasses–specifically, a feature that can interpret a foreign language and display the translation on a heads-up display, like subtitles for real life.
Apple’s spent no shortage of time playing up its AR ambitions over the last several years, but what it’s yet to deliver is a killer feature, especially when it comes to why people might be willing to wear a pair of glasses on their face. By anchoring its AR ambitions with an application that’s both intended to keep you in the real world and highlights the elements of accessibility that Apple likes to talk about, Google seems to have somewhat stolen Cupertino’s thunder.
Google demonstrated AR glasses that can translate languages in real-time.
This isn’t to say that Apple doesn’t have its own killer AR feature up its sleeve. It’s delved into translation in a big way with its Translate app, first introduced in iOS 14. But Google still has a big head-start in this department, so even if Apple does roll out its own AR translation feature, it may have a lot of catching up to do.
Still, AR and VR are poised to be the next major battlefield for big tech, so this will hardly be the last time we see companies borrowing features from each other in a constant game of one-upmanship. And as long as that process makes the products better for the users, what’s a little borrowing between friends?
New iMac Pro still coming, but not soon
Apple first introduced the iMac Pro five years ago at WWDC 2017. It then went on sale in December 2017. But the iMac Pro wasn’t long for this world: In March 2021 Apple announced that it was discontinuing the iMac Pro.
However, the iMac Pro might not be gone for good, there are reports that Apple could soon revive the old brand with a brand new iMac Pro. Read on to find out when it could launch and what features it might offer.
You might be thinking these rumours were laid to rest when Apple discontinued the 27in iMac in March 2022 – introducing the Mac Studio and Studio Display in its place. Is there a need for a new iMac Pro now the Mac Studio has arrived? We think there will always be room for a pro desktop with a large screen built in. Read more about the future of the iMac in 27in iMac discontinued, but not necessarily dead.
Will there be an iMac Pro 2022
For some time there have been rumors that a new iMac model with a mini-LED screen with ProMotion technology is in the pipeline. There have been reports that Apple intends to revive the name iMac Pro for this new iMac.
A tweet from the now retired technology leaker Dylandkt back in October 2021 described the new iMac as an iMac (Pro). He wrote:
iMac (Pro)
Promotion and Mini Led
Base model 16gb Ram 512gb Storage
M1 Pro and Max
Dark bezels
HDMI, SD Card, Usb C
Similar design to iMac 24 and Pro Display XDR
Starting price at or over 2000 dollars
Ethernet on brick standard
Face ID was tested (Not confirmed)
1H 2022
— Dylan (@dylandkt) October 30, 2021
Dylan wasn’t alone in his predictions about a new iMac Pro. Display analyst Ross Young also made many observations that a new iMac was coming based on sightings of 27-inch displays. Young later admitted that these sightings could have been in relation to the Studio Display, which subsequently launched. But while it’s feasible that the rumors pointing to this new iMac Pro were based on the Studio Display, the abundance of information related to a new iMac can’t be ignored.
Even Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has indicated that a new iMac Pro is still coming. In a January 2022 PowerOn Newsletter, Gurman wrote that: “The company [Apple] has a bevy of new pro Macs in the works based on the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips that are already inside the MacBook Pro. That includes a smaller Mac Pro with up to 40 CPU cores and 128 graphics cores, a new Mac mini, and a large-screened iMac Pro.”
Gurman was unfazed by the release of the Mac Studio and the removal of the 27in iMac from the line up following the March Apple event. He wrote in April 2022: “For those asking, I still think an iMac Pro is coming. It just won’t be anytime soon.”
2022 iMac Pro: Release date
If these insights are correct, and there is indeed an iMac Pro in the works at Apple, when can we expect to see it?
In February 2022 Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman stated that “several new Macs” will be revealed at WWDC in June. However a lot has happened since February and now a later release is looking more likely. As per the April 2022 report above, Gurman doesn’t think that the iMac Pro will be here “anytime soon”.
In March an unverified Twitter account for analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that an iMac Pro won’t ship until 2023.
2022 iMac Pro: Design & colors
In his 31 July 2021 PowerOn newsletter Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggested that the new iMac Pro will have “a similar design to the current M1 iMac.” We think it likely that the iMac Pro will borrow some of its design inspiration from the 24in iMac. Apple offers the 24-inch iMac in several color choices, but there haven’t been reports on what color choices Apple will use for the iMac Pro. To create a differentiation between the consumer and pro levels, Apple may decide on different color choices like the iPhone Pro, or stick with the traditional silver like that on the 27-inch iMac or Space Gray like on the discontinued iMac Pro.
Another difference we could see on the larger iMac is dark bezels rather than a white border around the screen. Read Why we are disappointed in by the new iMac design. There may also be a notch as there is with the 14in and 16in MacBook Pro. This could allow Apple to extend the height of the screen as it has with these models.
The next large iMac Pro will probably look nothing like the current 27-inch model (right) and more like the 24-inch iMac (left).
Apple
2022 iMac Pro: Screen size & technology
Display analyst Ross Young and others have stated that the iMac Pro will have a 27-inch display, which we have to admit to being disappointed by. However, the observations about a 27-inch display may have referred to the Studio Display. There could still be a iMac with a larger display in the pipeline.
A larger display would certainly make the iMac Pro more attractive to potential buyers. Next to the 24in iMac, with its 4.5K display (4,480 x 2,520 pixels), the 27-inch iMac only looks slightly more impressive with its 5K display (5,120 x 2,880 pixels). But it’s not only the 24-inch iMac that the iMac Pro will be compared to – the 27-inch screen also doesn’t compare particularly favourably with many modern displays that are larger than 30-inch (including the 32-inch Apple Pro Display XDR).
Perhaps new screen technology will allow Apple to squeeze in more pixels into a 27-inch display, but we would like to see a 32-inch display on the new iMac Pro.
A larger display could be possible without increasing the size of the iMac significantly. The 27-inch iMac measures 25.6 inches wide, 20.3 inches tall, and 8 inches deep, and while Apple’s new design helps make the 24-inch iMac smaller than the 21.5-inch iMac it replaced, there isn’t that much of a difference in size (21.5 inches x 18.1 inches x 5.8 inches (with the stand) vs 20.8 inches x 17.7 inches x 6.9 inches).
The new iMac Pro wouldn’t actually need to be as big as the Pro Display XDR to offer a 6K display. A 30in display with smaller bezels could still accommodate the 6,016 x 3,384 pixels for Retina 6K resolution and a 6K iMac.
Display technology
To get an idea of what we could expect with the display in the larger iMac, let’s look at what’s being used in the current iMac lineup, as well as the Pro Display XDR and Liquid Retina XDR in the MacBook Pro.
- 24-inch iMac: 4.5K Retina display (4,480-by-2,520 resolution) 500 nits brightness, wide color (P3), True Tone technology
- 27-inch iMac and iMac Pro: 5K Retina display (5,120‑by‑2,880 resolution), 500 nits brightness, wide color (P3), True Tone
- Liquid Retina XDR MacBook Pro: 2K/3K Retina display, 1,600 nits peak brightness, 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, wide color (P3), True Tone
- Pro Display XDR: 6K Retina display (6,016-by-3,384 resolution), 1,000 nits (XDR) or 500 nits (SDR) brightness, wide color (P3), True Tone
- Studio Display: 5K Retina display (5,120-by-2,880 resolution), 600 nits, wide color (P3), True Tone
The upcoming larger iMac will have smaller bezels than the 27-inch iMac and iMac Pro, which could help the display reach a higher pixel density without having to make the display much bigger. A rumor by Ross Young in October and a follow-up report in December claims that Apple will bring a Liquid Retina XDR display with “around 1,000 zones and over 4,000 mini-LEDs” to the iMac. That would be fewer than the 10,000 mini-LEDs in the iPad and the 8,000 mini-LEDs in the MacBook Pro, though it would likely be visually indistinguishable due to the size and viewing distance.
The 27-inch iMac has a nano-texture glass option (right) that does a better job of resisting glare and reflections.
IDG
The 27-inch iMac used to ship with standard glass on the front of the display, but (for $300) Apple offered a nano-texture glass that provided a matte-like finish and did a good job of cutting down glare. Apple will probably continue to offer this with the new iMac Pro. As you can see above, it dramatically cuts down on the gloss and glare.
2022 iMac Pro: Processor
The Mac Studio is a great desktop Mac, but it offers only the choice of the M1 Max or M1 Ultra. There are desktop Mac users who would like to see a desktop Mac housing the M1 Pro. While this could be the future of the Mac mini model that currently offers an Intel chip, we’d like to see it in a iMac Pro.
The iMac’s slim profile is similar to the MacBook Pro, which indicates that the M1 Pro or the M1 Max will work well. In benchmarks, the M1 Pro and M1 Max processors have performed well against the discontinued 27in iMac and iMac Pro models. There is some doubt as to whether we will see the M1 Ultra (as seen in the Mac Studio) inside this Mac though due to the thermal management requirements.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in January 2022 that the iMac Pro would have “similar chips to the M1 Pro and M1 Max processors inside of the MacBook Pro.”
2022 iMac Pro: Graphics
The M1 Pro offers a 14-core or 16-core GPU (14-cores on the entry-level) while the M1 Max GPU is even better – offering 32-cores.
Should Apple be able to use the M1 Ultra inside the iMac we could see a 64-core GPU.
2022 iMac Pro: RAM
In the October 2021 tweet (above) Dylan suggested that there would be 16GB RAM as standard in the new iMac Pro. If the M1 Pro and M1 Max are included then that suggests that the new iMac will be able to support 64GB RAM, which is less than the 128GB RAM currently supported.
It may however be possible to support 128GB RAM in the new machine if Apple can use the M1 Ultra.
The current 27-inch iMac has RAM slots that are user-accessible. With Apple silicon, RAM is built into the SoC, and if Apple also insists on maintaining the thinness of the iMac, there’s a good chance that the RAM will not be user upgradable. However, Apple introduced options up to 64GB with the M1 Pro on the MacBook Pro, so we doubt memory will be an issue for pro users.
2022 iMac Pro: Storage
Dylan’s October 2021 tweet also suggested that there will be 512GB storage as standard with the new iMac (Pro).
That would be an improvement on the 256GB offered in the entry-level 27in iMac prior to it being retired. But it would follow the pattern of the 2021 16in MacBook Pro which has 512GB and 1TB options for the standard machines (and 8TB as a build to order option, matching the 27in iMac).
2022 iMac Pro: Ports and expansion
The 24-inch iMac comes with two USB 3 ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a headphone jack. After Apple launched the MacBook Pro with HDMI and an SDXC card slot, rumors suggest the iMac will follow suit. The thin enclosure could be an issue, but Apple solved that issue on the 24-inch model by putting the headphone jack on the side. Apple could position the SD slot similarly to avoid making the iMac thicker. We doubt that Apple will keep USB-A ports around, however.
For the $1,499/£1,499 and $1,699/£1,699 24-inch iMac, Apple placed the ethernet port in the power adapter brick. The same power adapter is likely to be used for the larger iMac as well.
The ethernet-equipped power adapter will probably be standard with the larger iMac Pro.
Apple
2022 iMac: Other features
The 24-inch iMac and new MacBook Pro have improved FaceTime cameras that use the M1’s ISP to provide better image quality. That same FaceTime camera implementation is expected for the larger iMac Pro as well. A November leak suggested that it is possible that the camera could support Face ID, since True Depth references were spotted in macOS Big Sur, though the MacBook Pro doesn’t support Face ID despite having a wide notch. If it doesn’t have Face ID, it will likely have Touch ID built into the keyboard like the 24-inch iMac.
2022 iMac Pro: Price
As for the price, it will likely fall in line with the pricing of the 27-inch iMac, which started at $1,799/£1,749 since Apple kept similar pricing to the 21.5-inch iMac when it launched the 24-inch model. It’s also possible that the price will be a bit higher, perhaps starting at over $2,000/£2,000, which would be more in line with Apple’s price increase for the higher-end MacBook Pro.
How to connect two Macs without a network
A network is great, but what if you just want to connect two Macs and transfer gobs of information as fast as you can? Using a gigabit ethernet cable or a Mac with 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or later wireless networking hardware, you can transfer data between two devices at gigabit per second rates, but you can do better than that!
Apple offers four built-in methods in macOS, none of which are obvious to set up. Each of them has different requirements, advantages, and tradeoffs. Once connected, you use the same tools to transfer information between two Macs as you would if they were connected to a network:
-
SMB file sharing: In the Finder, choose Go > Connect to Server (Command-K) and click Browse. If the Mac doesn’t appear in the Network window, go back to Connect to Server, enter
smb://followed by the other device’s network-assigned or self-assigned IP address, and click Connect. (A self-assigned address means the computer couldn’t find a DHCP server, which assigns out addresses and provides a path to the Internet.) - Bonjour: A Mac connected with any method below should be discoverable via apps that support Bonjour.
- Direct app support: Some apps build in their own network services and should simply identify another Mac running client or peer-to-peer software.
Here are the four methods, from fastest to slowest.
Connect via Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt has long included a computer-to-computer mode that allows a 10Gbps connection. While that’s a fraction of its current 40Gbps data path for drives, peripherals, and displays, it’s speedy enough! (This method works with Windows and other computers that have Thunderbolt support, too.)
In my testing using a Thunderbolt 4 cable between two M1 Macs, I was able to get 4Gbps of sustained writes and 8Gbps of sustained reads using a speed-testing app, and 5Gbps in copying large files from one Mac to the other. Both rates are far above gigabit ethernet.
It’s vitally important that you have a USB-C to USB-C cable designed for Thunderbolt 3 or 4. Buy it from a company that has a good track record, such as Anker, Belkin, CalDigit, and Other World Computing, to name four of many. If you already own a USB-C cable, check that it has a lightning bolt symbol on plugs at both ends; it should also bear a 3 or 4, though Apple omits that, oddly enough. You don’t want a USB-C charge-only cable (typically unmarked ends) or a USB 3-only cable (typically a USB symbol and SuperSpeed+ or SS+, SS 10, or SS 20 label).
If you have one or two older Macs with Thunderbolt 2, you can use a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 2 cable or a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 USB-C cable with a Thunderbolt 2 adapter on one end.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Connect the two computers with a cable via any of their Thunderbolt ports.
- Open System Preferences > Network and make sure Thunderbolt Bridge appears in the list of interfaces at left on both Macs. If not, click the + (plus) and select Thunderbolt Bridge to add it, click Create, and click Apply.
- With the bridge interface in place and the two Macs connected, you should see a yellow dot and Self-Assigned IP appear under the interface name.
- Note the address of each computer, which will be something that starts
169.254.like169.254.14.103. You’ll need that for SMB connections as described above.
To disconnect, simply unplug the Thunderbolt cable.
Connect via 1Gbps to 10Gbps ethernet
macOS can also automatically configure a network connection over ethernet between two Macs with the same outcome above: a self-assigned IP address. Some Macs—like the Mac Pro and Studio Mac—have built-in 10Gbps ethernet. Macs released in the last decade have 1Gbps ethernet, known as plain “gigabit ethernet.” To use 1Gbps ethernet, you need a cable rated as Category 5E (or Cat5E) or higher; for 10Gbps, at least Cat6. (If you want to use 10Gbps on a local network, you can get a 10 Gbps ethernet adapter for Thunderbolt 3 or 4 for a whopping $199.)
Open System Preferences > Network and make sure Ethernet appears in the list of interfaces at left on both Macs. If not, click the + (plus) and select Ethernet to add that interface, click Create, and click Apply. Connect the two Macs with the cable, and you’ll wind up as in step 4 above for a Thunderbolt cable.
You can connect with computers running other operating systems, as they generally also automatically create a self-assigned IP address and allow SMB and other networking services.
Performance should be up to 1Gbps with gigabit ethernet and match Thunderbolt performance with 10Gbps ethernet.
Create a Wi-Fi hotspot with your Mac
If there’s no Thunderbolt or ethernet cable handy and no Wi-Fi network nearby, you can use your Mac to create a Wi-Fi hotspot, once called a software base station. (Apple began including this feature decades ago.)
Read “How to share a Wi-Fi connection via macOS” on how to configure one Mac to offer such a network. You use System Preferences > Sharing rather than the Network preference pane. (Visit the Network preference pane and it shows Internet Sharing: On as the Network Name for the Wi-Fi adapter.) Your Mac also shows an upward-pointing arrow inside the Wi-Fi fan to indicate network sharing.
Once created, the Mac’s Wi-Fi network can be selected by any device with Wi-Fi. That includes Macs, gaming systems, Android phones, and anything else. Because this is a shared connection, the machine connected to your Mac will be assigned an IP address by your Mac.
With my Macs—an M1 MacBook Air and M1 Mac mini—I achieved between 100 and 200Mbps of throughput, about half what I could manage via a Wi-Fi network to a gigabit internet connection.
A Mac-created Wi-Fi hotspot is good in a pinch when no other network or cables are available, but an 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or later Wi-Fi router can offer more throughput, often making it a better choice.
Disable the Wi-Fi hotspot by unchecking the Internet Sharing service in the left-hand list in System Preferences > Sharing.
Create a computer-to-computer wireless network
As the last resort, you can revert to an older wireless method once known as ad hoc. It’s out of date and lacks Wi-Fi security. Still, it has very little overhead because it’s a peer-to-peer connection—just make sure nobody is in range who could sniff your unencrypted wireless data.
Your maximum throughput will be relatively low. I measured below 100Mbps, even lower on average than with a Mac-created Wi-Fi hotspot.
Follow these steps:
- On both Macs, go to System Preferences > Network, select your Wi-Fi adapter in the left-hand list and click Advanced.
- Check “Show legacy networks and options” and click OK and then click Apply. (This is needed only in the last few releases of macOS.)
- In the Wi-Fi menu on the Mac on which want to create the network, select Create Network.
- Name the network and choose a high-numbered channel (36 or above), as that allows higher throughput, and click Create.
- When warned about creating an unsecure network, click Create.
- The icon in the Wi-Fi menu changes to show a tiny display within a Wi-Fi fan shape. Click the icon, and you see the network listed under Device.
- From the other computer, click the Wi-Fi menu and click Other Networks. The sharing Mac’s network appears under Device. Select it. (This may work with some non-Mac computers and mobile devices, too.)
- The connected Mac’s Wi-Fi icon will also change to the display-within-a-fan.
To disconnect, click the Wi-Fi symbol to the left of the network’s name on the Mac that’s sharing. Turn off the network on the Mac that’s sharing by clicking that Wi-Fi symbol under Device.
Ask Mac 911
We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered, we don’t reply to email, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.
Just Add Power updates AMP software
Just Add Power has announced that its Advanced Matrix Programmer (AMP) software platform now provides configuration for systems using MaxColor 4K60 Series devices, as well as those from the company’s 3G Ultra and legacy 2G Omega product lines. Just Add Power’s AMP – Multicast is designed for environments with existing infrastructure or special network requirements that don’t allow for a dedicated AV distribution switch. AMP consolidates and streamlines the process of setting up individual Just Add Power devices — discovering them on the local network, presenting them in a list, and allowing installers to name them, configure their IP addresses, […]
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Epson launches world’s smallest and lightest 20,000 lumens projector
Epson has launched its newest generation of compact, efficient and ultra-lightweight high lumens 3LCD projectors. Building on the success of its EB-L20000U series, Epson’s PU2200U range of high lumens 3LCD projectors includes the world’s smallest and lightest 20,000 lumens model, the EB-PU2220B, which is 60% smaller and 50% lighter than its predecessor, the EB-L20000U. The new range offers users significant advantages including much reduced size and weight, easier installation and set-up, simplified maintenance and great image quality. The new range of ultra-lightweight, compact laser projectors has been designed for use in large auditoriums, live events, concerts and conference rooms where […]
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