The new full-size HomePod adds support for spatial audio with Dolby Atmos for music and video, includes temperature and humidity monitoring, and promises an upcoming Sound Recognition feature for later this year. It comes in white and midnight (which replaces space gray in a distinction with little difference).
This means that if you want to create a HomePod stereo pair using the second-generation model, you’ll have to buy two of them, even if you already have a first-generation model.
The tech specs for the HomePod mini have been updated to reflect the existence of the temperature and humidity sensor, so Apple will likely issue a software or firmware update to activate it, though it’s likely it won’t arrive until February 3, the day the new HomePod starts shipping.
So those new M2 chips do contain some pretty impressive graphics hardware, especially for integrated GPUs, which is broadly comparable with the latest consoles and some decent desktop GPU hardware, too.
Apple's chips are also looking pretty special when it comes to efficiency. Apple claims up to 22 hours of battery life with the M2 Max fitted to its latest 16-inch MacBook Pro. That may be somewhat optimistic, but even slashed in half that is epic battery life for a laptop with desktop 6700 XT performance. PC gaming laptops don't even come close.
If you want a base model 27-inch iMac, you can effectively get the same thing by buying the new M2 Mac mini and the Apple Studio Display.
iOS 16.3 fixes an issue where horizontal lines flash across the screen on some iPhone 14 Pro Max devices when powered on or unlocked, according to Apple’s release notes for the software update, which is in the final stage of beta testing.
Today, Apple has officially announced a new Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, a matching watch face and iPhone wallpaper, plus Apple Maps Guides, TV/film and Podcasts collections, and more.
Apple is now rolling out a firmware update for the second and third generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. Today’s updates follow firmware updates that were released for the AirPods family in November 2022.
An increasing number of third-generation Apple TV 4K owners are reporting connection issues with the Siri Remote that are only temporarily resolved by either restarting the remote or power cycling the set-top box.
That’s because manually powering down Apple Watch Ultra still allows it to display the time when it’s off – just hold the Digital Crown for a few seconds just like Power Reserve mode on every other model.
The only way to fully power down Apple Watch Ultra is to drain its battery, and that takes a few days in general usage.
Apple is a major exception: It did not appreciably increase its rate of hiring over the last two years, and also has not announced any layoffs.
The push into smart displays will start with a tablet product — essentially a low-end iPad — that can control things like thermostats and lights, show video and handle FaceTime chats, people with knowledge of the plans said. The product could be mounted on walls or elsewhere using magnetic fasteners, positioning it as more of a home gadget than a regular iPad.
Apple has also discussed the idea of building larger smart-home displays, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the deliberations are private.
And, so, I will repeat my semi-regular complain that none of the three different HomePods were ever made available here where I live. Is it because of the limitation of Siri? Is it because this is a really hobby product that Apple don't bother to solve worldwide logistic problems? Who know. But then, Apple continues to make and sell HomePods, but not the iPhone mini?
Okay, but even if Apple is selling the new HomePods here where I am, I'll be hesitant. Apple, it seems, is cutting corners to bring the price down. The question is how significant those missing corners are, or is the HomePod minis more value-for-money? I'd wait for some reviews first, which, if the rumors are correct, will arrive this coming Monday.
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What is the difference between a home-gadget iPad and a desktop iPad?
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Thanks for reading.