MyAppleMenu

The Compatibility-Validation Edition Saturday, April 15, 2023

Apple Makes Headway On New Mac Laptops As It Grapples With Slump, by Mark Gurman, Bloomberg

The Mac maker has begun testing the new machines with third-party apps from the App Store to validate their compatibility, according to developer logs shared with Bloomberg News. That’s a necessary step in the run-up to the launch of a new device.

Apple is counting on the new machines to entice shoppers after the worst Mac slump since the dot-com bust in 2000. Shipments plunged more than 40% in the first quarter, according to IDC, making the Mac a laggard even in an industry suffering a sharp downturn across the board. Apple had telegraphed that the quarter would be weak, but it won’t provide its actual results for the period until May 4.

Spark Review, by Justin Pot, PC Magazine

Unlike many competitors, Spark offers a refreshing experience because it's built entirely around email—not productivity apps, notes, or to-do lists. Gmail and other popular email apps keep adding more features, trying to expand boring old email into something else. If that's not what you want, I recommend Spark, which gives you great keyboard shortcuts, excellent features for organizing messages, and a lovely interface. Spark is also easy to recommend if you're looking for a more focused email client.

Todoist For Mac Gains AI Assistant To Level Up Your GTD Powers, by Michael Potuck, 9to5Mac

Popular getting things done (GTD) app Todoist has received an AI upgrade that’s aiming to make it easier than ever to accomplish your tasks. That includes suggesting tasks, making them more actionable, and getting tips to complete them.

Bottom of the Page

In my humble opinion, there are two groups of potential MacBook customers that Apple has not served well traditionally: customers who want a low-cost but good laptop, and customers who want an ultra-portable laptop.

The MacBook Air started life as an ultra-portable laptop. Then, iPhones and iPads came along. And MacBook Air morphed into the low-cost option, but not low-cost enough as Apple claimed they didn't know how.

It's time Apple start to learn how for both groups of customers.

~

Thanks for reading.