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What to expect from Apple's 'Hello Again' event
Apple is sneaking in one more big product unveiling before 2016 comes to a close, and expectations for new Macs are running high. And how couldn't they be? Aside from last year's iMacs and the 12-inch MacBook, Cupertino's computer lineup has gone largely untouched since 2015 -- and there are numerous systems that have remained the same for even longer. But which Macs are going to get an upgrade on Oct. 27th? And is there a chance that other devices will get their moment in the sun? We've rounded up some of the more credible rumors to give you a sense of what's likely in store.
Apple reportedly unveils new Macs on October 27th
Even before Apple's September event, rumors swirled that the company would save any Mac-related updates for an October presentation. As the month has gone on, however, fans have wondered whether or not anything would happen. Isn't it a little late to send out press invitations? Supposedly, you can relax. Recode sources claim that Apple will introduce new Macs at an event on October 27th. This would be a smaller-scale affair than the iPhone 7 introduction (possibly held on Apple's campus), but that doesn't mean that it would be devoid of interesting products. If you believe the rumors, just the opposite is true.
Apple iPad, Mac rumors suggest upgrades for power users
While we prepare to see the next iPhone on September 7th, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has delivered another batch of rumors centered around Apple's iPad and Mac plans. According to his sources, along with a standalone 5K monitor the company is working on with LG (that would surpass even the 21:9 screens just announced) the next step for iMacs are the option of AMD GPUs built-in, while the Macbook Air is expected to get a USB-C upgrade that could mimic the current Macbook.
The best stuff we bought in 2015
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-410140{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-410140, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-410140{width:570px;display:block;}When you write about technology for a living, a lot of folks ask you for buying advice. And, while we get to test the latest and greatest gear on the planet, telling others what to spend their money on is often easier than shopping for ourselves. Only a select few devices are deemed worthy of our dollars. These are the best gadgets we bought in 2015.
Dear Veronica: Going old school with game emulators!
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-408727{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-408727, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-408727{width:570px;display:block;}try{document.getElementById("fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-408727").style.display="none";}catch(e){}I can't believe it's already been 20 episodes! You guys have been awesome about sending in questions, so thank you. But enough sentimental stuff, let's get to the questions!
Inside Apple's Mac accessory testing lab
Design seems to be at the heart of every new Apple product. In the company's eyes, a new laptop or tablet shouldn't just perform well -- it has to look, feel and sound right too. But just how far does the company go to maintain this vision? Ridiculously far, it turns out. To coincide with the latest iMacs, Backchannel was given an exclusive look at the Input Design Lab where Apple tests new keyboard, trackpad and mouse prototypes. The methods used are numerous, extensive and eye-opening; in one, Apple attaches sensors to testers to measure muscle fatigue and memory, acoustics and accuracy. In another, robots type repeatedly on keys and move mice around to measure their general performance, endurance, and adaptability on different surfaces. Some of these tests can reportedly require up to five million key taps. It's rare for Apple to give this much insight into its R&D facilities, so hit up Backchannel's article for all of the photos and intriguing tidbits.
Apple iMac review (21.5-inch, 2015): 4K is optional, faster hard drives shouldn't be
No, it's not just a CPU refresh. Apple started selling a new line of iMacs today, and yes, while they have fresh processors and graphics cards inside, that's really the least of it. Going forward, all the 27-inch models have a 5K screen -- not just the flagship we reviewed last year -- while the 21.5-inch version now has an optional 4K panel. Across the board, too, these new 4K and 5K displays have a wider color gamut, although the difference is fairly subtle. Possibly more important than the iMac itself, though, are the input devices: Apple redesigned the wireless keyboard, mouse and trackpad, adding rechargeable batteries and, in the case of the touchpad, pressure-sensitive Force Touch gestures.I've been spending a few days with the new iMac, and chose to review the 4K 21.5-inch edition in particular since this is the first "small" iMac with a Retina display. Between the crisper screen, compact footprint and a lower price than the 27-inch models, it has the potential to hit the sweet spot for a lot of people. Just be sure to upgrade the hard drive before you place your order.
The smaller iMac gets a 4K display, all the 27-inch models have 5K
Apple's big fall keynote happened more than a month ago, so it's a bit late for Tim Cook to be saying "one more thing." Sure enough, though, the company just unveiled a refreshed line of iMacs, including a 21.5-inch model with an optional 4K (4,096 x 2,304) screen. That last bit shouldn't come as a surprise: The internet has already been abuzz with rumors that the smaller iMac would finally get a Retina display option, as opposed to just plain old 1080p. All told, the 4K iMac has 4.5 times the resolution of Full HD, with the same pixel density as the 5K version. Speaking of the sort, the 27-inch model now comes standard with a 5,120 x 2,880 panel, whereas 5K resolution was once reserved for a $2,499 flagship edition. Across the board, both the 4K and 5K iMacs bring a 25 percent wider color range, and upgrading to Apple's hybrid Fusion Drives costs about half as much as it used to ($100, down from $200 to $250). That said, it's a shame that 5,400 rpm HDDs are still the standard throughout much of the iMac lineup.
Apple will reportedly outfit the 21.5-inch iMac with a 4K display
Almost a year ago, Apple put a Retina display inside its 27-inch desktop. A report from 9to5Mac says we could see a high-res panel on the smaller 21.5-inch model soon as well. The word comes from Mark Gurman, who has a solid track record for news like this, of the new iMac initially tipped by clues inside the upcoming OS X El Capitan. Despite the larger all-in-one getting a 5K Retina panel last fall, the report claims that the 21.5-inch version will come equipped with a 4K display and resolution of 4,096 x 2,304 (up from the current 1,920 x 1,080). While Apple has an iPhone-focused event scheduled for next week, Gurman says the new iMac won't be announced until next month. If you're not too thrilled about paying a premium for a higher-resolution display, chances are the current model will remain available. Even after the 27-inch Retina model arrived, the 1440p option stuck around.
El Capitan beta has clues about new iMac, Bluetooth remote
Apple's latest El Capitan beta for developers has a few Easter eggs hidden in its codes, which hint at possible new products on the way. 9to5Mac has unearthed some very telling references to future hardware, including one that adds support for an Apple-made 4,096 x 2,304 resolution display. Seeing as there's already a 27-inch 5K iMac, that line of code might be meant for a 21.5-inch Retina iMac. Further references to Intel's new Broadwell Iris graphics processor and four new AMD Radeon processors support that possibility, so cross your fingers if that's the desktop computer you've always wanted.
Apple to replace broken 3TB hard drives in some older iMacs
If you have a 27-inch iMac with a 3TB hard drive that conked out on you recently, check your receipt. Apple might be able to fix it for you, so long as it's a late 2012 model and was purchased between December 2012 and September 2013. Cupertino has issued a bulletin warning buyers that "a very small number of 3TB hard drives" in the system "may fail under certain conditions," and is offering to replace affected ones for free. The company didn't elaborate, but commenters on the MacRumors forum believe some of the model's HDDs came from a batch of faulty drives Seagate released sometime ago. In fact, Apple has conducted similar programs in the past to replace 1TB Seagate drives.
Apple adds Force Touch to 15-inch MacBook Pro, cuts 5K iMac prices
Now that the people are used to the pressure-sensitive trackpads in the new MacBook and smaller MacBook Pro, it's high time that the 15-inch model joined the party. That's why Apple has revealed that it's bringing Force Touch to the larger of its pro laptops. It's not just the user interface that's been tweaked, since there's faster flash storage, a further hour of battery life and AMD's new discrete graphics hardware tucked inside. At the same time, the company has managed to get the base price for its 27-inch Retina Display iMac down to $1,999 by sacrificing the Fusion Drive. Even better, however, is that the top-line 5K iMac with a 3.5GHz chip will now set you back $2,299, at least before you pick some build-to-order options, obviously. Both devices are available from today at the company's online and retail stores, as well as authorized resellers.
LG may have just outed an 8K iMac
Apple's suppliers take a $50 million blood oath on new model secrecy, but it looks like someone from LG didn't get that memo. In a press release explaining why 4K is now passé (really?), the company's display division inadvertently leaked an iMac with an incredible 8K screen. While discussing its own 98-inch 8K TV, it said "Apple has also announced that they will release the 'iMac 8K' with a super-high resolution display this year." Unfortunately for LG, Apple announced no such thing, meaning the Korean company may have revealed information meant for its eyes only.
iMacompanion: Kickstarted accessory puts a USB 3.0 port at the front of your iMac
It's always a pleasure to see projects graduate from Kickstarter or Indiegogo and actually become available for sale. One project that was intriguing a few months ago, the Wiplabs iMacompanion (US$39.99), is now in the BiteMyApple.co and Amazon.com stores. iMacompanion is a USB 3.0 extension port that matches the sleek design of the iMac and adds that port to the front of your iMac where it's easy to get to. Here's our review. Design The brilliant design of the iMacompanion was what drew me - and a number of backers - to the product on Kickstarter. Rather than clip some sort of USB extension to the front of the iMac like the BlueLounge Jimi ($14.95) where it really doesn't look too much like a part of your computer, the designers at Wiplabs made the iMacompanion match the aluminum base of the iMac where it sits. A completely flat USB 3.0 cable then runs under the iMac base and around to the back of your computer where it plugs in. The result? You have a good looking USB port that looks like it actually belongs on the iMac base and is always available should you need to plug something in - without reaching around to the back of the iMac. It's possible to plug a pair of iMacompanions into the ports on the back of the iMac and to place them side by side on the base. The little device comes with a good sticky material on the bottom so that it stays in place on the base when you plug cables or flash drives into it. I had issues with the Jimi occasionally popping out of its USB port if I didn't hold that clip with my hand while plugging something into it. That doesn't seem to be a problem with iMacompanion. Function Installing iMacompanion is simple enough - just peel off the paper backing on the adhesive pad, then stick the little extension onto the base of the iMac. I put it in the center for aesthetic purposes, but you could put it anywhere you desire as long as it's on the front edge of the base. You'll need to tip your iMac to one side to run the flat cable under the base of the computer, but once you've done that you can get back to a normal posture for your iMac. Unsurprisingly, the iMacompanion works just like any USB port. I find it to be extremely useful for using my iPhone 6 Plus with my iMac through the Duet Display app and TenOne Design Mountie, since I no longer have to fish around the back of the iMac to plug in a USB cable. Conclusion iMacompanion is a well-made and good-looking accessory for any iMac made since 2004. It adds a much-needed front USB port without detracting the overall design concept of the iMac. My only complaint? The price. $40 is a bit much for an accessory of this type, and I hope that Wiplabs can work on bringing the price down soon. Unsolicited personal pitch If you're a fan of crowd-funded projects like iMacompanion, join Backerjack's Ross Rubin and me for a half hour of talk each week about a handful of unique and sometimes useful campaigns on The Backerjack Podcast. Rating: 3 stars out of 4 stars possible
Retina 5K iMac hits the Apple refurbished store
Apple's Retina 5k iMac is a beast of a machine, both in power and price. If you've been holding off on purchasing one due to its $2,499 starting price, you'll be happy to know there's a cheaper way to buy. The Retina 5k iMac has now hit the Apple online refurbished store in Fusion Drive and flash storage configurations, each at about 15% less than full price. The entry-level model will set you back $2,119 and comes with a 27-inch (diagonal) Retina display with IPS technology; 5120‑by‑2880 resolution, 8GB memory, 1TB Fusion drive , AMD Radeon R9 M290X graphics processor with 2GB of GDDR5 memory, and a built-in FaceTime HD camera. That's $380 in savings. For $2,419 -- $80 less than the full price standard model -- you can get a 3.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i5 with Retina display with 16GB memory, 3TB Fusion drive, AMD Radeon R9 M290X graphics processor with 2GB of GDDR5 memory, and the built-in FaceTime HD camera. Head over to the refurbished store to take a look at the available models.
Caturday: Le magnifique chat devant l'iMac
Ahhh, the hunting grounds of the magnificent tuxedo cat ... in front of an iMac. This is Kali, a cat belonging to the daughter of TUAW reader Denis Giguere of Laval, Quebec. Denis poetically notes that: We are currently sitting Kali, one of our daughter's cats. In Hindu religion, Kali is the Goddess of time and change, others say of universal destruction. This little tuxedo cat bears well its name as it enjoyed chewing the USB cables connected to my iMac. But how to resist such a lovely brat That likes to hang around for a belly scratch While working on my iMac? Simply get Apple wireless trackpad and keyboard! We'd love to see photos of your favorite feline soaking up the warmth of an Apple product, chasing a Magic Mouse, or just being a general nuisance while you're attempting to work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Please let us know via our feedback page and please remember that your cat photo has to have some sort of connection to Apple or its products. For security reasons we can't accept inbound attachments, so you should host the photo (Dropbox, Flickr, iPhoto Journals, etc.) and send us the link. Merci à Denis et Kali!
Best Buy Black Friday deals: $100 off iPad Air 2, $150 off MacBook Air and much more
It's still early November, but with Thanksgiving about 2+ weeks away, the Black Friday deals have already started rolling in. Per usual, Best Buy will have some solid deals that may very well warrant trekking over to the store once you're finished stuffing yourself with turkey and mashed potatoes. Best Buy recently published its upcoming Black Friday deals online. Below are just a few of the Apple items of interest. iPad Deals Starting on Thursday, November 28 at 5PM and running through November 29, shoppers at Best Buy will be able to purchase Apple's new iPad Mini 3 for US$324.99, a solid $75 off the normal list price. Even better, all models -- from 16 GB to 64 GB -- of the iPad Air 2 will be available at a $100 discount. Essentially, you'll soon be able to pick up the new iPad Air 2 for the price of an iPad Mini 3. Notably, the deals will also be available online. MacBook Deals Not to be outdone, there are also some great savings to be had across Apple's MacBook line. Specifically, shoppers will be able to save $150 off of the 13.3-inch MacBook Air and $120 off of the 11.6-inch MacBook Air. With respect to the MacBook Pro, the 13.3-inch model with Retina display will come with $150 worth of savings while the non-Retina model will come with $200 worth of savings. The final pricing looks like this: MacBook Air 13.3-inch - $1049.99 MacBook Air 11.6-inch - $779.99 MacBook Pro Retina Display - $1349.99 MacBook Pro non-Retina - $899.99 iMac Deals The base model 21.5-inch iMac will be available at a modest $20 discount while the 21.5-inch iMac with 8GB of RAM and a 1 TB hard drive will be available at a $100 discount. Beats Deals With Beats now officially under the Apple umbrella, it's worth mentioning what types of deals are to be had there. Beats by Dre Studio headphones will be available for $199.99, representing $100 in savings. Meanwhile, the Beats by Dre portable speaker will be available for $249.99, representing $150 in savings.
Caturday: Justin's blocking the iMac
I've often noticed that cats and their humans tend to share traits in common. In this case, the handsome tabby Justin appears to think he's a hockey goalie, blocking access to the goal of the iMac from his human Faye Barth. From Faye's iMac wallpaper, it's apparent that she's a huge fan of the New York Islanders. Maybe Justin is dreaming of being Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halák... We'd love to see photos of your favorite feline soaking up the warmth of an Apple product, chasing a Magic Mouse, or just being a general nuisance while you're attempting to work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Please let us know via our feedback page and please remember that your cat photo has to have some sort of connection to Apple or its products. For security reasons we can't accept inbound attachments, so you should host the photo (Dropbox, Flickr, iPhoto Journals, etc.) and send us the link. Many thanks to Faye Barth and Justin!
Here's one reason why the Retina iMac has a 5K, not a 4K display
Apple this month announced its new iMac with a 5K Retina display, which boasts of an impressive 14.7 million pixels packed into the 5120×2880 matrix. Why did Apple choose this novel 5K resolution over a myriad of standard 4K options? Ars Technica asked this question of Dr. Ray Soneira of DisplayMate, who provided a simple explanation -- video editing. According to Soneira, this resolution is geared towards the videographer who can take advantage of the extra screen real estate when working with 4K video streams. "This monitor is designed for video production, which is the primary reason for buying a 5K display as opposed to a 4K display," he said. "A 5K display is great when working on 4K content (3840×2160 or 4096×2160) because you can view all of the images at their true native 4K resolution, which is very important, and then have a fair amount of leftover extra screen space all around it for controls, icons, and even a generous 3.4-inch high text area at the bottom for commands and text input." Soneira notes that while video editing on the new iMac may be dreamy, watching video may not be so pleasant as 4K frames won't fill the 5K display. Letterboxing the smaller video is undesirable, while upscaling may introduce artifacts. Early hands-on reviews, however, suggest this may not be an issue for the average consumer, with most journalists praising the machine for its "jaw-dropping" display.
The Retina iMac 5k maxed out with 32GB of RAM is incredible
Apple's new Retina iMac 5K is a stunning computer for graphic design and video editors looking for the best possible screen to get their work done. Still, considering it's $2499 price tag, you'd think Apple could throw in more than 8 GB RAM. Maxing it out to 32 GB in Apple store will cost you an extra $600, but if you do it yourself you'll be paying half that much. After you see this video you'll understand why you'll want to. This installation walk through shows you just how easy upgrading RAM in the new Retina iMac 5K really is, but the star of show is the performance test at the end. If you've got nearly $3,000 to drop on a computer, you might as well make it as powerful as possible. The results speak for themselves, and they're saying "holy crap that's powerful."
