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Daily Update for March 11, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
MacBook Pro with Retina users report fan issue
A number of early 2013 Retina MacBook Pro owners are reporting fan speed issues, according to plenty of reports around the web including on Apple's own discussion forums. Specifically the issue is about the laptop's fans kicking on when there is no need to. Users report only stressing the laptop minimally, such as just having a web browser open with a few tabs, will cause the fans to spin for minutes at a time. Users also report that the laptop isn't even warm while the fans spin. Geek.com suggests the issue could be due to a fan management software glitch in MacBook Pros using new SanDisk SSDs. Apple switched from Samsung SSDs to SanDisk SSDs in some units of the latest MacBook Pro with Retina display. There's been no official comment from Apple at this time, but some users have been able to get their MacBooks replaced when reporting the issue. Other users have been told it's a normal occurrence. If a fix does come, many suggest that it would be through a software update and that no replacement of parts would be required.
Primate Labs benchmarks new Retina MacBook Pro models
Apple bumped the processors in the Retina MacBook Pro line last week, pushing the 15-inch model to the 2.4, 2.7 or 2.8 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 and the 13-inch to 2.5, 2.6, 2.9 or 3.0 GHz dual-core processors. As usual, Primate Labs grabbed a handy copy of their "flagship product" -- Geekbench -- and tested each model's performance. The 100 MHz increase in processor speed across the board on the 15-inch MacBook Pros was responsible for a 3 to 5 percent increase in performance as measured by the Geekbench 2 scores. Likewise, the 13-inch models received a bump in both speed and performance. Primate Labs noted, though, that the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro models ship with both old and new processors. The new processors are only available in 13-inch models that start with 256 GB of storage, while the machines that start with 128 GB of storage retain the older, slower processors. John Poole at Primate Labs notes that the new Intel processor architecture, Haswell, is forthcoming later this year, so it's not surprising that Apple decided to outfit the Retina MacBook Pro line with the latest in Ivy Bridge processors. However, he's curious about why the non-Retina MacBook Pro line didn't receive the same speed bump, and speculates that the current line of Retina-free MBPs might be the last.
Daily Update for February 13, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Apple releases updates to MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, lowers starting price
Apple is updating specs and dropping prices on select MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. According to a company press release, the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro will now start at US$1,499 for the base model with 128 GB of flash storage, down from the original $1,699 price tag. The premier 13-inch Retina model will get a processor boost to 2.6 GHZ and a similar price drop from $1,999 to $1,699. The lower-end (if such a phrase can apply in this case) 15-inch model Retina MacBook Pro will keep the same price tag, but it will be boosted to a 2.4 GHz quad-core processor in the base model. A new 2.7 GHz quad-core processor will replace the current 2.6 GHz CPU in the top-of-the line model. The MacBook Air will keep the same specs, but will now set you back $1,399. The updated MacBook Pro with Retina display and MacBook Air models are available today through Apple's Online Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Show full PR text Apple Updates Processors & Prices of MacBook Pro with Retina Display CUPERTINO, California-February 13, 2013-Apple® is making the MacBook Pro® with Retina® display faster and more affordable with updated processors and lower starting prices. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now starts at $1,499 for 128GB of flash, and $1,699 for a new 2.6 GHz processor and 256GB of flash. The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now features a faster 2.4 GHz quad-core processor, and the top-of-the-line 15-inch notebook comes with a new 2.7 GHz quad-core processor and 16GB of memory. Apple today also announced that the 13-inch MacBook Air® with 256GB of flash has a new lower price of $1,399. The MacBook Pro with Retina display features the world's highest resolution notebook display. Whether you're reading emails, writing text, editing home movies in HD or retouching professional photography, everything appears vibrant, detailed and sharp, delivering an unrivaled viewing experience. The MacBook Pro with Retina display features flash storage that is up to four times faster than traditional notebook hard drives, and delivers improved reliability, instant-on responsiveness and up to 30 days of standby time. Pricing & Availability The updated MacBook Pro with Retina display and MacBook Air models are available today through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Pricing details, technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/macbook-pro and www.apple.com/macbookair.
Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now $1,499, new processors for Retina family and cheaper MacBook Air
Apple announced today that the price of its entry-level 13-inch 128GB MacBook Pro with Retina display has been cut to $1,499. Meanwhile, the model above (with a new 2.6GHz processor and 256GB of space) has been priced at $1,699. The bigger 15-inch MacBook Pros with Retina display, will also get their processors bumped up to 2.4GHz and 2.7GHz, respectively, while MacBook Air shoppers might want to make their purchase today, as the 256GB 13-inch MacBook Air has also been discounted to $1,399. All the new models (and prices) will be available starting today.
Apple releases MacBook Pro firmware update to fix battery issues
Apple has released the MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.7. The update addresses a very specific issue owners of the MacBook Pro (15- and 17-inch models, Early 2011) and MacBook Pro (15- and 17-inch models, Mid 2010) were having. Though rare, the issue would cause the laptops to unexpectedly shut down or stop functioning after more than 1,000 battery charge cycles. The firmware update can be downloaded through Software Update on the select models, or users can download it directly here. Last month Apple released the MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.6, which addressed a similar issue on other models.
Shawn Blanc offers a tasty recipe for cooking up a Mac media and file server
Sometimes you may have a Mac that works well enough to escape being recycled at Gazelle, but has just enough wrong with it that it can't be used in day-to-day work. That was the situation with blogger and podcaster Shawn Blanc's wife's MacBook Pro, which has a bad video card that caused the display to flicker and show lines. With a little bit of love and a dusting of hackery, Blanc turned the aging MacBook into a Mac file and media server. While the primary job of his media server is to host ripped video (via HandBrake) and audio files for viewing on a HDTV through an Apple TV, he also uses the server to host AirPrint for a non-AirPrint printer (using Printopia), runs Mail.app 24/7 to sort and file incoming emails, and runs Dropbox and Hazel so he can upload audio to an Amazon S3 server from his iPhone among other tasks. Blanc's article on his self-named website provides insight into how he set up the server and his video ripping workflow, but his discussion of how to upload and post audio files for the Shawn Today podcast was the most fascinating bit. He's now using DropVox to record podcasts and upload it to a Dropbox folder. Hazel watches for new audio files appearing in that folder, renames them and a Python script is used to upload the renamed file to S3, add its URL to a Simplenote document and then send Blanc notification that the file is ready. To publish the latest podcast episode, he only needs to copy the URL from Simplenote, open the Poster WordPress editing app and paste the URL into a post before publishing. It's a fun look at how an older Mac can be repurposed into something useful for both work and pleasure.
Kanex's DualRole is a USB 3.0 hub and Ethernet adapter for modern MacBooks
The glitzy sheen of that Retina Display MacBook Pro or MacBook Air probably tarnished a little when you realized you'd need to sacrifice a USB or Thunderbolt if you wanted Ethernet connectivity. Just in time for Macworld, Kanex is shuttling out DualRole, a three-port USB 3.0 hub and Ethernet adapter that'll swell your connectivity options while on the road. Bus-powered, you can also add a 5v power adapter to juice your gadgets at the same time. It'll set you back $69 and is available from right about now.
Apple adds refurbished 13-inch MacBook Pro to online store, Retina model starting at $1,439
It's been nearly two weeks since Apple made its 15-inch next-generation MacBook Pro available as a refurb and now the 13-inch model's ready to follow suit. Listed on the company's online storefront today, iFans averse to full retail pricing can now snag the base model with a 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 4GB RAM and a 500GB HDD for $1,019 (about $180 less). That's if you hate your eyes, but have slightly more respect for your wallet. Or... or you can go for the gloss and get the Retina model with the same processor setup, 8GB RAM and a 128GB SSD (configurations of up to 512GB also available) for $1,439 -- so long as you're willing to pay more of a premium. However it shakes down for you, there's no denying you're in store for savings and the pleasures of a product that's almost brand new.
Apple offering refurbished 15-inch Retina MacBook Pros for $1869
If you've wanted a 15-inch MacBook Pro but have felt put off the steep price, now is the time to scoop one up for a little less cheddar. Apple is currently offering Apple Certified Refurbished MacBook Pros with Retina Display for US$1869 online. It's the entry-level model with 8GB of RAM and a 256 GB flash storage. If you're willing to go refurb, you'll save $330 (or 15 percent) off the "new" purchase price. The online store is also currently offering the high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display (8 GB RAM, 512 GB flash storage) for $2379, or $420 (15 percent) off the the "new" purchase price. Refurbs aren't always available, so get them while they're hot!
How would you change the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display?
Many will bristle at the implication, but as the MacBook Air inspired the Ultrabook, mainstream laptops will likely seek to ape the Retina Display MacBook Pro, sorry, MacBook Pro with Retina Display. The clunky name aside, it seems that the next generation of devices will ditch disc drives and Ethernet ports in favor of pixel-dense displays and reduced weight. But did Jonathan Ive's trash can get too full? If you've been using one, do you still ache for those phantom limbs, or is it peaceful on that side of the river? Folks, for the last time this year, we're inviting you to share your thoughts and feelings on how you'd change the MacBook Pro with Retina Display, and from all of us, have a Happy New Year.
TUAW's Best of 2012 Personal Picks: Michael Grothaus, and the year that wasn't
In my opinion, 2012 was a lackluster year for the Apple ecosystem and the tech sector as a whole. Smartphones are now ubiquitous and this is the year the tablet hit mainstream adoption. While those are both good things, the whole touch computing world is now five years old and innovation and excitement seems to be taking a back seat to more of the same old-same old. 2012 brought us more Instagram clones, more Angry Birds knock-offs, and an endless array of people asking me to review their Kickstarter projects. I remember a world pre-2012 when developers and accessory makers would ask me to review real, finished products. Even the self-righteous outrage in the tech media about Twitter's third-party client TOS changes that brought about the (horribly named) App.net attracted only the geekiest of the tech world. After all, how is a Twitter knockoff that charges annual subscription fees going to gain mass adoption among users in the non-techie world? Before I depress people more about the state of tech in 2012, let's talk about a few bright spots. Yes, most of these were because I need to pick something that says "this was good" -- that's why my category choices are a bit generic. Hopefully 2013 will be a more exciting year for tech. Best iOS device: iPhone 5 This year we saw the iPad 3, the iPad 4, the iPad mini, and the new iPod touch in addition to the iPhone 5. That's a lot of new iOS devices in one year. And while the iPad mini deserves praise for its design and lightness, the best iOS device of the year is the iPhone 5. Its thin profile, look and feel, and that extra bit of screen space turned an aging design into something sleek and sexy again. I never thought adding just a half-inch (diagonally) of space to the screen would change the user experience that much, but it did. Matter of fact, that half-inch is just enough that I do most of my web browsing on my iPhone now instead of my iPad. Best Mac: MacBook Pro with Retina display Apple had two major Mac product launches this year: MacBook Pros with Retina displays and the new optical drive-less iMacs. While the new iMacs are sleek and beautiful, the best Mac award goes to the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display. Why the 15-inch and not the 13-inch? Because the 15-inch is actually a little thinner than the 13-inch. Also, as my office is mobile, I prefer to carry the largest screen around with me that I can. For me, working in Word or Pages on a 15-inch screen is leaps and bounds better than working on a 13-inch screen. And, as with the iPhone and iPad before it, once you use a Retina display, it's hard to work on anything non-Retina. Best iOS game: The Walking Dead This is the one thing on my list that is truly a bright and shining example of a standout product in 2012. Yeah, there were tens of thousands of new iOS games this year, so why pick The Walking Dead? Because it brought back my faith that video games could be used to convey emotional, gripping stories. And that's where this game succeeds wildly. The entire team at Telltale Games deserves props for game play, art direction, and everything else that goes into making a game. However, it's the writers that deserve a standing ovation. The best video games on any platform (almost like a good book) are the ones that can get the reader emotionally attached to the characters. More than that, the best games (again, like the best books) are the ones that let us peek into the human condition and tell us something about the world around us -- and ourselves. And yes, the game is set in a world where zombies walk the earth, but that in no way implies that the story is not compelling or relevant. The world of iOS gaming is primarily dominated by "casual" games. They're games like Doodle Jump and Angry Birds (both fun games, mind you) that we play when we have five minutes to kill while on the train or waiting for an appointment. Games with complex, gripping stories are a rarity outside of the console world. That's why The Walking Dead is such an outstanding game. If you haven't played it, grab it this week while the first episode is free. The game is normally $4.99 for the first episode and $4.99 for each additional episode (or $14.99 if you buy the remaining episodes at once). There are five episodes in total and, once completed, they form a compelling story. Also keep in mind that The Walking Dead game is based on the comic book universe and not the TV series; however, players can enjoy the game without familiarity with either series. Best iOS app: Google Maps Enough has been said about Apple Maps this year. It was a huge mess that led to the firing of at least two senior executives at Apple and was a rare major failing on the company's part. Sure, Apple will keep building on its maps, and sometime in the future the company's back-end database may be adequate for most users. In the meantime, users are flocking to Google Maps via the new dedicated iOS app. In less than 48 hours there were over 10 million downloads of the app; while it wasn't out in time to be included in Apple's "Most downloaded apps" lists this year, something tells me that in its three short weeks of 2012 downloads, it may end up as the most downloaded app of the year. Besides being a wonderfully designed app with vector maps and turn-by-turn directions -- and an incredible POI database and search features -- I love the Google Maps app so much because it let me come back to the iPhone. I was finally able to buy that iPhone 5 I wanted so much, rather than bailing out to a Samsung phone. Best reader: The paperback I read a lot. My pace is about one book a week. This year I gave iBooks a real shot, having bought ten books through the iBookstore. And while the iPad's Retina display made ebooks much more pleasurable to read, the iPad is still too heavy and distracting to use as a dedicated e-reader. I also gave the new Kindle a shot. Again, nice, but for me it doesn't compare to a printed book. The only e-reader I found that I liked (primarily due to its size) was the Txtr Beagle, which I reviewed for The Guardian. However, that e-reader won't be out anywhere until next year, and in the US even later than in Europe, so I can't recommend it yet (not to mention I played with a prototype). 2012 saw e-readers move in the right direction, but for now the old-fashioned paperback book still rules. I wish picking the winners of tech in 2012 had been more work, with a larger pool of contenders to sort through. There just weren't. While I feel my choices (particularly The Walking Dead) are all bright spots, here's hoping 2013 brings much more than 2012 did.
Apple releases 2012 MacBook and iMac firmware updates
Apple has released an EFI firmware update for 2012 iMac and 13-inch MacBook Pro models. The updates are available via Software Update or direct download at the links below. Here are the details: MacBook Pro Retina EFI Update v1.1 This update is recommended for all 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display (late 2012) models. This update improves sleep performance, enhances Thunderbolt router support, fixes an HDMI display issue and improves compatibility when using the 5GHz band in WiFi. Boot ROM or SMC Version Information: After Update is complete: Build version: 0106.03 ROM version: MBP102.88Z.0106.B03.1211161133 File Size: 4.76 MB System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.8.1 and greater, EFI version 0106.01 iMac EFI Update 2.0 This update is recommended for all iMac (late 2012) models. This update contains general performance fixes pertaining to sleep and Thunderbolt and improves compatibility when using the 5GHz band in WiFi. Boot ROM or SMC Version Information: After Update is complete: Build version: 010A.05 ROM version: IM131.88Z.010A.B05.1211151146 File Size: 4.32 MB System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.8.1 and greater, EFI version 010A
Twelve South HiRise for MacBook
Twelve South just announced another of their good-looking and extremely functional products for Apple -- the Twelve South HiRise for MacBook (US$69.99). Like the other entry in the HiRise line, the HiRise for iMac and Cinema Display, the HiRise for MacBook is designed to lift up your device above a table or desk surface to give you a bit more space to put stuff. Design Like many of Apple's iconic products, the HiRise for MacBook is made out of aluminum. There's a "foot" that sits upon your desktop with an adjustable riser that ends in a "swept-wing vee" to hold your MacBook. That aluminum vee is covered with a non-slip material to keep your pride and joy from sliding off. It looks great and works with all of Apple's MacBooks from the 11" MacBook Air up to the 15" models. If you still have one of those monstrous 17" MacBook Pros, you're out of luck. The riser can be adjusted by up to six inches, allowing the MacBook's screen to be bottom-aligned with an external monitor. You won't be typing on your MacBook while it's on the stand. Instead, it's designed to work with an external and preferably wireless keyboard and mouse or trackpad. The HiRise for MacBook feels solid; that's one of the hallmarks of the Twelve South products we've reviewed previously. There's no need to feel like your MacBook is going to slide off of the HiRise -- it's not going anywhere. Functionality As with most products from Twelve South, the HiRise for MacBook is beautifully packaged. Popping open that package, you're greeted with a bright red liner and a thank you note. The HiRise is pre-assembled, so once you've removed it from the box it's ready to go. Adjusting the height is done by loosening a knurled screw by hand, moving the "wing" up or down, and then tightening the screw again. Once adjusted, the HiRise stays in place. While I don't have an external monitor to use with my MacBook Air, I could see how useful the HiRise would be to someone who does. Conclusion For anyone who uses their MacBook as a primary machine with an external monitor, keyboard and pointing device, the HiRise for MacBook is a perfect solution for aligning the monitors to the same height and giving you some additional storage space on your desktop. The HiRise for MacBook is another fine product from the design geniuses at Twelve South. Pros Extremely well-constructed Beautiful design that compliments any aluminum unibody MacBook Adjustable to align with almost any external monitor Cons None Who is it for? Anyone with a MacBook who uses it with an external monitor, keyboard, and pointing device. Giveaway Some lucky TUAW reader is going to get a free HiRise for MacBook valued at $69.99 courtesy of Twelve South. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before Sunday, November 4, 2012 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Twelve South HiRise for MacBook valued at $69.99. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
OWC offering 480GB SSD upgrade for 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro
Storage: We all want more of it, but not only that, we also want it to be as fast as possible. If the new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display is on your wish list but your wallet can't handle the 512GB SSD upgrade from the factory, Other World Computing may have what you're looking for. The company is offering its Mercury Aura Pro 480GB SSD replacement for $579.99. By comparison, a 512GB SSD boost adds a cool $800 to the bottom line when configuring the new MacBook from Apple. OWC also offers installation service for $80, plus shipping, as well as data transfer to the new SDD for an additional $40. To further reinforce its value proposition, OWC is launching a portable SSD enclosure in December which will allow those who upgrade to use their 128GB factory SSD as an added external drive. [Via: 9to5 Mac]
MacBook Pro with Retina display review (13-inch, late 2012)
Look down the aisles at any Apple launch event, across the laps of dozens of journalists liveblogging or in some other way documenting the goings-on, and it's inevitable that you'll see MacBooks. A lot of MacBooks. And, since many of those laps are irrevocably linked to owners who spend their days jetting around the globe to other companies' events, those laptops are quite often the travel-friendly MacBook Air. So, while we were excited to see a thinner, lighter 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display unveiled earlier this year, many of us were left asking one question: "Where's the 13-inch version?" Now, a little over four months later, here it is. Why the wait from one to the next? That's for Apple to know and us to speculate about (supply chain concerns? engineering issues?), but the important thing is that it's available now and it is, in many ways, an uncompromised, slightly smaller rendition of the 15-inch version that came before. It's thinner and it's lighter than the current 13-inch Pro but promises better internals and the same battery life as the 13-inch Air. Perfect portions of portability and performance? Let's find out.
PC Magazine names 13-inch MacBook Pro Editor's Choice
PC Magazine has singled out the new MacBook Pro 13 inch Retina display laptop as its Editors' Choice for a high-end ultraportable laptop. The review states that "if you absolutely must have a display with greater than HD resolution and you need to take that show on the road, you want this laptop." Even with the high praise the magazine notes the laptop is pricey and requires Retina-optimized apps for the best user experience. The US$1699.00 (starting price) MacBook Pro sports more than 4 million pixels, flash-based storage and a weight of 3.57 pounds it is a lust-worthy laptop. For I/O, the new model has two Thunderbolt ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and an HDMI output so you can display your work on an HDTV. It does lack an optical drive, and Apple is pretty much eliminating these drives from all new hardware. The company does offer a $79.00 external SuperDrive for those who don't want to be without one.
Phil Schiller on the state of the Mac
After Apple unveiled its refreshed lineup of Mac computers on Tuesday, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller talked to Harry McCracken about the Mac and how it has evolved over the years. "This is what Apple has always been about, and the Mac has been about, from the first Mac and first iMac," Schiller said. "It's always been about making the best Mac we know how." Schiller added that the "approach at Apple has always been to make products we're proud to own and use ourselves." He reiterated to McCracken the same line we have heard from CEO Tim Cook -- that Apple "wouldn't make something cheap or low quality." Schiller pointed out that "when the economy is difficult, people care a great deal about the things they spend their money on" and added that "customers have come to understand that Apple's products aren't priced high -- they're priced on the value of what we build into them." You can read the full interview in McCraken's Technologizer column on Time.com.
iFixit tears down 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro, rates it two grumpy kittens for repairability
You know the drill (er, screwdriver): someone releases a shiny new gadget and the internet tears it apart, both figuratively and literally. iFixit did the latter like clockwork, getting its tools on the new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display. As with its older sibling, the notebook didn't do all that well on the repairability scale, scoring a two out of 10 -- slightly better than its predecessor's lowly one. Why so low? You can blame a glued battery, proprietary screws, soldered RAM and a display assembly that's "almost impossible to take apart." There are, however, plenty of pictures of a tiny kitten, which should help to ease the pain...