Apple new product rumours and general news

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

This is my first Mac (M1 MacBook Air) and it came with BS installed. So I had no choice.
I quite like it as it seems similar to my iPad so was less scary than I had anticipated having mainly used DOS based and Windows machines for thirty years prior.

I'm unsure how the OS iterations work on Macs. Do I have to install Monterey? Or is that a choice and Big Sur will keep being updated, get security updates etc.?

That's exactly why I don't want Big Sur. I hate the ipad interface. Why on earth they want proper work computers to resemble ipads? Same with all the other daft changes since 2015.

 

[Lazy Llama]

It'll get updates so long as it's supported, which won't be that long actually.

3 years seems be the usual.
10.14 - Mojave - released Sept 2018 - will end support when Monterey comes out.

 

[elbows]

That's exactly why I don't want Big Sur. I hate the ipad interface. Why on earth they want proper work computers to resemble ipads? Same with all the other daft changes since 2015.

For me the visual changes to Big Sur were still quite superficial and I barely noticed the difference other than finding some things slightly better looking - it certainly still feels to me like using a mac, not using an ipad.

Changes to Safari recently are a more jarring example of a change because they messed around with tabs and the upper region of the browser. But so far I've experienced this via a Safari update on Big Sur, and apparently they've been making further changes to Safari recently on Monterey in the beta releases of that new OS, so hopefully they've uturned on some of the botched changes to Safari.

 

[Crispy]

By all reports (ie. me listening to Accidental Tech Podcast) a whole bunch of the Safari changes have been walked back..

If my work software wasn't 100% wintel, I'd be all over these new macs. The performance is just wild.

 

[elbows]

If my work software wasn't 100% wintel, I'd be all over these new macs. The performance is just wild.

When I review my feelings during my 38 years with computers, I never really loved windows or x86 type architecture. So its only really in the last 11 months that I've felt like I escaped both of those without having to make too many different compromises. Well there was a brief powerpc period when I first switched to macs, but that stuff was already relatively underpowered at the time and rapidly falling into oblivion.

 

[teuchter]

That's exactly why I don't want Big Sur. I hate the ipad interface. Why on earth they want proper work computers to resemble ipads? Same with all the other daft changes since 2015.

I've used macs for 20 years, am currently on Big Sur and don't feel it's significantly different from any previous version of MacOS or OSX. Everything basically works the same as it has for ages. I still feel very much I'm on a mac and not an iPad.

In fact I moved semi-directly from El Capitan to Big Sur and didn't really think it was a big jump in terms of how things work and feel.

 

[elbows]

The performance is just wild.

Nerdy performance details review, wibble!

Apple's M1 Pro, M1 Max SoCs Investigated: New Performance and Efficiency Heights

www.anandtech.com

 

[skyscraper101]

Just picked up the Airpods 3 and very impressed with the sound and look. I tested out with various music and some radio 4 and I'd certainly say it's improvement on the originals. The shorter stems are very welcome, as are the fact they don't have those horrid silicone tips which I hate.

The one thing that'll take some getting used to is the force sensors in the tips. I've been so used to the double tap on the original airpods I'll take some adjustment to get used to squeezing them, but at least it gives the option to now play/pause, go back, and advance.

 

[skyscraper101]

Just figured out how to switch on the spatial audio on the airpods. I quite like it. The general setting that is, not the one where it tracks your head and then mimics being in front of speakers.

 

[elbows]

A lot of these hacks are highly targeted, political stuff. And targets of interest to intelligence services etc will have been using Apple devices for a long time already, this isnt a new phenomenon, but it gets more attention these days.

eg:

Apple rushes to block 'zero-click' iPhone spyware

The flaw allows hackers to access devices even if users do not click on a link or file.

www.bbc.co.uk

Apple have gone after them!

Apple Aims to Cut Down on Spyware With Lawsuit Against NSO Group

Apple today announced that it has filed a lawsuit against Israeli firm NSO Group and its parent company with the aim of holding it accountable for...

www.macrumors.com

In the lawsuit, Apple offers up information on how NSO Group infiltrated the devices of iPhone owners and how it utilized the Pegasus spyware to do so. Apple is asking for a permanent injunction that would ban NSO Group from using Apple software, services, or devices.

"State-sponsored actors like the NSO Group spend millions of dollars on sophisticated surveillance technologies without effective accountability. That needs to change," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "Apple devices are the most secure consumer hardware on the market -- but private companies developing state-sponsored spyware have become even more dangerous. While these cybersecurity threats only impact a very small number of our customers, we take any attack on our users very seriously, and we're constantly working to strengthen the security and privacy protections in iOS to keep all our users safe."

 

[pseudonarcissus]

Had anyone tried the current HomePod Minis? I’m tempted to buy a couple for a small flat and get rid of the stereo my dad bought about 20 years ago…but then there is the problem if what to do with the CDs.

 

[MrCurry]

Apple have gone after them!

Apple Aims to Cut Down on Spyware With Lawsuit Against NSO Group

Apple today announced that it has filed a lawsuit against Israeli firm NSO Group and its parent company with the aim of holding it accountable for...

www.macrumors.com

Does this have anything more than symbolic value? Even if Apple are successful and that injunction is granted against NSO group, for sure a “new” company would suddenly pop up and start doing exactly the same. OSN group anyone?

If they are really “state sponsored” they will do what they’re doing without being deterred by an Apple lawsuit, so is this actually about generating some positive PR for Apple? They would do better to spend their cash on improving their software engineering and pen testing so these vulnerabilities don’t exist in released versions of iOS.

 

[elbows]

Yes privacy is a big part of their marketing these days and there have certainly been deficiencies with their response to security bug reporting & patching in the past. But at least they are raising some awareness of state-sponsored hacking and I am amused about the billions that other tech giants are saying has been wiped off their earnings as a result of anti-tracking stuff Apple keep adding to their offerings these days.

They do seem to have a focus on informing users too, including victims of known NSO shit and more general password leak issues and users reuse of passwords.

Apple Outlines How It Will Notify Users Who Have Been Targeted by State-Sponsored Spyware Attacks

Earlier today, Apple announced that it had filed suit against NSO Group, the firm responsible for the Pegasus spyware that has been used in...

www.macrumors.com

 

[cybershot]

Had anyone tried the current HomePod Minis? I’m tempted to buy a couple for a small flat and get rid of the stereo my dad bought about 20 years ago…but then there is the problem if what to do with the CDs.

I've got one in the bedroom, it's ok, nothing mind blowing. Not a patch on the original big HomePod I have in the lounge which is absoutely superb. I wish they had just reduced the price to shift more and kept making them, it will be a sad day when they finally drop support for it.

The downside is, you can only talk to Siri to play music from Apple Music, so if you prefer Spotify, you need to use another device to control the music to the HomePod. Plus when you airplay, it seems to totally drain your phone battery.

Ironically Spotify moaned liked bitches about it, Apple then said 'ok, go ahead and do it, we're cool with it' and their response was 'ah yeah, we ain't gonna work on that anytime soon'

dicks.

 

[elbows]

Yeah I've only tried the mini and was not blown away by the audio quality, and I'm quite far from being a proper audiophile. I suppose it was OK, but I prefer the speakers on the latest macbook pros which did surprise me in a good way, albeit with a very high price for the total package which is obviously about far more than speakers.

 

[sim667]

I’ve been saving for a new watch and iPad, and took the plunge today after testing positive for covid and feeling sorry for myself. I’m replacing an apple iPad Air 1 and an Apple Watch 3, neither of which owe me anything, I can’t even do software upgrades anymore.

I kind of want an Apple Pencil too so may try and get a second hand one off eBay.

 

[sim667]

Just picked up the Airpods 3 and very impressed with the sound and look. I tested out with various music and some radio 4 and I'd certainly say it's improvement on the originals. The shorter stems are very welcome, as are the fact they don't have those horrid silicone tips which I hate.

The one thing that'll take some getting used to is the force sensors in the tips. I've been so used to the double tap on the original airpods I'll take some adjustment to get used to squeezing them, but at least it gives the option to now play/pause, go back, and advance.

I’ve been looking at some refurbished AirPod pros for 79.99 but even at that price it seems expensive for what are really just Bluetooth headphones

 

[skyscraper101]

I’ve been looking at some refurbished AirPod pros for 79.99 but even at that price it seems expensive for what are really just Bluetooth headphones

£79.99 isn’t bad considering what they retail for new. Sure they are on the expensive side and I won’t argue that there aren’t better value airpod like earphones out there. But for me it’s about familiarity, seamless compatibility across apple devices, and the hard plastic ends of the regular AirPods just suit my ears better (I can’t get on with anything that has those rubbery tips so the pros are out for me anyway along with dozens of other high end equivalents).

 

[sim667]

£79.99 isn’t bad considering what they retail for new. Sure they are on the expensive side and I won’t argue that there aren’t better value airpod like earphones out there. But for me it’s about familiarity, seamless compatibility across apple devices, and the hard plastic ends of the regular AirPods just suit my ears better (I can’t get on with anything that has those rubbery tips so the pros are out for me anyway along with dozens of other high end equivalents).

Yeah I just can’t get down with hard plastic ones.

I’m watching some on eBay, no one’s bidding on them as he says they’re not pairing, so just before it ends I might make a low ball effort and just hope that if he accepts it he just can’t work out how to pair them rather than a hardware problem

There’s these at well, but I’m not convinced I trust them

Apple AirPods Pro - White for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Apple AirPods Pro - White at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[cybershot]

I love my Airpod Pros, but I don't use them nearly enough. I brought them about a month before Covid hit and I've hardly used the trains since. I see the new 'regular' Airpods have a similar design to the Pros now.

 

[skyscraper101]

AirPods are over now anyway. All the cool kids are going back to wired headphones.

Are AirPods Out? Why Cool Kids Are Wearing Wired Headphones

The humble ‘retro’ corded headphone is making an unexpected return, for both aesthetic and practical reasons.

www.wsj.com

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

I personally like bluetooth phones. I mostly use them when running, and cords wear out over time with all the jiggling about.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

I personally like bluetooth phones. I mostly use them when running, and cords wear out over time with all the jiggling about.

I do as well. Tell you what I'm not doing though is running with super expensive one. I'd worry one would fall out in a canal.

I quite like the Anker/ToaTronics ones for about £25 that have a cable between then. If one fall out I don't loose it and if I don't want to listen to music I can clip them together.

 

[ATOMIC SUPLEX]

I quite like the Anker/ToaTronics ones for about £25 that have a cable between then. If one fall out I don't loose it and if I don't want to listen to music I can clip them together.

Me too, though I have some cheapish Mpow. I put the connecting wire through the peg loop on my running back pack thing too so that they are not going anywhere. Having said that, I don't think they have ever actually fallen out. They do have those over ear things though, and though they don't actually sit on the ears, I wear sunglasses (on top of my head) and the arms lock them in place.

 

[sim667]

New iPad and Watch turned up…… my god the speed of them is incredible

 

[platinumsage]

New iPad and Watch turned up…… my god the speed of them is incredible

Not much point having a fast watch is there?

 

[sim667]

Not much point having a fast watch is there?

it’s doing better than the clock in my car, on 2/1/22 all MK3 CRV OEM satnav head units reset to 01:00 and now reset to that time every time you turn the vehicle off and on again

 

[2hats]

it’s doing better than the clock in my car, on 2/1/22 all MK3 CRV OEM satnav head units reset to 01:00 and now reset to that time every time you turn the vehicle off and on again

Perhaps clobbered by carelessly storing a YYMMDDHHMM date as a 32 bit long int instead of a dedicated data type? (A screw-up that bit MS Exchange this past week - Linux/macOS/Unix use a 64 bit long int model; MS chose a LLP64 model because 32 bit legacy code).

Microsoft Exchange year 2022 bug in FIP-FS breaks email delivery

Microsoft Exchange on-premise servers cannot deliver email starting on January 1st, 2022, due to a "Year 2022" bug in the FIP-FS anti-malware scanning engine.

www.bleepingcomputer.com

 

[sim667]

Perhaps clobbered by carelessly storing a YYMMDDHHMM date as a 32 bit long int instead of a dedicated data type? (A screw-up that bit MS Exchange this past week - Linux/macOS/Unix use a 64 bit long int model; MS chose a LLP64 model because 32 bit legacy code).

Microsoft Exchange year 2022 bug in FIP-FS breaks email delivery

Microsoft Exchange on-premise servers cannot deliver email starting on January 1st, 2022, due to a "Year 2022" bug in the FIP-FS anti-malware scanning engine.

www.bleepingcomputer.com

I think that’s correct yeah

 

[sim667]

£79.99 isn’t bad considering what they retail for new. Sure they are on the expensive side and I won’t argue that there aren’t better value airpod like earphones out there. But for me it’s about familiarity, seamless compatibility across apple devices, and the hard plastic ends of the regular AirPods just suit my ears better (I can’t get on with anything that has those rubbery tips so the pros are out for me anyway along with dozens of other high end equivalents).

I’m still looking around although I’m a bit nervous about buying refurbs now as there seems to be an incredible amount of fakes doing the rounds.

John Lewis are currently selling new airpod pros for £189.99 which I’m really tempted by if I can sell my old Apple Watch quickly.