Valve to Contest New York’s Loot Box Lawsuit

Valve wants players to know that it plans on fighting New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit, which last month accused the company of promoting “illegal gambling” through its in-game loot boxes. In an email sent to Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2 players in New York, Valve says it’s “disappointed” in the […]

A Handbook for Selecting the Ideal iPad: Perspectives from Apple

# Grasping Apple’s iPad Selection: An In-Depth Overview

In recent years, acquiring an iPad has become more intricate owing to the array of models, features, and accessories available. Apple has categorized its iPad selection into four unique segments, each designed for specific types of users. This article seeks to elucidate the function of each model and offer insights into their specifications and optimal use cases.

## iPad

**Tagline:** “Lovable. Drawable. Magical.”

The latest **11th-generation iPad** is advertised as the ideal device for casual users. Apple classifies it as appropriate for “everyday tasks,” which encompasses streaming, video conferencing, and light productivity activities. The device showcases an all-screen design, compatibility with the Apple Pencil, and the Magic Keyboard Folio.

**My Opinion:** With a price of $349, this model stands as a reliable option for those looking for a mix of affordability and functionality. Still, users should thoughtfully consider storage choices, as 128 GB may fill up swiftly based on usage.

**Tech Specifications:**
– 11” Liquid Retina display
– A16 chip
– 4K 12MP wide rear camera
– Landscape 12MP Ultra Wide front camera
– Support for Apple Pencil (1st gen) and USB-C

## iPad Air

**Tagline:** “Whoosh.”

Beginning at $599, the **iPad Air** is aimed at users who need enhanced performance without the premium cost of the iPad Pro. It provides two screen sizes along with Apple Intelligence support. Powered by the M4 chip, the iPad Air can manage more intensive tasks, making it fitting for creative professionals.

**My Opinion:** If you seek solid performance without the high price tag of the iPad Pro, the iPad Air is a fantastic option. However, remember to account for extra expenses for accessories such as the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro.

**Tech Specifications:**
– 11” or 13” Liquid Retina display
– M4 chip
– 4K 12MP wide rear camera
– Landscape 12MP Ultra Wide Center Stage front camera
– Support for Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C

## iPad Pro

**Tagline:** “Thinpossible.”

Starting at $999, the **iPad Pro** is tailored for professionals requiring top-tier performance. It features an ultra-slim design and sophisticated capabilities, including compatibility with 6K external displays and rapid data transfer. The M4 chip delivers significant power for demanding applications.

**My Opinion:** If you find yourself wondering if an iPad Pro is necessary, it’s probable that you don’t need one. The iPad Air may sufficiently fulfill your requirements without the additional financial burden.

**Tech Specifications:**
– 11″ or 13″ Ultra Retina XDR display
– M4 chip
– 4K 12MP Wide rear camera with ProRes support
– Landscape 12MP Center Stage TrueDepth front camera
– Support for Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C

## iPad Mini

**Tagline:** “Single-handedly awesome.”

The **iPad Mini** is small and portable, making it perfect for users who need a device that can conveniently fit in a pocket. It enjoys popularity among professionals in various sectors; however, it is frequently perceived more as a consumption device rather than a productivity solution.

**My Opinion:** Although the iPad Mini is adaptable, it may not be the optimal choice for users searching for a device that can manage extensive productivity tasks.

**Tech Specifications:**
– 8.3″ Liquid Retina display
– A17 Pro chip
– 4K 12MP wide rear camera
– 12MP Center Stage front camera
– Support for Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C

## Concluding Thoughts

The iPad selection addresses a broad spectrum of users, from casual consumers to professionals requiring high-end performance. Each model presents its advantages and disadvantages, and the ideal choice hinges on personal needs and usage contexts. Whether you’re in search of a device for entertainment, light productivity, or professional-level tasks, there’s an iPad customized for you.

Intel Core Ultra 200S+ Series

This mid-generation update brings more E-cores and other performance improvements, plus lower prices, to the new Ultra 7 270K Plus & Ultra 5 250K Plus CPUs.

The post Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus Series appeared first on Puget Systems.

Perplexity Introduces Cloud-Driven AI Agent Fueled by Mac Mini

### Apple’s Mac mini and the Advancement of Personal AI Assistants

Apple’s Mac mini has recently attracted attention in the field of artificial intelligence, especially with the launch of Perplexity’s cutting-edge feature known as Personal Computer. This innovation follows the company’s previous introduction of the OpenClaw concept, which aimed to create an individual AI assistant experience.

#### What is Personal Computer?

Perplexity’s Personal Computer is crafted to serve as a constantly active, local integration with Perplexity Computer. This feature enables users to blend their local applications with Perplexity’s AI functionalities, delivering an uninterrupted experience that consistently operates on a Mac mini. The primary advantages of Personal Computer encompass:

– **24/7 Availability**: The system is engineered to function continuously, guaranteeing that users can access their applications and AI support at all times.
– **Security**: Personal Computer operates within a secure framework, emphasizing user privacy and data security.
– **Cross-Device Control**: Users have the ability to manage their Personal Computer from any device, anywhere, increasing flexibility and convenience.

#### How Does It Work?

Personal Computer operates on a Mac desktop that is linked to local applications while also connecting with Perplexity’s secure servers. This dual capability enables users to harness the power of AI without compromising the efficiency of their local systems.

#### Joining the Waitlist

At the time of the announcement, interested individuals are required to join a waitlist to access the Personal Computer program. Perplexity has stated that they will offer support and resources to the initial cohort of users who register.

#### The Mac mini as an AI Cloud Computer

The Mac mini has progressively emerged as the favored option for AI cloud computing. With Perplexity’s progress, it is evident that the Mac mini is being positioned as a powerful platform for personal AI applications. Additionally, Apple is set to produce some Mac mini computers in the United States later this year, marking a noteworthy advancement in the company’s production strategy.

#### Conclusion

The debut of Perplexity’s Personal Computer signifies a considerable advancement in the merging of local computing and AI technology. As users look forward to gaining access to this groundbreaking feature, the Mac mini continues to reinforce its reputation as a formidable tool for personal AI applications.

Apple at 50: Insights for This Evening’s Computer History Museum Discussion with Apple Alumni and David Pogue

To commence the festivities for Apple’s 50th anniversary, the Computer History Museum will present a panel featuring numerous veteran Apple executives, with journalist David Pogue serving as the moderator. This event is slated for 7 p.m. PDT / 10 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on the Computer History Museum’s YouTube channel.

The panel, called “Apple at 50,” will comprise prominent individuals such as former Apple CEO John Sculley, Senior Employee Chris Espinosa, former Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering Jon Rubinstein (participating remotely), and Avadis “Avie” Tenevian, who acted as Chief Software Technology Officer. The discourse will delve into Apple’s progression from its inception in the 1970s, through the Macintosh period in the 1980s, to its evolution in the 2000s with the launch of the iPhone.

David Pogue, who has recently published the book “Apple: The First 50 Years,” will guide the discussion, utilizing insights from interviews with significant figures in Apple’s past. The event promises to deliver a rich narrative of Apple’s story, emphasizing crucial moments of transformation and worldwide influence.

Although the in-person event is fully booked, viewers can still engage by tuning into the livestream. For those looking for a memento, complimentary virtual tickets can be secured on the Computer History Museum’s event page.

The livestream is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. PDT / 10 p.m. EDT, and viewers are invited to join and contribute their opinions in the comments.

Severance Season 3: Latest News and Details

**Severance Season 3: What We Have Learned Up to Now**

It has been almost a year since the season 2 finale of Severance left audiences in shock. Here’s everything we have gathered so far regarding Severance season 3 and when we might see its debut on Apple TV.

### Severance Season 3 Officially Approved by Apple

Severance stands as one of the most significant successes Apple TV has achieved—outpacing even Ted Lasso in viewership. Thus, it’s hardly surprising that Apple swiftly renewed the series for an additional season. The announcement regarding the greenlight for Severance season 3 came right after the release of the season 2 finale. Luckily, the creative team behind the series didn’t wait for Apple’s formal approval to commence work on the upcoming season, as writing had already begun prior to the official pickup of season 3.

### Writing for Severance Season 3 Commenced Over a Year Ago, Featuring a Notable Addition

Last February, during a conversation with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Ben Stiller disclosed that Severance season 3 was already “in progress” and a writers’ room was actively collaborating in LA. Regarding the show’s writers, last spring *Puck* mentioned that Severance’s creative team underwent significant changes. Due to reported disagreements between creator Dan Erickson and writer-producer Mark Friedman during the initial two seasons of Severance, Ben Stiller brought in a significant new hire.

Stiller held interviews with numerous writer-producers to step in and outline a third season before the anticipated WGA strike, ultimately hiring Beau Willimon, the creator of House of Cards, who had most recently worked on Disney+’s outstanding Andor. Willimon received an advantageous contract to join for Season 3, but he soon realized that assistance was needed for Season 2, where episode costs escalated to the $20 million range. Thus, for several months, Willimon has contributed to finishing the latter half of Season 2 and formulating a framework for Season 3, which resulted in considerable delays for the show. It appears that, while Willimon made significant contributions to season 2, it’s in the forthcoming season 3 where we will observe more of his impact.

### Ben Stiller Will Not Be Directing This Time

Ben Stiller is a pivotal creative force for Severance, and that will persist for season 3. However, one crucial role he typically fills is undergoing a change. In a discussion with *The Los Angeles Times*, Stiller mentioned he would not direct any episodes for Severance season 3. The reason? A different film project will demand too much of his attention. Stiller directed 11 episodes during Severance’s initial two seasons—over half of the total episodes. Therefore, his absence from the director’s position may have a significant impact.

### Filming Anticipated to Commence April 2026

During an interview last fall, Patricia Arquette revealed that filming for Severance season 3 is expected to start in spring 2026. Subsequently, an official production timeline confirmed that shooting would occur from April through December. For context, Severance season 2 began filming in October 2022 but didn’t premiere on Apple TV until January 2025. However, that extensive delay was primarily due to major Hollywood strikes that abruptly halted production after 7 of 10 episodes had been filmed.

### When to Anticipate Season 3 on Apple TV

Anyone who has been following Severance since its debut season is aware that the interval between seasons was lengthy. Owing to production complications, rewrites, and Hollywood strikes, nearly three years elapsed between Severance’s first and second seasons. Ben Stiller expresses that for season 3 “he hopes not to keep fans waiting three years this time.” If the reported April 2026 start date for production holds true, we likely won’t see the new season debut within the same year. Realistically, Severance season 3 will probably reach Apple TV in mid-to-late 2027. This 2027 return allows for approximately 6-9 months of post-production following filming completion in December. These projections would align with the timing of season 2, provided there are no strike-related hold-ups.

Apple TV is priced at $12.99 per month, or it can be obtained at a reduced rate through the Apple One bundle.