Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on The UAG Magnetic Ring Stand: A Sturdy and Dependable Phone Grip Alternative
    The UAG Magnetic Ring Stand: A Sturdy and Dependable Phone Grip Alternative

    This is the toughest phone grip I have ever tested.

    (Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

    Got shaky hands? Invest in a quality phone grip. I have the clumsiest fingers imaginable, which leads to frequent drops, and the addition of a magnetic phone grip completely changed the game for me, genuinely aiding me in keeping a hold. My current top choice for a highly resilient phone grip is the metallic one from UAG because it’s remarkably robust. In fact, I placed it among my three favorite phone grips ever.

    There’s nothing quite like the feel of a PopSocket, but those can be somewhat delicate in comparison to the offerings from UAG. My treasured PopSocket broke after a little over a year of use, whereas the UAG is still going strong after a year. As this brand specializes in rugged smartphone accessories, the creators of the UAG Magnetic Ring Stand certainly know their craft.

    If you’re just going to buy one phone grip, let this be your choice. It can be utilized in numerous configurations, despite being a tough metallic design.

    My only complaint about this magnetic grip is that it’s somewhat pricey, but with Amazon Prime Day approaching, you should watch out for a deal on this grip. We’ve previously seen it discounted, so I’m confident you can grab one at a good price.

    <div data-editorial-currency="USD" data-editorial-price="34.95" data-editorial-was-price="39.95" data-image="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eNgYgTSMfkEzbRZVZUVhbD-200-100.jpg" data-link="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=169923&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0D4QKHB2R%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US" data-link-text="View Deal" data-merchant-id="1471" data-merchant-name="Amazon US" data-merchant-network="Amazonus" data-merchant-url="amazon.com" data-model-brand="U

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Possible iPhone Chip-Driven MacBook Might Result in Tough Choices for Apple
    Possible iPhone Chip-Driven MacBook Might Result in Tough Choices for Apple

    Over the weekend, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo disclosed that Apple is developing a new MacBook model, likely intended as a successor to the contentious 12-inch variant introduced many years ago. Following this revelation, MacRumors uncovered internal references to this device, as it appears Apple is indeed working on a computer utilizing the A18 Pro chip.

    By combining these two narratives, it seems plausible that Apple is committed to launching this new MacBook as soon as next year. With mass production anticipated in the final quarter of 2025, the device could make its debut at a March event in conjunction with the new iPhone 17e and other lighter Apple offerings.

    However, there’s a challenge with this budget-friendly MacBook, the same one that affected the previous 12-inch model: all entry-level options are starting to resemble one another.

    Analyzing entry-level MacBook options

    Apple presently markets two laptops featuring the M4 chip: an Air and a Pro variant. The distinction lies in additional ports, a superior display, and a cooling fan. But if Apple introduces a MacBook with an iPhone chip, what really distinguishes it from a MacBook Air? A lone USB-C port and a less powerful chip?

    Wouldn’t that render the Air unnecessary, or worse? It might retain the Air name, but if it’s not lighter or slimmer than the new model, especially in light of the former 12-inch version, what’s the incentive? Just as the iPad Pro is thinner, lighter, and more capable, what reason would one have to select an Air?

    In the case of the MacBook, users would receive a better value with a thinner and lighter machine, which is precisely what most individuals desire. Unless Apple manages to make the A18 Pro perform like an outdated Intel Celeron, casual users likely won’t perceive any difference between an M4 device and one equipped with the A18 Pro.

    That being said, now that Apple has successfully positioned the MacBook Air, is it truly set to release an even more affordable computer that’s thinner, lighter, and sufficiently capable for the majority of the Air’s intended users?

    The answer: One MacBook must go

    When Apple provides too many comparable products, the optimal strategy is to eliminate one. If consumers cannot clearly understand why they should spend more, they will simply opt for the least expensive option, and Apple probably doesn’t favor that outcome.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Consider an Onyx Boox Rather Than a Kindle This Prime Day
    Consider an Onyx Boox Rather Than a Kindle This Prime Day

    Achieve those annual reading goals in the best way possible.

    (Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
    Gadget Weekly

    (Image credit: Android Central)

    Join Namerah Saud Fatmi as she delves into the fascinating, unique, and occasionally bizarre realm of smartphone accessories, gadgets, and other geeky toys each week.

    I’m a passionate reader and a huge enthusiast of e-readers, along with the various types they encompass. Stretching back to the lesser-known Sony e-reader, E Ink tablets

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on New MacBook Speculation Indicates Apple is Embracing iPad-Inspired Characteristics
    New MacBook Speculation Indicates Apple is Embracing iPad-Inspired Characteristics

    Apple is speculated to be unveiling a new ‘MacBook’ device later this year or in early 2026, with preliminary information indicating a strategic pivot towards a more iPad-like design for its Mac collection. This upcoming MacBook is likely to have a price range of $699 to $799, rendering it more attainable for a wider audience.

    The device is expected to boast a 13-inch screen, akin to the MacBook Air, and will incorporate the A18 Pro chip, which has been utilized in the iPhone for almost a year. While this new MacBook might not cater to those in search of state-of-the-art technology, it demonstrates Apple’s progressing strategy for the Mac.

    With the launch of a budget-friendly MacBook, Apple intends to broaden its Mac portfolio, providing consumers with more alternatives reminiscent of the diversity available in the iPad selection. Presently, the iPad lineup offers several models at varied price ranges, from the entry-level iPad priced at $349 to the iPad Pro at $999. This approach has yielded positive results for the iPad, particularly with the debut of the 13-inch iPad Air.

    In contrast, the Mac lineup has typically been restricted, mainly featuring the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The introduction of a new MacBook could draw more users into the Mac ecosystem, potentially altering consumer inclinations towards Macs, mirroring the well-established appeal of iPads.

    The expected lineup might appear as follows:
    – MacBook for $699-799
    – MacBook Air for $999
    – MacBook Pro for $1,599

    This expansion could assist Apple in competing more efficiently against PCs, which have historically been priced lower. By offering a more affordable entry option with the new MacBook, Apple aims to persuade more users to consider a Mac as their subsequent computer option.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Marshall’s Middleton II: The Perfect Portable Speaker for Your Upcoming Celebration
    Marshall’s Middleton II: The Perfect Portable Speaker for Your Upcoming Celebration

    Marshall’s newest speaker elevates its sound and controls to a higher tier, making it an obvious choice.

    (Image credit: Marshall)

    Essential information

    • Marshall has introduced the Middleton II speaker, a compact portable audio unit with an IP67 dust and water resistance rating.
    • The speaker features a redesigned control scheme with a multidirectional knob that offers users an easy and extensive array of media options.
    • The Middleton II boasts an impressive battery life exceeding 30 days, 360-degree Stereophonic Audio, a built-in microphone, among other features.
    • The Middleton II is available starting today (July 1) exclusively on Marshall’s website, priced at $329, before becoming available at retailers on July 15.

    Marshall continues its line of portable speakers with a new iteration in the Middleton series.

    This morning (July 1), Marshall unveiled its latest Middleton II portable speaker. In terms of design, the Middleton II closely resembles the brand’s original Middleton and even features from the Emberton line. Marshall promotes the newest speaker as a compact device conveniently sized to be “packed into a bag at a moment’s notice.” Measuring 9.05×3.86×4.33 inches, the Middleton II serves as a small (yet powerful) companion for travel.

    Additionally, Marshall emphasizes the speaker’s suitability for outdoor use. The device holds an IP67 rating for resistance to dust and water.

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on “Reasons the OnePlus 13R Delivers Exceptional Value Compared to Android Smartphones for Prime Day”
    “Reasons the OnePlus 13R Delivers Exceptional Value Compared to Android Smartphones for Prime Day”

    There is a significant amount of fierce rivalry in the mid-range market, but none can rival this smartphone.

    (Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

    For those seeking to purchase a new smartphone without exceeding $500 to $600, the OnePlus 13R is the finest choice available. In fact, I’m convinced that there’s no better value out there right now. This comes from a long-time OnePlus enthusiast who had completely given up on the brand, so my assessment can be trusted.

    At present, the OnePlus 13R is priced at $549.99 on Amazon for the regular 12GB/256GB model. The typical retail price hovers around $599.99, offering a $50 savings. However, I strongly recommend you hold off for Amazon Prime Day to secure an even better deal on the device. Historical sales indicate a high chance that OnePlus will present us with a deliciously attractive offer.

    <div data-image="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V24Sd4

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Addigy’s Prebuilt Application Catalog: Simplifying macOS Application Management on a Large Scale
    Addigy’s Prebuilt Application Catalog: Simplifying macOS Application Management on a Large Scale

    ### Optimizing macOS Application Management with Addigy’s Prebuilt App Catalog

    The majority of enterprise applications used on macOS platforms are not obtained from the Mac App Store, resulting in considerable difficulties for IT teams responsible for overseeing these applications. The manual tasks associated with monitoring app versions, preparing for deployment, configuring permissions, and ensuring correct installation and updates can be laborious and inefficient. This not only complicates management but also introduces security vulnerabilities when applications fall behind on essential updates. To resolve these challenges, Addigy has launched a new Prebuilt App Catalog, now accessible to all users of its device management platform.

    #### Designed for Automation and Security

    The Addigy Prebuilt App Catalog is crafted to streamline the deployment and updating of macOS applications throughout Apple device ecosystems. The catalog includes a continually expanding array of frequently used applications that can be deployed and updated without requiring scripting or intricate profile setups. Each application comes prepackaged with all essential device management profiles, which include system extensions and Privacy Preferences Policy Control settings.

    Jason Dettbarn, Founder and CEO of Addigy, highlights the time-intensive process of managing macOS applications. He remarks, “Many IT teams devote excessive time to managing macOS applications. With apps updating on their own timelines, the requirement to locate the most recent versions, create deployment scripts, and deal with annoying pop-ups while managing user permissions can feel endless. Now, with Addigy’s prebuilt apps, internal IT and MSPs can simply ‘set and forget’ — assured that users have updated applications which comply with security and regulatory demands, without the need for manual labor or scripting.”

    #### Policy Management Without the Hassle

    The Prebuilt App Catalog is customized for internal IT teams and managed service providers, featuring search and filter functionalities that allow for quick access to required applications. Administrators can control the update processes, opting to deploy a specific version or activate auto-updates that search for the latest releases every 30 minutes. Furthermore, an Update Only mode permits the updating of existing applications on a device, even if they were not initially installed through Addigy.

    Compliance features are built in, allowing IT teams to schedule deployments and enforce update deadlines while reducing disturbances to user productivity. For organizations overseeing multiple groups or clients, Addigy supports inheritance and overrides, enabling a global structure with room for necessary exceptions.

    Tim Pearson of CreativeTechs, an early user of Addigy prebuilt apps, expressed excitement for the new system, declaring, “It’s magical. It makes me want to do a dance and jump around the yard!”

    #### New Applications Added Weekly

    Addigy is dedicated to growing its Prebuilt App Catalog, with new applications being introduced weekly in response to customer input and security demands. As organizations increasingly aim to streamline their Apple device management processes, this cutting-edge catalog signifies a major leap forward for Addigy’s clientele, boosting both efficiency and security in application oversight.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Senior Vision Pro Engineer Allegedly Passed Significant Volume of Secret Plans to Snap
    Senior Vision Pro Engineer Allegedly Passed Significant Volume of Secret Plans to Snap

    Apple has initiated a legal action against Di Liu, a previous senior engineer for the Vision Pro, alleging that he purloined thousands of confidential documents prior to departing the company to take up a position at Snap, a competing entity. The suit asserts that Liu deceived Apple regarding his resignation, claiming he was leaving for health concerns while covertly orchestrating a transition to a similar position at Snap.

    The accusations indicate that Liu retrieved a substantial amount of proprietary data merely three days ahead of his exit, utilizing his Apple credentials to move these documents into his personal cloud storage. This maneuver was reportedly enabled by Liu’s omission of his plans to join a rival, permitting him to maintain access to sensitive corporate information throughout the typical two-week notice timeframe.

    Apple employs stringent internal security protocols aimed at detecting unusual access or downloading of documents, yet it appears these safeguards were ineffective in thwarting Liu’s endeavors. The company has a history of taking aggressive legal action against former staff suspected of stealing trade secrets. Past cases include lawsuits targeting former employees who transitioned to startups or competitors, with some facing harsh legal repercussions.

    In this case, Apple is pursuing unspecified damages from Liu and demands the return of the appropriated information. The company is also asking for a court directive to inspect Liu’s devices to confirm compliance, as he reportedly tried to eliminate evidence of his misconduct.

    At this point, Liu has not made any public statements regarding the lawsuit, and Snap has not been associated with any wrongdoing connected to the matter.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple TV+ Subscribers Get 50% Off on MLS Season Pass
    Apple TV+ Subscribers Get 50% Off on MLS Season Pass

    Beginning today, Apple TV+ is reducing the seasonal pricing for the MLS Season Pass. Supporters can subscribe for $49 to experience the remainder of the 2025 season, which represents a 50% discount from the original price of $99. Even more appealing, Apple TV+ subscribers can acquire the MLS Season Pass for only $39.

    Major League Soccer is currently commemorating its 30th season. Fans can witness stars such as Lionel Messi, Diego Luna, Hany Mukhtar, Benja Cremaschi, Denis Bouanga, and Cavan Sullivan prior to the MLS All-Star game, the third annual Leagues Cup tournament against Liga MX, and the autumn playoffs.

    As always, matches are available in both English and Spanish. To enhance the experience for soccer enthusiasts, they can tune into MLS 360, dubbed by Apple as the “match day whip-around show.” It’s offered in both English and Spanish and includes live look-ins and highlights from throughout the league, as well as pre-match coverage, post-match analysis, highlights, player profiles, interviews, club content, match replays, and more.

    One of the advantages of the MLS Season Pass is Sunday Night Soccer. These matches come with improved production and specialized studio programming, and they’re available for streaming by Apple TV+ subscribers following MLS Countdown and MLS La Previa. This weekend’s game showcases the Seattle Sounders versus the Columbus Crew.

    Supporters can access the MLS Season Pass via the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, game consoles, or on the internet. Recently, Apple introduced the Apple TV app on Google Play, allowing millions of Android users to also benefit from this MLS Season Pass offer.

    Apple Vision Pro users can enjoy the games alongside other applications in their physical environment, utilize Environments with a screen that appears 100 feet wide, and experience Spatial Audio for a more immersive viewing adventure.

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