Author: Richard

**Apple Grand Central Hosts Exclusive Event for 50th Anniversary Featuring Alicia Keys**

Apple’s Grand Central Terminal venue in New York City is presently closed to the public due to an enigmatic special event occurring. The closure, affecting customers until Saturday, March 14, at 10 am, has ignited curiosity and speculation about the essence of the event.

Recent reports suggest that the event is probably a unique performance by acclaimed artist Alicia Keys. Observations from spectators, including 9to5Mac’s Michael Burkhardt, indicate the presence of a pink piano and signage commemorating Apple’s 50th anniversary. Furthermore, a set list featuring multiple Alicia Keys tracks has been observed, amplifying the excitement surrounding the event.

While the Grand Central site is momentarily inaccessible, Apple has recommended that customers shop online or explore other nearby retail options. This closure is not a first; Apple has previously employed the Grand Central venue for media interviews and special productions.

As the event progresses, details remain scarce, but the blend of Apple’s significant anniversary and a performance by Alicia Keys is sure to deliver a remarkable experience. Updates will be shared as further information arises regarding this captivating event at Apple Grand Central.

# The Shelly Plug US Gen4: An In-Depth Review

Selecting a smart plug often resembles taking a chance, particularly given the numerous protocols present in the market. Recently, Belkin discontinued support for its Wemo product line, underscoring the unpredictability within the smart home accessory domain. In contrast, Shelly has opted for a different strategy by integrating various connectivity options into its newest product, the Shelly Plug US Gen4. This article delves into the features, connectivity choices, and overall functionality of this cutting-edge smart plug.

## Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Matter

A key highlight of the Shelly Plug US Gen4 is its flexible connectivity. Unlike several smart plugs that require users to choose between Zigbee and Wi-Fi, the Gen4 accommodates both protocols, increasing its interoperability with numerous smart home systems. It comes with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), representing a significant advancement over older Wi-Fi generations typically found in smart devices.

Wi-Fi 6 boasts numerous benefits, including the capacity to manage multiple IoT devices at once without hampering performance. This is especially advantageous in settings with a high number of connected devices, as it delivers swifter and more consistent connections, even in areas with “noisy” radio frequencies. However, it’s important to mention that the plug does not support the 5 GHz band, which might impact its effectiveness in specific situations.

Moreover, the Shelly Plug US Gen4 is compatible with Matter, a universal protocol that streamlines integration with major smart home platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. This allows users to seamlessly incorporate the plug into their smart home configuration without the need for a proprietary bridge. For those utilizing Home Assistant, the plug can even be configured to function as a Zigbee device, granting further customization possibilities.

## The Standout Feature: Power Metering

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Shelly Plug US Gen4 is its accurate power metering functionalities. This feature enables users to keep track of the energy consumption of devices connected to the smart plug. However, Apple users may encounter a limitation: while the plug gathers detailed energy usage metrics, Apple’s Home app does not showcase this information in a user-friendly way.

To counter this, Shelly has introduced two smart solutions. First, the LED ring on the plug changes color based on the power draw. It glows green for low consumption and shifts to red when high power usage is identified, such as when a space heater is activated. This visual indicator enables users to quickly gauge power consumption at a glance.

For more in-depth analysis, the Shelly Smart Control app offers detailed insights into energy usage, allowing users to precisely monitor how much power their devices are consuming. Additionally, the plug can be programmed with safety automations, like a “forgotten appliance” rule that automatically disables the plug when it detects a high power draw sustained over time, enhancing household safety.

## Conclusion

The Shelly Plug US Gen4 establishes a new benchmark for smart plugs through its combination of connectivity features and advanced capabilities. Its support for Matter and Wi-Fi 6 guarantees its relevance as smart home technology progresses, while its power metering features provide essential insights into energy use. The sole downside is the lack of 5 GHz Wi-Fi support, which may restrict its performance in certain situations.

In summary, the Shelly Plug US Gen4 is a flexible and powerful addition to any smart home ecosystem, representing a valuable investment for users seeking to improve their home automation experience. It is available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon and directly from the Shelly store.

**Adobe Reaches Agreement with US Department of Justice for $150 Million**

Adobe has entered into a settlement arrangement with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) totaling $150 million. This agreement entails a $75 million payout to the DOJ and an equal $75 million designated for complimentary services for impacted users.

**Settlement Details**

In a press release, Adobe expressed, “We have now concluded a settlement agreement with the Department of Justice that will resolve the legal action initiated in June 2024 concerning our disclosure and subscription cancellation practices.” While agreeing to the settlement, Adobe retains its stance of denying any misconduct, claiming it has been open about the terms and conditions of its subscription contracts and has improved its cancellation procedures.

Adobe’s pledge includes contacting customers adversely affected by its cancellation policies to inform them about the complimentary services available. The company underlines that it will actively reach out to these customers once the required court documents are filed.

**Impact on Customers and Future Steps**

For users who have encountered challenges while canceling Adobe plans, the settlement might offer some reassurance. Nevertheless, uncertainties linger concerning the specifics of the free services and whether they may entail stipulations like joining new subscription plans. Adobe has acknowledged its efforts in improving the clarity and ease of its sign-up and cancellation procedures in recent times.

**Feedback from the Community**

Adobe’s settlement prompts inquiries among users who have experienced difficulties with the company’s subscription framework. Input from affected customers will be vital in grasping the wider implications of this settlement. Users are urged to relay their experiences and any notifications from Adobe regarding the settlement.

In summary, although Adobe denies any misconduct, the $150 million settlement with the DOJ represents a notable move towards addressing issues related to its subscription practices and seeks to offer recompense to affected users.

Amazon has revealed a new ‘Prime Video Ultra’ streaming package set to launch next month, which replaces the existing ad-free tier and introduces additional features, albeit at a higher cost.

### Prime Video Ultra will be the sole ad-free streaming choice from Amazon and will be priced at $4.99/month

If you are currently subscribed to ad-free Prime Video streaming, be prepared for a rate increase. This is due to the introduction of the new ‘Prime Video Ultra’ tier arriving next month, which will take the place of the existing ad-free option.

Prime Video Ultra will be available for $4.99/month starting April 10 for US users. This fee is in addition to the regular Amazon Prime subscription ($14.99/month or $139/year). It represents a significant hike from the current $2.99/month ad-free plan.

In addition to the increased price, Amazon is adding extra features to its Ultra plan:

– Up to five simultaneous streams (up from three)
– Up to 100 downloads (up from 25)
– Exclusive access to 4K/UHD streaming

This last feature could drive a new wave of upgrades from the basic Prime Video plan.

What prompted these changes? According to Amazon’s statement:

> Providing ad-free streaming with deluxe features necessitates substantial investment, and this framework aligns with other leading streaming platforms while ensuring customers retain the choice in how they wish to view content. Prime members will still benefit from the fundamental Prime Video offerings, including HD/HDR and now Dolby Vision, at no extra cost included in their Prime membership.

Currently, Prime Video Ultra is only debuting in the US, but if it proves successful, similar launches may occur globally in the future.

For those wanting ad-free streaming, the costs just keep climbing.