Author: sparta

### Aqara Smart Lock U400: An Advancement in Smart Home Innovations

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 has officially launched at CES, presenting a new dimension of ease with its incorporation of the Home key functionality in Apple Wallet. This cutting-edge technology allows for automatic door unlocking as users approach, removing the necessity for manual engagement.

#### Ultra-Wideband Technology

Central to the U400 is ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which improves the accuracy of location tracking. This enables the lock to identify when an authorized user, holding an iPhone or wearing an Apple Watch, is in proximity. Cathy You, Aqara’s Senior Vice President of Global Business and Strategy, highlighted the importance of this development, indicating that it signifies a move towards a more intuitive and fluid smart home environment.

#### Improved Security and Convenience

UWB technology outperforms conventional Bluetooth by employing Time of Flight (ToF) and Angle of Arrival (AoA) metrics to effectively monitor user movements. This guarantees that the lock engages only when an authorized user is approaching from outside, minimizing the chances of unintentional unlocks when users are indoors or merely walking by.

#### Various Unlocking Methods

The U400 provides a range of unlocking options, including:
– **Physical Key**: For standard access.
– **Fingerprint Recognition**: Fast and secure entry for registered users.
– **Passcodes**: Choices for recurring or one-time use, perfect for granting guest access.

In the event of a power outage, the lock can be temporarily powered by an external power bank, making sure access is maintained.

#### Compatibility and Requirements

To make use of the U400, users must have a Thread-compatible hub, such as the Apple TV 4K, second-generation HomePod, or HomePod Mini. The lock works with iPhone models starting from the iPhone 11 and later, operating on iOS 18.5 or newer, in addition to Apple Watch Series 6 and later. It’s important to note that the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) and iPhone 16e do not have the required UWB chip for compatibility.

#### Availability and Pricing

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 is available for purchase in the USA for $270. It can be found on Amazon US, Amazon Canada, and select Apple stores in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, with plans to arrive at US Apple stores later this month.

In conclusion, the Aqara Smart Lock U400 signifies a noteworthy progression in smart home access technology, merging convenience, security, and advanced features to transform user interaction with home security systems.

### iPhone 17e: A Cost-Effective Option on the Horizon

The iPhone 17e is in the works as a more economical variant of the iPhone 17. Recent leaks indicate that its release might coincide closely with last year’s iPhone 16e, which launched on February 28.

#### Production Timeline

As per a post by leaker Smart Pikachu on Weibo, the iPhone 17e is anticipated to commence production shortly after CES concludes this week. If Apple initiates mass production in mid-January, a launch in late February could be expected, paralleling the iPhone 16e’s release schedule.

#### Key Features

The iPhone 17e is believed to showcase several significant features:

– **6.1-inch Display with Dynamic Island**: This feature enriches the user interface by delivering a more engaging experience.
– **A19 Chip**: The addition of this chip implies enhanced performance and efficiency.
– **No ProMotion Support**: Unlike its premium counterparts, the iPhone 17e may lack ProMotion technology for smoother scrolling.

Further rumors suggest that the iPhone 17e will also support MagSafe, incorporate a new Center Stage front camera, and boast slimmer bezels compared to the iPhone 16e.

#### Conclusion

The iPhone 17e appears to be a promising entry-level option, particularly given the appeal of the iPhone 17 series. As production intensifies, it will be intriguing to observe how the market reacts to this more budget-friendly choice.

### Steve Jobs Memorabilia Auction: An Extraordinary Chance for Collectors

A major auction showcasing memorabilia from Steve Jobs’ life has now commenced online, providing a rare insight into Apple’s formative years and the personal belongings of its co-founder. The auction, organized by RR Auction, is scheduled to end on January 30, 2024, and features an assorted collection of items that underscore the history and impact of one of technology’s most pivotal figures.

#### Featured Items

Among the prominent items up for bids is the original desk from the garage where Apple was established, a meaningful artifact of tech heritage. Bidders can also vie for the very first check signed by Jobs and his partner Steve Wozniak, along with personal relics like Jobs’ high school bow ties. The auction includes various Apple-related memorabilia, with opening bids starting at $100, appealing to a broad spectrum of collectors.

Noteworthy items consist of:

– **Apple 1 Prototype**: The earliest known version of the Apple 1, with a starting price of $50,000 and an estimated worth exceeding $500,000.
– **First Apple Check**: The inaugural check issued by Apple, beginning at $25,000, also believed to be valued at around $500,000.
– **Apple 1 Byte Shop Wooden Case**: Once owned by Jobs, this piece starts at just $500, with an approximation of $5,000.
– **Steve Jobs’ Desk**: Opening bids at $5,000, with projected worth of $25,000 or more.
– **Personal Posters**: Several posters belonging to Jobs are available starting at $200.

The auction also features lesser-known items, such as an Apple 1 heatsink and a ribbon cable, both prized due to their association with Jobs.

#### Background and Significance

Numerous items in this auction are being offered by John Chovanec, Jobs’ stepbrother, who received much of the belongings from Jobs’ childhood space. Chovanec reminisces about a touching moment when Jobs recounted the story behind the early Macintosh development in that very location, emphasizing the emotional ties these artifacts possess.

One particularly intriguing item is a $500 check made out to circuit board designer Howard Cantin, who contributed to the Apple 1 board. Cantin chose a cash payment instead of stock options, a choice that, in retrospect, could have resulted in considerable financial outcomes.

#### Conclusion

This auction offers a distinctive chance for collectors and enthusiasts of Apple and Steve Jobs to acquire a fragment of tech history. With a collection ranging from the iconic to the personal, the auction encapsulates not just Jobs’ legacy, but also the origins of a company that revolutionized the technology industry. As the auction date draws near, increased interest is anticipated, marking it as a significant occurrence in the realm of memorabilia collecting.

### The Debate Over macOS Tahoe App Icons

In late 2023, the app icons launched in macOS Tahoe encountered substantial criticism from both users and reviewers. Numerous commenters labeled the icons as “awful” and “objectively poor,” which resulted in a divided reaction in a poll by 9to5Mac, where readers reflected highly varied opinions on the new design.

#### Background and Design Guidelines

Software engineer Nikita Prokopov brought attention to a significant flaw with the Tahoe icons, noting that they conflict with the principles set forth in Apple’s own Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines from 1992. These guidelines cautioned against the clutter that arises from having individual icons for each menu item, deeming such designs “unattractive.” Instead, Apple promoted a minimalist design, proposing that a reduced number of icons would improve usability.

Prokopov demonstrated this argument by sharing an image from the guidelines, juxtaposing the “unattractive” menu filled with icons against a sleeker, more efficient design. He contends that although screen resolution and clarity have improved, the primary function of icons—assisting users in quickly finding functions—has not changed. He argues that overloading menus with icons reduces their effectiveness, making it difficult for any single icon to be prominent.

#### Discrepancies and Ambiguities

The criticism goes beyond the number of icons themselves. Prokopov also pointed out variations in icon use across different applications. For example, the same function, like “New,” is represented by five different icons in various apps, causing confusion among users. Additionally, he highlighted cases where identical icons represent completely different functions, such as the icon for creating a new note in the Notes app being the same as the “edit address” icon in the Contacts app.

#### Recommended Strategies

In his blog post, Prokopov proposes that a more effective method would resemble the initial design strategies employed by Microsoft, wherein icons were designated for the most commonly used functions. He recommends decreasing the quantity of icons, combined with the application of color coding to improve clarity and usability. His post is abundant with examples and possible enhancements, making a strong argument for a reassessment of the current icon design in macOS Tahoe.

#### Summary

The conversation surrounding the macOS Tahoe app icons underscores a crucial intersection of design ideology and user experience. As Apple progresses with its software, the input from users and experts like Prokopov will be vital in influencing future versions of macOS. For those keen on a thorough analysis and proposed enhancements, Prokopov’s blog post presents a plethora of insights worth examining.