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BenQ Unveils $999 Shiny 5K 27-Inch Thunderbolt 4 Monitor Rivalling Apple Studio Display

### 27-inch 5K Mac Display for Less Than $1000

BenQ has introduced the MA270S, a new 5K 27-inch glossy monitor that presents a captivating choice for Mac users in pursuit of high-resolution displays. This monitor is crafted to fulfill the requirements that many Mac users seek, specifically the 5K resolution that conforms to Apple’s Retina display criteria.

#### Key Features of the BenQ MA270S

The BenQ MA270S is designed with color precision in mind, rendering it an outstanding partner for MacBook users. Here are some of its key features:

– **Thunderbolt 4 Connectivity**: The monitor facilitates a singular Thunderbolt 4 cable connection, offering 96W power delivery, which supports charging while utilizing the display.
– **Daisy-Chaining Capability**: Users can link several devices via Thunderbolt 4 output, optimizing workspace functionality.
– **Smart KVM Functionality**: This capability allows users to manage two systems with a single keyboard and mouse, streamlining multitasking.
– **Picture-by-Picture (PbP)**: This feature enables users to display content from various devices at once, facilitating easier management of multiple tasks.

#### Display Quality and Design

The MA270S is equipped with a Nano Gloss panel featuring a genuine 5K resolution of 5120×2880, ensuring that text is sharp and images appear realistic. It offers a brightness level of 500 nits, 99% P3 color gamut, and a contrast ratio of 2000:1, delivering vivid colors and sharp details. Moreover, the iKeyboard Control function allows users to modify brightness and volume directly from their MacBook keyboard, enhancing the overall experience.

The design of the monitor is minimalist, harmonizing seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. It includes a 150mm adjustable stand, enabling users to tailor the height for optimal viewing comfort.

#### Pricing and Availability

The BenQ MA270S 5K 27-inch glossy monitor is priced at $999, considerably lower than Apple’s Studio Display, which is priced at $1599. This pricing makes the MA270S an appealing option for those seeking a high-quality display without the premium expenses often tied to Apple products.

In conclusion, the BenQ MA270S delivers an impressive blend of features, functionality, and design, establishing it as a formidable player in the market for Mac-compatible monitors.

Apple Unveils New MacBook Pro Equipped with M5 Pro and M5 Max Chips

Apple has introduced new MacBook Pro models today, featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Here are the specifics.

### 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro comes equipped with top-tier M5 Pro and M5 Max chips

Today marks the second consecutive day of Apple hardware announcements, with the company spotlighting the Mac.

The M5 MacBook Pro made its debut in October, albeit only in a 14-inch variant without high-end chip options.

Today, Apple has rolled out the long-awaited 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. They are driven by the latest M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.

> “MacBook Pro featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max redefines the potential of a pro laptop, now up to 4x quicker than the previous generation,” stated John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “With Neural Accelerators integrated into the GPU, the new MacBook Pro permits professionals to execute advanced LLMs on-device and unlock benefits that no other laptop can provide — all while retaining outstanding battery longevity. Coupled with even swifter unified memory and storage, it enables users to elevate their work further, unleashing novel opportunities and expanding the limits of what they can achieve.”

This new MacBook Pro maintains the appearance and feel of its predecessor, showcasing the same industrial design that has existed since 2021.

Recent features emphasize enhancements in Apple silicon.

### Apple silicon and storage enhancements are the primary upgrades in new MacBook Pro

The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips render the new MacBook Pro the most powerful laptop that Apple offers.

Both chips incorporate an up-to-18-core CPU with 6 “super cores.” Apple claims these are the fastest CPU cores globally. Complementing these super cores are 12 performance cores that collectively provide up to 30 percent higher performance.

SSD performance is now superior, achieving up to 2x the speed of the previous generation.

Storage options now have higher starting capacities than before:
– 1TB of storage for M5 Pro variants
– 2TB for M5 Max variants

Another enhancement related to Apple silicon is the introduction of the N1 wireless chip. N1 facilitates Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support, with Apple asserting it enhances performance and reliability compared to previous MacBook Pros.

N1 was first introduced in the iPhone 17 lineup last fall, where Apple noted its role in boosting the performance and reliability of features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop.

### New MacBook Pro colors, pricing, availability

The new MacBook Pro is available in two hues: Space Black and Silver.

Here’s the pricing for the new M5 MacBook Pro models:
– 14‑inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at $2,199, while M5 Max begins at $3,599
– 16‑inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro starts at $2,699 and M5 Max starts at $3,899

These prices reflect an increase over the previous generation, which retailed for $1,999 and $2,499, respectively. However, the enhanced starting storage helps justify the price difference.

Pre-orders commence tomorrow, March 4, at 6:15 a.m. PT, with shipments starting for users on Wednesday, March 11.

Are you considering an upgrade to a new MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or M5 Max? Share your thoughts in the comments.

NASA Postpones Artemis III Lunar Landing: Important Modifications Clarified

first crewed journey to the moon’s surface in over fifty years. Prior to this, two earlier Artemis missions were intended to be executed to facilitate and strategize for the forthcoming lunar landing. Artemis I was a success. Artemis II marked the first crewed flight around the moon since Apollo 17. However, it also faced delays and is now projected to launch as early as April, which would inevitably push back the final Artemis III mission as well. Consequently, NASA has now declared that Artemis III is cancelled, primarily due to those hurdles and delays in earlier missions, indicating that the U.S. return to the moon will be pushed to a later date, following gradual and “evolutionary” steps.

The administrator of NASA, Jared Isaacman, announced the news during a press briefing at Kennedy Space Center on Friday, February 27. According to NPR, Isaacman stated that the current plan “is simply not the correct route forward.” Artemis II will continue as planned, likely in April. NASA aims to take incremental measures to enhance the mission’s success, reportedly developing additional risk-free modifications to reduce the delays and issues encountered thus far. Essentially, Artemis III is still recognized as a mission and will occur; however, when it does take place, that future mission will be in low-Earth orbit, meaning no one will be landing on the moon. Currently, it is set for mid-2027. Ultimately, an Artemis IV mission is expected to enable a landing crew to set foot on the lunar surface, sometime in 2028 — if everything proceeds as planned.

We are still heading to the moon, just not on the upcoming Artemis mission

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Effective Techniques to Halt Doomscrolling Immediately

### The Influence of Doomscrolling on Mental Well-Being

Doomscrolling, the habit of obsessively consuming negative news and upsetting content, has been associated with several negative consequences on mental well-being. This behavior can be especially tough to resist in times of global emergencies, yet it is vital to consider its effects on our mental state.

A recent meta-analysis titled *The Effect of Doomscrolling on Mental Well-Being* consolidates insights from 17 empirical investigations, indicating strong correlations between doomscrolling and mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and a decrease in resilience. The analysis underscores that excessive intake of negative information can induce various forms of psychological distress.

Media psychology expert Reza Shabahang highlights the traumatic risks associated with doomscrolling, pointing out that trauma can stem not only from direct personal encounters but also from ongoing exposure to unsettling news. This persistent interaction with negative content may provoke acute stress reactions and symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resulting in a nervous system that finds it difficult to achieve tranquility.

The inclination to doomscroll is often intensified by uncertainty in times of crisis, as individuals may feel driven to seek additional information. Nevertheless, this behavior generally results in heightened stress instead of clarity.

To tackle doomscrolling, individuals can implement various strategies:

1. **Designate News Consumption Times**: Allocate specific periods for news consumption and restrict both the frequency and length of these intervals.

2. **Turn Off Notifications**: Deactivate alerts and badges from news apps to lessen the urge to check for updates frequently.

3. **Limit Usage of Infinite Scroll Applications**: Minimize or eliminate the use of apps that utilize infinite scrolling, which can promote extended engagement with negative information.

Adopting these strategies can help alleviate the repercussions of doomscrolling and foster improved mental well-being. Personal initiatives, such as a news and notification cleanse, can also act as effective techniques to regain authority over news intake.

In conclusion, while the desire to remain informed during crises is understandable, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential mental health dangers linked with doomscrolling and take constructive measures to regulate this behavior.

Consumer Reports: 4 Smartwatches to Steer Clear Of

Windows 11, anyone? You could undoubtedly choose nearly any device available and distinguish the good from the bad, but it becomes most logical when discussing a more functional device, like a smartwatch.

Typically crafted to aid in monitoring your health and fitness, receive alerts on your wrist while you’re away from your phone, and yes, naturally, tell the time, a smartwatch is somewhat like a highly condensed smartphone. However, not all smartwatches are made equal. There exist budget-friendly or inexpensive smartwatches that exceed their price points. Conversely, there are some quite pricey selections on the other end of the scale. Additionally, there are a few balanced choices between those extremes. Can you genuinely discern the difference between affordable and premium smartwatches? Likely. 

But an excellent resource to check the ratings or estimated effectiveness of a device, irrespective of its price, is on Consumer Reports, and, as you might assume, they’ve compiled a list of some of the top smartwatches and fitness trackers. Instead of starting at the top of that list, however, let’s traverse in reverse and begin from the bottom — these are the smartwatches you may want to steer clear of, according to CR.

1. 3Plus Vibe Plus (Gen 2)

Offered at Walmart and Amazon for under $40, it shouldn’t be surprising that the 3Plus Vibe Plus (Gen 2)

Improving Cybersecurity through Local AI: Perspectives from the Apple @ Work Podcast

### Apple @ Work: Strengthening Security with AI-Driven Scam Defense

In the constantly changing realm of cybersecurity, organizations are confronted with mounting risks from phishing schemes and online fraud. To address these issues, Dashlane has launched an innovative AI-driven tool intended to effectively identify browser-based scams. This cutting-edge solution seeks to safeguard users from the escalating wave of online deception, ensuring a more secure digital environment.

#### The Surge of Phishing Schemes

Phishing schemes have emerged as one of the most common types of cybercrime, targeting both individuals and businesses. These schemes typically involve misleading emails or websites that deceive users into disclosing sensitive data, including passwords and credit card information. As cybercriminals grow more cunning, conventional security measures may prove inadequate, highlighting the necessity for enhanced solutions.

#### Dashlane’s AI-Driven Solution

In a recent segment of Apple @ Work, Christophe Frene from Dashlane elaborated on the company’s new AI-driven tool designed to tackle these threats. This tool utilizes artificial intelligence to assess web content and detect potential scams in real-time. By providing users with prompt alerts and recommendations, it significantly lowers the chances of succumbing to phishing attempts.

#### Smooth Integration with Apple Devices

For organizations employing Apple devices, integrating robust security solutions is vital. Mosyle, the sole Apple Unified Platform, delivers a comprehensive solution that enables organizations to effortlessly deploy, manage, and secure their Apple devices. With more than 45,000 organizations depending on Mosyle, the platform guarantees that millions of Apple devices stay secure and operational.

#### Conclusion

As cyber threats persist in evolving, the significance of advanced security measures is paramount. Dashlane’s AI-driven scam defense tool marks a notable advancement in protecting users against online fraud. Paired with Mosyle’s efficient management of Apple devices, organizations can fortify their security stance and defend their critical data from potential threats.

For further insights and discussions regarding the latest in Apple technology and security, listen to the Apple @ Work podcast and check out previous episodes to remain updated on best practices and pioneering solutions.

Google Unveils Independent Application for Pixel’s Now Playing Function

The Now Playing feature of the Pixel, a cherished tool for music recognition on Pixel devices, has been reimagined as a standalone application with a refreshed appearance. Once tucked away in the Settings menu, Now Playing automatically detects nearby songs without requiring an internet connection, utilizing an on-device database of song fingerprints. This facilitates immediate music identification without transmitting audio to the cloud, in contrast to applications like Shazam.

Now accessible for download on the Google Play Store, the standalone application provides enhanced visibility and receives updates separately from system releases. The redesigned app features clearer album artwork, refined controls, and more intuitive navigation, improving the user experience. This initiative reflects Google’s dedication to integrating Now Playing as an essential feature of Pixel phones, alongside other distinctive tools such as Call Screen and Recorder.

By moving Now Playing to a standalone application, Google not only enhances its accessibility and capabilities but also emphasizes its significance as a unique attribute of the Pixel series. This transition enables quicker updates and guarantees that new Pixel users can effortlessly discover and leverage this intelligent feature, enriching their overall mobile experience.

Samsung Aims to Incorporate Exynos Chips in Every Upcoming Galaxy Device

Following the recent Galaxy Unpacked event, a Samsung executive shared details regarding the company’s upcoming plans for its proprietary Exynos chips. Moon Sung-hoon, Samsung’s vice president of hardware for the MX sector, elaborated on the company’s approach to upgrading its application processors (APs) and suggested a wider integration of Exynos chips within Samsung’s Galaxy product line. This initiative forms part of a “mid to long-term strategy” aimed at improving their chip technology, with plans to embed Exynos in all forthcoming Galaxy models.

The Exynos 2600, Samsung’s newest chip, represents a notable milestone as the first in the world to adopt the 2nm process, promising significant advancements in performance and efficiency compared to its predecessor, the Exynos 2500. In spite of the hurdles faced in developing APs, Samsung remains focused on enhancing its Exynos lineup, which has previously encountered scrutiny for performance shortcomings. The Exynos 2600, however, has garnered favorable reviews, indicating a possible shift in consumer perspective.

Samsung’s dedication to Exynos chips aligns with its ambition to compete more robustly against rival chip manufacturers. The company has undertaken strategic measures, including establishing a specialized task force to manage the development of the Exynos 2600. The launch of this chip represents a bold advancement in Samsung’s chipset technology, particularly for the Galaxy S26 series.

Historically relying on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon for flagship devices outside South Korea, Samsung’s renewed focus on Exynos could pave the way for a broader acceptance of its proprietary chips. The Exynos 2600’s enhanced CPU architecture and performance improvements underscore Samsung’s progress, although its availability is still restricted to certain regions, with other markets receiving Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

Samsung’s persistent endeavors to upgrade its Exynos chips demonstrate a strategic move to bolster its standing in the competitive smartphone landscape, with the objective of delivering superior performance and efficiency in upcoming Galaxy devices.

OpenClaw’s Viral Rise, Mistral’s Compute Strategy, and the Agent Arms Race – SED News

SED News is a monthly podcast from Software Engineering Daily where hosts Gregor Vand and Sean Falconer unpack the biggest stories shaping software engineering, Silicon Valley, and the broader tech industry. In this episode, they cover the viral rise of OpenClaw and its founder’s move to OpenAI, OpenAI’s exploration of ads inside ChatGPT, and Alibaba’s

The post SED News: OpenClaw Goes Viral, Mistral’s Compute Play, and the Agent Arms Race appeared first on Software Engineering Daily.