Author: sparta

### A Two-Mac User’s Journey: A Personal Contemplation

My journey with Macs is quite extensive, beginning with the original Macintosh that debuted in 1984. I can hardly keep track of how many models I’ve owned since that time.

For most of the duration, I’ve only had one Mac at a time. There was an earlier phase when I possessed two Macs, and returning to that setup last year has proven to be very beneficial.

#### Embracing Dual Macs: The First Phase

I’ve always preferred laptops over desktops. This preference stems partly from my frequent business travels, but I also enjoy the flexibility of using them in coffee shops and moving my setup between my home office and the living room.

Nonetheless, I seek to have the largest screen possible and don’t wish to compromise power for portability. This has led me to the largest MacBook Pro available. During the Intel era, that was the 17-inch MBP.

That was my sole Mac for several years until I embarked on a cycling holiday in the Netherlands. I needed a Mac to connect with my Garmin GPS for daily route planning and to document the journey in a blog. Since my MacBook Pro couldn’t fit into my sleek panniers, I resorted to purchasing an 11-inch MacBook Air as a secondary device.

Living the two-Mac lifestyle had its benefits and drawbacks. The clear advantage was having the option to choose between a robust machine and a lightweight one based on my daily requirements. The main drawback was the necessity of duplicating my setups on both devices. This involved installing nearly all my third-party applications on both, along with various utilities that simplified my life. Syncing two Macs was also far less straightforward than it is in today’s cloud-centric landscape, leading to a significant administrative burden.

#### Returning to a One-Mac Lifestyle

Fast-forward to 2016. I could’ve held on to my aging 17-inch MacBook Pro for another year or two, but the chance to upgrade to a sleeker 15-inch MacBook Pro was simply too enticing to pass up.

In terms of size and weight, this fell in between the 11-inch MBA and the 17-inch MBP, and I decided it was portable enough to no longer warrant owning two machines. By the time it was substituted with the 16-inch model, my opinion remained that its portability was satisfactory.

I really valued having only one Mac to manage, even if syncing devices was much simpler by then. Technically, I still had two Macs since my MacBook Air was stored as an emergency backup, but I never actually used it, so I don’t count that.

I might have remained a one-Mac user indefinitely, but when the old MBA failed to start up while I was planning to lend it to a neighbor, it threw a wrench in that. Since it mostly served as a backup, I couldn’t justify purchasing a new one, so last year, I opted for a five-year-old 13-inch M1 MacBook Air.

#### Embracing Dual Macs: The Second Phase

I didn’t anticipate using the MacBook Air often, but I was taken aback by how much I did. It turned out to be lighter than the iPad Air and Magic Keyboard combination I sometimes used for more portable mobile tasks. Since I much prefer a Mac to an iPad, switching to the MBA for those instances was a clear choice.

I had grown so accustomed to the size and weight of my 16-inch MBP that I expected to seldom use the MBA. However, every time I did, I found it significantly more portable in two key areas.

First, the size was markedly more manageable in places where space is limited, such as seatback tables on airplanes and trains.

Second, the weight of the MBA was nearly unnoticeable when placed in a backpack for transport. When I traveled to Niagara Falls, for instance, I added the MacBook to my backpack and was grateful I did.

> When I spend a full day sightseeing, I typically carry a slim backpack with a few essentials: a compact umbrella in case of rain, a sweater for variable temperatures, a Kindle for metro rides, a water bottle, and a travel mug (I’m British – we can’t go more than an hour without tea).
> What I discovered was that the MacBook Air was so light that I hardly noticed it when I included it as well. This allowed me to assemble the Niagara video during the train ride back to the city. It was a fantastic use of time.

# The iPhone Air: A Refreshing Addition to Apple’s Collection

The iPhone Air is being celebrated as the most thrilling iPhone launch since the iPhone X. With its slender, lightweight construction and distinctive look, it distinguishes itself in a lineup that has felt increasingly monotonous. Apple’s latest iPhones have largely mirrored one another since the iPhone 11, making the iPhone Air a welcome departure. This device emphasizes design and user experience over raw specifications, marking a significant change for the company. However, after thorough usage, certain compromises have become noticeable.

## My First Impressions of the iPhone Air

When first grasping the iPhone Air, the instant impression is one of quality and sophistication. It resembles more of a piece of jewelry than a tech device, especially when placed next to the bulkier Pro variants. The performance is remarkable, boasting Pro-level features such as a 120Hz ProMotion display and the A19 Pro chip. Daily activities, ranging from communication to media consumption and casual gaming, are executed effortlessly, providing a delightful user experience.

However, as time went on, some trade-offs started to reveal themselves.

## The USB-C Port Issue

One of the most notable downsides is the USB-C port, which employs a USB 2.0 controller for data transfer. While this may not hinder all users, those engaged in video or photography will find the limitations exasperating. USB 2.0 supports a peak speed of 480 Mbps, which seems insufficient for a device priced above $1000 in 2026, especially as file sizes continue to expand. For users who are used to Pro models featuring USB 3.0 speeds, the slower transfer rates can be quite problematic.

Furthermore, wired charging is capped at 20W, which is slower in comparison to the Pro models. This may not be a significant issue for those with regular access to charging outlets, but for users in need of fast top-ups, the slower charging capability can be inconvenient.

## The Single-Camera Dilemma

Another compromise is the single 48MP wide camera. While it performs admirably in various situations, the lack of extra lenses becomes clear over time. The absence of an ultra-wide lens can be particularly constraining in daily scenarios, making it challenging to seize moments without awkwardly shifting position. The absence of telephoto functionality is also a drawback, as optical zoom is crucial for capturing events or candid moments.

## Concluding Thoughts

The iPhone Air is not an undesirable phone; in fact, it’s a wonderful addition to the iPhone lineup. It boasts a striking and attractive design that resonates with numerous users. Nevertheless, the slow USB-C transfer speeds and the shortcomings of a single camera pose challenges for some users to fully embrace the device.

For those who value design, portability, and do not heavily depend on advanced data transfers or camera capabilities, the iPhone Air is a practical option. It signifies a shift in Apple’s strategy, concentrating on aesthetics and user experience rather than merely technical specifications. Looking ahead, perhaps the iPhone Air 2 will rectify some of these issues, but only time will reveal.

### The Rise of SimpleStealth: An Innovative macOS Malware Initiative

Mosyle, a leading company in Apple device management and security, has recently disclosed information concerning a new macOS malware initiative called SimpleStealth. This malware signifies a considerable advancement in the macOS threat landscape, as it integrates code from generative AI models, representing a significant first in the domain of Mac malware.

#### Summary of SimpleStealth

The SimpleStealth initiative is mainly spread through a fraudulent website that simulates the legitimate AI application, Grok. Cybercriminals have established a similar domain to entice unsuspecting users into installing a harmful macOS installer. Once launched, the malware masquerades as a fully operational Grok app, effectively hiding its malicious operations while functioning in the background. This approach aims to extend the malware’s duration on the victim’s device without being detected.

#### Technical Mechanisms

Upon installation, SimpleStealth utilizes an advanced technique to circumvent macOS security protocols. The application requests users for their system password under the guise of completing a setup procedure. This move enables the malware to disable Apple’s quarantine defenses, allowing its genuine malicious payload to be unleashed.

Once triggered, the malware activates a Monero (XMR) cryptocurrency miner, designed to function discreetly. The mining operation only starts when the Mac has remained idle for more than a minute, halting immediately upon user activity. To further avoid detection, the miner camouflages itself by imitating common system tasks, such as `kernel_task` and `launchd`, making it difficult for users to recognize any irregular behavior.

#### AI Integration in Malware

The application of AI within the malware’s framework is apparent through its design, which features extensive comments, a mix of English and Brazilian Portuguese, as well as repetitive logic patterns common in AI-generated scripts. This integration of AI technology not only increases the malware’s sophistication but also reduces the entry barrier for potential attackers, enabling them to create intricate malware with relative simplicity.

#### Implications and Concerns

The emergence of SimpleStealth prompts considerable alarms within the cybersecurity field. The integration of AI into malware production quickens the speed at which new threats can be conceived and launched, presenting a heightened danger to users. This scenario accentuates the importance of vigilance, as even those with minimal technical skills can utilize AI tools to generate harmful software.

#### Best Practices for Protection

To protect against threats like SimpleStealth, users should avoid downloading applications from unverified websites. It is essential to obtain apps directly from the Mac App Store or reputable developer websites. Keeping antivirus software up to date and being cautious of unexpected requests for system passwords can further improve security.

#### Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

For organizations seeking to bolster detection and investigation capabilities, the following Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) associated with SimpleStealth are provided:

– **Malware Family:** SimpleStealth
– **Distribution Name:** Grok.dmg
– **Target Platform:** macOS
– **Observed Domain:** xaillc[.]com
– **Wallet Address:** 4AcczC58XW7BvJoDq8NCG1esaMJMWjA1S2eAcg1moJvmPWhU1PQ6ZYWbPk3iMsZSqigqVNQ3cWR8MQ43xwfV2gwFA6GofS3

**SHA-256 Hashes:**
– 553ee94cf9a0acbe806580baaeaf9dea3be18365aa03775d1e263484a03f7b3e (Grok.dmg)
– e379ee007fc77296c9ad75769fd01ca77b1a5026b82400dbe7bfc8469b42d9c5 (Grok wrapper)
– 2adac881218faa21638b9d5ccc05e41c0c8f2635149c90a0e7c5650a4242260b (grok_main.py)
– 688ad7cc98cf6e4896b3e8f21794e33ee3e2077c4185bb86fcd48b63ec39771e (idle_monitor.py)
– 7813a8865cf09d34408d2d8c58452dbf4f550476c6051d3e85d516e507510aa0 (working_stealth_miner.py)

In summary, the identification of SimpleStealth emphasizes the changing dynamics of malware threats, especially as AI technology becomes increasingly accessible. Users must stay alert and implement best practices to shield their systems from such advanced attacks.

### iOS 26 Can Transform Regular Text URLs into Clickable Links through Screenshots

iOS 26 unveils an impressive functionality that improves how users engage with screenshots, especially regarding regular text URLs. This feature tackles a widespread annoyance: facing URLs that are not readily clickable, notably on platforms like Instagram where clickable links in captions are not allowed.

#### The Issue with Regular Text URLs

Numerous users have experienced the hassle of wanting to navigate to a URL shown in regular text. This situation often arises on social media where users might share a URL in their captions or comments, leading to instances like:

1. “Link in bio”
2. A regular text URL that necessitates manual copying and pasting

Although the occurrence of plain text URLs has diminished, they remain prevalent, underscoring the demand for a more effective resolution.

#### The Innovation in iOS 26

With the launch of iOS 26, Apple has harnessed visual intelligence AI to revolutionize how users can engage with these URLs. By merely capturing a screenshot of the content containing a regular text URL, users gain access to a new capability that automatically identifies the URL and transforms it into a clickable link.

Upon taking a screenshot, iOS 26 examines the image and showcases a hyperlinked version of the URL at the lower part of the screen. This enables users to open the link with a single tap, removing the inconvenience of copying and pasting.

#### Prerequisites for the Feature

To take advantage of this groundbreaking capability, users need to have an AI-compatible iPhone model, such as the iPhone 17, iPhone 16, or iPhone 15 Pro. By default, screenshots in iOS 26 will redirect users to a fullscreen interface where the clickable link is prominently featured.

However, if users opt to return to the prior iOS 18 setting, where screenshots appear as a small thumbnail in the bottom-left corner, they must tap the thumbnail to access the fullscreen view and view the clickable link.

#### Final Thoughts

The capacity to turn regular text URLs into clickable links via screenshots in iOS 26 represents a major improvement for users who often face this challenge. This feature not only simplifies the process of navigating online content but also highlights Apple’s dedication to incorporating advanced AI technologies into their devices. Users are encouraged to try out this functionality and share their feedback regarding the new feature.

### iPhone Air 2 Might Feature Dual Camera and Larger Battery

Apple seems to be preparing to tackle two major issues with the original iPhone Air: camera performance and battery durability. Recent sources indicate that the forthcoming iPhone Air 2 could include upgrades that directly respond to user input.

The first version of the iPhone Air has fallen short of Apple’s sales projections, even with its stylish design and solid build quality. Although the battery life has generally surpassed expectations, the constraints of its camera have been a significant drawback for potential purchases.

To address these concerns, Apple is allegedly planning to integrate a second camera in the iPhone Air 2. This feature is aimed at improving photography capabilities, which have received notable criticism from users.

Furthermore, a recent report from *The Elec* suggests that Apple is investigating the use of CoE (Chip-on-Display) technology for the iPhone Air 2. This advancement could result in a slimmer and brighter display while possibly enhancing battery efficiency. By incorporating CoE, Apple could potentially free up internal space for a larger battery, tackling the long-standing battery life issues that users have expressed.

The existing design of the iPhone Air dedicates a considerable amount of its space to battery components. By removing one layer from the display, Apple could repurpose that area for a larger battery, thus improving overall battery longevity. Additionally, CoE technology could enable a brighter display without increasing battery usage, allowing users to benefit from enhanced brightness with reduced power consumption.

In conclusion, the iPhone Air 2 seems poised to address the two major criticisms of its predecessor: camera performance and battery endurance. With the possible addition of a second rear camera and improvements in display technology, Apple may be ready to launch a more attractive product that aligns with consumer desires.

Would you consider buying an iPhone Air 2 featuring these upgrades?