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AirPods Max 2: Four Reliable Features from the Prior Version

### Apple AirPods Max 2: A Summary of Changes and Continuities

Apple has officially launched the AirPods Max 2, representing the first major update to its over-ear headphones since their debut in 2020. The addition of the new H2 chip introduces multiple improvements, yet many design and functional elements remain the same.

#### What’s New with AirPods Max 2?

The standout enhancement in the AirPods Max 2 is the incorporation of the H2 chip, which facilitates superior audio quality and introduces new features. Users can look forward to better sound fidelity, improved noise cancellation, and new functionalities that utilize the technology of the new chip.

#### What Hasn’t Changed?

In spite of the enhancements, several features and characteristics of the AirPods Max 2 remain aligned with the original model:

##### Design

The design of the AirPods Max 2 closely resembles that of their forerunner. They retain the same weight and dimensions, which are detailed as follows:

– **Height:** 7.37 inches (187.3 mm)
– **Width:** 6.64 inches (168.6 mm)
– **Depth:** 3.28 inches (83.4 mm)
– **Weight:** 13.6 ounces (386.2 grams)

For users who found the original AirPods Max overly heavy, the weight remains the same, which may disappoint some.

##### Case

The Smart Case for the AirPods Max 2 has not undergone any modifications either. When housed in the Smart Case, the headphones enter the same “ultra-low-power state” seen in the original version, which has raised concerns among users.

##### Battery Life

The battery life for the AirPods Max 2 is said to match that of the original, providing “up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled.” Apple has presented a new metric, claiming that users can anticipate “up to 20 hours of movie playback on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation and Spatial Audio activated.” Furthermore, a quick 5-minute charge can offer 1.5 hours of listening time.

##### Lossless Audio

Despite aspirations for wireless lossless playback, the AirPods Max 2 do not support this function. Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio are available solely when connected via USB-C.

#### Conclusion

The AirPods Max 2 signify a modest upgrade primarily concentrating on audio performance thanks to the new H2 chip, while numerous features and design components remain constant. For current users of the original AirPods Max, the choice to upgrade may hinge on how valuable the new features are compared to the unchanged elements that some might view as restrictive. As Apple continues its innovative journey, the AirPods Max 2 may attract new customers in search of premium over-ear headphones with improved functionalities.

RedMagic 11 Air Trace Edition: Upgraded Gaming Smartphone with Daring Aesthetics

RedMagic has unveiled its newest gaming smartphone, the RedMagic 11 Air Trace Edition, designed to deliver a more subtle appearance while preserving top-tier gaming performance. The Trace Edition showcases a vibrant white exterior complemented by striking orange highlights and a semi-transparent look, contrasting with the more muted hues of its predecessor. Regardless of the design modifications, the internal hardware remains unchanged, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, up to 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and the RedCore R4 gaming chip.

With a price tag of $599 / €599, the Trace Edition maintains the sleek silhouette of the original version, measuring 7.85mm thick and weighing 207g, making it lighter than numerous other gaming smartphones. The device boasts a 6.85-inch AMOLED screen with a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, delivering a fluid visual experience. Additionally, the display includes a 960Hz touch sampling rate and high-frequency PWM dimming to minimize flicker.

The phone’s cooling architecture, referred to as the ICE Cooling System, employs vapor chambers, graphene layers, and active cooling elements to handle heat during long gaming sessions. Other gaming features include 520Hz shoulder trigger buttons, bypass charging, and software utilities for performance enhancement.

The RedMagic 11 Air Trace Edition is equipped with a 7,000mAh battery that supports rapid wired charging. Although the camera arrangement is not the central focus, it consists of a 50MP primary sensor, an ultra-wide camera, and a 16MP front-facing lens. The device operates on RedMagic OS 11, built on Android 16, and provides a range of performance tools and customizable gaming modes.

In summary, the RedMagic 11 Air Trace Edition stands out as an attractive choice for gamers looking for robust performance and a unique design without the usual heft often linked with gaming smartphones.

Amazon Fire TV Accessory at $10 Tidies Up Untidy Cables

considering purchasing an Amazon Firestick. Most USB cables are generally quite long to facilitate charging devices. A shorter cable doesn’t make much sense if you want to power/charge a smartphone or a similar gadget. However, this creates a hassle with streaming sticks, especially since contemporary televisions often have USB ports located next to HDMI ports. This is where the fireCable Plus Adapter for Firestick comes into play.

The fireCable Plus Adapter removes dangling wires that can get bunched up, tangled, and appear unattractive. This compact cable aids in organizing your TV setup no matter where you are. It’s also ideal to take along with you, together with your streaming stick, while traveling, assisting in reducing the mess that a bag full of cables can frequently create.

Declutter your life

Although many individuals claim there is no longer a need for an Amazon Fire TV Stick anymore

Safeguard Yourself This Tax Period: How Fraudsters Manipulate Your Information and Methods to Avoid It

**Tax Season Fraud Targeting Seniors: Ways to Safeguard Yourself**

Tax season typically generates a surge of documentation and financial strategizing, but it also heralds a concerning rise in fraud, especially aimed at seniors. Scammers are keenly aware that older Americans may be anticipating refunds, may overlook digital warning signs, and commonly have stable incomes and solid credit—traits that make them attractive targets.

### The Proliferation of Deceptive Scams

Modern scams are now more advanced than ever. The era of poorly composed emails riddled with errors is long gone. Contemporary tax scams are expertly designed, featuring authentic IRS branding, legitimate-looking case numbers, and urgent phrasing meant to induce panic and drive impulsive decisions.

Frequent methods used by fraudsters consist of:

– **Counterfeit Emails or Texts**: Communications asserting your account is “under review” and requesting verification of personal details.
– **Bogus Refund Delay Notifications**: Alerts urging you to click on harmful links.
– **Impersonation Schemes**: Messages posing as the IRS or Social Security Administration, often instilling a false sense of urgency.

What often surprises individuals is that scammers regularly incorporate real personal information, like your name and city, within their messages. This personalization is intentional; fraudsters acquire this data from data brokers, entities that legally gather and sell personal information, including addresses, phone numbers, income approximations, and family connections. This strategy increases the perceived reliability of scams.

### Regaining Authority Over Your Personal Information

The positive aspect is that individuals have more command over their personal details than they might think. Numerous data brokers are legally required to erase your information upon your request, although the process can be daunting, causing many to skip it.

Platforms like **Incogni** streamline this process by submitting removal requests to over 420 data brokers and overseeing compliance. Their plans commence at just $6.39 per month (billed annually), with options for family coverage and identity theft protection available.

### Easy Actions to Improve Your Security This Tax Season

You don’t have to be a cybersecurity specialist to protect yourself during tax season. Adopting a few simple practices can significantly lower your risk:

1. **Refrain from Clicking Links**: Never click on links in tax-related emails or texts. Instead, navigate directly to IRS.gov.
2. **Utilize Strong Passwords**: Develop strong, distinct passwords for your tax software and email accounts.
3. **Activate Two-Factor Authentication**: Enable two-factor authentication whenever feasible for additional security.
4. **Think About Freezing Your Credit**: If you’re not currently applying for new accounts, consider freezing your credit to block unauthorized access.
5. **Eliminate Your Information from Broker Sites**: Take action to remove your data from data broker sites, either manually or by utilizing services like Incogni.

Identity theft can be profoundly damaging, both financially and emotionally, especially for those on a limited income. Taking preventative steps now can spare you considerable issues later.

**Incogni** has successfully carried out over 245 million data removal requests, using privacy professionals and automated systems to contact more than 2,400 sites, including private data brokers and dangerous websites. They also provide progress updates, keeping you informed as you reclaim control of your personal information.

For interested individuals, **9to5Mac readers can access a 58% discount on Incogni with the promo code 9TO5MAC**.

Report Suggests No Existing Plans for Touchscreen on MacBook Air

**The Future of Touchscreens in Apple’s MacBook Lineup**

Later this year, the M6 MacBook Pro is heavily speculated to be the inaugural Mac to feature touchscreen capabilities. However, recent updates indicate that Apple may not implement this functionality in the MacBook Air or MacBook Neo anytime soon.

### Apple’s Current Stance on Touch Support

As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has yet to make a conclusive choice regarding the addition of touchscreens in any Macs beyond the MacBook Pro, which is set to debut by the year’s end. The forthcoming macOS 27 is expected to bring enhancements for touchscreen interaction, consistent with the rumored features of the M6 MacBook Pro.

Gurman states, “At this point, Apple hasn’t decided whether to bring touch to any Macs beyond the MacBook Pro.” This lack of clarity suggests that Apple is likely evaluating the market’s reaction to the M6 MacBook Pro before finalizing any plans for broader touchscreen adoption.

### Future Prospects for MacBook Air and MacBook Neo

The MacBook Air is projected to receive an OLED screen around 2028 or thereafter, and should it include touch functionality, that timeline indicates it would be the earliest chance for such an addition. In the meantime, forecasts regarding the MacBook Neo have evolved. Initially, analyst Ming Chi-Kuo indicated that the Neo’s successor would have touch features, but he has since adjusted his predictions, with Gurman showing doubt about touch functionality in Apple’s entry-level Mac models.

### Implications of Touchscreen Adoption

If Apple has not reached a decision regarding the expansion of touch support in its Mac range, it may stem from a desire to gauge the reception of the M6 MacBook Pro. The company has traditionally avoided hastily adopting new features, especially those that stray from its established design principles.

If the touchscreen MacBook Pro garners favorable feedback, it is reasonable to anticipate that Apple would contemplate integrating touch capabilities into the MacBook Air and eventually the MacBook Neo in forthcoming years. Nevertheless, currently, there seems to be no pressing need for Apple to finalize its strategy regarding touchscreen technology in its laptops.

### Conclusion

As the tech community looks forward to the release of the M6 MacBook Pro, the prospects for touchscreens in Apple’s Mac lineup remain ambiguous. Although the possibility for touch support exists, especially if the M6 model is well-received, Apple appears to be taking a cautious path, emphasizing user feedback and market dynamics prior to implementing any considerable modifications to its MacBook lineup.

For those keen on the latest updates in the MacBook Air, the newly introduced M5 model presents a variety of new features worthy of investigation.