The illustration for The New Yorker’s profile of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is a jump scare. Altman stands in a blue sweater with a blank expression. Around his head hovers a cluster of disembodied faces – creepy alt-Altmans, their expressions ranging from anger to open-mouthed woe. Some barely look like Altman. One final face rests […]
Like many live-service games before it, Pokémon Champions’ launch has been messy. The free-to-start battle sim, which is out now on the Switch and Switch 2 (and also coming to mobile later this year), is plagued with bugs, some of which cause issues with basic battle mechanics – not great for a game that’s only […]
Polymarket bets started popping up in Google News alongside legitimate news articles. But now those results aren’t showing, and Google says they were never supposed to. Spokesperson Ned Adriance told The Verge that “Google News is designed to show sources that create content about current issues, events, and important topics, and we have policies for […]
In the early days of the war on Iran, while the White House was busy posting Call of Duty memes and AI slop of dancing bowling pins, the Iranian regime’s state media was flooding the zone with video after video of what was happening on the ground: Explosions over Tehran. Smoke billowing in the sky. […]
There’s one very specific reason I keep a Wii U handy, and that’s so that I have an easy way to play the classic pinball game Devil’s Crush. Over the years, it has become a comfort game for me. I’m not entirely sure what it is, but there’s something about the combination of familiar pinball […]
Nintendo seemingly designed its latest console to be a mystery for third-party accessory makers. With the Switch 2, the company changed the wireless protocol for connecting controllers to the new system, as well as how it outputs video over USB-C, making it clear at launch that every third-party manufacturer needed to start over from scratch. […]
Two weeks ago, I was getting ready to log off work when I got a text message. “Oh wow, I was checking out Mitski. did you know people are saying her Dad was a CIA operative?” Normally, that kind of out-of-the-blue text from a friend wouldn’t faze me. This time, my eyes bugged. The unprompted […]
# SkyDex: A Weather Application Inspired by Pokémon
Throughout my life, I have always been a devoted Pokémon enthusiast. I vividly recall being just 6 years old and accompanying my dad to Best Buy to purchase the inaugural Pokémon game: Pokémon Blue. I was instantly captivated. I spent my childhood immersed in the games, watching the series, and to this day, I continue to collect the cards. So whenever something fresh emerges that fuses Pokémon with everyday experiences, I find myself instantly intrigued. Therefore, upon discovering [SkyDex](https://apple.co/47UzBMY) on Twitter, a weather application that transforms your daily forecast into a Pokémon exploration adventure, I knew I had to download it. After trying it out for a while, I believe you should consider it too. Here’s why.
## Overview of SkyDex
Essentially, SkyDex functions as a weather application, but with a fantastic twist. It will, of course, provide you with all your standard weather statistics based on your location, but it also adds a gamified aspect where you encounter Pokémon depending on actual weather scenarios. So if it happens to be raining, you might come across a Squirtle, or if you’re in a chilly area, a Dewgong might show up; you get the picture. However, the catch is that you’re not capturing Pokémon like in the classic games; instead, you’re discovering them and enhancing your Pokédex. The aim here is to encounter all 151 original Kanto Pokémon, allowing each weather check to feel a bit more thrilling.
Each time you launch the app, switch locations, or notice a change in weather, there’s an opportunity to spot a different Pokémon connected to those circumstances.
## Key Features
What’s important to highlight here is that this remains a fully functional weather application. You receive all the similar information and weather data that you’re accustomed to, such as:
– Temperature
– Hourly forecasts
– 10-day forecasts
– Conditions
– Feels like temperature
– Cloud cover
– Humidity
– Wind
– Visibility
– Sunrise and sunset
– Chance of precipitation
– Pressure
– And more
The remarkable aspect of this is that as these temperatures, locations, and conditions alter, so do your Pokémon encounters! Here’s some of that information:
– Discover Pokémon appearances based on actual weather
– Dynamic occurrences tied to current atmospheric circumstances
– Different weather conditions create various encounter pathways
– Custom pixel art Pokémon reflecting the existing weather
– Weather widget included showcasing your latest Pokémon encounter
The developer has skillfully merged practicality with entertainment, especially for those who check the weather regularly throughout the day. The more your weather changes and the more you engage with the app, the more Pokémon you will discover.
## My Experience
In summary, this app injects excitement into what is typically a mundane utility application that everyone relies on. After using it for several days, it has entirely supplanted the Apple Weather app for me. I maintain a medium-sized widget on my primary home screen that shows both the weather and my most recent Pokémon encounter, which is fantastic.
What makes [SkyDex](https://apple.co/47UzBMY) particularly enjoyable is the dynamic nature of the experience. Pokémon encounters are shaped by real-world elements such as:
– Weather situations
– Temperature fluctuations
– Time of day (morning, afternoon, night)
– Changes in location
Additionally, there is a rarity aspect to the encounters. Pokémon can be classified as common, uncommon, rare, or legendary. On a clear day in my vicinity, I have a good chance of spotting a Meowth, but I might also strike it lucky and encounter something rare like an Alakazam. This adds an element of unpredictability and makes each check feel more rewarding. Once you begin finding these Pokémon, they are added to your Dex. You can view their details, when and where you found them, and even hear the Pokémon’s “cry” (the sounds they make).
Lastly, there is a minor social dimension to this. You can add friends using your special code and then view which and how many Pokémon they have encountered. This introduces an additional small layer of competition and gamification, which I appreciate.
## Pricing and Availability
[SkyDex](https://apple.co/47UzBMY) is currently available on the App Store and can be fully utilized for free. The free version provides the complete core experience, albeit with a few limitations:
– Presence of ads
– Limited to six saved locations
– No color adjustments for the app icon
The premium version eliminates ads, permits unlimited locations, and offers light customization options, such as altering the app icon.
In all honesty, the free version is sufficient for most users, and the upgrade feels more like an option than a necessity. However, if you wish to support the independent developer, the cost is $7.99 per year and $24.99 for a
# Optimizing Apple Device Management with add2abm
Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Apple School Manager (ASM) are pivotal resources for contemporary IT administration in organizations utilizing Apple devices. These systems streamline the deployment, oversight, and security of Apple devices, making them vital for IT managers. However, incorporating existing Macs into ABM can be difficult, particularly when devices have been obtained via consumer pathways or acquired through mergers. Traditionally, the process of adding these devices to ABM necessitates a complete reset, which can be disruptive. Here is where the add2abm tool proves to be essential.
## The Enrollment Challenge
Utilizing Apple Configurator to integrate a Mac into an organization mandates that the entire system be erased as standard practice. This method is inconvenient, necessitating backups, wipes, and prolonged data recovery. For devices currently in operation, this method is frequently unrealistic. add2abm provides a remedy by enabling IT managers to retrigger the Setup Assistant on a set-up Mac without losing any data.
## Functionality of add2abm
add2abm functions by temporarily removing the Apple setup marker and shifting local user data, deceiving the system into perceiving the device as new. This operation is fully reversible, allowing IT administrators to activate Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) on devices already in operation. The instructions to implement add2abm include:
1. **Physical Access Needed**: Confirm you have physical access to the Mac and are able to boot into macOS Recovery.
2. **Enter Recovery Mode**: Power down the Mac and press the Touch ID/power button to access macOS Recovery.
3. **Authenticate and Connect**: Authenticate as the volume owner and connect to the internet.
4. **Launch Terminal**: Navigate to the Utilities menu and select Terminal.
5. **Run Backup Script**: Execute the script to back up user data and reboot the Mac.
6. **Setup Assistant**: Follow the instructions in Setup Assistant up to the Country & Region prompt.
7. **Utilize Apple Configurator**: Bring an iPhone equipped with Apple Configurator nearby the Mac and connect it to the MDM server in ABM/ASM.
8. **Restore User Data**: After successfully integrating the Mac, restart and run the script again to restore user data.
Once these steps are finalized, the Mac will be recognized in Apple Business Manager, enabling it to be managed through your MDM solution while keeping all user information intact.
## Advantages for IT Managers
The add2abm tool considerably streamlines the integration of existing Macs into ABM, removing the necessity for device resets. This is especially advantageous for organizations with a mixed array of devices, as it simplifies the enrollment process and minimizes employee downtime. Nevertheless, it is crucial to verify that the device is not associated with Find My on an Apple account before continuing.
## Conclusion
The add2abm tool signifies a major leap for Apple IT managers, offering an effective solution for enrolling existing Macs into Apple Business Manager without loss of data. While an officially supported method from Apple would be optimal, add2abm efficiently tackles the challenges faced by IT teams overseeing a varied lineup of Apple devices. Those interested in utilizing this tool can find it on [GitHub](https://github.com/Inetum-Poland/add2abm).
The stock of higher-tier models of Mac Studio and Mac mini is swiftly declining due to escalating supply issues and the likelihood of an M5 upgrade approaching. Numerous configurations are presently labeled as “currently unavailable” on the Apple Store, blocking customers from placing orders. This encompasses the M4 Mac mini with 32 GB RAM and at least two variants of Mac Studio.
Recently, sources have reported that the M3 Ultra Mac Studio featuring 256 GB RAM faced backorders extending until August or September, with shipping delays estimated at 4-5 months. However, within a week, supply has diminished to the point where Apple is no longer accepting orders for this variant. Furthermore, the M4 Max Mac Studio with 128 GB RAM is also out of stock, along with the M4 Mac mini equipped with 32 GB RAM. An update indicates that the Mac mini with M4 Pro and 64 GB RAM is now similarly labeled as ‘currently unavailable.’
A designation of “Currently Unavailable” often implies that the product may soon be entirely removed from the configurator, as noted with the 512 GB Mac Studio choice in March. While other models of Mac mini and Mac Studio still remain for sale, delivery timelines are discouraging. M3 Ultra Mac Studio models are quoting shipping periods of at least five weeks, meanwhile Mac mini purchasers encounter delays ranging from one month to three months, contingent on RAM and SSD storage configurations.
This scenario might signal a strong indication that an M5 upgrade for Mac mini and Mac Studio is about to happen. However, it remains uncertain whether this is genuinely the case or if Apple is experiencing the same RAM and storage shortages impacting the wider computing sector. Apple executives are anticipated to discuss these exceptional situations during the forthcoming quarterly earnings call on April 30.
