Blog

Apple Set to Introduce Two Fresh Macs Next Year, Possibly Indicating a New Epoch

Apple is poised to unveil an impressive array of new Macs next year, with two particular models for 2026 that appear prepared to usher in a transformative chapter for the Mac.

## Early 2026: Completely New ‘MacBook’

At the beginning of next year, Apple is believed to introduce a completely new ‘MacBook’ product that will be the most budget-friendly option in its lineup. This upcoming Mac is anticipated to feature a 12.9-inch display, come in vibrant hues such as blue, pink, and yellow, incorporate an iPhone-tier A18 Pro chip, and be priced around $599 or $699.

Apple has traditionally hesitated to release an affordable MacBook that could effectively compete against cost-effective Chromebooks and PCs. However, it now appears that the company is prepared to contend for a larger share of the Mac market. Recent macOS updates have centered on enhancing compatibility with the iPhone. A substantial number of iPhone users choose not to adopt the Mac for personal or work computing—budget considerations likely playing a crucial role. With this economical MacBook, Apple may have the opportunity to convert those who have been reluctant to switch.

## Late 2026: M6 MacBook Pro

Towards the end of next year, Apple is in the process of a significant overhaul of the MacBook Pro. While the affordable MacBook renders the Mac more approachable for consumers, the M6 MacBook Pro could elevate the platform in a different manner: by introducing essential enhancements such as touchscreens and possibly a cellular connectivity option.

The M6 MacBook Pro is set to undergo a comprehensive hardware redesign, resulting in a thinner and lighter model than its predecessors. It is expected to feature an OLED display, likely without a notch, and will be the inaugural Mac to support touch. Reports suggest that Apple might also provide a 5G cellular option with its upcoming C2 in-house modem. Even if the cellular capability does not materialize, the inclusion of touch alone will represent a substantial turning point for the Mac.

Apple has consistently rejected the notion of integrating touch into the Mac. Nonetheless, the new MacBook Pro appears poised to initiate a new era for the platform.

What are your thoughts on the future of the Mac at Apple in 2026 and beyond? Share your opinions in the comments.

### Top Mac Accessories

Read More
Assessing the Security of Google’s Password Manager

Google’s password manager application is not exclusively essential for usage within Google Chrome, but it’s an option you can consider. Alternatively, you may opt to utilize the integrated version and follow the auto-fill prompt to generate a robust password and save it when indicated.

At times, a widely used and user-friendly feature may not be the most secure or optimal choice, based on its intended application. Relying on Google’s password manager won’t necessarily jeopardize your data immediately; however, there are several points to be aware of before you proceed with its use.  

The response hinges on your definition of safety

Comparing HDMI and USB-C: Selecting the Appropriate Display Port

the HDMI interface, which provides widespread compatibility and transmits both audio and video signals. Add to that eARC and ARC port functionalities along with practical single-port configurations, and it’s clear why it’s favored. On the computer connection front, there are additional choices like DisplayPort, the antiquated VGA plug, and even USB-C.

Regarding PC connections, which is the optimal choice for your monitor? The truthful response is likely USB-C, but the existing device environment complicates matters. Numerous PCs and docks continue to use HDMI as the main display connection, and the majority of contemporary monitors support this through HDMI inputs as the primary means. Nevertheless, there has been a rise in USB-C and Thunderbolt displays that could provide more benefits, provided you have a compatible device that meets your requirements.

Transfer rates and media

Top 5 Most Suggested YouTube TV Alternatives

left with the impression that YouTube TV doesn’t justify its value and is considering abandoning the service or searching for other options. A current survey conducted by Drive Research indicates that 82% of YouTube TV subscribers are frustrated over the prolonged two-week dispute between Disney and YouTube TV, with about 24% of those polled having already terminated their subscriptions or intending to do so in the near future.

Although ESPN and other Disney channels have returned to YouTube TV following negotiations, subscribers are left questioning whether this revised agreement will involve any upcoming price increases. This situation has prompted many to explore alternative live TV streaming services to view the content they desire, without incurring exorbitant costs.

Numerous streaming platforms are vying with YouTube TV, ranging from well-known options like Hulu TV and Sling to lesser-known services like Frndly TV, but the following are some of the top alternatives to YouTube TV. By combining any of the following with the various free streaming services available from providers like Tubi, Pluto, and others, you might find yourself never returning to YouTube TV.

1. Fubo TV

Fubo TV has existed for quite some time, having launched in 2015 as a streaming service centered around live soccer. Evolving since its inception, Fubo TV has transformed into a comprehensive live streaming service with a significant emphasis on live sports. Fubo TV features multiple subscription packages, beginning at $14.99 for its Latino plan and reaching up to $94.99 for its Elite plan.

All standard streaming plans offer access to ABC, CBS, and FOX channels, with higher-tier plans providing 4K streaming for enhanced visual quality. The company has also recently introduced its Fubo Channel Store, a platform that permits users to purchase additional subscriptions from specific streaming services to complement their existing plans. Given that the platform initially catered solely to sports, Fubo TV is highly regarded among sports enthusiasts.

Read More
Google Photos Launches Integrated Video Editing Tools as a Substitute for CapCut on Android

the Google Photos Recap function a few days ago, allowing users to summarize their Photos activities for 2025 and utilize new features. Among these, Google added support for exporting Recap projects to CapCut for specific edits before sharing the videos on social media. However, fast-forward to Tuesday, and Google introduced a new video editing experience in Google Photos that turns the app into the built-in CapCut alternative Android required. It’s not entirely a CapCut substitute, as ByteDance’s video app provides more intricate video editing options, including additional built-in AI capabilities. On that topic, the new Google Photos video editing features do not focus on incorporating more Gemini AI functions into the app. AI has been a major focus for Google’s updates to Google Photos earlier this year.

That being said, advanced social media users who share video content on Instagram and TikTok might prefer or benefit more from the video-editing features available in those applications. Nevertheless, Google’s overhaul of the video-editing interface in Google Photos may meet the needs of casual users who don’t necessarily require more professional video-editing functionalities. In other words, Tuesday’s update introduces support for basic video editing tools that could lessen the necessity to use a different app.

You may not need to switch to CapCut if Google Photos already allows you to add music tracks and text overlays to your videos right after recording them. Furthermore, the new video features in Google Photos also surpass the capabilities of Apple’s standard Photos app on iPhone. In terms of iPhone, the revamped video editor in Google Photos will be accessible on both Android and iOS, featuring a universal timeline that accommodates multi-clip editing, music tracks, and a comprehensive menu at the bottom presenting various editing tools.

The updated video-editing features in Google Photos

Top 5 Lesser-Known Complimentary Mac Applications

useful Mac applications that you might not be aware of, no matter how long you’ve been a macOS user.

This is due to the fact that developers periodically introduce new applications, so unless you actively participate in relevant communities like r/MacApps on Reddit, it can be challenging to discover tools that could enhance your experience— or ones that resolve your frequent issues with current Mac applications or your workflow.

Instead of putting in all the effort to find these applications, we aim to simplify the process by highlighting the top five Mac applications we’ve encountered that are not only useful in various situations but are also completely free, allowing you to download and begin using them right away without spending any money.

Zettlr

Zettlr is a no-cost and open-source markdown editor compatible with macOS, Linux, and Windows. The application features a user-friendly layout with a file navigator on the left side and an editor to the right. It is designed primarily for writers, but it can also serve for note-taking across various tasks due to its Markdown capabilities and several additional features that make it unique, such as no telemetry and support for reference managers like Zotero, JabRef, and Juris-M.

For academic purposes, Zettlr comes equipped with numerous convenient functionalities. For instance, it has an integrated method for submitting your work to journals and conferences. The editor supports LaTeX for formatting mathematical equations correctly, includes code blocks for snippets of code, and allows the use of custom CSS for personal text formatting. Snippets are another useful aspect of Zettlr that streamline your work by letting you define certain frequently-used phrases, reducing the need to repeatedly type everything out.

<p

Read More
Minimalist Case Addresses OnePlus 15 Design Problems, Now Offered with Phone

**The Thinborne Case for OnePlus 15: An Ideal Fusion of Aesthetics and Practicality**

The OnePlus 15 is an impressive smartphone, featuring a high-quality display, exceptional performance, and remarkable battery longevity. Nonetheless, its design has left some users desiring more, particularly due to the absence of the signature OnePlus Alert slider. Introducing the Thinborne minimalist case, a solution that not only tackles these design issues but also elevates the overall user experience.

**Design and Comfort**

The OnePlus 15, although not particularly slippery, possesses a boxy design that may be uncomfortable to grip. The Thinborne case, made from aramid fiber, provides a tactile grip that enhances the phone’s manejability. Its slightly rounded corners deliver a more natural sensation, making it delightful to hold and operate.

**MagSafe Integration**

A key feature of the Thinborne case is its incorporation of MagSafe compatibility for the OnePlus 15. While OnePlus’s official cases provide this option, the Thinborne case achieves it without adding excessive bulk. This is a notable benefit, especially for users who value the slim design of their devices.

**Defense and Usability**

Although minimalist cases like Thinborne’s are not intended for severe impacts, they do offer vital scratch protection. The case includes a tempered glass screen protector, ensuring that the OnePlus 15’s flat display is shielded from daily accidents. For those wary of screen damage, additional screen protectors are easily accessible.

**Final Thoughts**

The Thinborne case is essential for OnePlus 15 users looking to boost their device’s comfort and functionality. Its blend of style, grip, and MagSafe compatibility makes it a superb selection for individuals wanting to enhance their smartphone experience. With the extra layer of protection from a tempered glass screen protector, users can enjoy their OnePlus 15 confidently, knowing their device remains both stylish and safe.

Read More
Google’s Latest Framework Stops Gemini from Failing in Chrome

Google is offering $20,000 to anyone who can outsmart its latest AI firewall.

(Photo credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google has rolled out the User Alignment Critic, a feature that verifies every AI action against your intentions prior to execution.
  • This Critic only processes metadata and not content from webpages, so malicious sites cannot deceive it with concealed prompts.
  • Gemini’s interactions in Chrome are now restricted to domains relevant to your task, preventing access to any unanticipated sites.

Note

Read More

Samsung Galaxy S26 equipped with Exynos 2600 Chip Might Be Limited to a Single Nation

Samsung is reportedly adopting a careful strategy with its forthcoming Exynos chip, the Exynos 2600, by restricting its launch to the Korean market. This choice represents a notable departure from prior anticipations of a wider Exynos resurgence. The Exynos 2600 is expected to incorporate Samsung’s enhanced 3nm GAP process, tailored CPU cores, and a new AMD-supported Xclipse GPU. Nevertheless, these enhancements may not be offered outside Korea, as all international Galaxy S26 variants are likely to transition to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors.

The choice to limit the Exynos 2600’s availability to Korea may be shaped by the chip’s performance throughout its development. Samsung is focused on enhancing thermal stability, on-device AI, and power efficiency with this new chip. By confining its release to Korea, Samsung can track its performance and resolve any concerns without encountering global scrutiny.

Competition may also influence this tactic. Qualcomm’s imminent Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, featuring its new Oryon CPU, is predicted to deliver notable performance gains. By utilizing Snapdragon worldwide, Samsung can guarantee uniform performance across all S26 versions, especially in benchmark results and heat management, which are vital in the premium smartphone sector.

If these reports hold true, the Galaxy S26 will debut with two distinct processors: the Exynos 2600 for Korean users and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon for the rest of the globe. This method is atypical for Samsung, as the company usually markets Exynos-equipped devices internationally, particularly in Europe. The ultimate decision regarding this strategy is still unclear, and it will be intriguing to observe how it develops.

Read More
Android 16 QPR2 Update Dramatically Enhances Google Pixel 10 Performance

The Pixel 10 seems to have become quicker, with Google not altering the hardware at all.

What you need to know

– The Pixel 10 debuted without any significant claims regarding its raw speed, yet Google is reportedly extracting genuine performance enhancements solely through software.
– Android 16 QPR2 is said to provide the Pixel 10 with a distinct boost in responsiveness, resolving initial concerns about subpar GPU performance.
– Benchmarks indicate approximately a 5% increase in CPU and GPU scores, but practical tests show nearly a 20% jump, resulting in a noticeably smoother experience.

The Pixel 10 wasn’t recognized for its raw speed at launch. If you purchased one, it was likely for its cameras or AI features, rather than for the Tensor G5 outperforming the Snapdragon 8 Elite in speed evaluations. However, the Pixel 10 is reportedly becoming faster, not through upgraded hardware, but due to some subtle software modifications.

The latest updates, including the December Android 16 QPR2 rollout, seem to be providing the Pixel 10 with a notable enhancement in daily responsiveness, as noted by Android Authority.

This is an intriguing development for a device that launched with promising specifications but faced early backlash for GPU performance that trailed behind Snapdragon-equipped competitors. Now, Google appears to be regaining some of that territory through pure software optimization, and some users on Reddit have begun to notice it as well.

More than just a minor update

The Android 16 QPR2 update might not appear significant initially, but it does more than alter the interface’s appearance. Preliminary tests show that a Pixel 10 Pro XL with QPR2 achieves around a 5% increase in both multi-core CPU and peak GPU scores.

The real shocker lies in everyday performance: PCMark Work 3.0 scores increased by nearly 20%, indicating that Google has optimized task scheduling in ways that users will appreciate.

While the changes aren’t massive, and the Pixel 10 still isn’t designed for gaming, the phone feels more fluid, according to the report. Performance isn’t the only advancement, either. QPR2 also introduces system-wide enhancements like customizable launcher icon shapes, an improved widget panel, better HDR brightness control, and numerous fixes for battery, Bluetooth, camera, and display problems.

This December update incorporates over 30 security patches and bug fixes, solidifying the software foundation that the Pixel 10 operates on.

The main takeaway is the implication for Google’s update approach. Rather than waiting for annual Android releases to enhance performance, Google is now implementing genuine upgrades in quarterly updates. If this trend continues, the Pixel line could maintain its performance far better over time compared to the first-generation Tensor devices.

Read More