Sunday, July 31, 2022

Saturday, July 30, 2022

New iPad Air 6: what we want to see

Even though the newest iPad Air is only a couple of months old, we're already looking towards the future and towards the next version of Apple's mid-range tablet.

This isn't the next iPad on the way - there's the iPad (2022), iPad Mini (2022) and iPad Pro (2022) that will likely all come first. But the Air line is popular for lots of people who might not want those other devices.

Apple's iPad Air tablets sit below the Pro line, bringing svelte designs but with not-quite-top-end displays and processing power. They're good options for people who want a premium tablet but don't quite need everything the Pro offers - or don't want to spend that much.

As we've said, we saw one iPad Air launch at the beginning of 2022, but Apple is likely working on its sixth-gen version already - it could come in 2023 but more likely later than that. Here, we'll detail everything we know and what we want to see.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? Apple's next mid-tier tablet
  • When is it out? Likely in early 2024
  • How much will it cost? Around $599 / £569 / AU$929

In-person images of the ipad Air 2022 in use

(Image credit: TechRadar)

iPad Air 6 release date and price

We haven't heard any confirmed or even rumored information on when the next iPad Air could come along or how much it could cost, but we can make some good guesses.

The fourth- and fifth-gen iPad Airs came two years apart, so it stands to reason that the next one will too. That'd make the release window the first half of 2024 - quite a while away!

Regarding the price, it'll likely cost the same amount as the last one - that started at $599 / £569 / AU$929 but the cost went up for more storage.

iPad Air 6: what we want to see

In-person images of the ipad Air 2022 in use

(Image credit: TechRadar)

1. A more distinct identity

The biggest problem with the 2022 iPad Air is that it's just too close to the iPad Pro. Most buyers will struggle to know which to buy, or which is best for them - in fact, it makes the Pro a little redundant thanks to its lower price.

Apple is going to have to work out a better way to make the next iPad Air unique, so that it's not too similar to the Pro.

Perhaps we could see it get a more mid-range specs sheet as well as a lower price, to make it more accessible.

2. More storage

The current iPad Airs start with 64GB storage which, for a tablet with a top-end chipset, simply isn't enough.

That's not enough to have many games downloaded, or to have loads of files to work on or edit, and so it's not really clear why this version even exists.

It makes the price seem a little disingenous too - sure, the $599 / £569 / AU$929 entry price seems low, but if it's for little storage space, no-one will actually buy it at that price.

3. A bigger battery

An issue we found in the last iPad Air - and most other iPads, if we're being honest - is that the battery life wasn't amazing. It wasn't bad, but it certainly wasn't good either.

If you're wanting to wander around coffee shops to do work, or take your iPad to your studio to use as a second screen, you really want a device that'll last a long time. Current iPads don't always do that.

We'd like the next-gen version to use a bigger battery - perhaps alongside some optimizations to squeeze the most out of that power - to ensure this has a chance of landing on our list of the best iPads.



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Friday, July 29, 2022

WhatsApp: We won't lower security for any government

The tech giant's boss says he'd rather see the app blocked than weaken encryption under proposed laws.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-62291328?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Instagram U-turns on TikTok-style revamp

The social media platform pauses the rollout of new features after an online community backlash.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-62345306?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Apple Reports Third Quarter Results

Apple today announced financial results for its fiscal 2022 third quarter ended June 25, 2022.

Hundreds queue for the opening of Apple Brompton Road

Apple’s newest store in London opened July 28, where customers and visitors from around the world celebrated with the 200-person-strong store team.

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

This new Huawei tablet has a feature I'd love my iPad Pro to get

Huawei's launched its latest assault on our list of the best tablets, with an updated version of the Huawei MatePad Pro called... well, with the same name, but we'll append (2022) so you know that we're talking about the new one.

This new MatePad Pro has an 11-inch screen, like its predecessor, and the big upgrade over the 2021 model is in this display, as it uses OLED tech instead of LCD, and has a 120Hz refresh rate.

The new tablet also has improved speakers, a redesigned rear camera bump, and software that's designed to be better for multi-tasking.

When I was reading the press release on the new Huawei MatePad Pro, I wasn't sure that it was worth reporting on - Huawei hasn't provided a price or release date, or even said whether it'll be available to buy in any regions we cover.

That was until I read about one extra feature that the new MatePad Pro brings, which is something I've been wishing my iPad Pro would do for ages now...

The keyboard is the key

This upgrade is in the keyboard - the Huawei MatePad Pro (2022) supports a new form of keyboard folio, which is basically a type of accessory that functions as a stand, a case and a keyboard all in one.

The new Smart Magnetic Keyboard can be clipped onto the tablet, like all other keyboard stands for other tablets, but you can also pair it to the slate via Bluetooth so you can continue using it when it's not physically attached. 

Huawei calls this detachable mode, and it works alongside laptop mode (like a traditional keyboard accessory) and studio mode (like Apple's Magic Keyboard) as one of the three 'modes' for the keyboard.

Detachable mode is the real stand-out feature here though, and it's something I wish other slates could do, in particular the iPad Pro that I use all the time.

I can't count the number of times I've tried to awkwardly prop my tablet up on a tiny table on a coach, or in a coffee shop, or even my own (tiny) desk, and struggled to get it to fit due to its large size - this makes typing almost impossible. I've had to contort my arms into incredibly weird positions just to be able to type on long train journeys.

With detachable mode, you could in theory prop the tablet on the small table while you leave the keyboard on your lap to write, or place the slate somewhere other than your accessory in order to easily type. 

This mode would make working when out and about so much easier - even on a desk, or sofa, or bed, it'd give you the versatility to contort yourself into bizarre stretches while you work (people who've written for a long time will know exactly what I mean).

I'd love this kind of feature to come to the iPad Pro - I don't see it happening, since every keyboard Apple releases gets worse and worse (I'm looking at you, Magic Keyboard, with your horrible lack of range on the viewing angles), but here's to hoping.



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Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Apple Brompton Road opens July 28 in London

Apple today previewed Apple Brompton Road, located in London’s bustling Knightsbridge neighborhood.

Amazon Prime subscription price raised by £1 a month

The £1-a-month rise comes after years in which the streaming service paid millions for football rights.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-62297014?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Convenience store spy cameras face legal challenge

Big Brother Watch campaigners says the "Orwellian" cameras at Southern Co-op shops breach people's rights.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-62297546?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

A mind-reading combat jet for the future

The Tempest fighter jet will have artificial intelligence tech to monitor and help the pilot.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-62289737?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

How web hosting affects SEO

The relationship between web hosting services and SEO is one that must be explored in order to grow your online presence. There are many factors to consider when trying to determine how web hosting can impact your SEO efforts. 

In this article, we will explore some of the ways that web hosting can affect SEO and offer some tips on how to ensure that your web hosting is not negatively impacting your SEO. 

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 How does web hosting affect your website’s SEO? 

Many factors affect website SEO, and web hosting is one of them. Website speed, uptime, and security are all important factors for SEO, and these are all things that can be affected by your web host. Choosing a good web host is an important part of optimizing your website for search engines.

Here are some ways that web hosting can affect website SEO:

Website speed: One of the most important ranking factors for SEO is website speed. Web hosting can affect website speed in several ways. If your web host has slow servers, your website will likely load slowly for visitors.

This can lead to a higher bounce rate, which will hurt your rankings. Additionally, if your website is down frequently due to server problems, this will also negatively impact your SEO.

Uptime: Another important factor for SEO is uptime. If your website is down often, search engines will take notice and this will hurt your rankings. A good web host will have reliable servers with minimal downtime.

Security: Website security is also an important factor for SEO. If your website is hacked or compromised, this can lead to a drop in your rankings. A good web host will offer features like malware scanning and DDoS protection to help keep your website safe.

Location: The location of your server can affect your website's SEO. If you want to target a specific country or region, it's best to choose a web host that has servers in that area. This way, your website will load faster for visitors in that area, and your site will be more likely to show up in search results for those regions.

Website SEO strategy tips 

SEO is a long-term marketing strategy that helps you improve your visibility and organic traffic from search engines. It involves optimizing your website so that it ranks higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for certain queries related to your business.

To create an effective SEO strategy, you need to understand how search engines work and what factors they use to rank websites. You also need to be familiar with the latest trends and best practices in SEO.

Here are some tips to help you create an effective SEO strategy:

Understand how search engines work

The first step to creating an effective SEO strategy is to understand how search engines work. A search engine is a software program that searches the internet for websites based on certain keywords or phrases that users enter into the search bar.

The results of the search are displayed in a SERP, which stands for search engine results page. The websites that appear on the first page of the SERP are typically the most relevant and authoritative websites for a particular query.

Search engines use complex algorithms to determine which websites should appear on the first page of the SERP. These algorithms take into account a variety of factors, including the quality and relevance of the website’s content, as well as the number of other websites that link to it.

Do your keyword research

To ensure that your website appears in the SERP for relevant queries, you need to do keyword research. This involves finding out what keywords or phrases people are using to search for businesses like yours.

There are many tools that you can use to do keyword research, such as Google AdWords Keyword Planner and Moz Keyword Explorer. Once you’ve identified relevant keywords, you can include them in your website’s content, titles, and meta tags.

Optimize your website’s content

One of the most important factors that search engines use to rank websites is the quality of the content. This means that you need to make sure your website’s content is well-written, informative, and relevant to your business.

In addition to writing high-quality content, you also need to optimize it for search engines. This can be done by including relevant keywords throughout your content and using keyword-rich titles and meta tags.

Promote your website on social media

Another important factor that search engines take into account when ranking websites is social media engagement. This means that if your website is active on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, it is more likely to rank higher in the SERP.

How your website’s uptime affects SEO 

Uptime is important for two reasons when it comes to SEO. The first is that if your site is down, people cannot access your content. This means that they cannot read what you have to say or find out about your products and services. 

Secondly, Google and other search engines will not index your site if it is down, which means that your site will not show up in search results. This can have a negative effect on your traffic and your ranking.

There are a few things you can do to help ensure that your website stays up and running:

- Use a reliable web hosting service: A good web hosting service will keep your website up and running most of the time. Do some research to find a web host that has a good reputation for uptime.

- Monitor your website regularly: Use a service like Pingdom or Uptime Robot to monitor your website's uptime. This way, you'll be alerted if your website goes down, and you can take action to get it back up and running as quickly as possible.

- Use a caching plugin: A caching plugin will speed up your website and reduce the strain on your server. This can help to prevent your website from going down due to high traffic levels.

- Optimize your website for performance: Make sure that your website is optimized for performance. This includes using a fast WordPress theme and optimizing your images.

- Keep your WordPress version up to date: Always keep your WordPress version up to date. Outdated versions of WordPress are more susceptible to security vulnerabilities, which could lead to your website being hacked.

Make use of available SEO tools

There are many different SEO tools available on the market, each offering its own set of features and benefits. However, not all SEO tools are created equal, and it's important to choose the right tool for your specific needs.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an SEO tool:

Ease of Use: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an SEO tool is ease of use. The last thing you want is to spend hours trying to figure out how to use a complex tool when there are simpler ones available.

Functionality: Another important factor to consider is functionality. Make sure the SEO tool you choose offers the features and options you need to get the job done.

Cost: SEO tools can range in price from free to hundreds of dollars per month. It's important to find a tool that fits your budget and offers the features you need.

Support: If you run into any problems while using an SEO tool, it's important to have access to quality support. Otherwise, you may be left frustrated and unable to get the most out of the tool.

 Why is hosting important for SEO?  Why is hosting important for SEO?  Why is hosting important for SEO?  Search engine algorithms are constantly changing, so it's important to choose an SEO tool that offers regular updates. This way, you can be sure you're always using the most up-to-date version of the tool.

Why is hosting important for SEO? 

Hosting is important for SEO because it can affect your website's load speed, which is a ranking factor for search engines. A faster website means better search engine rankings and happier visitors.

Additionally, hosting can impact your website's security, which is also important for both search engines and visitors. A secure website is more likely to rank higher in search results and is less likely to be visited by malicious bots or hackers.

Finally, good web hosting can improve your website's uptime or the amount of time that it is accessible online. This is important because if your website is down, search engines will not be able to index it and visitors will not be able to access it. Good hosting ensures that your website is always up and running so that you never lose out on traffic or search engine rankings.

Get SEO right

Web hosting can impact SEO in several ways. Website speed, uptime, security, and location are all important factors that can be affected by your web host. 

Choosing a good web host is an important part of optimizing your website for search engines. Make sure to consider all of the factors that can affect your SEO when selecting a web host for your website.



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Apple partnerships are helping build new homes and new starts in communities across California

Funded in part by Apple, Veterans Square in Pittsburg, California, was designed to serve veterans and individuals who have been identified as having the greatest need for housing.

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Google rules blocked children's diabetes app

An NHS-recommended app says Google will not permit it to send text message alerts about glucose levels.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-62184812?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Friday, July 22, 2022

Whisky makers are turning their backs on peat

Burning peat has long been a way of adding flavour to whisky but some are now rejected that process.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-61596047?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Firms 'going to war' against rivals on social media

The boss of a high-tech monitoring company says some retailers are spreading lies about competitors.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-62161520?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Thursday, July 21, 2022

M2 MacBook Air ‘scratchgate’ could be the next controversy to hit Apple

The M2 MacBook Air has a fresh issue, following concerns about its cooling system, with complaints now being aired regarding one particular color of Apple’s new laptop.

This pertains to the midnight paint job which it seems is more prone to showing up fingerprints and, far more worryingly, scratches.

As flagged up by 9to5Mac and a number of YouTubers including Marques BrownleeZone of Tech and iCaveDave, the midnight finish is purportedly easily scratched.

Scratches are being observed mainly on the edges of USB-C ports and around the perimeter of the trackpad, the latter being 9to5Mac’s own finding, and it’s a touch more of a worrying looking scrape (see the image below).

What’s going on here? This is basically a hazard of having an aluminum chassis, and something that has been observed previously with MacBooks. However, with a silver or grey MacBook – the most common color schemes used and plumped for – such nicks and scuffs don’t really show up noticeably.

The problem comes because the all-new midnight color is obviously very dark paint, and so a scratch that exposes the silver of the aluminum beneath is such a contrast, it’s far more visible.

MacBook Air M2 midnight scratch on trackpad

(Image credit: 9to5Mac)

Analysis: Paint it anything but black?

Perhaps this is the reason why MacBooks have traditionally stuck to silver and grey or similar color schemes in general. Whatever the case in that regard, having opted to offer a midnight color with the M2 MacBook Air, you’d assume Apple would’ve thoroughly tested any such scratch-related issues, and ensured the finish on top of the aluminum was up to a good standard for wear-and-tear.

True enough, the photographic and video evidence of the scratching supplied online indicates relatively minor flaws, particularly for the ports (less so for the trackpad, maybe). But the problem is, this is after having the shiny new MacBook Air for a very short period of time indeed. What might the cumulative effect of all these little scuffs be after months, or indeed years? We simply don’t know.

While the Air does benefit from a MagSafe port, which should be less troublesome, scratch-wise, than the USB-C ports for the not-so-steady-handed out there, even it could suffer from some chipping longer-term. Moreover, YouTuber iCaveDave anticipates possible problems with the indent in front of the trackpad, where you lift the lid to open the laptop, which has some sharp points at either end – and these might be subject to wearing that shows the aluminum underneath.

Right now, this remains more a case of feedback from reviewers rather than owners, and we shall have to see how the situation develops; but by the sound of things, we’re expecting to hear more about this given that there are a number of YouTubers discussing this already. Some commenters on 9to5Mac have already flagged up issues, including one person who claims their midnight MacBook Air came ‘pre-scratched’ with a chip at the top-right of the keyboard.

If you’re concerned by this, you could always get a sleeve for your M2 MacBook Air – not that any are out there just yet, and of course this won’t help when it comes to plugging and unplugging things from ports, or opening the lid, and so forth.

Via Tom’s Guide



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Wednesday, July 20, 2022

What to consider when choosing a web hosting company

When it comes to choosing a web hosting company, there are many things you need to take into account. In this article, we will go over some of the most critical factors you need to consider when making your decision. We hope that after reading this, you can make an informed decision on which company is right for you. 

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How to choose the best web hosting provider for you 

Choosing the best web hosting provider for your needs can be daunting, especially if you are not familiar with the different types of web hosting available. To help you, we have compiled a list of things to look for when choosing a web hosting provider.

Reliability and uptime: One of the most important considerations when choosing a web hosting provider. Research the company's past uptime record to understand its reliability. In addition, find out what kind of guarantees they offer in terms of uptime.

Customer support: Another important consideration is customer support. Find out what kind of support the company offers and how easy it is to get in touch with them. In addition, find out what hours they are available and whether or not they offer 24/7 support.

Features: When choosing a web hosting provider, check what features they offer. You should look for unlimited storage and bandwidth, free domain name, email accounts, website builder, and ecommerce platform features.

Pricing: Of course, pricing is also essential when choosing a web hosting provider. Make sure to compare the different plans offered by the various providers to find one that fits your budget. In addition, don't forget to factor in additional costs such as domain registrar and SSL certificates.

Types of web servers 

Shared servers are the most common and affordable server type on the market. A shared server shares its resources with other websites, such as CPU, RAM, and disk space. Shared servers are a good option for small businesses and personal websites that do not receive a lot of traffic.

A dedicated server is a physical server reserved for your website only. Dedicated servers provide more power and flexibility than shared servers but are also more expensive.

A virtual private server (VPS) is a hybrid of a shared server and a dedicated server. Like a dedicated server, a VPS provides your resources, such as CPU, RAM, and disk space. However, these resources are divided between several different websites, so you don't have complete control over the server.

A cloud server is a type of VPS that uses resources from a network of servers. This allows for more flexibility and scalability than a traditional VPS, as you can add or remove resources as needed.

Pros and cons of building your own website

Of course, the most prominent benefit to building your own website is the price. Sitting behind a laptop, choosing a service and taking to building the site yourself is without a doubt the cheapest option, although this does vary depending on what you want your site to do. 

One of the most frustrating things about building your own website is the fact that it can be quite a complicated process. Where some providers may state you could be up and running in less than an hour, realistically, to get your website working well and effectively portraying your brand in a unique way, this will take time and patience. 

Aside from the aforementioned points, there are other pros and cons to building your own website, which include:

Pros

- You have complete control over your website and its content
- You can save money by building your own website
- You can choose the design, layout, and overall look of your website
- You can add or remove features and functionality as you see fit
- You can track visitors and see how they interact with your site. This information can be used to improve the user experience on your site

Cons

- Building your website can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you're unfamiliar with web design and development
- You need technical skills and knowledge to build a website from scratch
- If you make changes to your website, there's a chance that something could go wrong and break the site. This is why it's essential to have a site backup before making any changes
- Depending on the type of website you want to build, buying the necessary hosting, domain name, and software can be expensive
- You need to spend time and effort updating and maintaining your website regularly. Otherwise, it will start to look dated and neglected
- There's always a risk that your website could be hacked or attacked by malware. This is why it's essential to keep your site secure and up-to-date

5 things to consider before picking a web hosting provider 

Hosting your site with a web hosting provider is an essential step to ensuring your site is available to your audience. There are many things to consider when choosing a provider, but these five considerations are some of the most important:

Reliability

You want to choose a reliable web hosting provider that will keep your site up and running. You don't want to choose a provider with frequent downtime or unreliable downtime.

Customer Support

Customer support is vital in case you have any issues with your hosting account or if you need help with something.

Pricing

Pricing is important to consider when choosing a web hosting provider. You want to find a provider that has a reasonable price for the features and services you need. 

Features

Features are important to consider when choosing a web hosting provider. You want to ensure the provider has the features you need for your website. If you need specific features like unlimited storage or bandwidth, make sure the provider offers those features.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is important when choosing a web hosting provider. You want to choose a provider that is easy to use and has a good control panel.

These are just a few things to consider when choosing a web hosting provider. When you take the time to consider all your options, you can choose the best web hosting provider for your needs.

Choosing free web hosting 

Many web hosting providers are vying for your attention, and it can be hard to decide which is suitable for you and your website. One option you may be considering is free website hosting. While there are some advantages to this hosting, there are also some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of before making your final decision.

Pros

Cost: This is the biggest advantage of free web hosting. If you are on a tight budget or just starting with your first website, free hosting can help you get started without breaking the bank.

No long-term commitment: Many free web hosting providers do not require a long-term contract like most paid providers. This means you can cancel at any time without penalty. 

Easy to set up – Free web hosting providers typically offer easy-to-use control panels that make it simple to get your website up and running with just a few clicks.

Cons

Limited storage and bandwidth: One of the biggest downsides of free web hosting is the limited storage space and bandwidth you receive. This can be problematic if you have a lot of images, videos, or other large files on your website or get a lot of traffic to your site.

Ads – To subsidize the cost of free hosting, many providers will place ads on your website. This can be distracting and annoying for your visitors and make your site look unprofessional.

Limited features – Another downside of free web hosting is that you often have access to fewer features and tools than you would with a paid provider. This can limit what you can do with your website and make it more challenging to grow your business online.

Poor customer support: Since free web hosting providers are not making money from you, they may not offer the same level of customer support as a paid provider. This means you may have to rely on online forums or other users for help if you encounter any problems. 

Large national web hosting providers 

When it comes to choosing a web hosting company, there are a lot of things to consider. But one of the most important factors is finding a provider to offer you the best possible price for your specific needs. And that's where large national web hosting providers come in.

These companies have the buying power to get discounts from Internet service providers (ISPs) and pass those savings on to you. They also have the resources to invest in infrastructure and support staff. That means you're more likely to get reliable service and support when you need it.

Pros of choosing a national provider

Reliability: National companies have the resources to invest in reliable infrastructure.

Support: National companies usually have better support because they can afford to hire more support staff.

Scalability: National companies can afford to invest in infrastructure that can scale as their needs grow.

Cons of choosing a national provider

Cost: National companies tend to be more expensive than local providers.

Inflexibility: National companies may not be as flexible as local providers when customizing plans and services.

Lock-in - You may be locked into a long-term contract with a national provider, making it difficult to switch to another provider if you're unhappy with the service.

Small local web hosting providers 

Small local web hosting providers are an excellent option for businesses that want to keep their web presence local.

Pros of choosing a small local web hosting provider

You can get personal service and support.

Small local web hosts often offer lower prices than larger national or international companies.

They may offer additional services such as website design, development, and marketing.

Small local web hosting providers often have a good understanding of the needs of small businesses and can tailor their services to meet those needs.

Cons of choosing a small local web hosting provider

Limited features.

They may not have the same level of experience or expertise as larger companies.

Poor customer service or support.

They may not offer a money-back guarantee or another type of satisfaction guarantee.

An exception to the above 

There are, however, exceptions to what has already been said. There are a few UK web design companies out there that fall into the ‘large national provider’ category; however, like to stand out from the rest thanks to being a web design franchise meaning they having a network of regional consultant which makes everything much easier and personal when it comes to getting your website built. 

So, the key takeaways are to decide if you have the time and skillset to build you own website and then decide which company to use to get your online presence established. 

Be sure to do your research and check out any reviews about the companies your considering working with. 

Conclude on the right web hosting service

It is important to do your research when choosing a web hosting company. Make sure to read reviews and compare pricing. Be sure to ask about uptime guarantees and customer support options. 

Also, find out what kind of security measures are in place. Choosing a reputable and reliable web hosting company is essential for ensuring that your website runs smoothly and reliably. Do your research before making a final decision. 



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Tuesday, July 19, 2022

This risky $15 hack could stop your M2 MacBook Air from overheating

There have been some reports that the new MacBook Air (M2, 2022) has overheating issues, due to the fact that its fanless design struggles in certain conditions, but a cheap – and risky – hack could fix it.

While we didn’t encounter any overheating problems during our review of the new MacBook Air, it seems some people are reporting issues where the heat of the MacBook Air gets too high, which causes the laptop to lower its performance – known as throttling – to prevent serious damage.

Unlike most laptops, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) doesn’t come with built-in fans, instead using a heatsink to keep the internal components cool. While this solution means the MacBook Air is thinner and lighter than many other laptops, while also running completely silent, it also means it has a tougher job keeping cool, especially if the ambient temperature it’s used in is also very hot.

However, YouTuber Max Tech has seemingly found a cheap solution to this problem by opening up the MacBook Air and adding thermal pads on top of the MacBook Air’s heatsink. Best of all, this costs just $15.

The results look promising, with the MacBook Air taking much longer to heat up after the thermal pads were added, with the MacBook Air taking one minute 23 seconds to reach 108 Celsius. Without the modification, it was taking just 28 seconds to reach that temperature.

As the video, which you can view above, demonstrates, this has a positive impact on the MacBook Air’s performance, as it was able to last longer performing intensive tasks before throttling performance.

The MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) doesn’t have this issue, as while it features the same M2 chip as the new MacBook Air, it has built-in fans that help keep it cool.

So, it seems this cheap fix does work. But, should you try it?


Analysis: Should you attempt this MacBook Air fix?

Short answer: No. Long answer: Noooooooooooooo.

Slightly more useful answer: Despite this $15 fix seemingly making a difference, we strongly advise about trying it yourself. It’s not that it’s particularly difficult to perform – on the contrary, it’s actually quite easy, as you just unscrew the four screws on the back of the MacBook Air, open it up and place the thermal pads on the heatsink.

It seems like adding more thermal paste to the logic board could also help, but that is a far more risky and time-consuming endeavor.

So, why do we suggest you don’t try this fix? For a start, opening up a device always has an element of risk to it, and you may accidentally damage sensitive electronics while attempting this. Also, if you incorrectly add the pads, it could end up making the overheating issue even worse, and could cause serious damage to your laptop.

Most importantly, opening up the MacBook Air and trying to fix it yourself will almost certainly void the warranty. If that happens, and you need to take it in for repair by Apple, you may find you’re no longer covered by the warranty, and could end up spending a lot of money to get it fixed.

If this issue is indeed widespread, we imagine Apple will be looking into an official fix, which could even involve physical repairs or replacement. This should be offered for free under warranty – and if you’ve tried an unofficial fix this may mean you’re no longer eligible.

For the time being, then, we’d recommend you hold tight and wait to see if Apple has a response. One thing the company might argue, however, is that the MacBook Air is not designed for intensive tasks, which is what the MacBook Pro 13-inch is designed for.

Via Wccftech



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Apple sued over Apple Pay payment system

The tech company is accused of using its monopoly in the mobile industry to fend off competition.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-62221412?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Monday, July 18, 2022

Forget the new Macbook Pro 13-inch: M2 Pro and M2 Max chips are coming soon

If you've so far been unimpressed by the base M2 chip that features within the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13-inch then there's some good news - it's likely that the updated MacBook Pro features a choice of M2 Pro and M2 Max chips will be released between Q3 2022 and Q1 2023.

This rumor comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a well-respected Apple analyst who made the prediction within his Power On newsletter. According to Gurman, Apple has set itself the goal to launch the expanded range of M2 chips as early as Q3 2022, and Gurman's sources also claim that a refreshed version of both the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-Inch Macbook Pro set to contain them are already in development.

As reported by 9to5Mac, the design is expected to remain largely the same as these two laptops are still sporting a relatively fresh look, so most (if not all) of the update will be in regards to what's under the hood. There are no official details at this stage, though Gurman shared that the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips will focus on the graphics side of things, as Apple did with the previous M1 Pro and M1 Max.

This is great news for creative professionals such as video editors who need the high-end Apple silicon for tasks like 4K video encoding and decoding, or even those who work with demanding 3D applications like Maya.

As with all speculative information, take this all with a pinch of salt. Gurman even gives himself an out within the newsletter, stating “given the continued supply-chain challenges, it’s hard to predict exactly when these will hit store shelves.” 

Apple has been facing a slew of issues within its supply chains thanks to things like the ongoing global chip shortage and Covid-19-related lockdowns closing their assembly lines which have caused various delays to shipping and production. With any luck, the situation will have improved by the time preorders go live for these larger, more powerful MacBooks.


Analysis: Should you wait for a new MacBook Pro?

Apple’s MacBook Pro with M2 chip is essentially the same laptop as its predecessor, the MacBook Pro 13-inch M1, as shown by a teardown of the device, with the only real difference being upgrading the M1 SoC ('system-on-a-chip') to an M2, and giving the option to select more system RAM (24GB if needed). 

In fact, the storage on the entry-level model of the M2 MacBook Pro is actually slower than the M1 MacBook Pro, due to a different configuration for the SSD (though this is only true for that base model). If you're in need of some serious power, you'd be better off buying up one of the M1 Max or M1 Ultra models of MacBook Pro, otherwise, you'll have to wait for the M2 models to see a real boost to performance.

The very existence of these 13-inch Macbooks is a smidge perplexing given the minimal boost they offer over the more affordable MacBook Air (as they both contain the same base model M2 SoC), but Apple has previously confirmed that the M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch is the second most popular product within the Mac family. This is likely because while it's pricer than the Air, it's significantly more affordable than the 14-inch and 16-inch Macbook Pro models which makes it the only 'budget' option for those looking to buy an Apple portable workstation laptop.

We would suggest waiting until the new chips make an appearance, even if you currently have your heart set on either the M2 13-inch MacBook Pro or any of the Pro models featuring the M1 Pro, Max, or Ultra chips, even if only to ensure that you're getting fair market value for the performance of your device.

It's also worth remembering that Gurman has also predicted a 15-inch Macbook and a 12-inch Macbook could hit the market sometime in the coming months which will hopefully fill the performance gap between the 13-inch model and its larger, more powerful siblings. Still, we collate the best deals on Macbooks that are currently available for those who are especially impatient.



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Friday, July 15, 2022

Oops, Apple did it again: the new MacBook Air is throttling performance

If you were struggling to decide between the newly released M2-powered MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models then some information has come to light that could push fence-sitters over the edge, after the new MacBook Air is revealed to throttle its own performance by up to 25% under prolonged workloads.

These results come from The Verge's review of the new MacBook Air, in which a 30-minute loop in the multi-core test was run to more accurately portray how the device would cope with prolonged and demanding tasks, rather than using a benchmarking application such as Cinebench R23. These benchmarks are useful, but given their short duration, they can't accurately reflect real-world performance.

The fanless design is the likely culprit, with the machine forced to throttle its own performance in order to reduce the risk of overheating, and it's worth noting that the M2-powered MacBook Pro 13-inch didn't encounter the same performance issues during the same tests as it sports a single cooling fan to help reduce temperatures under load.

Another thing to consider if you're on the fence is that the M2 MacBook Air has slower SSD speeds, likely to try and keep manufacturing costs low but combined with the performance loss this should drive home that while they contain the same chip, the Air and Pro are different for a reason. If you need to run applications for a longer duration, such as editing and rendering video footage, you'd be better buying the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) or even the larger 14-inch or 16-inch M1 Pro and M1 Max models.


Analysis: Don't overlook the M1 MacBook Pro

This news will probably upset a few Apple fans as the MacBook Air was definitely the most hyped model of the two M2 launches, but don't let a very specific area of its performance dissuade you from buying one - providing it's actually the right fit for your needs.

If you're looking for an affordable entry-level Macbook then you'd actually be better off sourcing the older MacBook Air (M1, 2020) version, especially if you can wait until the Black Friday sales

It's previously dipped as low as $799 from its original MSRP of $999 / £999 / AU$1,599, and given the new M2 MacBook Air starts at $1,199 / £1,249 / AU$1,899, it's still a solid buy for the price.

If you do need more power, go for the older MacBook Pro models as previously mentioned, or hang on until they get their own inevitable M2 Pro and M2 Max refresh. 

In a sense, the new MacBook Air should only hold appeal for those who want a redesigned look, need a little bit more power than the original M1 Air, or if you're the type of person who likes the have the very latest model of a gadget.

It feels as though Apple has already fallen victim to its own generational releases in this situation. When the M1 launch was so good, it's hard to follow up that success in such a short period of time, especially for a company that's fairly new to processor development. 

The M2 simply won't offer enough of a boost to performance for most people to justify its larger MSRP, and given the proposed longevity of the laptop, it's unlikely that current M1-device users actually need to upgrade for some time.

Don't forget that there are other devices on the market that could suit you as well, and many of the best laptops on the market are not Macbooks, though there's very little that offers the same performance and features as the older M1-powered MacBook Air for the same price.

Via WCCFTech



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Thursday, July 14, 2022

Apple and MLB announce August “Friday Night Baseball” doubleheader schedule

Scheduled games are free and available to anyone with internet access, only on Apple TV+.

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Uber sued by 550 women over sexual assault claims

The ride-hailing giant said last month that it received 998 reports of sexual assault incidents in 2020.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-62158976?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Hands-on with the Nothing 1 phone

UK company Nothing's first handset features hundreds of LED lights and has had 200,000 pre-orders.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-62140444?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Apple scores record-breaking 52 Emmy noms for “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” and more

Apple TV+ secured 52 Emmy nominations across 13 titles, including Outstanding Drama, Comedy, Lead Actress and Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and more.

LG's incredible lightweight laptop is the cheapest it's ever been this Prime Day

The LG Gram 15 is one of our favorite 15-inch laptops, from its vibrant display to its solid performance thanks to an Intel Core i7 processor. It's now just $1,000 on Amazon, which is almost half-price and the biggest discount we've ever seen, making this top-tier ultrabook a great-value purchase.

Of course, as the name implies, this is a seriously thin-and-light laptop perfect for fast-moving professionals, weighing barely more than a kilogram and measuring less than 2cm thick. It's not the only work laptop on sale this Prime Day, but in our opinion, it's one of the very best.

(Not in the US? Scroll down for deals in your region).

Today's best LG Gram 15 Prime Day deal

LG Gram 15:  $1,600 $1000 at Amazon
Save $600 - A super-lightweight laptop with a powerful Intel processor, the LG Gram 15 also boasts a bright, colorful display and an excellent battery life. This is by far the cheapest it's ever been on sale, too!View Deal

Considering that it packs an i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and half a terabyte of high-speed SSD storage, this LG Gram 15 is an almost ludicrously good value at $600 off. We felt relatively comfortable recommending this laptop at full price, so here it becomes an absolute no-brainer.

As a lightweight laptop, it's capable of battery life that should last you a full day at work or school, and the 1080p IPS display is bright and colorful too. LG designed it with flexibility in mind, so it also packs HDMI video output for connecting to a second screen or projector, a MicroSD card reader for photographers, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports.

More LG Gram deals

No matter where you live, you'll find all the lowest prices for the LG Gram laptop range from around the web right here, with offers available in your region. 

More Prime Day deals



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The best Amazon Prime Day 2022 Chromebook deals

Ah, Chromebooks. No longer the runt of the litter, these Google-powered laptops have become a serious competitor to Windows laptops and MacBooks thanks to their cloud-based design, superior portability, and wallet-friendly pricing.

There are plenty of Prime Day deals on Chromebooks this year, from flashier units like the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 to super-budget laptops like the Acer Chromebook 512. You don't need to spend more than $200 for a decent ChromeOS device right now, which is a great opportunity to equip yourself with a shiny new laptop.

(Not in the US? Scroll down for deals in your region).

Today's best Prime Day US Chromebook deals

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook (13.3-inch OLED, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC Storage) $428 $300 at Amazon
Save $128 -
One of our favorite Chromebooks ever just got a huge price cut for Prime Day. Featuring a full HD OLED display, this is one of the most gorgeous Chromebooks around. The detachable keyboard is a bit flimsy and the specs are average, but the Duet 5 Chromebook is a great little laptop to carry around with you when you just want to surf the web or stream Netflix on the go.View Deal

ASUS Chromebook CX1 (15.6" 1080p, Celeron N3350, 8GB RAM, 64GB Storage) $250 $195 at Amazon
Save $55 -
Any Chromebook with 8GB RAM and an Intel Celeron processor for under $200 is going to be a steal, and the Asus Chromebook CX1 definitely qualifies. It'll be powerful enough to handle all your everyday computing tasks, and for this price, you really can't go wrong.View Deal

Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (11.6" HD, Intel Celeron, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage) $250 $200 at Amazon
Save $50 -
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is one of the best Chromebooks around for anyone looking for a solid 2-in-1 for school or just for having around the house. The specs aren't all that impressive and the screen is not much bigger than most tablets, but at this price it's an incredible value.View Deal

Acer Chromebook 512 (12" HD+, Intel Celeron, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC storage) $199 $134 at Amazon
Save $65 -
This Chromebook doesn't have the greatest specs in the world and it has bezels like something right out of 2009, but it's powerful enough for everyday computing needs and you really can't argue with the price.View Deal

Asus Chromebook C203XA: $249 $129 at Amazon
A rugged Chromebook that's great for kids thanks to its spill-resistant, military-grade durability. A quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 32GB eMMC drive mean that this is a budget offering, made even better value at just $129.View Deal

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 11: $220 $100 at Amazon

Save $120 - A lightweight Chromebook with an 11-inch display and an Intel Celeron processor backed up by 4GB of RAM, the IdeaPad 3 11 is an excellent entry-level Chromebook ideal for simple office or schoolwork. It's got plenty of ports too, from USB-A and USB-C to a MicroSD card reader.View Deal

Lenovo Chromebook S330: $195 $163 at Amazon
A super-thin, super-cheap Chromebook with a 180-degree hinge, the Lenovo S330 is a great pick for students thanks to its 720p webcam and comfortable keyboard. The 14-inch FHD display is awesome, so we feel comfortable calling this one of the best budget Chromebooks ever.View Deal

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i: $430 $360 at Amazon
Save $70 - A more premium Chromebook equipped with a 13.3-inch touchscreen and a robust 360-degree hinge for hybrid laptop-tablet modes, the IdeaPad Flex 5i is one of Lenovo's best Chrome devices. It's all powered by an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, with 128GB of local storage.View Deal

Lenovo Flex 5 (2022): $341 $210 at Amazon
Save $131 - At almost $100 off MSRP, the 2022 edition of the Lenovo Flex 5 proves that 2-in-1 laptops don't have to be pricey products. This hybrid laptop runs on an Intel Celeron N5205U CPU with a 13-inch touchscreen that feels premium despite the price.View Deal

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook: $1,000 $580 at Amazon
Save $420 - If you're after a seriously premium Chromebook, Samsung has you covered. The Galaxy Chromebook is massively discounted for Prime Day, wrapping up a 4K screen and 256GB of storage in a refined, ultra-thin chassis. It also comes with a stylus that slots seamlessly into one side.View Deal

Acer Chromebook 514: $410 $340 at Amazon
Save $70 - The 514 is a mid-range offering from Acer, currently available at its lowest price ever for Prime Day. There are touch and non-touch versions to suit your preferences, with both packing an octa-core MediaTek processor and a 14-inch FHD display. Oh, and it comes with a lovely laptop sleeve, too!View Deal

Acer Chromebook Spin 314: $380 $315 at Amazon
Save $65 - If you're after a dependable 2-in-1 Chromebook, we reckon Acer's Spin 314 is a solid pick. A 14-inch Gorilla Glass touchscreen (with a small bezel for a Chromebook!) is joined by an Intel Pentium Silver processor and 128GB of storage space, making for a great work laptop.View Deal

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 11-inch: $174 $149 at Amazon
Save $24 -
Before Samsung rebooted its Chromebook naming conventions (much to everyone's confusion), we got the exceedingly budget-friendly Galaxy Chromebook 4. It's not the most powerful laptop out there, but it's cheap, durable, and offers 10+ hours of battery life to get you through a full day of work or school.View Deal

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3: $189 $172 at Amazon
The little brother to the Flex 5, Lenovo's Chromebook Flex 3 is a dinky 11-inch laptop with a touchscreen and 360-degree hinge for swapping into tablet mode. It's affordable but on the lower end specs-wise, making it a solid choice of 2-in-1 laptop for a younger kid (or tech-averse elderly relative).View Deal

Today's best Prime Day UK Chromebook deals

HP Chromebook 14a-nd0001sa: £250 £150 at Amazon
Save £100 - With the rising cost of living, you might be looking for the most affordable device on the market, which is where Chromebooks come in handy. This HP Chromebook won't knock your socks off in regards to power, but for under £150 it's ideal for web browsing and checking emailsView Deal

HP Chromebook 14b-na0005sa: £400 £170 at Amazon
Save £230 - Chromebooks are a fantastic way to affordably get online, which makes them a popular choice for young students and older relatives. This HP Chromebook has some amazing savings too, which is important as many of us are feeling the pinch of rising costs of living this year.View Deal

Acer Chromebook 311 CB311-11H: £230 £160 at Amazon
Save £70 - This pint-sized Chromebook measures just 11.6-inches, which makes it a fantastic buy for those who need a small, lightweight device to use as a cheap way to browse the web. It's not especially powerful, but Chromebooks rarely are, and nor do you need it to be for paying bills, online shopping and other day-to-day activities.View Deal

Acer Chromebook 314: £280 £200 at Amazon
Save £80 -
The Acer Chromebook 314 is ideal for those who want a reliable way to get online, without spending a tonne of cash. It's not a very powerful device, only rocking an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM, but for young students or older relatives who need to browse the web and check emails, it's an ideal budget alternative to expensive laptops.View Deal

ASUS Chromebook Flip C433TA: £350 £270 at Amazon
Save £80 -
The Asus Chromebook Flip is a great choice if you want something that can easily fold into a tablet-inspired mode for watching shows on the go, and its touchscreen allows you to make notes and highlight documents without needing to use the built-in touchpad. At under £300, this is an affordable product well suited for students and aging relatives.View Deal

Acer Chromebook 317 CB317-1H: £400 £300 at Amazon
Save £100:
Most Chromebooks are on the small side, but there are models with large displays available if you appreciate having a massive screen. The Acer Chromebook 317 is rocking a 17.3-inch display at a low price, so if you need a cheap device for web browsing and watching streaming services like Netflix, this is one of the most affordable offerings on the market.View Deal

ASUS Chromebook C423NA: £230 £150 at Amazon
Save £80: The Asus C423NA is a 14-inch Chromebook that can provide all of your basic needs for getting online. If you're in the market for a first laptop and you don't need to run any demanding applications then a Chromebook can be an affordable way to use social media, send emails and organize your online shopping.View Deal

ASUS Chromebook Flip C433TA: £500 £400 at Amazon
Save £100: Chromebooks don't have to be underpowered, and this beautiful touch screen offering from Asus proves it. You're getting an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM which will help you run several windows and tabs with ease without slowing down.View Deal

Acer Chromebook 311: £200 £130 at Amazon
Save £80: The Acer Chromebook 311 is a super affordable and lightweight Chromebook that weighs in at under 1.2KG, perfect for those who need a cheap way to get online. Its portability would make it suitable for children to study between home and school, and its battery life can last for up to 15 hours on a single charge.View Deal

Chromebooks boast great security features and a simple, intuitive UI, which makes them perfect laptops for kids or anyone lacking tech aptitude. They're often lower-powered than their Windows and MacOS counterparts, making them more suited for straightforward tasks like web browsing and word processing than demanding workloads such as gaming or content creation.

If you just need a lightweight laptop for answering emails and joining video calls, a Chromebook could be the right choice for you. Even on Prime Day, it's easy to spend too much money on a laptop when you just need something for basic work.

Remember that specs are important; if you plan on keeping dozens of Chrome tabs open at once, you'll want a better processor and more RAM. Local storage isn't a huge issue for Chromebooks thanks to their cloud-focused design, but if you plan on installing lots of apps, be sure to pick one with a proper SSD rather than eMMC storage.

More Chromebook deals

No matter where you live, you'll find all the lowest prices for Chromebooks from around the web right here, with offers available in your region. 

More Prime Day deals



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