I’m usually reluctant to recommend affordable laptops, especially those running Windows, because they’re often crap. That’s starting to change, thanks in part to last year’s introduction of the Snapdragon X-series processors, which offer solid performance and good x86 and x64 application compatibility. If you need a compact 14-inch laptop with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, … Read more
Apple’s second-generation HomePod is now over three years old, and there’s no sign of a refresh or third-generation model on the horizon. The original HomePod was announced at WWDC in 2017 and launched in 2018 after a much-delayed release. The device was met with mixed reviews; critics praised its superior sound quality, but pointed to … Read more
A new, improved voice assistant is available to users today — and no, it’s not Siri with Apple Intelligence. On February 4, Amazon announced that Alexa+, its next-generation voice assistant powered by generative AI, is now available for users in the US. Prime members get the feature for free. At the same time, non-Prime subscribers … Read more
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its US online store, with prices reduced by 12% to 22% compared to current or previous Apple device prices. Here are Apple’s starting prices when the devices launch in September 2024: iPhone 16: $799 … Read more
Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Macworld reports that Apple’s iPhone 17e could launch as early as mid-February, an unusual Thursday announcement for the company. The device is expected to feature significant upgrades including 25W MagSafe wireless charging, a next-generation C1 modem, and potentially a UWB chip for precision tracking. Apple appears to … Read more
Front! Follow your favorite golfers in Apple Sports. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac The free Apple Sports app just added golf to its growing list of supported sports. Golfers can get live scores from all official PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events, including majors, on their iPhone. And the … Read more
Voice artificial intelligence company ElevenLabs said today that it has raised $500 million in a new funding round led by Sequoia Capital, which was an investor in the startup’s last secondary round through a tender process. Sequoia partner Andrew Reed joins the firm’s board of directors. The startup is now valued at $11 billion, more … Read more
Apple’s upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max chips will run cooler and faster than ever before, as a year-old rumor about how Apple Silicon chips are packaged is resurfacing. Apple is expected to launch the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips as part of the MacBook Pro refresh in early 2026. However, while the higher-end … Read more
Spotify has announced three big updates to its lyrics feature. The company says translations of the lyrics are now available worldwide. It also introduces offline lyrics support and an updated design for previewing lyrics right in the Now Playing view in the Spotify app. Apple Music added offline lyrics support in iOS 26.2 last December, … Read more
Apple TV unveiled its ambitious plan for 2026 at an exclusive press event on Wednesday, revealing a packed calendar of new and returning series, original movies and expanded live sports coverage including Formula 1, Major League Soccer and Friday Night Baseball. The streamer plans to release new originals every week in 2026, leading up to … Read more