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- Wednesday April 17
- 26 mins agoCanada follows Europe with digital services tax likely to hit Apple
Canada is introducing a new digital services tax starting this year, which will see foreign tech giants like Apple and Google receive tax demands for income earned in Canada but not currently taxed there. This follows the example of several European countries, including France, Italy, and the UK – and is designed to address tax avoidance … more…26 mins agoChina suspected of being behind Apple's recent spyware warnings
A security blog claims that the recent attack on iPhones was done by spyware called LightSpy, which appears to be linked to China.Apple has been warning users of a spyware attack on iPhonesOn April 11, 2024, Apple issued alerts to users in 92 countries, including India, about a "mercenary spyware attack" that it believes may have affected them. Apple gave no further details, other than to say that the attack was an attempt to "remotely compromise the iPhone."According to a research and intelligence report on the Blackberry Blog, the attack is likely to have been made using "a sophisticated iOS implant," called LightSpy. The technology has reportedly not been seen since it was used in a 2020 campaign during political tensions in Hong Kong, but now appears to be back in a new form. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums39 mins agoApple addresses predictive emoji ‘bug’ in latest iOS 17.5 beta after outrage
Macworld If you weren’t on X/Twitter over the weekend, you missed out on the latest iPhone outrage. As first spotted by British television presenter Rachel Riley, when the word “Jerusalem” was typed using the stock keyboard, one of the suggested emojis was the Palestinian flag, which Riley and others saw as a deliberate provocation. In her post, Riley asked Apple to “explain whether this is an intentional act by your company, or whether you have no control over rogue programmers.” Both Israel and Palestine claim Jerusalem as their capital, though neither claim is officially recognized globally. She noted that dozens of other cities don’t offer country flags as suggested emojis. Apple quickly responded by declaring the emoji was the result of an iOS 17.4.1 bug that affected predictive text. It’s unclear what caused the bug or if other words were affected as well, but Apple has fixed it in the latest iOS 17.5 beta. According to @aaronp613 on X, Apple has stopped the word “Jerusalem” from showing any suggested emoji in iOS 17.5. That doesn’t quite sound like Apple fixed a bug, but it does take care of the issue. By removing the emoji suggestion entirely, it avoids any appearance of controversy. After Riley’s discovery, other suggested emoji “blunders” went viral, including a hut when typing the word Africa. However, as many people pointed out, the emoji is called “African hut,” so the predictive text algorithm is likely picking up the name. iOS 17.5 is in the second round of beta testing and will likely launch in late April or early May. iOS, iPhone1 hour agoDashlane review: Passwords and plenty more
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsPlenty of features, Excellent password generator Solid securityHuge value Family & Friends packageConsNo native desktop appsFree tier limited to 25 passwordsOur VerdictGreat tools, password management features, and a surprisingly generous family and friends package, makes Dashlane one of the very best password managers around. Price When Reviewed$4.99 per month, $59.99 a year Best Prices Today: Dashlane Retailer Price Dashlane (monthly) $4.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Dashlane has been a stalwart password manager for several years now, with plenty of advanced features and security protocols to keep your passwords safe and always available. But, there’s more to it than just logging into your accounts, as you’ll see below. Software & Features Auto-fill passwords Secure vaults for private data Password generation tool Dashlane is easy to get to grips with when you first launch the app. The Home page shows your most frequently used passwords, alongside quick access to your logins, secure notes, payment methods, personal info and IDs. There’s also a row of icons at the bottom of the page that you can use to navigate to your notifications (messages from Dashlane about your account), the password generator, tools, and settings. It’s all clear and easy to understand, which makes interacting with the app a breeze. There’s plenty to dig into as well. Each of the password and login details you create or import from your previous password manager have their own page. Here, you can copy the password to enter into a login field on a website, check its strength, and be warned if it’s been involved in a security breach. Should the latter have occurred, switching to the password generator page will quickly enable you to create new, secure replacements that you can use to make your account safe once more. The generator has various options that allow you to choose how complex the password will be. These include the length and whether it will contain digits, letters, symbols or characters that look similar to others. Using these settings you should be able to satisfy any combination required by a site. Martyn Casserly Martyn Casserly Martyn Casserly Of course, you’ll still need to go to the site and change the password, as it can’t be done from inside Dashlane, but each entry has a link to the site, which makes it quick to update to the new password. It’s not only your account details that you can store in Dashlane though, there’s also bank details to make it simple to pay for things online, your address for deliveries, not to mention important documents like your passport, driving licence and other similar items. This means you’ve always got a record of your information on you, while still having it protected via encryption and the secure login of the Dashlane app. Armed with this information, Dashlane can auto-fill fields on sites, meaning you can log in, order and pay for items, then have them delivered to the correct address by barely having to type anything at all. There’s also support for Passkeys on the app, which will increase convenience and safety in the future as more sites adopt the technology. I did encounter a few websites and apps where the Dashlane log-in box didn’t appear, and therefore had to refresh the page or try logging in a second time to get it to come up, but this was rare and could have something to do with interference from the site itself. For the most part, Dashlane was reliable and fast so I could access sites with a minimum of fuss. Security & Encryption 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption 2 Factor Authentication VPN As with pretty much all password managers these days, Dashlane operates with a high level of emphasis on security. All your transactions between the app and sites are end-to-end encrypted using 256-bit AES technology. This prevents hackers from being able to gain access to your information while you’re logging on. Foundry Foundry Foundry There’s also 2-factor authentication available, with the Dashlane app acting as an authenticator, plus password monitoring to check if any of your details have been exposed in data breaches or have been reused too many times. To add even more layers of protection, the premium accounts come with a built-in VPN to encrypt all of your online activities, plus there’s dark web monitoring which scans for any of your credentials being traded on the criminal side of the internet. Price and Availability Dashlane is available on a wide range of platforms, with dedicated apps for iOS/iPadOS and Android, plus extensions for Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox. At the time of writing, Dashlane costs $39.96 (approx £32) per year for the individual account, which is a little bit more than some of its rivals, but the family and friends package blows most out of the water with 10 accounts included for the annual fee of $59.88 (approx £47). You’ll also find various tiers for small business and enterprise users. There is a free tier available, which acts as a taster for the full package, and you can use it indefinitely but with a limit of only 25 passwords. Still, if you don’t use that many sites, it might actually be enough by itself. Should I buy Dashlane? There’s no surprise that Dashlane is usually found around the top spots of the password manager charts. It’s a fully fleshed out app with advanced tools and security features. While the individual account might cost slightly more than some of its closest rivals, the family plan offers outstanding value for money. If you’re looking for a password manager for your extended family or friendship group, Dashlane is an excellent choice. iOS, MacOS, Password Managers, Personal Software1 hour agoDashlane review: Passwords and plenty more
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsPlenty of features, Excellent password generator Solid securityHuge value Family & Friends packageConsNo native desktop appsFree tier limited to 25 passwordsOur VerdictGreat tools, password management features, and a surprisingly generous family and friends package, makes Dashlane one of the very best password managers around. Price When Reviewed$4.99 per month, $59.99 a year Best Prices Today: Dashlane Retailer Price Dashlane (annually) $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Dashlane has been a stalwart password manager for several years now, with plenty of advanced features and security protocols to keep your passwords safe and always available. But, there’s more to it than just logging into your accounts, as you’ll see below. For alternatives to 1Password take a look at our roundup of the Best password managers for Mac. Software & Features Auto-fill passwords Secure vaults for private data Password generation tool Dashlane is easy to get to grips with when you first launch the app. The Home page shows your most frequently used passwords, alongside quick access to your logins, secure notes, payment methods, personal info and IDs. There’s also a row of icons at the bottom of the page that you can use to navigate to your notifications (messages from Dashlane about your account), the password generator, tools, and settings. It’s all clear and easy to understand, which makes interacting with the app a breeze. There’s plenty to dig into as well. Each of the password and login details you create or import from your previous password manager have their own page. Here, you can copy the password to enter into a login field on a website, check its strength, and be warned if it’s been involved in a security breach. Should the latter have occurred, switching to the password generator page will quickly enable you to create new, secure replacements that you can use to make your account safe once more. The generator has various options that allow you to choose how complex the password will be. These include the length and whether it will contain digits, letters, symbols or characters that look similar to others. Using these settings you should be able to satisfy any combination required by a site. Martyn Casserly Martyn Casserly Martyn Casserly Of course, you’ll still need to go to the site and change the password, as it can’t be done from inside Dashlane, but each entry has a link to the site, which makes it quick to update to the new password. It’s not only your account details that you can store in Dashlane though, there’s also bank details to make it simple to pay for things online, your address for deliveries, not to mention important documents like your passport, driving licence and other similar items. This means you’ve always got a record of your information on you, while still having it protected via encryption and the secure login of the Dashlane app. Armed with this information, Dashlane can auto-fill fields on sites, meaning you can log in, order and pay for items, then have them delivered to the correct address by barely having to type anything at all. There’s also support for Passkeys on the app, which will increase convenience and safety in the future as more sites adopt the technology. I did encounter a few websites and apps where the Dashlane log-in box didn’t appear, and therefore had to refresh the page or try logging in a second time to get it to come up, but this was rare and could have something to do with interference from the site itself. For the most part, Dashlane was reliable and fast so I could access sites with a minimum of fuss. Security & Encryption 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption 2 Factor Authentication VPN As with pretty much all password managers these days, Dashlane operates with a high level of emphasis on security. All your transactions between the app and sites are end-to-end encrypted using 256-bit AES technology. This prevents hackers from being able to gain access to your information while you’re logging on. Foundry Foundry Foundry There’s also 2-factor authentication available, with the Dashlane app acting as an authenticator, plus password monitoring to check if any of your details have been exposed in data breaches or have been reused too many times. To add even more layers of protection, the premium accounts come with a built-in VPN to encrypt all of your online activities, plus there’s dark web monitoring which scans for any of your credentials being traded on the criminal side of the internet. Price and Availability Dashlane is available on a wide range of platforms, with dedicated apps for iOS/iPadOS and Android, plus extensions for Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox. At the time of writing, Dashlane costs $39.96 (approx £32) per year for the individual account, which is a little bit more than some of its rivals, but the family and friends package blows most out of the water with 10 accounts included for the annual fee of $59.88 (approx £47). You’ll also find various tiers for small business and enterprise users. There is a free tier available, which acts as a taster for the full package, and you can use it indefinitely but with a limit of only 25 passwords. Still, if you don’t use that many sites, it might actually be enough by itself. Should I buy Dashlane? There’s no surprise that Dashlane is usually found around the top spots of the password manager charts. It’s a fully fleshed out app with advanced tools and security features. While the individual account might cost slightly more than some of its closest rivals, the family plan offers outstanding value for money. If you’re looking for a password manager for your extended family or friendship group, Dashlane is an excellent choice. iOS, MacOS, Password Managers, Personal Software1 hour agoiPhone 16 Pro storage ‘leak’ is nothing more than speculation [U: Retracted]
Update: MacObserver has now issued a retraction. Here we go again. LeaksApplePro is back, this time with a claim that iPhone 16 Pro storage tiers could start at 256GB, up from the 128GB starting point of last year’s model. As we’ve noted before, the supposed source is an account with a history of just making stuff up, and we’re mentioning it at all simply because coverage elsewhere means readers might be misled into giving it credence … more…1 hour agoApple’s parental controls are no good for parents or kids
Macworld Last week, my family and I–like so many others in the U.S.–hopped in a car to try and catch sight of a total eclipse. And, like so many other parents, I planned to distract my kid for some part of this lengthy adventure with an iPad. As my kid is still under two, there hasn’t been a lot of time spent with screens, aside from occasionally “playing” a game on our phones or watching some videos of trains. This marked the first time I planned to actually hand over a whole device–albeit still with the idea of just watching some downloaded videos–and I found as I set up the iPad what likely a legion of parents before me has also discovered: setting up an Apple device for a kid is kind of annoying. I’ve been covering Apple for almost 20 years, so you’d be forgiven for thinking this wouldn’t shock me, but the simple truth is that, not unlike The Matrix, this is something you have to experience for yourself. Ultimately, I concluded that Apple should really improve this experience for all of us time- and attention-strapped parents in various ways. Everything is permissible Let’s start by saying that Apple does have an extensive set of parental controls baked into its operating systems, all now collected under the aegis of Screen Time. Ostensibly this set of features not only allows parents to monitor how much time their kids spend using devices, but also controls the limits of which apps can be used, which settings can be changed, and so on. All to the good, but as I–again, a veteran technology journalist of almost two decades–embarked upon setting this all up, one thing quickly became clear: it is a pain. By default, everything is on and allowed, even when the iCloud account you login to is a child’s account (more on which in a bit). One thing that would be helpful here is some kind of kids profile, where permissions are locked down by default, allowing parents to selectively enable features they want kids to have access to. This also makes sense from the perspective of enabling more features as kids get older. It’d also be handy if it was an ad hoc mode you could go into, rather than having to spend the time setting up all the various permissions, the same way that Netflix has a kids profile that you can log into with just kids content. Reduce the friction by removing all the fiddling. That’s not to say such a feature would be enough, but it would be a good jumping-off point. ID, please Having survived the eclipse trip without a major technology or child-related breakdown, I decided to start poking further at the setup to prepare for more involved future travel. At which point it seemed like the best approach was to bite the bullet and set up an Apple ID for the kid. Apple tries to make it easy to create an Apple ID for a child, but the process can be buggy. Apple tries to make it easy to create an Apple ID for a child, but the process can be buggy.Apple Apple tries to make it easy to create an Apple ID for a child, but the process can be buggy.Apple Apple Apple, again to its credit, tries to make this process easy. If you have Family Sharing enabled, you can create a child account that links the Apple ID to your family, giving the kid access to shared purchases, but also in some regions controlling how certain features work. Unfortunately, the setup process was, for me, rife with bugs. After trying to create the child account several times on my phone, each time slowly typing in a password (because I couldn’t use iCloud Keychain to easily autofill one or paste one into the field), I was repeatedly greeted with an error message telling me simply that the account could not be created. Eventually, I gave up and tried on my Mac, wherein I had better luck–except I either mistakenly accepted the default email address created for me or the system never provided me an option to change it. Changing it to the correct email address proved likewise a chore, requiring an authorization email to me as the parent which took so long to arrive that I thought it had failed; I canceled the request and tried to resubmit it and when I then received the email and clicked on the approval link, I was told that it was invalid…because it turned out it was the email from the first request. (Not to mention the involvement of some truly terrible user experience.) This is less a critique of the setup process, admittedly, than its reliability, but reliability is key: I would not have faulted most people for giving up after the second or third time it failed. At long last, I got everything sorted out and had an ID in place. So back I went to the iPad to put the two of them together. Never the twain shall meet Wherein I discovered that when I logged into the child account I had to go through and turn off all the permissions all over again (with the exception of content restrictions, which did seem to transfer over from the Apple ID configuration). This seems a little ridiculous, given that the Apple ID account is marked as being for a child–surely it would, once again, make more sense to have permissions disabled by default or, at the very least, honor the permissions I’d already configured. Even beyond the permission issue, however, there are other challenges with handing an iPad to a young kid. For example, in the case of having mine watch a video, there’s always the chance of them accidentally touching a control or turning the iPad’s screen off. Fortunately, you can avoid that with the Guided Access accessibility feature, which is handy, but also kind of a pain to set up, since it requires you to choose which areas of the screen (or other hardware features) are off-limits and set up another passcode (on top of the device and Screen Time passcodes). As an accessibility feature, it’s pretty good, but as a feature for parents, it feels like it could use some simplicity to encourage its usage. Perhaps the biggest weak spot in Screen Time, however, is the use of the passcode. Yes, it’s good that making changes requires authorization…but a 4-digit passcode? In this economy? Apple’s been long pushing people towards 6-digit if not fully alphanumeric passcodes for their devices—I assure you, it’s not hard for a kid to suss out four numbers: we parents are often all too frazzled for quality OPSEC. I’m well aware that this situation is only going to get more challenging the older my kid gets: not only pushing for more autonomy and more capability but–if my own youth is any indication–actively trying to work out how to get around the restrictions in place, out of curiosity if nothing else. While technology isn’t the only or even best way to deal with that, it would certainly help if Apple offered tools a little better tailored to the particular challenges of parenting in the digital age. iCloud, iOS, MacOS10:18 amTim Cook promises Indonesia that Apple will consider manufacturing there
Apple CEO Tim Cook has told Indonesia's President that the company will look at the feasibility of opening manufacturing in the country, though he hasn't said whether that means the iPhone.Tim Cook (right) with photographer Sofyan Pratama in IndonesiaFollowing his two-day visit to Vietnam, in which he committed Apple to expanding its manufacturing there, Tim Cook met with Indonesia's President Joko Widodo over similar issues. Apple does not currently have manufacturers in Indonesia, but according to Bloomberg, Cook told the President that he was willing to consider it."We talked about the president's desire to see manufacturing in the country, and it's something that we will look at," Cook said after his visit to Jakarta. "The investment ability in Indonesia is endless." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums10:15 amRumor: Apple’s AI efforts in iOS 18 to include on-device elements to help preserve privacy | PowerPageRumor: Apple’s AI efforts in iOS 18 to include on-device elements to help preserve privacy
iOS 18 is en route and is rumored to feature privacy-focused AI with processing done directly on the iPhone without connecting to cloud-based services. Per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in the Sunday edition of his PowerOn newsletter, the AI-related functions in iOS 18 “will work entirely on device.” In practice, these AI features would be able […] Source10:00 amThis Switch Dock Charger Brick is ready to level up your gaming for just $36
Macworld If you’re a Nintendo Switch gaming fan, you may want a smoother way to transition your Switch to TV mode, as well as an accessory that charges up your Switch without harming it. The solution? This portable Switch dock charger brick, which is now only $35.99 (reg. $39). The nearly 2-inch, 36W dock is ultra-portable and can easily slip into a pocket for on-the-go play wherever you go. It’s outfitted with a 4K@60Hz HDMI output, making it simple to plug into any larger monitor for the fully immersive gaming experience all Switch players seek. While that maxed out gameplay is the calling card of this brick, it also features a pair of extremely useful extra ports, including a USB 3.1 Type-C PD fast charging port that can instantly connect to the Switch to feed it power even when you’re on the go. There’s even a third USB 2.0 port ready to deliver pass-through power for any USB-compatible device that also needs a charge. Meanwhile, the built-in GaN chip prevents overcurrent, overheating, or overvoltage to ensure the Switch and any connected devices are always fully protected. Enhance your or a fellow Switch user’s gaming experience with this Switch Dock Charger Brick, now just $35.99. Portable 36W Switch Dock Charger Brick with 4K HDMI, USB-C PD, and USB 2.0 Only $35.99 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories10:00 amApple @ Work: Is there room for another productivity suite on macOS?
Apple @ Work is brought to you by Kolide by 1Password, the device trust solution that ensures that if a device isn’t secure, it can’t access your apps. Close the Zero Trust access gap for Okta. Learn more or watch the demo. The role of Microsoft Office on the Mac is critical. When Bill Gates appeared on video at WWDC many years ago to commit to new versions of Office for Mac, the Mac with a robust Office program was a critical part of Apple’s enterprise growth. While competing alongside it are Google Workspace and the Google Drive ecosystem, iWork is Apple’s free option with Pages, Keynote, and Numbers. These platforms are good but are simply part of a company’s larger product portfolio. What if there was an option from a company that simply wanted to make great productivity apps? That’s what I’ve found with OfficeSuite. more…10:00 amRumor: All upcoming iPhone 16 models to incorporate Action button
The rumor mill has it that all models of the next-gen iPhone will be getting an Action button. Whether or not this changes your life or makes you a billion times more productive, that’s a different thing altogether. Last September, Apple debuted its much-anticipated Action button with the iPhone 15 Pro models, offering faster access […] Source09:55 am1Password review – Keep your passwords safe and secure
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsPowerful security Supports Passkeys Can store other secure informationConsAppearance is clean but a little tameOur VerdictAn easy to use and reliable password manager with strong security and useful features. Price When Reviewed$2.99 per month (billed annually) Best Prices Today: 1Password Retailer Price 1Password $35.88 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Passwords are one of the banes of most people’s online lives. Even though passkeys (where you can use a second device to prove you are you and gain access) are beginning to make things easier, it will be a long time before we move away from the confusing collection of numbers, symbols, and letters (at least one of which should be upper case) that are demanded by online services. Remembering the various account details for each site or app we use is an overwhelming task, meaning we often resort to having the same login for everything, which is a disaster waiting to happen. To get around this, without having to write down all our passwords in a little book or, worse still, in the notes app on your phone, a password manager is a far more secure and simple solution, as it does all the remembering on your behalf. Canadian made 1Password has long been a favorite of ours, and the current iteration doesn’t put that status in jeopardy. One advantage it has out of the gate is that the company will actually credit you the remaining months on your current contract if you decide to switch from a rival password manager. But what will you find waiting for you when you install and set up 1Password? For alternatives to 1Password take a look at our roundup of the Best password managers for Mac. Software & Features Clean, simple interface Passkey assistant Auto-fill passwords, credit cards and other information 1Password has a nice, clean layout that makes it easy to get to grips with how things work. Along the bottom of the screen, you’ll find four icons for the main areas – Home, Items, Search, and Watchtower. As you’d imagine, the Home screen is where you’ll normally enter the app, and it’s home to any recently created login details, links to your profile page, and also has several guides that take you through the features on offer. These include setting up your Profile so that it can quickly and automatically fill in online forms. You can have your address plus credit card details, so that when you’re on a site or app and get to the checkout, everything is done for you instead of having to enter the information manually. 1Password can also store other important document information, such as your drivers’ licence, passport, membership cards, secure notes, medical record, social security number, and pretty much whatever else you want to store that you can access easily wherever you have your device. Martyn Casserly Martyn Casserly Martyn Casserly Obviously, passwords are the main feature, and the app allows you to either enter them directly or save them when you’re using a browser to log in or update your details. There’s also a section that lets you know which accounts can use passkeys, which can then all be stored in 1Password. All of these will then be auto-filled for you when you reach the login page of the relevant site or app. On a Mac you’ll need the browser extensions installed, all of which are free. There’s ones for Safari (which has had improvements made to ensure auto-fill works better than in the past, where certain sites would make it difficult for the feature to be implemented properly), Chrome and pretty much every other main browser. The Items section is where you can organize the passwords and secure information. These can be stored in a general vault or separated into specific ones for things like Work, Travel, Home and Shared. This can be helpful on a family plan, where you can make the Netflix and Spotify account details available to all, but stop anyone being able to run amok with your Amazon account. Search does what you’d expect, while Watchtower analyzes the overall strength of your online security, with warnings of how often passwords are repeated and which ones have been reported as vulnerable after any security breaches on the apps or sites to which they pertain. It’s a helpful way to see the status of your passwords and what you may need to do to stay safe. Security and Encryption 256-bit AES encryption Secret key security Support for Touch ID and Face ID Password managers are only truly useful if their security is up to scratch, and thankfully 1Password is strong in this area. The service uses 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption to keep your details protected at all times, and there’s also a secret key created on your device that adds further layers of security and prevents intercepted data from being cracked. Martyn Casserly Martyn Casserly Martyn Casserly The same is true with the Secure Remote Password (SRP) protocol, which allows you to authenticate your details to a site without the information being sent to a server which could compromise security. While the principle of a password manager is that you create a single, complex password to access the app (meaning you only have to remember that one rather than all the individual ones to sites), support for Touch ID and Face ID means you don’t have to enter the password every time you log into the app, which is a definite bonus. Price and Availability There are a few different tiers available for 1Password. If you want a single-user account, which you can use on all your devices and comes with 1GB of secure storage, then this will set you back $35.88 p/a (which works out around £30). Alternatively, for a family package that includes five accounts you’ll be looking at $59.88 (around £50) for the year. Business users will also find a variety of options available, which include additional support for Azure AD, Slack, Duo, starting at $95.88 (approx £80) per year. All accounts offer a 14-day free trial so you can give 1Password a proper outing before deciding whether you want to switch or not. If you do, then you can migrate all your passwords over and be up and running in no time. 1Password is available for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Windows, Android, plus has extensions for all the major browsers. Should you buy 1Password? These days a password manager feels like an essential item, as so much of our lives revolve around our online accounts. 1Password is a mature and solid service, with useful features, strong security credentials, and most of all it’s easy and reliable to use. If you’re thinking of using a password manager for the first time or are unhappy with your current provider, 1Password should be top of your list. iOS, MacOS, Password Managers, Personal Software08:51 amApple TV+ shows and movies: Everything to watch on Apple TV Plus
Apple TV+ offers exclusive Apple original TV shows and movies in 4K HDR quality. You can watch across all of your screens and pick up where you left off on any device. Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month. Here’s every Apple original television show and movie available now on Apple TV+, as well as the latest trailers … more…08:40 amBest USB-C charging cables for iPhone, iPad and Mac
Macworld USB-C is the modern connection standard shared by most new devices today. It comes in several different formats but they all have the same reversible connector at the end. By the end of 2023, most of Apple’s devices will use USB-C for charging and data transfers. Lightning was also reversible—where it doesn’t matter which side of the connector faces up or down as you plug it in—so no big change there, but USB-C is much more than just a symmetrical design. It can transfer data faster—pushing Lightning’s 0.48Gbps to up to 40Gbps (USB4 and Thunderbolt use the same Type-C connector), and next year to 120Gbps. Apple’s iPhone 15 has a USB-C port, replacing the old trusty but proprietary Lightning cable that has been a part of iPhones and older iPads since 2012. Apple supplies a USB-C charging cable in the box, but if you want a single cable for fast charging and data transfers—or just a spare charging cable—we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to help you get the best one. Some are fast, some are super-powerful, a couple are retractable, and some are just fun. Yes… fun! Foundry Foundry Foundry Note that the cables reviewed here are USB-C to USB-C (or backward-compatible Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt). Old iPhone chargers had the rectangular non-reversible USB-A connector to connect to the charger and a Lightning connector that went into the iPhone. Foundry Foundry Foundry Using a USB-C charger will enable fast charging even for iPhones with a Lightning port. You can still charge an Apple device with a USB-A charger but not at the fastest speed. From the iPhone 15 onwards it’s USB-C into the charger and USB-C into the iPhone. See our roundup of the best USB-C chargers for iPhone. We have even more tips that show you the fastest ways to charge an iPhone. Know your cables Not all USB-C cables offer the same capabilities, so we explain each factor you need to consider. Fear not, for basic iPhone charging most USB-C cables will be fine. But some are finer than others. Macs use Thunderbolt cables that have the same Type-C connector as USB-C so look the same but have faster data transfer and charging speed options. You can use a Thunderbolt cable to charge USB-C devices, too. Apple ships a USB-C Charge Cable with the newest iPhones but Mac users need to buy a Thunderbolt cable to connect to a docking station or fast storage device. Having a spare cable or two hanging around the house or office is always advisable—and there are better, cheaper, and more colorful USB-C and Thunderbolt cables than just those sold by Apple. We’ve focused on USB-C charging cables as most people need them just to attach to a USB-C charger, but cables offer both charging and data transfers, although at different capabilities, depending on your requirements. Charging: All USB-C cables can carry a minimum of 60W (3A x 20V). Some support 100W (5A x 20V) charging, and some new Thunderbolt 4 cables can charge at up to 240W. 60W is more than you need for a phone and is perfect for the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. Go for at least a 100W cable for the 14-inch MacBook Pro. While 100W is fine for a 16-inch MacBook Pro, that model can be charged at up to 140W, although Apple restricts fast-charging for that model to its own $49/£49 USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable, which is included with the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Apple says that the iPhone 15 can be fast-charged from zero to 50% in 30 minutes using at least a 20W USB-C power adapter, which is the same speed the iPhone 14 got via Lightning. SO, we don’t expect that the new iPhone 15 family will charge any faster than earlier models. Length: A long cable can be messy when your device is close to the charger, but a short one could leave your iPhone dangling out of reach. You may need different lengths of USB-C cable for each of your charging spaces. When it comes to transferring data, choose a cable that’s as short as you need as the longer the cable, the greater the risk of signal degradation—invest in a Thunderbolt 4 cable for 2m data-strength confidence. Data transfer speed: iPhones with Lightning ports are limited to a slow USB 2.0 data transfer rate of just 480Mbps (480 megabits per second). Compare that to your Mac, whose Thunderbolt connection can reach 40Gbps—over 8,000% faster! Data transfer speed doesn’t matter if all you are doing is charging a device but it is vital when connecting your Apple device to storage drives, docking stations, or monitors. While the entry-level iPad is also limited to 480Mbps, the iPad Pro, like a MacBook, supports Thunderbolt’s 40Gbps maximum. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus features USB-C that is limited to 480Mbps like with Lightning, but the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max’s USB-C can sync at 10Gbps—useful for backing up video or photos to a computer. Note that the USB-C cable Apple supplies with the iPhone 15 family is a “Charge” cable and limited to 480Mbps for syncing. If you use the Pro or Pro Max model with a cable for data transfer, you’ll do better with a 10Gbps or higher bandwidth cable. Best USB-C cables for iPhone iPhones have included either a USB-C to Lightning cable (USB-C-to-Lightning) or even older USB-A to Lightning (USB-A-to-USB-C) for years, and elsewhere we have rounded up the best Lightning cables we’ve seen for iPhones older than the iPhone 15. USB-A is the larger, non-reversible connector. USB-C is required for fast charging. From the iPhone 15 onwards and also with the AirPods Pro 2, you’ll need a cable with USB-C on both ends (USB-C-to-USB-C) to charge an iPhone unless you charge wirelessly—check out the best MagSafe wireless iPhone chargers. Apple supplies a USB-C-to-USB-C cable with all new iPhones, which can be used to change any Apple device that has a USB-C port, including AirPods and Mac accessories, once they are updated. Apple has released a Lightning–to–USB-C adapter—confusingly named the Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter ($29 at Apple’s U.S. store or £29 at Apple’s UK store) so you can convert an old Lightning cable into a USB-C cable for your new iPhone 15, but, as you might expect from Apple, it’s way more expensive than just buying one of the new and superior USB-C cables we’ve reviewed below. We’ve rounded up our favorite USB-C cables. You can find cheaper online but we are recommending cables from trusted brands, such as Anker and Cable Matters. When charging your precious devices, you want to be sure that you aren’t putting them at risk of overheating and potentially causing a fire in your home. 1. Apple USB-C Woven Charge Cable (1m) Pros Made by Apple 60W Robust woven design Cons Slow sync speed Price When Reviewed: $19 Best Prices Today: $17 at Amazon$17 at B&H$17 at Walmart Charging: 60W Cable length: 3.3ft (1m) Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Colors: White If you want every iPhone accessory you own to be made by Apple, go with Apple’s own USB-C Charge Cable as a spare USB-C iPhone charging cable—at 60W it’s powerful enough to charge even a MacBook Air. Surprisingly, Apple doesn’t include this cable in its iPhone Accessories store but it’s a fine, if expensive, solution. Unlike Apple’s rather feeble plastic USB-C to Lightning cables, this 3.3ft (1m) charging cable has a robust woven design that means it is far less likely to fray or break with frequent winding and tugging. Apple also sells a 2m USB-C Charge Cable that is now also woven—it’s rated at up to 240W, overkill for an iPhone but top-end charging for any Apple USB-C device. Its USB 2.0 data-transfer speed is super slow compared to 5Gbps or faster USB-C cables but it’s the same as Lightning. That doesn’t make a difference when charging your iPhone but if you are syncing an iPad or Mac via cable, transfer speeds will be frustrating. As the iPhone 15 Pro models boast 5Gbps data transfer, this cable’s low bandwidth is a bit of a disappointment if you sue the cable for syncing. It’s available in only white. If you fancy a color that matches your new iPhone or your soft furnishings, you need to read on for one of the third-party USB-C cables that we recommend. Read on. 2. Anker 310 USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best budget USB-C charging cable for iPhone 15 Pros Twin pack 60W Robust braided design Length options Price When Reviewed: $9.99 Best Prices Today: $9.99 at Amazon Charging: 60W Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Monitor support: No Cable length: 3ft (0.9m) or 6ft (1.8m) Colors: Black Like the Ford Model T, this 60W USB-C charging cable is available only in black. But the Anker 310 is a quality cable, with a tough braided construction that’s super affordable—especially in this twin pack. Its data-transfer speed is slow (480Mbps) but, for charging an iPhone or small MacBook, it’s just what you need at a price that significantly undercuts Apple. And, as you’ll read later in this feature, it’s perfectly good for charging iPads and mid-sized MacBooks, too. 3. Cable Matters 10Gbps USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best charge and data cable for iPhone 15 Pro/Max Pros 100W Power Delivery 4K monitor support 10Gbps data transfer Available in Black and White Price When Reviewed: $20.99 Best Prices Today: $12.99 at Amazon Charging: 100W Data transfer speed: 10Gbps Monitor support: 4K Cable length: 3.3ft (1m) Colors: Black or White Apple has increased wired data transfer bandwidth to 10Gbps on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max—20x faster than the USB-C of the plain iPhone 15’s 480Mbps (0.48Gbps). If you want to take advantage of this significantly increased wired bandwidth, you’ll need a cable. like this one from Cable Matters, that also supports 10Gbps or higher, as the USB-C cable that Apple includes with all the iPhones is really for charging only and rated at 480Mbps. It can also charge at up to 100W—more than enough for an iPhone but also enough for even the 16-inch MacBook Pro. 4. Anker 333 USB-C Cable (10ft) – Best long USB-C cable for iPhone Pros Long cable 60W Robust braided design Color options Price When Reviewed: $13.99 Best Prices Today: $11.99 at Amazon Charging: 60W Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Monitor support: No Cable length: 10ft (3m) Colors: Black, Red, Silver Sometimes you just need a very long charging cable. Maybe your wall socket is on the other side of the sofa or desk—or even in another room—and you need your iPhone to hand for calls and messaging. This 10-foot USB-C cable should be long enough for you. Sometimes you need a more colorful charging cable. Ok, you don’t really need a more colorful charging cable but it’s nice to have the option. If you want even more color variations, but at a shorter cable length, keep reading… Available in black, red or silver, this USB-C cable can charge at a decent 60W—more than enough for an iPhone or iPad and decent for a mid-sized MacBook. 5. CableCreation Short USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best short USB-C cable for iPhone Pros Short cable 60W Robust braided design Price When Reviewed: $8.99 Best Prices Today: $8.59 at Amazon Charging: 60W Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Monitor support: No Cable length: 0.8ft, 9.6in (0.24m, 24cm) Colors: Black There are times when you don’t want a long cable snaking all over your desk or tabletop. All you need is a short cable to charge your device. While we have seen shorter than this 9.6-inch USB-C to USB-C cable, some that we’ve tested have been flaky at charging so we prefer to go with a brand that we trust. It is too short to tangle but long enough to dangle from a wall charger. 6. Cable Matters Retractable USB-C 2.0 Charging Cable – Best retractable USB-C cable Pros Retractable 60W Tangle free Price When Reviewed: $16.49 Best Prices Today: $16.49 at Amazon Charging: 60W Cable length: 4 inches (0.1m) or 3.5ft (1m) Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Colors: Black A long trailing cable is just about excusable if hidden behind a desk but is wholly inappropriate in a handbag or stuffed in your pocket. Most of us find it helpful to keep a tangle-free charging cable in a car, briefcase or backpack. This cable takes up only a few inches of space when fully retracted. You pull the cable from both ends to extend it to five set lengths: 1ft, 1.5ft, 2.2ft, 3ft and 3.5ft. Data transfer is slow but it will charge even a mid-sized laptop if connected to a suitable wall charger. It’s not braided by feels strong and will be protected in its winding shell. 7. Baseus Free2Draw Mini Retractable USB-C Cable 100W – Best retractable 100W USB-C cable Pros Retractable 100W Tangle free Price When Reviewed: $21.99 Best Prices Today: $16.99 at Amazon$21.99 at Baseus Charging: 100W Cable length: 4 inches (0.1m) or 3.5ft (1m) Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Colors: White, Black, Purple, Blue Another tangle-free retractable USB-C cable is the curiously named Baseus Free2Draw. Like the Cable Matters Retractable USB-C Cable, this is a compact, carry-in-your-pocket cable that, as soon as you hold it, declares itself a must-have. Who doesn’t get annoyed by a drawer full of loose snaking cables? Pull the cable from both ends to extend it to four set lengths: 1ft, 1.9ft, 2.7ft and 3.3ft—a touch shorter than Cable Matters. It beats its rival by supporting 100W of charging power—enough for even the largest MacBook, whereas the Cable Matters cable maxes out at 60W. Data speed, as with the Cable Matters alternative, is a slow but usable 480Mbps USB 2.0. It will transfer data but its main function is charging. It is available in four colors to match your device or just your mood. 8. Anker 643 USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best USB-C cable color range Pros Color options Tough but flexible silicone Price When Reviewed: $19.99 Best Prices Today: $19.99 at Amazon Charging: 60W Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Monitor support: No Cable length: 3ft (0.9m) or 6ft (1.8m) Colors: Misty Blue, Daffodil Yellow, Lilac Purple, Lavender Grey, Mint Green, Cloud White, and Midnight Black If you want a touch of personality with your tech kit, Anker’s choice of seven mostly pastel colors gives you more options than the monochrome alternatives. Apple delights in offering its iPhones in various shades but religiously sticks to white for its charging cables. Anker claims that its 643 cable—with silicone covering a triple-layered system of copper wires—has a tensile strength of 220 lbs (100kg) and can withstand as many as 25,000 bends. We haven’t tested this, but it certainly feels tough enough to withstand more everyday rigors. Available in two lengths and a multitude of colors, there should be an option for one of your cable needs here. 9. Casetify PowerThru USB-C to USB-C Cable – Prettiest USB-C cable Pros Color options Robust braided design with rounded head Price When Reviewed: From $28 Best Prices Today: $28 at Casetify$28.50 at Amazon Charging: 60W Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Monitor support: No Cable length: 3.3ft (1m) or 6.6ft (2m) Colors: Cotton Candy, Light Mint, Lavender, Black This quality USB-C cable, available in two lengths, is from the people at Casetify who create such fun phone cases. They have carried over some of the fun into the dull world of cables with four color options. The Cotton Candy USB-C cable is a real beauty, graduating from a cyan blue to a cute pink. Even the black version is nicely speckled. You’ll pay more than usual but you will get a premium braided cable that will bring joy everything you connect it to your device. 10. Raycon Magic 180° Cable – fits USB-C and Lightning iPhones Pros 100W Magnetic USB-C, Lightning and MicroUSB connectors Robust braided design and swivel head Cons Easy to mislay connector heads Price When Reviewed: $24.99 Best Prices Today: $24.99 at Raycon Charging: 100W Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Monitor support: No Cable length: 3.9ft (1.2m) Colors: Black While Apple’s move to USB-C will eventually mean fewer different cables and chargers, many of will live in a now more cluttered world of Lightning for this and USB-C for that. This cable can handle just about any charging connector you require—even horrible old fiddly MicroUSB. It come with three connectors heads that magnetically clamp to cable end: USB-C for newer devices, such as the iPhone 15, Lightning for older Apple devices, and MicroUSB for whatever still requires this most-hated of connections—often a pair of cheap headphones. The end that the connectors fit on can angle 180 degrees, which should prevent cable wear and tear when moving the connected device. It’s also nicely braided for strength. It seems a great solution but only if you don’t lose the tiny magnetic connectors. Raycon also sells a longer cable, the 6.6ft (2m) Magic 180° Cable Pro ($29.99), which ships with an additional USB-C to USB-A adapter in case your charger is the old USB-A type. using it won’t enable fast-charging with USB-A but it might save you buying a newer USB-C charger. 11. Belkin BoostCharge Pro Flex USB-C to USB-C Cable Pros 60W Robust braided design Color and length options Cons Color and length range limited in U.S. Price When Reviewed: $14.99 Best Prices Today: $14.99 at Belkin$19.99 at Amazon$19.99 at B&H Charging: 60W Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Monitor support: No Cable length: 3.3ft (1m), 6.6ft (2m) or 10ft (3m) Colors: Black, Blue, White and Pink Curiously, this lovely cable from Belkin has a range of colors, including pink, and lengths, up to 10 feet, only in the U.K. The U.S. version is black or white and 3.3 or 6.6 feet only. It’s a quality braided USB-C to USB-C cable in whatever length or color, but U.S. users might have to ask a friend across the pond to send them the fetching pink version. Best USB-C cables for iPad Most iPads on sale today feature a USB-C connector—only the entry-level 9th Generation iPad still uses Lightning. But even the 10th Gen iPad’s USB-C is still limited to a 480Mbps data speed. The iPad mini has a USB-C port that supports 5Gbps; the iPad Air 10Gbps; and the iPad Pro has a USB4/Thunderbolt port that can zip data along at 40Gbps. Check your iPad’s data transfer rate before choosing a new cable. For charging only, any of the iPhone USB-C cables reviewed above will be fine as 20W should be enough to charge an iPad—the Anker 310 twin pack, reviewed above, would supply great USB-C charging cables for two devices. But if you are connecting to other devices or syncing via cable, we recommend cables that support faster data transfers. A 10Gbps USB-C cable, such as the Cable Matter cord below, is an excellent option if you don’t want to spend a bundle on Thunderbolt. 1. Anker 310 USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best budget USB-C charging cable for iPad Pros 60W Power Delivery Twin pack Robust braided design Length options Cons Not suitable for monitor connection Only in black Price When Reviewed: $9.99 Best Prices Today: $9.99 at Amazon Charging: 60W Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Monitor support: No Cable length: 3ft (0.9m) or 6ft (1.8m) Colors: Black Our favorite USB-C charging cable for iPhones is also our recommended budget charging option for USB-C iPads. It’s such a flexible solution that it is also our budget USB-C cable choice for smaller MacBooks; see below. Forget about it for data transfer or connecting a USB-C monitor, but for charging this affordable, durable cable is a great choice. 2. Cable Matters 10Gbps USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best budget USB-C cable for iPad Pros 100W Power Delivery 4K monitor support 10Gbps data transfer Available in Black and White Price When Reviewed: $20.99 Best Prices Today: $12.99 at Amazon Charging: 100W Data transfer speed: 10Gbps Monitor support: 4K Cable length: 3.3ft (1m) Colors: Black or White If you want to sync your iPad or connect it to a storage device, dock, or monitor, as well as fast-charging the tablet, you’ll need a superior data transfer rate. The 10Gbps bandwidth gained with this premium USB-C cable should be plenty for most users, and the option of a white version is rare in such USB-C cables. 3. Anker 515 USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB4) Pros 240W Power Delivery 40Gbps data transfer 6K monitor support for iPad Pro Cons Short Price When Reviewed: $34.99 Best Prices Today: $34.99 at Amazon$34.99 at Anker Charging: 240W Data transfer speed: 40Gbps Monitor support: 6K Cable length: 3.3ft (1m) Colors: Black For ultimate iPad Pro data transfer bandwidth, choose a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 cable. This Anker 515 USB4 cable is overpowered from a charging point of view but therefore offers some Apple tablet future-proofing. Remember, you won’t harm your iPad using a premium higher-wattage cable. Where it wins is its 40Gbps data bandwidth, the maximum you’ll get from any USB-C cable, and capable of connecting an iPad Pro to a 6K USB-C display at 60Hz. Via a Mac, it could support an 8K display. Best USB-C cables for Mac Only the original 12-inch MacBook used standard USB-C. Macs since the 2016 MacBook Pro have used much faster Thunderbolt 3 or, from 2021 Thunderbolt 4 ports. Plain M1/M2 Macs (not Pro or Max) are listed as Thunderbolt/USB4 but can be regarded as the same as Thunderbolt 4 except for their one-screen limitation. If you are buying today, we recommend you go for a Thunderbolt 4 cable, which is the most capable standard and fully backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. But they’re pricey, and if speedy data transfer is not a priority or you require the cable for charging only, a slower USB-C cable will suffice for fast charging. MacBooks require cables and chargers that support the USB Power Delivery (PD) standard. PD 3.0 supports up to 100W. PD 3.1 goes up to 240W. Check the maximum charging wattage supported by the cable. Smaller MacBooks require at least 45W, mid-sized 60W, and larger 100W. The 16-inch MacBook Pro can be fast-charged at 140W, but Apple has limited this feature to its own $49/£49 USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable so USB-C and even 240W Thunderbolt cables are knee-capped at 100W. 1. Anker 310 USB-C to USB-C Cable – Best 60W PD USB-C charging cable Pros 60W Power Delivery Twin pack Robust braided design Length options Cons Not suitable for monitor connection Only in black Price When Reviewed: $9.99 Best Prices Today: $9.99 at Amazon Charging: 60W Data transfer speed: 480Mbps Monitor support: No Cable length: 3ft (0.9m) or 6ft (1.8m) Colors: Black Just as we recommended the Anker 310 USB-C cable for iPhones and iPad charging, it’s hard to go wrong with this to charge small and mid-sized MacBooks, too. Buy the twin pack and use one for whichever Apple device that takes your fancy. Suitable for all MacBook Air models and the 13-inch MacBook Pro, this 60W USB-C cable is able to supply the charge you need to keep those MacBooks powered up. Its data-transfer speed is pretty feeble but as a charging-only cable, this is all you really need. It is not suitable for connecting a Mac to a USB-C monitor—that would require at least a 5Gbps cable. Its braided design makes it tough—Anker claims it can be bent and unbent over 10,000 times. In this twin-pack, the Anker 310 USB-C cable is a very affordable option. 2. Cable Matters 6-foot USB-C cable – Best budget long 100W PD USB-C cable Pros 100W Power Delivery 4K monitor support Long cable Price When Reviewed: $18.99 Best Prices Today: $17.99 at Amazon Charging: 100W Data transfer speed: 5Gbps Monitor support: 4K Cable length: 3ft (0.9m) or 6ft (1.8m) Colors: Black This jack-of-all-trades high-quality USB-C cable can charge at up to 100W, transfer data at 5Gbps, and connect a Mac to a 4K monitor. It’s a premium build, but its thicker gauge wires make it tricky to roll up as easily or compactly as other cables. If you need faster data transfer, look to a Thunderbolt 4 cable. 3. CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Cable (0.8m) – Best short 100W PD Thunderbolt 4 cable Pros 100W Power Delivery 40Gbps data transfer 8K monitor support Cons Short Price When Reviewed: $30.99 Best Prices Today: $29.99 at Amazon$30.99 at CalDigit Charging: 100W Data transfer speed: 40Gbps Monitor support: 8K Cable length: 2.6ft (0.8m) Colors: Black As a certified Thunderbolt 4 cable, this guarantees 100W charging and super-fast 40Gbps data transfer speeds. If you just want to charge your MacBook, it’s probably overkill but if you need to use it to connect to a docking station or other device, we recommend you double-up on charging power and data speed. Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, you can’t go wrong with a Thunderbolt 4 cable. 4. Apple Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable (3m) – Best long 100W PD Thunderbolt 4 cable Pros 100W Power Delivery 40Gbps data transfer 8K monitor support Robust braided design Very long Cons Expensive Price When Reviewed: $159 Best Prices Today: $159 at Adorama$159 at Amazon$159 at Apple Charging: 100W Data transfer speed: 40Gbps Monitor support: 8K Cable length: 10ft (3m) Colors: Black It’s certainly expensive, but this Apple Thunderbolt 4 cable is as long as you can get while maintaining 100W charging power and 40Gbps data-transfer speed. It’s braided for strength and backward compatible with other Type-C connectors and ports. 5. Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable (1m) – Best 240W PD Thunderbolt 4 cable Pros 240W Power Delivery 40Gbps data transfer 8K monitor support Robust braided design Cons Short Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: $39.99 at Amazon$39.99 at B&H$39.99 at Satechi Charging: 240W Data transfer speed: 40Gbps Monitor support: 8K Cable length: 3.3ft (1m) Colors: Black To connect your 16-inch MacBook to a Thunderbolt 4 docking station, you need both top data bandwidth and as much charging power as a cable can support—so you need a cable that supports both 240W and 40Gbps data transfer. 240W, 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 cable doesn’t yet come in anything longer than a meter (3.3ft). Both power and data speed are reduced as the cable gets longer. Active Thunderbolt cables help by pushing the data further but for now have the dual benefits of supercharging and fast. data transfer means you’ll need to keep your Mac close by. While it supports 240W device charging, Apple has capped its 16-inch MacBook Pro to fast-charge using only its own expensive USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable. We still recommend a 240W PD 3.1 cable as you want the best if you own the top-of-the-range Apple laptop. 6. Plugable TBT4-240W-80CMR – Best right-angled Thunderbolt 4 cable Pros 240W Power Delivery 40Gbps data transfer 8K monitor support Right angled Price When Reviewed: $29.95 Best Prices Today: $29.95 at Amazon Charging: 240W Data transfer speed: 40Gbps Monitor support: 8K Cable length: 2.6ft (0.8m) Colors: Black Sometimes a cable plays hard to fit in tight spaces, and only a cunningly right-angled connector head will do the job. If that’s the case, then this is the most powerful and fastest right-angled Thunderbolt 4 cable that money can buy. It will work at up to 240W, and as a Thunderbolt 4 cable of course offers 40Gbps data-transfer speeds. As mentioned above, Apple demands you use its own MagSafe power cable if you want to utilize PD 3.1 at 140W for its 16-inch MacBook Pro. FAQ 1. Which USB-C cable do I need to connect to a USB-C monitor DisplayPort Alternate Mode is a feature available to USB-C that handles video as if the USB-C cable was a DisplayPort cable. USB-C monitors can therefore connect directly to your laptop or via a USB-C hub or USB-C or Thunderbolt dock. However, not every USB-C cable supports video transfer so you need to choose the right type of cable. If your external display supports a direct USB-C connection, look for a cable that has at least a data-transfer rate of 5Gbps for 4K at 60Hz or 10Gbps for 6K. For 8K we recommend you use a 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 cable. The higher the bandwidth, the less risk of signal degradation. Consider cable length, too. While compression technologies should kick in, the longer your cable, the more the signal can degrade so opt for as short a cable as you require when connecting from your MacBook or dock to a USB-C monitor. A fully featured C-to-C cable that is 1 meter or shorter will work just fine for 95% of what people need. The Cable Matters 10Gbps/100W 1m USB-C Cable is a recommended solution. If you need a longer cable, a 2m Thunderbolt 4 cable, such as the Cable Matters 2m Thunderbolt 4 cable. Some USB-C monitors can provide between 65W to 90W of power back to the laptop, so ensure your USB-C cable supports at least 100W if you want to use your USB-C monitor to power your laptop. Accessories, Computer Accessories, Mobile Phone Accessories, Mobile Phone Chargers, Power08:00 amGear up for solo travel adventures with the Mymanu CLIK S translation earbuds, now $90
Macworld Ready to travel on your own but not comfortable with your grasp of your destination’s local language? You can make language barriers disappear with a pair of translation earbuds. With the ability to translate 37 different languages to eliminate language gaps, the Mymanu CLIK S could become your new travel best friend. Through April 21, they’re on sale for only $89.97 (reg. $157) These translation earbuds earned the 2019 CES Innovation Award and a Red Dot Award for their ruggedness and ease of use. When connected to the MyJuno app, you can translate audio of spoken language in 37 languages and have written text read to you. Whether you’re immersing yourself in the language or just need a little help asking for directions on a trip, the CLIK S frees you to travel solo with confidence. When you’re not translating, you can use the CLIK S’s AptX® to enjoy high quality audio with low latency. They’re designed to handle the rigors of travel, boasting a water-resistant construction and compatibility with iOS and Android devices. The charging case gives you up to 30 hours of battery life, and you can use your voice assistant by pressing and holding. Grab the Mymanu CLIK S Translation Earbuds for just $89.97 through April 21 at 11:59 PM Pacific. Mymanu CLIK S: Award-Winning Translation Earbuds Only $89.97 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Accessories02:23 amiPhone 16 Pro: Four new camera features coming this year
The iPhone 16 Pro lineup will bring new features such as larger displays, a dedicated Capture button, and more. We’re also expecting multiple noticeable improvements to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max camera hardware. Here are four things to look forward to this year… more…01:19 amThe Anker Prime 67W 3-Port Charger is $21 Off
A multi-purpose charger could be just what you need for your work at home or office setup. Today, the Anker Prime 67W 3-Port Charger is down to just $44.99 from its original price of $65.99 on Amazon. Boasting a total 67 wattage power, the Anker Prime can deliver sufficient juice to nearly all your devices, […] The post appeared first on iLounge.01:18 amNHL and NBA Playoffs arrive on Apple Sports app
Apple recently updated its Sports app for iOS to include the NHL and NBA playoffs. Fans can now ‘follow every matchup with added details on each series and more’ with the update, which can be now done by going to the App Store. The first round for both the NHL and NBA is set to […] The post appeared first on iLounge.01:15 amX planning to adopt a per-action fee
Social media platform X might be planning a ‘per action’ fee in the near future, according to its CEO Elon Musk. In the X Daily News, a post said that text strings have been updated for a small annual fee required to access the social media platform. Elon Musk, X CEO, said that the new […] The post appeared first on iLounge.