Senators press Tim Cook and ‘Big Tech’ on million dollar donations to Trump fund amid ‘corruption’ concerns
U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bennet have formally asked Apple CEO Tim Cook and other “Big Tech” leaders to respond to questions regarding their million dollar donations to the Trump inauguration fund. Getting straight to the point: more…

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Instagram just gave Reels two new features ahead of imminent TikTok ban
In a complete coincidence of timing, Instagram just announced two new features launching for Reels in the US starting today. Here are the details. more…

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Apple to stream Jan. 30 ‘FireAid’ benefit concert featuring Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Joni Mitchell, and more
FireAid, a Jan. 30 benefit concert for fire relief efforts in Los Angeles, announced its lineup Thursday. Billie Eilish & Finneas, Lady Gaga… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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This 20k Anker power bank has a 100W charging dock and is 41% off right now
Macworld One of the best things you can get for your Apple gear is a power bank that will not only keep your iPhone powered up but also your MacBook. This 20,000mAh Anker portable charger can be just what you need. Since it’s 40 percent off right now, you can get it for a mere $110 at Amazon, matching the best price we’ve ever seen. This portable device has enough power to charge any of your favorite gadgets. There are three ports you can use, two of them being type-C and one type-A. The USB-C ports are the ones where you can achieve a maximum output of 100W, so that’s what you should pick if you want a fast recharge or to keep your laptop alive for a little longer. This Anker model also has with a digital display where you can check out real-time information about the battery levels or the charging status. If you’re going to charge three devices at once, the main type-C port will still pump out 100W of juice while the other USB-C and USB-A ports send 60W and 40W, respectively. The power bank comes with a base you can keep on your desk, which looks great and allows 100W high-speed recharging. We loved the 250W model we tested but quibbled a bit with the price—but this deal takes care of that. So if you’ve been looking for a portable power bank, this Anker Prime power bank for $110 is a perfect option. We don’t know how long this deal will be around, so we suggest not sleeping on this decision. Get this 20,000mAh power bankBuy now at Amazon

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Apple will stream star-studded FireAid Benefit Concert
Apple will stream a star-studded FireAid Benefit Concert for Los Angeles on January 22, with Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga and many others. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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HomePod with a large screen still set to launch in 2025
Apple reportedly picked the companies to supply the display for a screen-equipped HomePod now in development. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Deals: M3 MacBook Air up to $450 off original prices, USB-C AirPods Max best deal ever, iPhone 15 Pro $469 off, more
Holiday-worthy iPad mini 7 deals roll on, but today we are focused on AirPods and MacBooks. First and foremost, the latest USB-C AirPods Max are now down at the best price ever with $99 in savings on all color options. That offer was ushered in by a notable new 4-day Best Buy sale event, but we have also spotted some of the lowest prices ever on the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air configs – they are now $250 off the new regular prices and $450 off the sticker price before the RAM upgrade. Those deals join iPhone 15 Pro, some Find My gear, and charging accessories too. Check it all out below.  more…

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US senators question big tech, including Apple, on the reason behind inauguration donations
Apple may not have donated directly, but CEO Tim Cook joined other big tech companies in donating $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund, and senators have concerns about corruption.Apple didn't donate to the inauguration directly. Image source: AppleIt's been no secret that tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon are concerned about how the incoming administration will view so-called "big tech." Many major tech companies have contributed at least $1 million to the Trump inauguration fund, and many CEOs and billionaires will be present, which is a departure from previous inaugurations.According to a report from The Verge, the significance of unusually large donations for this presidency isn't lost on US Senator Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bennet. They question the motive behind the donations and worry that it is a sign of corruption. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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∞ The Dalrymple Report: Laundry tag decoder, Severance, and voice phishing
Did you know that your iPhone has a laundry tag decoder built-in? Me neither, but Dave found it and shows us how it works. With the new season of Severance here, Apple did one of the most remarkable campaigns to a TV show ever. We often talk about security and scammers on this show, but it has hit a new level of sophistication and it is truly scary. Follow this podcast Brought to you by: LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Did you know every week, nearly 40 million job seekers visit LinkedIn? Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/DALRYMPLE. Terms and conditions apply. Show Notes: Nintendo Switch 2 announced Chip, Skip, and Trip Apple Promotes Severance Season 2 Premiere With Lumon Industries Pop-Up and Visits From Actors Apple and “voice phishing” Shows and movies we're watching Cross, Amazon Prime Love The Bridge, AMC+ No country for old men, Paramount+ The Pitt, Max

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M2 MacBook Air takes off like rocket with 3 external displays [Setups]
A stout Ugreen Revodok connects multiple displays in today's M2 MacBook Air setup, which flies high with a Lego Saturn V rocket! (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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TikTok loses Supreme Court battle to stop U.S. ban
The Supreme Court upheld a U.S. law that bans TikTok on January 19th unless it is sold to an owner not controlled by a foreign adversary… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Today in Apple history: Mac’s ‘1984’ ad debuts in theaters
On January 17, 1984, Apple's iconic "1984" Mac ad debuted as a trailer in U.S. cinemas. It was a watershed moment in Apple advertising. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Today in Apple history: Mac’s ‘1984’ ad debuts in theaters
On January 17, 1984, Apple's iconic "1984" Mac commercial debuted as a trailer in U.S. cinemas. The "1984" ad was a watershed moment. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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9to5Mac Daily: January 17, 2025 – Apple Intelligence changes in iOS 18.3
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by CardPointers: The best way to maximize your credit card rewards. 9to5Mac Daily listeners can exclusively save 30% and get a $100 Savings Card. more…

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iPhone 17 line might get key hardware change to boost Apple Intelligence performance
Apple Intelligence is in its early stages, but it’s already leading to big changes in Apple hardware such as increased RAM and chip upgrades. Now, a new rumor indicates another key hardware change is coming to the full iPhone 17 lineup that will help with AI. more…

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TikTok ban set to go into effect on Sunday as Supreme Court upholds law
TikTok’s last-ditch effort to avoid its impending ban in the United States has failed. On Friday, the US Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law that forces ByteDance to sell TikTok or else face a ban in the United States. Perhaps the largest unknown right now is how the impending transition from the Biden administration to the Trump administration will impact the ban. Updated January 17, 2025 at 10:51 am ET with new statement from the Biden administration below. more…

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AirPods Max with USB-C plunge to record low $449.99 at Amazon
Amazon's AirPods Max sale delivers a $100 discount on the latest USB-C model, reflecting the lowest price on record as the retailer engages in a weekend price war with Best Buy.Get Apple's latest AirPods Max with USB-C for $449.99.Save $100 on Apple's latest AirPods Max over-ear headphones with USB-C charging at Amazon this weekend, bringing the price down to $449.99. Inventory is limited so it's recommended to order early for the best shipping date. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple to stream FireAid concert, prompts users to donate to relief efforts
As wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, Apple continues to rally support for victims by prompting users for donations, as well as streaming the upcoming LA wildfire relief concert.Apple prompts users to donate to Southern California fire relief effortsIn an effort to raise awareness and money for the Southern California wildfires, Apple will join other major streaming services in streaming upcoming FireAid benefit concert. The concert is set to take place on January 30 at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET and will be held at both the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum.FireAid's benefit concert will feature the following acts: Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple expands its India retail presence with Apple Store app
Apple has finally introduced the Apple Store in India, which now provides users with customization options and the ability to buy from Apple directly via the app.Apple Store app - Image Credit: AppleApple has been quickly expanding its presence in India, both in terms of manufacturing and in retail. Now, it has moved to the next step of retail, by launching the Apple Store app in the country.The app, downloadable from the App Store, lets users buy directly from Apple, like they would from the website or from a physical Apple Store location. Using the app, customers will be able to receive personalized recommendations for their shopping cart. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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‘It’s been a minute’ since we felt that Severance vertigo [Apple TV+ recap]
In our "Severance" season 2, episode 1 recap, we return to creepy Lumon Industries only to find it somehow even stranger than before. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple Watch saves man after crash plunges car into pool
Brent Hill survived a crash which ended with him trapped upside-down, submerged in his car in a pool, and he’s crediting his Apple Watch… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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There’s a ray of hope for Apple silicon Mac users who want to run Windows
Macworld For a large number of Mac users who are still on Intel-based Macs, there’s one very good reason why they’re not switching over to Apple silicon. They do a good amount of work that requires them to switch over to Windows, and Intel Macs are best suited for that. But a major breakthrough is in the works: the folks at Parallels have revealed a new proprietary emulation engine that allows for Intel-based virtual machines in Parallels Desktop 20.2. Using Parallels, users can run x86 versions of Windows 10 or 11, Windows Server 2019 or 2022, or Linux on an M-series Mac. The new feature is provided as a “technology preview” in Parallels Desktop 20.2, which means it’s very much a work in progress and has limitations. For example, it only works with 64-bit versions of the Windows operating system, though you can run 32-bit apps within those OSes. The company also says the “performance is slow–really slow,” with boot times ranging between two and seven minutes. USB devices aren’t supported yet, there’s no sound, and Windows updates may fail to install. Parallels has an article that details what you need to know about using x86 Windows emulation. Even with the limitations, Parallels’ emulation is a huge deal. The introduction of the M1 Mac in 2020 came with the inability to run x86 versions of Windows–it couldn’t be done through virtual machine software like Parallels, and Apple killed the Boot Camp feature that allows users to boot into Windows and run the OS natively on Mac hardware. Eventually, virtual machines were able to support Windows on ARM, but that’s not ideal in many situations for people who need to work in real Windows. The Standard Edition of Parallels Desktop for Mac is available as a $100/£100 per-year subscription, or as a one-time fee of $129.99/£129.99. The Pro Edition and Business Editions are subscription-only for $120/120 and $150/£150 per year, respectively. Student pricing is also available.

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Apple’s best chips won’t be US-manufactured per TSMC, here’s why
Apple has recently ramped up its US chip production in Arizona, but TSMC’s CEO says you shouldn’t expect the latest and greatest chips to be US-made any time soon. Here’s why. more…

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Say goodbye to outlet battles with this compact 200W charger
Keep your MacBook Pro, iPad and iPhone topped off with the powerful and portable Chargeasap Omega 200w high-speed GaN charger. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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FTC bans General Motors from selling driving data without permission, adding to case for CarPlay 2
The Federal Trade Commission has taken action against General Motors and OnStar for selling location and driving data from millions of GM car owners, allegedly without informed consent. This data was collected as frequently as every three seconds. Both companies have been banned from selling location and driving behavior data for a period of five years, and will need to ensure they disclose any future sharing plans, and obtain proper consent for it … more…

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iPhone 17 rumored to get much more powerful cooling system
Apple could add vapor chamber heat sinks to the iPhone 17 to help it run cooler and faster for longer.iPhone 16 Pro doesn't have vapor chambers. iPhone 17 might. A limiting factor for mobile devices is thermal management, as cooling the heat-generating chips is difficult in such a small volume. It's now claimed that Apple will be doing something about it in the next iPhone generation, using a technology already in use by rivals.According to a Fast Technology industry rumor picked up by MyDrivers on January 16, Apple is going to be using vapor chamber cooling on its iPhone 17 series. This will apparently be for both non-Pro and Pro models. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Parallels Desktop for Mac review: Parallels Desktop 20 bring AI features
Macworld At a GlanceExpert's Rating Pros Frequent updates and new features Good performance on multi-core Apple chips Slick, easy-to-use interface Powerful new AI features and tools for developers Cons Most editions require a subscription AI features not available in all editions Virtual machines require a lot of memory and processor power Windows On ARM is expensive Our Verdict Parallels Desktop is one of the best options for Mac users who need to run Windows, Linux – and even macOS – as a virtual machine on their Mac. Parallels Desktop 20 is an impressive upgrade, and a strong focus on developers and AI means it is now a powerful tool for developers on all platforms. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Retailer Price Parallels (1 year) $99.99 View Deal Parallels (Perpetual License) $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Price When ReviewedStandard – £89.99 annual subscription or £104.99 perpetual license; Pro – £99.99 annual subscription; Business – £119.99 annual subscription Best Prices Today: Parallels Desktop for Mac Retailer Price Parallels (1 year) $99.99 View Deal Parallels (Perpetual License) $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Mac is no longer dismissed as an insignificant niche market that struggles to compete with Microsoft Windows. But, even so, there are still times when many Mac users need to run apps and software that are only available for Windows PCs. Perhaps your employer uses particular business software that’s only available for Windows, or you may need to use a website that relies on some Windows-only technologies. Many developers need to test their apps and services on both Macs and PCs and, of course, there are all those A-List games that only run on Windows as well. It used to be easy to install Windows on Macs, thanks to Apple’s Boot Camp software and the fact that from 2006 to 2020 all Macs used the same Intel processors as Windows PCs. However, with the advent of M-series Macs, Boot Camp is no more, so if you want to run Windows on a Mac you need to consider one of the various virtualization options that we feature in our round-up of the Best Virtual Machine software for Mac. The advent of Apple’s own chips, aka Apple Silicon, also means that the standard version of Windows, designed for X-86 chips, won’t run on Arm-based chips like Apple’s M-series. If you want to run Windows on an M-series Mac you need the Arm version of Windows.  Our top solution for running Windows on a Mac is Parallels Desktop. Read on to find out why.  What is Parallels Desktop for Mac  Parallels Desktop is referred to as a virtualization program, because it allows you to create a virtual machine on your Mac – sometimes known as a VM – which is essentially a piece of software that simulates the physical hardware of a Windows PC (process also known as emulation) and lets you run Windows on your Mac.   One of the benefits of a solution like Parallels Desktop is it allows you to run Mac and Windows apps side by side, without having to reboot your Mac to switch between the macOS and Windows (which you had to do with Boot Camp). Screenshot Foundry Parallels gives you a lot of control over how you integrate Windows on your Mac. You could choose to keep Windows and macOS completely separate, with a full Windows desktop window floating on the Mac desktop, or the Windows VM can be expanded to full-screen size to hide the Mac desktop. But you can also use Coherence mode to run your Windows apps on your Mac so that they integrate fully with your Mac apps–you can even add them to your Dock. You can run more than Windows as a VM on your Mac with Parallels Desktop. You can create a VM that runs Linux, or even a VM that runs a different version of macOS itself. This can be useful for developers who need to test a website or an app on different versions of the macOS, although it’s currently only possible to create VMs that run Monterey (macOS 12.0) or later on Macs with Apple Silicon. However, Intel-based Macs can go right back to Mac OS X 10.7 Lion–we have the details of how to find old version of macOS here. Another useful feature of Parallels is Rollback mode, which lets you run Windows (or Linux, or macOS) like a kiosk. What this means is that nothing is saved and after you have finished working and restart the computer the VM will return return to it’s original state, this is perfect for developers who can experiment and then return to a clean slate. Parallels also makes installing Windows really easy. Since Parallels Desktop version 18 it has been possible to download and buy the ARM version of Windows 11 directly within Parallels. You do need to buy a license for the ARM version of Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise in order to create a Windows VM on Macs with Apple Silicon processors – unfortunately, the less expensive Home edition isn’t supported – although it’s also possible to use an existing license if you have one available. Microsoft doesn’t differentiate between Windows On Intel and Windows On Arm, so a Windows 11 license can be used for either version. This is a big deal because the Arm version of Windows isn’t normally licensed to individual users. Fortunately, Parallels has worked closely with Microsoft to simplify the process of creating VMs that use the ARM version of Windows. Just select the File/New command to create a new VM (or press the ‘+’ button in the program’s main Control Centre window) and it will present you with a big button labeled: Get Windows 11 From Microsoft.  Windows 11 On ARM allows you to run most older software and apps that were originally written for the Intel version of Windows, so you shouldn’t have any compatibility problems when running virtual machines that use Windows On ARM. Older Intel-based Macs can still run Windows 10 via Parallels, although older versions of Windows are no longer supported. Read our guide to How to use Parallels Desktop to run Windows on a Mac for more information.  Parallels Desktop system requirements  Since your Mac is effectively running two operating systems at the same time–the macOS and Windows–so you’ll need a reasonably fast Mac with plenty of memory, disk space and – above all – processor power in order to run your virtual machines efficiently.  Fortunately, modern multi-core processors like Apple’s M-series of chips can run routine apps such as the Windows versions of Microsoft Word or Excel using virtualization with no trouble at all, and faster Mac models can do a pretty good job running 3D games or high-end tools for design and graphics work. You do need plenty of memory to run the macOS and Windows alongside each other though. Parallels Desktop generally recommends a minimum of 1-2GB for each VM, but that really is the absolute minimum, and it’s in addition to the memory that your Mac needs just to run the macOS, so if you’ve got a Mac with just 8GB of memory then you’re not going to get the best possible performance when running Windows in a VM. Juggling memory and processor cores can be confusing for less experienced users, but Parallels Desktop can help by recommending settings that will be suitable for running different types of Windows apps and software. On high-end Macs, such as the Mac Studio, you can configure your virtual machines to use up to 62GB of memory and 18 CPU cores for improved performance. Unfortunately, Parallels informed us that the multiple GPU cores on Apple Silicon chips are controlled solely by the macOS itself, so Parallels doesn’t currently allow you to also specify the number of GPU cores used by your virtual machines. Parallels Desktop update: What’s in Parallels Desktop 20 for Mac? One other benefit is that Parallels Desktop has a regular update cycle of annual updates that generally coincide with Apple’s big updates to the macOS itself. Parallels also keeps up with the rapid development of Apple’s M-series processors. Speaking of regular updates, Parallels Desktop 20 arrived in September 2024, bringing support for macOS Sequoia and new features in that version of macOS.  Parallels 20 includes a number of new features that are only available to Mac’s running Sequoia. With Sequoia as your Mac’s main operating system – rather than just a guest running in a virtual machine – you now have the ability to sign into a Mac virtual machine (VM) using your Apple ID, which will allow you to use your Apple email and other Apple services. And it will be possible to use the Apple Intelligence-powered Writing Tools feature within Windows apps once that arrives on Macs later in 2024. See: Apple Intelligence FAQ: What it is, what it does, and when you’ll get it. Screenshot Foundry There are performance improvements when using Parallels’ file-sharing features to exchange files between your main Mac and your virtual machines. Macs with Apple Silicon also gain the ability to quickly save and restore ‘snapshots’ of your VMs so that you can make or discard changes to your VMs for testing purposes (although the snapshots feature was already available when running Parallels on Macs with Intel processors in the past). Parallels Desktop 20 is also compatible with the latest Windows 11 On Arm update – known as 24H2 – which has an improved Prism emulator that provides as much as 80% performance improvement when running some older Windows apps that were written for Intel processors. Prism is similar to Apple’s Rosetta, which allows old Mac apps that were written for Intel processors to run on modern Macs with Apple Silicon – and, strictly speaking, this is an improvement provided by Microsoft within Windows 11 24H2, but it still benefits Parallels users by speeding up older Windows apps running within your virtual machines.  Currently, Macs with Apple Silicon only have the ability to create virtual machines that run Windows 11 On Arm – a special version of Windows developed specifically for computers that use ARM processors (including Apple Silicon). However, Parallels informed us that it is working on an update for Parallels Desktop 20 that will also allow Macs with Apple Silicon to run the original Intel version of Windows. That will be useful for developers who want to work on both ARM and Intel platforms, and Parallels says that there will be a preview of this feature available for developers soon. Parallels Desktop version history Parallels Desktop 19 arrived in August 2023 and introduced a redesigned interface with windows and dialogue boxes that adopted the curved lines and candy colors of macOS. More serious eye candy also arrived with support for 3D graphics in Windows using OpenGL 4.1, improving compatibility and performance for some important graphics and design programs, such as ArcGIS Pro, VectorWorks and VariCAD. The 2023 update also brought Touch ID to Windows virtual machines, allowing users to sign in to a Windows VM using both Touch ID and a personal Microsoft account. Apple changed the printing system used in Sonoma, so Parallels Desktop 19 also introduced a new Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) to allow users to print documents from a virtual machine using their normal printer. Parallels Desktop 19.2 brought a faster option for cloning VMs. That’s useful for developers and professional users who may need to create multiple VMs based on an existing template. It also improved the ability to use Sign In With Apple to sign in to a Parallels account using hardware security keys that users may have created on their Mac. The introduction of Sonoma changed the way the macOS handles Windows disk formats, causing some VMs to become unstable when running from an external hard drive or SSD, so version 19.2 also fixed this problem to improve the stability of VMs on external drives. And, in March 2024, the program was updated to version 19.3. This fixed graphics problems that had affected a number of well-known Windows games, such as Dark Souls II and Genshin Impact. Gamers should be aware, though, that (at the time of writing) Parallels is still working on support for Microsoft’s DirectX 12 graphics software, and Parallels Desktop is still limited to games that use DirectX 11. Parallels Desktop Pro vs Standard, Business vs Enterprise Parallels Desktop has traditionally been available in three separate versions, with the Standard Edition designed for home users and education, the Pro Edition for developers, and the Business Edition for corporate users. However, 2024 sees the arrival of a new Enterprise Edition, which is due for release ‘later this fall’ (with pricing available on request).  Features for developers Parallels states that it is seeing more and more Mac users running the macOS as a guest operating system on a VM, especially developers who need to test their apps with different versions of the macOS.  Parallels therefore supplies configuration options when creating VMs that run the macOS, providing greater freedom to configure the number of processors and the amount of memory used. Developers get a command-line interface to speed up testing, advanced networking features, and the ability to share folders and volumes between different versions of the macOS. There’s even some TLC for Linux users, with improved handling of Mac trackpads, and faster installation for the popular Ubuntu version of Linux. The version 20 update to Parallels Desktop Pro brings an assortment of new features for developers including the Parallels AI Package (available in all editions, apart from Standard). This will allow developers to create a ready-made virtual machine that includes 14 different sets of AI tools, along with code samples and instructions. It’s even possible to use ordinary language commands – such as “Parallels, start my Windows 11 VM”. These tools are designed to help all developers, including students and smaller teams, so that they can start experimenting with AI quickly and easily. There is also improved support for Microsoft’s Visual Studio development tools, which now includes the use of Microsoft’s CoPilot AI features within Windows. (www.parallels.com/products/desktop/ai/) Version 19 brought several new features specifically aimed at developers including an extension for using Visual Studio code that makes it easier to organize and use multiple VMs, and improved support for creating VMs that run different versions of macOS. As we mentioned above, Parallels has confirmed it is working on a feature that will also allow Macs with Apple Silicon to run the original Intel version of Windows. This will be a breakthrough for developers who want to work on both ARM and Intel platforms.  Features for businesses  Foundry The Business Edition of Parallels Desktop includes several features to help IT departments in large organizations quickly roll out Parallels virtual machines to multiple users. There are improved security features, and, since version 19, those with the Business edition of Parallels Desktop can use their VMs with corporate management systems such as Hashicorp Packer and Microsoft’s InTune. The Enterprise Edition, coming later in 2024, will include a Management Portal that makes it easier to install and manage virtual machines for large numbers of users within an organisation. This Edition will also provide SOC Type 2 reports, which are used to maintain security standards within large organisations. Features for gamers Foundry Gamers who want to run Windows games on a Mac can do so via Parallels Desktop, and are able to use game controllers with those games.  There has been support for DirectX 11 since Parallels Desktop 15. There is no DirectX 12 support yet.  Version 4.1 of OpenGL is also supposed.  Parallels Desktop for Mac pricing  Parallels Desktop is available in three different editions: Standard, Pro and Business. The Standard edition is mainly aimed at home and educational users and costs $99.99/£89.99 per year, with additional discounts also available for students and education users. That annual subscription fee includes any new versions and updates that may be released in the future. It’s also possible to buy the standard edition with a perpetual license for a one-time fee of $129.99/£104.99 (although you’ll have to pay extra for future upgrades). The Pro edition, which is mainly aimed at developers, is only available as a subscription, costing $119.99/£99.99 (currently reduced to $/£74.99) annually, while the Business edition for larger organizations also requires a subscription and costs $149.99/£119.99 per year (currently reduced to $/£89.99).  Pricing for the forthcoming Enterprise Edition is available from Parallels on request. It’s worth mentioning that there’s also a version of Parallels Desktop that is sold on the Mac App Store–however, Apple imposes some serious technical limitations on this version so it’s probably best to buy Parallels Desktop directly from Parallels itself. Parallels Desktop for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: Standard – £89.99 annual subscription or £104.99 perpetual license; Pro – £99.99 annual subscription; Business – £119.99 annual subscription Best Prices Today: $99.99 at Parallels (1 year) | $129.99 at Parallels (Perpetual License) Can you use Parallels for Mac for free? The Parallels website offers a 14-day free trial so that you can see how Parallels Desktop works before buying the full version. Just remember that you do still need to buy a license for Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, which starts at a rather hefty $199.99/£219.99. Can you use Parallels Desktop on more than one Mac?  To use Parallels desktop on two or more Macs you will need to buy additional licenses. If you are just moving to a new Mac you can uninstall the software on the first Mac and install it on the new Mac.  Should You Buy Parallels Desktop? Parallels isn’t the only option available for running Windows on a Mac, but its constant cycle of regular updates has ensured that it continues to outpace rival virtualization programs, such as VMWare Fusion. It’s also more straightforward to use than alternative technologies, such as CrossOver from Codeweavers.  Parallels keeps up with the latest developments on Macs with Apple Silicon to ensure that it remains one of the best options currently available for running Windows and Windows software on a Mac. Should you update to Parallels Desktop 20?  The strong focus on developers in this version means that Parallels Desktop 20 may not be an essential upgrade for ordinary home users and small businesses. However, it remains the best virtualization option for any Mac user who needs to run Windows – or Linux – apps on their Mac.

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TSMC says Arizona plant unlikely to get latest chip tech before Taiwan due to red tape
The CEO of major Apple supplier TSMC says that complex compliance issues, local construction regulations, and extensive permitting red tape… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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EarFun OpenJump earbuds: Your budget-friendly fitness pal [Review] ★★★★☆
Our EarFun OpenJump earbuds review finds they aren't fancy, but they bring lasting comfort, solid sound and good value to your workouts. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Verizon price raises of up to $15 per month hit some plans
Some smartphone users are being welcomed into the new year with Verizon price raises of up to $15 per month on multi-line plans … more…

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Chinese Innovations Spawn Wave of Toll Phishing Via SMS
Residents across the United States are being inundated with text messages purporting to come from toll road operators like E-ZPass, warning that recipients face fines if a delinquent toll fee remains unpaid. Researchers say the surge in SMS spam coincides with new features added to a popular commercial phishing kit sold in China that makes it simple to set up convincing lures spoofing toll road operators in multiple U.S. states.

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Microsoft: Happy 2025. Here’s 161 Security Updates
Microsoft today unleashed updates to plug a whopping 161 security vulnerabilities in Windows and related software, including three "zero-day" weaknesses that are already under active attack. Redmond's inaugural Patch Tuesday of 2025 bundles more fixes than the company has shipped in one go since 2017.

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A Day in the Life of a Prolific Voice Phishing Crew
Besieged by scammers seeking to phish user accounts over the telephone, Apple and Google frequently caution that they will never reach out unbidden to users this way. However, new details about the internal operations of a prolific voice phishing gang show the group routinely abuses legitimate services at Apple and Google to force a variety of outbound communications to their users, including emails, automated phone calls and system-level messages sent to all signed-in devices.

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U.S. Army Soldier Arrested in AT&T, Verizon Extortions
Federal authorities have arrested and indicted a 20-year-old U.S. Army soldier on suspicion of being Kiberphant0m, a cybercriminal who has been selling and leaking sensitive customer call records stolen earlier this year from AT&T and Verizon. As first reported by KrebsOnSecurity last month, the accused is a communications specialist who was recently stationed in South Korea.

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Happy 15th Anniversary, KrebsOnSecurity!
KrebsOnSecurity.com turns 15 years old today! Maybe it's indelicate to celebrate the birthday of a cybercrime blog that mostly publishes bad news, but happily many of 2024's most engrossing security stories were about bad things happening to bad guys. It's also an occasion to note that despite my publishing fewer stories than ever this past year, we somehow managed to attract near record levels of readership (thank you!).

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Web Hacking Service ‘Araneida’ Tied to Turkish IT Firm
Cybercriminals are selling hundreds of thousands of credential sets stolen with the help of a cracked version of Acunetix, a powerful commercial web app vulnerability scanner, new research finds. The cracked software is being resold as a cloud-based attack tool by at least two different services, one of which KrebsOnSecurity traced to an information technology firm based in Turkey.

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Weekend Sale: 15-inch M3 MacBook Airs for $200-$250 off MSRP
Amazon has Apple's 15" M3 MacBook Airs on sale for $200-$250 off MSRP this weekend, starting at $1099. Shipping is free: - 15" M3 MacBook Air/8GB/256GB: $1099, $200 off MSRP - 15" M3 MacBook Air/8GB/512GB: $1249, $250 off MSRP - 15" M3 MacBook Air/16GB/512GB: $1449, $250 off MSRP These are the lowest prices available for new 15" MacBook Airs among the Apple retailers we track. Note that sale price may be dependent on color -- see their site for details. For the latest sales & prices, see our 15" MacBook Air Price Tracker.

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Apple restocks 27-inch 5K Studio Displays for up to $350 off MSRP, Certified Refurbished
Apple has restocked a full line of 27" 5K Studio Display models for up to $350 off MSRP, Certified Refurbished. Each display comes with Apple's one-year warranty and ships free. The following models are available: Tilt Adjustable Stand: - Studio Display (Standard glass): $1359 $240 off MSRP - Studio Display (Nano glass): $1609 $290 off MSRP Tilt & Height Adjustable Stand: - Studio Display (Standard glass): $1699 $300 off MSRP - Studio Display (Nano glass): $1949 $350 off MSRP According the Apple, “You will receive a “like new” device with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Every device will come with all accessories, cables and operating systems. All Apple Certified Refurbished products are packaged in a brand new white box and will be sent to you with free shipping and returns.” Their prices are the lowest available for Studio Displays among the retailers we track. For the latest prices and sales, see our Studio Display Price Tracker, updated daily.

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B&H has 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pros on sale for $350-$400 off MSRP
B&H Photo is offering a $350-$400 discount on new 16-inch MacBook Pros with M4 Max CPUs right now. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/Black): $3149, $350 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB/Black): $3599, $400 off MSRP Their prices are the lowest available today for new 16" M4 Max MacBook Pros among the Apple retailers we track. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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B&H has 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pros on sale for $350-$400 off MSRP
B&H Photo is offering a $350-$400 discount on new 16-inch MacBook Pros with M4 Max CPUs right now. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/Black): $3149, $350 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB/Black): $3599, $400 off MSRP Their prices are the lowest available today for new 16" M4 Max MacBook Pros among the Apple retailers we track. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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B&H has 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pros on sale for $350-$400 off MSRP
B&H Photo is offering a $350-$400 discount on new 16-inch MacBook Pros with M4 Max CPUs right now. B&H offers free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses: - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (36GB/1TB/Black): $3149, $350 off MSRP - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pro (48GB/1TB/Black): $3599, $400 off MSRP Their prices are the lowest available today for new 16" M4 Max MacBook Pros among the Apple retailers we track. For the latest sales and prices, keep an eye on our 16-inch MacBook Pro Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Snag a 13-inch 16GB M2 MacBook Air for only $799 today
Amazon has Apple 13" MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 16GB of RAM on sale for $200 off MSRP, only $799. Their prices are the lowest currently available for these recently upgraded 13" M2 MacBook Airs. Shipping is free: - 13" M2 MacBook Air (16GB RAM/256GB SSD): $799 $200 off MSRP Best Buy has Apple 13" MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 16GB of RAM on sale for $200 off MSRP as well, only $799. Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Order online, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - 13" M2 MacBook Air (16GB RAM/256GB SSD): $799 $200 off MSRP For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Snag a 13-inch 16GB M2 MacBook Air for only $799 today
Amazon has Apple 13" MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 16GB of RAM on sale for $200 off MSRP, only $799. Their prices are the lowest currently available for these recently upgraded 13" M2 MacBook Airs. Shipping is free: - 13" M2 MacBook Air (16GB RAM/256GB SSD): $799 $200 off MSRP Best Buy has Apple 13" MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 16GB of RAM on sale for $200 off MSRP as well, only $799. Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Order online, and choose free shipping or free local store pickup (if available): - 13" M2 MacBook Air (16GB RAM/256GB SSD): $799 $200 off MSRP For the latest sales & prices, see our 13" MacBook Air Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Apple has 8th generation iPads in stock today for only $229
Apple has Certified Refurbished 8th-generation 10.2" WiFi iPads available on their online store for only $229 in Space Gray or Silver colors. An Apple one-year warranty is included with each iPad, outer cases are new, batteries are new, and shipping is free: - 8th-gen 10.2" 32GB WiFi iPad: $229 These iPads may not last very long, so check Apple's site for the very latest stock status. They are the cheapest iPads for sale today at Apple. Keep an eye on our iPad Price Tracker for the latest prices & sales from Apple and its resellers, updated daily.

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Here’s how to use your Education discount to take up to $300 off new MacBooks at Apple
Need a new Apple MacBook Air or MacBook Pro? If you're a student, teacher, or staff member at any educational institution, you can use your .edu email address when ordering at Apple Education to take up to $300 off the price of a new MacBook. Even parents of students can qualify. Education discounts are also available on most build-to-order options, such as extra RAM and more storage. Here are the Apple Education discounts on standard-configuration MacBooks: - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pros: from $2299, $200 off - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pros: from $3199, $300 off - 14" M4 MacBook Pros: from $1499, $100 off - 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pros: from $1849, $150-$200 off - 14" M4 Max MacBook Pros: from $2899, $300 off - 15" M3 MacBook Air/16GB/256GB: $1199, $100 off - 15" M3 MacBook Air/16GB/512GB: $1399, $100 off - 15" M3 MacBook Air/24GB/512GB: $1599, $100 off - 13" M3 MacBook Pro/16GB/256GB: $999, $100 off - 13" M3 MacBook Pro/16GB/512GB: $1199, $100 off - 13" M3 MacBook Pro/24GB/512GB: $1399, $100 off - 13" M2 MacBook Air/256GB: $899, $100 off Details at Apple Education. Not in the US? Click for the Canada store.

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Here’s how to use your Education discount to take up to $300 off new MacBooks at Apple
Need a new Apple MacBook Air or MacBook Pro? If you're a student, teacher, or staff member at any educational institution, you can use your .edu email address when ordering at Apple Education to take up to $300 off the price of a new MacBook. Even parents of students can qualify. Education discounts are also available on most build-to-order options, such as extra RAM and more storage. Here are the Apple Education discounts on standard-configuration MacBooks: - 16" M4 Pro MacBook Pros: from $2299, $200 off - 16" M4 Max MacBook Pros: from $3199, $300 off - 14" M4 MacBook Pros: from $1499, $100 off - 14" M4 Pro MacBook Pros: from $1849, $150-$200 off - 14" M4 Max MacBook Pros: from $2899, $300 off - 15" M3 MacBook Air/16GB/256GB: $1199, $100 off - 15" M3 MacBook Air/16GB/512GB: $1399, $100 off - 15" M3 MacBook Air/24GB/512GB: $1599, $100 off - 13" M3 MacBook Pro/16GB/256GB: $999, $100 off - 13" M3 MacBook Pro/16GB/512GB: $1199, $100 off - 13" M3 MacBook Pro/24GB/512GB: $1399, $100 off - 13" M2 MacBook Air/256GB: $899, $100 off Details at Apple Education. Not in the US? Click for the Canada store.

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Free iPhone 16 at Boost Mobile plus Unlimited service for $65 per month with Infinite Access
Boost Mobile, an MVNO using AT&T and T-Mobile's networks, is offering a free 128GB iPhone 16, 16 Plus, or 16 Pro including service with their Unlimited plan (30GB of premium data) for a total charge of $65 per month...their Infinite Access Plan. The per month charge includes a new iPhone every year, plus the Unlimited network access charge. No trade-in is required. iPhones with more storage are also available, but for a few dollars more per month. This deal is live today at Boost Mobile. For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our iPhone Price Tracker, updated daily.

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Free iPhone 16 at Boost Mobile plus Unlimited service for $65 per month with Infinite Access
Boost Mobile, an MVNO using AT&T and T-Mobile's networks, is offering a free 128GB iPhone 16, 16 Plus, or 16 Pro including service with their Unlimited plan (30GB of premium data) for a total charge of $65 per month...their Infinite Access Plan. The per month charge includes a new iPhone every year, plus the Unlimited network access charge. No trade-in is required. iPhones with more storage are also available, but for a few dollars more per month. This deal is live today at Boost Mobile. For the latest prices & sales, keep an eye on our iPhone Price Tracker, updated daily.

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