New iPad Pro review roundup: impressive performance held back by iPadOS
The initial reviews of Apple's new iPad Pro have arrived, with the impressive Tandem OLED screen and the upgrade to M4 catching the most attention from reviewers.The 13-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro with M4Before the release of many major products, Apple offers select numbers of reviewers some pre-release access. With the release to the public imminent, those hands-on opinion pieces are starting to get published.The update to the iPad Pro is an important one for Apple. It's been well over a year since there have been any real iPad range updates, making any changes to the iPad Pro crucial to the product line. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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First M4 iPad Pro reviews praise OLED display but criticize price and software
Apple last week announced a , which is now available for pre-order. While the company says the new iPads will be officially launched on Wednesday, May 15, the press has already got their hands on the new iPad – and the first reviews praise the new OLED display but at the same time criticize things like price and software. more…

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New iPad Air review roundup: Screen and Apple Pencil Pro are standouts
The first reviews of the iPad Air are in, and while there is a lot of focus on how there's now a larger-screen version, all also wonder how this will affect sales of the iPad Pro.The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad AirIt doesn't seem possible to review any iPad without reference to others, so every review also talks about where the iPad Air fits into the lineup. That's particularly since Apple's new range smooths out some of its previous overlaps and tries to make clear distinctions between the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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New iPad Air review roundup: Screen and Apple Pencil Pro are standouts
The first reviews of the iPad Air are in, and while there is a lot of focus on how there's now a larger-screen version, all also wonder how this will affect sales of the iPad Pro.The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad AirIt doesn't seem possible to review any iPad without reference to others, so every review also talks about where the iPad Air fits into the lineup. That's particularly since Apple's new range smooths out some of its previous overlaps and tries to make clear distinctions between the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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New iPad Air review roundup: Screen and Apple Pencil Pro are standouts
The first reviews of the iPad Air are in, and while there is a lot of focus on how there's now a larger-screen version, all also wonder how this will affect sales of the iPad Pro.The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad AirIt doesn't seem possible to review any iPad without reference to others, so every review also talks about where the iPad Air fits into the lineup. That's particularly since Apple's new range smooths out some of its previous overlaps and tries to make clear distinctions between the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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New iPad Air review roundup: Screen and Apple Pencil Pro are standouts
The first reviews of the iPad Air are in, and while there is a lot of focus on how there's now a larger-screen version, all also wonder how this will affect sales of the iPad Pro.The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad AirIt doesn't seem possible to review any iPad without reference to others, so every review also talks about where the iPad Air fits into the lineup. That's particularly since Apple's new range smooths out some of its previous overlaps and tries to make clear distinctions between the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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OpenAI announces new Mac app and improved ChatGPT-4o model for all
Macworld The AI race is in full swing, and OpenAI just fired its latest salvo with its “Spring Update” announcements. The most significant new part is a new model, ChatGPT-4o (the “o” stands for “omni”), which is faster and smarter with better multi-model capabilities, and importantly, available to all users, not just those who subscribe. In addition, there are new tools for developers, a new GPT Store to more easily find customized GPTs, and crucially, a new Mac app (a Windows app will come later this year). ChatGPT-4o The focus of GPT-4o seems to be on making it easier to use for more people, but it is still OpenAI’s most capable AI product yet. Benchmarks from the company show industry-leading performance on text evaluation, automatic speech recognition, visual understanding, and more. Voice generation is improved with a more natural sound, more emotion, and the ability to do things like sing, be sarcastic, make jokes, and more. ChatGPT-4o delivers slightly better benchmarks than earlier versions of ChatGPT 4. ChatGPT-4o delivers slightly better benchmarks than earlier versions of ChatGPT 4.OpenAI ChatGPT-4o delivers slightly better benchmarks than earlier versions of ChatGPT 4.OpenAI OpenAI ChatGPT now works in over 50 languages; the 4o model now processes text, vision, and audio inputs across a single model which makes it both faster and more easily able to combine data from various inputs in the same conversation. It can serve as an auto-translator between two languages or translate the image of a menu in a foreign language. OpenAI claims a big improvement in visual understanding and world-leading benchmark performance. OpenAI claims a big improvement in visual understanding and world-leading benchmark performance.OpenAI OpenAI claims a big improvement in visual understanding and world-leading benchmark performance.OpenAI OpenAI You can see more about the improvements and capabilities of ChatGPT-4o on OpenAI’s site. ChatGPT on your Mac Perhaps most interesting for Macworld readers is that OpenAI is finally moving its ChatGPT app beyond the iPhone and iPad. Starting today, the company is rolling out access to its new Mac app to Plus subscribers ($20 per month); free users will get access in the coming weeks, and a Windows app is coming later this year. The app will provide a simple keyboard shortcut (Option + Space) to summon ChatGPT and ask it a question, and you can quickly supply images or take screenshots of apps to have ChatGPT help you with what it “sees.” Voice conversations will be available using the existing Voice Mode, with the new audio and video capabilities of ChatGPT-4o coming shortly. The app also sports a streamlined interface with quicker access to past apps and a new ChatGPT Store that makes it easier to browse and find (free) customized GPTs that users and developers have built upon the ChatGPT platform. OpenAI OpenAI OpenAI The ChatGPT Mac app started to roll out today and is not yet available in the Mac App Store or on OpenAI’s site at the time of this writing. Mac, Mobile Apps

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iOS 17.5 Adds Cross-Platform Location Tracking Alerts
Apple has released a large set of operating system updates, including iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, macOS 14.5 Sonoma, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, HomePod Software 17.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.7, macOS Monterey 12.7.5, iOS 16.7.8, and iPadOS 16.7.8. New features include alerts for Android-paired tracking devices moving with you and a new game and leaderboard for Apple News+ subscribers.

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iOS 17.5: Here’s how to find the new ‘Quartiles’ game
One of the updates with iOS 17.5 is a new, original word game from Apple called “Quartiles.” However, it’s not part of Apple Arcade and is actually found in the News app. Here’s how to find and play Quartiles in iOS 17.5. more…

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Vision Pro should go on sale outside US soon
The wait to get Apple Vision Pro is apparently nearly over for lucky consumers in Europe and Asia. Broader availability could come in summer. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple releases macOS Sonoma 14.5, iPadOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, and HomePod Software 17.5
Apple on Monday released macOS Sonoma 14.5, iPadOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, and HomePod Software 17.5… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Do You Use It? macOS Versioning Sees Low Awareness and Adoption
The results of our poll asking how often you use macOS’s versioning feature show that nearly three-quarters of TidBITS readers either never use versioning or don’t even know what it is. But versioning could save you from losing work—it’s worth trying.

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Our favorite new covers and keyboard cases for Apple’s M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air
Some of the best M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air cases have arrived and we are here to take a closer look. Apple’s M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air are just days away from being loaded up and shipped across the country, and now it’s time to look at some accessories for them. Pre-order deals have already arrived on both the M4 Pro and Apple’s latest-generation iPad Air, not to mention a slight price drop on its new for the M4 pro-grade tablet, but some of our favorite brands have now unleashed their latest offerings as well. From the best leather M4 iPad Pro covers (Burton Goods we are looking at you), to the latest premium DODOcase models, keyboard models from Logitech, and the first first-party magnetic Smart Folios, some of the best cases, covers, and keyboards are here with more to come soon. Head below for our roundup of the best M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air cases.  more…

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Save up to $50 on new M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air
Don't miss these deals on the newest iPads: Save big on the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air with discounts on various configurations. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple asks U.S. court to dismiss ‘implausible’ lawsuit alleging iCloud monopoly
Apple is asking a San Jose, California federal judge on Friday to dismiss a proposed consumer class-action lawsuit claiming the company… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iOS 17.5 is now available: Here’s everything you need to know
9to5Mac is supported by Incogni: Keep Your Private Data Off The Dark Web with Incogni. Help protect yourself from identity theft, scams, and spam calls. Use the code “Apple55” for -55% off the annual plan. Apple has officially released iOS 17.5 with developers to the general public. The update brings a handful of new features and changes for iPhone users. Head below for everything we know right now. more…

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Here’s how the new Cross-Platform Tracking Detection works in iOS 17.5 works
Apple on Monday released iOS 17.5 to iPhone users. The update brings some new features to Apple News+ and also introduces Cross-Platform Tracking Detection – an anti-stalking feature announced last year in partnership with Google. Read on as we detail what this means and what changes now. more…

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Denon speakers can now invoke Siri, but only if you have a HomePod too
When it comes to smart assistant availability, Apple has taken a vastly different approach with Siri than Amazon has with Alexa. Whereas the latter assistant can come baked into a variety of non-Amazon smart devices, Apple has largely restricted Siri to its own first-party products. One exception came in late 2021 when ecobee added support for Siri in its SmartThermostat. Now, three years later, a second product has received Siri integration. more…

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Here’s what’s new in the macOS 14.5 update for your Mac
Macworld Less than a month ahead of WWDC, Apple has released macOS Sonoma 14.5 update to all compatible Macs, likely the last update before we get our first look at macOS 15. There are a few new features in the update but it’s mainly filled with performance and security fixes. macOS 14.5: Release notes Apple’s release notes for macOS Sonoma 14.5 state that the update includes the following improvements and bug fixes: Quartiles is a new and original daily word game that is now available in Apple News+ Scoreboard in News+ Puzzles gives you access to new player data for Crossword, Mini Crossword and Quartiles, including stats and streaks Apple notes that some features may not be available for all regions or Macs. macOS 14.5: New features The only known new features for macOS 14.5 are for News+ subscribers. There is a new game called Quartiles that joins the Crossword and Crossword mini games in the Puzzles section. The iOS 17.5 update also includes a new Scoreboard that shows stats and streaks as well as an offline mode that still gives you access to the Today feed and News+ tab when you don’t have an internet connection, so it’s likely the macOS update 14.5 includes those features as well. macOS 14.5: Bug fixes and security updates The Sonoma 14.5 update includes nearly two dozen security patches, including several that may lead to arbitrary code execution. Additionally, Apple has also fixed the following issues that affected some users: Users might not be able to approve or decline a FaceTime link call because notifications might not be received on the caller side for them to accept or decline the call. macOS might launch the wrong version for (Designed for iPad) apps after double clicking the icon or after building from Xcode. macOS 14.5: How to install the update Here’s how to install the update on your Mac: Go to System Settings Go to the General tab, then Software Update. Tap Update Now next to macOS 14.5 Follow the onscreen prompts Restart your Mac MacOS

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Denon adds Siri functionality to its lineup of smart speakers
You can now use Siri on select Denon Home Series speakers — provided you already have a HomePod in your house.The Denon Home Sound Bar 550Denon, a company known for its wireless receivers and smart speakers, has quietly rolled out a feature that allows you to control Siri on select smart speakers. This includes the Denon Home Soundbar 550, which also features support for Dolby Atmos.Like the EcoBee Smart Thermostat lineup, you still need to have a HomePod or HomePod mini added to your Home network. Because Siri is only available on first-party Apple devices, Denon's speakers are only relaying the information to the Apple speakers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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