German Antitrust watchdog puts Apple’s redesigned iPhone app tracking pop-ups to the ultimate test
Germany's Federal Cartel Office (Bundeskartellamt) announced on Tuesday that it has launched a market test of Apple's proposed… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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These hidden iOS 26 features are actually useful [Video]
iOS 26 is easily the most significant visual overhaul we’ve seen on the iPhone in years. We got the new Liquid Glass UI, better Files systems, and a complete Camera app change. All the things that Apple showed off and highlighted. However, after using iOS 26 and iOS 26.1 for a few months, it seemed like Apple decided not to inform us about some of the best functional features, such as default audio input, camera enhancements, and even an update to the Alarm, which had remained unchanged for 20 years. So here are the best hidden iOS 26 features that Apple didn’t tell us about. more…

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India blinks: won't require Apple to preinstall a state app on iPhone
India's government has backtracked on its demand for Apple to preinstall a state-backed app onto the iPhone, after facing a predictable public backlash.A graphic Apple created for the launch of its online Apple Store in India in 2020 - Image credit: AppleOn November 28, the India Ministry of Communication issued a secret directive to Apple and other smartphone manufacturers, requiring the preinstallation of a government-backed app. Less than a week later, the order has been rescinded.The withdrawal on Wednesday means Apple doesn't have to preload the Sanchar Saathi app onto iPhones sold in the country, in a way that couldn't be "disabled or restricted." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Books launches Year in Review, plus best books of 2025
It’s the season for year-end recaps. Apple Music Replay debuted yesterday and Apple Books’ Year in Review is now available too, alongside Apple’s picks for best books of 2025. more…

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Amazon's top $1,349 M5 MacBook Pro deal is still in stock for the holidays
Black Friday pricing is still in effect this week on Apple's M5 14-inch MacBook Pro, with the October 2025 release marked down to $1,349. Save $250 on upgraded models as well.Save $250 on Apple's brand-new M5 MacBook Pro.Apple's latest 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 is on sale now at Amazon, with the standard model marked down to $1,349. This reflects a $250 discount off MSRP, despite the laptop being a new release, having launched in October 2025.Save $250 on M5 MacBook Pro Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Your calendar just got smarter: Grab this AI upgrade for just $30
This smart calendar app uses AI to organize and schedule your days. Grab a three-year subscription to Smart Calendars AI for just $29.99. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Four iPhones will provide live footage of Saturday’s MLS Cup match
Saturday’s Major League Soccer championship match between Inter Miami and the Whitecaps will incorporate footage from four iPhones. Apple previously used iPhones to capture live game footage during two Friday Night Baseball broadcasts. MLS said that the weekend telecast will involve the league’s largest ever set of cameras, giving fans access to an unprecedented range of angles … more…

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AVG Internet Security for Mac review: Solid protection, but the free version could be enough
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Strong antivirus and anti-malware detection and protection Speedy performance and a good level of customization/whitelist file creation Network Inspector and Ransomware Shield add some useful elements as well as an extra layer of security in case of hacking Cons Anti-phishing and anti-fake website protection tools underperform despite catching occasional malware Occasional hiccups when removing detected malware The paid features feel only marginally better than the free version Our Verdict AVG Internet Security for Mac is a solid, competent security suite, and definitely worth Considering — but its uneven web protection and anti-spam/anti-phishing features make it a tougher sell over the free version. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$3.89 a month for 1 Mac ($46.68 for the first year, then $77.99 a year), or $4.99 a month for 10 devices ($59.88 for the first year, then $99.99 a year). Best Prices Today: AVG Internet Security for Mac Retailer Price AVG $46.68 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket First year, 1 Mac$46.68First year, 10 devices$59.8860 Day TrialFreeSee all plans & pricing at AVG There’s always the question of what you get with the full/paid version of a software application, especially if the free/demo version already provides a respectable feature set. Following up on my review of AVG AntiVirus Free for Mac comes AVG Internet Security for Mac, the full-fledged, if somewhat confusingly named, version of AVG’s antiviral/anti-malware protection. Another of the solutions we are looking at in our round up of the best Mac antivirus apps for Mac users. The paid version offers purported hacker and payment protection tools in addition to the core antiviral/anti-malware feature set found in the free version. Like the free version, AVG Internet Security requires macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later to run, and downloads and installs easily, requesting access to your Mac’s entire disk as well as permission to set up networking tools as needed. Unlike the free version, AVG Internet Security asks for your payment credentials, whereupon you can either start a one- to three-year subscription or begin a 60-day trial period; AVG then emails an activation code to unlock the application’s full feature set and removes reminders to upgrade. Everything that excels in the free version stands just as well in the paid version. AVG’s antivirus and malware protection remains sharpened. The application syncs nicely with macOS’s built-in Gatekeeper and XProtect elements to catch just about all the malware samples thrown at it. Foundry Yes, occasional malware can still slip through the cracks, but you’ll have to bypass multiple warning screens to install and execute them. Like the free version, it’s easy to use AVG Internet Security to schedule and execute the scan types (Smart Scan, Deep Scan, Targeted Scan, External Storage Scan), though the user-interface quibble remains: you’ll have to dig through menus to monitor scheduled scans after they begin. AVG’s paid feature set comes under four core modules: Computer Protection, Web & Email Protection, Hacker Attacks, and Payment Protection. The Hacker Attacks module offers a Network Inspector and a Ransomware Shield. The Payments module offers a Fake Website Shield (and related phishing protections). The Network Inspector is nifty for checking exactly how many and which types of devices are on your network; it can alert you when a new device joins, which is handy for spotting intruders or unexpected devices on your home Wi-Fi. The Ransomware Shield acts as an encryption-layer safeguard, preventing ransomware (or malicious software) from changing, deleting or locking protected folders like Documents or Pictures. You can customize which folders are protected, which is a nice touch. Foundry Fake Website / Web & Payment Protection is designed to help stop you from visiting phishing or scam websites, prevent inadvertent downloads of malware, and stop your payment credentials from being sent to shady sites. In testing, AVG generally warns when we were about to click into suspicious links — which is a useful first line of defense. Furthermore, AVG Internet Security handles external drives, .zip or .dmg archives, Time Machine backups, and offers customisable whitelists/exclusions. This is handy if you deal with many archives, external media, or backup volumes. Scans tend to be fast: a quick scan only takes a few minutes, while a full scan of a large NVMe drive may take several hours — reasonable for what you get. All that said, the software isn’t perfect. Even though AVG blocks the vast majority of tested malware, it’s not bulletproof. In our testing, a fake copy of Adobe Flash Player slipped through initially (though it was later removed via Gatekeeper). It’s possible, as with any security suite, to override protection if you insist on installing something malicious. Also, scheduled scans, while reliable, don’t trigger obvious UI notifications by default, so you might not realize when a scan is happening unless you check manually. Foundry Most importantly, while the additional tools (Network Inspector, Ransomware Shield, Fake Website Shield) sound great in theory and are welcome in practice, they don’t guarantee complete protection. The “Web & Payment Protection” module can guard against many phishing or scam sites, but occasionally questionable websites, spam links, or shady adverts may still slip through without warning. Foundry This undermines part of the value proposition for paying for the full version. (In my own testing, I noticed this gap: some suspicious spam-related links in an email spam folder still allowed access to dubious websites; while AVG sometimes stopped accompanying malware, the lack of warnings undermines user confidence.) Should you buy AVG Internet Security for Mac If you’re a fan of AVG Antivirus Free for Mac, then migrating to AVG Internet Security (via the 60-day trial or a paid subscription) will feel familiar and comfortable. The core antivirus and anti-malware protection remain strong, the software’s performance is responsive and quick, and features like Network Inspector and Ransomware Shield are genuinely useful and worth their weight. However, whether the paid features are head and shoulders above what the free version already offers is debatable. The Payments/Fake Website protections sometimes feel lacklustre, and the occasional gaps in web-threat blocking make it harder to unreservedly recommend the subscription, especially if the main motivator is web/payment security. Unless you’re particularly concerned about ransomware, want external-drive scanning, or need extra network-level protection, the free version (or at least a thorough try-out of the 60-day trial) remains a reasonable, low-cost way to see whether the extras justify the cost.

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These go to 11: Rock out to a dozen killer audio setups
In the world of workstation audio, many computer setups go for bigger sound -- but only some do it in smarter ways. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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After Apple says no way, India revokes order to preload state-run ‘cybersecurity’ app on smartphones
India's government on Wednesday withdrew a mandate requiring smartphone manufacturers to preload a state-run "cybersecurity" app… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Spotify Wrapped arrives after Apple Music Replay – with a new party feature
Most of the major streaming music services now offer their own version of the annual Spotify Wrapped feature, providing insights into our most listened to songs and artists. Yesterday saw the unveiling of Apple Music Replay 2025, after YouTube Music rolled out its own take, and now Spotify Wrapped 2025 has landed – this year with a new party feature … more…

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Adobe Premiere Elements review: 360º edits & everything else new for 2026
Macworld At a GlanceExpert's Rating Pros Extensive range of video-editing tools Quick mode and Guided Edits for beginners Powerful colour correction tools Good tools for creating text and titles Cons Even Quick mode is pretty complex Now sold with only three-year license Dense, unhelpful documentation Our Verdict It’s certainly a powerful video-editing tool, with advanced features for creating titles and artistic effects. However, Premiere Elements isn’t easy to master, and may be too complex for people who just want to post on Instagram. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Retailer Price Adobe (three year license) $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Price When Reviewed$99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Adobe (three year license) $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Premiere Elements is the companion product to Photoshop Elements (see our review), and is designed to provide powerful video-editing tools at a competitive price. There are less expensive video-editing apps available for the Mac, but many of these simply focus on relatively simple tools for trimming video clips and applying filters and effects for use on social media. In contrast, Premiere Elements provides powerful and precise editing tools that allow you to create complex video projects using multiple video and audio clips. It also includes a variety of text tools for creating titles, and a very wide range of creative filters and effects that can create just the right look and mood for your videos. However, that extra power means that Premiere Elements is more complex than some of its rivals – and also more complex than Photoshop Elements too, despite the similarities between the two programs. Premiere Elements – Editing Tools Like Photoshop Elements, Premiere Elements provides three different editing modes, with three tabs at the top of the main editing window – Quick, Guided and Advanced – which are designed to cater to users with different levels of experience. The Quick mode is designed for beginners, and provides a simple workspace with a horizontal sceneline running across the bottom of the screen where you can drag and drop video clips and quickly arrange them in the required sequence. Above the sceneline is the Program Monitor window, which provides a larger view of individual video clips so that you can view each clip with frame-by-frame precision and decide where to make cuts or other changes. There’s also a palette on the right of the window that provides several additional tools, including a series of artistic effects, such as oil paintings, lens flare and black-and-white effects. However, even in Quick mode some of these tools are quite complex, with multiple slider controls for adjusting settings and timings that may confuse less experienced users. Fortunately, like Photoshop Elements, Premiere Elements also has a Guided mode that provides step-by-step help with some of these more complex tools. There are Guided Edits that show you how to create time-lapse effects, lighting adjustments, titles and other effects. And, for real beginners, there are two options that can do all the work for you and automatically create a Highlight Reel, or a Video Collage. All you have to do here is import a few video clips and Premiere Elements will edit the clips together, add transitions, and even offer a selection of music clips for the soundtrack. Premiere Elements 2026 – What is new Premiere Elements can download free photos, sounds and video clips from Adobe Stock. The 2026 update for Premiere Elements kicks off with one really eye-catching new feature, with the ability to import and edit 360º panoramic video files, which you can use on social media, or even to create professional-level interactive VR scenes for headsets such as Apple’s Vision Pro. The editing process is relatively easy, as Premiere Elements provides a Hand tool that allows you to click on a point within the 3D scene and then rotate and tilt your viewpoint within the scene. You can then use Premiere Elements’ filters, titling tools and other effects to edit your 360º scene just like any other video clip. The problem, though, is that the initial process of creating and importing these 360º video files is no easy task. Adobe’s Help files are rather vague, but they do explain that you require specialised dual-lens cameras manufactured by companies such as Kodak or Ricoh (with no mention as yet of the iPhone or Apple’s Immersive Video format for the Vision Pro). You’ll need a fair degree of technical knowledge in order to work with these cameras in the first place, so while this is an impressive and powerful new tool it’s one that will most likely appeal to professional film-makers or content creators who have the time, money and equipment needed to create suitable 360º videos. Premiere Elements 2026 does have some new features for more humble video hobbyists, though. The program’s text and titling tools have been improved, with new style templates and a new browser to help you find just the right style for your projects. There are new templates for creating motion titles, and new colour fonts and emojis to liven things up. The app also provides access to Adobe Stock, which is a huge library of video clips, photos and sound effects that you can use in your video projects, or just use to experiment while you’re getting to grips with the program. And, like Photoshop Elements, Premiere Elements has updated its Crop tool, with a new Freehand Crop option, and improved tool tips that provide helpful information when you hover the mouse over the toolbar. Premiere Elements 2025 – What was new Foundry Many of the new features introduced for the 2025 edition are found in the Advanced Mode, which provides full access to the program’s extensive range of editing tools, audio features, filters and effects. At first glance, Advanced Mode looks similar to Quick Mode – although the sceneline of Quick Mode is now called the timeline, indicating that more advanced features are available in this mode. The timeline has been modified for this 2025 version, with audio and video tracks grouped together for greater clarity, and the ability to lock tracks to prevent any accidental changes. There’s a new Quick Tools palette to the left of the timeline, which provides instant access to features such as the Scissor tool for splitting clips, and the Text tool for adding titles. The program’s text tools have been improved as well, with controls for quickly adjusting text size, alignment, and direction of movement. You can also download some new templates to help you create slick animated titles as well. There are improved tools for colour correction and adjusting white balance, which controls the brightness of white areas within an image, such as clouds or snow. However, some of these colour tools will challenge even more advanced users, and we found ourselves wading through the not-very-helpful Help files on Adobe’s web site to learn the differences between colour grading and colour correction. There are also changes to the program’s options for importing and exporting files, which should be useful for all users regardless of their level of experience. When you start a new project you’ll see the redesigned Media panel that opens on the left of the screen and makes it quicker and easier to import files into your projects. There are also new export options that help you to prepare your video files for social media and other platforms, starting with the Quick Export button that provides preset options covering a variety of different quality settings and resolutions. The updated Export tool now opens up a large window that provides more detailed settings for audio and video files. And one big time-saver here is the ability to simultaneously export multiple versions of the same file that can be tailored for use on different social media sites, such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Foundry Photoshop Elements – How much does it cost? Both Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements have traditionally been sold for a one-time fee of $99.99/£86.99, which allowed you to use the programs for as long as you wanted (although you did have to pay an extra fee if you wanted to purchase their annual upgrades as well). The 2026 editions of both programs still cost the same amount, but the purchase price now only grants you a three-year term license, which means that you’ll have to purchase another license in three years’ time. That’s the bad news – but the good news is that you’ll get future upgrades, such as the 2027 and 2028 editions, for free as they are likely to be released within that three-year license period. It’s also possible to buy both Elements programs together for $149.99/£130.49 (which again is for a three-year license). There’s also a seven-day free trial available, so that you can see if Premiere Elements is suitable for your own level of expertise. Purchasing Premiere Elements for the Mac also gives you access to the mobile version of the app – although this has been in beta for quite a few years now, so you should probably make sure you back-up any video files that you record on your mobile devices to keep them safe. Adobe launched a free Adobe Premiere: Video Editor mobile app for iPhone and iPad in late 2025, you can get that on the App Store. Should you buy Premiere Elements? There’s no doubt that Premiere Elements is an impressively powerful program for video-editing work, and it’s great value for more advanced amateurs and semi-professional users such as podcasters and vloggers. Even so, it’s still a pretty complex piece of software, even when using Quick mode, so newcomers will have to be prepared to roll up their sleeves and do a bit of work in order to really get to grips with the program’s undeniably powerful editing tools. For more video editing apps see our round up of the best free and cheap Mac video editors, we also have a guide to the best Mac for video editing.

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Make your holidays smarter with this 50% off Nanoleaf Matter string lights
Macworld The holidays will be here in a blink, and if you’re thinking of upgrading your Christmas lights, we’ve got just the deal for you: Nanoleaf’s absolutely gorgeous Apple Home-ready Smart String Lights are half off at Amazon, which means you can grab a set for $75. This light string is so great, you’ll want to use it all year long. There are 300 addressable LEDs, split into 60 areas that you can customize from your app. If you don’t want to get creative, you can just use one of the many presets available. Another really cool thing is that the Nanoleaf smart string lights can react to sound and music, so they’ll dance along with you to Mariah Carey singing, “All I Want for Christmas is You,” over and over again. These smart string lights are rated for indoor use, but Nanoleaf says they are water-resistant, so a few splashes should be OK. The best part is they’ll work just fine with the Apple Home app automations thanks to Matter support. So grab this fabulous holiday lights string for $75 before this deal runs out. Buy now at Amazon

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Samsung Raises Foldable Ante With Galaxy Z TriFold
Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold debuts as the company’s most advanced foldable yet, pairing a redesigned dual-hinge system with upgraded materials and a 10-inch display that unfolds from a pocketable frame. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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Apple’s willingness to stand up to governments is notably absent in China
Apple has frequently used small variations on the same one-sentence justification when giving in to government demands that conflict with the company’s stated values: “Apple complies with the law in each of the countries in which it operates.” However, there are occasions on which the company has instead chosen to stand up to unreasonable government demands, and we yesterday saw the latest example … more…

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iPhone 17e has same OLED screen as iPhone 16e, with slimmer bezels
The display of the iPhone 17e will be allegedly practically the same as the one used in the iPhone 16e, except the OLED panel in the upcoming model will apparently have thinner bezels.iPhone 16eLike the iPhone SE line, the iPhone 16e helps achieve its low cost by reusing components from earlier iPhone models. That pattern is set to continue with the next iteration, the iPhone 17e.In a report about Chinese display maker BOE securing orders for the model's display, The Elec says that the iPhone 17e OLED is expected to reuse the same specification 6.1-inch OLED panel from the iPhone 16e. However, Apple will also be "thinning the bezel" on the component at the same time. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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I used all of Photoshop’s new AI features on my Mac. Here are the wild results
Macworld Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming digital workspaces, boosting efficiency and streamlining workflows. It has become a vital asset (and increasingly an expectation) for workflows, but AI still often requires human oversight. Like many other software companies, Adobe is joining the revolution by developing and integrating native AI features into Photoshop. Generative Fill is the highlight AI feature in Photoshop. Powered by Adobe Firefly, the tool lets you create images and insert them into projects using simple text prompts. More recently, the company unveiled three new AI perks: Harmonize, Generative Upscale, and an improved object eraser. I’ve put them all to the test to see how well (or terribly) they perform, and whether creatives will appreciate the output quality. The AI features are part of the latest version of the software. Read my in-depth review of Adobe Photoshop. Photoshop AI Harmonize tool Photoshop can be used to insert objects into existing images. In the old days, you’d need to manually delete the object’s background, then adjust its colors and vibrance to match the photo it’s inserted into. Then you’d apply more advanced edits, like adding shadows and whatnot to make it seem realistic. It worked, but it consumed too much time and energy. The new Harmonize tool makes it possible for newbies to come up with similar results, without the user needing to manually do all the advanced steps. When inserting an object, you can remove its background with a single click, then have the AI-powered Harmonize tool fix the lighting, shadows, and colors. Before (left): Inserting the cat image on the bench. After (right): How it looks after Harmonize analyzed the scene and made adjustments. I tried Harmonize with multiple photos with different objects, environments, and color palettes. For example, I inserted a strawberry on a reflective table, and the AI feature accurately replicated the fruit’s reflection on the surface and minimized its glow due to the dim setting. Similarly, I inserted a tennis ball on a sunny field, and Harmonize was able to analyze the scene and fix the brightness and shadows as needed. Other tests included adding cats to different photos, and each Harmonize edit would uniquely adapt to the specific photo to help the feline blend in. Whenever I’d use Harmonize, Photoshop would generate three results to pick from. Typically, at least one of them would be usable. If not, you could always have Harmonize generate more iterations, as long as you have enough Adobe Firefly credits (sold separately). Photoshop Generative Upscale Another new AI feature is Generative Upscale, which lets Photoshop users depixelate low-resolution shots. The tool restricts the output’s width or height to a maximum of 4096 pixels. Depending on the existing resolution, you can opt for 2x, 3x, or 4x upscaling. You can also pick how creative the AI can get with the generation. I tried this feature with multiple images, and the results were impressively accurate. For example, the tool was able to effectively polish a pixelated, zoomed-in photo of my dog and his surroundings. In none of my tests did it hallucinate or create strange results. This makes it ideal for working with media photographed using old equipment. Before (left): The original low-resolution image. After (right): The image upscaled by Photoshop. Photoshop Object removing tool Photoshop introduced an upgraded eraser that supposedly removes intrusive objects with more accuracy. When selecting and removing small items, the tool was generally able to fill the gaps with convincing graphics. If you zoom in or stare for too long, you’d probably be able to identify the AI-generated fill, but that’s also the case with most object erasers. Things get trickier when dealing with complex backgrounds and attempting to delete larger objects. For example, the AI-powered tool effectively removed the smaller trash bags from the image. However, when I tried to remove the plants and metallic rail, you could obviously tell that it’s AI-generated. The most noticeable flaws were the gibberish text it added and the random glitch behind the sign. Otherwise, the graffiti on the wall was expanded realistically, and the overall location maintained its style and vibe. Before (left): The original image. After (right): What Photoshop produced when I removed the trash bag, metal railing, and plants. Use them together, and what do you get? To push these tools to their limits, I applied all of these new AI features on a single Photoshop canvas. I used AI to create an image, did some fine-tuning, and added elements. Here’s a look at what I did. Click the images to see a larger version and get a better look. 1. Start from scratch Mahmoud Itani/Foundry I started from scratch and generated an image of Beirut using a basic text prompt. While the view did accurately portray the city and the sky looked genuine, the buildings were nightmarish. 2. Generative Upscale to improve clarity Mahmoud Itani/Foundry To fix the AI’s mess, I decided to use even more AI. I had Generative Upscale process the image to make the buildings look more like, well, buildings. You could still tell they’re AI-made, but the upscaled result was undoubtedly superior. 3. Generative Fill to add boats Mahmoud Itani/Foundry Then I used the Generative Fill feature to insert boats in the marina. All three iterations were botched, which perfectly complemented the rest of the scene. I picked the most presentable result and moved on. 4. Harmonize the rising phoenix Mahmoud Itani/Foundry Finally, I inserted a phoenix in the sky and had Harmonize adjust its hues and intensity. You could still tell that the resilient birdie was, in fact, not shot by a real camera, but it didn’t stick out either. It appeared like it naturally belonged in that artificial image. Typical AI fashion After using Photoshop’s new AI features, I have to say I’m quite impressed with the overall results. Artificial intelligence has its limitations, and Adobe Firefly is no different. Sure, it can effectively remove minor objects and blemishes from photos while maintaining the realism. However, one can’t expect it to operate as a wand that magically fixes entire landscapes and generates lifelike replacements. Likewise, the Harmonize tool can save significant time, but its results are hit or miss. It tends to work more effectively when making subtle edits and inserting smaller objects on uncomplicated images. The higher the complexity, the more intense the hallucinations. Adobe is aware of AI’s instability. That’s why, despite generating three unique variants, tools like Harmonize and Generative Fill only consume one Firefly token per session. This lets you try alternative looks without quickly burning through your paid credits. Ultimately, the tests I’ve run reflect how AI can constructively assist users with everyday computing tasks. Though in its current form, it still fails to take over bigger projects and replace humans entirely–that’s for the best.

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Sharge Icemag 3 Power Bank review: Light up your fast charging
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Large battery capacity Built-in USB-C cable 25W wireless or 35W wired charging 30W input Kickstand Fun lights Cons Noisy fan Built-in USB-C cable is geared to iPhone 15/16/17 users Our Verdict The pocketable 10K Sharge Icemag 3 is as fast as wireless gets and it scored well in our tests of battery capacity. Its fancy RGB lights are fun but unnecessary. The kickstand is super stable and the built-in 35W USB-C cable is a great addition for owners of newer iPhones. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$79.90 Best Prices Today: Sharge Icemag 3 Power Bank Retailer Price Sharge $79.90 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket This magnetic power bank doesn’t just look cool—it is actively cooled by a fan to keep the fast 25W wireless charging at an optimum from start to finish. The Sharge Icemag 3 takes active cooling to the next level, although this does mean there’s an audible hum during the fast-charging process. Simon Jary Design The Icemag 3 looks like no other portable power bank. At the top is a transparent section that lights up when it is charging a phone or being charged itself. The colors don’t seem to mean much, but they do look pretty. It measures 4.3 x 2.8 x 0.78 inches (11 x 7.1 x 2cm) and weighs 7.7oz (220g). For a 10K capacity power bank that’s about average and a little lighter than some of the competition. The slimmest 10K magnetic power bank we’ve tested is the 15W Anker MagGo Slim (0.58 inches deep); the 5K version of that power bank is just 0.34 inches thin. On the back with the transparent section is a large stable metal kickstand that keeps the iPhone in place either in portrait or landscape mode. Sharge At the bottom of the power bank is the built-in USB-C cable that you can use to recharge the power bank itself at a speedy 30W or use to wired charge any iPhone 15 or later at a brisk 35W. There is also a 30W USB-C port so you can charge three devices simultaneously using wireless, the built-in cable and another via the port and your own cable. As with most power banks, multi-device charging reduces the overall output to 15W so you’ll lose the benefits of the 25W wireless and 35W cable with three things charging at the same time. You can plug the built-in USB-C cable into the spare USB port to create a loop handle.Simon Jary Wireless power The most convenient way to charge an iPhone (12 or later) is via a magnetic charger, and the Icemag 3 utilizes the latest Qi 2.2 wireless charging technology to do so at 25W. You won’t find any wireless power bank that’s faster. 25W wireless charging is only possible with the iPhone 16 or later. Older iPhones are limited to 15W, which is speedy but noticeably slower than 25W. In our tests a 15W charger can get a faded iPhone from 0-50% in around 45 minutes, while 25W does the same in just over 30 minutes. If you need your phone back in action quickly, 25W is the way to go. That amount of power gets hot quickly, which can impact charging speed as the phone reduces the power to maintain its battery health. Sharge offsets this by using a fan to actively cool the power bank and phone. This keeps charging at an optimal level but does produce a noise that is quite noticeable. If you can keep the phone away from hearing range, that’s fine but it is the noisiest power bank we’ve heard. There is a four-LED battery indicator on the side that takes the RGB light show for its own ends.Simon Jary Battery power The Icemag 3 has a 10000mAh (39.1Wh) battery capacity. Most magnetic power banks come in either a slim 5K capacity or slightly bulkier 10K like the Icemag. In our Macworld recharging test, we take an iPhone 16 Pro from 0%, refill it to 100% with the power bank and then go again until the power bank is empty. The Icemag 3 scored 171%, meaning it fully recharged the iPhone and then went to 71% on the second charge. We’ve seen up to 190% on some 10K magnetic power banks—for example the EcoFlow RAPID and Anker Zolo—but 171% is around average. The Icemag 3 beats those power banks with its wireless charging speed of 25W, where they are still at 15W. Rival 10K power banks with 25W wireless charging include the Baseus PicoGo AM61 that also includes a built-in cable (45W) and is a little smaller and lighter but score marginally less on our recharge score (167%). The Ugreen MagFlow Power Bank scored a lower 144% and is a bit heavier than the Icemag 3. Simon Jary Price The Sharge Icemag 3 costs $79.90, which is cheaper than the $89 EcoFlow RAPID but dearer than the $49K Anker Zolo. Remember that those power banks are 15W not 25W. For a 25W comparison, the Baseus AM61 costs $69 and the Ugreen MagFLow $89. Read all our reviews of the best magnetic wireless power banks. Should you buy the Sharge Icemag 3? At 25W the pocketable 10K Sharge Icemag 3 is as fast as wireless gets and it scored well in our tests of battery capacity. Its fancy RGB lights are fun but unnecessary. The kickstand is super stable and the built-in 35W USB-C cable is a great addition for owners of newer iPhones.

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The iMac is dying a slow death and Apple doesn’t care
Macworld The Mac rumor mill has been going into overdrive lately, with information about Apple’s release schedule for 2026. We’ve heard reports about every Mac in the lineup (including the enigmatic Mac Pro), except for one: the iMac. Not a peep about Apple’s iconic all-in-one desktop computer. The current M4 iMac was released a year ago, and Apple released the M5 MacBook Pro a month ago. An M5 update to the iMac certainly seems timely, and it’s entirely possible that Apple releases it sometime next year, perhaps along with the M5 MacBook Air in the spring. Or maybe not. Given that we haven’t heard any rumors about an upcoming iMac, Apple might now have a different approach to its product cycle. When you consider Apple’s past chip history, how the iMac is built, and its target audience, we could see longer gaps between iMac updates. M1, M3, M4…M6? Longer update cycles with the iMac are not unheard of. It happened in the later years of the Intel iMac, and it happened recently when Apple skipped the M2 chip and upgraded the 2021 M1 iMac with an M3 model in 2023. The M3 iMac succeeded the M1 iMac–Apple decided to skip the M2 chip.Foundry Then Apple released the M4 iMac a year later, which may set the expectation that Apple will update the iMac with every new chip generation. But various reports stated that Apple wanted to move off the M3 chip because it was a first-generation 3nm chip with high product costs and low yields. When the M4 (which is made using a less expensive enhanced 3nm process) became available, the company was eager to replace the M3. With this in mind, the M4 iMac may be an anomaly in the schedule. Apple established a longer cycle with the M1 to M3 transition, so that precedent is in place. The next iMac could be released at the end of 2026, when the M6 is expected to debut, and Apple may continue with even-numbered M chips going forward. (Though the only M6 Mac we’ve heard about so far is the MacBook Pro.) Does the iMac really need to be updated every time a new M-series chip is released? No. Apple’s base M chip is plenty fast for the types of tasks people do on a consumer-level iMac. New chips are between 15 to 25 percent faster than the ones they replace, and iMac users go a lot longer between upgrades than, say, MacBook users. Also, the current M4 iMac offers a tremendous improvement over the last generation of Intel iMacs–if an Intel iMac owner isn’t upgrading, it’s for other reasons than performance. Updating the iMac every other year or maybe even longer may be a more effective strategy for Apple. Nothing to change, really The M4 iMac is a really impressive machine–I gave it a five-star rating when I reviewed it last year.  The main reason I was so enthusiastic about the M4 iMac was that Apple finally made much-needed changes and offered appealing options, such as 16GB of RAM as a base, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and a Nano-texture glass option. So, what could Apple do with an M5 iMac, besides a chip upgrade? Apple introduced the current iMac design in 2021. Don’t expect it to change anytime soon.Foundry The current design of the iMac was introduced in 2021, and it still looks fresh enough. There was a time when the iMac would get a radical redesign every few years, but those days have passed, and besides, nothing about the iMac’s current components seems outdated. The display is an LCD, which is an aging technology that will eventually be replaced by OLED, but since the iMac has a large 24-inch display, OLEDs at that size are not cost-effective yet. The LCD on the iMac is here for a little while longer. While we don’t know actual sales numbers, the consensus is that the market for the iMac doesn’t justify upgrading it every year. That’s why we haven’t heard anything about an M5 iMac, because it’s quite possible that it’s not happening. We’ll likely have to wait for the M6 before the next iMac update—and even then, it’ll likely just be a chip refresh. Where’s the big iMac? Back in 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo posted that Apple would release a “higher-end 32-inch mini LED display iMac in 2025.” Bloomberg’s Mark Guman reported in 2023 that such an iMac would be “coming in either late 2024 or 2025,” though he also said Apple had “cost concerns” about the product. Well, there are only a few weeks left in the year, so it’s pretty clear that the big iMac isn’t happening. New iMac prediction update:1. 24-inch iMac refresh in 2024.2. Higher-end 32-inch mini LED display iMac in 2025. https://t.co/l7jzEecwZi— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) October 17, 2023 The iMac Pro was discontinued in 2021 after a four-year run. Apple currently has two desktops that fill the needs of users who want a more robust chip: the M4 Pro Mac mini and the Mac Studio. It doesn’t really seem like there’s a place for a new, M-series iMac Pro. The Mac mini and Mac Studio aren’t all-in-ones, but if the consumer demand for an iMac is on the lower side, then the professional demand is even lower. And I mentioned earlier, the cost for large OLEDs may still be too high. Reports state that prototypes of an iMac Pro exist in the secret labs at Apple Park, but the market may dictate that it never actually ships. A slow death? It’s hard to believe Apple would just suddenly kill the iMac, one of the iconic devices from the Steve Jobs era. However, with longer updates, fewer design changes, and declining sales, it’s slowly fading into irrelevance. The world around it has shifted to MacBooks and iPads, and the iMac is more of a vestige of a bygone era than a prominent member of the Mac family. The current model isn’t bad, but it’s also not very exciting. And there aren’t any indications that that’s going to change anytime soon. As the iPad platform becomes more powerful and MacBooks become more versatile with rumored touchscreen support in 2027, the once-iconic iMac could be dying a very slow death. Apple iMac (M4, 2024) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $1,299 | $1,499 | $1,699 | $1,899 Best Prices Today: $1149 at Best Buy US | $1188.04 at Walmart | $1,194.20 at Amazon

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Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagGo 25W Wireless Charging Station review: Elegantly speedy
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros 3-in-1 charging Fast 25W for iPhone Elegant stand Smart display Includes 65W wall charger Cons Premium price Our Verdict This elegant desk or nightstand will keep your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods wirelessly charged at the fastest possible pace. Its smart display is unique and not only keeps you informed of the charging speeds but also works as a customizable clock face. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$229.99 Best Prices Today: Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagGo Wireless Charging Station Retailer Price $189.99 View Deal $229.99 View Deal Anker $229.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Anker Prime 3-in-1 Charging Station is the company’s first 3-in-1 25W wireless charger and is a classic arm design that will look great on any desk or nightstand. Its adoption of the Qi 2.2 standard means that the iPhone wireless charging speed is close to that you’ll get from wired charging using a cable but with the convenience of a magnetic connection. As with any premium 25W charger, it comes with active cooling and, uniquely for wireless stands, a built-in display. Simon Jary Design This isn’t just a useful tech gadget but also a piece of desk or nightstand furniture. It’s a stand that must look good as well as be a base for your Apple device charging needs. The iPhone and Watch charging pads are held high on chrome arms that are angled for viewing angle and overall stand stability. The AirPods Qi pad is in the base beneath the arms and behind a neat smart display that is the first we’ve seen on such a stand. Arm- or rod-based stand designs are often hampered by rigid viewing angles, but the Anker’s iPhone pad features a generous 80-degree vertical rotation. The pad can fold right back so the iPhone can rest flat on top. I’m not sure why you’d want that extreme example but the angle options below are welcome. The Watch pad can’t be adjusted but this doesn’t matter as a moveable Watch charger would likely mean the wearable would easily slip off as the magnetic connection between charger and Watch is nowhere near as robust as with the phone. Measuring 6.7 x 4.9 x 5.4 inches (16.9 x 12.5 x 13.8cm) the footprint is larger than other 3-in-1 chargers such as the similar ESR 3-in-1 CryoBoost Wireless Charging Station with (6.6 x 3.4 x 3.3 inches) but it wins on its more elegant looks that will grace your home or office desk, as well as its adjustable iPhone charging pad. The Anker charger weighs 21.9oz (620g), which feels sturdy unlike cheaper charging stands that sometimes feel a bit flappy. You’re unlikely to take this stand on your travels so a higher weight gives you greater stability. The Anker Prime 3-in-1 is available in black or white colors (or Black Stone and Shell White as Anker calls them). Simon Jary Unique display While the arm design is a traditional 3-in-1 design, Anker has brought in a unique informational smart display at the base. Anker is something of a master at these smart displays, which you’ll see on its desktop chargers and its latest DisplayLink laptop docking station. The built-in interactive 1.65-inch HD charging display gives you real-time updates on power, temperature, and charging status. The screen is even customizable with a choice of themes and clocks. Foundry App control Anker’s SenseFlow technology combines the on-screen display with app connectivity, so you can view power flow, charging temperature, and more. This where you can set the charging mode and also customize the clock face. Performance: record breaker Qi2 25W (also known as Qi 2.2) is the latest and fastest wireless charging technology replying on an optimized magnetic connection between the iPhone and charger’s coils. 25W wireless chargers work at full speed with the iPhone 16 and later; older iPhones are limited to 15W. Not so long ago, 15W was the preserve of Apple’s MagSafe-certified devices only, with everything else pegged back at 7.5W. Then Qi2 matched MagSafe’s 15 W. Now Qi2 25W moves wireless charging to 25W, which for nearly a year was a speed possible with only the latest Apple MagSafe Charger. Wirelessly charging at 25W is so powerful that it generates enough heat to the iPhone’s battery that it can work against the charging effect as the phone’s battery slows or stops charging to keep cool and unharmed. 25W chargers therefore requires active cooling through a fan to keep the heat down and the battery charging at a steady pace. Lower temperatures also help protect your iPhone’s battery’s health and therefore reduce long-term degradation. Simon Jary Anker claims that its “aerospace-grade” TEC active cooling ensures the phone stays below 89°F through efficient charging. In our increasing number of Qi2 25W tests, we haven’t matched the theoretical claims that it can fast-charge an iPhone 17 to 50% in around 25 minutes. 30-33 minutes is the average time we’ve got to 50%, as the 25-minute claim is under ideal conditions you are unlikely to recreate in your study or bedroom. We were surprised then to time our test iPhone 16 Pro to 50% in 28 minutes with the Anker Prime 3-in-1—the fastest we’ve ever tested. Maybe the conditions were just closer to ideal—it was in my living room with the heating on, so I doubt that—but whatever it was, we can attest to the Anker’s 25W credentials. There wasn’t much to separate the 25W Anker Prime from the 25W ESR CryoBoost 3-in-1 or the 25W Belkin UltraCharge 3-in-1, but in a straight race our tests suggest the Anker would win. In contrast a 15W wireless charger takes around 45 minutes to get a faded iPhone to 50%. We test to 50% because charging slows down as the battery fills up—to protect the phone—so the best stage to look at is between 0% and 50%. Silent-ish night You can check the charging temperature on the stand’s smart display. A complication with fans is that they can be noisy. Anker claims to have kept the fan noise below 25dB. We tested one power bank recently that sounds like a kettle reaching the boil. The noise created by the Anker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charger’s fan, however, is pretty quiet. If you put your ear to the fan you can certainly hear it but it’s not a hum that you’ll otherwise notice. If you do need absolute silence—for instance when using the charger on your nightstand—there’s a button in the middle of the display that allows you to switch the fan off and on. When asleep you probably don’t need the absolutely fastest charging times anyway. Simon Jary Price The 25W Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagGo Wireless Charging Station costs $229.99 or £159.99, which is significantly higher than the competition such as the similarly speedy $119.99 ESR 25W CryoBoost 3-in-1 Magnetic Charger but you may find cheaper deals online so check our live price tracker with this review. The Belkin UltraCharge Pro ($129.99/£79.99) is a squatter design and lower to the desk. Check out more options in our best MagSafe charger and best Apple Watch charger roundups. Should you buy the 25W Anker Prime 3-in-1 MagGo Wireless Charging Station? This elegant desk or nightstand will keep your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods wirelessly charged at the fastest possible pace. While expensive, it is the fastest 25W wireless charger that we’ve tested, and its smart display is unique and not only keeps you informed of the charging speeds but also works as a customizable clock face.

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