Night-vision tech is getting better: Researchers are developing ultra-thin, lightweight infrared filters — think thinner than cling wrap and lighter than a gram — that fit right over your regular specs. Just imagine asking your optometrist to add night vision to your prescription lenses. Sign me up!
Apple announces new AirPods, MacBooks – Specs and how to order
It seems we can’t go a month without a Big Tech company making a big announcement. Whether it’s software, smart gadgets and toys or new tips and tricks, they want the world to know their latest and greatest innovations.
Amazon’s recent unveiling included an interactive home robot, affordable smart thermostat, smarter Alexa and more. Tap or click here to check out highlights from the online retail juggernaut’s showcase.
Apple’s product and software announcements tend to become more frequent near the end of the year when we see a new iPhone, iOS and more new tech. This week, Apple held yet another event to introduce some popular devices available for pre-order along with other updates. Check out our rundown below.
AirPods 3rd generation
Apple
The redesigned AirPods include improvements to basic functions and some new features.
- The new AirPods have been redesigned to be lightweight and better fitting. The stem is shorter than the previous generation and have the force sensor lifted from the AirPods Pro for media control.
- Spatial audio audio was introduced with iOS 15 and will work with the 3rd-gen AirPods. This feature offers 3D sound that simulates a theater experience. Dynamic head tracking makes FaceTime calls, music and video feel more immersive.
- The new AirPods and charging case are IPX4 rated for resistance to water and sweat.
- Adaptive EQ, also borrowed from the AirPods Pro, automatically adjusts sound depending on how the AirPods fit in your ear for an improved listening experience.
- The new AirPods have an extra hour of battery life and can be charged wirelessly using the MagSafe system.
- You can preorder 3rd-generation Airpods for $179. Tap or click here to get yours. They’re set to ship next week.
MacBook Pro
Apple
The new MacBook Pro is faster and more powerful than any previous iteration. Performance gains are just part of the story, however.
- The completely redesigned MacBook Pro comes in 16-inch and 14-inch models, replacing the 13-inch.
- MacBook Pro is now powered by the new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. The 10-core M1 Pro is twice as fast as the standard M1 and has support for up to 32GB of unified memory. The 10-core M1 Max is four time faster than the M1 and has support for up to 64GB of unified memory. Both chips rival the latest high-end PC chips in terms of performance while using less power.
- An all-new aluminum enclosure features a thermal system that can move 50% more air than the previous generation. It also runs quieter and cooler than before.
- Physical function keys are back, replacing the polarizing Touch Bar system. You still get a Force Touch trackpad.
- The new MacBook Pro has 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port and an improved headphone jack.
- MagSafe 3 compatibility means easy charge cable connections designed to protect the MacBook Pro. Fast charging provides a 50% charge in 30 minutes.
- The new Liquid Retina XDR display means more brightness and contrast. HDR content has whiter whites, blacker blacks and more vivid colors.
- Pro Motion automatically adjusts the refresh rate (with a maximum of 120Hz) to preserve battery life and make content smoother and more responsive. You can also lock in a refresh rate if you need to.
- MacBook Pro now comes with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera. The camera utilizes the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips enhance video quality. Improved microphones have better sound and reduced noise. The six-speaker sound system has two tweeters and four woofers for clearer voices and 80% more bass. Spatial Audio and Dobly Atmos are supported.
- Its battery gets up to 17 hours of video playback with the 14-inch model and 21 hours of video playback with the 16-inch version.
- The 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,999 and the 16-inch starts at $2,499 and are available for pre-order today with shipping set for next week. Tap or click here to order the 14-inch model or go here to get the 16-inch model.
Apple’s new Music Voice Plan
Apple MacBook Pro 16
When the 16-inch MacBook Pro 16 first hit the scene back in 2019, tech critics rejoiced. Finally, Apple’s butterfly keyboard design flew away on a breeze. In its place, Apple inserted a ton of user-friendly features. From a more comfortable keyboard to a physical escape key, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 prioritizes your experience.
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Lenovo Chromebook Duet
For under $200, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is an absolute steal.
With 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, it’s got a fair amount of space if you’re planning on downloading apps, pictures and documents. Plus, it’s easy to carry to school or the office — and it lasts 10 hours. With this laptop, you’re getting a lot of power and decent storage space even when you’re on the go.
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Google Pixelbook Go
Want a high-quality Chromebook without spending a grand on Google’s previous Pixelbook? Try the Google Pixelbook Go. It has an incredible battery life and a super comfortable keyboard.
It comes equipped with a 1080p webcam and has an excellent overall design. It’s a great entry-level laptop: thin, light and easy to use. Check out the specs below.
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Apple’s specs appeal: No one’s buying Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headsets, so Apple’s now holding off on the Vision Pro 2 to focus instead on a cheaper version of the original for 2025. It’ll have the same high-end displays but fewer cameras, a simpler headband and smaller speakers. I bet its price is around $1,500, much like a high-end iPhone.
In other Apple news: This is interesting. Apple has been adding Thread radios to Macs and iPads since September 2023, with no mention in the specs. What? Thread is a low-power protocol for mesh network connectivity, like Amazon’s Sidewalk tech. Apple will use this to boost the range of Find My and other to-be-announced stuff.
Apple's $399 iPhone: Specs, how to order, is it worth it?
Upgrading to a brand-new smartphone often comes with a major price tag, anywhere from $700 to north of $2,000. Combine that with the fact that newer phones are lasting longer and now you don’t see as many people trading up with every new release.