Category: News

  • MacRumors Giveaways: Why Are These Contests Limited to U.S. Residents?

    The restriction of giveaways to U.S. residents often raises questions about geographical limitations in a borderless internet world. Shipping costs have decreased, making it easier to reach international audiences.

    However, the main reason behind this restriction typically revolves around the complexities of international laws regarding contests and giveaways. Many U.S.-based platforms state, “Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to enter.” This often leads participants to wonder why such limitations exist.

    It is frustrating to see an opportunity and then discover it is unavailable due to residency requirements. Others manage to run international giveaways, prompting curiosity about how those companies navigate legal challenges.

    The legal landscape varies significantly across countries, making compliance complicated. For instance, in Canada, certain giveaway structures are deemed illegal without a skill component, while delivering prizes internationally can complicate matters further, particularly with countries that have strict export regulations.

    The risk of facing legal issues is not something every site is willing to take on. Some suggest that companies could create contests catering to specific territories instead.

    This could mean simpler logistics and adherence to local laws while still engaging global audiences. Many companies profit from web traffic regardless of the location of participants; therefore, a reciprocal gesture towards international users may seem warranted.

    Ultimately, the landscape remains uncertain for many participants. Companies often need clear guidelines to manage international giveaways effectively while addressing the myriad of legalities involved.

    The call is for solutions that open opportunities to a broader audience without excessive legal entanglements.

  • Grid

    There’s a unique charm to old technology that captivates many of us. The dedication of countless individuals who contributed to the functionality of every semiconductor adds character to vintage mobile phones.

    These devices have been, and will continue to be, integral to our daily lives. By adding a touch of admiration, I aim to celebrate these items from the past, hoping they evoke nostalgia, wonder, and joy for those who cherish them.

    They serve as gentle reminders of our ever-evolving world. Our journey begins by scouring the market for old phones that are often forgotten or fading away.

    Fortunately, we can still acquire them from people looking to part with these treasures. We focus on models that spark memories and lovingly disassemble them for a thorough cleaning with special care.

    Once cleaned, we reassemble these phones into unique designs, combining imagination with precision. The result is a transformed piece of technology elegantly framed in polished, varnished natural wood.

    The fusion of classic tech with all-natural materials culminates in stunning decorative pieces that are meticulously arranged. These creations are presented in exquisite handmade gift wraps, each one carefully stamped, ready to enhance the homes of anyone who appreciates a fragment of nostalgia.

    In bridging the past with present aesthetics, we invite others to relish in the artistry of old gadgets while celebrating the stories they carry. Each piece is not just decor but a small piece of history that adds character and warmth to any space.

  • Grid

    Old technology carries an indulgent charm, revealing the effort and creativity that went into making each device functional. Each retro mobile phone has a unique story, making these gadgets not just tools of communication but also treasured pieces of our history. As an industrial designer and handicraft artist, I seek to enhance these nostalgic items with a touch of admiration. My hope is that they evoke feelings of nostalgia, wonder, and joy in those who recall their significance.

    They stand as gentle reminders of our rapidly changing world. At our workshop, we actively search for old phones that are on the verge of being forgotten. Fortunately, we can still find these devices from people willing to part with them. We focus on models that spark memories and begin the meticulous process of disassembly.

    Each component is cleaned with special care to preserve its essence. Once cleaned, we reassemble these phones into unique shapes, reflecting our creative designs. The finished products are framed in beautifully polished and varnished natural wood, creating a striking contrast between vintage technology and organic materials. This fusion results in a diverse range of carefully crafted décor pieces.

    Each item is delicately packaged in handmade gift wrap, stamped, and prepared to bring a touch of the past into the homes of those who appreciate such artifacts. By transforming outdated gadgets into decorative masterpieces, we provide an opportunity for individuals to cherish a piece of their history while enjoying a unique art form in their living spaces.

  • Kuo: New Screen-Equipped ‘HomePod’ to Begin Mass Production Following WWDC – MacRumors

    Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reiterated his expectation that a new HomePod featuring a display will enter mass production in the third quarter of 2025. This new device is anticipated to function as a smart home hub, resembling a square iPad screen attached to a HomePod-like speaker base or mountable on a wall. If Kuo’s timeline is accurate, production will begin following Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

    Initially, he had forecasted a first-quarter 2025 production start, but delays attributed to software development issues, especially regarding Apple Intelligence, have pushed back the schedule. Apple is currently working on a more personalized Siri, which was previewed last year at WWDC 2024 but is experiencing longer-than-expected development. The new HomePod is rumored to feature a 6-inch or 7-inch display and will run on the A18 chip.

    This device is set to provide users with capabilities to control smart home accessories, conduct FaceTime video calls, and utilize Apple’s intercom function. Additionally, it may incorporate a home security system with an Apple-designed camera, allowing for a more integrated smart home experience. While the device shows promise, its launch timeline remains uncertain.

    It could launch toward the end of 2025, or various delays may push it back until 2026. In the world of Apple, other notable updates include upcoming releases for the iPhone 17 series and speculation about new Mac models and an updated Apple TV. As Apple continues to innovate with hardware and software changes, consumers are eager for announcements regarding these anticipated products.

  • Bloomberg – Are You a Machine? Exploring the Nature of Artificial Intelligence

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  • Attention Pro Phone Users: Is the Air Worth It?

    I am certainly considering my options, but I will wait for the final specifications before making a decision. If the new Air model includes ProMotion technology, it will definitely be a contender for me.

    Additionally, the rumored binned Pro chip could provide some added performance benefits. When it comes to cameras, I don’t have much concern because I use a Nikon Z6II.

    As a result, the importance of the phone camera has diminished for me, especially with the advancements in photography technology. However, I would still like the ability to capture Cinematic video with HDR capabilities.

    Currently, I own the iPhone 14 Pro Max and I have no interest in downgrading to a smaller screen size. The rumored dimensions of the new model are acceptable, but there is one aspect that worries me significantly: the absence of a physical SIM slot.

    After moving countries two years ago, I have retained a SIM card from my home country for various authentication purposes, mainly with banks and accounting software. If I can convert that physical SIM into an eSIM online, then this issue could potentially be resolved.

    Nonetheless, the lack of a physical SIM slot remains the biggest barrier for me regarding the new Air model at this point. I’m eager to see how these specifications unfold before making my final choice.

  • Is the Mac Pro Still Relevant in 2025? Join the Discussion on MacRumors Forums!

    As a new owner of the M4 Max Studio, I can’t help but reminisce about a time when Apple offered an affordable, efficient, and elegantly designed desktop computer, beyond just the iMac and Mac mini. My recent experiences with the Studio have made me question the relevance of the Mac Pro in 2025. To compare, the base model of the Mac Pro starts at $7,000, featuring an M2 Ultra chip with 24 CPU cores, 76 GPU cores, and 32-core neural engine, along with 192GB of RAM and 8TB of storage, bringing the maximum configuration to $11,800.

    In contrast, the base model of the Mac Studio is priced at $2,000. Its max configuration boasts an M3 Ultra chip with 32 CPU cores, 80 GPU cores, a 32-core neural engine, 512GB of RAM, and 16TB of storage, totaling $14,100. One crucial question arises: what functionality does the Mac Pro offer that the Studio cannot perform?

    As far as I can tell, the only distinguishing feature of the Mac Pro is its PCIe slots for expandability. However, this is somewhat limited since the GPU is integrated within the SoC. I recently watched a video highlighting why the Mac Pro has lost its status as the go-to machine for many former users.

    The discussion raised several valid points about the evolving needs and preferences of users, making me increasingly doubt the Mac Pro’s place in the market. Overall, as we move toward 2025, it seems that the Mac Studio might be more aligned with the needs of most consumers, raising important considerations about the future relevance of the Mac Pro.

  • OWC Offers $100 Discount on 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock in Exclusive Prime Day-Like Sale – MacRumors

    OWC has launched a new sale this week, providing significant Prime Day-like discounts on a range of products including USB-C docks, memory cards, external drives, and various Mac accessories. Some discounts are automatically applied when items are added to the cart, making it easy for customers to take advantage of the offers. One of the standout deals features **$100 off** the popular **14-Port Thunderbolt Dock for Mac**, bringing its price down to $179.99.

    This is the first substantial discount on this dock we’ve seen all summer. Additionally, if you buy a qualifying new or used Mac at the same time, you can receive an extra $20 off the dock at checkout. While many deals are available, customers can also explore options in different categories such as docks and hubs, memory cards, external drives and enclosures, and other miscellaneous accessories.

    For those looking for a broader selection of discounts, a roundup of the best Apple-related bargains from recent weeks can provide more options. For updates on significant deals throughout 2025, consider signing up for the Deals Newsletter, ensuring you stay informed about the latest offerings. In other news, Apple is gearing up for the launch of its new iPhone 17 series in just two months.

    Notable changes are expected, particularly for the iPhone 17 Pro models, including a redesigned rear casing and camera area. However, major updates to the lineup are anticipated for next year with the iPhone 18 models. In addition, reports indicate that Apple does not plan to release any Macs featuring updated M5 chips in 2025, with new models potentially pushed back to 2026.

  • Achieving Precise Control of Volume and Brightness on Your Mac – MacRumors

    On a Mac with a top row of function keys, Apple provides volume and brightness controls that allow users to adjust these settings in fixed increments. However, there may be situations where you need finer control than the default increments provide. For those times, there’s a handy trick to consider.

    When you press the volume or brightness keys on your keyboard, an indicator appears on your screen that shows 16 fixed increments, separated by lines. By utilizing a keyboard modifier, you can achieve more precise adjustments, allowing for a total of 64 increments instead. This is particularly useful when you want to fine-tune the sound or screen brightness.

    To start, press and hold the Option and Shift keys together on your keyboard before tapping the volume or brightness controls. Once you do that, you’ll notice the on-screen indicator moving in smaller increments—four increments instead of one for each segment. This means you can make much more nuanced changes to your settings.

    This simple tip can significantly enhance your control when the default adjustments feel too drastic. For instance, if you’re trying to set the perfect volume level for your headphones, this method allows for a much more accurate adjustment, ensuring an optimal audio experience. By using these modifier keys, you can ensure that your adjustments fit your personal preferences perfectly.

  • Huge Prime Day Discounts: Save Big on AirPods Now – MacRumors

    Amazon Prime Day is here, offering significant discounts on various AirPods models. Shoppers can seize this opportunity to find record low prices on popular options such as the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max. Notable deals include the AirPods Pro 2 available for just $149.00, a remarkable reduction from the original price of $249.00.

    Additionally, the AirPods 4 are currently priced at $89.00, down from $129.00. These discounts represent unprecedented savings on these models, and given the limited timeframe of Prime Day, it is advisable to make a purchase soon if you’re interested. For those seeking even more Apple deals, consider checking out the Apple Deals roundup, which summarizes the best bargains available over the past week.

    If you want to stay updated on the latest deals throughout 2025, you can sign up for our Deals Newsletter. This way, you will receive timely notifications about major sales and discounts, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to save. In other news, Apple’s ongoing development of iOS 26 has resulted in minor changes in its latest beta, along with updates to its design features.

    Additionally, rumors suggest that Apple plans to release numerous new products later this year, including the much-anticipated iPhone 17 series. Expected in September, the iPhone 17 Pro models might differ from previous iterations, as they are rumored to feature aluminum frames instead of the traditional stainless steel or titanium. Such changes reflect Apple’s commitment to innovation and adaptation in the evolving tech landscape.

    Overall, as the year progresses, Apple enthusiasts can look forward to exciting developments and product launches.