Category: Uncategorised

  • Bill Atkinson, Creator of Mac’s Iconic Graphics, Passes Away at 74

    William “Bill” Atkinson, a key figure in the history of the Macintosh, has passed away at the age of 74. On Thursday, he succumbed to pancreatic cancer at his home in Portola Valley, California, where he was surrounded by his loved ones.

    His family shared the sad news on social media, expressing their sorrow and honoring his impact on the world: “He was a remarkable person, and the world will be forever different because he lived in it.” Atkinson was a pioneering computer engineer whose contributions were vital to Apple’s early success.

    His work was instrumental in shaping the graphical user interface that is now a standard in computing. Known for his creativity and technical prowess, Atkinson played a crucial role in the development of various Macintosh applications, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of technology.

    His passing marks a significant loss not only for his family but also for the tech community and admirers of Apple’s innovations. During his long career, Atkinson’s visionary ideas and dedication helped pave the way for the user-friendly computers we rely on today.

    As we remember his achievements, it’s clear that his influence will endure, continuing to inspire future generations of engineers and innovators. Bill Atkinson’s legacy will be cherished by many, and he will be remembered for the profound impact he had in transforming the landscape of personal computing.

    His contributions to Apple and the tech industry as a whole will not be forgotten.

  • How to Sync Mac Desktop with iCloud Without Downloading All iCloud Files

    Hello everyone,

    I am seeking help with file organization on my Mac, specifically regarding syncing between my local desktop and iCloud. While I have a clear vision of how I want my system to work, I’m struggling to implement it.

    Here’s what I’m aiming for: I want to use my Mac’s local Desktop (and potentially other folders) in the usual way, saving and organizing files as I normally would. My goal is for these files to automatically sync to iCloud, which will allow me to access them from my iPhone and iPad.

    However, I want to avoid downloading the entirety of my iCloud Drive to my Mac’s hard drive. Essentially, I want a one-way sync where files from my Mac back up to iCloud without the clutter of having all iCloud files mirrored back to my local device.

    I am aware that enabling the “Documents and Desktop” option in iCloud can facilitate syncing, but it also pulls down all iCloud Drive content to my Mac, causing unnecessary clutter on my desktop. My ambition is to maintain a tidy and accessible workspace without the complications of my iCloud Drive folders.

    While I am familiar with macOS, I wouldn’t consider myself a power user, and I’m finding it challenging to navigate tools like the Shortcuts app or Automator. I’m currently operating on macOS 15.5 with an M2 Mini and would greatly appreciate any suggestions for achieving my goals—whether through built-in settings, third-party tools, or automation solutions.

    Thanks in advance for any assistance! I really feel this should be manageable, but I haven’t yet found the right approach.

  • Will We Have to Wait Until Fall for a New Apple TV?

    The performance of Apple TV is generally superior compared to other streaming devices, such as Roku. Users often experience lag due to hardware limitations with devices like Roku, but similar issues with Apple TV are less common.

    If you’re encountering slow performance or occasional freezing, consider a restart or reset, as these actions can sometimes resolve the issue. As for the Apple TV lineup, there’s anticipation regarding a potential announcement at either WWDC or in the fall, especially since some models are starting to show their age.

    For instance, an original Apple TV from 2017 may struggle to keep up even on a strong Wi-Fi connection, particularly when paired with modern TVs like the LG OLED. If no new model is revealed soon, an upgrade could be necessary.

    Pricing discrepancies are also worth noting. Adorama’s third-party listings often differ from Amazon and Apple’s prices, which may result in spending more than necessary.

    For example, the Apple TV 4K 3rd generation seems to be priced significantly higher on Amazon than at Apple or Best Buy. Many users believe that Apple needs to rethink its Apple TV software for it to regain a foothold in the living room market.

    Suggestions include creating a more robust lineup, such as a Pro model and SE versions alongside the standard Apple TV 4K box. These could include advanced capabilities with powerful chips for gaming and higher storage options.

    The demand for a gaming-focused model is evident, with features like AAA game compatibility appealing to consumers. The ideal mix of models would include different configurations and the option for Ethernet connections, likely addressing Wi-Fi performance issues.

    Overall, there’s a strong desire for more variety and innovation within the Apple TV lineup.

  • Infuse for Apple TV Launches: Discussion on MacRumors Forums

    Infuse has been praised as “the best media player for iPhone and iPad” by Cult of Mac, and now it has expanded its services to Apple TV! Infuse offers remarkable versatility by supporting a wide range of video formats. It stands out as the only player on Apple TV that provides full Dolby (AC3) and DTS audio support, enabling viewers to experience movies with surround sound as intended.

    Organization is effortless with Infuse. Simply point the app to your video storage location, and it will quickly catalog your movies, TV shows, and other videos. The app adds relevant details and artwork, making the selection process smoother than ever.

    Experience high-performance video playback with Infuse’s efficient hardware decoding. The player includes user-friendly features such as multiple audio track options, video zoom capabilities, and extensive subtitle support powered by OpenSubtitles, complete with various customization settings. Infuse also incorporates native trakt.tv synchronization, making it easier for Pro users to track their viewing history and maintain playback progress across multiple devices, whether using tvOS or iOS.

    Start watching on your iPad and finish on your TV without missing a beat, as Infuse automatically keeps everything in sync. No matter where your media is stored—be it a Mac, PC, NAS, wireless drive, or a server application like Plex, Kodi, or Serviio—Infuse can stream it seamlessly. Local devices are detected quickly for a simple setup process.

    As a special early Christmas treat, Infuse 4 is available as a free upgrade for all existing Infuse for iOS users (version 3 or later). Later this year, Infuse 4 for iOS will also be offered as a free update. Thank you for your ongoing support!

    We believe you will enjoy this new release, and we have even more exciting features coming soon. Feel free to leave feedback or questions, as we love hearing from you.

  • Can beta 16.4 finally make third-party AirPlay speakers the default?

    The original poster, known as mongobongo, initiated a discussion on May 1, 2007, on MacRumors regarding the new Home architecture in the 16.4 beta. They inquired if, with this update, it became possible to set third-party AirPlay speakers as the default audio output for the Apple TV, rather than being limited to only HomePods.

    As the conversation progressed, on March 31, 2023, mongobongo followed up, asking if anyone had insights on the 16.4 version now that it had been officially released. This prompted responses from other users, including a newcomer named bcadou, who expressed interest in hearing more about the situation.

    On June 15, 2023, mongobongo sought further updates related to iOS 16.5 or the iOS 17 beta. However, by June 26, a member named nikhilnagaraj24 confirmed that setting third-party AirPlay speakers as the default output was still not possible.

    Mongobongo then asked for clarification regarding which iOS version nikhilnagaraj24 was referencing. Fast forward to the latest update, where mongobongo announced that finally, there was progress, stating, “Took a while but finally this is happening!

    tvOS 26 let’s go!” This reflects an exciting development in the ongoing discussion about AirPlay functionality and the evolving capabilities of Apple’s operating systems.

    It seems that users are eagerly awaiting to see how these updates will enhance their audio experiences with Apple TV.

  • Are There No Updates for TVOS 26?

    How can I watch it? During the presentation, there was even a segment dedicated to tvOS 26. Despite the advancements, users are still frustrated with certain lingering issues. One major grievance is the inability to delete the iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps, especially now that their functionalities have been integrated into the Apple TV app.

    It raises the question: Why can’t we remove these redundant apps? Many users, including myself, have found it surprisingly inconvenient that these apps remain stubbornly on our devices. While I have been somewhat reluctant to invest the time and effort into removing them, it’s disheartening that they continue to occupy space and provide little value. The integration into the Apple TV app should have provided an opportunity to eliminate these older apps entirely, yet they persist.

    Overall, this situation highlights a broader issue with app management on Apple devices. As technology progresses, it would be beneficial for Apple to streamline the user experience by allowing us to remove obsolete applications. As more content and features get added to the Apple TV app, users hope that Apple will address these redundancies to improve device functionality and user satisfaction. In conclusion, if there are features that have become outdated or redundant, users should be given the option to customize their devices by removing them.

    The persistence of these iTunes apps feels unnecessary in the current landscape, and many are eager for Apple to take more decisive action.

  • Is Dolby Atmos “Passthrough” Finally Arriving on tvOS?

    The potential to bypass Apple’s spatial audio processing has sparked discussions among tech enthusiasts. One possibility being explored is the option to pass the Dolby signal directly through to an AV receiver, thereby circumventing the need for Apple TV to perform decoding. This raises questions about how audio playback might change for users. Recently, there has been buzz surrounding a new feature called “Passthrough” set to be introduced in the Music app.

    This feature will only be available on specific hardware, though details about what that hardware might be are still unclear. It seems to be connected to Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, potentially serving as a rebranded enhancement to existing capabilities. In addition to the Passthrough feature, iOS 18 and macOS 15 are expected to bring various improvements to Apple’s Music and QuickTime apps. These updates include smoother audio transitions, which could significantly enhance the user experience during playback.

    Apple’s commitment to refining audio technology hints at a broader trend in the industry towards offering more versatile options for high-fidelity listening experiences. As users become more discerning about audio quality, features like Passthrough may become essential tools for optimizing their setups. While the exact workings of the Passthrough feature remain somewhat mysterious, the anticipation surrounding it reflects a growing interest in how streaming platforms can better integrate with existing audio equipment. As Apple continues to innovate, it will be interesting to see how these new features evolve and what their impact will be on music and gaming experiences.

  • Apple TV and Home Theater Discussions

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    Some browsers may not support this function, so ensure that you check compatibility first. Once you’ve confirmed that your browser supports this feature, the video will guide you through the installation process seamlessly.

    Enjoy the enhanced access to our site directly from your home screen!

  • AW Ultra Now Appears Affordable Compared to Garmin’s Outrageous Pricing

    I had been eagerly waiting for the release of a new Fenix, but after seeing the absurd pricing today, I’m beginning to consider the Apple Watch Ultra as a more sensible option. At this point, I might be ready to move on from Garmin entirely.

    My only hope is that Apple doesn’t follow in Garmin’s footsteps and impose similarly outrageous prices for the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this situation.

    To be honest, if I could snag a discount on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 when the third version is launched, I would definitely take the plunge and make the purchase. The prospect of getting a decent smartwatch at a more reasonable price would certainly sway my decision, especially given my growing frustration with Garmin’s pricing strategies.

    In a competitive market, pricing can significantly influence consumer choices. As we navigate these options, it’s clear that features and performance also play a crucial role, but value for money often weighs heavily in our decisions.

    I hope that brands like Apple will consider this when releasing their new models, as a well-priced smartwatch could capture a broader audience and keep loyal customers satisfied. Ultimately, it’s all about finding the best balance of quality, functionality, and affordability.

    I’m keen to see how these new developments unfold and whether they will align with what consumers are looking for.

  • Discussion on 11.4 Battery Drain Issues: AWu2 Users Share Their Experiences on MacRumors Forums

    Since the update to version 11.4, I’m experiencing significant battery drain with my Apple Watch Ultra 2. I’ve owned the watch since its release, never having issues with battery life, but I’ve recently noticed a 10% drop overnight. I’m wondering if this indicates a decline in battery health. While some users have reported no issues with battery drain after the update, I found that my watch takes an unusually long time to reboot.

    For instance, it now takes about two minutes, compared to the previous 45 seconds. It makes me question if others are experiencing similar delays. I’ve been using sleep tracking continuously, but I realized last night that I had flight mode off, which may have caused the excessive battery drain. Typically, I charge my watch overnight while both it and my phone are in flight mode, ensuring they remain at 100% battery every morning.

    After a year and a half of use, my battery health is still at 99%, and I don’t frequently use GPS, focusing instead on daily swimming workouts. Even after rebooting my watch and phone, or unpairing and re-pairing them, the battery life doesn’t seem to improve. Another user mentioned their battery life returned to normal after 24 hours with a reboot, but my issues have persisted for three days now. I’m hoping for a resolution soon.

    Interestingly, my watch’s behavior has been consistent despite significant changes in usage patterns. For example, I charged my watch last Friday and had only 15% left by Monday, which is quite different from what I previously experienced. Despite various attempts, including a full restoration of my watch, my Apple Watch now struggles to last more than a day. I’m growing increasingly frustrated with these problems.