Category: News

  • Trouble Accessing MacRumors Forums: Here’s What You Need to Know for Resolution

    MacRumors.com is not experiencing any issues. However, I have encountered some problems in the past when clicking on the forum link from their main page.

    Currently, I notice that occasionally a page will load correctly. For instance, I just posted in the game forum, but when I went back to select another forum, I encountered the same formatting issue again.

    The page was devoid of any proper layout, which made it challenging to navigate. In an attempt to resolve this, I duplicated the tab that was currently open.

    This action led me to a properly formatted page of the gaming forum. From there, I could select different forums without running into the formatting problem.

    However, I have observed that sometimes, when the bad format does occur, the page takes an unusually long time to load. At other times, it simply fails to load altogether.

    It’s quite inconsistent; on some occasions, the page opens up with no formatting at all, which can be frustrating. It seems that the issue fluctuates and can happen randomly, creating a less than ideal user experience.

    Overall, while MacRumors.com itself is functioning well, my interactions with the forum links have highlighted a few technical glitches that I hope get resolved soon.

  • Share Your Beer Photos!

    I couldn’t find any existing discussions on this topic, so I decided to share my recent discovery. Today, I visited the LCBO and came across some intriguing beer that caught my eye. I was so drawn to it that I felt it was an absolute must to purchase. The selection was diverse and unique, making it difficult to resist.

    There were several varieties that piqued my curiosity, prompting me to explore flavors beyond my usual preferences. The marketing and packaging of the products were particularly engaging, leading me to imagine how they would taste. To document the experience, I recorded a video unboxing to showcase the beer I bought. I thought it might be fun for others to see what I found and to share my initial impressions.

    I believe that trying different beers can be a delightful adventure, and I’m excited to dive into these new options. As someone who appreciates unique flavors and craft brews, I’m always on the lookout for something special that stands out from the mainstream offerings. As I share this with you, I encourage fellow beer enthusiasts to venture into local stores, seek out those unusual finds, and not hesitate to experiment with different tastes. Who knows what surprises might await you?

    Stay tuned for my video unboxing, where I’ll reveal the beers I chose and provide my thoughts on them.

  • Inquiry About Mac Studio Drive Performance

    I am in the process of replacing my iMac 27-inch 2019 model with a Mac Studio, as Apple has designated it as end of life. At the moment, I have a configuration in mind, but I have a question that I hope someone can assist with.

    I don’t necessarily require 1TB of storage, which adds unnecessary cost to my purchase. Historically, I have always opted for 512GB, but I’ve come across numerous discussions on YouTube suggesting that choosing the 512GB model might lead to a significant decrease in data transfer speeds compared to the 1TB version.

    I am reaching out to see if anyone has BlackMagic benchmark tests for the 512GB model they could share with me. It would also be helpful if someone could either confirm or refute the claims regarding performance differences.

    Your insights would greatly assist in my decision-making process as I look to upgrade my system. Thank you in advance for any information you can provide!

  • Do 3.5 HDD enclosures support SMART on Mac?

    The controller chipset in question, the ASM1153E, is designed to support UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol). This indicates that, in theory, it should function as expected.

    However, to ensure compatibility and reliability, you will need to install the SAT SMART driver, which can be found in a previous post linked by Binary Fruit. It is also important to note the evolving landscape of driver management in macOS.

    Third-party developers have historically relied on KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for drivers and various functionalities within kernel extensions. However, there is a significant shift taking place as these kernel extensions are progressively being replaced by System Extensions.

    This shift represents a significant change in how operating systems are designed to handle these functionalities. As for the future, there are uncertainties regarding the longevity of the current solutions in upcoming macOS versions, such as macOS 26, known as Tahoe.

    It is unclear whether the existing setup will remain effective or if an updated alternative, specifically a system extension, will be provided to replace the kernel extension versions that are being phased out. This means that users should remain vigilant for updates and consider potential long-term implications for their current setups, particularly as the operating system evolves.

  • How frequently do you inspect your watch for dents, scratches, or other damage?

    I rarely inspect my Apple Watch for signs of damage or wear unless I’ve really given it a hard knock. To me, it’s just a tool, and tools naturally accumulate wear over time. There’s no way to completely prevent this; even the best cases don’t guard against scratches caused by tiny bits of grit, and screen protectors can’t stop all damage. While it’s possible to reduce some minor issues, one must consider the trade-offs.

    Using a case can make your Apple Watch look like cheap plastic, while a screen protector might slightly hinder touch responsiveness and brightness. I own a luxury Omega watch worth several times more than an Apple Watch Ultra, and it has neither a screen protector nor a case. It showcases a few scratches and marks, but those imperfections represent the beauty of wabi-sabi—the acceptance of transience and imperfection. I know people with watches valued well into six figures.

    Regardless of how often they wear them—be it daily or on special occasions—they wouldn’t dream of covering their timepieces with cases or protectors. This speaks to a shared appreciation for the marks that come with time and use. If you’re looking for a different perspective, I recommend exploring articles on the concept of wabi-sabi. It highlights the beauty in age and wear.

    My Omega is nearly 20 years old and still functions perfectly, with the potential to do so for another couple of decades if maintained properly. In contrast, I suspect my Apple Watch Ultra 2 will become e-waste in just five years, maybe ten at best.

  • Tapping a notification reveals “Open” button instead of directly opening it

    When I tap on a notification, it now slides over and displays an “Open” button instead of directly opening the app. I’m curious if anyone else has experienced this.

    Did I accidentally change a setting that triggered this change? It’s becoming quite an annoyance, and I would appreciate any guidance on how to revert it to the previous behavior.

    If anyone has information or suggestions on how to fix this, I would be grateful. I just want my notifications to function as they did before.

  • First Gen SE: What is its Future Viability?

    Like many others, I eagerly anticipated the release of the iPhone SE4, hoping for a device that would suit my needs. Instead, Apple introduced the $600 iPhone 16e, which left me feeling disappointed. I wish they had retained the SE name for this new model, or better yet, created a dedicated SE line that focuses on the preferences of users like me, particularly regarding price and size.

    In the meantime, I continue to use my first-generation iPhone SE. Although it only has 32GB of storage, I manage to make it work with the help of iCloud. Unfortunately, the software has capped out at iOS 15.8.

    This raises the question: how much longer can I rely on this phone for my daily needs with such outdated software? I have considered updating my browser to Firefox or other alternatives, but I still cherish the features that my old phone offers. The home button, headphone jack, and compact size are elements I truly appreciate and find difficult to replace.

    While newer models may boast impressive features, they don’t cater to my specific preferences, which makes it harder to upgrade. As I cling to my first-generation SE, I find myself wondering if Apple will ever return to the roots of what made the SE line appealing in the first place. A phone that balances functionality, simplicity, and affordability could surely find a loyal audience among those who value these aspects.

    For now, I’ll hold on to my trusty device and hope for a better option in the future.

  • iTunes 4.9 Released Now!

    Dejo inquired about the presence of a Podcasts link on the Music Store homepage. They affirmed that the update is legitimate, sharing that they successfully downloaded and installed it via Finder’s Software Update feature.

    Their version of iTunes now shows as “iTunes v4.9 (17),” which includes a Podcasts section. Treblah expressed anticipation for the content, questioning why there are currently no podcasts available.

    They voiced hope that NPR might be the rumored provider, specifically mentioning their desire to see “All Things Considered” included. SpaceMagic shared their own experience of downloading the update.

    They noted that both MacRumors and MacBytes seemed inactive, wondering if this was due to a holiday in the U.S. Notably, they found that version 4.9 of iTunes was smaller than previous updates, only weighing in at 9.9MB.

    Applespider lamented about missing the update, having been awake early in the morning when it wasn’t available. They expressed frustration at having to wait until later that evening to access the new features at home.

    Ahe contributed their experience, mentioning their unsuccessful attempts to drag and drop a couple of podcast URLs into iTunes, which resulted in an error stating that the URLs were not valid podcast links. The collective sentiments reflect excitement and anticipation for the new features while also highlighting some frustrations experienced by users during the transition.

  • Essential Language Tips for Mac Users

    I have updated my Basic language, transforming it into a 64-bit application. This enhancement allows it to be compatible with macOS Catalina and later versions, which no longer support 32-bit applications. I would appreciate it if you could test the new application. It has the capability to generate standalone applications and includes an integrated help feature for users.

    The application can be downloaded from the provided link. This update not only ensures that users on macOS Catalina and newer can utilize the application, but it also offers an improved user experience. With the ability to create independent applications, users can develop and manage their projects more conveniently. Additionally, the integrated help feature will provide immediate support, making it easier for users to navigate through the application and obtain assistance whenever needed.

    Please share your feedback after testing the application. Your input will be invaluable in further refining the tool and ensuring it meets user needs effectively. Thank you for taking the time to evaluate the updated Basic language application. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

  • Enhancing Security for OCLP: Discussion on MacRumors Forums

    A discussion has arisen regarding the security issues related to OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP). Some users point out that despite the Wi-Fi framework being extracted from Ventura, which continues to receive updates from Apple, this process is not immediate. There is often a delay while OCLP developers extract the framework and release updates.

    This reliance on Apple’s ongoing support for Ventura raises concerns about potential vulnerabilities. When vulnerabilities are eventually found, it can be unreasonable to expect the developers, who volunteer their time, to communicate and address these issues promptly. The process of identifying a bug, fixing it, and then applying the OCLP update can leave users’ devices exposed to threats during that time.

    While it’s important for developers to take breaks and rest, users often find themselves anxiously awaiting critical security patches. Trust is central to this discussion. Users choose to trust Apple Inc., a large, established company, while OCLP’s code can be reviewed, offering a different framework for trust.

    Users are placing their confidence in volunteers from the OCLP community to handle sensitive changes to their systems, and this trust can be complicated. Developers of OCLP have admitted that it began as a “small project,” which has grown substantially. However, the complexity of accommodating all Intel Mac users may surpass their initial intentions.

    Critics argue that OCLP’s security measures may feel inadequate, and that many users might not fully understand the implications of running potentially vulnerable software. Calls have been made for OCLP to be more transparent about security limitations and for users to consider how they assess trust when using software. It’s essential for users to be informed about potential vulnerabilities and for developers to initiate responsible communication to foster trust within the community.