Category: News

  • Electric Car Ownership: Who Has One or Plans to Get an EV?

    I am currently on my third Tesla, and while I admit the company has its share of annoyances, I have never been happier with any of my cars as I am with my Teslas. My experiences with Tesla’s growing pains remind me of the challenges Apple faced in the late 80s, such as difficulty in reaching customer service and poor communication.

    However, over the past eight years of driving Tesla, I have noticed significant improvements in their processes, leading to fewer frustrations. Some people claim that charging at home with a 110-volt outlet only provides about 25 miles of range per hour.

    While that is technically correct, most Tesla owners do not use a 120-volt outlet. Approximately 80% of owners have a 50-amp outlet installed in their garages at minimal cost, which allows for charging that is six to seven times faster.

    The remaining 20% have dedicated chargers for even quicker charging options. The Tesla Model 3 boasts an EPA-rated range of over 350 miles.

    This ample range suffices for my daily commuting and errands, so I can easily plug in at home, and the car is fully charged by the time I need to drive again. Since most people drive over 95% of their miles locally, charging during road trips is less of a concern.

    Tesla has also developed a global network of Superchargers, making road trip charging far quicker than traditional AC connections. A typical Supercharger can fully charge a car in just 15 to 30 minutes for every 200 miles driven.

    My Model 3 consumes about 1 kWh of energy to travel three miles, translating to a cost of approximately three cents per mile. This is significantly cheaper than gasoline, especially when considering the absence of costs for oil changes and other maintenance associated with internal combustion engines.

    The driving experience with an electric vehicle offers additional enjoyment compared to gasoline cars. There is no lag in acceleration, and factors like the need to keep a foot on the brake at stoplights, engine vibrations, and the stop-and-go of gas engines have been eliminated.

    While Tesla is not without its imperfections, their impact on the development and adoption of electric vehicles has been substantial. Just as Apple transformed the mobile phone industry with the iPhone, Tesla has propelled electric vehicles forward, benefiting the entire world in the process.

  • What’s on Your Mind? A Discussion for Students and Schools

    Hello everyone! Based on your feedback and the suggestions from the moderation team, I’ve initiated a new thread.

    This space is dedicated to discussing a range of off-topic subjects, particularly focusing on school-related matters such as internships, fellowships, college experiences, and educational opportunities. I encourage all of you to share your own school stories and personal experiences here.

    To get the conversation started, I’d like to share a little about what’s been happening in my life. Recently, I managed to catch up on some lab papers after a friend in my physics class unexpectedly dropped out.

    It was a bit challenging at first, but I’m glad I was able to get back on track. Additionally, I’m excited to announce that I will be starting the L’Space MCA program this Tuesday!

    I’m looking forward to diving into new learning experiences and making the most of the opportunities ahead. Now it’s your turn!

    Whether you want to recount a memorable project, share insights from an internship, or discuss your thoughts on college life, this is the place for you. Let’s create a supportive environment where we can learn from each other and exchange valuable experiences.

  • How to View Full-Size Images on Websites with Right Click Disabled

    I utilize Userscripts in Safari for managing the scripts I install. For my needs, I have tried several scripts, including one named Picviewer CE+. However, I have encountered issues getting it to function properly in Safari.

    The instructions on the script’s page indicate that by holding the control key and pressing G, I should be able to open the gallery mode. This particular feature works fine in Chrome but fails to execute in Safari. I have also experimented with another script, Image Max URL, which operates seamlessly in Chrome but does not provide the same performance in Safari.

    Given these challenges, I’m curious if there are any scripts compatible with Userscripts that will work effectively in Safari. It appears that the scripts I have tried may not be fully supported or optimized for the browser. If anyone has successful experience using Userscripts in Safari or has recommendations for alternative scripts that provide similar functionality, I would appreciate your insights.

    It would be helpful to know if there are specific settings or configurations needed to facilitate their use in Safari. Thank you for any guidance you can offer.

  • Hermès Edition Owners Discussion

    With just days remaining until the launch of the Series 2 Apple Watch Hermès Edition, it’s an exciting time for new owners. I thought it would be a good idea to create a discussion for those who have purchased or plan to purchase this edition. Have you decided to preorder your watch online or will you visit a Hermès or Apple Store to make your purchase?

    It’s always intriguing to hear how others are planning to acquire this exclusive accessory. If you have already placed an order, what style did you choose? The Hermès Edition offers a variety of stunning designs, and I’d love to know what caught your eye.

    Additionally, are you considering purchasing additional bands? The versatility of the bands can really enhance the overall look and function of the watch. It would also be interesting to hear what draws you to the Hermès Edition specifically, compared to other Apple Watch versions.

    The craftsmanship and luxury associated with Hermès are often key factors for many buyers. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences, as well as any features you are particularly excited about. I look forward to hearing from our new Series 2 Hermès owners in this thread!

  • Missing Water Lock Button in Watch OS 26: Discussion on MacRumors Forums

    This morning, I planned to follow my usual routine and take a shower. As part of that, I attempted to activate the water lock feature on my Apple Watch, which is currently running the developer beta for Watch OS 26. To my surprise, I couldn’t find the option for water lock.

    I initially thought I might be overlooking it, but it made me wonder if anyone else has encountered this issue. Has anyone else using the developer beta realized that the water lock feature seems to be missing? It’s an important feature for those of us who frequently wear our watches while showering or engaging in water-related activities, so its absence is concerning.

    I can’t help but wonder if this is a bug specific to the beta version I’m using or if it’s a change in the interface that I simply missed. If you’ve also been using the developer beta, I’d love to hear your experiences. Have you faced similar issues, or is it just me?

    Your feedback could help figure out if this is a widespread problem or just an isolated case. I appreciate any insights you might have on this matter. Thank you!

  • iPhone Provides Travel Time to Destination for Wife: Discussion on MacRumors Forums

    My partner isn’t particularly tech-savvy when it comes to her iPhone, so I often help her set it up to connect via USB in her car. Recently, I observed something quite intriguing. Last night, as she prepared to head to her yoga class, she got into the car without any navigation system set up.

    To my surprise, her iPhone spontaneously announced, “22 minutes to the yoga den.”

    This isn’t just a one-off occurrence; it seems to happen regularly. For instance, every Friday she goes grocery shopping, and just like before, her phone will chime in with, “7 minutes to Aldi,” after which she completes her shopping and hops back into the car. Once she finishes there, it also announces, “5 minutes to Tesco.”

    It’s astonishing how her iPhone seems to have learned her weekly routines, recognizing her frequent destinations and travel times.

    It feels almost like magic or witchcraft, the way technology can predict her habits so accurately. Now, I’m left wondering how to turn off this feature. It seems to be part of some artificial intelligence built into the phone.

    I appreciate the convenience of having navigation so readily available, but the level of insight it has into her schedule feels a bit intrusive. If anyone knows how to disable these automatic updates and predictions, I would really appreciate some guidance.

  • A Discussion on Choosing Between Two iPads

    As an Apple enthusiast, I have a particular fondness for the iPad mini. Its compact design and functionality have always appealed to me; however, I also need a practical device that can serve as a temporary laptop replacement if my MacBook requires repairs.

    Recently, I purchased a new iPad Air with the M3 chip. While it’s an impressive device, I’m reconsidering whether it was the right choice for my needs.

    For the price I paid, I could have opted for a standard A16 iPad, especially if I managed to find it on sale or as an open box item. Additionally, I could look into acquiring a used 5th generation mini, which would meet specific needs.

    The iPad mini is fantastic for streaming content and can also serve as a white noise machine while I sleep. In contrast, the iPad Air would be more suitable for tasks like email, editing documents, and other productivity needs.

    However, I’m struggling with the question of whether I truly need the full capabilities of the Air M3. Is it essential to invest in the latest technology, or would a more budget-friendly option suffice?

    I find myself questioning if I need all the advanced features and the Apple Intelligence that comes with a higher-end device. In a practical sense, the A16 iPad combined with a used mini may better suit my lifestyle while providing the functionality I require.

    Ultimately, I must weigh the benefits of having cutting-edge technology against the practicality and functionality of alternative devices that could serve my needs just as well.

  • Adjust Keyboard Input to Respond to Keydown Instead of Keyup

    A few years ago, Apple modified the keyboard functionality to register the key released (keyUp) instead of the key initially pressed. This alteration has frustrated many users, but fortunately, there is a way to revert the setting. To restore the original behavior, navigate to Accessibility, then to Touch Accommodations, and enable the option labeled “Use Initial Touch Location.”

    By activating this setting, your device will recognize the key you first pressed, rather than the key your finger was hovering over when you lifted it off the screen. This change has been a source of annoyance for me, so I am relieved to know that I can adjust the keyboard settings to behave in the way I prefer. This feature is particularly beneficial because it does not require the touch accommodations to be turned on, making it accessible to anyone seeking to modify their keyboard experience.

    By making this simple adjustment, you can enhance your typing accuracy and comfort, returning control to how your device interprets your input. It’s a straightforward fix that can make a significant difference for those who rely on their keyboards daily.

  • Is It Worth Fixing Water Damage on My Mom’s iPad Pro?

    I wanted to share my experience with two iPads, specifically the iPDPRO 9.7″, that fell into a bathtub several years ago. I enjoyed listening to music while relaxing in the tub and used a small table to hold my iPads, both protected by third-party cases. Unfortunately, one of the iPads slipped into the water one day, and although I managed to retrieve it quickly, the damage was done. Two years later, the second iPad met the same fate, despite my belief that the case would keep it secure.

    After the first incident, I dried the wet iPad with a towel; however, it shut down immediately. The second iPad failed to turn off and “died” shortly after I pulled it from the water. I diligently tried to absorb any leftover moisture from the lighting port using soft paper and a Q-tip to minimize the risk of a short circuit. However, realizing I would soon need a replacement, I decided to buy a new iPad, specifically an 11” M1 model.

    The loss wasn’t catastrophic, as I had limited data; I mostly lost about two months of content since my last backup. I accepted the mishaps and placed both iPads in a moderately warm area for about a week. I charged them annually using a 5W charger from my old iPhone, even though they showed no signs of life. Remarkably, after a couple of years, one of the iPads just powered on while charging recently, and to my surprise, it was fully functional and retained all its data.

    The other iPad, however, still has a black screen. This experience has taught me that despite severe water damage, perseverance can sometimes yield positive results. I believe waiting a year before attempting to charge was wise, as immediate attempts could lead to dangerous short circuits. It shows that if maintained carefully, recovering data and devices is still possible.

    Now, my older iPads, including the first one I purchased in 2012, might serve new purposes, such as remote controls for various devices. They still seem in good condition despite their age, suggesting that the slow charging method may have aided in their recovery.

  • Why I’ve Developed a Passion for Stage Manager on iPadOS

    I want to share my thoughts on Stage Manager in iPadOS, a feature that I have grown to appreciate. Before upgrading to an iPad Pro that supports this feature, I had only heard negative feedback about it. Initially, my experience with Stage Manager was challenging.

    It took me three tries to really grasp how it worked; each time I would turn it on, get frustrated, and eventually give up. However, once I moved past that initial learning curve, I discovered how transformative it is. What truly stands out is how Stage Manager brings the iPad closer to resembling a full-fledged operating system.

    It enhances multitasking, making it more fluid and dynamic. The ability to work with overlapping windows and switch tasks effortlessly feels liberating compared to the conventional split-view layout. It’s not simply a matter of having multiple apps open; it’s about how you can organize and interact with them in a seamless manner.

    Despite its strengths, I recognize that Stage Manager isn’t perfect and there’s certainly room for improvement. Nevertheless, it has fundamentally changed my iPad experience for the better, even though I don’t engage in heavy tasks like coding or video editing. I’m curious whether others have had a similar experience.

    Did you give up after just one attempt, or would you consider giving Stage Manager another try? If not many people use this feature, I wonder what that means for the future of a more advanced iPadOS.