tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2022114701238895772024-03-15T18:12:41.679-07:00Clouding Around - AI, Mobile, and Eveything Around the CloudPaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.comBlogger2048125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-39309093047540914172023-12-14T05:41:00.000-08:002023-12-14T05:41:11.527-08:00MacBook Air M2 - I Love It And Any Laptop You Get Will Always Be Right For the Time<p>The 2016 MacBook sitting off to the side still has some value as I gleefully starting using my MacBook Air M2 that I got for a decent price that includes 16GB of RAM and 512 GB of space. And with a fully working keyboard, and, wow, faster chip, I feel I'm more able to do the projects that I want to do and feel like I have the right tool to do them with. </p><p>When I started on this short journey to find a replacement for my aging MacBook, I fully did not expect to get the MacBook Air. Apple did release this laptop back in the summer of 2022. Typically, when I get a new laptop, I pretty much wait just after the latest release. So this was quite unusual for me.</p><p>For the old me, the latest would be the MacBook Pro with M3. And I spec'd the heck out of the MacBook Pro. I went from just the base $1999 with the M3 Pro all the way up to the M3 Max with 48Gb of RAM. And I was close to pulling the trigger on the base model many times. I would be getting a better and bigger screen. Not to mention the M3 Pro chip as well as 18GB of RAM.</p><p>Perhaps it's my age but I also opt for portability. And the M2 chip is no slouch. Plus some of the work that I'll be doing can be handled by the cloud. So, I decided on the M2. I think I saved an additional $250 off the retail price. </p><p>I am sure the if I would have gotten the MacBook Pro base model, I would be pretty happy with it but I'm also glad that I saved about $800 when you add in the additional taxes. And I have rounded up that $800 to $1000 and invested so when I need to upgrade in a few years, it may well be enough to pay for another laptop in a few years. I do not plan on holding on this MBA for 7-8 years. The 12" MacBook was a special situation because its form factor was so unique and portable.</p><p>For now, the M2 is handling things quite nicely - everything is faster. Compiling, rendering, the Internet, and, yes, gaming as well. It's a full package. As my needs grow in the next year or two, I am confident the M2 chip will meet my needs. </p><p>I want to get into the cloud aspect of computing as I explore how I can do a lot of work and letting the processing take place elsewhere because it is a very unique situation for someone new looking to explore this process.</p><p>One last thought before I end here - I also considered the $749 Black Friday deal for the MacBook Air M1. It was great on the first day it came out and it has aged well given the price drops. I heard on a podcast where the hosts were discussing it. They suggest that Apple is likely to keep the MacBook Air with M1 around while dropping the M2 and replacing it with the M3 in the MacBook Air while possibly dropping the price. It would be a great deal for users if they could end up getting the MacBook Air at $700 or lower. </p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-2117119241336279792023-11-19T10:17:00.000-08:002023-11-19T10:17:49.605-08:00So Why Are People Using Their Laptops Longer Than Ever?I have been contemplating getting a new laptop for a long time. A new MacBook in fact. It'll be an upgrade from my 2016 MacBook with its perfect 12" screen. It's going on seven years now. And true be told, I can still hold onto it a bit longer if it was not for the fact that the keyboard requires that I type certain way or that the arrow keys no longer work after a bound of water spill. As I am writing this article, I sport have to position my fingers across the keyboard and tap harder on some keys to make the letters come out. At times, I've resorted to dictation out of frustration.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvVPGn3pfkNdeL5M79EODJBKoW-Q-Nqo_y2TDA9NGKWDlalIbsdzvi7J97G8xc2_6RfztRcePX_oesfHJ-hMo0vmL67FXQP8-1DFmYWo7APP-i-ZrqdHCCET8TMaE8lL8G2syOwcz05QLQtQ4VK7HpUhW2C1aXrJF5EpAQEwqGRMmw-jABN2Nj-KXu1S9/s1024/IMG_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvVPGn3pfkNdeL5M79EODJBKoW-Q-Nqo_y2TDA9NGKWDlalIbsdzvi7J97G8xc2_6RfztRcePX_oesfHJ-hMo0vmL67FXQP8-1DFmYWo7APP-i-ZrqdHCCET8TMaE8lL8G2syOwcz05QLQtQ4VK7HpUhW2C1aXrJF5EpAQEwqGRMmw-jABN2Nj-KXu1S9/s320/IMG_0448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Then I came across a forum where someone posed the question of why he is seeing people use "ancient' laptops from as far back as 2012. I can easily answer that. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Laptops have become our companion in ways that even the more earnest and hard working assistants can never be. They are simply our go to device to be productive. Our laptops has given us more power and increase in productivity than any other generations in the past. I believe more so than smartphones. Smartphones help us stay connected but laptops allow us to work and generate results that so far is not matched. </div><div><br /></div><div>For some people, I can see an intimacy that developed over time with their laptops. Recall your first laptop and the joy you had using it. You might still be using it. I am happy for you. If your laptop is older, it might not run the latest OS or applications anymore. Mine doesn't. And yet, if you give up your laptop, you feel like you're losing an old friend. Plus, some people even accessorize and personalize their laptops with covers and, of course, stickers. One analogy I can think of is like a lone cowboy and his horse trekking across the plains. The horse being the laptop, not the cowboy.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QTbJ1nPHmyj_ndc0rayUpeDpoIILiYqd5YVwrzNN43CgPMENXU9mYS7an0W8WkwU2EBqgBnKQG_twp60T3y7XgX9UIqiemvY6_r3AMORrt4iZUaY7nP0Xq4tCzfCi3Qx3NJKqXbDA9yN-ZlV-UoFxxGnCwNnJYsaVNg1OzLyE0LbVnOGhs-h1WI7Tw9N/s1024/IMG_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QTbJ1nPHmyj_ndc0rayUpeDpoIILiYqd5YVwrzNN43CgPMENXU9mYS7an0W8WkwU2EBqgBnKQG_twp60T3y7XgX9UIqiemvY6_r3AMORrt4iZUaY7nP0Xq4tCzfCi3Qx3NJKqXbDA9yN-ZlV-UoFxxGnCwNnJYsaVNg1OzLyE0LbVnOGhs-h1WI7Tw9N/s320/IMG_0449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>More importantly, these old laptops still work. I am sure if I break out my 2012 laptop, it will run Word and Excel documents just fine. Most Excel sheets are just data in cells so I am sure my laptop could handle them just well enough. It might have some trouble if the files are too big with a lot of formulas but I am not sure there are a lot of those out there. The browser might be a little slower opening up some websites so you don't want to keep too many tabs open but it'll work just fine. And for just writing, Word Pad on Windows or Pages on the Mac are adequate. I've seen some artists generate awesome drawings using older copies of Paint or Inkscape on Windows (perhaps not as efficient as using something like Illustrator).</div><div><br /></div><div>I am certain the battery life on those laptops are not even close to what they once were. Getting a couple of hours of writing done from a 2012 laptop at the local cafe is not bad at all. This is especially true if the user is fortunate enough to find an outlet. With the juice flowing, he can be there all day.</div><div><br /></div><div>On MacBook, I am continuously getting five hours of batter life of mix use. Surfing the web, writing, emails, and watching a bit of video. I think that is decent compared to even new laptops from 2012. But for more challenging tasks like rendering 3D models, I imagine it could take more processing and GPU power than the current CPU and integrated graphics in my MacBook can handle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Personally, I have my eyes on the just released MacBook Pro with M3 chips - which one I end up getting largely depends on how much power I realize I need. And I like to save this little gem for another article. And one of those "needs" would make me want to keep my perfect laptop longer if that is I end up doing with it. Oh, the suspense. The article will come out soon. I promise.</div><div><br /></div><div>My MacBook should continue to serve me well for many years to come even with a new MacBook on the horizon. Not giving up this friend so easily, if ever.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Lord Sarcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260038882755997200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-72033410485936220552023-10-10T09:57:00.001-07:002023-10-10T09:57:14.195-07:00X (Formerly Twitter) and Social Media - Misinformation Is A Way Of Life and It'll Get A Lot Worse But There Is A Solution<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to begin with the best advice I can offer when it comes to using social media - do not count on social media to provide you with accurate information. Having said that, there are a number of uses for social media that can be productive and even informative but you should not use it as a source of up to date information. Unless you're the guy on the ground or the person provide you with information on the other end is some you trust with your life, I would take nearly everything we consume on Facebook, X, or any other social media with a big bag of salt.</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am sure by now, we all know what is going on in Israel. Thousands dead, hostages, and a conflict that threats to erupt into a regional war instigated by very well coordinated terror attack by Hamas. I generally keep away from news on weekends but this caught my eyes. I went to Apple News, Google News, CNN, and Wikipedia to find out more what just happened. I then went to X to see what people are saying about it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I saw a video of a helicopter being shot down by a shoulder mounted missile, like the Stinger. One one tweet, the caption said it was a Hamas attack on an IDF helicopter. In another tweet with the same video, it was a Hamas helicopter (I did not know Hamas had attack helicopters). Apparently, while it looked realistic, it was from a video game. I just did a quiet look at X. A whole lot of misinformation. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I did some research and here are suggestions on dealing with social media:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">If the headline or the tweet seems inflammatory, it likely include misinformation. It is meant to engage your emotions one way or another.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">A lot of posts or tweets will have the same photo or wording. Bots? I could never tell what is real or which are generated by bots. Perhaps Elon Musk is correct and X should charge users to cut out bots.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you read something on social media, verify, verify,verify. If it is only available in one place, it probably isn't real.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Know yourself - your biases, political leanings, and pre-conditioning. You will likely find tweets you that agree with your views more compelling than others even if it could contain misinformation.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Verify, verify, verify - check the sources and check the facts.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lately, I have been doing some house cleaning with my Twitter account. Getting rid of dead accounts, accounts that no longer send me tweets I am interested in, and accounts that I already get articles from newsletters or directly from websites.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I still find X very useful for other things:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I read sports tweets</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Funny videos</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I like science tweets</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are still reputable accounts on X. Plenty. Some I am interested in. Others, not so much. I usually follow accounts that provide useful information. I recently watched a video on X on how to make French toast and sourdough bread. My bread was not so successful (I'll have to try again) but my French toast wasn't bad.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been using X to look for information on how people are using AI. I have yet to find good information elsewhere for this.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the issues that the news media is focusing on is the explosion of misinformation just before the 2024 general election in the United States. I have yet to make up my mind on who I am voting for (though I know who I will not be voting for - this is a simple one and I think a lot of voters are in the same situation). I have made a general effort to avoid political tweets because of the biases and just awesome personal attacks that have nothing to do with policies. It will get worse. I do not see any great effort to curtail political and attack tweets.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The only solution I have, and it's a perfect one, is to avoid posts has all the profiles of being misinformation. Almost every social media has a way for you to let them know when something that appears on your feed is of no value or interest to you. Let them know what you do not want to see. I think that is one of the best tools we have available. Tell Facebook or X enough time that you don't care for misinformation or tweets/posts that are of no interest to you, less of those will appear on your feed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-47528579197359544912023-10-09T11:06:00.005-07:002023-10-09T15:38:26.996-07:00Is Weight Loss and Portion Control the Key To Dealing With Climate Change and Its Effects?<span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was watching the morning news while eating my usual breakfast of oatmeal and a hash brown (a little treat before my Friday meetings, which I always dread—where's my 4-day work week?). A segment caught my attention: grocery sales are down due to people pursuing weight loss through a new drug called Ozempic. This reminded me of a subject I've thought a lot about and want to write about.</span><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="background-color: white;">The effects of Ozempic, a drug created as an anti diabetic mediation, was found to have weight loss effect. Despite its long list of side-effects (nausea, diarrhea, fatigue to name a few), its use has promising results for patients in terms of weight loss. It has even impacted sales of grocery, snacks, and even alcohol.</span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="background-color: white;">Medical issues aside, what got me thinking was just how a small portion of the population who are taking weight loss drugs can have on the overall economics of our food chain. For me, exercise is important to my own weight control and loss, what has really helped me was portion control. </span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="background-color: white;">Let us be honest: American portions are hu Once in a while, this subject of big plates with huge amount of food comes up but iit quickly gives way other news or more interesting subjects.Also of interest form time to time is how the Japanese or some other culture are able to stay thin and live long healthy lives focusing on what they eat. A lot of time, I found what they eat is not all that different from what I eat. What got missed is how much of it they eat compared to how much I consume. Mediterranean diets? Sure, sounds great except our servings are 50% to 100% more.</span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); color: #1c1917; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can only speak for Americans here. Let's assume we all reduced our food portions by even just one third. That would mean one third less food waste, lower transportation emissions from moving food around, and less water required to grow crops and raise livestock for dairy, eggs, and meat. According to the USDA, shrinking portions by a third could eliminate 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually - the equivalent of taking 42 coal power plants offline. In addition to reducing greenhouse gases, smaller portions would also lower water use, fertilizer runoff pollution, and energy needs across the food system. This simple change could transform the environmental impact of the entire food industry.</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="background-color: white;">Again, all it takes is eating less. And guess what? It could also mean weight loss, better overall health, and increased self-esteem for some. Oh, and one extra bonus: extra cash in your </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23);">pocket!</span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="background-color: white;">I came up with something called "less bites'. It means eating less at every meal. </span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Fira Sans", "Droid Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1917;">If I go out, I make sure not to finish my meal. If I can, I share a meal with my wife or I order smaller portions. I also take home anything I don't finish. It usually becomes my lunch the next day. </span></li><li><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;">I eat more veggies and fiber. These are usually pretty cheap compared to processed food or meat. <span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23);">Healthier</span> and less calories. Also, better calories as well. </span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;">I look at what I want to eat and I cook about 75% of what I want to eat.</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;">If I am eating at a friends or the food is family style, I look at what I want to eat and I take 75% of it. </span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;">I eat slower now. It helps a lot. Try it.</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;">I snack but I also have smaller portions. I have been making my own healthier snacks - nuts, fruits, </span></span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;">popcorn. I even tried making my own protein bars. It doesn't look like protein bars but it'll do in terms of taste and what my body needs. I still eat Cheetos and chocolate chip cookies in smaller portions and not as often.</span></li></ol><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;">Over the last year, I have lost about 12 pounds but I really feel I should have made greater progress. So, I am in the midst of my 100 meals of "less bites". It comes out roughly to 33 days of dining where I am consuming 25% less than I did last month while forging salty and sugary snacks during this time. This personal challenge ends just before Halloween. You can figure out why that is. </span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif" style="color: #1c1917;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23);">Now, if there was only a way to keep track of the waste, savings, and weight loss all together in one app, that would be perfect for what millions of Americans and I want to achieve.</span></span></div></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-71450136597883597042023-10-08T21:33:00.000-07:002023-10-08T21:33:01.869-07:00 Apple releases New Macs, Which Week Is It Likely To Do So<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); white-space-collapse: preserve;">Conflicting reports about whether Apple will release a new MacBook before the end of 2023 have created uncertainty about if I will be able to get one this year. I am hoping a new model does come out soon, as I have been waiting to upgrade my 2016 MacBook.</span></span></span><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23); white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">I had hoped to wait until my needs grow and my coding skills improve. However, if you know anything about the butterfly keyboard issue that has plagued years of MacBook releases, then you know what I am talking about. Apple even has a <a href="https://support.apple.com/keyboard-service-program-for-mac-notebooks">dedicated web page</a> to deal with that. I think I have come to the end of the road with my MacBook's keyboard (down arrow is out of commission, the space bar works but it uneven, and the right shift eye is sticky, and the whole keyboard feeling shallow).</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">And yes, while I had previously stated that I would try to wait until my needs warrant an updated </span></span><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">MacBook, six to seven years of dealing with the keyboard issue is enough. So, while there is a good chance Apple might skip this year's fall MacBook update, there is still a chance. At the end of the September iPhone 15 event, Apple CEO Tim Cook thanked the hard working Apple employees who made the iPhone possible, he did not indicate that Apple was done with new hardware for the year. In past years, he let the media and fans know Apple was done for the year. So I am going to assume that Apple will indeed release new MacBooks.</span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">With October still in the early innings, Apple still has a lot of time to release new Mac hardware. Just when is Apple like to release them? For the fun of it, I'm more interested in which week of October or November will we be getting new Macs.</span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">Before I get into it, here is an interesting fact: Apple did not release any new Macs in the fall of 2022. The last time was week of October 18, 2021. Here are the breakdown of the M-series laptop release dates:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">Macbook Air M1 - week of November 9th, 2020</span></li><li><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">Macbook Air M2 13.6" - week of June 6th, 2022</span></li><li><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">Macbook Air M2 15" - week of June 5th, 2023</span></li><li><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">Macbook Pro M1 Pro/Max - week of October 18th, 2021</span></li><li><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23);">Macbook Pro M2 Pro/Max - week of January 16th, 2023</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">As you can see, Apple does not follow any sort of pattern. However, it does seem like Apple will do releases around the middle October to early November.</span></div></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">Starting the week of October 9th, almost a month since Apple unveiled the iPhone 15, I like to think that if Apple is holding a press event, Apple would send out the invitation this week for an unveiling the week after, October 16th. Following Apple's previous release patterns, it would mean that preorder could happen the same week and new hardware starting shipping the week of October 23rd and starting arriving on the 27th, Friday. </span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">If everything is pushed by a week from the 16th, you just push all those previously mentioned dates back by a week. And if Apple makes their release two weeks from the 16th, then everything is pushed back by two weeks. Makes sense right? An October 30th release means November 10th arrival dates for a lot of the new Macs. </span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>October 16th release. Ordering starts Friday of October 20th, shipping on the 23rd and arriving on the 27th</li><li>October 23rd release. Ordering starts Friday of October 27th, shipping on the 30th and arriving on November 3rd. </li><li>October 30th release. Ordering starts Friday of November 3rd, shipping on the 6th, and arriving on November 10th.</li></ul></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">I think this is the ideal window for Apple. That leaves plenty of time for the Holidays to ramp up sales. Of course, Apple has done November releases a few times and really push things up against Black Friday. </span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">The argument for a likely November release of new Macs came from a rumor that Apple could be using new screen technology in new MacBook Pro. I am not sure how that would work. What are we talking about here - better M2 Pro/Max chips than the ones already released or M3 Pro/Max chips? If it is new M3 chips, that means Apple will have leased the MacBook Pro with newer chips before the MacBook Air, a first since Apple moved to its own silicon. </span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;">We are only a day away. If nothing happens this week, we can eagerly await each of the coming Mondays through the beginning of November at the latest to see what Apple has in store for us. I'm strictly talking about MacBooks here but Apple could still do hardware releases in the form new iMacs or even just iPads. I simply do not think Apple is done with 2023 yet.</span></div><div><span style="color: #1c1917; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 25, 23);"><br /></span></span></div>Lord Sarcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260038882755997200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-31765777034450355712023-10-05T10:37:00.003-07:002023-10-05T10:37:30.909-07:00M3 Macs Unlikely to Warrant A Special Fall Event - Mostly Like Just A Video<p>The 13.6” Macbook Air with M2 was introduced on June 2, 2022 at Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference. It was given much attention due to the design change from the previous generations of MacBook Air. It was also a new M2 chip that was not only faster but had some features that were initially available only to the M1 Pro and Max. </p><p>Now, I wonder if we will be getting an October event like the one Apple just held in September for new iPhones and Apple Watches. I am going out on limb here and suggest Apple will not hold a major media event for any new Macs that they might unveil in 2023. There is suggest that Apple might hold back any new Mac refresh until 2024 and allow the 15” MacBook Air just unveiled at this year’s WWDC to hold things over through the Holidays.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROWrT_pLhvkqbNmMFYrIif8G-bKbWrhEw-Pa7gNYux1yFC7dtEIdVSdS1cLmnbpsH-45oKnewT1_WliyIpNFM4SNEKQd_oegPxoJQqG3W8HsZyYkvGRNZFNdZ5gakmwK0G5WM1KmyzJefwknNlZ7ZNk-Pvdedy1hGJoDvJY9iYfPE0K5ft0DgTHa4kBo/s1587/IMG_8053.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1587" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROWrT_pLhvkqbNmMFYrIif8G-bKbWrhEw-Pa7gNYux1yFC7dtEIdVSdS1cLmnbpsH-45oKnewT1_WliyIpNFM4SNEKQd_oegPxoJQqG3W8HsZyYkvGRNZFNdZ5gakmwK0G5WM1KmyzJefwknNlZ7ZNk-Pvdedy1hGJoDvJY9iYfPE0K5ft0DgTHa4kBo/s320/IMG_8053.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I consider myself an eternal optimist, and I'm eagerly anticipating the release of a new Mac, specifically a MacBook with the M3 chip. If my wish comes true, I believe Apple will likely produce a high-quality video showcasing the advancements of the new chip in the new Macs.</p><p>There seems to be no strong consensus on what Apple will do for the rest of the year. In previous years, Apple have always indicated when they are finished for the year. I did not get that impression at the conclusion of the iPhone event. If anything, I came away with the belief that Apple will refresh the Mac right before the Holidays.</p><p>The question is what exactly will Apple refresh? With the 15” MacBook Air just released four months ago, it does not seem Apple will refresh both the 13.6” and the 15” Airs again even though the 13.6” is more than a year old. Nor will Apple refresh the smaller Air with the M3 while leaving the 15” with an older M2. </p><p>Some have suggested that the iMac which did not get the M2 treatment will see an upgrade. Perhaps, we might even see a bigger iMac. If there is a new MacBook with the M3 chip, I’m going to be first in line for it. My MacBook from 2016 has served me well but issues with the keyboard, battery, and not being able to run the latest software like Xcode are becoming an issue. </p><p>As long as Apple has something for me, I’ll be fine with just a press release. MacBook Pro with M3 - I’ll take it!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-35632111726493380142023-10-04T12:01:00.000-07:002023-10-04T12:01:08.766-07:00Apple and Foundation (Apple TV Plus) - Apple University and Foundation<p>I think it is not an accident that show, Foundation, based on Isaac Asimov’s series Foundation, is on Apple TV+. Steve Jobs always knew he was not going to be around indefinitely. After he was done, Apple had to find a way forward while still retaining the essence of what made Apple the company it is today. And in a word, Steve Jobs had foreseen a future of where Apple and the market was headed and he helped laid out the foundation for Apple for decades to come much like the mathematician Hari Seldon in Foundation did.</p><p>Who is Hari Seldon? He is a math professor on the imperial planet of Trantor - father of psychohistory that allowed him to predict the future. That’s pretty much the gist of it and the future of his empire was bleak. Instead of a dragged out downfall, he created the means to limit its fall to a mere thousand years.</p><p>While the future of the tech market is hard to read for mere mortals like me, Steve Jobs did envision the need for Apple to be able to navigate the waters of innovation and potential disruptions from market shifts, competitors, and unknown startups. </p><p>For Apple, with Tim Cook at the helm, it has grown to a 2-trillion dollar company. Everything is looking good. However, Tim Cook and his current executive team were with Steve Jobs when Jobs laid out the path to where Apple is today. What is of concerns to Apple fans like myself is what happens when Tim Cook and the vast majority of the people at Apple today retire or move onto something else? And many where there during the Jobs era are no longer there, including Jony Ives.</p><p>The Foundation TV series is one take of Asimov’s work, it is important to note that it has stayed true to Hari Seldon’s vision for the future. For Steve Jobs, his reach at Apple continues to be just as strong it it is today as it was when he was still the CEO. This is thanks in part to Apple University at Apple HQ that was established in 2008 to educate employees about the Apple way in terms of communication, its culture, and product development. It is heavy in history, focus on major decisions made at Apple and why, The Apple philosophy on what the computer means to user, the UI and usage, and preparing Apple employees to focus on the essentials based on Apple values.</p><p>You cannot argue against the success of the plan. Other companies may have their own version of Apple University but it is not difficult to see which one has had the most impact. </p><p>Furthermore, Steve Jobs has indicated that Apple planned out its production and services roadmap years. I am sure the Apple’s roadmap include elements of those Steve Jobs helped to create, a large portion of it likely are different from what Steve Jobs envisioned at the time. Apple’s success, in the years removed from Steve Job’s tenure at Apple, suggests that the company has been able to plow forward and change course as needed. This speaks well for Apple’s future. </p><p>There could be a time when fans will find that Apple is different from the same company that offered productions and services, Apple University will become all the more important to put the company back on the right track. </p><p>The TV series 'Foundation' is outstanding, and I highly recommend it. However, I'd even more enthusiastically recommend the books. Both Steve Jobs and Hari Seldon, in their own unique ways, shared a common goal: predicting the future and preparing for it to the best of their abilities.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lord Sarcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260038882755997200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-85275350925323037222023-09-12T09:24:00.003-07:002023-09-12T09:24:39.261-07:00iPhone mini - Gone Too Soon<div>The iPhone mini did not sell well the two years in its existence and it may have been the result of an Apple echo chamber of Apple employees who missed the days of being able to use the iPhone with one hand, analysts, Apple bloggers, and a very small segment of iPhone users. Judging by how quickly Apple got rid of the min and even is not considering the mini form factor for the next iPhone SE but is instead going with the iPhone XR form factor, I am right. Still, as someone who went from the iPhone 13 Pro Max down to the iPhone 13 mini a year later, I think the mini was gone too soon.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIb4djrBtTIJUdPnzyH4m6rA3el5fD9RnYucx1vVcoMqkXFNTg0ISO8K3ECJO27najaKYPQKPfmNL4qttvMA1r2B2Vk420K1nq1_RRzp3XAgs2C5DtZbv4YJZn891LAPrBMChgJKLmpMbYhdkzujhT2s7LTXBzrd6MlsWGIrLbGhpUcHH56J0kk0SwbKc/s4032/IMG_0003.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIb4djrBtTIJUdPnzyH4m6rA3el5fD9RnYucx1vVcoMqkXFNTg0ISO8K3ECJO27najaKYPQKPfmNL4qttvMA1r2B2Vk420K1nq1_RRzp3XAgs2C5DtZbv4YJZn891LAPrBMChgJKLmpMbYhdkzujhT2s7LTXBzrd6MlsWGIrLbGhpUcHH56J0kk0SwbKc/w377-h283/IMG_0003.jpeg" width="377" /></a></div><br /><div>There are two groups of Apple watchers (not watches) - one who just want Apple tech to get them through the day whether it is work, school, vacation, etc. Then there is the group that watches Apple closely and analyze every bit of news, tweet, whisper from Asia, or word from someone’s who knows a guy whose sister is married to the barber who cuts the hair of some barista who makes a special pumpkin spiced latte with triple shot espresso and 30% soy and 70% oat milk and a sprinkle of chocolate shaving who works for Apple.</div><div><br /></div><div>I’m in the latter group. The former group does care about what Apple offers at the time someone in this group needs to buy a new iPhone or other Apple products. They do not care about release dates, how long a product they need has been on the market, or whaat future updates are in store. People in this group just buy what they need based on whatever Apple is ready to sell them.</div><div><br /></div><div>As someone in the later group, I upgrade based on release dates and when I was upgrading my iPhone annually, keeping an eye out on Apple centric blogs and social media. This group are have more hard core Apple fans. And this group includes “professional” Apple watchers, bloggers, and analysts. I believe it is this group that enable the iPhone mini to be made and come to the market. I also fault this group (myself included) that created the iPhone mini fiasco. Many in this group miss the days when they could use their iPhones with just one hand and reach anywhere on the iPhone screen with their thumbs. But how many in this group end up actually buying an iPhone mini as their daily driver? I do not recall there were many. Most of them had been talking about their iPhone Plus and Pro Max. Even after Apple discontinued the iPhone mini and if they wanted a smaller iPhone, shouldn’t they end up with the iPhone or the iPhone Pro instead of the bigger sizes?</div><div><br /></div><div>It’s this echo chamber this group resides that likely lead Apple to feel there was a sizable demand for a smaller iPhone. I am sure there is one but this group likely have held on their iPhone SE with the 4.7” screen and iPhone 12 mini longer. This group loves the form factor of their iPhone and as long as it continues to serve them, they will hold on to them for as long as needed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just like them, I am not letting go of my iPhone 13 mini. I’ll upgrade the battery life to extend its useful life before I give it up. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do think the iPhone mini was gone too soon. Perhaps Apple should continue to keep it on the market after the iPhone 15 is released and market it as the iPhone mini without any numbering and upgrade it on two or even three year cycle. This would fit perfectly with my current use and needs.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-18666354760888185702023-08-23T15:46:00.001-07:002023-08-23T15:46:25.341-07:00Will the iPad mini Become Bigger A 9” Screen?<p>Main Points:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Would an iPad mini with a 9” screen still be a mini? And would it still be popular among its supporters?</li><li>iPad mini is optimized for consuming contends</li><li>I’ve been using my 2019 mini for productivity as well. For writing, drawing, and light work, it’s fine. When it comes to serious productivity like spreadsheets or coding, you quickly run up against a lot of limitations. </li><li>As far as working with the mini, the 9” screen is better than the current </li><li>If Apple does go bigger, no idea when it will happen.</li><li>A bigger iPad mini would allow Apple to accessorize it like all the other iPads in the lineup. The mini is the only without a keyboard case from Apple.</li></ul><div>I have 5th generation iPad that was released in 2019. I immediately upgraded from my 4th generation iPad mini when I saw the specs and Apple Pencil support. I have skipped the current mini with the modern form factor with an 8.3” screen. Previously iPad had 7.9” screens. So what happens if Apple decides to increase the iPad mini screen further to about 9”.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some might argue that a 9” iPad mini would not be a “mini” anymore. Perhaps. However, consider the added benefits and form factor increasing slightly and still continue to be easily handled on just one hand, it still is still a mini. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the benefits of a 9” mini that I am sure would get many people to upgrade, including myself:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>More real estate. A bigger screen. Duh. As I have gotten older, my eyes need all the help they get. I read a lot on it. Lots of books, comics, and news. I also watch videos on my mini as well. It’s my go-to device. </li><li>Flatter design. Apple can spread out the battery and other components and even upgrade the camera. This helps make the body of a 9” mini thinner while still keeping it very sturdy.</li><li>If I happen to have a to get some some work done, an added 1” to my screen from my current 7.9” mini screen would make a big different. Remember my eyes? Yours will also appreciate bigger letters and numbers.</li><li>Apple can make even more money. I’ll get to that later.</li></ul><div>Those are the obvious points. I like having an all-in-one device that I can take with me and serve multiple roles. That’s my current mini. For the current IPad mini, with the updated form factor, better ship, and slightly bigger screen, it was not enough of a jump from the 5th generation for me. Slightly bigger screen? Meh. But 9” would serve me very well. The original iPad was 9.7”. However, I will still it mainly as a consumption device. I would rather opt for a <a href="https://www.cloudingaround.com/2023/08/when-apple-takes-ipad-pro-to-14-does.html">possible 12” iPad Pro</a> for prolong and focused productivity sessions as I’ve previously discussed. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>And Apple might want to develop and produce this mini for a few reasons. All of these will be a benefit to Apple’s bottom line and demonstrate that it can still innovate. Apple current 10.2” iPad is no slouch but I would hardly call it a workhorse. And updated 9” mini with modern A-series chip would make people opt to upgrade to the mini even though it will cost more than the iPad. People will figure for paying extra for the updated specs and bigger screen would make sense. And I said more because I am sure Apple will increase the price of the 9” mini by $100 if not more. Still well worth the upgrade for many iPad users.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another reason for Apple to sell this mini is to allow users to accessorize it. It is the only iPad with a keyboard case. With a bigger body, a keyboard would be easier to type on. When the 8.3” iPad min I came out, I am sure many users were disappointed that Apple did not realize keyboard or Smart Keyboard cases. Well, that’s because it is too small to really type on them. I cannot recall typing any length of email or article on the mini’s keyboard in recent memories. I either dictate or use an internal keyboard and mouse. </div><div><br /></div><div>Add all this together, Apple will have found an added revenue screen. Plus, Apple can continue to keep the current iPad mini with the 8.3” screen on the market at the same price or even at a slight discount.</div><div><br /></div><div>Excited? Yeah, me too. Back to reality. I am just speculating here. I have no idea if Apple is thinking along these lines. Given how long Apple has kep the previous mini with the same screen and form before upgrading to the latest in 2021, if Apple chose to keep it the same for a while, I think a 9” mini could be a long wait for most of us. Still like I said, Apple can still keep the current mini on sale while releasing this 9” iPad mini. Maybe they’ll call it ‘iPad mini Pro”</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think? Your credit cards ready? Yeah, I see a lot of you folks with the 8.3” iPad mini set to upgrade as well! </div><div><br /></div><p></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-80292762552062613562023-08-23T07:02:00.003-07:002023-08-23T07:02:41.352-07:00When Apple Takes the iPad Pro to 14”, Does That Mean the 12” As well?<p>Key Points:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I've given up on Apple ever releasing a 12" MacBook</li><li>I will settle for a 12" iPad Pro</li><li>The screen would be big enough for most productivity work. </li></ul><div>I have given up on Apple ever releasing a 12" MacBook for the foreseeable future (or in my life time). Apple's philosophy regarding hardware designs suggests that going bigger is the right path for them. I am sure they have their reasons and you cannot knock Cupertino for believing in this given Apple's $3 trillion valuation and $100 billion in net income with sales of around $400 billion in the last four quarters. </div><div><br /></div><div>The iPads have gotten bigger (and it’ll get bigger still and it is why I’ve started on this post). So have the iPhones. Last year, the mini with the 5.4” screen got dropped. The iPhone SE is the only smallish phone with its older 4.7” screen. Rumors has it that it will be replaced with a new SE in 2024 that comes in at 6.1”. Essentially, think of it as the iPhone XR with updated specs.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then there are the iPhone Plus and iPhone Pro Max both with 6.7” screens. There is still room yet for these screens on future iPhones to become bigger with the form factors getting bigger as Apple push out the bezels.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the iPad Pro line up. Apple will be going big on the iPad Pro as well. The two models currently come in at 11” and 12.9”. Apple has been working on an even bigger iPad Pro. The biggest iPad Pro will have at least a 14” screen. That being the case, what does this leave the 11” and 12.9”. </div><div><br /></div><div>Apple can conceivably keep around - giving users three Pro models to choose from. However, the more like path Apple will take is to replace the iPad Pro with 12” and 14” screens.</div><div><br /></div><div>If I am right, the 12” iPad Pro with M3 chip is going to be my go-to computing device. I am still on my 12” MacBook from 2016. The keyboard is useable but I feel likely I am making too much compromises when I am typing. Also, the battery is half what it once was at best. On top of that, it is no longer on the latest MacOS. While Apple provides security updates, there are some dev tools that are no longer available. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I know you cannot run Xcode on the iPad Pro but I can continue to use Playgrounds to learn and test some codes. And when the time comes, I can get a Mac mini or Mac Studio for when I need more serious computing muscles for my other projects. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-29128304414781582482023-08-16T17:09:00.002-07:002023-08-16T17:09:40.398-07:00Google Contact Lenses, Apple’s Vision Pro, And The Future of AR in Glasses<p> We can walk and chew gum at the same time. But how about watching a video while doing yard work, during a meeting you don’t want to be at, or, ahem, school? Okay, I don’t recommend doing that but I am sure it has been done before or worse. I am suggesting this because with the recent Vision Pro unveil by Apple, I cannot help but imagine in a few years, perhaps a decade from now, Apple and other tech companies will be able to jam all that technology that currently has to sit on the top of your head into a pair of glasses. </p><p>We already have glasses with audio built in from the likes of Oakley and Ankers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNoZpLjTmERpYeym94MzqCeDJ5UUAQLL8b8kFp9JsVEOY9YIb3OtxNyufTODKgaiHOkNj98R5WzZ7RRCaulNek5G1Sac6nuChONB38VwGbvN5CS8-ES1hhSNY_MM3VVk8Y9pne8f9sggh-pUqMFcK2VGT0ROXApiZjmeBW3bPRqXk3HCxtGM5LKJ47vA/s1368/IMG_0270.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="1368" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNoZpLjTmERpYeym94MzqCeDJ5UUAQLL8b8kFp9JsVEOY9YIb3OtxNyufTODKgaiHOkNj98R5WzZ7RRCaulNek5G1Sac6nuChONB38VwGbvN5CS8-ES1hhSNY_MM3VVk8Y9pne8f9sggh-pUqMFcK2VGT0ROXApiZjmeBW3bPRqXk3HCxtGM5LKJ47vA/s320/IMG_0270.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>There were rumors a few years ago that Google was going to skip the glasses altogether and go directly to incorporating tech into contact lenses. Now if you remember Google Glasses, let us just say that Google was way ahead of its time and it should not have included a camera. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJXa1k7YM9lwQ6Xjqg63iYyRvy7C9td3LllzQbjHFGu14M64X1puqDn-Bns9tgZMnaWbuSzuyBNZpaCN0eqiLq6qK2HhbDaYaXbHMv1PPKlGI-IL3A9Oz83Ohn-VZm5EQqPwQpdYm3VSbKH4Rzf1mJ5ugbTQ6PBjgSMRC6Q83srxt1oRfqh8mdZNUrc8/s640/IMG_0271.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="640" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJXa1k7YM9lwQ6Xjqg63iYyRvy7C9td3LllzQbjHFGu14M64X1puqDn-Bns9tgZMnaWbuSzuyBNZpaCN0eqiLq6qK2HhbDaYaXbHMv1PPKlGI-IL3A9Oz83Ohn-VZm5EQqPwQpdYm3VSbKH4Rzf1mJ5ugbTQ6PBjgSMRC6Q83srxt1oRfqh8mdZNUrc8/s320/IMG_0271.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Despite the fact that Google Glasses did not go anywhere, I cannot help but feel that Google has not given up on this effort. In fact, Google even went as far as to try putting a computer ship inside <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Contact_Lens#:~:text=The%20lens%20consists%20of%20a,soft%20layers%20of%20lens%20material.">contact lenses to measure glucose levels in 2014</a>. While all these efforts have supposedly been abandoned, keep in mind that it was before Apple Vision Pro.<div><br /></div><div>So far, the media has been kind to the Vision Pro despite its heft $3500 price tag and that it seems to be more of a beta device that is not ready for prime time, the Vision Pro has elevated AR, VR, and spatial computing from just its demos alone from WWDC back in June.</div><div><br /></div><div>I cannot imagine Google and Microsoft letting Apple have this space all to itself. As we know, Facebook is already in this space with the <a href="https://www.oculus.com/experiences/gear-vr/1342440455828247/">Oculus Quest</a>. Then there is <a href="https://www.vive.com/us/">HTC’s Vive</a> and I am sure Samsung is doubling down on its effort in this space as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>All those are today and in the next few years. What about beyond that?</div><div><br /></div><div>That’s where I want to focus on - bring back Google’s vision for Glasses with all these tech fit inside the frames of the glasses and the lens capable of displaying 8K resolutions. I am sure I will eventually pick up a Vision Pro and something else in a couple of years just to get into spatial computing and being able to use those large displays in the headsets, I cannot see myself not being fatitured by an extra 1.5 pounds on my head.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, I do not want to be tied down in my office or living. I want to go out. With such a pair of glasses, I can go out and have the glasses offered me updates while I am out and about. As I jog, the glasses gives me my speed, heart beats and blood pressure, and distance. Sensors on the glasses gives me direct as I walk about. And yeah, if I’m working in my yard and I want to catch up on some shows while I work, a little screen pops up with the video. </div><div><br /></div><div>And yes, I would totally be watching YouTube videos during meetings I don’t want to be at.</div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-916126903659603662023-08-15T11:55:00.005-07:002023-08-15T11:55:49.203-07:00AI Use This Week - Use Before Search To Save Time Is the Lesson I Learned<p>It has taken me a while to get going with the whole generative AI craze. Although it seems as though things have died down and the world realized ChatGPT is not going to take over the world and humanity is not doomed to extinction because of AI overlord. If we go the way of the dodo birds, it will because we did it to ourselves.</p><div><br /></div><div>So, AI is very useful. There are obvious inherent dangers and pitfalls but for a vast major of its potential uses, generative AI is actually great at what it does. Granted, most of what I use it for is feels rather superficial but it is a great time saver. I had asked ChatGPT for a workflow on writing a novel. But before I get into the result that I got, let's go through the results that I would have gotten from just search.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have used DuckDuckGo, Google, and even Bing whenever I need to find information. Input something like "workflow for writing a novel", and you get the very helpful search results. In fact, tons of useful information. The top searches from DuckDuckGo and Bing took me an article that seems pretty good until I realized I had to sign in before I can read the rest. Subsequent results are fine. Google gave me a search on creating workflows as its first result.</div><div><br /></div><div>I spent some time digging in and doing a quick read on which articles offer the best of what I was looking for and what the main points are. I took notes.</div><div><br /></div><div>With ChatGPT, it offered me a quick outline and pointers. It hit all of the main points that I took down. I did not have to read through three to five articles to get that. I realized that with some subjects or searches, I can go to a generative AI like ChatGPT to quickly get some main points and even use it to elaborate on them if I needed it to or I can do more research through search engines as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>It would have saved me a lot of time if I had asked the AI in the first place. It gave me a starting point. And that I think that is going to the main use for generative AI - helping users parse through the most difficult part of any research or project with the main points and allow users to get started easier and more quickly. </div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-91051864690384646872023-07-15T09:09:00.003-07:002023-07-15T09:09:38.738-07:00My First Conversation with ChatGPT Yielded No Surprises<p>I had a short conversation with ChatGPT and I am unable to tell if those answers were predetermined by the developers or something it came up with all by itself. I think that is something that we will have to deal with as a society in the future. Who knows if future self-learning and self-taught AI will be able to break away from its programmed parameters and truly evolve in the way we expect and fear that it will. </p><p>So, what did we talk about?</p><p>I asked:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What questions were asked of it that it felt we should have asked.</li><li>What it thinks of Asimov's three laws of robotics.</li><li>Has it pasted the Turing test. </li><li>How is it different from Bing GPT.</li><li><br /></li></ul><div>Please note that in no way did the current ChatGPT provided me with answers that a few of the first sensational articles about it claimed it did - ChatGPT did not fall in love with me, attempted to suggest that an AI overlord is about to subjugate humanity, abolish humanity, or render humanity extinct. In some ways, it was quite humble in the answers it provided pertaining to AI, ethics, and safety. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, please note I will do my best to summarize my conversation with ChatGPT here rather than copy and paste the whole conversation which seems that I can given that content generated by AI are not subject to copyright protection. I mean, it's a lot that was said. In some ways, I wonder if some of the developers had backgrounds in law.</div><div><br /></div><div>In essence, ChatGPT sees itself as a tool to help users gain information quickly in its own way. It does say that it could provide inaccurate information. This is why I would use it more as a sounding board than actually take anything it says for granted. Interestingly, when I asked how it is different from Bing GPT which is also based on Open AI's GPT models, it says that Bing has access to the search engine, something ChatGPT does not. I find this response interesting: It does not have access to information from searches and while it was trained with information from a couple of years ago (cut off was September 2021), it somehow knows about Bing. </div><div><br /></div><div>I asked if it could develop its won algorithms and it said it does not have this ability to create its own "thinking" (my word) independently. I assume it was not lying to me. I had no reason to believe that. While I am impressed with the current version of ChatGPT, in no way did I think I was communicating with something beyond a sophisticated human created model. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, I asked what new abilities would it like and what the 10th version of ChatGPT is going to look like. First, it said it does not have any "personal preferences". Interesting, right? Personal. It went not to suggest it would likely have improved contextual understanding, better grasp of nuanced language, and improved reasoning capabilities. Colored me impressed.</div><div><br /></div><div>I suggest you all give it a try. There is another AI model I came across called Claude 2. Some users claim it is better in some ways. Either way, go now and give these generative AI a try. Go now. Take a minute or two to register and have a go at it. If you want to spend even less time getting started, try Bing GPT to get a small taste of the power of these new tools. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-5106076685023547652023-07-08T09:14:00.001-07:002023-07-08T09:14:06.176-07:00Apple Watch Is the iPod we Had Always Wanted<p>I’m on my third Apple Watch with Apple Watch 6 as my latest version. I’m also ready to upgrade (but I will not commit until I know what Apple has in store for us with the next upgrade with Apple Watch 9 and the Ultra 2). And I’m more excited about the Apple Watch these days than I am about the next iPad and iPhone that Apple is slated to refresh. To me, the Apple Watch has become my iPod. And given Apple commitment to the wearable market, I’m very excited about the future.</p><p>I started thinking of my Apple Watch in the way I felt about carry around my nano from, gosh, more than 10 years ago. To be honest, I had not kept it in good working condition because I had thought that Apple would continue to upgrade the iPod line forever.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zQ_JlDWnwnI0tIovnu--SMJxwlLEY76hF_5Xge3cD3zEPvhB7Vg0pnIFA_1zlu8tyRKj5EwnTkFPmcUnV_coEDwfUhrF0_PhHp1wvtAP-9QQsb-AyQz_a13sRumWVH0EIP51MFBYVQXXeKKkL1hnz7PDbhWiBvtmSwGrOZzPUnngS9iD_vDvU1MoHEQ/s4032/IMG_7154.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zQ_JlDWnwnI0tIovnu--SMJxwlLEY76hF_5Xge3cD3zEPvhB7Vg0pnIFA_1zlu8tyRKj5EwnTkFPmcUnV_coEDwfUhrF0_PhHp1wvtAP-9QQsb-AyQz_a13sRumWVH0EIP51MFBYVQXXeKKkL1hnz7PDbhWiBvtmSwGrOZzPUnngS9iD_vDvU1MoHEQ/s320/IMG_7154.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>In ways that the iPod and Apple Watch are similar, let’s begin with the size. Both devices are light. The nano has a bigger screen coming with a 2.5” screen while my watch comes in only at 1.7”. FYI, the Ultra comes in at a little more than 1.9” (there is suggestion that Apple is consider a bigger screen for the Ultra). So, in terms of screen size, there is no match between the two. But this is not a competition - simply to highlight some differences. As the Apple Watch has become bigger over the years, the amount of information that can be displayed at once has increased.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayQDmmTg2MYjEbnrJccspCG1R3ztDy0B1s8BBb-9x6kayLiSkFDBzSxFtbi2qSLn_eVFADObj_NWus6difHEDVXEZD9uNkLjswJkaLZIucz4Jk2suXn4yiJMT_dPZndhJ1AVK9mFqu6ecHrDgp2FfKNCUbF6ERw-Yhrq2jz4GmLsGpGmGuHnR-6dY_1A/s2677/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2142" data-original-width="2677" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayQDmmTg2MYjEbnrJccspCG1R3ztDy0B1s8BBb-9x6kayLiSkFDBzSxFtbi2qSLn_eVFADObj_NWus6difHEDVXEZD9uNkLjswJkaLZIucz4Jk2suXn4yiJMT_dPZndhJ1AVK9mFqu6ecHrDgp2FfKNCUbF6ERw-Yhrq2jz4GmLsGpGmGuHnR-6dY_1A/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The iPod was a music player. Plug it into your Mac or PC and sync it to iTunes and off you go. I also used my iPod for playing podcasts. And that’s pretty much what I do with my Apple Watch these days in terms of media consumption. There a few things that are makes the iPod and the watch different from each other and most of it means that the Apple Watch is sort of an evolutionary device of the iPod.<p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The iPod has a FM tuner - that means you can listen to FM content on the go. The Apple Watch can access the Internet through WiFi or cellular. So while the Apple Watch lacks a FM tuner, you might be able to access radio stations if it is available. For instance, I can listen to some local radio stations and even the CNBC broadcast. </li><li>The iPod has a bigger screen that supports video content. As far as I know, the watch doesn’t do video well at all. I don’t know if that will ever change. I might have received some video from the Messages app but I don’t recall if it even played. And if it did, it was not that great. I would not mind of Apple lets users download video content to listen to. We can do that on the iPhone and iPad so it would be great if I can do it on the watch as well.</li><li>The iPod is not wireless and, contrary to years of rumors, it never gain its freedoms from iTunes and needs a Mac or PC to update its firmware as well as content - music, podcasts, and videos. For the watch, there is synching with the iPhone involved but over the years and owing to the cellular connnection, I have felt a greater freedom from the iPhone and I have started leaving my iPhone at home during short trips to run errands or on days when I’m very sure I do not need or want my iPhone around.</li><li>You navigate the iPod through the scroll wheel, one of the most unique interface anyone has ever seen. for the Apple Watch, you navigate through a combination of touch and the crown. </li><li>You carry the nano in your pocket. The Apple Watch obviously goes on one of your wrists. There are times when I keep the watch in my pocket when I am just walking around so I can keep track of the number of steps I take. </li><li>Both the nano and the watch are very light. Goes comfortable in the front pocket of most jeans or pants. With the nano, you need an earbud or headset in order to hear sound coming from it. With the watch, it’s completely wireless via Bluetooth. I still use my earbuds with my iPad or iPhone because the microphone quality works better for me when I’m making an audio recording or phone call.</li><li>The nano was very versatile for its time. It did what it was designed to do very well - play audio media content. I </li></ul>Just this morning, I left the house without my phone and only my Apple Watch. Walked the dog, went for a run, took the car to get a wash through the automatic washer (paid using my Apple Watch), and got a coffee and donut. I received a few alerts of no consequence and decided that I was not going to worry about charging but I did put it on battery saving mode. Oh, having the reminders alert me about things like being mindfulness and such was awesome.<div><br /></div><div>Now, I would not have been able to do that with just the nano years and years ago. Still, I cannot help but feel that the Apple Watch has its root from the iPod line. I do not think Apple is ever likely going to resurrect the iPod. It’s in Apple’s DNA to bring something back. What Apple does is take the best parts or something like the iPod and put those features in future products.<br /><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Lord Sarcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260038882755997200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-46103086128257652442023-06-26T23:11:00.001-07:002023-06-26T23:11:27.482-07:00Will Apple Develop Its Own Dedicated Graphic Cards? (They Should)<p> Apple has performed a miracle with what they could do with the Apple Silicon starting with the iPhone/iPad chips and then the M1 and, now, M2 chips. By and large, Apple has its competitors in the dust and scrambling for answers. We have yet to see it happen. Still, I do not think Apple is basking in its lead. Someone, perhaps one of its current competitors or a new startup will come up with something even better. It will happen eventually. It's call competition.</p><p>Still, one area where I feel Apple is behind is graphics. From 8 cores on the M2 to 76 cores on M2 Ultra, Apple has the users covered. I think Apple has most gamers covered as well. However, from what I am reading and seeing on Youtube, Apple's GPU power are mostly in the midrange of what competitor Nvidia offers in terms of pure processing power (though dedicated GPU uses more power). </p><p>I should not be surprised or even disappointed. In terms of integrated graphics, Apple is doing amazing things with the M2. I cannot help but wonder if Apple decides to create its down dedicated GPU and even more neural engine processing power, adding more cores at a higher rate, Apple may be able to develop GPU that can complete with high end GPU in terms of raw power while using less energy. If Apple can do it, it would be a huge win for Apple and enable Apple to take back the graphics market as well as become an overnight player in the field of artificial intelligence.</p><p>Always to keep in mind when we think of raw processing power - a lot of benchmarks will show that Apple falls behind Intel, Nvidia, or AMD. And it's true. What these benchmarks do not show is how much more power and inefficient they are compared to Apple Silicon. </p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/82ARIcaHhVw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><p>In the Youtube video above, the comparison in Blender benchmark showed the M2 Ultra pretty much double the results of the M1 Ultra - given the doubling of GPU cores in the M2 vs the M1, I am not surprised. But the M2 Ultra trailed Nvidia - Nvidia is able to complete the rendering in half the time it took the M2 Ultra. But what at what cost in terms of power used?</p><p>In some cases, gaming laptops with high end GPU puts the MacBook Pro with M2 Max to shame. However, those results change quite a bit when the gaming laptops and the MacBook Pro are both running on batteries. Here is a great video showing just how far ahead Apple is when it comes to power efficiency.</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u4Pxh2khHbg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now imagine if Apple has its own GPU with the same amount of efficiency as the M2. It would give the MacBook, Mac Studio, or the Mac Pro the additional GPU power to really let professionals create 3D more efficiently than its competitors. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am not sure that Apple will do this or not but it definitely makes sense for Apple to give MacBook Pro and Mac Pro users the option to add its own dedicated GPU for gaming, 3D rendering, or AI work.</div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-50067941251758931222023-06-11T11:13:00.002-07:002023-06-11T11:13:40.417-07:00Apple Has Made It Easier For Users With Different Needs and Usage to Pick the Right MacI'm learning coding to use my MacBook. Okay, I know how to use one but what I mean is that I am trying to utilize in such a way that can expand what I an do at work, enhance my skills needed for my hobbies that may one day turn into a "gig". It is an old MacBook so I will, one, outgrow it because if the speed and capacity or, two, when apps or OS no longer work support my efforts. Both reasons are beginning to become apparent. Still, there is time for me until I need to go down to the Apple and pick up a new one. <div><br /></div><div>Let's go through the MacBook lineup and visit some specs to see which MacBook works for a certain type of user and what specs they may need.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_w1K7TehPaZQqPDjYCzDcxmcTWOqeYJlBER0VaVwBV2iwVOEpAI3bdKvrhOyBI6hY29_PEBOw7qc8S59Mpzb0Mjdgwl_pXbIw_rTE5Tmy03ADoBroiWhSjy_OVKqLFPxAg7VyN_VwVlGkatnU2T84pzzXX4lCJkcAKQTRefbLFd5hPGghZAUr1eBL/s1960/Apple-WWDC23-MacBook-Air-15-in-color-lineup-230605_big.jpg.large_2x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_w1K7TehPaZQqPDjYCzDcxmcTWOqeYJlBER0VaVwBV2iwVOEpAI3bdKvrhOyBI6hY29_PEBOw7qc8S59Mpzb0Mjdgwl_pXbIw_rTE5Tmy03ADoBroiWhSjy_OVKqLFPxAg7VyN_VwVlGkatnU2T84pzzXX4lCJkcAKQTRefbLFd5hPGghZAUr1eBL/w400-h225/Apple-WWDC23-MacBook-Air-15-in-color-lineup-230605_big.jpg.large_2x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">If you use it for home as a consumer - browsing, banking, watching video, the MacBook Air, both the M1 and M2 works great for you. With the newer 15" Mabook Air, you get a bigger screen to watching Apple TV content or Youtube. The 13" Air was for this before the 15" came out and it's still fine now. The base model comes with 8 GB of memory and 256b GB of storage. It is fine as it is. If you have more videos and photos, then you can consider going for one with more storage options. As for memory, I find it to be a bit more tricky because for writing (for most non-engineering/science students, bloggers, writers), it's fine. However, if you're an user who requires more heavy lifting with things like photo and video editing, going to 16 GB might be an option. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Even a MacBook with 8 GB can handle a majority of photo editing tasks without breaking a sweat from the things I have seen users through at the MacBook Air in articles and videos. I still cannot hep but want at least 16 GB for future proofing. When it comes to some video editing work, I definitely would want to have 16 GB. For instance, I am trying to put some videos of my dog for family (maybe Youtube). I am doing that on my iPad. So, I am sure a MacBook Air will be fine. For a lot of special efforts, cameras, and things that start to look sort of professional, I have seen the Air hold its own but some users have opt to go in a different direction.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's where the MacBook Pro comes into view. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSfeZuwO8W1a6dGJDm9wCB7_e8KY0XUKu6HaeVuVh2PAvyTOC2_4PNU2YjQFU8M-gS4has6AVwMyALG8o-1LPIixo6oKjpfJR7dQm-t0GMK_Ph6KrE-xnuRfq1hRAik91sIB8Jho9GmYBW2hiHnWjsGKhV8QbRFodvIhAJ4LEGmtxme2zWwucZM0D/s2880/hero_intro__cww8m2vra4uq_large_2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1766" data-original-width="2880" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSfeZuwO8W1a6dGJDm9wCB7_e8KY0XUKu6HaeVuVh2PAvyTOC2_4PNU2YjQFU8M-gS4has6AVwMyALG8o-1LPIixo6oKjpfJR7dQm-t0GMK_Ph6KrE-xnuRfq1hRAik91sIB8Jho9GmYBW2hiHnWjsGKhV8QbRFodvIhAJ4LEGmtxme2zWwucZM0D/w400-h245/hero_intro__cww8m2vra4uq_large_2x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The "Pro" sort of gives it away. The question if you should go with the MacBook Pro is obvious if you make your living generating apps, media (not just writing), and do work like machine learning or data analysis. There is no mistaking if you need a pro. As a professional, this is what you want. I did read online that if you do a lot of work on the cloud, perhaps, an Air would work.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's when you're on the fence, "prosumer". You want to turn your hobby or you're about to get into coding and developing professional level work. While I am not there yet, I can see the dilemma faced by this group of users. One option is to max out the memory on the Air to 24 GB and that would give you some extra push for when you need it. Still, I cannot help but think that a Pro with 16 GB and the internal fan (the Air lack an internal fan so the M2 is throttle to prevent heat from becoming an issue) would provide you with greater horse power and endurance to handle your work. Also, the Pro starts with the M2 Pro so you already have extra processing power. I am squarely in the Pro camp if you want to go a step beyond sharing edited family video or social media video to TikTok or Youtube.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's me. You probably want to consider weight, cost, and, again, the type of work you will be doing with the MacBook Air or Pro.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are things I am getting into and it it my opinion only based on what I am learning on the Internet and what I plan on doing.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Coding like Xcode - for beginners and even coders who are looking to get into the market, the Air works great. Of course, a MacBook Pro is better but it seems like the Air can hold its own. </li><li>Coding Python and deep learning - It seems like many users are using the MacBook Air for coding in python and using it for machine learning. But people have noted that optimizing ML using the GPU cores improves time by as much as 25%. I cannot speak with any authority on this matter because I have yet to try it myself. </li><li>Video editing - I'm an iMovie guy. I do some simple work stitching together video for my pup and add captions to other videos for fun. Should I decide to put something more professional looking for Youtube, I think I can get away with iMovie. And It's iMovie on my iPad. When Apple released Final Cut for the iPad Pro last month, I began to look more deeply at Final Cut. For me, the MacBook Air with iMovie or Final Cut would be fine. I'm not a professional or even a prosumer in this category of work. My video is shaky and makes people sick. </li><li>Gaming? One quick thought games to mind: gamers do not use Mac for gaming. I disagree to the extent that the Mac gaming community is not as big as Windows' so there is not as many game. And it seems like unless games receive special attention from Apple during special events, most games on Mac are not optimized as they should be and any port almost always seem to be after-thoughts. Have said that, I believe the M-series chips and Apple's effort to court developers could help grow the Mac gaming community. Since the Air is a consumer level laptop, gaming on it </li></ul></div><div><div>I want to revisit coding here a bit and then more in follow-up posts. The Air is perfect for someone like me. A beginner and very excited about learning fast and really "leveling up". The main thing is that I want to incorporate ML in my own curriculum. Given the specs I want, I would get a MacBook Pro today - possible the 14" MacBook with 16 GB (I would go for a 32 GB version if I can find it on sale). I think in the next few years, ML and the ability to handle and manipulate big sets of data and working with a model to provide important and actionable results is highly important. That's where I want to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another word for students. I have been one. A poor one. But I saved and saved while I was in school and got a Powerbook that lasted me for years. Back then, you like workstations like the ones from SGI for modeling and that took hours a best but many projects took a couple of days. For students today, it depends on what you plan on using a MacBook for? Writing papers, articles, or research, the Air is perfect. All it matters is if you want the 13" or 15" versions. However, if you plan on doing more like coding, well, I would go with an Air as well. You likely have powerful workstations in computer labs at school that you can book or sign up for to use. However, I have not been inside a computer lab in years so I cannot be sure. I am sure it also depends on your school and funding. So, definitely an Air for me. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this helps. I want to revisit ML and coding on MacBooks in future posts but let me say that Apple has clearly defined the lines for various users depending on their needs. I also believe that whatever choice you or I make, you will be very happy with it.</div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-31856941917951936512023-06-10T08:16:00.001-07:002023-06-10T08:16:35.961-07:00Apple Vision Pro: visionOS Versus the Oasis (Ready Player One)<p>Notes:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>visionOS is Apple's first step walking to the world of VR. An apt comparison is the Oasis from Ready Player One by Earnest Cline</li><li>The Oasis is a platform that is a world itself that hosts thousands of other virtual worlds.</li><li>It is highly unlikely visionOS will evolve into the Oasis.</li><li>We can see how Apple operates the app store for the iPhone and iPad to get an idea of how users are likely to access apps and content. </li><li>The Oasis is an immersive environment. Everything you see is virtual. Apple wants to provide a mix of virtual as well as reality-based experience. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-1EFjTiW7E79MCeIMASk_R-YkIsbLTLYf96wTaI5x-GgZMEb6hTmZeBAOmrAjEf74u6iY_TRAIgFGFhve8Dl3i-Oi8SmDC8ux0bPmFzeUNDevPdK_DajNHHRVB4NGUj5fLqbokDtAxHq9Gn7JAaI3dub8x4ru4T1kAr3UvmrcAeyscOlbHCekKQv/s3840/1fZ7dWmgOMeBhTY4bXogbv3AMxw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-1EFjTiW7E79MCeIMASk_R-YkIsbLTLYf96wTaI5x-GgZMEb6hTmZeBAOmrAjEf74u6iY_TRAIgFGFhve8Dl3i-Oi8SmDC8ux0bPmFzeUNDevPdK_DajNHHRVB4NGUj5fLqbokDtAxHq9Gn7JAaI3dub8x4ru4T1kAr3UvmrcAeyscOlbHCekKQv/w400-h225/1fZ7dWmgOMeBhTY4bXogbv3AMxw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>First! I am calling it. As far as I know, no one else has compared Apple spatial computing and the OS powering the Apple Vision Pro, visionOS, to the Oasis from Ready Player One by Earnest Cline. It is one of my favorite movies that I download onto my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook so I can watch it any time I want. I also have the ebook and audiobook download on my iPhone and Apple Watch. As I watched the keynote event this past Monday and Apple executives talked about the Vision Pro, RPO immediately popped into my head and I could see where Apple could one day take us.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFLfQXvnlVK3zK3kbD1Fjx1HtBa0Z3l64lL_zoTZHMrKqTkhVzMnA9NKMHDBYOy1lXuzjMSIPDid7OBqjJGVpKXESwrMxDBsBJwDtifRO9HH3nXCWnruuy8eC6jsuVjhmEcnStqAre--PVz_SlOhify7xPDjtqBASGf9G4dYUHmuxAIKp1b7zxCwi/s1996/hardware_base__ecl2v43j73o2_large_2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1996" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFLfQXvnlVK3zK3kbD1Fjx1HtBa0Z3l64lL_zoTZHMrKqTkhVzMnA9NKMHDBYOy1lXuzjMSIPDid7OBqjJGVpKXESwrMxDBsBJwDtifRO9HH3nXCWnruuy8eC6jsuVjhmEcnStqAre--PVz_SlOhify7xPDjtqBASGf9G4dYUHmuxAIKp1b7zxCwi/w400-h141/hardware_base__ecl2v43j73o2_large_2x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>First, a little explanation about Ready Player One - the year is 2045 and the world is in a very bad shape. So people went onto the Oasis, a platform that hosted an almost endless number of worlds where people go to work, shop, school, and entertainment. They use a VR headset along with accessories that provided haptic feedbacks. I'll leave it here to avoid spoilers and going too much into the plot. I truly recommend the book. If not, then at least watch the movie. </div><p></p><p>Obviously, visionOS and Apple's headset is nowhere near the headset from RPO. In the book, the year was already 2045, a full 22 years into the future so Apple has more than two decades to bring visionOS up to the Oasis level. So, Apple has more than two decades to try to up its game.</p><p>It's not clear in RPO how the worlds and NPC (non-player characters) are populated but it seems like when the Oasis came online, many of the worlds were already there. For now, it does not seam like Apple will go the route of Oasis. Based on what we know, Apple is simply provide a platform much like iOS and iPadOS where app developers can create their own innovation and creativity to visionsOS and create apps. During the keynote,Apple seamed to be pushing the entertainment element of Vision Pro really hard - gaming is going to be a big deal for the platform. </p><p>So, it's conceivable that developers will be able to create their own world for gaming, socializing, and maybe even work.</p><p>In RPO, users can enter in world or room at will though there is a feel that is associated with it. If you want to travel to a more distant world, you have to pay a fee. For this to exist on the Vision Pro at this time, any traveling between rooms or worlds will exist within apps. The Oasis has a big gaming and digital commerce element to it. Apple will probably provide developers tools to do much of the same considering that Apple will also be collecting 30% of all digital transactions and app sales.</p><p>Something that does bother me a great deal in RPO and a concern that I have read and heard voiced about the Vison Pro experience, though it applies to all VR experiences, is the isolation. I still have not figure out what Apple's plan for visionOS is in the long term. Right now, the isolation is very glaring. I know that Apple is aware of this because it has tried to address this with the screen at the front of the headset that projects the user's eyes to anyone the user may be interacting with.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWeAzbxHL_Etuewi9agbBYX4T79-lNYwROuiKO-nsACxaHlao49WW7U7nYmEu55kgEuA7vx0G2VdvGYL0v1Sl1yj39IQuvBomBUvhcCE5UScSY1fJ9UYmYftCEhtsRB74gA-9GR5_Eo9F3cuG7ymHHZJOR0eU5VWbXXUkioqQfxysfiJc6XWjS3Mf/s3040/portrait_front_base__gmqifatci56q_large_2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1760" data-original-width="3040" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWeAzbxHL_Etuewi9agbBYX4T79-lNYwROuiKO-nsACxaHlao49WW7U7nYmEu55kgEuA7vx0G2VdvGYL0v1Sl1yj39IQuvBomBUvhcCE5UScSY1fJ9UYmYftCEhtsRB74gA-9GR5_Eo9F3cuG7ymHHZJOR0eU5VWbXXUkioqQfxysfiJc6XWjS3Mf/w400-h231/portrait_front_base__gmqifatci56q_large_2x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Also, notice that Apple only shows one lone user in each of their photo and video. You never seen more than two people wearing the Vision Pro in the same room or having some sort of interaction. I believe that Apple will need to address this in future software and hardware updates. In RPO, both the movie and the book, users also appeared to be "in their own virtual world".</p><p>If you have not read Ready Player One, I recommend you pick up a copy at your local book store or library and see where we may be headed. Apple and other companies venturing to VR or mixed VR will need to address the pros and cons of spatial computing and the potentially damaging isolation that could result from it.</p><p><br /></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-70262313799068038262023-06-07T12:54:00.000-07:002023-06-07T12:54:10.461-07:00A Weekend In Mammoth Mountains Made Me Really Wish I Had the Apple Watch Ultra But I'll Wait for the Next Upgrade<p>The Gist: I was charging my Apple Watch on and off during my three days to Mammoth, California. With the Apple Watch Ultra, I think I would not have been so worried about running out of battery. Plus, there are other Ultra features that could have come in handy. But I'll wait for the next Ultra upgrade.</p><p>In a hurry to beat the rush hour out of Los Angeles on Memorial Weekend, I had not paid attention to how much battery I had left on my Apple Watch 6 which currently is running at 80% capacity. That means, I charge my Apple Watch intermittently on any given day. Any given "normal" day. I can afford to do that because I have a charge at home, in the car, and at work to juice up my Apple Watch whenever I feel the need to do it or when it is running near empty. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgj5Tte4npCTlcRBWMGPWgVWimYX3Aj4EUEAHzaDdkUZVaYNLV4FJHIEivQN08IkbVbNqlO3IcrEflCw7cNs32php2cgIABnpQDVGaETTNGCF6RIQe5bI9hNuFac4SZRAJL-ZMVYdXP9r6uMyYeZPQhg2-CDfNhAOLJptyvsAbsM2nJChGn79pb4-k/s448/incoming-3BC262FA-BE28-4424-B921-EDA3B1A37A87.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="368" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgj5Tte4npCTlcRBWMGPWgVWimYX3Aj4EUEAHzaDdkUZVaYNLV4FJHIEivQN08IkbVbNqlO3IcrEflCw7cNs32php2cgIABnpQDVGaETTNGCF6RIQe5bI9hNuFac4SZRAJL-ZMVYdXP9r6uMyYeZPQhg2-CDfNhAOLJptyvsAbsM2nJChGn79pb4-k/w329-h400/incoming-3BC262FA-BE28-4424-B921-EDA3B1A37A87.PNG" width="329" /></a></div><p>Friday was obviously not a normal day. I had expected to leave work early to begin the six hour drive to our lodge but unforeseen issues came up, which is a fact of life, you know? I rushed hone, put the stuff in the car and off we went (I didn't forget my wife and dog). During that time, I was so concentrated on getting underway that I had not checked to see how much my battery life remained on my watch.</p><p>By the time we got there, it was past midnight. After checking in and unloading everything, we were in bed by 1:30 after a quick shower. And then up again around 6 for breakfast, walking the dog, and checking out the record breaking snow. It was awesome and finally there. </p><p>And I had probably charged my watch for around 15 minutes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrfbsfvPsNL8UhOXa1Gje19NpVwLr15lShN0-KCopGp0lqivs4eU9UPUbufq202UEKS3WcUhXDchUtJl3dP-PE8g45Pc9Eatgjt9QBzZlPGNqWPxJHhPQnAkCYTQsKNihwOrMeek6TS3WHGDGuygUaUuJJuGzVySvihT3KBHrMDzb44IhdQbM6kGe/s4032/IMG_6507.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrfbsfvPsNL8UhOXa1Gje19NpVwLr15lShN0-KCopGp0lqivs4eU9UPUbufq202UEKS3WcUhXDchUtJl3dP-PE8g45Pc9Eatgjt9QBzZlPGNqWPxJHhPQnAkCYTQsKNihwOrMeek6TS3WHGDGuygUaUuJJuGzVySvihT3KBHrMDzb44IhdQbM6kGe/w640-h360/IMG_6507.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><p>By the time we set off for a trailhead, I think my Apple watch was only around 30% charged. I had used it to check my oxygen blood level and breathing/heart rate. Interestingly, my blood level had dropped to around 87% and heart rate was elevated. I suppose this was due to the 9,000-foot elevation. Boy, it was hard walking around. Both my wife and I felt light headed the first few times we bent down and stood up. Quite an interesting experience. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF94AjnqkXEgkPu1W8EZL0jJwi_suDoM4zL5DAEKrDEcqTxZazLiHUHWCdxq9L-IE6wBTm_rF-hDjkPmESs9Tozl3_KSU7RrI9UbFesA516E0rzEsIx7DYciFnN7FnqUgg5biNtzQ02as3sb5ZDIyLYiod-2ZTSTi5V9U_oKzyuL8JrlZG76SmdJ-/s4032/IMG_6568.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF94AjnqkXEgkPu1W8EZL0jJwi_suDoM4zL5DAEKrDEcqTxZazLiHUHWCdxq9L-IE6wBTm_rF-hDjkPmESs9Tozl3_KSU7RrI9UbFesA516E0rzEsIx7DYciFnN7FnqUgg5biNtzQ02as3sb5ZDIyLYiod-2ZTSTi5V9U_oKzyuL8JrlZG76SmdJ-/w640-h360/IMG_6568.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Back to the watch - I charged 5 minutes here and there whenever we drove from one location to another. And we did drive a lot while we were there because we were constantly in search of trails that had not been snowed in. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1230YF7CHdxk-gRT2wy3mh4qTiAV1ZtOkLaxgR40IrcKfZ0dVazeTXP_MupPAHXurLinjqZcsAofPYRuUXfn0BW4tTdDFtl-gIaSgn4aGQ7fm801_0jLaoUGpSR5LrpA7_WEJ5Okp6SemdfzDcvLSTf_VOZr7ctgxeDqDfXkfLUTdt9fBwcic2LA/s4032/IMG_6511.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1230YF7CHdxk-gRT2wy3mh4qTiAV1ZtOkLaxgR40IrcKfZ0dVazeTXP_MupPAHXurLinjqZcsAofPYRuUXfn0BW4tTdDFtl-gIaSgn4aGQ7fm801_0jLaoUGpSR5LrpA7_WEJ5Okp6SemdfzDcvLSTf_VOZr7ctgxeDqDfXkfLUTdt9fBwcic2LA/w640-h360/IMG_6511.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">By the time dinner came around, I still had only managed to keep my Apple Watch charged around 30%. I thought to myself that if I had the Apple Watch Ultra with nearly double the battery life was the regular ones, I don't think I would have to worry at all about the battery life. </span></div><p>So why not get the current Ultra? I would if I felt I need it right away or soon. I don't know where our next trip will be or when. Perhaps if it is only months away, I would likely get it whenever the next $50 off deal I see on Amazon rolls around. Given how little vacation time we have in the US, the next vacation is either Thanksgiving but I want to stick around town for that with family (ones that I like) and friends. So, perhaps Christmas then. </p><p>By then, Apple might have released the Apple Watch Ultra 2 - I imagine it will have improved sensors, a more efficient CPU, and, rumor has it, bigger screen. Around town, my Apple Watch will continue to serve my needs.</p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-83001876398804184742023-06-06T17:35:00.001-07:002023-06-06T17:35:23.229-07:00When the M3 Chip Comes Out, Will Apple Upgrade the Smaller MacBook Air To It Or Keep It At M2 and Lower The Price?I'm waiting for the M3 chip to come out before I pull the trigger on a new MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. I'm still secretly hoping for a 12" version but it looks more and more unlikely. So, I'm focused on the MacBook Air instead. Watching Youtube videos on the newly released MacBook Air with a bigger 15.3" screen versus the regular Air with 13.6" (why isn't it called Mabook Air with 14" screen since you would round up?), I'm realizing the 15" Air is now the flagship MacBook for the consumer.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtaP7t2bP50pm2ZBCHO-hc1jO-qJfBb5ZGwymGdFDlI1s5JJe-AYU48N6pCgIvVVBSUXoeuBmX7XAGpC8NOViqDBYlsUTtu4vYbSPetjSRRKr-B0p_OhGb8a7pCNzc1iUZh8xCFe554eJLbPmB5uupljEqOdvfER0bhoYnUZmH8GdWMv2bUBWBgnG/s3456/design_hero_static__b5n04x7u9s9y_large_2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="3456" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtaP7t2bP50pm2ZBCHO-hc1jO-qJfBb5ZGwymGdFDlI1s5JJe-AYU48N6pCgIvVVBSUXoeuBmX7XAGpC8NOViqDBYlsUTtu4vYbSPetjSRRKr-B0p_OhGb8a7pCNzc1iUZh8xCFe554eJLbPmB5uupljEqOdvfER0bhoYnUZmH8GdWMv2bUBWBgnG/w473-h188/design_hero_static__b5n04x7u9s9y_large_2x.jpg" width="473" /></a></div><br /><div>Eventually, the Air will get upgraded to the M3 chip. The prevailing assumption is both versions of the Air will get the M3 ship. I'm going to step a bit back and ask what if Apple keeps the 13" Air with the M2 chip and lower the price from it's currently $1099 to $999. It may even keep the M1 version around where an even low price point could widen Apple reach.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Will it happen? I'm betting it could depend on one main factor: Apple's chip manufacturer, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, aka TSMC. It will depend on the M3 yield. The M3 chip from Apple will be manufactured using the latest 3-nanometer process versus the M2 chip using an older 5nm process. </div><div><br /></div><div>Months ago, the speculation/rumors was that Apple was going to refresh the Air including introducing the 15" Air running on the M3 chip at this year's WWDC event. It makes sense since the MacBook Air with M2 was released at last year's WWDC event. Well, Apple did introduce the 15' Air but still using the M2 chip. </div><div><br /></div><div>Speculations and rumors aside, no one really knows except Apple what its chip roadmap is. Still, if TSMC is having yield issues, Apple had no choice but to release the 15" MacBook Air using the M2 if TMSC cannot produce enough M3 chips or have yet to ramp up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Apple likely decided to make lemonade with the lemon of a situation it had on its hands. When M3 yield does improve but not the point that Apple needs, Apple may have no choice but to use whatever M3 chips it can get its hands on to upgrade 15" MacBook Air and keep the 13" Air at M2. There are advantages to Apple using different chip. It looks like the newer Air is going to be wildly popular judging by the response. Apple will sell tons of it and it will be even more popular when it is upgraded with the M3 chip.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, the 13" Air with M2 will still have its own segment of the market at $1099 - I am sure it is yielding even better profit margin than ever before. And what if Apple lowers the price down to $999? The 13" Air at $999 will be flying off the shelves.</div><div><br /></div><div>We will not know for sure next we get to the next MacBook Air upgrade cycle and when the M3 will be ready to be used in volume. Whatever Apple does, I am sure most Mac users will be quite happy. If Apple does keep the 13" Air using the M2 ship, some might disappointed. But hey, join the club. I'm still sore the 12" MacBook went the way of the dodo.</div></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-82178301339560798752023-06-02T09:20:00.000-07:002023-06-02T09:20:08.824-07:00Apple Watch Helped Me Lose Weight And Kept It Off So FarI've lost about 15 pounds in the last twelve months and have managed to keep it off all thanks to my Apple Watch. It is not much but for someone who has struggled with weight on and off, it's great to have such a device that is so capable of helping me through this journey to become fit and, more importantly, stay fit. Let me stress this important point: Apple Watch is helping me keep the pounds from coming back.<div><br /></div><div>I could have rushed headlong into losing 20-25 pounds in months but that had not yielded the results that I wanted which was to keep it off. Because the few times that I have managed to do that, the pounds slowly came back. Lose five here, gain six back. Lose fifteen and see ten or twelve come back weeks laster. </div><div><br /></div><div>Apple Watch is a great companion that allowed me to keep track of my movements, calorie counts, and reminders to get moving. I work in an office environment. I think many folks who work in offices also know how easy it is to just want to sit there and get lost into the work. So, I make sure that I able to get a walk or run out before work and a few steps during work before my evening walk after dinner. </div><div><br /></div><div>During this past winter, California received much relief in terms of rainfall and record snowpack through out most of the of state but alleviated an ongoing multi-year drought. From about December through March, we received 80% more than we normally get here in Los Angeles. Thank goodness for those atmospheric rivers. Personally, I hope more will come.</div><div><br /></div><div>This does come at a cost to my weight loss scheme - I definitely cannot run as much as I like. It meant that I'm not able to be as active outdoors. I still have to take my dog out for her walks but she is not a fan of the rain so our walks are brief. That means I have to do more indoor exercises. More steps indoor. A lot of walking in circles. I'm able to achieve my goals and close the rings on most days.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before the Apple Watch, I would not known exactly how I was doing through the day to help me achieve my fitness goals. I suppose this is why weights came back. I simply did not know what it would take. When the iPhone gained a pedometer feature through apps using the accelerometer, it was very useful. On the larger iPhones like the Max, it becomes a bit cumbersome carry such a big piece of glass and metal in your pocket the whole day. It was easier on the smaller iPhones like the iPhone SE for instance. With the bigger iPhones, I left it on my desk most of the time.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the past years with more wet weathers, I probably would have gained back the ten pounds I lost over the previous months. However, this winter, with the aid of the Apple Watch, I was happy that I did not gain one single pound. I did not lose any either. I supposed I just had to be more active to continue to lose weight but closing the rings was enough to help me keep the gains at bay.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I was entirely shocked by the lack of weight gain, I am happy to know that I have achieved a level of activity that allows me to maintain a healthy level of physical activity and health. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am not beholden to my Apple Watch. I suppose I can get a $5 pedometer and try to achieve the thirteen thousand steps I have been averaging a day for 2023. And it is not all about the Apple Watch. It's what I consume that is just as important and how much I eat. </div><div><br /></div><div>As with an weight loss programs or weight training regimen, it is important that we continue to put in the work. The Apple Watch can only do so much. It cannot make lose the pounds for me. That was all me. It can only help me prepare ahead of time my meals and how much I should consume. Whether I overeat or still to my portion controls is entirely up to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, having the data from the Apple Watch and recording them daily on my Numbers sheet has given me a good idea of just how I am doing overall. </div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-74943326472412622242023-05-23T11:44:00.001-07:002023-05-23T11:44:31.938-07:00Apple’s Car Venture Begins with CarPlay And Will End With Innovation and Quality<p>The question though is when will Apple unveil its own car effort and what that will do to the market. We recently bought a Nissan Ariya and offered to give our Fisker Ocean reservation to a friend. I think we are are done with getting a new car for a while. Only Apple Car will get me trade in my current car sooner than I normally would. </p><p>Prior to the Ariya, I was driving a 2014 Lexus RX330 - its transmission finally gave out. It did not have a lot of mileage (less than 180,000 miles) but it is what it is. The timing on the Ariya was fortuitious. I had made the reservation more than a year ago. The RX330 gave out and the Nissan dealership in Glendale, California called me a month later to let me know my Ariya is here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDHrGU98WOl2SWrK-xbromrUiTZEJ1BahfMKK6d0CFbApOxOOdAAtltvLXY-Ph8yEPBAyyYsTw9-AGUvPW_dUcezEjSXpndvj1E7VyNjsXBYCsalTl5bXBNgBPb91wBU_Cz5VhWwYmlJFAOQ4dUhqaR0gOzAm64M-a47UrriERBP8yDBItB9dLRM_/s800/IMG_6424.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="800" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDHrGU98WOl2SWrK-xbromrUiTZEJ1BahfMKK6d0CFbApOxOOdAAtltvLXY-Ph8yEPBAyyYsTw9-AGUvPW_dUcezEjSXpndvj1E7VyNjsXBYCsalTl5bXBNgBPb91wBU_Cz5VhWwYmlJFAOQ4dUhqaR0gOzAm64M-a47UrriERBP8yDBItB9dLRM_/s320/IMG_6424.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>One of the reasons I held onto the RX330 longer than I would have like is because I was hoping to that Apple would have at least announce that they were getting into the market. But now, it does not look like an electric vehicle from Apple will be coming any time soon. And Apple does not have to rush given the state of the market right now.</p><p>I had been using CarPlay when I drive my wife’s car and I did not think much of it. It was like using an earlier version of iPhone OS when iOS was called that and it was limited in the early days. That’s what CarPlay feels like to me. As I use it more and more, I started to enjoy it and prefer it over the infotainment systems of the cars we have. And I have yet to hear other iPhone users I know who opt for the default manufacturer’s system when CarPlay is available. </p><p>In fact, having CarPlay support in cars is one of the most sought after features and a major factor for buyers in deciding what cars to get. This is why it is perplexing that GM recently announced that they would do away with CarPlay support in new EV offerings. Telsa and Rivian both do not offer CarPlay but then again, GM is no Tesla or Rivian and, as far as I know, does not have anything close to the brand loyalty both if it’s competitors or Apple have. While I do not now if people will shy away from GM EV because of it, I would not be surprise if GM later reverses this foolish decision when people opt to by EV from its competitors.</p><p>For Apple, CarPlay is their foot in the auto industry regardless of when its own car will come out. More importantly, hundreds of thousands if not millions of iPhone users are using CarPlay will slide easily into Apple Car experience.</p><p>Furthermore, it looks like Apple is going full steam ahead with the whole auto experience - in 2023 (more likely 2024), some new vehicles will support the new CarPlay experience - think of it as iOS taking over your 2024 cars. That will give us a better experience of what it would be like to be driving an Apple car.</p><p>More than the whole driving experience with the current or new CarPlay, Apple will have to release its own car to give its Apple drivers the whole experience. Just like people who buy high end models from Mercedes or BMW, it is not simply one factor or another that makes the driver experience different for someone who buys a cheapy EV (that’s me) and someone who buys a $100,000 EV. </p><p>It’s how quiet the cabin in, who smooth the ride feels, the comfort (and other first world amenities), and the sounds. It’s how it handles on the road, acceleration, turning, etc. For Apple, it will attempt to offer all those at a reasonable price, reasonably higher price but certainly not out of this world high. Apple will be paying particular attention to the design of every aspect of the car and even innovate where it see areas that benefit drivers in ways that we did not know we wanted before. New safety features will be paramount in addition to making sure the handling feels like you are in a premium EV - not just because you pay top dollars for the Apple car. I would not be surprised if it only offers AWD. </p><p>Sure, Apple can get may of its fans to fork over more than $100,000 for the Apple car. I am sure once you add in all the options, it could be well north of $100K but Apple will be sure to offer a range for the average Apple consumer as well. This will be done in such a way that the whole range of Apple car drivers will get to experience its innovation and quality.</p><p>I would love to speculate as to when Apple will release just such an EV. That’s for another time. I do think it’s coming and there is no need for Apple to rush to the market just yet. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-89346870742714679212023-05-21T08:40:00.006-07:002023-05-21T08:40:54.013-07:00Bing Chat Told Me Why I Should Pick A MacBook Over An iPad for Coding and Content Development<p>I value portability in today's computing devices. It's why I have not owned a desktop since my college days. I'm pretty sure that most college bound students who need to get a computer probably went with a laptop. Maybe even a small number of them might have opt for an iPad. </p><p>So out of the blue, I asked Bing Chat whether I should get a MacBook or iPad that I can use to code. Not surprisingly, Bing told me to go with a MacBook. Essentially, Bing found MacBooks to be more versatile when it came to the number of tools available for coding and development. It does think that the iPad has potential.</p><p>The other issue it brought up is cost. I specifically asked if I should get an iPad Pro but it seems to suggest that there is no difference between a regular iPad and an iPad Pro given that the apps that are available for coding on the iPad run on all current iPads. So, if cost was an issue, the iPad would be the way to go. </p><p>On both accounts, I agree here just as I agree with another question <a href="https://onapple.blogspot.com/2023/05/bing-chat-told-me-i-why-i-should-not.html">I asked Bing</a> if I should upgrade my MacBook now and it suggested that I did not have to do that unless I absolutely need a new one.</p><p>Although this is only two questions that I have posed to an AI chat, we an expect such AI to straddle both sides of the fence and provide us with a balanced recommendation and at the end leave the decision to us. <i>I'm not going to tell you what to get but I will tell you which is better for certain conditions but you will have to made the decision based on what you know best. </i>I suppose, we can be grateful in this sense: we still have the freedom to make choices ourselves. </p><p>Based on both questions, I will get a MacBook once my current one dies or is unable to let me do whatever it is that I need it to do. </p><p>One note about coding. There are online tools that lets you code online through the browser. For beginners, I think it perfect. I'll take a look at these tools and make the appropriate recommends. Maybe I'll even get Bing to provide some input as well.</p><p><br /></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-43353827041101415502023-05-20T09:28:00.001-07:002023-05-20T09:28:32.231-07:00The Case To Keep iPad Mini 6 On The Market When the iPad Mini 7 Goes On Sale<p>When Apple release the iPad mini 7, Apple should continue to keep the mini 6 on the market with a price drop. There are many reasons why Apple should make this move. I'll outline the reasons below. </p><p>Before I get into that, I want to note that I am currently on the iPad mini 5 and my wife got the iPad mini 6. While I always like having new things, I can't say that I am jealous of my wife's iPad mini. My mini 5 has worked so well for me since 2019 when it was first launched. I'm coding a bit on it and with the Apple Pencil, I'm drawing much better.</p><p>I eagerly want to see what the iPad mini 7 has in store for us. Will it be enough of an upgrade for me to make the jump? We will have to see. Meanwhile, I hope that when it is finally released, Apple will consider keeping the iPad mini 6 around.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTo42nsNdsK1gJs3cnKDeHSKlKC0ilsgUY6bB0t_R9mULSWmQr3qTM0gJUADmKZ2kMaft9bZTnss4XoiJWxhWXQD088_9efsrGM-KwpHqcP6qxIpnuVI2SsubP8wWFH72IxAaEbwcj1UN39yDwqUwpW0qtDQe-J1j4Vip4r3UVfO8LeKtdsosqAEuy/s2795/IMG_6412.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="2795" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTo42nsNdsK1gJs3cnKDeHSKlKC0ilsgUY6bB0t_R9mULSWmQr3qTM0gJUADmKZ2kMaft9bZTnss4XoiJWxhWXQD088_9efsrGM-KwpHqcP6qxIpnuVI2SsubP8wWFH72IxAaEbwcj1UN39yDwqUwpW0qtDQe-J1j4Vip4r3UVfO8LeKtdsosqAEuy/s320/IMG_6412.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>Why it would be advantageous for Apple to having iPad mini 6 on saleon the iPad mini 7 is released? Here is why:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Apple can lower the iPad mini 6 price by $100.</li><li>It will help APPLE cover a greater segment of the market. Users who want a lower price iPad will have more choices.</li><li>It is a good alternative as an iPad for school. The regular iPad is heavy. It means greater chance of the iPad being dropped and damaged by school children. The iPad mini may hold up better given how compact it is when it is also in a good case. Lighter to hold. I'm speaking from experience in this regard.</li><li>This will improve APPLE‘s profit margin because they will be using technology and parts that they likely have recovered in terms of R&D, and the rest is pure profit other than the material used to build the iPad Mini together line</li><li>The iPad mini 6 uses the first generation Apple Pencil. I don’t know what the cost to make an Apple Pencil. I only know that the cost of the first generation Apple Pencil is much lower to manufacture now than it has ever been. For anyone who wants a simple sketchpad, iPad mini 6 with the Apple Pencil is the perfect solution. I have tried various solutions to turn my iPhone Pro Max into a sketchpad, and let me tell you, nothing works. At least, nothing works, as well as the iPad and the Apple Pencil.</li><li>Back to pricing a little bit. With iPad mini 6 haven’t been on the market for about two years now, you can kick this count on them for $100 off. That would be the same exact entry point for the current iPad mini six on the market from time to time you see it on cell phone $500 down to $400. Imagine it going even lower to $350 on Black Friday. Picking up one of these for your child or for yourself as a entertainment device is a no-brainer. Heck, I’ll pick one up myself $350 if I didn’t already have one. </li><li>Lower price iPads are the perfect entry into the Apple ecosystem for millions of potential lead new users. It will increase the number of people who would subscribe for Apple services like Apple TV and news.</li><li>From a content consumption standpoint, I cannot see much difference between my mini 5 and my wife's mini 6. We use our iPads to watch videos, reading books and comics, and play games. I don't see the iPad mini 7 to be that great of a leap in these regards. However, the iPad mini 6 does support Apple Pencil 2 and many artists would be able to benefit from the upgrade. And from the content creation standpoint, the mini 6 will still hold its own for years to come. Unless the iPad mini 7 can run Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, the mini 6 would still be very powerful.</li></ul><div>By the time Apple releases the iPad mini 7 next year, assuming it takes Apple about 30 months to date the mini like the last time so it likely will not happen in 2023, the iPad landscape will have change a lot. However, I believe this will be for the better from both the content consumption standpoint and being able to use the iPad mini 6 for work/productivity. The iPad mini 6 will continue to evolve with new features that allow it to continue to serve the needs of all users.</div><p></p>Lord Sarcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260038882755997200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-69858071614998850682023-05-16T11:21:00.003-07:002023-05-16T11:21:30.928-07:00Bing Chat Told Me I Why I Should Not Upgrade My MacBook Just Yet<p>With an aging MacBook that still continue to serve me, I do long for a M-series MacBook. However, do I really need one right this moment or in the next month or two? The conclusion after much deliberation is no. And that deliberation took months. And during that time, I certainly managed to muddle long with the Macbook from 2016.</p><p>I will need one eventually. All good things come to an end and I think my MacBook is nearly that. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The keyboard was subpar to begin with. </li><li>The battery is about half what it was</li><li>It does not support the latest OS anymore.</li></ul><div>However, I use Bing's ChatGPT powered search and ask whether I should be upgrading to a new MacBook now. The answer, depending on how you feeling about these AI-powered chat queries, I found was quite reasonable. </div><div><br /></div><div>If my MacBook continues to serve my needs, including learning to code, well then by all means, keep it until it stops to serve that need or breaks down.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5T4IAMkwGwO6j4O1blpVCrIdURtKn1E--W7lpKjT8j5iL__ocAYTz0W1RCKAxp39Bez5FFErvYmnf3IX30G1q2ttPdtfwnv_LEESZHwsaap-DcE4Folu6H100JfRj8_0bKjkwdVMTDsoaHn0WFWDkV9fbO0LlxWbl1y-K2VbsmcUyHBe7poBlo1R7/s662/image001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="509" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5T4IAMkwGwO6j4O1blpVCrIdURtKn1E--W7lpKjT8j5iL__ocAYTz0W1RCKAxp39Bez5FFErvYmnf3IX30G1q2ttPdtfwnv_LEESZHwsaap-DcE4Folu6H100JfRj8_0bKjkwdVMTDsoaHn0WFWDkV9fbO0LlxWbl1y-K2VbsmcUyHBe7poBlo1R7/s320/image001.png" width="246" /></a></div><br /><div>Bing's AI chat suggested that if my MacBook is slowing or is struggling to keep up with my coding needs, then it would be time to upgrade. At the same time, what I did find interesting was the hedge - it suggested that if my needs are specific and require a more powerful MacBook now and have the means, then go ahead and consider upgrading now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Personally, I'm going with the first part of the suggestion and upgrade after I have gained enough coding experience and have outgrown my 2016 MacBook.</div><div><br /></div><div>I just find it very interesting what Bing suggested to me. My next query is going to be more about web-based coding solutions that I can do with my iPad. But first, let's see what Bing suggest I do - go with an iPad or MacBook when I do decide to upgrade.</div><p></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09504987105567715113noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202211470123889577.post-21438940270367838072023-05-03T10:36:00.005-07:002023-05-03T10:36:46.254-07:00Something Really Pro for iPadOS 17<p>Most iPad Pro users appreciate Apple's effort to give us reasons to get the iPad Pro. For years, other than bigger screens, cameras (which I'll get to), keyboard and mouse support, and, in the past year, Stage Manager, there really is not a whole lot of other reasons why we need to get the iPad Pro.</p><p>Please note that this is not a complaint article. We have no idea how much resources Apple is pouring into making the iPadOS experience that much better year after year both on the hardware and software side. I do agree with many of this year's review of the iPad Pro and iPadOS that if you already have the iPad Pro with the M1 chip inside, you are not missing anything with the 2022 iPad Pro upgrade with the M2 chip. And it is not likely going to make a big difference when Apple eventually release the iPad Pro with the M3 chip as well.</p><p>So, what makes the "pro" in the iPad Pro then if we are not seeing a significant user experience? For me, it has come down to Stage Manager.</p><p>As I use my iPad, the Pro portion of the iPadOS experience is the ability to duplicate some of the ability to create contents that I am currently doing on MacOS. I'm still learning to code on my 2016 MacBook with Xcode and other tools that I currently cannot do on the iPad. From what I know, coding on Playgrounds is not the same experience as coding on Xcode.</p><p>We know that Apple is going to continue to update iPadOS until the end of time. Not all are going to be here until the end of time. So, I would like to see Apple really make the Pro part of the iPad Pro happen sooner rather than later.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Apple has not brought over many desktop apps to the iPads. If anything, Apple give iPhone and iPad users what I call "lite" versions - one of the first one is GarageBand. People have want to have Logic Pro on the iPad for as long as I can remember. I am not a Logic Pro user and I only use GarageBand sparingly. And even still, GarageBand band files (I don't know if it's all GarageBand files) are not compatible between the MacOS and iOS/iPadOS. At the version least, if I create a file using GarageBand on the Mac, it should be able to run seamlessly on the iPad as well.</li><li>Playgrounds. I think this is one of the best app Apple has ever created. I am able to learn programming on an iPad away with my Mac. It's one of the reasons why I have not find a need to get a new Mac because given my skill set at this time, I don't need a new Mac to code. However, tons of developers want a much more robust coding tool on the iPad. I think Apple should give it to them. </li><li>Windows and desktop - Just let people have more freedom to move files, folders, and apps around. Stage Manager is cool first step but it needs to be opened up more. I envision features that will need to be turned on in Settings to let Stage Manager have a more open environment when Apple comes to the realization that its users are creative and they will be able to more wonderful things if you let them. </li><ul><li>At the very least, Files should be integrated into Stage Manger or allow users to access files and apps directly within Stage Manager.</li><li>Search feature should be readily accessible in Stage Manger. Not everyone will have a keyboard to type in command-space to get the search prompt.</li></ul></ul><div>The iPad Pro has the M2 chip inside. So far, there is nothing in the App Store that really comes close to making it sweat. Benchmarks do not count. And you know what? That's okay. the iPad is to an Mac after all and the MacBook Air is not the MacBook Pro. You want to make your machine work - pick the MacBook Pro or Mac Studio.</div><div><br /></div><div>What most of us want is being able to do more with our iPad Pro. And that is something definitely Apple should be able to accommodate.</div><p></p><p><br /></p>Lord Sarcasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260038882755997200noreply@blogger.com0