Michael Potuck

Popular email client Spark is out with a big update that brings generative AI as your personal assistant. Spark +AI is designed to help you “write better emails faster” and boost your communication confidence, “while respecting your autonomy and privacy.”

Apple is expected to unveil its mixed reality headset at WWDC in less than two weeks. Shifting from a focus on iPhone analysis, CIRP is out with a research note discussing what Apple Reality Pro adoption could look like by comparing it to Apple Watch, AirPods, and HomePod ownership.

Samsung has announced that its popular Smart Monitor M8 is getting an update for 2023. The latest version of the display will come in 32- and 27-inch options with an updated version of the super slim design we saw first arrive in 2022. Handy features like USB-C, AirPlay, and built-in webcam remain while new features include HDR 10+ support, portrait orientation, and more.

Along with Apple launching Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad today, we’ve got the first reviews from those who have been testing out the apps ahead of their release. Early feedback says Final Cut Pro comes with a number of compromises and leaves a lot of room for growth while Logic Pro is more fully baked at launch and is ready to serve as a “great digital audio workstation.”

We’re under two weeks away from WWDC 2023 and the Apple Design Award finalists have been officially announced. Apple has nominated over 30 apps across six categories ranging from inclusivity to delight and fun, visuals and graphics to social impact. Here’s the full list of finalists.

Opensignal is out today with a report focused on the US fixed broadband experience. Along with revealing the national winners for download speed, upload speed, consistency, and more, the study shows how providers stack up in regional markets and head-to-head comparisons.

Apple announced earlier this month that it would be bringing its professional creative software for filmmakers and musicians to its tablets for the first time. Now Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro are officially available for iPad. Read on for all the details including what iPads are compatible with the apps, free trial details, pricing, and more.

Apple debuted its latest Mac mini powered by the M2 or new M2 Pro custom silicon in early 2023. Along with more powerful CPUs and GPUs, the new Mac mini machines support up to 32GB RAM, up to 3 external displays, 8K output via HDMI, WiFi 6E, and the base models even start at a more affordable price. Read on for our in-depth M2 Mac mini comparison for how everything stacks up against its predecessor.

Following up on debuting its end-to-end encrypted password manager beta last month, Proton is out today with a new offering for families. The new Proton Family plan gives access to all of the company’s services – and all future services – for up to six people with 3TB of secure storage, VPN, and more.

Earlier this year Adobe released its Firefly beta giving a peek at its AI efforts. Today the company is bringing that AI into Photoshop – in beta – to give the iconic software a “creative co-pilot.” Read on for what Adobe is offering as Firefly begins integration with its Creative Cloud.

Montana became the first US state to officially ban TikTok last week with the bill set to go into effect beginning January 2024. Now TikTok has swung back by filing a federal lawsuit against the state in an attempt to reverse the move.

There’s an issue with Twitter that’s popped up for users recently around deleted tweets not staying deleted. While it’s not clear how widespread the bug is at this point, it might be worth double-checking your Twitter account if you’ve deleted tweets or retweets that you were expecting to remain that way.

Two new iPhone in-car accessories have arrived from mophie today with the headlining product being the wireless charging vent mount with MagSafe. Exclusive to Apple Stores and mophie’s website, check out a closer look at this 15W wireless MagSafe car charger with a clever extension arm.

iPod Nano served as an early Apple Watch years before the modern wearable arrived But as it happens, Apple debuted a couple of different analog watches in the 80s and 90s. A fun abstract design was on a watch Apple offered as a perk to customers circa 1994. What do you think, should Apple bring back this OG watch face? Vote in the poll below…

All images via Michael Steeber

Apple officially opened the relocated and reimagined Tysons Corner store today after news surfaced about the effort at the beginning of May. Coinciding with the first Apple Store’s 22nd anniversary, the space introduces an all-new in-store experience with the Genius Bar returning, rethought Avenues, accessibility improvements, more sustainable materials, and more. Check out a close look thanks to Michael Steeber.

Apple has also published a press release with a gallery of its own images from today’s grand opening.

It surfaced yesterday that Apple has banned the use of AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, however, that doesn’t mean the company isn’t working diligently on its own generative AI plans. In the first three weeks of May alone, Apple has added 28 new AI-focused jobs as it looks for senior engineers, research scientists, special project managers, and more. Looking at the big picture, the company says it expects generative AI to “transform Apple’s mobile computing platforms.”

Apple TV+ debuted its adaptation of the popular book series Silo earlier this month. Now early data is showing that the sci-fi, post-apocalyptic show is the second most streamed show or movie over the last week.

Verizon announced a shakeup this week with all-new plans, and now the “myPlan” offerings are live. While some customers might be able to save money with the new options, it looks like they’ll cost more for many because the previous generation of plans included perks like Disney+, Apple Music and Arcade, and more at no cost. Follow along for Verizon myPlan explained with a breakdown of what’s changed, prices compared, how to figure out what’s best for you, and more.

Apple introduced a new way to get beta updates on iPhone back in March and now the new system is available with macOS 13.4 and later. Here’s how to turn on macOS beta updates in System Settings and the benefits of the new feature.