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Despite the wider adoption of USB-C, Apple's Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse accompanying the M3 ‌iMac‌ still feature Lightning ports. This decision is noteworthy as Apple is moving towards USB-C for most of its products, maintaining compatibility with existing peripherals while embracing USB-C for newer devices.

At the end of today's Apple Event, there was a message saying "This event was shot on iPhone and edited on Mac." and an accompanying disclaimer underscored that "All presenters, locations, and drone footage were captured using an iPhone 15 Pro Max". While Apple has consistently emphasized the iPhone's camera capabilities for creating "Hollywood-quality" content, this event represents the first instance of an entire Apple event being recorded exclusively on an iPhone. The latest iPhones unveiled in September are the pioneers in recording ProRes Log at 60 frames per second, merging the exceptional low compression of the ProRes format with the Log color format used in the film industry, enabling precise color correction. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro earns its credentials as the world's first smartphone to support ACES, the globally recognized Academy Color Encoding System for color workflows. For professionals seeking advanced capabilities, there's the convenience of connecting external storage via the USB-C 3 port for direct video recording. Furthermore, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers users the unique advantage of shooting videos with a 5x optical zoom. This blend of innovation showcases Apple's commitment to elevating the mobile filmmaking experience to new heights.

Apple announced the new 24-inch iMac with the new M3 chip on Monday at Apple's event. The new ‌iMac‌, now powered by the M3 chip, has taken a significant leap in performance, claiming to be twice as fast as its M1 predecessor. For those transitioning from Intel-based ‌iMacs, the improvement is even more substantial, with Apple touting it to be 2.5 times faster than the previous 27-inch models and a remarkable 4.5 times speedier than the 21.5-inch iterations. The revamped ‌iMac‌ now offers support for up to 24GB of memory, providing users with more room for demanding tasks. A standout feature is the M3 chip's GPU, which introduces hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing to the ‌iMac‌ for the first time, making it a compelling choice for graphics-intensive work. In terms of connectivity, Apple has integrated Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, promising faster and more reliable wireless connections. The device maintains its vibrant color options, including green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver, but it also comes with fresh color-matched wallpapers for added visual appeal. What's even more enticing is the price point, as the ‌iMac‌ starts at the same $1,299 as its predecessor. It's available for ordering today, with deliveries expected to begin on Tuesday, November 7. This makes it an attractive option for those in search of a high-performance desktop solution that won't break the bank.

Apple is increasing the price of some of its subscription based services which include Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple News+. These are the price increases: Apple TV+: $6.99 per month to $9.99 per month Apple Arcade: $4.99 per month to $6.99 per month Apple News+: $9.99 per month to $12.99 per month These are the price increase for the Apple One bundles: Individual Plan: $16.95 per month to $19.95 per month Family Plan: $22.95 per month to $25.95 per month Premier Plan: $32.95 per month to $37.95 per month The price increases will be applied for new users immediately and in 30 days for existing subscribers using the services.

Apple's upcoming iMac refresh, set to be unveiled at the "Scary Fast" event on October 30, is expected to introduce several notable changes. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the primary upgrade will be the processor, with the new iMac featuring Apple's M3 chip, skipping the M2 entirely. Gurman emphasizes that this will mark one of the initial M3-based machines from Apple. Additionally, the revamped iMac will retain its internally redesigned stand, a change mentioned earlier in the year. The stand's manufacturing process has been altered to accommodate these internal adjustments. In terms of aesthetics, the current M1-based iMac is known for its vibrant color options, and Gurman's information suggests that the new model will offer color choices similar to the existing lineup. While he initially mentioned testing in orange, pink, blue, and silver finishes, it appears that these options will remain in the mix. Apart from these updates, the next-generation iMac is anticipated to maintain the core features of the current 24-inch model. Gurman's insights point to the new iMac entering mass production sometime between June and August, indicating it's now poised for an official launch.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reignited rumors about Apple's potential launch of an affordable MacBook series in response to declining MacBook shipments. These affordable MacBooks are anticipated to arrive in late 2024, distinguishing themselves from the MacBook Air and Pro lines. Kuo's prediction aligns with Apple's upcoming "Scary Fast" event on October 30th, hinting at multiple M3 chip variants, for the new 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. While Kuo initially foresaw no new MacBook Pro models in 2023, he now suggests a late 2023 release, leading into early 2024. The reasoning behind this shift is the limited computing power upgrade in the M2, pushing Apple to introduce more powerful M3 MacBook Pro models. If these M3 models fail to revive MacBook shipments, Apple may turn to an "affordable MacBook" to bolster its lineup. Reports speculate that these affordable MacBooks will undergo design changes to achieve their lower price point, with a possible return of the 12-inch MacBook. Although it was discontinued in 2019, the adoption of Apple silicon processors has surfaced rumors of its resurgence. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman initially hinted at its return, and recent reports suggest ongoing production activities. However, whether this activity aligns with the low-cost MacBook concept remains to be confirmed.

An alleged image of an unreleased MacBook Pro box has surfaced on Weibo, shared by ShrimpApplePro. The packaging displays a MacBook Pro with a new wallpaper, resembling the one on the iPhone 15 Pro. However, the authenticity of this image remains unconfirmed. Apple's upcoming "Scary Fast" event on October 30 is expected to focus on the new M3 series MacBook Pro models, as indicated by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Gurman had previously suggested updates would come in early 2024 but appears to have adjusted his predictions. Apple's use of the "Scary Fast" tagline and inclusion of the smiling Finder icon in promotional materials strongly hint at new MacBook Pro models being unveiled at the event.

Apple announced another event for this Fall titled 'Scary Fast' which will be held online on Monday October 30th at 5:00pm Pacific Time. The event will mainly focus on the new Apple M3 series chips including new Mac models. The animation for the event posted on Apple's website hints at Macs being the main focus by switching between the Apple logo and Mac Finder icon. According to Bloomberg's Mark German, Apple will not refresh the MacBook Air, but will refresh the 13-inch MacBook Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and 16-inch MacBook Pro with the new M3 series chips. The iMac which was last refreshed with a new design in 2021 and still features the M1 chip might also get a refresh at this event. Despite Apple's previous events which allowed certain members of the media to join in for a viewing of the event at Apple Park, this time it's exclusively online which could mean that there won't be any new groundbreaking updates to the Mac lineup. This is also the first time in a while Apple has had an event that isn't in the morning. The Apple event taking place at 5pm PT could also be an experiment by Apple to increase views. The Apple event on October 30 will be available to view on YouTube, Apple's website, or the Apple TV app.

Google just had their "Made By Google" event, where they unveiled their latest innovations. The keynote was packed with exciting updates, including the highly anticipated Pixel 8, the sleek Pixel Watch 2, and a host of other impressive offerings. Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Google's latest smartphone offerings, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, have made their debut, promising speed, security, and advanced camera technology infused with Google's AI. In terms of size, the Pixel 8 boasts a 6.1-inch display, just slightly smaller than its predecessor. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro maintains its 6.8-inch screen. The Pixel 8 maintains a resolution of 1080 x 2400, while the Pixel 8 Pro registers a density of 489 ppi at 1344 x 2992, down from its predecessor's 512 ppi. Both screens dazzle with a remarkable peak brightness of 2,000 nits and offer a swift 120Hz refresh rate. Pricing for these cutting-edge devices begins at $699 for the Pixel 8 and $999 for the Pixel 8 Pro. The Google Pixel 8 Pro introduces a host of improvements, including upgrades to the display and the use of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The camera system has a 50-megapixel main wide camera with a focal length equivalent to 24mm in classic film camera terms. This ensures sharp and detailed shots in various scenarios. Additionally, it offers a 2x "Optical Quality" mode for enhanced image clarity, and Google has introduced the Super Res Zoom digital computational telephoto mode, enabling impressive zoom capabilities of up to 8x. These camera enhancements promise to deliver exceptional photography experiences for users. Speaking of photography, two standout features include Magic Editor, which facilitates background replacement and subject repositioning, and Best Take, which amalgamates multiple shots to produce the ultimate group photograph. Excitingly, the Pixel 8 Pro is set to be the pioneer in running Google's generative AI models on-device, showcasing Google's commitment to innovative AI integration. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro bring a blend of evolutionary and revolutionary features to the table, making them intriguing options for smartphone aficionados seeking a balance of cutting-edge tech and creative photography capabilities. Pixel Watch 2 Following its debut last year, Google's inaugural smartwatch is receiving a notable revamp. Noteworthy enhancements include a significant upgrade in heart rate monitoring capabilities and the introduction of two novel sensors, aimed at providing a more comprehensive understanding of the user. Additionally, the incorporation of a body-response sensor and skin temperature sensor, inspired by Fitbit technology, introduces innovative stress management features to the smartwatch, elevating its functionality and user experience. Pixel Buds Pro Google's refreshed Pixel Buds Pro come packed with an array of compelling features. These include a conversation detection feature similar to Apple's AirPods conversation awareness, detailed listening statistics, and compatibility with Bluetooth Super Wideband for elevated call sound quality. Leveraging AI capabilities, the earbuds can discern when you begin speaking, swiftly shifting to transparency mode to minimize background noise. Once your conversation concludes, the music resumes, and the buds seamlessly revert to active noise cancellation mode, ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience. Android 14 Android 14, the latest iteration of the mobile operating system, introduces an array of fresh features and customization options. The rollout commences with Pixel devices and later extends to other Android devices. Notable highlights encompass swift wallpaper switching for at-a-glance changes and effortless setup of custom lock screen shortcuts. Innovative lock screen templates, spanning fonts, widgets, colors, and formats, offer enhanced personalization. Leveraging AI, the lock screen adapts to your current context, like emphasizing the weather widget during inclement conditions. Shifting focus to Google Assistant, it receives a robust AI-powered upgrade known as Assistant with Bard. This amalgamation of Google Assistant and Bard enhances its capacity to handle a wider array of questions and tasks, from routine inquiries to more sophisticated interactions powered by Google's Bard AI. Additionally, the Call Screen feature receives a substantial enhancement, empowering users to better discern which calls to accept or skip. Impressively, AI can now answer calls convincingly on behalf of users and significantly reduces spam call occurrences, with claims of a 50% decrease in unwanted calls. The feature has grown smarter, proficiently distinguishing desired calls from undesired ones.

Netflix is reportedly planning to increase the prices of its ad-free subscription plans in the United States and Canada, following the conclusion of the Hollywood actors strike, reported by The Wall Street Journal. The exact amount of the price hike remains undisclosed at this time. The last time Netflix adjusted its pricing was at the beginning of 2022 when they offered a Basic plan for $9.99 per month, a Standard plan for $15.49 per month, and a Premium plan for $19.99 per month. However, since then, they have phased out the Basic plan and introduced a Standard plan with ads priced at $6.99 per month. Additionally, Netflix has discontinued multi-household sharing, requiring users to reside in the same location to share a Netflix plan, with an additional cost for additional member slots. This move by Netflix aligns with a trend in the streaming industry, where several platforms have been raising their prices. For example, ad-free Disney+ streaming is set to increase to $13.99 per month, and ad-free Hulu will soon be priced at $17.99 per month following recent price hikes. The specific timing of Netflix's price increase has yet to be announced. Overall, Netflix's decision to raise prices in the wake of the Hollywood actors strike is in line with broader industry trends, as streaming services adapt to changing market dynamics and content costs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are gearing up to conduct a national test of the public alert and warning system. This test, scheduled for Wednesday at 2:20 p.m. ET, will reach nearly all smartphones connected to cellular networks with a message accompanied by an alert sound and vibration, stating: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed." The purpose of these FEMA tests is to ensure that the U.S. government can effectively communicate critical messages to Americans during emergency situations. A law passed in 2015 mandates that FEMA carries out a nationwide test every three years. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed in crucial situations, highlighting the significance of these tests in achieving that goal. Television and radio stations will also broadcast the same message concurrently. This marks the third nationwide test of the alert system, with the most recent one taking place in August 2021. Additionally, the U.S. president has the capability to send messages using the same system, a feature that was tested in 2018. It's important to note that the alert sound cannot be disabled on smartphones if they are powered on. While some government alerts, like Amber alerts, can be opted out of using settings on iPhones and most Android smartphones, this specific test cannot be opted out of, according to FEMA.

Apple is set to join Google and Amazon in providing testimony for an investigation into the impact of major tech companies in Australia. This inquiry, initiated by the Australian Senate in response to concerns about the substantial influence of big tech on the country's markets and democracy, has been ongoing since September 2022. In a parliamentary inquiry scheduled for Tuesday, Google will address the committee and emphasize that digital platform providers bear a responsibility in combating online misinformation. Google acknowledges the complexity of this challenge, noting in a previous submission to the committee that there is no single solution ("silver bullet") to address it. Google highlights the delicate balance it faces in addressing misinformation while safeguarding freedom of expression, emphasizing its crucial responsibility to users in curbing the spread of false information. The tech giant contends that governments should ensure that platforms have strategies in place to counter disinformation, and these plans should be subject to regular reporting and re-evaluation as necessary. This move signifies the tech industry's engagement with concerns over disinformation and its impact on society, as it faces scrutiny from Australian lawmakers.