The new M3 MacBook Air is ALMOST perfect (CultCast #638)
Mar 15, 2024
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New M3 MacBook Air has faster SSD, EU users can install apps from websites, rush for 11-inch iPad Pro, future of CarPlay, paying with Apple Cash card number
The new M3 MacBook Air significantly improves storage speed with two 128GB chips, making it a top choice.
EU iPhone users can install apps from websites, bypassing the App Store, potentially impacting revenue sharing.
Apple's acquisition of Darwin AI aims to boost AI on iPhones and revolutionize CarPlay with new features.
Deep dives
The new PowerMac G5 features four distinct double zones with thermal sensors for efficient cooling
The PowerMac G5 is designed with four distinct double zones, each equipped with thermal sensors for efficient cooling. This design allows for quieter operation compared to the G4, making it two to three times quieter. The PowerMac G5 also offers easy access to the hard drive, cards, and RAM with a removable door.
The entry-level M3 MacBook Air addresses storage chip issues and performance improvements
The entry-level M3 MacBook Air resolves previous storage chip issues by using two 128-gigabyte storage chips for better performance. Tests show a 33% faster write speeds and an 82% faster read speeds compared to the M2 model. While some consider 8 gigabytes of RAM sufficient, the addition of 16 gigabytes would make it the perfect laptop for most users.
Apple introduces web distribution for iOS apps in the EU for direct downloads from developer websites
Apple complies with the EU's digital markets act by allowing authorized developers to distribute their iOS apps directly from their websites. This feature enables users to download apps without going through the App Store, potentially reducing the revenue sharing model. However, specific requirements, such as being a developer in good standing for at least two years and having over a million downloads on the App Store, restrict access to this web distribution.
Discounts on Refurbished MacBooks and Potential Price Drops on New Models
Discounts on refurbished MacBooks, including a 15% discount and a potential additional 13-15% off through Apple employees. New models might see price drops with current discounts of $250 on specific configurations. Preferences for color choices like space black and space gray are discussed, with personal preferences influencing choices.
Apple's Acquisition of Darwin AI and Advancements in CarPlay
Apple's acquisition of Darwin AI aims to enhance AI systems on devices like iPhones, improving efficiency and preparing for future AI-related announcements. CarPlay advancements are expected to revolutionize automobile integrations with features like iPhone-like instrument clusters, new climate controls, multi-display support, widgets, and potential new apps integrating tire pressure monitoring and other vehicle data.
This week: The new M3 MacBook Air is only missing ONE thing¦ Plus: Big changes coming to apps thanks to new EU regulations, why you better act fast on the new 11-inch iPad Pro, what's coming next for CarPlay, and how to pay with an Apple Cash card number!
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Apple fixed the slow storage speed that plagued M2 Macs on the M3 MacBook Air. Early testing indicates the entry-level M3 MacBook Air delivers significantly faster read/write speeds than its predecessor.
Apple will soon debut the M3 iPad Pros with OLED screens, but perhaps not as soon as many had hoped. And a new leak indicates the smaller 11.1-inch model could be in short supply at launch.
It has been nearly two years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, and it has still yet to become available in any vehicles. Below, we recap the latest information about the upcoming software system.
You can get a temporary debit card number to pay with Apple Cash online in case you want to pay with your balance on a site that doesn't accept Apple Pay.
If you have a lot of money sitting in your Apple Cash account, this can be a convenient way to pay without using your other cards.
Apple reportedly purchased DarwinAI, a small startup previously based in Waterloo, Ontario. The company developed software that might make artificial intelligence systems running on an iPhone or other computers more efficient.
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