Latest news with #macOS
Digital Trends
16 hours ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
Apple needs to fix the basics for macOS 26, or let AI run the show
The Mac apps community is a wonderful place to find utilities that can supercharge your computing experience. Alfred, Raycast, AlDente, and Rectangle are some of the most highly recommended apps for macOS users these days. The open-source community has also produced a few utilities (and their forks) that I use on a daily basis. If you read between the lines, you'll notice that these apps fill a functional gap that Apple has yet to offer natively. On the other side of the computing ecosystem, Windows has served those perks for years. Will the next big software upgrade, macOS 26, finally give users an in-house fix? We'll only get the answer at WWDC 2025 in just over a week from now. Recommended Videos What if Apple is still reluctant? In that case, I hope macOS 26 delivers something even bolder, preferably with AI taking the lead and easing up mundane tasks. Apple doesn't have to weave some cosmic quantum-tier magic to achieve that. It just needs to look around and build a few tricks of its own. Imagine Copilot, but under the Apple Intelligence banner. Why should Apple even care? That's a pertinent question. I'll keep things tethered to the very fundamental levels of computing here. Remember clipboard history? Well, macOS still lacks a native clipboard. Why does the world's most consolidated computing OS lack something as basic as a clipboard? Only the Apple overlords know. What I do know is that an absent clipboard is deeply frustrating. For someone whose life revolves around words, copy-pasting terms such as CVE-2025-24126 and a half dozen variations of it, dealing with research citations, and more such repetitive chores, I am exhausted with the Cmd+C and Cmd+V cycle. I hate it. On Windows, the universal clipboard copies text as well as media assets. It's a huge relief, and anyone who works with tools such as Office and Workspace would vouch for that. Some users argue that a clipboard can save sensitive information. Well, first of all, you shouldn't be copy-pasting passwords. Second, you can selectively delete sensitive entries or set up an auto-delete protocol for the clipboard. Apple is known for its privacy-first approach, and it certainly has the world-class talent to work on an elegant solution that offers the best of both worlds. Until then, I'll keep recommending excellent third-party alternatives such as Maccy. The problems run deep Window management in Mac still feels extremely limited, especially if you are working on external screens. On the other hand, the resizing and tiling approach in Windows is far ahead. Once again, the developer community comes to the rescue. So far, Swift Shift has been my go-to app for window management in macOS. It's a free, open-source app that makes the process of tiling and resizing app windows far less frustrating than the vanilla macOS experience. Lately, I've also experimented with Loop and have fallen in love with its intuitive approach. It's surprising that Apple is yet to find a utilitarian side to the MacBook's notch. Free apps, such as the Boring Notch, have turned it into an activity hub that handles everything from music playback and calendar viewing to file sharing and camera preview. Apple hasn't paid any attention to the cluttered menu bar situation, and once again, it's third-party apps that help fix the mess. Apple has seemingly condemned even basic facilities like a scratch pad for macOS. I recently tried Antinote and realized just how much ground macOS still has left to cover. Also, when are screenshots going to appear on my clipboard, ye trillion-dollar company? It's pretty surprising, especially when you notice that Apple sees macOS and iPadOS as somewhat of a wannabe proxies that deliver their own unique flavor of computing. And yet, macOS is deprived of even the most basic iPadOS features. Native icon theming, lock screen customization, and deeper widget controls are a few features that should've appeared on macOS by now. Likewise, I could use the flexibility of setting different dock layouts for each desktop or work profile. Once again, a third-party app will let you do just that. And while at it, Apple should simply port over the control center adjustments from iPadOS to Mac, and go a step further by giving a similar treatment to the Menu bar. AI to the rescue? Alright, that's a long wishlist. In hindsight, given how basic those feature gaps are, if Apple hasn't addressed them so far, it's unlikely that WWDC 2025 will see a solution for them all. I am not holding my breath, either. So, what next? Well, macOS 26 is reportedly getting a design overhaul. Moreover, Apple is also rumored to make some big AI announcements. macOS desperately needs some of that. Now, I am not riding the AI hype train. But there are scenarios where it proves to be helpful almost on a daily basis. Deep Research is my favorite. A close second is NotebookLM. I regularly rely on Gemini to break down complex research papers and turn them into interactive podcasts for better knowledge gathering. MacOS could use some of that magic, but baked at a more fundamental level, and with some guardrails in place. Apple already has a partnership in place with OpenAI, one that has integrated ChatGPT within the Apple Intelligence stack. Apple needs to shift gears now and expand AI access within other apps, both in-house and third-party. Look no further than Gemini's integration within Workspace and Copilot fingerprints across the Windows 11 OS. I recently tried Windows Recall on a Copilot PC and couldn't stop dreaming about a similar system for macOS. Apple's M-series silicon definitely offers enough firepower to bring a 'memory bank for Macs' to life. Apple is reportedly in talks to extend its in-house models to developers, so I'm hopeful of some positive developments coming out of WWDC 2025. With the current state of macOS, Apple desperately needs to pay attention. It can either fill the existing gaps or develop breakthrough features, or piggyback on the AI race and redefine how we get work done in the age of AI. We are already at a point where AI agents like ChatGPT Operator, Project Astra, and Mariner are redefining how we interact with phones and get work done across the internet. macOS 26 needs that eureka moment. I'd be happier if Apple took the latter route and offered it with a privacy-first approach. Apple certainly can pull it off. It's just a matter of how and when that happens.
Tom's Guide
17 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
NZXT Lift Elite Wireless review: Premium features at a budget price
The best gaming mice don't always come cheap, but the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless offers a budget solution for those who want premium features. Costing just under $80, this is a powerful mouse, boasting 8,000Hz polling and 26,000 DPI for competitive gaming. It's extremely comfortable for long periods of time, and user-friendly companion software makes customization a cinch. But it suffers from a very common problem, like other gaming mice: there's no left-handed version. Also, while it's wireless, there's no Bluetooth connectivity, and the oversized side buttons may lead to misclicks. For the complete breakdown, read my full NZXT Lift Elite Wireless review. Specs NZXT Lift Elite Wireless Price $79 / £74 Max DPI 26,000 Polling rate 4,000Hz (2.4G) or 8,000Hz (wired) Buttons 6 Size 4.68 x 2.39 x 1.51 inches Weight 2.01oz Colors White, black Body material Plastic Design Right-handed Operating system macOS, Windows Connectivity 2.4GHz dongle, wired Battery Rechargable Battery life (rated) 70 hours Lighting None From its lightweight yet sturdy body to its 8,000Hz polling and 26,000 DPI, the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless is a powerful rodent. Many gaming brands utilize honeycomb or perforated designs to scrape some weight off gaming mice. I often describe these designs as divisive because they aren't everyone's cup of tea — especially if you're trypophobic. Good news is that the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless sports a traditional, full-bodied design, but that doesn't make it heavy. The mouse weighs 2.01oz, which is actually lighter than the perforated Keychron M3 Mini 4K Metal (2.25oz, $99) and the SteelSeries Aerox 5 (2.6oz, $139). But its lightweight design doesn't deter from its sturdiness. The Lift Elite Wireless' plastic chassis feels solid. I didn't hear any creaking (or squeaking, since it's a mouse) when I squeezed it as hard as I could, so it should stand the test of time. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless measures 4.68 x 2.39 x 1.51 inches, so it may be slightly small for those with bigger hands. As someone with medium-sized hands, I found the mouse extremely comfortable to hold and use, even for long periods of gaming and working. I'd recommend a longer mouse if you have bigger hands, like the Keychron M7 ($49). I also appreciate that NZXT doesn't call this mouse 'ergonomic' (as there's no thumb rest), unlike some brands (looking at you, Cherry XTRFY M50 Wireless). NZXT says that both the claw and fingertip grip should work fine with this mouse, and they both do. I'm more of a palm grip gal and found that comfortable, too. The left- and right-click buttons are wide enough for your fingers to splay as much as you want. If you want an even better grip, two pieces of grip tape are included in the box. Hundreds of small bumps on the textured sides help you grip the mouse better, too. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless can handle any game you can think of, whether that's an open-world RPG or an FPS title. The mouse utilizes PixArt PAW3395 sensor to deliver a maximum of 26,000 DPI and either 4,000Hz (2.4G) or 8,000Hz polling, making it a powerful mouse for competitive gaming. I tested the mouse by playing games at both 4,000Hz and 8,000Hz polling, and not once did I notice any input lag or missed inputs. If you want an even higher DPI, like 32,000, the Cooler Master MM720 ($46) may be more your speed. 26,000 DPI is still excellent for ultra-responsive gameplay. To swap between different DPI values, simply click the bright purple button on the mouse's underside. You can also customize the five assigned values via NZXT CAM (more on that in a second). I really appreciate being able to adjust the DPI on the fly, as the absence of one was one of my primary criticisms of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 ($159). I used the DPI button a lot in Counter-Strike 2 and Hitman. I set the DPI to 10,000 when I was in close-quarters combat in the latter. I was able to chop down enemies easily and quickly with my knife, even when I was surrounded by several of them — overwhelmed, even. But the Lift Elite Wireless made quick work of it. When I needed to execute precise headshots in the games, I swapped to a low DPI of 400. I have naturally shaky hands, and wielding a sniper rifle and aiming at an enemy's head in Counter-Strike 2 requires steadiness. Using such a low DPI ensured that my movements were extremely precise. I was able to line up shots perfectly and with ease. I also like the textured scroll wheel with its spacious gaps, which makes going through busy weapon inventories easy. It takes some effort to press the clickable scroll wheel, which I appreciate, as that means you won't accidentally click it without meaning to. You'll need to download NZXT CAM on your Windows machine to customize the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless mouse. I recently used it to customize the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL ($199) keyboard, and I found the software extremely clean and intuitive to use. Like I mentioned earlier, this is where you can adjust the five DPI values. You can also remap four of the six buttons, record macros, choose one of six polling rates, and adjust the lift-off height. There are also five customizable profiles that you can save to the Lift Elite Wireless' onboard memory. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless can be best described as a midrange mouse, retailing for $79 / £74 at Amazon, and we've also seen it drop to $59 in the past. It offers the aforementioned powerful features at a competitive price, especially if you can't afford pricier rodents, like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 or the Razer Viper V3 ($159). The Lift Elite Wireless is priced similarly to the Cherry XTRFY M50 Wireless ($69) and the Fantech Aria XD7 ($78). When we reviewed the Fnatic x Lamzu Maya 8K ($119), we noted that, at the time of writing, it was the cheapest 8K mouse available on the market. Well, Fnatic's offering has just been dethroned by NZXT's — now, the Lift Elite Wireless is the cheapest way to get 8,000Hz polling. There isn't a lot wrong with the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless, but there's no left-handed version, the oversized side buttons lead to misclicks, and there's no Bluetooth connectivity. My left-handed comrades are left out once again. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless is suitable for right-handed folks because of the placement of the side buttons, but there's no left-handed version — much like nearly every other gaming mouse I've tested. Of course, lefties can still try using this mouse, but I can't imagine it would be very comfortable. If you do want a left-handed gaming mouse, I'd recommend an ambidextrous mouse, like the Roccat Kova Aimo ($50), the Corsair M55 RGB Pro ($40) or the BenQ Zowie FK1 ($69). Unfortunately, there aren't many options to choose from. There are two buttons located along the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless' left edge, and I found them easy to reach with my thumb. But what's a little frustrating is that the buttons are quite big and sensitive, so I kept clicking them unintentionally. For instance, I had remapped one of the side buttons to throw a grenade in Counter-Strike 2 — and guess what happened when I very unintentionally clicked it while in hiding? I gave away my position and my character instantly got shot down by enemies. This also happened while working, where clicking the buttons navigated to either the next or previous browser page, breaking my flow of work. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless sacrifices Bluetooth connectivity to retain an active 2.4GHz channel and a USB-C port for wired play. This may be frustrating for some players who want to use the mouse on the go or while traveling — especially because you can't slot the dongle into the mouse so you must remember to keep it safe. If you want Bluetooth connectivity, the Glorious Model O 2 ($99), the Redragon M916 Pro ($44) and the Fnatic x Lamzu Maya 8K are fantastic alternatives. All three are extremely lightweight — lighter than the Lift Elite Wireless, actually — and boast powerful specs for both casual and competitive gaming. As wireless gaming mice go, the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless is one of the best you can buy right now — and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg either. For under $80, you're getting 8,000Hz polling that negates missed inputs, and max 26,000 DPI for ultra-responsive gameplay. The mouse is also very comfortable to use for long periods of time… as long as you're not left-handed. Is there anything wrong with it? Nothing too major, really. There's no Bluetooth connectivity, which might be an issue for some folks, and in my testing, the oversized side buttons were so sensitive that I accidentally clicked them a few times. But if you want premium gaming features and don't want to burn a hole in your pocket on the likes of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, I can't think of a better mouse than the Lift Elite Wireless. It has quickly become my favorite rodent.
Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
iPhone 17 series may mark the start of a major shift for Apple: Here's why
Apple's WWDC 2025 event is slated for 9 June, just a few days away. Apple is expected to reveal major upgrades for its software platforms, including iOS, macOS, and more. This includes aesthetic revamps, new feature upgrades, and a major rebranding effort, which could involve renaming iOS versions. This year's versions, reportedly, could be iOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26. Apple is also expected to shake up the iPhone lineup this year, representing significant changes for the company. So, as things stand, this year could be a year of changes for Apple, and may act as a catalyst for what's to come over the next few years. Read on to know why. The iPhone 17 series is expected to undergo major revamps, with new models potentially being introduced, such as the iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to replace the current iPhone 16 Plus model. Apple is also anticipated to make significant changes to the iPhone design, with the iPhone 17 Pro model expected to feature a major redesign, including a new camera module extending to the right of the phone. As per tips from industry insiders like Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone lineup is expected to undergo a major overhaul soon. While a new form factor, such as the iPhone 17 Slim or iPhone 17 Air, may be introduced this year, even more revamps could arrive from 2026 onwards. This includes the introduction of a new foldable model (iPhone 18 Fold) alongside the iPhone 18 Air and iPhone 18 Pro. However, the real change could be Apple shifting the release of the vanilla and budget models, including the 'e' model. This means Apple could shift the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e launches to March 2027, which could be another big change in the way Apple launches its products. It does make sense if you think about the fact that the number of models in the lineup could increase (6 vs 5), with the foldable coming in, and the Air model commanding attention, Apple may want to push for vanilla models to launch separately so as not to cannibalise sales, and also to equip them better. On the other hand, it should be taken with a pinch of salt, considering Apple has yet to confirm these plans. MOBILE FINDER: iPhone 16 LATEST Price, Specs And More
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Perplexity Labs debuts as AI workspace for building apps, reports, and more
Perplexity has announced the launch of Labs, a new feature designed to move beyond traditional AI search by enabling users to generate fully-formed projects like reports, dashboards, and web apps, all within a single workspace. The feature is now available to Pro subscribers and marks a significant shift from information retrieval to hands-on content creation. While Perplexity built its reputation on rapid and accurate search via tools like Search and Deep Research (now rebranded simply as Research), Labs introduces a more proactive AI model. Rather than stopping at answers, Labs takes an idea and spends up to 10 minutes autonomously executing tasks, browsing the web, writing and running code, generating assets, and delivering structured outputs. Mobile Finder: Motorola Edge 60 Pro goes on sale in India This means a user can input a prompt like 'Create a financial dashboard for Q2 revenue analysis,' and receive back charts, CSVs, visualisations, and even mini web applications. Files and outputs are automatically organised into dedicated Assets and App tabs, creating a cohesive workspace. Perplexity says Labs can handle everything from meal planning to writing code to analysing datasets. For instance, a marketing professional could generate a comprehensive campaign strategy complete with charts and audience segmentation tools, while a developer could use it to scaffold a prototype web app, all without switching between platforms. The tool also includes live code execution, enabling real-time manipulation of data and visuals. It effectively reduces the friction of using multiple tools for one project and positions Labs as an AI collaborator, not just an assistant. Labs is currently available for Pro users via the mode selector in the Perplexity Web and mobile apps. Desktop versions for macOS and Windows are expected to roll out soon. The company emphasised that Research will remain the ideal tool for quick deep dives, while Labs is built for more complex, time-intensive tasks. 'This marks a transition from passive inquiry to active creation,' Perplexity said in a blog post, signalling its ambition to become a platform for executing, not just exploring ideas. With Labs, Perplexity is effectively pitching itself as a virtual project team, capable of replacing an array of traditional productivity tools with one AI-driven workspace.
Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Apple WWDC 2025 Preview: iOS 26, ‘Solarium' Redesign, AI Breakthroughs, and What to Expect
Apple is gearing up for one of its most ambitious Worldwide Developers Conferences yet, with WWDC 2025 set to run from June 9 to 13. This year's event promises sweeping changes across Apple's software lineup, including a bold redesign, a major shift in naming conventions, and a significant push into AI. iOS 26: A New Era of Naming In a notable break from tradition, Apple is expected to rebrand its operating systems to reflect the release year — meaning the next iPhone software will be named iOS 26, not iOS 19. This change will apply across the board, with iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 also set to debut. The update aims to streamline branding and emphasize Apple's commitment to annual innovation. Introducing 'Solarium': A Unified Visual Overhaul Perhaps the most talked-about change is the introduction of a new design language, codenamed 'Solarium.' Inspired by the aesthetics of visionOS, the redesign will focus on delivering a sleeker, more modern experience across devices. Expected visual updates include: Glass-like translucency in apps Floating windows and pill-shaped tab bars Rounded controls and elongated toggles Lock screen shimmer effects A cleaner, unified interface across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and more This marks Apple's most significant design overhaul in years, aiming to bring consistency and elegance to its ecosystem. AI Takes Center Stage: 'Apple Intelligence' Artificial intelligence will be a key focus at WWDC 2025. Building on last year's early announcements, Apple is expected to unveil its next steps under the umbrella of 'Apple Intelligence.' Among the rumored AI-powered features: A smarter, redesigned Siri with improved natural language capabilities An AI-based health assistant integrated into the Health app Intelligent battery optimization features across devices While many of these innovations may roll out gradually through 2026, Apple is poised to offer a clear roadmap for how AI will become more embedded in its software ecosystem. New Features Across the Ecosystem Apple's upcoming software updates are also expected to bring several practical improvements: A streamlined Camera app with a simplified two-tab layout (Photos and Videos) AirPods with real-time translation capabilities Enhancements to Messages, including smoother navigation and deeper FaceTime integration Health tracking upgrades in watchOS, potentially including blood pressure and glucose monitoring Gaming Gets a Dedicated App Apple may finally be giving games a more prominent place in its ecosystem. A new, dedicated gaming application is reportedly in the works, potentially debuting at WWDC. The app is expected to feature: Game libraries, leaderboards, achievements Built-in messaging for multiplayer games Availability across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV devices What's Next With WWDC just days away, Apple appears ready to signal the start of a new chapter — one defined by visual sophistication, AI-driven experiences, and a more unified digital environment. The keynote, scheduled for June 10, will likely provide the first detailed look at what's coming to Apple devices in 2025 and beyond.
