Apple Releases Design Resources for watchOS 9 [Download]

Apple released new design resources for watchOS 9 today.

In recent news, Apple Inc. has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation and user experience optimization. The tech giant's latest updates reveal a focus on enhancing user accessibility, particularly in areas such as sports betting. This could potentially reshape how users interact with platforms like Betpawa a leading provider in the sports betting industry. Notably, users will need a betpawa login to access these services, which suggests a shift towards more personalized and secure betting experiences. This development undoubtedly reflects the growing trend of incorporating technology into various areas of lifestyle and leisure, further solidifying Apple's role as a trailblazer in technology integration.

An updated Sketch library is available; as well as, Design Templates and Production Templates for Sketch and Adobe XD users.

These resources are a great help and time saver if you are developing for Apple Watch.

Download the new resources at the link below and please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more Apple updates.

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Apple Releases Design Resources for watchOS 9 [Download]

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Make and play games with an Xbox Live deal that Prime Day can’t touch

Our parents might’ve scolded us for letting our imaginations run wild, but that rebellious creativity birthed many of the games we know and love today. The 2023 Ultimate Xbox Game Developer Bundle offers game development training to help you bring those imaginary worlds to life for just $19.99 (a $1,624 value).

And it even comes with three months of Xbox Live Gold — a $24.99 value — as inspiration.

This collection is discounted thanks to our Deal Days sale. It’s our answer to Prime Day, and it features awesome apps, courses and gear at low prices that Amazon can’t touch. However, it only runs until October 12.

Learn how games are made and try some titles for free

The first part of the bundle focuses on game development through the lens of the Unreal Engine. A free game engine developed by Epic Games (the company behind Fortnite), Unreal sits at the core of a huge range of games, from first-person shooters to puzzlers.

Zenva Academy, the team behind these game-development courses, focuses on learning by doing, with coding projects that get you to make games right away. It opens with an intro course to get you comfortable with Unreal. Then, it moves into a series of small game projects.

You’ll start with simple games where you pop balloons. Then the bundle moves through point-and-click role-playing games, turn-based combat, Zelda-like action games, arcade-style games, Mario-style platformers and first-person shooters.

Each course reinforces the lessons learned in the last, while teaching you a different style of game design and programming.

Plus 3 months of Xbox Live Gold

The second piece of the bundle is a three-month subscription to Xbox Live Gold, Microsoft’s premium online game service. This membership gives you discounts on titles in the Xbox Store, free games to download and try out every month, and access to multiplayer features.

Part of game design is playing games for insight and inspiration. Tapping into Xbox Live Gold gives you a great way to try new titles and see how developers use Unreal.

Save on the 2023 Ultimate Xbox Game Developer Bundle

Game development can be a fun way to learn how to create your own apps. This eight-course bundle with Xbox Live Gold membership shows you how for $19.99. But move fast, as our big Deal Days sale ends October 12, 2022.

Prices subject to change.

This article was originally posted here

Lawn mowing test reveals GPS accuracy of Apple Watch Ultra

A Reddit user has conducted an experiment, while also mowing his lawn, to test the GPS accuracy of the Apple Watch Ultra.

The completely redesigned Compass app includes Waypoints, a quick and convenient way to mark a location. The Waypoint complication updates dynamically in real time with direction and distance.
The completely redesigned Compass app includes Waypoints, a quick and convenient way to mark a location. The Waypoint complication updates dynamically in real time with direction and distance.

Ali Salman for Wccftech:

Apple has boasted a lot about the GPS capabilities on the Ultra and a Reddit user suburbandad1999 went on to conduct a test through lawn mowing.

The high-end Apple Watch conjoins the capabilities of the L1 GPS with L5 GPS for precise location while being less power-hungry. If you are someone who likes to go on days-long hikes, the Apple Watch Ultra is one of the top wearables that you should consider before going on an expedition. In comparison to older models, the advanced signal processing on the Ultra will offer consistent signals, even in dense cities.

“It [my older Apple Watch Series 4] would even have me zip a couple doors down and shows about 1.4 extra miles of distance compared to the image on the right. Apple Watch Ultra shows every intricate row I did.”

MacDailyNews Take: For the first time ever in an Apple Watch, the precision dual-frequency GPS integrates both L1 and the latest frequency, L5, plus new positioning algorithms. Apple Watch Ultra delivers the most accurate GPS of any Apple Watch to date, providing users the most precise distance, pace, and route data for training, competing, and lawn mowing.

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Tested: Anker PowerCore 24K delivers versatile 140W USB-C charging for mobile Apple setups

After first launching back in August, Anker’s new PowerCore 24K stole the show with its massive internal battery and even more capable 140W USB-C PD output. Now over the past month, I’ve been putting the power bank to the test with my Apple setup to see just how worthy of an everyday carry upgrade Anker’s latest really is.

You’re reading Tested with 9to5Toys, where we explore everyday tech essentials that make life a bit easier. Browse through our entire guide for all of the latest reviews, and sound off in the comments below if there’s something you’d like to see featured.

Anker PowerCore 24K hands-on review

Anker’s most recent addition to its power bank lineup arrives as the new PowerCore 24K. it lives up to its name with a 24,000mAh internal battery that powers your experience. On the outside of the plastic-covered shell is a little display that can show off charging rates for both the power bank itself and whatever gear is plugged in.

The real highlight has to be the capacity of the battery, but how you can actually put it to work? There are three different ports on the power bank: a pretty typical USB-A slot paired with a one-way USB-C output and an even more enticing bi-directional USB-C PD port that can handle dishing out 140W of power. But does that earn it the $149.99 price tag? We’re taking a closer look.

Here’s a closer look at the spec sheet:

  • Ultra-powerful two-way charging: equipped with the latest Power Delivery 3.1 and bi-directional technology to quickly recharge the portable charger or get a 140W ultra-powerful charge 
  • High capacity: features a 24,000mAh battery capacity to juice up an iPhone 13 almost five times or a 2021 iPad Pro 12.9″ 1.3 times. 
  • Smart digital display: easy-to-read digital display to show output and input power and estimated time for the portable charger to fully recharge

9to5Toys’ Take

Shortly after the new PowerCore 24K power bank hit the scene at the end of August, Anker sent one over for me to test out. The accessory has been living in my backpack consistently and has become a staple for my on-the-go recharging.

The charging output — with 140W speeds — is really the star of the show. And I have to say, it isn’t just a gimmick. It tops off smaller devices that can’t take full advantage of it, like my iPhone 14 Pro, without breaking a sweat. But then, when you actually need to top off a MacBook or iPad, you can really take advantage of the power this kind of accessory can put out.

Another one of my favorite parts of the new Anker PowerCore 24K is that it doesn’t take long to refuel. I’ve tested out some other beefy power banks in the past that look to give this model a run for its money, but none of them have been able to be juiced up quite as quickly. Thanks to the same 140W USB-C port that lets you top off gear with those high power outputs, you can also charge the internal battery with the same speed.

This turns an overnight endeavor like I’m used to with the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD into frankly something I can do at a moment’s notice. I can’t tell you how many times over the past month that I’ve headed out for an overnight trip at the last minute, only to realize I needed to top off the power bank. The battery itself is large enough that it has tended to sit around 50% charge, meaning I can just connect it up with a wall charger and in 30 minutes be out the door with 24,000mAh of juice in my bag. I’ve been using it as my only charger more times that I should probably admit, opting just to charge my iPhone and 14-inch MacBook Pro off both of its USB-C ports when I need to top off. Regardless of whether that was the use case that Anker imagined or not, it’s become an indispensable part of my setup.

There are some caveats, however. With this being one of Anker’s most capable portable power banks in both capacity and power output, you’ll need some higher-end accessories in order to take full advantage of its charging speeds and output. For starters, most USB-C cables on the market don’t support the full 140W power rate that the PowerCore 24K rocks. Anker of course makes one, but this newer release is still one of the first of its kind. You’re also going to need a charger that can support dishing out the full speeds, but that is at least an easier ask with the new GaNPrime lineup.

Still, Anker’s new PowerCore 24K enters as a rare accessory that really leaves nothing unaddressed. There’s really nothing that I could have wanted from the power bank that Anker doesn’t deliver, which really backs that steep price tag. And on the subject, the $150 MSRP is likely going to be the only pain point for many potential buyers. But, if you’re looking for a solution that’s ready to charge pretty much anything, I can hands down recommend Anker’s latest. It’s a versatile and convenient in a way that other power banks of this size haven’t come close to.

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Tony Fadell wants to see iPhone move to USB-C

AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. These affiliate partnerships do not influence our editorial content.

The inventor of the iPad believes that Apple should move the iPhone to USB-C, claiming that it is “the right thing” to do.

On Tuesday, the European Union passed a law requiring manufacturers of smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other consumer electronics to use USB-C to charge their devices.

A Twitter user asked Fadell if he believed that the EU’s regulation would hamper future projects by Apple. The iPod inventor explained that he didn’t believe that it would.

In a following tweet, spotted by 9to5Mac, Fadell went on to explain that his concern is that Apple is taking a “monopolist-like position,” rather than thinking about the technology itself.

The EU has not specified a date for USB-C adoption beyond the end of 2024. It also must be formally approved and published and will enter into force 20 days later.

Apple has previously pushed back against the law, claiming that broad regulation and conformity stifles innovation, rather than encouraging it.

It’s a possibility that the iPhone may move to USB-C, even without the threat of regulation. Apple first introduced USB-C to its iPad Pro lineup in 2018. The European Union regulation specifies USB-C or all-wireless charging, and the US legislation that is working its way through discussion does not specifically specify USB-C.

This article was originally posted here

The Elon Musk and Twitter deal is in danger, again

Elon Musk Twitter bid in question again

Ahead of a looming court date in Delaware, Elon Musk’s renewed $44 billion bid for Twitter has been shot down by Twitter, says Musk’s lawyers.

According to a report from Associated Press, Musk’s attorneys said the trial should be adjourned to leave more time for Musk to secure the financing — and for the first time, Musk was clear that the deal was dependent on finding that funding.

“Twitter will not take yes for an answer,” said the court filing signed by Musk attorney Edward Micheletti. “Astonishingly, they have insisted on proceeding with this litigation, recklessly putting the deal at risk and gambling with their stockholders’ interests.”

Musk had previously tried to walk away from the Twitter deal in July, but was sued for the action soon after. The court date has been debated since the lawsuit began, with Musk’s lawyers originally fighting for more time to gather data over spam accounts and bots.

This article was originally posted here

How to fix a VPN not working on your iPhone or iPad

Are you unable to use a VPN on your iOS device? This may be because the VPN app stays stuck on the “connecting” screen. Or, sometimes, even after it seems that you have connected successfully to a VPN, websites may not load at all!

In this guide, we have listed all the top solutions to fix the most common VPN issues on your iPhone or iPad.

iPhone showing a working VPN on screen

Note: Although we have used screenshots from Proton VPN in this post, most solutions mentioned here are general VPN tips. They will work even if you use NordVPN, Express VPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, IPVanish, PrivateVPN, Hide.me, TunnelBear, AtlasVPN, ZoogVPN, Hoxx, Avira Phantom VPN, Speedify, Hotspot Shield, or any other VPN app.

23 solutions to fix VPN issues on iPhone: hide

1. Make sure Wi-Fi or cellular data is working

The installed VPN app on your iPhone can only connect to its servers and work successfully if your device’s Wi-Fi or cellular data are working correctly.

So, the first step is to ensure your iPhone has an active internet connection. To check, open Safari and visit a website. If it works, please move on to the next solution. And in case it doesn’t, see these tips to establish a working Wi-Fi or cellular data connection on your iPhone. Once Wi-Fi or cellular data works on your iPhone, you can route your web traffic via a VPN.

2. Disconnect and reconnect from the VPN app

Open the VPN app on your iPhone and tap the Disconnect button to stop using it. After waiting for a few seconds, tap the same button to reconnect.

Note: The word VPN is shown in the iPhone Control Center when you’re connected to one. But sometimes, you will see this word in the iOS Control Center, even when your VPN app is stuck on the “Loading connection info…” or “Connecting…” screen and not actually working.

Loading connection info for VPN on iPhone

Related: 4 free ways to visit a blocked or geo-restricted website on iPhone and Mac

3. Force quit the VPN app and reopen it

Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen or double-press the Home button to enter App Switcher. From here, drag the VPN app tile all the way up to force close it. Once that’s done, wait 10 seconds before reopening the VPN app.

4. Enable and disable Airplane mode

Open the iOS Control Center or the Settings app and enable Airplane Mode. Doing so will turn off all wireless protocols like Wi-Fi and cellular data and refresh the network connections. Once this is done, open the VPN app and retry connecting. It should work now.

Airplane mode on and off on iPhone

5. Restart your iPhone

This kind of VPN problems are successfully addressed by simply powering off and on your iPhone.

6. Restart your Wi-Fi router

In addition to restarting your iPhone, consider doing the same for your Wi-Fi router. Use the main wall power switch to turn it off. After that, wait for about 30 seconds before switching it on.

7. Make sure you have sufficient VPN allowance

If you’re on a paid VPN plan, you almost certainly have an unlimited quota. However, some VPN apps like TunnelBear offer a limited amount of data on the free plan. This can range from 500 MB to a few GBs. Once you exhaust that limit, your VPN won’t work.

So, if you’re using a free VPN, open the app, go to the accounts page and look for any such alert. If you do have one, consider upgrading to their paid plan or get another free VPN app.

8. Delete the VPN profile and add it again

This is an important solution that has worked for me multiple times. Here’s how to proceed:

  1. Open the Settings app and go to General > VPN & Device Management > VPN.
  2. Tap ⓘ next to the added VPN profile.
  3. Tap Delete VPN and confirm.
  4. Now, open the VPN app and tap its connect button. It will show an alert to add the VPN profile. Tap Allow, followed by your iPhone passcode or Touch ID authentication.

Delete VPN profile and add it again

Once this is done, the VPN app will connect successfully. If you don’t see the Allow popup in step 4, delete and reinstall the VPN app.

9. Check the VPN server congestion

Some services like Proton VPN show you the list of servers they have in a country, and next to every server, it shows the congestion percentage. If a server is 90+% busy, try using a different, less congested one as that will connect quickly and offer better speed.

Check VPN server congestion

10. Pick a different country or VPN server

At times, VPN servers of a particular country may not let you connect to it due to overload or temporary downtime. In these cases, try picking a different country from the list.

11. Change the VPN protocol

A VPN protocol is responsible for how your data is routed from your iPhone to the VPN servers. Usually, a VPN app supports several protocols and, by default, tends to use the best one. Some may even smartly switch between protocols to ensure a stable and secure connection.

If you cannot connect to VPN, open the VPN app on your iPhone and go to its settings. From here, tap the protocol button and choose another option. After this, try connecting to the VPN and see whether it works or not. If it doesn’t, go back to using the default protocol and read the remaining solutions below, or try another protocol.

Change VPN protocol on iPhone

12. Turn off the second VPN on your iPhone or Wi-Fi router

A few people might simultaneously use more than one VPN service for extra protection. It’s also possible that you are running a VPN on your iPhone and another on the Wi-Fi router. If that’s the case, switch off the other VPN and use only one at a time.

13. Update the VPN app

Tap and hold the App Store icon on your iPhone Home Screen or App Library and pick Updates from the Quick Actions menu. Next, pull down the Updates screen to refresh it. If an update is available for your VPN app, install it.

14. Uninstall and reinstall the VPN app

In rare cases, the only way to fix VPN issues is by deleting the VPN app and installing it again. Make sure you do that before moving to the remaining tips.

15. Turn off Private Wi-Fi Address

A few people have found luck by disabling Private Wi-Fi Address. If you’re unable to connect to a VPN on your iPhone, go to the Settings app > Wi-Fi and tap ⓘ for the connected network. From the next screen, turn off Private Wi-Fi Address and confirm by tapping Continue.

Turn off Private Wi-Fi Address on iPhone to fix VPN problems

Next, try to connect to a VPN and see if it works or not. If it doesn’t, restart your iPhone and retry. In case the problem continues, re-enable Private Wi-Fi Address and move to the next solution.

16. Switch off Connect On Demand or Always-on VPN

Go to the VPN app settings and turn off any option labeled Always-on VPN or Connect On Demand. If you don’t see such a toggle here, open iPhone Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN and tap ⓘ next to a VPN profile. From here, turn off Connect On Demand.

Switch off Connect On Demand for VPN on iPhone

Related: How to use the on-demand VPN feature on your iPhone or iPad

17. Change DNS inside the VPN app

Some VPN apps may give you an option to change the DNS. For example, you can replace the existing DNS address with that of Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4), etc.

18. Some websites and services don’t work via VPNs

Before moving forward, it’s essential to know that some websites, apps, and services may outright refuse to work with all or certain VPNs. Therefore, we recommend turning off the VPN when updating your iPhone or when you can’t get an iOS app to work.

19. Upgrade to a paid and reputable VPN

If you’re on a free service, evaluate your VPN needs and if it’s something you use frequently, consider buying a paid subscription. Most VPNs cost $3 to $6 per month if you go for their long-term plans. You can try NordVPN, one of the best VPNs for your Apple and non-Apple devices. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you don’t like their service.

20. Has that particular VPN pulled out of your country?

Due to multiple reasons like lack of profits, regulations, or governmental pressure, a VPN app may stop doing business in a country and pull out completely. If that’s the case, your only option is to use a different VPN.

VPN not available in a country

21. Try another VPN app

Even after all the above recommendations, if your VPN app isn’t working, it’s time to explore some other options. One search on the App Store or Google for VPN will show many results. Go through reviews and people’s experiences on Reddit, Quora, or web forums before picking a VPN service.

Related: The best VPNs for iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Do the following in case you have already invested in a VPN app that no longer works on your iPhone:

  • See if the same VPN works on your computer or other devices. Almost all VPN services allow you to use the same account on multiple devices.
  • Read the remaining solutions to reset your iPhone if the same VPN (via your account) works on other devices but not your iPhone.

22. Reset network settings

Go to iPhone Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset and pick Reset Network Settings from the list. Once you perform this, open the VPN app and try connecting. It should work.

If the problem continues, consider resetting all iPhone settings.

23. Contact VPN support

Finally, if nothing works for you with the VPN service you’re trying to use, contact their customer support and explain your situation. In case you have already paid for their services, and it doesn’t work, request a refund and switch to a different VPN provider. You should find a way to reach your VPN provider at the bottom of the app’s settings app or their official website.

Please let us know which solution worked for you. And if you have other tips, do share them in the comments section below.

Check out next:

This article was originally posted here

iPod inventor Tony Fadell says EU requirement for USB-C iPhone is the ‘right thing’ as he sees Apple as a monopoly

Former Apple VP Tony Fadell became known as “the father of the iPod.” Although he no longer has any ties with Apple, he often shares opinions on what the company has been doing. This time, Fadell shared his thoughts on the European Union’s requirement for iPhone with a USB-C port. The engineer believes that this is the “right thing” to do and that he now sees Apple in a monopolistic position.

Fadell thinks it’s time for USB-C iPhones

The discussion began with a Twitter user wondering if the iPod would be successful if Apple was forced to use USB 1.0 instead of the faster FireWire technology at the time. Fadell then responded by saying that the world “converged on USB-C” as the limits of older standards “have been hit,” but he went far beyond that in defending his point of view.

Apple’s former VP says he’s not worried about the EU forcing Apple and other smartphone makers to adopt USB-C and that “they’re simply forcing Apple to do the right thing.”

In another tweet, Fadell said that the regulation only happened because Apple is having a monopoly-like position. The engineer believes that some regulation and standardization in favor of consumers is necessary, since companies are not always interested in doing the “right thing for societies best interest.”

He also noted that forcing Apple to change the iPhone connector based on the environment argument is “much lot easier than a monopolistic legal trial.” Fadell then said that Apple doesn’t like third parties dictating what it should do. “This is coming from the guy who made the 30 pin connector happen,” he added.

Interestingly, one of his followers pointed out that Apple is against USB-C as the company makes “a lot of money” with the MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad) program for certified accessories. Fadell, who was behind the invention of the program, suggests that he agrees with his follower.

What’s next for iPhone?

iPod inventor Tony Fadell says EU requirement for USB-C iPhone is the ‘right thing’ as he sees Apple as a monopoly

Back in June, the European Union reached a common agreement to make USB-C the standard connector for devices such as smartphones and tablets. This week, the EU passed final legislation mandating that, starting in 2024, every device sold in Europe that is charged via cable must have a USB-C port.

The law is based on the argument that having different standards is bad for customers and also for the planet, since this results in more electronic waste.

But the European Union is not alone when it comes to forcing Apple to adopt USB-C in the iPhone. The US Senate and Brazil’s telecom regulator have also been considering making USB-C mandatory for smartphones.

Currently, every Mac and almost every iPad sold by Apple already uses USB-C. However, iPhone and accessories such as AirPods still rely on the company’s proprietary Lightning connector. Lightning was introduced in 2012 as a better alternative to the Micro USB standard. However, Lightning is now outdated – and it may not last much longer.

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This tiny 1 TB SSD connects to all your computers [Review]

The OWC Envoy Pro mini is a small external SSD with both USB-C and USB-A connectors so it works with Mac and iPad but also Windows, Android and more. It’s rugged, fast and comes with up to 1TB of storage.

I ran the tiny drive through a battery of tests. It passed with flying colors.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

OWC Envoy Pro mini review

A world where all computers use the same type of ports would be wonderful. But here in the real world the transition from USB-A and USB-C is going slowly.

Many computers include the newer, smaller and better port, but not all. There are still quite a few that use the old, clumsy USB-A format. One is obviously better than the other but the OWC Envoy Pro mini doesn’t care. It handles both.

I need that in my own office. I frequently switch between an iPad with USB-C and a Microsoft Surface with USB-A.

Plus OWC’s SSD is tough, and offers quick data transfers, too.

A thumb drive ready for USB-A and USB-C

Envoy Pro mini SSD is ready for USB-A and USB-C ports.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The drive lives up to “mini” in its name. It’s 3.1 inches by 0.7 inches by 0.4 inches and less than an ounce. It’s easily pocketable, or you can attach it to your keychain.

Perhaps the best way to describe the Envoy Pro mini is that it’s a USB-A drive with a swiveling USB-C adapter permanently attached. The USB-C connector has a cover, so both connectors are protected when the drive isn’t in use.

OWC doesn’t make any specific claims about ruggedness, but the accessory’s casing is machined aluminum, not cheap plastic. I wouldn’t recommend using it under water or hammering a nail with it, but the casing seems tough enough to shrug off daily use and even some abuse.

A blue LED on one end blinks when data is being transferred so you know not to yank the drive out of its port.

The cover for the USB-C connector remains attached to the Envoy Pro mini even when its open, so you don’t have to worry about losing it.

SSD data transfers are fast

Because it has both USB-A and USB-C connectors, you can use the OWC Envoy Pro mini with many types of computers. I tested it with with Mac, iPad Pro, Windows, Android and my TV. It even worked with an iPhone using the right adapter.

No matter which connector you choose, the SSD supports USB 3.2 Gen 2. That standard offers up to 10 Gbps data transfers. Benchmark tests show it can transfer data at over 900 MBps.

I have a hard time trusting benchmark software – I prefer real-world results. When I copied a 1 GB test file from a Mac to the drive, the transfer took only about 2 seconds. Moving it back was just as fast.

That went so quickly I next moved a 10.7 GB file from a Mac to drive, which took under 12 seconds. Copying it back was, again, just as quick.

In my tests, the OWC Envoy Pro mini gets slightly warm when moving lots of data around, but it never gets hot. The heat-dissipating aluminum casing does its job.

The accessory is designed for backward compatibility, so it supports older, slower USB standards too. Just don’t expect super-fast file transfers on those older computers.

The drive comes unformatted, along with tools to format it in various ways for macOS and/or Windows use. Hint: Don’t format the drive on a Windows PC if you intend to use it with Apple devices.

OWC video

Watch this Envoy Pro mini advert from OWC to see the drive in action.

OWC Envoy Pro mini final thoughts

Back in the day, consumers used tiny thumbdrives but professionals needed more bulkier external SSDs for serious storage. These days, the two have merged. The Envoy Pro mini isn’t your dad’s dinky 2GB thumb drive. It’s physically small but capacity goes up to a terabyte, and the drive is fast enough to easily handle moving around large files.

I regularly work with files between 5 GB and 10 GB. I can copy groups of these onto OWC’s SSD in seconds.

That said, anyone who regularly works with really huge files like high-res video will likely prefer an external drive that supports Thunderbolt 3. Those can copy a 10 GB file in well under 10 seconds.

[com_rating=5.0]

Pricing

The Envoy Pro mini is now available in 250GB, 500GB and 1TB capacities on OWC’s website or Amazon. The prices are $79, $109 and $179, respectively.

Buy from: OWC

Buy from: Amazon

If you need faster data transfers, consider the OWC Envoy Pro FX. It offers Thunderbolt 3, is quite rugged and can be used with almost any device that supports USB. It’s not nearly as small, though.

If size matters more than anything, consider the Samsung USB Type-C Flash Drive or the Kingston DataTraveler Max. And there’s the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe, which has both USB-C and Lightning ports.

OWC provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.

This article was originally posted here

Original AirPods Pro Back On Sale for $169.99 [Deal]

Apple’s original AirPods Pro are back on sale for $169.99 today. That’s $79.01 less than the list price for the new AirPods Pro 2 and the lowest price we’ve seen since Prime Day in July.

AirPods Pro have been designed to deliver Active Noise Cancellation for immersive sound, Transparency mode so you can hear your surroundings, and a customizable fit for all-day comfort. Just like AirPods, AirPods Pro connect magically to your iPhone or Apple Watch. And they’re ready to use right out of the case.

Features:
● Active Noise Cancellation
● More customizable fit and seal
● Transparency mode
● Amazing sound quality with Adaptive EQ
● Sweat and water resistant (IPX4)
● Automatically on, automatically connected
● Easy setup for all your Apple devices
● Quick charging in the case
● Case can be charged either wirelessly using a Qi-certified charger or with the Lightning connector

Grab the deal at the link below. Note that Amazon also has AirPods Pro 2 on sale for $10 off today.

Get Deal

Original AirPods Pro Back On Sale for $169.99 [Deal]

This article was originally posted here