Apple unveils M3 MacBook Air aimed at consumer AI applications

Apple today unveiled new M3-powered MacBook Air 13 and 15-inch models. The new Airs are up to 60 percent faster than the model with the M1 chip and up to 13x faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air. Pricing The 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 starts at $1,449 (CAD) and $1,299 (CAD) for education, and the 15‑inch MacBook Air with M3 starts at $1,749 (CAD) and $1,599 (CAD) for education. Both are available in midnight, starlight, silver, and space grey. The models are available for preorder now for shipping and in-store availability on March 8.

Apple is finally using AI in their marketing for these laptops in anticipation of huge AI software update in June. The consumer focus of the MacBook Air positions it as a strong choice considering the entire PC market is pivoting ot on-device AI in forthcoming PCs, ostensibly at a higher cost.

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iOS 16 bug reportedly breaks support for Cinematic videos in iMovie, Final Cut Pro

While Apple recently fixed some bugs caused by iOS 16, a new one has reportedly popped up. Some iPhone users are finding that iMovie and Final Cut Pro aren't supporting videos recorded in Cinematic Mode if the device it was recorded on runs on iOS 16. It's unclear what's causing the issue, but the reports seem to be consistent in pointing out these apps show an error when trying to edit Cinematic videos.

Apple hasn't acknowledged the bug yet, so you can't expect a software fix for now. A workaround 9to5Mac suggested editing the video on the iPhone and then sharing these to the Mac via AirDrop.

Apple, Google, Microsoft and World Wide Web consortium back passwordless sign-in initiative

The three largest computing, mobile, and browser companies are teaming up to back a passwordless sing-in initiative that could remove one of the biggest pain points and security threats today. Weak passwords are responsible for 80% of breaches and hacks, so Apple, Google, Microsoft are leading the charge in a password-free sign-in.

The FIDO alliance will enable users to sign into websites and apps using their smartphones for authentication, removing the need for any password or PIN code. This ostensibly eradicates the need to have multiple complex passwords for varying websites, or the chance that reused passwords leak and allow unauthorized access.

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Apple Music brings lossless streaming, Spatial Audio support with Dolby Atmos

Updated on Monday, May 17, 2021 at 10:04PM by Nicole Batac

Apple

After all the rumours, Apple has officially announced its Music streaming service will bring a lossless music quality option to its entire catalogue beginning next month. You won't need to pay extra to get the feature. 

You have to opt-in to access the lossless mode. Head to Settings > Music > Audio Quality and then select Lossless or Hi-Resolution Lossless.

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