Apple opens a replacement program for the USB-C charge cable of the Retina MacBook

If you’ve been noticing issues with the charging cable of your Retina MacBook, that may not be your fault. Apple’s just launched a worldwide replacement program for its USB-C charge cables that come with the 12-inch Retina MacBook sold from April 2015 through June 2015. These cables can supposedly fail due to a “design issue.” It could possibly not charge your MacBook or charge it intermittently while connected to a power adapter. The problematic cables can be identified with the label “Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China.” The redesigned cable will have the same words but with a serial number included.

Apple will give these MacBook users the redesigned USB-C cable for free. The replacement program doesn’t just cover those that ship with the MacBook but also faulty cables that were sold as standalone accessories. Customers who gave a valid mailing address when they registered or purchased their MacBook through Apple’s Online Store will get sent the new cables immediately. Other eligible MacBook owners can get in touch with Apple Support, look for an Authorized Service Provider, or visit an Apple retail store to get the cables replaced. You can get your cable replaced until June 8, 2018.

Source: Apple | Via: MacRumors

You can charge your new MacBook with a portable battery pack

You might be lamenting the single USB-C port on the new MacBook. But one of the good things about this universal port is you can now charge the MacBook with a portable battery pack. You could do it before with the MagSafe-equipped MacBooks but you needed specific battery packs or a modified MagSafe adapter. Now, you can use any high-capacity battery pack. Just make sure you have a USB-C to USB-A cable and you're good to go. Apple promises nine to 10 hours of use with the new MacBook. But if you have a high-capacity power bank, you could just extend that further. 

Source: Mashable 

Apple patents tech to build solar-powered, cell-enabled MacBooks

Diagram of how future MacBooks can absorb sunlight. (Source: Patently Apple)

Looks like Apple is looking to develop solar-powered MacBooks capable of taking your calls. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently released 31 new patents to Apple. Some of the patents include technologies on how to use solar power to charge a MacBook, how to receive and transmit cellular telephone signals, and create backside touch sensors that would allow you to interact with the laptop with the lid closed.

Solar-powered MacBook can be created with the use of a “smart glass” or electrochromic glass that changes light transmission properties according to voltage, meaning it controls the amount of light and heat it sends out. The patent describes top plate with solar cells that will be sandwiched between smart glass in the back and an LCD display in front. This means users can adjust the smart glass to let light transmit solar cells to charge the device.

Source: ReadWrite

QuickerTek launches Quicky Junior 3 for Apple MacBooks

QuickerTek promises an extra boost of power from a more compact device with the Quicky Junior 3. This third generation Wi-Fi adaptor expands to the ‘a’ spectrum of the 802.11 band to give older computer users access to newer access points.

The Quicky Junior 3 comes with the small USB Wi-Fi adaptor and redesigned antenna that folds into its body. It will give those who need an easy power boost by increasing the MacBook’s internal antennas threefold. The plug-and-play device can also be used to add other desktop computers to a network without adding cables. The Quicky Junior 3 is priced at $79.95 and you can read more about it on the product page.