Today we’re launching a Verge subscription that lets you get rid of a bunch of ads, gets you unlimited access to our top-notch reporting and analysis across the site and our killer premium newsletters, and generally lets you support independent tech journalism in a world of sponsored influencer content. It’ll cost $7 / month or $50 / year — and for a limited time, if you sign up for the annual plan, we’ll send you an absolutely stunning print edition of our CONTENT GOBLINS series, with very fun new photography and design. (Our art team is delightfully good at print; we’ve even won a major magazine award for it.)
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The Flexbar⇢
Andrew Liszewski, writing at The Verge, about a thing that should probably not be made:
Apple may have said goodbye to the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar last year, but a team of four engineers believes the concept deserves a second chance. They’ve created the Flexbar, which is essentially a standalone version of the MBP’s thin touchscreen display that can be used with multiple devices and platforms through a USB connection.
The Flexbar’s creators have started a new company, Eniac, which is attempting to bring the accessory to consumers through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. The earliest backers can preorder one discounted to $119 from the full MSRP of $179, with delivery expected as early as February 2025.
Upgrade 540: Validation for Shower Jason⇢
Myke Hurley was out this week, so I joined Jason Snell for today’s episode of Upgrade:
Stephen Hackett joins Jason to discuss emergency calls, reaction to Jason’s “The Mac is the Model” piece, iPhone metals, our innate troubleshooting powers, Jason’s laptop dilemma, the ChatGPT Mac app, and some very old Vision Pro news.
On Upgrade+, I had Jason price out a MacBook Pro, then we talked about our Thanksgiving breaks.
Sponsor: Rogue Amoeba’s SoundSource⇢
Do you use audio on your Mac, in any way at all? Then SoundSource is for you. SoundSource provides superior control over all audio, right from your menu bar.
With SoundSource, you get:
Per-application control: Change the volume of any app relative to others, and play individual apps to different audio devices.
Audio effects, anywhere: SoundSource has great built-in effects, like Magic Boost and Volume Overdrive, as well as a built-in 10-band equalizer to sweeten sound. Advanced users will love the ability to apply Audio Units like “Sound Isolation” to any audio.
Mac Power Users 773: 2024 State of the Platforms Part 2: Mac, Vision Pro, Apple TV, iCloud & Services⇢
On this week’s Mac Power Users, David and I make it through the rest of Apple’s platforms this week, including a speed round of the company’s entertainment portfolio.
On More Power Users, we covered the state of HomeKit, both in our own homes and more generally. You can sign up for a year of the ad-free, longer version of the show for 20% off between now and December 18.
Indie App Sales⇢
It’s that time of year again: Indie App Sales is currently boasting over 400 Mac and iOs apps for sale. There are some real gems on the list.
Connected 529: Slop Trokt⇢
Federico has been battling color profiles and Stephen has been working to solve a mystery, while Myke has just been enjoying the vibes.
On Connected Pro — the longer, ad-free version of the show — we reviewed the new Linkin Park and talked about my Thanksgiving plans. You can get Connected Pro at 20% off right now!
MacStadium Rolling Out M4 and M4 Pro Mac Minis⇢
They have four standard models, from the base machine up through a pretty nice M4 Pro model. For years, we ran Relay’s live stream on a Mac mini hosted by MacStadium. If you need a Mac in the cloud, it’s the only way to go.
Follow 512 Pixels Across the Fractured Social Media Landscape
I’ve finally gotten around to getting accounts set up across a range of social media networks beyond Mastodon.
Here’s the complete set of links:
Follow me:
Follow the blog:
I’m trying not to cross-post much outside of work announcements on my personal accounts, but I honestly don’t know these things all fit together, and I’m not sure all three will stick for me long-term.
Apple Frames 3.3⇢
Federico had a heck of a time with this update, but Apple Frames continues to be a central part to a lot of my work. I’m glad he got the recent issues worked out:
Here are the details of the issue: occasionally – seemingly with no clear pattern – iOS and iPadOS 18 capture screenshots in 16-bit Display P3, which means they support a wide color gamut and higher dynamic range. Sometimes, however, screenshots are still captured in the old format, 8-bit sRGB. There is no way to tell these different types of screenshots apart since the Photos app lumps them all together as PNG files in the same Screenshots collection.
Mac Power Users #772: 2024 State of the Platforms Part 1: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, & Audio Products⇢
This week on Mac Power Users, David and I start our annual tour through Apple’s products, talking about hardware and software, and our feelings about both.
The Annual Relay Membership Sale on Annual Membership Plans is Here⇢
It’s that time again! All annual Relay membership plans are currently 20% off.
Several Relay podcasts produce unique versions of their episodes that are available specifically for members supporting their show directly. These versions are ad-free and include extra, member-only content. Both Connected and Mac Power Users offer ad-free, longer versions.
All Relay membership plans come with the following goodies:
- Access to the Relay Members Discord
- A monthly behind-the-scenes newsletter
- Wallpaper packs for both desktop and mobile
- Access to the “Crossover” podcast feed that includes Annual Specials and episodes of our members-only shows: Backstage and Spotlight
The sale runs through December 18!