Last week, the California Coastal Commission rejected a plan for SpaceX to launch up to 50 rockets this year at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. The company responded yesterday with a lawsuit, alleging that the state agency’s denial was overreaching its authority and discriminating against its CEO.
The Commission’s goal is to protect California’s coasts and beaches, as well as the animals living in them. The agency has control over private companies’ requests to use the state coastline, but it can’t deny activities by federal departments. The denied launch request was actually made by the US Space Force on behalf of SpaceX, asking that the company be allowed to launch 50 of its Falcon 9 rockets, up from 36.
While the commissioners did raise about SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s political screed and the spotty safety records at his companies during their review of the launch request, the assessment focused on the relationship between SpaceX and Space Force. The Space Force case is that “because it is a customer of — and reliant on — SpaceX’s launches and satellite network, SpaceX launches are a federal agency activity,” the Commission stated. “However, this does not align with how federal agency activities are defined in the Coastal Zone Management Act’s regulations or the manner in the Commission has historically implemented those regulations.” The California Coastal Commission claimed that at least 80 percent of the SpaceX rockets contain payloads for Musk’s Starlink company rather than payloads for government clients.
The SpaceX suit filed with the Central District of California court is seeking an order to designate the launches as federal activity, which would cut the Commission’s oversight out of its future launch plans.
“Insanely great picture quality comes with a big caveat.”
Pros
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Bright and vivid
Excellent black levels/contrast
Extremely accurate HDR/Color
Top-tier motion/upscaling
Easy to use
Cons
Limited viewing angle
Poor reflection handling
The Sony Bravia 7 is a popular TV. It’s a mini-LED TV that, while still fairly expensive, costs far less than the flagship Bravia 9. And because it’s a Sony TV, we can expect that it will be pretty awesome. And in many ways it is.
But it’s also a curious TV. I don’t know if I’ve ever reviewed a TV that aced so many exams and yet still had to fight for my recommendation.
In most ways, the Bravia 7 is a big upgrade over last year’s Sony X90L. And while it isn’t quite the aggressive performer that Sony’s set-up Bravia 9 is? It is indeed an awesome TV.
Yet, the number of people I’m going to recommend the Bravia 7 to is … well, relatively small.
Sony starts out with a big win. This TV is so easy to set up.
Not only can the feet be placed at multiple widths and at multiple heights, but when it comes to putting the feet into the TV, they just slot right in. You don’t have to screw them in. If you want enough height to accommodate the soundbar, you do have to adjust some screws in the feet. But most folks are gonna be able to get this TV out of the box, pop the feet into the bottom of the TV, and plug it in with minimal hassle and in record time.
Dig below the surface and you’ll find a TV that is super easy to use. Sony has created a customized UI that sits over Google TV that, at least for now, is my favorite among TV manufacturers (although, to be fair, I haven’t gotten to the new Panasonics that just landed in the U.S. so whether Sony remains my favorite, it’s easily better than the competition).
This TV is so easy to set up.
Of course, you can only spend so much time rooting around in the settings, which Sony tries to minimize by automating a lot of things. And the good news here is that this TV has run Google TV darn near flawlessly for me thus far. It looks like there was a problem getting custom picture settings to stick when the TV was in its basic mode, but that was fixed with a recent software update.
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
The remote — which isn’t backlit — is not rechargeable like the Bravia 9. But you will notice it looks a bit different. This isn’t a new finish, per se. That’s not paint splatter. The remote is now made with Sony’s SORPLAS recycled plastics material, which Sony now uses in a bunch of its products to lower its carbon footprint. That’s a yay, from me, for the planet.
TV enthusiasts already know this, but Sony doesn’t make its own system on chip (SOC), although it does program that chip with its secret sauce. But that SOC is part of a whole board that includes the inputs and outputs. That means that you only get two HDMI 2.1 inputs, and one of those is the eARC port, which for a lot of folks will be taken up by a soundbar or A/V receiver. Sony would very much like you to occupy that port with an HDMI cable leading to its Bravia Theater Quad system (a move I whole-heartedly endorse, by the way). This isn’t going to be a problem for most folks. But for anyone with both the latest Xbox and latest PlayStation, or one of those consoles and a gaming PC they want to hook up … only one of those devices can connect to the TV for full-on 4K 120Hz gaming.
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Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
But don’t yell at Sony about this. Yell at MediaTek to make a next-gen SOC with four HDMI 2.1 inputs and a chip that is more or less the same as the Pentonic 1000 so Sony doesn’t have to rewrite all its code (again) and we don’t have to suffer the growing pains with Sony (again) just to have four HDMI 2.1 inputs.
For sound quality, the Bravia 7 gets a thumbs up from me. However it’s not two enthusiastic thumbs up — like I’ve been giving some of Hisense’s TVs — but one well-earned thumbs up for crystal clear sound with good balance and reasonably high fidelity. It’s a little light on bass and presence, but these days, if voices sound intelligible, it gets my nod of approval.
Like the X90L, the sound is not good enough for me to want to set up Sony’s acoustic center sync with the Bravia Theater Quad. The Theater Quad’s phantom center is very convincing, and the Bravia and TV’s speakers will only be a distraction. So skip it.
Before getting into picture quality, I’ll share an interesting experience I had when getting this TV ready for evaluation. On Sony TV’s, I instantly switch the picture mode to “professional” and make adjustments from there. This means the TV is going to be dialed in for its most accurate picture — not necessarily its most bright, but that’s easy to adjust. I’m used to seeing a dimmer picture in SDR when choosing professional mode, but in the case of the Bravia 7, even in its out-of-the-box standard picture mode, cinema mode, and professional mode, the SDR picture seemed really dim. So if you get this TV, expect to make adjustments to taste.
A step further on this: The Bravia 7 counts a Prime Video calibrated mode as well as a Netflix calibrated mode among its features. And while it’s cool that these picture modes are available, I don’t support them being turned “on” by default. Turns out, this was Amazon Prime Video’s decision — not Sony’s — and it’s a problem for Sony TV owners.
Many of you will be happiest with the local dimming setting on “high” and the peak brightness setting on “high.” You can then evaluate whether to boost the brightness level. The TV may seem dim out of the box, but don’t worry: This TV has all the brightness you need and want, and then some. You just need to do a little work for it.
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Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
Also, I got a software update while I was reviewing the Bravia 7 — one that I think also went out to the Bravia 9. The description promises to fix, among other things, “an issue where the screen brightness may increase when subtitles are shown.” So, make sure to check for an update when you set up this TV. It should be applied automatically during initial setup, but, as I like to say from time to time: trust, but verify.
If you are a Nit Nerd, then you already know that this TV is gonna ace almost every measurement, right? It does. But, as usual, we’ll start with brightness, which is where most of the interesting results came in anyway.
I can’t recall what this TV’s default SDR brightness setting was in professional mode — it may have been 20, but by the time I got started on it, it was up at 30. Regardless, I have numbers for the brightness set at 20, 30, and 50 with all other settings at default, which means that local dimming was at medium and peak brightness was off.
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
At a setting of 20, SDR peak brightness on the Bravia 7 was 265 nits. At 30 it was 375 nits. At a maxed-out 50, it measured 522 nits, which is fairly bright, but far lower than I was expecting. After turning the peak brightness and local dimming to high, I reached the 1,800 nit territory — which is absolutely insane. (I like that Sony gives you a broad range of control to dial the TV in just how you need it to be.)
White balance came in excellent. It was a little hot on the red, but that is easily fixed with a couple of clicks in the 2-point white balance menu. Stock professional mode came in with a max delta E at about 2. Respect.
It was a similar story with the 20-point grayscale. Excellent performance in the pro mode. Only the brightest whites were above a delta E of 2, and only by a touch. More respect.
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The Bravia 7’s picture quality is superb.
All colors in the color gamut test were under a delta E of 2. And the very challenging color-checker test? The Bravia 7 aced it, with a max delta E of 3.8 and an average of 1.8 — that is awesome for a stock picture mode.
Color saturation and luminance tests in SDR were also aced.
When it comes to HDR (and I may have already spoiled the peak brightness news), in a 10% window it was around 1,900 nits — it was testing 2,000 nits at one point. Bumping the window size up or down brought the peak brightness number down, often closer to 1,600 nits for me, and 1,300 at default settings, and full screen brightness can be as high as 700 nits.
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Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
A real-life HDR test shows peak HDR highlights are probably hanging out closer to 1,100 nits, which is enough to accurately reproduce most of the HDR content you can lay your eyes on.
The Bravia 7 follows the EOTF curve like a true champion — about as perfect as it gets. You can choose picture modes that overbrighten HDR if you want, though. But, in a professional mode, this is what you wanna see. Mad respect.
The HDR color checker is also super impressive. It is so rare to see a TV get all of these right. (Sony continues to be the standard setter for color accuracy, and I am here for it!)
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
DCI P3 color gamut coverage came in at 97% — a passing grade, but expected. And BT-2020 coverage came in at a delightful 80%, which is great for a mini-LED TV — although a reminder: the Hisense UX hit 83%.
One other nit-nerd specific thing. I checked the Bravia 7 for near-black chrominance overshoot, which seems to be a known issue on some other Sony TVs that use the Pentonic 1000 SOC, like the A95L and Bravia 9. There may be a little here, but I really struggled to see it.
Here’s what you need to know about the Bravia 7’s picture quality, starting with the good stuff and ending with two problematic things.
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In short, the Bravia 7’s picture quality is superb. It’s so clean and crisp, and vibrant and accurate. The colors just look right, even without a frame of reference. (I know a Sony picture the instant I see it, and the Bravia 7 has all that swagger.) Sure, the Bravia 9 is technically better, but most folks likely wouldn’t see the difference even when it’s pointed out.
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
The Bravia 7’s picture quality is noticeably better than the Hisense U8 and TCL QM8. And, I would put it above the Samsung Q90D in several respects as well.
Let’s break the picture quality down:
Brightness
The Bravia 7’s brightness capabilities are stunning. By the numbers, it doesn’t measure as the brightest TV — that honor goes to the Hisense U8 and TCL QM8. But in real life, the perceived brightness of this TV is right on par with those other light cannons. It’s truly incredible — when TV is set up to do it.
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Contrast
The backlight control on this TV is very good. I sometimes wish it were a little more speedy so that any visible halo following objects moving around the screen disappeared faster. But that’s when I’m looking for that kind of error. When I relax and just enjoy content and get caught up in the story? I notice none of that. And neither will most of you. Again, the Bravia 9 is technically better, but the Bravia 7, with fewer zones, beats most of its mini-LED competition for real-life viewing.
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
Any halo or blooming is barely visible from dead-on. However, off-axis is another story. But black levels and contrast are superb. The one caveat: slight noise in super dark blacks. They aren’t crushed, but you get a little noise and banding in really challenging dark scenes.
Color
When it comes to color, and SDR and HDR? The Bravia 7 is an A++++++++++++++. Valedictorian. Magna Cum Laude. Sony wins, period.
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Motion
As for motion, Sony is the king. LG is not far behind. Panasonic, I suspect, will give Sony a run for its money, but Sony’s processing helps ensure it is the best at motion.
Upscaling
Sony’s upscaling and low bitrate content clean-up is as good as it gets. Again, LG is close. But you aren’t going to do better than Sony. Upscaling 720p is hard — and even the great Sony can only do so much — but again, nobody else does it better.
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Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
Gaming
I’m a very casual gamer. I don’t care about 144Hz. I do care about getting VRR just because I want that feature, but most of the games I play don’t offer it. I’m playing 4K/60 most of the time, and that suits me just fine.
Now for the bad news. The off-angle performance is not good. I’ve been willing to forgive much less expensive TVs here, but this expensive Sony Bravia 7 doesn’t get that pass. Samsung is out there with some awesome off-angle viewing tech. Sony, you can do it too. Please do.
For anyone out there who wants to criticize Sony for not using an ADS Pro panel, understand that, as far as I’m aware, BOE, the top provider of ADS Pro panels — like the one you see in some Hisense 75-inch models — is only available in 75 and (I think) 85-inch sizes. So, ADS Pro and its naturally superior off-angle viewing, while still maintaining good contrast and color, is not an option for the 65-inch size. And it could be that Sony is not a fan of that panel for other quality reasons, which is why we may not see it used in the 75- and 85-inch versions of this TV.
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
But, an off-angle improvement filter is something I would like to see on a TV like the Bravia 7.
For now. If you have a big enough screen size of the Bravia 7 TV, it may not be a problem. But if you are serving a big room with a sectional couch using a 65-inch TV, the folks on the side seats will get a washed-out picture. Actually, you don’t have to be that far off to the side for the picture to suffer. That’s why I am so disappointed.
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Also, the anti-glare, anti-reflection treatment on this TV? It has me bewildered, because I can see there is something in use here but it doesn’t seem like it is doing much. Anything that is illuminated behind you — not just direct light sources — is going to show up on the screen when viewing medium to dark scenes. This TV can get bright enough to battle back ambient light, but I can’t stand behind it as a daytime living room TV when it is a dark mirror like this. I’m pretty bummed about that.
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
One other annoyance. I know the professional mode is meant to act like filmmaker mode — that it is meant to be viewed in a pitch-black room and express the creator’s intent. But I feel like sometimes this TV is too dark. Dolby Vision Dark is especially trying. It seems like the average picture level is too low. My experience doesn’t square up with the measurements and it is too dim too often. I rarely settle on Dolby Vision Bright because it lifts the brightness across the board. But on this TV I have to, because Dolby Vision dark is just unwatchable for me.
The off-angle performance and the poor reflection handling are two big hits for a TV at this price — and it is super frustrating given that nearly every other performance point on this TV is just state-of-the-art awesome, bar-setting quality. Otherwise the Bravia 7 is so, so, so good. And just enjoyable. You don’t have to be an enthusiast or purist to see how awesome the picture is — all in a really attractive package with an easy-to-use experience built in.
But, at the end of the day, I feel like this TV belongs in dedicated entertainment spaces where light control is built in and other accommodations can be made for the reflective screen. And sadly, that makes for a pretty niche group of folks for whom this TV would be my top recommendation. The average American living room is just not the right spot for this TV, I think.
However, if you’re looking for a killer TV for your entertainment room, home theater, or game room, the Bravia 7 is superb. It’s a step up for Sony, and I’m glad they made it (well, I’m glad with 90% of it).
In today’s fast-paced world, our smartphones have become more than just communication tools. They are our personal assistants, entertainment hubs and even fitness coaches. With the power of technology at our fingertips, android devices offer countless ways to make our lives more convenient and enjoyable. From streaming our favorite shows to exploring new hobbies, the possibilities are endless. As we dive into this article, we’ll explore some of the most innovative ways to utilize your Android device, making your leisure time more fulfilling and exciting. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gaming enthusiast, or someone seeking mindfulness, there’s something here for everyone. Read on to embark on this journey of discovery and see how these small devices can significantly enhance our everyday experiences, making leisure time a delightful part of our lives.
Gaming anywhere
For those who enjoy the thrill of gaming android devices offer an exciting world of possibilities. With platforms like Hajper, players can access a wide range of casino games right from their devices. Imagine sitting in a cozy cafe, sipping your favorite drink and feeling the excitement of a virtual casino at your fingertips. The convenience of playing on your Android device means you can enjoy a quick game during your lunch break or unwind after a long day. A player recently recounted how they hit the jackpot while waiting for their coffee, turning an ordinary day into an extraordinary one. The user-friendly interface and seamless navigation make it easy for players to switch between different games, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience wherever they are.
Streaming on the go
Gone are the days when watching a movie required a trip to the theater or a DVD rental. With the advancement of technology, android devices have brought entertainment rights to our pockets. Streaming apps have revolutionized how we consume content, allowing us to watch our favorite movies and TV shows anytime, anywhere. These apps often offer a wide variety of genres, catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re on a long commute or lounging at home, your Android device can provide endless hours of entertainment. So, next time you find yourself with some downtime, why not explore the vast library of content available at your fingertips and indulge in a cinematic experience?
Fitness tracking
Staying fit and healthy has never been easier, thanks to the array of fitness apps available for Android devices. These apps can track your workouts, monitor your progress and even suggest personalized routines to meet your fitness goals. These apps can even be used to train for a marathon, helping people find motivation in tracking their daily runs and seeing improvements over time. Your Android device can be your personal trainer, offering guidance and support as you work towards a healthier lifestyle. From yoga sessions in your living room to intense cardio workouts, there’s an app for every fitness level and interest. The convenience of having a fitness tool in your pocket means you can work out whenever it suits you, making it easier to stay committed to your fitness journey.
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E-books and audiobooks
If you’re an avid reader or someone who enjoys listening to stories, your Android device can be a treasure trove of literary delights. With e-books and audiobook apps, you can carry an entire library in your pocket, ready to dive into whenever you have a moment to spare. This can make things like tackling you ever-growing reading list easier by giving you the ability to turn your daily commute into an opportunity to explore new worlds. Whether you prefer reading on a screen or listening to a captivating narrator, these apps provide a convenient way to enjoy books without the need for physical copies. So, whether you’re lounging by the pool or taking a break at work, you can immerse yourself in a good book and let your imagination roam free.
Virtual travel
Traveling the world and discovering new places has always been a dream for many, but not everyone has the time or resources to do so. Luckily, augmented reality (AR) apps have made it possible to explore distant lands right from your Android device. These apps use your phone’s camera to overlay digital information onto the real world, creating an interactive and immersive experience. You can even use an AR app to explore ancient ruins from their living room, feeling like an intrepid adventurer without leaving home. Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks or natural wonders, these apps can transport you to new locations, offering a taste of adventure and discovery. It’s a fascinating way to learn about different cultures and destinations, broadening your horizons and sparking your wanderlust.
Photography and editing
With the impressive cameras on modern Android devices, capturing stunning photos has never been easier. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Photography and editing apps allow you to enhance and transform your images, turning everyday snapshots into works of art. Someone who is an amateur photographer shared how they used an editing app to create a stunning portfolio of travel photos, capturing the essence of each destination with just a few taps. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a casual snapper, these apps offer a range of tools to adjust lighting, add filters and perfect your shots. With the ability to edit and share your photos instantly, your Android device becomes a portable studio, allowing you to unleash your creativity and share your vision with the world.
Staying connected
In an increasingly digital world, staying connected with friends, family and colleagues is more important than ever. Video calling apps have made it possible to bridge the distance, bringing people together no matter where they are. These apps can be used to catch up with family members abroad, helping you enjoy face-to-face conversations despite being miles apart. Whether it’s a casual chat with a friend or a business meeting with a client, your Android device can keep you connected with just a few taps. These apps offer a range of features, from group calls to virtual backgrounds, making online interactions more engaging and enjoyable. So, whether you’re organizing a virtual get-together or networking with professionals, video calling apps ensure that you’re always just a call away from the people who matter most.
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Language learning
Learning a new language can be a rewarding and enriching experience, opening up new opportunities for travel, work and personal growth. With language learning apps on your Android device, you can embark on this journey at your own pace and convenience. For example, it’s common to use one of these apps to learn a new language before a trip abroad, making it easier to connect with locals and navigate the country. These apps often incorporate interactive lessons, quizzes and real-life scenarios, making language learning engaging and effective. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, your Android device can be your language tutor, helping you expand your horizons and communicate with people from different cultures.
Meditation and mindfulness
In a world that often feels hectic and overwhelming, finding moments of peace and relaxation is essential for our well-being. Meditation and mindfulness apps can guide you through practices that promote stress relief and mental clarity, helping you find balance in your daily life. With guided meditations, breathing exercises and mindfulness tips, these apps offer a variety of tools to help you unwind and recharge. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to mindfulness, your Android device can be a valuable companion on your journey to a calmer and more centered life.
Music production
For music enthusiasts and aspiring producers, android devices offer a range of apps that make music creation accessible and fun. Whether you’re composing a new track or experimenting with beats, these apps provide powerful tools to bring your musical ideas to life. If you are passionate about music, this production app can be used to create original tracks, collaborate with other musicians online and share their work with the world. With virtual instruments, mixing tools and editing capabilities, your Android device becomes a portable studio, allowing you to explore your creativity and develop your unique sound. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician, these apps offer endless possibilities for musical expression and innovation.
Shopping and bargains
Shopping has evolved significantly with the rise of online platforms and your Android device can be your gateway to finding the best deals and discounts. Shopping apps offer a convenient way to browse products, compare prices and make purchases from the comfort of your home. Many people score a fantastic deal on a gadget they’ve been eyeing, thanks to a price comparison app that alerts them to a sale. Whether you’re hunting for fashion, electronics, or household items, these apps can help you save time and money, ensuring you get the best value for your purchases. With features like wish lists, notifications and secure payment options, shopping apps make the online shopping experience seamless and enjoyable.
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Personal finance
Managing your finances effectively is crucial for achieving your financial goals and mobile banking apps can be a valuable tool in this endeavor. These apps allow you to track your spending, set budgets and monitor your accounts with ease. For example, if you want to save for a vacation, you can use a budgeting app to track expenses and identify areas where you could cut back, making your dream trip a reality. Whether you’re managing everyday expenses or planning for the future, your Android device can help you stay organized and in control of your finances. With features like expense categorization, bill reminders and financial insights, these apps provide a comprehensive view of your financial health, empowering you to make informed decisions and achieve your financial aspirations.
Whether you’re a long-time Apple fan or a recent convert, investing in the right MacBook accessories can seriously enhance your daily workflow and overall experience. Sure, a MacBook is a powerful machine on its own, but adding a few key extras can really level-up your setup. From increasing comfort with a lap desk to expanding its limited ports with a USB hub, there are plenty of reasons to consider some well-chosen accessories.
Need more storage space? External drives can ensure you never run out of room for your projects. Want to protect your investment? A hard shell case is a must-have MacBook Pro accessory to shield your device from the inevitable bumps and scrapes that come with daily use. If you use your MacBook for work, whether it’s on the go or at home, it’s really easy to change up your workspace with a few thoughtful add-ons.
Plus, Apple’s seamless ecosystem means great compatibility between your MacBook and other devices, like your iPhone, so you can find accessories that work across both. Whether you’re looking for protection, convenience or something to increase productivity, we’ve rounded up the best MacBook accessories to make your setup even better.
Best MacBook accessories
Logitech
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Our current favorite webcam will up the video quality of all of the conference calls you take. The Logitech Brio 500 records 1080p 30fps video, and its improved light correction will help you put your best face forward regardless of the environment in which you’re streaming. Much like Logitech’s other webcams, the Brio 500 is a plug-and-play solution — just connect it via one of the USB-C ports on your MacBook and start a call. But you can customize things further if you want using the LogiTune software, which lets you change things like field of view, contrast, brightness, autofocus and more. The Brio 500 also supports Logitech’s RightSight technology, which keeps you in the middle of the frame even when you move around, similar to Apple’s Center Stage feature on its iPads. Admittedly, an external webcam will be most useful for those working with an older MacBook that still has a 720p built-in camera, but even those with new MacBooks can get use out of the Brio 500. It also makes a good Mac accessory. If you spend most of your days on video calls, you’ll want the extra bump in quality and superior customizations that Logitech’s accessory provides. — Valentina Palladino, Senior Commerce Editor
Pros
RightSight feature keeps you in frame as you move around
The built-in cameras on MacBooks may have gotten better over the past few years, but they still don’t include a cover for when you want a little extra privacy. Webcam covers like these from Yilador are cheap and effective — these are super thin at 0.027 inches and adhere right over your webcam, allowing you to slide a shutter over the camera when you’re not using it. They’re easy to install, and the adhesive is secure enough that the cover won’t fall off but you can also remove the cover and stick it onto a new laptop when you eventually upgrade. The standard black option is great if you want the cover to blend in with the bezels surrounding your MacBook’s display, or you can opt for a fun design that features pizzas, fruits or cute little characters. — V.P.
If you take your MacBook from room to room with you, you’ve probably found yourself working in some less-than-ergonomic positions. When you want to relax on the couch or your favorite armchair and still get some work done, a lap desk like this one from LapGear can make it more comfortable, making it one of the most useful MacBook Pro accessories. It has enough surface area to fit 13- and 15-inch MacBooks, with extra side space where you can use a wireless mouse along with your notebook. The raised ledge towards the bottom will prevent your laptop from sliding off, and the two storage wells at the top are good places to store pens, sticky notes, snacks and more. — V.P.
The Satechi Dual Dock Stand is our top pick for MacBooks in our docking station guide. It lets you go from using your laptop on the road to having a complete, peripheral-heavy set up back at your desk using a single (dual) plug. The dock fits neatly beneath your computer and has ports for monitors, Ethernet, and plenty of accessories with two USB-C and two USB-C connections. It connects to the two USB-C inputs on a Pro or Air, which means it can get around some of the multi-monitor limitations older MacBooks have. It’s not powered, which makes it more portable, but you’ll need to either run on battery, provide power via the USB-C passthrough port or do what I do and just use your MagSafe connector. — Amy Skorheim, Reporter, Buying Advice
The latest MacBook Pros may have a bevy of ports, but they’re the only Apple laptops that have that level of connectivity. Anker’s 555 USB-C hub and MacBook Pro accessories like it will be a necessity for anyone working with a new MacBook Air or an older Mac model. Anker’s hub gives you eight ports: two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, SD and microSD card slots, one Ethernet jack and two USB-C ports, one of which provides 100W power to charge your MacBook. The USB-C and USB-A ports can handle 10 Gbps file transfers, perfect for an external hard drive or SD card reader, and you can connect a 4K/60Hz external monitor via the HDMI slot. Anker’s accessory may be ultra-portable, but it has enough power and versatility to be the only laptop hub you need. — V.P.
In our fast charger guide, Apple’s included 140W power adapter was the quickest to refill an M1 MacBook Pro, but it only has a single port, which doesn’t make it one of the best MacBook Pro accessories. As our reviewer Sam Rutherford points out, that seems like a missed opportunity. Belkin’s four-port GaN BoostCharge Pro 108W charger gives you space for two USB-A and two USB-C cables and was the second fastest performer, getting the laptop from ten percent to 75 percent in about 45 minutes. The starting price is also about $10 cheaper than Apple’s. The BoostCharge Pro wasn’t the top pick in our 100W-plus category because it lagged when powering an Android phone, but if you’re looking for a reliable wall charger for your MacBook, this will serve you well. — A.S.
It would be nice if you could grab a random charging cable and have it work correctly with any device. But not all cables are the same: If you want to take advantage of a fast charging brick or the quick-charge port of a power bank, you’ll need a power delivery cable with a high wattage rating. Anker’s USB-C to USB-C 100W cable was the conduit of choice when Sam tested out fast chargers for our guide. It’s plenty long at 10 feet and it’s affordable at $16 (although, we’ve seen it go on sale for less). While it supports data transfer (which is useful if you have an external SSD), it’s not rated for video output. For that, you’ll want a video cable or one marked as Thunderbolt 3 or 4. — A.S.
When you take your MacBook on the road, it’s nice to have a way to juice it back up if an outlet isn’t available. Mophie’s Powerstation Pro AC is a massive, 27,000mAh power bank with 20W USB-C and USB-A ports, a 60W USB-C power delivery port and a 100W AC plug. In our tests, it recharged a 16-inch MacBook Pro from ten percent to 75 percent in 89 minutes — and that’s while using WiFi, a VPN, Slack and multiple active tabs in Chrome. The 140W power brick that comes with that laptop is too power-hungry for the 100W AC port, but plugging the USB-C end of the MagSafe cable into the Powerstation worked great. It’s one of the best MacBook accessories you can get your hands on, plus, it will charge up your other Apple devices, too. — A.S.
Hunching over a MacBook all day is murder on your back and neck, so it’s wise to make your everyday setup more ergonomic by using a stand paired with a separate keyboard and wireless mouse. The Roost Stand adjusts to seven different heights and can accommodate up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro. It folds up to a slim stick and weighs just over six ounces, making it not only good for your desk, but also as part of your go-everywhere digital-nomad setup. Just be prepared: when I set mine up in public, I always get questions from strangers. — A.S.
There is a mouse graveyard in my office cabinet — devices I’ve tried and discarded because they didn’t help with my shoulder aches. The solution was a roller ball mouse and Logitech’s MX Ergo is the best I’ve found. It tilts for a more natural “handshake” grip and has a slow-mo option for more precise movements in Photoshop and other apps. The scroll wheel is speedy but precise, as is the trackball and you can switch between two devices with the pairing button. You can even program the various buttons to do app-specific things using Logitech’s software. It’s also a handy companion for an iPad and makes a good Mac accessory as well.
My only gripe is the antiquated micro-USB charging port, but the battery lasts long enough that I only have to use it once every few months. It’s pricey at $100, so you may prefer the $70 Ergo Lift. It also offers a handshake grip, but without the roller ball, and has Bluetooth or USB dongle connectivity options. — A.S.
Once you’ve got your stand and mouse, you’ll probably want an external keyboard as well. For a complete ergonomic setup, we recommend a keyboard with a split and tented design. Unlike a fully split board, which can take a bit of relearning, an Alice layout angles the keys so you can keep your hands in a more neutral position, but typing feels much like is always has. The Ergo K860 from Logitech connects quickly via Bluetooth and properly maintains Mac-specific hot keys right out of the box like volume, brightness and opening Mission Control. That means it’ll also work as a Mac accessory.
One thing to note is the number pad and built-in wrist rest make it pretty large so it might not work for smaller desks. If you want a wired ergonomic option with a particularly compact footprint — and you’re prepared to take a couple weeks to relearn how to type — you can try Zsa’s Voyager. It’s a fully split, programmable mechanical board that I use daily.
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Pros
Comfortable Alice split isn’t difficult to type on
I’ve carried Logitech’s K380 keyboard for travel and coffee shop sojourns for five years (and I’m currently typing on it). It puts up with rough treatment and connects easily to a roster of machines, including Mac, iOS, Windows, Android and Chrome OS. It has a that critical forward delete key and three Bluetooth pairing buttons so you can switch quickly between different devices. It takes three AAA-cell batteries, but lasts for over a year on a set. The top-row function keys support a few Mac-specific shortcuts like volume, mute, playback control and the Mission Control button that shows all your open apps at once. — A.S.
Moft’s Sit-Stand laptop desk is a two-pound, flat-folding amalgamation of metal boards, magnets and vegan leather that reconfigures into a surprisingly sturdy prop for your MacBook. Standing mode lifts your laptop a good 10 inches so you can stand occasionally, switching up your working position with minimal effort. Gravity alone holds your laptop to the stand, so maybe don’t leave it unattended, but even with energetic typing, my laptop remained stable and wobble-free. It folds into four more positions for sitting, including a 25-degree angle that elevates the screen while still being comfortable for typing. The 45- and 35-degree arrangements get your screen to eye level, but you’ll need an external keyboard to type comfortably. The 60-degree formation is too steep for a MacBook, but will do a great job if you have a tablet. — A.S.
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Pros
Creates a sturdy base
Adjusts to create one standing and multiple sitting positions
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SynthBee, started by Magic Leap founder Rony Abovitz, has raised $20 million in funding to create a new kind of “computing intelligence.”
The company is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the same place where Magic Leap grew up with the promise of mixed reality computing. The money is aimed at helping the company expand and build out the team around its proprietary computing intelligence platform.
Crosspoint Capital Partners (Crosspoint Capital) led the round.
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“Crosspoint is excited to partner with SynthBee and back a multi-successful entrepreneur,” said Andre Fuetsch, managing director at Crosspoint Capital, in a statement. “SynthBee is poised to revolutionize the way enterprises innovate and deliver high-value solutions to market.”
Fuetsch added, “Rony Abovitz has a proven track record and tremendous talent in designing and building highly impactful capabilities to significantly improve human potential and outcomes. From robotic surgical applications to state of the art spatial computing and augmented reality platforms, Rony’s latest vision for SynthBee will accelerate and enhance humans’ creative and problem-solving capabilities to an entirely new level.”
Rony Abovitz is the founder and CEO of SynthBee.
Abovitz previously started Mako Surgical (acquired by Stryker Corp. for $1.65 billion), and Magic Leap (a pioneer in spatial computing). Mako’s intelligent computing systems successfully evolved the complex surgical environment and positively impacted the lives of millions of patients.
SynthBee aims to apply its novel computing intelligence platform to safely accelerate human innovation across a wide array of industries.
“The SynthBee team is excited to partner with Andre and Crosspoint Capital to build out our novel computing intelligence platform,” said Abovitz, CEO of SynthBee, in a statement. “Current implementations of large-scale artificial intelligence systems have significant architectural challenges, security risks, and ethical flaws, leading to questionable governance and computational autocracies.”
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Abovitz added, “SynthBee was founded to solve these problems and to forge alternate pathways for enterprise customers, the developer community, and eventually everyone, based on the philosophy of computational democracy. We are already commercially engaged with Fortune 500 customers with our solutions. We are also actively recruiting top tech talent to join our team.”
SynthBee said it is building safe, scalable, and reliable computing intelligence to amplify and accelerate human innovation.
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Bluetti has taken portable power to absurd levels with its new Handsfree Backpack Power Stations. They’re available in big or bigger versions depending on how long — and how much gear — you want to keep powered in the great outdoors.
They’re primarily aimed at outdoor photographers, but Bluetti also thinks they’ll appeal to hikers, rock climbers, campers, adventurers, bikepackers, and motorcyclists… any nerd that wants to move beyond the cubicle with their gadgets. A side panel in the backpacks provides access to all the inputs and outputs without having to first remove the solar generator. Those ports can also be managed and monitored over Bluetooth from the Bluetti app.
You can carry a ton of gear and a small solar panel alongside that giant battery.GIF: Bluetti
The $299 Handsfree 1 solar generator includes a 42L BluePack 1 backpack and is capable of powering AC devices up to 300W with 268.8Wh of LFP storage capacity. That’s enough to recharge a DJI Mavic 3 (about 77Wh) or laptop about three times. The $399 Handsfree 2 bumps the battery to 700W / 512Wh inside a cavernous 60L pack.
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The solar generators themselves are tall and relatively thin, with five outputs (1x AC, 2x 100W USB-C, and 2x 15W USB-A). Both have XT60 solar inputs to help keep the batteries charged: 12V-28V / 200W max for the Handsfree 1 and 12V-45V / 350W max for Handsfree 2. The Handsfree 1 measures 11.3 x 3.7 x 11 inches (286.5 × 95 × 280mm) and weighs 11 pounds (5kg), while the larger Handsfree 2 comes in at 12 × 4.1 × 15.2 inches (305 × 105 × 385mm) and 16.5 pounds (7.5kg).
The backpacks have tons of pockets to help organization all your gear, with Molle straps for external carry. They’re only water resistant, however, but Bluetti throws in a rain fly. There’s no weight given for the packs but they do look heavy.
Spam and scam calls are an ever increasing nuisance, so a reliable caller ID service – and particularly one that can flag or auto block known scam numbers – is near essential. Sadly, this isn’t something Apple offers natively, and while there are some third-party caller ID services, these can be quite hit and miss, or cost extra. But finally, Apple is taking the first steps towards such a service.
The company has announced (via Engadget) that, next year, it will allow businesses enrolled in Apple Business Connect to register for Business Caller ID. With this, their company name, logo, and department will appear on the incoming call screen when they contact customers.
This should make it a lot easier to differentiate a legitimate call from a spam call since, if there’s no logo shown, there’s a high chance that it’s an unwanted call. If there is a logo, you can judge based on the company that’s calling whether it’s likely to be something you want to answer.
Some Apple Business Connect tools, including Business Caller ID (Image credit: Apple)
A good start
This still isn’t a perfect solution – companies will need to enroll, and we can imagine many smaller ones won’t, though it as at least a free service, so there’s not too much of a barrier to entry. And, of course, this only applies to businesses, not personal numbers, so not all genuine calls will be identified.
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This system also isn’t designed to specifically flag or block spam and scam calls, so these will still ring on your phone.
Still, it’s a big and overdue step in the right direction from Apple, and one that anyone who frequently gets calls from unknown numbers will probably be very happy about.
It’s not clear exactly when next year this Business Caller ID service will launch, but the sooner the better as far as we’re concerned.
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