mpw_amherst
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HomePod Software 17.4 lets Siri learn your preferred music service for commands
Will this include BBC Sounds? I know it is not currently supported as an app on HomePods but I had hoped I might be able to instruct Siri or use a shortcut to play live radio from it rather than always having to airplay from my iPhone. I assume this was an issue of the BBC wanting to retain user data/audience information but they allow it to work with Amazon and Google smart speakers.
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Apple updates tvOS and HomePod Software to 16.3.1
I’m not sure whether it was the 16.3 update or the new HomeKit system upgrade (all my HomePods successfully transitioned) but I’ve been getting the "There was a problem completing your request, try again in a moment" message every time I say hey siri first time only for all to work second time. It’s all been feeling very buggy.
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Apple working on 15-inch MacBook Air, smaller 12-inch MacBook with M2
I’d be thrilled with a replacement for my 12” MacBook. It’s been my favourite Apple laptop, after the 12” PowerBook. My only issue is that I’ve been holding on for a while and was keenly waiting for this Air refresh to replace my MacBook. Obviously no way of knowing if this is coming - don’t want to hold off needlessly. Then again, don’t want to buy the new Air and then in 12mths wish I’d held off. The pitfalls of reading rumour sites - the ideal machine is always just a few more updates down the line. -
Apple will continue selling the M1 Macbook Air alongside the M2 model
I agree I can see them pushing such users to the iPad Pro. However, if you do a lot of text based work then you want a full size keyboard with the firmness of a laptop keyboard, with the weight on the keyboard rather than the screen. Also, I even considered the switch before from my Macbook but once you've bought an iPad or iPad Pro and added the keyboard you have both the cost and combined weight of a conventional laptop. I realise the 12" form factor isn't coming back but I had hoped the new Air might go for as light as the Macbook design.mpantone said:
Forget it, the sub 1 kg MacBook 12" isn't coming back.mpw_amherst said:To be honest, I'm rather disappointed in the new Air - to the extent that there is still no true-heir to the 12" Macbook. I'd been hoping Apple would finally make good on that machine's promise with a sub 1kg machine.
Apple wants to sell you an iPad Pro.
With changes to iPadOS 16 including the new Stage Manager, it's clear that Apple is on a trajectory to increase macOS-like functionality in the iPad. -
Apple will continue selling the M1 Macbook Air alongside the M2 model
Thanks so much - that's helpful. I hadn't realised Apple are now only offering the entry level M1. To be honest, I'm rather disappointed in the new Air - to the extent that there is still no true-heir to the 12" Macbook. I'd been hoping Apple would finally make good on that machine's promise with a sub 1kg machine.Japhey said:
The height difference between the 2 is only 0.72cm, when measuring the thin end of the M1. If you think that is significant enough to aggravate your arthritis, then go with the M1 with the added bonus of saving yourself a few hundred dollars. If your primarily using it just to write, the added muscle of the M2 would just be wasted anyway and the M1 is still a great machine that will give you years of service. If, however, you need/want the latest and greatest, then definitely try both out first to see if that 0.72cm is manageable.mpw_amherst said:I am torn now. I'm a writer and been been waiting for this upgrade for a while to finally move on from my Macbook 12" (love the form factor, can't live with the keyboard). However, there are two things that give me pause and make me wonder if I should opt for the M1: 1) I had hoped the new M2 would match the Macbook weight, but it is still over 1kg and only marginally lighter than the M1 Air, and 2) I'd not thought of it before, but commenters mention the wedge design as much easier for typing. I have arthritis in my hands so am mindful of such things. I recall back in c2010 or so when I had a chunky Macbook Pro that the flat-edged base was less comfortable to type on and angling the hands than an Air or the Macbook. I wonder whether the height, or lift, of the M2 base is so slight as to be negligible or whether the M1 Air might still offer a more comfortable experience? Either way, I need to upgrade and will try them out in store. But interested in your thoughts.Sorry for rambling on there, and I hope that helps. One last suggestion…if you go with the M1, then definitely check Amazon or Best Buy first. They regularly sell them for much less than Apple does. I got my Air from Best Buy last summer for $849 new, and I love it.
