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MacBook Air 2018 Would Be Thinner, Lighter, and More Powerful Than Previous Models

The new model of MacBook Air 2018 will replace the previous one, and it comes with thinner frames and a screen with higher resolution. Apple has redesigned some aspects of the notebook to make it even more elegant. On the sides, there is a 3.5-mm jack on the right and two Thunderbolt 3 ports on the left. Thanks to this, we can connect all kinds of accessories, including an external graphics card.

MacBook Air 2018 will boast an Intel Core i5 8th generation dual-core CPU with 1.6 GHz and up to 3.6 GHz when overclocked. Besides, the device equips up to 16 GB of RAM at 2133 MHz and an SSD up to 1.5 TB. The battery offers up to 10 hours of web browsing or 13 hours of video playback. All that configuration comes in a case that occupies 17% less volume than the previous model to improve its portability, with only a 15.6-mm thickness compared to the 17.3 mm of the previous model.

Apple finally packs a Retina technology display on the MacBook Air 2018 model

The new MacBook Air 2018 model incorporates a 13.3-inch display which has bezels by 50% thinner than in the previous model. It also boasts a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. The webcam is equipped with FaceTime HD, while Touch ID has also been added to make payments over the Internet or to access the password manager.

The fingerprint reader is on the top right key, and has T2 chip encryption inside, but which will also make it difficult to repair or recover data. The T2 chipset is also responsible for managing the decoding of HEVC, sound, Siri commands, and so on. Also, the backlit keyboard features third-generation keys that solve the problems of clogged keys.

The touchpad has a 20% larger surface area than the previous model, with haptic feedback and multiple detection points.

MacBook Air 2018 models also come with improved audio functions

The sound has also been improved in the new MacBook Air 2018 models, with speakers being by 25% more powerful and the bass twice as powerful as in the previous models. The new device also boasts three microphones to enhance video calls with FaceTime and improve speech recognition within Siri.

The new MacBook Air 2018 would cost from $1,199 for the model with i5 CPU, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB SSD, which is also the cheapest version of the new Apple notebook.

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Apple CEO Tim Cook Said That iPad Pro 2018 Offers Xbox One S-like Graphics Capabilities

It has become fashionable among mobile device manufacturers to compare their new products with game consoles. Huawei compared its Mate 20 X with the Nintendo Switch video game console, and now Apple itself has referred to Xbox One S in the presentation of the new iPad Pro 2018 that boasts more power and graphics capability than the previous models.

Tim Cook, the Apple CEO, went on the stage yesterday to announce the new iPad Pro 2018 models and, after showing its ultra-thin appearance that virtually eliminates the device’s bezels and its design without a Home Button, referred to the handset’s power and functionality as a gaming platform.

“The iPad Pro delivers Xbox One S-style graphics performance in a product that is 94% smaller,” Tim Cook said to the millions of viewers who follow each Apple keynote live. “And it doesn’t need an AC cable,” he added regarding the new iPad Pro 2018.

Apple CEO Tim Cook Said That iPad Pro 2018 Offers Xbox One S-like Graphics Capabilities

Tim Cook, the Apple CEO, proved his statements true during yesterday’s Apple event, although it has always been difficult to compare performance between gaming-dedicated hardware such as Xbox One S and a multi-function device, as the former one is directly optimized for running video games, while the latter is multi-functional.

What Cook didn’t say is that the 2018 iPad Pro 2018 comes in two variant, on of 11 inches and the second one of 12.9 inches.

But Tim Cook’s statement that iPad Pro 2018 models are offering Xbox One S-like graphics capabilities did not disturb Microsoft, whose battle with Apple is on other areas. Phil Spencer, head of video games at the company, replied on Twitter that he liked the reference and turned it into a proposal to encourage cross-play between the two devices. This device will probably be one of the favorites when xCloud is put into use when it is released in 2019.

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iOS 12.1 To Be Released on Tuesday With eSIM Support, Carriers Suggests

On Tuesday, October 30th, Apple will hold its final major event of the year during which we expect the renowned tech company to present its new iPad Pro 2018 models and the substitute for the MacBook Air laptop line. However, some carriers suggest that iOS 12.1 would also launch tomorrow, along with the rollout of eSIM support for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

The new iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR include a so-called electronic SIM (eSIM) which enables the Dual-SIM functionality of the new iPhone 2018 models. That feature is not available in China where the new iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR came out with a standard SIM tray which can house two regular SIM cards.

With the new eSIM functionality present in the upcoming iOS 12.1, the new iPhone 2018 models would be able to use two phone numbers for calls and texts, permitting users to take advantage of different offers.

iOS 12.1 To Be Released on Tuesday With eSIM Support

Even though the eSIM function was not available at the launch of the new iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, the feature appeared implemented in the future iOS 12.1 which might come out tomorrow, during the Apple’s last major event of the year. The rumor emerged after some carriers across the United States and Europe announced the availability of eSIM contracts for the iPhone 2018 models starting with Tuesday, October 30th.

“Hey, Nilesh! Please be informed that Esim functionality for iPhone XS Max will be available effective 30-Oct when Apple releases iOS 12.1 Thank you, Anmol P,” said Bharti Airtel India for 9to5Mac.

In this regard, according to 9to5Mac, Apple Stores will get QR code sheets as of Tuesday, October 30th, allowing customers to set up their eSIM by scanning the respective QR codes with their iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. Besides this functionality, iOS 12.1 would also bring many features, including 70 new emojis, Depth Control for iPhone XS/XR, and Group FaceTime, among others.

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Tech

Italian Authorities Fined Apple And Samsung For Slowing Down Old Phones

Italian antitrust organization “Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato” (AGCM) fined both Apple and Samsung with 5 million Euros each for slowing down old phones, on purpose, to force customers to buy new devices.

As reported by AGCM, Apple and Samsung violated a series of consumer codes. For the Italian market authority, that is unacceptable and, in consequence, it fined both companies with 5 million Euros each.

Apple was fined for the issues caused by iOS 10 update on iPhone 6

The iOS 10 version, which came out by default on iPhone 7, also came to iPhone 6 as an update. However, iOS 10 came with greater energy demands, forcing older iPhone smartphones to shut down unexpectedly, according to MobileSyrup. Apple tried to tackle this issue with the iOS 10.2.1 update which throttled CPUs on older iPhones.

Also, Apple throttled iPhone smartphones with degraded batteries to avoid them from shutting down. But, the company did not inform its clients about the possible consequences of the update, such as slower performance.

Italian market authorities also fined Samsung with 5 million Euros for the Android Marshmallow 6.0.1 update

Apple was not the only giant company fined by the “Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato” (AGCM), the Italian market authority. AGCM also fined Samsung with 5 million Euros for the Android Marshmallow 6.0.1 update the South Korean tech company released for Galaxy Note 4.

Allegedly, the update was too demanding for the before-mentioned smartphones, causing the devices to malfunction, making people pay out-of-pocket repair costs to fix the issues or replace the phone, MobileSyrup reported. According to the AGCM press release, Samsung did not inform its customers about the potential negative consequences of the update. However, it’s not clear whether the South Korean company could have predicted such issues.

In short, “Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato” (AGCM), the Italian market authority, fined Apple and Samsung for slowing down old phones.

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iOS 12.0.1 Security Flaw Allows Anyone To Access The Photo Album Without Unlocking the Devices

Apple struggles to keep its mobile and computer operating systems as inaccessible by hackers as possible. However, while some vulnerabilities might be useful for the community, such as those that allow programmers to develop iOS jailbreak solutions, others are exposing users to privacy leaks. Now, an iOS 12.0.1 security flaw allows malevolent people, once they achieve physical access to the device, to access the photo album and send images to whoever they want via Apple Messages.

The cybersecurity company ESET, the owner of NOD32 Antivirus, among others, has warned about this failure in Apple’s operating system, which powers iPhone and iPad devices. According to ESET, everyone who takes another’s Apple device running iOS 12.0.1 can access the photo album, bypassing the secure authentication process.

According to the ESET security researcher Jose Rodriguez, the security flaw lies in the possibility of taking advantage of Siri and VoiceOver to break the authentication of an Apple device running iOS 12.0.1.

A new iOS 12.0.1 security flaw is exposing users to a significant privacy leak

The privacy vulnerability is present in all iPhone models, including iPhone XS and XS Max, as well as iPad devices that are working with the latest version of the iOS operating system, the iOS 12.0.1.

Due to this iOS 12.0.1 security flaw, an unknown, malevolent person who gains access to an Apple device will be able to skip the authentication process, be it FaceID, password, or so on, and access the photo album and send pics to whoever he/she wants. According to ESET, “Apple is aware of the existence of this bug and is expected to launch an update shortly to repair it.”

In the meantime, the cybersecurity company urges users not to leave their phone within reach of unknown persons, as the only way to exploit the iOS 12.0.1 security flaw is to have physical access to the device.

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