When Matter launches in 2022, it will have a new Wi-Fi router partner. Modern eero mesh routers are set to gain support for the standard.
Jeff Butts
Jeff Butts is a seasoned tech aficionado with deep roots in the Apple ecosystem. Starting his journey in the early 1980s by experimenting with hardware, Jeff has always been driven by a desire to get the most out of technological devices. His expertise has led him to prominent roles in the industry, including a nearly three-year stint as a Reporter at AppAdvice and an impressive seven-year tenure as a Writer/Editor for Byrnes Publishing, LLC. More recently, Jeff lent his technical insights to HotHardware, Inc. as a Tech Editor. With his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to providing valuable content, Jeff continues to be a trusted voice for readers keen on Apple products and innovations.
Articles by Jeff Butts
Apple Releases iOS and iPadOS 15.2 Beta
Just days after releasing iOS 15.1 to the public, Apple has made new iOS 15.2 betas available for developers and public beta testers.
KDE Connect Your iPhone to Linux
If you want Linux and your iPhone to play as nicely as if you were on a Mac, there’s good news. KDE Connect has arrived to give that to iOS.
MacBook Pro Notch Menu Bar Issues Surface
The first notch menu bar problems have already surfaced with the MacBook Pro. App menu items and system status icons pull a disappearing act.
macOS Big Sur 11.6.1 Fixes Many Security Woes
It wasn’t just Monterey that released this week. Fixing a variety of security issues, macOS Big Sur 11.6.1 is also available.
macOS 12.0.1 Monterey Patches Various Security Problems
If you think macOS 12.0.1 Monterey is all about new features, you should know there are a number of security fixes in the update, too.
ChargerLAB Speed-tests iPhone 13 Pro Charging
Not long ago, ChargerLAB tested the charging speed of the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The lab found the new iPhone could charge at 27W, compared to around 22W for the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Since then, they’ve run the same tests on the iPhone 13 Pro. Paired with the right charging brick, the iPhone 13 Pro can recharge at up to 22W, the same as the previous generation. Apparently, only the iPhone 13 Pro Max got the speed boost.
Is the New MacBook Pro as “Pro” As It Could Be?
The new MacBook Pro is certainly a welcome upgrade. However, with some components already outdated, is it as “pro” as it could be?
Stargate SG-1 Cast to Read AI-Generated Script
More than a few of us have been wishing for a reunion of our favorite Stargate: SG-1 characters. It looks like it’s finally happening, but not the way we thought. Someone fed thousands of hours of Stargate SG-1 episodes into a Google AI bot, and then let it write the script. On November 6, 2021, some of our favorite Stargate stars will do a table reading of that script. Could be good, could be bad, but it’s bound to be fun.
The whole script — every single line, every stage direction — was, according to the teaser, produced by an AI from Google. Some of it is in clear homage to classic Stargate’s sense of humor. But there’s also some of the gravitas that Thor and the Asgard brought to their interactions with SG-C and allies. If what we know about Markov chains is any indication about what is to come, this reading may include word salad, but it’ll be light, and pretty meme-ready. It isn’t the reunion we deserve… it’s the reunion we need right now.
Plugable Launches New Universal Docking Station
If you split work hours between home and office, plugging in everything cuts into productivity. This universal docking station cures that.
iOS: A New Charging Animation for Your iPhone
If you hate how boring the charging notification is on the iPhone, here’s a solution. Give your iPhone a cool charging animation.
Battery Buddy Makes Charging Your MacBook More Fun
Let’s face it, the default battery indicator on MacBooks is pretty boring. If you want to liven it up a bit, consider the terminally cute (and free) app Battery Buddy by Neil Sardesai. This indicator shows your MacBook’s battery charge using cute smiley faces. Fully charged, the indicator smiles at you, but he grows less happy and more sad as your battery drains. When you plug in, your little battery buddy gets a charging icon next to him.
macOS 12 Monterey Release Candidate 2 Available
The macOS 12 Monterey release is just around the corner. Folks on the Developer or Public Betas can update to the release candidate now.
PUBG: New State Coming to iPhone November 11
Mobile gamers anxious for the next chapter in the PUBG franchise don’t have much longer to wait. PUBG: New State arrives on iOS November 11.
Apple Increases COVID-19 Testing Even More for Unvaccinated Employees
Even though Apple isn’t mandating the vaccine, the frequency of required COVID-19 testing could prompt more double-jabs than before.
Finding the Best iPad mini Case
With so many options, how do you find the best iPad mini case? Here are a few top choices, from standard folio to wraparound protection.
Airborne Drone Deliveries to Start in Dallas-Fort Worth
Anybody want their prescriptions airlifted to them? Walgreens customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area will have that option soon. Alphabet-owned drone deployment system Wing has partnered with the drug store chain to make drone deliveries a reality. The drone flights have been in testing out of Fort Worth-based Hillwoods Alliance Texas Flight Test Center. In the coming weeks, the drones will launch from Walgreens parking lots. The’ll initially deliver to a portion of the Dallas-Fort Worth region including Frisco and Little Elm. If successful, the companies plan to roll the drone deliveries out even further after a few months. Alphabet says businesses can also deploy the drones from rooftops or next to buildings. UPS began testing drone delivery in 2018. The company has recently used drones to deliver COVID-19 vaccines, but this is yet another commercial application of the technology.
Until now, this type of service in the United States has been limited to smaller towns, where land usage is less crowded and complex. Wing’s reliable aircraft and advanced flight planning and routing capabilities make it uniquely capable of operating a highly automated drone delivery service in more crowded, complex operating environments.
iOS 15: Navigating the New Tab Bar in Safari
Before you dismiss the new tab bar in Safari on iOS 15 completely, let’s take a look at how it can actually make browsing the web smoother.
Nanoleaf Lines Improve Decor Possibilities in Smart Lighting
Nanoleaf has been offering unique possibilities for blending smart lighting with home decor for years. Its latest product lineup, Nanoleaf Lines, gives you even more ways to light up your space. Each segment is 11 inches long and provides up to 20 lumens of brightness. You can set the lights to more than 16.9 million colors, and each segment has two color zones. This allows you to easily blend your color palette within your design. You can configure your Nanoleaf lines to sync with your music or Mac’s display. Nanoleaf Lines supports Apple HomeKit and also works as a Thread border router, allowing you to extend the reach of your smart home network without additional hubs. The starter kit, retailing for $199.99, comes with 9 light lines, a controller, a power supply, and everything else you need to get started. Expansion packs provide you 3 more light lines for $69.99. The smart lights are available for preorder now, with shipping expected in late November 2021.
Bitcoin Adoption Takes Flight with Airline
In a move that may increase Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador, a local budget airline will begin taking payment using state-run Chivo wallet.
iOS Allows You to Easily See Your Shazam History
If you’ve been trying to remember what songs you recently discovered, you can see your Shazam history right in iOS 15.1’s Control Center.
What Does the AirPods IPX4 Rating Mean?
We know the new AirPods are IPX4 rated against rain and sweat. What does that really mean, though? Jeff Butts explains all the IPX ratings.
Test Your Hearing Right From Your iPhone
If your hearing isn’t quite as good as it once was, you don’t need to rush to the doctor. You can test your hearing using your iPhone.
How to Make (Almost) Any Case MagSafe Compatible
Love your iPhone case, but wish it was MagSafe-compatible? You might just need to add a metallic ring to it, which is quite easy to find.