5 MacBook Stands to work Smarter

MacBook Stands and why you’ll Love them

So everyone knows that when you use a laptop, you can use it on your lap but for better performance you might want to switch over to using a base. With a MacBook stand you will allow for better air circulation with your MacBook and will also help improve your posture as you won’t have to bend to look at anything. So better posture equals better work.

You might think what’s so great in a MacBook stand, they’re all the same. Well no some do offer you more than others and also will cost you more than the others but from your work to your posture they will all seem a little different. Depending on ease of use we give you a list of the best MacBook stands out there.

The First MacBook Stand on our list- ProBASE HD USB- C Aluminum Monitor Stand: 

This MacBook stand comes with a Type- C port as well as 4K HDMI output and a number of USB ports. You can charge up to a number of devices using this MacBook stand and all at the same time.
Plus the way things are organized you get less wire clutter and everything in order while you work at your MacBook stand. When not in use the MacBook stand doubles as storage, allowing you to stash away your MacBook.

MOBICASE MacBook Stand in Carry bag form: 

This is not just your average laptop carry bag but this bag features a MacBook stand too. You can raise the height of the stand to up to 8 inches and is great for those travelling and working at the same time.

As a bag you get a lot of storage for all your workly paraphernalia too.

Henge Docks Presents to you a MacBook stand- Pro Docking Station: 

This MacBook stand is not just a stand, just like the others but is a docking station too and can dock to up to 13 devices all at the same time.

You can even connect up to 3 external displays on to this MacBook stand to create your own mini work station.

A Curvy MacBook Stand on the list- Twelve South Curve MacBook Desktop Stand: 

This MacBook stand has a curve on its base bring in a little modernity to its look. Made of aluminum, this MacBook stand has a notch to hold your laptop in place. Your laptop will be at a slight angle thus helping you look at your work more comfortably.

Something a Little Fancy on the list: 

The de Dolomieu Marble MacBook stand is made specifically for Apple products. This MacBook stand is actually made of marble form Italy while the actual MacBook stand is made from Germany and you have your self an international MacBook stand right on your desk.

The MacBook stand lifts your MacBook to just the right height too.

Combining simplicity with Functionality- Elgato Thunderbolt 3 MacBook stands: 

 

This MacBook stand combines functionality with a flair of simplicity. The stand also supports many ports and is connected through a USB- C port.

Apple Stops Signing iOS 11.4 Following Launch of iOS 11.4.1

Code Signing to Apple iOS 11.4 stopped just a Week after iOS 11.4.1 Release

Apple has recently launched its official version of iOS 11.4.1 to users earlier in the month. Besides the not- so- spe

cial correction of bugs and a system update, the most interesting news with iOS 11.4.1 is that the signing of iOS 11.4 ceased only a week after the iOS 11.4.1 release. According to Apple the ceasing of iOS 11.4 has to do with getting all users on the same page. Basically everyone should be using the most up to date iOS software available.

This is done so that everyone can have not only the latest but also havea software where the old bugs are sorted out. Normally Apple ceases code signing a month after the official iOS software releases but this time has been different.

What does iOS 11.4.1 contain? 

Like all previous software updates and all coming software updates, iOS 11.4.1 takes care of a number of bugs and addresses some critical issues.

Among coding that iOS 11.4.1 corrected was the coding related to phone crashes. Some users’ iPhones crashed after typing in the word “Taiwan” or being sent a Taiwanese flag emoji in a text.

Apple also instated USB restricted Mode for iPhone and iPad owners, in iOS 11.4.1, as a way to disable hardwired USB data connections after some time of use, to prevent brute force passcode attacks.

Apart from the above, Apple also fixed AirPod tracking with iOS 11.4.1, for Find My iPhone and also improved the reliability of mail, contacts and notes sync with Microsoft Exchange. Before the update, users complained of their phone’s battery draining due to syncing of data in the background.

Apple’s trend of ceasing old iOS signing: 

Apple normally ceases code signing a month after the official new iOS release to prevent users form downloading old and buggy versions of the old iOS following a new release.

This strategy helps keep users safe and ensures that all Apple devices are running on the most up to date version of iOS that there is. This eases potential compatibility issues that devices may have with the new software and its features. At present all Apple users will have to download and run iOS 11.4.1.

Apple’s new iOS 12 release: 

Apple is currently working on its new generation iOS release which it hopes to launch along with its new iPhone models coming out later this year. Earlier in the week Apple launched the fourth developer beta version of iOS 12 for developers to test and try out.

This new version is all set to bring in new features and performance enhancements than previous iOS versions. Among those new features will be newer first party apps, a new measure tool that measures 3D objects in space with AR technology, group Facetime, Memoji, Siri shortcuts and much more.

iOS 12 is slated to release this fall along with Apple’s new iPhones that are supposed to release this fall too. iOS 11.4.1 may be the last of the iOS 11 series to be released.

How to Use Emergency SOS on Your iPhone

Using Emergency SOS on Your iPhone

Apple released emergency SOS last year with iOS 11, this really helpful feature allows you get in touch with 911 services or the like (depending on your country of residence) in a matter of seconds. Even when you’re travelling abroad things like the emergency numbers may not be readily known by you and in such an emergency situation knowing what the emergency number is, can be invaluable.

The emergency SOS mode varies on the iPhone you’re using but essentially you’ll be able to place the call within a matter of seconds no matter the model of phone you have.

Getting to emergency SOS on the iPhone:

If you’re tagging along your iPhone 8, 8 plus or the X, then to get to the emergency SOS feature all you have to do is hold down on the side button and one of the volume buttons to activate the emergency caller on the phone.

In about 2 seconds, you’ll see the caller and all you have to do is slide the slider to dial emergency services. Another option would be to continually hold down on both buttons till a countdown of 5 seconds begins and the emergency SOS service is dialed automatically.

As for iPhone 7 models to access emergency SOS all you have to do is rapidly press the side button 5 times to get to the emergency slider.

Depending on your country of residence you get to see multiple options some for hospitals, police or the fire station. For iPhone 8 users and later getting to the same emergency SOS mode as that of iPhone 7 is a simple change of settings.

All you have to do to get the same emergency mode as that of iPhone 7 is to go to settings and then press on emergency SOS to turn on the side button switch. Besides that you may also want to switch on the automatic dial button to call emergency services directly without the slider button.

Once this is done you’ll get a 3 second countdown, after 5 times pressing the side button, before emergency services are called. To cancel emergency services just press the cancel button before the countdown is over.

Using Emergency contacts with the Emergency SOS mode:

Your emergency contacts will be automatically notified when the emergency SOS mode is used. Your contacts will automatically get your location as well as updates to it. You can set up your emergency contacts by going to the Health app and tapping Medical ID to go through the set up process.

By also inputting your medical details, medical personal can access these details without the need of unlocking your phone.

When using your emergency services a valuable point to note is that face ID and Touch ID will be automatically disabled so as to prevent people from forcing you to open your phone with your finger or face. People have found it more difficult to access Passcodes from a user rather than forcing them to unlock their phones with their face or finger.

Peppermint 9 OS Review – Chrome OS Alternative

Peppermint 9 is a new, cooler and efficient OS for Linux lovers

For Linux users nothing sounds cooler and exciting than the launch of the new distribution of their OS. Our world is being aggressively ruled by the Windows and Mac OS which simply doesn't give the due share of popularity to the Linux based systems. One of the least known and particularly new Linus based operating system to debut recently is the Peppermint 9 which is available for free download for everyone. People still gets surprised to know that installing and running a Linux based operating system doesn't require any money. The best thing about the Peppermint 9 is that is extremely light OS which can run easily even some of the really hardware.

Peppermint 9 has taken feedback into consideration

  Peppermint 9 is based on the 18.04 LTS code base and it has been made available in both 64 bit and 32 bit flavours. Being available in the 32 bit will ensure people still using the older hardware will be able to make use of the OS without much hassle. Peppermint 9 comes with its own share of new cool features and changes which helped in enhancing the capability of the OS further. Team Peppermint has actively taken the user feedback into account while working on the version 9 and it has incorporated a number of features which has been sought out by the users. Likewise Menulibre menu editor has been installed in Peppermint 9 as default. Now users will also find a "Create new launcher here" option upon giving a right-click. This will help in improving the menu and launcher management on the Peppermint 9.

VLC will run smoothly on the Peppermint 9 as it honors the system Gtk theme. HTOP has been installed on the OS right out of the box and comes with its own menu item. Developers had also added a new fin your mouse cursor keyboard cursor which can be accessed by pressing Alt along with C key. Peppermint 9 has done away with Chromium bowser in favour of the Firefox browser for this version. It also comes with a new Skype web client SSB and it has been developed exclusively keeping the Microsoft users in mind who are able to make use of the Skype on their ageing systems. It also has a newer version of the Nemo file manager of 3.6.5.

Lightweight, fast and full of opportunities

Developers are hoping that people will find using the new Peppermint 9 a better experience than the earlier versions. Integration of apps both local and web based hasn't been new thing on the Linux based OS but Peppermint 9 takes the experience of using both to the next level. It has a dedicated cloud and web application management tool named Ice which ensures easy and simple integration of the apps into the system menus. It is free to download from its official website and it backed by a dedicated user support team which offers help through chat and email. So the time is ripe to enjoy the new age advanced and fast paced free Peppermint 9 OS to unlock your world of opportunities.

Apple to Unveil High-End AirPods

AirPods Slated for 2019 Release

According to sources, Apple is planning for the release of high-end AirPods, HomePod and over-ear headphones for as early as 2019. The AirPods are slated to pump up the volume and will also come with noise cancellation and water resistance. When we talk of water resistance, the AirPods will not be suitable for swimming, but essentially to protect it against rain and perspiration.

Apple will be working on increasing the range that the AirPods can work away from an iPhone or an iPad. The AirPods will cost more than the $159 per pair. They are working on a wireless charging case which will also be compatible with the AirPower charger.

The company is also looking at biometric sensors to be added to the AirPods. It could be a heart-rate monitor which could be handy like the Apple Watch and thus expand their base in the health-related field. However, the AirPods that are currently available are slated to be enhanced later this year with a new chip. This will allow hands-free Siri activation.

Features of the AirPods

The cordless AirPod headphones can connect instantly with all your other devices as soon as you put them into your ears.

The AirPod has a W1 chip which allows 5 hours of non-stop listening on a single charge. It also has a charging case which accommodates additional charges and gives more than 24 hours listening time. In case you require quick charge, then put the AirPods in the charging case for just 15 minutes and you will get 3 hours of listening time.

Siri can be activated by double clicking on any of the AirPods, without any need of taking your iPhone out of your pocket.

The AirPods will connect with all the other Apple devices that you have. The AirPods connect with your Apple Watch and iPhone simultaneously. You need to just choose AirPods on your iPad or Mac in case you want to listen on those devices.

With the AirPods, you receive high quality AAC audio. Whenever the user wants to make a call or talk to Siri, then the background noise is cancelled by dual beamforming microphones.

The AirPods will help you hear more clearly in a noisy environment through the iOS 12 operating system which is slated for a launch in the fall.

The AirPods through the iOS 12 can be used for “Live Listen”, which is an assistive hearing technology developed by Apple. This is available on the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with compatible hearing aids or cochlear implants since 2014. The AirPods need to be paired through the Bluetooth on your iOS 12 device.

The AirPods from Apple have raised the bar since you can not only walk around with them in your ears but you can also understand what people are saying more clearly.

In addition to the AirPods, Apple is said to be coming out with a new HomePod and over -ear headphones in early 2019. The headphones will be competing with those from Bose and Sennheiser. These headphones will be a higher-end alternative to the company’s Beats line.

Want to Try MacOS Mojave Right Now? Apple Releases Public Beta

MacOS Mojave is now on public Beta

MacOS Mojave was released onto pubic beta just a day after Apple released the public beta for iOS 12. Mac users can now take a look at the new Dark Mode and other new features on Mac OS Mojave. We heard the first of the dark mode and other macOS Mojave features at the WWDC held earlier this year. But before you go ahead with those impatient fingers to download the new OS, keep in mind that this public beta may have bugs and you may want to back up your system before you go ahead with the Mac OS Mojave beta.

This will be the first time the general public as well as developers will get a chance to test out the new Mac OS Mojave beta ahead of its final release later this year, probably sometime in Autumn. If you are one of those who can’t wait for the final release, then make sure that you are signed up for the beta testing program. You also may want to take this beta to a secondary Mac rather than your main use one.

Macs that support MacOS Mojave: 

Mac OS Mojave will be available on 2012 and further Macs. So this would definitely include the newer 2015 macs, MacBook Air the 2012 version and newer, mac mini, MacBook Pro, iMac Pro and Mac pro models.

How to get the beta version of MacOS Mojave? 

You first have to be signed up for the beat testing program and then you can go on ahead to the official beta testing web page where you can get all the betas available such as the latest iOS or tvOS public betas.

But before you go ahead and download macOS Mojave, a word of advice, you might want to backup your data and maybe update your secondary mac for fear of bugs.

With mac OS Mojave, you can update your system through the software update tool in the mac app store.

You will have to register with your Apple ID at beta.apple.com. You’ll then have to download the macOS Mojave Beta access utility. After doing this, the app store will contain the public beta seeds for macOS Mojave. Once the update button is shown, this may take a few minutes, you could then procced to download the public beta for MacOS Mojave.

After downloading it, run the macOS Mojave installer on the drive of your choice and then agree to the terms and conditions. Once all this is done, you can then check out the new macOS Mojave beta.

Features MacOS Mojave will bring to mac: 

With the new macOS Mojave you will get a new dark mode, dynamic desktop wallpapers, a refreshed mac app store, a better Finder Window, Desktop stacks, Apple news, Stocks, voice memo apps and a new home app.

You will even be able to use Siri to control home kit products with your mac too.