The new MacBook sports not so much a radical redesign as a radical refinement.

Apple’s new MacBook represents nothing more nor less than the next stage of evolution of the laptop, at least how Apple imagines it. With a 12-inch screen, it should be slightly smaller than both the 13-inch MacBooks Pro and Air, but it manages to be much smaller, thinner, and lighter, all while packing in a high-density Retina display.

Even though it’s smaller the unibody is even stronger. The metal doesn’t just come in space gray, gold, and silver now — it goes all the up the back. Where previously there was a black backed hinge, now there’s just back. The logo is metal now as well, and yes, that means it no longer lights up when the screen does.

There’s also just one port on the left side, a USB-C which is set to become a new standard. On the right is a headphone jack and the dual microphones. That’s it.

The keyboard is full size but the keys are even fuller, with new butterfly switches replacing the old scissors. The keys go almost to the edge. They’re also closer together now, and individually backlit. The left and right arrow are full height, and the escape elongated.

Then there’s the Force Touch trackpad. It doesn’t look different from previous generation trackpads and it doesn’t feel much different either. That’s what makes your mind break just a little when you find out it has no mechanical parts.

All in all, the new MacBook is, unsurprisingly, an incredible piece of engineering. It’s an object even more than unibodies past, and yet another new standard for manufacturing at scale.

But that’s the outside. Next we’ll look at how it fares within.

Sharp’s 4K panel is set to enter mass production in 2016, and will likely make its way to flagships next year.

Now that QHD displays are here, manufacturers will undoubtedly be looking to offer screens that offer even more pixels per inch. Samsung has hinted at launching a handset with a 4K display in 2015, and now Sharp has unveiled its 5.5-inch IGZO 4K panel that offers a pixel density of 806ppi.

I spent six years working with secondary-aged (14-21 years old) students with autism. It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever had the privilege to do.

At that time, the state of technology for these types of uses was woefully behind where it is today. Granted, we’re talking about 1999-2005, but stay with me. The technology that non-verbal students used to communicate, for instance, was a huge, heavy piece of metal and plastic that had barely programmable capabilities for certain words and phrases that would be spoken upon selection through a garish sound system rivaled only by 1980s clock radio speakers. This equipment was exorbitantly priced, and very inflexible. The one thing it did well (arguably) was stand up to some abuse. They were like small tanks. But the kids would have to wear them around their necks and shoulders, which could be extremely uncomfortable. If they didn’t have it with them, communication with others became difficult.

Enter the iPad, a device that to this day, some tech people don’t see a market for, or a place in their delicately-constructed workflows. Hence the question always comes up: “who exactly is the iPad for?”, and much hand-wringing and market analysis ensues.

I’ll keep this concise: the iPad is for people you’re not even considering, using it for things that would have never crossed your mind.

With an iPad, which is a few hundred dollars, students have the ability to use a host of new and updated software — iMore covered some of the best earlier this month. You can find something for every type of child, every type of learner. Text to speech built into the device, as basic as it seems to us, is positively revolutionary to children and parents. Guided access helps ensure success and mitigates frustration. The possibilities are endless, and always growing.

This month marks both the 5th anniversary of the iPad and Autism Awareness Month. There’s so much more I could say about both, but I’ll leave it at this — I love my iPad, and I know lots of people who do as well. For anyone who doesn’t, hey, no worries. No one’s forcing you to use one. But don’t write it off entirely because a Venn diagram of the people you follow on Twitter agrees with you for the most part. It’s a truly transformative device for many people who had laughable options before. And without hyperbole, I can say it’s changing lives.

Microsoft has updated its service page to relay details surrounding downtime for Music and Video services, as well as Xbox Live in general. The company is aware of issues preventing consumers from signing into said services, as well as managing user accounts. This is reportedly affecting those on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs and other devices rocking Xbox services.

The BlackBerry Flip Shell case offers full protection around your Q10 in a durable, lightweight shell made from hand-crafted, genuine leather. The front of the case flips down, and the notification light is visible through the front flap so you always know when to check your phone, even while it’s being protected.

These unique flip cases feature a smooth, polyurethane leather exterior with a clear front window that allows you to manage your notifications, calls and more without even opening the case. Choose from 4 different colors today and save 40% off the retail price.

Whine, the third-party Vine client for BlackBerry 10 has always been a pretty stellar app, but there’s always room for improvement and a new update pushing through BlackBerry World right now for the app brings plenty of them. I’d even go so far as to say it almost feels like a whole new app with this release, but I’ll let you all be the judge of that, have a look at the full changelog.

Read More »

Featuring a combination of Italian polyurethane and a cloth-like texture, this custom flip case provides ample protection against drops and scratches while sporting a snazzy look. There’s even a slot for credit cards on the backside of the front cover. Get yours in gray or pink today for only $18.95