Quick Takes: Mac Mini Turning 3.5 Years Old, But Unlike Mac Pro, Apple Remains Silent About Future Updates

In addition to our standalone articles covering the latest news and rumors at MacRumors, this Quick Takes column provides a bite-sized recap of other headlines about Apple and its competitors on weekdays.

Thursday, April 5

• Mac mini is three-and-a-half years old: Apple today confirmed that its revamped Mac Pro will be released in 2019. It’s an opportune time for a reminder that the Mac mini hasn’t been refreshed in three-and-a-half years as of April 16. 1,267 days ago as of today, according to our MacRumors Buyer’s Guide. We asked Apple for a comment, but it’s unlikely they’ll break silence.
• Apple predicted to accelerate its capital return program due to corporate tax reform: In a research note to investors, Citigroup analyst Jim Suva estimates that Apple will expand its share repurchase authorization by an additional $100 billion on its May 1 earnings call, versus a $50 billion addition a year ago, as a result of the U.S. corporate tax rate dropping to 21 percent.

  

• FCP Exchange takes place at NAB 2018 in Las Vegas next week: The series of free Final Cut Pro workshops begin Monday, April 9 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time in room S219 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Final Cut Pro version 10.4.1, previewed by Apple today, will be released on the same day with support for a new ProRes RAW format and advanced closed captioning.
• Apple has published an entry titled Introducing the Payment Request API for Apple Pay on its WebKit blog.

For more coverage of Apple, visit our Front Page, Mac Blog, and iOS Blog. Also head to our forums to join in the discussion.

Related Roundup: Mac miniTag: Quick TakesBuyer’s Guide: Mac Mini (Don’t Buy)
Discuss this article in our forums

Amazon Key just got a little less creepy and a lot more useful for everyone

Now available to everyone. With 100% less creepiness.

Remember Amazon’s disturbing in-home delivery service that would give random strangers access to your home while you were gone? You might have automatically dismissed it as soon as you saw it last year and rightfully so. Well, that whole “Please, come into my home person I don’t know” part is completely optional, and the other benefits of the service Amazon just announced might actually appeal to you.

Amazon is adding several new services for Amazon Key customers, who now include everyone who wants in and not just Prime members. Those features include keyless entry, the ability to lock and unlock your door from anywhere, and limited guest access. The service can be linked with the Amazon Key App, which allows you as the home owner to create custom keys for entry or unlock the door with a touch. Whether you have maids coming over to clean or your kids just locked themselves out, you’ll be able to grant access without driving home and without leaving a key under that rock that everyone knows has a key in it.

If you are providing an entry code for a service provider, like a maid or repairman, then you can use the app to limit that access. You can view video clips of people entering and leaving, check whether the door is locked or unlocked, and get real-time security notifications. The Cloud Cam’s live stream includes two-way audio and works with any of the other Amazon devices like the Echo Spot and Echo Show. For each guest access you create, you can manage the guest list and assign when and for how long that code will work.

Amazon also announced that the amount of smart locks compatible with Amazon Key has been increased from three models to eight. You’ll have a bigger variety of models to choose from with multiple finishes for each design and new features like touchscreen keyless entry.

Right now you can get the Amazon Key kit for as little as $169.99. That would include the $140 Amazon Cloud Cam, the $150 Kwikset Convert Smart Lock, and access to all the features mentioned above including the optional in-home delivery. The more advanced smart lock you choose the higher the price goes, but Amazon is discounting all the bundles for a limited time so it’s less expensive than it has ever been before.

The in-home delivery service is still only an option for Prime members and only in 37 cities so far, but if you’re eligible you can sign up for Prime here. The rest is available to anyone anywhere in the country that wants it.

Get Started with Amazon Key

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery will launch on April 25

The game will also feature voice actors from the Harry Potter movies.

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery was first announced last December, and since then it’s been shaping up to be one of the most exciting Harry Potter games to-date. We knew it’d be released at some point before the year was over, but now we have a specific launch date.

According to Jam City (the developer behind the game), Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery will be released for Android and iOS on Wednesday, April 25! You can pre-register for it on Google Play right now, and upon doing so, you’ll be notified the second the game’s released to ensure you’re among the first to play it.

In addition to the release date announcement, Jam City also revealed that many of the actors from the Harry Potter movies lent their voice-over work to their respective characters in the game, including:

• Michael Gambon (Professor Dumbledore)
• Dame Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall)
• Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick)
• Gemma Jones (Madam Pomfrey)
• Sally Mortemore (Madam Irma Pince)
• Zoe Wanamaker (Madam Hooch)

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery is an RPG that promises to offer a rich story, deep battle mechanics, and a lot of player choice/customization throughout the entire narrative.

Pre-register: Harry Potter Hogwarts Mystery (free)

Build your own video games forever with this lifetime membership to the School of Game Design

The popularity of video games continues to grow, and the industry surrounding our favorite past-time keeps getting more and more lucrative. Despite the enormous list of games available across so many platforms, the next big hit is still waiting to be discovered.

Have you always been interested in video games? Why not create your own? If this thought has already crossed your mind, Android Central Digital Offers has a deal for you.

The School of Game Design is home to over 75,000 students who are passionate enough about video games to want to create their own. This industry moves fast, so signing up for a few courses simply won’t do. Instead, we’re offering right now a lifetime membership to the School of Game Design for only $59. That’s 99% off the regular price of $5,990.

Not only will you have access to over 120 hours of video training, you can also reach out and receive support from instructors who are embedded in the industry. Here you’ll learn how to create 2D and 3D games that can be published anywhere.

If you’ve been thinking about breaking into the world of video game design, the time is now. A lifetime membership to the School of Game Design will turn you into a pro in no time, and you’ll always be up to date with the current trends and practices. Don’t wait too long; this deal doesn’t last forever.

See at Android Central Digital Offers

Best Accessories to Improve Your Golf Swing

How can my phone help me improve my golf swing? You’d be surprised.

Put that accelerometer in your phone to work and let it help you improve upon your golf game. There are some pretty cool accessories that help you with your swing and putt, so the next time you slice ‘er into the bushes, maybe pick up your phone instead of launching your iron down the fairway.

• GolfSense 3D golf swing analyzer
• Game Golf live tracking system
• Arccos Driver performance tracking system
• Zepp Golf 2 3D swing analyzer
• Arccos 360 golf sensor system
• Tittle X Trugolf E6 golf simulator

GolfSense 3D golf swing analyzer

GolfSense is a lightweight sensor that you clip to your golf glove. It analyzes your swing in real time and then transmits that data to your phone, where you can view, in detail, your movements and ways to improve upon your swing in the companion app.

The sensor creates a 3D map of your swing, allowing you to compare your movements with your last swing or other swings (for example, if you hit a terrible drive, you can compare the swing to your best drive to see what went wrong). If you feel like sharing your swing, you can do so on Facebook or Twitter, or you can email it to your golf coach. All for only $8!

See at Amazon

Game Golf live tracking system

The Game Golf live tracking system is a way to see and improve upon your entire golf game. It features a range finder, swing analyzer, GPS tracking in real time, as well as a ton of other information on how to improve your game. You just need to get the companion app and you’ll get the stats that the pros get.

By telling the app which club you used, you’ll get information like how often you use that club, your distances, putts per hole, shot dispersion, and lots more. This system has more than 33,000 courses in its database, so you can tell the app which course you’re on and it’ll give you stats and tips specifically tailored to your current situation.

Then share your game with other golfers via Facebook and Twitter. If you’re looking for a complete and comprehensive look at your golf game, check out this system. You can grab this for about $94 on Amazon.

See at Amazon

Arccos Driver performance tracking system

The Arccos Driver automatically tracks every drive you make and is made specifically for that aspect of your game. The device attaches to your driver via the little hole in the top of the club, and it analyzes your swing to record your distance and accuracy.

You can play driving games that reward distance and accuracy, and you can even take on your friends in driving competitions, like “King of the Hole” (no, I’m not being lewd). Just download the companion app and start tracking. The Arccos Driver is about $34.

See at Amazon

Zepp Golf 2 3D swing analyzer

Zepp Golf is another swing analyzer that clips onto your golf glove, but it’s considerably smaller than GolfSense. Zepp Golf tracks your club head speed, swing plane, hand path, tempo, backswing position, hip rotation, and more. Then, it transmits all of that data to the Zepp Golf app, where you can view all of your swing metrics, as well as a pro swing library, your Smart Coach training system, and more. $150 in Amazon.

See at Amazon

Arccos 360 golf sensor system

For another system that gives you a comprehensive picture of your complete golf game, check out the Arccos 360. It analyzes your swing, your putt, your drive, distances, and more, all in real time, and gives you tips and tricks during your game, showing you your strengths and weaknesses to help you make decisions while on the course.

The systems consists of a thumbtack-like device that screws into the hole in the top of your club and its companion app, which has a database of over 35,000 courses worldwide. If you’re on a course that isn’t found in the app, just email Arccos and they’ll add it. This system is for the serious golfer, since it’s about $250.

See at Amazon

Tittle X Trugolf E6 golf simulator

OK, when you’re through with giggling at the name, have a look at the Tittle X Trugolf E6. It’s a virtual golf simulator that connects to your PC via your phone. It relays the info via Bluetooth, and your phone then sends the swing information to your PC. It does require a little bit more than your average PC, needing 25GB of free hard drive space, 4GB+ of RAM, and a decent graphics card (PC needs an NVIDIA GTX 460 or better with 1GB of video RAM. That being said, if you have a smart TV or a Chromecast or another casting device, you can just cast straight from your phone to a TV.

Once you have your system nailed down, you just attach the sensor to the provided swing stick or to your favorite club, and swing away, Merrill. You can play full rounds of golf, analyzing each swing as you go, and there’s even a kid’s “Safety Stick,” so you can get the little ones interested early on. The Trugolf E6 comes with 12 virtual courses, a swing analyzer, and the swing stick (a 7.9-gram club).

The best part is that this is only $189 on Amazon.

See at Amazon

Do you swing?

Are you an avid golfer looking to improve your game? Do you think these tech accessories are worth the investment? Which accessories do you use to help with your golf swing?

Let us know in the comments below!

Go hands-free with Aukey’s Bluetooth receiver and 3-port car charger for $15

Listen to your own music.

This Aukey hands-free Bluetooth receiver with 3-port car charger is down to $14.99 on Amazon with code AUKEYBT1. It regularly sells for $25 and hasn’t dropped from that price directly in almost a year. The code brings it down to one of the best prices we’ve ever seen.

The Aukey BR-C8 receiver comes with the car charger so you can power your new device along with two other USB devices. Powered via USB, all you need is an Auxiliary port on your car stereo to finish setting it up. With your new Bluetooth functions, you instantly add a new way to play audio from your favorite devices through your car’s stereo system. The device has track-skipping options and a built-in microphone so you can use it to receive phone calls for hands-free communication. Aukey backs it up with a two-year warranty. Users give it 4.2 stars based on 689 reviews.

You can also grab this FM transmitter for just $10.07 with coupon code AUKEYBT2.

See on Amazon

‘Atlas’ may be the world’s first Chromebook with a 4K display

Get ready for Chrome OS in 3840 x 2160.

As excellent of a device as the Pixelbook is, there’s one thing it doesn’t have – a 4K display. In fact, there’s never been a Chromebook with a screen resolution that crisp. As disappointing as that’s been over the years, our luck is finally turning around.

Originally spotted by Redditor -nbsp-, a commit in the Chromium Gerrit references a device called “Atlas.” Atlas is expected to be an upcoming Chromebook, and it’s listed in the Gerrit as having a display resolution of 3840 x 2160 (aka, 4K).

Unfortunately, aside from that, there’s not much else to see. We know don’t what processor Atlas will have, what it’ll look like, when it’ll be released, or even which company is making it. All we know is that it’ll have a 4K screen, but I’m sure for some of you that’ll be reason enough on its own to get excited.

I personally don’t have any issue with the 2400 x 1600 panel on the Pixelbook, but there’s no doubt that having those extra pixels would certainly be nice for watching videos that support the higher resolution.

What else are you hoping to see with Atlas aside from the 4K display?

Chromebooks

• The best Chromebooks
• Should you buy a Chromebook?
• Google Play is coming to Chromebooks
• Acer Chromebook 14 review
• Join our Chromebook forums

YouTube TV can now be streamed on Firefox

Still no support for Safari or Edge.

YouTube TV has become one of the top names in the world of live television streaming, and one of the service’s main goals last year was supporting more and more platforms. Keeping that trend alive, YouTube TV is finally adding support for its second desktop web browser.

Since launch, YouTube TV has only been viewable on a computer while using Google Chrome. This sort of made sense considering Google’s ownership of both services, but it was irritating nonetheless. However, as noted by the eagle eyes at YourTechExplained, YouTube TV now works with Firefox.

On the “supported devices” page for YouTube TV under “system requirements” for a computer, it reads —

For the best YouTube TV HD viewing experience, download the latest version of Chrome or Firefox.

There’s still no word on support for Safari, Edge, or other web browsers, but at the very least, this is still a step in the right direction.

Download: YouTube TV – Watch & Record Live TV (free)

Best microSD Card for Android in 2018

Expand your phone’s storage and get the card that suits your needs.

With so many top-tier phones offering SD card slots for expandable storage, you’d be remiss not to take full advantage. These microSD cards are the best of the best around to fit your specific needs.

• Best overall: Samsung EVO+ 256GB
• Best value for capacity: Samsung EVO Select 128GB
• Best value for speed: Lexar Professional 1000x 32GB UHS-II/U3
• Best balanced: Lexar High-Performance microSDXC 300x

Best overall

Samsung EVO+ 256GB

See at Amazon

Samsung’s very-highest-of-the-high-end microSD card isn’t cheap at about $117. In fact, it’s the priciest on this list. But you’re also getting a winning combination of performance and storage capacity, with 90MB/sec write speeds and 95MB/sec reads, and an enormous 256GB of space.

That’s more than you’ll ever need in a smartphone, and the high read/write speeds will help if you’re shooting lots of 4K video on a high-end phone like the Galaxy S9 (as too will that enormous capacity.) Better still, it’s water, temperature, X-ray and magnetic proof, so you needn’t worry about it getting damaged while you’re out and about.

Best value: Capacity

Samsung EVO Select 128GB

See at Amazon

If you want a nice high storage capacity without breaking the bank, Samsung’s 128GB card is a good option — it provides a staggering amount of storage, and with pretty fast read and write speeds to boot — though remember your phone probably won’t be able to achieve the maximum read and write speeds quoted here. It’s about the lowest price we’ve seen for a 128GB card, and a great way to free up a ton of space on your phone or tablet. That and it’s only about $45.

What’s more, you can pay an extra few bucks at checkout and get an OTG reader thrown in too.

Best value: Speed

Lexar Professional 1000x 32GB UHS-II/U3

See at Amazon

If speed is more important, you might want to give this Lexar card a shot. It uses UHS-II flash memory and boasts read speeds of up to 150MB/sec — but only to supporting PCs and cameras, no phone we’re aware of currently supports UHS-II speeds for reads and writes. The capacity isn’t the greatest, but there are also 64 and 128GB variants available, if you’re willing to pay more.

The Lexar card also comes with a USB reader for plugging into your PC and transferring data at higher speeds. $33 on Amazon.

Best balanced

Lexar High-Performance microSDXC 300x

See at Amazon

This Lexar card won’t break the bank — it’s just under $23 at the time of writing — but offers a great balance of speed and capacity. 64GB should be enough for most people’s photo, video and offline music needs, while the card’s UHS-I speed rating provides ample performance.

There’s no full-sized SD adapter bundled with this card, but you can’t argue with the price for this kind of microSD.

Updated April 2018: This list has been updated to reflect new pricing for some of these cards, as well as what you’ll need for new high-end phones like the Galaxy S9.

Microsoft adds file protection and email encryption to Office 365

Protecting yourself (and your documents) from cyberattack is only getting more important, so Microsoft is introducing new security features for the Home and Personal versions of its Office 365 suite. These aim to protect customers from the usual customers — viruses and phishing scams — as well as the increasing threat of ransomware. There’s even a few convenient file-sharing and email features in the mix.

Some of these tools, like the 30-day OneDrive backup feature Files Restore, were brought over from the Business version to Home and Personal Office 365. The suite can now detect ransomware attacks and guide users through the recovery process, which pinpoints the time and date of the incident and restores OneDrive to its state before that.

The tools also cover sharing files between users, too. You can now set and require a password to access a shared OneDrive file or folder, which protects it if the link to the document is inadvertently forwarded. Additionally, starting later in 2018, links clicked on in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will be checked in real-time to find whether the destination website will likely download malware or be part of a phishing scam.

The new security features extend to outgoing messages. Outlook.com now offers end-to-end email encryption, which includes security mechanisms on the recipient’s end. If they aren’t opening the message in Outlook’s browser login, mobile app or Windows Mail, they’ll be directed to a trusted Office 365 web page to receive a one-time passcode. And at long last, you can prevent recipients from forwarding or copying emails sent from Outlook.com, a feature that encrypts messages even after downloading.

Source: Microsoft blog