Dell has a new Developer Edition mobile workstation with Ubuntu, three more soon

If you’re looking for a new mobile workstation based on Linux, Dell has introduced four new Precision Developer Edition models. The Precision 3530 version is available now while the 5530, 7530, and 7730 models are listed as “coming soon.” All four are based on Intel processors and discrete mobile professional graphics provided by AMD and Nvidia. 

With a starting price of $942, the base Precision 3530 configuration defaults to the Intel Core i5-8400H four-core processor, but there are four other options up to the Xeon E-2176M six-core chip. You can also choose to stick with integrated graphics, or Nvidia’s Quadro P600 discrete chip with 4GB of dedicated video memory. 

The mobile workstation’s display measures 15.6-inches with options for touch input, and resolutions of 1,366 x 768 (default) or 1,920 x 1,080. The screen you pick will ultimately lock down other aspects of the configuration, such a color gamut range, WWAN support (or lack thereof), and the type of built-in camera. It’s backed by one of three battery options: a 68WHr fast-charging model, a 68WHr “long life cycle” version, and a 92WHr fast-charging edition. 

Other ingredients thrown into the mix include DDR4 system memory spanning 4GB to 16GB (2,400MHZ or 2,666MHz), and up to two storage devices. The default configuration includes a 500GB 7,200RPM hard drive and no secondary drive, but you can use a hard drive (up to 2TB) or M.2 SSD (256GB) as the primary drive for the operating system, and a hard drive or SSD as the secondary drive for data. 

On the connectivity front, this workstation provides a headphone jack, one USB-A port (5Gbps), and a VGA port on the right. On the left you’ll find a USB-C port with optional Thunderbolt 3 support, a USB-A port (5Gbps), an SD card reader, and an optional Smart Card reader. The laptop’s Ethernet and HDMI 2.0 ports are on the back along with a third USB-A port (5Gbps). 

Finally, the default configuration includes Wireless AC (867Mbps) and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity. It’s available worldwide now sporting Ubuntu 16.04 LTS although it’s certified for Red Hat Enterprise Linux version 7.5. 

As for the other three models coming soon, the Precision 5530 will sport a 15.6-inch screen in a 14-inch chassis. It will support next-generation graphics up to Nvidia’s Quadro P2000 discrete graphics, eighth-generation Intel Core processors, and “next generation” Intel Xeon processors. Memory will consist of up to 32GB (2,666MHz) while storage options range up to a 4TB SSD. 

Meanwhile, the 15-inch Precision 7530 mobile workstation will support eighth-generation Intel Core and Xeon processors, up to 128GB of memory at 3,200MHz, and discrete graphics from AMD (Radeon WX) and Nvidia (Quadro). This laptop will even handle up to 6TB of storage on a PCIe-based SSD. 

Finally, the 17-inch Precision 7730 boasts a thin and light form factor for its size sporting eighth-generation Intel Core and Xeon processors. It too will support up to 128GB of memory at 3,200MHz, but a larger maximum storage capacity of 8TB. All three upcoming workstations will ship with Ubuntu 16.04 LTS already installed. 

Editors’ Recommendations

• You can stuff a hefty Core i9 six-core CPU in Dell’s new refreshed XPS 15 laptop
• Apple iPad (2018) review
• Dell rebrands Inspiron gaming laptops to G Series, serves up four new models
• Lenovo’s new IdeaPad laptops tickle your gaming fancy without breaking the bank
• Acer’s new lineup includes white gaming laptop and Pixelbook-esque Chromebook

Dell has a new Developer Edition mobile workstation with Ubuntu, three more soon

If you’re looking for a new mobile workstation based on Linux, Dell has introduced four new Precision Developer Edition models. The Precision 3530 version is available now while the 5530, 7530, and 7730 models are listed as “coming soon.” All four are based on Intel processors and discrete mobile professional graphics provided by AMD and Nvidia. 

With a starting price of $942, the base Precision 3530 configuration defaults to the Intel Core i5-8400H four-core processor, but there are four other options up to the Xeon E-2176M six-core chip. You can also choose to stick with integrated graphics, or Nvidia’s Quadro P600 discrete chip with 4GB of dedicated video memory. 

The mobile workstation’s display measures 15.6-inches with options for touch input, and resolutions of 1,366 x 768 (default) or 1,920 x 1,080. The screen you pick will ultimately lock down other aspects of the configuration, such a color gamut range, WWAN support (or lack thereof), and the type of built-in camera. It’s backed by one of three battery options: a 68WHr fast-charging model, a 68WHr “long life cycle” version, and a 92WHr fast-charging edition. 

Other ingredients thrown into the mix include DDR4 system memory spanning 4GB to 16GB (2,400MHZ or 2,666MHz), and up to two storage devices. The default configuration includes a 500GB 7,200RPM hard drive and no secondary drive, but you can use a hard drive (up to 2TB) or M.2 SSD (256GB) as the primary drive for the operating system, and a hard drive or SSD as the secondary drive for data. 

On the connectivity front, this workstation provides a headphone jack, one USB-A port (5Gbps), and a VGA port on the right. On the left you’ll find a USB-C port with optional Thunderbolt 3 support, a USB-A port (5Gbps), an SD card reader, and an optional Smart Card reader. The laptop’s Ethernet and HDMI 2.0 ports are on the back along with a third USB-A port (5Gbps). 

Finally, the default configuration includes Wireless AC (867Mbps) and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity. It’s available worldwide now sporting Ubuntu 16.04 LTS although it’s certified for Red Hat Enterprise Linux version 7.5. 

As for the other three models coming soon, the Precision 5530 will sport a 15.6-inch screen in a 14-inch chassis. It will support next-generation graphics up to Nvidia’s Quadro P2000 discrete graphics, eighth-generation Intel Core processors, and “next generation” Intel Xeon processors. Memory will consist of up to 32GB (2,666MHz) while storage options range up to a 4TB SSD. 

Meanwhile, the 15-inch Precision 7530 mobile workstation will support eighth-generation Intel Core and Xeon processors, up to 128GB of memory at 3,200MHz, and discrete graphics from AMD (Radeon WX) and Nvidia (Quadro). This laptop will even handle up to 6TB of storage on a PCIe-based SSD. 

Finally, the 17-inch Precision 7730 boasts a thin and light form factor for its size sporting eighth-generation Intel Core and Xeon processors. It too will support up to 128GB of memory at 3,200MHz, but a larger maximum storage capacity of 8TB. All three upcoming workstations will ship with Ubuntu 16.04 LTS already installed. 

Editors’ Recommendations

• You can stuff a hefty Core i9 six-core CPU in Dell’s new refreshed XPS 15 laptop
• Apple iPad (2018) review
• Dell rebrands Inspiron gaming laptops to G Series, serves up four new models
• Lenovo’s new IdeaPad laptops tickle your gaming fancy without breaking the bank
• Acer’s new lineup includes white gaming laptop and Pixelbook-esque Chromebook

Cheap Chromecast Speakers: Best Under $35

Just because you want a great-sounding speaker doesn’t mean you have to spend more than you did on your Chromecast Audio.

Chromecast Audio provides us with an easy way to stream media from our mobile devices to our favorite speakers, whether they feature Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or neither. We’ve selected five of the best portable speakers that go great with this audio accessory and cost no more than the Chromecast Audio itself. Keep one in your bedroom, living room, kitchen, or bathroom — these speakers will give you the superior sound you crave without breaking the bank.

• Cambridge Soundworks OontZ Angle 3
• Photive Hydra
• AYL Portable Mini Speaker
• Anker Classic Portable Speaker
• VTIN Outdoor Speaker

Cambridge Soundworks OontZ Angle 3

While the Chromecast Audio may not be waterproof, the OontZ Angle 3 from Cambridge SoundWorks certainly is. This 5-inch speaker speaker has an IPX5 rating, making it completely splashproof for any setting. Inside is a long lasting 2200mAh battery that provides up to 15 hours of music through its dual drivers for a total of 10W of stereo sound. The OontZ Angle 3 sounds great on every level — mids, highs, and even bass are clear thanks to the passive subwoofer design. If you’re after a speaker that’s built for a tougher environment, this is a great option for you.

You can pick one up for around $25.

Read our in-depth review

See at Amazon

Photive Hydra

The Photive Hydra is perfect for people that want a cheap speaker and are more concerned about sound quality than convenience. Sporting a passive subwoofer and two 40mm drivers, the Hydra delivers a fuller-sounding low end, while still providing pleasing, clear treble.

Its IP66 rating means it can get wet, but not submerged. Obviously, your Chromecast Audio is not water-resistant at all, but its a nice feature to have if you ever choose to use it away from the tether of your Chromecast Audio. For about $35, the Photive Hydra could be yours.

See at Amazon

AYL Portable Mini Speaker

For something a bit more compact, but surprisingly loud, the AYL portable mini speaker is definitely one to check out. The 3W speaker on top provides quality sound that jams for up to 10 hours on a full charge. The unique design of this speaker makes it ideal for travel, quickly collapsing into a smaller size when needed. There’s even a built-in 3.5mm headphone cable on the bottom for hooking up your Chromecast Audio, along with an extension cable if you need a little extra length. Priced around $15, you can’t go wrong with this mini speaker.

Read our review of the AYL Mini

See at Amazon

Anker Classic Portable Speaker

Anker’s Classic Portable Speaker, a box design that uses a single 2-inch, 4W driver and bass port to deliver its amazing quality sound. Powering the unit is a 2100mAh Li-ion battery that will keep the music going for up to 20 hours. The built-in mic allows you to use the Anker Classic as a speakerphone, but for keeping things simple just plug in your Chromecast Audio to the 3.5mm port on the side and enjoy what this crafty speaker has to offer. Included is a longer auxiliary cable, travel pouch, microUSB charging cable, and an 18-month warranty. You can grab one in black, blue, or white for around $30.

Read our review of the Anker Classic

See at Amazon

VTIN Outdoor Speaker

If you want a Bluetooth speaker that can withstand a few bumps and bruises, the VTIN Outdoor Speaker is a great value at only $30.

While its IPX4 rating won’t let you submerge the speaker, it should be able to withstand the occasional splash of water or light rain. Plus, the speaker is protected by the rugged rubberized chassis of the VTIN Outdoor Speaker, meaning it should be able to take almost any environment you throw at it.

This speaker gets pretty loud. It’s got two 10W speakers on either side of the device that can pump up any party and full volume. Oh, and did I mention it has a 4,400 mAh? You can listen to music for roughly 30 hours on the Vtin outdoor speaker without having to charge up. Plus, if you want to venture away from your Chromecast you can always use it with standard Bluetooth.

See at Amazon

What speakers are you using with Chromecast Audio?

Those are our top picks for an affordable speaker to use with Chromecast Audio. Which speakers are you using or looking into getting for yours? Sound off in the comments!

Updated May 2018: Added the VTIN Outdoor Speaker to our list.

Chromecast

• Chromecast vs. Chromecast Ultra: Which should you buy?
• Chromecast and Chromecast Audio review
• Chromecast Ultra vs. Roku
• Join the discussion in our forums

Chromecast:

Google Store
Best Buy

Chromecast Audio:

Google Store
Best Buy

Chromecast Ultra:

Google Store
Best Buy

The best multiplayer games for your Oculus Go

Get your friends and family in on the fun

The Oculus Go has countless game and apps for you to enjoy. But, playing games by yourself is something we can always do no matter what device we’re on. After that huge spiel during F8 about connecting with your friends and family, why not try and find something to play together? Games are always that much more fun when you have someone to share them with.

So, strap on your headset and get ready to teach all your loved ones why you love VR. Here are all the best multiplayer games for your Oculus Go!

Catan VR

Bring a whole new immersive environment to the tabletop games you love to play with your friends. No costumes or imagination are required when it comes time for you to envision your best friend is the Wizard you always knew he was. Not just that, but Catan VR simplifies the process of playing said board games with your friends. Instead of needing Skype, a phone app, and a google document to keep track of all the progress, the game does it entirely for you. Now no one needs to DM the party and can get right to enjoying the party with one another. For about $15 on the Oculus Store you can enjoy this experience with friends or strangers!

See on Oculus Store

RUSH

Take a deep breath and get ready to plunge yourself from the highest mountain. Before you leave a small voice whispers in your head, “It’s too dangerous to go alone, take this!” and you’re equipped with a hang gliding suit. Your friends line up with you and it turns into a race to the finish, who can reach the ground first? Test your luck with the course and try to collect more powerups than that Jerk Dan who keeps bumping you into oncoming rocks. For just $7.99 on the Oculus Store, you and a group of people can get the real experience of hang-gliding like your life depends on it.

And I gotta say, for a game about free-falling I didn’t experience any form of nausea. And this is coming from someone who almost puked playing UltraWings up until I learned how to avoid that.

See on Oculus Store

Anshar Online

Pretty sure my head exploded a little bit when I saw the words “space”, “shooter”, “Co-op” and “PVP” all in the description of one game. Anshar Online, available for $7.99 on the Oculus Store, has a 4 out of 5-star rating with 63 reviews. There are over 50 missions for you to give a shot at with your friends, or heck, even your enemies. Power up your ship and get ready to take out the other team. There are gorgeous environments with a pretty solid movement system that makes sure you’ll feel comfortable in this VR game.

See on Oculus Store

Drop Dead

Zombies, guns, and your most trusted survival partner… What more could a girl ask for? My only complaint about Drop Dead is the ability to have only one person to play with you. I would 10/10 nostalgia all over my keyboard right now if I got a zombie game experience close to what we had when Nazi Zombies was a thing back on Call of Duty – but for VR. You can get Drop Dead for $9.99 on the Oculus Store and truly immerse yourself into a simulated zombie apocalypse. Prepare yourself for the screaming (and laughter that follows) when you’ve got oozing, rotting bodies jumping in your face.

Good thing there’s a VR headset protecting your cranium!

See on Oculus Store

What’s your favorite?

Did you get to try out any of the games I mentioned above? If so, which one is your favorite? If you have a favorite that I didn’t mention let us know in the comment section below!

Oculus Go

• A parent’s guide to Oculus Go
• Oculus Go vs. Lenovo Mirage Solo
• Best Gamepad for Oculus Go
• Best Battery Backup for Oculus Go

Oculus Go 32GB
Oculus Go 64GB

Philips Hue smart lights, Amazon Echos, and ultra-wide monitors are all on sale today

Whether you’re looking for new tech gear or household items, we’ve got you covered.

Today you can get big discounts on Philips Hue lighting systems, Amazon Echo devices, LG’s 34-inch UltraWide monitor, and more!

View the rest of the deals

If you want to know about the deals as soon as they are happening, you’ll want to follow Thrifter on Twitter, and sign up for the newsletter, because missing out on a great deal stinks!

Here’s what you need to know about Dash Charge on the OnePlus 6

Dash Charge is one of the best fast charging protocols available today.

OnePlus rolled out Dash Charge back in 2016 with the OnePlus 3 and 3T, and it has become one of the best fast charging standards available today. Dash Charge allows the OnePlus 6 to go from zero to 60% charge in just 35 minutes, and while there are other fast charging solutions that let you top up your battery quickly, the advantage with OnePlus’ tech is that it doesn’t overheat your phone.

Dash Charge is licensed from OPPO — OnePlus’ sister company — and is different from the majority of quick charging options available today, most of which are based on Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology. Here’s what you need to know about Dash Charge on the OnePlus 6.

Is it still Dash Charge?

With the OnePlus 6, there has been some contention around Dash Charge’s naming convention. The official listing for the OnePlus 6 makes no mention of Dash Charge, calling the feature Fast Charge instead. However, the bundled wall charger and the USB-C cable still retain the Dash Charge moniker, so we reached out to OnePlus to find out what’s going on.

It looks like the manufacturer’s request for a trademark was rejected by the EU earlier this year, leading to the name change on the website:

Originally designed by OnePlus and submitted to the USPTO and the EUIPO for trademark application in April 2016, “Dash Charge” was first used in conjunction with the release of the OnePlus 3 in June 2016. We used “Dash Charge” for two years until the EU trademark was rejected in March 2018.

This in no way impacts the functionality of the technology itself. Under existing trademark law, registration is not a necessary prerequisite for commercial use, and OnePlus will continue to work towards securing a trademark for our charging technology. We appreciate everyone’s patience in the meantime.

A primer on fast charging

A standard smartphone battery is highly reactive, which is why phone manufacturers have several safeguards built into the charging circuitry. Batteries usually take in more power initially, tapering out as the charge builds. It is on this principle that fast charging works.

Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology delivers a higher voltage to the battery to expedite charging time. Quick Charge 4.0 is fully compliant with the USB-C Power Delivery (PD) spec, and is 20% faster and up to 30% more efficient than Quick Charge 3.0. Qualcomm has introduced a power management algorithm called Intelligent Negotiation for Optimum Voltage (INOV) to ensure better temperature regulation, along with safeguards to protect against overheating and overcharging.

Qualcomm uses high voltages, whereas OPPO pushes more amperage.

Qualcomm claims that with its parallel charging technology, you’ll be able to use your phone for five hours with just a five-minute charge. The chip vendor licenses the technology to third-party OEMs, which is how companies like Samsung can offer Adaptive Fast Charging on the likes of the Galaxy S9. In Samsung’s case, the company is still using Quick Charge 2.0, and although there aren’t many phones with Quick Charge 4.0 on the market, most flagships offer Quick Charge 3.0.

Meanwhile, OPPO has its own fast charging solution called VOOC (Voltage Open Loop Multi-step Constant-Current Charging). The fast charging system is used in the F7, R11, R15, and other OPPO phones, and on OnePlus devices as Dash Charge. OPPO uses dedicated circuitry in the charger itself for heat management and dissipation, which is why you can only get Dash Charge speeds with OnePlus-branded wall and car chargers — such as the one that’s included in the OnePlus 6’s box.

The key difference between the two fast charging technologies is that while Qualcomm uses higher voltages to charge batteries, VOOC relies on delivering a higher amperage. For instance, Quick Charge 3.0 goes up to 6.5V at 3A, creating 19.5W, whereas VOOC delivers 5V at 4A to attain 20W. And that has a few advantages.

It’s all cool

One of the main benefits of Dash Charge (and VOOC) is its ability to keep temperatures low while charging. The fast charging option allows you to watch videos or play games while the phone is charging, with no net drop in charging speeds. That isn’t the case with Quick Charge, as the higher voltages invariably lead to the phone reverting to normal speeds to prevent overheating.

With Dash Charge, you can play games or watch videos while charging your phone without worrying about overheating.

Furthermore, even though the OnePlus 6 can charge up to 60% in 35 minutes, it takes slightly over 45 minutes to go from 60% to a full charge. That’s to prevent damage to the battery (and more importantly, you), with the wall charger limiting output at 2A after hitting 75% and going even lower after reaching 85%. The microcontroller unit inside the phone constantly monitors the charge level to determine the desired amperage to be delivered.

The main disadvantage with Dash Charge is that you need to use OnePlus-branded chargers (it sells both a wall and car charger) to get the higher speeds on the OnePlus 6, as OPPO is yet to license the technology to third-party vendors. You can use other chargers to top up the OnePlus 6, and use the Dash Charge wall charger with other devices, but in both cases they will fall back to a lower charging speed.

Your thoughts

What do you think of Dash Charge on the OnePlus 6? Let us know in the comments!

Updated in May 2018 with information specific to the OnePlus 6.

OnePlus 6

• OnePlus 6 review
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5T: How much changes in six months?
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5: Should you upgrade?
• These are the official OnePlus 6 cases
• The OnePlus 6 doesn’t work on Verizon or Sprint
• Join the discussion in the forums

Google Home speakers outsold Amazon Echo ones for the first time in Q1 2018

3.2 million Google Homes were sold during this year’s first quarter.

Even if they accidentally send your private conversations once and a while, smart speakers are awesome tools. I use my multiple Google Homes on the daily, and it looks like a lot of other people do, too.

For the first time ever, Google outsold Amazon in the smart speaker market during the first quarter of 2018.

Google sold 3.2 million Google Home and Home Mini speakers in Q1, whereas Amazon sold just 2.5 million of its Echo devices. Amazon has consecutively outsold Google since Q1 2017, so the folks in Google’s hardware department should give themselves a big pat on the back.

Between Google, Amazon, and Apple, a total of 4.1 million smart speakers were sold in the United States during the quarter, with China and South Korea taking second and third place with 1.8 million and 730,000 units, respectively, thanks to likes of Xiaomi, Tmall, and others.

Per Canalys Analyst Ben Stanton —

Google has several advantages over Amazon that have helped it move ahead. But its biggest advantage is in the channel. Operators and retailers tend to prioritize Google’s speakers over those from Amazon, as Amazon is in the tricky position of being a direct competitor. But Amazon is fighting back hard, and the sheer quantity of Alexa Skills and smart home integrations will be tough for any competitor to match.

It’s unclear if Google will be able to pull out another win in Q2 2018, and even if it doesn’t, this is still a huge step forward for the company.

Do you own a smart speaker? If so, is it a Google Home or Amazon Echo?

Amazon Echo

• Tap, Echo or Dot: The ultimate Alexa question
• All about Alexa Skills
• Amazon Echo review
• Echo Dot review
• Echo Spot review
• Top Echo Tips & Tricks
• Amazon Echo vs. Google Home
• Get the latest Alexa news

See at Amazon

Google Home

• Google Home review
• Google Home Mini: Everything you need to know!
• Google Home Max review
• These services work with Google Home
• Google Home vs. Amazon Echo
• Join our Google Home forums!

Verizon
Best Buy
Target
Google Store

Hundreds of Apple Screen Engineers and Execs Scoped Out New Tech at Display Week

Hundreds of Apple employees attended Display Week in Los Angeles, California this week to scout out new display technology that could be used in future products, reports Bloomberg.

Display Week is an event that’s hosted by the Society for Information Display. It’s aimed at connecting startups, influencers, innovators, technical experts, and others who are in the display field in some way.

All of the major display companies were on hand to show off new technology, such as high-resolution VR headset displays, ultra high-resolution OLEDs, sound-emitting panels, full-color E-ink technology, and more.

A total of 369 Apple employees were registered to attend display week, up from 280 in 2017. Apple sent far more employees to the event than other tech companies did. Amazon, for example, sent 25, while Google sent 40 and Oculus sent 23.

DisplayMate’s Ray Soneira, known for evaluating smartphone displays, told Bloomberg that Apple is “making a statement” by sending so many engineers. “Apple is trying to show the display industry that they’re a top-tier screen developer now, in addition to being a buyer,” he said. Apple recently made its first foray into OLEDs for iPhones with the iPhone X, and its displays are consistently rated as some of the best by Soneira.

According to Bloomberg, some Apple engineers at the event “appeared particularly interested” in virtual-reality headsets developed by Japan Display, while others closely examined new high-resolution panels from Samsung and displays that are designed to work well when wet.

Several of the Apple engineers who attended Display Week joined in on discussions covering display technology and augmented and virtual reality, though no secrets about future Apple products were unveiled.
Discuss this article in our forums

Recent Trademark Filings Hint at Possible Names for macOS 10.14 – Mojave, Sequoia, Ventura or Sonoma

A series of trademark applications Apple filed in Cambodia and the Philippines may point towards the name we can expect to see used for macOS 10.14, the next-generation version of macOS that Apple will unveil at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

In the two countries, using a presumed shell company, Apple has filed several new trademarks on a series of California landmark names that originally surfaced in 2014. In the Philippines, Apple has filed trademark applications for Mojave, Sequoia, Sonoma, and Ventura, while in Cambodia, Apple has filed a trademark for Mojave alone.

It is not clear why Apple is filing new trademarks for these names in these specific countries, but these new filings suggest one of these four names could be used for macOS 10.14. Given that Mojave is the name that was filed in both locations, it could be Apple’s frontrunner.

Other California landmark names that were trademarked alongside these back in 2014 have not seen any new trademark filings by Apple, with trademarking activity limited to Mojave, Sequoia, Sonoma, and Ventura.

The Ipanah Valley in the Mojave Desert, via the National Park Service

With trademark filings, Apple is required to continually file extensions to hold on to a name because trademarks must be used. Apple has kept several of the names from its original 2014 filing active, including Rincon, Grizzly, Farallon, and Monterey. All of these names could also be used for future versions of macOS. Mojave, Sequoia, Sonoma, and Ventura are the only four names where Apple has filed new applications, however.

Other names from 2014 have been abandoned by Apple and are likely out of the running as future macOS titles. Diablo, for example, was marked abandoned by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in October of 2015, and Apple failed to renew several other names last fall that were marked abandoned this spring, including Redwood, Big Sur, Pacific, Miramar, Redtail, Condor, Tiburon, and Shasta. An additional two names, Mammoth and California, are suspended.

For the last several years, Apple has been using names related to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. We’ve had macOS 10.10 Yosemite, macOS 10.11 El Capitan, macOS 10.12 Sierra, and macOS 10.13 High Sierra, and with few other available names in that vein, Apple may be planning to move on to a new location at this time. California landmarks have been Apple’s naming scheme of choice since the release of OS X Mavericks in 2013.

Mojave is a desert in California, while Sonoma and Ventura are cities, one located in Northern California and popular as a wine country destination, while the other is Southern California and famous for its surfing spots. Sequoia is meant to represent the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, located in the southern portion of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Sequoia National Park is home to giant sequoia trees.

Related Roundup: macOS 10.14
Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Store in Atlantic City, New Jersey Shutting Down

Apple is closing its Apple Store located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which will affect 52 employees who currently work at the store and will need to be relocated, reports Bloomberg.

Apple has filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the state of New Jersey signaling its intention to shutter the store. It’s not clear exactly when the store will be closed, as the store’s website does not yet list a closing date and Today at Apple sessions continue to be available.

It is rare for Apple to shutter stores completely, and in a statement, an Apple spokesperson told Bloomberg that the closure was due to a “sharp decline in tourism.” “We have made the difficult decision not to extend our lease,” said the spokesperson.

Apple says that all of the store’s employees will be offered other jobs within Apple. “We look forward to serving our Greater Atlantic City customers through our southern New Jersey, Delaware Valley, and Greater Philadelphia area stores,” read Apple’s statement.

The last store that Apple closed was located in Simi Valley, California, which Apple shut down in September 2017 due to low sales and issues with customer traffic.

Related Roundup: Apple Stores
Discuss this article in our forums