Somehow, Apple made a $599 laptop that's actually a joy to use. In this episode, Devindra and Deputy Editor Nathan Ingraham chat about what makes the MacBook Neo so great. And they also dive into the new M4 iPad Air, M5 MacBook Air and M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pros. Also, Roberto Baldwin, SAE International's Sustainability Editor, joins us to chat about the state of EVs today as gas prices explode.
MacBook Neo review: Apple puts $600 Windows PCs to shame – 1:47
iPad Air M4 remains Apple’s best overall tablet – 18:05
Whistleblower claims ex-DOGE employee illegally took social security info on 500 million Americans to their new job – 33:37
Valve clarifies their outlook on the Steam Machine, it’ll launch in 2026, still no word on price – 36:08
Grammerly hit with a class action lawsuit for using reporters’ names in an editing ‘expert’ tool – 40:29
A new study claims every major AI chatbot will help users plan a hate attack or political assassination – 44:03
What to look for in a used EV with SAE International sustainability editor Roberto Baldwin – 48:31
Around Engadget – 1:21:04
Credits
Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Nathan Ingraham Guest: Roberto Baldwin Producer: Ben Ellman Music: Dale North and Terrence O’Brien
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/engadget-podcast-apples-599-macbook-neo-is-astounding-140402521.html?src=rss
Apple is preparing to make its highly anticipated debut in the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Fold. This move signals the company’s commitment to staying competitive in an evolving industry. Early leaks and renders suggest that the iPhone Fold will emphasize usability, durability, and innovative technology, potentially reshaping how users interact with their devices. […]
Artificial intelligence continues to influence academic research by providing practical methods for handling information and tackling intricate problems. Andy Stapleton highlights six free AI systems that are particularly relevant in 2026, including Gemini by Google. Gemini assists researchers by generating literature reviews, summarizing academic papers and creating graphical abstracts to present findings visually. It also […]
Apple’s MacBook Neo represents a thoughtful expansion into the budget-friendly laptop market, catering to a wide range of users, including students, families, casual users, and first-time Mac buyers. Designed with a focus on practicality and affordability, it provides a polished computing experience without the premium price tag typically associated with Apple products. While it is […]
Most portable computers are sealed boxes, which is exactly what makes them frustrating for anyone who wants to experiment with electronics. You can run code on a laptop, but try wiring a temperature sensor or an infrared transmitter directly to it, and you’ll realize that consumer hardware was never designed for that kind of access. A maker who goes by PickentCode got tired of that gap and built something to close it.
The CyberPlug 3.0 is the third iteration of a personal cyberdeck project, the earlier two having usability problems that sent PickentCode back to Blender to redesign. The final build packs a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, a 4-inch IPS touchscreen, a Rii K06 mini keyboard with a built-in touchpad, and a 5,000 mAh USB-C power bank into a 3D-printed hinged body that folds flat for handheld use or props open at a desk-friendly angle.
Designer: PickentCode
What separates this from a standard Raspberry Pi build is the pair of breadboards soldered directly to the GPIO pins, seated inside the case, and accessible through a removable back panel. Connecting a sensor no longer means hunting for a separate breadboard and a tangle of jumper wires. PickentCode plugged in a temperature and humidity sensor and had it reading live data within minutes, then built an infrared setup that records remote control signals and replays them as single-button macros.
The two form factors each have a distinct locking mechanism rather than just flopping into position. In handheld mode, twin magnets pull the two halves together. In desktop mode, a metal ring on the back grabs the MagSafe-style power bank magnetically, holding the whole thing at a stable upright angle. Both the keyboard and the power bank slide out independently, and the deck keeps working on a desk without either of them.
Extensions are where the project gets more interesting. PickentCode added a PWM-controlled external fan that reads CPU temperature and adjusts speed automatically, and a small speaker module that opened the door to YouTube and older games. Doom, Half-Life, and GTA: Vice City all ran on it, better with an external setup in desktop mode, though workable in handheld after some button remapping.
PickentCode frames this plainly as a testbed for learning electronics, not a replacement for a phone or a real computer. The 3D files are free on Printables, so the main cost is filament, time, and the components. For anyone who has ever stared at a sealed laptop wishing they could just plug something into it, that framing is probably the most relatable thing about it.
Artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT, which are trained on vast amounts of online content, are reshaping the digital ecosystem in ways that raise serious concerns. Platforms such as Stack Overflow and Chegg, once central to knowledge sharing, are now struggling to sustain their communities and business models. Stack Overflow, for instance, has overviewed a 78% […]
Apple is lowering its developer fees in China following discussions with the Chinese regulator. From March 15, the commission rate for standard in-app purchases (IAPs) will be reduced from 30 percent to 25 percent on its mainland China App Store storefront for both iOS and iPadOS.
In a Developer blog, Apple also said that developers belonging to its App Store Small Business or Mini Apps programmes will also have their fees reduced by 3 percent, from 15 to 12 percent. This applies to the commission rate for IAPs and in-app subscription renewals after the first year.
"We strive for iOS and iPadOS to be the best app ecosystem and a great business opportunity for developers in China," Apple said in the post. "We are committed to terms that remain fair and transparent to all developers, and to always offering competitive App Store rates to developers distributing apps in China that are no higher than overall rates in other markets."
Apple says developers are not required to agree to the terms by March 15 to start receiving their benefits, seemingly making the transition as smooth as possible to avoid further regulatory intervention. It will no doubt be taken as a significant win for Chinese businesses, and comes a year after reports that a state watchdog was investigating the fees Apple enforces on developers it hosts on the App Store.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-is-reducing-its-app-store-commission-fees-in-china-131221192.html?src=rss
The MacBook Neo, priced at $600, challenges long-standing assumptions about what budget laptops can achieve. Many believe that its reliance on the A18 Pro chip, adapted from Apple’s iPhone architecture, limits its capabilities. However, this device defies such expectations by offering a combination of impressive performance, premium build quality, and exceptional value. While it may […]
The INMO Air 3 augmented reality glasses aim to balance advanced features with a compact design, offering a glimpse into the future of wearable AR technology. In his review, vrgamerdude highlights key aspects of the device, such as its use of waveguide optics and a Qualcomm XR chipset, which enable a sleek, standalone experience without […]
Claude Code 2 introduces several updates aimed at enhancing automation and workflow management. One notable feature is the /loop command, which allows users to automate repetitive tasks within an active session. For instance, you can configure a loop to process data or check for file updates at regular intervals, such as every 30 minutes. According […]
