Apple Music may follow Spotify with free and low-cost subscriptions: Report

Apple Music may follow Spotify with free and low-cost subscriptions: Report



Apple could be exploring subscription options for Apple Music, according to clues found in the Android beta version of the app. The references were spotted by Aaron Perris, an analyst working with MacRumors, which discovered code strings that appear to point to different levels of access within Apple’s music streaming service.

 


Currently, Apple Music is available through paid Individual, Student, Family and Apple One plans, and unlike rivals such as Spotify, it does not offer a free ad-supported tier. The newly discovered strings have therefore fuelled speculation that Apple may be evaluating changes to its subscription strategy, although there is no indication yet of what those changes could involve.

 
 


Apple could be working on new subscription plans

 


According to Perris, the Android beta version of Apple Music contains references to “premium access” and a message informing users that they have reached a “skip limit” and can no longer skip tracks. One of the strings suggests that certain actions may require a higher level of access, while another appears to restrict the number of songs a user can skip. These references are notable because Apple Music currently does not impose track-skipping limits on paying subscribers. The findings were shared by Perris on X and later highlighted by MacRumors.

 


The presence of these strings hint that Apple may be testing additional subscription tiers for Apple Music, possibly a free tier or a low-cost tier to counter Spotify. However, there is currently no information about what those plans could look like. One possibility is that Apple is exploring a lower-cost or free version of Apple Music with certain restrictions. Another possibility is that the company could introduce premium tiers that unlock additional features.

 

That said, Perris cautioned against concluding too quickly. According to him, the strings could also be related to something entirely different, such as Apple Music’s radio features, rather than a broader change to subscription plans. 

 


Why the skip-limit message stands out

 


Restrictions on song skipping are commonly associated with free music streaming plans. Services such as Spotify have long used skip limits as a way to differentiate free users from paying subscribers. Spotify continues to market unlimited skips as one of the benefits of its Premium plans. Because of this, the appearance of a skip-limit message within Apple Music’s code has naturally fuelled speculation that Apple could be testing a similar approach. However, there is no evidence yet that Apple plans to introduce a Spotify-style free tier.

 


Apple’s stance on free music streaming

 


The discovery comes just weeks after Apple Music chief Oliver Schusser reportedly reiterated the company’s opposition to free music streaming tiers. Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg, Schusser said he believes offering music services for free was a mistake for the industry, according to 9To5Mac, citing Bloomberg.

 

He also pointed out that Apple Music remains the only major music streaming platform that does not offer a free tier and said the company is proud of that position. Those comments make the possibility of a traditional free Apple Music plan appear less likely, although Apple could still be considering different paid tiers or feature-based subscriptions. 

 


What happens next?

 


For now, there is no official word from Apple on what these newly discovered strings mean. Code references found in beta software do not always translate into consumer-facing features, and companies often test ideas that never reach the public. Still, the fact that these strings have appeared in a recent Apple Music beta build suggests that Apple is actively experimenting with something behind the scenes. Whether that results in a free plan, a new premium tier, or changes to existing subscriptions remains to be seen. 

 


Meanwhile, Apple already offers plans for its music platform, including Individual, Student, Family and Apple One. These are: 

 


Individual


  • Rs 119/month, one month free for new subscribers.


Features:


  • Over 100 million songs, ad-free and available to download for offline listening

  • Spatial Audio and lossless audio quality

  • Exclusive artist access and curated playlists

  • Free access to the Apple Music Classical app

  • Works on iOS, Android, Windows, Sonos, smart TVs and more


Student


  • Rs 59/month, first month free for new subscribers.


Features:


  • Special pricing for verified students

  • Access to everything in the Individual Plan

  • Comes with Apple TV at no extra cost


Family


  • ₹179/month, 1 month free for new subscribers.


Features:


  • Access to everything in the Individual Plan

  • Share with up to five people via Family Sharing

  • Each person gets their own library, recommendations and playlists

 



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Apple's AI glasses could reshape eyewear like Watch did to watches: Report

Apple's AI glasses could reshape eyewear like Watch did to watches: Report



Apple has reportedly delayed the launch of its AI smart glasses to late 2027, pushing back a product that was previously expected to arrive in early 2027. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, one reason behind the delay is that Apple’s visual AI technology may not be ready by the end of 2026. 


The postponement could indicate that Apple is prioritising refinement over speed, echoing a strategy it followed with the Apple Watch. 


Introduced in 2015, the Apple Watch went on to reshape the wearables market and became one of the company’s most successful products. Apple’s Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook has previously described the Apple Watch and its health features as among the achievements he is most proud of during his tenure. 

 


Apple may now be hoping to replicate that success in the rapidly growing smart glasses market.


Will Apple affect eyewear brands like it did watchmakers?


According to a report by The Next Web, Apple’s potential entry into smart glasses could have a similar impact on the eyewear industry as the Apple Watch had on the traditional watch market. 


When the Apple Watch launched in 2015, brands such as Swatch, Fossil and Movado dominated the mid-tier watch segment. Over the following decade, Apple became the world’s largest watchmaker by unit volume and eventually surpassed Rolex in annual watch revenue. 


According to the report, several traditional watchmakers saw significant declines during this period. Swatch’s revenue in 2025 was reportedly 28 per cent lower than in 2014, while Fossil’s sales fell about 70 per cent. The Apple Watch itself is estimated to generate roughly $17 billion in annual revenue. 


The report noted that Apple could now apply a similar strategy to the global eyewear market, which is estimated to be worth around $200 billion. Apple is expected to target the $200-$500 price segment, where brands owned by EssilorLuxottica, Safilo and Warby Parker currently compete. 


According to the report, Apple’s combination of hardware, software and ecosystem integration could put pressure on established eyewear players in the mass market. 


However, luxury eyewear brands may remain largely unaffected. Much like Rolex and other high-end watchmakers continued to grow despite the rise of the Apple Watch, premium eyewear brands catering to affluent buyers are expected to retain their appeal even if Apple succeeds in expanding into the smart glasses segment.


Apple may make AI smart glasses health-focused


Apple is reportedly envisioning its future AI-powered smart glasses evolving beyond a camera and audio accessory into a health-focused wearable, much like the Apple Watch. 


The company reportedly sees health monitoring as a key long-term direction for the category. 


Such a move would be consistent with Apple’s broader wearables strategy. Over the years, the company has expanded the Apple Watch’s health capabilities with features such as heart rate monitoring, irregular heart rhythm notifications, ECG readings, blood oxygen tracking, sleep monitoring and fitness metrics. 


Apple has also introduced health-focused features to its audio products. Recent AirPods models offer hearing protection, hearing tests and hearing aid functionality in supported markets. The AirPods Pro 3 also feature in-ear heart rate monitoring. 


If Apple succeeds in integrating similar health technologies into smart glasses, the device could serve a different purpose from current-generation products offered by competitors such as Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. Future versions could potentially help users better understand aspects of their health and vision.


Why has Apple delayed the AI smart glasses?


According to Gurman, Apple believes its visual AI capabilities may not be ready by the end of 2026. While the revamped Siri is reportedly on track for release later this year, the company does not want to launch a product that falls short of expectations in an increasingly competitive AI hardware market. 


As a result, Apple is reportedly pushing the launch to late 2027, giving itself more time to refine the technology before taking on rivals such as Meta and Google. 


If Apple succeeds in delivering a polished product that leverages its ecosystem and wearables expertise, the delay could prove to be a strategic move rather than a setback.


Competition in the AI smart glasses market


The AI smart glasses market is currently led by Meta, whose Ray-Ban smart glasses, developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, have helped establish the category in the mainstream. The company holds a dominant share of global shipments and is widely regarded as the benchmark against which new entrants are measured. 


Competition is set to intensify as other technology companies enter the space. Google has confirmed that Android XR-powered smart glasses developed with Samsung, Gentle Monster and Warby Parker will launch later this year, while Apple is reportedly working on its own AI-focused wearable. 


With Meta, Google, Samsung and Apple all investing in the category, smart glasses are increasingly emerging as a key battleground in the next phase of consumer AI hardware.


Can Apple compete with Meta and Google?


Android XR-powered smart glasses developed in partnership with Samsung, Gentle Monster and Warby Parker are set to launch later this year. At the same time, Meta has already established a strong lead through its Ray-Ban smart glasses, giving it a significant first-mover advantage. 


The broader market, however, is expanding rapidly. Industry data suggests smart glasses are finally gaining mainstream traction, with shipments accelerating and the category increasingly consolidating around AI-first wearables.


 
According to CyberMedia Research (CMR), India is expected to see smart glasses shipments grow more than 16-fold to exceed 3.2 million units by 2030. 


Despite the growth opportunity, breaking into the market will not be easy. According to Counterpoint Research, Meta accounted for more than 80 per cent of the global smart glasses market in the second half of 2025. CMR data paints a similar picture in India, where Meta accounted for more than 80 per cent of shipments in 2025. 


For Apple, success may depend not only on matching rivals’ AI capabilities but also on leveraging its ecosystem, design expertise and growing focus on health-centric wearable technology to differentiate its offering.


Apple AI smart glasses: What to expect


According to Gurman, Apple’s smart glasses will directly compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses while featuring built-in cameras, speakers and microphones. Users will reportedly be able to capture photos and videos, listen to music, take calls, receive Siri-powered notifications and potentially access turn-by-turn walking directions. 


Gurman said Apple could target a price range of around $200-$500 in the US. 


Apple is reportedly experimenting with multiple frame styles and colours as it finalises the design. Prototype options include larger and slimmer rectangular frames, as well as large and compact oval or circular designs. The company is also said to be testing colour options such as black, ocean blue and light brown. 


Beyond the initial smart features, Gurman said Apple views the glasses as a long-term platform. The company reportedly believes the product could eventually evolve into a health-focused wearable and later incorporate advanced augmented reality capabilities designed to enhance users’ vision. 


Gurman added that Cook considers the project a priority ahead of his planned leadership transition to John Ternus on September 1, 2026.



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Apple's iOS 28 could represent bigger leap than iOS 27 with AI Siri: Report

Apple's iOS 28 could represent bigger leap than iOS 27 with AI Siri: Report


Apple is days away from unveiling iOS 27 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026, but details about its successor are already beginning to emerge. According to a report by MacRumors, citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has started development of iOS 28 and macOS 28, internally codenamed “Bell” and “Poppy,” respectively.

 


While Gurman did not reveal any specific features planned for iOS 28, he noted the update could represent a much bigger leap than iOS 27. In his Power On newsletter, he wrote that Apple’s 2027 software releases are already shaping up to be “far more significant” than the upcoming 2026 updates. The significance of iOS 28 could also be tied to the device it is expected to debut on. Apple is reportedly planning a major redesign for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027, which could give iOS 28 an entirely new hardware platform to showcase.

 
 


iOS 28: What’s next

 


In his newsletter, Gurman said Apple has internally grouped iOS 28 and macOS 28 under the nickname “Boppy,” a combination of their respective codenames. By comparison, the upcoming iOS 27 and macOS 27 updates are known internally as “Rave” and “Fizz,” with employees reportedly referring to the pair as “Rizz.”

 


Although Gurman stopped short of detailing any upcoming features, his comments indicate that Apple is already planning a more ambitious roadmap for its 2027 software releases. At this stage, however, there is no word on what specific additions or changes could make iOS 28 more significant than its predecessor. 

 


Additionally, iOS 28 would be the first version available on Apple’s redesigned 20th-anniversary iPhone, which is expected to be released in September next year.

 


Apple is expected to mark the iPhone’s 20th anniversary in 2027 with a completely redesigned model that could bring one of the biggest visual changes to the smartphone in years. 

 


According to previous reports, the company is testing a quad-curved display that wraps around all four edges of the device, creating a near bezel-free, all-screen appearance. The design could also align with earlier rumours suggesting Apple is exploring haptic controls as a replacement for traditional physical buttons.

 

If these hardware changes make it to the final product, iOS 28 could play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the new experience. Given that the software is expected to debut around the same time as the anniversary iPhone, the update could be designed to take advantage of the device’s redesigned form factor and new interaction methods.  


What to expect from iOS 27


The report comes as Apple prepares to unveil iOS 27, which is expected to focus heavily on Siri and Apple Intelligence. Among the headline additions could be the long-awaited personalised Siri experience that Apple first previewed at WWDC 2024. Apple is expected to announce iOS 27 at WWDC 2026, with the first beta versions likely to be released shortly after the event. The software is then expected to go through multiple rounds of testing before its official rollout later this year, likely alongside anticipated iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max later this year.

 


AI-powered Siri 

 


The upgraded assistant is expected to better understand a user’s personal context and on-screen content. Apple is also reportedly developing a dedicated Siri app that would allow users to hold more natural conversations through both voice and text, similar to modern AI chatbot platforms. In addition, iOS 27 is expected to introduce a new “Search or Ask” feature within the Dynamic Island, giving users quicker access to search and AI-powered assistance.

 


One of the major changes is expected to be deeper integration across apps and system-level functions. As per the previous report, Siri will be able to understand personal context by analysing information from emails, messages, calendars, and files stored on the device. This could allow the assistant to provide more relevant suggestions and responses based on a user’s daily activity.

 


Apple is also reportedly working on enabling Siri to understand what is currently visible on the screen. For example, users may be able to ask Siri to summarise a webpage, pull information from a message, or interact with content displayed inside an app without manually switching between applications.

 


Another major improvement could allow Siri to perform actions directly inside apps without requiring users to open them first. This may include tasks such as editing photos, sending files, creating reminders, or interacting with third-party apps using voice commands.


  

More recently, Apple has also partnered with Google to integrate a customised version of Gemini AI models into its ecosystem. The partnership is expected to support the next phase of Siri’s development and strengthen Apple’s broader AI capabilities across devices. 

 


Camera app and editing tools

 


Apple is also reportedly working on major Camera and Photos app upgrades. According to Bloomberg, the Camera app could become fully customisable, allowing users to rearrange controls like flash, exposure, timer, and resolution based on personal preference.

 


The company is also said to be integrating Visual Intelligence directly into the Camera app through a new Siri mode. This would allow users to scan food nutrition labels, quickly create contacts from business cards, and access AI-powered visual tools more easily.

 


Meanwhile, the Photos app may gain new AI editing tools called Extend, Enhance, and Reframe. These tools are expected to offer generative editing, improved lighting and colour adjustments, and perspective correction for spatial photos. However, Bloomberg noted that some of these AI tools may still be delayed or scaled back before public release because of reliability concerns.

 


Apple Intelligence

 


Apple is also expected to introduce more AI-driven features across its devices. One reported addition is an AI-powered health assistant that could analyse fitness and wellness data to provide insights and recommendations.

 


Apple is also said to be developing an AI-based “answer engine” for services such as Safari, Spotlight Search, and Siri. This system could provide more conversational responses instead of traditional search-style results.

 


According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple is also preparing several new features, including a Grammarly-like grammar checker, AI-generated wallpapers, and smarter writing tools. Shortcuts may also get a new AI-powered feature, allowing users to create new automations using natural language prompts.

 


Additionally, Apple is said to be working on a new “Suggested Genmoji” feature. The feature could automatically recommend AI-generated emojis based on users’ commonly typed phrases and photos stored on their devices.

 


Liquid Glass refinements

 


While a major visual redesign is not expected, Apple may continue refining the Liquid Glass design language introduced with iOS 26. As per the previous report, it is suggested that the company could add more controls for adjusting transparency and readability following user feedback. This may include system-wide settings that allow users to fine-tune the overall visual effect.

 


Support for future hardware

 


iOS 27 is also expected to prepare the software experience for future hardware categories, including Apple’s anticipated foldable iPhone. The update could introduce multitasking and interface adjustments designed for larger or flexible displays, similar to some existing iPadOS features.

 



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Nvidia enters Windows laptop market with new chip, taking on Intel and AMD

Nvidia enters Windows laptop market with new chip, taking on Intel and AMD



By Ian King

 


Nvidia Corp. is entering the PC market with a new chip aimed at loosening the stranglehold of Intel Corp. technology in that arena and modernizing the machines for the AI era.

 


Starting this fall, Nvidia’s new RTX Spark Superchip will debut in laptop and desktop computers from leading PC brands including Dell Technologies Inc. and Lenovo Group Ltd., Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang said at the Computex trade show in Taipei. The product is a combination of microprocessor and graphics chip, built with help from Taiwan’s MediaTek Inc., that will run Microsoft Corp.’s Windows for Arm operating system.

 
 


Now a dominant player in data centers, Nvidia is taking another run at the personal computer processor market after being part of an effort that fizzled out more than a decade ago. This time, it’s doing so from a position of strength, able to devote more resources to the effort than any incumbent or would-be rival, such as Qualcomm Inc. with its line of Snapdragon products for PCs. For Nvidia, the venture also adds to efforts to keep its central role at the heart of all AI development and use.

 


The Santa Clara, California-based company said the first new laptops built with RTX Spark will target the premium segment and will be geared to eliminate the compromises of the competition. The efficiency of the chip means that PC makers will be able to offer extremely powerful machines that are still thin and light. Subsequent versions of the technology will allow for a broader spectrum of prices as well, Nvidia said. 

 


In the past, a deeper foray into the PC market would have represented a major expansion of scope and opportunity for Nvidia. But now, its data center chip lineup delivers revenue that dwarfs the combined sales of its nearest rivals. Nvidia’s sales in its most recent quarter were roughly equal to Intel and Advanced Micro Devices Inc.’s annual totals for last year.

 


Still, investors who’ve bid up Nvidia’s shares on the back of the meteoric rise of AI, may welcome Nvidia enhancing its presence among products that will deliver the technology to end users. Despite posting growth that eclipses other chipmakers, Nvidia’s stock has lagged the performance of the benchmark Philadelphia Stock Exchange Semiconductor Index this year. 

 


The RTX Superchip will feature a central processing unit that has up to 20 computing cores and a Blackwell-generation graphics processor with 6,144 cores. The two elements will share built-in memory, making them better able to handle large AI models and high-end games. They’ll use Nvidia’s NVLink interface to communicate, bringing a slice of data center technology to personal computers. The chip design will be manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., using that company’s 3N process technology.

 


Nvidia said it has worked with Microsoft for years to prepare the new devices and ensure software support that will make the use of Arm Holdings Plc tech finally take hold in the Windows PC world. Microsoft and Qualcomm have together promoted similar PCs for over a year, though with limited impact. Outside of Apple Inc.’s Mac lineup, most PCs use processors made by Intel or AMD. Arm’s advantage over those incumbents is much better power efficiency, but it’s lagged in in software compatibility.

 


New Nvidia-based machinery will be better able to cope with AI models and functionality in commonly used software. For example, Adobe Inc.’s Photoshop is being reworked to better respond to AI-based prompts to generate image and video content. The new devices will also boost gaming capabilities, allowing laptops to handle high-end titles, Nvidia said. 

 


In general, Nvidia-based PCs will be able to run large AI models securely, giving users easily implementable controls on what data and software are accessed. Such safeguards will speed up the transformation of PCs into personal assistants that do more than respond to user input. Common activities such as searching email or more complex tasks such as for example identifying and then fixing bugs in a website will become much easier, according to Nvidia. 

 


The company declined to give performance comparisons to existing and planned devices based on competitor technology. That information will be offered up when the new machines are ready to go on sale, Nvidia said. The company does not expect the current component supply constraints in the chip industry to impact availability.

 



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Gen-Z gamer's 3D-model startup raises 0 mn, becomes China's AI unicorn

Gen-Z gamer's 3D-model startup raises $200 mn, becomes China's AI unicorn



Vast, a 3D-modeling startup founded by a 29-year-old gamer, raised nearly $200 million to become the latest Chinese AI outfit to achieve a valuation of $1 billion.

 


Ince Capital and a venture fund backed by China Life Insurance Co. led the financing, the Beijing-based startup said in a statement. Other investors in the round included Genesis Capital and existing backers Eminence Ventures and Primavera Venture Partners. While the company declined to disclose its exact valuation, it said the figure now exceeds $1 billion.

 


The firm — also backed by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Baidu Inc. — develops Tripo Studio, which helps developers and creative professionals generate 3D models from text and image prompts. It charges a monthly subscription starting at $20, plus fees based on token consumption. The bulk of its 20 million users hail from the US, followed by Europe, Japan and South Korea, founder Simon Song told Bloomberg News. He says Vast could turn a profit within two years.

 
 


Vast competes with Tencent Holdings Ltd.’s Hunyuan 3D and Silicon Valley startup Meshy in the development of production-grade 3D models for video games, filmmaking, 3D printing and industrial applications. These platforms aim to replace traditional software with generative workflows similar to AI chatbots and video generators. Yet commercially viable breakthroughs remain rare in a $200 billion gaming industry — potentially its most lucrative market — that remains largely skeptical of the technology.

 


“When people discuss foundation models, the conversation is almost always about language models,” Song said. “But in my view, 3D models are the most foundational because they are an uncompressed reflection of the real world.”

 


Vast said its latest P-series model generates game-ready assets with low-polygon frameworks – bypassing an AI limitation that usually requires hours of manual editing before a model can be used. The company is also set to release a world model, called Project Eden, as soon as this month — a tool that generates fully explorable 3D environments rather than just flat video frames. The startup is aiming for something similar to the Marble platform developed by computer vision pioneer Fei-Fei Li’s World Labs.

 


Vast is already deploying its technology through a partnership with Chinese gaming giant NetEase Inc. In the role-playing game Where Winds Meet, players can upload photos to instantly generate interactive 3D avatars.

 


Beyond corporate deals, the 150-person outfit is aiming for mass-consumer adoption with an upcoming app that Song calls an “interactive TikTok.” Instead of scrolling through short videos, users will play bite-sized, interactive experiences on the platform.

 


“The internet’s third revolution could be interactive content — where AI generates tailored material and 3D becomes the main new medium,” said Joy Dai, a managing director with backer Eminence.

 


Song founded Vast in 2023, teaming up with technologists from his days at AI firm SenseTime Group Inc. Before that, he was a founding member of large-language-model developer MiniMax Group Inc., but his passion for animation and gaming led him to focus solely on the then-overlooked market for 3D models. He majored in international studies at Johns Hopkins University, where he spent entire days playing the strategy game Civilization.

 


“Simon is the type of CEO China’s tech-driven startups desperately need,” said Steven Hu, a founding partner of Ince Capital. “He’s so infectiously optimistic that at first, he sounded a bit unrealistic — very much an American-style entrepreneur.” 



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Dell rivals Apple's MacBook Neo with 9 touch-screen XPS 13 laptop

Dell rivals Apple's MacBook Neo with $699 touch-screen XPS 13 laptop



By Chris Welch

 


Dell Technologies Inc. introduced a redesigned XPS 13 laptop, positioning the device as a direct answer to Apple Inc.’s popular MacBook Neo, which stunned the budget PC market upon its debut in March with its features and price. 

 


The new Dell machine, hitting the market in time for back-to-school shopping, offers a premium design that includes a high-resolution touch display and a backlit keyboard. Those advantages mean Dell hasn’t been able to fully match Apple when it comes to price: The XPS 13 begins at $699 — students can purchase it for $599 — while the MacBook Neo costs $599 and drops to $499 for education buyers.

 
 


Still, Dell’s laptop includes 512 gigabytes of storage in the base model, which matches the stepped-up $699 MacBook Neo with Touch ID. It measures 12.7 millimeters thick and weighs 2.2 pounds, lighter than the 2.7-pound Neo. Like Apple’s device, the XPS 13 has an aluminum outer shell that looks and feels sleeker than many other laptops in its segment.

 


“I’ll give them credit. It’s a good product, and it validates the market we’ve been talking about,” Jeff Clarke, Dell’s chief operating officer, said of the Neo in a media webcast announcing his company’s latest hardware. “The difference is we’ve built something better.”

 


Dell’s product allows for more configuration, with up to 32GB of memory compared with the Neo’s nonupgradeable 8GB of unified memory. Its display can also produce a wider spectrum of colors and supports refresh rates up to 120 hertz, while Apple reserves its best screens for the pricier MacBook Pro line.

 


The inclusion of a backlit keyboard should allow for easier typing in dark conditions. Dell has also tossed in other nice-to-have upgrades over the Neo like more robust Wi-Fi 7 wireless networking. As for battery life, Dell is touting “up to 17 hours of streaming” versus a comparable 16 hours on the Neo. 

 


Still, the XPS comes with compromises of its own: Unlike the Neo, there’s no built-in headphone jack, which means owners will need to rely on its quad-speaker audio system, use Bluetooth earbuds or plug a headphone adapter into one of the two USB-C ports. 

 


Dell isn’t the only Windows PC maker trying to leapfrog Apple’s wallet-friendly laptop. Last week, Acer Inc. introduced the Swift Air 14 — also priced at $699 — with an aluminum exterior and the same Intel chip as Dell’s machine. It also has a 120 hertz display, though Acer surpasses both the Dell and MacBook Neo by including Thunderbolt 4 connectivity for speedy transfers of large files.

 


Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook described enthusiasm around the MacBook Neo as “off the charts” during the company’s most recent earnings call, adding that Apple “undercalled” consumer demand for the machine. “We could not be happier with how things are going at the moment,” he said.



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