Apple reportedly prepping new M1 MacBooks with the return of MagSafe

Apple is supposedly preparing a new series of Apple M1-powered MacBook Pros for this year that might mark the return of their often lamented MagSafe charging technology. What is interesting about this report is that MagSafe may not return merely as a magnetic charging option but could extend to MacBooks being capable of charging other devices via built-in MagSafe compatible charging points built-into the laptops themselves. 

A Bloomberg Technology report said, "the new laptops are planned to come in two screen sizes, a 14-inch model codenamed J314 and a 16-inch version internally dubbed J316. Both will use next-generation versions of Apple’s in-house Mac processors, upgraded with more cores and enhanced graphics, the person said, asking not to be named as the products are not yet announced." Other speculations include the possibility of Apple discontinuing the Touch Bar, which has vexed professional users. This last one is doubtful, since Apple and partner developers have tried to make the Touch Bar more useful and it is the one defining feature of the MacBook Pro line. One good thing that could happen once M1 MacBook Pros come to market is that prices will likely go down since Apple doesn't have to pay Intel tribute for use of their Core i5, i7, and i9 processors. 

Source: Bloomberg

ASUS ZenBeam Latte is a cup-sized projector

Source: ASUS

ASUS' new compact projector might remind you of your favourite cup of coffee. The ZenBeam Latte L1 comes in the form factor of the drink it's inspired by, and we can't help but be charmed by its shape. It has a built-in speaker that ASUS claims is enhanced by its fabric exterior. It's about the size of a Bluetooth speaker, and with its Harman Kardon 10-watt speaker and Bluetooth connectivity, it can act like one for as long as 12 hours on a single charge.

Of course, you'd want to use it as a projector. It can project images ranging from 40 inches to 120 inches, and it has a modest 300 lumens of brightness courtesy of LEDs. Its battery life is projected (pun unintended) to last around three hours, which should get you through two relatively short movies or one blockbuster.

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Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphone will find and unlock new cars from Audi, BMW, Ford, and Genesis

One of the more exciting functionality announcement from Samsung's Galaxy S21 line of smartphones is that they will be able to use Ultra Wide Band Bluetooth to find and unlock new vehicles from Audi, BMW, Ford and Genesis. Samsung is expanding its ecosystem by partnering with carmakers to add the convenience so smartphone owners can access and unlock upcoming vehicles.

“With precise distance calculation, Samsung’s UWB-enabled digital key sends short pulses between the mobile device and the paired car, unlocking the door once you reach it,” Samsung explained. “Without UWB, users will be able to use their compatible smartphones as a car key through NFC.” Models like the Galaxy S21 Plus, Galaxy S21 Ultra, and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra support UWB for finer and more accurate location tracking. Turning smartphones into digital key fobs can be very convenient since car owners can possibly share access to their vehicles without turning over their real keys. The feature is expected to roll out later this year pending some standardization.

Source: XDA Developers

Samsung debuts new Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro has also leaked ahead of the official Unpacked event, so there isn't much of a surprise here. It looks like a cross between the Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds+, which means it is less bean-like than its predecessor.

As we've seen in the leaks, it introduces Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation, which offers adjustable ANC that allows you to lower the level of noise cancellation in areas when it doesn't need it. It also has Ambient Sound, which lets you hear what is happening around you without needing to take these wireless earbuds off. 

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