macOS turns 20

20 years ago Apple introduced the Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah. It was, in someways, a limited operating system. But back then, it was just a foundation for things that came later. Apple based MacOS X  on UNIX, which later became a foundation for iOS and the rest is the history. With Cheetah Apple also introduced the classic Aqua interface. Aqua evolved throughout a years, especially in Mac OS 10.5 and recently in Big Sur, but the core functionality remained the same.  And that shows you how good the Cheetah was back then. Last year Apple introduced macOS 11, which will bring us to the new era of the macOS family.

Microsoft buys Discord?

The are rumors that Microsoft plans to buy an online communicator Discord. The accusation is supposedly valued more than $10 billion. This is interesting move from Microsoft because they already have Skype and Teams.  Since last year, Microsoft heavily invested in the latter, where the Skype felt behind. The question is whether Microsoft is going to invest into Discord or will it slowly die because of lack of any development?

Visual overhaul of Windows

Microsoft started refreshing the UI of the Windows. They started with the icons.

This is a first part of the Sun Valley project, that is going to rejuvenate Windows.

Spotify refreshed

Spotify released a new versions of the app for Desktop and the Web. The update brings a new UI that is more consistent and fell more native. Apple should take notes, because their Music app is really bad.

Image credits: Wikipedia

Apple rumors

This week was full of mac related rumors. Let's start from Apple Silicon iMac. A developer has discovered an unreleased ARM-based iMac in an Xcode crash log for his macOS app. That means, the new iMacs are coming soon.

Next is iPad. The new iPad Pros should be released in April. The new tablets are a continuation of current lineup, with a few new features:

• A mini-LED display (at least in 12.9-inch version),
• A14X processor, similar to M1 silicon,
• Thunderbolt connection,
• and of course better cameras.

Xcode attacked!

Security researchers discovered a trojan, called XcodeSpy, which compromises Developers’ Macs with a trojanized Xcode project. Once activate, malware has access to microphone, camera, keyboard, and also can upload/download files.

What's even worse, it is super easy to get affected by this trojan. All you have to do is download and build infected Xcode project. The project contains obfuscated script that is added as a one of built steps of the project. So be careful when you running 3rd-party projects on your machines.

Image credits: Johannes Plenio

Apple's Mixed Reality headset

According to rumors, the upcoming Apple's AR/VR headset will have:

• 15 cameras,
• micro-OLED display,
• weight of 200-300 grams.

The headset might be released in 2022 for ~$1000, where the Apple Glasses might come in 2025.

AirPods 3 leaked?

The photos of the upcoming AirPods have been posted on Twitter. They look like AirPods Pro but without the tips. This would align with rumors merging two designs together.

If those photos are real, it means the AirPods 3 are coming soon. Maybe even this month, during March Apple event.

Image credits: Waldemar Brandt

Ideal MacBook Pro?

There are new rumors surrounding the upcoming MacBook Pros and it looks like it might be the best MacBook Pro ever. Here is the list of rumored features:

• Apple's custom M1 chip,
• New flat edged design,
• Mini LED  14-inch and 16-inch displays,
• SD Card Reader
• MagSafe charging connector,
• HDMI port,
• No Touch Bar,
• Scissor keyboard.

If those rumors are true, and the new chip is as fast as everyone is expecting it to be, this might be the best MacBook Pro ever.

Image credits: MacRumors

Perseverance landed

NASA's probe Perseverance survived the Mars atmosphere and successfully landed on the surface. The landing sequence was an engineering masterpiece. At first, the probe free-fallen through the Mars atmosphere. Then, deployed parachutes to decelerate. When the spacecraft was close to the surface, it fired onboard thrusters to slow itself down and hovered above the ground. Then the Perseverance was lowered down on cables to the surface.

Now, when the rover is on Mars, it can start its primary mission:

• studying Mars' Habitability,
• seeking Signs of Past Microbial Life,
• collecting and Caching Samples,
• preparing for Future Human Missions.

Also, during this mission, NASA will test a drone called Mars Helicopter. If it works, it will be the first time we will be flying (not just falling) on Mars.

New iPhones rumors

It's this time of year when we start getting rumors about upcoming tech. This time it's about iPhones. Let's start with iPhone 13:

• Always-On Display With 120Hz ProMotion,
• Touch ID integrated into a screen,
• Stronger MagSafe,
• Support for astrophotography,
• Grippier phone's back.

There are also rumors that foldable iPhone will have 7-inch display and will be released in 2023.

Image credits: NASA