# homepod, smart home (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 2 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover homepod, smart home. Page: Feed: --- ## [My daughter brought a Mac to college. This is the tech I wish I’d packed for her](https://www.macworld.com/article/2862920/best-tech-for-college-student-room-essential-kit.html) _2026-08-26 · Macworld_ Macworld Going to college or university is the first long-term stay away from home for most new students. Alongside the really boring stuff—bedding, clothes hangers, notepads, and coffee cups—there’s a lot of new tech to take, and most freshmen miss some of the electronic essentials that they all will need from day one in their college dorm. You know that you’ll need a computer—most likely a… ## [Every Surge Has Character: This collaboration between UNIQ and PANTONE® explores how one color can express different sides of who we are](https://www.macworld.com/article/3218744/every-surge-has-character-this-collaboration-between-uniq-and-pantone-explores-how-one-color-can-express-different-sides-of-who-we-are.html) _2026-08-26 · Macworld_ Macworld Switch up your look for different outfits and occasions Express different sides of who you are View Now Color has never been a fixed thing. It shifts with light, with mood, with the hour of the day and the version of ourselves we bring to it. A single shade of blue can read as calm at breakfast and bold by nightfall. It’s this idea that identity is never singular—that sits at the heart of… ## [Pay once, skip Adobe’s subscription: PDF Expert for Mac is $79.99 (42% off) for Life](https://www.macworld.com/article/3217258/pay-once-skip-adobes-subscription-pdf-expert-for-mac-is-79-99-42-off-for-life.html) _2026-08-26 · Macworld_ Macworld TL;DR: PDF Expert Premium for Mac is now $79.99 for a lifetime license (reg. $139.99), covering editing, signing, OCR, page management, and file conversions on your Mac with no monthly fee attached. Adobe moved Acrobat to a subscription model a while back, and it truly seems insane anyone would pay monthly for software that simple. PDF Expert is the one-time replacement that stops you… ## [New Mac Studio M5 Max and M5 Ultra: Everything you need to know](https://www.macworld.com/article/2973459/2026-mac-studio-m5-release-date-specs-price-rumors.html) _2026-08-25 · Macworld_ Macworld New Mac Studio 2026: At a glance What’s new: The 2026 Mac Studio gains M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, dramatically faster AI and graphics performance, faster SSD storage, increased memory bandwidth, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and enhanced professional connectivity. Release date : Announced on August 25, 2026 Price : From $2,499/£2,499 Pre-orders : Pre-order now On sale : Shipping starts on… ## [Apple Magic Keyboards get cosmetic updates, avoid price hikes](https://www.macworld.com/article/3220260/apple-magic-keyboards-get-cosmetic-updates-avoid-price-hikes.html) _2026-08-25 · Macworld_ Macworld If you’re planning on investing in a new M6 Mac mini or M5 Ultra Mac Studio , you might be buying a new Apple Magic Keyboard along with it. Apple has updated its keyboards, too: Certain keys have had their labels changed to symbols instead of names. Apple introduced these changes with the MacBook Neo and M5 MacBook Air, so the company is basically catching up on normalizing the keys. The… ## [New Mac mini M6 and M5 Pro: Everything you need to know](https://www.macworld.com/article/2964754/2026-mac-mini-m5-pro-design-specs-release-date.html) _2026-08-25 · Macworld_ Macworld New Mac mini 2026: At a glance What’s new: The 2026 Mac mini delivers much faster performance, especially for graphics and AI, thanks to the M6 and M5 Pro chips. It also brings faster storage and upgraded connectivity, with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet as standard. Release date : Announced on August 25, 2026 Price : From $899/£899 Pre-orders : Pre-order now On sale : September… ## [Amid raging price hikes, Apple slashes flagship cloth by more than 50%](https://www.macworld.com/article/3220271/amid-raging-price-hikes-apple-slashes-flagship-cloth-by-more-than-50.html) _2026-08-25 · Macworld_ Macworld On a day of high-priced product announcements, Apple has offered a crumb of comfort to its more cash-strapped customers: the beloved Polishing Cloth has dropped in price by a whopping 53 percent. Relentlessly memed on for charging a faintly absurd $19 for the square cloth at launch three years ago, the company is now happy to accept just $9 for seemingly the same product. The common… ## [Solve tight spaces with this impossibly thin 45W wall charger (30% off)](https://www.macworld.com/article/3220223/solve-tight-spaces-with-this-impossibly-thin-45w-wall-charger-30-off.html) _2026-08-25 · Macworld_ Macworld Ugreen Nexode Air 45W View Deal Sometimes, when you move furniture around, there’s just no way around covering an outlet just enough that it makes it impossible to use with most chargers. Well, this super-slim Ugreen Nexode Air model is the perfect choice for such places, and it’s only going to cost you $27 now that it’s $13 off its MSRP. That’s a solid discount on a slim and fast little… ## [Apple announces the M5 Ultra Mac Studio with up to 512GB of RAM](https://www.macworld.com/article/3220024/apple-announces-the-m5-ultra-mac-studio-with-up-to-512gb-of-ram.html) _2026-08-25 · Macworld_ Macworld While all eyes are on the upcoming iPhone event, Apple threw us a curveball Tuesday morning with a rare August launch of an updated Mac Studio with the all-new M5 Ultra processor. The new Mac Studio is visually identical to the previous model but has major upgrades inside. Instead of the M4 Max and M3 Ultra, you can now buy a Mac Studio with an M5 Max or M5 Ultra processor, with up to a… ## [Apple launches new M6 Mac mini with another price hike](https://www.macworld.com/article/3220063/apple-launches-new-m6-mac-mini-with-another-price-hike.html) _2026-08-25 · Macworld_ Macworld As predicted on this site earlier today, Apple has announced the launch of a new Mac mini model with M5 and M6 chip options. It doesn’t feature any design changes or external upgrades, but it does offer a two-generation bump in processors compared to the previous model. Slightly confusingly, the version of the Mac mini with a chip from the M5 generation is the more powerful of the two,… ## [Privacy-first AI-native browser (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/cNmKbVAtS9yA) _2026-08-25 · **Sponsored**_ No telemetry or ads — built on Ungoogled Chromium with a built-in AI sidebar and CLI. ## [Protect yourself online for 5 years with this $35 AdGuard VPN subscription](https://www.macworld.com/article/3217226/protect-yourself-online-for-5-years-with-this-35-adguard-vpn-subscription.html) _2026-08-23 · Macworld_ Macworld TL;DR : Browse, stream, and download securely with this 5-year AdGuard VPN subscription for just $34.97 (reg. $359.40). Selecting just one VPN from the many available is hard. But at least AdGuard VPN comes from a trusted developer with expertise in computer privacy and security. What’s more, your 5-year subscription comes with protection for up to 10 devices for just $34.97 (reg.… ## [Immerse yourself in your music with these Beats Solo 4 headphones for just $90](https://www.macworld.com/article/3217223/immerse-yourself-in-your-music-with-these-beats-solo-4-headphones-for-just-90.html) _2026-08-22 · Macworld_ Macworld TL;DR : Get these Warm White (Open Box) Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Headphones for just $89.99 (reg. $199.99). What is modern life without a good set of headphones? They’re a lifesaver for long commutes, working out at the gym, doing chores around the house, and even when you want to make a quick call without everyone around you getting involved. With these Beats Solo 4, you can do it all. We’re… ## [macOS 27 Golden Gate Guide: All the new features coming to compatible Macs, 2026 release date and more](https://www.macworld.com/article/3139330/macos-27-mac-features-siri-apple-intelligence-release-date-compatibility.html) _2026-08-22 · Macworld_ Macworld Apple has officially unveiled macOS 27 Golden Gate, the next major update for the Mac, bringing Apple’s next-generation Apple Intelligence platform to compatible devices. The update introduces an all-new Siri AI assistant, major upgrades to apps including Safari, Photos, Messages, Mail and Calendar, as well as expanded child safety features, design refinements and performance improvements… ## [Hidden macOS code reveals new details about AirPods with cameras](https://www.macworld.com/article/3217992/hidden-macos-code-reveals-new-details-about-airpods-with-cameras.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld Thanks to a video accidentally included in the macOS 26.7 beta , we got our first real confirmation that Apple is, as rumored, working on AirPods with cameras in them. Despite the video and references being found in such a recent beta, we’re assured that this product isn’t actually shipping until next year. Now, thanks to an eagle-eyed member of the MacRumors forums , we have some idea of… ## [Apple lays off 200 employees to focus on ‘new devices’ and AI](https://www.macworld.com/article/3217991/apple-lays-off-200-employees-to-focus-on-new-devices-and-ai.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is laying off and “realigning” several employees in multiple departments in order to “focus on new devices and artificial intelligence.” About 200 employees are affected. The Vision Pro team has eliminated 100 jobs, with most of the cuts happening in teams focused on gaming and immersive video, according to the report. Bloomberg says employees… ## [Coming to Apple TV: All the upcoming shows, series, movies, trailers, and more](https://www.macworld.com/article/340717/apple-tv-plus-upcoming-shows-future-moves-series-release-dates-film-television.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld Apple’s list of currently available content for Apple TV continues to grow, and so does the list of upcoming projects in the works. Some of these projects have been officially announced and acknowledged by Apple, while others have been reported by the Hollywood press. We’ve divided this list in two: Coming Soon is a list of shows and films for which Apple has given an official release… ## [Apple TV this week: ‘The Dynasty: UConn Huskies’ is now streaming](https://www.macworld.com/article/230863/apple-tv-originals-shows-series-movies-release-dates-news-actors-directors.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld What’s new on Apple TV? What are the best shows and movies? How do you sign up and what does it cost? This article will answer all of that, and you’ll also get a list of all the currently-available Apple TV content. There’s also a ton of new content in the works for Apple’s service, too. If you want to know what’s on the way, check out our list of upcoming Apple TV shows and movies .… ## [This powerhouse M5 Pro MacBook Pro with 48GB of RAM is $400 off](https://www.macworld.com/article/3217708/this-powerhouse-m5-pro-macbook-pro-with-48gb-of-ram-is-400-off.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld MacBook Pro M5 Pro View Deal If you’re looking for a new laptop for back-to-school or just want to upgrade an old model, you can grab one of Apple’s best MacBook Pro configurations for a whopping $400 off at B&H right now. The specs are impressive—an M5 Pro processor, 48GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage for just $2,899, an excellent price to pay if you’re looking for a machine that will last… ## [Spilled coffee on your MacBook? This sleeve dries it out before it’s too late](https://www.macworld.com/article/3214763/spilled-coffee-on-your-macbook-this-sleeve-dries-it-out.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld Active-moisture rescue insurance for your tech This might just save the day (and your MacBook) Learn More Every sensible MacBook owner recognizes that while their prized laptop can put up with the odd bump and nudge against a hard edge, it makes sense to protect it while on the move. That might mean picking one of the best MacBook backpacks or other carrying kit, but it might just be… ## [Satechi ChargeView 240W review: 6-port USB-C charging for Macs](https://www.macworld.com/article/3213105/satechi-chargeview-240w-review.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros 6 powerful USB-C PD ports Intelligent voltage adjustment Compact for small footprint Cons No legacy USB-A if you still need it Our Verdict When wall chargers get unwieldy a desktop charger offers a more stable solution in multiple-device charging environments. With a choice of four or six smart ports and up to 240W total output plus an informative display,… ## [Find what they just said (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/1YKoljaWpc5O) _2026-08-21 · **Sponsored**_ Surface recent public signals so you can send policy-aware, relevant outreach ## [Apple TV isn’t worth the wait](https://www.macworld.com/article/3217649/apple-tv-isnt-worth-the-wait.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld A few weeks back, this site (and indeed this reporter) excitedly covered the news that Severance was back, baby . A cryptic tweet from showrunner Ben Stiller indicated that third-season shooting had begun, in the first bit of good news for fans since the brilliant second season ended on March 20 last year. But is the show really back? The problem is that shooting and post-production take… ## [I’ve seen the new iPhone 18 Pro colors. This is one to get](https://www.macworld.com/article/3212438/iphone-18-pro-colors-light-blue-gray-silver-dark-cherry-advice.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld When it comes to rumors about a new iPhone, some people are interested in specs—cameras, chips, AI features, etc.—but everyone wants to know what new colors it will come in. Now that we know, after my sources revealed to Macworld the likely color options for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup earlier this year, you’re probably wondering: What’s the best color option this year? Every year, Apple… ## [You don’t need a new Mac. You need a new keyboard](https://www.macworld.com/article/3216264/you-dont-need-a-new-mac-you-need-a-new-keyboard.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld How much time do you spend in front of your Mac every day? If it’s more than an hour or two, there’s one upgrade you can make that will transform your experience in an instant: a mechanical keyboard. This simple change can step up your productivity and make typing the most comfortable it’s ever been. Take it from me. I’ve been using and reviewing Mac-friendly mechanical keyboards for… ## [Apple smart glasses: Everything you need to know](https://www.macworld.com/article/3117710/apple-smart-glasses-release-date-specs-features-price.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld According to reports, Apple is going to expand its presence in the wearable market with a new product: smart glasses. The Apple smart glasses that have been reported are a departure from the spatial computing platform of the Apple Vision Pro . They won’t be a headset and they won’t offer AR or spatial computing. They aren’t going to be a computing device in any way. Instead, they will be… ## [Get Windows 11 Pro for $10.49: a one-time rate, no subscription](https://www.macworld.com/article/3215332/get-windows-11-pro-for-10-49-a-one-time-rate-no-subscription.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld TL;DR: This lifetime Windows 11 Pro license runs cleanly via Parallels or Boot Camp on a Mac, for $10.49 (reg. $199.00) using code SAVE30 through August 25. You don’t need a second computer to run Windows software, you just need a license, and this one costs less than a coffee run. Windows 11 Pro is $10.49 for lifetime use instead of $199, and it installs directly through Parallels… ## [One $100 payment gets you ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and more for life](https://www.macworld.com/article/3215345/one-100-payment-gets-you-chatgpt-claude-gemini-and-more-for-life.html) _2026-08-21 · Macworld_ Macworld TL;DR: Just one $99.99 payment gets you lifetime access to 1min.AI’s multi-model business and creative toolkit . There’s productive multitasking, and then there’s keeping six AI tabs open while trying to remember which one was editing your image. 1min.AI simplifies that setup by bringing multiple AI models and content tools into one workspace. You get multiple AI assistants, including… ## [2026 iPad mini guide: OLED, A19 Pro and price rumors](https://www.macworld.com/article/3060022/2026-ipad-mini-design-display-features-specs-release-date.html) _2026-08-20 · Macworld_ Macworld For those who need a premium small-screen tablet, the iPad mini is a popular choice. But should you buy one now, or should you wait to see what Apple has in store for the next model? Most buyers should wait – the next model is expected to bring meaningful upgrades. However, Apple isn’t expected to update the iPad mini until late 2026, and that launch date could slip further due to chip… ## [Apple’s upcoming headphones appear to be built for MacBook Neo users](https://www.macworld.com/article/3217085/apples-upcoming-headphones-appear-to-be-built-for-macbook-neo-users.html) _2026-08-20 · Macworld_ Macworld For the second time this week, an unreleased Apple product has been leaked in shockingly thorough fashion. After a video demonstrating camera-equipped AirPods was spotted in macOS 26.7 on Monday, the Beats 360 over-ears headphones have now been revealed on multiple retail websites despite not yet officially existing. The headphones were spotted by Redditors on Amazon U.K., and one user… ## [This sleek, fold-flat MagSafe stand is down to its lowest price ever (23% off)](https://www.macworld.com/article/3216970/this-sleek-fold-flat-magsafe-stand-is-down-to-its-lowest-price-ever-23-off.html) _2026-08-20 · Macworld_ Macworld Twelve South Curve Nano MagSafe View Deal If you’re constantly fiddling with the perfect angle for your FaceTime calls and video sessions, now’s the perfect chance to get your hands on one of the slimmest and most adjustable MagSafe phone stands you can get. The Twelve South Curve Nano MagSafe stand is only $27 at Amazon right now, which is quite the discount from its $35 MSRP. That’s a… ## [Those leaked camera-equipped AirPods probably aren’t coming this year](https://www.macworld.com/article/3216745/those-leaked-camera-equipped-airpods-probably-arent-coming-this-year.html) _2026-08-20 · Macworld_ Macworld With all eyes on the imminent iPhone and Apple Watch launches, Apple-watching pundits were surprised this week when the company itself accidentally leaked a video of some new camera-equipped AirPods in action. But if you think the existence of an instructional video means the product must be ready for launch, you’re in for some bad news. According to the well-connected Bloomberg reporter… ## [Zero-Persistence E2EE (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/op9zZ9xbZ3F1) _2026-08-20 · **Sponsored**_ End-to-end encryption with client-side WebCrypto and volatile memory. ## [When is Apple’s next event? Dates, rumors, and what to expect](https://www.macworld.com/article/672537/when-is-apples-next-event.html) _2026-08-20 · Macworld_ Macworld Apple’s WWDC keynote may be long behind us now, but Apple’s event calendar for 2026 is far from finished. With iOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and the latest Apple Intelligence and Siri updates now unveiled, attention is turning to the company’s next big launch. Apple rarely confirms event dates far in advance, and there’s no guarantee an event will take place within its usual window. That… ## [12 ways to use your iPhone’s USB-C port to do much more than charge](https://www.macworld.com/article/2630712/iphone-usb-c-port-storage-keyboard-camera-display-controller-fan-storage-carplay.html) _2026-08-20 · Macworld_ Macworld It took the iPhone an eternity to strike Lightning in favor of the universal USB-C port. Now that it’s here on all models, including the low-end 16e, many users still limit its use to charging, overlooking the slew of other advantages it offers over Lightning. If you’ve got an iPhone 15 or newer, you can expand the USB-C port’s functionality beyond fast charging, and we’ve got a few ideas… ## [macOS cheat sheet: How many Mac keyboard shortcuts do you know?](https://www.macworld.com/article/3144751/macos-cheat-sheet-mac-keyboard-shortcuts.html) _2026-08-20 · Macworld_ Macworld One thing that never ceases to amaze me about macOS is the amount you can do with just a few keyboard shortcuts. In fact, Apple seems to have coded so many functions into various combinations of key presses that it feels like I’m finding new ones every day. And whether you’re a newbie with a Neo or a veteran from the PowerBook days, there are always new ones to learn. Here, we’ll show you… ## [Brydge ProDock Trio review: A premium Thunderbolt 5 MacBook dock](https://www.macworld.com/article/3209799/brydge-prodock-trio-review-thunderbolt-5-macbook-dock.html) _2026-08-20 · Macworld_ Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Space-saving vertical design 3x Thunderbolt 5 ports 2.5Gb Ethernet 140W PD 3.1 laptop charging Wireless iPhone charging Cons MacBook’s own screen unavailable Wireless iPhone charging is slow Premium price Our Verdict The sleek Brydge ProDock Trio saves desk space while adding Thunderbolt 5, 2.5GbE, faster USB-C and 140W charging to your MacBook. These… ## [Macworld Podcast: Apple product leaks! AirPods Camera and more](https://www.macworld.com/article/3214368/airpods-camera-upcoming-apple-products-leaks-macworld-podcast.html) _2026-08-20 · Macworld_ Macworld With new products coming soon, it’s getting more difficult for Apple to keep them under wraps. In this episode of the Macworld Podcast, we take a look at a few leaks from Apple OS updates that provide insight into what to expect in the coming months. This is episode 996 with Michael Simon , Jason Cross , and Roman Loyola . Watch episode 996 on YouTube Listen to episode 996 on Apple… ## [Stop paying for five AI subscriptions: Get 50+ models for $39.99](https://www.macworld.com/article/3215314/stop-paying-for-five-ai-subscriptions-get-50-models-for-39-99.html) _2026-08-20 · Macworld_ Macworld TL;DR: AskAnyModel AI Pro bundles 50+ AI models, including GPT, Claude, and Gemini, in one dashboard for $39.99 lifetime (reg. $499.00). Running a separate subscription for every AI model gets expensive fast, and none of those tools let you compare answers in one place. AskAnyModel AI Pro bundles top language-learning models, including GPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, and Llama, into…