Apple quietly announced an update to the iPad mini last week, with the seventh-generation model moving to the A17 Pro chip for Apple Intelligence and gaining support for the Apple Pencil Pro. Adam Engst compares the X40Q multi-device wireless charger from KUXIU with the previous X55 model he had been using but finds the differences come down to personal preference. In AppBITS, we look at Online Check, a one-trick pony that notifies you when your Mac’s Internet connection drops and returns. Finally, we briefly look at an unanticipated danger of holding cryptocurrency—physical attacks. Notable Mac app releases this week include BusyCal 2024.4.1, Fantastical 3.9.2, LaunchBar 6.20.1, Lightroom Classic 14.0, Little Snitch 6.1.2, Microsoft Office for Mac 16.90, and SoundSource 5.7.2.
Apple has introduced its seventh-generation iPad mini with an A17 Pro chip, Apple Pencil Pro compatibility, increased storage, and improved connectivity, all while maintaining its size and price.
This Mac utility can monitor your Internet connection’s stability with minimal resource use, helping you track and respond to outages.
When pressed to compare the new X40Q wireless charger for the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods to the X55 model he had previously reviewed, Adam Engst found the X40Q offers a different design aesthetic and slightly improved specs but is largely similar. You won’t go wrong with any of the company’s 3-in-1 chargers.
Watchlist
Brings several improvements to the calendar app. ($49.99 new, free update, 65.2 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Brings a bevy of improvements and bug fixes to the calendar app. ($56.99 annual subscription, free update, 67.1 MB, macOS 11+)
Improves Quick Look's display plain text items in Clipboard History to use a larger font size. ($29 new, free update, 14.5 MB, macOS 10.14.6+)
Big update for the photo cataloging and editing app with several new features. ($9.99/$19.99/$59.99 monthly Creative Cloud subscription, free update, macOS 13.1)
Improves handling of connection errors in DNS encryption and fixes bugs. ($59 new, free update, 39.4 MB, macOS 14+)
Improves the Rewrite feature for the Copilot AI assistant to support fonts, lists, and original formatting. ($149.99 new for one-time purchase, $99.99/$69.99 annual subscription options, free update, macOS 12+)
Introduces a new Excluded Applications list to help troubleshoot issues and incompatibilities. ($39 new, free update, 42 MB, macOS 14.5+)
