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    The Mac Studio feature keeping me from buying a new M4 Mac Mini this fall

    Jason Hiner/ZDNETIt’s hard to believe I’ve had my M1 Max Mac Studio for almost two years. I still think of it as my new machine, because it’s the most recent machine I’ve bought. At the time, it was ideal for my workload.Also: I bought a Mac Studio: Here are the specs I chose and whyI ordered the M1 Max version instead of the M1 Ultra version, saving me $2,000. Here’s what I said back in 2022: “I did think about buying the M1 Ultra model simply to future-proof the machine for a few more years. But I would have spent so much more that, from a pure cost perspective, it will probably make more sense to upgrade again in a few years and save the $2,000 now.”And yeah, we’re now at the “few more years” stage — and I’m thinking of upgrading. Also: 5 Apple products you shouldn’t buy right nowThe M1 Max Mac Studio has taken everything I’ve thrown at it. I’ve done video editing, coding, server support, writing, general business management, and 3D design. For the most part, the M1 Max has been up to the task. For the most part. More

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    Technologist Bruce Schneier on security, society and why we need ‘public AI’ models

    Quardia/Getty Images In his keynote speech at the Secure Open Source Software (SOSS) Fusion Conference in Atlanta, renowned security expert Bruce Schneier discussed the promises and threats of artificial intelligence (AI) for cybersecurity and society. Schneier opened by saying, “AI is a complicated word. When I think about how technologies replace people, I think of them […] More

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    Need a Lyft to the polls? You can get 50% off a ride to vote for Election Day – here’s how

    Bloomberg Creative/Getty Images The US presidential race is in full swing, but not everyone has equal access to the ballot box. With Election Day fast approaching, Lyft is trying to help. Last week, Lyft announced the launch of its Voting Access Program, the company’s “largest voting initiative,” to help millions of Americans get to the polls this […] More

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    Fed up with your internet provider’s data caps? The FCC wants to hear from you

    Jose A. Bernat Bacete/Getty Images If your internet service provider (ISP) is charging you extra for going over data caps, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to hear about it. Last week, the FCC announced that it was exploring the impact of data caps on consumer access to broadband. If you’re not familiar, many ISPs […] More

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    The best wired earbuds of 2024: Expert recommended

    Wireless earbuds and headphones certainly have some conveniences, but there’s so much to be said for a great pair of wired earbuds. Wired earbuds have a lower level of compression for better-sounding music and a built-in microphone for calls and voice commands. They also don’t need to be charged, are immune to annoying pairing issues, and are far easier to keep track of (plus, you won’t run the risk of losing just one earbud). On the whole, wired earbuds are more cost-effective than their wireless counterparts, and the perk of never needing to charge them means you won’t be stranded without your music, audiobooks, and podcasts on a long flight, camping trip, or commute. Bonus—you’ll never need to do the “stop and search” of shame if an earbud pops out during a jog or a frenzied morning (because, let’s face it, it always ends up in a place you really shouldn’t reach into). Also: The best earbuds you can buy What are the best wired earbuds right now? Based on our testing and research, we’ve compiled some of the internet’s and ZDNET staffers’ favorite wired earbuds picks. Our pick for the best wired earbuds overall goes to Lin Soul TIN HiFi T4 earbuds More

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    This ultra-thin battery pack I tested is a must-have travel gadget (and it works with MagSafe)

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Torras’ MiniMag Power Bank is available now for $45. The MiniMag bank’s 0.3-inch thickness makes it uber-portable while supplying 5,000mAh via 18W USB-C charging or 7.5W wireless charging. However, if you’re looking for larger pack capacities or kickstands or grips, you’ll be better off looking elsewhere. –> Testing MagSafe battery packs […] More