Smartphone designs have become a bit more uniform and standardized these days as manufacturers appeal to the growing sophisticated tastes of consumers. Once in a while, however, we do come across some designs that leave us scratching our heads, both in terms of ingenuity as well as oddity. They may not always make perfect sense, but they are definitely interesting enough to earn a second glance.This rugged smartphone is a prime example of that, initially looking like nothing more than a very bulky device just like any other tank-like rugged phone. Its equally thick camera bump, however, hides a rather curious secret. That seemingly simple small display on its back actually pops out to become a single-ear Bluetooth earphone or, with the right strap, a smartwatch as well.Designer: OukitelDespite their popularity, wireless earbuds are also a constant source of headaches because of how often we misplace or forget them. Sometimes we even forget to put them back into their charging case, comically leaving the buds at home while bringing the case with us. HMD Global solved that problem with the Nokia 5710 XpressAudio and its built-in wireless earbuds, but that dumb phone wont meet the needs of smartphone users.The Oukitel WP200 Pro 5G has a slightly different and more interesting solution. In the middle of its large and thick circular camera bump is a rectangular screen that you can pop out and put in one of your ears, just like how those old Bluetooth earbuds. Admittedly, it wont take the place of a decent pair of stereo earphones, but when you need to take a brief call, it might be faster than fumbling around in your pocket or bag for your earbuds.But wait, theres more! If you pop the earbuds into a wristband, it becomes a smartwatch for hands-free tracking of activities and time. Again, its not going to beat a proper smartwatch in terms of functionality, but if you have minimal requirements for a wearable, this might actually be enough. Unless you need to have both a smartwatch and take a hands-free call, in which case youll have to choose one or the other mode and just switch back once youre done.Just like any other rugged smartphone, the Oukitel WP200 Pro 5G wont win awards in terms of looks. Its built like a tank and definitely looks like it. Thanks to advancements in mobile hardware, however, it can actually boast a pretty decent set of specs, like a MediaTek 8200 processor, 24GB of RAM, and even a 108MP camera. For a $699.99 price tag, however, it feels more like an expensive novelty than a reliable mobile device and youll probably get better value with a normal smartphone and proper accessories.The post Rugged smartphone has a detachable display that turns into an earbud or a smartwatch first appeared on Yanko Design.

Specialty coffee is a very competitive market and standing out requires more than just exceptional beans. For BIGFACE coffee, founded by NBA star Jimmy Butler, the mission was to create an experience that transcended the ordinary, beginning with the packaging itself. This ambitious project, a collaboration between package design experts Zenpack and creative studio Brandmonger, aimed to redefine high-end coffee presentation, focusing on tactile luxury and innovative engineering.The core challenge was to create a package that felt impossible, a tangible representation of BIGFACEs commitment to excellence. This entailed pushing the boundaries of traditional coffee packaging, demanding meticulous attention to detail and a willingness to explore unconventional solutions. The team aimed to achieve a seamless blend of aesthetic appeal and functional integrity, ensuring the packaging not only looked luxurious but also preserved the coffees freshness. Zenpacks expertise was crucial in overcoming the technical hurdles. They tackled the challenge of maintaining the raised profile of the embossed logos, a critical element in achieving the desired tactile experience. This involved refining embossing techniques and employing specialized materials that could withstand the process without collapsing.The selection of materials was equally crucial.DESIGNER: Zenpack and BrandmongerA matte polypropylene (PP) film with an anti-scuff coating was chosen for its luxurious feel and durability, ensuring the boxes retained their pristine appearance even after handling. The double-folded corners, a testament to the teams meticulous craftsmanship, provided perfectly sharp edges, enhancing the overall sense of quality. The resealable bags, designed to fit precisely within the boxes, were a masterclass in precision engineering. Specific tolerances were established to ensure a snug fit, preventing any unwanted movement. A one-way degassing valve was integrated into each bag, allowing carbon dioxide to escape while preventing oxygen from entering, thus preserving the coffees aroma and flavor. The bags themselves were a departure from the norm, featuring unconventional proportions that contributed to the packagings unique aesthetic. The team also experimented with different bag materials and colors for each coffee varietySilver, Black, and Whiteproviding a distinct visual and tactile experience for each product. The exterior labels served as both informative and engaging elements. They provided essential details about the coffee, including its origin, roast profile, and flavor notes. A strategically placed QR code directed consumers to a dedicated online platform, offering a deeper dive into the BIGFACE brand story and the specific coffee they had purchased. This digital integration enhanced the customer experience, fostering a sense of connection and exclusivity.The BIGFACE coffee packaging has garnered significant acclaim, receiving prestigious awards such as Gold at the iF Design Awards and Platinum and Gold at the Pentawards. These accolades are a testament to the projects innovative design, meticulous craftsmanship, and successful execution. This coffee packaging is more than just a container; its a statement of the brands commitment to excellence and its dedication to providing a unique and memorable experience. By pushing the boundaries of traditional packaging design, BIGFACE has created a product that not only delights the senses but also elevates the entire coffee experience. This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform a simple product into a symbol of luxury and innovation.The post BIGFACE brings innovative packaging for their specialty coffee first appeared on Yanko Design.

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MacworldAt a glanceExpert's RatingProsUp to 48TB of capacity550MBps transfer rates in RAID 0Beefy ConstructionThree-year warranty with two years of data recoveryConsRunning in redundant RAID 1 doubles the price per TBOur Verdict A worthy, rugged, Thunderbolt 3 dual-HDD box with tons of capacity for backup, video and audio production.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayPrice When Reviewed510 (8TB) | 654 (16TB) | 865 (24TB) | 962 (32TB) | 1,105 (40TB) | 1,298 (44TB) | 1,634 (48TB)Best Prices Today: Glyph Blackbox Pro RAIDRetailerPriceGlyph510,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketEvery time I review a product that features hard disk drives (HDDs), I sing the same tune: lots of capacity for a lot less than SSDs, and better performance than you might think.I wouldnt want to run my operating system off a box like the Glyph Blackbox Pro RAID (HDDs offers slothful random access), but Id certainly use it for audio or video production where sequential transfer speed is paramount. 550MBps in RAID 0 will easily do the trick in most scenarios.The HDD versus SSD conundrumBut theres a caveat: the striped RAID 0 that delivers that 550MBps offers no redundancy. HDDs, while far more reliable than they used to be, are still mechanical and hence, more prone to failure than far faster SSDs. Operating HDDs in mirrored pairs is far safer, but half as fast and half the capacity.The upshot is, that while HDD storage is cheaper, once you fully account for the higher possibility of drive failure, thats not by as much as it might first seem. More on that in the cost section.Note that while I feel compelled to point out the frailty of HDDs, Ive had a pair of 16TB HDDs running 16 hours a day in a NAS box for almost seven years, with nary a hint of anything untoward. That said, I run them mirrored due to a couple of bad experiences back in the day.This is not to say that SSDs never fail. They do on rare occasions, though most of the time recovery is simply a matter of a controller reset.Glyph Blackbox Pro RAID featuresA sturdily constructed (and then some) black metal box jacketed in silicone, the Glyph Blackbox Pro RAID is a Thunderbolt 3 enclosure sporting dual, easy-open 3.5-inch drive bays. Its sold pre-populated in 8TB to 48TB capacities. Bear in mind that advertised capacity is the sum of both drives when operated striped or separately.Including the silicone sleeve, the Blackbox Pro RAID measures approximately 8.5-inches long by 4-inches wide by 5.25-inches tall. By its lonesome it weighs 5.1 pounds, ballooning to a hefty 8.1 or so pounds when HDDs are added. The AC adapter, with its matching silicone jacket adds another pound.The back panel of the Glyph Blackbox Pro RAID. And yes, we know the silicone jacket is slightly askew. It wouldnt stay flush..Jon L. JacobiOn the back of the unit are a full-sized DisplayPort port, two Thunderbolt 3 ports (Type-C), mode switches, a RAID mode set switch, a Kensington lock port, and the DC power jack.If you were wondering why 3GBps Thunderbolt 3 with 550MBps HDDs, the Display Port and an optional integrated USB/card slot hub are the reason. Or course, a couple more USB ports and ethernet on the back might have stiffened that rationale, in my opinion.The Blackbox Pro RAID makes it super easy to switch modes (RAID 0 striped, RAID 1 mirrored, JBOD, or independent): simply reorient the twin mini dip switches according to the diagrams directly above them, then press and hold the reset button for four seconds. Being ever so slightly paranoid (not without cause), it seems a bit too easy as the reset button isnt recessed. But pressing said button has no effect unless youve changed the dip switches.Glyph warranties the Blackbox Pro RAID for three years with a promise of data recovery for two years, and parts replacement for one. I didnt see a shock rating, but never drop a hard drive enclosure, and never, ever move it about while its powered up.Glyph Blackbox Pro RAID priceThe Blackbox Pro RAID retails for $600 with 8TB, $780 with 16TB, $1000 with 24TB, $1100 with 32TB, $1400 with the 40TB that I tested, $1550 with 44TB, and $1900 with 48TB. Those were discounted to $530/8TB, $680/16TB, $900/24TB, $1000/32TB, $1150/40TB, $1350/44TB, and $1700/48TB. Alas, the box isnt available unpopulated so theres no taking advantage of HDDs you might have lying around.The Blackbox Pro RAID is also available with an integrated I/O hub featuring CFAST 2.0 and SD slots, as well as a 10Gbps Type-A USB port. Tack on $40 to $100 depending on the capacity you order. Why, that price variance for the same option I cant tell you.The enclosure is priced slightly lower than the OWC Gemini, though the Gemini has a couple more ports standard. The Gemini is also available drive-less for $300 and with 4TB version for $470 configurations that the Blackbox Pro RAID doesnt offer. The G-RAID mirror features a Pro-Blade modular NVMe SSD port and is a bit more than the Blackbox Pro RAID as well.Glyph Blackbox Pro RAID adapterJon L. JacobiAs I previously discussed, compared to SSDs, the Blackbox Pro RAID appears dirt cheap. A single 8TB NVMe SSD in an enclosure is around $600/$700, which is competitive at that capacity. But adding four of those together to get 32TB would cost you $2400 as opposed to $1100 the 32TB Blackbox Pro RAID sets you back. And thats before you pay $250 plus for an NVMe RAID box such as the OWC 4M2 if you can find it. I went looking for the 4M2 and its apparently EOL, to be replaced with something faster in the near future. I might suggest the OWC Thunderblade, but thats a whopping $800 for four slots, making even a pair of the Blackbox Pro RAIDs far more appealing.To re-emphasize, HDD reliability is much better than it used to be, but you should probably run the Blackbox Pro RAID mirrored or in pairs for anything other than scratch storage.That makes the cost $2200 for two 32TB Blackbox Pros versus $2700 to $3200 for 32TB of NVMe SSDs. Cheaper, but not nearly as much so. Considering the massive boost in performance SSDs deliver, wellGlyph Blackbox Pro RAID performanceThough the Glyph Blackbox Pro RAID wasnt quite as fast as OWCs Gemini in our testing, keep in mind that I tested the OWC box with a pair of very fast, 24TB WD UltraStar DC HC580 HDDs. The 40TB Blackbox Pro RAID Glyph sent us used still fast, but slightly more mundane 20TB Toshiba MG10ACA20TE drives.Regardless, 532MBps reading and 511MBps writing in striped RAID 0, as measured by Blackmagicdesigns Disk Speed Test is a very good performance. So is 271MBps reading and 254MBps writing in mirrored RAID 1 mode.532MBps reading and 511MBps writing in striped RAID 0, as measured by Blackmagicdesigns Disk Speed Test is a very good performance. So is 271MBps reading and 254MBps writing in mirrored RAID 1 mode.AmorphousDiskMark 4 rated the Blackbox Pro RAID in RAID 0 as slightly faster 540MBps reading and a bit slower 490MBps writing. The 273MBps/259MBps performance in RAID 1 is almost exactly half as it normally is.AmorphousDiskMark 4 rated the Blackbox Pro RAID in RAID 0 as slightly faster 540MBps reading and a bit slower 490MBps writing. The 273MBps)/259MBps performance in RAID 1 is almost exactly half as it normally is.The story was pretty much the same (as expected) from ATTO Disk Benchmark. Note that the ruler to the left in the screen captures below changes from 1GBps maximum for RAID0 to 500MBps maximum in the RAID 1 test.The story was pretty much the same (as expected) from ATTO Disk Benchmark. Note that the ruler to the left in the screen captures below changes from 1GBps maximum for RAID0 to 500MBps maximum in the RAID 1 test.I also ran the Glyph Blackbox Pro RAID through PCWorlds test quite with largely the same results. The OWC Gemini was faster, but the G-RAID Mirror was much slower in RAID 0. The latters low scores were a puzzler as that box used the same 24TB WD UltraStar DC HC580 HDDs as the Gemini.As you can see the Blackbox Pro RAID was only a hair behind the OWC Gemini in CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential performance. Longer bars are better.I included the random performance numbers as a small dose of levity. Modern SSDs outstrip these results a hundredfold. If youre young enough to not remember HDDs, this is what we oldsters had to deal with. After of course, upgrading from floppy disks.Hard drives have lousy random performance compared to SSDs but I put them here anyway for the sake of consistency. Longer bars are better.The Glyph Black box Pro raid did very well in our 4GB transfers if not as well as the OWC Gemini in some tests. Again, the sloth-like performance of the G-RAID mirror, also a Thunderbolt 3 box was a mystery.The Blackbox Pro RAID was again slower than the OWC Gemini in 48 GB transfers. Shorter. bars are better.The pecking order remained intact after the 450GB write, the Blackbox Pro RAID a ways behind in second place., 50 or 100 seconds is not a horrible deficit when writing 450 GB. Shorter bars are better.Overall, I was quite pleased with the Blackbox Pro RAIDs performance. Given the advantage of the slightly faster WD HDDs in the OWC, Id call the boxes themselves roughly on par performance-wise.Should you buy the Glyph Blackbox Pro RAID?If you want maximum capacity for the least amount of dollars then the Blackbox Pro RAID is a great product. Largely on par with the OWC Gemini, and faster than the G-RAID Mirror.But Id consider running it paired with another or in mirrored mode for data safety, which cuts down mightily on the bargain aspect. Regardless, a great dual-hard drive enclosure.

MacworldThe joy of push notifications is that they attract your attention when you need to know something has happened or someone needs to reach you. Apple lets you tune how notifications work so youre not bothered too muchor too loudly. Some readers have found that, without intending to or without making any change, they receive audible notifications on all their Apple devices. Thats a lot of noise if have a Mac, an iPad, an iPhone, and an Apple Watch.Heres how to fix this problem.Modify each apps notification settingsFirst, identify each app pushing notifications for which you want to change behavior. For many of us, this will include Messages and a limited number of other apps.Now, check your notification settings for each device for each app:iPhone/iPad:Go to Settings > Notifications.Mac:Go to System Settings > Notifications.Apple Watch:Go to the Watch app > Notifications.You can set Sound and other notifications options for each app.For each app you want to check or change the behavior, tap or click the app in the list, and look for how notifications are delivered. For audio alerts, disable Play sound for notification. That affects each device individually.Tweak Apple Watch mirroring of iPhone notificationsThe Apple Watch has a unique twist, which is that many apps notifications are set to Mirror my iPhone. That means that if your iPhone plays a sound, so will your Apple Watch. The operating systems are smart enough, however, that if they know the two devices are in close proximity and in use, you may receive different notifications at that time.Tap Custom to reveal additional options where applicable. In Messages, for instance, you choose to get audio and haptic alerts.Some apps in the Watch apps notifications let you opt between mirroring iPhone settings or customizing them.This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Bill.Ask Mac 911Weve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns:read our super FAQto see if your question is covered. If not, were always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours tomac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we dont reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.

When it comes to managing and supporting Apple devices in business and enterprise environments, the most common tool or service that comes to mind is mobile device management (MDM). While MDM is one of the most powerful and necessary tools Apple IT pros need and getting even more powerful with the addition of generative AI it should never be thought of as the only tool.Thats because supporting a fleet of Macs is more complex than doing so with iPhones or iPads.The Mac has been around a lot longer and has traditionally been a much more open device/platform. Users can install software without relying on Apples App Store; its possible to work with the underlying technology with access to tools and the command line; macOS supports scripting and automation in multiple forms; deploying content and apps to Macs can be done in multiple ways, depending on specific needs; and macOS supports multiple user accounts (network user accounts, in particular).In a nutshell, thats a lot to manage. With that in mind, Ive compiled a list of 60 tools yes, 60 across all parts of the Mac environment that could be useful for IT admins, depending on their environment and needs. Apples toolsApple provides a number of important tools for enterprise IT, so lets start with them.Support App Support is an iOS app that walks you through troubleshooting steps for a variety of issues. It also lets you speak or chat with AppleCare. This is aimed mostly at consumers, but still has a place as a worthwhile troubleshooting tool.AppleCare for Enterprise As the name suggests, this is a business focused version of Apples standard AppleCare support and warranty extension service.Disk Utility Built into macOS, Disk Utility lets you view the various volumes and partitions and drives (internal and external) connected to a given Mac. It allows you to edit, reformat and attempt to repair them if theres an issue with a particular device or volume. Its a real workhorse and the first tool to reach for to deal with storage issues.Apple Business Manager Apple Business Manager is the hub for creating and managing users based on an external directory like Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) or Google Workspace. It also is a hub for deploying and managing devices (including for zero-touch deployment), implementing MDM, and managing other deployment tasks. Its use is essentially mandatory.Apple Business Essentials A stripped down version of Apple Business Manager that provides similar user and device management; its intended for smaller organizations.AppleCare Enterprise Is another one where the name says it all. This is a subscription that allows you to get business and enterprise level support, including priority on-site service and next-day device replacement.Activity Manager Preinstalled on all Macs, this app does exactly what it says: it shows you real-time information on the apps and service running on Mac, and allows you to kill processes if necessary.Pkgbuild, productbuild (and hdiutil ) Pkgbuild is a command line utility for creating package files that can be used to deploy apps, settings and content to Apple devices. Similarly, productbuild can create installers focused on a single app with no extraneous content. Hdiutil, on the other hand, allows you to manipulate disk images.Apple Configurator There are two versions of this tool.One runs on Macsand configures multiple Apple device simultaneously, the other isan iPhone version that allows you to quickly enroll Macs in an MDM service.Feedback Assistant As youd expect, this allows you to send feedback to Apple. It also serves a source of major news about new releases, including the full release notes for software updates.Network and directory toolsOne of the chief realities of supporting Apple devices in the enterprise is that they will need to integrate well with tools designed around a Windows-centric mindset. Apple does an excellent job making its products good multi-platform enterprise citizens, but these tools can help fill some gaps.Parallels Mac Management/Microsoft SCCM Parallels Mac Management is a software plug-in that allows users to manage Mac and Windows computers using Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). It can also be used to manage Parallels Desktop virtual machines (VMs).NoMAD Short for No More Active Directory, it describes itself as a project to create a macOS menu bar application that provides all the functionality of being bound to AD, and more, without having to be bound.UMAD UMAD (Universal MDM Approval Dialog) is open-source software that provides a custom interface to simplify migrating from one Mac MDM to anotherXcreds XCreds enhances the Mac login window to allow users to login with Azure, Google Cloud, Okta, or any OpenID Connect passwords. XCreds verifies the user identity provider and saves tokens to the user keychain for validation that the cloud password is in sync with the local password.Certificate Request Certificate Request is a utility for macOS that allows you to request and install digital certificates directly from Active Directory. It makes requesting and managing certificates a one-touch process for use in configuring wireless, Mail, VPN, and other services on macOS that require certificates issued by Active Directory.Signing Manager Signing Managerprovides a system for securing code and package-signing certificates, including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and iPadOS app signing without disrupting the current workflow.Diagnostic, maintenance, repair and optimization toolsLike most hardware, Macs and other Apple devices require periodic maintenance to perform at their best and to troubleshoot anyproblems.Atomic This is a tool for examining a Macs on-board RAM and identifying problems with installed memory. Since Apple Silicon uses a unified SOC, this is more often a useful tool for Intel-based Macs.Techtool Pro This is a comprehensive set of tools that support disk/volume repair and testing for underlying hardware problems.Parallels Toolboxis a suite of 50 diagnostic tools for the Mac created by Parallels as an independent product separate from the companysvirtualization and SCCM-integration tools.Disk Drill Disk Drill is a data recovery solution for macOS and iOS.Paragon This is a set of suites/apps designed to detect hardware-induced problems on Apple devices and provide comprehensive disk/volume management beyond whats available in Disk Utility. It also provides for secure data removal as well as iOS device storage management.DiskWarrior For decades, Disk Warrior has remained arguably the best disk and data recovery tool available for techs to use in repair and recovery efforts.Drive Genius Prosofts Drive Genius provides disk monitoring tools as well as storage management and recover options; it can also automate problem and malware detection.DaisyDisk DaisyDisk is a tool for visualizing the current disk usage on Macs; it can help determine whats taking up shard drive pace and what can be removed to reclaim disk space.Clean My Mac MacPaws Clean My Mac is useful for performing all manner of maintenance tasks and fully removing unneeded apps and data to keep a Mac running at its best. It can also be used to troubleshoot problems and prevent some security threats.Clean My Mac for Business The enterprise version of Clean My Mac is designed to accomplish the same tasks as its consumer counterpart but for an entire fleet of Macs. It can be an adjunct to MDM or, for smaller organizations without dedicated IT staff, it can perform several key functions of MDM.Clean My Phone MacPaws Clean My Phone does the same kinds of tasks as Clean My Mac, except on the iPhone.CCleaner CCleaner provides a range of maintenance and support tools that are available for macOS, iOS, and other computing platforms.Disk Clean Pro Available in the macOS App Store, this utility provides automated monitoring and management of storage, file, and image use on a Mac.Mac Cleaner Pro This tool helps visualize, manage and free up storage space on a Mac. Pear Cleaner is the companion app that allows you to do the same on an iOS device.Malware/Threat detection toolsCybersecurity is one of the biggest challenges IT departments face. There was a time (when Apple devices commanded so little market share) that they had security by obscurity because it wasnt worth the effort for malicious actors to target them. Thats no longer the case.Pareto Security Pareto focuses on the small-business market with a non-invasive malware and security threat monitoring where traditional MDM might not be an available option for your small business.Suspicious Package A package management solution that allows you to create, edit and inspect packages.Intego Intego provides a number of different security tools, including malware detection, secure device wipe, network traffic content monitoring, and VPN service.AVG Security AVG is a well-known player in the device and data security management. For Macs, it provides malware-detection tools and additional security features to block potential phising attacks, content blocking and firewall features.Avast Like others on this list, Avast provides malware detection, content filtering, accessory (webcam) blocking, and ad blocking.Norton 360 Norton is a veteran of the cybersecurity battle. One of the most respected enterprise security vendors, it sports a wide range of personal, small business and enterprise security solutions for Apple and other devices.Bit Defender Bit Defender is an anti-malware company focused on the small business (and consumer) markets.Sophos Another veteran of the security crusade, Sophos provides enterprise malware detection.Kanji EDR Kandji is one of the top Apple-specific MDM providers; itsdeveloped a solution that uses AI to monitor device traffic for patterns of malware or a device-based security threat. It can proactively take corrective action, if possible.Remote support toolsRemote access tools are essential in todays IT landscape, particularly as were still in a time when remote work remains at relatively high levels. These tools offer various levels of remote support:Putty;Apple Remote Desktop;HelpWise;TeamViewer;GetScreen; and Apples Face Time.Deployment toolsMunki Munki and its related tools are excellent options for deploying software and packages to Macs in an enterprise environment.MIST Mist is a Mac utility that automatically downloads macOS firmwares and installers.Payload-free Package Creator A tool for creating, inspecting and managing macOS packages.ProfileCreator An open-source macOS app, Profile Creator offers a way to create standard or customized configuration profiles.InstallApplications InstallApplications is an open-source tool that can dynamically download packages for use with InstallApplication. This is handy for DEP bootstraps, allowing you to have a significantly reduced initial package that can easily be updated without repackaging the original.S.U.P.E.R.M.A.N. S.U.P.E.R.M.A.N. optimizes the macOS update experience for businesses.OnboardingtoolsDFU Blaster This tool from TwoCanoes can be used to put a Mac into DFU mode with the press of a single button and restore any version of macOS the Mac system can support.DEP Notify DEPNotify is a small, light-weight notification app that was designed to let your users know whats going on during a DEP enrollment.MDS Also from TwoCanoes, this tool can set up and provision Macs out of the box; it sports zero-touch configuration, similar to whats available with MDM or Apple Business Essentials. It can also manage local storage and Recovery mode/volumes.Backup and restoreErase-install This open -ource script automates downloading macOS installers and optionally erasing or upgrading macOS in a single process.Carbon Copy Cloner The grandaddy of back up, restore and disk cloning, Carbon Copy Cloner from Bombich has been a trusted Mac support tools for decades. CCC Mobile Backup is the iOS sister to Carbon Copy Cloner; it the handles volume management, encryption, verification, and backup versioning.User self-service optionsSelf-service options that allow users to find the answers they need on their own (and that allow IT to communicate directly with users), have become key tools as users have grown more technically literate. Responding this way saves a lot of overhead, and it gives users a safe/curated resource instead of something random they might find by searching Google or asking ChatGPT for help.Hello-IT Hello-IT is a set of self-support apps that can be provided by IT services to end users.swiftDialog Another open-source tool, swiftDialog creates user-focused messaging and notifications.Virtualization toolsVirtualization is at a crossroads on macOS at the moment. Intel Macs could easily virtualize Windows to run Mac and Windows apps side by side. But Apple Silicon Macs, since they arent x86-based, pose problems. Its possible to virtualize the ARM version of Windows and Parallels has announced an emulation feature to run x86 Windows versions, but the feature is in an early beta state at the moment.Virtualization can also be used to create macOS VMs for testing and related purposes. This ability continues on Apple Silicon, but there are some limitations, particularly if you need to virtualize older macOS versions.VirtualBox VirtualBox is Oracles free virtualization tool. It isnt anywhere nearly as full featured as other options, but it avoids potential costs. There are preview builds of the software for Apple Silicon, but they currently only support running ARM-based Linux distributions.Parallels Desktop Parallels makes the premier virtualization software for macOS and has even been named an authorized and trusted solution by Microsoft. The company offers various versions of Parallels Desktop, including Pro, Business and Enterprise editions that deliver varying feature sets and remote deployment and management of VMs in a business or enterprise environment. You can use Parallels to virtualize ARM versions of Windows with, as mentioned, support for x86 versions a work in progress.VMWare Fusion Fusions feels like the forgotten middle child of virtualization. It gets more updates than VirtualBox and can run ARM-based versions of Windows and Linux (though not macOS), but its feature set isnt as robust as Parallels particularly for enterprise environments.Ill admit that this list is quite long (and took a while to compile), but every tool here will be useful in some way to many enterprise operations, big and small. The key is to find the tools that you need as an Apple IT Pro and decide which works best in your specific environment.