2024 Architectural Visualization Salary Survey Report Explore the results of the 2024 CGarchitect Salary Survey, the definitive resource for understanding the architectural visualization industry. This video breaks down global salary trends, benefits, job satisfaction, and how factors like experience, education, and geography influence earnings. Key topics covered:Salary and benefits data across the industryExperience levels and their impact on payGlobal insights and trends shaping the archviz professionThis survey offers a unique look into the current state of architectural visualization and serves as an essential tool for professionals looking to benchmark their careers. Dont forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more insights into the archviz world! Full report available at: https://www.cgarchitect.com/features/articles/3f36949b-2024-archviz-industry-salary-survey-results Connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Discord!#ArchitecturalVisualization #ArchViz #SalarySurvey #3DRendering #CareerInsights

CSS just changed forever plus 7 new features you don't know about

Join our daily and weekly newsletters for the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage. Learn MoreA new tool called AnyChat is giving developers unprecedented flexibility by uniting a wide range of leading large language models (LLMs) under a single interface.Developed by Ahsen Khaliq (also known as AK), a prominent figure in the AI community and machine learning growth lead at Gradio, the platform allows users to switch seamlessly between models like ChatGPT, Googles Gemini, Perplexity, Claude, Metas LLaMA, and Grok, all without being locked into a single provider. AnyChat promises to change how developers and enterprises interact with artificial intelligence by offering a one-stop solution for accessing multiple AI systems.At its core, AnyChat is designed to make it easier for developers to experiment with and deploy different LLMs without the restrictions of traditional platforms. We wanted to build something that gave users total control over which models they can use, said Khaliq. Instead of being tied to a single provider, AnyChat gives you the freedom to integrate models from various sources, whether its a proprietary model like Googles Gemini or an open-source option from Hugging Face.Khaliqs brainchild is built on Gradio, a popular framework for creating customizable AI applications. The platform features a tab-based interface that allows users to easily switch between models, along with dropdown menus for selecting specific versions of each AI. AnyChat also supports token authentication, ensuring secure access to APIs for enterprise users. For models requiring paid API keyssuch as Geminis search capabilitiesdevelopers can input their own credentials, while others, like basic Gemini models, are available without an API key thanks to a free key provided by Khaliq.How AnyChat fills a critical gap in AI developmentThe launch of AnyChat comes at a critical time for the AI industry. As companies increasingly integrate AI into their operations, many have found themselves constrained by the limitations of individual platforms. Most developers currently have to choose between committing to a single model, such as OpenAIs GPT-4o, or spending significant time and resources integrating multiple models separately. AnyChat addresses this pain point by offering a unified interface that can handle both proprietary and open-source models, giving developers the flexibility to choose the best tool for the job at any given moment.This flexibility has already attracted interest from the developer community. In a recent update, a contributor added support for DeepSeek V2.5, a specialized model made available through the Hyperbolic API, demonstrating how easily new models can be integrated into the platform. The real power of AnyChat lies in its ability to grow, said Khaliq. The community can extend it with new models, making the potential of this platform far greater than any one model alone.What makes AnyChat useful for teams and companiesFor developers, AnyChat offers a streamlined solution to what has historically been a complicated and time-consuming process. Rather than building separate infrastructure for each model or being forced to use a single AI provider, users can deploy multiple models within the same app. This is particularly useful for enterprises that may need different models for different tasksan organization could use ChatGPT for customer support, Gemini for research and search capabilities, and Metas LLaMA for vision-based tasks, all within the same interface.The platform also supports real-time search and multimodal capabilities, making it a versatile tool for more complex use cases. For example, Perplexity models integrated into AnyChat offer real-time search functionality, a feature that many enterprises find valuable for keeping up with constantly changing information. On the other hand, models like LLaMA 3.2 provide vision support, expanding the platforms capabilities beyond text-based AI.Khaliq noted that one of the key advantages of AnyChat is its open-source support. We wanted to make sure that developers who prefer working with open-source models have the same access as those using proprietary systems, he said. AnyChat supports a broad range of models hosted on Hugging Face, a popular platform for open-source AI implementations. This gives developers more control over their deployments and allows them to avoid costly API fees associated with proprietary models.How AnyChat handles both text and image processingOne of the most exciting aspects of AnyChat is its support for multimodal AI, or models that can process both text and images. This capability is becoming increasingly crucial as companies look for AI systems that can handle more complex tasks, from analyzing images for diagnostic purposes to generating text-based insights from visual data. Models like LLaMA 3.2, which includes vision support, are key to addressing these needs, and AnyChat makes it easy to switch between text-based and multimodal models as needed.For many enterprises, this flexibility is a huge deal. Rather than investing in separate systems for text and image analysis, they can now deploy a single platform that handles both. This can lead to significant cost savings, as well as faster development times for AI-driven projects.AnyChats growing library of AI modelsAnyChats potential extends beyond its current capabilities. Khaliq believes that the platforms open architecture will encourage more developers to contribute models, making it an even more powerful tool over time. The beauty of AnyChat is that it doesnt just stop at whats available now. Its designed to grow with the community, which means the platform will always be at the cutting edge of AI development, he told VentureBeat.The community has already embraced this vision. In a discussion on Hugging Face, developers have noted how easy it is to add new models to the platform. With support for models like DeepSeek V2.5 already being integrated, AnyChat is poised to become a hub for AI experimentation and deployment.Whats next for AnyChat and AI developmentAs the AI landscape continues to evolve, tools like AnyChat will play a crucial role in shaping how developers and enterprises interact with AI technology. By offering a unified interface for multiple models and allowing for seamless integration of both proprietary and open-source systems, AnyChat is breaking down the barriers that have traditionally siloed different AI platforms.For developers, it offers the freedom to choose the best tool for the job without the hassle of managing multiple systems. For enterprises, it provides a cost-effective, scalable solution that can grow alongside their AI needs. As more models are added and the platform continues to evolve, AnyChat could very well become the go-to tool for anyone looking to leverage the full power of large language models in their applications.VB DailyStay in the know! Get the latest news in your inbox dailyBy subscribing, you agree to VentureBeat's Terms of Service.Thanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here.An error occured.

The Game Awards has revealed its 2024 list of nominees, with Astro Bot, Metaphor: ReFantazio and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth getting multiple nods.Read More

Thought Pennies cuts headcount as project loses funding"Our publisher changed strategic direction, and our previous project is now without funding," explains CCOImage credit: Thought Pennies News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Nov. 18, 2024 Thought Pennies has let go a number of staff after its publisher "changed strategic direction."In a statement posted to LinkedIn, chief creator officer Daniel Erickson said that despite "never miss[ing] a milestone" and "great feedback," the developer had no choice but to cut its headcount given a project is "now without funding.""Over the last three years at Thought Pennies we built something amazing," Erickson said (thanks, GameDeveloper). "We never missed a milestone, our feedback was great, our partnerships strong."We went from two people and a PowerPoint to a team of almost sixty heavily-vetted, incredibly independent, passionate professionals," the CCO continued. "Our publisher changed strategic direction, however, and our previous project is now without funding. Last week, we had to shrink the size of the studio."Erickson added that "every person you see with Thought Pennies next to their name and their brand-new 'open to work' tag was hand-picked and performed the improbable with our team," and whilst Thought Pennies would "love to grab each one of these people back when our next project arrives," "first and foremost we want them all to be in the perfect place for their lives and aspirations."It's unclear how many people have been impacted by the cuts, but its LinkedIn profile states the company employs 11-50 people.Thought Pennies' layoffs are just the latest in a long line of industry job cuts over the last eighteen months, mostly recently at Madrid-based Tequila Works.

Merak Capital launches $80m fund to support MENA games startupsInvestment firm aims to support developers, gaming technologies, and publishing platformsImage credit: Merak Capital News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on Nov. 18, 2024 Merak Capital has announced a $80 million games fund and accelerator for startups in the Asia, Middle East, and North Africa (MENA) games market.The investment firm aims to support 15 to 20 game industry startups via Exel by Merak, including developers, gaming technologies, publishing platforms, and other services.The accelerator will provide these companies with equity investment, mentorship, assistance in legal matters and relocation, and access to tools and resources.The startups will aim to develop "at least 15 commercially viable and monetizable games" as part of the program."Exel by Merak and its gaming accelerator program is a testament to Merak Capital's commitment to building a vibrant games ecosystem in Saudi Arabia," said Merak Capital CEO and founder Abdullah Altamami."At Merak, we leverage our industry expertise and global network to provide selected startups not only with equity investment but also with the tailored resources and strategic support essential for their success."By offering mentorship from world-class experts, support services from gaming industry experts, and access to a leverageable network, we aim to empower these startups to drive innovation and establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for gaming excellence."Faisal Sedrani, vice president and leader of Exel by Merak, added: "Our accelerator is designed to offer financial support and help entrepreneurs tap into a network of industry experts, empowering them to transform their games into sustainable gaming companies."

Justin Carter, Contributing EditorNovember 18, 20242 Min ReadImage via Thought Pennies Entertainment.At a GlanceThought Pennies was founded in 2020, and these layoffs continue from its previous staff reductions last October.Employees at RPG studio Thought Pennies have been recently let go, according to CCO Daniel Erickson. On LinkedIn, he explained the layoffs came after funding on a previous project was pulled by its unnamed publisher, which opted to go in a new "strategic direction.""Last week, we had to shrink the size of the studio," he wrote. "Every person you see with Thought Pennies next to their name and their brand-new 'open to work' tag was hand-picked and performed the improbable with our team." This is its second round of layoffs within a year, and this new set of eliminations further shows the industry is still going through tough times.Around this time last year, Thought Pennies had cut several positions. At the time, the studio was working on what had been previously deemed a "multiplatform, social role-playing game," but it's unclear if this or another project was scrapped. The all-remote studio was founded by 2020 by mobile developer Tim Ernst, and has spent the years since operating in "stealth mode."Erickson went on to say the company would "love to grab each one of these people back when our next project arrives, but first and foremost we want them all to be in the perfect place for their lives and aspirations."Like last year, 2024 has been very layoff-heavy, and in some cases the result of cancelled projects or lost funding. Last week, Tequila Works went insolvent shortly after it had to cancel an unannounced project, and ProbablyMonsters recently cut staff from its internal Battle Barge team after a project was similarly gutted.The governments of some countries have started funding programs in an attempt to alleviate the issue and aid the studios (and workers) who reside there. Meanwhile, studios like Tales of Kenzera creator Surgent Studios are seeking out funding on their own, and publicly showing off projects as a way to lure potential partners.Read more about:LayoffsAbout the AuthorJustin CarterContributing Editor, GameDeveloper.comA Kansas City, MO native, Justin Carter has written for numerous sites including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his writing can be found at io9 over on Gizmodo. Don't ask him about how much gum he's had, because the answer will be more than he's willing to admit.See more from Justin CarterDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like

Justin Carter, Contributing EditorNovember 18, 2024Image via Valve.At a GlanceValve developers recall the 2002 lawsuit with Vivendi that nearly bankrupted the company and prevented Half-Life 2's release.This weekend marked Half-Life 2's 20th anniversary, and NoClip released a new documentary covering the history of Valve's first-person shooter. And the reason for the game's existence can be owed in part to a Korean-speaking intern who came into the picture during a tumultuous legal battle.In the documentary, developers at the studio discussed its 2002 lawsuit against Vivendi, which gained the retail publishing rights for Counter-Strike after acquiring Sierra. Vivendi begun licensing out the multiplayer game to cybercafes, leading to Valve filing a lawsuit after Vivendi did not agree the cybercafe fell out of its original purview.According to COO Scott Lynch, the two companies were already in the throes of "torturous" negotiations, so the lawsuit prompted Vivendi to "go World War III." Attorney Karl Quackenbush added the Seattle court sided with Valve, which led to Vivendi hiring a new law firm that hit the studio with multiple counterclaims, including the cancellation of the companies' initial 2001 agreement and Vivendi acquiring the entire Half-Life IP and preventing Valve from doing Steam.In Lynch's words, Vivendi's aim was clear: "'We're going to put Valve out of business, and then we'll bankrupt the two of you'" he said when describing their alleged strategy.Valve CEO Gabe Newell flatly called it an intimidation move, one helped by Vivendi knowing Valve's financial situation. "This was really about an assertion of power. [...] They were just trying to crank up our legal costs as another way of draining [time and money] from the company."The Valve/Vivendi lawsuit took a toll on the studio, even as developers were mostly said to be siloed off from it so they could focus on making Half-Life 2. Even so, there was concerns the game could never come out, even if development did finish: at the time, Vivendi was considerably larger, and Newell remarked that at time, it was common for publishers to "bully" developers in this way.The tide turned in Valve's favor after Vivendi made a massive mistakeBoth Newell and Valve were "pretty close" to going bankrupt, but things turned in Valve's favor after it asked for documents covering Vivendi's activity in Asia. The documents were all in Korean, which Newell and others speculated may have been another way to drain its resources.But that summer, the studio employed an intern named Andrew who natively spoke the language and asked him to pore through the documents. He discovered conversations in Korean which directly implicated Vivendi in destroying documents regarding its deal with Valve "as directed"a potentially illegal move that Quackenbush admitted to never seeing laid out quite like this in his career as a lawyer.Valve presented those conversations of the evidence being destroyed to the judge, who subsequently sided with the studio and halted Vivendi from further contesting the suit. In the end, Valve secured ownership of Half-Life and Counter-Strike, and ended Vivendi's cybercafe deal. The ability to distribute its own games led to the creation of Steam, which launched in September 2003 and has become a major (and often controversial) fixture of the game industry.You can learn more about Half-Life 2's development, from its physics engine to the real-world faces they used for the game's characters, in NoClip's documentary.Read more about:ValveLawsuitsAbout the AuthorJustin CarterContributing Editor, GameDeveloper.comA Kansas City, MO native, Justin Carter has written for numerous sites including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his writing can be found at io9 over on Gizmodo. Don't ask him about how much gum he's had, because the answer will be more than he's willing to admit.See more from Justin CarterDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like

Google now lets you manage Nest Cam IQ indoor and outdoor cameras which were both released in 2017 through a public preview in the Google Home app, meaning that you can now technically manage all Nest cams from as early as 2015 from the Home app instead of the Nest app.Google has been slowly making it possible to bring Nest cams into Home over the past year and change. When you transfer your Nest Cam IQ cameras over to Home, youll be able to review video history in event and timeline views, access camera settings, and more without switching between the Nest and Google Home apps, Google says. From Home, Google also lets you view live streams from cameras in your favorites tab and set up automations.You can join the public preview from inside the Home app or at home.google.com. If youre already enrolled in Public Preview, youll see prompts in both the Nest app and in the Google Home app under the Favorites Tab with instructions when youre able to transfer your Nest Cam from the Nest app to the Google Home app, Google says. Access will start to roll out this week. And if you want to reverse transfer your Nest Cam IQ indoor and outdoor cameras back to the Nest app, youll be able to do that, according to Google.RelatedGoogle also now lets you manage any Nest Hub Max devices from the Home app if youre enrolled in the public preview. However, unlike with the Nest Cam IQ cameras, if you bring Nest Hub Max devices into the Home app, you cant transfer them back to the Nest app.Google already let you transfer the Nest Cam Indoor (wired, first-gen), Nest Cam Outdoor (wired, first-gen), and the Nest Hello / Nest Doorbell (wired, first-gen) to the Home app. The company says it will continue to support the Nest app and that there is no change to the Nest app experience today. Now, the only things that work in the Nest app but not the Home app are the Nest Protect smoke detector and the Nest x Yale door lock.

Apple currently sells MacBooks equipped with its own M-series chips in a wide range of sizes and price points. It discontinued the M1 MacBook Air to make room for the latest models, but some retailers are still selling the last-gen laptop starting at $649 a far cry from the $2,499 starting price of the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro. Purchasing a new MacBook can certainly be a pricey endeavor, but thankfully, finding a deal on more recent models is actually not that difficult. Apple has recently shaken up the starting RAM for several models, creating more options than ever before and resulting in steeper discounts on older models.Although Macs may not experience perpetual discounts, its not uncommon to see various models discounted by as much as $400. Alternatively, purchasing refurbished options directly from Apple is another way to save money without waiting for the changing deal winds to blow your way. Its also the only option to find certain SKUs of older models as Apple continues to move forward on newer releases. Apples refurbished store provides a one-year warranty on all products and generally offers discounts of up to 15 to 20 percent off the price of a new unit.But if you want to buy new and youre looking to save whatever you can, here are the best MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini deals available.RelatedThe best MacBook Air dealsM1 MacBook AirTheM1 MacBook Air was considered Apples entry-level laptop before the M3 models arrival prompted Apple to stop selling it directly in its online and brick-and-mortar stores. But while the redesigned M2 version of the MacBook Air (which has been with us for a while as well) seems poised to take over as the top value choice, the 2020 version with an M1 processor and fanless design remains available at some retailers as a solid budget option. Its best suited for typical productivity work, with a comfortable keyboard, an excellent trackpad, and all-day battery life. For many people, the M1 Air still ticks the right boxes when it comes to performance and price, even if its long enough in the tooth to have been fully dethroned in our guide to the best laptops.The base MacBook Air with the M1 chip comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Its becoming harder to find in new condition, but Walmart has committed to keeping it around for the foreseeable future and is currently discounting it to $649 ($350 off) a special sale price thats hung around since the retailer ran its counter-Prime Day promotions in July. The M1 Air may be a few years old now, but its still hard to beat in terms of value, especially when it comes to everyday performance and battery life. 2020 MacBook Air with M1 (256GB)$649$99935% off$649$649$99935% offThe 2020 MacBook Air has been discontinued but remains a great value and is still easy to find on sale at some retailers. It comes outfitted with the companys M1 chip in one of three different colors (silver, space gray, and gold).$649 at WalmartM2 MacBook AirThe M2 MacBook Air is a super slim, lightweight laptop with a 1080p webcam and a handy magnetic charger that frees up one of its two USB-C ports. Although its M2 processor didnt kick-start a revolution like the M1 generation, its a great performer for any user, including more demanding creatives.It does have some slight downsides, though, including slower storage in the base 256GB configuration and a notch cutout in its otherwise excellent screen. But even so, Apple hasnt offered a more travel-friendly laptop since the days of the polarizing 12-inch MacBook, and this prior-gen model was once good enough to top our list of the best laptops.RelatedThe M2-powered MacBook Air 13 from 2022 seems to be on its way out, with availability for the 15-inch version waning. But, outside of opting for the newer M3 models (see further below), you can at least get the 13-inch M2 model with 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and an eight-core GPU at Amazon in select colors starting at $729 ($270 off) when you clip the on-page coupon. You can also get the same model with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for as low as $949 ($250 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo; however, thats a significant premium for a configuration that offers less RAM than the base model. If youre looking for a bigger display, Best Buy is still selling the 15-inch MacBook Air M2 in its base 8GB / 256GB configuration for $1,049 ($250 off) or with 512GB of storage for $1,249 (also $250 off). Again, keep in mind that Apple now sells the 15-inch Air with an upgraded 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $1,299.13-inch MacBook Air with M2 (2022)$729$99927% off$729$729$99927% offThe 2022 MacBook Air is a thin, lightweight device powered by Apples M2 chip. The M2 model touts an improved 1080p webcam and a better display than its predecessor while retaining features like long battery life and MagSafe charging.M3 MacBook AirThe M1 Air and its wedge had to perish for the M3 MacBook Air to exist. Apples updated entry-level laptops arrived in both 13- and 15-inch variants simultaneously this time, bringing with them slightly faster performance and a slate of minor upgrades. Apple added Wi-Fi 6E, for one, along with an additional Thunderbolt port that allows you to use two external displays when the lid is closed. They also continue to offer 18 hours of battery life and a MagSafe charging port, though the M3 Air starts at a slightly higher price than its predecessor at $1,099. That said, Apple recently discontinued the M3 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM and now considers the 16GB / 256GB model as the starting configuration.RelatedRight now, the entry-level model with 16GB RAM and 256GB of storage is on sale at Amazon for $899 ($200 off) thanks to an on-page coupon. You can also find a discount on the 16GB RAM / 512GB model, which drops it to $1,099.99 (also $200 off) in select colors at B&H Photo and Amazon (the latter with an on-page coupon).As for the 15-inch Air, you can currently grab it with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $999 ($300 off) at Amazon. However, the 16GB / 256GB model may be the better value now, as its available for $1,099 ($200 off) at Amazon when you clip the on-page coupon. You can also get it in the 16GB / 512GB configuration at Amazon and B&H Photo in select colors starting for $1,299 ($200 off).13-inch MacBook Air with M3 (2024)$900$109918% off$900$900$109918% offThe MacBook Air M3 is a jack-of-all-trades, with a balanced combination of performance and power efficiency. It also now supports dual displays with the lid closed, and the storage speed is noticeably faster. You dont need to think about if this laptop will meet your needs it just will. Read our review.$900 at Amazon (16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)$1099 at Amazon (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)15-inch MacBook Air with M3 (2024)$999$129923% off$999$999$129923% offThe 15-inch MacBook Air is also equipped with Apples M3 chip. It features a larger display and better speaker array than the 13-inch MacBook Air M3. Read our review.The best MacBook Pro dealsDuring its Scary Fast event last year, Apple announced new MacBook Pros that use M3 processors including a new 14-inch model that replaced the 13-inch M2 model. Apple followed the M3 models up with M4-based machines in October, and were already starting to see the discounts on them. That being said, the last-gen M3 models are often the better bargain, as theyre still relatively easy to find and receive steeper discounts.M3 and M3 Pro MacBook ProThe entry point into the MacBook Pro world is a MagSafe-equipped MacBook Pro that uses the existing 14-inch design and slightly pares it down. The 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro has the same 3024 x 1964 resolution display and 120Hz refresh rate as its pricier siblings, and in addition to a MagSafe charging port, it has an SD card slot and HDMI port. However, it starts with just 8GB of RAM and lacks the third USB-C / Thunderbolt port found on the M3 Pro and M3 Max models (as well as Thunderbolt 4 speeds).RelatedThe M3 MacBook Pro may be a bit of an odd middle child in some ways, but its still a very good laptop especially if you can find a deal that puts more price distance between the M3 model and the M3 Pro version. Fortunately, the base model with 512GB of storage and 8GB of RAM is currently on sale for its all-time low of $1,199 ($200 off) at Best Buy. The step-up configuration with 8GB of RAM and 1TB of storage is also on sale at Amazon for $1,349.99 ($350 off) with an on-page coupon, which is its lowest price to date. 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 (2023) $1299$159919% off$1299$1299$159919% offApples previous-gen 14-inch laptop powered by the M3 processor uses a similar design to the pricier 14-inch MacBook Pro with Apples Pro- / Max-series chips but is offered at a lower price with similar ports and less RAM.$1299 at Best Buy (8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)$1350 at Amazon (8GB RAM, 1TB SSD)The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros of late 2023 are another round of spec-bump models, much like their previous 2022 incarnations. Now starting with the M3 Pro chip (or the speedier M3 Max) and 18GB of base RAM instead of 16GB, the new models remain targeted at creatives doing content work like video editing, photo processing, and other graphical work. Like their predecessors and the M1 Pro generation before that, they offer MagSafe charging, three USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI-out, and a full-size SD card slot, with prices starting at $1,999 for the 14-inch and $2,499 for the 16-inch. You can, of course, spec them up the wazoo if youre willing to pay more, as exhibited by the review unit Apple sent us of the 16-inch model, which cost an eye-watering $7,199.But rest assured, versions that actual humans buy now receive regular discounts. For instance, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro (11-core CPU / 14-core GPU), 18GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD is going for $1,699 ($200 off) at Best Buy and B&H Photo. It was $500 off not long ago, making the current discount good but not that good. As for the base 16-inch Pro which comes with an M3 Pro chip, 18GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD its on sale starting at $1,999 ($400 off) at Best Buy.14-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Pro (2023)$1699$199915% off$1699$1699$199915% offThe 14-inch MacBook Pro from 2023 comes in a space black color and is configurable with either an M3 Pro or M3 Max chip. It looks a lot like the previous M2 generation, but spec-wise, the M3 Pro models start with a 12-core CPU, 18GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD.16-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Pro (2023)$1999$239917% off$1999$1999$239917% offThe 16-inch MacBook Pro remains Apples largest laptop for creators and power users. The 2023 model includes a spec bump to the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, with a claimed battery life of up to 22 hours, and is configurable with up to 128GB of RAM. $1999 at Best Buy (18GB RAM, 512GB SSD)M4 and M4 Pro MacBook ProApple released the M4-series MacBook Pro on November 8th. Notably, the base 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro is the first to launch with 16GB of RAM double the previous generations starting memory and 512GB of storage for the same $1,599 starting price as the last-gen model. It also picks up a third Thunderbolt 4 port, which is positioned on the right side and supports dual external monitors while the lid is opened. Also new this year is an upgraded 12-megapixel webcam that supports Center Stage and a new Desk View feature, plus the option to add a nano-texture display for an extra $150. Its also available in space black.RelatedThe 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips also received additional RAM, bringing them up to 24GB. They start with 512GB of storage, too, and retail for $1,999 and $2,499, respectively. While the total port selection hasnt changed compared to their respective M3 Pro and M3 Max counterparts, youll get faster Thunderbolt 5 ports on these more substantial models. Thats in addition to the SD slot, dedicated full-sized HDMI port, and 3.5mm jack. They also have the upgraded 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam with Desk View and the optional nano-texture display option.Deals for the M4 MacBook Pro have already started to roll in at Amazon. Right now, for example, the base 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is down to $1,399 ($200 off), while the 24GB / 512GB variant with an M4 Pro chip (12-core CPU / 16-core GPU) is down to $1,799.99 ($200 off) thanks to an on-page coupon. The base 16-inch MacBook Pro is also on sale at Amazon with an M4 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $2,249.99 ($250 off) when you clip the on-page coupon.MacBook Pro with M4$1399$159913% off$1399$1399$159913% offThe entry-level MacBook Pro with M4 starts with 16GB of RAM double that of its predecessor for the same starting price of $1,599. It also gets an extra USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 port and comes in a new space black option.$1399 at Amazon (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)$1599 at Apple (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro$1799$199910% off$1799$1799$199910% offThe 14-inch MacBook Pro with a 12-core / 16-core M4 Pro chip starts with 24GB of RAM a 6GB increase over the prior generation. It also has a 512GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, an optional nano-texture display, and a 12-megapixel webcam.$1799 at Amazon (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)$1999 at Apple (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro$2250$249910% off$2250$2250$249910% offThe 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro starts with 24GB of RAM and offers more computing cores (14 for the CPU and 20 for the GPU) compared to the 14-inch model. It also picks up Thunderbolt 5 ports and a new 12-megapixel camera with support for Apples Desk View mode.$2250 at Amazon (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)$2499 at Apple (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)The best Mac Mini dealsTheres a new Mac Mini in town, as M4-based models arrived earlier this year. Apple increased the starting RAM from 8GB to 16GB, as it did with the 2024 MacBook Pro and 2024 iMac. That makes Apples newest desktop an excellent value, even if you factor in the more aggressive discounts weve recently seen on the M2 Mac Mini.M2 and M2 Pro Mac MiniThe 2023 Mac Mini comes in a base configuration with Apples M2 processor or a more powerful configuration with the M2 Pro, both of which have proven to be some of Apples most value-packed computers to date. The M4 version is poised to take that crown, but the M2 Mac Mini is still kicking around and starts with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD for $599, while the M2 Pro model features a superior processor, gigabit ethernet, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $1,299. The latter model also features an expanded port selection, from two USB-C ports to four. Its almost like getting an M2 Pro-powered MacBook Pro 14 but in desktop form. However, keep in mind that buying any Mac Mini means you have to provide your own mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Right now, the base model with an M2 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD is on sale for $469 (about $130 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo. Apple Mac Mini with M2$469$59922% off$469$469$59922% offThe last-gen Mac Mini starts at $599 for an M2-powered model with an eight-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. The Mini can also be had with the M2 Pro chip, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and a more robust port selection for $1,249.$469 at Amazon (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)$469 at B&H Photo (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)M4 and M4 Pro Mac MiniDeals on the previous-gen Mac Mini are drying up, but you can start looking toward the newest models. The M4 Mac Mini starts with an M4 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage for $599. Thats an incredible value for a tiny desktop computer that can rival the Mac Studio and Mac Pro when it comes to certain tasks, including light gaming, 4K video editing, and 3D modeling. Vertically, the M4 Mac Mini is a fair bit thicker than the M2 model at 2 inches tall, yet it measures a mere 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep.In addition to the odd decision to place the power button on its underside, Apple moved the 3.5mm headphone jack and two of its five USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports to the front. The rear features an additional three thunderbolt ports, HDMI-out, and a gigabit ethernet port. You can also get the Mac Mini with an M4 Pro chipset starting at $1,399, which comes with faster Thunderbolt 5 storage and the option to upgrade to 10-gigabit ethernet for another $100.RelatedRight now, you can get the base Mac Mini at Amazon with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD for $549 ($50 off) when you clip the on-page coupon. Stepping up to the version with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD will currently run you $689.99 (about $109 off) at Amazon, or you can get it with 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $889.99 (also around $109 off) at Amazon. The M4 Pro model is also a bit cheaper at Amazon, where you can pick it up for $1,269.99 (about $129 off) with an on-page coupon.Mac Mini with M4$549$5998% off$549$549$5998% offThe latest Mac Mini features Apples upgraded M4 chips and a smaller build than the prior model. Each configuration now starts with 16GB of RAM and includes five total Thunderbolt ports, gigabit ethernet, HDMI, and a 3.5mm jack.