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MacworldAt a glanceExpert's RatingProsSuper fast 6GBps reading, 5GBps writing via Thunderbolt 5Rugged and weatherproofHandsome designA bargain compared to Apple internal SSD upgradesConsExpensive compared to Thunderbolt 3/USBRequires an M4 Pro/Max Mac for full 80Gbps performanceLimited compatibility with older hardware and software.Our Verdict We love that the new Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD from OWC is almost as fast as Apples internal storage, but its not cheap and backwards compatibility isnt all-encompassing.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayIf youre looking to take full advantage of the Thunderbolt 5 ports on your M4 Pro Mac mini or M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro and possibly circumvent Apples avaricious storage upgrade pricing, you should consider OWCs Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 external SSD. The Envoy Ultra is hardly cheap, but its nowhere near what Apple charges.On the downside, there are more backwards compatibility issues than expected.This is the compatibility statement from the Thunderbolt 5 PR deck. Broadly apparently doesnt mean Completely. Especially with older software and hardware. Thunderbolt 5 compatibilityWhile the speed is alluring, and Thunderbolt 5 itself is backwards compatible with older Thunderbolt specs, its not nearly as backwards compatible as you might think, we wish, or is hinted at.First, you need a Thunderbolt 5-enabled Mac or Windows PC to take full advantage of Thunderbolt 5s 80Gbps transfer rates. 80Gbps? Yes. While you may have seen 120GBps quoted in some articles as Thunderbolt 5s top speed, thats only unidirectional for displays. Bi-directional, as with storage, is limited to 80Gbps.The first compatibility issue is that to utilize a Thunderbolt 5 drive, Apple silicon Macs need either macOS 14 Sonoma, or macOS 15 Sequoia. Thunderbolt 3 Macs with Intel chips must run Sequoia. Note that the Envoy Ultra did enumerate on my Mac Studio Thunderbolt 4 bus when I was back on Ventura, but it wasnt available in Disk Utility or Finder.Also, while the Envoy Ultras captive cable prevents me from testing it on older Thunderbolt 1/2 using an adapter, the image above indicates that this is off the table. OWC confirmed that Thunderbolt 5 wont work with the older standards, so stick with Thunderbolt 3 equipment for older Macs.OWCs Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5SSD.Jon L. JacobiAdditionally, in my testing for PCWorld, there was a rather large issue with the official test bed. That issue is that the Envoy Ultra completely failed to register in the BIOS, Disk Manager, or Thunderbolt utility. Oops. This is despite updating all the drivers, removing everything non-essential, and even updating Windows 11 to the latest release on the test bed. Eventually, a BIOS/Thunderbolt firmware update from Asus solved the issue.This iffy backwards compatibility could be a problem if youre working in a mixed operating system environment. Some older equipment might not be updated.FeaturesThe OWC Envoy Ultra shares the handsome, sculpted styling of the Thunderbolt 3 40Gbps/USB 3.2 10Gbps Envoy Pro FX. However, its a bit larger chunk of black metal, measuring about 0.75 inches thick, 2.8 inches wide, and 5 inches long. The Envoy Ultra weighs in at a satisfyingly substantial 10.5 ounces or so.The OWC Envoy Ultra attached to the MacBook Pro M4 Pro used for testing.I already mentioned the captive cable, which is for weatherproofing (its not IP-rated, but it seems as if it could pass the tests) and making sure you cant lose it. It does, however, make it a bit harder to stow the Envoy Ultra in tight quarters. Also, as with all captive cables, you should avoid stressing the attachment point for longevitys sake.The OWC Envoy Ultra carries a three-year warranty, but no TBW (Terabytes that may be Written) rating was given.PriceIf you thought a Thunderbolt 5 SSD was going to be cheap.well, I have some interesting real estate properties you might be interested in. The Envoy Ultra costs a cool $400 in its 2TB form and $600 at 4TB.Given that you can grab a Thunderbolt 3/USB4 SSD for roughly half that, and a 20/10Gbps unit for far less than half, youd better really need or want the speed. Note however, that despite a new 20Gbps 3.22 tunneling protocol that may work with docking stations, 3.22 SSDs still drop to 10Gbps when attached directly to a Thunderbolt 5 port. 20Gbps USB4 SSDs will operate at full speed attached to Thunderbolt 5.Then again, compared with Apples egregious price gouging for internal storage upgrades ($1,200 for 4TB???), the Envoy Ultra is a fantastic bargain.PerformanceShort answer: Very fast. Benchmarks showed anywhere from 5.2GBps (Blackmagicdesigns Disk Speed Test), to 6.5GBps reading (AmorphousDiskMark), to near 7GBps reading and 5.57GBps writing (ATTO). Even my real-world read of approximately 330GB of .mov files showed an excellent turn of formalmost 6GBps reading. Alas, writing was considerably slower, only around 1.5GBps.Note I copied to and from the same M4 Pro MacBook Pro (2TB) that I ran the synthetic benchmarks on. By way of comparison, and for the enlightenment of those who might be looking to avoid paying ridiculous sums for Apples internal storage, I included the benchmark results from the MacBooks internal SSD. These are shown to the right of the OWC Envoy Ultras in the images below.The difference between the internal and external storage isnt as severe as you might expect. Long story short, read results are remarkably close for the most part, though the internal SSD was a good deal faster writing under nearly all circumstances. Note that the fastest external SSD weve previously tested, the USB4 Adata SE920 only just exceeded 3GBps reading. YesVery fast.Blackmagicdesigns Disk Speed test showed consistent 5.2GBps performance in both reading and writing for the OWC Envoy Ultra (left). The Internal M4 Pro MacBook Pro SSD results are shown on the right.AmorphousDiskMark showed better numbers for the Envoy Ultra readinga rather scintillating 6.44GBps. Not that far off the MacBook Pro M4 Pros internal SSD. Approximately 5GBps writing from the Envoy Ultra seems to be the consensus from all three synthetic benchmarks.AmorphousDiskMark showed the Envoy Ultra reading far faster than Disk Speed test. Nearly 6.5GBps. ATTO Disk Benchmark paints largely the same picture, though read speeds for the Envoy Ultra actually exceeded those of the MacBook Pro M4 Pros internal SSD. Writes? No, though around 5GBps is hardly anything to sneeze at. ATTO Disk Benchmark paints largely the same picture, though read speeds for the Envoy Ultra actually exceeded those of the MacBook Pro M4 Pros internal SSD. Writes? No, though around 5GBps is hardly anything to sneeze at. Although our real-world file writes didnt match the benchmarks, they were still quite good. In total, the OWC Envoy Ultra is a very nice upgrade performance-wise from the average Thunderbolt 3 SSD, and a worthy companion for any Thunderbolt 5 Mac.Note that the SSD inside the Envoy Ultra is the Auro Pro IV. You can read more about its performance (good at the time, not so much now) in sister publication PCWorlds review. That said, the Envoy Ultra, once running on our updated test bed, turned in a very, very slow 450GB write time.Should you buy the OWC Envoy Ultra?If you want, and can afford the absolute fastest storage for your new Thunderbolt 5 Mac, then the answer is yes. Have at it. Also, its a heck of a lot cheaper than Apples rapaciously priced internal storage and nearly as fast. That said, Thunderbolt 3/USB4 SSDs are still plenty fast, cheaper, and far more compatible with older Mac hardware and software. Ill leave the value equation up to you.

MacworldJealous of those fancy new Macs with their Apple Intelligence that magically enhances photos and videos? Well, you dont need to upgrade your perfectly good Mac just to get in on the AI action. This photo and video enhancer adds the same capabilities to your machineno Apple Store visit required. Just pay $35.99 for a lifetime download (reg. $119).VideoProcs AI-powered video enhancer is like having a whole team of editors at your fingertips. It lets you edit, convert, and resize even those massive 4K UHD videos without your MacBook sounding like its about to launch into orbit. But its not just about speed; VideoProc also uses AI to boost video quality. Think smoother footage, sharper images, and even noise reduction.And if youre into photography, VideoProc has you covered there as well. It can help you touch up photos, create slideshows with music, and even convert images between different formats. Basically, its like having a mini version of Apples Photos app with Apple Intelligence.Get a VideoProc lifetime license here for $35.99 (reg. $119). You wont find a better price anywhere else.VideoProc Converter: Lifetime Family License $35.99See DealStackSocial prices subject to change.

MacworldPicture your beloved AirTag, but so flat it actually fits in your wallet. Yup, no awkward bulge in your pocket to keep track of your cards and cashjust this wallet tracker in the shape of a credit card.Bold claim: These KeySmart SmartCards might be better than the AirTag. They work with Apples Find My app, are Qi-wireless rechargeable, and are almost the same price during Cyber Week! Get this AirTag alternative for only $29.97 with free shipping through December 8 (reg. $39.99) AirTags are $29.Unfamiliar with how Find My trackers work? Once paired with your iPhone or other Apple devices, you can track your wallet, luggage, or passport on a live map. You also get notifications when its left behind and play sounds to help locate it.Another perk of these wallet tracker cards is that you dont have to purchase a keychain holder like you do with the AirTag. They have a lanyard slot if you want to add them to your keys or ID reel.Get a KeySmart SmartCard for $29.97 with free shipping (reg. $39.99) during Cyber Week. Deal ends December 8 at 11:59 p.m. PT and no coupon is needed.KeySmart SmartCard Thinnest Card Tracker & Works with Apple Find My $29.97See DealStackSocial prices subject to change.

In the era of digital transformation, public safety stands at a critical crossroads. Law enforcement agencies globally are under increasing scrutiny to enhance transparency, efficiency, and trust within their communities. Against this backdrop, Kazakhstans Digital Policeman initiative has emerged as a shining example of technological innovation in policing.The initiative leverages state-of-the-art technologies like smart badges and military-grade mobile devices, designed to empower officers while ensuring accountability. These smart badges go beyond conventional body cameras, offering features such as continuous, tamper-proof video recording, GPS tracking, encrypted data handling, and emergency alert systems. This cutting-edge approach has turned routine policing into a sophisticated operation backed by real-time data and insights.Why it matters: Key impactsThe numbers speak volumes. Since its inception, the Digital Policeman project has documented over 6,000 bribery attempts, recorded 443,765 administrative violations, and solved 2,613 crimesall while saving Kazakhstans national budget $6 million. With over 10,000 smart badges and 21,000 tablets deployed, the project is reshaping the very fabric of public safety.These advancements extend beyond technology. By addressing the limitations of traditional tools, such as unreliable video recorders prone to tampering, the project has reduced corruption, streamlined workflows, and enhanced officer safety. Moreover, officers now have access to tools that enable quicker decision-making and more effective resource allocation, fostering greater community trust.Global leadership in law enforcement innovationThe success of the Digital Policeman initiative positions Kazakhstan as a leader in police modernization, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with global pioneers like the United States, Korea, and Scotland. The initiatives integration of secure, military-grade technology sets a benchmark, inspiring other nations, including Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, to explore similar advancements.Looking ahead: The future of public safetyKazakhstan is not stopping here. The initiative is poised for expansion, with plans to incorporate advanced features like facial recognition and direct integration with law enforcement databases. These enhancements will further amplify operational efficiency, enabling real-time communication of alerts and seamless access to critical information during patrols.Beyond policing, this technology holds potential applications in other public safety domains such as traffic management, fisheries supervision, and forestry oversight. By extending the reach of smart badges, Kazakhstan continues to redefine the possibilities of public safety in the digital age.Why read the full spotlight paper?This article only scratches the surface of the profound impact the Digital Policeman project is making. For a comprehensive look at the strategies, technologies, and lessons learned from this groundbreaking initiative, download the full spotlight paper. Discover how Kazakhstan is charting the future of law enforcement, balancing technological innovation with community trust.Unlock the future of policing. Download the full report today!