We may earn a commission from links on this page.When Tim Cook posted "There's something in the AIR" on X this week, it seemed to imply the company was soon dropping the hotly anticipated M4 MacBook Air. After all, it's the only major Mac (aside from the Mac Studio) that Apple hasn't upgraded with the M4 chip, so it only makes sense the company would refresh the line. As it turns out, however, Apple had a different plan for consumers. If you want a new MacBook Air, you'll still need to settle for the M3 chip. If you want a new iPad Air, however, you're in luck.On Tuesday, Apple announced two brand new iPads: an iPad Air, which now sports the M3 chip, and a base iPad, that now runs the A16 chip. As with any new devices, both of these new iPads come with perks previous models didn't, and, as such, it might seem like the logical choice for anyone looking for a new Apple tablet to pick up. If you had your eye on a new iPad Air, the M3 would be the best one, right? The thing is, I don't think so. Not much new with the M3 iPad AirObjectively, yes: This new iPad Air is the best one Apple has ever made. It has Apple's M3 chip, which Apple says is nearly two times faster than the M1 iPad Air (notice how they skip the M2 iPad Air here). That M3 chip enables hardware-accelerated ray tracing, a first for the iPad Air, so lighting effects in games and graphically intensive apps should look better.The thing is, the M3 chip is the only thing that's new on this iPad Air. Everything else is exactly the same as it is with the M2 iPad Air: You have your choice between an 11-inch and 13-inch device, in the same four color options; the displays are identical whether you go M2 or M3; the front and rear cameras are exactly the same; both use USB-C and Touch ID in the top button (no Face ID on these iPads); both devices are compatible with Apple Intelligence (if you even care about that); both have the same battery life; and both support the same Apple Pencils. If someone placed both iPads side by side, you'd never know which was which. In fact, if you used these iPads side by side for a week, you probably wouldn't be able to tell which was which. While the M3 chip is faster than the M2 chip, it likely won't feel that way in real-world use, considering the chips here have the same number of CPU and GPU cores. The M3 chip in the MacBook Air, on the other hand, has two extra GPU cores compared to the M2 MacBook Air. As such, the difference in performance between these two iPads is going to be lesswhich is to say, imperceptible to the vast majority of people who use an iPad.So, yes, the M3 iPad Air is the best you can buy. But that's because it slightly improves on the already-great tablet Apple made in the last go-around, which really only slightly improved on the tablet that came before it. The only other new iPad Air announcement Apple made on Tuesday was a refreshed Magic Keyboard, but even it is compatible with older iPad Air models. You should buy an old iPadI love my iPad. I use it every day to catch up on the news, message friends, and browse the web. There was zero reason I needed an M1 chip to power those tasks back in 2021 when I bought the tablet, and, to be honest, virtually zero reason I need that M1 chip in 2025. Everything I do on an iPad, my iPad Air from 2014 could probably handle (albeit very slowly).It's a problem plaguing the iPad line in general. Apple builds these tablets with incredible hardware, a fantastic combination of high quality screen and powerful processorsand yet, it all powers the same, souped-up version of iOS. iPadOS, for the most part, simply cannot push the M-series chips anywhere close to their limits. Sure, there are professional apps and demanding games available on the App Store to give your iPad something to work with. But really, iPadOS is nothing for even my M1 iPad Pro to handleeven when I have multiple windows open at once with Stage Manager. The point is, you probably don't need the M3 chip in the latest iPad Air. Hell, you probably don't need the M2 chip. But if you're looking for a new iPad Air in March of 2025, I'd highly recommend looking for the latter. Now that Apple has moved on to a new iPad Air model (at the same $599 price point, no less) the M2 version is likely to see some decent discounts across various stores. The new iPad Air isn't due out until March 12, so you might need to give it some time, but expect stores like Amazon and Best Buy to cut the price of the older model while selling the newer one at full price. Even today, you can get the 256GB M2 iPad Air for $649 on Amazon, which doubles the storage of the base model Air for an extra $50. Consider an iPadLet me rephrase: Consider the entry-level iPad, which Apple confusingly calls "iPad."Alongside the M3 iPad Air, Apple also dropped the 11th-generation iPad. Like the Air, this new iPad doesn't change all that much from the 10th-generation iPad. There are really two big changes, and one small one: The screen is 0.1 inches larger on the new iPad (pretty small); the base model doubles the storage from a tricky 64GB to a useable 128GB (without changing the price tag); and the new one runs the A16 chip found in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15, which should offer a decent performance bump over the A14 in the 10th-gen iPad. The rest is about the same: a decent, bright display; a nine-to-10 hour battery life; USB-C charging; identical front and rear cameras; the same Apple Pencil support. The new iPad does leave a couple things behind: It ditches the nano-SIM slot in favor of relying entirely on eSIM, while also losing support for True Tone on the retina flash feature. But it does support Smart HDR 4 over the 10th-gen iPad's Smart HDR 3.But that's getting into the nitty-gritty: The 11th-generation iPad represents the best iPad for most people, as long as you can live without some of the perks the iPad Air (or even iPad Pro) offers. You won't get the best quality display in Apple's lineup, or the fastest processor. But that A16 chip is going to be more than enough to run iPadOS for years to come.The same purchase principle that I discussed with the iPad Air applies here as well: Stores are likely going to discount the 10th-gen iPad once Apple starts selling the 11th-gen. I'd encourage anyone who wants an iPad for basic iPad tasks to try that route, but I also think the 11th-gen iPad is a pretty good value as-is. Even in the face of tariffs, Apple didn't raise the price on the iPad, while at the same time doubling the storage to 128GB. That means you get an all-around great Apple tablet for $349, $250 less than an iPad Air. You could use those savings to buy a Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, or just pocket the rest and enjoy the iPad itself. At the end of the day, none of Apple's iPads are a bad buybut while each tier offers additional perks and features you may or may not enjoy, the overall "iPad experience" is the same. The question is, how many perks and features can you cut, while still enjoying the overall experience as much as you would with the more expensive model? For the vast majority of people, I'd say that answer is the 11th-gen iPad. But, if possible, head to your local Apple Store or tech outlet to try them out for yourself.

Google has just announced the four latest features of its Android 15 operating system.First up, Google Messages now uses AI to detect scam messages in real time. Scam Detection will notify you if it detects suspicious writing patterns from the messages you're receiving and will give you the option to report and/or block the conversation. For the privacy-minded, Scam Detection runs locally on your device, keeping your messages safe from prying eyes.Find My Device can now let you share your location live with your friends, and you can see each other on a map while trying to meet up. Its a handy feature for those who want to watch their loved ones, ensuring they end up where they should be. This feature was already part of Google Maps (and Apple's own Find My app) but is now rolled into Find My Device.New games are coming to Android Auto, including Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing. After downloading them to your phone, you can play them in your car while parked. The Chrome app for Android will also now track price comparisons for products and potentially send you alerts when an item is on sale.You can click here to learn more about the latest Android updates. Pixel smartphone owners can also check out the newest features exclusive to these devices.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-latest-android-update-includes-live-scam-message-detection-170040545.html?src=rss

The latest Pixel feature drop is here with Google rolling updates across its family of smartphones and wearables. If you're a Pixel 9 owner in the US, you'll soon have access to a new version of Pixel Studio capable of creating stickers and images of people. As a refresher, Pixel Studio is an AI image app that is exclusive to Pixel devices. "Just type a description of a person or scene youd like to see, or choose the style you want, like 'video game' or '3D cartoon,'" Google says of the new feature. The approach Google taking here is similar to the one Apple currently employs with Image Playground. Photorealistic images are off the table so that you can't use Pixel Studio to confuse your friends and family.Beyond Pixel Studio, Google is bringing other AI features to the Pixel family in the US and beyond. Most notably, the company's live scam protection, which Google brought to testers last fall, is expanding to more devices, with additional functionality for those with Pixel 9 handsets in the US.If you own a Pixel 9, it will start screening English calls to protect you from scams. On the Pixel 6 and newer, Google is expanding the availability of scam text detection, with the feature rolling out to phones in the US, Canada and United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 Pro users in Japan can look forward to a large portion of the brand's AI suite, including Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio, rolling out to their devices. Similarly, Google is making many of those same features available to Pixel 9 users in Germany.GoogleIf AI features aren't your thing, this month's Pixel drop won't leave you disappointed. To start, Google is updating its Find My Device app to allow users to send and receive the location of friends and family, "so you can rest easy knowing where they are, or that they got where they were going safely." This is rolling out to recent Pixel devices, and more broadly the wider Android ecosystem. One other nifty new feature allows Pixel 9 owners to connect their phone to a recent GoPro camera or another Pixel phone to stream video from multiple angles.Google hasn't forgotten about Pixel Watch users. If you're running the latest model, the company has obtained clearance from the FDA to offer its Loss of Pulse Detection feature. "This first-of-its-kind feature can detect when you've experienced a loss of pulse," Google explains. A loss of pulse can occur due to a cardiac arrest, a respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose or poisoning. Whatever the case, the Pixel Watch 3 will automatically call emergency services if the user is unresponsive.Google is also rolling out on-device menstrual tracking to the Pixel Watch 3, and the entire Watch family will start tracking steps with greater precision and accuracy. This is due to the fact Google has made the underlying algorithm better at recognizing when you deviate from your usual walking pattern to go do something like push a shopping cart or wheelchair. "The improved algorithm ensures that not only are your steps accurately counted toward your daily goal, but that you'll get reliable insights into your daily activities."The March Pixel drop is starting to roll out today. As usual, it may take a few days before the update is available to download on your device.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/googles-pixel-studio-can-now-generate-images-and-stickers-of-people-170032821.html?src=rss

Designers will soon be able to use the Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE platform in a hyper-realistic way with Apple Vision Pro.

Samsung unveils a foldable OLED monitor that transforms into a briefcase, combining portability with high-resolution display technology.

For many new mothers, one of the most mysterious and elusive parts of breastfeeding is the latch. While some babies mouths manage to automatically make an airtight seal around their mothers nipple, others can have difficulties, or physical impediments, that make achieving good suction and proper nursing almost impossible.One solution care providers have offered is the nipple shield, a cuplike perforated silicone device that fits on top of a mothers nipple and areola and improves the way babies make their latch. Its typically a short-term method for addressing issues ranging from tongue-ties to flat nipples to engorgement. The problem with nipple shieldsand even for those nursing mothers and babies with a textbook latchis that it can be hard for moms to know when milk is actually flowing.[Photo: Munchkin]Baby brand Munchkin is trying to eliminate some of that mystery with the Flow Nipple Shield +, a new baby nutrition device that works like a conventional nipple shield but which also has an innovative extended channel for the milk to flow through, offering mothers a visual confirmation that babies are successfully latched and effectively nursing.Steven B. Dunn, founder and CEO of WHY Brands, Munchkins parent company, says the device addresses some of the literal pain points of breastfeeding while aiming at a bigger target.We describe our product as a nipple shield because it helps explain to mom what it is. Were not selling a product to reduce pain, though it does reduce pain just like another nipple shield. Were creating and designing a new category, Dunn says. This is a breastfeeding insight tool.[Photo: Munchkin]The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding newborns for the first six months of life, and supports continued breastfeeding for the first two years of life. But according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, only about 60% of babies in the U.S. are still breastfeeding at six months, and only about a quarter of babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Part of the shortage is that many mothers think they arent able to breastfeed effectively. A 2013 study from Pediatrics found that a perception of insufficient milk supply was the leading reason mothers stopped breastfeeding, despite only 5% of mothers actually having those symptoms. That perception led to 60% of mothers stopping breastfeeding earlier than they wanted to.In the face of these numbers, Munchkin saw an opportunity to give mothers more information about what was actually happening during the breastfeeding process. The innovation of the Flow Nipple Shield + is a unique milk channel that brings milk on a looping path from the nipple to the babys mouth, jutting out from the latch zone so that a mother (or other observer) can easily see milk moving through.This channel, the width, and dimensions of it, went through a lot of test and learn, test, and learn, says Dunn. It was probably the most difficult product to manufacture in Munchkins 30-year history.The nipple shields design has been in development for almost a decade. Munchkins design and product teams worked with lactation consultants and engineers to fine-tune the form of the device, and to ensure the milk channel was long enough to provide visual confirmation without making it too hard for babies to get the milk all the way through. They also worked to reduce its overall size. We purposely made the product as thin as possible with food grade silicone to maximize the skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby, Dunn says.[Photo: Munchkin]During product development, Munchkin launched a 12-month clinical trial of the device, to gauge its effectiveness in encouraging more breastfeeding. Among the 301 participants in the trial, more than 93% were still breastfeeding at the six-month mark. Our research shows that if moms get confident, especially in the first month of breastfeeding, theyre much more likely to continue, Dunn says.Available in four sizes, the Flow Nipple Shield + retails for $40 and includes a special syringe for cleaning the surface and the milk channel. The device will be available in the U.S., Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. Its probably the largest global campaign well ever do, says Diana Barnes, chief brand officer at WHY.But the nature of the product has also posed a problem for its marketing. The best way to explain the product, Barnes says, is to show it being used during breastfeeding, which requires at least partial exposure of a breast. Some vendors have chosen not to show our assets, says Barnes. I was actually quite disappointed.That hasnt stopped the company from pursuing ad placements around the world, including in Times Square. Our goal is to normalize what is the most natural thing to women since the beginning of time, Barnes says.The Flow Nipple Shield + is an attempt to make that natural process less mysterious and frustrating.We do not want to be preachy. We dont want to push. If moms goal is a day, if moms goal is a month, or six months, or a year, we want to do whatever we can do to provide insights, Dunn says. This just shows your milk is flowing, your milk is not flowing. Its a green light or red light. And we think that information is so key for mom making her choices, whatever its going to be.

A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday made it harder for environmental regulators to limit water pollution, ruling forSan Franciscoin a case about the discharge of raw sewage that sometimes occurs during heavy rains.By a 54 vote, the courts conservative majority ruled that theEnvironmental Protection Agencyoverstepped its authority under theClean Water Actwith water pollution permits that contain vague requirements for maintaining water quality.The decision is the latest in which conservative justices have reined in pollution control efforts.Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the court that the EPA can set specific limits that tell cities and counties what can be discharged. But the agency lacks the authority to include end-result provisions, Alito wrote, that make cities and counties responsible for maintaining the quality of the water, the Pacific Ocean in this case, into which wastewater is discharged.When a permit contains such requirements, a permittee that punctiliously follows every specific requirement in its permit may nevertheless face crushing penalties if the quality of the water in its receiving waters falls below the applicable standards, he wrote.One conservative justice,Amy Coney Barrett, joined the courts three liberals in dissent. Limits on discharges sometimes still dont insure water quality standards are met, Barrett wrote.The concern that the technology-based effluent limitations may fall short is on display in this case, Barrett wrote, adding that discharges from components of San Franciscos sewer system have allegedly led to serious breaches of the water quality standards, such as discoloration, scum, and floating material, including toilet paper, in Mission Creek.The case produced an unusual alliance of the liberal northern California city, energy companies, and business groups.The EPA has issued thousands of the permits, known as narrative permits, over several decades, former acting general counsel Kevin Minoli said.The narrative permits have operated almost as a backstop in case permits that quantify what can be discharged still result in unacceptable water quality, Minoli said.With the new restrictions imposed by the court, the question is what comes in place of those limits, Minoli said.Alito downplayed the impact of the decision, writing that the agency has the tools needed to insure water quality standards are met.Mark Sherman, Associated Press

Legos are some of the most popular toys for kids and grown ups too. Okay, sometimes its really more for grownups. But whether youre a kid or an adult, one of the most painful things in life is to step on a rogue piece of Lego lying around where you least expect it. But with this latest creation, this will definitely not be a problem. In fact, you may not even be able to see it with the naked eye.Designer: David A. LindonFamed engineer turned micro-artist David A. Lindon is now the Guinness World Record holder for the smallest-ever handmade sculpture for his microscopic Lego brick. It measures 0.00099 by 0.00086 inches, which is around the size of a human white blood cell. So there will definitely be no sudden shouts of pain when you step on it. Actually, if you do manage to step on it, it will be gone into the ether as it is delicate and barely visible to the naked eye. Lindon, a former engineer with a penchant for precision, has transitioned into the world of micro-art, where his skills are pushed to their absolute limits. His Guinness World Record-holding Lego brick isnt just a miniature replica; its a testament to his extraordinary dedication and mastery.Lindon didnt just conjure this microscopic marvel out of thin air. He meticulously crafted three different Lego bricks: an eight-stud piece, a four-stud piece, and finally, the record-breaking one-stud piece. This progression highlights not only his skill but also his relentless pursuit of perfection. He had to work on it around 6-10 hours at night so as to minimize vibrations from day traffic and also had to contend with other things like static electricity, sneezing, coughing, and other movements. He even trained himself to work between heartbeats and to control his breathing. He also utilizes unique materials, including microscopic pigments, dust, carpet fibers, and even beetle antennae, showcasing his resourcefulness and ingenuity.So why would someone create such a minuscule lego brick anyway if no one will be able to see it anyway? Its basically a demonstration of the human capacity to achieve extraordinary things and that human skill and artistry can still push boundaries. His work transcends the realm of mere novelty. Its a philosophical exploration of scale and the limits of human perception. It reminds us that significance isnt confined to size; even the smallest things can hold immense value.The post Micro-lego breaks world record as smallest handmade sculpture first appeared on Yanko Design.

A striking jet-black cabin, known as Atelier Nyp, has been constructed on the historic foundation of a ruined sheep shed by the architectural firm Studio Bua in the secluded reaches of western Iceland. Taking its name from the Nypurhyrna mountain that rises behind it, this cabin serves as both an artists studio and a guesthouse. It is perched with a stunning view over the expansive Breidafjordur fjord, located about a three-hour drive from Reykjavik.The cabin features a purposely simplistic and subtle design intended to harmonize with the agricultural aesthetic of the existing buildings in the compound. Its off-center pitched roof is a subtle reference to the shape of one of the prominent mountain peaks in the region.Designer: Studio BuaThe clients wanted the remains of a pre-existing sheep shed on the property to be reused to reduce the amount of concrete used to construct the new structure. We approached the project from the point of view of sustainability and to maximise the existing resources, both material and cultural, said Studio Bua co-founder Sigrn Sumarliadttir. We repurposed the concrete foundation from an existing sheep shed that had blown off in extremely bad weather, which in this part of the world is not uncommon, she concluded.Inside Atelier Nyp, the space is cleverly divided into two separate units. On the side facing the mountains, there is a kitchen and dining area, along with a workspace on the ground floor. The first floor offers living accommodations for the artist client and her husband, which includes a small office area. On the opposite side of the building, there is a self-contained mini-apartment available for visitors. This unit features a double-height bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. Adjacent to the cabin, youll find a dark green steel greenhouse, a component of an earlier project also designed by Studio Bua.The clients wish was to have the guesthouse ready for summer, so to hasten up the construction process, the new building was built using cross-laminated timber (CLT). The CLT is exposed on the inside to deliver a warm and cozy finish. We are quite proud of how much we fit into this little building, and it somehow feels spacious on the inside, said Sumarliadttir. We also like the elemental look, it seemed almost like a diagram of a building on the outside.The exterior of Atelier Nyp is clad in corrugated steel, offering protection against harsh weather conditions. The black finish of the steel was selected to set it apart from neighboring structures and to highlight the buildings straightforward design. Along with utilizing the original concrete foundations, Studio Bua incorporated salvaged materials into the construction of Atelier Nyp. This included an old staircase from a historic building in Reykjavik, as well as kitchen units sourced from a 1950s apartment block.The post This Sustainable Jet-Black Cabin Blends Art & Hospitality In Icelands Remote Landscapes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Following a series of delays, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to finally debut on March 20 across platforms including Mac and iPad.Assassin's Creed Shadows will launch on March 20 for Mac, PC, and consoles.Assassin's Creed Shadows takes the iconic franchise to 16th-century feudal Japan. Players will be able to switch between two protagonists of completely different backgrounds and skills: a Shinobi assassin and a legendary samurai.The dual-character approach allows for diverse gameplay mechanics and storylines, as players will be able to switch between stealth and combat missions that take place across the detailed landscape. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums