Apple is bringing higher-fidelity audio to its AirPods Max headphones in April, the company announced today. When the $549 headphones switched to a USB-C connector last year, they lost support for wired audio playback but Apple is about to rectify that with full lossless support, which even the prior Lightning model technically lacked.With the included USB-C cable, users can enjoy the highest-quality audio across music, movies, and games, while music creators can experience significant enhancements to songwriting, beat making, production, and mixing, the company wrote in a press release on Monday. With this update, AirPods Max will unlock 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, preserving the integrity of original recordings and allowing listeners to experience music the way the artist created it in the studio. Lossless support extends to Personalized Spatial Audio, Apple noted.The previous edition of the AirPods Max with a Lightning connector dont offer true lossless playback because of a signal conversion that occurs whenever a wired input is used.Theres also an ultra low latency aspect to this soon-to-arrive update, which the company says should make the AirPods Max better suited for music production and gaming purposes. The new firmware update will roll out alongside iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 sometime in April.You can use a USB-C to USB-C cord for lossless audio, but Apple is also now selling a $39 USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable that shares the same braided design as the companys other recent cables.

When Pocketpair's monster capturing survival adventure Palworld launched, many people compared it to Pokemon, specificallycalling it "Pokemon with guns." It's not Pocketpair's favorite comparison, according to communications director John 'Bucky' Buckley, but the thought of collecting a following of adorable monsters has nonetheless prompted a number of people to ask if Palworld would ever make it to Pokemon's platform of choice, the Nintendo Switch.Unfortunately, according to Buckley, that's not in the cards, largely due to technical reasons. "If we could make the game work on the Switch, we would, but Palworld is a beefy game."PlayI spoke to Buckley at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco last week following his talk, 'Community Management Summit: A Palworld Roller Coaster: Surviving the Drop.' During our chat, I also asked Buckley about the possibility of a Nintendo Switch 2 release. He said that Pocketpair is interested, but hasn't gotten a chance to see if a port is even possible yet."We haven't seen those specs yet," he said. "Like everyone else, we're waiting. I'm walking around GDC hoping someone will tell me them, but everyone I've spoken to says they haven't even seen them."If it's beefy enough, it's 100% worth considering. We did a lot of optimization for Steam Deck, which we were really happy with. Still work to do, but we're really happy with how it turned out. So we would like to get it on more handhelds if possible."Pocketpair remains entangled in a lawsuit from Nintendo over alleged patent infringement against Pokemon's ball-throwing mechanics, leading some to speculate that to be the actual reason Palworld hadn't made it to Switch.But the lawsuit isn't really what's stopping the studio from releasing games on Nintendo's platforms, as we saw back in January. Buckley addressed the lawsuit very briefly in his GDC talk, saying that it caught the team by surprise, and that the team had done numerous legal checks in the lead-up to release in order to prevent that exact thing. "Pretty much everyone at Pocketpair is a huge fan [of Pokemon]," Buckley said in the talk, "so it was a very depressing day, everyone heads down and walking in the rain."The question is, would Nintendo allow a game it's taken such issue with on its next-gen console?We'll be posting our full interview with Buckley at GDC later this week, so keep checking back for more about Palworld. In the meantime, it's a great time to revisit Palworld if you've stepped away, as the game just got cross-platform play in a new update last week.Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Bloodborne turns 10 years old today, and fans are celebrating by organizing yet another return to Yharnam community event.FromSoftwares PlayStation 4 masterpiece launched on March 24, 2015, and helped cement the Japanese developer as one of the greatest of our time. Critical and commercial acclaim followed, and a follow-up in the vein of the Dark Souls sequels seemed inevitable.But since then nothing. Why hasnt Sony followed up Bloodborne with either a current-gen remaster, a full-on sequel, or at the very least a next-gen update that would finally make it officially playable in 60fps? Fans have begged Sony for more Bloodborne ever since it came out. The deafening silence in response remains one of the most puzzling business decisions in all video games.PlayEarlier this year, we got an explanation of sorts. Following his exit from Sony, PlayStation legend Shuhei Yoshida revealed his Bloodborne no-show theory. To be clear up front: this is Yoshidas opinion, which in an interview with Kinda Funny Games he stressed was not inside information, or the reveal of the current deliberations within the bowels of Sony itself.Bloodborne has always been the most asked thing, Yoshida said. And people wonder why we havent really done anything, even an update or a remaster. Should be easy, right? The company is known for doing so many remasters, right, some people get frustrated.I have only my personal theory to that situation. I left first-party so I dont know whats going on, but my theory is, you know because I remember, you know, Miyazaki-san really, really loved Bloodborne, you know, what he created. So I think he is interested, but hes so successful and hes so busy, so he doesnt want, he cannot do himself, but he does not want anyone else to touch it. So thats my theory. And the PlayStation team respect his wish. So thats my guess, right? Theory. I am not revealing any secret information, to be clear.Miyazaki-san is of course Hidetaka Miyazaki, the boss of FromSoftware. And yes, hes incredibly successful. Not only for the influential Dark Souls series, but, most recently, the mainstream hit Elden Ring, which propelled FromSoftware to new heights. So much so that its getting a multiplayer spin-off this year.The Best PS4 Games (Summer 2020 Update)And it seems obvious to say Miyazaki will be incredibly busy with multiple projects to direct and a company to run. After Bloodborne came out in 2015, Miyazaki directed Dark Souls 3, then 2019s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice for Activision, then the aforementioned Elden Ring for Bandai Namco. What's next? Miyazaki has yet to say.In interviews, Miyazaki often deflects questions about Bloodborne, pointing to the fact FromSoftware does not own the IP. But in February last year, Miyazaki at least admitted the game would benefit from a release on more modern hardware.In the years since, modders have tried to fill the gaps with fan-made projects that improve upon the base PS4 Bloodborne experience. But Sony has taken a dim view. Well-known Bloodborne 60fps mod creator Lance McDonald announced in January that hed received a takedown notification on behalf of Sony Interactive Entertainment asking that I remove links to the patch I posted on the internet, so I've now done so. The DMCA takedown arrived four years after the mod was released.Then, just a week later, Lilith Walther, creator of Nightmare Kart, which was previously known as Bloodborne Kart, and the eye-catching Bloodborne PSX demake, tweeted to say an old YouTube video of the demake was hit with a copyright claim.Recently, fans managed to get PS4 emulators to deliver something akin to a remaster on PC. The tech experts at Digital Foundry released a video covering a breakthrough in PS4 emulation via ShadPS4, which means Bloodborne is now fully playable start to finish in 60fps. Could this breakthrough have triggered an aggressive response from Sony? IGN asked Sony for comment at the time, but it has yet to respond.Thats all we have to go on, really, which leaves Bloodborne fans to take it upon themselves to organize Return to Yharnam community events. Another kicks off today, on Bloodbornes 10th anniversary, and calls on fans to create a new character, and summon as many random cooperators and invaders as possible, and leave in-game messages flagging theyre a part of this latest community drive.Perhaps this will be all thats left for fans to do in the world of Bloodborne forever more.Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

With the Deluxe Edition of Atomfall launching today, and the regular game releasing with Xbox Game Pass this Thursday, March 27, I thought it would be an opportune moment to give you a few choice tips for how to survive life inside the Quarantine Zone.For those of you new to the game, Atomfall is an action-survival mystery set in the UK. The story takes place five years after the real-life events of the 1957 Windscale Disaster in the North of England. In the world of Atomfall, a quarantine zone has been established around the Windscale Atom Plant and no one has been allowed in or out for five years. Life and society have changed and adapted under these trying circumstances, and gangs of strange folk now wander the countryside.You wake up in a bunker with no idea who you are or how you got there. Given the circumstances, you have little choice but to set out on a journey to discover what really happened at Windscale and maybe try to find out who you are in the process.The world of Atomfall is essentially a large sandbox where you are free to explore and investigate at your own pace and in your own style. The way you approach every encounter and each scenario is completely up to you, but here are a few bits of advice to get you started.1) Pick your PlaystyleBefore you start the actual game, youll be prompted to set your playstyle. There are five pre-sets to cater for different approaches, as well as the option to customise this further should you wish. They adjust the challenge of combat, survival and exploration in the game.Sightseer a low-pressure mode for those who want to enjoy the narrative and exploration of Atomfall.Investigator for players who enjoy unguided exploration but prefer lighter survival and combat.Brawler you enjoy combat but prefer lighter survival and guided exploration.Survivor the classic Atomfall experience. A balance between combat and survival.Veteran harsh combat and consequences, a gritty battle for survival.Survivor offers the recommended Atomfall experience but pick whichever best suits you and the way you want to play. And dont worry, if you get into the game, and feel youve made a mistake, these settings can be adjusted at any time in the Options menu.2) Following LeadsAtomfall doesnt have a traditional quest or mission system. Instead, we have Leads snippets of information that you will uncover as you explore the world. There are numerous ways you can discover Leads, such as through conversations, tape recordings or by finding letters and items as you investigate the areas in the game. Discovering a new Lead will help you piece together the puzzle of what happened inside the Quarantine Zone, but how you use that information is up to you.In Survivor difficulty, the game does not add waypoints to your map or compass by default, but you can manually place markers on the map, which will then be shown on the in-game compass during play. If you do prefer a more guided experience, you can also adjust the Exploration settings in the Options menu.3) Where to StartSo, where is a good place to gather some Leads at the start of the game? When you leave the bunker, you are greeted by the lush open countryside of Slatten Dale. Directly in front of you is a ringing phone box that is just begging to be answered.Head down the hill to the left and youll come across Nat. Hes a talkative fellow and provided you dont offend him might be convinced to give you directions to find the nearby Molly, a trader who happens to indulge in lots of juicy gossip. Once youve have had a chat with Molly and maybe done a deal or two, why not visit the nearby village of Wyndham, where there is plenty to explore? We heartily recommend taking in the sights. Maybe visit the church or frequent the village shops, bakery and, of course, the village pub, to discover some Leads.Wyndham is under the control of Protocol a military force who was sent in when quarantine was put into effect to keep the peace. You can find their leader, Captain Sims at the band stand in the centre of the village, where he regularly harangues the populace.4) Pick your FightsAs you explore the various areas in the game you will encounter all sorts of colourful characters and gangs, some friendly, some less so. Remember that, when confronted, force is not always the best course of action many folks youll meet are just trying to make their way, same as you. Knowing when to back down and head for safety can be a great survival tool.Before charging into any fight, our suggestion is observe, plan, execute. Think about who youre fighting. Are they armed and, if so, with what? Can you take them out silently or should you just slip past and hope they dont notice you? Any course of action is open to you. It is, in fact, entirely possible to complete the game without killing anyone (although it is extremely challenging).5) Listen CarefullyYou will meet a host of weird and wonderful folk as you explore Atomfall. Some of these will want to trade but remember that money is useless in the Quarantine Zone, so bartering will be key. Others may have Leads that could help you understand what really happened at the Windscale Atom Plant. Some may have both. Others will simply push their own selfish agendas.You need to listen carefully and give real thought to the way you reply in order to gain an understanding of who you want to trust and who you dont. Some characters will play you off against another and may even want you to kill for them. Choosing the path you take, which Leads to follow, and who to trust will ultimately determine the end of the game, so choose wisely!6) Search and Scavenge Whenever You CanResources are scarce in the Quarantine Zone. Guns and ammunition are particularly hard to come by, so waste them at your peril. Take every opportunity you can to search areas for resources be that food, weapons or other items.As you explore you will also uncover Manuals that teach you new skills and unlock them by finding Training Stimulants. You can then choose which skills will be most beneficial to you and your playstyle.You will also acquire the ability to craft various resource and tonics that will help you fight, survive and heal. There is limited space in your backpack, so make sure to craft what you need as you go in order to have the best weapons and tools at your disposal.You can also make use of pneumatic dispatch tubes that you find in various places around the game world, a still-functioning relic of the military and science facilities. These are extremely useful for storing items that you dont immediately need access to. For example, you might find a great shotgun but have no bullets so you can choose to store it and then grab it back once you have enough shells to make the best use of it.Hopefully that little lot should give a little bit of a head start in the world of Atomfall. I hope you enjoy playing the game as much as we have enjoyed building such a unique and mysterious experience.See you in the Quarantine Zone!Atomfall Deluxe EditionRebellion$79.99Get it nowDeluxe Edition includes:The entire Atomfall game3 days Early AccessStory Expansion Pack (*not available Day 1):Basic Supply Bundle PackEnhanced Supply Bundle PackA survival-action game inspired by real-life events, Atomfall is set five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England.Explore the fictional quarantine zone, scavenge, craft, barter, fight and talk your way through a British countryside setting filled with bizarre characters, mysticism, cults, and rogue government agencies.From Rebellion, the studio behind Sniper Elite and Zombie Army, Atomfall will challenge you to solve the dark mystery of what really happened.Player Driven Mystery: Unravel a tapestry of interwoven narratives through exploration, conversation, investigation, and combat, where every choice you make has consequences.Explore this Green and Unpleasant Land: The picturesque British countryside, with rolling green hills, lush valleys, and rural villages belie the dangers that await you.Search, Scavage, Survive: Youll need to scavenge for supplies, craft weapons and items, and fight desperately to make it out alive! AtomfallRebellion2$59.99Pre-orderPre-order the Atomfall Standard Edition to receive:Basic Supply Bundle Supplies are scarce in the quarantine zone. Improve your chances for survival with additional items to find, including an exclusive melee weapon to help you in those brutal close-quarters engagements.Exclusive Melee Weapon VariantAdditional Loot CacheItem RecipeA survival-action game inspired by real-life events, Atomfall is set five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England.Explore the fictional quarantine zone, scavenge, craft, barter, fight and talk your way through a British countryside setting filled with bizarre characters, mysticism, cults, and rogue government agencies.From Rebellion, the studio behind Sniper Elite and Zombie Army, Atomfall will challenge you to solve the dark mystery of what really happened.Player Driven Mystery: Unravel a tapestry of interwoven narratives through exploration, conversation, investigation, and combat, where every choice you make has consequences.Explore this Green and Unpleasant Land: The picturesque British countryside, with rolling green hills, lush valleys, and rural villages belie the dangers that await you.Search, Scavage, Survive: Youll need to scavenge for supplies, craft weapons and items, and fight desperately to make it out alive!

Spring is almost here, which means it's almost time for backyard parties, outdoor hangouts, and nights spent by the fire pit without freezing half to death. As you've been prepping your house for its first round of seasonal cleaning, planning out the trips you're going to take later in the year, and keeping up with your previously scheduled life, you may have procrastinated thinking ahead to home maintenance that will get your home spring-ready. (We know we have.) Luckily, there's still time to make the exterior of your home the envy of all your neighbors, and a delight for friends to visit come spring. We asked a handful of landscape professionals to share landscaping ideas that could easily be completed within a month, and they did not hold back. From DIY-friendly ideas to professionally-done jobs, the 11 landscaping ideas below will transform any yard, big or small, into the place to be this spring and summer. If that wasn't enough motivation to get landscaping, these additions will almost definitely add resale value to your property too. (Sure, a beautiful green yard does a lot for your curb appeal, but hardscaping adds personality and originality to your exterior, too.)From retaining walls to river rock borders, these landscaping ideas offer inspiration as we creep closer to spring. And the effort you put in will be so worth it when you can finally take advantage of your outdoor space again. Additional copy by Stefanie Waldek.Related StoriesPut In a Raised Herb GardenNeil Landino JrAnyone with a yard and even a tiny bit of a green thumb should be growing their own herbs for use in the kitchen. Even though it serves a practical purpose, your herb garden should look just as elevated as the rest of your yardand accomplishing that is easier than you think with a raised garden bed. "One long raised bed or container will be able to furnish fresh herbs easily," says landscape architect Janice Parker. There are many different types of beds you can opt for, from wooden to steel, to suit the style of your home, from wooden to steel.You can even find a ready-to-go kit that does the prep work for you. "The nice thing about a do-it-yourself raised bed kit or planter is that you can put it in the area of your garden where you will get the most sun and where it will be easy to water," Parker adds. While she suggests buying small herbs from a nursery rather than starting from seed, it's definitely possible to grow thriving herbs that way. Invest in a Fire BowlNeil Landino JrFor a relatively quick yard addition, Parker suggests adding a fire bowl to your landscape, especially if you have a smaller yard. "These features are typically gas burning, which is a big plus if you want easy clean up," Parker says. "Plus, they come in a wide variety of sculptural styles that can really enhance your landscape design aesthetic." Such additions can be seen as functional pieces of art for your outdoor space. But don't forget practical considerations. Parker emphasizes the importance of placing it close enough to the house (without it being a hazard) so you can still reach the WiFi! Create Rock BordersCourtesy of Borst LandscapeA river rock installation by Borst Landscape & Design.Karl Wahlberg of Borst Landscape & Design suggests putting in a river rock installation for an easy landscaping idea that can be completed in less than a month. "River rock controls any soil erosion, especially in the seasons of heavy rain, and helps prevent weeds," he explains. Plus, river rock borders are pretty low-maintenance and the natural material goes beautifully with any landscape. Plant a Pollinator Garden Courtesy of Borst LandscapeBorst Landscape & Design introduced this pollinator garden to a clients yard to attract beneficial insects and birds."Installing a pollinator garden is a colorful way to make a positive contribution to the environment," says Deandra Hanke, another expert from Borst Landscape & Design. Choosing to plant species native to your location doesn't just result in a beautiful yard, but it also promotes biodiversity and creates vital food sources for birds and insects. Install a Privacy ScreenCourtesy of Borst LandscapeA privacy screen, like this one installed by Borst Landscape & Design, can make spending time in your outdoor space more enjoyable.Nosy neighbors exist everywhereno one wants to be hanging out with their family or friends in their backyard and see their neighbor watching from their own property. Thankfully, green privacy "screens"created by a row of trees or bushes that block an area from viewcan go up a lot faster than you might think. Hanke points out that while installing a privacy border is a larger project, it can easily take less than a month to complete. "Options range from Arborvitae privacy trees to Skip Laurel shrubs, allowing for total privacy to be established in just a few days, depending on the size of your property," she adds. Eric PiaseckiDesigner Gil Schafer used pavers to create a clear pathway around this backyard, inspired by a Japanese water garden.Plot Beautiful PathwaysThe walkways in your yard and garden aren't just for practical purposesthey can provide visual interest too. "Designing transitions from a pool house with exterior hardscape, such as utilizing large scale stone and steps and pathways, you can navigate grade changes and at the same time create an architectural solution that is softened by landscape beds," Kurth says. "Details such as pebbles between the pathway joints add a modern Zen touch to the landscape and help to define the aesthetic."Courtesy of Betsy WentzBetsy Wentz added simple string lights above this rustic gathering area around the fire pit to bring in some enchantment.Incorporate LightingAn element that adds drama to the landscape is integrating the usage of lighting, which further extends the use of your landscape into the evening hours, Kurth says. Creating outdoor living spaces and finding ways to navigate tricky terrain expands your homes livable footprint, provides enjoyment, and blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Remember: You can do this fairly easily with solar-powered lighting!Eric PiaseckiGil Schafer shows that a garden doesnt have to be pristinely manicured to look beautiful.Plant a Low-Maintenance, Sustainable Garden"Landscaping is that silent ambassador that speaks volumes about your home, creating that crucial first impression," says Gagan Saini, director of acquisitions at JiT Home Buyers. "An artfully landscaped garden is the x-factor that significantly uplifts your property's value." But many potential buyers arent going to want to put in too much effort to care for the garden, so low-maintenance features such as irrigation systems can help boost your home's value. "Here's something most people dont know: Sustainable landscaping practices can significantly increase property value," says landscape architect Bryan Clayton. "By implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, using native plantings, and opting for organic fertilizers, you demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. This appeals to environmentally conscious buyers and adds an extra layer of value."Annie SchlechterDesigner Peter Dunham was sure to take advantage of a yard this beautiful and designed multiple outdoor living spaces for his clients to enjoy. Develop Outdoor Living SpacesIndoor-outdoor living is all the rage, even in four-season destinations, so you'll want to build out an alfresco space for day-to-day use. The key is not to go overboardjust keep it simple. "If you're designing for enjoyment now and ROI later, just think of adaptable, functional elements," says design director Kevin Lenhartof the online landscape design site Yardzen. "In other words, focus on functional features like a fire pit area or flexible space like a patio, deck, or outdoor dining area that's adaptable to many potential buyers versus very personalized features like a putting green, elaborate water feature, or built-in pizza oven."Mike Van TassellA fieldstone wall by Carol Kurth doubles as a cooler.Make Difficult Terrain UsableIf you have a hilly property, go the extra mile to add retaining walls to create usable outdoor space. "Creating and revitalizing spaces with complicated terrain can transform an underutilized space and elevate a home in terms of enjoyment, lifestyle, and property value," Kurth says. "Our Oasis project [shown above] illustrates how a site with a steep grade change can be transformed with fieldstone retaining wallsone of which was used to create an oversized herb garden for meals alfrescoand a thoughtful verdant landscape."Julian Ungano and Tommy AgriodimasThe manicured lawn of this home by Lauren Wills makes the exterior look so elevated.Keep Up with MaintenanceThis may sound obvious, but when youre ready to list your homeor just to start entertaining outsidebe sure all your landscaping is impeccably maintained. Remember: First impressions are everything, and it's all too easy to let landscaping get away from you. "Proper landscape maintenance is essential. Well-maintained lawns, trimmed hedges, and weed-free gardens contribute to a polished and cared-for appearance," Clayton says.Working on a home project? Let us help!Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Chinas DeepSeek AI chatbot doesnt exactly have the best of reputations. It has exposed chat history and other sensitive data; the iOS app has been shown to have multiple security flaws; is under investigation in both the US and Europe; and ARMs CEO believes it will end up being banned in the US.But none of this has stopped Apple CEO Tim Cook describing it as excellent during a visit to Beijing for the China Development Forum Chinas DeepSeekDeepSeek is an AI chatbot developed in China which quickly climbed tothe #1 slot in Apples App Store.China posted benchmarks indicating that its performance was comparable to the worlds best existing models. Experts quickly verified the claims, expressing shock that China was able to achieve this at a fraction of the development cost of US models, and running locally on very modestly-specced PCs though it was later suggested the cost differential was exaggerated.Privacy concerns quickly led to investigations being opened in both the US and Europe.US officials are looking at the national security implications of the Chinese artificial intelligence app DeepSeek, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said [while] Italys data protection authority said it was seeking answers from DeepSeek on its use of personal data.The additional issues described above then followed.Tim Cook in ChinaCook is visiting the country to participate in the China Development Forum, and has been sharing his visit in a series of Weibo posts.Hello, Beijing! I cant think of a better way to kick off my time in China than a beautiful walk with Yang Tianzhen. Thanks AlexJ for capturing the view on your iPhone!Henry Lau may be a one-man band, but with iPhone 16 Pro Max as his companion, he turns every stage into a full-blown concert. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us!It is amazing to see iPad and Mac help rural teachers deliver engaging lessons to their students. Were proudly expanding our work with CDRF because we know education can create opportunities for rural communities in China.Physics class has come a long way! Excited to see educators push the boundaries of learning with Apple Vision Pro!Were proud to announce a new clean energy fund in China! Two thirds of our supply chain here is already running on renewable energy and this will help further our goal of running on 100% renewable energy by 2030.Thanks Chun Xiao for sharing how you captured the traditional art of the Kun Opera through the modern lens of iPhone 16 Pro!Cook calls DeepSeek excellentThe South China Morning Post reports that he called DeepSeek excellent when speaking to state media.Cook recommended the artificial intelligence models of Chinese start-up DeepSeek ahead of a developer conference in Shanghai, as the US tech giant awaits final approval to bring Apple Intelligence to iPhones on the mainland.Speaking on the sidelines of the China Development Forum in Beijing, a state-organised forum to woo global investors, the executive told the official China News Service that DeepSeeks models were excellent, the outlet reported on Sunday. Cook did not elaborate.9to5Macs TakeApples dependence on China as its primary manufacturing center, as well as for a very large slice of its sales, means that Cook is frequently forced to make diplomatic remarks about the country, no matter how much its policies and actions may conflict with the iPhone makers values.One of the major compromises Apple had to make was to partner with a local company for the launch of Apple Intelligence in China, with all of the political censorship that will involve. The government had made it crystal clear that this was not optional.It seems likely Cook was asked to comment on DeepSeek, and gave the shortest possible diplomatic answer.Image: 9to5Mac collage of photos from AlexJ/Apple and Solen FeyissaonUnsplashAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Today Apple announced a forthcoming firmware update for AirPods Max with USB-C that will enable lossless audio. As part of that news, the company has now started selling a new cable to enable wired playback on its newest AirPods Max with a standard headphone jack.New firmware will support wired playback, and Apple now sells a USB-C to 3.5 mm cableLast fall Apple announced new AirPods Max with very minimal changes.there were new colorsa USB-C port instead of Lightningand support for Personalized Spatial AudioThats it.For many of us who were expecting a proper AirPods Max 2-level update, it was a big disappointment.That letdown was amplified by a key regression that the new USB-C model brought.While the original AirPods Max could be used for wired playback with a special Lightning to 3.5 mm cable, there was no such cable and no such hardware support for wired playback over USB-C in the new model.Fortunately, thats changing with next months firmware update.And now, in preparation for the update, Apple has today started selling a new USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable.The new cable costs $39 and is available on the Apple Store now.Apple writes:It can be used to connect AirPods Max to 3.5 mm audio sources, like the audio-out port on an airplane. Users can also connect their iOS or iPadOS device to 3.5 mm audio ports, like audio-in ports on car stereos or other speakers.If youd like to connect your AirPods Max to a device using its included USB-C cable, that will work too. But if you need to connect to a 3.5 mm headphone jack, this new cable will be a great way to do that.Hopefully third-party cables, which are available at a much lower cost, will work too once the new firmware ships, but well have to wait and see on that.Does wired playback on AirPods Max make a big difference to you, or not? Let us know in the comments.Best AirPods Max deals and accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Mar 24, 2025Ravie LakshmananPassword Security / ComplianceIf given the choice, most users are likely to favor a seamless experience over complex security measures, as they don't prioritize strong password security. However, balancing security and usability doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. By implementing the right best practices and tools, you can strike a balance between robust password security and a frictionless user experience (UX).This article explores how to achieve the perfect balance between strong password security and a seamless user experience, even as the standards for strong passwords continue to evolve.Why user friction is bad for cybersecurityEnd users that find security measures cumbersome or frustrating might disregard them, resulting in unintentional cyber risk exposures. These scenarios are especially pronounced in the workplace; if cybersecurity protocols (e.g., strong password security policies) are perceived as obstacles to productivity, employees will frequently ignore or circumvent them due to how difficult, time-consuming, or frustrating a workflow is for users to complete.High levels of user friction can therefore directly contribute to security risks. For example, 71% of professionals admit to engaging in risky cybersecurity behaviors, such as reusing or sharing passwords. When security measures create unnecessary friction, users are more likely to bypass them, ultimately resulting in weakened password security and increased exposure to cyber threats.Enhancing UX for better securityAlthough high user friction can negatively impact cybersecurity, the opposite is also true: a well-optimized UX naturally enhances security. Users faced with security measures that are intuitive, seamless, and minimally disruptive are more likely to follow best practices and comply with security policies. Real-time password strength feedback enhances both security and user experience by guiding users toward stronger, more secure passwords without frustration, thanks to Specops Password PolicyMethods to improve both password security and user experienceSecurity teams can prioritize usability in their processes and protocols by implementing the following methods:Reducing password complexityIn the past, a common approach to strong password security was selecting a sufficiently complex array of words and characters to ensure uniqueness. However, in practice this has led to password convergence; that is, users recycling the same patterns to cope with complexity requirements. Security teams should implement password policies that focus on length over complexity.Using passphrases vs. passwordsBy using passphrases over passwords, users can comply with long password requirements (e.g., 15 characters and above) while at the same time improving recallability. For example, a passphrase that joins three or more random words like "Mustache-Breadcrumb-Headspin" is a lot easier to remember than a random sequence of letters and numbers.Users can start by joining three or more random words, followed by swapping out some characters and introducing intentional misspellings. This allows for an additional bolstering of password strength without introducing significant memorization overhead. You can find a full guide on moving to passphrases here. Specops Password Policy: Enforcing passphrase rules to increase entropy and enhance security without compromising usabilityProviding dynamic feedback during password creationA key principle of usability and UX design is the reduction of interaction costs. As defined by leading UX design firm Nielsen Norman Group, interaction cost is the sum of mental and physical efforts that users must exert to reach a specific goal. Users appreciate immediate feedback related to a potential password's efficacy and whether or not it aligns with policy. By providing users with dynamic password feedback during password creation, you can reduce the interaction cost of strong password security by making the process interactive and streamlined. Handling forced password resets gracefullyWhen security incidents like data breaches or compromises occur, firms may have no choice but to implement organization-wide password resets. Security teams can enforce password resets gracefully with solutions like Specops Password Policythese tools smooth the friction by providing dynamic feedback to users during the forced password reset process, as well as options for traditional passwords, longer and more secure passphrases, or both. Aging passwords based on lengthPasswords that never expire are security compromises waiting to happen. As a result, today's users though often reluctantlyaccept that they will need to change their passwords at some point. Security teams can make this experience as painless as possible by providing users an option for length-based aging. By allowing for either shorter/weaker passwords with a reduced shelf life or longer/stronger passwords with an extended lifespan, security teams can strike a balance between robust security and UX.Roll out passphrases using a password policySecurity teams that roll out new password policies are better positioned to preserve UX while maintaining a strong password security posture. Solutions like Specops Password Policy simplify the management of fine-grained password policies while ensuring that compromised credentials and weak passwords are blocked or handled appropriately.Find the balance between password security and UXIn short, strong security measures shouldn't come at the cost of frustrating users, nor should convenience lead to weak cyber defenses. Striking the right balance between strong password security and an optimal UX is crucial for long-term resilience. Speak to an expert today and find out how Specops Password Policy enables effective and user-friendly password security.Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

Nathan Eddy, Freelance WriterMarch 24, 20255 Min ReadWavebreakmedia Ltd FUS1407 via Alamy StockCloud storage was once hailed as a cost-effective solution for businesses, but hidden fees and unpredictable costs are causing widespread financial strain.More than half of businesses globally have experienced IT or business delays due to unexpected cloud storage expenses, and 62% of organizations exceeded their cloud budgets last year, according to a report from Wasabia.As chief information officers and IT leaders reassess cloud spending, many are looking for new strategies to prevent waste, improve forecasting, and better manage their data storage policies.Soumya Gangopadhyay, technology strategist at EY, points to a lack of financial transparency and poor forecasting as key reasons why cloud costs spiral out of control. Certain issues arise when organizations dont track IT costs in a way that enables breaking out expenses to support analysis or forecasts, he says. Data egress fees, complex storage tiering, and sudden spikes in data processing all contribute to budget overruns.He cautions that without clear visibility into usage and cost structures, companies would struggle to predict expenses, leading to unforeseen financial burdens.Egress Fees, Over-Provisioning Drive Up CostsOne of the biggest financial pitfalls in cloud storage is egress fees, the costs incurred when transferring data out of a cloud providers ecosystem.Related:These fees, often overlooked in budgeting, can add up quickly and disrupt IT operations.Will Milewski, senior vice president of cloud infrastructure and operations at Hyland, notes businesses frequently underestimate the impact of egress fees. With regulatory shifts like the European Data Act prompting major providers to adjust these fees, organizations are still challenged by unanticipated usage that drives up costs, he says via email.He explains IT leaders can mitigate these impacts by consolidating data within a single ecosystem, employing intelligent tiering strategies, and utilizing data compression or deduplication techniques.Beyond egress fees, companies are also over-provisioning cloud resources, paying for storage they dont fully utilize.Many organizations, eager to embrace cloud agility, end up spending more than necessary due to a lack of integrated visibility across their data assets.Cost overruns often stem from over-provisioning, unpredictable data growth, and the complexity of managing diverse data workloads, Milewski says. By leveraging unified platforms, companies can streamline workflows, improve forecasting, and right-size storage needs.Related:The Challenge of Cloud Cost TransparencyWhile cloud providers offer cost management tools, many organizations find pricing models too complex to navigate effectively.Gangopadhyay explains some cloud providers obscure costs through complicated pricing structures, making it difficult for IT teams to plan accordingly. Not all providers offer robust tools for forecasting costs based on usage patterns, which is another factor organizations should consider when working with a cloud provider, he says.Milewski echoes this concern, pointing out that cloud providers are offering more AI-driven cost management tools, but expertise is required to use them effectively. Were seeing cloud providers introduce reserved pricing models, savings plans, and AI-driven cost dashboards, he says. However, many pricing structures remain complex, requiring organizations to build in-house expertise or partner with specialized vendors.Without dedicated cost management teams or external partners, businesses often struggle to fully optimize cloud spending.IT Leaders Take Control of Cloud CostsCIOs and IT leaders can execute several proactive measures as they look to regain control of their cloud budgets.Related:Gangopadhyay suggests implementing real-time monitoring tools, resource tagging taxonomies, and predictive analytics to improve cost forecasting. Organizations need to have a clear understanding or adherence to existing capabilities and performance -- without it, engineering workload performance can be a challenge, he says.By leveraging historical data and automating governance policies, businesses can eliminate waste and prevent unexpected cost spikes.Milewski advises companies to audit their storage policies and shift to a more strategic, tiered approach. Optimizing storage begins with aligning data policies to actual usage, he says. Prioritizing high-performance tiers for critical content while shifting less-accessed data to real solutions ensures cost efficiency without compromising performance or compliance.He also highlights automation and AI-driven insights as key tools for identifying redundancies and reducing expenses.Another crucial step is building a chargeback model that aligns IT costs with business strategy.Gangopadhyay says he believes organizations should implement chargeback mechanisms that assign storage costs to individual business units, making cloud expenses more transparent.Developing an enterprise chargeback strategy ensures that cloud spending is directly tied to business objectives, he says.By making business units accountable for their storage usage, companies can drive more responsible cloud consumption.The Future of Cloud Cost ManagementAs cloud storage pricing evolves, IT leaders must stay ahead of emerging trends to keep costs under control.Gangopadhyay says he expects increased competition among cloud providers, which could lead to more dynamic pricing models. We can expect to see more providers adopting real-time usage-based pricing and offering incentives for eco-friendly storage options, he says.Companies that embrace flexible budgeting practices and sustainable cloud solutions will be better positioned to navigate shifting cost structures.Milewski predicts that AI and automation will play a bigger role in optimizing cloud spending.The cloud storage landscape is evolving toward more dynamic, consumption-based pricing models, he says. Businesses will need to embrace FinOps practices, leveraging advanced analytics and automated tools, to adapt to these trends.FinOps, or cloud financial management, is becoming increasingly critical for organizations aiming to turn unpredictable expenses into predictable, manageable investments.Gangopadhyay stresses the key to reducing waste is aligning cloud costs with business goals.Reducing cloud expenses comes down to aligning business goals with business costs, he says. Organizations can better identify and eliminate unnecessary or redundant data by implementing automated policies, conducting regular audits, and establishing clear retention guidelines.Milewski underscores the importance of staying ahead of pricing trends and investing in cost optimization strategies.By leveraging automation, real-time monitoring, and AI-driven insights, companies can ensure that their cloud investments remain both strategic and cost-efficient.Businesses that combine modern infrastructure with intelligent cost management can empower themselves to navigate future challenges effectively, he says.About the AuthorNathan EddyFreelance WriterNathan Eddy is a freelance writer for InformationWeek. He has written for Popular Mechanics, Sales & Marketing Management Magazine, FierceMarkets, and CRN, among others. In 2012 he made his first documentary film, The Absent Column. He currently lives in Berlin.See more from Nathan EddyReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like

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