Latest news with #macOS
The Verge
6 hours ago
- The Verge
macOS Tahoe could finally say goodbye to FireWire.
Posted Jun 20, 2025 at 6:29 PM UTC macOS Tahoe could finally say goodbye to FireWire. However, it's still several months before macOS Tahoe is officially released. FireWire support could still return, but the last computer Apple released with the port was the 13-inch 2012 MacBook Pro. macOS Tahoe Beta Drops FireWire Support [
Tom's Guide
17 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
ChatGPT Record quietly rolled out for Pro users — here's why I think free accounts could get voice messages soon
OpenAI has quietly rolled out a new 'Record' mode for ChatGPT — but for now, it's limited to Pro, Enterprise, and Edu users on the macOS desktop app. The new feature lets you tap a microphone icon and record a short voice message instead of typing. It's a small change, but one that enables ChatGPT to support users as a true voice assistant, making it faster and more conversational than ever. With Record mode, users simply speak their question, and ChatGPT will generate a response based on their audio input. A quick transcription of what you said also appears on screen, keeping the interaction clear and easy to follow. This is a briefer experience, not a full voice conversation like ChatGPT Voice, but it is designed for quick queries on the desktop. Currently limited to Mac users on the ChatGPT app — and only those on a Pro paid plan. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. But I wouldn't be surprised to see it expand to mobile apps and free accounts in the near future. Why? It fits perfectly into OpenAI's larger strategy of making ChatGPT more multimodal; now it further combines voice, vision and text in one experience to support a seamless AI assistance. And let's not forget the competition: Google Gemini Live already supports real-time voice interaction across Android and iOS. If OpenAI wants ChatGPT to match that level of usability — especially on mobile — bringing Record mode to more users makes a lot of sense. Since OpenAI launched ChatGPT Voice for mobile, which I have tested and found incredibly useful, the next logical step is Record mode. However, ChatGPT Record is different, similar to AI transcription apps. It's fast, lightweight, and well-suited for quick interactions when you don't want a full back-and-forth conversation. With multimodal capabilities now a key battleground in the AI assistant space, I'd expect OpenAI to continue expanding features like Record. Giving free-tier users a taste of these tools helps build loyalty and could drive upgrades to paid plans. For now, if you're using ChatGPT Pro, Enterprise, or Edu on a Mac, look for the new mic icon next to the chat box to try Record mode. If you're not on a paid plan, keep an eye out; this is one feature that could be making its way to the broader ChatGPT user base sooner than we may think.
Time Business News
18 hours ago
- Time Business News
10 Laptop Hacks Every User Wishes They Knew Sooner
Whether you're a remote worker, frequent traveler, event planner, or IT professional, your laptop is your lifeline. Yet, most users only scratch the surface of what their machines can do. From extending battery life to boosting performance, these ten laptop hacks can significantly improve productivity and ease of use — no new hardware required. Let's dive into the hacks every user wishes they'd learned years ago. Too many background apps starting with your laptop can drastically slow boot times. To streamline performance: Windows : Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable non-essential apps. : Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable non-essential apps. macOS: System Settings → General → Login Items → Remove unwanted apps. Real-World Example: A marketing agency noticed reduced boot time from 58 seconds to just 18 seconds by disabling Slack, Zoom, and Dropbox from startup. Battery life is precious, especially on the move. Nearly all laptops have built-in power-saving settings — but most users don't optimize them. Actionable Tip: On Windows , go to Settings → System → Power & Battery → Enable 'Battery Saver.' , go to Settings → System → Power & Battery → Enable 'Battery Saver.' On macOS, enable 'Low Power Mode' from System Preferences → Battery. Pair this with reduced screen brightness and Wi-Fi toggling when offline for even longer battery sessions. Using your laptop as a second screen boosts multitasking without spending on an external display. On Windows : Use the Project to This PC feature. : Use the feature. On macOS: Use Sidecar with an iPad or Luna Display for cross-device display. Example: Event organizers often use this trick to monitor registration tools on one screen and control digital signage from another. Running out of space? Don't rush to delete photos or documents — reclaim it intelligently. Try These: Windows : Use Storage Sense (Settings → System → Storage). : Use (Settings → System → Storage). macOS: Use Manage Storage in About This Mac → Storage tab → Optimize Storage. Clear temporary files, duplicates, and cached data. Tools like CCleaner or CleanMyMac can automate the process. Cutting down on mouse usage can significantly boost your workflow. Popular Shortcuts: Alt + Tab (Windows) or Cmd + Tab (Mac) : Switch between apps quickly. or : Switch between apps quickly. Windows + V : Access clipboard history. : Access clipboard history. Cmd + Space (Mac): Launch Spotlight search. Pro Tip: Learn shortcuts for your favorite apps like Excel, Zoom, or Adobe Creative Suite — it pays off fast. Juggling multiple projects? Use virtual desktops to separate workspaces by task or client. Windows : Press Windows + Tab → Add Desktop. : Press Windows + Tab → Add Desktop. macOS: Use Mission Control → '+' sign in the top right. This setup helps IT staff or freelancers isolate browser sessions, presentations, or development tools without clutter. When your touchpad fails — or you want hands-free control — turn your smartphone into a trackpad. Apps like Unified Remote, Remote Mouse, or Apple's Remote App allow seamless control for presentations, media, and navigation. Use Case: At corporate events or training sessions, users often pair phones to control slides without standing near the laptop. Most laptops default to 'Balanced' mode, but you can create custom profiles for performance, meetings, or travel. On Windows : Control Panel → Power Options → Create a power plan. : Control Panel → Power Options → Create a power plan. On macOS: Use third-party apps like Turbo Boost Switcher or set up automation via Shortcuts. Hack: Create a 'Zoom mode' with reduced screen brightness, camera optimization, and Wi-Fi preference for smooth video calls. Overheating causes throttling, reduced performance, and shorter hardware life. Tips: Use a laptop stand to improve airflow. Clean out vents monthly with compressed air. Avoid placing your laptop on soft surfaces like beds or couches. Bonus Tip: Keep Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) open to spot resource-heavy apps heating up your system. Many users delay backups because they don't want another subscription. But Windows and macOS offer built-in, free solutions. Windows : File History → External drive or network location. : File History → External drive or network location. macOS: Time Machine → External drive setup. Schedule weekly backups, especially before travel or updates. If you're using laptop rental devices for events or short-term projects, backups become even more critical to prevent data loss. Laptops are more than just mobile computers — they're powerful tools, often underutilized. Whether you're managing a team, running a business, or organizing a conference, these laptop hacks can save time, improve performance, and simplify your tech life. Explore which ones fit your routine and start implementing them today. And if you're working temporarily or organizing an event, laptop rental services can help you access high-performance devices without the long-term investment. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Mint
19 hours ago
- Mint
Want to browse without being tracked? Try these 5 browsers instead of Google Chrome's Incognito Mode
Ever opened an incognito window and thought, 'Now I'm invisible online'? The reality is, incognito mode is just a thin veil. It keeps your browsing history off your device, but your internet provider, employer, and most websites can still track you. If you want real privacy, better security, or even true anonymity, it's time to look beyond Chrome's incognito and try browsers built for more than just hiding your tracks. Incognito mode only stops your browser from saving your history and cookies locally. It doesn't block trackers, hide your IP address, or prevent websites from profiling you. Advertisers, your network admin, and even Google itself can still see what you're doing. For anyone serious about privacy or security, incognito is just a starting point, not a solution. Firefox is a favourite among privacy advocates. It's open-source, so anyone can inspect the code, and it blocks trackers and fingerprinting by default. You can also customise privacy settings to suit your needs, making it a flexible choice for most users. Use this browser if you value: Privacy, Security Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Brave blocks ads and trackers out of the box and upgrades your connections to HTTPS whenever possible. It also gives you the option to block scripts that might be following your activity. Brave feels familiar if you're used to Chrome but strips out a lot of the data collection. Use this browser if you value: Privacy, Security Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Tor is the go-to for anyone who wants to be truly anonymous online. It routes your traffic through several encrypted nodes, making it very difficult for anyone to trace your activity back to you. It's slower than most browsers, but if you need to keep your identity hidden, nothing beats it. Use this browser if you value: Anonymity, Privacy Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android Epic is designed from the ground up for privacy. It blocks ads, trackers, and fingerprinting technologies, and even disables features like spell-check and auto-fill to keep your data safe. Epic doesn't require much setup and is straightforward to use. Use this browser if you value: Privacy, Security Available on: Windows, macOS, Android Vivaldi gives you a ton of control over your browsing experience. You can tweak privacy settings, block ads and trackers, and customise just about everything. While it's not focused on anonymity, it does a solid job of protecting your privacy and security. Use this browser if you value: Privacy, Security Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Incognito mode is fine for hiding your browsing from others who use your device, but it won't protect you from trackers, advertisers, or anyone else watching your activity online. If you care about privacy, security, or anonymity, these browsers give you real options. Take a few minutes to try one out and see how much more private your browsing can feel. Your data is worth protecting, and switching browsers is one of the easiest ways to start.
Geeky Gadgets
20 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
macOS Tahoe: A Stunning New Design is Coming to Your Mac
Apple's latest operating system, macOS 26—known as macOS Tahoe—marks a significant evolution for Mac users. With its refined design, expanded customization options, and productivity-focused tools, this update redefines how you interact with your Mac. Whether you're a casual user or a professional, macOS Tahoe delivers a seamless and intuitive experience that balances functionality with aesthetics. The video below from MacRumors gives us a detailed look at the new macOS. Watch this video on YouTube. The 'Liquid Glass' Design: A Visual Revolution One of the most striking features of macOS Tahoe is its 'Liquid Glass' design language. This new visual approach emphasizes transparency and frosted elements, creating a sleek and modern interface. The design updates are not only visually appealing but also enhance usability. Key highlights include: Translucent Interface Elements: Menu bars, toolbars, and sidebars now adapt dynamically to your desktop background, offering a cohesive and immersive visual experience. Menu bars, toolbars, and sidebars now adapt dynamically to your desktop background, offering a cohesive and immersive visual experience. Rounded Controls: Buttons and interface elements feature softer, rounded edges, making the system feel more approachable and user-friendly. Buttons and interface elements feature softer, rounded edges, making the system feel more approachable and user-friendly. Customizable Control Center: Tailor the control center to your preferences by adding or rearranging toggles and settings for quick access. These updates ensure that macOS Tahoe not only looks polished but also provides a more intuitive and professional user experience. Unprecedented Personalization Options macOS Tahoe introduces a new level of personalization, allowing you to make your Mac truly your own. These features are designed to enhance both functionality and individuality. Key personalization options include: Lock Screen Customization: Personalize your lock screen with adjustable clock styles, fonts, and colors, inspired by similar features in iOS and iPadOS. Personalize your lock screen with adjustable clock styles, fonts, and colors, inspired by similar features in iOS and iPadOS. Folder Customization: Organize your files more effectively by assigning unique colors, custom icons, or even emojis to folders. Organize your files more effectively by assigning unique colors, custom icons, or even emojis to folders. Dynamic Wallpapers: Choose from a range of new wallpapers that adapt to the time of day, adding a dynamic and engaging touch to your desktop. These enhancements allow you to create a workspace that reflects your personal style while improving organization and usability. Spotlight: A Smarter Productivity Hub Spotlight search in macOS Tahoe has been reimagined to serve as a central hub for productivity. With faster performance and expanded capabilities, Spotlight is now more powerful than ever. Key improvements include: Enhanced Search Accuracy: Quickly locate files, apps, and web content with improved precision and speed. Quickly locate files, apps, and web content with improved precision and speed. Actionable Features: Perform tasks such as sending emails, setting reminders, or creating calendar events directly within Spotlight, saving time and effort. Perform tasks such as sending emails, setting reminders, or creating calendar events directly within Spotlight, saving time and effort. Clipboard Manager: Access a history of copied items, making it easier to reuse text, images, or links without switching between apps. Access a history of copied items, making it easier to reuse text, images, or links without switching between apps. New 'Apps' Interface: Replacing Launchpad, this feature offers a more intuitive way to organize and access your applications. These updates transform Spotlight into a versatile tool that simplifies multitasking and enhances productivity. New Apps to Enrich Your Experience macOS Tahoe introduces a suite of new applications designed to cater to a variety of needs, from productivity to accessibility and entertainment. These apps include: Journal App: A dedicated space for daily journaling, adapted from iOS, to help you document thoughts, activities, and goals. A dedicated space for daily journaling, adapted from iOS, to help you document thoughts, activities, and goals. Magnifier App: Built with accessibility in mind, this app offers advanced zoom and scanning features, integrating seamlessly with your iPhone for enhanced functionality. Built with accessibility in mind, this app offers advanced zoom and scanning features, integrating seamlessly with your iPhone for enhanced functionality. Phone App: Make and manage calls directly from your Mac, complete with call assist features for added convenience. Make and manage calls directly from your Mac, complete with call assist features for added convenience. Games App: A centralized hub for managing games, browsing Apple Arcade, and accessing Game Center features, making gaming on your Mac more streamlined. These additions expand the capabilities of your Mac, making sure it meets the diverse needs of modern users. Streamlined Workflows and Seamless Integration macOS Tahoe focuses on improving efficiency and enhancing integration across Apple devices, creating a unified ecosystem that supports your workflow. Key updates include: Quick Keys for Spotlight: Execute common tasks, such as launching apps or performing searches, with simple keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation. Execute common tasks, such as launching apps or performing searches, with simple keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation. Enhanced Cross-Platform Features: Continuity Camera, Handoff, and Universal Clipboard now work more seamlessly, allowing you to transition effortlessly between your Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Continuity Camera, Handoff, and Universal Clipboard now work more seamlessly, allowing you to transition effortlessly between your Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Improved File Sharing: AirDrop and iCloud Drive have been optimized for faster and more reliable file transfers, making collaboration easier. These improvements ensure that macOS Tahoe not only enhances individual productivity but also strengthens the connection between your Mac and other Apple devices. A Comprehensive Update for Every User macOS Tahoe represents a thoughtful evolution of Apple's desktop operating system, combining a visually stunning design with practical enhancements. Whether you're customizing your Mac, managing tasks with Spotlight, or exploring new apps, this update offers a cohesive and intuitive experience. By prioritizing usability, personalization, and integration, macOS Tahoe reaffirms Apple's commitment to delivering a platform that meets the needs of both casual users and professionals alike. Enhance your knowledge on macOS Tahoe by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject. Source & Image Credit: MacRumors Filed Under: Apple, Laptops, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
