The HyperDrive is a compact USB-C hub that adds some much needed port-diversification to the 2016 MacBook Pro. While it may look similar to some already existing USB-C hubs out there, the HyperDrive is Thunderbolt 3-enabled, and supports the new MacBook Pro only, as it connects to two of the machine’s USB-C ports simultaneously.

The hub adds all sorts of ports to the otherwise barren MacBook Pro. You’ll find two USB-A ports for USB 3.0 connectivity, an SD Card and microSD card reader, HDMI output, a Thunderbolt 3 port and a USB-C (gen 1) port.

Hyper just launched a Kickstarter campaign for the HyperDrive today, but I’ve already been testing out a few almost-finished, fully-functioning prototypes, and it seems promising. Have a look at our video walkthrough for a brief hands-on look at the HyperDrive in action. more…

Filed under: Apple

The main reason I’ve adopted this Diary format for reviewing Apple kit is that first impressions can be misleading. The iPad, for example, launched to very mixed reviews. I won’t embarrass my fellow tech writers by naming names, but the Guardian did a round-up at the time.

Then there’s my own Apple Watch experience. Going from clear smartwatch skeptic – wondering why anyone would want one – to a complete convert. With the new MacBook Pro, my impressions from the keynote were that I would like it but not love it.

It looks like a very nice machine. I’m fully expecting to enjoy the smaller form factor and the new features – even if I will really miss the larger screen – but I’m not expecting to love it. It doesn’t excite me the way I feel that a new generation ought to after four years of more-or-less stagnation.

It turns out I was wrong …

more…

Filed under: Apple

A new report from IDC estimates that the Apple Watch continues to the best-selling smartwatch with about 40% marketshare but barely scrapes into the 5 top selling wearables list with 1.1 million unit sales, as the market is dominated by cheap fitness bands, a trend seen since the beginning of this year.

Apple’s wearable was outsold by rising fitness tracker sales from Fitbit, Xiamo and Garmin. Apple was the only vendor to see a drop in sales compared to last year; Apple is predicted to have sold 71% fewer Apple Watches in the third quarter of this year than what it achieved in the same period in 2015.

more…

Filed under: Apple

Runkeeper’s latest update lets you track outdoor workouts using the embedded GPS in Apple Watch Series 2. This lets you leave your iPhone behind for capturing your route and accurately measuring your workout.

more…

Filed under: Apple

Apple is readying some upgrades to its iCloud Photos web app found on iCloud.com, first noted by MacMagazine. The Photos web app allows users to access their iCloud Photo Library through a web browser, across Mac and Windows computers.

However, it is somewhat rudimentary in its current state … but the beta.icloud.com site now includes a redesigned Photos app featuring a sidebar and thumbnail scrubber like what already exist in the native Photos app for Mac. Apple tests new features on beta.icloud.com before rolling them out to everyone, so the new features should be available for everyone soon.

more…

Filed under: Apple

A poll of 9to5Mac readers has revealed the things you love and hate about the new MacBook Pro. Interestingly, the headline feature of the new model – the Touch Bar – didn’t make it into the top three most popular elements, only coming in fifth.

The most-loved features were Touch ID, improved display and the smaller form-factor, while the most hated ones were the price, the loss of MagSafe and the all-USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports …

more…

Filed under: Apple

Games developers say they have detected significant abuse of Apple’s refund policy on apps, and are being forced to take their own steps to hit back after Apple refused to help.

At least four developers cited in The Korea Times say that the problem is that people are repeatedly purchasing games and in-app content, asking Apple for a refund – which is normally granted without question – and then continuing to use the content. It is not easy for developers to block access to the content because Apple refuses to reveal the identities of those who have been refunded …

more…

Filed under: Apple

The artistic drawing and painting tool for iPad, Procreate available for $5.99 in the App Store, is rounding out 2016 with one last update in time for the holiday season where countless numbers of iPad Pros and Apple Pencils will be unwrapped for Christmas.

The Procreate 3.2 update includes several major new features, including PSD import for bringing Photoshop documents into the app, Live Capture Streaming to broadcast the creative process, support for a range of iOS keyboard shortcuts, new layers system with nested groups amongst other changes.

more…

Filed under: Apple

Apple’s (lack of) cooperation with law enforcement has been a common theme of 2016 with the company refusing to weaken its stance on strong encryption and privacy for all iOS users; the most famous being the San Bernardino Apple/FBI clash.

As it is practically impossible to access data stored on a modern iPhone, thanks to security measures Apple introduced in iOS 8 and iOS 9, the UK police have developed a new tactic to be able to recover usable intelligence; conduct a street robbery and steal the suspect’s phone whilst it is in use, in their hands …

more…

Filed under: Apple

The Apple Store on University Avenue in Palo Alto, California, was damaged early Sunday morning from an overnight hit and run burglary. Photos from the scene below show the damage…

more…

Filed under: Apple