How to turn the 2016 MacBook Pro into a Windows gaming machine using the compact Akitio Thunder3 + GTX 1050 Ti [Video]
While they’ve existed before the most recent MacBook Pro, the surge of interest in external GPUs is largely thanks to the implementation of Thunderbolt 3 in the latest Mac hardware. As we’ve shown in a previous post, an eGPU can make a significant performance difference, turning an otherwise graphically pedestrian MacBook Pro into a competent gaming machine.
In our previous tutorial, we showed you how to wield an AMD RX 480 in macOS. While that solution yielded definite benefits, it was also hindered by difficulties caused by macOS itself.
It should come as no surprise that the setup process and support with Windows is, in some ways, quite a bit better than using an eGPU with macOS. That’s not to say that you should run out and buy a Windows laptop if you want to play the latest games requiring a more powerful GPU. Instead, you can utilize a Boot Camp installation, and turn your MacBook Pro into a 1080p gaming machine.
The now-available $249 Akitio Thunder3 is much smaller than the larger Akitio Node, so it takes up a smaller footprint on your desk. The setup also lets you tap into the power of the GPU right from your MacBook Pro’s built-in display, no external display required. Watch our full walkthrough, as we showcase this simple and compact eGPU solution on video. more…
Filed under: Apple
Apple extends developer promotion for free $100 App Store Search Ads credit until March 30
Apple is extending the introductory offer for App Store Search Ads until March 30, for developers who have yet to use the program. Search Ads launched in October last year, promoting apps above organic listings in the search result, with a $100 promo code for app makers who began an ad campaign.
This $100 credit offer was originally set to expire on December 31st, at the end of 2016. Apple has today announced that it is keeping the offer running for another three months.
Filed under: Apple
Editors Keys launches Logic/Final Cut/Adobe shortcut keyboard covers for the new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
Editors Keys is known for its line-up of custom Apple keyboards/covers for everything from Logic and Final Cut Pro X to the Adobe Creative suite, Pixelmator and even Twitter. The keyboards/covers feature color-coated and specially printed keys to offer up more than 150 shortcuts for power users and beginners alike. Now the company is launching “the world’s first” silicone shortcut keyboard covers for Apple’s new 13 and 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.
Designed to make users more productive with as many as 250 shortcuts, and of course to not cover the touch-sensitive Touch Bar on the new machines, the covers also protect your new MacBook Pro from dust and spills with a super thin protective layer. The company notes that the skins are cut extremely precisely and provide minimal “physical typing distraction” compared to others.
Filed under: Apple
Apple releases macOS 10.12.4 public beta 1 with Night Shift for Mac
Apple releases iOS 10.3 public beta 1 with Find My AirPods
Apple has released the first iOS 10.3 public beta for developer testing on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. iOS 10.3 public beta 1 follows two days after the first developer version of the upcoming software update.
Filed under: Apple
9to5Toys Lunch Break: 12″ MacBook $300 off, 13″ MacBook Air 256GB $950, Samsung 60″ 4K Smart UHDTV $648, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:
Best Buy is slashing prices on Apple’s 12-inch MacBook: save $300 on all models, priced from $1,000 + open-box discounts
Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air 256GB has dropped to $950 shipped over at eBay (Reg. $1,199)
Home Theater Deals just in time for Super Bowl Sunday:
Super Bowl TV Deals: Samsung 60-inch 4K Smart w/ 3 HDMI inputs $648 shipped (Reg. $1,000), many more
Go big for Super Bowl Sunday: Samsung 55-inch Curved 4K HDR Smart Ultra HDTV $1,349 shipped (Reg. $1,700)
TCL’s value-focused 50-inch 1080p HDTV has Roku services built-in with three HDMI inputs: $300 shipped (Reg. $400)
LG’s 55-inch 4K Curved OLED 3D HDR Smart Ultra HDTV is on sale for $1,449 shipped
Onkyo’s 7.2-Ch. A/V Receiver does it all – 4K, AirPlay, Bluetooth, Hi-Res Audio and more: $299 shipped (Reg. $400+)
Apple’s latest powerhouse 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar 256GB drops to $2,100 shipped (Reg. $2,399)
Trusted eBay Seller Electronics Valley offers Apple-certified refurbished 27-inch 5K iMacs for up to $500 off w/ warranty
We have exclusive discounts on Anker’s popular Powerline+ Lightning, USB-C and microUSB cables from $8 Prime shipped
Smartphone Accessories: Lumsing 5-port USB charger $10 shipped, Aukey iPhone 7 Sports Armband $4, more
MailButler Professional Lifetime Subscription: $35
Runtastic’s Pull Ups PRO drops to its lowest price in years: $1 (Reg. $2)
- The Pixelmator image editor for iOS is now matching its all-time low at $1 (Reg. $5)
- Apple Mac App of the Year winner Affinity Photo matching lowest price at $40 (20% off), more
- The Apple Award-winning Smart Alarm Clock for iOS goes free for the very first time (Reg. $2)
- RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 drops to its lowest price ever on the App Store: $2 (Reg. $5)
The Best Nintendo Switch Accessories: Chargers, Console Stands, Backpacks and more
- Best of NAMM 2017: Pocket Synthesizers, new Logic Pro X features, iOS Interfaces, MPC X and much more
MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:
Daily Deals: APC 8-Outlet 600VA Surge Protector & Battery Backup $30, Logitech Harmony Ultimate Smart Remote $180, more
Nike’s 48-hour Flash Sale takes up to 50% off Tech Fleece, Dri-FIT, runnning shoes and much more
Amazon offers up to 50% off Athleisure Clothing: PUMA, adidas, Lacoste plus more styles from $20 Prime shipped
Patagonia is taking 30% off our favorite styles: save on down-filled jackets, Nano Puff, Snap-T pullovers, backpacks, more!
- GoPro HERO Session Action Cam w/ floaty handle/16GB microSD $180 shipped (Reg. $250)
- Aukey Bluetooth Headphones $8, Mpow Universal Car Mount $12, more
- These one-foot extension cords are great for home theaters, 10-pack for $12 Prime shipped
- Get the Hoover Carpet SteamVac for only $74 shipped (Reg. $140)
- Games/Apps: Steep $30, Resident Evil 7 $48, Xbox One S bundle $220, iOS freebies, more
MORE DEALS STILL LIVE:
iTunes rolls outs $0.99 HD movie and documentary rental sale: The Iron Lady, V for Vendetta, Ocean’s Twelve, much more
Mophie Powerstand for iPad w/ Lightning Connector is down to $18
Everybody needs free money: Up to 20% off Gift Cards from Nike, Jiffy Lube, Cabela’s, Regal Theaters, Sephora and more
Filed under: Apple
Upwork lists Swift as 2nd fastest-growing skill amongst freelancers in Q4 2016
Upwork, a website dedicated to connecting freelancers with projects, has just released their latest quarterly report of the fastest-growing skills seen on their site. Today’s release lists the top 20 fastest-growing skills from Q4 of 2016. Without much of a surprise, natural language processing is listed up at number one, with Apple’s Swift programming language coming in strong at number two.
Filed under: Apple
Smart Home Diary: Getting started with HomeKit
London is my favorite place in the world, but there are a few downsides to living here – and one of those is that some tech takes a while to cross the Atlantic. HomeKit was one example. Different plug sockets and using 240v instead of 110v means that we needed to wait for UK-specific versions of HomeKit-compatible kit.
I also had various items of non-compatible Smart Home technology that made it a little financially painful to go all-in on HomeKit. I was, for example, an early adopter of WeMo, with a socket switch for each of my standard lamps, all of which needed to be replaced.
But no self-respecting gadget lover could pass up the opportunity for voice-control – and that, plus the greater capabilities, eventually made the switch to HomeKit irresistible. This piece doubles as a diary of my own experiences and a how-to guide to getting started with HomeKit …
Filed under: Apple
Analysts predict drop in average iPhone selling price, growth in services to make up the difference
Ahead of Apple’s financial earnings call covering the holiday quarter, analysts are speculating that the average selling price for iPhones has declined. A report from Bloomberg shares that even though there may be growth for total iPhone units shipped compared with the year ago quarter, predictions say it will be the strong rise in Apple’s services that will increase revenue for the quarter.
Filed under: Apple
Google Translate iOS app can now do live Word Lens translations from Japanese
Google Translates’s augmented reality feature, Word Lens, now works with Japanese. As with other supported languages, you simply point your iPhone camera at a Japanese sign, notice, menu or similar and it will instantly overlay the English text – even without a data connection.
Filed under: Apple