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The odd thing about Apple’s preferred new method of introducing products — hands-on influencer events — is that it leaves even professional Apple watchers like me in the dark.
I’ve been puzzling all week about why Apple added a touchscreen to the MacBook Pro.
The reasons certainly were not spelled out in Apple’s press release, and weren’t clear from the media that emerged from Wednesday’s hands-on event in L.A.
It only became clear from a couple of interviews company executives gave to media outlets after the event.
Turns out, they had good reasons to add touch to the MacBook Pro — and that an important segment of Apple’s customer base was actively asking for it. Here’s why.
Also in today’s newsletter:
Remember Popcorn Time, the torrent-powered Netflix alternative for watching pirated TV shows and movies? It fizzled years ago, but a security firm is warning that up to 350,000 Macs are still running an updater for the app that leaves them wide open to nasty hacks. Here’s how to check if your machine is exposed.
The new HomePod mini 2 is now available on store shelves. Cult of Mac writer Ed Hardy already picked one up and says audio is noticeably improved.
🔥 DEAL OF THE DAY: Oh wow, the new AirTags 2 just dropped to the lowest price ever — just $17 apiece when you buy a four-pack. #affiliate
If you’re looking for a premium webcam with great image quality, check out our hands-on review of the Obsbot Tiny 3. We think it’s great, with one big caveat.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
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Is touchscreen MacBook a mistake? Cult of Mac podcast #39
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One more thing ...
It's really hard to design products by focus groups. A lot of times, people don't know what they want until you show it to them.
Today’s poll
HomePod, HomePod mini or something else?
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