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Tag: Mac

  • Mac Studio’s M3 Ultra powers huge DeepSeek R1 AI model at home

    Mac Studio’s M3 Ultra powers huge DeepSeek R1 AI model at home

    YouTuber Dave Lee, known for his Dave2D channel, recently showed off how Apple’s latest Mac Studio with the M3 Ultra chip can run a massive DeepSeek R1 AI model right on the device. To pull this off, you need the top-tier version with 512GB of memory.

    Mac Studio 2025 Breakdown

    Lee’s tests revealed that this giant AI model, with 671 billion parameters, works smoothly on the Mac Studio. It gobbles up 404GB of storage and needs 448GB of virtual memory, which users set up manually using Terminal commands.

    The secret sauce is the M3 Ultra’s all-in-one memory setup. It handles a slimmed-down, 4-bit version of DeepSeek R1 without breaking a sweat. This tweak lowers accuracy a tiny bit but keeps all the important bits intact, churning out about 17-18 tokens per second—plenty fast for most tasks.

    Even better, the Mac Studio does this while sipping less than 200 watts of power. If you tried this on a regular PC, you’d need several graphics cards guzzling around ten times more energy.

    Why It Matters

    Running big AI models at home is a game-changer for privacy. Think of things like medical data crunching—keeping it local avoids the risks of sending sensitive info to the cloud.

    The Price Tag

    This power comes with a hefty cost. A Mac Studio with the M3 Ultra and 512GB of RAM starts at about $10,000. Go all out with 16TB of storage and a fully loaded M3 Ultra (32-core CPU, 80-core GPU, and 32-core Neural Engine), and you’re looking at $14,099. Still, for companies needing secure, local AI processing, it’s a solid deal compared to other options. Apple claims the M3 Ultra is its speediest chip yet, made by blending two M3 Max chips with its “UltraFusion” trick. That doubles the power, making it a beast for heavy-duty work.

  • Apple’s strongest Mac yet lacks one cool trick

    Apple’s strongest Mac yet lacks one cool trick

    Apple’s brand-new Mac Studio, powered by the M4 Max or M3 Ultra, is now out for everyone to grab. To go along with its release, Apple updated a help page that shows which power settings this Mac Studio can use—and which ones it skips. The result might catch you off guard.

    Yes, the Mac Studio has a Low Power Mode, but it’s missing High Power Mode. Early reviews say this Mac Studio is the most powerful Mac Apple has ever built. Whether you pick the M4 Max or M3 Ultra version, you’re getting a machine that’s a total beast.

    But what if you want to tone down all that strength sometimes?

    Apple’s updated help page about Power Modes (spotted by MacRumors) says the new Mac Studio lets you switch on Low Power Mode. Why would you bother? Apple explains it does two handy things: it keeps the fans quiet for jobs needing silence and cuts down on energy use if your Mac stays on all the time. These are solid perks for a feature you might think isn’t needed on a Mac Studio.

    Here’s the odd part, though: High Power Mode isn’t an option. Apple says High Power Mode lets the fans spin faster, giving extra cooling so the system can handle super heavy tasks better. When it’s on, you might notice more fan noise. It sounds like a great fit for a machine as strong as the Mac Studio, right?

    But for some reason, it’s not included. You can use High Power Mode on certain MacBook Pros and even the M4 Mac mini, but can you use it on the new Mac Studio? Nope, it’s left out. This missing feature stands out since the Mac Studio is such a powerhouse. It’s a curious choice by Apple that’s got people scratching their heads!

  • ChatGPT now works right inside Xcode and VS Code on Mac

    ChatGPT now works right inside Xcode and VS Code on Mac

    OpenAI has made its ChatGPT app for macOS even better by letting it edit code straight in popular tools like Xcode, VS Code, and JetBrains software. With this update, you don’t need to copy and paste code anymore. ChatGPT can now look at your code in these programs and change it right there. It’s simple and saves time.

    There’s also an “auto-apply” option. When turned on, ChatGPT makes the edits for you without extra steps. Alexander Embiricos, who works on OpenAI’s product team, showed how it works on social media. He said Windows users will get this feature soon, too.

    Right now, only people with ChatGPT Plus, Pro, or Team plans can use this if they update their macOS app. OpenAI says everyone else—Enterprise, Education, and free users—will get it next week.
    This new trick builds on something ChatGPT started testing last November.

    Back then, it could read code from these apps but couldn’t change it. Now, it can do both. This update puts ChatGPT up against other AI coding helpers like GitHub Copilot and Apple’s Swift Assist, which already let you edit code directly in similar ways.

  • Addigy Assist makes setting up Macs easier for IT crews and MSPs

    Addigy Assist makes setting up Macs easier for IT crews and MSPs

    Addigy, a company that helps manage Apple devices, just launched a new tool called Addigy Assist. It’s designed to make setting up Macs simpler for IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs). The tool comes with an Apple-style look, automatic steps, and live updates to smooth out the process.

    Setting up Macs has often been a hassle, with lots of hands-on work, problem-solving, and little info for users. Addigy Assist changes that by offering a fresh way to get new devices or new employees up and running, all tied into how macOS works.

    “Most tools for this job are either too tricky or too stiff, taking hours to get ready and fix issues. Users end up annoyed and keep calling IT for support,” said Tim Pearson from CreativeTech. “Addigy Assist fixes that. It took us under 10 minutes to set up once, and we were good to go. Employees now get a clear, easy start right away. We’re saving time, getting fewer complaints, and making new hires feel welcome.”

    The tool cuts down headaches for IT folks by handling boring, repeat tasks and showing setup progress as it happens. It’s also flexible, letting MSPs tweak it to fit different clients or rules they need to follow. “Addigy’s goal is to keep Apple device management simple and friendly. With Addigy Assist, we’re not just speeding up Mac setups—we’re making it feel like Apple built it,” said Jason Dettbarn, Addigy’s founder and CEO.

    Here’s what Addigy Assist brings:

    • Apple-like design: Matches macOS for an easy feel.
    • Multi-client support: This helps manage setups for different groups or places.
    • Live updates: Show users what’s happening during setup.
    • Auto-steps: Speeds things up by cutting manual work.
    • Smart fixes: Solves common hiccups like low power or Wi-Fi trouble.
    • Personal touch: Lets companies add their style to the process.

    Addigy Assist is out now for IT teams and MSPs who want an easier way to roll out Macs.

  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows hits Mac on March 20

    Assassin’s Creed Shadows hits Mac on March 20

    Apple shared exciting news today: Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch on Mac on Thursday, March 20. The game will drop at the same time for Mac, PlayStation 5, Windows PCs, and Xbox, so no one gets left behind.

    Back in May 2024, Ubisoft revealed plans to bring this game to Mac, originally aiming for a November release. After a few delays, it’s finally set to arrive later this year. Fans can breathe easy knowing the wait is almost over.

    This action-packed roleplaying game takes place in 16th-century Japan and follows the main Assassin’s Creed storyline, coming after Assassin’s Creed Mirage. It dives into the clash between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order. Players can step into the shoes of two characters: Fujibayashi Naoe, a sneaky shinobi, or Yasuke, a tough samurai.

    Both characters bring something unique to the table. Naoe is all about staying hidden and moving quietly, while Yasuke shines in head-on fights. Each character has their skills, weapons, and growth paths, giving players different ways to enjoy the game.

    The world is huge and open, packed with stunning sights like busy castle towns, lively ports, calm countryside, and quiet shrines. The weather and seasons change as you play, making every moment feel fresh. Marc-Alexis Côté, Ubisoft’s executive producer, called Assassin’s Creed Shadows his team’s “biggest adventure yet.” They’ve poured a lot into it.

    To play on a Mac, you’ll need one with an Apple silicon chip. If you’ve got an M3 or M4 Mac, you’ll enjoy real-time ray tracing for extra-sharp visuals. Ubisoft is also bringing the game to iPads with M-series chips. Priced at $70, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is up for pre-order on the Mac App Store now, ahead of its March 20 debut. Get ready to explore Japan like never before!

  • Microsoft unveils simple Copilot app for Mac users

    Microsoft unveils simple Copilot app for Mac users

    Microsoft has rolled out a fresh Copilot app made just for Mac computers. This means people who use Copilot can now enjoy it through a smooth, Mac-friendly program. Copilot is Microsoft’s smart AI tool, powered by OpenAI tech. It works a lot like ChatGPT, helping users with all sorts of tasks. You can ask it questions, get coding tips, upload pictures for extra details, create text or images, sum up info, dig into research, open shortcuts, and more.

    Now, Mac users can have this handy AI helper right on their screens. The app lets you upload photos, make images and text, use quick shortcuts, switch to dark mode, and explore a feature called Think Deeper. Microsoft Copilot is like a daily sidekick—chatting with it feels natural and boosts learning, growth, and confidence thanks to OpenAI and Microsoft’s AI brains.

    The app itself is free with no extra costs inside, but Copilot offers both free and paid options. For those wanting the newest AI features, Copilot Pro costs $20 per month per person.
    You can grab the Microsoft Copilot app from the Mac App Store at no charge. It works on any Mac with an Apple silicon chip running macOS 14 or newer. [Direct Link]

  • Two new Mac threats pop up – one fix coming soon

    Two new Mac threats pop up – one fix coming soon

    Two fresh Mac threats have been spotted recently, and one of them is getting a patch this week. The second one is still out there with no fix yet, but honestly, you’d have to be pretty unaware to get tricked by it.

    A Parallels Weakness Targeted

    According to Macworld, the first threat was uncovered by a security expert named Mickey Jin. He’d been pushing Parallels, a tool that lets Macs run Windows, Linux, or older macOS versions, to fix this issue for seven months. The problem affects Intel-based Macs using Parallels. It lets someone take full control of your Mac by sneaking through flaws in how Parallels sets up virtual machines.

    The good news? It’s not a huge worry since the attacker would need to physically get to your Mac. Parallels has now promised to roll out a solution this week. They’ve shared details in a support article, saying updates for Parallels Desktop 20.2.2 and 19.4.2 will tackle this flaw soon.

    FrigidStealer Sneaks In

    The second threat, called FrigidStealer, is sneakier and can strike from afar—it’s after your passwords. But it’s not hard to avoid if you’re cautious. You’d have to click a sketchy link and then follow steps to dodge macOS’s safety net, Gatekeeper.

    Here’s how it works: You get an email with a link. Click it, and a webpage pops up, warning that your browser needs an update. Hit the “Update” button, and a file downloads. The trick is that you’re told to open it by right-clicking and choosing “Open” from the menu. Doing this skips Gatekeeper, the Mac’s guard against shady apps, letting the malware slip in.

    Stay Safe Out There

    Stick to the basics to keep your Mac safe. Don’t click links in unexpected emails. For important websites, use bookmarks you’ve saved yourself. Only grab software from the Mac App Store or trusted developers’ sites. A little care goes a long way!

  • Apple’s Mac growth outpaces top PC brands, leads in AI technology

    Apple’s Mac growth outpaces top PC brands, leads in AI technology

    A recent report shows that Apple’s Macs grew faster than the top three PC brands in the last three months of 2024. Not only that, Apple is also way ahead in computers built for artificial intelligence (AI), holding a 45% share compared to just 15% for its closest Windows rival.

    Mac’s Place in the PC World

    Apple sits in fourth place overall, with a 10% slice of the PC market. It trails behind Lenovo, HP, and Dell, but it saw the biggest jump in sales during late 2024. Experts at Canalys believe Apple is set to keep growing, especially with businesses. They point to a new partner program launching soon that will make it easier for companies to use Macs. This could help Apple win over more business customers by showing how well Macs work in big workplaces—something that’s held them back before.

    Here’s how the overall PC market looks:

    Lenovo: 25%
    HP: 20%
    Dell: 15%
    Apple: 10%
    Asus: 7%
    Acer: 6%
    Huawei: 2%
    Microsoft: 0.4%
    Others: 15%

    Apple Shines in AI Computers

    When it comes to PCs with special AI chips, Apple is the clear leader. In 2024, 17% of all shipped PCs were AI-ready. Apple grabbed 45% of that market, while Lenovo and HP each took 12%. (Note: One part of the report says 54%, but most data sticks with 45%—we’re checking on that.) Experts say AI features aren’t the main reason people buy PCs yet, but they’re growing in importance. Better AI could soon mean smarter, more personal devices, which might keep customers loyal to brands like Apple.

    Trump’s Tariffs Could Slow Things Down

    The PC market is doing well overall, thanks to companies upgrading old machines after Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10. But there’s a catch: a new 10% tax on goods from China, introduced by the Trump administration, could hurt. Since most laptops come from China, this could raise prices and slow down sales, especially for everyday buyers and businesses planning upgrades.

  • Boost Your Savings: Enhanced Trade-In values for Macs now available

    Boost Your Savings: Enhanced Trade-In values for Macs now available

    Apple has just bumped up the trade-in values for several Mac models in the U.S., allowing you to save more when you decide to upgrade. Here’s a quick look at how much you could get back on your old Mac:

    • MacBook Pro – Now valued at up to $925, was $915
    • MacBook Air – Now up to $435, previously $425
    • MacBook – Increased to up to $140 from $90
    • iMac – You can get up to $315, it was $305 before
    • iMac Pro – Now up to $455, up from $405
    • Mac mini – Valued at up to $375, was $365
    • Mac Studio – Now up to $1,150, a slight increase from $1,140
    • Mac Pro – Up to $720, which was $670 before

    These boosted trade-in values are only available until April 2, so you have a limited time to take advantage of this offer. Whether you’re looking to buy a new Apple device right away or prefer to get an Apple gift card for future use, this is a great opportunity to get more for your old tech.

    You can trade in your Mac either online at Apple’s website or directly at an Apple Store. Once you trade in, the credit can be used towards purchasing a new Apple product or converted into an Apple gift card.

    For more information or to start your trade-in, head over to Apple’s trade-in page. Don’t miss out on these enhanced values to make your next upgrade more affordable!

  • Mac app store issues for older Mac systems

    Mac app store issues for older Mac systems

    Mac users with older macOS versions are facing problems when trying to use the Mac App Store. Specifically, those with macOS Mojave (10.14) and older are having trouble.

    Reports started coming in around January 24, 2025, suggesting that something went wrong when Apple updated how receipts work in the App Store. Users are seeing error messages like “Something went wrong while logging in” or “We couldn’t read the data because it’s not in the right format.”

    The experience varies depending on which macOS version you’re using. If you’re on Catalina (10.15) or newer, everything works fine. But if you’re still using Mojave (10.14), you can look around the store, but you can’t buy new apps or download ones you’ve already bought once your session ends. For those on High Sierra (10.13), parts of the store’s interface might not show up, and signing in can be tricky. Users on Sierra (10.12) are seeing messages that stop them from even getting into the store.

    It looks like these problems might have something to do with Apple’s new way of handling receipts, but we’re not sure yet. For those stuck with these issues, Apple offers other ways to get macOS updates. Also, many apps can still be downloaded directly from the developers’ own websites, outside of the App Store.

    This situation leaves older Mac users in a bit of a bind, hoping for a quick fix from Apple to restore full functionality to the Mac App Store on their systems.

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