Top Stories: ‘Find My’ Expansion, iPhone 13 Pro Model, Largest iMac Ever?

Apple’s AirTags may still be nowhere to be seen nearly two years after its signs were first discovered, but Apple this week launched its Find My network accessory program that allows third-party devices to integrate with the Find My app on Apple’s platforms to make it easy to keep track of your items.

This week there were also new rumors about the upcoming “iPhone 13” and new iMacs, while Microsoft and Samsung continue to focus their marketing on Apple. Read on for details on these stories and more!

Apple announces Find My Network with support for third-party devices

Apple this week announced the launch of the Find My Network Accessories program, which allows the location of compatible third-party accessories to be tracked in the “Find My” app alongside Apple devices. The first products to work with the Find My app include a new Chipolo item tracker, Belkin earbuds and select VanMoof e-bikes.

The updated Find My app with a new Items tab is now available on devices running iOS 14.3 and later, iPadOS 14.3 and later, and macOS Big Sur 11.1 or later, after a server-side change.

Apple also announced that third-party device manufacturers can take advantage of Ultra Wideband technology in Apple devices with U1, such as iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models. According to Apple, third-party accessories that offer Ultra Wideband support will be able to provide a “more precise, directional experience when nearby,” which should make it easier to pinpoint the specific location of these items when they are lost .

It has long been rumored that Apple is planning its own item trackers called AirTags, but at this point it is unclear if and when they will be released. It’s possible Apple may give competitors like Chipolo an edge over AirTags to avoid potential antitrust complaints.

iPhone 13 Pro model shows smaller notch, relocated earpiece and front camera

While we are still several months away from the launch of iPhone 13 models, accessory manufacturers are already preparing for the upcoming devices by creating dummy versions based on rumors and leaked specifications from Apple’s supply chain.

This week saw Japanese blog Mac Otakara share an alleged dummy model of the 6.1-inch iPhone 13 Pro, which allows you to take a closer look at the device’s rumored smaller notch with relocated earphones and front-facing camera. While the dummy model is quite rudimentary, it is believed to have accurate dimensions, which allows accessory manufacturers to get ahead of iPhone 13 cases and accessories.

The iPhone 13 models are expected to be announced in September, with mass production of A15 chips for the devices reportedly set to begin in late May, apparently slightly ahead of schedule.

New iMac is expected to feature a ‘really large’ screen that is larger than the current 27-inch model

Rumor has it that Apple is planning a refreshed iMac with an Apple silicon chip for later this year, and a credible leaker known this week as ‘l0vetodream’ claimed that at least one of the new models will have a larger screen than the current 27 -inch iMac.

A larger screen on the next-gen iMac wouldn’t be too surprising, as rumors suggest the computer will have a similar design to Apple’s premium Pro Display XDR monitor, including thinner bezels around the screen and a flat back. There are also rumors that the new iMac will be available in several new iPad Air-like colors.

In June 2020, Apple said the transition from Intel processors to Macs would take about two years. In addition to the iMac, Apple is reportedly working on updated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Apple silicon for release in the second half of this year.

Microsoft says Surface Pro 7 is ‘Better Choice’ than iPad Pro

A few months ago, Microsoft said the Surface Pro 7 is the “better choice” compared to the MacBook Pro. As an extension of this ad campaign, Microsoft has now shared a video claiming that the Surface Pro 7 is “still the better choice” compared to the iPad Pro.

The ad shows how the Surface Pro 7 has a kickstand, unlike the iPad Pro, calling the ‌iPad Pro‌ keyboard portfolio “a lot heavier” than the Surface option.

Microsoft also points out that the ‌iPad Pro‌ has only one USB-C port, while the Surface Pro has 7 different ports available. “Do you want to be this man?” says the actor in the ad, holding up an “iPad” with a dongle.

“IPad Pro” is just a tablet, the actor added. “Surface is a whole computer and a tablet.”

Samsung’s ‘iTest’ allows you to try a Galaxy device on your iPhone

Samsung has launched “iTest”, an interactive website experience designed to let iPhone users test a simulated version of Android on a Galaxy device, or “taste the other side,” as Samsung calls it.

By visiting the iTest website on an iPhone, users are prompted to install a web app on the home screen. From there, tap the app to open the home screen of a simulated Galaxy smartphone, complete with a range of apps and setting options. You can open the Galaxy Store, apply themes, and even access the messages and phone apps, complete with a simulated phone call and messages.

Samsung’s interactive experience is neat, and if you want to kill some time it’s worth playing with for a few minutes.

Hands-on with the new Sonos Roam speaker

Sonos introduced a new portable smart speaker called the Sonos Roam in March, which costs $ 169, making it the most affordable Sonos speaker to date. We got to check out the Sonos Roam to see if it’s worth the asking price and how it compares to other portable speakers on the market.

We were impressed with the sound quality the Sonos Roam delivers in relation to its size, and with AirPlay 2 support it’s an ideal choice for wirelessly streaming audio from an iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Sonos said the Roam will be released on April 20 and will be available for pre-order for $ 169 before that date.

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