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vendredi 29 octobre 2021

Twitter launches “Labs” to let Twitter Blue subscribers try out new features early

Twitter has been testing a lot of new features as of late. Now, it wants its paid subscribers to be the first to try out these new experiments.

On Thursday, Twitter announced a new feature called “Labs” (via TechCrunch) that will give Twitter Blue subscribers early access to new features and experiments that Twitter is testing. For the unaware, Twitter Blue is a premium subscription service that gives you access to additional features and perks like the ability to undo tweets, Reader mode, Bookmark Folders, and so on. The service is currently only available in Australia and Canada and costs $4.49 AUD / $3.49 CAD a month, respectively. Twitter says it plans to roll out the paid service to more countries “soon.”

Right now, Labs subscribers can try out two new experimental features: Pinned Conversations on iOS and the ability to post longer videos on the desktop.

Labs is our way of sharing some of the newest features we’re building so you’ll have it before everyone else. We’ll update you as we build, so check back often!

Pinned Conversations will let users stick their favorite DMs (direct messages) at the top by simply swiping right on the message. As mentioned above, the feature is only available on iOS. Meanwhile, with longer video uploads, Labs users can now upload and tweet up to 10 minutes long videos. For reference, normal users can only upload videos up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds long.

Twitter recently started testing a new ad format that puts ads between tweet replies. The company is also working on a downvote button for replies and is testing a new change to make it easier to discover more Twitter Spaces.

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These are the Best MacBook Pro Cases right now

If you got yourself a shiny new MacBook Pro from Apple, you’ll definitely need some additional accessories to go along with it, like a USB-C hub, a good webcam since online classes and meetings are the new normal, or maybe even an external portable monitor for a better viewing experience. While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to invest in a good-quality case for your MacBook Pro to protect it from scratches and dents. Here are some of the best MacBook Pro cases you can buy to keep your laptop safe, as well as give it a new visual overhaul.

Depending on the different sizes and variants of the MacBook Pro that are available, we have divided this list into multiple sections. You can use the index to navigate to the relevant section based on the MacBook Pro you have.

Navigate this article:

Best MacBook Pro 13 cases

2013-2015 (Retina)

    Speck SmartShell Case

    A trusted product

    Speck is one of the most renowned case-makers out there and this one for your MacBook Pro looks good and provides a decent amount of protection.
    Mosiso Hard shell Case

    Pick your color!

    This matte-finish case is available in a variety of colors and even comes with a free keyboard cover and a screen protector in the box.
    Ibenzer Heavy Duty case

    All-round protection

    If you want the best protection for your MacBook, you need to get this case. It has two layers giving it a rugged feel but it also adds some bulk.

2016-2020

    Supcase Unicorn Beetle for MacBook Pro 13

    Solid drop protection

    This case from Supcase is one of the best options for the 13 inch MacBook Pro. It adds a funky look to your MacBook and provides ample protection against falls.

    Promoted

    ProCase Hard Shell with Kickstand

    Protection with convenience

    The ProCase hard shell offers protection against scratches and drops but also has another trick up its sleeve. It has a foldable kickstand that can make typing more convenient.
    KECC Wooden Hardshell Case for MacBook Pro 13

    A dash of nature

    This wooden hardshell case gives a refreshing new look to your 13 inch MacBook Pro. Additionally, you also get a keyboard cover and a free sleeve which is a bonus.
    MOSISO Hardshell Case for MacBook Pro 13

    Matte black everything!

    If you want to make your MacBook Pro look stealthy, this is the best case that you can get. The matte black color looks great with the aluminium sides of the MacBook Pro and gives it an overall sleek look.
    Transparent hard plastic case

    Clear and protective

    If you want to show off your brand new MacBook with that shiny Apple logo, this case will let you do exactly that while providing a good amount of protection. It also comes with a keyboard protector.
    Fintie Leather hard case

    A premium look

    This case has a PU leather exterior on top of the hard case layer which provides a premium look and feel. If you're a fan of leather and you want your laptop to look classy and elegant, this is a good option to get.

MacBook Pro 14 cases

Since the MacBook Pro 14 is relatively new, there are no cases as of yet specifically made for it. While you wait for manufacturers to make one, you can get a sleeve or a generic case to store your MacBook safely when it’s not in use.

    Tomtoc Sleeve Bag

    Sleeve with a handle

    This is a nice-looking sleeve for the MacBook Pro 14 which even comes with a handle that you can use to carry it around.
    Finpac Hard Sleeve

    Hard shell for protection

    This is a hard-shell sleeve that adds a lot of protection for your MacBook Pro 14 even against drops.
    Tomtoc recycled sleeve

    Recycled fabric

    This sleeve is made from recycled fabric which makes it good for the environment. It's also MIL-STD-810H certified.

Best MacBook Pro 15 Cases

2013-2015 (Retina)

    Hard Case with Stand

    Built-in stand

    This is a bumper case that offers a great deal of protection. It also has a built-in kickstand to rest your MacBook at an angle.
    Matte Hard case

    Lots of colors!

    If you're looking for a minimalistic case with a matte texture, this is the one to pick. It's also available in a variety of colors.
    KECC Leather case

    A premium touch

    Leather cases are often premium and classy so if you're looking for something that looks and feels good, you can consider this one.

2016-2019

    UAG Rugged Case

    Rugged protection

    UAG is known for drop-resistant cases and this case for the 15-inch MacBook Pro will do exactly that. It's rugged, translucent, and offers great protection.
    Mosiso Hard shell Case

    Pick your color!

    This matte-finish case is available in a variety of colors and even comes with a free keyboard cover and a screen protector in the box.
    ProCase Hard Shell

    Hard shell for protection

    This is a simple hard case with a dark grey finish and matte texture. It will provide basic protection to your MacBook Pro.
    Matte Hard case

    Lots of colors!

    If you're looking for a minimalistic case with a matte texture, this is the one to pick. It's also available in a variety of colors and comes with a screen protector and port covers.
    Transparent hard plastic case

    Clear and protective

    If you want to show off your brand new MacBook with that shiny Apple logo, this case will let you do exactly that while providing a good amount of protection. It also comes with a keyboard protector.
    Elago Slim Case

    Smoky black look

    Here's a clear case that has a smoky look giving it a grayish, translucent exterior. It looks quite stealthy and provides good protection.

Best MacBook Pro 16 cases

2019-2020

    Supcase Unicorn Beetle

    Solid drop protection

    This case from Supcase is one of the best options for the 16iinch MacBook Pro. It adds a funky look to your MacBook and provides ample protection against falls.

    Promoted

    Clear hard plastic case

    Transparent shell

    If you want to show off your brand new MacBook with that shiny Apple logo, this case will let you do exactly that while providing a good amount of protection. Let that space gray show through!
    Mektron Case with Kickstand

    Protection with convenience

    This hardshell case offers protection against scratches and drops but also has another trick up its sleeve. It has a foldable kickstand that can make typing more convenient.

2021

Just like the MacBook Pro 14, there are no specific cases made for the MacBook Pro 16 yet since the laptop is new. You can check out these sleeves for now which can protect your MacBook Pro 16 for the time being. We’ll update this section as and when specific cases are available.

    Tomtoc Sleeve Bag

    Sleeve with a handle

    This is a nice-looking sleeve for the MacBook Pro 14 which even comes with a handle that you can use to carry it around.
    Lacdo Protective Sleep

    Multiple compartments

    Here's a nice sleeve that has multiple compartments for you to store peripherals and accessories, including the charger and some cables.
    Tomtoc recycled sleeve

    Recycled fabric

    This sleeve is made from recycled fabric which makes it good for the environment. It's also MIL-STD-810H certified.

These were some of the best MacBook Pro cases in our opinion that you can invest in to protect your expensive new laptop. While some cases emphasize protection, others pay more importance to the look and feel of the case, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. We have tried to cover (pun unintended) most of the popular MacBook Pro models in this list right from the new MacBook Pro laptops from 2020 and 2021 to older MacBook Pros from 2013.

If rugged protection is of primary importance to you, we would suggest getting the Supcase Unicorn Beetle since it offers the best protection against both scratches as well as accidental drops. If you’re careful with your MacBook Pro and don’t want a lot of drop protection, or you just don’t want to add a lot of bulk to your MacBook, you can get the Fintie Leather case. If you use your MacBook Pro on a desk for extended durations, you might want to consider the ProCase Cover since it also features a kickstand that elevates the keyboard at an angle making it easier to type.

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The best stands for your MacBook Pro in 2021

Of all the accessories you can buy for the new MacBook Pro 2021 models, we think a stand is probably the most important one, especially if you have stationary working setup. A stand is more than just a tool for your MacBook Pro. From improving the overall ergonomics of your setup to protecting your MacBook from accidental spills, a good quality stand can go a long way to make sure you’re having a better experience. Not to mention, some of the height-adjustable stands also reduce neck and shoulder strain by allowing you to set the right elevation.

Finding the best stand for your MacBook Pro can be difficult, though. Much like other accessories, there are plenty of options to choose from and a lot of features to consider. We’ve managed to comb through multiple pages on the internet to find some of the best ones for you. So, let’s get started:

    Nulaxy Laptop Stand

    Best overall stand for MacBook Pro

    The Nulaxy laptop stand is one of the best wallet-friendly stands you can grab for your MacBook Pro notebook right now. You can use it with laptops ranging in size from 10 to 16-inches and it also lifts the notebooks by 6-inches, which we think is comfortable for day-to-day usage while sitting. Other noteworthy features include the addition of soft feet at the bottom to protect the surface, the inclusion of anti-slip material on the arms to hold the laptop in place, and more.
    BookArc for MacBook

    Best vertical stand for MacBook

    The BookArc is a vertical stand for the MacBook Pro that saves a lot of space on your desk. This low-profile stand holds your MacBook vertically with its lid closed, so you'll need an external monitor along with a keyboard and mouse to use this one. It's one of the most popular stands for the MacBooks and is available in a bunch of different finishes including silver, birch, walnut, and espresso.
    SKYZONAL Aluminum Notebook Desktop Stand

    Simple height-adjustable stand

    The SKYZONAL aluminum as you can see, is a fairly straightforward stand for the MacBook Pro. It's a height-adjustable stand that lets you easily tweak the height according to your requirements. The best part about the stand is that it collapses flat, allowing you to slide it into a backpack. It can also be used with some other devices like the iPad.
    Steklo X-stand for MacBook Pro

    An affordable MacBook stand

    This Steklo stand is one of the most affordable items in this collection. Despite the price tag, it's still one of the more premium-looking products. It can fit 12 - 17-inch MacBooks, which means, it's perfect for the new 16-inch MacBook Pro 2021 model too. The stand allows for optimum airflow to keep the MacBook cool during the extended hours of usage.
    Lifelong ergonomic laptop stand

    Versatile MacBook Pro stand

    If you're someone who likes to frequently stand while working, then the Lifelong ergonomic laptop stand is perfect. Unlike other height-adjustable stands, this one lets you extend its arms up to 13-inches. In addition to that, you can also adjust the angle of the base on which the MacBook rests. This gives you more freedom to get the best viewing angle. The stand also has a cutout at the bottom for airflow. It's suitable to fit laptops ranging in sizes from 10-17-inches.
    SimpleHouseware Metal Stand

    MacBook Pro stand with storage space

    This metal stand is perfect for those who are looking to add some space for organizing their setup. As you can see, it has a built-in shelf and up to four compartments for storing items. The stand itself is more than 20-inches wide and 11.5-inches deep. It can also be used to place a monitor on top, which is great. There's no option to adjust the height, though.
    HumanCentric Vertical Laptop Stand

    More affordable vertical stand

    This is the second vertical stand in our collection, which is perfect for those who use an external keyboard, mouse and monitor. This one's cheaper than the BookArc stand we saw earlier, but it has some noteworthy inclusions like soft pads on the inner walls of the dock to protect the notebook from scratches. It's also smaller than the BookArc stand and looks great on the desk.
    Wooden laptop stand

    Affordable wooden stand

    The wooden tilt laptop stand is perfect for those looking to add a touch of wood to their setup. It's simple, yet one of the best looking stands in our collection that's capable of holding even the newer MacBook Pro 2021 models. There are arms on the front to prevent the laptop from sliding down. The stand also has cork feet to protect your desk from scratches.
    Rain Design 10032 mStand

    Minimal stand for MacBook Pro

    This is one of the most popular laptop stands on the market mainly because of its minimal aesthetics. It's made out of solid, sand-blasted aluminum, and it provides a sturdy base for your MacBook, irrespective of its size. It's also tilted forward to make it easier for you see, but there's no option to adjust the height. We also like the addition of small rubber pads on the top to secure the laptop in place.

Best stands for MacBook Pro: Final Thoughts

That concludes our collection of the best stands you can buy for your MacBook Pro 2021 notebooks. The ‘Nulaxy laptop stand’ is our pick for the best stand mainly because it looks great and also adds a decent amount of height for your MacBook. We also like vertical stands like theBookArc for MacBook Pro’ as they tend to occupy less space on the desk. Notably, a collapsible stand like the ‘SKYZONAL Aluminum stand’ is a great option if you commute or travel with your MacBook Pro a lot. We’ve also added only the good-looking stands in this collection, so they’ll perfectly blend in most setups and won’t end up ruining the overall aesthetics.

Apple’s MacBook Pro is one of the best Macs you can buy right now. The new 2021 models, especially the bigger 16-inch MacBook Pro is perfect for powering a stationary work-from-home setup. We think having a good stand for your MacBook will help you keep things organized. We’ll keep adding more stands to this collection over time, but in the meantime, let us know which one are you planning to buy? You can also check our collection of the best MacBook Pro cases if you’re looking to add some protection to your shiny new MacBook Pro.

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Best printers for Mac you can buy in 2021

Printers are just as important as any other peripheral you’d pair with your Mac. It’s true most of our documentation now happens digitally, but there are still times when we need to print something. Even creative professionals need one to churn out high-quality printouts of things like artwork, photos, etc. So in this article, we’ll be checking out some of the best printers for Mac you can buy right now.

The printers mentioned in this collection should play nicely with all the best Macs out there — be it an iMac, the Mac Pro, or even the new MacBook Pro 2021 notebooks. They’re all macOS compatible and most of them can work wirelessly via AirPrint. We’ve included both Inkjet as well as laser printers to make sure we have a good mix of options for most people.

    Epson EcoTank ET-3710

    Best overall printer

    The EcoTank ET-3710 is one of the most popular printers out there. It works with both Windows and macOS devices over a wired or a wireless connection. The printer also boasts impressive features including a color display, voice-activated printing with Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa. What we like the most about this printer is that uses low-cost replacement ink bottles instead of ink cartridges. It's a great low-maintenance option for both businesses and home users.
    HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Office Printer

    Best printer for business

    The HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 is a fantastic large-sized printer suitable for business use. It can hold up to 500 sheets of A3 paper in addition to 50 A4 paper in its automatic feeder. The OfficeJet Pro can also print full A3 color posters and uses auto duplex to turn them over automatically to print the other side. It works best with Ethernet connectivity but there's also support for Wi-Fi with AirPrint compatibility for Mac users.
    HP PageWide Pro 477dw Printer

    High speed printer

    HP's PageWide Pro is one of the fastest Inkjet printers on the market. It uses a large-sized print head to cover the full width of the paper and glides through printouts like a laser one. HP quotes a print speed of 55 pages per minute, which is quite impressive. It can also print coated photo paper and deliver vibrant color images up to A4 size. It works with macOS devices, making it one of the best printers in this collection.
    HP Envy 7855 Printer

    Best budget printer

    The HP Envy 7855 is one of the best budget printers you can buy for your Mac. This is what we recommend for most users who don't necessarily need fancy features for casual usage. It has a touchscreen panel for easy operation and it can also order new print cartridges automatically when it detects the ink is getting low. It supports AirPrint, which means you can easily churn out printouts without having to worry about wired connections.
    Canon Maxify IB4120

    Best heavy-duty printer

    The Canon Maxify IB4120 is a heavy-duty printer suitable for a multi-user experience. It uses ink cartridges for pumping out colored printouts and it also connects to Apple devices wirelessly via AirPrint. The best thing about this printer. however, is that you can load up to 500 sheets of paper in its tray at once and not worry about refilling it every day. We recommend the Maxify IB4120 in case a lot of people in your office or household use a printer on a daily basis.
    Epson WorkForce WF-7710 Printer

    Best multi-function printer

    The Epson WorkForce WF-7710 is the most expensive printer in this collection but it justifies the price tag with its multi-function operation. Not only is it one of the fastest inkjet printers around, but it's cheaper to maintain thanks to the competitive cost of its cartridges. Notably, you can also use this to print images on T-shirts via sublimation or heat transfer print. The only real drawback of this printer is that you'll have to use third-party scanning software to scan copies since the Epson Scan 2 no longer works with macOS.
    HP Tango X Printer

    Best compact printer

    The HP Tango X is a compact portable printer suitable for small office spaces. It's built specifically for Mac users and features AirPrint capability to print over a wireless network. It also comes with a linen wrap that lets you carry it around easily, and the printer itself requires no drivers or USB connections to work with. All you need is a simple HP Smart app to start scanning and printing.
    Brother MFCL2710DW Compact Laser printer

    Affordable laser printer

    The Brother MFCL2710DW is yet another compact printer suitable for a small office environment. This printer also offers other features like two-sided printing, a 35-page capacity feeder for unattended scanning, and more. The MFCL2710 also lets you load up to 250 sheets at once so you don't have to refill it as often. It usually retails for around $200, which is a great price for a laser printer.
    Pantum P2502W Compact Printer

    Best monochrome printer

    The Pantum P2502W is a monochrome printer, which means it can only print in black and white. It's a solid compact printer that can fit into small spaces and can print up to 23 pages per minute. The Pantum P2502W works well with macOS devices. It has a great app that lets you control all the printer settings too.

Best printers for Mac: Final Thoughts

As you can see, we’ve got a good mix of printers for you to choose from. The Epson EcoTank ET-3710 is our pick for the best printer you can buy for your mac. It’s a versatile printer that uses low-cost replacement bottles instead of ink cartridges for printing. If you’re on a budget though, we recommend checking out the HP Envy 7855 inkjet printer. We think it’s good enough for most users who don’t necessarily need fancy features. Additionally, it also supports AirPrint, which is great for printing over wireless networks. We’ve also added options like the Brother MFCL2710DW and Pantum P250W2 if you’re leaning more towards laser printers.

Let us know some of your favorite printers for Macs in the comment section below. Also, if you just bought yourself a new MacBook Pro, then be sure to check out our collection of the best monitors, best MacBook Pro cases, and even best stands to go along with it. We’ve added some great options in there to improve your overall user experience.

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JioPhone Next pricing officially revealed ahead of launch

At its 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June, Indian telecom giant Reliance Jio announced an ultra-affordable 4G smartphone called JioPhone Next. While the phone was supposed to go on sale on September 10th, Jio was forced to postpone the release due to the global chip shortage. At the time, the company said it would release the phone around Diwali. Now ahead of the official release, Jio has revealed the pricing details for the JioPhone Next.

The JioPhone Next will be available at an entry price of ₹1,999, with the rest of the sum to be paid via installments over 18 or 24 months. Alternatively, you can purchase it upfront without financing for ₹6,499. Jio says the phone will be “available from Diwali,” meaning it will hit the shelves next week.

JIoPhone Next EMI plans

Users can register their interest at the nearest Jio Mart Digital store or on Jio’s official website. Once the order is confirmed, users can walk into the nearby Jio Mart Digital store to collect the device.

The JioPhone Next is aimed at first smartphone time buyers and offers good enough hardware for its price. The phone is a collaborative effort between Jio and Google. On the software front, the JioPhone Next runs Pragati OS, a version of Android developed specifically for the Indian market. In its official announcement, Google promises that the device will get timely Android security updates and that “the phone’s experience will keep getting better with new feature drops and customizations.”

The JioPhone Next comes equipped with a 13MP rear camera with support for features like HDR mode, Night mode, and Portrait mode. Google says it has also teamed up with Snap to bake Indian-specific Snapchat filters right into the camera app.

Elsewhere, the JioPhone Next features a 5.5-inch HD+ display, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 215 chipset, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, a 2,500mAh battery, a microUSB port, and dual SIM 4G support.

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