Almost two years since the launch of Apple's M1 chip — the first ARM-based "Apple Silicon" hardware — we finally have a successor: M2. While the M1 chip was notable for showing what Apple could accomplish with a more efficient mobile design (a dramatic departure from Intel's power-hungry x86 processors), the goal of M2 is more about refinement rather than breaking new ground. This time, it's all about efficiency.
But given how far Apple has scaled the M1 — to the point where it basically fused two chips together to create the mighty M1 Ultra on the Mac Studio — it'll be intriguing to see how far Apple can take the M2's design (we've yet to hear about an updated Mac Pro, don't forget).
Apple
The M2 chip supports up to 24GB of unified memory, compared to just 16GB with the M1, as well as double the memory bandwidth (1000 GB/s). And once again, it offers 8 cores (4 high performance, 4 high-efficiency). Apple claims the efficiency cores are vastly improved, and overall you can expect an 18 percent increase in multithreaded performance over the M1. The M2 chip can be equipped with up to 10 GPU cores, which are up to 35 percent more powerful than the M1 at their greatest power state.
Video editors may benefit the most from this new chip, as the M2 includes support for ProRes encoding and decoding, along with 6K external displays. The chip's neural engine is also 40 percent faster, which will significantly speed up AI tasks.
The M2 chip will arrive first in the redesigned MacBook Air, which loses that line's iconic wedge shape, as well as the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
During the WWDC 2022 developers conference on Monday, Apple executives announced that that its Maps app will be receiving a number of feature updates, including one long sought after by users: the ability to add multiple stops to a route.
It’s that time once again. Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off today. As ever, the proceedings will commence with a keynote that will contain the majority of the biggest news. Apple has invited a small number of guests to attend the keynote at Apple Park, though most folks will need to tune in virtually. The event starts at 1PM ET and you can watch it below.
You'll get your first proper look at features coming to iOS 16, iPadOS 16, watchOS 9, tvOS 16 and the next macOS. The updates should arrive later this year, though you can try the new OS versions early if you're willing to install the various developer betas.
We have an inkling of what to expect from WWDC thanks to a melange of reports and leaks. Health, Messages, notifications and the lock screen are all said to be in line for updates on iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. Improved multitasking is believed to be on the way to iPad, while it's expected that iOS will gain support for always-on displays ahead of that feature coming to some of the next-gen iPhones.
There are also rumblings that Apple will announce a refreshed MacBook Air running on an M2 processor. In any case, we won't need to wait long to find out what Apple has in store.
The Communications Workers of America has filed an unfair labor practices complaint against Activision Blizzard, accusing the company of retaliating against workers over their unionization efforts. If you'll recall, the quality assurance workers at the Activision studio Raven Software announced their plans to unionize in January. That's after Activision laid off 12 of its QA contractors despite Raven asking to keep them on. Workers at the studio went on strike following the event, demanding that all contractors be hired as full-time employees.
In its complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board, the CWA accused the company of violating federal law by terminating those QA workers. The group also pointed out that Activision reorganized the studio by disbanding the QA team and embedding testers in other departments just mere days after they requested union recognition. In addition, Activision Blizzard allegedly withheld pays and benefits in April in response to the workers' unionization efforts.
According to previous reports, the company also actively and strongly discouraged workers from voting to unionize. Union organizer Jessica Gonzalez revealed on Twitter back in January that Activision VP of QA Chris Arends posted a message on a locked Slack channel diminishing the benefits of unionization. "A union doesn't do anything to help us produce world-class games, and the bargaining process is not typically quick, often reduces flexibility, and can be adversarial and lead to negative publicity," Arends wrote.
A piece by The Washington Postalso said that company leadership held town meetings to dissuade workers from organizing and sent out emails with a message that says "Please vote no." Those efforts had failed, and CWA won the election to unionize at Raven with a vote of 19 to 3. Xbox head Phil Spencer reportedly said before the vote that he would recognize a Raven union once Microsoft's acquisition of the developer is complete.
Game Workers Alliance/CWA organizing committee members Erin Hall, Lau Nebel-Malone and Marie Carroll said:
"The reorganization and withholding of pay raises and other benefits and the company's failure to rehire laid off QA testers were clearly attempts by Activision to intimidate us and interfere with our union election in violation of the National Labor Relations Act."
Meanwhile, an Activision spokesperson disputed the allegations in a statement sent to Bloomberg:
"We respect and believe in the right of all employees to decide whether or not to support or vote for a union, and retaliation of any kind is not tolerated."
As the news organization notes, complaints filed with the NLRB are investigation by regional offices. In case they're found to have merit and aren't settled, they can be prosecuted by the agency's general counsel.
Memorial Day may have come and gone, but you can still pick up some of our favorite electronics for less thanks to some holiday deals that are still available now. Apple's third-generation AirPods are still down to $150, and the AirPods Pro have returned to a sale price of $180. Two pairs of Samsung wireless earbuds are down to new all-time-low prices, and Solo Stove's extended Memorial Day sale allows you to get up to 46 percent off its fit pits. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today.
AirPods Pro
Billy Steele / Engadget
Apple's AirPods Pro are back on sale for $180, which is about $70 off their original price. These buds earned a score of 87 from us for their solid audio quality, comfortable design and hands-free Siri capabilities.
The latest AirPods are $30 off and down to $150, which is only $10 more than their all-time-low price. We gave the buds a score of 88 for their improved audio quality, more comfortable design and longer battery life.
The classic AirPods are down to $100 right now, or 37 percent off their usual price. We gave these a score of 84 when they first came out for their solid battery life and improved wireless performance.
The latest Apple TV 4K is $30 off and down to $150. The model with extra storage is also $30 off and down to $170. The set-top box earned a score of 90 from us for its improved performance, Dolby Vision and Atmos support and redesigned Siri remote.
Apple's MagSafe battery pack for iPhone is down to $80 right now — the cheapest it's been all year. The pack magnetically attaches to the latest iPhones and will start powering them up instantly once attached. While its capacity isn't enough to fully charge an iPhone from 0 percent, it provides a convenient way to top up your phone's battery.
Both the 41mm and 45mm versions of the Apple Watch Series 7 are $70 off right now and down to record lows: $329 and $359, respectively. We gave the wearable a score of 90 for its larger display, faster charging capabilities and powerful watchOS 8 features.
The Apple Watch SE in 44mm is down to a record-low of $229 right now, or $80 off its normal price. We gave it a score of 88 for its powerful performance, comfortable design and handy watchOS features.
A pack of four AirTags is down to $89 right now, or $10 off its regular price. If you have a few things you want to keep track of, this is a good opportunity to pick up a few AirTags that can help you do so. AirTags show you the location of your things in Apple's Find My app, and if you have an iPhone that supports Precision Finding, it can lead you directly to your stuff.
Most Eero 6 WiFi packs are 20 percent off right now. That means you can grab the router for only $71 or a pack of three routers for only $199. This dual-band system supports WiFi 6, speeds up to 900Mbps and comes with a built-in Zigbee smart home hub.
The latest in Logitech's MX Master line — the MX Mechanical keyboard and the MX Master 3s mouse — have received their first discounts. You can pick up the keyboard for $133, or 12 percent off, and the mouse for $90, or 10 percent less than usual.
Solo Stove's Memorial Day sale has been extended so you can still get up to 46 percent off fire pits.You'll find the deepest discount on the big Yukon, which is $350 off and down to $400. We like these fire pits because they create much less smoke than their cheaper competitors and, out of the three models available, two of them are pretty portable, too.
Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 in olive and graphite are down to $95, which is $55 off their regular price and a new all-time low. We gave them a score of 84 for their improved sound quality, adjustable ambient sound mode and wireless charging capabilities. You can also pick up the higher-end Galaxy Buds Pro in phantom violet for only $120.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is $50 off at Wellbots when you use the code ENGDT50 at checkout, so you'll get it for $199. It's a good smart device to add to your home if you want to save on energy costs in the long run. You can also pick up the battery-powered Nest Doorbell for $130 using the same code to knock $50 off its usual price, or the wired version for $149 with the code ENGDT80 at checkout, which will discount it by $80.
iRobot's Roomba j7+ is down to a new low of $589 at Amazon, or $210 off its normal price. We included the Roomba j7 in our best robot vaccums guide because it did a good job cleaning both carpeted and hard floors, plus it has good obstacle avoidance and an easy to use companion app. The j7+ adds a clean base into the mix, so the robot will automatically empty its bin into the clean base after every job.
Sonos has discounted a bunch of refurbished speakers and soundbars. You can pick up the Arc soundbar for $718, or $180 less than the cost of a new model, and the Sonos Five speaker for $439, or $110 less than a new unit. Sonos' refurbished program tests all devices to make sure they're as good as new and these devices come with the same one-year warranty as new products do.
Sony's Days of Play sale on Amazon discounts a bunch of PlayStation accessories, including all six PS DualSense controllers. You can pick up any of them, including the vibrantly colored ones, for $59, which is up to 21 percent off their normal prices.
The Tile Essentials four-pack of Bluetooth trackers is 15 percent off and down to $68. These small devices let you keep track of your things via the companion mobile app. You can see the last known location of your items in the app, and if you're within Bluetooth range, you can force the Tile tracker to ring so you can more easily find your stuff.
Hopes are riding high for WWDC 2022. Rumors are Apple may deliver huge upgrades to its operating systems. Moreover, the company is nearing the end of a roughly two-year transition to ARM chips, and many anticipate there will be some long-awaited upgrades to the Mac. Throw in murmurs of a mixed reality headset and the June 6th keynote could prove to be one of the most memorable in recent years. Here’s what to expect when executives take to the virtual stage.
iOS 16 and iPadOS 16
David Imel for Engadget
Apple’s iPhone and iPad software updates are often the centerpieces of WWDC, but this year they may be more important than usual. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently claimed that iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 will represent “fairly significant” upgrades that touch on many aspects of the interface.
Key apps, such as Health and Messages, as well as notifications should see improvements. We may also see Android-style car crash detection that automatically dials an emergency number. More importantly, iOS 16 could also deliver the first meaningful changes to the lock screen in years. Gurman hinted at “major enhancements” that could include wallpapers with widget-style functionality. However, rumored always-on display features might be limited to the future iPhone 14 Pro.
The OS updates may also refine multitasking, particularly for iPad users. Code sleuth Steve Troughton-Smith noticed that the WebKit team recently added hooks for an iOS “multitasking mode” that allows for freely resizable windows. While we wouldn’t count on a full Mac-like experience with iPadOS 16, Apple’s tablets may become more useful for heavy-duty computing.
The likely release schedule is predictable, at least. Apple has historically offered its first developer previews of iOS and iPadOS around WWDC, and public previews a few weeks later. The finished software tends to arrive in September alongside new iPhone and iPad hardware. We’d expect iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 to follow a similar pattern.
MacBook Air M2
Jon Prosser x Renders by Ian
Macs started moving to Apple’s in-house silicon a year and a half ago. While the processing power has held up, there’s no question that early M1-based systems like the MacBook Air are starting to feel outdated as x86-powered Windows PCs catch up or surge ahead. Thankfully, you might just see a refresh at WWDC. Gurman previously said Apple was testing nine or more Macs, and planned to launch a redesigned MacBook Air using the M2 at the conference.
The new Air could represent the first big rethink of the thin-and-light portable since the Retina Display model arrived in 2018. As Jon Prosser and others have claimed, it’ll supposedly have a more squared-off design reminiscent of last year’s 24-inch iMac, and come in multiple bright colors with a white keyboard. It’s not clear if the camera notch will carry over from the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, but there’s a chance you’ll see a MagSafe power connection and more Thunderbolt ports. Sorry, the SD card reader and HDMI port from the newer Pros might not make the cut.
As for the M2? Don’t expect a giant leap in performance. The new system-on-chip is still believed to use eight CPU cores, and would bump up the GPU from a maximum of eight cores to 10. Any other speed boosts are more likely to come from minor architectural changes. The new MacBook Air may be more competitive with its 2022-era rivals, but you probably won’t feel much regret if you bought the M1 model.
If a new MacBook Air does premiere at WWDC, there’s no guarantee it will ship in a timely fashion. Apple’s supply chain (like many others) has been affected by COVID-19 shutdowns in China.
MacOS 13, tvOS 16 and watchOS 9
Cherlynn Low/Engadget
As important as iOS and iPadOS may be, there are indications Apple’s other platforms are in line for overhauls.
Bloomberg’s Gurman has hinted that watchOS 9 may receive some of the largest changes. You could see a low power mode that extends battery life without limiting you to basic timekeeping (as with the existing power reserve mode). More recently, the reporter claimed the new Apple Watch software will have tangible navigation improvements You might also see more robust health tracking that brings more running stats, better sleep tracking and a “burden” feature that detects how long you’re in a state of atrial fibrillation.
Other platforms might not see equally sweeping changes. MacOS 13 will supposedly include a revamped System Preferences pane more in sync with iOS’ settings, not to mention some redesigned default apps. Apple TV owners, meanwhile, should anticipate more (if unspecified) smart home features.
Wildcards: Mixed reality headset and more Macs
JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images
There’s a mounting volume of hype surrounding Apple’s long-rumored AR/VR headset, but we wouldn’t bet on a WWDC debut. Although the company appears to be registering trademarks and otherwise gearing up for an introduction, Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have both voiced doubts. The technology doesn’t appear ready for a public debut; late 2022 or 2023 appears more likely. We wouldn’t rule out a brief peek to help developers prepare apps, but that seems doubtful without more evidence.
Likewise, we wouldn’t anticipate computers beyond the MacBook Air. Despite those rumors of Apple testing nine M2-based Macs, there haven’t been signs of imminent releases for most of them. An ARM-based Mac Pro still looks distant, and Gurman doesn’t expect any other M2-based refreshes until later in 2022. With that said, be prepared for surprises — Apple launched the M1 with three Macs.
You likely won’t see other consumer hardware. WWDC is still a developer-first gathering, and Apple typically reserves new iPhones, Watches and most other mainstream devices for the fall. The hardware that does surface is either aimed at professional content creators (such as the Mac Pro previewed in 2019) or meant to familiarize developers with new technologies (like 2020’s M1-based testbeds). If the MacBook Air M2 arrives on June 6th, it will represent an exception to a normally firm rule.
You can now grab a 44mm Apple Watch SE for $229 from Amazon. The smartwatch has been on sale a few times for around that much before, but it has mostly been for the smaller 40mm variant. This deal is for the bigger GPS version of the Watch SE, specifically for the model with the silver case. It's the lowest price we've seen for the smartwatch, which typically goes for $309, and is a fantastic deal if you've been looking to buy the device.
We gave the Apple Watch SE a score of 88 in our review and praised it for being an excellent starter smartwatch. It's light and feels like a high-end machine on your wrist, and it has a crisp and bright OLED Retina display. The device also served as an introduction to Apple's Solo Loop continuous straps that don't come with buckles and clasps. We found it comfortable to use when we tested it out, but since the strap can't be adjusted, you'll have to make sure to get the perfect size for you.
If you want a newer model and don't mind paying more for a smartwatch, however, you can also grab an Apple Watch Series 7 model at a discount. The 41mm version is currently on sale for $329, while its larger 45mm sibling is selling for $70 less at $359. That's a record—low price for the 41mm Watch Series 7, which typically sells for $399.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.
Another food app has been caught sharing location data without asking. As CBC Newsreports, Canadian privacy authorities have determined that restaurant chain Tim Hortons collected "granular" location data through its mobile app without valid consent between May 2019 and August 2020. The coffee-and-donut giant was supposed to be using positional info from its partner Radar Labs for targeted ads, but the app was gathering locations as frequently as every few minutes, whether or not the app was open — even if you'd explicitly limited that collection through settings.
Investigators also found that there weren't enough contractual protections for the personal data Radar processed. The clauses were "vague and permissive" enough that Radar could have used sensitive content for its own purposes, according to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. While Radar would have needed to anonymize the data, officials said the contract still wasn't strong enough to adequately protect users' data.
The investigation came soon after Financial Post journalist James McLeod wrote a story revealing the extent of Tim Hortons' location-gathering practices. The app checked McLeod's location over 2,700 times in less than five months, including when he traveled to Morocco. The piece prompted multiple class action lawsuits.
The privacy offices noted that Tim Hortons' real-world data use was "very limited," and that restaurant operator TDL Group agreed to delete relevant data alongside its partners. The company also agreed to create a privacy management program that kept its apps from violating privacy laws. In a statement, Tim Hortons told the CBC that it had "strengthened" its privacy team.
Even so, the findings highlight the concerns about potential app data abuse. While Tim Hortons isn't known to have misused info, other companies have put data on sale and otherwise lost control. Those compromises can lead to unwanted advertising and, in extreme cases, probes into your personal life. British Columbia privacy commissioner Michael McEvoy saw this latest investigation as proof stronger oversight was necessary, and it wouldn't be surprising if Canada and other countries took action.
The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference takes place next week and, as always in the lead up to the event, the rumor mill is churning away. A report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that Apple will reveal some big updates for iPadOS 16. Apple has long been trying to position the iPad as a viable alternative to a laptop, and the software changes will seemingly nudge the device further in that direction.
Gurman's sources say iPadOS 16 will have a revamped multitasking interface, including more resizing options. Currently, users can run apps in full screen or side by side in Split View. The Slide Over function allows you to bring in a narrower version of a third app as well. The next version of iPadOS will seemingly make it easier to move between apps and see which ones you have open too.
To add fuel to the fire, developer Steve Troughton-Smith last week spotted code in WebKit which indicates that Apple may allow for freely resizable windows in iPadOS.
I know better than to get excited about improvements to iPad, because we’ve been burned so many times…
But WebKit just added infrastructure for a ‘multitasking mode’ on iOS that sure looks like it’s a system toggle that enables freely-resizable windows https://t.co/NBNGhHiaxB
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) May 26, 2022
Improved multitasking options and resizable apps will be very welcome for many users. Folks have long been able to use keyboards with the iPad and Apple added full mouse and trackpad support two years ago. Whether the mooted iPadOS updates will actually help the device become a laptop killer remains to be seen, but it's clear Apple hasn't given up on the idea.
Also during Monday's keynote, we'll surely get a look at what's next for the iPhone, Mac and Apple Watch operating systems. Gurman previously reported that iOS 16 will introduce more health-tracking features, upgraded notifications and support for always-on displays (which is expected to only be available on iPhone 14 Pro models at first). A refreshed lock screen may include widgets, which Messages is believed to be getting more features as well.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has begun accepting claims related to Activision Blizzard’s $18 million settlement with the agency. Starting today, current and former US employees of the publisher who believe they experienced sexual harassment or gender discrimination while working at its offices from September 1st, 2016 to March 29th, 2022 can file for an award. Those who decide to take part in the claims process can also make specific non-monetary requests of Activision Blizzard and the EEOC. For instance, they can ask that the publisher remove harmful documents such as disciplinary notices from their personnel file.
It will be interesting to see how many workers apply for an award. When the settlement was first approved by a federal judge in late March, many current and former Activision Blizzard employees criticized the EEOC for not going nearly far enough to hold the company accountable. The fact claimants won’t be able to take part in future litigation against Activision Blizzard, including the ongoing lawsuit from California’s fair employment agency, may also make some workers reluctant to file. Then there’s the amount itself. Former employee Jessica Gonzalez is appealing the settlement on the basis that $18 million is insufficient redress for everyone who may come forward with a claim against Activision Blizzard.
