Technology - Google News

Apple is rumored to be developing a 'Mac Studio' desktop and 7K display - Engadget

Posted: 04 Mar 2022 12:07 PM PST

Those longstanding rumors of a 'headless' Mac between the Mac mini M1 and Mac Pro might be gathering steam. 9to5Mac sources claim Apple has been developing a "Mac Studio" desktop based on the Mac mini, but with considerably more power — think of it as a replacement for the higher-spec Intel Mac mini lingering in the company's lineup. A base version would reportedly use the M1 Max processor from the late 2021 MacBook Pro, while a higher configuration would rely on a new, still more powerful chip.

Accordingly, rumors of a more affordable Apple monitor are afoot. 9to5's insiders also claim the company is working on an "Apple Studio Display" with a 7K resolution. That's not as ambitious as some 8K monitors, but it would make the 6K Pro Display XDR seem slightly outdated. A report from 2021 suggested the new monitor would use the A13 chip from the iPhone 11 to offload some processing tasks, including AI, but it's not clear if that part or a newer CPU is still present. The size is an unknown, too, although a higher resolution hints at a screen larger than the Pro Display XDR's 32 inches.

It's not certain when the Mac Studio or the Studio Display would arrive. Apple is holding its Peek Performance event on March 8th, but there are no guarantees you'll see either device so soon. The company might wait until its annual developer conference (typically in early June), for instance.

The larger question might revolve around the exact role of the Mac Studio. Will it simply represent an upgraded Mac mini, or will it be positioned as a "mini Mac Pro" aimed at creatives who don't need the modularity of a full tower? There's also the matter of permanence. Apple introduced the iMac Pro in 2017 as a stopgap before the new Mac Pro arrived, and axed the all-in-one in March 2021. A Mac Studio could be a permanent fixture in the product line, but it could also serve as a temporary solution for pros who want a fast desktop but can't afford to wait until the launch of a Mac Pro with an Apple processor inside.

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Google Pixel 6a and Pixel Watch could launch later than expected - Android Central

Posted: 04 Mar 2022 02:20 PM PST

What you need to know

Google may postpone the Pixel 6a's unveiling until late July.
The Pixel Watch is reportedly still on schedule to launch in May, but that could change soon as well.
The delays are believed to be the result of the ongoing global chip shortage.

The recent sightings of the Google Pixel 6a and Pixel Watch in a U.S. carrier's inventory system fueled speculation about the devices' impending debut, with previous rumors claiming a May announcement. However, this may not be the case.

According to reliable leaker Jon Prosser, Google's next contender for the best budget Android phones won't make its debut until late July.

as i mentioned in today's show: i am hearing that google has delayed the pixel 6a until late july. (chip shortage) pixel watch is still may 26th, but the source believes it could soon be pushed as well.https://t.co/iqoh9RlCzkMarch 4, 2022

This runs contrary to a previous rumor claiming that the Pixel 6a (along with the Pixel Watch) would be announced at Google IO 2022 on May 26.

Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch remains on track for its rumored launch in May. However, Prosser said the smartwatch could face delays as well.

As you might have guessed, the culprit is believed to be the global chip shortage that has haunted the tech industry for the better part of the past two years.

Remember that the Pixel 4a and 5a were also released a little later than usual in 2020 and 2021, respectively, due to supply chain delays owing to the pandemic, so hearing the same potential fate for Google's upcoming Pixel A-series model isn't entirely surprising.

The latest piece of revelation from Prosser may shatter the hopes of many Pixel fans who have been anticipating the Pixel 6a and Google's first answer to the best Android smartwatch.

Given Prosser's track record, the new rumor sounds plausible. That said, it won't hurt to take his words with a pinch of salt.

Pricing for both devices remains a mystery, too, at this point. Seeing as the Pixel 5a launched for $449 last year, its successor might be priced in the same ballpark. But if it's released close to the launch date of the Google Pixel 7, it's safe to assume the price tag may go lower.

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