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Alex Blake

Alex Blake

Computing Writer

In ancient times, people like Alex would have been shunned for their nerdy ways and strange opinions on cheese. Today, he fits right in at Digital Trends, where he writes about all things Apple, from the latest devices to ongoing developments and everything in between. He’s loved tech ever since he realized video games were about as fun as real people, but easier to manage and much cheaper.

He was first drawn to Apple thanks to its combination of beautiful design and aspirational price tags that helped remind him of his place somewhere between grunt and serf. He’s written for brands like TechRadar, GamesRadar and MacFormat, and runs a popular blog dedicated to EA’s FIFA series. They say that if the wind’s just right and you really listen hard enough, you can hear him ranting about FIFA’s career mode from anywhere in the world.

The back of a blue iMac on a white desk.

The iMac Pro may not be completely dead, and that thrills me

A new report says that Apple aims to bring back the iMac Pro. We shouldn’t get too enthusiastic, though, as it might still be years away from launching.
Computing Features
A close up of a MacBook Pro against a white background.

These 8 apps will transform your Mac into something much more powerful

Bored of doing repetitive tasks on your Mac? Give these apps a try. They’re all expertly made to automate work in macOS, saving you a bunch of time and hassle.
Computing Features
Disney Plus on a MacBook Pro.

A ‘dramatic’ Mac redesign may launch later this year

A new leak suggests that a dramatic redesign is coming to some of Apple’s Macs. Which models are in line for an overhaul and what can we expect to see?
Computing Features
A person using a MacBook Air connected to two monitors.

I’m a Mac power user, and these are the apps I can’t live without

Want to get more from your Mac? Our selection of the best Mac apps for power users will help you run advanced tasks in macOS without ever breaking a sweat.
Computing Guides
A man sitting at a desk in front of an M1 iMac. Behind him is a large glass window and a set of shelves holding books, plants and ornaments.

People are arguing about this classic macOS feature, and it’s hilarious

A simple post on X ignited a firestorm of debate over whether macOS or Windows does one simple thing better. The results were amusing and often very strange.
Computing Features
An Apple MacBook laptop with the macOS Ventura background wallpaper and the notch seen at the top of the display.

The MacBook notch has been redeemed

The NotchNook app turns your Mac’s notch into something you’ll actually want to use, with tools and features that make it like a Dynamic Island for macOS.
Computing Features
The blue screen of death in Windows.

What the CrowdStrike outage says about the security of Macs

When a global CrowdStrike outage knocked Windows PCs offline, people asked why Macs weren’t affected. We dug into the details to find out the answers.
Computing Features
The iPhone Mirroring feature from macOS Sequoia being demonstrated at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

Even in its unfinished state, iPhone Mirroring on Mac is way ahead

The iPhone Mirroring app in macOS Sequoia is so much better than Microsoft’s Phone Link, and it’s not even close. For Windows users, that’s a real shame.
Computing Features
Apple MacBook Pro 16 downward view showing keyboard and speaker.

The best MacBook to buy in 2024

With plenty of MacBook models to choose from, which should you buy? Our guide examines performance, battery life, design, and more to help you find the answer.
Computing Best Ofs
The iPhone Mirroring feature from macOS Sequoia being demonstrated at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

I’ve been using the first macOS Sequoia public beta. Here’s my take on it so far

Apple has just released the macOS Sequoia public beta into the wild. Should you download it? We tested its new apps and features to see if it’s worth your time.
Computing Reviews
The Option+Space shortcut of the macOS ChatGPT app.

The ChatGPT app has changed how I use my Mac in three key ways

OpenAI has launched an official ChatGPT app on macOS. If you’ve got a Mac, it’s definitely worth trying -- here are three things I love the most about it.
Computing Features
An open MacBook Pro on a table.

M4 MacBook Pro rumors: here’s everything we know so far

All the rumors on when Apple will give the MacBook Pro an M4 chip, and what kind of performance and features to expect.
Computing Guides
Apple's Craig Federighi introducing the new window tiling feature in macOS Sequoia at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

Don’t wait for macOS Sequoia. This app already has its best feature

Apple is bringing window snapping to macOS Sequoia, but there’s a better alternative app out there that does everything Apple can do -- plus a whole lot more.
Computing Features
Apple's Craig Federighi discusses macOS at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

All the M4 Macs that are still coming out in 2024

Apple is planning to upgrade its entire Mac lineup to the M4 chip this year. Here’s what we can expect in 2024 and beyond, including all the predicted launches.
Computing Features
The MacBook Air on a white table.

MacBooks are facing a new problem

Apple Intelligence could revolutionize how you use your Mac, but will it come at the cost of regular hardware upgrades? I’m hoping that won’t be the case.
Computing Features
A MacBook Pro sitting on a desk with the time displayed on its monitor.

What is the ‘Your clock is behind’ error and how to fix it

Struggling with “Your clock is behind” or “Your clock is ahead” errors on your Mac? Our guide will help you fix it and banish the errors for good.
Computing Guides
A screenshot of iMovie open with a title screen on the image.

5 free video editors you should use instead of iMovie

Apple’s iMovie is a solid video-editing app, but if you’re looking for something a little more powerful, there are plenty of excellent free alternatives.
Computing Features
A person wearing an Apple Vision Pro headset.

How Apple plans to save the Vision Pro

Apple wants to get its Vision Pro headset back on track and increase sales, but it might look elsewhere for the product that ends up saving its VR efforts.
Computing Features
A person using the 1Password password manager on a laptop while sat on a couch.

5 password managers you should use instead of LastPass

Worried about whether LastPass is secure and safe to use? We’ve rounded up five of the best password managers that you should use instead of LastPass.
Computing Features
A close-up of the gold MacBook Air M1's keyboard.

Can you use Control-Alt-Delete on a Mac? Here’s the answer

Wondering if there’s a Control-Alt-Delete shortcut in macOS? Our guide has the answer, with everything you need to know about using this shortcut on your Mac.
Computing Guides
M4 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard.

How the new iPad Pro is changing everything for the MacBook

The new ultra-thin iPad Pro may signal a new era for Apple products, with the MacBook potentially next on the list for a slimline revamp in the next few years.
Computing Features
Apple's Craig Federighi introduces window tiling in macOS Sequoia at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2024.

Apple just Sherlocked another beloved Mac app

Does the new window tiling feature in Apple’s macOS Sequoia pinch features from other apps and threaten their existence? We’ve taken a look at the situation.
Computing Features
Apple showing the different devices that Apple Intelligence works on.

Here are all the Macs that will and won’t get the new AI features

Apple Intelligence is here with a host of exciting AI features that will change the way you use your Mac. But is your device compatible? We’ve got the answer.
Computing Guides
An Apple executive giving a presentation at WWDC 2024.

Apple says it made ‘AI for the rest of us’ — and it’s right

Apple’s new artificial intelligence tools are an example for everyone else to follow, with features that are intuitive to use and protective of your privacy.
Computing Features
Disney Plus on a MacBook Pro.

The Mac just became a true ‘AI PC’

Apple has just brought the Mac into the AI era with a significant macOS upgrade that places AI at the heart of Apple’s wide-ranging computing efforts.
Computing News
The Apple logo on the Power Mac G3 Blue and White.

25 years ago, Apple introduced a Mac that changed everything

Apple’s Power Mac G3 Blue and White edition is 25 years old today. Here’s how it changed Apple -- and the entire computing world -- in a truly big way.
Computing News
The Arc web browser running on macOS Ventura, showing an Easel with live snippets listing temperatures in New York and flights there from London.

Why even Chrome devotees should give the Arc web browser a shot

Arc and Google Chrome are two excellent web browsers, but which one is best? We’ve compared them on design, features, performance, and security to find out.
Computing Guides
Firefox

The best Firefox extensions to level up your browser

Want to take the Firefox web browser to the next level? This selection of superb extensions could be just what you need, with options for almost any situation.
Computing Guides
Apple Mac Mini side view showing edges.

Why you should buy a Mac mini instead of a MacBook Air

Picking between the Mac mini and the MacBook Air can be tough, but there are plenty of reasons why Apple’s bite-sized desktop is the best choice.
Computing Features
An Apple iPad and a MacBook together on a desk alongside a pair of headphones.

I ask again: Will Apple ever merge the Mac and iPad?

A new report says Apple should bring the Mac and iPad closer together. What would this future look like, and is it even a good idea? I’m not convinced.
Computing Features
A person using a MacBook Air connected to two monitors.

Stop using these default Mac apps — trust me

Not every Mac app created by Apple is a winner. Here are five Apple-designed Mac apps that you should switch out for superior third-party alternatives.
Computing Features
The M3 MacBook Air in front of a window.

How long do MacBooks last? Here’s when you’ll need to buy again

Curious about how long MacBooks last? Here’s everything you need to know about MacBook lifespans, loss of support for older models, and other handy information.
Computing Guides
epic games needs to address fortntte crunch fortnite on mac 7616

How to play Fortnite on a Mac: all methods, explained

Want to play Fortnite on your Mac? Despite some hurdles, it can be done. Here are the best ways to get your favorite game running smoothly on your Mac.
Computing Guides
Apple CEO Tim Cook walks off stage after speaking during the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference.

Here are 5 macOS 15 features that I can’t wait to see

Apple’s macOS 15 operating system promises to bring some pretty major changes to your Mac this summer. Here’s what I’m looking forward to seeing the most.
Computing Features
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