Tag: wireless

Posted on

Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones (black, 2023)

Beats by Dr. Dre (“Beats”) was founded in 2006 by Dr. Dre and Jimmy lovine. Beats makes a collection of headphones, earphones, and speakers, and aims to “bring the energy, emotion and excitement of playback in the recording studio back to the listening experience for music lovers worldwide.” Beats was acquired by Apple in July 2014.

As a company owned by Apple, Beats have many of the same features found in Apple-branded audio products, but Beats seems to more prominently feature Android compatibility in product specifications (compared to Apple’s AirPods products). The Beats product overview notes:

“The Beats Studio Pro custom acoustic platform delivers an immersive listening experience. Each custom 40mm driver has been engineered for optimal clarity, with near-zero distortion even at high volume – an improvement of up to 80% compared to Beats Studio3, providing increased audio fidelity. An integrated digital processor optimizes the final frequency response for a powerful, yet balanced sound profile crafted to bring out the subtle details of whatever you’re listening to.”

The product packaging touts the following features:

  • Sound that surrounds you with Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking
  • Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) for immersive listening
  • Transparency mode blends your listening experience with the world around you
  • Two additional EQ-optimized sound profiles while using USB-C audio
  • Voice targeting mics for clear call performance
  • UltraPlush engineered leather cushions for extended comfort and durability

The “Enhanced Apple Compatibility” features of Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones include one-touch pairing with every device in your iCloud account, “Hey Siri” compatibility, Find My suport, and Over-the-air updates.

“Enhanced Android Compatibility” features include Google Fast Pair to all Android or Chrome devices registered to a Gmail account, Audio Switch between Android and Chromebook devices, Google Find My Device support, and a Beats app for Android to “unlock access to product customization, software updates, and new features to get the most out of your headphones.”

The headphones measure 7.125 inches high, by 7 inches long, by 3.1 inches wide, and weigh 9.17 ounces. They include a custom-fitted carrying case, USB-C-to-USB-C cable (charging and audio), and a 3.5 mm analog audio cable. Bluetooth (version 5.3) delivers up to 40 hours of listening time and offers a “Fast Fuel” charge that delivers up to 4 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge.

Sources: Beats, Apple

Posted on

Apple TV (original, 2007)

When Apple released the first Apple TV on March 21, 2007, it was described as “an easy to use and fun way to wirelessly play all your favorite iTunes content from your PC or Mac on your widescreen TV, including movies, TV shows, music, photos and podcasts.”

Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing at the time, described Apple TV as “a DVD player for the Internet age—providing an easy and fun way to play all your favorite iTunes content from your PC or Mac on your widescreen TV…using your existing WiFi network.”

This original Apple TV used an Intel processor and included 256 MB DDR2 SDRAM and a 40 or 160 GB hard drive. Apple reported that 40 GB Apple TV could hold up to 50 hours of movies and TV shows (H.264, 1.5-Mbps video, 128-Kbps audio). The 160 GB version quadrupled the storage. The video output was limited to a maximum of 720p.

Connectivity included HDMI, component video and audio, optical audio, 10/100Base-T Ethernet, and a USB 2.0 port (for service and diagnostics). It included 802.11n wireless networking.

This Apple TV originally required a Mac to access content. However, on January 15, 2008, “Apple unveiled a software update that made it possible to rent movies directly from the Apple TV without using a separate computer.”

This Apple TV used a design unique among later iterations. It was white with silver edges and had a light gray base. It measured 7.7 x 7.7 inches square with rounded corners, it was 1.1 inches high, and weighed 2.4 pounds.

Sources: Apple (newsroom, technical specifications), EveryMac

Posted on

Apple Magic Trackpad 2 (2015)

Apple’s Magic Trackpad 2 was originally available in white and black. The device product number was A1535. Apple described the Magic Trackpad 2:

“Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, and it includes the full range of Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology. Sensors underneath the trackpad surface detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing more functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content. It features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favorite content more productive and comfortable than ever.”

This version of the Magic Trackpad used a Lightning port for charging. Apple’s manual described some of the Magic Trackpad 2:

  • Click: Press anywhere on the trackpad.
  • Force click: Press firmly until you feel a deeper click.
  • Secondary click (right-click): Click with two fingers to open shortcut menus.
  • Two-finger scroll: Slide two fingers up and down to scroll.
  • Pinch to zoom: Pinch your thumb and finger open or closed to zoom in or out of photos and webpages.
  • Swipe to navigate: Swipe left or right with two fingers to flip through webpages, documents, and more—like turning a page in a book.
  • Open Launchpad: Quickly open apps in Launchpad. Pinch closed with four or five fingers, then click an app to open it.
  • Swipe between apps: To switch from one full-screen app to another, swipe left or right with three or four fingers.

The Magic Trackpad 2 was 0.43 inch tall, 6.30 inches wide, 4.52 inches deep, and weighed 0.51 pound.

Apple (technical specifications, manual)

Posted on

iPhone 16 Pro Silicone Case with MagSafe (ultramarine, 2024)

The iPhone 16 Pro Silicone Case was “Designed by Apple to complement iPhone 16 Pro, the Silicone Case with MagSafe is a delightful way to protect your iPhone. Made with a 55 percent recycled silicone material, the case has a silky, soft-touch finish on the exterior that feels great in your hand. And on the inside, there’s a soft microfiber lining for even more protection.”

The case also included MagSafe magnets that extended the functionality of MagSafe built into the iPhone through the case. Apple described the functionality:

“With built-in magnets that align perfectly with iPhone 16 Pro, this case offers a magical attach experience and faster wireless charging, every time. When it’s time to charge, just leave the case on your iPhone and snap on your MagSafe charger, or set it on your Qi2 or Qi-certified charger.”

Apple named the color of this case “Ultramarine,” one of my favorite colors released by Apple so far. The color is a shade of blue with a hint of violet. Other Fall 2024 Apple accessories in Ultramarine include an iPhone 16 Silicone Case with MagSafe, a Sport Loop for Apple Watch, and a Solo Loop for Apple Watch.

Source: Apple

Posted on

Magic Mouse 2 (white, gray rails, 2022)

Apple described the Magic Mouse 2 as “wireless and rechargeable, with an optimized foot design that lets it glide smoothly across your desk. The Multi-Touch surface allows you to perform simple gestures such as swiping between web pages and scrolling through documents. The rechargeable battery will power your Magic Mouse for about a month or more between charges. It’s ready to go right out of the box and pairs automatically with your Mac.”

This wireless Multi-Touch mouse was 0.85 inch high, 2.25 inches wide, 4.47 inches deep, and weighed 0.22 pound. It shipped with a Lightning to USB cable for charging. It required a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with OS X 10.11 or later, and also worked on an iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later.

Beginning with the M1 iMac series, the Magic Mouse was manufactured in several color variations. This option has a white Multi-Touch surface, a silver aluminum body, and the rails that contact the use surface are gray (other variations use black rails, and M1 iMac versions have rails color matched to the body of the mouse).

This Magic Mouse model is A1657 (EMC2923).

Source: Apple

Posted on

Apple Pencil USB-C (2023)

In October 2023, Apple released this new Apple Pencil USB-C model. At the time, this was the third Apple Pencil in the lineup. Apple described the Apple Pencil USB-C:

“Today, Apple is bringing more choice to iPad users with a new, more affordable Apple Pencil. With pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity, the new Apple Pencil is ideal for note taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more. Designed with a matte finish and a flat side that magnetically attaches to the side of iPad for storage, the new Apple Pencil pairs and charges with a USB-C cable.”

This Apple Pencil added the hover feature on M2 iPad models, “allowing users to sketch and illustrate with even greater precision.” The USB-C version of the Apple Pencil also added a new charging method to the Apple Pencil family—this time by sliding the end of the Pencil to reveal a USB-C charging port that both charges and pairs the Pencil.

The original Apple Pencil also used wired charging/pairing via Lightning port, while the Apple Pencil 2 used magnetic wireless charging/pairing. This Apple Pencil USB-C uses magnets to attach to the side of compatible iPad models for storage (like the Apple Pencil 2), but it does not charge.

As of June 2024, this Apple Pencil USB-C was compatible with the following iPad models:

  • iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
  • iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
  • iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
  • iPad (10th generation)
  • iPad mini (6th generation)
  • iPad Air (4th or 5th generation)
  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th generation)

Sources: Apple (Newsroom, Product, Compatibility)

Posted on

AirPort Extreme (Generation 3, Apple Service part, Early 2009)

According to Apple, this AirPort Extreme (Generation 3) provided “simultaneous dual-band wireless 802.11n networking. When you set up your AirPort Extreme Base Station, it creates two high-speed Wi-Fi networks.”

The AirPort Extreme Generation 3 had 5 ports:

  • 1 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet Wide Area Network (WAN) port (for DSL/cable modem)
  • 3 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) (for Ethernet devices, such as printers or computers)
  • 1 USB port (for a USB printer, hard disk, or hub)

This device is packaged as an Apple Service part and does not include the retail packaging. The box, labeled Part Number 661-4908, contains the three parts needed to repair or replace the device including a power adapter, a power plug (North America), and a base station.

This AirPort Extreme model was available for less than 8 months before it was replaced by the Generation 4 model. It measured 6.5 x 6.5 inches square and was 1.3 inches tall. It weighed 1.66 pounds.

Sources: Apple (manuals), Wikipedia

Posted on

AirPort Extreme Base Station (Generation 4, 2009)

The AirPort Extreme was a wireless base station that combined the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, Network-Attached Storage (NAS), and other features.

The AirPort Extreme Base Station Generation 4 (model A1354) was released in 2009 with a white, rounded-rectangle design that was similar to the look of the first-generation Mac mini and original Apple TV. AirPort Extreme Base Station Generations 1–5 shared the same design until a tower-like design was used for the final Generation 6 model.

The AirPort Extreme Base Station measured 6.5 inches square, 1.3 inches tall, and weighed 1.66 pounds. It supported 802.11a/b/g/n wireless network protocols.

The AirPort Extreme Base Station Generation 4 had the follwing interfaces:

  • One Gigabit Ethernet WAN port for connecting a DSL or cable modem
  • Three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for connecting computers or network devices
  • USB 2.0 port for connecting a USB printer or USB external hard drive
  • 802.11n wireless

Sources: Wikipedia, Apple

Posted on

AirTag (engraved, 2021)

The AirTag is a small, disc-shaped accessory that used Apple’s Find My network to easily locate items. Apple described AirTag as “a supereasy way to keep track of your stuff. Attach one to your keys, slip another in your backpack. And just like that, they’re on your radar in the Find My app.”

The AirTag measures 1.26 inches (31.9 mm) diameter and is 0.31 inch (8.0 mm) high. It weighs 0.39 ounce (11 grams). It contains a CR2032 coin cell battery that can be replaced by the user. The AirTag uses wireless connectivity including Bluetooth, an Apple U1 chip (Ultra Wideband and Precision Finding), and NFC (Lost Mode). It is splash, water, and dust resistant (IP67 with a maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes).

The AirTag was offered with free engraving featuring a selection of 31 Apple-designed one-color emoji, text, or numbers. Up to 4 characters could be added. This example is engraved with my initials, “MJF.”

The Air Tag “requires iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or later, or iPod touch (7th generation) with iOS 14.5 or later, or iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad Air 2 or later, or iPad mini 4 or later with iPadOS 14.5 or later.”

Sources: Apple

Posted on

Wireless Keyboard (Generation 3, 2009)

Apple’s Wireless Keyboard, Generation 3, was released in October 2009 and was a slight revision to the Generation 2 version. The Generation 3 version used only two AA batteries (instead of three) and became Apple’s new standard, shipping with iMac computers released the same day.

Like its Generation 2 predecessor, this keyboard was thin and had an aluminum enclosure with thin white keys, similar to the laptops of the time. In addition, functions were added to the function keys such as media controls. Its round power button was found on the right side of the keyboard—opposite the cylindrical battery enclosure. It connected via Bluetooth.

This keyboard style was updated one more time to a Generation 4 version when Mac OS X Lion (10.7) was released. The Generation 4 version updated two function keys: the Exposé key was changed to a Mission Control key, and the Dashboard key changed to a Launchpad key.

This keyboard design was replaced entirely on October 13, 2015, with the Apple Magic Keyboard.

Source: Wikipedia