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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.

Two iPad Pro tablets next to each other against a black background. Both have Apple's Magic Keyboard case.

iPad Pro vs. MacBook Air: It’s closer than you’d think

Should you buy an iPad Pro or a MacBook Air? There’s a lot to consider, and each one has its strengths. Read our guide, though, and things will become clearer.
Computing Products
An iPad and an external display using Stage Manager in iPadOS 16.

How to use your iPad as a second monitor for your Mac

An iPad makes a superb second display for your Mac, and setting it up this way is easier than you’d think. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Computing Guides
The ChatGPT website on a laptop's screen as the laptop sits on a counter in front of a black background.

This app just got me excited for the future of AI on Macs

Instead of replacing your own voice, one popular Mac app is using ChatGPT to supplement your writing and clearly mark the boundaries between yourself and AI.
Computing News
A developer points to a Mac screen while a Vision Pro rests on the desk.

Will the Vision Pro replace the Mac? Why Apple will have to tread carefully

There’s a chance the Vision Pro may replace the Mac for some users, yet Apple is trying hard to make sure that doesn’t happen -- and that you buy both products.
Computing Features
A MacBook Air on a desk with an open book in front of it.

These are the 10 settings I always change on a new Mac

Every Mac has a bunch of settings you can change to radically improve how it works. Here’s what I adjust on each Mac I buy to get even more from my computer.
Computing Features
Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

I’m finally ready to stop recommending Apple’s cheapest MacBook

I’ve recommended the M1 MacBook Air for years, but that’s no longer the case. Which Apple laptop should you get instead, and why have I changed my mind?
Computing Features
The Paste Mac app, with its clipboard bar open and the Paste homepage in Safari.

This simple app changed how I use my Mac forever

Copying and pasting in macOS seems pretty basic, but there’s one Mac app that gives it such a huge boost that Apple should really sit up and take notice.
Computing Features
A MacBook Pro running macOS Sonoma at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2023.

7 key settings in macOS Sonoma you should change right now

Many of the best new features in macOS Sonoma are not enabled by default, meaning you miss out on them if you don’t turn them on. Here’s how to do it.
Computing Features
A close-up photo of the Shortcuts app on an Apple device, against a red background.

One of my favorite Mac apps is driving me nuts

Apple’s Shortcuts app is incredibly advanced, yet there’s almost no official help on how to use it properly. Apple needs to fix this -- here’s what it can do.
Computing Features
Someone using a MacBook Pro on a table in front of a scenic background.

Steve Jobs killed this MacBook feature 15 years ago. Now it might be back

Apple is working on 5G MacBooks, a new report claims. If true, the change could massively improve your connectivity while you’re away from Wi-Fi networks.
Computing Features
Lies of P being played on an iMac.

These are the best games to play on your new M3 Mac

Apple’s M3 series of chips has taken Mac gaming to another level. If you want to test your new machine with the most demanding Mac games, try these on for size.
Computing Features
A Safari window and the Maps app open in macOS Sonoma.

All the best macOS Sonoma tips and tricks you need to know

Find out how to get more from macOS Sonoma and uncover some of its most useful features with these clever tips and tricks for Apple’s operating system.
Computing Features
An Apple iMac Pro in a dark room flanked by two monitors, one on either side of it.

A new iMac Pro could still launch. Here’s what I want from it

Despite recent reports, it looks like Apple is still working on a larger iMac Pro. If that’s true, here’s everything I want to see in the next all-in-one Mac.
Computing Features
An open MacBook Pro on a table.

MacBook Pro 14-inch vs. MacBook Pro 13-inch: Which one should you buy?

With the arrival of M3 chips, it’s harder than ever to pick a MacBook Pro. Should you get the 14-inch or 13-inch version? Our guide has the answers.
Computing Products
Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air on a desk, with macOS Sonoma running on its display.

How to add and use desktop widgets in macOS Sonoma

With macOS Sonoma, Apple has brought interactive widgets to your Mac’s desktop. Here, we’ll show you how to add and use them to ramp up your productivity.
Computing Guides
Apple CEO Tim Cook standing in front of four Vision Pro headsets.

The Vision Pro is the wrong product at the wrong time for Apple

Apple’s rollout of the Vision Pro could hamper its sales, a report has claimed, with a high price and in-person appointments adding to the sales friction.
Computing Features
Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air placed on a desk.

5 things you should never do with your MacBook

Want to have a better time with your Apple laptop? Here are five things that can ruin your MacBook, from running out of space to overheating your device.
Computing Features
Apple's Craig Federighi presents new features in macOS Sonoma at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2023.

How to downgrade from macOS Sonoma to an older version

If Apple’s macOS Sonoma operating system isn’t quite to your taste, you can downgrade to an older version. Here, we show you three different ways to do it.
Computing Guides
Stock photo of MacBook Pro

7 trackpad gestures for Mac that everyone should know

Apple’s macOS operating system is full of great trackpad gestures that bring extra functionality to your Mac. Here are seven handy gestures you can try today.
Computing Guides
Logos for Apple's M3 chips.

Apple’s new M3 Pro might come with an unexpected downgrade

Apple’s M3 chips look phenomenal, but there are a couple of ways they might be a downgrade from the M2. What’s going on, and is this actually a problem?
Computing News
iMac Pro

Everything Apple didn’t announce at its ‘Scary Fast’ launch event

Apple’s October event has come and gone, and plenty of rumored products never made it to the stage. Here’s everything that didn’t appear at the Scary Fast show.
Computing Features
Two Qualcomm Snapdragon chips.

Snapdragon X Elite is a showstopper chip arriving at the worst possible time

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chip could finally challenge Intel and AMD with top performance and low power draw -- but is it arriving at exactly the wrong time?
Computing News
The WD Black SN850 internal SSD being installed in a PlayStation 5.

My PC died and I nearly lost everything. Here’s what saved me

Backing up your computer can save you from a data destruction disaster. I should know -- I nearly lost everything when my PC died, but my backups rescued me.
Computing Features
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU.

Nvidia RTX 4090 prices are skyrocketing as stocks run seriously low

The Nvidia RTX 4090 graphics card is in short supply, and that’s causing prices to skyrocket at a range of online stores. Is it the start of a new GPU shortage?
Computing News
How to play Fortnite on Mac

Apple may have great news for Mac gamers at its ‘Scary Fast’ event

Mac gamers may have a lot to look forward to at Apple’s Scary Fast event on October 30, if a recent analysis by news outlet MacRumors is to be believed.
Computing News
A dark mystery hand typing on a laptop computer at night.

Hackers targeted 1Password after Okta breach, but your logins are safe

Password manager 1Pasword has just disclosed that hackers gained access to its systems. Luckily, nothing of value was taken, but it’s still a worrying incident.
Computing News
The Siri activation animation on an iPhone running iOS 14.

Apple may finally beef up Siri with AI smarts next year

Apple’s generative AI might make its debut as soon as next year, a new report claims, bringing new features to a ton of popular Apple apps and services.
Computing News
Apple Vision Pro being worn by a person while using a keyboard.

Apple is repeating a major mistake from its past with the Vision Pro

Half a decade ago, the HomePod launched with a sky-high price tag and no cheaper option. Now, Apple risks repeating the same mistake with a different product.
Computing Features
A hacker typing on an Apple MacBook laptop, which shows code on its screen.

Hackers are using this incredibly sneaky trick to hide malware

Watch out next time you click a Google Ad, as hackers have a new way to make malware sites almost impossible to spot. Now, a password manager has fallen victim.
Computing News
OpenAI Dall-E 3 alpha test version image.

OpenAI’s new tool can spot fake AI images, but there’s a catch

AI-generated images can spread misinformation and fool the public, but ChatGPT maker OpenAI says its new tool can root out fake pictures with unerring accuracy.
Computing News
Man using a 24-inch M1 iMac.

Want a new iMac? It’s just been delayed to 2024, says analyst

Don’t expect a new 24-inch iMac this year, as an analyst has claimed it’ll launch in 2024. Apple will also release a new, larger iMac in 2025, they say.
Computing News
Intel CEO talking about Meteor Lake

Even Intel’s best chips won’t catch up with Apple, TSMC CEO says

The CEO of chipmaker TSMC says Intel’s Meteor Lake chips will struggle to catch up with Apple and will remain in TSMC’s shadow, despite their innovations.
Computing News
A person tries on an Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset in an Apple Store, with an Apple employee alongside them.

Apple’s ‘cheaper’ Vision Pro may not be so cheap after all

Rumors claim Apple is making a cut-price Vision Pro headset, but the price could still be sky high. Can Apple justify it with a great-quality product?
Computing News
everything apple announced at its one more thing event m1 macbook pro 13

The best MacBook to buy in 2023

With plenty of MacBook models to choose from, which should you buy? Our guide examines performance, battery life, design, and more to find your answer.
Computing Products
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