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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.

An Apple employee shows a person how to use a Vision Pro headset at an Apple Store.

How to sign up to be the first try the Vision Pro headset

Apple’s Vision Pro headset is about to be released into the wild, and the company has explained how you can try it out. Here, we’ll show you how it’s done.
Computing Guides
Apple Vision Pro being worn by a person while using a keyboard.

The most expensive Apple Vision Pro costs $4,547

Apple’s Vision Pro is expensive: if you max it out with all of the priciest components, it will set you back $4,547 -- and that’s before adding any accessories.
Computing News
Apple MacBook-review-speakers

Spinning wheel? How to stop your Mac from freezing

It’s annoying if your Mac keeps freezing, but it’s possible to fix. We give you all the details in this guide to fixing problems if your Mac is frozen.
Computing Guides
A man wearing the Vision Pro looking at virtual screens.

We just got some disappointing news about the Vision Pro

A new report claims the Vision Pro may be missing a key feature at launch, suggesting Apple’s headset won’t be able to entirely replace your Mac just yet.
Computing Features
A close-up of Apple's Mac Pro from 2019 showing the front "cheesegrater" grill and top handle.

There will be good news for Mac fans this year after all

A fresh report claims Apple is working on a new Mac Pro and Mac Studio, but there are still plenty of reasons why 2024 could be a year to forget for Mac fans.
Computing Features
A person tries on an Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset in an Apple Store, with an Apple employee alongside them.

Apple’s Vision Pro headset officially launches on February 2

Apple’s Vision Pro headset goes on sale on February 2, with preorders opening on January 19. That means the firm’s next big thing is almost upon us.
Computing News
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max chip seen from behind.

Here’s why 2024 is going to be a slow year for the Mac

Between the Vision Pro launch and delayed chip upgrades, 2024 could be a quiet year for the Mac. Despite that, there are still a few reasons to be hopeful.
Computing Features
How to make a ZIP file on a Mac

How to make a zip file on a Mac

If you download or upload a lot of data, it's helpful to know how to zip files, as it can save time. This guide shows you how to create zip files on macOS.
Computing Guides
Blue Titanium iPhone 15 Pro showing Disney Emoji Blitz.

I need to change how I use Apple tech in 2024. Here’s how I’m going to do it

Despite using Apple devices every day, I want to change the way I interact with the company’s products. Here’s my 2024 New Year’s resolution for all my tech.
Computing Features
An open MacBook Pro on a table.

Here’s what the Mac needs in 2024 to not fall behind

2023 was a massive year for Mac fans, but 2024 could be even better. Here are the four things I’m hoping Apple brings to its computers over the next year.
Computing Features
The Anker 535 USB-C Hub attached to the underside of an Apple iMac. There is an Apple Magic Keyboard on the desk in front of the iMac.

These accessories will take your iMac to the next level

Your iMac deserves the best iMac accessories. We have a list of the top peripherals to get for iMacs both new and old, no matter what your budget is like.
Computing Products
everything apple announced at its one more thing event m1 macbook pro 13

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 find your answer.
Computing Products
Apple CEO Tim Cook standing in front of four Vision Pro headsets.

6 upcoming products that will make 2024 a huge year for Apple

Apple is set to launch a host of exciting products in 2024, from the Vision Pro to the iPhone 16 range. Here are the devices we’re most looking forward to.
Computing Features
An open MacBook Pro on a table.

Apple could fix the MacBook lineup with this one change

Apple’s MacBook range is looking pretty tasty with the arrival of the M3 generation of chips, but there’s one model that is holding everything else back.
Computing Features
An Apple iMac Pro in a dark room flanked by two monitors, one on either side of it.

My hopes for a new iMac Pro have been dashed — for now

A new report has outlined Apple’s plans for 2024, but the iMac Pro isn’t mentioned at all. Does this mean the pro-level Mac is still a long way from release?
Computing Features
A person plays Firmament on an M3 iMac using a game controller.

A Mac gaming renaissance is upon us

Mac gaming enjoyed a genuine renaissance in 2023, with amazing hardware and a slate of superb AAA games to enjoy. Here’s why 2024 could be even better.
Computing Features
A person's hand holding a smartphone. The smartphone is showing the website for the ChatGPT generative AI.

2023 was the year of AI. Here were the 9 moments that defined it

This year was a massive one for artificial intelligence (AI), with new products, outrageous scandals and much more. Here are the biggest events we saw in 2023.
Computing Features
The MacBook Air on a table in front of a window.

Macs may finally be moving on from 2020

A new report claims Apple is about to kill off the M1 MacBook Air once and for all. That’s a good thing, but the outlook isn’t entirely positive for Mac fans.
Computing Features
Lies of P being played on an iMac.

Apple has a chance to fix Mac gaming for good in 2024

Mac gaming has come on leaps and bounds in 2023, but there’s still work to do. If Apple is going to fix it, there’s one massive thing it needs to do next year.
Computing Features
The MacBook Pro open on a table in front of a couch.

Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro: don’t make a mistake you’ll regret

If you want to buy a 16-inch MacBook Pro, you’ll have to make a lot of choices about its parts. Our buying guide dives into detail to help you get it right.
Computing Features
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
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