Laptops
Apple updates MacBook Pro line with new processors, quieter keyboard
They also get more expensive
Apple has updated the MacBook Pro line with newer processors, more configuration options, a quieter keyboard design, and True Tone displays. Although, only the top-tier variants or those with Touch Bar get the latest features.
The new MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar now feature eight-generation Intel Core processors, with the 15-inch variant getting the more impressive bump. It’ll have six-core Intel Core i7 or Core i9 options with up to 32GB DDR4 memory and 4TB SSD for storage. Discrete graphics still draw power from Radeon Pro with 4GB of memory.

Image credit: Apple
As for the 13-inch variant, it gets new quad-core Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors paired with Intel Iris 655 integrated graphics. Storage can be configured up to a 2TB SSD.
Both the 13- and 15-inch variants also receive an Apple T2 chip which brings enhanced system security and “Hey, Siri” voice-command support. Both the Retina Display and Touch Bar now have True Tone technology that allows the screen to change color temperature automatically. The third-generation butterfly keyboard is also quieter, but it still has less travel than the older MacBook Pro models.

Image credit: Apple
In addition, Apple is releasing official leather sleeves for the MacBook Pro lineup similar to the 12-inch MacBook last year. The sleeves will come in black, brown, and dark blue.
A fully specced-out 15-inch Touch Bar model is priced at US$ 6,699, but the base model remains at US$ 2,399. Pricing for the 13-inch Touch Bar model still starts at US$ 1,799. The new MacBook Pro models are now available through the Apple website and in select retail stores and authorized resellers next week.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s cheaper 2018 iPhone X will come in a variety of colors
Samsung’s most advanced AI-powered PC lineup yet, the Samsung Galaxy Book6 series, will be available in the United States starting March 11.
The Samsung Galaxy Book6 Ultra, Book6 Pro, and Book6 are all powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors to deliver improved CPU, GPU, and NPU performance.
Galaxy AI features like AI Select and Intelligent Search streamline workflows, while Multi-Control and Second Screen enable seamless productivity across Galaxy devices.
Users can connect the Galaxy Book6 series to their Galaxy smartphone or tablet for multi-screen productivity. This includes accessing one’s phone storage straight from the Book6 PC.
And similar to Circle to Search on Galaxy mobile devices, the upcoming PCs have a feature wherein users can just trace whatever is on their screen and search.
In addition, the series combines ultra-thin designs with up to 30 hours of video playback.
Price, availability
Here are the pricing of the three devices under the series:
- Galaxy Book6 Ultra: Starts at US$ 2,449.99
- Galaxy Book6 Pro: Starts at US$ 1,599.99
- Galaxy Book6: Starts at US$ 1,049.99
They will be available nationwide at Samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stores beginning on March 11. Customers who reserve early will get a US$ 30 credit.
More details will be unveiled during the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25 at 10:00 A.M. PT / 1:00 A.M. ET.
Laptops
Are you ready for a more colorful MacBook?
Apple is experimenting with quirkier colorway options for the MacBook.
In recent years, Apple has relented on limiting the colors of its devices to only the more premium-looking options. Users can now pick quirkier colors for their iPhones, highlighted currently by the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max. Soon, the same splashes of color might make its way to the MacBook lineup.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has been testing different colorway options for its upcoming entry-level MacBook. The unannounced lineup might come in pink, light yellow, light green, and blue.
It’s a big change for MacBooks. Currently, the only “quirky” option that users can get is the MacBook Air’s Sky Blue, which honestly looks more silvery than blue. Other than that, the MacBook simply seesaws from different shades of gold, silver, and black.
To be fair, the upcoming MacBook will still have the traditional colorways of the current lineup. Additionally, it’s unclear whether Apple will ultimately include all its experimental colors into the final lineup.
Reportedly, the new lineup will cost somewhere between US$ 699 to US$ 799. Of course, the lower price tag will come at the expense of some specs. Although, it should still be good if we’re talking about an entry-level laptop.
It’s even more interesting if it’s hinting at the return of truly colorful options but for the notebook. The iMac already got a similar renaissance back in 2024, which mimics the classic computer’s colorful history.
SEE ALSO: M5 MacBook Pro review
Brands getting banned are commonplace in today’s tech landscape. These usually happen because of geopolitical reasons, especially if it’s in the United States. In Europe, brands sometimes get banned for anticompetition reasons. Today, however, a commonly used codec, HEVC, is at the center of a controversy that has led to the banning of ASUS and Acer in Germany. Even crazier, Nokia is involved.
For context, Nokia owns several patents for video codecs. One of those codecs, HEVC (or High-Efficiency Video Coding) is ubiquitous in every PC, which means that every PC maker must purchase a license to include the codec in their machines. It’s an essential these days, so it’s unusual for ASUS and Acer to miss it.
In Germany, where licensing is stricter, both companies were found guilty of infringing the patent, as reported by German outlet Hardwareluxx. As a result, ASUS and Acer must stop selling PC and laptop sales until they obtain a license from Nokia.
To be clear, this doesn’t mean that the two brands have disappeared from the country. Third-party retailers can still sell their remaining stock. However, the companies cannot import or sell any new stock, pending a conclusion to the issue.
Naturally, the easiest fix is to just buy the license. Hisense, another company that found itself in the same mire, bought a license last month. Either ASUS and Acer are running into more technical issues, or they just didn’t feel the license was worth it for a single market.
SEE ALSO: ASUS is leaving the smartphone industry
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