Skip to main content

Apple refreshes Macbook lineup, YouTube goes all in on 360 videos

If you’ve been waiting for Apple to update the MacBook line of laptops, today’s the day. Apple’s basic laptops got a bit of a re-skin, with more horsepower from new Intel processors, 8gb of RAM standard, an updated keyboard, a Force Touch trackpad, improved retina display, and the obligatory rose gold color option.

With Apple’s WWDC event locked in for June, we’re hoping to at least see some new MacBook PRO machines and maybe a new MacBook air as well. But for now, the latest Macbooks start at $1,299.

_____

It’s looking like a magic moment for video right now, as several burgeoning technologies, including live video, 360 video and streaming, begin to converge.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, has announced that they will support live 360-degree video streaming on the site beginning today. YouTube says they will support 1440 resolution at 60 frames per second, so quality should be great. Additionally, they also will support spatial audio, which means the sound sources will track where you look in the video. For the moment, spatial audio will only work on Android devices, but expect that to change soon.

The first big event to officially feature 360-degree video will be the Coachella music festival. If you want to get in on the 360-degree live streaming video thing, it’s not too difficult, you just need the right camera and a bit of software.

_____

As VR and video games rapidly evolve, it looks like the years-long development cycle of game consoles is about to go out the window. According to the site Eurogamer, Sony is in the thick of a major upgrade to the Playstation 4 in order to add more processing power, graphics performance and memory to likely make it more compatible with VR headsets and ever-rising 4K gaming demands.

The codename for the new console: Neo, as in that guy in that movie about a very convincing virtual reality. In fact, gamer site Giant Bomb reports future PS4’s will have two modes: a base “normal mode” for traditional gaming and a “Neo” mode for better 4K gaming performance – and likely for future VR capability. The Playstation NEO box will likely arrive in time for the holidays.

Bill Roberson
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I focus on producing Digital Trends' 'DT Daily' video news program along with photographing items we get in for review. I…
Apple One, Ubisoft Forward wrap-up, life on Mars, and more | Digital Trends Live
digital trends live episode 457 curiosity at work on mars  artist s concept

On this Digital Trends Live, host Greg Nibler talks the top tech stories of the day, including how Twitter and Google handle preelection misinformation, Apple's accidental reveal of Apple One, an Ubisoft Forward wrap-up, the Mars Curiosity rover begins its search for life, and more.

 

Read more
Work/Life: How to remain focused during times of distraction
worklife episode 26 featured

On this episode of Work/Life, Ciara Pressler, author of Pregame and Game Plan, talks with Greg Nibler about how to remain focused during the constant distractions, chaos, and confusion of the current climate, whether it’s pandemic fatigue, protests, wildfires, the election, or any number of other things out of our control that can take our attention or bog us down.

“There’s a lot going on,” Pressler said, “so how do we focus when there’s so much going on?” The first step of gaining focus, she says, is to acknowledge what’s going on -- not just with the constant barrage of news, but with yourself. “You might not be feeling like working at 100%, and that’s ok!” she says.

Read more
Oracle eyes TikTok, Oculus 2, LG’s dual-screen phone | Digital Trends Live
The Oculus Quest 2 on a table.

On this Digital Trends Live, host Greg Nibler takes on the top tech news of the day, including Oracle’s bid for TikTok, Facebook removes false fire posts, LG’s dual-screen smartphone, Oculus 2 is coming, and more.

John Velasco joins the program to rate the various models of robotic vacuums on the market, including the Shark IQ, the Roborock S6 Max V, the iRobot Roomba S9+, and more.
Julia Daviy

Read more