Apple's budget MacBook Neo is already surpassing the M1 MacBook Air in initial performance tests.

      The $599 MacBook Neo is quicker than anticipated

      Apple’s latest MacBook Neo has been created as an entry-level model, yet initial benchmark results indicate it may be more powerful than expected. This laptop, equipped with the Apple A18 Pro chip, has impressively outperformed older-generation MacBook Air models and even matched certain units in synthetic performance.

      MacBook Neo impresses in initial benchmarks

      The first Geekbench results for the MacBook Neo have surfaced online, offering an early glimpse into the performance of Apple’s affordable Mac. As per the benchmark data, the laptop achieved 3,461 points in single-core and 8,668 points in multi-core tests, along with a Metal score of 31,286 points in graphics evaluations.

      This performance is powered by the A18 Pro chip that also drives the previous iPhone 16 Pro models. The MacBook Neo variant of the chip features a 6-core CPU setup but has one less GPU core compared to the iPhone version. Notably, these preliminary results show that the Neo surpasses the single-core and multi-core performance of the original M1 MacBook Air, which initiated Apple’s shift to its custom silicon back in 2020. While defeating a 6-year-old laptop may not be earth-shattering, it is noteworthy that a smartphone chip is outperforming a laptop-class processor.

      For reference, the M1 MacBook Air recorded 2,346 in single-core and 8,342 in multi-core scores, alongside a Metal score of 33,148. While the M1 maintains an edge in graphics performance, the MacBook Neo exhibits a significant improvement in single-core scores. Even when compared to the M3 iPad Air, the MacBook Neo outperforms in single-core tests, though the M3 still leads in multi-core and Metal scores.

      It’s important to note that these benchmark results are early, and actual performance may vary based on workloads, thermal conditions, and software optimization. Still, the results indicate that the MacBook Neo could provide unexpectedly strong performance for everyday use.

      Tech journalist and product reviewer with expertise in consumer electronics. Sean has reported on various flagship devices and technology.

      Google is preparing a Gemini AI app for Mac that features Desktop Intelligence

      Google is enhancing its AI offerings for desktops with a Gemini app for Mac currently in testing, which could introduce a new feature called Desktop Intelligence. As reported by Bloomberg, Google has begun private testing of an early version of the Gemini Mac app with a select group of users. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to compete more directly with desktop AI applications such as ChatGPT and Claude, which already provide native Mac experiences.

      The current version is still in the early stages and does not include all intended features, but testing indicates that Google plans a near-term launch. At present, Mac users primarily access Gemini via the web, so a dedicated app could greatly enhance the user experience.

      Read more

      This startup will pay you $800 per day to work as an AI bully

      If you've ever expressed frustration at an AI chatbot for not recalling something you just mentioned, you might be ready for this new job opportunity. A startup named Memvid is offering $800 for a single day of work where your sole responsibility is to confront AI systems. Yes, it is a professional gig.

      The role is as unpredictable as it sounds. You will spend 8 hours engaging with chatbots, prompting them to remember information, observing their failures, and then continuing to ask questions. Your task is to record every annoying loop and every detail or context that the AI forgets.

      Read more

      Microsoft PowerToys update introduces three essential enhancements for Windows PCs

      Microsoft has launched PowerToys v0.98.0, a significant update to the widely used Windows productivity toolkit.

      The latest update features a revamped Keyboard Manager, a new Command Palette Dock, and a considerably enhanced CursorWrap experience tailored for users with multiple monitor setups.

      Read more