Unfortunately for Apple, the curious case of the failing MacBook Pro and MacBook keyboards is refusing to go away. It now faces a class action lawsuit issued in California, which states that the company knew there were problems with the latest butterfly-switch keyboard design and went ahead with it anyway.

Based on a barrage of reports from users, the keyboard design introduced in 2015 and then tweaked in 2017 is so delicate that it’s much more likely to fail than the keyboards on older models. Just a small speck of dust or debris can cause problems, apparently.

Data collected by AppleInsider from Apple Genius Bars and authorized third-party repair shops suggests the keyboard failure rate has more or less doubled since the new design appeared. The stats show 11.8% of repairs were related to the keyboard – and usually, the entire keyboard needs replacing.

Thousands affected

While the majority of MacBooks and MacBook Pros are obviously working fine with the new keyboards, a substantial number of users have reported problems. An online petition calling for Apple to replace defective keyboards is up to 19,000 signatures at the time of writing – not a small number.

To be fair to Apple it does offer a one-year warranty on new laptops and so if your problems start within that time window you can get a keyboard swap for free in the space of a few days. The new lawsuit claims that isn’t enough and says the “core functionality” of these devices has been compromised.

We’ll have to wait and see what Apple’s response is, but the keyboard controversy threatens to put people off buying a new MacBook or MacBook Pro – not something Apple CEO Tim Cook and his colleagues will be pleased about. You can view the class action lawsuit online here.

Via 9to5Mac

http://www.techradar.com/news/apple-now-faces-a-class-action-lawsuit-over-failing-macbook-pro-keyboards

Samsung is having a tough time competing with LG in the high-end TV segment. With the world cup around the corner, there was no doubt that Samsung would give a big push it’s new QLED line-up to try and steal some share form LG and it’s OLED TVs. 

Today, we got to see the new range of QLED models Samsung is releasing in the UAE. In total, there are four new series of QLED TVs- the Q9F, Q8C, Q7F and the entry-level Q6F QLED. Further down the line will be Samsung’s new UHD models that will be prefaced with the new NU- distinction. 

These new QLED ranges is expected to be in stores by May 15 with prices starting at AED 6,499 and going all the way up to AED 26,999. Let’s find out what’s new with these models and what separates the higher-priced models to the lower end ones.

Samsung 2018 TV technology

The star of the show for Samsung in 2018 is still the QLED TV screen – essentially a variation on traditional Quantum Dot LED-LCD panels that feature a peak brightness between 1,500 and 2,000 nits. For a reference point, that’s about twice as bright as the competition from 2017 and four to five times as bright as the HD/SDR TV you’re used to watching. 

For 2018, Samsung says it will be improving the black level performance of its QLED TVs – ideally bringing them down without trading any of its signature brightness. If it can pull this off, you’ll see a much better contrast ratio and better visual fidelity for 4K/HDR content. (Remember, Samsung TVs support two kinds of HDR right now, HDR10 and HDR10+.) 

The other new feature Samsung announced is its new Ambient Mode. When the TV is turned off, Ambient Mode will help the TV mimic the color and pattern of the wall on which the TV is displayed, so that it blends seamlessly into home décor.

Also updated for 2018 is the invisible Connection that now combines power and AV data in one fiber optic cable.

Samsung QLED 2018 Models

Samsung Q9F QLED TV (available in 65 and 75-inches)

On the higher-end of Samsung’s QLED line-up is the Q9F. This year you can expect Ambient Mode and better black levels alongside the screen’s insanely iridescent peak brightness. Also new this year is the switch from an edge-lit design to a Direct Full Array panel which Samsung claims offers improved contrast ratio. 

Samsung Q8C QLED TV (available in 65-inches)

Moving down the line is Samsung’s Q8C QLED TV in a divisive curved form factor. Like the Q9FN, you’ll see a switch from last year’s edge-lit design to a Direct Full Array panel and Ambient Mode. The Q8C has a slightly lower peak brightness than the Q9F.

Samsung Q7F QLED TV (available in 55-, 65- and 75-inches)

The Samsung Q7F was the golden ticket to last year’s QLED line-up. Offering one of the best price-to-performance ratios in the entire line-up, it was the Q7F that roped AV enthusiasts into buying a QLED TV. The 2018 Q7F will have most of the same features as last year, but will include Ambient Mode. 

Samsung Q6F QLED TV (available in 55-, 65- and 75-inches)

Last up in the QLED line-up is the Samsung Q6FN QLED TV. The Q6F is a bit less bright overall than the rest of its Quantum Dot-equipped brethren but if you’re looking for some of the same spectacular colors at a spectacular price, it appears as though the Q6FN will be the best place to get it in 2018.

http://www.techradar.com/news/here-are-the-new-samsung-qled-tvs-coming-to-the-uae-in-2018

Apple is apparently working on an iPhone SE 2, based on reports, but when are we going to actually see it? The latest rumor to filter down from the supply chain in Asia says it won’t be unveiled until September, alongside the iPhone XI and the other 2018 iPhones – and it’ll bring Face ID along with it.

The semi-reliable Mac Otakara has the scoop, based on a clandestine chat with a “Chinese accessory maker”, so adjust your expectations accordingly. Previously, the iPhone SE 2 had been tipped to arrive earlier in the year, as the original iPhone SE did.

Not so, says Mac Otakara’s sources. Apparently, Apple has yet to even settle on a final design for the device, which makes us think that even a September release is pushing production timings a little fine. The phone display could be as small as 4 inches or as big as 6 inches, the insider sources suggest.

Best face forward

What does seem (almost) certain is that the iPhone SE 2 will come with a TrueDepth camera that enables Face ID, as well as a notch in the display, and no Home button. Apple looks set to be going all in with the face unlocking, so you can give your fingerprints a rest as soon as you upgrade.

Previous rumors have pointed to a glass back and wireless charging for the iPhone SE 2, other features that it’ll borrow from the iPhone X. What we might be looking at is a phone that looks just like a shrunken down version of Apple’s flagship handset.

We find the idea that Apple is still playing around with iPhone SE 2 designs a little hard to swallow, but as we’re already half way through May the rumor of  September launch seems more plausible. The next event in the Apple calendar is the WWDC 2018 developer conference in June, where we should get to hear all about iOS 12.

Via AppleInsider

http://www.techradar.com/news/we-may-not-see-the-iphone-se-2-until-september-with-face-id-in-tow