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Consumer security practices could be improving, as Apple reported that a huge percentage of its iCloud users are actually enabling multi-factor authentication on their devices.
Passwords just aren’t cutting it in 2023. Sure, they can work great if used properly, but the reality is that the average user doesn’t follow any password best practices, which can make hacking their accounts embarrassingly easy. Even worse, many organizations follow outdated password policies that are causing more problems than they’re solving.
Fortunately, features like multi-factor authentication can seriously shore up your security and Apple notes that users are more on board than previously thought.
iCloud Users Are on Board With MFAIn an interview with 9to5Mac, Apple revealed that 95% of its iCloud users have enabled multi-factor authentication, the security feature that requires users to present two or more pieces of evidence proving they are who they say they are, often through a smartphone or other device.
The shift towards the more robust security measure makes sense, as Apple has required multi-factor authentication for a wide range of its popular services. Apple Card and Apple Cash both require it to function, and even iCloud Keychain — the company’s password manager — makes you enable multi-factor authentication to access your login credentials.
However, while enabling multi-factor authentication is a great move towards a more secure future all on its own, Apple — along with the rest of Big Tech — has a more ambitious goal: getting rid of passwords all together.
Are We Getting Rid of Passwords?iCloud users adopting multi-factor authentication is droves is good news for the future of user privacy. Not just because multi-factor authentication is a more rigorous security standard, but also because it makes way for getting rid of passwords entirely.
As part of the iOS 16 update, Apple added Passkeys, a new security feature that could conceivably allow iOS and macOS users to access their accounts without a password. Multi-factor authentication has to be enabled to gain access to this new feature, which explains why Apple is so excited about its many users adapting to the change.
“People almost always have phones with them,” said Darin Adler, VP of internet technologies at Apple in an exclusive interview with Tom’s Guide last month. “Face ID and Touch ID verification give you the convenience and biometrics we can achieve with an iPhone. You don’t have to buy another device, but also you don’t even have to learn a new habit.”
The goal is clear: get rid of passwords. Given the refusal of average users to use different passwords for their accounts and use complicated phrases rather than easy-to-guess words, moving on from the ancient technology seems like the only way to seriously improve security across the board. And given that most users are on board with going passwordless, it’s not so much a matter of “if” we’re going to get rid of passwords, but rather “when” we’re going to get rid of passwords.
While You Wait…Unfortunately, our passwordless future isn’t quite here yet, and you have to keep your personal information and business data secure somehow, right? Fortunately, there are tools out there that can help you shore up your online security.
As far as passwords are concerned, one of the tried and tested ways to keep yourself safe online is a quality password manager. These tools not only suggest robust passwords that won’t get hacked, but also alert you when one of your credentials has been compromised in a security breach.
If you want to take it up another notch, antivirus software and VPNs can protect you from some of the more threatening actors online, like ransomware and security breaches. Either way, you should definitely enable multi-factor authentication — whether you’re an iCloud user or not— so you can be prepared to go passwordless as soon as possible.
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Will Xp Users Shun Windows 8 In Favor Of Ubuntu?
Historically, Windows hasn’t been tremendously effective in the area of backwards compatibility. Anyone who has migrated to a new Windows release with older peripherals has likely felt the pain I’m talking about.
On the flipside, the idea that Windows 8 will drive Windows users to Ubuntu in droves is unlikely. If a new PC buyer has been content with the Windows OS, switching suddenly to something else is highly improbably. Even if keeping their existing hardware and locating a good Linux distro might be a more economical solution, most people will stick with what they know. It’s simply a matter of familiarity for most Windows users looking to upgrade.
Although we don’t have hard numbers on the Ubuntu adoption rate, we do know that Ubuntu is seeing new users every day. Many of these users are installing Ubuntu on newer hardware so they can enjoy all that Unity has to offer.
This is great news; however, these days it feels like Ubuntu’s focus on newer hardware has left existing users of older hardware out in the cold. Normally, I wouldn’t have a problem with this, except that Ubuntu has left some users wondering if it will continue to be a viable option for them. I touched on this in a previous article.
Are peripherals enough to drive people over to a new platform?
In most instances, no, not even a little bit.
The fact is, most users are bound to a familiar software and desktop layout that they’ve come to expect. It’s the price folks pay when they become accustomed to a proprietary operating system. Once you’re locked into a needed proprietary application and its corresponding file format, you may be locked in for good. There are certain motivations that may potentially still bring people over to Ubuntu, but the legacy software issue remains a concern.
Despite the software lock-in issue, one group of Windows users may be willing to try out a Windows alternative. These users are the ones who will be upgrading from Windows XP.
Regardless of what you may have read elsewhere, Windows XP is alive and well in the world. And things are going to become interesting when XP users look to their next upgrade path.
For the less tech-savvy, the natural upgrade path is going to be to a new Windows 8 PC. After all, Windows is a brand these users know.
However, for those who have been exposed to Ubuntu Linux at some level, the temptation to give the OS a shot might finally take hold. These individuals are usually more tech-savvy or might be the family tech support person. Assuming the PC is fast enough to support it, Ubuntu suddenly looks like a viable option in these instances.
But before we get too excited, there are some things that need to happen here in order to maximize Ubuntu’s adoption rate during the Windows 8 release cycle.
A more natural approach would be a greater focus on the Ubuntu LoCo teams. These are Ubuntu support groups who volunteer to put on events in their local areas. They help those who need assistance with Ubuntu, along with providing other great benefits.
With this in mind I went to my own LoCo group page thinking surely there would be lots happening considering how new Ubuntu 12.10 is, right? Sadly, I was mistaken. Upon visiting, I was presented with a static website and crickets.
From the limited information listed there, it was clear to me that this page was targeting those who already knew what Ubuntu is. And once again, it lacked any compelling reason for me to check it out. But hey, at least they offered pictures! On the plus side, I was thrilled to see that their forum was very active, so that was good.
After poking around the various LoCo resources, I realized why the expertise gap remains between Ubuntu and Windows and how incredibly ineffective the current LoCo setup is. Honestly, I’ve seen local Linux User Groups with better organization than this! While the LoCos do okay with coordinating international events, they remain largely within their own little echo chamber. And last time I checked, that isn’t a great way to get new users on board.
Swift Program To Multiply Two Matrices Using Multi
In this article, we will learn how to write a swift program to multiply two matrices using multi-dimensional arrays.
A matrix is a mathematical structure in which the elements are present in rows and columns format. For example, the first element is present at the a00 location, the second at a01, and so on. Therefore, to multiply two matrices, we multiply the mth row of the first matrix by an nth column of the second matrix and add the products. This will create an element at the mth row and nth columns of the resultant matrix. For example −
Matrix 1 −
$mathrm{begin{bmatrix}2 & 3 & 4 newline5 & 2 & 7 newline9 & 3 & 2end{bmatrix}}$
Matrix 2 −
$mathrm{begin{bmatrix}4 & 7 & 1 newline1 & 1 & 4 newline5 & 7 & 2end{bmatrix}}$
So the product = Matrix 1 * Matrix 2
$mathrm{begin{bmatrix}(2^{*}4+3^{*}1+4^{*}4) & (2^{*}7+3^{*}1+4^{*}7) & (2^{*}1+3^{*}4+4^{*}2) newline(5^{*}4+2^{*}1+7^{*}4) & (5^{*}7+2^{*}1+7^{*}7) & (5^{*}1+2^{*}4+7^{*}2) newline(9^{*}4+3^{*}1+2^{*}4) & (9^{*}7+3^{*}1+2^{*}7) & (9^{*}1+3^{*}4+2^{*}2)end{bmatrix}}$
$mathrm{begin{bmatrix}27 & 45 & 22 newline50 & 86 & 27 newline47 & 80 & 25end{bmatrix}}$
AlgorithmStep 1 − Define the size of the rows and columns.
Step 2 − Create two matrices of the same rows and columns using multidimensional arrays.
Step 3 − Create an empty matrix with a same number of rows and columns.
Step 4 − Run nested for loop to iterate through each element of both matrices.
Step 5 − Multiple the element at [x][z] position of matrix1 with each element of the row of matrix2 and add the values, store the values at [x][y] position of the resultant matrix. This process will continue until the last element of the matrix1
Step 6 − Print the resultant matrix.
ExampleFollowing the Swift program to multiply two matrices using multidimensional arrays.
import Foundation import Glibc var row = 4 var col = 4 var matrix1 : [[Int]] = [[1, 1, 1, 1], [2, 2, 2, 2], [3, 3, 3, 3], [4, 4, 4, 4]] print("Matrix 1:") for x in 0..<row { for y in 0..<col { print(matrix1[x][y], terminator:" ") } print("n") } var matrix2 : [[Int]] = [[1, 0, 0, 1], [2, 0, 0, 2], [3, 0, 0, 3], [4, 0, 0, 4]] print("Matrix 2:") for x in 0..<row { for y in 0..<col { print(matrix2[x][y], terminator:" ") } print("n") } var Mul = Array(repeating: Array(repeating: 0, count: 4), count: 4) for x in 0..<row { for y in 0..<col { for z in 0..<row { Mul[x][y] += matrix1[x][z] * matrix1[z][y] } } } print("Resultant matrix:") for x in 0..<row { for y in 0..<col { print(Mul[x][y], terminator:" ") } print("n") } Output Matrix 1: 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 Matrix 2: 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 3 0 0 3 4 0 0 4 Resultant matrix: 10 10 10 10 20 20 20 20 30 30 30 30 40 40 40 40Here in the above code, we create two 4×4 matrices along with values and one empty 4×4 matrix to store the result using multi-dimensional arrays. Now we run nested for loop to iterate through each element of both the matrices. Now we multiply the element of matrix1 at [x][z] position with each element of the row of the matrix2 using the * operator and add the values and store the result at [x][y] position of the resultant matrix. Repeat this process for all the elements of matrix1.
ConclusionTherefore, this is how we can multiply the matrix using multi-dimensional arrays. You can also create any size of matrices like 4×4, 6×3, and 2×3 using a multi-dimensional array and can able to perform multiplication on them.
How To Fix Screen Flickering When Freesync Or Gsync Is Enabled.
Related: How to fix an SSD or SD card that won’t delete data or format.
Gsync and FreeSync are pretty much standard features on most mid-range monitors these days and they both make a huge difference in picture quality when used in games. Everything looks crisp and runs way smoother and allows you to take some pressure off your CPU and GPU. While using Gsync and FreeSync should be as simple as enabling the option in the monitor’s settings and calling it a day, there are some other major issues that you will have to deal with at some stage. Especially if you are using an NVIDIA GPU.
As we mentioned above this fix has multiple aspects to it so you will need to run through them in order to get the best results. Keep in mind that this is “potentially” a driver issue that NVIDIA hasn’t solved for a long, long time. While you can use each of these options individually I suggest trying them all at the same time.
Note: If you are using multiple monitors all connected to the same GPU try disconnecting all of the other monitors to see if the problem goes away. Having multiple monitors connected to a single GPU can sometimes cause interference issues, perhaps this is an issue with low-quality cable/port shielding or something else but it does make a difference sometimes.
OPTION 1: Use an older driver version. Geforce driver 466.27.
So far the best way to solve this issue is to roll back to an older NVIDIA graphics driver version, in particular, Geforce driver version 466.27. This seems to be the most stable driver release to date and in most cases will fix the problem instantly for everyone across multiple GPU generations 10, 20, 30 & 40 series models. The only downside to this is that some newer games and programs may have other issues. Though I’ve yet to come across any. If you don’t want to use such an old driver, try one of the other options below first then come back to this as a last resort. Although this driver version was designed for Windows 10 it works perfectly fine on Windows 11 operating systems as well. You can still use old NVIDIA graphics drivers on Windows 11 PCs.
OPTION 2: Just use the Driver Windows installs.
Another driver solution you can use is to uninstall the official drivers from Device Manager, and then just let Windows install some generic driver. Whatever drivers Microsoft are using seem to work very well as well.
OPTION 3: Set a custom screen resolution in NVIDIA Control Panel.
To do this open NIVIDA Control Panel then go to Display Resolution in the left panel.
Now in the next window configure your screen resolution to your monitor’s maximum resolution, then set your max refresh rate to 1 frame under the max for your monitor. If you have a 144hz monitor set it to 143, etc.
You can now start a game and check to see if the problem has been resolved. If it hasn’t you will need to complete OPTION 3 as well. They have a tendency to work best together.
OPTION 4: Set a custom maximum monitor refresh rate in NVIDIA Control Panel.
The final option and one that works best when used with the first two is to manually set a maximum refresh rate for your monitor in NVIDIA Control Panel.
To do this open NVIDIA Control Panel, then change to the Manage 3D Settings tab on the left.
Here scroll down and find the Max Frame Rate option and change the setting to 1 frame below your monitor’s maximum refresh rate. If you have a 144hz monitor set it to 143, etc.
Make sure that you also cap max FPS in the games you are playing.
15 Sonos Alternatives For A Multi Room Speaker Experience
The Sonos brand needs no introduction, but for people unaware, Sonos is a company that has been building speakers for over a decade. It has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, thanks to its multi-room audio system, which lets you control the music of different speakers wirelessly through an app. Sonos offers several multi-room audio systems along with home theater setups, soundbars, music streaming system Connect, and more. But they are not for everyone. So, whether you are hunting for a better sounding smart speaker or looking for a more portable and affordable variant, here is the extensive roundup of the top 15 Sonos alternatives for multi-room speaker experience.
Best Sonos Alternatives for a Multi-Room Speaker ExperienceIt means that you as a customer have a lot more control over the prices and the features that you want. Keeping this core aspect in mind, we have listed out speakers similar to Sonos One, Sonos Play, Sonos Play 3, Sonos Fiver, and Sonos Play 5. Thus, you can easily find the right alternative for Sonos smart speakers. So, let’s get started!
Sonos One and Sonos Play:1 AlternativeSonos One and Play:1 are the cheapest multi-room audio speakers that you can get from Sonos. Here are the best alternatives that you can get:
1. Google Nest AudioThe speaker comes with a 19mm tweeter and a 75mm mid-woofer for clear highs and deeper bass. Google claims the new Nest Audio is 75% louder than the Google Home and has 50% better bass response. So you are getting a far better speaker for the same price.
Google Assistant is baked-in here, so you can call on the Google Assistant to enquire about the weather, play songs, and even control your smart home devices. My favorite feature of the new Nest speakers is built-in privacy. You can now ask the Assistant to delete your voice recording. And there’s a physical mute switch for the microphone so you can be sure that it’s not recording anything.
If you are looking for an affordable Sonos alternative, this is the speaker to get. You can get it in one of five colors: Sage, Sand, Sky, Charcoal, and Chalk.
Supports several music-streaming services including Spotify, Amazon, Pandora
Physical mute switch for enhanced privacy
Cons:
Bass could have been better
Buy from Google: $99
2. Amazon Echo Plus (2nd Gen)Amazon is the company that made the smart speakers popular and their latest premium speakers, the Amazon Echo Plus (2nd generation) goes head to head with Sonos One. The speaker comes with Alexa which is Amazon’s voice assistant, allowing you to play music with just your voice.
I love this feature as you don’t need any other device to play music. Also, thanks to Alexa’s integration with streaming services, you can use your favorite music streaming service including Spotify, Amazon, Pandora, iHeart Radio, Apple Music, and more to play music on the speakers.
If you don’t want to use your voice, you can cast music directly from your phone to the speaker system without any problem. When it comes to multi-room audio, just like Sonos One and Sonos Play:1, you can pair multiple Amazon Echo speakers to get a multi-room audio experience.
I also love the sound quality of Amazon Echo Plus as it provides a 360-degree surround sound experience that can easily fill your normal room. The speaker packs a 3″ neodymium woofer and 0.8″ tweeter which is perfectly tuned to give out the best possible audio experience.
Pros:
Impressive built-quality
Supports several music-streaming services including Spotify, Amazon, Pandora
Comes with a 3″ neodymium woofer and 0.8″ tweeter
360-degree surround sound
Cons:
The sound tends to distort at the top volume
3. Bose SoundTouch 10Bose has always boasted of great speakers and its SoundTouch multi-room speaker line-up is no different. The SoundTouch 10 speaker competes with the Sonos Play:1 and Sonos One.
It offers some unique features including Bluetooth support, a physical remote control, and the ability to set six different custom presets for buttons with the app. You can set these buttons to start a particular music offering or even radio stations so that you can quickly start listening to your favorite music.
The Bose SoundTouch 10 also comes with Alexa support so you can connect it to an Alexa-enabled speaker (like the Echo, or the Echo Dot), and you can do all sort of things such as playing and pausing music, skipping a song, changing the radio station you are listening to and more just with your voice.
One speaker is enough to fill the room however you can also pair two of them in stereo to enhance the experience even more. Like Sonos, Bose offers the SoundTouch app for all the platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac allowing you to control music with the device in your hands.
Pros:
Good-looking design
High-quality sound
Supports a ton of Alexa skills
Companion app supports Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS
Cons:
The companion app doesn’t offer much customization
Buy From Amazon: $189.99
Sonos Play: 3 Alternatives 1. Bluesound Pulse Flex 2iUnlike Sonos Play:3 which sported a considerable size, the Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i comes in quite a small package which is something that I really like. Despite being an ultra-compact speaker, the Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i delivers crystal-clear sound quality with a very good dynamic range thanks to its direct digital amplifier and custom-tuned drivers.
One of the unique things about this speaker is that it comes with a detachable battery pack that you can attach to use it without any input power. Another unique thing about this speaker is that while most other speakers only offer wireless options, the Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i brings a whole assortment of connections including aux input, USB-A connector, micro-USB connector, and more.
It also supports Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s AirPlay technology allowing you to send songs from Android or iOS devices. There’s also the BluOS app which lets you stream music from services like Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music, Slacker Radio, and more.
Pros:
Great sound quality
Features aptX technology
Supports Amazon’s Alexa
Compatible with AirPlay technology
Cons:
Price is a bit on the higher side
Buy From Amazon: $343.50
2. Bose SoundTouch 20 – Series IIILike the SoundTouch 10, the Bose SoundTouch 20 is an excellent multi-room speaker system which can act as a worthy alternative to now-defunct Sonos Play:3. The SoundTouch 20 is basically the bigger and better brother of SoundTouch 10.
And while it’s a little pricey, the speaker trumps Play:3 with added features like Bluetooth support, bundled remote control, ability to set six preset music services for the buttons in the speaker, and an OLED display, that displays info about the music.
It also comes with Alexa support which means you can connect it to your Alexa-speaker and get voice control along with access to 40 million songs if you use online music services such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, or any of the other such services out there.
Pros:
Attractive OLED display
An excellent multi-room speaker system
Robust sound
Ability to set six preset music services
Lacks compact design
Buy From Amazon: $349
3. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M3Another great Sonos Play:3 alternative is the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M3 which brings a great audio experience thanks to its Signature Sound technology which brings authentic sound quality. The speaker uses quality materials including aluminum, wool, and polymer which not only make the speaker durable but also play a part in its sound delivery system.
The speaker brings a 3.75″ woofer and 0.25″ tweeter which can fill a small to medium-sized room. When it comes to connectivity the speaker supports Apple AirPlay technology along with Bluetooth audio streaming, built-in Chromecast, 3.5 mm jack, 1 micro USB, and a Mains connection.
Pros:
3.75″ woofer and 0.25″ tweeter
Built-in Chromecast
Supports Apple AirPlay technology
3.5 mm jack
Cons:
Lacks voice assistant
Buy From Amazon: $279.30
4. Marshall Acton IIOne of my favorite speakers on this list is Marshall acton II. First of all, it sports a unique retro look which I am a big fan of. Secondly, it sounds great with balanced audio delivery and offers physical dials to control the different elements including bass, treble, and volume so you don’t have to fiddle with settings buried deep inside an app.
In short, Marshall Acton II has everything that you can desire from a Sonos Play:3 alternative and you will be really happy with it. With Marshall Acton II you can create a multi-room system and listen to different songs in different rooms or blast your favorite song across all speakers at once.
Notably, you can also connect to the speaker using WiFi, Bluetooth, RCA, or 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is a big plus from a productivity point of view.
Pros:
Appreciable design
Sounds great with balanced audio delivery
Integrates with Amazon’s Alexa
Connect to the speaker using WiFi, Bluetooth, RCA, or 3.5 mm headphone jack
Activating Alexa doesn’t seem straightforward
Buy From Amazon: $266.95
5. Libratone ZIPP MINI 2Libratone ZIPP MINI cannot be farther from Sonos Play:3 when it comes to the looks, however, don’t be fooled by its small size. The speaker packs a punch and can deliver deep bass, full midrange, along with very clear lows.
While the speaker doesn’t bring any smart voice assistant, it does support AirPlay 2, DLNA, and Spotify Connect. It means you can use both iPhone and Android devices to cast your favorite music to the speaker.
One of the biggest benefits of Libratone ZIPP MINI is that it comes with a built-in rechargeable battery which can last for 10+ hours on a full charge. That means you can take the speaker out for a trip when you want to so that you have the best audio experience wherever you go.
You should also download the Libratone app on your smartphone as the company issues frequent firmware updates which improve its functionality and enhance new features.
Pros:
Modern-looking design
Supports AirPlay 2, DLNA, and Spotify Connect
Deliver deep bass
Offers very clear lows.
Cons:
Support for music streaming services is quite limited
May not deliver over 10 hours of battery life consistently
6. Libratone ZippJust in case you are fond of Libratone Zipp MINI 2 but you want to have its slightly more capable variant, Libratone Zipp could be the right answer to your needs. The smart speaker is known to offer 360° loud stereo sound which makes it a direct competitor to Sonos Play:3.
With a 15W woofer, it offers deep bass. Even at the high volume, its sound doesn’t distort, which is a big plus if you don’t want to compromise with the sound quality. Featuring a dual mic, it allows you to make calls hands-free.
Based on your taste, you can preset 5 internet radio and playlists for a more personalized listening experience. Using AirPlay 2 or Spotify Connect, you also have the freedom to stream anything you want. That’s not all, Libratone Zipp can last up to 12 hours on a single, which I think should be more than enough to last a long party.
Preset 5 internet radio and playlists
15W woofer
Offer 360° loud stereo sound
Last up to 12 hours
Cons:
The low-end sound is not as impressive as the high-end
Buy From Amazon: $259.55
7. Bose Home Speaker 300There is a lot to like in Bose Home Speaker 300. First and foremost, the smart speaker is lightweight and compact. So, you can comfortably carry it anywhere. Design-wise, it looks just as good-looking as Sonos Play: 3, though it has a different form-factor.
What’s more, Home Speaker 300 is designed to work with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Considering both the most popular virtual assistants have their pros and cons, you would be glad to have both of them at your disposal.
Furthermore, the support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 as well as the ability to stream music from several music-streaming services make Home Speaker 300 alternative to Home Speaker 300.
Pros:
Work with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Has the support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2
Ability to deliver 360° sound
Six microphone array
Cons:
Alexa doesn’t work at its best
Sonos Five and Sonos Play:5 AlternativesSonos Play:5 is the company’s most premium line of multi-room audio system speakers. Here are some of the alternatives that you should look at:
1. Marshall Stanmore IIThe Marshall Stanmore II is to Marshall Acton II what Sonos Play:5 is to Sonos Play:3. What this means is that you will be getting the same overall experience, it would be just better and more refined.
Besides, you also have the flexibility to connect to the speaker using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RCA, or the 3.5 mm input.
Pros:
Include two 15 Watt Class D amplifiers
50 Watt Class D amplifier
Physical dials for controlling bass
Flexibility to connect to the speaker using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RCA, or the 3.5 mm input
Cons:
Lacks a portable design
Buy From Amazon: $319
2. HomePodApart from its clean and compact design which still blows my mind, boy do these speakers sound good. I mean, you really have to experience this to understand why I was blown away by its audio quality.
Since Apple is a technology company first, it’s surprising how they made one of the best sounding speakers in the world. Apart from the sound, you get all the benefits of buying an Apple product which means it works great within the ecosystem, the set-up is seamless, and it packs a ton of technology.
For example, with spatial awareness, it automatically analyzes the acoustics, adjusts the sound based on the speaker’s location, and separates the music into direct and ambient sound. If you are in Apple’s ecosystem, Sonos Play:5 won’t even stand a chance against it.
Seamless set-up
Excellent sound quality
Spatial awareness
Works perfectly with iDevices
Cons:
Siri is below par
Buy From Apple: $299
3. Denon HEOS 5If you are someone who loves bass then this is the Sonos Play:5 / Sonos Five alternative that you should look at. The Denon HEOS 5 brings a powerful audio delivery system that produces a heart-thumping bass experience. Denon HEOS 5 also offers the most versatile connectivity experience as the speaker supports all the major connectivity options including WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, USB port, Aux Port, and Ethernet.
You can play your music either through popular services like Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, SiriusXM, TIDAL, and more or cast the offline music saved on your Android and iOS devices. The speaker also comes with a complimentary Denon Connect app which makes the setup and software upgrade process very easy.
Pros:
Play your music either through popular services
The powerful audio delivery system
Ability to cast offline music
Supports all the major connectivity options
Cons:
Old-fashioned design
Buy From Amazon: $349
4. Audio Pro Addon C10Beyond design, Addon C10 is known to deliver a rich and clear sound which is pretty much in the same league as that of Sonos Play:5. Thanks to the support for the multi-room feature, you can fine-tune it to play different songs in different rooms.
The companion app is lightweight and works as expected. There are four personalized presets which you can customize to have quick access to your favorite playlists or radio stations. Notably, it also boasts supports for many music-streaming services including Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, and more.
Everything considered; you can bank on Addon C10 to be a more than capable Sonos replacement.
Deliver a rich and clear sound
Four personalized presets
Works with Alexa
Compatible with many music-streaming services like Tidal, Spotify, and Deezer
Cons:
The design doesn’t look attractive
A touch expensive
Buy From Amazon: $349
5. Bose Home Speaker 500Yet another smart speaker from bose that deserves a mention is the robust Home Speaker 500. It features a nice-looking design that can go head-to-head against Sonos Play:5. With the eight microphone array, it’s fully equipped to offer loud and clear sound.
Notably, it’s compatible with not only Alexa but also Google Assistant. So, whether you find Alexa smarter or prefer to use Assistant, you can use a desired virtual assistant to carry out a variety of tasks
Design aside, Home Speaker 500 has the support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2. That means you have a bit more flexibility to stream music to your heart’s liking. Priced at $300, Home Speaker 500 is a solid Sonos competitor.
Pros:
Compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant
Support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2
Eight microphone array
Multiple ways to control
Cons:
The sound quality on the low-end isn’t as impressive
Frequently Asked Questions What is the best alternative to Sonos?It depends on what you are looking for? if you are looking for an affordable alternative, both Nest Audio and Amazon Echo devices will serve you well. If you want better sound quality, you can look at high-end Bose speakers.
What is better Sonos or Bose?Though both Sonos and Bose smart speakers are great. Bose is slightly ahead in the face-to-face battle.
Is Bluesound better than Sonos?No. Sonos has a clear edge when put head-to-head against Bluesound.
Do audiophiles like Sonos?Yes. Audiophiles like Sonos thanks largely to its ability to deliver top-notch sound quality.
Are Sonos worth the money? Try these Sonos Alternatives for Amazing Multi-Room Audio ExperienceLet’s get this straight, Sonos multi-room speakers are one of the best on the market right now, however, they are not the only ones. Also, since Sonos killed its Sonos Play:3 speaker line, it has not released any replacement for it. To the people who are looking for Sonos alternatives, the above speakers are the best in the market as of now. Do check them out and let us know which is your favorite Sonos alternative on the market right now.
Revisiting The Forgotten History Of Obscure Apple Accessories
For many iPhone X owners, two of the most hotly anticipated upcoming Apple products are accessories. Both previewed during last fall’s keynote address at Steve Jobs Theater, the AirPower wireless charging mat and AirPods wireless charging case arrive on the heels of another high-profile Apple accessory – the HomePod.
While Apple’s accessory strategy is more ambitious and important to their success than ever before, the company’s assent for accent has a storied past. Just like the products they complement, accessories come and go with the seasons, and after touring desk drawers and closet shelves for a few years often find themselves abandoned by time.
Browsing the halls of obscure and forgotten Apple accessories reveals a winding and surprising assortment of products. From cases, to cables, to chargers, how many do you know?
Lightning to Micro USB AdapterThe iPhone 5 was the first iOS device to drop the familiar 30-pin connector for charging and syncing in favor of the Lightning port. Alongside the phone’s introduction in September 2012, Apple quietly released the Lightning to Micro USB adapter for the European market.
The dongle appeased an odd EU legislation that made it necessary for all smartphones to offer a micro USB connection. In November 2012, Apple made the adapter available to customers in the United States. You can still pick one up on Apple’s website today for $19.
Apple RemoteThe original Apple Remote debuted alongside the iMac G5 in October 2005, and was designed to work with Apple’s Front Row home theater application for Mac OS X and universal iPod docks. The first-generation remote looked a lot like the original iPod shuffle, and was made entirely out of plastic. Power came from a small, button cell battery that popped out of the bottom of the device. The Apple TV adopted the Apple Remote as its controller when it went on sale in 2007.
Apple released a longer, aluminum redesign of the remote in 2009, complementing the maturing aesthetic of newer Macs and iOS devices. While you can still buy the remote on Apple’s website for $19, Front Row no longer exists, and iPods are mostly a thing of the past.
Today, Apple ships the more modern Siri Remote with new Apple TVs, which includes a touch surface instead of a directional pad.
Apple USB SuperDriveOne of the biggest concerns for early adopters of the MacBook Air was how to use existing CDs and DVDs with a computer that had no optical disk drive. Apple’s solution was to offer the MacBook Air SuperDrive, which debuted alongside the original Air in January 2008.
As other computers in Apple’s lineup stopped offering internal optical drives, the product was rebranded as the Apple USB SuperDrive, compatible with all Macs manufactured after 2008. Today, most people have completely moved on from physical media, but you can still buy a USB SuperDrive from Apple for $79 if you’re looking for an expensive dose of nostalgia.
iPhone TTY AdapterFirst introduced for the original iPhone in 2007, Apple’s TTY Adapter is probably one of the most niche accessories the company has ever made. The 3.5mm adapter is designed to let an iPhone interface with standard TTY accessibility devices. Despite the fact that the iPhone X, 8, 8 Plus, 7 and 7 Plus have no headphone jack, Apple still sells the adapter for $19. Since iOS 10, you can make TTY calls from your iPhone without using additional hardware.
Discontinued Accessories Pride Edition and International Collection Woven Nylon Apple Watch bandsIn June 2023, Apple distributed special pride-themed Watch bands to employees participating in San Francisco’s annual LGBT Pride Parade. A year later, the same bands were made available to the general public for $49 on Apple’s website. By September, the bands were no longer for sale, making them one of the shortest lived Apple Watch collections to date.
Even more limited was Apple’s International Collection of nylon bands created for the 2023 Olympic Games. A series of 14 bands themed after the flags of competing countries debuted in time for the start of the games in August 2023. While the bands sold for the same $49 as other nylon designs, they were available exclusively at Apple VillageMall in Rio de Janeiro.
This past January, Apple created a special Activity ring-themed band for employees participating in an internal wellness challenge. The band has not yet been made available to the general public.
iPod touch loopThe fifth-generation iPod touch was the first and only iOS device to include a mounting button for a color-matched loop accessory. The iPod touch has long been a favorite choice for children, and the loop was designed to save iPods from costly falls.
After its introduction in September 2012, the loop was sold until the sixth-generation iPod touch dropped the connector entirely. Today, Apple sells a similar Siri Remote Loop for the Apple TV.
OS X Lion USB Thumb DriveOS X Lion was the first version of Apple’s desktop operating system to ship after the release of the Mac App Store, and the first version of OS X not distributed on DVD. To accommodate users unable to upgrade by digital download, Apple offered the OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive in 2011 and 2012.
At $69, it was significantly more expensive than the $29.99 App Store version of the operating system. While a similar thumb drive was not offered for subsequent releases of OS X, Apple did bundle the drive with MacBook Airs for a time prior to Lion’s release.
Apple Universal DockAs the iPod line diversified, the need arose for a dock that could support any device with a 30-pin connector. In 2005, Apple released the first of three versions of its Universal Dock. A revision in 2007 brought a tweaked design and bundled the Apple Remote, and a final version in 2010 added new dock adapters and the refreshed Apple Remote.
The Universal Dock wasn’t refreshed to support the iPhone 5 in 2012, and it wasn’t until September 2013 that Apple re-entered the market with dedicated iPhone 5s and 5c docks. A standard Lightning dock debuted in 2023, months after the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Today, aluminum versions are available in 4 color-matched finishes.
Apple Battery ChargerThe Magic Trackpad was the third member in Apple’s desktop accessory line to rely on AA batteries for power. Alongside its introduction came the Apple Battery Charger, an environmentally friendly initiative.
Bundled with 6 AA batteries, the charger was priced at $29. In 2023, when versions of the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and rebranded Magic Keyboard were released with built-in rechargeable batteries, the need for an external battery charger was diminished. Apple now provides information on how to maximize your battery performance.
iPad Camera Connection KitiPhone photography was significantly less popular in 2010 when the original iPad was released. At the time, Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit was the best way to get photos from your digital camera onto your iPad for viewing and editing. Like the iPod Camera Connector before it, the dongle used the 30-pin connector for data transfer from a USB device or SD card. Early adopters quickly discovered that other USB devices could be unofficially used with the kit, too.
iPad Keyboard DockLong before the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard, there was the iPad Keyboard Dock. Launched in 2010 and discontinued with the release of the iPad 2 in 2011, the $69 accessory was essentially Apple’s wireless keyboard with a 30-pin dock connector instead of AA batteries.
With a set of iOS-specific function keys and the exact same key travel as a standard keyboard, the dock brought a true desktop feel to the iPad. However, the reliance on the 30-pin connector for power and connectivity meant that the iPad had to be in portrait orientation while in use. This constraint led some to prefer third-party solutions or Bluetooth keyboards.
First-generation iPad CaseAnother forgotten iPad accessory is Apple’s first-generation multifunction case. While customers were still figuring how best to integrate the iPad into their workflows, Apple predicted that watching video and typing would be popular activities. The case’s cover was designed to flip around and fold to create a stand for the iPad in both upright and typing positions.
Apple scrapped the design altogether in 2011 and introduced the much more popular line of Smart Covers for the iPad 2. The spirit of the original case returned in 2012 with the iPad Smart Case.
iPod shuffle in polished stainless steelIn September 2009, Apple refreshed the storage capacity and colors of the third-generation iPod shuffle, adding an Apple store exclusive version with a polished stainless steel finish. The device was functionally identical to every other model in the lineup except in price, retailing with 4GB of storage for $99 instead of the standard $79. A year later, Apple replaced the entire line with a completely redesigned iPod shuffle.
iPhone Dual Dock Nike + iPod Sport Kit2006 brought the start of a long-term collaboration between Nike and Apple, and its first fruit was the Nike + iPod Sport Kit, a $29 shoe sensor and iPod adapter that intelligently tracked your runs.
Later, Apple would bundle a Nike + iPod app with iOS until it was removed in iOS 9. Apple’s partnership with Nike continues to this day with the Apple Watch Nike+.
Leather Case for iPod and iPod nanoWhen Steve Jobs unveiled the iPod Hi-Fi in early 2006, he also announced a line of leather cases for the first-generation iPod nano and fifth-generation iPod. Made of Italian leather with a microfiber interior, both cases sold for a pricey $99.
Unlike Apple’s leather iPhone cases, the iPod models came only in black and were designed to protect your iPod during travel, not during use. A small ribbon at the top of case let you easily pull the iPod out completely or just enough to view the screen. The cases were never refreshed for the final iPod classic or second-generation iPod nano.
iPod Radio RemoteIn today’s era of streaming music, the idea of listening to FM radio on an iPod sounds quaint, but in January 2006, it was a big enough deal to warrant its own press release out of the Macworld Expo.
The $49 iPod Radio remote was an intermediary device that attached to an iPod or iPod nano via the dock connector, and offered a headphone jack on the other end for connecting a bundled pair of shorter Apple earbuds. The iPod’s software was updated to display radio controls, but the remote itself provided eyes-free control.
In September 2009, when the fifth-generation iPod Nano gained built-in support for FM radio, Apple discontinued the iPod Radio Remote.
iPod nano Lanyard HeadphonesUnlike the iPod mini before it, the iPod nano was thin and light, and built using flash storage instead of a spinning hard drive. The device was so light that Apple released a set of headphones in 2005 that doubled as a lanyard, turning the iPod nano into a wearable of sorts. The headphones were updated for the second-generation iPod nano in 2006, but were abandoned during the transition to the “fat Nano” in 2007.
iPod nano TubesThe original iPod nano gained a reputation for being easy to scratch, even leading to a class action lawsuit and settlement agreement with Apple.
One of the more affordable protection options for those worried about damaging their iPods was a set of iPod nano Tubes. The $29 set of 5 tubes came in clear, blue, purple, green, and pink, depending on your mood. The cases were made of silicon and were compatible with the iPod nano Lanyard Headphones.
The second generation iPod nano moved to an anodized aluminum design with plastic top and bottom caps that proved to be more durable and resistant to scratching.
iPod mini LanyardSimilar to the iPod nano Lanyard Headphones and iPod shuffle lanyard, Apple offered an optional lanyard for the iPod mini as well. The accessory was priced at $19 and was discontinued with the introduction of the iPod nano. iLounge reviewed the lanyard in 2005.
First-generation iPod shuffle accessoriesMacworld reviewed the Sport Case back in 2005, offering a in-depth look at the obscure accessory. Interestingly enough, the case shipped with a headphone jack dongle to preserve its water protection abilities.
iPod SocksA fan favorite for many years, iPod Socks enjoyed a considerably long life in Apple’s online store, first introduced in October 2004, and not removed from sale until 2012. Apple claimed that the socks were compatible with every single iPod and iPhone model from the original 5GB iPod in 2001 all the way through the iPhone 4s.
iPod Socks shipped in a pack of six vibrant shades of green, purple, grey, blue, orange, and pink for $29. Like other early Apple cases, the socks were designed only to protect iPods during travel rather than in use.
AirPort Express Stereo Connection Kit with Monster CablesWhen the AirPort Express shipped in 2004, it was the first Apple router to support AirTunes (later AirPlay), an easy way to stream music wirelessly in your home. To make the set up process easier, Apple offered an optional $39 AirPort Express Stereo Connection Kit.
The kit included a Monster mini-to-RCA left/right audio cable, a Monster mini-to-optical digital Toslink audio cable and an AirPort Express power extension cord. By connecting your stereo to an AirPort Express, it would instantly become available for music streaming.
In 2012, Apple redesigned the AirPort Express but did not release a similar stereo kit for the new model.
iPod mini and nano ArmbandFrom January 2004 until September 2010, Apple sold first-party armbands for the iPod mini and later the iPod nano. The band’s design was updated for every single generation of iPod from the original iPod mini through the fourth and fifth-generation iPod nano. Each band was priced at $29, and let users exercise while keeping their device safe and easy to access.
When the tiny sixth-generation iPod nano debuted in 2010, wearing the device as a watch became popular, although Apple didn’t offer an official first-party band. Today, the Apple Watch fills the void left by the iPod nano.
iPod In-Ear HeadphonesFor those seeking a more premium listening experience than offered by standard earbuds, Apple introduced the iPod In-Ear Headphones in January 2004. The original set was priced at $39 and complemented the styling of Apple’s cheaper earbuds that were bundled with every iPod. Three different sized caps were included that could be swapped out for a better fit.
In September 2008, Apple moved their premium earbuds upmarket, announcing the Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic for $79. Aside from a higher price tag, the new headphones featured more impressive sound isolation and were designed with the iPhone in mind. The second-generation earbuds are still available for the same price, but use the now-obsolete 3.5mm headphone jack to connect.
iSight camera and Accessory KitBefore the term was used to reference the cameras on older iOS devices, iSight was the name of Apple’s external video conferencing camera, announced alongside iChat AV at WWDC 2003. The camera mounted on any Mac’s display or on your desk, since none of Apple’s computers had built-in cameras at the time.
Even more uncommon than the camera itself was an optional $29 accessory kit that included four multipurpose mounts. Design blog Minimally Minimal offers an in-depth retrospective look at the camera’s design and mounts.
The iSight camera wasn’t Apple’s first attempt in the videoconferencing space. All the way back in 1995, the company released the forgotten QuickTime Video Conferencing Camera 100.
iPod Carrying Case with Belt ClipEarly iPods were bundled with a lot of accessories. Starting in 2002 for the second and third-generation models, Apple included a Carrying Case with Belt Clip in the box, made out of a high-quality Schoeller woven nylon.
Later, when the Dock Connector replaced FireWire for charging and syncing iPods, Apple updated the case and started selling it for $39 as a standalone accessory. It would be replaced in 2006 by leather iPod cases.
iPod Remote and EarphonesJust like the aforementioned Carrying Case with Belt Clip, Apple’s iPod Remote and Earphones were bundled with higher capacity second and third-generation iPods, and beginning in 2004, sold for $39 as a standalone accessory.
Unlike the current wired EarPods which include a remote and microphone, the iPod Remote and Earphones could be clipped on your shirt or disconnected at the remote.
eMac Tilt and Swivel standEven while it was actively for sale, the eMac was a relatively obscure member of Apple’s Mac lineup. The computer was sold primarily to educational institutions, and eventually became the last member of the Mac family with a CRT display.
Apple sold an uncommon and optional Tilt and Swivel stand for the eMac, lifting the machine three inches off a desk and meeting European ergonomic certification standards.
DVI to ADC AdapterApple has absorbed a considerable amount of criticism in recent years over the need to use dongles and adapters to connect legacy hardware to the company’s increasingly wireless products. Today’s inconveniences seem minor, however, when compared to the massive DVI to ADC Adapter that Apple introduced in 2002.
The adapter was designed to connect to a PowerBook G4 and drive the 23-inch Apple Cinema Display. Power Mac G4 users could use the adapter to drive a dual display setup. The adapter included active processing hardware inside that regenerated both the digital graphics and USB signals coming from the computer.
Weighing almost 2 pounds and measuring 5 inches wide and 1.58 inches deep, the adapter was significantly larger and heavier than an Apple TV. Apple sold the accessory online for $99 through at least 2010.
DVD-R media kitApple introduced iDVD in January 2001 as a consumer-friendly tool for creating and authoring your own home movies. Of course, burning DVDs requires buying blank discs to write to. Apple’s solution was to sell their own DVD-R media kits online and at Apple retail stores.
A 5-pack of 4x speed discs originally sold for $49.95, later dropping to $19.95. As SuperDrives increased in speed, Apple began selling a similar 5-pack of 8x discs for the same price.
Apple continued to promote iDVD and the SuperDrive for several years, until customers began favoring streaming media over optical discs.
Apple Pro SpeakersThe Apple Pro Speakers began their story in 2000 with the Power Mac G4 Cube, the ill-fated desktop housed inside an 8-inch cube. Apple partnered with Harmon Kardon to create a set of custom speakers that were bundled with the computer and connected with a custom USB interface that only worked with the G4 cube.
In January 2001, Apple updated the Power Mac G4 with a new digital audio system and began offering a reconfigured version of the G4 Cube’s speakers as a $59 accessory. The new Apple Pro Speakers connected with a proprietary Apple speaker minijack that provided both power and audio.
Later, two models of the iMac G4 were bundled with Apple Pro Speakers. Low End Mac compiled a guide to make sense of the confusing compatibility between Apple’s different speaker options at the time.
AirPort Card and Base StationWhen the original spaceship-style AirPort base station was released in 1999, Macs didn’t ship with built-in WiFi connectivity. Instead, Apple offered the AirPort Card, and later the AirPort Extreme Card to let users add wireless capabilities to their Macs.
As WiFi became standard across Apple’s product line, new users could enjoy wireless capabilities right out of the box, and the cards were discontinued.
Apple Studio Display (15-inch flat-panel)While many long-term Mac users will remember Apple’s large CRT Studio Displays, the product line actually began with a relatively forgotten LCD display all the way back in 1998. The 15-inch flat panel Apple Studio Display was housed in a dark blue translucent case that didn’t match any of Apple’s other products at the time, but foreshadowed the iMac G3‘s design.
The display was replaced less than a year later in January 1999, when it was refreshed with a tweaked color scheme that matched the blue and white Power Mac G3 tower. The entire Studio Display line was redesigned and expanded in 2000.
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