Month: July 2023
Apple patent points to a modular MacBook future – and a record player
A newly approved patent points to a MacBook laptop that you can attach different devices to.
Patent applications often give us an interesting window into what a company is plotting, and a new Apple MacBook one just came to light: it shows off a computing device that can have different elements (like a keyboard) connected to it magnetically.
The patent (via Gizmodo) describes the device, which “can be reconfigurable to include one or more electrical devices in various configurations” – and displays and keyboards are specifically mentioned and shown in the accompanying diagrams.
It puts us in mind of the Framework DIY laptop in terms of modular laptops, though Apple’s plans look substantially different. The patent was first applied for a couple of years ago, though it was only approved earlier this week.
As always with patents, this isn’t a guarantee that a modular MacBook is ever going to appear – it just shows that Apple’s engineers are thinking about ways in which they could innovate with the design and functionality of its laptops.
One potential use for the new system (Image credit: USPTO / Apple)
Vinyl vibrations
As AppleInsider points out, Microsoft applied for a similar set of patents ahead of launching the Surface series of products. It’s possible that Apple is thinking of blurring the line between laptops and tablets even further.
While there are no 2-in-1 MacBooks right now, the steady evolution of iPadOS has meant it’s now more like a desktop operating system than ever. We might soon see something like the Surface Pro 9 from Apple.
Interestingly, one of the diagrams included with the patent shows a record turntable in front of a display, as one of the possible attachments. Music producers or DJs could use the setup, complete with a touchscreen display, Apple suggests.
Whether or not Apple is going to bring out an LP player of its own remains to be seen, but it shows off the versatility of the system being proposed. For now, watch this space: any device like this is probably still several years away.
‘Saw X’ sees triumphant return of Tobin Bell in new trailer
Tobin Bell’s John Kramer has had a rough go at life in the Saw universe. First, his wife loses her child to drug addicts he was trying to save, then he gets cancer, and then a doctor irresponsibly switches his X-rays, and now in Saw X, he gets scammed trying to get an experimental surgery in Mexico. Bummer.
SEE ALSO:
‘Jigsaw’ film runs blood drive in protest of ‘discriminatory’ donation rules
But if you had to choose anyone to teach you the value of life and that actions have consequences, there’s no better man than the original Jigsaw Killer himself, who returns for the franchise’s tenth installment. Saw X is technically the eighth mainline Saw film having been preceded by a soft reboot (Jigsaw) and a fever dream spinoff led by Chris Rock.Disregarding the spiraling continuity of these films, Saw X will be set in between Saw and Saw II, making it TWICE now that John Kramer has been scammed trying to get experimental surgery in a foreign country. Bell, who is in his 80s, looks to be in true form with this one, reminding fans why they loved these films in the first place.Saw X will hit theaters on September 29.
Tobin Bell’s John Kramer has had a rough go at life in the Saw universe. First, his wife loses her child to drug addicts he was trying to save, then he gets cancer, and then a doctor irresponsibly switches his X-rays, and now in Saw X, he gets scammed trying to get an experimental surgery in Mexico. Bummer.
But if you had to choose anyone to teach you the value of life and that actions have consequences, there’s no better man than the original Jigsaw Killer himself, who returns for the franchise’s tenth installment. Saw X is technically the eighth mainline Saw film having been preceded by a soft reboot (Jigsaw) and a fever dream spinoff led by Chris Rock.
Disregarding the spiraling continuity of these films, Saw X will be set in between Saw and Saw II, making it TWICE now that John Kramer has been scammed trying to get experimental surgery in a foreign country. Bell, who is in his 80s, looks to be in true form with this one, reminding fans why they loved these films in the first place.
Saw X will hit theaters on September 29.
This week in food tech: New fund shows food investments are still simmering
If you’re adventurous with your food, or just like to keep up with the fast-moving food tech industry, here’s a roundup of this week’s stories and some notable news we weren’t able to cover. Supply Change Capital The venture capital fund madness we’ve seen all year has made its way to the food sector. This
If you’re adventurous with your food, or just like to keep up with the fast-moving food tech industry, here’s a roundup of this week’s stories and some notable news we weren’t able to cover.
Supply Change Capital
The venture capital fund madness we’ve seen all year has made its way to the food sector. This week, I wrote about Supply Change Capital, which closed on $40 million in capital commitments for its first fund, targeting investments in the global food industry.
The female and Latina-owned firm is spearheaded by co-founders and managing partners Noramay Cadena and Shayna Harris, who met 14 years ago in business school.
The firm has already made 15 investments, including in allergen-free snack food company Partake Foods, ingredients startup Michroma and alternative seafood maker Aqua Cultured Foods.
Supply Change joins firms like Joyful Ventures, which debuted in June with $23 million, focused on investment in sustainable protein startups. Joyful was co-founded by Jennifer Stojkovic, Milo Runkle and Blaine Vess and has made two investments from the fund, including New School Foods and Orbillion Bio.
Global investment in food tech and agtech startups were 44% lower than in 2021, totaling $29.6 billion last year. Granted, 2021 had record-breaking investments into this space, but with all this dry powder on the sidelines, it looks promising for the next year.
As seen in TechCrunch
Brevel sprouts $18.5M to develop microalgae-based alternative proteins
Microalgae is everywhere, it seems. This week, Brevel announced a large seed round that will go toward developing microalgae into an alternative protein powder that can be used in foods.
What else I’m reading
Cultivated beef, it’s what’s for dinner in Europe: Israel’s Aleph Farms gears up to sell first cultivated beef cuts in Europe.
New to the aisles of Whole Foods Markets: Actual Veggies expands at the grocery chain amid over 300% growth in the past year. Meati Foods makes its national launch in 46 states (here’s more about them). And Konscious Foods debuts its frozen, plant-based sushi there.
Egg-citing growth: Yo! Egg makes its nationwide launch via a partnership with Veggie Grill. Read our coverage of the company, especially as it relates to the recent hike in traditional egg prices.
Smooth to the touch: MycoWorks unveils plastic-free leather alternative for luxury fashion brands. Read more about our coverage of this company making “leather” from mushrooms.
Gordon Ramsay likes ramen: Gordon Ramsay partners with vegan ramen brand. See who else has plant-based ramen.
Brewing up some M&A: RTD cold brew maker High Brew acquired by Beliv. Ready-to-drink is big; read more.
If you have a juicy tip or lead about happenings in the venture and food tech worlds, you can reach Christine Hall at chall.techcrunch@gmail.com or Signal at 832-862-1051. Anonymity requests will be respected.
Sneak Peek at the $2.3B MSG Sphere’s Huge Immersive Screen, Advanced Audio Systems – CNET
We got to experience demos of some of the technology powering the MSG Sphere arena, opening this fall in Las Vegas.
We got to experience demos of some of the technology powering the MSG Sphere arena, opening this fall in Las Vegas.