Category: Apple Insider

Meross Outdoor Dimmer Plug

Smart plugs are great accessories to own because they can control nearly anything in your house from your device. From lamps to bug zappers, you can turn any “dumb” appliance into a smart one.

The problem is all they can do is turn your appliances on and off. While this may be enough for most objects, others may have additional features you want to control — like dimmable lights.

The Meross Outdoor Dimmer Plug offers deep control of your appliances at a budget-friendly price. It’s a great way to manage your outdoor scenery with an automation from your phone.

The Meross Outdoor Dimmer Plug is designed like other outdoor plugs. It’s made from polycarbonate fire retardant material and is FCC (Federal Communications Commission) certified.

Measuring 2.36 x 3.15 x 1.58 inches, it’s small enough to be tucked into corners or hidden under a table. There’s also a tiny hook on the back to mount the plug if you don’t want it on the ground.

Hook to mount the plug on the wall

The plug is rated IP44 dust-resistant and splash-resistant. However, you should keep the Outdoor Dimmer Plug out of water and in a dry location.

The Outdoor Dimmer Plug has a singular outlet, so you can only plug in one appliance at a time. Connected to it is a severely short cable, which requires you to already have your appliance stationed near an existing outlet.

Meross Outdoor Dimmer Plug control/power button and cable

On top of the Outdoor Dimmer Plug is a button that can control the power and brightness of your lights when it’s disconnected from your iPhone. A light surrounding the button will indicate if the plug has power and is in setup mode.

When the plug is not in use, a cover can be placed over the outlet for maximum protection. On the flip side, when the plug is in use, the cover hangs off the side of the plug until it’s needed again.

The Meross Outdoor Dimmer Plug lets you control your lights and appliances from any device. But you must properly set up the plug before you can do that.

To start the setup process, the ring around the button must be blinking to indicate it’s ready to pair.

To connect the plug to WiFi, you need to have a 2.4GHz network available. A 5GHz network is incompatible.

While the Outdoor Dimming Plug can control the power of any connected device, it can also change the brightness levels of plugged-in dimmable lightbulbs. Even if the bulb’s screwed into an ordinary lamp, the dimness can still be altered.

LED and CFL bulbs are compatible with the plug by outputting a maximum of 150W. INC bulbs are also compatible and can have a maximum output of 400W.

If you aren’t using the plug for lighting, then note it’s not compatible with pumps, pool filters, and motors.

When controlling the dimness of your lights, you can set them to a level between 1% to 100%. If you are using the button, it can be set to 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, or 100% brightnesses.

While you can control the Outdoor Dimming Plug from anywhere you have an internet connection, you will receive faster response times if you are in the same location.

The Meross Outdoor Dimmer Plug can be controlled from the Home or Meross app. However, the Meross app offers more functionality than the Home app does.

When first connecting the Outdoor Dimmer Plug to the Home app, it will recognize it as a light, not a plug. Yet, you can change the device’s icon after you complete the setup process.

Changing the brightness levels is easy — all you do is tap on the plug in the Home app and raise or lower the toggle. However, if the plugged-in lights change colors, you cannot change them from the plug itself.

HomeKit controls for Meross Outdoor Dimmer Plug

Just like with other HomeKit accessories, you can group the Outdoor Dimming Plug with other plugs and lights within the app. Since you can only plug in one appliance, this becomes a useful feature if you purchase multiple plugs and want to control them simultaneously.

By grouping the plug with dimmable lights, you can adjust their dimness level simultaneously. But, if you link it to a non-dimmable device, you’ll need to access the group settings and modify the plug’s level separately.

If you have existing automations, you can include the Outdoor Dimmer Plug or create a new one based on it. You can choose when the plug will turn on or off and set the brightness level.

While the Home app can control the main functions of the Outdoor Dimmer Plug, the Meross app provides additional features the Home app does not.

Meross native app controls

One useful feature of the app is checking the compatibility between the plug and the light you plugged in. It allows you to check the stability of the light and what level to set the brightness at if it starts flickering.

The Meross app will also supply updates to the plug when available.

Ultimately, no matter which app you use, you can easily control the Outdoor Dimming Plug’s core functionality at your fingertips.

The Meross Outdoor Dimmer Plug is a wonderful addition to your outdoor lights, allowing you to control their power and dimness from your phone.

Meross Outdoor Dimmer Plug

Setting up the Outdoor Dimmer Plug was straightforward, and the response time to commands was quick. Although the bulb’s brightness level didn’t change instantly when invoked, it still only took two seconds to complete.

The Outdoor Dimming Plug is great for people who hang up seasonal holiday lights and want to put them on multiple schedules. It also benefits people who want to set the mood on their patio by changing their light’s brightness level.

The price is another highlight for the Outdoor Dimming Plug because it retails under $30. Most HomeKit accessories can be expensive, but Meross has a reputation for selling budget-friendly HomeKit devices, and this plug is no different.

Although we had a positive experience with the plug, we believe it would be beneficial if it had a longer cable and more outlets in the future. While it is possible to use an extension cable to solve this issue, it would be more convenient if the plug had these features built-in.

If you want easier control over your outside lights, then the Meross Outdoor Dimmer Plug is a great option to choose. However, if you live in an apartment or don’t use outdoor lights, we recommend looking at a pack of smart plugs instead.

• IP44 rating
• Dimmable accessibility with compatible lightbulbs
• Budget-friendly price

• Only one outlet
• Only available in black
• Short wire length

You can purchase the Meross Outdoor Dimmer Plug from their website for $28.99. It’s available in black.

You can also purchase it from Amazon for $30.99. It’s also available in black.

Save big on high-performance Macs at B&H.

This week’s best deals include a $1,600 discount on a fully-loaded 16-inch MacBook Pro, capable of handling your photo and video journey. Or, bring home the most affordable Mac product with the mini coming in at only $549, and you get free expedited shipping in the lower 48 that puts products in your hands in two days.

B&H Photo is selling the ultimate MacBook Pro Kit designed to give you everything you need to outfit your office or study space. The fantastic kit comes with a black Apple Magic Mouse, USB-C hub, laptop bag, 4-port USB wall charger, Microsoft 365 subscription, and AppleCare+.

And that’s just the accessories. The MacBook Pro offered in this deal is a loaded beast of a machine powered by the M1 Max chip, 64GB of RAM, and 2TB of SSD storage. Plus, customers can snag one in either Space Gray or Silver for only $3,171.96.

Mac users have more options than ever, including the Mac mini as the go-to affordable desktop replacement. Now, B&H Photo is selling the Mac mini for only $549, which makes it $150 cheaper than you can buy from Apple.

Although this Mac mini is only the entry-level model, it still boasts enough capability to power the everyday user. It has the M2 chip, 8GB of Unified Memory, and 256GB of SSD storage; you only need to pair it with a Studio Display for an unbeatable setup.

While the Mac mini is a practical option for desktop users, those looking for something more mobile will want to look at B&H Photo’s $120 discount on the M2 MacBook Air. The 13-inch model is perfect for those requiring a lightweight option that still packs a punch.

For only $1,179, Apple users will find this upgraded 13-inch MacBook Air provides an affordable yet usable piece of hardware. It also sports the M2 chip, a bump up to 16GB of Unified Memory, and 256GB of SSD storage. You can pick one up in the lovely Midnight finish at $120 off.

Abandon practicality and go for total performance with the 16-inch MacBook Pro that B&H has on sale for $3,299. That price reflects a whopping $1,600 off the retail price but comes with unreal capabilities.

Those capabilities come from the M1 Max chip, 64GB of RAM, and 4TB of SSD storage. These components give this MacBook Pro the computing power you need for the most demanding projects, like rendering 4K Pro Res streams or coding massive applications.

There is no better way to enjoy your Mac than by pairing it with a top external display. B&H Photo thought so, too, and slashed its price for the Apple Studio Display by $100, bringing it to a much more affordable $1,499.

The Apple Studio Display puts 27 inches of 5K resolution in your face, supports over 1 billion colors, and an A13 chip powers ambient light sensors and the gorgeous 12MP HD FaceTime camera. This model comes with standard glass and a tilt-adjustable stand.

From the new MacBook Air 15-inch to the M2 Mac mini, AppleInsider readers can snap up exclusive discounts on the latest Apple hardware. Be sure to visit our Apple Price Guide to view the best sales and special offers at Apple resellers.

Linux logo on a MacBook Pro

The Asahi Linux project for Mac first teased plans to launch a dedicated GPU driver for Apple Silicon running Linux back in 2022. At the time, they had already reverse-engineered a prototype that was “good enough to run real graphics applications and benchmarks.”

Now, in 2023, the first and only conformant OpenGL ES 3.1 GPU driver is available for Apple Silicon-based Macs.

To reach this goal, it took thousands of tests to make sure that the driver is stable and won’t produce issues. There is a test suite that is tasked with testing every feature within the implementation.

Once that test period is over, there is a 30-day review period overseen by the standards body, Khronos. In the case for the first conformant OpenGL ES 3.1 GPU for Apple Silicon, there were no issues found.

OpenGL ES 3.1 makes it possible for applications to write to a specific image displayed on the screen, which enables algorithms to run flexible image processing. The Asahi Project offers a detailed rundown of how the new feature works.

Asahi Linux logo

Interestingly, the project points out that Apple’s own drivers for Apple Silicon are not conformant for any standard graphics API. This being the case, it means there is no guarantee that any application using the available standards like OpenGL ES, OpenGL, or Vulkan, will work on a computer with an M1 or M2 processor.

There’s a real-world scenario for this, too, according to the report:

“The third-party MoltenVK layers a subset of Vulkan on top of the proprietary drivers. However, those drivers lack key functionality, breaking valid Vulkan applications,” the post adds. “That hinders developers and users alike, if they haven’t yet switched their M1/M2 computers to Linux.”

Linux 5.19 was released in August 2022, notable for the fact it was done on an M2-equipped MacBook Air.

Microsoft Word app icon

XLoader is one of the more common tools that attackers utilize to try and gain information from infected systems. When XLoader appeared on macOS in 2021, it was billed as the fourth most-used tool that year.

Unlike in 2021, this latest XLoader variant is not intended strictly for the Java Runtime Environment, which means it has the potential to be much more dangerous. This latest form is written in the C and Objective C programming languages, and as noted by SentinelOne, signed with an Apple developer signature.

XLoader’s latest cover is a Microsoft-branded Office productivity app called “OfficeNote.” It’s being distributed within a standard Apple disk image named “OfficeNote.dmg,” which is automatically something you should be on the lookout for, especially in a work environment.

The developer signature is “MAIT JAKHU (54YDV8NU9C),” another key detail to be aware of.

According to the original report, Apple has already revoked that particular developer signature. However, SentinelOne says, “Apple’s malware blocking tool, XProtect, does not have a signature to prevent execution of this malware” at the time of publication.

This particular malware tool has apparently been widely distributed as of July of 2023, when it first cropped up.

And macOS malware tools run a premium, based on advertisements found on crimeware forums. Renting this XLoader variant is going for $199 per month, or $299 for three months.

Compare that to the $59 per month, or $129 for three months the Windows-based version typically rents for.

If a person does install the XLoader malware tool onto their system, it will immediately target two popular browsers: Chrome and Firefox. It will then try and steal information that’s stored in the user’s clipboard via Apple’s own API.

XLoader malware tool hiding as “OfficeNote.app.” Image source: SentinelOne

Apple’s Safari is not targeted with this variant of XLoader.

Once installed, the malware tool will automatically deposit its payload into the user’s home directory and execute. It will then create a hidden directory and a barebones app, while a LaunchAgent is then dropped into the user’s Library.

This variant of XLoader is specifically designed for work environments, and it is advised IT security teams install third-party services designed to identify malware to prevent installations.

As mentioned above, utilizing a software security service that can identify malware tools such as this one are important, especially for businesses. And of course, another easy way to stay safe and avoid malware tools is to avoid downloading any software or apps that you do not recognize.

macOS is still the safer option when it comes to malware tools like this, but the threats are growing. There are even attacks out there designed for Apple Silicon. Stay vigilant, even if you are on a Mac.

Jeff Johnson is a developer who has found exploits in a variety of online services and software over the years. However, in his latest disclosure of an issue, he’s doing so due to Apple failing to actually issue an update that solves the problem at all.

After writing a blog post in October about macOS Ventura’s App Management feature, Johnson discovered a bypass for App Management that didn’t require full disk access. At the time, he sent the issue to Apple Product Security, expecting a response.

Finding the bypass in October 19, 2022, Apple Product Security acknowledged the report’s existence on October 21, but seemingly didn’t do anything with it. The exploit was shared publicly on August 19, 2023 by Johnson after waiting ten months.

While normally bugs are disclosed to the public a set period of time after the developer has been informed of an issue, typically 60 to 120 days later to give time for a fix to be developed and issued, Johnson is sharing the exploit publicly because “I’ve lost all confidence in Apple to address the issue in a timely manner.”

After noting the absurdity of a ten-month exploit fix wait, Johnson acknowledges he won’t be able to receive an Apple Security Bounty. However, Johnson also claims Apple hasn’t promised to pay anything, and insists Apple’s policy states that it refuses to pay or calculate a bounty until after an issue fix is released, so he “could be waiting forever for nothing.”

Oddly to Johnson, he was credited as part of security notes for macOS Ventura 13.4, and was informed that his report was helpful in fixing another exploit, but there was no bounty to be paid.

In his October blog post, Johnson said there were at least six different ways for an app to gain app management permissions, but kept the sixth method secret. The vulnerability is the sixth method.

According to the developer, it involves the app sandbox, as he accidentally discovered that a sandboxed app could modify files that it shouldn’t be capable of modifying. This includes files stored in a bundle of a notarized app that was supposed to be protected under App Management security.

Though a sandboxed app has limited file system access, the Applications folder is part of the sandbox itself. A non-sandboxed app can also open files in a sandboxed app, which can expand the sandboxed app’s sandbox.

To demonstrate the issue, Johnson has released a sample Xcode project that includes the source code for two apps, with a sandboxed app contained within a non-sandboxed version. The sandboxed helper app is a document-based app that can overwrite a file’s contents and saves the file.

Johnson says the overwriting of the file completely bypasses App Management in macOS 13.5.1. “The straightforwardness and ease of the bypass is truly stunning.”

This is not Johnson’s first macOS exploit rodeo. For macOS Mojave in June 2020, he created an exploit to bypass file privacy and security protections, referring to Apple’s systems at the time as “security theater.”

Kensington TB550 Pro Fit Ergo Trackball

It’s not exactly breaking news that using a mouse for extended periods can lead to all sorts of wrist problems, including repetitive stress injuries and carpal tunnel.

Plenty of ways to help limit the damage include taking frequent breaks, regular exercise, or switching up your equipment.

We recently had the opportunity to try out the Kensington TB550 Pro Fit Ergo Trackball mouse, a budget-friendly option marketed specifically to first-time trackball users.

The TB550 has a thumb-operated trackball, which we find preferable to those operated with the palm but less ideal than those operated with the fingertips. This will come down to personal preference.

For most people, the TB550 will fit well in their hands. It features a 45-degree tilt that keeps your wrist aligned properly while working. We tested it with two users of above and below-average hand sizes, and neither had any problem operating the mouse as intended.

One neat feature we enjoyed was the 4D scroll wheel, which allows users to scroll horizontally as well as vertically.

Connecting the TB550 to our iMac was easy. Kensington provides a 2.4GHz dongle stored in the bottom of the mouse that can be used with a USB-A port. If you don’t want to take up a port — or, more realistically, bust out an adapter — the TB550 can also connect over Bluetooth LE.

The TB550 Pro Fit with included dongle

The setup process was straightforward, and the compatibility with both Windows and macOS systems is a plus, catering to a wider range of users. The plug-and-play functionality is convenient, and we appreciate that no additional software installation is required.

However, if you want to further customize it, you can use Kensington’s KensingtonWorks software to further make the mouse fit your needs.

The TB550 features a rechargeable battery that lasts up to four months per charge. It can be recharged via the USB-C port on the side.

Last but certainly not least is the trackball eject feature, which allows users to quickly pop out the trackball to clean it whenever necessary. We love this feature as trackball mice are prone to picking up dirt and grime quickly.

While Kensington bills the TB550 as a beginner-friendly entry into the world of trackball mice, that doesn’t mean it’s quick to pick up.

We found that we were significantly slower at every task for the first several days of using the TB550. Even now, after using the mouse for over a week and a half, we’re still nowhere near as fast as we are with a standard optical mouse.

The TB550 next to the Apple Magic Mouse included with the 2021 iMac

If you need to complete time-sensitive tasks at your job, the TB550 can and will cost you a lot of time while adapting to it. We highly suggest that, if possible, you learn in an environment without time pressure.

And, like any other new tool you pick up, trackball mice can also be physically uncomfortable to use. Sure, these kinds of mice prevent certain types of repetitive stress injuries. Yet, that doesn’t change the fact that your body will probably struggle against old habits.

We found that we had a fair amount of thumb and wrist fatigue while learning to use the TB550 and required regular breaks to prevent pain. As always, take it slow while getting used to any new tool.

Like any other tech, these types of trackball mice aren’t for everyone.

The TB550 really can’t be used for intense, response-based gaming — but that’s true of any trackball mouse. However, some people greatly prefer trackball mice for 3D modeling or CAD work.

However, if you aren’t gaming and you’re willing to take some time to get used to it, some major health benefits can be gained from making the switch. The TB550 is a great choice for those who want a trackball mouse at an entry-level price.

• 45-degree angle keeps wrist and forearm aligned
• Trackball pops out for easy cleaning
• Plug and play
• Optional software allows for further customization
• Connects via dongle or Bluetooth LE

• Quite bulky
• Takes a while to get used to
• Not as versatile as a standard mouse

You can snag the TB550 Pro Fit Ergo Trackball mouse from Amazon for $89.93

Apple Card

Apple Card launched in 2019 and quickly became one of the most successful launches for a credit card to date. And since then, it has retained its lofty status among owners, even as Goldman Sachs itself has tried to distance itself from Apple’s co-branded card.

But Apple has more good news, announcing on Thursday that it has once again earned J.D. Power’s number one spot for the “best co-branded credit card for customer satisfaction with no annual fee,” as part of the annual U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study.

“Since the start, we’ve been committed to delivering tools and services that help users live healthier financial lives, and it’s been rewarding to see customers using and finding value in the benefits of Apple Card,” Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, Jennifer Bailey said.

“We are honored that Apple Card has been recognized as a leader in customer satisfaction. In partnership with Goldman Sachs, we are continuously working to expand the value users receive from Apple Card, most recently with the launch of Savings, and we look forward to continuing to develop tools and services that put our users and their financial health first.”

And despite the strained relationship between Apple and Goldman Sachs, Liz Martin, Goldman Sachs’s head of Enterprise Partnerships, said, “With Apple Card, we have had a shared focus on delivering a great experience and providing value to our customers since the beginning.”

The hyper-specific category has some real contenders. J.D. Power notes the Hilton Honors American Express Card ranked second behind Apple/Goldman Sachs, with Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card with Chase and PayPal’s Cashback Mastercard with Synchrony Bank tied for third.

Apple Card customers were gifted another perk in 2023, with Apple and Goldman Sachs launching a dedicated savings account. That appears to be a success as well, with customers depositing upwards of $10 billion in just three months.