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Alex Blake

Alex Blake

Computing Writer

Alex Blake has been working with Digital Trends since 2019, where he spends most of his time writing about Mac computers. You’ll mostly find him diving deep into macOS, hunting for weird and wonderful new apps, or getting unreasonably excited that Macs are actually pretty decent gaming machines these days. Away from Apple’s computers, he also covers iOS, Windows, cybersecurity and a host of other topics.

Alex has been writing professionally for a decade now (no one seems to have noticed and put a stop to it yet). In that time, he’s interviewed Apple execs on the Vision Pro, reviewed the latest macOS updates, and written countless opinion columns full of his questionable beliefs on the latest tech.

He studied magazine journalism at Cardiff University in the U.K. and dreamed of starting his own incredibly niche, high-quality journal before reality and the need to pay rent brought him crashing down into the world of technology writing. On the plus side, his current position basically pays him to be a nerd, so it’s not all bad.

Starting out at TechRadar before landing a role as MacFormat magazine’s commissioning editor, Alex has been freelancing since 2019. In this time, he’s had bylines at TechRadar, iMore, Creative Bloq, and many more, besides his ongoing work at Digital Trends.

Alex is based in the south-west corner of the U.K. In his spare time, you’ll find him hiking, gaming, indulging in the odd spot of cidermaking, and playing soccer like an absolute madman.

The ChatGPT Mac app running in macOS Sequoia.

The ChatGPT app is transforming my Mac right before my eyes

ChatGPT’s Mac app can now search the web, and it’s a great way to find information online. It could even be the Google killer I’ve long been wishing for.
Computing Features
A person using a MacBook with an Apple Studio Display.

What is AppleCare+ and is it worth adding to your MacBook?

Should you insure your MacBook with the AppleCare+ extended warranty? We’ve broken it down so you can make the right call for your shiny new Apple product.
Computing Guides
The M4 Mac mini with a display in the background.

I’m running out of reasons not to ditch Windows for good

I’m a long-term Windows user, but I’m finding it harder to convince myself not to ditch Windows in favor of buying the M4 Mac mini and going all-in on macOS.
Computing Features
The Corsair K65 Plus for Mac keyboard and the Corsair M75 for Mac mouse against a blue background.

Corsair K65 Plus and Corsair M75 for Mac review: Apple’s aura, built for gamers

Corsair and Apple have teamed up to launch a gaming mouse and keyboard designed for Macs. Are they any good? Our in-depth review puts them to the test.
Computing Reviews
The MacBook Pro 16-inch on a table.

MacOS update: everything you need to know

If you’re thinking about updating macOS, there’s a lot you need to know. Here, we’ve rounded up all the most important information about updating your Mac.
Computing Guides
A man using Google Calendar on a laptop.

5 calendar apps you should use instead of Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is a popular calendar app, but it’s not for everyone. If you are looking for a new way to manage your schedule, here are five alternatives.
Computing Features
An official rendering of the Apple M4 chip.

M4 vs. M3: How much better are Apple’s latest chips?

The Apple M4 chip has landed and is available in both the Mac and the iPad. How does it compare to the previous-generation M3? Here’s everything we know so far.
Computing Guides
The M4 Mac mini being used in a workplace.

How to know which Mac to buy — and when to buy it

Want to know what to expect in every Apple Mac and when they’ll all be updated? Our guide has all the details on everything from the MacBook Air to the Mac Pro.
Computing Guides
The Apple M4 series chips, including the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max against a black background.

M4 chip: here’s everything we know about Apple’s latest silicon

Apple's latest chips came first to the iPad Pro, but have now rolled out on Macs. How big of an upgrade are they really, and should you upgrade your device?
Computing Guides
The Horse web browser running in macOS Sequoia.

I tried a web browser without tabs, bookmarks, or navigation — and loved it

The Horse web browser offers a totally different way to browse the internet, and its innovative approach is ideal for researchers and tab hoarders alike.
Computing Features
Apple's Craig Federighi discussing Apple Intelligence at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

How to use Apple Intelligence on your Mac

Apple Intelligence brings all sorts of powerful features to your Mac, from clever writing tools to a more intelligent Siri. Here’s how to use it like a pro.
Computing Guides
Mac Mini with M4

Is the M4 Mac mini Apple’s first true gaming PC?

Apple wants the Mac to become a gaming destination, and it has the perfect machine to take on consoles from Sony and Microsoft in the form of the M4 Mac mini.
Computing Features
Apple iMac Pro News

One more year of the iMac Pro being missing in action

The iMac Pro was totally absent from Apple’s October Mac announcements. Is the company still working on releasing a larger iMac, or is it gone for good?
Computing Features
The M4 Mac mini being used in a workplace.

What everyone is getting wrong about the Mac mini’s hidden power button

Apple’s M4 Mac mini has a power button on its underside. That may seem like a weird design decision, but Apple thinks it makes perfect sense. Here’s why.
Computing Features
People using the Apple iMac with M4 chip.

Apple’s M4 iMac brings next-gen power to your desktop

Apple has updated the iMac to come with a powerful M4 chip, giving its all-in-one desktop computer an upgrade ahead of more announcements this week.
Computing News
Apple's Craig Federighi introduces window tiling in macOS Sequoia at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2024.

Apple October Mac launch: everything we expect to be announced next week

Apple’s expected October launch will be packed full of new products, with reports swirling over what could be announced.
Computing Guides
Russian YouTuber Romancev768 with what is claimed to be a real M4 MacBook Pro unit.

Is Apple’s upcoming M4 Mac event still happening? I’m skeptical

The recent deluge of M4 MacBook Pro leaks has divided opinion, but what if one detail is hinting at Apple's next move?
Computing Features
Russian YouTuber Romancev768 with what is claimed to be a real M4 MacBook Pro unit.

Massive M4 MacBook Pro leaks have been ‘confirmed’ to be true

For weeks, debate has raged over whether a set of leaked M4 MacBook Pro laptops are the real deal. Now, it looks like we might finally have our answer.
Computing Features
Russian YouTuber Romancev768 with what is claimed to be a real M4 MacBook Pro unit.

These M4 MacBook Pro leaks are a goldmine of secret info

A spate of high-profile leaks has recently shown off Apple’s unreleased M4 MacBook Pro, revealing its secrets in massive detail. Here’s what we’ve learned.
Computing Features
Apple CEO Tim Cook looks at a display of brand new redesigned MacBook Air laptop during the WWDC22

I’m worried Apple will skip its October event – here’s what that means for the M4 MacBook Pro

Could Apple skip its October event and announce the M4 MacBook Pro using a press release? It’s possible, but it might mean bad things for the M4 chip.
Computing Features
Apple's Craig Federighi demonstrates the iPhone Mirroring feature in macOS Sequoia at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024.

How to use iPhone Mirroring on your Mac

Apple’s iPhone Mirroring app is a great way to use your iPhone right from your Mac. It’s full of great features -- here’s your guide to using them all.
Computing Guides
A person wearing the Apple Vision Pro demo unit in an Apple Store.

Apple finally has a chance to fix the Vision Pro. Here’s what it needs to do

The Vision Pro headset is off course, but there are plenty of ways that Apple can steady the ship. Here’s what will give it the best chance of success.
Computing Features
macOS Sequoia being introduced by Apple's Craig Federighi at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

I found an app that fixes macOS Sequoia’s annoying pop-ups

Tired of dealing with macOS Sequoia’s all-too-frequent permissions popups? The Amnesia app handles them for you to restore peace and quiet to your Mac.
Computing Features
Apple Intelligence in macOS Sequoia being used to summarize a selection of text.

Two of the best Apple Intelligence features on Mac still need work

Apple Intelligence’s best two features are Mail summaries and Writing Tools, but both of them need changes before they can catch up to ChatGPT and Copilot.
Computing Features
The iPhone Mirroring feature from macOS Sequoia being demonstrated at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.

macOS Sequoia fixes a problem that’s bugged me for years

Apple’s macOS Sequoia comes with an iPhone Mirroring feature, and its new drag-and-drop ability has improved my workflow in ways I never thought I’d see.
Computing Features
A NeXTcube computer running the NeXTSTEP operating system.

35 years ago, Steve Jobs launched an obscure operating system that changed everything

It’s been 35 years since the launch of the most important operating system you’ve never heard of -- and it was made by Steve Jobs himself.
Computing Features
Apple CEO Tim Cook looks at a display of brand new redesigned MacBook Air laptop during the WWDC22

An entirely new line of Macs may launch in just a few weeks

Apple will host a special event to launch a new range of M4 Macs in the coming weeks, according to a well-connected reporter. Here’s what we expect to see.
Computing News
The Ultramarine iPhone 16.

Apple just proved it learned from the Touch Bar’s failure

Apple’s Touch Bar was a failure, but the iPhone 16’s new Camera Control shows that Apple has learned from its past mistakes in order to make something better.
Computing Features
Greg Joswiak presents the iPhone 16 Pro at Apple's 'It's Glowtime' iPhone 16 event in September 2024.

Here’s why Macs were a no-show at today’s Apple event

Amid the iPhones and Apple Watches, the Mac was absent from Apple’s Glowtime event. What happened and when will we see new Macs? Here’s what you need to know.
Computing Features
The Windows Security app in Windows 11.

Don’t use your Windows PC without using these security settings

Keep your Windows 11 PC safe and sound by tweaking these security settings. In just a few clicks, you’ll have increased your security and peace of mind.
Computing Features
The Mac mini on a wooden desk.

Even a redesigned Mac mini won’t win me over

Rumors suggest that the Mac mini is due for its biggest redesign in almost 15 years, but it still might not be enough to convince me to buy one. Here’s why.
Computing Features
Security and Privacy settings open on a MacBook.

I’d never use a Mac without first changing these 8 security settings

Keeping your Mac safe and secure is incredibly important, but how do you actually do it? Simple: just change these macOS settings for increased peace of mind.
Computing Features
The redeisgned Siri user interface in macOS Sequoia.

I finally tried Apple Intelligence in macOS Sequoia to see if it lived up to the hype

Apple Intelligence has finally rolled out in the latest macOS Sequoia developer beta. But is it worth your time? I took it for a spin in order to find out.
Computing Features
Apple MacBook Pro 16 downward view showing keyboard and speaker.

The best MacBook to buy in 2024

With plenty of MacBook models to choose from, which should you buy? Our guide examines performance, battery life, design, and more to help you find the answer.
Computing Best Ofs
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