The Mac Studio Review: A Powerful and Pretty Machine with a Major Caveat
We really liked the Mac Studio. It’s powerful and pretty, and it scratches practically all of a Mac desktop user’s itches in a meaningful way. Much like the most recent MacBook Pro, it represents the direction Apple should be headed in.
The Issue with the Studio Display’s Webcam
However, our review did come with a major caveat: the Studio Display’s webcam. In a world that’s increasingly centered on remote work, it wasn’t where the camera in a $1,599 monitor should be. The good news is that the issue appears to have more to do with the software/firmware side of things, rather than anything to do with the actual hardware (it’s effectively the same module found on the new iPad).
A Possible Fix on the Horizon
That means the company should be able to issue a fix to tune things to where they should be. Here’s what Matthew said at the time:
"I asked Apple if the results I had were typical, and sent sample images and video of what I was seeing. After review, an Apple spokesperson told me that the system was not behaving as expected and that Apple would be making updates to address the camera’s performance."
Clockwise from Top Left: iMac 2020, iMac 2021, Opal C1 External Webcam, Mac Studio
Image Credits: Brian Heater
After acknowledging that our systems (and, it seems, the systems of other reviewers) weren’t working as intended, the company promised a fix without a specific timeline. Just over a month after those reviews dropped, the company’s rolling out a fix today for users running the macOS beta.
The Update is Rolling Out Now
The 12.4 developer beta should be arriving as I type this, with the broader beta rolling out later today. A spokesperson for the company tells TechCrunch:
"An update to the Studio Display firmware is now available with today’s beta release of macOS Monterey 12.4. This beta update has refinements to the Studio Display camera tuning, including improved noise reduction, contrast and framing."
Installing the Update
I will say I’ve been relying on an external webcam for my video chats, due to the wonky white balance and image noise. I’m looking forward to installing the update and seeing where we land. We’ll update accordingly.
Update: Installing the Firmware Update
The firmware is definitely an improvement over the early version. Installing requires updating your system to the latest 12.4 beta and then installing a separate firmware update specifically for the studio. Next up, make sure you’ve got your third-party teleconferencing apps mirroring the video correctly.
First Impressions: The Update Makes a Difference
First impressions: the image is sharper and the color balance more accurate than before (see: above). If you do a lot of web conferencing or stream video, I’d still strongly recommend a third-party webcam from a company like Logitech or Opal (there’s still noise in the image here), but the recalibration definitely makes a difference.
The Mac Studio: A Machine with Great Potential
In conclusion, the Mac Studio is a powerful and pretty machine that scratches practically all of a Mac desktop user’s itches in a meaningful way. While the issue with the Studio Display’s webcam was a major caveat, it appears to be on the verge of being fixed. The company has promised an update, which should address the camera’s performance.
Hardware Editor at TechCrunch
Brian Heater is the Hardware Editor at TechCrunch. He worked for a number of leading tech publications, including Engadget, PCMag, Laptop, and Tech Times, where he served as the Managing Editor. His writing has appeared in Spin, Wired, Playboy, Entertainment Weekly, The Onion, Boing Boing, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Beast and various other publications.
He Hosts the Weekly Boing Boing Interview Podcast RiYL
Brian Heater hosts the weekly Boing Boing interview podcast RiYL, where he interviews guests from a variety of fields, including tech, music, art, and more. He’s also written for several other publications, including The Verge, CNET, and The Guardian.
Startups are the Core of TechCrunch
TechCrunch is a leading publication that focuses on startups and technology news. Our team of writers and editors bring you the latest news, trends, and insights from the world of tech. From venture capital to hardware and software, we’ve got it covered.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Want to stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends in tech? Subscribe to our newsletter today! We’ll send you a weekly summary of the top stories from the world of startups and technology.
Related Articles: Gaming Nintendo Switch 2 Could be Announced this Week: The Rumors (and Facts) so Far
Brian Heater, Hardware Editor at TechCrunch, has the latest on the rumors surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2. Will it be announced this week? Read on to find out.
DJI Flip is a $439, Fully Foldable Camera Drone
Brian Heater takes a look at DJI’s new camera drone, the DJI Flip. With its fully foldable design and impressive specs, is it worth the price tag?
Apple Joins Consortium to Help Develop Next-Gen AI Data Center Tech
Kyle Wiggers has the scoop on Apple’s latest move in the world of artificial intelligence. The company has joined a consortium with other major players to help develop next-gen AI data center tech.
Latest in Hardware: Gaming, Drones, and AI
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends in hardware, from gaming consoles to drones and AI-powered gadgets. Our team of writers and editors bring you the inside scoop on what’s hot and what’s not in the world of tech.
Related Articles: Gaming Nintendo Switch 2 Could be Announced this Week: The Rumors (and Facts) so Far
Brian Heater, Hardware Editor at TechCrunch, has the latest on the rumors surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2. Will it be announced this week? Read on to find out.
Nintendo Switch 2 Could be Announced this Week: The Rumors (and Facts) so Far
The gaming community is abuzz with rumors of a new Nintendo console, and Brian Heater has got the inside scoop. Will it be announced this week?
DJI Flip is a $439, Fully Foldable Camera Drone
Brian Heater takes a look at DJI’s new camera drone, the DJI Flip. With its fully foldable design and impressive specs, is it worth the price tag?
AIBiden Administration Proposes Sweeping New Restrictions on Exporting AI Chips
Rebecca Szkutak has the scoop on the Biden administration’s latest move in the world of artificial intelligence. The proposal aims to restrict the export of AI chips, sparking controversy and debate.
Startups are the Core of TechCrunch
TechCrunch is a leading publication that focuses on startups and technology news. Our team of writers and editors bring you the latest news, trends, and insights from the world of tech. From venture capital to hardware and software, we’ve got it covered.
