Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

macOS 10.13.4 Enables Support for External GPU (engadget.com)

Posted by msmash on from the noteworthy-additions dept.

With the latest release of macOS High Sierra, Apple has officially delivered on a couple of items in the works since WWDC 2017 last June. macOS 10.13.4 brings the external GPU (eGPU) support that lets developers, VR users gamers and anyone else in need of some extra oomph to plug in a more powerful graphics card via Thunderbolt 3. From a report: While that may not make every underpowered laptop VR ready, it certainly makes staying macOS-only more palatable for some power users. Another notable addition is Business Chat in Messages for users in the US. Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and others have tweaked their services to enable customer service linkups and now Apple has its version available on the desktop. With it, you can interact with business representatives or even make purchases. Other tweaks include waiting for the user to select login fields before autofilling password information in Safari, a smoke cloud wallpaper that had previously been restricted to the iMac Pro and a Safari shortcut for jumping to the rightmost tab by pressing Command-9. Further reading: Gizmodo.

3 of 53 comments (clear)

  1. In related news .... by timholman · · Score: 4, Funny

    In related news, Apple also announced the MacBook Ultra Pro, which features no internal GPU or graphics card. As an accessory, users may purchase the GPU dongle with an associated external graphics card for the low, low price of $1499.

    Rumors are also swirling about the anticipated MacBook Mega Ultra Pro laptop, which is rumored to feature no screen or keyboard, and handles all I/O through the Touch Bar. Users can purchase optional dongles for attaching a keyboard and screen to the single USB-C port. Users can also purchase a matching keyboard and screen with a special Apple carrying case for just $999.

  2. Re:Hasn't this been possible for years? by Proudrooster · · Score: 3, Informative

    Yes, eGPU has been working for years, however you could't hot-detach, switch always required a shutdown/boot.
    If this supports hot-swap and works with a laptop, it will be welcomed by developers.

  3. Re:Hasn't this been possible for years? by jd · · Score: 3, Interesting

    External CPUs and GPUs have been around since the mid 1980s. Most were unpopular or unusable.

    --
    It's a small world and it smells funny; I'd buy another if it wasn't for the money; Take back what I paid (SoM)