THIS WEEK’S UPDATE

Coming good on a (Mac) promise - finally

If you’ve watched my YouTube ramblings for some time, firstly, thank you. Secondly, you might remember that I’ve occasionally suggested that I’ll be doing more music production-related content, specifically tied to the M4 Mac mini.

Then, every single time, nothing has happened. I know. This is daft for two reasons: the first is that I really need to get back into that particular passion. The second is that, having tested music-related content on Mark Ellis Reviews, I know there’s a significant audience out there for it.

Well, I have some good news for anyone who has waited in vain for said promised content from yours truly, which never arrived. It’s going to arrive, and it’s going to do so in a significant, “I’m not messing about here” kinda way.

As I’ve gotten older, more broken, eminently more tired, and consequently far more aware of my mortality, I’ve realised that it’s better to spend the time you’re awake doing things you utterly love. I’m nearly there with that; I’ve got the most incredible, supportive family, and the best job ever. There’s just one thing missing. And in this week’s Tech Diary, I reveal all (nearly).

MY IPHONE AIR HONEYMOON PERIOD IS OVER

I’ll admit, I was pretty taken by the iPhone Air when I first unboxed it a few weeks ago. But I’ve had some more time with it, and I can’t continue ignoring the issues that are regularly making themselves known. And they could become critical to the phone’s future…

MUST-READ

CMF Headphone Pro Review: Style And Substance?

If you didn’t know, CMF is Nothing’s offshoot brand that’s geared towards making more affordable tech. It’s made waves for creating devices with what some would call ‘wacky’ designs. See the CMF Phone Pro 2. But their new venture, over-ear headphones, feels more restrained in that regard. And they cost under $100. Are they any good, though?

YES, THERE’S MORE…

The Rest Of This Week

CMF Watch 3 Pro Review: Cheap And Cheerful

Much like the CMF Headphone Pro above, the CMF Watch 3 Pro is all about bang for your buck. But can they pull it off when it comes to smartwatches? →

The Dark Side of Rolls-Royce: Black Badge Ghost II Review

This is a dramatic title for a suitably dramatic car. But that poses a perennial question: would you ever drive this kind of car…or be seen being driven in it? →

TIP OF THE WEEK

iOS 26 call reminder 👉
Set a reminder to return missed calls: Open Phone > Recents, swipe on the missed call, tap Schedule Call Back, and pick a time.

TOP FINDS

What I Watched On YouTube This Week

😎 REAL vs FAKE Tech (Mrwhosetheboss) - If you can’t be bothered to watch the whole thing, head to 21:15 and you’ll spot someone you recognise. Albeit under a different name. And, no, I didn’t agree to that website featuring my face.

🌈 The Secrets Of Pink Floyd’s Quadraphonic PA (Sound On Sound Magazine) - If there was a YouTube Machine that you could ask to ‘make a video for Mark Ellis’ without any other instruction, this is what it would spit out.

😒 SORA: the all Ai TikTok Clone. will slop end creativity? (CaseyNeistat) - Frightening. But there’s very little we can do about it. I see AI as an opportunity, but, much like Casey (I think), I kinda wish this side of it had never been invented.

ON THE ‘GRAM

Pixel Buds 2a!

Are These Google’s Best Budget Earbuds Yet?

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter, I’ll see you here next week!

~ Mark