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Latest Tech News

We didn't see the Mac Mini for 2022 make an appearance at the recent Apple March event, but an upgraded version of the compact desktop computer should turn up sooner or later – just don't expect it to look any different from the model that's currently on sale.

Well-respected and usually very well-informed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that the upcoming Mac Mini will keep the existing form factor. He's also predicting that the upgraded Mac is going to show up in 2023, rather than 2022.

That runs counter to rumors we've heard from other sources suggesting that the Mac Mini 2022 (or 2023) is in line for a substantial redesign next time around. A refined form factor that's half the height has been suggested for future Mac Mini models.

I think the new Mac mini in 2023 will likely remain the same form factor design.March 12, 2022

See more

What's in a redesign?

The design of the Mac Mini hasn't changed much since it first appeared in 2004 – it's a square block of a computer that you put down on your desk – although it did get refined in 2010 with the introduction of the unibody aluminum case.

With the arrival of the M1 chip in 2020, and the reduction in motherboard size, power usage and cooling requirements, Apple did have the opportunity to shrink down the Mac Mini further. However, it kept the same dimensions as before: 19.7 cm x 19.7 cm x 3.6 cm (7.7 inches x 7.7 inches x 1.4 inches.

One enterprising modder has already shown how much space is wasted in the current Mac Mini, so there is the opportunity to aim for a more compact size – but that won't be happening with the next refresh, according to Ming-Chi Kuo.

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Analysis: the focus is on the Mac Studio

While we didn't see the Mac Mini 2022 (or 2023) unveiled earlier this month, we did get the Mac Studio, and it's not difficult to see the similarities: the new Mac Studio looks a little bit like two Mac Minis stacked on top of each other.

This is a more powerful and more expensive alternative to the Mac Mini, and it looks to have bumped the release of the next-generation Mac Mini to 2023. Apple will no doubt be looking carefully at the sales figures for the Mac Studio in the meantime.

The success or otherwise of the Mac Studio could influence just how well specced the next Mac Mini is going to be. We would've thought a change in form factor could also be on the table, but it doesn't seem that way based on this recent leak.

And it's not just the Mac Mini that seems to have been pushed into the background after Apple's latest product reveal showcase: the 27-inch iMac has been discontinued as Apple pushes consumers towards getting a Mac Studio and a 27-inch Studio Display instead.

• Here's everything that Apple launched at its March event

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Latest Tech News

When was the last time you showed your mattress some TLC? And what builds up on that soft, pillowy surface when it isn’t cleaned regularly? Dust mites, sweat and pet dander are just a few of the things you can expect. Even if you have recently invested in the best mattress for your sleep, keeping it fresh from the start will help it last longer (and save you money).

As Yordan Yordanov, a mattress cleaner from Fantastic Services, tells us: “While most people tend to agree that buying a quality mattress is essential for a good night's sleep, keeping it clean is just as important in order to prevent allergies and health-related issues from arising, as well as to have a high-quality sleep. 

“Some people almost never clean their mattress until it rips open, which is the wrong way to look at it,” Yordanov argues. “We spend approximately a third of our lives sleeping, so it’s right to ensure we have as much high-quality sleep as possible. Regular cleaning and maintenance are key - there is simply no other way around it.”

Our feature on how to clean a mattress talks you through the process, but for now, here’s a look at what could build up on your mattress if you don’t clean it regularly. And to get an idea of just how well you’ll be sleeping on your soon-to-be fresh and clean mattress, take a look at our guide to the best sleep trackers.

1. Layers of dust

Just like dust resides on our lamp shades, mirrors and pretty much every other surface in the house – the pesky allergen can also settle on our mattress. Yordanov explains: “Dust build-up is common on most mattresses, as dust is composed of dead skin cells, hair, dead insect parts, sand, and anything else that could be brought from the outdoors, through your open windows or on the shoes you bring indoors. 

“To reduce overall dust, you should clean and dust your entire home regularly, as well as invest in an air purifier, preferably with High Efficiency Particulate Air filters.”

(Image credit: Getty/Ratchat)

2. Dead skin and body fluids

From sweat to saliva and urine to faeces, if not cleaned regularly a whole cocktail of body fluids will embed themselves into your mattress. Gary Farron, from professional cleaners Silent Mites, tells us: “Stains will gradually build up over time, from various body fluids, sweat and saliva. Also dead skin cells will collect as we can shed anywhere between 15 million to half a billion dead skin cells every day. This will make it perfect for bacteria, which will multiply.”

• Drift off to the best sleep apps

3. Dust mites

This leads on nicely from the point above. Unfortunately, once our skin has been shed, it makes for the perfect feeding playground for dust mites. Farron adds: “Further down inside the mattress you can expect to find dust mites – microscopic relatives of the spider, feeding on our dead flakes of skin. 

“It is estimated that a 10 year old mattress will contain more than 10lb of dead flakes of skin which is a food source for millions upon millions of dust mites, whose waste is a very potent protein that can trigger many allergies such as asthma, eczema, rhinitis, itchy skin, itchy red eyes and sneezing. 

“A good mattress protector will help prevent stains and offer a guard against the build up of bacteria, fungi and dust mites. However these will just take the brunt of the problems so it is important to wash bed sheets, pillows, pillow cases and protectors regularly. Airing the mattress when you wake up will also help. Letting natural sunlight get to the bed and allowing the humidity to dry out of the mattress will all play a role in keeping the bed fresher.”

(Image credit: Getty/Chris Winsor)

4. Pet dander

At TechRadar we love our pets beyond measure, but if you let your much-loved furry friend have 40 winks in bed with you, as snuggly and comforting as that is, you could be opening up the door to more than just a warm hug and a wet, whiskery kiss. 

Melissa Homer, Chief Cleaning Officer at MaidPro, explains: “Mattresses are home to remnants of whatever is present on them regularly, including our food, our pets, and us. If your furry friends join you in bed, their dander is also adding to the party, as are the stray bits of popcorn from the movie you watched in bed the other night.” 

• Rise and shine with a wake-up light

5. Mold

If you’ve ever had mold in your home – whether it’s your bathroom or bedroom – you’ll know how much of a pain it can be. The spores thrive in warm and damp conditions, and unfortunately for us, they can get into your mattress because they’re airbourne.

Yordanov adds: “Mold is another major hazard that might develop in high-humidity areas, especially if there's poor sunlight and ventilation. It's also very difficult to remove if left untreated for prolonged periods, as it gets inside the mattress, which renders it dangerous to human health. Mold needs to be treated immediately because it has many adverse health effects, it grows fast and is especially dangerous to people with asthma.”

This advice goes for your mattress topper or pad too, so make sure you also keep those cleaned on a regular basis. It’s especially important to quickly deal with any mold you spot on a bedding accessory before it spreads to your mattress.

Read more:

• How to choose a mattress for your sleep style
• How to fix a sagging mattress: step by step

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This article is part of TechRadar's Sleep Awareness Week 2022 (running from Sunday 13 to Saturday 19 March), a week-long celebration of all things slumber. We'll be bringing you proven techniques and tips to help you sleep better, and have rounded-up all the top-rated tech to transform your sleep.

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