AirPods alternatives and the best TV shows of 2016 on The CultCast

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AirPods aren't the only wireless buds in the game.
AirPods aren't the only wireless buds in the game.
Photo: TBS

This week on The CultCast: An honest look at Super Mario Run; we review better-sounding AirPods alternatives; the cool new stuff in the iOS and tvOS updates; and we reveal the hands-down best TV shows of 2016!

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Episode

CultCast #262 – AirPod alternatives & the BEST shows of 2016! Subscribe on iTunes.

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This week’s topics

Ready, get set, go download Super Mario Run for iOS

AirPods finally available with shipping in time for Christmas

  • Apple’s long-awaited wireless AirPods are finally available to buy through Apple’s online store — priced at $159.
  • While it’s not known when they’ll be available for sale in brick-and-mortar Apple retail stores, you can breathe a sigh of relief, since orders placed through Apple’s online store are currently showing a pre-Christmas delivery date of December 21.
  • Apple said AirPods will be available for purchase at Apple stores by next week, as well as authorized resellers, and select carriers. Apple also said stores will receive “regular AirPods shipments.”

iOS 10.2 is out with new emoji, TV app and wallpapers

  • iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus users get a couple of new wallpapers in the new update. There are also more than 100 new emoji, including new characters for shrug, avocado, gorilla, shark and bacon.

tvOS 10.1 update brings Apple’s TV app to the living room

  • TV fans can binge on all their shows in one place with Apple’s new TV app, which simplifies the experience. With the new single sign-on feature, you can quickly access your subscribed content on all your devices. (Here’s how to set up single sign-on for Apple TV and iOS devices.)

Lewis reviews IQbuds by Nuheara, smart wireless earbuds that ship soon for $299. They could be an AirPods alternative for people looking for additional features, like the ability to hear ambient noise while listening to music during a commute. Or, you know, actually carry on a conversation in a noisy restaurant or bar.

Our TV show picks for 2016

  • Peaky Blinders
  • Sherlock
  • The Walking Dead
  • Westworld
  • Stranger Things
  • Boogie2988 (YouTube)
  • The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
  • The Crown

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