Killian Bell - page 5

Apple plans ‘lock adapter’ to stop Mac Studio thieves

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Apple plans lock adapter for Mac Studio
Mac Studio's small design makes it too easy to steal.
Photo: Apple

Apple plans to sell a “lock adapter” for Mac Studio that will prevent would-be thieves from swiping the machine from users’ desks, according to one report.

Mac Studio already has a small hole on its base where a lock can be fitted, but it seems there’s not enough room for a standard Kensington option. Apple looks to be working with a third-party on a better solution that will come soon.

iPhone SE 3 cuts carriers out of the buying process in the US

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The new iPhone SE is available is available in the same colors as before, but it's much-improved on the inside.
It's now a lot easier to buy Apple's most affordable iPhone.
Photo: Apple

The new iPhone SE is Apple’s first smartphone that can be purchased without carrier credit checks in the United States. Customers can obtain the device without having to provide their phone number or Social Security information.

This applies only to AT&T and T-Mobile customers for now, who will be able to take advantage of a new feature called “on-device authentication” during iPhone SE’s setup process. It is also expected to be available on iPhone 14.

Studio Display is powered by the same version of iOS 15 as iPhone and iPad

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Apple Studio Display runs iOS 15
Yes, exactly the same version.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s new Studio Display is incredibly impressive in more ways than one. And while some early reviews note that other excellent monitors are available for less, there are some things that make Studio Display completely unique.

Not only is it powered by an A13 Bionic chip, for instance, but Studio Display runs iOS 15.4. No, not a watered-down version of it, but exactly the same iOS 15.4 build that you have installed on your iPhone and iPad. You just can’t use it.

Mac Studio, Studio Display and iPad Air reach customers around the world

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Mac Studio and Studio Display launch
Are you getting new Apple devices today?
Photos: Joe Dawson and Pawan

Apple’s new Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPad Air and iPhone SE officially go on sale today. That means customers who preordered early (before shipping dates slipped) are beginning to receive the first deliveries around the world.

If you, like me, are disappointed not to be reveling in the same delight as they are, here are a whole bunch of photos that highlight what we’re missing out on.

Save on awesome accessories for all Apple devices this St. Patrick’s Day

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Cult of Mac Store St. Patrick's Day sale
Use the code PATRICK at checkout.
Image: Elago/Cult of Mac

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by saving 20% on outstanding accessories for all your Apple devices in the Cult of Mac Store.

We’ve got cases, premium Apple Watch bands, do-it-all charging stands, sturdy in-car mounts, MacBook risers, and lots, lots more. Use the promo code PATRICK at checkout to take advantage of the discount today only.

Apple vows to fix Studio Display’s disappointing webcam

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Apple Studio Display
A software update is on the way.
Photo: Apple

Apple has promised that it will address webcam quality issues on its new Studio Display with a software update.

The monitor’s rather disappointing camera performance is one of the biggest frustrations among reviewers. One likened it to an “old BlackBerry,” while another said it is “awful in good light and downright miserable in low light.”

Studio Display review roundup: Is Apple’s new monitor worth it? Depends who you ask.

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Apple Mac Studio
Studio Display isn't blowing everyone away.
Photo: Apple

The first reviews of Apple’s new Studio Display are in, and just as expected, reviewers have some terrific things to say about it. Its impressive 27-inch panel and top design make it one of the finest monitors you can pair with a Mac.

But is it worth its price tag? That depends who you ask. While some reviewers love Studio Display, others say its shortcomings stick out like a sore thumb. Here’s the review roundup.

Apparent iPhone 14 leak suggests no major design changes

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iPhone 14 design leak
Apple's next iPhone could be largely the same as the last one.
Image: MySmartPrice

iPhone 14 Pro is expected to come with big design changes — like the removal of its notch — this fall. But the same tweaks seemingly won’t be extended to regular iPhone 14 models. In fact, they may not change at all.

Leaked CAD drawings, supposedly showing the standard iPhone 14, suggest its design will be identical to that of iPhone 13. It appears to sport the same notch, the same rear-facing camera setup, and the same overall shape.

Netflix cracks down on users who share their accounts with others

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Netflix account sharing
Users will have the option to keep sharing for a small fee.
Image: Netflix

Netflix on Wednesday confirmed new measures to crack down on the sharing of user accounts between multiple households. But rather than putting a stop to it, the company is adding a new “sub account” option for a small fee.

Sharing accounts between households, which goes against Netflix’s terms of service, is “impacting out ability to invest in great new TV and films for out members,” the company said.

Xbox Cloud Gaming gets ‘major’ improvements on iPhone and iPad

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Xbox Cloud Gaming gets major improvements
Try them out now and let Microsoft know what you think.
Image: Microsoft

Microsoft this week rolled out a big Xbox Cloud Gaming update that promises “major performance improvements” on iPhone and iPad. They should allow for smoother and more responsive gameplay, the company said.

The changes have already been well-received by Cloud Gaming users, with Microsoft seeing a “significant increase” in positive feedback from players.

Apple now sells iPhone 12 and 12 Pro refurbs in the US from $619

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Get your iPhone 12 ready for resale.
Sweet savings on devices that look brand-new.
Photo: Apple

You can now buy official iPhone 12 and 12 Pro refurbs through the Apple Store online in the United States. Prices start at $619 for a regular 6.1-inch model with 64GB of storage. Apple doesn’t yet offer iPhone 12 mini or 12 Pro Max.

A range of color options are available and all units are unlocked for use on any carrier. As is always the case with refurbs, stock levels are likely to fluctuate, so it might be best to bag one soon if you’re interested.

iOS 15.4 lets you restore Apple Watch from iPhone for the first time

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You can now restore Apple Watch with iPhone
Only Apple could restore an Apple Watch until now.
Image: Apple

If you encounter firmware issues on Apple Watch, you can now wirelessly restore its software yourself using an iPhone — provided you’ve updated to iOS 15.4 and watchOS 8.5, which made their official debuts on Monday.

Is it the first time Cupertino has given Apple Watch owners this functionality. Until now, firmware issues often required users to take their device to Apple to be restored, since there is no way to connect the device to a Mac.

A15 Bionic finally gets real competition from an unlikely source

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MediaTek rivals A15 Bionic
Another blow to Qualcomm.
Image: MediaTek

MediaTek looks set to become the first mobile chipmaker to finally give iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic chip a run for its money in processing performance.

The Taiwanese company’s new Dimensity 9000 chipset, announced late last year, is yet to make its way into an Android device. But early benchmarks suggest it will easily outpace rivals from Google, Samsung and Qualcomm.

Limited-edition Cult of Mac band is the ultimate Apple Watch upgrade

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CoM-Apple-Watch-band
Get yours before they're all gone!
Photo: Clessant

The limited-edition Executive Leather Apple Watch Band by Cult of Mac is everything you could want in a luxury Apple Watch upgrade.

The gorgeous leather strap is meticulously handmade from start to finish by Clessant’s master craftsmen, using only the finest calfskin leather, robust metal buckles and adapters, and precise stitching for the finest finish.

Only a small number are available, so bag yours today from the Cult of Mac Store before they’re all gone.

iPhone SE 3 review roundup: Ample power combined with aging features

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iPhone SE
iPhone SE 3 is exactly what you would expect from a new iPhone SE.
Photo: Apple

With less than a week to go until Apple’s third-generation iPhone SE makes its official debut, the first reviews are out. They have plenty of great things to say about Cupertino’s most affordable handset — and more than a few complaints.

While everyone is praising the handset’s super-speedy A15 Bionic, welcome 5G connectivity, and even its single 12-megapixel camera, most reviewers agree that its “tired design” is in dire need of a refresh.

Apple ditches LG UltraFine 5K monitor after Studio Display’s debut

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LG 5K UltraFine Review
Well, that's no surprise.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

LG’s popular UltraFine 5K monitor has been banished from the Apple Store following the launch of Apple’s own Studio Display. Both products offer very similar specifications, but LG’s — which isn’t quite as bright — is cheaper.

Apple is still selling the 23.7-inch LG UltraFine 4K display, which is a considerably more affordable alternative to the 27-inch options at under $700.

Apple’s biggest iPhone maker closes major plant for another lockdown

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Apple's relationship with Foxconn on the rocks
Foxconn doesn't expect a "major" impact to production.
Photo: Apple

Foxconn, Apple’s largest manufacturing partner, was this weekend forced to close one its biggest plants due to a citywide lockdown. Another COVID-19 outbreak has put all of Shenzhen, China, out of action until March 20 at the earliest.

The city, home to 17.5 million people, houses the Longhua Science & Technology Park — sometimes dubbed “Foxconn City” — which features 15 factories, worker dormitories, grocery stores, restaurants, and more.

Casetify Sheer Impact cases bring cool neon colors to iPhone

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Casetify Sheer Impact cases for iPhone
Outstanding protection and brilliantly bright color options.
Photos: Casetify

If you’re already bored of the color you chose for your iPhone — and you have no intention of parting with $699+ for a new alpine green model — pick up one of Casetify’s terrific Sheer Impact cases that come in bright neon colors.

They not only look amazing, but they’re built to be incredibly robust, with a sturdy bumper that protects your precious iPhone from even the toughest tumbles. They’re also made from 50% recycled materials.

How to donate to help Ukraine

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Donate to help Ukraine
Do what you can to help.
Photo: Benjamin Marder/Unsplash

As Ukraine valiantly fights off a terrifying and unjustified Russian invasion, some 1.5 million of its citizens have been forced to flee in search of safety. More than 38.5 million have stayed behind — many of them to fight for their country — and a growing number are now without water, power and food.

Some are working in their bath tubs — the safest place in their homes — while others are sheltering underground as the cities around them are bombarded by Russian missiles and turned into ruble. It is a crisis, the likes of which Europe didn’t think it would have to endure again after World War II.

Ukrainians need all the help they can get. If you want to do your bit, you can donate to one of many charities that are now working to support citizens by providing food and water, blankets and clothes, and other essential supplies. Here’s how to get started.

Apple’s massive Mac mini upgrade may not be ready until 2023

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Apple Mac mini 2018
Mac mini's next refresh is coming, just not in a hurry.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s next major refresh for Mac mini may not come until 2023, according to the latest claims from one analyst, who has proven reliable in the past.

Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities this week revised his predictions for the next-generation compact desktop, which he previously expected to see this year. It could now launch alongside the first Mac Pro with Apple silicon.

You can now preorder iPhone SE 3, iPad Air 5 and iPhone 13 in green

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iPad Air 5
Secure yours before delivery dates start slipping.
Photo: Apple

The Apple Store is live again after several hours of downtime on Friday morning, and that can only mean one thing. It’s time to place your preorders for the third-generation iPhone SE, the fifth-generation iPad Air, and iPhone 13 in green.

All three devices are scheduled to make their official debuts one week from today — on Friday, March 18. But initial stock is likely to sell out fast, so if you want one on launch day, you’d better secure your preorder quickly.

Activision is ready to build Call of Duty: Warzone for iPhone and iPad

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Call of Duty: Warzone coming to mobile
But it could take years.
Image: Activision

Call of Duty: Warzone, the immensely popular battle royale game, is coming to mobile devices. Activision this week confirmed it is looking for engineers, designers, and more to help bring the “all-new, AAA mobile experience” to life.

Call of Duty Mobile already has its own battle royale mode, and while it may be fun for short play sessions on the go, it pales in comparison to its full-scale counterpart on PC and console.

MacPaw Foundation steps up support for Ukraine and needs your help

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MacPaw steps up efforts to help Ukraine
Whatever you can donate will make a difference.
Image: MacPaw

Our friends at MacPaw are stepping up efforts to help provide humanitarian support in Ukraine. While the horrifying Russian invasion continues, the MacPaw Development Foundation is working with partners on the ground to transport, store, and deliver as much aid as it possibly can, as quick as it possibly can.

It is hoping to raise more funds to speed up the process and provide even more — and it needs your help.

Brilliant BentoStack keeps essential accessories neatly organized on the go

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Function101 BentoStack
An awesome travel companion.
Photo: Function101

Don’t you just hate it when your charging cables, adapters, and other accessories get lost or tangled in the bottom of your bag when you’re on the go? BentoStack solves that problem by keeping everything nearly organized.

The device features several compartments for all the small accessories you need while traveling — including wireless headphones, Apple Watch bands, and Apple Pencil — as well as a lid that doubles as an iPhone stand.