Cult of Mac Magazine: Everything you need to know about HomePod and more!

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Here's everything you need to know about Apple's HomePod smart speaker.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

After months of delays, Apple’s HomePod is finally available in Apple Stores today. Before we get to the reviews, comparisons and tips, with our latest video we give you a tour of what’s in the box, show you how easy it is to set up, show it off in action and my first impressions.

In this week’s issue, you’ll find that story and more. Learn how to set up Apple’s Health app to unlock its awesome fitness potential. Apple is investigating iPhone X’s incoming call bug. Discover how to to see Cult of Mac at the top of your Facebook feed. And, now until Tuesday take advantage of a two-for-$65 promo on Nyloon’s lineup of great nylon Apple Watch bands. Get your free subscription to Cult of Mac Magazine from iTunes. Or read on for this week’s top stories.

Cult of Mac Magazine, Issue 231

homepodEverything you need to know about HomePod
If you want to find out how to set up and get the best of your new HomePod, or if you want to read a bit more before deciding whether to get one, you’re in the right place. Inside you’ll find all our HomePod coverage: how-tos, reviews, tips and opinions.

homepodIs HomePod love at first listen?
High-quality audio is the signature feature of Apple’s new HomePod. Apple execs brush off “Siri so stupid” concerns by emphasizing the sound quality of the device. So the big question is: Will the HomePod be love at first listen? I just unwrapped one of the new Apple smart speakers, and my ears now have a little bit of a crush on HomePod.

healthSet up Apple’s Health app to unlock its fitness potential
What does it feel like pinning your hopes and livelihood to one of Apple’s most important creations? Fascinating new documentary App: The Human Story takes an unflinching look at the world of app developers in an attempt to answer that question.

iphone glitchApple reviews iPhone X’s incoming call bug
Apple is investigating another iPhone X bug that’s causing users to miss incoming calls. Some report that their device refuses to wake when a call is received, leaving them unable to answer it. It appears the problem surfaced in December but Apple has only just acknowledged the complaints.

iphone xApple won’t need to throttle iPhone 8 or iPhone X so severely
Apple won’t need to throttle the performance of iPhone 8 or iPhone X so severely as they age. Its latest devices use more advanced hardware and a different power management system that allows iOS to avoid unexpected shutdowns without having to cap processor performance.

cult of macHow to see Cult of Mac at top of Facebook feed
Significant changes to Facebook’s News Feed algorithm mean you might not be seeing as much news as usual. Facebook started prioritizing posts from friends over posts from pages and publications. Here’s how you can make sure to see stories from Cult of Mac at the top of your Facebook News Feed.

lightening cableHow to spot a fake Lightning cable
Who cares if that cheap charging cable you buy is a fake? It’s just a cable, right? Maybe, maybe not. A fake Lightning cable could contain malware, for instance. Or it could be miswired, damaging your iPhone the way a miswired USB power cable can destroy a laptop computer.

authorBest iPad cases for every type of user
You have in your hands a brand new iPad. Now what? Sure, you can just go ahead and use it au natural. But consider: While iPads may look like hulking slabs of aluminum and glass, they are deceptively delicate. They cry out for protection.

nyloonGrab any 2 Nyloon Apple Watch bands for $65
Nyloon just introduced six fun new designs to its collection of nylon Apple Watch bands right on time for spring shopping. Best yet, these bands compare in quality to Apple’s nylon offering, and cost ten bucks less.

Check out Watch Store’s full lineup of Nylon bands for Apple Watch, and read on to learn more about these must-have straps. Buy two bands for $65 (an 18 percent saving). Use code Nyloon65 at checkout in Watch Store.

ulluSave 60% on stingray bands for Apple Watch
Ullu offers a taste of the accessibly exotic with its line of handcrafted leather bands for Apple Watch.

Peruse Ullu’s collection of colorful, artisan-made bands in our Watch Store, and step up your style for spring. Ullu’s Stingray bands for Apple Watch are on sale for $99 (regularly priced at $249).

WhiteSmokeGrammar cop app will bust your bad writing
Writing is rewriting, they say. And a lot of rewriting is just correcting grammar or spelling. And unless you’re a professional copy editor, you’re not getting paid enough to polish every badly written email. So something like WhiteSmoke Web is worth checking out.

bundleName your price to take photos like a pro
Whether you’re looking to make a living or just make nice pictures, it pays to get expert instruction. Unfortunately, that instruction is also something you have to pay for. But not with this packed bundle of photography lessons and resources. Right now, it’s yours for whatever you want to pay.

homepodWhat you should know about HomePod, before you buy
This week on The CultCast, we reveal not five, not 10, but 18 of the best gadgets of the year! Plus: The Amazon Prime Video is finally available for your Apple TV, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about iOS 11’s new Apple Pay Cash feature.

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