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Apple Watch - page 26

Leaked prototype turns the clock back to early days of Apple Watch

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Apple Watch
The Apple Watch has come a long way since its early days.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

A Twitter user by the name of @AppleDemoYT has posted images online they claim to be an early Apple Watch prototype, built as part of the pre-production process before Apple introduced the device in 2015.

Such prototypes are very rare, with Apple preferring not to show images that shed light on how it develops products. Somehow this one made it out in one piece — provided it’s legitimate, of course.

Monowear’s new leather band for Apple Watch is its best yet [Review]

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Monowear Deployant Leather band for Apple Watch
A great leather band that does away with fiddly buckles.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Thanks to a wonderfully simple quick-release clasp, Monowear’s new Deployant Reserve band for Apple Watch is ideal for anyone who despises traditional buckles. It’s made from genuine leather that’s wonderfully soft, and like all Monowear products, it’s also nicely priced.

Here’s our full review.

Elago 3-in-1 charging hub is virtually unbreakable, a steal at $30 [Review]

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Elago-charging-hub-1
Strong, practical, and nicely priced.
Photo: Adel Neal/Cult of Mac

A decent all-in-one charging hub that can top-up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously doesn’t have to break the bank. Elago’s is insanely practical, virtually unbreakable, and a steal at just $30.

It’s ideal not only for desks and bedside tables, but also those who frequently travel. It supports all iPhone and Apple Watch models, and it’s available in a number of smart and subtle color options.

Watch Strap Co’s high-end bands make Apple Watch even greater

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Watch Store Co Vengeance band for Apple Watch
Vengeance is one of many brilliant leather options.
Photo: Watch Store Co

Watch Strap Co’s impressive lineup of high-end Apple Watch bands is now available from the Cult of Mac Store. There are great nylon, leather, and stainless steel options to choose from — all brilliantly made and available in a range of color options.

We couldn’t be more delighted to have added them to our collection, and we think you’ll love them just as much as we do.

Awesome Apple Watch stocking stuffers for $40 or less

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Apple-Watch-stocking-stuffers
Shopping for an Apple Watch wearer? Start here!
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Holiday shopping for an Apple Watch fan couldn’t be easier. There are so many awesome bands and accessories out there, you’re bound to find something they’ll love. But we’re here if you need a helping hand.

We’ve rounded up some of the best Apple Watch gifts that are a steal at under $40. There are bands, charging stands, cases, and more to choose from. All from brilliant brands like Mifa, Elago, and Rilee & Lo.

Apple Fitness+ review: First impressions from a fitness fanatic

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Apple Fitness+ review: With 10 types of workouts, there's something for nearly everyone.
I let Apple Fitness+ test me to the limit, so I could test it to the limit.
Photo: Apple

Apple Fitness+ only came online yesterday, but I’ve already logged 10 workouts with it. I let Cupertino’s new subscription service put me through my paces, so I could put it through its paces to bring you this review.

I’m a qualified personal trainer and a fitness fanatic who trains hard every day. So I was curious to find out if Apple Fitness+ could give me a challenging workout.

Cardio Fitness: What Apple’s new health metric means and how you can use it

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Most of the interesting stuff in your body happens in your core, not on your wrist.
Most of the interesting stuff in your body happens in your core, not on your wrist.
Photo illustration: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Apple’s VOmax metric measures the performance of your heart and lungs when you push yourself to the limit. Up until now, though, it’s only been useful to serious fitness fanatics. No wonder Apple buried it in the Health app, where most users never found it.

But watchOS 7.2 and iOS 14.3, which Apple released Monday, change all that. In those updates, the VOmax metric has been renamed Cardio Fitness. Now it can detect lower ranges and send alerts when the reading gets too low. That makes it the latest in a series of potentially life-saving health notifications from Apple Watch.

Here’s everything you need to know to get the benefit of this essential new feature.

Glass top lets you see all 16 coils inside this insane wireless charger [Review]

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Zens-Liberty-1
The Zens Liberty charges iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Wireless chargers don’t get much cooler than the new Liberty from Zens. Available with a tempered glass surface that lets you see all 16 of its copper charging coils, it tops up iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously.

It’s probably the only wireless charger you’ll ever need, and it does its job brilliantly. It’s like an AirPower you can actually buy.

Apple Fitness+ launches on December 14

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Apple Fitness+ will whip you into shape starting December 14.
Apple Fitness+ will whip you into shape starting Monday.
Photo: Apple

Apple Fitness+, Apple’s $9.99-a-month subscription workout service built around Apple Watch, will launch December 14.

The service will launch with 10 workout types. These include High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Strength, Yoga, Dance, Core, Cycling, Treadmill (for running and walking), Rowing and Mindful Cooldown. The sessions are led by an elite team of fitness experts we profiled here.

Interesting Apple Watch concept totally rethinks a basic feature

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An Apple Watch concept gets complications out of the way
What if your Apple Watch face was pristine because the complications were hidden out of the way?
Screenshot: A Better Computer

Apple Watch offers watch faces that’s do much more than tell time. But a user thinks the extra snippets of information — called complications — junk up the appearance of the wearable. They created an Apple Watch concept that moves them off the display and onto the pop-up window that’s currently the Control Center.

Apple Watch Wristcam looks like a banana strapped to your arm

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Many people would like an Apple Watch camera, but not one as large as the Wristcam.
Wristcam probably isn’t the Apple Watch camera you’ve been hoping for.
Photo: Wristcam

Wristcam puts a camera into an Apple Watch band. That’s a product many people have been asking for, but this version seems impractically large. Much larger than anyone wants to wear on their wrist.

Take a look at a product video to see for yourself.

10 amazing Apple Watch accessories for less than $35

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10-amazing-Apple-Watch-accessories
Get the upgrades your Apple Watch deserves at prices you can afford.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Right from the start, the Apple Watch was all about personalization, thanks to interchangeable bands and watch faces. Now, Apple Watch owners enjoy even more options for making their wearables their own. To aid that quest for customization, we rounded up a bunch of brilliant Apple Watch accessories you can get right now, all for $35 or less.

You’ll find beautiful bands, brilliant bumpers and the coolest charging docks — all reviewed or approved by a member of the Cult of Mac team.

How to switch your Apple Watch to a new iPhone

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How to switch your Apple Watch to a new iPhone
Here’s how to get your Apple Watch ready for your new iPhone.
Photo: Cult of Mac

You just got a shiny new iPhone 12 and of course you want your Apple Watch to play nicely with it. You could reset the Watch to start out fresh, but there’s an easier way switch your Apple Watch to your new iPhone.

Here’s what you do.

Get an extra $15 when you sell your old Apple devices to Cult of Mac

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iPhone 6 Plus
Just for Cyber Monday!
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Picked up a new Apple device at a big discount this weekend? Now it’s time to sell your old ones and make back some cash for the holidays. Cult of Mac is here to help with a sweet Cyber Monday buyback deal.

Sell your old Apple devices to us today and we’ll give you an extra $15 for each one. This deal ends at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, so take advantage of it while you can

Don’t miss these big Cyber Monday deals on Apple devices

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Apple Cyber Monday deals
These discounts will disappear soon — don't miss out!
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Black Friday might be over, but Cyber Monday has only just begun. That means there’s still time to pick up the hottest Apple devices at a big discount. You’ll find generous savings on everything from AirPods and Beats to the newest M1 Macs and Apple Watch models.

We’ve rounded up some of the best deals for you to make the hunt a little easier — and to ensure you don’t miss out! So, grab your wallet and get shopping!

Apple Watch, MacBook tipped for big redesigns in late 2021

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Monowear-Urban-Canvas-Apple-Watch-3
New iPads with mini-LED displays could come even sooner.
Photo: Adel Neal/Cult of Mac

Apple will introduce a redesigned Apple Watch and MacBook lineup in late 2021, according to one reliable analyst.

Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities expects Apple’s next-generation wearable to bring “innovative health management functions.” He also told investors iPhone 12 is off to a strong start.

Apple offers gift cards of up to $150 in new Black Friday promotion

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Apple Black Friday 2020 promo
Start shopping Friday to bag yours.
Photo: Apple

Apple today unveiled its four-day shopping event that kicks off on Black Friday. The company is offering gift cards of up to $150 when you buy select products, including iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac.

The event runs through Monday, November 30, but it excludes some of Apple’s newest products — such as iPhone 12 and the new iPad Air.

How to optimize your swimming stroke with Apple Watch

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Do you know how Apple Watch counts your swim strokes?
Do you know how Apple Watch counts your swim strokes?
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch is a great swimming companion, offering highly accurate length counts, pace measurements and stroke recognition. But the benefits to swimmers don’t stop there.

You’ll find plenty more useful swim stats in the Fitness app on your iPhone. Strokes Per 25/50/100 is especially valuable because it tracks your swim efficiency, which is key if you want to go faster, further or just look more cool in the pool.

But the way Apple Watch counts your strokes is not as simple as it seems. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert swimmer, it’s worth taking time out to understand exactly how it works.

Get set for winter with rugged, waterproof Apple Watch bands from Nyloon

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Nyloon Apple Watch band
Bag yours from just $24.99.
Photo: Nyloon

Winter is coming. And based on what we know about 2020 so far, it’s likely to be a nasty one. Get set for the wet and miserable months by bagging a rugged, waterproof Nyloon band for Apple Watch.

Their NATO-style design makes them super-strong and ready for anything, and they’re available in a range of colorful styles. They’re also nicely priced from just $24.99.

How to use Intercom on HomePod, iPhone, AirPods and more

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How to use Intercom
Intercom is on its way. Here's all you need to know.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple’s new Intercom feature lets you use HomePods to send short audio messages to almost anyone with an Apple device. While Apple showcased Intercom when unveiling the upcoming HomePod mini smart speaker, the feature also works with the regular HomePod as well as iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and more.

If you a HomePod, and you’ve updated it (and your other Apple devices) with the latest software, you can use Intercom to communicate with your family or housemates in new ways.

Save 15% on these luxury, handmade leather bands for Apple Watch

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Form Function Form bands for Apple Watch
An Apple Watch band made just for you.
Photo: Form Function Form

Treat yourself to one of the best Apple Watch upgrades money can buy: A luxury leather band made just for you by the fine folks at Form Function Form. You can now get 15% off the entire lineup in the Cult of Mac Store’s Halloween Sale.

This limited-time sale must end this weekend, so enjoy it while you can.