David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
The Alogic Ultra Power 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock powers your iPhone, Airpods, Apple Watch and more. Photo: Alogic
This wireless charger post is presented by Alogic.
During the holiday season, it’s not unusual for folks to find additional devices in their lives as a result of gift-giving. And more devices means more gadgets that need charging. Fortunately, Alogic has you covered. It now offers two chargers in its multi-coil wireless charging station range to keep your iPhone and all your accessories going.
MacX Video Converter Pro makes working with videos by you and others easy. Image: Digiarty
This video converter post is presented by Digiarty.
Digiarty has updated its MacX Video Converter Pro software for 4K ultra-high-definition video processing. Right now, you can get the improved product at a big discount — or even free — for a limited time. Plus, you get some additional free software, too.
Dr. Fone - Virtual Location (iOS) lets you easily spoof your iPhone GPS location. Photo: Wondershare
This iOS GPS spoofing post is presented by Wondershare, maker of Dr. Fone – Virtual Location (iOS).
People have been tricking their smartphone apps into thinking they’re somewhere else for a long time. That’s called global positioning system (GPS) spoofing. And while there are surely illegal reasons to do it, there are also plenty of legal ones.
Anyone addicted to Pokémon Go who just sprained their ankle or got snowed in knows what I’m talking about. You still gotta play. And when the game depends upon GPS — as a huge number of location-based augmented reality games do — you need your iPhone to indicate you actually got off the couch.
And the great thing is, whatever your reason for faking your GPS location with an iPhone, Dr. Fone – Virtual Location (iOS) now makes it easy to do, with no jailbreaking required. Alth0ugh Apple does not support GPS spoofing, location changing certainly isn’t just for Android smartphones anymore.
Totallee's clear cases for the iPhone 12 series preserve the device's beauty while they protect it. Photo: Totallee
This iPhone case post is presented by Totallee.
With iPhone prices rising to heights that make the devices more of a serious investment with each new model, those lucky enough to find themselves the proud owner of a new device had better protect it. That means putting it in a case. Some people hate that because it bulks up and obscures their sleek and beautiful new smartphone.
But your new case doesn’t have to look like it’s as protective as blast barriers and barbed wire. You could try the case that is almost like no case at all — the Totallee clear case for iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max. The thin, flexible, transparent case is for anyone who wants to protect their brand-new iPhone while retaining its aesthetic.
Molekule's air purifiers come in a variety of sizes to handle different rooms. Photo: Molekule
This air purifier post is presented by Molekule.
If there was ever a year that cried out for clearing the air, it’s 2020. Many a pundit has called these 12 months “challenging” in many ways. This holiday season, with so many people spending most of their time at home, why not give yourself and others the gift of literally cleaned air? You can do that with a technologically advanced — and Apple HomeKit-compatible — Molekule air purifier, such as the Air Mini+. They’re on sale through Dec. 31.
Cult of Mac readers get 16% off at VIPkeysale.com for the holidays. Photo: MediaMZ
This software key post is presented by VIPkeysale.com.
It’s that time of year again. What time is that? Winter holiday time. Time to stay inside at home — whether from the cold or because of COVID-19 — and bask in the warm glow of your device screens. That’s especially fun and easy when VIPkeysale.com offers you (and all Cult of Mac readers) 16% off gaming and other software product keys.
And if you’re giving gifts this holiday season, sales like this one might just give you some extra reason for holiday cheer. Just remember to check out with your purchase on the website using the coupon code VIPMAC.
With VideoProc, your video editing tasks are covered. Image: Digiarty
This VideoProc Mac video editing post is presented by Digiarty.
When the holidays roll around, your impulse to make scads of digital videos and then doctor them up for friends and family may be stronger than ever this year. After all, lots of people will not see as many loved ones in person because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That makes it a good time to invest in fast, capable and easy-to-use video editing software at a great price. So rejoice, because Digiarty is offering Cult of Mac readers lifetime-use licenses for its VideoProc Mac editing and processing software at 60% off for Christmas.
This iCloud access post is presented by Tenorshare.
Tenorshare 4MeKey is a tool you can use on an iOS device to bypass iCloud activation lock without needing to key in an account password. The tool is useful when you have forgotten the password for the lock.
Locked out of your iPhone or iPad? Try Tenorshare 4uKey. Photo: Tenorshare
This passcode-bypass post is presented by Tenorshare.
It’s the ultimate nightmare: Your iPhone is disabled, and you can’t get it unlocked. Maybe you created a complex passcode that now slips your mind. Perhaps you want to sell an older device you stashed in a drawer for a while, and you guessed wrong on the passcode too many times. Or it could be another common problem: Your device won’t accept a passcode because it (or its screen) is disabled.
In any of those cases, Tenorshare 4uKey can help. We will discuss how this software can help you unlock a disabled iPhone so you can enjoy your phone’s features to the fullest, and educate you from start to finish about how you can use this tool to unlock your disabled iPhone without iTunes.
Hexnode will hold its first user conference, HexCon20, in the first week of December 2020. Image: Hexnode
This event post is presented by Hexnode.
Unified endpoint management provider Hexnode plans to host its first-ever global user conference, HexCon20, December 2 and 3. The online event, intended to bring together Hexnode users and partners, will feature an array of speakers and educational sessions covering every aspect of endpoint management, including Apple device management.
MNML iPhone cases are think, light and protective. Photo: MNML
This iPhone 12 case post is presented by MNML Case.
Those who upgrade to the new iPhone 12 series face a dilemma. Do they flaunt the gorgeous thing to the max, going without a case? Or do they protect the precious and pricey device like a responsible person, strapping on a protective covering that obscures it? Thanks to MNML, it’s hardly a hard choice anymore, because the company’s cases provide barely noticeable protection.
Totallee's new cases for iPhone 12 are thin, light and branding-free. Photo: Totallee
This iPhone case post is presented by Totallee.
When a new iPhone series comes out, a slew of accessories is sure to follow. So it is with Totallee, which just released its line of thin cases for iPhone 12 for people who like streamlined protection without the bulk. These are the cases for those who’d rather not have one, but don’t want to go caseless because not protecting your expensive new device would be reckless.
Right now you can get 30% off totallee iPhone cases on Amazon. Photo: totallee
This iPhone case post is presented by Totallee.
These days, you may be looking for ways to shop online rather than venturing out into the world. Here’s a good thing to shop for from the comfort and safety of home: Your iPhone needs protection and Totallee is offering its super-thin cases for 30% off at Amazon right now.
With massive amounts of storage, skyBox lets you take your streaming and sharing on the go. Photo: HyperAccessory
This portable storage post is presented by HyperAccessory.
If you’re a photographer, videographer or content creator who likes to travel light, leaving the laptop behind, we found a must-have storage device for you. HyperAccessory’s skyBox features all-in-one portable SSD storage with built-in wireless connectivity and universal compatibility. It will have you streaming and sharing media on the go with gusto.
Rip DVDs in almost any condition to many formats with MacX DVD Ripper Pro. Photo: Digiarty
This DVD copy and backup post is presented by Digiarty.
Many of us would love to say we long ago converted our stacks of DVDs to digital file formats, but … not so much. If you must know, our old DVDs are stashed in a closet. If you’re in the same boat, you might try MacX DVD Ripper Pro, a super-fast backup and ripping tool for Mac. It can handle discs in almost any condition and convert them to many formats for you to store and play on various devices while freeing up precious shelf or closet space. Even better, for a limited time you can even get it for free in the MacX DVD Ripper Pro giveaway.
Wondershare UniConverter, now in Version 12, lets you work with a multitude of media formats. Photo: Wondershare
This video conversion post is presented by Wondershare UniConverter.
Whether you love to make videos or just watch and share them, if you want them to be seen in virtually any format on practically any device, you need a good video-conversion tool. It might be time to try Wondershare UniConverter, which can convert any video to more than 1,000 different formats. Try the Mac-dedicated version for a taste of how easy and quick video conversion can be.
All Totallee iPhone accessories are on sale for Cult of Mac readers. Photo: Totallee
This iPhone accessories post is presented by Totallee.
Totallee is best known for its ultra-thin iPhone cases that add an extra layer of protection without adding bulk. However, the company offers a full lineup of accessories to help you get the most out of your iPhone, and now is the perfect time to grab some at a deep discount.
To make room for new inventory for the upcoming iPhone, Totallee is offering Cult of Mac readers 30% off all iPhone accessories with code CULT30. It’s valid until Sept. 25, 2020.
iMobie AnyFix can address scores of system problems that might plague your Apple device. Photo: iMobie
This iOS repair post is presented by iMobie AnyFix.
Apple hardware enthusiasts enjoy a lot of problem-free usage. That’s one of the reasons we love our gadgets. But occasionally things go wrong. When faced with a disabled device, the first instinct may be to seek professional repair help, or to hurl the thing at a wall. The good news is, neither action may be necessary. A tool like iMobie AnyFix can remedy more than 130 system issues with iPhones, iPads, iPods and Apple TVs — with just a few clicks (and zero tech skills).
Dashlane's new dashboard for scoring password health can inform businesses' security strategies. Photo: Tyler Franta on Unsplash
This password security for businesses post is presented by Dashlane.
We often report on proper password management as an easy and cost-effective way for folks to secure their online lives against threats. Now Dashlane has gone and made it even easier for businesses to make the most of this vital step by offering the industry’s first password health score dashboard, released Monday.
When small businesses don't prioritize online security, they may pay the ultimate price. Dashlane for Business can help. Photo: Artem Beliaikin/Pexels.com CC
This cybersecurity post is presented by Dashlane.
When you run a small business, you often wear a lot of hats. The strategy hat. The customer service hat. Even the “those floors aren’t going to mop themselves” hat.
Unfortunately, sometimes the network security hat is left on the hook by the door, and that’s just what hackers hope for — lax security and plenty worth stealing, from your cash reserves to customers’ credit card information.
Jamf Now helps keep employees' devices secure and up to date. Photo: Jamf Now
This device-management post is presented by Jamf Now.
These days, more small and medium-size businesses than ever have employees working remotely. And many of those businesses lack dedicated IT staff. It’s a good thing a mobile device management (MDM) solution like Jamf Now is here to help. It provides an easy and inexpensive solution for setting up, managing and protecting Apple devices for employees, no matter where they work.
Surfshark VPN helps you secure unlimited Apple devices. Photo: Surfshark
This VPN post is presented by Surfshark.
Humans use the internet for almost everything. That’s hardly a revolutionary statement, but it’s crucial to keep in mind. From theater tickets to bank accounts, if we can have it all on one handheld device, why not do it? It’s convenient and easy.
But with that convenience comes risks. Typically, humans adapt to new technology — but so do criminals, shady corporations and marketing agencies looking to profit off as many internet users as possible.
That’s why virtual private networks (VPNs) have become popular. While the internet security product was initially created for corporations to protect their assets, demand eventually grew for everyday internet users. The market is ever-growing, and there’s a VPN for everyone, whether you want a free or a premium product. One of the top-rated and affordable options is Surfshark — a humanized VPN for anyone and everyone.
ALOGIC's 10-in-1 USB-C Super Dock works across virtually all Mac and Windows devices. Photo: ALOGIC
This connectivity post is presented by ALOGIC.
Now’s the time to act if you want to invest in something new and improve the high-speed connectivity of all your devices at the same time. ALOGIC has put its first-of-its-kind 10-in-1 USB-C Super Dock on Indiegogo for funding. The beast of a hub can handle dual 4k displays, supports 100 watts of power delivery via USB-C, and works across all Mac or Windows computers, tablets and phones outfitted with that high-speed port.
Dashlane Business protects your firm with secure password management and more. Photo: Dashlane
This password manager post is presented by Dashlane.
Cult of Mac has made no secret over the past couple of years that it favors Dashlane as its official password manager. We decided to whip up a little case study to help explain why that is.
Stolen and reused credentials are linked to 81% of hacking-related breaches businesses suffer, according to recent research. Studies show employees use the same password in an average of 13 different places. And that bad habit tends to be more prevalent in small businesses than in big ones. Even worse, when small businesses fall victim to breaches, as many as 60% of them don’t survive the attack, CyberCrime Magazine wrote last year.
That’s some pretty serious incentive to increase password security, don’t you think?
Apple User Enrollment helps IT departments work with employees’ personal devices. Photo: Hexnode
This Apple for BYOD post is presented by Hexnode.
Businesses enrolling employees’ personal devices for work use — known in IT circles as Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD — is growing. According to sources cited in Forbes, the market should reach nearly $367 billion by 2022, more than 10 times the size it was in 2014. Companies favoring BYOD tend to save about $350 per year per employee, and those employees see efficiency improvements by using personal devices, whether Android- or Apple-based.