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Big refurb and open-box sale: Get up to 31% off iPads and MacBooks

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deas on iPads and MacBooks
The sale at Woot! features older models, but there are M3 MacBook Pro models in the mix.
Photo: Apple

Amazon bargain site Woot! currently runs a sale with deals on iPad and MacBooks, including brand new, new (open box) and refurbished models, through August 6. Discounts range up to 31% off. So let it be Christmas in mid-summer with some new (to you) Apple gear.

“Jobs nods his head in approval from the Clouds,” Woot! says at the top of the sale page.

Can’t afford a Studio Display? Build one. [Setups]

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DIY Studio Display setup
Want a 5K display without paying Studio Display (or even LG) prices? Build it yourself.
Photo: [email protected]

The main complaint about Apple’s 5K Studio Display is price — at about $1,600, it’s financially out of reach for many people. And 5K monitor competitors like LG only bring the cost down a few hundred bucks. So how about saving some dough by making your own DIY Studio Display? The owner of today’s M3 Pro MacBook Pro setup did just that, crafting dual 27-inch 5K monitors for several hundred dollars less than buying production models.

Emergency SOS via satellite saves 4 hikers from wildfires

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Emergency SOS via Satellite rescue
No Wi-Fi or cellular service? Emergency SOS via satellite might save your life.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

In a dramatic Emergency SOS via satellite rescue, Apple’s service led to a helicopter snatching up four women trapped on a glacier by wildfires last week in British Columbia, according to a report.

“In this instance, their cellphone literally saved their lives,” said a rescue manager.

M3 MacBook Air anchors tidy workstation [Setups]

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M3 MacBook Air setup
M3 MacBook Air is more than enough machine for this user's setup.
Photo: [email protected]

For anyone who thinks of the world’s most popular laptop — MacBook Air — as Apple’s lightweight laptop in more ways than one, like it’s strictly for students and amateurs, it’s probably time to update your view. Today’s attractive working setup from Germany finds its slim-but-powerful M3 MacBook Air provides plenty of computing power.

Apple commits to following White House AI safety guidelines

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AI safety guidelines -- Apple Intelligence
Apple said it will follow the Biden administration's AI safety guidelines, although there's no penalty for ignoring them.
Photo: Apple

Apple agreed to adhere to a set of voluntary artificial intelligence (AI) safeguards proposed by the Biden administration, according to a new report Friday. The move aligns Apple with other major tech companies like Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and OpenAI. It’s a collective effort to help ensure responsible AI development (although there are, as of yet, no penalties for flouting the firmly worded but fairly vague suggestions).

Where’s Wanda? Dark techie comedy from Germany gets Apple TV+ air date.

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Where's Wanda debuts October 2 on Apple TV+
Look for dark comedy series "Where's Wanda?" October 2. And make sure the subtitles are on, because it's in German.
Photo: Apple TV+

The first German-language series to air on Apple TV+, a tech-centric dark comedy called Where’s Wanda?, will debut October 2, the streamer said Thursday. So we have an air date, an image (above) and a description (below). Soon enough, a trailer should follow for what looks like it might be a pretty compelling show.

This follows news of the second German-language show coming to Apple TV+, hospital drama KRANK Berlin, starring Haley Louise Jones. Still in production, it has no air date yet.

Watch the massive Leagues Cup soccer tourney on MLS Season Pass

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Leagues Cup on MLS Season Pass
Are you ready for some (international) football? Fans in more than 100 countries and regions can enjoy all the action of Leagues Cup — which begins on July 26 and includes 77 matches — with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Photo: Apple

The sprawling North American Leagues Cup 2024 soccer tournament kicks off July 26 exclusively on MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app, the iPhone giant said Thursday.

The second annual Leagues Cup is a monthlong tournament featuring all 47 clubs from Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX. So participating clubs come from the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Emergency SOS Live Video coming to 911 calls with iOS 18

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Prepared - Emergency SOS Live Video integration
Soon your 911 call may give the option to send secure photos and videos to dispatchers to help them assess the scene and respond.
Photo: Prepared

Emergency platforms RapidSOS and Prepared recently shared their plans to integrate with the new Emergency SOS Live Video functionality in iOS 18. That means most 911 calls will include the option to share video with dispatchers, like a FaceTime call. And that will help responders assess the scene and prepare to help in the best way.

Wish your iPhone came with a stylus? Moft to the rescue (sort of).

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Moft Snap Flow iPhone stand with pen and paper
Your iPhone could have an analog Notes app in addition to the digital one.
Photo: Moft

Moft is way beyond its fundraising goal for its new Moft Snap Flow iPhone stand, which snaps to the handset magnetically and unfolds to give you a little organizer with pen and paper. Having raised more than 13 times the funding goal of $10,000 on Kickstarter, the accessories company will most likely put the new Snap Flow into production. With nearly 2,400 people financially backing it so far, there seems to be an appetite for the old-school accessory.

But in the meantime, you can pledge for one on Kickstarter at 20% off through July 31. So who needs a Samsung-style smartphone stylus (or Apple’s Notes app), anyway?

Best Buy blowout sale slashes $600 off M2 iPad Pro

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Get $600 off M2 ipad pro
M2 iPad Pro deals range from $300 off to $600 off. Those are hefty discounts.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Best Buy just launched its Great Summer Sale with a variety of Apple deals — including up to $600 off M2 iPad Pro models. Now that M4 iPad Pro has been out a while, they must be clearing out their inventory of the older-but-still-great tablet.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

iPads set to rush college football sidelines

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iPads in college football games - SEC logo on iPad
SEC and ACC college football teams will use iPads on the sidelines during games.
Photo: SEC

Are you ready for some football … with iPads? This upcoming college football season should see plenty of Apple tablets teaming up with coaches and players on the sidelines. Two powerhouse NCAA Division I conferences — Southeastern (SEC) and Atlantic Coast (ACC) — recently struck deals with Apple to use iPads in college football games.

iPad’s “unique capabilities and versatility make it the ideal solution to support coaches and student-athletes,” said Scott Brodrick, a manager in Apple’s worldwide iPad product marketing group. “With an unrivaled combination of advanced displays, powerful performance, portability, fast connectivity, all day battery life and versatile accessories, iPad will let coaches and players make in-game adjustments and empower athletes to compete at the highest level.”

Stylish new iPad Pro case turns tablet into workstation

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Pitaka MagEZ Case 2 for iPad Pro
Pitaka MagEZ Case 2 for iPad Pro is both stylish and protective.
Photo: Pitaka

The new Pitaka MagEZ Case 2 for iPad Pro fuses stylish design and tough protection for your tablet, the company said Wednesday. And what’s more, you can use it more like a desktop computer or laptop with a highly functional magnetic case like this one.

Add some class with a cool keyboard-and-trackpad tray [Setups]

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Twelve South MagicBridge and other keyboard and trackpad trays
This keyboard and trackpad tray comes from Etsy. Another example would be the Twelve South MagicBridge.
Photo: [email protected]

Many folks building a computer setup love a good trick for compartmentalizing a bit — essentially, any way they can neaten up the space in a way that enhances productivity. That could include something we don’t see often enough in setups: multi-use keyboard trays. Today’s Mac Studio user proudly displays a wooden one for Magic Keyboard mini and Magic Trackpad 2. And you can find many others out there, like the popular Twelve South MagicBridge.

Trays like that give your keyboard and trackpad — or/or mouse, in some cases — one modular place to live, and you can easily move the pair or trio around as one unit or hold it in your lap.

Back to school already? M3 iMacs hit record low prices.

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lowest prices on M3 iMac
Now returning to lowest-ever prices, iMac comes in seven vibrant colors. But not all are on sale, necessarily.
Photo: Apple

You know the school year approaches when big retailers start slashing prices on iMac, a top pick for students. Currently, Amazon offers what appear to be a return to the lowest prices we’ve seen on the 2023 edition of the all-in-one desktop machine with M3 chip. And B&H Photo follows suit on one of the models. See below and get ready for class with a powerful new machine.

Charming retro wireless speaker packs a punch and connects to anything [Review] ★★★★☆

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Edifier D32 Tabletop Wireless Speaker★★★★☆
Here's the Edifier D32 Tabletop Wireless Speaker in black walnut.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Using a time machine, the new Edifier D32 Tabletop Speaker could show up in the 1950s without raising an eyebrow, given its retro-cool design. But it sure would surprise everyone, not being a radio and failing to do anything at all because the necessary audio technology didn’t exist yet. But in the here and now, those who like the old-school look will find the box packs a sonic punch and connects to practically anything that streams audio.

So whether you’re a Mac user seeking a stylish addition to your desktop setup or someone with a space that needs a substantial audio source — even the living room of a small house or apartment — the D32 is poised to impress, especially for its very reasonable price. I can’t say it’s perfect, given some connectivity struggles, but it’s great.

First over-ear headphones with xMEMS solid-state micro speakers coming soon

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first over-ear headphones with solid-state micro speakers -- Ampac-xMEMS 2-way headphones
While this is a prototype, headphones makers can start incorporating the 2-way design starting in September, Ampacs said.
Photo: Ampacs

The first over-ear headphones with solid-state micro speakers are almost here, AMPACS said Tuesday. It noted reference-design prototypes with xMEMS solid-state micro speakers are now available. That brings us one big step closer to headphone makers putting it in their new headphones. That could start after the production version of the design becomes available to them in September. Before now, the new micro speakers were limited to earbuds.

xMEMS Labs’ patented 2-way module architecture uses solid-state micro speakers for mids and highs and a dynamic driver for bass. It improves spatial audio accuracy and reduces weight for gamers compared to conventional single-driver cans, AMPACS said. The new reference design is a cost-effective advance that could figure into multiple audio brands’ headphones.

Ahead of the latest news, Cult of Mac conducted an interview with folks behind the development from xMEMS Labs in May. After all, you have to wonder if some future AirPods Max or Beats cans might incorporate the technology (for the record, xMEMS told Cult of Mac it’s open to working with all partners, but confirmed none).

Bulked-up iPhone SE 4 could add OLED screen for first time

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bigger iPhone SE with OLED display rumored
If the claim is true, iPhone SE 4 would be the first SE with an OLED display, not to mention a bigger size overall.
Photo: Filipe Alves

The upcoming fourth-generation iPhone SE might see a pretty big size increase and become the first SE handset to boast an OLED screen, according to the latest rumors. Other rumored upgrades for the budget iPhone include a powerful 48MP camera and more memory so it can run Apple Intelligence features.

Those are some big changes for an entry-level handset folks thought might be on the chopping block not long ago.

Here’s a good way to mount your USB microphone [Setups]

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Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Microphone setup
This well-equipped setup features an Audio-Technica microphone with shock mount on an Elgato arm.
Photo: [email protected]

If you want to sound good on video calls or podcasts, you need a good mic like the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Microphone with shock mount in today’s MacBook Pro setup. And the user can move it around easily enough because he places it on a low-profile Elgato microphone arm.

AirPods Max price falls below Prime Day low

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best deal on AirPods Max
For the absolute best deal, you have to get the pink ones. But other colors are marked down, too.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s vaunted AirPods Max noise-canceling over-ear headphones list for a wallet-bruising $549. They’re sometimes discounted a bit, but not usually like today’s deal on Amazon: $382.70, or 30% off. But it looks like you have to get the pink ones to grab the best deal. Or you could find lesser discounts on other colors, or even opt for the still-deeply-discounted Beats Studio Pro.

Eve Weather station adds support for Matter standard

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Eve Weather station adds Matter support
Versions of the Eve Weather station have you covered for HomeKit use, with or without a hub.
Photo: Eve Systems

A new version of the Eve Weather Connected Weather Station supports the Matter home-automation standard even as the company maintains a HomeKit-only version for those without a Matter hub, Eve Systems said Thursday. Eve Weather keeps you informed of conditions outside and can interact with HomeKit and other platforms to set automations. That could include adjusting the thermostat and turning on lights, or even telling Siri to do so.

Vision Pro users get scads of new immersive content

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New Immersive Video for Vision Pro
"Boundless" premieres with Hot Air Balloons,” transporting viewers to Cappadocia, Türkiye.
Photo: Apple

Apple unveiled a slate of new Immersive Videos for Vision Pro in the form of series and films Thursday. So users of the AR/VR headset are in for some new audio-visual treats. And some are available now.

“Apple Immersive Video is a groundbreaking leap forward for storytelling, offering Apple Vision Pro users remarkable experiences with an unparalleled sense of realism and immersion,” said Tor Myhren, Apple’s vice president of Marketing Communications.

Why you need some sort of monitor light [Setups]

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EppieBasic LED Desk Lamp setup
The user has lots of external displays. But he considers the overarching desk lamp crucial.
Photo: [email protected]

The computer setup we feature today sports a powerful Mac Studio desktop computer and an impressive phalanx of external displays, yet commenters’ attention focused mainly on the monitor light. It’s actually an EppieBasic LED Desk Lamp rather than a typical monitor light bar, but it serves the same purposes. The user obliged commenters and explained why he loves it.

Best Amazon Prime Day deals on all things Apple [Updated – deals extended!]

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best Amazon Prime Day Apple deals - extended
Prime Day is over but the savings haven't stopped.
Image: Tamanna Rumee/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

Amazon Prime Day officially ran July 16 and 17, but it’s not over yet, as Amazon extended many big bargains on Apple products. Tons of goods from Apple and others are discounted. See our selection of the best deals on AirPods (and Apple subsidiary Beats), AirTags, Apple Watch, iPads, MacBooks, Mac mini and more below. Return to this page for updates (and beware that deals can change suddenly with supply fluctuations, so you may click through to find updated pricing or sold-out items in some cases).

UPDATE: Amazon extended a host of Prime Day deals on Apple products into Thursday and Friday and even into Saturday, so you can still shop many of the items below!  Items with full strikethroughs represent deals no longer available.

See Natalie Portman’s surreal nightmare in Lady in the Lake [Updated: Now streaming]

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Lady in the Lake
This series starring Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram looks a lot weirder than expected.
Photo: Apple TV+

At first glance a Baltimore crime story set in 1966, the limited series Lady in the Lake soon turns into a surreal nightmare, as shown in the trailer Apple TV+ dropped for it recently. As the streamer said in press materials, the show, starring Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram, turns into a “feverish noir thriller and an unexpected tale about the price women pay for their dreams.”

So it’s a bizarre and arresting trailer. It includes “live performances” that are like fever dreams. The seven-part series debuts with its first two episodes on Friday, July 19.

Update: The new Apple TV+ drama series Lady in the Lake is now streaming, as of Friday. Reviews look a bit mixed — with some offering high praise for Portman in her TV debut — but you should see for yourself and watch the new show here.