David Snow - page 50

Delightful Apple accessories by Elago going for 15% off (today only!)

By

Elago's W5 Apple Watch Stand is a blast from the past.
Elago's W5 Apple Watch Stand is a blast from the past.
Photo: Elago

Elago is known for its fun and interesting stands and cases, often in a retro vein. If you’re in need of Apple accessories along those lines — or along any lines, really — you should check out the big Halloween Sale in the Cult of Mac Store. It ends today (Tuesday, November 1).

The three Elago items below, for example, are all offered at 15% off regular prices.

Last day to get 10% off Elkson Bumper Cases for Apple Watch

By

Elkson bumper cases cover a range of Apple Watch series and sizes.
Elkson bumper cases cover a range of Apple Watch series and sizes.
Photo: Elkson

Most people at least consider protecting their iPhone with a case, but not everyone thinks to protect their Apple Watch that way — even though the wearable is arguably the more-fragile device. Good thing Elkson offers the rugged Quattro Bumper Case for Apple Watch.

And aș part of the Halloween Sale in the Cult of Mac Store — ending on Tuesday (November 1) — you can get the case for various series of Apple Watch for just $10.79, or 10% off.

Customize Cooler Master’s new mechanical keyboard any which way

By

This wired mechanical keyboard can be easily modified in multiple ways.
This wired mechanical keyboard can be easily modified in multiple ways.
Photo: Cooler Master

California peripherals specialist Cooler Master just updated its popular 65%-format mechanical keyboard (CK721) to create the company’s first fully customizable board, the wired CK720. You can swap out its switches without a soldering iron to easily get the typing feel and sound you like best.

“We’re huge fans of custom-built mechanical keyboards ourselves, so we wanted to make sure the CK720 is a great steppingstone into the hobby,” said Dennis Liu, Cooler Master’s peripheral general manager, in a press release. “Whether you like smooth linear switches with maximum thock, or a sharp tactile typing feel with a marbly sound, the CK720 has the ability to achieve it.”

Last chance! Take 10% off classic Mifa Apple Watch bands.

By

Mifa's glamorous Sparkle band comes in silver or rose gold options.
Mifa's glamorous Sparkle band comes in silver or rose gold options.
Photo: Mifa

The Halloween Sale in the Cult of Mac Store has something for everyone. Even within specific accessory types by one brand, you find choice. Take Mifa’s Apple Watch bands, for example. Today’s your last day to get 10% off in the week-long sale.

You can glam up your Apple Watch considerably with the Sparkle Bracelet, which looks like a million bucks. Or you can go with the ultimate classic strap with a Classic Leather band.

Kids relate through sci-fi in Apple TV+ Circuit Breakers trailer

By

Kids' sci-fi series
Kids' sci-fi series "Circuit Breakers" premieres on Apple TV+ November 11.
Photo: Apple TV+

If you were a kid, wouldn’t you like to use a remote control to just “turn off” your parents for a while? But what if you couldn’t figure out how to turn them back on?

That’s one of many scenarios that flash past in the trailer for Circuit Breakers Apple TV+ released Monday. It’s a science-fiction series about middle-schoolers set in the near future. It premieres November 11.

When a ‘dual-display’ setup needs no external monitors [Setups]

By

Sometimes
Sometimes "dual display" just means two highly portable displays.
Photo: schwano@Reddit.com

In the world of computer setups, sometimes it seems like some sort of display arms race is going on. Even five or six screens isn’t uncommon anymore, with a few external displays added to the devices with built-in screens, and all in play in the workstation.

But how about no external displays? Does that work for you? It does for today’s featured MacBook Pro and iPad Air setup. See why below. And don’t overlook that unassuming but very special desk lamp, either.

Edifier AirPlay 2 smart speaker looks good and sounds better [Review] ★★★★☆

By

This handsome speaker offers high-quality sound at an attractive price.★★★★☆
This handsome speaker offers high-quality sound at an attractive price.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you’re looking for quality audio at an affordable price, you can certainly do much worse than Edifier products. The Chinese company consistently comes across with great value, and that’s the case with the Edifier MS50A powered wireless smart speaker.

The company sent me one of the handsome, wood-paneled speakers to test out. Though it’s not the smartest smart speaker on the block, it looks and sounds great for the price. I’ll get into more detail below.

New division of Rode offers 2 mics for streamers and gamers

By

The new Rode X brand offers two USB mics for streamers and gamers, plus software.
The new Rode X brand offers two USB mics for streamers and gamers, plus software (pictured: XCM-100 mic).
Photo: Rode

The Australian company Rode is well-known for its array of microphones and other gear for content creators in media and at home. But now the company has launched a new sub-brand called Rode X with wares aimed straight at streamers and gamers.

So far you can get two new USB mics and software to go with them.

Killer streaming gear used for anything but streaming [Setups]

By

This is a well-lit setup for video calls.
This is a well-lit setup for video calls.
Photo: hoppsen1@Reddit.com

When you look at the gear in today’s setup you might say, what is this, an ad for Elgato? The workstation is rife with Elgato devices widely used by streamers for video-production workflows, like its popular Facecam, Wave:3 microphone and Stream Deck.

But the MacBook Pro setup isn’t used for streaming at all.

The software engineer who occupies the well-appointed workstation finds perfectly productive things to do with all that Elgato gear, other than streaming.

Connect everything to your MacBook with new dock’s 13 ports

By

With a whopping 13 ports, Ugreen's new dock has you covered for charging.
With a whopping 13 ports, Ugreen's new dock has you covered for charging.
Photo: Ugreen

Ugreen expanded its product range Thursday with the launch of its new 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station, designed for M1 MacBooks and other laptop computers.

Taking advantage of the dock’s whopping baker’s dozen of ports, you can use it to connect a wide range of external devices to your laptop.

Take this slender power bank on the road for fast charging

By

Excitrus 105W Power Bank Ultimate is about the size of a new iPhone.
Excitrus 105W Power Bank Ultimate is about the size of a new iPhone.
Photo: Excitrus

Mobile charging specialist Excitrus introduced its 105W Power Bank Ultimate Thursday, a small but potent charger with an 18,000mAh battery for on-the-go device charging.

The company called the iPhone-sized device “one of the smallest [on] the market with around 100W power output.”

Get 15% off MacUpdater 2: It makes software updates effortless

By

MacUpdater app on a computer screen
MacUpdater lets you see apps needing updates at a glance. And it can update many of them with one click.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

If you’ve built up a big collection of Mac apps, especially if they’re from various sources, it’s a chore keeping them up to date for optimal functionality and security. That’s unless you have a stellar utility like MacUpdater.

Now available in version 2.3, MacUpdater makes keeping your software updated effortlessly. And better yet, Cult of Mac readers can get 15% off the software’s price with a special coupon. See below.

Apple Learning Coach program adds instructors nationwide

By

The program certifies instructors who help school teachers make the most of Apple products in their work.
The program certifies instructors who help school teachers make the most of Apple products in their work.
Photo: Apple

The Cupertino tech giant expanded its free Apple Learning Coach program Wednesday to invite more tech instructors of various stripes across the U.S. to join. Once certified, they can show school teachers how to get the most out of Apple products to help their students.

Folks like tech coaches and digital learning specialists who want into the program can apply by November 16, Apple said.

Protect iPhone 14 with tough Momax magnetic cases and screen protectors

By

Momax's clear magnetic case for iPhone works with MagSafe chargers.
Momax's clear magnetic case for iPhone works with MagSafe chargers.
Photo: Momax

A new iPhone 14 is a substantial investment in what may be your most important piece of technology — often in-hand, always within reach. So shouldn’t you protect it? iPhones have become tougher over the years, but you wouldn’t want to risk yours being out of commission even for a day.

Momax covers two of the best ways to safeguard iPhone 14. One is a slim-but-tough magnetic case in clear or colorful options. The other is a tempered glass screen protector. Together, they’re like armor for your iPhone. And right now, Cult of Mac readers can save 10% on these Momax accessories with code CULTOFMAC10.

Apple TV+ nabs 5 Gotham Awards nominations

By

Britt Lower got a Gotham Awards nomination for her work in
Britt Lower got a Gotham Awards nomination for her work in Severance.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ received five nominations for the 32nd Annual Gotham Awards Tuesday, including two nominations apiece for the series Pachinko and Severance and one for the film Causeway.

This comes after Apple took two wins in the 2021 Gotham Awards, which recognize visionary work in indie film and TV. This year’s awards ceremony takes place November 28.

Are you ready to try Amazon’s highest-rated iPad cases?

By

Zugu's iPad cases are top-rated on Amazon for good reasons.
Zugu's iPad cases are top-rated on Amazon for good reasons.
Photos: Zugu

You don’t find many brands on Amazon with an average rating of 5 stars, but Zugu is one of them. The company focuses intently on making the best iPad cases it can, and if rave reviews are anything to go by — and they certainly are — Zugu is wildly successful at its endeavors.

After all, seeing all 5 stars filled in for thousands of ratings of each iPad case has got to be reassuring for shoppers looking to protect their tablet. And that includes cases for iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro, in all sizes.

We’ll take a closer look at Zugu’s iPad cases and how the company got to where it is today below.

Grab and go with new fast-charging EcoFlow portable power stations

By

The three new portable power stations charge quickly and last a long time, EcoFlow said.
The three new portable power stations charge quickly and last a long time, EcoFlow said.
Photo: EcoFlow

EcoFlow rolled out three new River 2 series power stations Tuesday. The under-1kWh devices charge to 80% as fast as 48 minutes and offer a long life, making them cost-effective for on-the-go uses like camping as well as home power backup, the company said.

Scary-good deals for Halloween: 15% off all Elago accessories

By

Elago's R1 strap is perfect for your new AirPods Pro 2 charging case.
Elago's R1 strap is perfect for your new AirPods Pro 2 charging case.
Photo: Elago

Halloween is the time for kooky costumes, candy-induced belly aches and frighteningly good deals on Apple accessories in Cult of Mac‘s Super Sweet Deals sale. You can get anything made by Elago for 15% off this week.

Just head to the Cult of Mac Store to take 15% off all Elago accessories. That’s 162 products that go along with pretty much everything Apple. See some highlights below.

Apples hikes prices of Apple TV+, Apple Music and Apple One

By

Apple is raising some subscription services costs for the first time.
Apple is raising some subscription services costs for the first time.
Photo: David Švihovec/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

Apple plans to raise the prices of some of its subscription services by $1 to $3 each, reports indicated Monday. The services include Apple TV+, Apple Music and the Apple One subscription bundle.

Users should see the price increases, listed below, with their next subscription renewal.

Apple now sells Anker charger, Mophie power bank and Twelve South iPad stand

By

Anker's Cube charges up to three devices at one and reverts to a small cube for storing or traveling.
Anker's Cube charges up to three devices at one and reverts to a small cube for storing or traveling.
Photo: Apple

If you like buying popular third-party accessories straight from Apple, take heart. The Cupertino tech giant added three new products to its online store Friday from Anker, Mophie and Twelve South.

They are the new Anker 3-in-1 Cube MagSafe charger, the Mophie Powerstation Plus 10K power bank and the Twelve South Hoverbar Tower for iPad floor stand.

Powerful new Monolith speakers promise audiophile sound on the desktop

By

The Monolith MTM 100s are shown here with a MacBook Pro.
The Monolith MTM 100s are shown here with a MacBook Pro.
Photo: Monoprice

If you have the space on or near your desk for them, Monoprice just put out a pair of powered desktop speakers that promise audiophile sound to boost your computer setup’s audio output.

The Monoprice Monolith MTM 100 Powered Desktop Speakers put out 50 watts of sonic power apiece and feature bass panels on the sides.

Developer shows Mac Pro is not Apple’s only ‘cheese grater’ [Setups]

By

Photos almost always show the front of the Pro Display XDR, not the back.
Photos almost always show the front of the Pro Display XDR, not the back.
Photo: Car333@Reddit.com

The Mac Pro of recent vintage is famously compared to a cheese grater because of the holes in its casing’s design that look like a huge version of the kitchen tool. But did you know it’s not the only high-end product Apple makes that follows that design?

Today’s featured M1 Max MacBook Pro setup shows it. How often do you see the back of a Pro Display XDR in photographs? Plenty of people admiring the setup expressed surprise that the backside of Apple’s top display is full-on cheese grater.

Mkeke clear cases for iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are top sellers for a reason

By

Mkeke’s clear iPhone 14 case in hand
Mkeke's clear cases provide crucial protection without obscuring your iPhone's beauty.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Every year, Apple fans face the same dilemma: Do you really want to cover up your beautiful new iPhone with a case? With the iPhone 14 Pro models, that shiny stainless steel and pristine glass back look beautiful to behold. But these sleek smartphones also look … vulnerable. And drop tests prove they’re not as rugged as Apple might want you to think.

Well, the good news is Mkeke offers clear cases for iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro. These affordable cases show off your iPhone rather than hiding it. And the tough and stylish cases are top sellers on Amazon for a reason — several reasons, in fact.