David Snow - page 6

Vision Pro ‘superpowers’ surgical team in spine operation

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Apple Vision Pro headset overlaid atop photo of two surgeons.
Vision Pro is an exciting new tool in the surgery theater.
Image: Apple and Olga Guryanova/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

Vision Pro demonstrated its healthcare chops recently, assisting a surgical team operating on a patient’s spine in the U.K., reports indicated. It marked the first Vision pro surgery in Europe and one of the first worldwide, undoubtedly.

Because a nurse assisting the surgeons wore the device, they could efficiently help prepare for and track the procedure.

Can you handle a display this massive? [Setups]

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Big OLED smart TV display setup with MacBook Pro
When it comes to OLED smart TVs as computer displays, how big is too big?
Photo: Katert@Reddit.com

Is bigger always better? Nope. And the debate rages on over how big an OLED smart TV display should be to best-suit a computer setup. Would you go large at over 50 inches, or stick to, say, 42 inches or smaller?

Today’s MacBook Pro setup raised the issue again, surfacing some sensible advice. And the smart TV in question is on sale!

Apple touts robust new Vision Pro health and wellness apps

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Vision Pro health apps - Cedars-Sinai's Xaia app
Cedars-Sinai’s Xaia app offers patients AI-enabled, conversational mental health support in relaxing spatial environments where they can also do deep breathing exercises and meditation.
Photo: Apple

Powerful new health and wellness apps take advantage of visionOS’s “infinite canvas” to use spatial experiences to improve patient outcomes in clinical settings and at home, Apple said Monday. It seems that Vision Pro health apps are changing medical care.

“We’re thrilled to see the incredible apps that developers across the healthcare community are bringing to Apple Vision Pro,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “The imagination and drive of our developers, combined with the technical capabilities of visionOS, are igniting new possibilities for physicians, frontline workers, and even students, and we can’t wait to see what’s to come.”

Classic Macintosh SE stands with new Studio Display [Setups]

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MacBook Pro and Studio display setup with classic Macintosh SE
A classic Macintosh SE sits off to the right of the M1 MacBook Pro and Studio Display setup, and it actually gets some use.
Photo: nickdmiller@reddit.com

Pimping out a computer setup with vintage gear is super-cool, even if the old stuff doesn’t get much use (or is solely for display purposes). Today’s M1 MacBook Pro setup recently added a new Studio Display, and both of those modern machines bask in the glory of a nearby classic Macintosh SE from the 1980s.

The ancient all-in-one computer still works and it even gets some use.

Apple TV+ takes home no Oscars despite 13 nominations [Updated]

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Apple TV+ movie
Killers of the Flower Moon got 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. But it didn't win any.
Photo: Apple TV+

No Apple TV+ film won an Academy Award on Sunday, despite 10 nominations for Martin Scorsese’s historical epic Killers of the Flower Moon — including Best Picture — and three for Ridley Scott’s historical epic Napoleon.

Despite the final results, Apple made it clear that it is honored to be nominated. And both films have drawn large audiences since they debuted on Apple’s streaming service.

Get almost $400 off 12.9-inch iPad Pro

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2021 iPad Pro - $400 off iPad Pro
Don't miss this chance to get a great iPad for almost $400 off.
Photo: Apple

With Apple expected to release new iPad models anytime now, Amazon bargain site offers a doozy of a deal on the still-awesome 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro: $389 off. Getting almost $400 off iPad Pro is not a deal we see every day.

“iHad an iPad but iLost it and now iSad,” Woot says at the top of the sale page. No need to be sad when you can bag a fantastic, brand-new, full-sized M1 iPad with 128GB of storage for just $809.99.

Scarlett audio interface masters Mac Studio rig’s sound [Setups]

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB Audio interface
This audio interface turns your Mac into a music studio for two microphones and two instruments.
Photo: Focusrite

If you’re going to make and manipulate music or other sound with your Mac setup, odds are you need a good audio interface. Today’s Mac Studio workstation relies on a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB audio interface when the user makes YouTube videos, for example.

Check it out below, along with the rest of the setup’s gear.

Maya Rudolph gives away $120 billion in new Loot comedy trailer

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Maya Rudoph
Maya Rudolph stars as Molly Wells on season two of Apple TV+ comedy series "Loot."
Photo: Apple TV+

Ridiculously rich people are the problem, ridiculously rich person Molly Wells (Maya Rudolph) says in the season two trailer for comedy series Loot, out Thursday. And that’s why she’ll give away her whole $120 billion fortune. Or she’ll try, anyway.

Loot season two debuts with two episodes April 3 on Apple TV+.

Save hundreds on fancy Apple Watch Series 9 models

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Apple Watch Series 7 gold stainless steel with cellular and GPS
This one with the gold stainless steel case and matching Milanese Loop is $60 off.
Photo: Apple

We often point out sale prices on basic Apple Watch Series 9 models — usually the more-affordable ones with aluminum cases and GPS only. But now Amazon is rocking great low prices on the fancy stainless steel models with cellular coverage plus GPS. You could save up to $227!

BenQ’s brilliant new 4K display is made for MacBook users

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BenQ PD3225U Designer Monitor
BenQ's new PD3225U Designer Monitor packs features ideal for Mac and MacBook users.
Photo: BenQ

BenQ rolled out a new 32-inch 4K display Wednesday aimed straight at Mac and MacBook users. It’s the BenQ PD3225U Thunderbolt 3 Designer Monitor. At $1,100, the 4K display packs features that might tempt you away from spending more on a Studio Display or another 5K monitor.

“Featuring IPS Black for 2000:1 contrast ratio, Color Match with Mac devices through M-book mode, and iKeyboard Control, the PD3225U is the perfect creative complement for Mac users in need of color accuracy and enhanced connectivity,” the company said.

MacBooks make up whopping 90% of Mac sales

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Best-selling Macs - MacBook-Pro-M3-trio
MacBook Pro models account for a bit more than half of Mac sales.
Photo: Apple

MacBook Pro and MacBook Air combine to account for a staggering 90% of Apple’s Mac sales. That’s according to a new report Wednesday about best-selling Macs from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP).

The laptops’ dominant popularity over desktop Macs has long been evident. But the new report showing 2023 data really puts an exclamation point on it.

Logitech’s new flagship webcam combines ultra HD with AI

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Logitech MX_Brio webcam
The business version includes the AI feature.
Photo: Logitech

Logitech’s new MX Brio and MX Brio 705 for Business 4K webcams combine ultra high-definition video performance with artificial intelligence to help find your best look, the company said.

“We know that MX users collaborate and communicate from many different environments, and need a versatile webcam offering the best video and sound quality,” said Anatoliy Polyanker, general manager of Logitech’s MX Business, in a press release Wednesday. “MX Brio is our highest-quality webcam, featuring customization and the ability to show themselves or their work in the best possible way.”

Mechanical keyboard clicks with Mac Studio workstation [Setups]

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Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard
This Keychron mechanical keyboard beat out a couple of Razer keyboards to be here.
Photo: bucketofmonkeys@reddit.com

Some people love peace and quiet. Others love mechanical keyboards. That clackety-clacking noise is the very sound of productivity, isn’t it? The feel of the keys. The way you can practically make a lifelong hobby out of customizing a “hot swappable” model with different keycaps, switches and more. Today’s Mac Studio and Studio Display setup relies on a Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard. 

The user swears by it, having chosen it over a couple of well-regarded Razer keebs. He’s still got the Razer wrist rest, though. 

Still big in Japan, iPhone slips in China

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iPhone 15 Pro in iPhone market outlook
Tuesday's iiPhone market outlook reports fell short of upbeat.
Photo: Apple

A flurry of iPhone market outlook reports shows Apple’s juggernaut handset is still the top-seller in Japan while slipping to fourth place in China so far in 2024. And that comes as Apple lowers component shipment targets for the year amid supply chain challenges, pointing to a possibly down year.

14-inch M3 MacBook Pro gains multi-display support

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M3 MacBook Pro multi-display support
Updates will soon enable all M3 MacBooks to drive multiple displays in clamshell mode.
Photo: Apple

The new M3 MacBook Air laptops Apple rolled out Monday support up to two 5K (or lower rsolution) external displays in clamshell mode. And now the base 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro will add multi-display support, according to a report.

In the case of the entry-level MacBook Pro, which uses the same chip but lacks multi-display functionality, support will come in the form of a software update. M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pro models already support the feature.

Slash $120 off Magic Keyboard case for 11-inch iPad Pro/iPad Air

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Magic Keyboard for 11-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air
Grab this steep discount on Magic Keyboard for 11-inch iPad Pro and 10.9-inch iPad Air.
Photo: Apple

Apple is famous for quality products as well as the high prices that go with them. That’s true of its input devices like keyboards — including the excellent, $299 Magic Keyboard for 11-inch iPad Pro and 10.9-inch iPad Air (4th and 5th generations). But what if you could get that Magic Keyboard for $120 off?

Right now Amazon is offering Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro/Air — which offers case-like protection for the tablets and much more — for just $179.99

Mac Studio and Studio Display refurbs seem new [Setups]

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Mac Studio and Studio Display refurbs in setup
This user said it's hard to tell his Mac Studio and Studio Display aren't new.
Photo: bucketofmonkeys@reddit.com

When new Apple gear comes out, sometimes it pays to wait a bit and grab it when the iPhone giant and other sellers start offering refurbished versions of it. Today’s setup boasts a Mac Studio desktop computer and a Studio Display, both refurbished, and the user said he had a hard time telling they’re not actually new.

Today in Apple History: CarPlay goes for its first drive

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Apple CarPlay in 2014 Volvo
At launch in 2014, CarPlay appeared in Volvo cars, as well as Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari models.
Photo: Volvo

March 3: Today in Apple history: CarPlay goes for its first drive March 3, 2014: With the CarPlay launch, Apple introduces iOS functionality for iPhone users behind the wheel via the car’s in-dash screen.

Showcasing the new car infotainment platform at the Geneva International Auto Show, Apple calls CarPlay “a smarter, safer and more fun way to use iPhone in the car.” Vehicles from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo are the first off the line to incorporate it.

Get up to $150 off Beats headphones and earbuds

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Beats Studio Buds+ in transparent case
Love that transparent look to Beats Studio Buds+.
Photo: Apple

It’s a rare day you see big price drops at Apple.com, but Friday saw Beats headphones and earbuds price drops there and at retailers like Amazon.

So here’s your chance to grab Beats Studio Pro headphones at $349.99 $199.95 and Beats Studio Buds+ at $169.95 $129.95, among other great deals. See below.

Apple TV+ subscribers get 51 new movies, but not for long

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Great Movies on Apple TV+ collection
You're going to be busy in March and April.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ adds movies from time to time — just not usually 50+ at once. But that’s what it did this week with its “Great movies on Apple TV” collection. It includes big-time titles like Mad Max: Fury Road, The Wolf of Wall Street, Titanic and Saving Private Ryan. You can also go old-school comedy with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and — why not — Old School.

They’re free for subscribers in the United States to stream, but half will be gone at the end of March. The other half will last through April. Another new arrival is Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, but that Apple Original will stick around.

Satechi’s great USB-C hub and stand isn’t just for Mac mini [Setups]

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Satechi USB-C hub Mac Studio
Satechi's USB-C hub is also an ideal stand (for either Mac mini or Mac Studio).
Photo: Satechi

Satechi makes an awfully cool USB-C hub and stand for Mac mini that also suits Mac Studio perfectly. We’re surprised we don’t see that particular Satechi hub and stand more often in computer setups online.

But today’s Mac Studio rig with three big 4K displays makes perfect use of it. It greatly expands the machine’s capability and it blends right in like it’s not even there.

William Gibson’s sci-fi classic Neuromancer comes to Apple TV+

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Apple TV+ airs adaptation of Neuromancer by Willam Gibson
Apple TV+ lines up another big-time sci-fi series -- William Gibson's Neuromancer.
Photo: Apple TV+

Neuromancer, William Gibson’s much-lauded sci-fi novel published in 1984, is coming to Apple TV+, the iPhone giant said Wednesday.

The 10-episode drama has no release date yet. But it’s sure to be — as Apple TV+ says about almost every upcoming show — “much anticipated.”

New documentary trailer: Meet the men who inspired Masters of the Air

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The Bloody Hundredth documentary on Apple TV+
Here's your chance to meet some of the real people who inspired "Masters of the Air."
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ dropped a trailer Wednesday for a companion documentary film to hit World World II drama series Masters of the Air. The  documentary, The Bloody Hundredth, tells the stories of the airmen in a particularly hard-hit B17 bomber group through some of the survivors themselves as well as series filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.

“Watch The Bloody Hundredth and get an in-depth look at the real stories of the brave Airmen that inspired Masters of the Air,” the streaming service said. “Streaming March 15th on Apple TV+.”

Stunning deals drop Apple Watch Ultra and other models near new lows

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Apple Watch Ultra
A smoking-hot deal on an Apple Watch Ultra refurb is just one of several bargains here.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Like clockwork, Amazon bargain site Woot! comes out with great deals on Apple gear, including refurbished Apple Watch deals. So now it’s time for what looks like the lowest price we’ve seen on Apple Watch Ultra and a bunch of other deals on older Apple Watches for those who don’t want to pay typical Apple prices.

“Well, movies taught me that I’d have a wrist communicator in the far future but they didn’t say anything about ten F&F movies, that’s cray …” the site joked, apparently name-dropping the Fast & Furious movie franchise.