David Snow - page 7

Apple will replace its much-maligned (and quickly abandoned) FineWoven material for iPhone cases with a new synthetic fabric for the iPhone 17 lineup, according to a new leak Tuesday. And on Wednesday a new name — “TechWoven” — and images of Apple packaging came to light. The new MagSafe cases might feature a cross-body strap and lanyard support, too

The new material appears to be Apple’s next attempt to create a leather alternative for iPhone cases, following the company’s 2023 decision to eliminate leather products from its lineup for environmental reasons. The resulting FineWoven came under heavy fire from users for poor durability and its tendency to show wear quickly.

The leaker Majin Bu followed up on his Tuesday post with a post Wednesday indicating the name “TechWoven” and showing images of Apple product boxes for the MagSafe cases.. See below.

Some people take an orthodox view of external computer displays and opt for just one with proper windows management. For the rest of us, the best dual-monitor setup we can afford is the best way to go for plenty of screen real estate without going overboard. Check out some of the greatest two-display rigs from setups coverage over the past few years below.

Apple’s budget iPhone might get a significant visual overhaul in 2026, with the iPhone 17e ditching the notch in favor of the Dynamic Island, according to a new leak.

That would finally bring the modern Dynamic Island experience, which debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro, to price-conscious consumers. However, the leaker didn’t clarify whether we can count on Apple adding MagSafe to the new budget phone, a key feature left out of the iPhone 16e.

If you want to mirror iPhone to TV, Apple’s built-in AirPlay is a great option. But what if your TV doesn’t support AirPlay?

Enter the DoCast screen mirroring app for iOS, a comprehensive screen mirroring app that supports Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV and DLNA-enabled TVs. It bridges the gap between your iPhone or iPad to stream high-quality video, music or pictures to almost any smart TV.

Apple will shake up its iPhone lineup this September with the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, a dramatically thinner device that could replace the Plus model entirely. Based on numerous reports and leaks we’ve included in this iPhone 17 Air rumor roundup, this new phone promises to be Apple’s most significant design departure in years.

With only seven days remaining, the LiberNovo Omni Kickstarter campaign is closing in on the finish line, and it’s already a record-breaker.

With over 8,000 supporters pledging more than $7 million, the Omni has become the highest-funded ergonomic chair in Kickstarter history.

The campaign officially ends August 23, 2025, at 8:51 am Pacific. When it does, the up to 31% early-bird discount will disappear, along with free U.S. shipping, no customs fees and stretch goal rewards. Heard enough? Reserve yours now on Kickstarter.

For Mac users who spend hours perfecting videos in Final Cut Pro, coding the next breakthrough app or designing stunning interfaces, the right workspace setup is everything. But while you’ve invested in the best displays, keyboards and other ergonomic gear, you may overlook one crucial element: a highly adaptable massage office chair that supports you through those marathon creative sessions. And from what we’ve seen, that chair should be the new LiberNovo Omni with its innovative Bionic Flexfit Backrest, available now at a discount on Kickstarter.

Its advanced features work together to keep you comfortable and relaxed through long days of computer work.

A big trend in recent years in Cult of Mac‘s setups coverage has been ever-increasing displays — either bigger ones, more of them or both. Sometimes it seems like an arms race to create the most NASA-Mission-Control wall of screens ever. But sometimes it’s not about size, but variety and convenience, including portable monitors and device screens. Take a look at our best-multi-monitor-setup workstations below, along with top displays and other gear that makes them tick.

Streaming Friday (or really Thursday night, per typical Apple TV+ practice), Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical — the first Peanuts musical in more than three decades — sees Charlie Brown and the gang trying to save their beloved summer camp from going bust. And the music part is no joke here, featuring songs from singer-songwriter Ben Folds and other award-winning composers. Watch the recent trailer below.

Reviews so far seem quite positive. The New York Times talked about the show’s “new direction,” depicting Charlie Brown’s triumph while celebrating Charles M. Schulz’s legacy 25 years after his death and 75 years after the birth of his iconic comic strip. Nerds that Geek calls the musical numbers “a real treat.” The San Francisco Chronicle said it “charms with heart and songs” and “hits the right notes.”

Apple plans an ambitious return to artificial intelligence hardware with a slate of new devices, headlined by a tabletop robot designed to serve as an interactive AI companion, according to a new report. Cult of Mac reported on the “Pixar Lamp” robot and its physical motions before, but new information indicates a new version of Siri could make it surprisingly human-like in its interactions with people.

As Apple seeks to establish a stronger foothold in the connected-home market, it works on an ambitious lineup of home security devices that include smart cameras and a facial-recognition doorbell that can unlock doors, according to new report Wednesday.

One of the better pairs of on-ear headphones you can get is now half off at Amazon — Beats Solo 4. The current $99.95 price doesn’t beat what I paid during Prime Day in July, but my miracle deal was only $2 cheaper! And I have zero regrets.

Seriously, these little cans for less than $100 makes for a great deal anytime.

United Airlines passengers can now watch popular Apple TV+ originals including Severance, Ted Lasso and Slow Horses for free during flights, the airline said Tuesday. The partnership brings full seasons of award-winning Apple TV+ content to United’s 130,000-plus seatback screens and mobile app.

Smart lock manufacturer UltraLoq released its first deadbolt compatible with Apple home key last week, offering iPhone and Apple Watch users a seamless way to unlock their doors with a simple tap. You can buy the UltraLoq Bolt NFC smart deadbolt lock for $199.99 with discounts.

“Our product strategy is rooted in delivering both convenience and security,” said Raj Sundar, Senior Product Director at Xthings, UltraLoq’s parent company. “With Bolt NFC – Works With Apple home key, we’re not just launching our first lock with Apple home key support, we’re answering the call from Apple Home users who expect a fast, secure, and truly native unlocking experience.”

While historical dramas often recycle familiar European or American narratives, Apple TV+’s Chief of War breaks cool new ground by exploring less-charted territory. The ambitious production transports viewers to 19th-century Hawaii, offering an authentic indigenous perspective on a pivotal period rarely depicted in mainstream media.

It’s bloody and brilliant. And you end up seeing Jason Momoa’s nearly bare backside so often that you just become numb to it.

Kidding aside, it only takes the first three episodes now available to stream as of Friday to see that Chief of War isn’t just another historical drama. It’s more of a cultural phenomenon that challenges conventional storytelling while delivering the great-looking cinematic work Apple TV+ subscribers have come to expect. The series masterfully weaves together political intrigue, cultural authenticity and human drama in ways that should captivate history buffs, cultural diversity seekers, bloodthirsty battle lovers and pretty much anyone hungry for some fresh storytelling.

Some computer setups on social media are like highly functional art, beautifully curated and seemingly permanent, like museum pieces. Others are just weird, wonderful and fleeting. Today’s example is more the latter case, featuring a “spec’d out” M4 Mac mini used with an iPad Air and a tiny touch screen as external displays, plus a Magic Trackpad and a crazy split keyboard.

People questioned the lack of a MacBook, but other commenters rose up in defense of the oddball setup.

Everybody’s favorite gaming service, Apple Arcade, expanded its library Thursday as four new exclusive games joined. We knew they were coming — and now you can play them. That brings the subscription service’s catalog to over 200 ad-free games, Apple said.

Here are the latest additions: Play-Doh World, a creative digital playground; Worms Across Worlds, the newest entry in the beloved strategy series; Let’s Go Mightycat!, a whimsical puzzle adventure; and Everybody Shogi, a colorful take on the traditional Japanese board game.

A major shift in Apple’s iPhone camera technology could come soon, as it partners with Samsung to manufacture advanced image sensors at a Texas facility for the first time, according to new reports. They stem from Wednesday’s big news from the White House about the iPhone giant’s new US manufacturing program.

“By bringing this technology to the US first, this facility will supply chips that optimize power and performance of Apple products, including iPhone devices shipped all over the world,” Apple said.

Previously, Apple worked exclusively with Sony on iPhone camera sensors, including its recent 48MP sensors. Now, it may use more advanced 200MP Samsung sensors — perhaps as soon as iPhone 18 drops in 2026.

President Donald Trump invited Apple CEO Tim Cook to the White House on Wednesday to announce Apple’s new investment of an additional $100 billion in domestic manufacturing. It’s part of a new program designed to bring more of Apple’s supply chain to American shores.

When AirPods Max came out in late 2020, everyone seemed to hate the Smart Case that Apple created for the high-end headphones. And it seems they still do to this day, as we await a third iteration of the cans.

Third-party solutions flooded in, including the type of thing used in today’s featured MacBook Pro setup as multipurpose storage — a nifty charging stand. The headphones rest vertically in the stand, taking on power and looking good doing it — and they remain ready to grab at any time.

Apple might unveil a significant redesign for its iPhone 17 cases when the lineup launches in September, introducing new Liquid Silicone cases featuring optional lanyard support, leakers suggested Wednesday.

Here’s your chance to see anew how platonic relationships between men and women can quickly turn into minefields. Season two of Apple TV+ comedy Platonic, starring Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, started streaming Wednesday with its first two episodes.

The two stars head up other successful shows on the streaming service — The Studio for Rogen and Physical for Byrne. The new season of Platonic — you can watch the trailer below — brings them together again and looks familiar after season one. We get laughs from embarrassing moments and physical comedy, but also have our heartstrings plucked a bit as the two lovable losers struggle with life.

VideoProc Converter AI is the ultimate AI video quality enhancer that revolutionizes how we restore and enhance old footage.

Convert precious family videos that look pixelated, choppy and low-resolution into crystal-clear 2K or 4K quality.

This comprehensive media toolbox combines cutting-edge artificial intelligence with an intuitive interface.

That makes professional-grade video enhancement accessible to everyone — no technical expertise required. And right now you can get the 4K version for free, or the AI-powered special VideoProc Converter AI deal. See below.

How many times have you been out and about only to find your iPhone, Apple Watch or AirPods battery dead or running on empty right when you need it? That’s why Anker offered its MagGo 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station. The tiny Anker travel charger folds up so you can forget about it in your bag or coat pocket until the need for charging arises.

And right now, you can get the snappy little charger for just $62.99. It’s on sale for a limited time at Amazon and direct from Anker.

So many of us sit at a computer all day peering at a screen, it’s no wonder eye strain is a common problem. But only some of us — like today’s featured MacBook Pro and Studio Display user — really attack the problem beyond taking more breaks. They offer tips to reduce eye strain below.

In a groundbreaking development, a brain-computer interface (BCI) company successfully demonstrated the first-ever use of Apple’s Vision Pro AR/VR headset — and later an iPad — controlled directly by thought, according to Synchron. The innovation opens up exciting possibilities, perhaps even beyond helping individuals with severe mobility limitations engage with cutting-edge technology. Innovations like thought control of Vision Pro and iPad could lead to big things for both hands-free and voice-free use of devices.

August 4 update: In a new video, Synchron released proof of the first-ever public demonstration of an individual using an iPad controlled entirely by thought, leveraging Apple’s built-in accessibility features and new Brain-Computer Interface Human Interface Device (BCI HID) protocol, the company said. Watch the video below.

May 13 update: Synchron said it would be the first brain-computer interface (BCI) company to achieve native integration with a new BCI Human Interface Device (BCI HID) profile Apple just rolled out among various accessibility upgrades.