Mobile menu toggle

David Snow - page 78

Inside the secret mission to add glucose monitor to Apple Watch

By

In a possible groundbreaking new product, Apple Watch could monitor blood glucose with the help of device strapped to the bicep.
In a possible groundbreaking new product, Apple Watch could monitor blood glucose with the help of device strapped to the bicep.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch is well-known as a health tracker, but a new report said a secret project dating back to Steve Jobs’ era — to use the wearable to monitor glucose without pricking the skin to get blood — has made headway recently. And that has major implications.

The secret effort, known as E5, could involve a device that straps to the bicep and works with the watch. If it comes to market, it could disrupt industries and help millions of diabetics.

Here’s your chance to talk directly to Jon Stewart [Updated]

By

Apple TV+ said you can ask this guy questions on Thursday. No, seriously.
Apple TV+ said you can ask this guy questions on Thursday. No, seriously.
Photo: Apple TV+

Jon Stewart, longtime host of The Daily Show and current host of The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+ — and to many folks a sort of comedic conscience of the nation — will take your calls on Thursday, February 23.

That’s the same day the streaming service said six new episodes of Stewart’s show would air weekly starting Friday, March 3.

Meanwhile, he’s doing a livestream on the The Problem‘s YouTube channel at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. “He’ll be taking your calls,” the show tweeted.

High praise for hard-to-find Bose speakers [Setups]

By

The little Bose speaker on the stand to the left of the display is, apparently, a keeper. But it's hard to come by.
The little Bose speaker on the stand to the left of the display is, apparently, a keeper. But it's hard to come by.
Photo: [email protected]

The main gear in a computer setup might be perfectly impressive, like the Mac Studio desktop machine in today’s featured setup. But that’s not what everyone looking at the workstation notices and talks about on social media.

Instead, the coveted items in this particular setup are a Bose speaker system folks are having a hard time finding, plus a Belkin Continuity Camera mount that helps you use an iPhone as a webcam.

Why you can trust Dashlane password management: Never breached, always secure

By

Dashlane's best-in-class digital-security tools service more than 15 million people and over 20,000 organizations.
Dashlane's best-in-class tools ensure the security of more than 15 million people and 20,000 organizations.
Photo: Dashlane

These days, with data breaches on the rise, even companies whose job is to keep you secure online are suffering data disasters. But not security-first password manager Dashlane. It has never been breached. Not every password management company can say that.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Dashlane.
You can stay safe wherever you go online with 24/7 password protection from Dashlane. This secure password manager works on Mac, iOS and iPadOS, as well as in Safari, Chrome and Firefox web browsers. (It also works on Windows and Android.)
Read more about Dashlane’s benefits and plans below, and find out how you can take advantage of a special 50% discount for Cult of Mac readers.

New Sonos Era smart speakers take direct aim at HomePod

By

The Sonos Era 300 is the larger and better-equipped of the two new smart speakers.
The Sonos Era 300 is the larger and better-equipped of the two new smart speakers.
Photo: Sonos

A new leak indicates Sonos will release its new Sonos Era 100 and 300 smart speakers in March with a slew of features that challenge Apple’s recently relaunched HomePod.

Of the two new Sonos speakers, the pricier Era 300 features a version of spatial audio. Both support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB-C line-in for versatile connectivity. The Era 100 is likely to replace the much-liked Sonos One, launched in 2017.

New HiRise Pro adjustable MacBook stand also charges iPhone

By

You can adjust the stand's height to bring your MacBook's screen to eye level and align it with your main external monitor.
You can adjust the stand's height to bring your MacBook's screen to eye level and align it with your main external monitor.
Photo: Twelve South

Accessories maker Twelve South introduced a successor to its original HiRise stand for MacBook released about a decade ago — the new HiRise Pro for MacBook. You can watch the video below.

You can adjust its height for almost any use, it matches Apple’s Pro accessories in color and finish, and it features a spot in the base where you can insert a MagSafe charger to juice up your iPhone and other gadgets.

Unlike AirPods, Beats Fit Pro keeps adding fun new colors

By

Three bright new colors of Beats Fit Pro earbuds are coming Thursday.
Three bright new colors of Beats Fit Pro earbuds are coming Thursday.
Photo: Beats

When Apple subsidiary Beats launched Beats Fit Pro in 2021, the earbuds were noted for high-level features a la AirPods Pro. But unlike AirPods Pro — or any AirPods, which are steadfastly white and only white — Beats came in a choice of four colors.

Beats has added more colors since, including a brand new choice of three hues available Thursday — coral pink, tidal blue and volt yellow.

Researchers explore ‘frontiers of heart health’ with Apple Watch

By

Apple Watch is already helping researchers study heart health in various ways.
Apple Watch is already helping researchers study heart health in various ways.
Photo: Apple

Apple highlighted Apple Watch’s potential as a heart-health monitor on Tuesday, referring to its increasing usefulness to health researchers and medical personnel.

In addition to the ResearchKit and CareKit programs rolled out in 2015, Apple said it launched its Investigator Support Program. In it, health researchers get Apple Watches to study the heart.

Mount iPhone or iPad on this sturdy magnetic hoop stand [Review] ★★★★☆

By

SwitchEasy's MagEasy Flipmount is a sturdy stand for iPads, iPhones and other devices.★★★★☆
SwitchEasy's MagEasy Flipmount is a sturdy stand for iPads, iPhones and other devices.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

A computer setup benefits from stands, which raise up your devices for hands-free use while easing problems like neck strain. That’s a big selling point of the SwitchEasy MagEasy Flipmount Magnetic Hoop Stand. It’s not a charger, but it mounts MagSafe iPhones nicely, and it includes a hoop that magnetizes any other device, like an iPad.

SwitchEasy sent me one to check out. You can read my thoughts below.

Save big on refurb iPhones and Apple Watches in this one-day sale

By

Now's your chance to grab an affordable Apple Watch 7.
Now's your chance to grab an affordable Apple Watch 7.
Photo: Apple

Monday — aka Presidents’ Day — is your day to grab great deals on refurbished iPhones and Apple Watches at Woot, Amazon’s bargain site.

The scratch-and-dent sale’s selection includes iPhone 13 and Apple Watch 7, plus a slew of older models. If you want one, you’d better hurry, though. The sale ends at 10 p.m. PST Monday.

How old do you have to be to still have a printer? [Setups]

By

You don't see a printer right in the setup all that often. People took notice.
You don't see a printer right in the setup all that often. People took notice.
Photo: [email protected]

We come across setups with printers from time to time, though they’re usually off to the side and perhaps only occasionally used. But today’s featured setup with a MacBook Air, a 2016 12-inch MacBook and a 20-inch Cinema Display keeps the printer right in the main mix.

This took some commenters by surprise. They noted why they never print anymore and grilled the user about his age, which turned out to be a lot lower number than expected.

Luminar Neo marks a year of creative upgrades with a special offer for you

By

Right now you can get a 2-for-1 deal on the highly functional Luminar Neo photo editing app.
During Luminar Neo's birthday celebration, you can get a two-for-one deal on the highly functional photo editing app.
Photo: Skylum

Are you a photographer? If so, you should know about Luminar Neo, the full-featured photo editing app from Skylum that’s celebrating its first birthday.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Skylum.
The team behind it, based in war-torn Ukraine, has relentlessly improved the award-winning software over the past year. With a multitude of new features — including several AI-powered tools that make photo editing magically creative — Luminar Neo offers serious photographers total control over their images.

Skylum is marking Luminar Neo’s one-year anniversary with a fantastic opportunity for savings. Read on for more on the app’s new features and the “1+1” deal on offer.

Bizarre LG DualUp display beguiles another Mac fan [Setups]

By

Another oddly shaped LG DualUp monitor finds a home in a Mac setup.
Another oddly shaped LG DualUp monitor finds a home in a Mac setup.
Photo: [email protected]

When the eccentric LG DualUp display came out, its nearly square, 16:18 aspect ratio raised eyebrows. But the monitor is kind of like two displays in one, so it’s making inroads into computer setups like today’s featured MacBook Pro workstation.

The user wanted a Studio Display, but he finds the DualUp an economical alternative and then some.

T-Mobile gives customers free MLS Season Pass via Apple TV app

By

If you're an Apple TV+ subscriber and a T-Mobile customer, this deal saves you $79 ($99 for people not already signed up for Apple TV+).
If you're an Apple TV+ subscriber and a T-Mobile customer, this deal saves you $79 ($99 for people not already signed up for Apple TV+).
Photo: Apple

Cellular carrier T-Mobile said Tuesday it’s offering MLS Season Pass for free to every customer this soccer season. The pass is available by subscription via the Apple TV app on millions of devices, with many matches available on Apple TV+.

So if you’re a T-Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile customer, MLS Season Pass — the only way to watch all of the league’s live soccer matches this season — comes free when you sign up for it. See details below.

Edifier’s new high-end headphones bring top quality at low price [Review] ★★★★

By

The headphones' folding design helps them fit nicely in the high-quality carrying case.★★★★
The headphones' folding design helps them fit nicely in the high-quality carrying case.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Edifier has produced quality speakers, headphones and earbuds at affordable prices for more than 25 years. And once again I’m impressed with the value it offers, this time regarding the recently released, high-end Edifier WH950NB Wireless Noise Cancellation Over-Ear Headphones.

You can find fancier, better-sounding cans for considerably more money. But at $180, this set punches well above its weight, competing with $250 to $350 contenders.

Edifier sent me a pair to try out. I’ll get into the pluses and minuses below.

New iOS gaming controller sports Lightning and USB-C connectors

By

With a USB-C connector in addition to a Lightning connector, the controller easily works with both iPads and iPhones.
With a USB-C connector in addition to a Lightning connector, the controller easily works with both iPads and iPhones.
Photo: RiotPwr

Saying Wednesday that it created a “future-proof cloud gaming controller,” RiotPwr released a new iOS gaming controller with both Lightning and USB-C connectors.

“The RiotPWR RP1950 controller [is] the solution for the USB-C cloud gaming crisis for iOS users,” the company added.

3 Macs and KVM switch keep remote worker out of trouble [Setups]

By

Three Macs and a KVM switch with a big external monitor can be the perfect solution.
Three Macs and a KVM switch with a big external monitor can be the perfect solution.
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s featured computer setup employs three separate Macs — MacBook Pro, M1 MacBook Air and M1 Mac mini — connecting two of them to a big external monitor using a KVM docking station.

KVM switches are handy when you don’t want to switch cables from different computers using the same monitor and input devices. But there’s another reason the user, Greg Coit, chose the method.

Test indoor air quality with new Ikea monitor

By

The monitor's launch comes in April and its HomeKit and Matter compatibility are expected via a pending Dirigera hub update.
The monitor's launch comes in April and its HomeKit and Matter compatibility are expected via a pending Dirigera hub update.
Photo: Ikea

Ikea unveiled its new indoor air-quality monitor Tuesday. With a name that sounds like a Swedish jet fighter — Vindstryka — it’s designed to help you combat pollutants in your home or office. And it will be HomeKit- and Matter-compatible through the Ikea Dirigera hub after the company updates it.

The Swedish home furnishings giant set an April launch date for the monitor but hasn’t added a price tag yet.

Ends tonight: Score 20% off Apple Watch bands, iPhone cases, organizers and more

By

The Function 101 BentoStack organizer is a bento box for your Apple accessories.
The Function 101 BentoStack organizer is a bento box for your Apple accessories.
Photo: Function 101

“Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet,” goes an old Valentine’s Day saying. And what’s sweeter than saving a few bucks? (Not that your sweetheart has to know about that part when you give them a gift).

The Cult of Mac Store’s Valentine’s Day Sweet Savings sale goes through 11:59 p.m. PST on February 14. You can get 20% off an array of Apple accessories, including organizers, cable blocks and more from Function 101 and stylish stretch-link stainless steel Apple Watch bands and stacking bracelets from Rilee & Lo.

And you can score even bigger savings on iPhone cases and more from other brands.

Snatch up these bargains on iMacs, MacBooks and iPads while they last

By

You can get various versions of the 24-inch iMac, among other gear.
You can get various versions of the 24-inch iMac, among other gear.
Photo: Apple

Amazon-owned discount site Woot! is offering a slew of deals on iMacs, MacBooks and iPads through Thursday.

Some M1 laptops are already sold out, but a lot of gear remains, so jump on this if you’re in the market for Apple hardware. It’s the sort of sale that may make people wish they’d waited to buy instead of going all-in at launch.

Alogic’s new Matrix ecosystem makes wireless charging easy anywhere

By

Alogic's Matrix series consists of five wireless chargers that you can purchase separately or together.
Alogic's Matrix series consists of five wireless chargers that you can purchase separately or together.
Photo: Alogic

In these busy times, when your crucial gadgets run out of power — your iPhone or Apple Watch, for example — it can really ruin your plans. That’s why Alogic built what it said is the world’s first modular wireless charging ecosystem to keep you powered up.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Alogic.
It’s called The Matrix, and it’s designed to serve all your charging needs at all times, everywhere.

What if your iPhone had Lightning and USB-C ports?

By

Are two ports better than one?
Are two ports better than one?
Photo: @Hyphaistos3672

Cult of Mac has reported on how Apple will replace iPhone’s Lightning connector with USB-C soon enough — but what if Cupertino decided to go with both ports on future iPhones, like the 15 series?

One engineer appeared to explore the option, modding an iPhone 12 mini by adding a fully functional USB-C port next to the existing Lightning port.

Stunning Mac Pro rig sees massive audio upgrade [Setups]

By

A pair of KEF LSX speakers on Kanto stands adds to this killer setup's high price tag.
A pair of KEF LSX speakers on Kanto stands adds to this killer setup's high price tag.
Photo: [email protected]

There’s nothing like a major upgrade. Today we return to one of the most magnificent computer setups we’ve seen lately, as it somehow found a way to top itself. When you’ve already got a loaded Mac Pro, two Pro Display XDRs and a top Apple laptop and tablet, where do you go from there?

You thank the HomePod mini for its service and welcome new $1,250 speakers to the party.

Bare-bones mobile workstation is ready for anything, anywhere [Setups]

By

At home or in a fast-food joint, work is getting done.
At home or in a fast-food joint, work is getting done.
Photo: [email protected]

Sure, you only need a MacBook Air or Pro to get things done almost anywhere. Or maybe an iPad with a stand and keyboard. But if you want to be more comfortable (and productive), wouldn’t you want a fuller computer setup? Today’s incredibly spare featured setup gets the job done.

The user is a journalist who takes their work on the road, like the fast-food joint in the photo above. They use just an M1 MacBook Air on a stand, a mini mechanical wireless keyboard and mouse, and sometimes a clamp-on light and iPhone mount to handle quality video calls via Continuity Camera.