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Get ANC on the cheap with stylish new Creative Zen Air earbuds

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Noise cancellation and good battery life make Creative's new earbuds a good value at $45.
Noise cancellation and good battery life make Creative's new earbuds a good value at $45.
Photo: Creative Zen

Creative Zen unveiled its Air active-noise-cancelling (ANC) earbuds at CES 2023 and now you can buy them in the U.S.

For stylish, stemmed ANC earbuds with Ambient Mode, relatively long battery life and other solid features, they look like a good value at $45.

eGPU helps keep Intel Mac mini afloat in shipshape workstation [Setups]

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An Intel Mac mini sits atop Satechi hubs to the left of the LG 4K display. An eGPU with a potent graphics card stands to the right.
An Intel Mac mini sits atop Satechi hubs to the left of the LG 4K display. An eGPU with a potent graphics card stands to the right.
Photo: Hal Howell

Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Hal Howell recently shipped his computer setup to Cult of Mac for inspection, so to speak. He emailed photos and words, anyway.

He runs an Intel Mac mini with an outboard engine of sorts on it for extra graphics processing power, plus Satechi USB-C hubs with extra ballast (er, storage).

Check out the full manifest of the Navy man’s gear below.

This sale on scratch-and-dent iPhones and Apple Watches ends at midnight

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Here's your chance to get a cosmetically imperfect iPhone 13 or other handset on the cheap.
Here's your chance to get a cosmetically imperfect iPhone 13 or other handset on the cheap.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The discount site Woot! is at it again with its great-deals-on-a-deadline thing. On Tuesday we noticed it’s offering cheap prices on a range of refurbished iPhone and Apple Watches that might show moderate wear, like minor scratches and dents.

Thing is, the sale ends Tuesday at midnight CT/10 p.m. PT. That’s just hours away.

Ted Lasso star puts human face on privacy in new Apple video

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Actor Nick Muhammed -- aka Nate on
Actor Nick Muhammed -- aka Nate on "Ted Lasso" -- makes learning about iPhone privacy features fun.
Photo: Apple

Marking Data Privacy Day on Tuesday, Apple introduced new educational resources meant to help users take better control of their data, including a whimsical short film starring one of Ted Lasso‘s popular cast members.

The video, a new Today at Apple Session and Cupertino’s added statements on its ongoing security efforts come amid ever-rising cyberattacks and about a month after the company released Advanced Data Protection.

Wine-obsessed Japanese manga Drops of God spills onto Apple TV+

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Turns out wine keeps across comic novels and live-action TV series.
Turns out wine keeps across comic novels and live-action TV series.
Photo: Legendary Entertainment

Into Japanese comics (manga) or fine wine (boozy grape juice)? Then you may know Drops of God in its bestselling comic-novel form. Soon you can watch it as a live-action, multilingual dramatic series on Apple TV+, the streaming service said Wednesday.

In a somewhat unusual move, Apple TV+ licensed the French-Japanese dramatic series adapted from manga form rather than producing it. It did not set an air date, however. It said only that the series will premiere in 2023.

Review roundup: M2 and M2 Pro chips jack up new Mac mini models

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Reviewers heartily recommend the M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini models for different types of users.
Reviewers heartily recommend the M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini models for different types of users.
Photo: Apple

With the new M2 and M2 Pro versions of Mac mini released last week and expected to ship Tuesday, reviewers are showing a lot of enthusiasm for the new compact desktop machines.

Starting at $599, the Mac mini remains the cheapest Mac, but with performance upgrades and a powerful M2 Pro version on offer, the machines are more than capable of meeting the needs average users and pro creatives alike, reviewers said.

Gaming station sports Mac Studio and ultra-wide 4K display [Setups]

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This great-looking setup relies on Mac Studio, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and a PC.
This great-looking setup relies on Mac Studio, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and a PC.
Photo: [email protected]

In the world of computer setups flaunted on social media, we run across lots of folks who have their cake and eat it, too — in that they’re avid PC gamers who love their Macs, as well. Macs are rarely, if ever, the darlings of hardcore gamers.

Today’s featured setup plays hardball with a PC and Sony PlayStation, but it also covers the Apple bases. In addition to a powerful Mac Studio sharing time on the ultra-wide 4K display with the PC, the workstation boasts a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro.

Holafly eSIM gives iPhone users international data without barriers

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With Holafly eSIM you can stay connected wherever you go, all over the world.
With Holafly eSIM you can stay connected wherever you go, all over the world.
Photo: Holafly

An eSIM in your iPhone can keep you connected wherever you go internationally while avoiding expensive roaming charges. It’s super-easy to set up an eSIM. Plus, you can create different profiles for different countries or regions, so you never have to worry about getting hit with surprise charges.

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This post is brought to you by Holafly.
You can even use your regular SIM card alongside an eSIM. Find out more about how companies like Holafly provide eSIM service in this guide for international travelers.

‘Budget’ MacBook Air workstation doesn’t look cheap [Setups]

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Christian Panea setup
It's a "budget" setup, but it really doesn't look it.
Photo: Christian Panea@Workspace Setups Addict

Some budget computer setups look the part — cheap, utilitarian, uninspired, incomplete — and others don’t. Today’s featured setup falls in the latter category. You look at the well-equipped workstation and the word “cheap” doesn’t occur to you.

Against a DIY desk and pegboard, the setup features an M1 MacBook Air, dual Dell displays, some nice AV gear and plenty of nice touches.

HomePod head-to-head: How Apple’s new smart speaker compares to original

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Is the new HomePod really that different from the 2018 HomePod? Yes and no.
Is the new HomePod really that different from the 2018 HomePod? Yes and no.
Photo: Apple

Now that the full-size HomePod is finally back, just how different is it from Apple’s original smart speaker? At a glance, you might not think the $299 speaker Apple unveiled Wednesday is that different at all, because the exterior design looks so similar. But compare the new HomePod’s features to the old model, and you’ll find significant changes.

It seems potentially much-improved as a smart home device, but whether it’s a better speaker is questionable.

Kick your healthy 2023 into overdrive with these 3 smart products

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Momax Sunrise Sunrise Alarm Clock
Watch the sun come up with Momax's nifty smart alarm clock.
Photo: Momax

January isn’t over yet, so you might still be trying to keep up with your New Year’s resolutions. Why not give yourself a fighting chance with Momax’s nifty smart appliances?

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This post is brought to you by Momax.
Three Momax products in particular might give you a jump-start on a healthy new year. They include a smart alarm clock that can help you get to sleep as well as wake you up, a super-precise smart food scale that can advise you on nutrition, and a smart jump rope that can replace your personal trainer.

What could be better? Well, how about getting 10% off all the products with the code CULT10OFF plus another 10% coupon at Amazon.

Dress your M2 MacBook Pro in a stylish new WaterField Magnetic Laptop Sleeve

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You can buy a shoulder strip for the new sleeve or provide your own.
You can buy a shoulder strip for the new sleeve or provide your own.
Photo: WaterField Designs

San Francisco-based WaterField Designs makes a line of popular Apple accessories. On Wednesday it released a new Magnetic Laptop Sleeve that fits Apple’s new 14- and 16-inch M2 MacBook Pro models as well as the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air.

The sleeve features waxed canvas, neoprene padding and rare-earth magnets to keep your new laptop safe.

Souped up MacBook Pro centers super-symmetrical setup [Setups]

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There's nothing like a warmly lit, super-symmetrical setup.
There's nothing like a warmly lit, super-symmetrical setup -- especially if it has two Studio Displays.
Photo: [email protected]

When it comes to computer setups, social media loves symmetry. People often praise perfectly symmetrical setups and plenty of folks kind of freak out if anything’s even slightly askew, often supplying their own joking references to obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD.

In today’s warmly lit and well-organized workstation, a high-spec MacBook Pro drives dual Studio Displays. And pairs of other items in the room contribute to the overall symmetry.

eSIM explained: Keep your iPhone connected anywhere without a physical SIM card

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Traveling to another country? With an eSIM, rest assured your iPhone will work.
Traveling to another country? With an eSIM, rest assured your iPhone will work.
Photo: Andrea [email protected]

Can you imagine switching to another cellular provider for your smartphone without having to go to a shop or wait for your physical SIM card to be shipped? Or traveling abroad knowing your phone will work and you won’t face data-roaming charges? Or using the same phone number on your smartphone, watch, car and even your refrigerator?

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This post is brought to you by Holafly.
Well, modern eSIM technology — the future of data connectivity — makes all of that possible and even easy. The “e” stands for “embedded,” and it’s probably already on your devices. Let’s look at how you can benefit from it, especially with international travel.

January blowout: Save big on power products and be a ‘Bluetti Hero’

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In Bluetti's big January promotion, you can find huge savings on power products and become a
In Bluetti's big January promotion, you can find huge savings on power products and become a "Bluetti Hero."
Photo: Bluetti

Solar-generator powerhouse Bluetti is throwing a New Year’s bash as the first month of 2023 unfolds. But instead of champagne and confetti, the ongoing promotional party — called “The Sun Shines Wherever You Go” — offers you great deals on new solar panels and other products.

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This post is brought to you by Bluetti.
Running through January 25, the promotion celebrates Bluetti’s innovative new solar panels, offers great deals on other products, and serves as an open call for fans to become “Bluetti Heroes.” As such, you could showcase your experiences with the company’s power products for an upcoming documentary.

Keep AirPods Pro on lockdown with Laut’s cool carabiner case

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The case is shockproof and comes with a carabiner and lariat.
The case is shockproof, drop-tested and comes with a carabiner and lariat.
Photo: Laut

Imagine pulling out your AirPods Pro in their case and seeing them slip out of your hand. As they go bouncing down the stairs or into the street, you may try to recall if you bought Apple Care. But with Laut’s tough Zentry case, you might not need it, actually.

The tough Laut Zentry AirPods Pro Case for first and second-gen AirPods is drop-tested and comes with a handy carabiner and lariat that make it easy to hold onto your earbuds.

New MacBook Pro models come supercharged with M2 Pro and Max chips

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Apple said Tuesday its new M2-powered 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will ship January 24.
Apple said Tuesday its new M2-powered 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will ship January 24.
Photo: Apple

Apple released new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models Tuesday powered by the company’s most advanced processors, the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. The new laptops — which deliver the longest battery life ever in a Mac — are available to preorder now and go on sale January 24, Apple said.

“MacBook Pro with Apple silicon has been a game changer, empowering pros to push the limits of their workflows while on the go and do things they never thought possible on a laptop,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, in a press release. “Today the MacBook Pro gets even better. With faster performance, enhanced connectivity, and the longest battery life ever in a Mac, along with the best display in a laptop, there’s simply nothing else like it.”

Tricks to make your workstation look (and sound) beautiful [Setups]

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The desktop wallpaper by Basic Apple Guy really does a lot for this setup's visual effect.
The desktop wallpaper by Basic Apple Guy really does a lot for this setup's visual effect.
Photo: [email protected]

Some workstations look boring and utilitarian while others, at least sometimes, look otherworldly. The difference between the two usually comes down to good lighting, skillful photography — and often a key visual you don’t see every day.

Today’s featured MacBook Pro setup relies on atmospheric lighting and exceptionally cool desktop wallpaper on the displays to make it look fascinating.

And because the workstation is used mainly for audio design and includes great gear, it undoubtedly sounds great, too.

Get 20% off a 65W travel adapter you can use in 150 countries

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Momax's universal travel adapter is small enough to fit in almost any bag.
Momax's universal travel adapter is small enough to fit in almost any bag -- and works in just about any country.
Photo: Momax

If you’ve traveled extensively to other countries, especially more than one on a single trip, you know keeping your gadgets charged can be a tricky business. New day, new country … what kind of plug do you need this time?

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This post is brought to you by Momax.
That’s where universal travel adapters come in. And the Momax 65W GaN Universal Travel Adapter is a great example. The compact powerhouse is easy to pack, and its variety of sockets work in more than 150 countries. Even better, high-flying Cult of Mac readers can get a sweet deal on the adapter right now.

Apple tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. includes free book

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Apple's tribute to MLK includes one of the civil rights leader's classic books for free.
Apple's tribute to MLK includes one of the civil rights leader's classic books for free.
Photo: Apple

As it has done over the past several years on this national holiday, Apple dedicated most of its homepage Monday to honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Along with a photo of King preaching at the pulpit, this quote by him urging a response to the Vietnam War appeared: “This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive education.”

And the Cupertino tech giant offered a book by King for free on Apple Books.

Get power on the go with Alogic’s new portable-charger lineup

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Alogic's new 67W wall chargers come with plugs that work in many countries.
Alogic's new 67W wall chargers come with plugs that work in many countries.
Photo: Alogic

Consumer electronics maker Alogic rolled out a new lineup of chargers for travelers in early January. The range includes car chargers as well as portable GaN wall chargers that work in multiple countries to keep your iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and more going.

Equipped with various power capacities and port selections, the chargers could be useful for travel and in hybrid work environments, the company said.

Could this MacBook Pro rig be any more Apple? [Setups]

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Even the wall art above the Studio Display is Apple -- a deconstructed iPhone.
Even the wall art above the Studio Display is Apple -- a deconstructed iPhone.
Photo: [email protected]

Some computer setups are more Apple-ish than others. Apple-y. Apple-centric. Today’s featured M1 Max MacBook Pro outfit welcomes a new Studio Display to replace a recently “retired” 20-inch Cinema Display, and that’s just the start of the Cupertino madness.

Almost everything else in the setup is Apple, too. The input devices, the audio gear — even some of the wall art. And what’s in the book collection? The Cult of Mac hardcover book.

Beats Studio Buds for $60? Yes, please.

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The deal is only on the black ones. But black goes with everything, right?
The deal is only on the black ones. But black goes with everything, right?
Photo: Beats

Need great wireless earbuds but don’t want to spend much? Woot, owned by Amazon, is currently selling refurbished Beats Studio Buds for the uncommonly low price of $59.99.

That’s $90 off the list price of $150. And it’s less than typical sale prices, like the $99.95 Amazon is charging right for the buds right now.

Apple TV+ Sharper trailer spins a web of secrets and lies

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Veteran actors John Lithgow and Julianne Moore star in the new film.
Veteran actors John Lithgow and Julianne Moore star in the new film.
Photo: Apple

“Sharper” is old slang for a con artist or swindler. And in the trailer Apple TV+ dropped Thursday for its first film of 2023, a “neo-noir thriller” that shares the slang term as a title, it’s not easy to tell the con artist from the conned.

But it looks like it’ll be fun guessing which rich Manhattan people will lose their shirts in the film, starring Julianne Moore and John Lithgow.

It comes out in theaters February 10 and streams February 17, Apple TV+ said.

Limited time: Get almost half off Airbox and Airbox Go chargers

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The Momax AirBox features a 10,000mAH power bank to keep your gadgets charged on the go.
The Momax AirBox features a 10,000mAH power bank to keep your gadgets charged on the go.
Photo: Momax

If you need a compact and handy way to both store and charge your Apple gadgets on the move, you can’t go wrong with Momax Airbox and Airbox Go. And during the company’s special 7-day deal for Cult of Mac readers, you can get more than 40% off each of the nifty products. That’s a savings of up to $84!

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Momax.
Read more about Airbox and Airbox Go below, and find out how to get a great deal on these excellent Apple accessories this week.