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David Snow - page 90

Clear Mkeke MagSafe cases protect and showcase iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max

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Mkeke's clear magnetic cases protect and show off iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
Mkeke's clear magnetic cases protect and show off iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

What’s better than a clear case that shows off the sleek beauty of your iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max while protecting it from every bump, scrape and drop? That’s an easy question to answer — what’s even better is the same clear case with MagSafe technology.

Powerful magnets in Mkeke’s affordable and super-protective clear bumper cases for iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max make charging up the handsets fast and easy with any MagSafe or Qi charger. And they look good while doing it, too.

Dual Mac minis and Xbox play in gamer’s workstation [Setups]

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Two Mac minis and an Xbox provide the fun in this gaming setup.
Two Mac minis and an Xbox provide the fun in this gaming setup.
Photo: [email protected]

To a lot of people, “home for the holidays” may mean even more massive amounts of gameplay than usual. That could be the case with the owner of today’s featured computer setup. In addition to two Mac minis, the workstation sports an Xbox Series S with a couple of special-edition controllers.

And two of the three displays in the setup are curved gaming monitors. The other’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro mounted on a stand.

Top 5 affordable ANC earbuds of 2022

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Soundcore A40 wireless ANC earbuds sound great, but their noise cancellation is epic.
Soundcore A40 wireless ANC earbuds sound great, but their noise cancellation is epic.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

I’ve reviewed quite a few active noise-canceling wireless earbuds for Cult of Mac, including the magnificent new second-gen AirPods Pro. And while the high quality and excellent features of Apple’s updated ANC buds make them a favorite as well as a benchmark, there are great alternative earbuds that do a nice job for a much lower cost.

What follows isn’t a “top 5 in the world” list, which would be an assortment of mostly super-pricey earbuds. It’s my favorite earbuds among those I’ve reviewed in the past year or so, mostly focused on high-value products, considering the quality you get for the cost.

Selling a house got him this Mac-based music studio [Setups]

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A Mac Studio, two Studio Displays and a whole lot of audio gear and guitars make up this music setup. The Audient iD44 audio interface on the stand in the center of the photograph got replaced with an Apollo X Twin Heritage audio interface.
A Mac Studio, two Studio Displays and a whole lot of audio gear and guitars make up this music setup. The Audient iD44 audio interface on the stand in the center of the photograph got replaced with an Apollo X Twin Heritage audio interface.
Photo: [email protected]

“These go to 11,” says lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel about his specially modded guitar amplifiers in music mockumentary classic This Is Spinal Tap. And today’s featured computer setup probably rocks just about that hard, too.

The Mac Studio, dual Studio Displays and array of killer audio gear in the home-basement setup belong to a working New York City-area rocker. Check out details about his chest-thumping rig, below.

Mythic Quest spinoff Mere Mortals coming to Apple TV+

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Apple TV+ plans to air “Mere Mortals,” a new “Mythic Quest” extension series from Ashly Burch, John Howell Harris and Katie McElhenney.
Apple TV+ plans to air “Mere Mortals,” a new “Mythic Quest” extension series from Ashly Burch (pictured), John Howell Harris and Katie McElhenney.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ said Thursday its hit show Mythic Quest, a workplace comedy about a gaming company, will hatch a spinoff series called Mere Mortals.

Calling the new show an “extension series,” Apple TV+ said it “will explore the lives of employees, players and fans who are impacted by the game.”

Save big on a stylish Momax charging stand for iPhone and AirPods

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It's a good-looking charging stand.
Not all charging stands are created equal. For instance, this one looks good.
Photo: Momax

What’s better than plugging in one device at a time for charging with a wall adapter? Why, charging two devices at the same time without having to plug them in at all, of course. You can do that with the handsome Momax 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand.

And right now, Cult of Mac readers can get a big discount of 20% off the stand, on top of another 15% off coupon, greatly reducing the regular price. That’s a great deal on a holiday gift or a present for yourself. See details below.

New Apple TV+ documentary traces rise and fall of jailed tennis star Boris Becker

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The trailer for the upcoming documentary features a frank interview with tennis legend Boris Becker.
The trailer for the upcoming documentary features a frank interview with tennis legend Boris Becker.
Photo: Apple TV+

In a brief new trailer Apple TV+ dropped Thursday for an upcoming documentary, moist-eyed tennis legend Boris Becker more or less admits to the camera that his life might be as good as over. His sentencing took place just days later. He went to prison for hiding assets to avoid paying debts.

“It’s Wednesday afternoon,” Becker said in the interview. “Friday I will know the rest of my life.”

The interview footage, which you can watch at the link below, comes from an as-yet untitled, two-part film about Becker’s life made by two Oscar-winners — director Alex Gibney and producer John Battsek.

Got a vehicle? Get 20% off these handy iPhone car mounts.

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The adhesive version of the mount will stick to almost anything.
The adhesive version of the mount will stick to almost anything.
Photo: SwitchEasy

If you’re the proud owner of a car, you’re already dealing with maintenance, parking and other hassles. But you’ve got one less thing to worry about if you take advantage of the Cult of Mac Store’s SwitchEasy Flash Sale and pick up one of its handy car mounts for iPhone at 20% off the regular price.

They make it easy to see, access and charge your iPhone while you’re behind the wheel. And through December 21 you can get about $6 off your choice of the three of them with different mounting mechanisms. See below.

Ph.D. student rocks M1 MacBook Pro in whipsmart workstation [Setups]

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This is what a Ph.D candidate's computer setup looks like.
This is what a Ph.D candidate's computer setup looks like.
Photo: [email protected]

A computer setup run by a doctoral degree candidate had better be damned smart, and today’s featured setup doesn’t disappoint. It’s got a powerful M1 MacBook Pro, a recent (but not the latest) iPad Air, a very slick 4K display and a trio of whipsmart input devices boasting plenty of customization options.

And it’s got all that and pretty clever cable management, too. But does the future Ph.D.’s rig smoke a pipe and pretentiously hold forth on esoteric topics? No, it’s actually somewhat modest (down to the nice but not top-shelf headphones).

New Apple TV+ documentary trailer shows ominous ‘War for Football’

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Will a war over big-time soccer tear the sport apart?
Will a war over big-time soccer tear the sport apart?
Photo: Apple TV+

A new documentary series is coming to Apple TV+ January 13 — Super League: The War for Football. Its trailer, dropped Wednesday, makes it look like a spy thriller filled with betrayals is currently unfolding in the world of international soccer.

And it’s good timing on the streaming service’s part, promoting it during the world’s most-popular sport’s biggest event, the World Cup.

Apple gears up for alternative app stores on iPhone and iPad

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No, the App Store isn't closed. But big changes are taking place behind the scenes.
No, the App Store isn't closed. But big changes are taking place behind the scenes.
Photo: Apple

Apple has launched a major project to allow alternative app stores on iPhones and iPads by 2024. The effort is meant to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which comes fully into force then, and other possible national or regional laws that will make Apple allow sideloading of apps, according to new report Tuesday.

The end result should see Apple allowing people to download third-party software to iPhones and iPads from somewhere other than the App Store for the first time.

Ends tonight: Save 20% on compact SwitchEasy USB-C wall chargers

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SwitchEasy PowerBuddy 30W can top off two devices at once.
SwitchEasy PowerBuddy 30W can top off two devices at once.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Need ideas for practical stocking stuffers that friends and family will actually use? The SwitchEasy Flash Sale in the Cult of Mac Store is on through 11:59 p.m. PST on December 13.

You can pick any of three compact wall chargers with USB-C and USB-A ports. There’s a potent 30W version, another 30W with cable storage and a tiny 20W version. Check them out.

Grab these 8 great stocking stuffers for techies before it’s too late

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What's small, not-too-pricey and perfect for geeks? The ideal stocking stuffer.
What's small, not-too-pricey and perfect for geeks over the holidays? The ideal stocking stuffer.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The holiday season is fast-unfolding, and Christmas will be here before Hermey the elf from the classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer can say “Well, sir, someday I’d like to be a dentist.”

So it’s time to act fast if you want to get a gadget-y gift for the techie or geek in your life in time for deliveries by December 25. Check out some cool ideas below.

They’re all small enough to fit in a stocking; prices range from a cheap $20 to a few hundred bucks (for those very special stockings). And there’s plenty more good stuff in the Cult of Mac Store.

Eve beams Matter support to an array of smart home devices

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The Eve Motion sensor is one of the devices to receive the new firmware update with Matter support.
The Eve Motion sensor is one of the devices to receive the new firmware update with Matter support.
Photo: Eve Systems

A number of devices across Eve Systems’ product lineup are receiving support for the home automation networking standard Matter with a new, optional firmware update, the company said Monday.

Matter support — which lets devices from different makers work together over the same network — will come to Thread-enabled devices in the company’s Eve Door and Window, Eve Motion and Eve Energy lineups.

Formidable Mac trio drives pro streaming rig [Setups]

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This setup generates a 2-hour streaming show twice a week.
This setup generates a 2-hour streaming show twice a week.
Photo: [email protected]

Ahoy there, would-be video streamers — today’s featured computer setup comes from an airtight and seaworthy pro streaming operation you might want to emulate.

The folks behind Sailing Illustrated streams shared their rig, based on a Mac Studio, an M1 Mac mini, an M1 MacBook Pro, a Rode RodeCaster Pro production studio and a slew of related gear and software.

Tiny new drone shoots 4K HDR video

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The DJI Mini 3 can transmit video from up to 10 kilometers away.
The DJI Mini 3 can transmit video from up to 10 kilometers away.
Photo: DJI

Just in time for the holidays, DJI released a tiny, more affordable version of its DJI Mini 3 Pro drone. Just subtract the world “Pro” from the name.

The new DJI Mini 3 weighs in at a svelte 249 grams (8.78 ounces) or less and shoots detail-rich, 4K HDR video, the company said.

M1 MacBook Air knows how to have fun [Setups]

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Lots of toys live in this MacBook Air and gaming PC rig.
Lots of toys live in this MacBook Air and gaming PC rig.
Photo: [email protected]

Some setups are no-nonsense, just the facts, ma’am — strictly utilitarian. Others are fanciful and full of toys. Today’s featured setup leans toward the latter, with its burgeoning population of Transformer figures crowding the shelf above the display and even related wall art.

And there’s plenty of gaming going on there, too, via a custom gaming PC and Nintendo Switch OLED in addition to an M1 MacBook Air and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Oh, and it has one of the coolest speaker systems ever made, too.

Glitter band turns your Apple Watch into a Christmas ornament

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Ready to get your bling on?
Ready to get your bling on?
Photo: Casetify

“Get your bling on with the Casetify Glitter Apple Watch Band!” says Casetify in its listing for the distinctive band. And at this time of year, the festive bands — available in four fun colors — seem especially merry.

But you can rock the sparkling band any time of year for whatever festivities you’re into. Just head to the Cult of Mac Store.

Corral accessories with new Mujjo tech organizers

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The new Mujjo Tech Kit is compact. The Tech Case is larger.
The new Mujjo Tech Kit is compact. The Tech Case is larger.
Photo: Mujjo

Are your Apple accessories and cables becoming a messy hassle, especially when you travel? Mujjo, known for its vegan leather products, unveiled a new collection of eco-friendly nylon tech organizers Thursday.

The Mujjo Tech Kit and Tech Case help keep your growing gaggle of tech accessories tidy and untangled, the company said.

Top 10 Momax gifts for travel, WFH and Apple power users

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Holiday shopping guide: If there's an Apple fan on your holiday shopping list, they'll love Momax gear.
If there's an Apple fan on your holiday shopping list, they'll love Momax gear.
Image: Artboard Studio/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

‘Tis the season for outstanding and affordable accessories for your Apple products, and Momax is playing Santa Claus. The company offers 10 great products for travelers, work-from-home toilers and Apple power users alike.

And rest assured, in addition to discounts available on Amazon for the devices, you can take another 15% off with the special coupon code CULTXMAS2022. Happy holidays!

First look at Truth Be Told season 3 introduces new cast member

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Octavia Spencer, left, and new cast member Gabrielle Union star in
Octavia Spencer, left, and new cast member Gabrielle Union star in Truth Be Told season 3.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ offered a first look at season 3 of its award-winning drama Truth Be Told Thursday, introducing a new cast member in the process.

Actress Gabrielle Union joins Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer on the NAACP Image Award-winning show. Season 3 kicks off on January 20.

Apple employees have raised $880 million for charity since 2011

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Apple and its staff support organizations and communities around the world through volunteer work, donations and learning programs.
Apple and its staff support organizations and communities around the world through volunteer work, donations and learning programs.
Photo: Apple

Apple and its employees have raised more than $880 million in charitable giving for nearly 44,000 groups all over the world since the Employee Giving program started 11 years ago, the company said Thursday.

As part of that, more than 76,000 Apple workers have put in over 2.1 million volunteer hours. Apple matches employee giving and volunteer hours with donations, too, in addition to its corporate grants to organizations.

Apple vastly expands iCloud data encryption with 3 security updates

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Apple encryption
Apple plans to expand end-to-end encryption for more iCloud services.
Photo: Markus Spiske/Unsplash

Apple said Wednesday users are gaining three new security features to protect their data in the cloud, with some available now and some to come. The overall program is called Advanced Data Protection.

The three new functions to help keep data and communications safe are iMessage Contact Key Verification, Security Keys for Apple ID and Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, the company said.

Apple TV+ nabs 10 Critics Choice Award nominations

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Severance nabbed nominations for Best Drama Series and for Adam Scott's acting.
Photo: Apple TV+

The Critics Choice Association showered Apple TV+ Tuesday with 10 nominations for the upcoming 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards. They include Best Drama Series nods for workplace psycho-drama Severance and dark comedy-drama Bad Sisters, plus Best Foreign Language Series noms for Pachinko and Tehran.

Nominations honored six series in total. The other two nominations covered acting in prison suspense thriller Black Bird and family drama The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. See more specifics below.

Elderly Mac mini hangs with hot new MacBook Pro in web developer’s rig [Setups]

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The Mac mini keeps on ticking but the web dev relies most heavily on a 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro.
The Mac mini keeps on ticking but the web dev relies most heavily on a 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro.
Photo: [email protected]

In today’s featured computer setup, owned by a web developer, a 2012 Mac mini shares the spotlight with a new 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro.

Before you think, “Wow, the Mac mini must be amazing, competing with that sleek new laptop,” nah, this is more like take-your-great-grandfather-to-work day for the elderly little desktop machine.

It’s around because it still works for light lifting. And it does indeed show impressive longevity.