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David Snow - page 90

Smart desk lamps feature voice control, wireless charging and more

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Momax's LED desk lamps have a wireless charging pad and a USB port for charging.
Momax's LED desk lamps have a wireless charging pad and a USB port for charging.
Photo: Momax

Did you know that desk lamps are now smart? A new line of LED-powered desk lamps from Momax offer a host of smart features, including wireless Qi charging bases, voice control via Amazon Alexa, an iPhone app for advanced control, automatic eye health adjustments, the ability to set color temperature, color modes and brightness, an extra USB port to charge another device, and more.

Perhaps best of all, you can get 10% off the price of each lamp by using code CULTOFMAC10 at checkout.

T-Mobile wants you to charge your gadgets with a hot-purple suitcase

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T-Mobile turns November 3 into April Fools Day with a hot-purple suitcase-charger.
T-Mobile turns November 3 into April Fools Day with a hot-purple suitcase-charger.
Photo: T-Mobile

We had to check the calendar to see if it was April 1 when T-Mobile’s press release showed up. “Introducing the Un-carrier On from T-Mobile – the Smartest, Flyest Carry-On Ever,” it said, pushing a new carry-on bag the cellular carrier said is the only one on the market with wireless charging.

The suitcase, produced in partnership with Samsara Luggage, is awkwardly named the “Un-carrier On” and comes in one color: magenta. A big part of T-Mobile’s brand, that color is also the name of one of its membership plans.

Tired of boring Apple Watch bands? Try this.

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We bet you're wondering where she got that Apple Watch band.
We bet you're wondering where she got that Apple Watch band.
Photo: Cult of Mac Store

At the end of the day, it seems like there are only so many types of Apple Watch bands. Leather. Stainless steel. Nylon. But what about something cool and cosmopolitan you don’t see everywhere? We think we found just the thing.

Goldenerre is known for some pretty glamorous accessories, and its Leather Link Apple Watch Band is an interesting option. It hand-wrapped leather links alternate with gleaming metallic ones for an exciting look. Check it out below and in the Cult of Mac Store.

MacBook Pro rig employs gaming and portable monitors, rare keyboard and mouse [Setups]

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This person mounts a portable monitor on their laptop keyboard and uses a 27-inch gaming display, too.
This person mounts a portable monitor on their laptop keyboard and uses a 27-inch gaming display, too.
Photo: [email protected]

We love it when a computer setup we’ve looked at before gets a facelift, or some sort of significant update. Today’s featured MacBook Pro setup stuck with the laptop, an interesting usage of a portable display and a highly unusual mechanical keyboard. But it added a beautiful gaming monitor, a rarely seen vertical mouse and some other details.

And of course it kept its beloved Lego Wall-E. And it even found a practical use for extra Lego bricks.

Zugu makes 2 of Amazon’s most-wished-for iPad cases

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Wish you had a great iPad case? Huge numbers of people on Amazon wish for Zugu.
Wish you had a great iPad case? Huge numbers of people on Amazon wish for Zugu Case.
Photo: Zugu Case

Retail juggernaut Amazon.com keeps running lists of its most-wished-for products that folks want to buy or get as gifts. Consistently at or near the top of the tablet case list, you’ll find Zugu’s popular cases for the 10.2-inch iPad and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

What makes those cases so coveted? There are plenty of reasons. Read on.

Delightful Apple accessories by Elago going for 15% off (today only!)

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Elago's W5 Apple Watch Stand is a blast from the past.
Elago's W5 Apple Watch Stand is a blast from the past.
Photo: Elago

Elago is known for its fun and interesting stands and cases, often in a retro vein. If you’re in need of Apple accessories along those lines — or along any lines, really — you should check out the big Halloween Sale in the Cult of Mac Store. It ends today (Tuesday, November 1).

The three Elago items below, for example, are all offered at 15% off regular prices.

Last day to get 10% off Elkson Bumper Cases for Apple Watch

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Elkson bumper cases cover a range of Apple Watch series and sizes.
Elkson bumper cases cover a range of Apple Watch series and sizes.
Photo: Elkson

Most people at least consider protecting their iPhone with a case, but not everyone thinks to protect their Apple Watch that way — even though the wearable is arguably the more-fragile device. Good thing Elkson offers the rugged Quattro Bumper Case for Apple Watch.

And aș part of the Halloween Sale in the Cult of Mac Store — ending on Tuesday (November 1) — you can get the case for various series of Apple Watch for just $10.79, or 10% off.

Customize Cooler Master’s new mechanical keyboard any which way

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This wired mechanical keyboard can be easily modified in multiple ways.
This wired mechanical keyboard can be easily modified in multiple ways.
Photo: Cooler Master

California peripherals specialist Cooler Master just updated its popular 65%-format mechanical keyboard (CK721) to create the company’s first fully customizable board, the wired CK720. You can swap out its switches without a soldering iron to easily get the typing feel and sound you like best.

“We’re huge fans of custom-built mechanical keyboards ourselves, so we wanted to make sure the CK720 is a great steppingstone into the hobby,” said Dennis Liu, Cooler Master’s peripheral general manager, in a press release. “Whether you like smooth linear switches with maximum thock, or a sharp tactile typing feel with a marbly sound, the CK720 has the ability to achieve it.”

Last chance! Take 10% off classic Mifa Apple Watch bands.

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Mifa's glamorous Sparkle band comes in silver or rose gold options.
Mifa's glamorous Sparkle band comes in silver or rose gold options.
Photo: Mifa

The Halloween Sale in the Cult of Mac Store has something for everyone. Even within specific accessory types by one brand, you find choice. Take Mifa’s Apple Watch bands, for example. Today’s your last day to get 10% off in the week-long sale.

You can glam up your Apple Watch considerably with the Sparkle Bracelet, which looks like a million bucks. Or you can go with the ultimate classic strap with a Classic Leather band.

Kids relate through sci-fi in Apple TV+ Circuit Breakers trailer

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Kids' sci-fi series
Kids' sci-fi series "Circuit Breakers" premieres on Apple TV+ November 11.
Photo: Apple TV+

If you were a kid, wouldn’t you like to use a remote control to just “turn off” your parents for a while? But what if you couldn’t figure out how to turn them back on?

That’s one of many scenarios that flash past in the trailer for Circuit Breakers Apple TV+ released Monday. It’s a science-fiction series about middle-schoolers set in the near future. It premieres November 11.

When a ‘dual-display’ setup needs no external monitors [Setups]

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Sometimes
Sometimes "dual display" just means two highly portable displays.
Photo: [email protected]

In the world of computer setups, sometimes it seems like some sort of display arms race is going on. Even five or six screens isn’t uncommon anymore, with a few external displays added to the devices with built-in screens, and all in play in the workstation.

But how about no external displays? Does that work for you? It does for today’s featured MacBook Pro and iPad Air setup. See why below. And don’t overlook that unassuming but very special desk lamp, either.

Edifier AirPlay 2 smart speaker looks good and sounds better [Review] ★★★★☆

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This handsome speaker offers high-quality sound at an attractive price.★★★★☆
This handsome speaker offers high-quality sound at an attractive price.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you’re looking for quality audio at an affordable price, you can certainly do much worse than Edifier products. The Chinese company consistently comes across with great value, and that’s the case with the Edifier MS50A powered wireless smart speaker.

The company sent me one of the handsome, wood-paneled speakers to test out. Though it’s not the smartest smart speaker on the block, it looks and sounds great for the price. I’ll get into more detail below.

New division of Rode offers 2 mics for streamers and gamers

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The new Rode X brand offers two USB mics for streamers and gamers, plus software.
The new Rode X brand offers two USB mics for streamers and gamers, plus software (pictured: XCM-100 mic).
Photo: Rode

The Australian company Rode is well-known for its array of microphones and other gear for content creators in media and at home. But now the company has launched a new sub-brand called Rode X with wares aimed straight at streamers and gamers.

So far you can get two new USB mics and software to go with them.

Killer streaming gear used for anything but streaming [Setups]

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This is a well-lit setup for video calls.
This is a well-lit setup for video calls.
Photo: [email protected]

When you look at the gear in today’s setup you might say, what is this, an ad for Elgato? The workstation is rife with Elgato devices widely used by streamers for video-production workflows, like its popular Facecam, Wave:3 microphone and Stream Deck.

But the MacBook Pro setup isn’t used for streaming at all.

The software engineer who occupies the well-appointed workstation finds perfectly productive things to do with all that Elgato gear, other than streaming.

Connect everything to your MacBook with new dock’s 13 ports

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With a whopping 13 ports, Ugreen's new dock has you covered for charging.
With a whopping 13 ports, Ugreen's new dock has you covered for charging.
Photo: Ugreen

Ugreen expanded its product range Thursday with the launch of its new 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station, designed for M1 MacBooks and other laptop computers.

Taking advantage of the dock’s whopping baker’s dozen of ports, you can use it to connect a wide range of external devices to your laptop.

Take this slender power bank on the road for fast charging

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Excitrus 105W Power Bank Ultimate is about the size of a new iPhone.
Excitrus 105W Power Bank Ultimate is about the size of a new iPhone.
Photo: Excitrus

Mobile charging specialist Excitrus introduced its 105W Power Bank Ultimate Thursday, a small but potent charger with an 18,000mAh battery for on-the-go device charging.

The company called the iPhone-sized device “one of the smallest [on] the market with around 100W power output.”

Get 15% off MacUpdater 2: It makes software updates effortless

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MacUpdater app on a computer screen
MacUpdater lets you see apps needing updates at a glance. And it can update many of them with one click.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

If you’ve built up a big collection of Mac apps, especially if they’re from various sources, it’s a chore keeping them up to date for optimal functionality and security. That’s unless you have a stellar utility like MacUpdater.

Now available in version 2.3, MacUpdater makes keeping your software updated effortlessly. And better yet, Cult of Mac readers can get 15% off the software’s price with a special coupon. See below.

Apple Learning Coach program adds instructors nationwide

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The program certifies instructors who help school teachers make the most of Apple products in their work.
The program certifies instructors who help school teachers make the most of Apple products in their work.
Photo: Apple

The Cupertino tech giant expanded its free Apple Learning Coach program Wednesday to invite more tech instructors of various stripes across the U.S. to join. Once certified, they can show school teachers how to get the most out of Apple products to help their students.

Folks like tech coaches and digital learning specialists who want into the program can apply by November 16, Apple said.

Protect iPhone 14 with tough Momax magnetic cases and screen protectors

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Momax's clear magnetic case for iPhone works with MagSafe chargers.
Momax's clear magnetic case for iPhone works with MagSafe chargers.
Photo: Momax

A new iPhone 14 is a substantial investment in what may be your most important piece of technology — often in-hand, always within reach. So shouldn’t you protect it? iPhones have become tougher over the years, but you wouldn’t want to risk yours being out of commission even for a day.

Momax covers two of the best ways to safeguard iPhone 14. One is a slim-but-tough magnetic case in clear or colorful options. The other is a tempered glass screen protector. Together, they’re like armor for your iPhone. And right now, Cult of Mac readers can save 10% on these Momax accessories with code CULTOFMAC10.

Apple TV+ nabs 5 Gotham Awards nominations

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Britt Lower got a Gotham Awards nomination for her work in
Britt Lower got a Gotham Awards nomination for her work in Severance.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ received five nominations for the 32nd Annual Gotham Awards Tuesday, including two nominations apiece for the series Pachinko and Severance and one for the film Causeway.

This comes after Apple took two wins in the 2021 Gotham Awards, which recognize visionary work in indie film and TV. This year’s awards ceremony takes place November 28.

New Mujjo magnetic leather wallets stick to any MagSafe iPhone

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The case and cards are secure at any angle, the company said.
The case and cards are secure at any angle, the company said.
Photo: Mujjo

Tech accessories brand Mujjo, known for its leather iPhone cases, introduced a new collection of leather MagSafe wallets for iPhone Tuesday.

The wallets hold three cards and stick to any iPhone with MagSafe — with or without a case — the company said.

Are you ready to try Amazon’s highest-rated iPad cases?

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Zugu's iPad cases are top-rated on Amazon for good reasons.
Zugu's iPad cases are top-rated on Amazon for good reasons.
Photos: Zugu

You don’t find many brands on Amazon with an average rating of 5 stars, but Zugu is one of them. The company focuses intently on making the best iPad cases it can, and if rave reviews are anything to go by — and they certainly are — Zugu is wildly successful at its endeavors.

After all, seeing all 5 stars filled in for thousands of ratings of each iPad case has got to be reassuring for shoppers looking to protect their tablet. And that includes cases for iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro, in all sizes.

We’ll take a closer look at Zugu’s iPad cases and how the company got to where it is today below.

Grab and go with new fast-charging EcoFlow portable power stations

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The three new portable power stations charge quickly and last a long time, EcoFlow said.
The three new portable power stations charge quickly and last a long time, EcoFlow said.
Photo: EcoFlow

EcoFlow rolled out three new River 2 series power stations Tuesday. The under-1kWh devices charge to 80% as fast as 48 minutes and offer a long life, making them cost-effective for on-the-go uses like camping as well as home power backup, the company said.

Scary-good deals for Halloween: 15% off all Elago accessories

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Elago's R1 strap is perfect for your new AirPods Pro 2 charging case.
Elago's R1 strap is perfect for your new AirPods Pro 2 charging case.
Photo: Elago

Halloween is the time for kooky costumes, candy-induced belly aches and frighteningly good deals on Apple accessories in Cult of Mac‘s Super Sweet Deals sale. You can get anything made by Elago for 15% off this week.

Just head to the Cult of Mac Store to take 15% off all Elago accessories. That’s 162 products that go along with pretty much everything Apple. See some highlights below.