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David Snow - page 92

Last chance: Get 20% off 96 different Laut accessories for Apple devices

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The protective Laut Holo AirPods 3 case catches the light and dazzles.
The protective Laut Holo AirPods 3 case catches the light and dazzles.
Photo: Laut

Year-end sales can be a bonanza for anyone seeking Apple accessories — and the Laut sale in the Cult of Mac Store is no exception. You can slash 20% off the price of 96 different accessories for Apple products.

So whether you need a stand, charger or case for any number of devices — not to mention a plethora of stylish Apple Watch bands — the Laut sale on all accessories has you covered. Check out some highlights below. The sale ends at 11:59 p.m. PST on December 30.

An Apple Watch Ultra for $48? No, but you can get this obvious knockoff.

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It sure looks the part, but does it do all the rough stuff?
It sure looks the part, but does it do all the rough stuff?
Photo: Pebble

Some rugged, outdoorsy types might hesitate over the Apple Watch Ultra’s $800 price tag. But what if they could get a lookalike watch for less than $50?

The Indian company Pebble — no relation to the Pebble smartwatch outfit acquired by Fitbit — said it will ship just such an option soon. And the Pebble Cosmos Engage looks just like the real thing. But it probably doesn’t function like a real Apple Watch Ultra.

Mac mini and MacBook Pro trade off in student rig [Setups]

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Both a MacBook Pro and a Mac mini drive this setup.
Both a MacBook Pro and a Mac mini drive this setup.
Photo: [email protected]

Back in our day — when we walked 5 miles uphill to school both ways — students were lucky to have plywood on cinderblocks for a desk and a laptop weighing, oh, let’s say 25 pounds (we’re too old to remember things).

Nowadays, these kids have pretty swanky computer setups with desktop machines you could toss in a knapsack. Today’s featured item boasts a Mac mini, a MacBook Pro, a 4K display, Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad 2 and a Lego building set to die for.

Wild new mechanical keyboard sports a full screen under clear keys

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As soon as that finger contacts the key, a ripple is going to scatter those koi fish.
As soon as that finger contacts the key, a ripple is going to scatter those koi fish.
Photo: Finalmouse

Gaming mouse-maker Finalmouse dipped its toe in the mechanical keyboard pool last week, and it made a ripple like you might see on the keyboard itself. That’s because the keeb, aimed at gamers, features clear keycaps and switches so you can see the full screen underneath while you type, showing crazy colors and lights.

Whether the new Centerpiece keyboard is easy to type on or just crazy distracting, it’s certainly going to be interesting. It comes out in early 2023.

The unicorn of iPad cases? That’s Zugu.

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Maybe unicorns really are real -- at least when it comes to Zugu iPad cases, which are so good they're almost magical.
Maybe unicorns really are real -- at least when it comes to Zugu iPad cases, which are so good they're almost magical.
Photo: Zugu Case

Since ancient times, the legendary unicorn has been described as a horse-like creature with a single horn projecting from its forehead. Considered magical and unique, the mythical beast has come to signify a one-of-a-kind treasure.

The only iPad case we’ve found that comes close to fitting that description is Zugu Case. It’s just right in so many ways, no matter which iPad you have. That’s what makes Zugu the unicorn of iPad cases.

Don’t make the same mistake I did with new AirPods

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Why isn't that case festooned with hilarious emojis? Foolish me.
Why isn't that case festooned with hilarious emojis? Foolish me.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

As soon as AirPods Pro (2nd generation) launched, I ordered them. I got them into the shipping queue so fast, in fact, I skipped any option that looked like it might take extra time or add expense. That included “Personalize them for free,” which would have done neither.

Apple has been letting users monogram AirPods cases with letters and numbers since 2019. It added emojis the following year. Now you can even choose your own Memoji via the Apple Store app.

What I didn’t realize at the time is that whatever you have etched on the case shows up on your devices wherever your earbuds are indicated, like when you pair them. Now I wish I’d monogrammed mine because it’s so much easier to identify your own personal AirPods.

External monitor, MacBook Pro and iPad all float on one arm [Setups]

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The external display, MacBook Pro and iPad are all lined up on one mount/arm.
The external display, MacBook Pro and iPad are all lined up on one mount/arm.
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s featured Mac-and-gaming-PC computer setup pulls off a rare feat. It perfectly aligns three displays on one arm. The displays are a substantial external monitor, a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro mounted vertically (yet running Sidecar).

Read on for tips on how to pull all that off, as well as tricks to using an iPhone as a mounted webcam and more.

Take $17 off this compact 4-in-1 MagSafe charging stand

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The charging stand is convenient on your desk or your nightstand.
The charging stand is convenient on your desk or your nightstand.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Even if you’re not worrying about giving gifts that must arrive by a certain deadline, mid-to-late December is a great time to take advantage of holidays sales. And right now you can get a great deal on a handy SwitchEasy 4-in-1 MagPower Charging Stand that’ll keep your gadgets going.

Through December 26 you can get it for 20% the regular price in the Cult of Mac Store. That’s a savings of $17.

M1 Max MacBook drives classic Cinema Display [Setups]

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Setups 17parkc-Reddit Dec 21 2022

At Cult of Mac we love retro Apple gear. Today’s featured setup pairs a powerful new M1 Max MacBook with a beautiful old Cinema Display plus the iconic Harman Kardon SoundSticks speaker system.

And if you love the old Cinema Displays but worry their resolution won’t cut it nowadays, read on.

Edit videos quickly and creatively with Wondershare Filmora 12

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Wondershare Filmora 12 is fun and easy to use for video editing.
Wondershare Filmora 12 is fun and easy to use for video editing.
Image: Wondershare

If you create content for YouTube and TikTok, you know the quality of your video is key to getting your work noticed. But not just anyone can make great videos — unless they have the right tools. One of the best tools you can use to easily put your creativity to work making videos quickly is Wondershare Filmora.

What makes it great? Anyone at any skill level can use Filmora to import and edit video, add special effects and transitions, and share the finished product. And the new version of the software, Filmora 12, adds more than a dozen great new features.

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.