Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh Classic II (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer. He’s written for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview, and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
The proposed Apple ProCam harks back to a product launched in the 1990s. Photo: Antonio De Rosa/ADR Studio
A concept designer explored the possibility of an Apple stand-alone camera for professionals. The Apple ProCam is loaded with features, like 8K support and a built-in picture printer.
All this raises the question, is this a product that makes sense for Apple to make?
Red, Gobo, Boober, Mokey and Wembley in Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, premiering globally January 21 on Apple TV+. Photo: Apple TV+
Jim Henson’s fun-loving and musical Fraggles return in Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock. The series will debut January 21 on Apple TV+. ‘80s kids, you can introduce your children to a show you loved back in the day.
A little fuzzy on the Fraggles? Watch a trailer released Wednesday to start the fun.
Belkin’s Wemo Smart Video Doorbell uses HomeKit Secure Video to ensure your privacy. Photo: Belkin
Belkin unveiled the Wemo Smart Video Doorbell that uses Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video. It’s built around a 4MP, wide-angle lens.
Also at CES 2022, Belkin announced redesigned smart plugs and lighting solutions with support for Matter over Thread, which means they’ll also support HomeKit.
Plus, the wraps came off Belkin SoundForm Immerse noise cancelling earbuds with support for Apple’s Find My system.
The Plugable UD-6950PDZ Docking Station lets you connect a Mac to up to three monitors. Photo: Plugable
Plugable used CES 2022 to unveil a dock that can handle up to three 4K external monitors using either HDMI or DisplayPort. The UD-6950PDZ also has ports for Ethernet, USB-A, audio and more.
In addition, Plugable also announced the USB4-HUB3A, a small hub with three Thunderbolt ports and more.
CES 2022 Innovation Awards honoree: The Cypress Hero Backpack with Find My Technology from Targus. Photo: Targus
You won‘t have to attach an AirTag tracker to the upcoming Targus Cypress Hero Backpack to locate it because it’ll have Apple’s Find My tracking technology built in.
The bag, which can hold a MacBook as large as 16 inches, can also be used to locate a misplaced iPhone.
The Apple VR/AR headset is only a concept now, but details keep leaking out. Concept: Antonio De Rosa
Apple’s upcoming virtual reality and augmented reality headset will have three displays, according to a new report by display-industry analysts. They also have a prediction for what the third screen will be used for.
Rumors indicate the VR/AR headset finally will surface in 2022.
The Moft Smart Desk Mat takes your office desktop vertical. Photo: Moft
The vegan leather Moft Smart Desk Mat beautifies your desk, but that’s just the start. It unfolds into an angle-adjustable stand that can can hold one or more Apple computers and accessories in a range of configurations.
Moft also announced at CES 2022 a fold-flat, cooling laptop stand. And a case and stand for the iPad mini 6, as well.
The Tapo S500D Smart Dimmer Switch and Tapo L535 Multicolor Smart WiFi Light Bulb are two of the HomeKit-compatible accessories TP-Link just unveiled. Photo: TP-Link
TP-Link unveiled a collection of HomeKit-compatible smart home accessories at CES 2022. It includes smart plugs, switches smart lighting and more.
After growing steadily for years, Apple’s market capitalization passed the $3 trillion point. Photo: Cult of Mac
Apple just became the first publicly traded U.S. company to be valued at a whopping $3 trillion. AAPL stock topped out at $182.88 a share Monday before dropping slightly, bringing the market cap back below the $3 trillion milestone.
Take your iMac for a spin with the HyperDrive Turntable Dock Photo: Hyper
The HyperDrive Turntable Dock for iMac includes a 360-degree swivel mechanism that makes turning the computer a breeze. Plus, it has room for an SSD and 10 useful ports.
Hyper also unveiled on Monday the HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub, which combines a docking station and 100W computer charger.
The current AirPods Pro will stay around for a while, but a replacement is reportedly on the way with some interesting new features. Photo: Apple
Apple will launch a second generation of AirPods Pro in the fall, according to an analyst who’s also a reliable tipster. The upgraded earbuds allegedly will offer better sound than the current version, via support for lossless audio. And there reportedly will be other changes, too, including a new design.
Long before the launch, AirPods of all kinds are shipping like crazy, thanks to Apple’s lowering the cost, according to the same analyst.
Start a new tradition: watch Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne with your family tonight. Photo: WildBrain/Apple TV+
You should ring in the New Year with the first new Peanuts special since 2011. In Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne, Lucy is having a party but everything is going wrong. It’s her fault but she blames everyone else. So the gang has to come together to save the day.
As a Peanuts fan going back decades, I watched the new holiday special with a skeptical eye. I found a lot to like, whether this is your introduction to Charlie Brown and his friends, or you’re a long-time watcher like me.
Augmented reality has the potential to change how we use all computers. And Apple is getting into the market in 2022. Graphic: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Apple might break into a new product category in 2022. The company reportedly will unveil its long-rumored virtual reality and augmented reality headset.
Over the years, Apple profoundly changed the smartphone, tablet, smartwatch and MP3 player markets, taking niche products mainstream. It’s possible it’s about to do the same for VR/AR.
The EZQuest USB-C Gen 2 Hub Adapter takes just one port but adds four USB-C ports. And three USB-A ones. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
You can never be too thin, too rich or have too many USB ports. The EZQuest USB-C Gen 2 Hub Adapter adds four USB-C ports and three USB-A ones, making room for an array of peripherals for your Mac or iPad.
I put the USB-C hub through real-world testing. Here are its strengths and weaknesses.
AirPods Max owners grumble about the hefty price tag. Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
A year after the debut of AirPods Max, an analysis of user reviews found that buyers like the over-the-ear headphones less than rival products. The main problem: price.
For comparison, the same study by consumer research company Revuze shows people who buy Apple’s basic AirPods seem much more satisfied. And user reviews of other Apple products are usually quite positive, too.
“It is off-brand and surprising to see how poorly the AirPods Max product was received over the course of the year since its release,” Revuze CEO Boaz Grinvald told Cult of Mac.
Some top Apple engineers got a Christmas present they can take to the bank. Photo: Pixabay/Pexels CC
Competition for highly skilled engineers and programmers is fierce in Silicon Valley, and Apple’s answer is big bonuses for employees it really wants to hold on to. It reportedly rewarded some workers with up to $180,000 in company stock.
These were apparently unscheduled and not part of usual compensation packages.
The iPad Pro might get a a couple of noticeable design changes in 2022. Graphic: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Apple won‘t let the iPad languish in 2022. Most notably, some big improvements are reportedly coming to the display and charging capabilities of the iPad Pro line.
And the iPad Air and iPad won‘t be overlooked, either.
A new Apple patent shows ideas for a possible iPad folding cover/stand. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple received a patent for a foldable iPad cover/stand capable of holding the tablet up in a range of viewing angles. It’s a notable improvement over the current Apple Smart Cover.
Of course, there are plenty of third-party folding iPad stands with comparable capabilities. But people are more likely to pick Apple’s version because it’s Apple.
Look who’s back. Photo: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The new, highly transmissible COVID-19 variant reportedly forced Apple to shut down around 20 of its retail stores in the United States. Coronavirus cases continue to rise dramatically because of the omicron variant, with the daily national average more than doubling in the past two weeks.
Those planning to return a gift at a brick-and-mortar Apple Store, or use a gift certificate, should check to see if it’s open before heading out.
The 2022 MacBook Air is expected to bring quite significant changes. Graphic: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
With 2022 almost on us, it’s time to look forward to the massive MacBook Air refresh expected next year. Tipsters say there’ll be a slim new design, a much better screen and a range of other improvements.
This notebook is also expected to be the debut of the super-speedy Apple M2 processor.
35% of iPhone users haven’t installed iOS 15, even though they could have months ago. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Three months after launch, a lower percentage of iPhone users have adopted iOS 15 than they did its predecessors in previous years. Cult of Mac asked readers to explain their hesitancy.
Video demos don’t have to be dry as dust. One Apple just premiered showing iPhone 13’s Cinematic mode is actually funny. Screenshot: Apple
Apple proves that demo videos don’t have to be dry and boring. It premiered a trio of short videos Sunday that show off the capabilities of the iPhone 13 Pro camera — and they’re actually fun to watch.
Plus, if you were just gifted Apple’s latest handset, watch all three and you might be inspired to go make a movie with it.
2022 should be a big year, bringing both the iPhone 14 series and the iPhone SE 3. Graphic: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
2022 might bring some significant swings in Apple’s phone strategy. The “regular” iPhone 14 series reportedly will include a more affordable 6.7-incher in place of the 5.4-inch mini model. And the two upcoming iPhone Pro models could get rid of the notch, replacing it with a smaller alternative.
Plus, there allegedly will be a big improvement to the rear-facing camera, as well as other changes. And an iPhone SE 3.
Celebrate Christmas with these wonderful specials on Apple TV+. Photo: Cult of Mac
Christmas time is here, and Apple TV+ is ready to help you celebrate. There are some wonderful specials on Apple’s streaming service that can get you in the holiday spirit.