Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 26 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh SE/30 (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer.
That's because he's a "tablet first" type of guy. Rather than use a Macbook, he connects a keyboard case to the iPad. And instead of a desktop Mac, he connects his tablet to a 27-inch display and full-size keyboard. (So don't try to tell him that everyone has to use a Mac to be productive.)
Before coming to Cult of Mac, Ed wrote for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
Pinecone & Pony set off for adventure April 8 on Apple TV+. Photo: DreamWorks Animation/Apple TV+
DreamWorks Animation created Pinecone & Pony, the animated adventure of a girl learning that there’s more than one way to be a warrior. The series for kids and families premieres on Apple TV+ on April 8.
A trailer for the upcoming series gives a taste of the fun to come.
Matter is going to… matter to fans of home automation. Photo: Connectivity Standards Alliance
The release date for the Matter standard has been pushed back to fall of 2022. Previously, Apple and the rest of the Connectivity Standards Alliance had hoped to launch the cross-platform home-automation standard much earlier in the year.
A primary goal is interoperability, allowing accessories to connect to HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, etc. Matter might finally make smart homes more common… even mainstream.
Mac Studio offers better performance than Mac Pro. But there’s at least one major drawback. Photo: Apple
The powerful Mac Studio desktop first reaches customers on Friday, but the initial reviews are out to answer any lingering questions about Apple’s latest macOS desktop.
This is supposed to be Apple’s new mid-range desktop, but hands-on tests show it beats the 2019 Mac Pro hands down.
The long, long wait for YouTube picture-in-picture support for iPhone could be near its end. Graphic: YouTube
YouTube has once again pushed back the date when it will apparently follow through on its promise to allow all iPhone users to watch video from its application in a small window while another app is open. The feature is already available for YouTube Premium subscribers, but it in beta testing, and that is scheduled to end on April 8. So that’s that next date that picture-in-picture could become available for all iPhone users.
When it finally launches, PiP will make YouTube videos easier to enjoy because they’ll allow people to use their iPhone to multitask while also watching.
Cyberflashing could put you behind bars in the UK. That includes using AirDrop to do it. Image: Cult of Mac/Icons8
Cyberflashing, sharing unsolicited sexual image via social media, could soon be a crime in the U.K. That specifically includes using Apple’s AirDrop to send a nearby stranger a picture of your junk.
Just… don’t do it. For a lot of reasons. Including the fact that you don’t want to spend up to two years in prison.
Slack for iPad works more like the desktop version. Graphic: Slack
Slack promises a “major update” for the iPad version of its application. It mixes the mobile and desktop versions into a design suited for a tablet.
With so many people working from home, iPad has become a computer millions depend on for their jobs. And Slack is a part of the daily routine for many of them, leading to complaints about the design of the previous version.
Apple is allegedly working to make this dream into a reality. Illustration: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
iPad users will soon be able to work with applications in floating windows, if an unconfirmed report is correct. This is a highly requested feature from those who want Apple’s tablet to function more like a Mac.
iPadOS will supposedly offer something like tablet mode and laptop mode depending on how it is being used.
Hands-on use shows the iPad Air 5 can handle demanding graphics apps. Photo: Apple
The iPad Air 5 reaches customers on Friday, and the first reviews describe it as a moderately improved version of the already excellent fourth-generation model.
They give us our first hands-on impressions of the tablet with an M1 processor and support for Center Stage.
With double the MagSafe, this power bank from OtterBox both sends and receives power wirelessly. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe doubles down on wireless charging. It clings magnetically to your iPhone while charging it, and the external battery also magnetically attaches to MagSafe chargers to receive power. And it can do both at the same time. There are versions with 3,000mAh and 5,000 mAh of capacity.
I tested the MagSafe accessory with my iPhone 13, and I’m pleased with how well it works.
An Apple autonomous vehicle could still be on the road in just a few years, despite a reorg of the development team. Photo: Possessed Photography/Unsplash CC
The group at Apple developing a self-driving electric car has been “dissolved for some time,” according to a reliable source of insider information. But the project supposedly hasn’t been canceled — it’s undergoing a reorganization.
This is likely a reflection of the many difficulties Apple has run into with this very complex project.
iPad Pro does not have better performance than iPad Air 5. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Early benchmark scores for the soon-to-be-released iPad Air 5 show the tablet has approximately the same performance as the iPad Pro models that cost much more.
That’s not a surprise considering the new Air has the same M1 processor as the Pro.
The Rock Space AX1800 WiFi 6 Router is quite capable despite a bargain price. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Wi-Fi 6 is the latest version of the wireless networking standard we all love. It’s so much better than its predecessor you should think about upgrading your router just to get it. Especially because the change won‘t be as expensive as you might expect because the Rock Space AX1800 WiFi 6 Router is just $80.
At that price, I was a bit suspicious that the device. But I’m a believer. I used this Wi-Fi access point in my home office for nearly two weeks and have no complaints.
The 27-inch iMac Pro is/is not about to launch. Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The 27-inch iMac is gone from Apple’s lineup. And it’s not clear when it’s coming back. Or if it will return at all.
One new leak claims that Apple has dropped plans to make a larger iMac. Another says development goes on, but the all-in-one desktop won‘t be out for a long time.
Apple might limit its new A16 processor to only iPhone 14 Pro models. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The basic iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max will launch this fall with the same A15 processor as the 2021 models, according to a reliable tipster. Supposedly, only the pricier iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will sport a new A16 chip.
If true, it’ll be a move Apple has never used before.
Apple TV+ will stream Friday night baseball games as soon as these are available again. Photo: Apple
In the wake of MLB team owners and players patching up their differences, Apple TV+ announced Friday that it’ll be streaming some of the first baseball games of the 2022 season. And every week thereafter until the playoffs.
Beginning April 8, Friday Night Baseball on Apple’s streaming service will be a weekly doubleheader with live pre- and postgame shows.And it won‘t require a subscription. At least not at first.
Monument Valley 2+ is the latest App Store Great added to Apple Arcade Photo: Ustwo Games/Cult of Mac
Monument Valley 2+ made the jump onto Apple Arcade Friday. Gameplay involves “a journey through magical architecture, discovering illusionary pathways and delightful puzzles as you learn the secrets of the Sacred Geometry,” according to the developer, Ustwo Games.
The puzzle adventure is “an immersive, addictive experience,” according to the Cult of Mac review.
Any Apple computers left in Russia could become the property of the Russian government. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Russia is considering nationalizing the assets of companies like Apple that pulled out of the country in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin, Russia’s leader, reportedly endorsed the plan on Thursday. The Mac-maker is just one of hundreds of companies that could be affected, but it’s a prominent one.
Even Apple’s newest Mac Studio desktop has USB-A and HDMI. And there’s an SD card reader on the front. Photo: Apple
For years, Apple seemingly worked to finish off the old USB-A and HDMI formats, as well as the SD card reader. It quit building them into most of its products, replacing them all with smaller USB-C ports. But that campaign appears to have stopped… at least for now.
You need look no farther than the newly announced Mac Studio for proof. It has USB-A, HDMI and an SD card reader.
It’s a sign that Apple is in a tough spot. There are good reasons to kill all of these. And an overwhelming reason to keep them. Let’s discuss.
The Mac Studio was recently unveiled and wait times are already into April. And into May in some cases. Photo: Apple
The launch date for the Mac Studio is March 18, but preorders placed today won’t arrive until well after that. The wait for the version with the M1 Ultra processor is six weeks or more.
Just because the new desktop is already backordered doesn’t automatically mean there’s huge demand. But it’s not a bad sign, either.
Mac Studio with M1 Ultra weighs a third more than with an M1 Max. He’s why. Photo: Apple
Configure the new Mac Studio with a super-fast M1 Ultra processor and the weight goes up a full 2 pounds. Weight doesn’t matter for a desktop, but people have been curious what about where all the extra comes from.
Apple has an answer. And it all comes down to heat and heavy metal.