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Take your iPhone’s MagSafe charger on the road with this slim case and stand combo [Review]

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Speck Presidio Pro Folio for MagSafe review
The Speck Presidio Pro Folio for MagSafe lets you easily take Apple MagSafe charger on the go. And it’s a useful travel stand.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s iPhone MagSafe charger is one of the best ways to juice up a handset, but it’s not really a travel accessory. That’s where the Speck Presidio Pro Folio for MagSafe comes in. It’s a slim case for Apple’s wireless charger that also acts as a viewing stand for an iPhone.

I tried it out, and I’m quite pleased with the accessory.

MacBook Folio concept smoothly merges laptop and tablet

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MacBook Folio concept smoothly merges laptop and tablet
The MacBook Folio is proposal for the folding Mac Apple is reportedly working on.
Photo: Antonio De Rosa/ADR Studio

If Apple makes a folding Mac, it might look a lot like the MacBook Folio. A concept artist dreamed up this merger of macOS laptop and tablet.

But it’s not a mere daydream — a reliable source says Apple is interested in developing a foldable MacBook with a 20-inch screen.

Go on an ecological adventure in Gibbon: Beyond the Trees on Apple Arcade

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Go on an ecological adventure in ‘Gibbon: Beyond the Trees’ on Apple Arcade
Gibbon: Beyond the Trees aims to be both fun and educational.
Image: Broken Rules

Find out what it’s like to swing through the trees as a gibbon in a game that debuted Friday on Apple Arcade. Gibbon: Beyond the Trees is the story of a family trying to survive amid an encroaching human threat.

The ecological adventure is available to play on a variety of Apple devices.

Belkin’s Thunderbolt hub packs a whopping 12 ports

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Belkin’s Thunderbolt hub packs a whopping 12 ports
The Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock can be the center of your home office.
Photo: Belkin

With a dozen ports, the Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock lets users connect a Mac to multiple accessories for data, video, Ethernet and power. All through a single high-speed cable connection.

Belkin also introduced a Thunderbolt 4 cable capable of handling data transfers at 40 Gbps.

Trippy workplace thriller Severance pulls in a big audience for Apple TV+

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Weird ‘Severance’ trailer will blow your freakin’ mind
Severance also stars Christopher Walken so you know it’s extra creepy.
Photo: Apple TV+

The Apple TV+ thriller/comedy Severance started out strong. It’s on Reelgood’s list of the Top 10 most-streamed shows of the week.

The series debuted February 18 on Apple’s streaming video service to very positive reviews from critics and audiences.

First WeCrashed trailer reveals the sheer lunacy of WeWork

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First ‘WeCrashed’ trailer reveals the sheer lunacy of WeWork
The wait for WeCrashed is almost over. It will debut in March.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ released the first full trailer for WeCrashed to get viewers pumped for the limited series that premiers in March. It’ll star Jared Leto as the controversial co-founder of WeWork as he builds a cult of personality that eventually helps take the company down.

Watch the trailer to get ready for the wild ride up… then down.

Wemo’s latest HomeKit smart plug uses Thread for fast, reliable connections

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Wemo’s latest HomeKit smart plug uses Thread for fast, reliable connections
The Wemo Smart Plug with Thread offers simple and inexpensive home automation.
Photo: Wemo/Belkin

The Wemo Smart Plug with Thread simplifies controlling lamps, fans, and other appliances with an iPhone or Siri. Anything that plugs into a standard wall outlet can be turned on or off.

Rather than Wi-Fi, the HomeKit accessory communicates with other accessories over Thread, a mesh networking standard.

How to use Safari Tab Groups to take control of your browser tabs

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How to get organized with Safari Tab Groups
Use Safari Tab Groups to arrange all those browser tabs you have open..
Photo: Cult of Mac

Keeping large numbers of browser tabs open is such a common habit that Apple created a system to organize them. Safari Tab Groups let you put open tabs into logical collections so you can more easily work with them. And the same groups are available across all your Apple devices.

The system gets a little complicated. But here’s how to get started with Safari Tab Groups.

New OtterBox MagSafe power bank sends and receives wireless power

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New OtterBox MagSafe power bank both sends and receives wireless power
No cables needed. The Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe gets and provides power wirelessly.
Photo: Otterbox

The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe offers two-sided charging capability. It clings magnetically to an iPhone while charging it, and the external battery also magnetically attaches to MagSafe chargers to receive power. It’s that second feature that sets it part from rivals.

There are versions with 3,000mAh and 5,000mAh of capacity.

Apple Stores remove face mask requirements as omicron variant recedes

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Today at Apple session image
You’ll soon be able to take a Today at Apple class at an Apple Store. And a face mask won‘t be required.
Photo: Apple

Apple reportedly stopped requiring face masks at most of its retail locations. The move comes as the latest COVID-19 surge comes to an end.

In addition, in-person Today at Apple classes will resume soon.

The Snoopy Show returns along with new Peanuts holiday specials

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‘The Snoopy Show’ returns to Apple TV+ in March
New episodes of The Snoopy Show premiere on Apple TV+ in March.
Screenshot: Apple TV+

Season two of The Snoopy Show premieres on Apple TV+ in March, with fresh adventures of Charlie Brown’s irrepressible pooch, his pal Woodstock and the rest of the gang. A new trailer shows the fun to be expected.

It’ll soon be followed by a pair of new Peanuts holiday specials for Earth Day and Mother’s Day.

Apple VR/AR headset takes big step toward production

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Apple VR/AR headset takes big step toward production
The Apple VR/AR headset might look something like this concept when it finally gets released.
Concept: Martin Hajek/Computer Bild

Apple is reportedly doing engineering validation tests on its much-rumored VR/AR headset. This is an important milestone in moving the product out of the lab and into production.

The device — which supposedly will offer both virtual reality and augmented reality capabilities — is expected to be unveiled later this year.

MacBook with 20-inch folding screen sounds like a dream machine

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Astro HQ’s MacBook concept has a flexible touchscreen in place of the keyboard and trackpad.
A MacBook with a 20-inch screen might look a lot like this cool concept.
Photo: Astro HQ

Apple is reportedly working on a notebook with a display that dwarfs the 16-inch screen in the latest MacBook Pro. And the whole device won’t be gargantuan — because it’ll fold in half.

But don’t grab your credit card just yet. The product is supposedly still years away.

Juice up Apple Watch on the go with this compact travel charger [Review]

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Ampere Apple Watch Charging Cable review
The Ampere Apple Watch Charging Cable fits easily into your luggage, and is ready to power up your wearable.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Ampere’s Apple Watch Charging Cable is a lot more portable than Apple’s. With its short cable, it fits easily in a purse or gear bag. As a bonus, it’s partially made from recycled ocean plastic.

I put the MFi-certified Apple Watch travel charger through its paces. Here’s how it did in real-world testing.

Create your best witchy life with Wylde Flowers on Apple Arcade

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Create your best witchy life with ‘Wylde Flowers on Apple Arcade
Help a witch grow plants, tend animals, make friends and maybe even fall in love in Wylde Flowers.
Screenshot: Studio Drydock

Help a young witch grow the family farm in Wylde Flowers, a magical sim game that debuted Friday on Apple Arcade. You’ll also need to increase your spell skills if you want to help your local coven solve a mystery.

The enchanting game is available now for a range of Apple computers.

Carry an AirTag in style with clever Orbitkey holders [Review]

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Orbitkey AirTag holders reviews
Attach an AIrTag to your keys or other item with the Orbitkey Leather Holder or Slim Case.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Orbitkey offers a pair of AirTag holders that make it easy to attach Apple’s tracking tag to your keys or purse. The Slim Case has a minimalistic design, while the Leather Holder wraps the AirTag in a stylish sleeve.

I used both holders to see how they stood up to real-world use.

Union! Apple retail employees move to unionize

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Union! Apple retail employees move to unionize
While these Apple Store employees are clearly happy, some don’t feel they are being paid as much as they could. So they’re unionizing.
Photo: Apple

Workers at some Apple Stores are reportedly planning to unionize. Employees are two stores are close to filing paperwork with the National Labor Relations Board and more are moving in that direction.

They say their goal is a larger share of Apple’s huge profits.

Use your MagSafe iPhone anywhere with this portable folding stand [Review]

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Mophie Portable Magnetic Stand review
You can be ready for a video conference with Adam Scott at any time with Mophie’s Portable Magnetic Stand.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Mophie Portable Magnetic Stand folds flat but opens to hold up a MagSafe iPhone at a wide range of viewing angles. It’s a convenient way to make FaceTime calls or watch video wherever you go while freeing up your hands.
I tested the foldable stand with my iPhone 13. Here’s why I like it.

AirTag needs big changes to become less criminal-friendly

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Maybe Apple should just dump AirTag
Creeps love AirTag. But there are changes Apple could make so it would be much less useful for criminals.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

New York’s attorney general issued a warning Wednesday about AirTags being used to secretly track people. And this is only the latest in a growing controversy over misuse of Apple’s tracking tags.

Perhaps Apple should drop the item tracker completely. At the very least, the functionality needs to be scaled way back.

Maintain your bookworm cred with BookBook Cover for iPad [Review]

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Twelve South BookBook Cover review
Add old-world charm to your iPad and click-on keyboard with BookBook Cover.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

There’s no better case for giving your iPad a unique look than the Twelve South BookBook Cover — no one else is going to have a tablet that looks like something Isaac Newton might have carried. Plus, this new addition to the BookBook line has room inside for a click-on keyboard.

I tried out this tablet case to see how well it stands up in ordinary use. And to be sure there’s really room inside for an iPad keyboard.

iPhone 6 Plus and iPad 4 hit Apple’s dreaded vintage and obsolete list

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iPhone 6 Plus
Bad news for anyone still carrying an iPhone 6 Plus.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 6 Plus was a game changer for Apple back in 2014. But it’s riding off into the sunset now that it’s been added to Apple’s list of vintage products, limiting its repair options.

And the iPad 4 from 2012 is now officially obsolete.

Chrome OS Flex turns 2009 MacBook into a useful computer again

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Chrome OS Flex turns 2009 MacBook into a useful computer again
Transform your old Mac into a Chromebook with Chrome OS Flex
Photo: Google

If you have an elderly Mac that’s not up to the demands of the latest macOS version, you can turn it into a Chromebook. All you need is Chrome OS Flex, an operating system Google created for older Macs and PCs.

The OS is still in beta, and targeted at businesses and schools. Nevertheless, it might become a way to bring some new life to your obsolete Mac.

Watch Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown with your Sweet Babboo on Apple TV+

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‘Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown’ is on Apple TV+
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown is a classic Peanuts holiday special you can watch today.
Photo: WildBrain/Apple TV+

Hopefully you didn’t forget Monday is Valentine’s Day, and you can celebrate with the Peanuts gang. The 1975 special Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown is available to stream on Apple TV+.

Unlike the new Peanuts shows and specials on Apple’s streaming service, this one was written by Charles Schultz himself.

iMac Pro with mini-LED display might launch in early summer

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M1 iMac
The 27-inch iMac Pro is expected to look much like the 24-inch iMac, but larger. (Of course.)
Photo: Apple

The iMac Pro might start reaching customers in early summer, according to a very reliable tipster. While some are hoping for a debut as soon as March, that’s apparently overly optimistic.

And the leaker says reiterates that the all-in-one desktop will have a mini-LED display.

Add 3 super-fast ports to your Mac with Plugable’s Thunderbolt hub [Review]

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Plugable USB4-HUB3A Thunderbolt hub review
The Plugable USB4-HUB3A doesn’t take up much room on your desk, and adds three Thunderbolt 4 ports to your Mac.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

If you want more Thunderbolt ports for your Mac, the Plugable USB4-HUB3A hub offers a trio of them. And they are fully functional, offering up to 40 Gbps transfer speeds and support for 4K monitors. Plus, there’s a USB-A port for good measure.

I put Plugable’s new Thunderbolt hub through a round of testing to be sure it lives up to specs.