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Fill in Wi-Fi dead spots with this powerful wireless network extender [Review]

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Rockspace AX1800 Dual Band Wi-Fi Extender review
Don’t put up with Wi-Fi dead zones. Rockspace’s wireless range extender can fill them in.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Wi-Fi dead spots happen in many homes and businesses, and they can be so frustrating. The Rockspace AX1800 Dual Band Wi-Fi Extender fills in the empty spot(s) in your wireless network, and because it has Wi-Fi 6 it can provide up to 35 devices with speedy connections.

I tested this access point in my home office. Here’s how it stood up to a battery of real-world tests.

iPod video launched just in time to save The Office

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iPod video launched just in time to save ‘The Office’
The iPod classic 5th Generation played a large role in the keeping The Office off the rubbish heap.
Photo: Cult of Mac

An accidental collaboration with Apple saved NBC sitcom The Office from cancellation during its second season.

A fifth-generation iPod took a starring role in an episode of the comedy series. Then, the unlikely cameo spurred sales of reruns of the show on iTunes. And the rest is history.

Apple mulls MacBook with pop-up keyboard

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Apple mulls MacBook with pop-up keyboard
This concept drawing gives a side view of the mechanism that could be used in a MacBook with a pop-up keyboard.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Suppose the keyboard of your MacBook rose up slightly and pivoted toward you when you opened the lid. That’s the idea described by a patent Apple was just awarded.

The concept has ergonomic benefits but also adds moving parts.

Apple sues maker of infamous Pegasus spyware that targets iPhones

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Pegasus spyware FAQ
Apple is going to court to block further development of NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware.
Photo: NSO Group/Cult of Mac

Apple filed a lawsuit Tuesday against NSO Group, the company that makes Pegasus spyware used by some countries to hack into iPhones. Apple says the goal is to hold NSO Group “accountable for the surveillance and targeting of Apple users.”

NSO Group claims Pegasus is only used by governments to fight crime, but there are accusations that it’s being used it to hack the smartphones of activists, politicians, journalists and other individuals.

Apple passes Microsoft to again become world’s most valuable company

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Apple money cash
Apple is back on top, with a valuation higher than Microsoft. And Google, too.
Photo: Cult of Mac

A sharp rise in Apple’s share price allowed the Mac-maker to regain the title of publicly traded company with the highest market capitalization n the world. It beat out Microsoft, who’d held the top spot for less than a month.

An unconfirmed report of Apple’s aggressive plans to make self-driving cars helped drive a 6% increase over the past week.

This cable easily connects Macs to monitors, and it’s on sale [Review]

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Plugable USB 3.1 Type-C to HDMI 2.0 Cable review
Connect your Mac directly to an HDMI monitor with this one cable.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

You won‘t need a MacBook with an HDMI port if you have Plugable’s USB-C to HDMI cable. Just run the cable between the external display and your Mac or iPad and you have 4K@60Hz. Even better, it’s currently available at a discount that drops the price to less than $17.

I tested this accessory in my home office to be sure it lives up to its promises.

Apple needs to take the frustration out of AirPods firmware updates

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Apple needs to take the frustration out of AirPods firmware updates
AirPods firmware updates shouldn’t be so frustrating.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

What’s in that firmware update for a couple of AirPods that came out Tuesday. Who the hell knows?!? Apple doesn’t announce updates for its truly wireless headphones — and won’t tell anyone what’s in them. It’s very frustrating.

Apple’s attempt at making AirPods firmware updates simple instead makes them way more complicated than necessary. Currently, they happen in the background, but what’s really needed is an “Update Now” button.

Protect your precious MacBook with these slim cases from SwitchEasy

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Protect your precious MacBook with these slim cases from SwitchEasy
The SwitchEasy EasyStand MacBook Carry Case does two important jobs: it’s both a case and a portable stand.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Don’t tote your MacBook around without a case. It’s just not a good idea. SwitchEasy has a couple of new offerings that bring sleek protection while also adding some color. There’s the EasyStand MacBook Carry Case and the SwitchEasy Thins MacBook Sleeve.

Plus, the EasyStand case props up your laptop for more ergonomic typing.

Grab a lightsaber and play Lego Star Wars: Castaways on Apple Arcade

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‘Lego Star Wars: Castaways‘ will debut on Apple Arcade in November, 2021.
You and your friends can each design a minifig and join the fun in Lego Star Wars: Castaways.
Photo: Gameloft/Apple Arcade

Have fun with your friends in Lego Star Wars: Castaways, the first social, action-adventure Lego Star Wars game. Players explore a mysterious new planet, fight in battle arenas, race through flight simulations or relax with a dance party.

The game launched Friday on the Apple Arcade gaming service.

watchOS 8.1.1 removes charging bug on Apple Watch Series 7

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watchOS 8.1.1 removes charging bug on Apple Watch Series 7
watchOS 8.1.1 is out, but it might not be for you.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple Watch Series 7 wearers should install a small “bug fix” update that debuted on Thursday. If you don’t have that model, don’t waste time looking for the new version — watchOS 8.1.1 is apparently only for the recently released Series 7.

Apple again postpones when employees must drag their sad asses back to the office

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Apple Park Close up
Apple employees will be back in the office soon… maybe.
Photo: Apple

Apple corporate employees must start working part-time in the office beginning on February 1, according to a company email that quickly leaked out.

But the Mac-maker has been forced to move back the date when employees to return to the office several times. It could happen again.

Apple aims to build self-driving car with no steering wheel

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Apple reportedly wants to eliminate the steering wheel and pedals from its autonomous vehicle.
Apple reportedly wants to eliminate the steering wheel and pedals from its autonomous vehicle.
Photo: Samuele Errico Piccarini/Unsplash CC

Apple is reportedly committed to making a car capable of driving completely autonomously. The new head of the project won’t be satisfied with a vehicle with only limited capabilities.

The car might not need a steering wheel or pedals at all. And it could be on the road by 2025.

Warm up the sleigh: Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues debuts on Apple TV+ Dec. 3

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‘Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues’ debuts on Apple TV+ Dec. 3
The singer plans another star-studded musical Christmas special.
Photo: Apple TV+

Mariah Carey’s second Christmas special for Apple TV+ will sing and dance its way onto screens around the world on Friday, December 3. Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues will include the only performance of her new single, “Fall in Love at Christmas.”

The entertainer gave a sneak peek at the fun on Thursday. Watch the trailer now:

iOS 15.1.1 fixes dropped calls on recent iPhones

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iOS 15.1.1 fixes dropped calls on recent iPhones
iOS 15.1.1 is a bug fix update for recent iPhone models.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Users of recent iPhone models can now install iOS 15.1.1. Apple released the update Wednesday to take care of problems with dropped calls on these handsets.

It’s only for iPhone 13 and iPhone 12. And there is not an iPadOS equivalent.

Murder-mystery comedy The Afterparty premieres on Apple TV+ on Jan. 28

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Apple’s murder-mystery comedy ‘The Afterparty’ premieres on Jan. 28
Tiffany Haddish leads an ensemble cast in The Afterparty, coming to Apple TV+ in January.
Photo: Chris Miller

A premiere date for a hotly anticipated Apple TV+ series has finally been revealed. The Afterparty starring Tiffany Haddish and a collection of other comedians will make its debut on Apple’s streaming service on Friday, January 28.

The very unusual murder mystery was created by film virtuosos Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

Level up your iPhone gaming with Rotor Riot Lightning controller [Review]

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RiotPwr Rotor Riot iOS Controller RR1852 PWR Plus review
iPhone gaming is better with a hardware game controller like the RiotPwr Rotor Riot RR1852.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Playing serious games on an iPhone touchscreen can be crazy frustrating. Don’t throw your iPhone across the room — get a game controller like RiotPwr’s Rotor Riot RR1852. This mimics the design of Microsoft’s Xbox controller but with a Lightning cable and an iPhone mount.

I fully tested this updated version of the Rotor Riot Lightning-enabled game controller. And I like it a lot. And apparently so does Apple because you can find it in the Apple Store, both online and brick-and-mortar locations.

Disney characters go for each other’s throats in upcoming Apple Arcade game

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Disney characters go for each other throats in upcoming Apple Arcade game
Mickey looks TERRIFYING
Photo: Mighty Bear Games

Beloved Disney and Pixar characters will put aside the caring and sharing and try to beat the stuffing out of each other in Disney Melee Mania, a game that’ll launch soon on Apple Arcade.

Mickey in particular looks like he’s taken that “mania” part to the max and is ready to devour someone’s liver.

New HyperDrive USB-C MacBook dock adds amazing 15 ports

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New HyperDrive USB-C MacBook dock adds amazing 15 ports
Add up to 15 ports to a MacBook with a new USB-C hub/dock from Hyper.
Photo: Hyper

The HyperDrive 4K Multi-Display Docking Station for 13”-16” MacBook has room for 15 ports, including a trio of HDMI ports that support 4K 60Hz. There’s also Gigabit Ethernet, a trio of USB-A ports, a trio of USB-C ports, memory card readers and more.

Rather than sitting beside or behind the laptop, Hyper’s latest dock props it up.

Apple Arcade’s collection of classic games grows by leaps and bounds

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Apple Arcade’s collection of classic games grows by leaps and bounds
Crossy Road+ and many other App Store Greats have recently become part of Apple Arcade.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The selection of App Store Greats available through the Apple Arcade subscription service continues to grow. Friday brings the addition of Galaga Wars+ and Kingdom Rush Frontiers TD+.

They join dozen of other classic games that players used to have to pay to play individually but are now all available with a single Apple Arcade subscription. Plus there are many more original games, too.

Mujjo makes the best iPhone 13 leather wallet case [Review]

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Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case for iPhone 13 review
Mujjo’s iPhone 13 leather wallet case is slim and saves the hassle of carrying a separate wallet.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case for iPhone 13 shields your valuable handset while also giving you an easy way to carry your credit cards and driver’s license. Plus, it looks gorgeous while doing so.

Here’s why I love this case. Despite a notable drawback.

Targus laptop backpack boasts Apple Find My tracking

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Targus laptop backpack boasts Apple Find My tracking
CES 2022 Innovation Awards honoree: The Cypress Hero Backpack with Find My Technology from Targus.
Photo: Targus

Plenty of backpacks have an AirTag tracker attached by their owners, but Targus is making one with Apple Find My tech built in. This will allow users to locate the backpack with their iPhone if it gets lost.

The Cypress Hero EcoSmart Backpack won’t launch until spring, but has already been named a CES 2022 Innovation Awards Honoree.

Apple tests Legacy Contacts to allow loved ones access to your data after you pass on

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Apple tests Legacy Contacts to allow loved ones access your data after you pass on
Setting Legacy Contacts in the current iOS 15.2 beta is simple.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple apparently intends to launch a promised Legacy Contacts feature in the upcoming iOS 15.2 and the iPad equivalent. This will allow friends or family members to access your data after you die.

It will prevent pictures and phone numbers from being permanently locked on an iPhone or iPad if someone passes away without giving out their passcode.

iCloud for Windows now supports ProRes videos and ProRaw photos

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iCloud for Windows now supports ProRes videos and ProRaw photos
There are multiple new features in the PC version of the iCloud app.
Photo: Apple

Apple threw a bone to iPhone owners who are also PC users on Wednesday. iCloud for Windows version 13 adds support for Apple ProRes videos and Apple ProRaw photos.

And there are other new features in the free app too, like greater control over iCloud Drive and the ability to generate strong passwords.

Updated Rotor Riot iPhone game controller launches at Apple Store

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Updated Rotor Riot iPhone game controller launches at Apple Store
Connect RiotPWR’s Rotor Riot iPhone game controller to your iPhone for quick and easy fun.
Photo: Apple/RiotPWR

RiotPwr is out with a new version of its iPhone game controller with a Lightning connector. This mimics the design of Microsoft’s Xbox controller, and new version adds a pair of buttons needed to play many games.

Apple likes this accessory so much it just began offering it in the Apple Store, both online and brick-and-mortar locations.