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Ed Hardy - page 14

Add a whopping 5 monitors to any Mac with this new dock

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Plugable UD-7400PD
The Plugable UD-7400PD means your Mac can have five additional screens.
Photo: Plugable

If your job or your dream setup requires connecting five external monitors to your Mac, you need Plugable’s UD-7400PD. It supports up to four 4K displays and one 8K display… even on MacBooks that are supposed to be limited to one external screen. No rival dock can match that.

As a bonus, the dock adds USB-A ports, an Ethernet port and more.

Easily identify the birds you hear with Merlin Bird ID [Awesome Apps]

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Merlin Bird ID
Start a new hobby with Merlin Bird ID.
Image: Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

Spring is here, and the air is full of birdsong. The Merlin Bird ID app tells you what type of birds you’re hearing … plus it’s quick, easy and free.

With this software from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on your iPhone, you can learn about all the birds around you — you might be surprised how many of them there are. And if you get interested, you’ll soon be able to identify them without the app.

2 reasons why demand for iPads is very strong

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iPad 11 colors
The launch of the iPad 11 helped buoy tablet shipments in Q1.
Photo: Apple

iPad shipments shot up 14% year over year during the first three months of 2025, according to a market analysis firm. That marks the fourth quarter in a row with an increase in iPad demand.

Replacing tablets bought years ago during the pandemic is only one of the reasons for the continuing strong growth.

Apple turns to AI to extend iPhone battery life

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iPhone AI battery
Apple is reportedly looking to increase iPhone battery life the smart way.
Image: Cult of Mac

Rather than building a bigger battery into the iPhone 17 to extend battery life, Apple reportedly plans to use a smarter power source to achieve the desired result. The company reported is creating an AI system for iOS 19 to “analyze how a person uses their device and make adjustments to conserve energy,” according to a report published Monday.

It could be one of many AI-powered features in the version of the iPhone’s operating system expected to launch this autumn.

macOS Sequoia 15.5 brings only a few tweaks

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macOS Sequoia 15.5
macOS Sequoia 15.5 is really more of a patch.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Mac users can now install macOS Sequoia 15.5… but there’s really no hurry. This new version is especially light on new features.

It seems clear that much of Apple’s attention is on upcoming AI features, macOS 16, and other enhancements coming later in the year.

How to choose the right iPad for you

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iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad and iPad mini
With a variety of models to choose from, what the best iPad for you?
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

You want the best iPad, but shopping for one can be overwhelming. Apple sells six iPad models in a wide range of sizes, prices and capabilities. Our iPad comparison explains the strengths and weaknesses of each model. You don’t want to get one that doesn’t have all the features you want, but you also don’t want to pay too much for features you won’t use.

Here’s some straightforward advice on picking the best iPad for you.

Apple looks into smart glasses

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Apple Smart Glasses concept
Apple smart glasses will probably be more stylish than this concept.
AI Concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple could get into a new product category: smart glasses. A report surfaced on Thursday indicating that Apple is working on a chip to power glasses with built-in AI and cameras that could launch in the next couple of years.

With the company’s Visual Intelligence AI tool, a pair of smart glasses could identify objects for the wearer, get info on businesses, and explain to the user what it is they’re looking at.

This brilliant portable foldable monitor is like nothing you’ve ever seen [Review] ★★★★★

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Arovia Splay★★★★★
The Arovia Splay puts a beautiful 25-inch screen anywhere you need one.
Photo: Arovia

The Arovia Splay Portable Foldable Monitor and Projector is a truly remarkable piece of kit. Not only does it promise a 25-inch, 1080p screen that can fold down to the size of a book, it actually delivers… with a surprisingly bright, clear image that doesn’t need a darkened room.

As the name indicates, it can also be used as a small portable projector.

I watched hours of TV shows on the Splay, and used it for work, too. I’m truly impressed with the performance. I’m less pleased about the price, though.

iPad users get their own Google Gemini app

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Google Gemini iPad
Accessing Google Gemini on iPad just got easier.
Photo: Cult of Mac

iPad users no longer have to depend on an iPhone application to access Google’s Gemini AI-powered chatbot. Software designed specifically for iPad users launched Wednesday.

This comes after Google recently introduced home screen widgets to give iPhone and iPad users easier access to Gemini.

Apple considers building AI search into Safari

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AI MacBook
Safari searches could soon go to an AI, not a traditional search engine.
Image: Cult of Mac

Before too much longer, doing a search in the Safari web browser might bring up AI-powered results rather than the standard Google search engine, according to Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services.

Cue points out that this is Apple following a trend, as the company sees Safari users increasingly turning to AIs in place of traditional search engines.

Apple TV+ greenlights The Studio season 2 and brings back more comedies

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The Studio
Apple didn’t wait until the end of “The Studio” season one to commit to season two.
Photo: Apple TV+

Seth Rogen’s hit Hollywood comedy The Studio will return to Apple TV+ for season 2. After the success of the freshman season, Apple TV+ committed Tuesday to making more episodes about the hapless executives of Continental Studios.

Beyond that, it’s a good week for fans of Apple TV+ comedies. The streaming service also announced that the fourth season of Acapulco premieres in July, and the fifth season of Trying is going into production.

iOS 18.5 will bring satellite connectivity to iPhone 13 series

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iOS 18.5
iOS 18.5 is probably a week away, with good news for iPhone 13 users.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple sent the iOS 18.5 release candidate out for testing Tuesday and revealed that the update will enable the iPhone 13 series to access carrier-provided satellite features. The new software also will bring other changes and bug fixes for models going back to the iPhone XR.

The release candidates for macOS Sequoia 15.5, iPadOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, tvOS 18.5 and visionOS 2.5 also went out at the same time.

Backbone Pro makes the best iPhone game controller way, way better [Review] ★★★★★

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Backbone Pro★★★★★
There’s no better way to improve mobile gaming than with Backbone Pro.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Backbone Pro game controller that launched Tuesday wraps around your iPhone and connects via USB-C, but it can also connect to your Mac or iPad via cable or Bluetooth. Plus, it adds remappable rear buttons to the standard mix of sticks, triggers, D-pad and more.

Backbone already makes the best iPhone game controller, and my hands-on experience with this new premium version found that it takes mobile gaming to a whole new level.

How to use Surfshark’s free, privacy-protecting DNS server

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Free DNS servers from Surfshark
Switch to a free DNS server to protect your privacy.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

You use Domain Name System (DNS) servers many times every day, even if you don’t know what they are. You can’t avoid it, and whichever one you use can track where you go on the internet. That’s why you might consider switching to the free DNS servers Surfshark just launched that promise not to track you.

Here’s how to set your iPhone, iPad and Mac to use the Surfshark DNS server. It’s free!

Wireless video transmitter lets you dump the HDMI cable

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Nyrius Orion Prime Wireless USB-C to HDMI Video Transmitter & Receiver
Replace that bulky HDMI cable with this wireless video transmitter and receiver.
Photo: Nyrius

With the Nyrius Orion Prime Wireless USB-C to HDMI Video Transmitter & Receiver, you don’t need a cable to connect your MacBook, iPad or iPhone to your TV. It can send video up to 150 feet, offers HD resolution, and doesn’t require a Wi-Fi network.

The product launched on Monday.

How to transfer video from iPhone to iPad via cable

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Transfer video from iPhone to iPad
Apple makes moving images and video from iPhone to iPad via a cable quick and easy.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Now that both iPhone and iPad have USB-C ports, transferring video and images between them can be easily done by connecting them with a cable, without mucking about with wireless transfers.

It’s easy, and brings some advantages over AirDrop. Most notably, iPhone Pro 15/16 users get a big speed boost.

Here’s what to do.

Apple finally bows to major, court-ordered changes to App Store

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iPhone App Store
The iPhone App Store won’t be quite the same.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple changed its App Store rules late Thursday to allow third-party iPhone application developers to steer customers toward their own websites to make purchases. The move comes after a years-long delay in complying with a court order.

The alteration in the rules should result in many iPhone apps allowing customers to pay for services and subscriptions without giving Apple a cut. Streaming music service Spotify became one of the first to take advantage of this major change to the App Store. The modification gives customers more buying options, and the hope is that this will save them money.

Trump tariffs will cost Apple almost $1 billion this quarter

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AI image of an Apple logo in a post-apocalyptic landscape, with the words
Newly imposed tariffs could cost Apple $900 million dollars this quarter -- and that's just the start.
Illustration: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

Apple CEO Tim Cook said Thursday that he expects the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump to add at least $900 million to the company’s costs during the current quarter, which ends in June.

Speaking with investors after the company announced its quarterly earnings results, Cook also said Apple will assemble most of the products it sells in the United States outside of China this quarter to avoid the tariffs fueling an ongoing trade war between the two countries.

What economic problems? Apple posts solid growth.

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AI image of the Apple logo, with a see-through, glassy look, and the word
Revenue from services like Apple Music jumped to an all-time high last quarter, and strong iPhone 16e sales didn't hurt, either.
Illustration: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

Apple revenue increased 5% annually to $95.4 billion during the first three months of 2025, and profits grew 8%. Those are the top takeaways from the March-quarter financial results Apple revealed after Wall Street closed Thursday. Both numbers beat analysts’ expectations.

“Today Apple is reporting strong quarterly results, including double-digit growth in Services,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a statement.

Stop using these stupid, stupid passwords immediately

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Stupid passwords
You’re not a idiot. Stop acting like one.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Some people simply can’t stop using stupid, weak passwords. An analysis of the phrases used to secure various accounts in 2024 finds that “123456” was used 3 million times, making it the most popular. And the rest of the top 10 are all easily guessed also, with “password” showing up in the No. 4 slot.

It’s World Password Day, a good opportunity to change the horribly weak ones you’re using now. Especially as Apple makes it easy

Despite tariff turmoil, Wall Street expects good news from Apple

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Apple financial results expectations: Bullish
It seems a bit surprising, but analysts think Apple is about to deliver some upbeat financial news.
AI image: Google Gemini/Cult of Mac

Wall Street is putting out positive vibes about the March quarter results Apple will announce Thursday. Analysts anticipate a 4% increase in Apple’s revenue, plus a jump in earnings per share.

That might seem surprising in the wake of President Donald Trump imposing a 20% tariff on electronics coming in from China. However, the Apple financial results about to be revealed are for the quarter that ended in March. Trump didn’t announce the tariffs until April, so they don’t affect these numbers. That won’t happen until Apple provides its June quarter results.

Your wait for an amazingly affordable iPhone game controller ends now [Review] ★★★★★

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GameSir X5 Lite★★★★★
The GameSir X5 Lite is fun and a great value.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The GameSir X5 Lite is the game controller for those who’ve hoped for a truly affordable way to add physical buttons and sticks to their iPhone. It costs a fraction of the price of its chief rival.

But don’t call it cheap. The accessory includes Hall Effect sticks plus a full set of the buttons and triggers needed for cloud gaming or on-device apps.

I enjoyed my time testing the GameSir X5 Lite — read the full review to find out why.

Satechi OntheGo wireless travel charger offers max power in minimum space

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Satechi OntheGo 3-in-1 Charger
The Satechi OntheGo 3-in-1 Charger is ready for your next vacation.
Photo: Satechi

Put a Satechi OntheGo 3-in-1 Charger on a hotel nightstand and it’s ready to juice up your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at once. When it’s time to go, it folds up into a travel-friendly shape.

There’s also a 2-in-1 version, and both hit store shelves on Tuesday.

iOS 19 might transform your iPhone into a mini Mac

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iPhone mini mac
What if your iPhone could become a mini Mac?
AI concept: ChatGPT

An iPhone running iOS 19 will be able to display applications running in windows on an external screen, according to a Thursday report from a noted tipster.

If true, it’ll enable iOS to act much more Mac-like than ever before. If Apple continues developing in this direction, an iPhone could eventually be someone’s only computer .