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Ed Hardy - page 151

Prop up your MacBook for easier typing with the ParcSlope [Review]

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Twelve South ParcSlope review
Twelve South ParcSlope securely supports an Apple laptop or tablet.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Tilting up the base of your MacBook makes it easier to type. And it elevates the screen to be nearer eye level. The Twelve South ParcSlope is a simple, sturdy laptop stand that offers both benefits. And you can use it with your iPad, too.

I used the ParcSlope for several days to see how well it performed in real-world use. Read on to see what I found out.

watchOS 7.3.1 repairs serious Apple Watch charging problem

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watchOS 7.3.1 squashes a bug inApple Watch’s Power Reserve feature.
Power Reserve reduces drain on your Apple Watch’s battery. But there’s a bug.
Photo: Cult of Mac

To prevent your Apple Watch Series 5 or Apple Watch SE from refusing to charge when it’s in Power Reserve, you need watchOS 7.3.1. Apple rushed this update out on Monday specifically to fix this bug.

Any Apple Watch hit with this bug drains until it’s dead, and can‘t be recharged. But Apple will repair the affected devices at no cost.

Real astronauts will splash-land on For All Mankind podcast

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‘For All Mankind: The Official Podcast’ debuted Friday on Apple Podcasts
For All Mankind: The Official Podcast is a mix of hard science and alternate history.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is launching a podcast dedicated to For All Mankind, the streaming service’s alternate-history show about the space race. The podcast will serve as a platform for real astronauts and scientists to discuss space travel with the series’ cast and creators.

The first episode of the podcast debuts Friday, the same day season two of the sci-fi series arrives.

iPhone 13 could be Apple’s first with an always-on display

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A signature feature of the iPhone 13 might be an always-on display.
The iPhone 13 could stand out from its predecessors thanks to an always-on display.
Artist’s concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 13 series will borrow the always-on screen from the Apple Watch, according to an unconfirmed report. And the upcoming iPhone supposedly will support some new camera tricks, including Portrait Mode for video.

It’s shaping up to perhaps be more than a speed-bumped version of Apple’s 2020 models.

Epic adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation premieres on Apple TV+ in fall 2021

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Foundation is coming to Apple TV+ next year.
Foundation on Apple TV+ will be a mix of Star Wars and Game of Thrones.
Photo: Apple/Skydance Television

Apple TV+’s ambitious version of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series is reportedly scheduled for fall of 2021. Previously, all we’ve known is a vague promise from Apple that the sprawling sci-fi epic is “coming soon.”

In addition, the series is expected to extend over dozens of episodes.

Facebook plans smartwatch to compete with Apple Watch

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A Facebook watch will likely give new meaning to the word “watch.”
A rumored Facebook watch will offer many of the features already in the very successful Apple Watch.
Illustration: Wikipedia CC/Cult of Mac

Facebook is reportedly building a smartwatch that’ll offer instant messaging on the go. And help users stay fit.

Of course, the Facebook watch will have to go head-to-head with Apple Watch, the 500-pound gorilla of the wearables market.

AirTags and newly updated iPad Pro could be right around the corner

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AirTags and newly updated iPad Pro could be right around the corner
AirTags and the 2021 iPad Pro could launch together in only a few weeks.
Photo: Cut of Mac

Apple’s long-awaited AirTags personal item trackers might finally jump from rumor to reality. A reliable prognosticator says these accessories will reach customers in March.

And the same goes for an updated iPad Pro. Previous leaks also point to the tablet coming out before the end of Q1 2021.

It’s time for an iPad Pro Max for professional users

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iPad Pro Max: It’s time to take iPad to the next level
Apple has repeatedly increased the size of the iPad over the years. A 15-inch version is the logical next step.
Graphic Cult of Mac

While the iPad Pro serves as a primary computer for many people, the 12.9-inch version is simply too small. Apple needs to make a 15-inch iPad Pro Max to make the tablet truly useful for power users.

And a bigger screen is only the start. This version should include other top-tier features not found in Apple’s smaller tablets.

Adonit Prime is a stylus fit for a king

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Adonit Prime is an iPad or iPhone stylus fit for a king
Dress to impress with the Adonit Prime iPad or iPhone stylus.
Photo: Adonit

The Adonit Prime is a stylus for the luxury shopper. There are versions for Apple tablets or iPhone, and both are made with premium materials.

With a price of $250, the Prime is for business professionals who want a digital stylus for the boardroom or office. A desktop charging stand both stores and shows off the accessory.

US lawmakers probe accuracy of App Store privacy ‘nutrition labels’

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Are Apple App Privacy labels correct enough to be useful?
Congress wants to know if Apple can confirm the accuracy of App Privacy labels like this one.
Photo: Cult of Mac

A U.S. House of Representatives committee sent Apple CEO Tim Cook a letter with questions about the App Privacy labels displayed in the App Store. The letter was prompted by a published report that many of these privacy “nutrition labels” contain incorrect information.

Explore the world of For All Mankind with AR app for Apple TV+ sci-fi series

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Tinker with virtual objects in a ‘ For All Mankind: Time Capsule’ augmented-relative application.
Objects from For All Mankind seemingly float in front of you with a new augmented realty application.
Screenshot: Apple TV+

Fans of the Apple TV+ sci-fi series For All Mankind can enjoy a free augmented-reality application that lets them virtually handle objects from the alternate-history show.

Season two — which premiers in February on Apple’s streaming service — begins about a decade after the events of season one. The For All Mankind: Time Capsule AR app helps bridge the gap.

Amazing AR concept shows a big, big future for MacBook displays

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An AR concept shows a MacBook with augmented-reality displays.
There’s no need to carry around extra screens for your MacBook if you have augmented reality.
Screenshot: Dominick Hofacker

Apple’s upcoming augmented-reality glasses could make additional MacBook screens unnecessary. An AR concept video shows how virtual displays could appear next to real ones, making the user more productive without having to carry around all that hardware.

Watch it now:

Apple makes Safari’s Fraudulent Website Warning even more secure

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Safari Fraudulent Website Warning is an optional feature.
Safari’s anti-phishing tool is about to get even more secure.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Fraudulent Website Warning system built into Safari in the upcoming iOS 14.5 reportedly takes an additional step to protect your identity. Apple licenses the scam-prevention service from Google, and going forward will block that company from knowing users’ IP addresses through the use of a proxy server.

Elago iPhone 12 stand makes Apple MagSafe charger even better [Review]

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Elago MS1 Charging Stand for MagSafe review
The Elago MS1 stand holds your iPhone 12 up while it’s charging on Apple’s MagSafe puck.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s new MagSafe iPhone 12 charger has limitations. But the Elago MS1 Charging Stand wraps around Apple’s simple puck and makes it better.

I tested this useful accessory on my desk and at my bedside. Here’s why I like it.

Claire Danes replaces Keira Knightley in Apple TV+’s The Essex Serpent

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‘The Essex Serpent’ adapted for Apple TV+ starring Claire Danes
The Essex Serpent is coming to Apple TV+ in an adaptation starring Claire Danes.
Image: Serpent's Tail/Profile Books

Claire Danes will reportedly star in The Essex Serpent, a drama series about a 19th century widow who goes monster hunting. The show will be based on a popular novel.

Previously Keira Knightley was going to take the lead, but she bowed out of the project over COVID-related scheduling problems.

Apple Maps will let drivers report accidents, speed traps and other hazards

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Apple Maps adds accident reporting in iOS 14.5
Apple Maps in iOS 14.5 will let users report hazards to fellow motorists.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple Maps will start collecting crowd-sourced accident reports when iOS 14.5 is released. The beta version already lets users test sharing the locations of accidents, speed traps and other hazards.

This is hardly cutting edge, of course. Google Waze has included the feature for years.

Miniature Satechi charger juices up both Apple Watch and AirPods

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The Satechi USB-C Watch AirPods Charger takes on two Apple wearable devices.
The Satechi USB-C Watch AirPods Charger is two, two, two accessories in one.
Photo: Satechi

A clever trick by designers at Satechi combines an Apple Watch charger and an AirPods charger into a single small accessory. On one side is a charging mat for the wearable, but flip it over to power up the case for Apple’s wireless earbuds.

The Satechi USB-C Watch AirPods Charger debuted on Tuesday exclusively from the online Apple Store.

There should never be another iPhone mini

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iPhone 12 mini
The iPhone 12 mini is a great little device ... that almost no one wants.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

iPhone 12 mini is the worst selling of the new iOS handsets by a wide margin. Apple should be embarrassed because there was plenty of evidence before the launch that sales would be poor. Take note: Another super-small iPhone would just compound the mistake.

No more 5.4-inch iPhones. Ever.

Cupertino puts pedal to the metal on Apple car road tests

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The Apple Car won‘t look anything like this. At all.
Apple test cars drove more miles in 2020 than the previous year. And they were apparently more reliable.
Illustration: Cult of Mac

Apple Car on-road testing increased substantially in 2020. The number of miles driven went up 2.5 times. It’s another sign the company is getting more serious about its self-driving vehicle.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 fixes pesky MacBook Pro charging bug

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macOS Big Sur public release ushers in huge design changes
Put macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 on your older MacBook Pro if it’s been having charging problems.
Photo: Apple

Apple introduced macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 to the public on Tuesday, taking care of a bug that prevented some MacBook Pro models from charging.

The update also removes security problems. Plus, Apple also released updates for macOS Catalina and Mojave to remove the same security bugs.

Qualcomm’s 10 gigabit 5G modem likely to show up in future iPhones

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The next iPhone might use the speedy Snapdragon X65 5G modem
The Snapdragon X65 modem has just about everything the next 5G iPhone could need.
Graphic: Qualcomm

Qualcomm unveiled a 5G modem that potentially could increase the network speed of future iPhones. The new Snapdragon X65 promises 10 gigabit per second connections, as well as reduced battery drain.

In its announcement Tuesday, the chip maker didn’t specifically say the modem is headed for Apple products, but the iPhone 12 uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X55 modem for 5G. And the two companies have a multiyear chipset supply agreement.