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.
iOS 13.7 brings optional COVID-19 Exposure Notifications without needing any other application. But only in limited areas. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple released iOS 13.7 on Tuesday, with an update that makes it easier for public health agencies to take advantage of the recently launched COVID-19 Exposure Notifications system.
The software brings other new features, too. The update improves iCloud Drive folder sharing, and adds new Memoji stickers.
The 2020 iPad could look a lot like this iPad Pro. Photo: Apple
The 2020 iPad will resemble a smaller iPad Pro, if leaked schematics of this upcoming computer are accurate. It supposedly will offer narrow screen bezels, Face ID, a USB-C port and other features previously reserved for Apple’s high-end tablets.
So far, leaks don’t show much about the design of Apple AirTags. Just that they’ll be round. Concept drawing: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The long wait for AirTags comes to an end this autumn, according to an unconfirmed report. Leaks and rumors about Apple’s item-tracking tags kept circulating for literally the last year. But it seems the debut is right around the corner, at last.
Even Macs can get hit with malware. Especially when Apple notarizes it! Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple reportedly slipped up and notarized some malware. This allows the ill-behaved software to be installed on Macs.
Preventing the spread of malware is exactly why Apple insists Mac apps to be notarized, so it’s not clear how this malicious software got Apple’s approval.
A new App Store policy makes requesting a change to App Review Guidelines as easy as filling out a form. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple instituted new policies to make the App Store a bit friendlier for developers. On Monday, it stopped blocking “bug fix” updates because of minor violations of its rules.
Also, when an application is accused of violating the guidelines, developers have the option to suggest a change to the rules.
Even adding 5G might not be enough to overcome a delayed release of the iPhone 12. Photo: svetapple.sk
The next-generation iPhone won’t launch in September, and market researchers predict the delay will cut significantly into sales of the smartphone.
But, as crazy as 2020 has been so far, there are still plenty of wild cards — including a possible dark blue iPhone color option — that could affect sales numbers.
Netflix made a selection of its popular shows and movies available for free over the weekend. The freebies include hit sci-fi show Stranger Things, Boss Baby: Back in Business and several more.
Watching these Netflix originals doesn’t require signing up with streaming service — but for some strange reason, they can’t be viewed on an iPhone.
Epic Games is out of the App Store. Completely. Photo: Cult of Mac/Epic Games
Apple terminated Epic Games account on the App Store on Friday. This is the latest move in a battle between the two companies over revenue from in-app purchases in the popular game Fortnite.
Fortnite itself had already been booted from the App Store, and today’s move means other offerings from Epic Games are also unavailable to iPhone and iPad users.
Apple wants everyone to know that Fortnite rival PUBG Mobile is about to get a big upgrade to its visuals. Photo: Tencent Mobile
Apple’s lead story on the App Store Today screen is about the upcoming season of PUBG Mobile. The iPhone-maker also recently did a similar promotion for Butter Royale.
The Last Campfire stars a personified little ember trying to get home. Photo: Hello Games
The Last Campfire joined the ranks of puzzle games on Apple Arcade on Thursday. This is an adventure, but one sweeter and calmer than many, as players help a lost little ember find its way home.
Invasion on Apple TV+ imagines aliens attacking the Earth. Photo: Pixabay/Pexels CC
Filming of Invasion, an ambitious alien invasion series for Apple TV+, is reportedly back on. It halted in March at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but production resumed in the UK last week.
It’s been called “a large budget, ambitious, character driven genre show” by Deadline, and the cast includes Sam Neill.
The Plugable USB-C Multiport Adapter adds three frequently used ports to MacBook or iPad Pro. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
There’s no reason to watch a movie on your MacBook or iPad when the world is full of external displays you can connect to. Of course, to make the connection you’ll need something like the Plugable USB-C Multiport Adapter. Not only does it have an HDMI port, there’s a USB-A port for connecting an external drive. And a USB-C port for keeping your computer powered.
It was obviously designed to copy Apple’s Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter but at a much lower price. Here’s how it stands up.
Tiny World on Apple TV+ looks at some of Earth’s smallest creatures. Photo: Apple
Apple TV+ will premier three documentary series this autumn. Tiny World and Earth At Night In Color will show the wonder of the natural world. Becoming You explores human development.
Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 13.7, along with an iPadOS equivalent, to developers on Wednesday. These include a coronavirus-related change Apple considers important enough to justify a system-software update that includes no other new features.
With iOS 14 expected to launch soon, it would be easy to assume that Apple is done releasing new versions of iOS 13. Nope.
Epic Games won’t let iPhone or Mac users play the next Marvel-themed season of Fortnite. Photo: Epic Games
The court battle between Epic Games and Apple will really start affecting Fortnite players on Thursday. That’s when the next season of the wildly-popular game will drop, but not for anyone using an iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Apple could have a 2020 iPad Air on the docket with an even larger display. Photo: Apple
A listing of multiple unknown tablets by the Eurasian Economic Commission seemingly confirms that Apple will soon introduce a range of new 2020 iPad models.
The same source also says multiple Apple Watch models running watchOS 7 are about to be released.
If a new leak is correct, many of the iPhone 12 images circulating for months are correct. Photo: JinStore/Twitter
New images and video of a prototype iPhone 12 Pro Max allegedly fell into the hands of frequent Apple leaker Jon Prosser. This allows him to reveal that Apple’s next handset will have thinner bezels — but the notch isn’t shrinking.
He also served up details Tuesday on the upcoming iPhone’s camera that add weight to numerous earlier leaks. That includes a higher video recording rate, a Lidar sensor and more.
The iPhone Magnifier gets a big upgrade in iOS 14. Photo: Ed Hardy/Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
A handy digital magnifying glass to replace reading glasses has been buried in the iPhone for many years. With iOS 14, it becomes a lot easier to find. And there are some fantastic new features.
Here’s how to use the Magnifier on iPhone. And iPad, too.
A Files Home screen widget appeared in iOS 14 beta 2. It’s unlikely any more new features like this will be forthcoming before the full release. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple seeded the sixth beta of iOS 14 to developers Tuesday, along with the iPad equivalent. That’s a week since the last betas were introduced — and the quick turnaround is a strong sign that Apple won’t add any more surprise features before the full release of these operating systems this autumn.
The Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub easily connects an HDMI monitor to a MacBook, and much more. Photo: Plugable
Plugable decided to stand out in the crowded market for USB-C multiport adapters with a low-price offering. On Tuesday, it unveiled a 7-in-1 Hub that comes in at a significantly lower cost than many of its rivals.
Even so, it can connect to multiple legacy USB-A accessories, a external monitor and removable memory cards.
A new material gave Samsung’s latest handset an advantage over last year’s iPhone in a drop test. Photo: PhoneBuff
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra survived a series of drop tests better than the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max. And that’s exactly what’s to be expected.
The Note 20 only just started reaching customer’s hands, giving it access to the latest, toughest version of Gorilla Glass. The iPhone 11 debuted almost a year ago, and is about to be replaced.
On August 30, win this badge in an Activity Challenge inspired by national parks. Photo: Apple
The National Park Service service turns 104 on Tuesday, and to help celebrate, there is a new Apple Pay donation program and special content collections on Apple TV and the App Store. Plus, there’s an upcoming Apple Watch Activity Challenge.
The Mac mini could have had a dedicated data/charging port for the iPod. Photo: Apple
Apple reportedly explored adding an iPod port to the Mac mini. Images of a prototype unit surfaced online over the weekend, showing a product Apple decided not to release.
Apple and Epic Games could be in court for years to come. Photo: Brett Sayles/Pexels CC
Apple on Friday asked a judge to deny Epic Games’ request for a court order forcing Apple to return Fortnite to the App Store. In a filing, the iPhone-maker said Epic Games brought the ban on itself by its own actions.
The court’s decision will determine whether this wildly popular game will be available for iPhone and iPad users while a potentially lengthy court battle between Apple and Epic Games goes on.