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.
The Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe is here now that macOS Ventura and Continuity Camera are nearing launch. Photo: Apple
Continuity Camera in macOS Ventura upgrades video calls by bringing the iPhone’s high-res camera to the Mac. But a way to attach the handset to the laptop is necessary. That’s where Belkin’s iPhone Mount with MagSafe comes in.
With macOS launching soon, it’s time for the accessory to debut, too.
Pretend you're watching Apple's "Take Note" event with a video touting the M2 in the new iPad Pro. Screenshot: Apple
The much-anticipated Apple October event never happened. Apple took the rare step of unveiling the latest iPads and Apple TV via underwhelming press releases. But the company apparently did preliminary work to hold an event that would have been called “Take Note,” and some of this is still available.
Most notably, there’s a glitzy 9-minute video preview for the 2022 iPad Pro and iPad 10, just like the ones for other products at previous such events.
iOS 16.1 is likely a week away. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple seeded the iOS 16.1 release candidate the developers on Tuesday. This is generally the last stage before an operating system upgrade is introduced to the public.
The iPadOS 16.1 release candidate also went to devs at the same time. As did the macOS 13 Ventura RC, the watchOS 9.1 RC and the tvOS 16.1 RC.
The 10th-generation iPad comes in four colors and brings a top-to-bottom redesign to Apple's entry-level tablet. Photo: Apple
Apple gave the 2022 version of the basic iPad a larger screen, USB-C, a faster processor and other enhancements. And the Home button is gone. But along with the new features comes a huge 36% price increase.
“With a large 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, powerful A14 Bionic chip, a first-ever landscape front camera, fast wireless connectivity, USB-C, and support for incredible accessories like the new Magic Keyboard Folio, the new iPad delivers more value, more versatility — and is simply more fun,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, in a press release Tuesday.
The 2022 iPad Pro has Apple's latest processor, but few other changes. Photo: Apple
Apple unveiled new iPad Pro models with the M2 processor, which brings a 15% speed boost to the tablets. But Tuesday’s announcement was a disappointment for those hoping for wireless charging or more ports.
“Powered by the M2 chip, the new iPad Pro features incredible performance and the most advanced technologies, including a next-level Apple Pencil hover experience, ProRes video capture, superfast wireless connectivity, and powerful iPadOS 16 features,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s SVP of Worldwide Marketing. “There’s nothing else like it.”
Victrola Music Edition 2 Bluetooth speaker is ready for parties, and includes an iPhone wireless charger. Photo: Victrola
Victrola, a company that built its reputation on the phonograph, is keeping up with the times by launching a pair of stylish, portable Bluetooth speakers on Tuesday.
The Victrola’s Music Edition speakers are designed to look good indoors but can also stand up to the elements when used in the yard or by the pool.
iPad 10 will apparently include support for the improved Apple Pencil 2, which helps confirm that the tablet is in for a major redesign. Photo: Andrea Nepori
A slipup by a retail employee revealed that the upcoming iPad 10 will support the Apple Pencil 2. That’s a change from the current version of Apple’s most affordable tablet, which is compatible with the original version of the stylus with fewer features.
A historic price for a historic device Photo: LCG Auctions
Anyone who still has a 2007 iPhone in the back of a drawer is surely excited to hear one just sold at auction for $39,340. But this one is still factory sealed in the box, not beat up after years of use.
The company that handled the auction called this a record price for a first-edition iPhone.
The Kensington StudioDock might now be in your price range. Photo: Kensington
The Kensington StudioDock turns an iPad into a iMac with a wide range of ports and wireless chargers. It’s a powerful accessory that launched in 2021 at a very high price. Kensington has now cut the price almost in half, making the stand affordable to many more customers.
The professional-grade accessory is available for both 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions of the iPad Pro.
No RAM chips from YMTC will be used in iPhone 14. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple has reportedly given up its plan to use RAM chips made by Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. in the iPhone 14 series. It apparently ran into too much resistance from U.S. politicians, including suggestions the chips would somehow be used to surveil Americans.
To be clear, the chips would not have been used in iPhones sold outside of China.
Fresh versions of the iPad Pro and basic iPad are on the way soon. Photo: Apple
October is likely to be a good month for iPad fans with new models expected any day now. That includes a faster version of the iPad Pro and a redesigned budget iPad, according to leaks.
But don’t expect them to appear at a glitzy event. Apple is apparently going to launch these on the downlow.
A HomePod that's also an iPad cradle might look something like this concept. Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple reportedly plans to release an iPad cradle with a built-in speaker. The device will function as a HomePod smart speaker, and when a tablet is placed in it will become a smart home hub with a touchscreen.
The company also allegedly continues work on a single device that will perform the same task.
The Gardens Between+ is one of four classic games recently added to Apple Arcade. Photo: Voxel Agents
Apple Arcade subscribers can now enjoy The Gardens Between+, which challenges player to solve puzzles by manipulating time. It’s a classic title joining Apple’s game service.
In recent weeks, Gris+, Gin Rummy Classic+ and Spider Solitaire: Card Game+ also joined Apple Arcade.
The Satechi Eco-HardShell Case is so tight-fitting it's hard to see unless you look closely. Photo: Satechi
The Satechi Eco-HardShell Case covers the top, bottom and sides of the 2021 MacBook Pro models to protect them from scratches. It fits the notebook like a glove to add minimal bulk.
To celebrate the launch, the sleek hardcase is available now at 20% off the regular cost.
Never be without the charging cable you need with the Mophie Powerstation Plus. Photo: Zagg
The latest model in the Mophie Powerstation Plus line of external batteries includes two integrated charging cables —Lightning and USB-C. This simplifies charging an iPhone, iPad or Mac.
The 10,000 mAh power bank can extend the battery life of these devices by hours.
The eye is the window to your soul, and the key to your Apple AR/VR headset. Photo: Skitterphoto/Pexels CC/Cult of Mac
Apple’s much-rumored AR/VR header won’t use Face ID or Touch ID. Instead, the mixed-reality device will reportedly scan the iris of the wearer’s eye to identify them.
Apple TV+ will release Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues, giving an in-depth look at the musician’s life and legacy. Photo: Apple
Louis Armstrong is one of the most important jazz musicians ever, as both a trumpet player and a singer. Apple TV+ promises to introduce a definitive documentary of his life based on never-before-heard home recordings and personal conversations.
Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues premieres worldwide at the end of October.
You'll soon be able to get Netflix at a lower cost by watching commercials. Photo: Netflix/Cult of Mac
The price of Netflix dropped like a rock for those willing to watch commercials. The streaming service announced Thursday that its new ad-supported subscription plan is only $6.99 a month – 30% to 55% below the current cost.
The new option will debut in November 2022. It’ll then be a cheaper option for enjoying a large library of shows and movies on a Mac, iPad or Apple TV.
The updated Eve Light Switch includes Thread, and Matter support is promised. Photo: Eve
The third-generation of Eve Light Switch adds support for Thread and will be updated with Matter, keeping it on the cutting edge of smarthome tech. The smartswitch continues to support Apple HomeKit.
It can be used as either a single-pole or 3-way switch.
A new Savings account for Apple Card holders includes a Savings dashboard to track progress. Image: Apple
The money Apple Card users get as a cash-back reward can go automatically into a savings account from Goldman Sachs, the same bank that backs the credit card.
Windows users get get a touch of sweet iCloud Photos goodness Screenshot: Microsoft
Microsoft and Apple are cooperating to enable the Windows 11 Photos app to access photos and videos from iCloud. In addition, the Apple Music and the Apple TV applications are also coming to Windows.
These is all just one iPad case/stand. The Moft Snap Float Folio can be folded into many different configurations. Photo: Moft
The new Moft Snap Float Folio raises the bar on iPad cases that also function as stands. Literally. It can be folded to lift the the iPad screen up to 3.6 inches.
If that’s not enough, the case/strand also folds into five other configurations to allow the iPad to be used in different ways.
You might see this message soon on Apple TV+. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Although Apple TV+ is one of the few streaming services without commercials, the company is reportedly talking to media agencies about adding adverts to its shows.
If true, Apple is likely considering a cheaper ad-supported tier for TV+, not forcing all subscribers to watch commercials.
Charlotte Nicdao and Rob McElhenney in Mythic Quest, premiering November 11 on Apple TV+. Photo: Apple TV+
Mythic Quest season three is just weeks away, and Apple TV+ ramped up fan excitement on Tuesday with a trailer for the new season. The new episodes will pit the gaming company newly formed by Ian and Poppy against David and Mythic Quest.