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Killian Bell - page 23

GTA leak hints at major visual improvements for new remasters

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GTA III remastered concept
A fan-made GTA III: Remastered concept.
Photo: Inter on YouTube

New details have emerged about the upcoming Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy — The Definitive Edition ahead of its official debut. One leak hints at big visual enhancements for all three games, including “brilliant new lighting and environmental upgrades” — and high-resolution textures.

For those who plan to play the trilogy on PC, the leak also offers an early look at the trilogy’s minimum and recommended system requirements.

Apple Watch Series 7 owners report mysterious third-party app glitches

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Apple Watch 7 app glitches
There should be app icons in those empty spaces.
Photo: James Thomson

Users setting up brand-new Apple Watch Series 7 units today report a number of strange glitches with third-party apps. In addition to missing app icons, many see problems rendering complications, the tiny widgets that surface info from various apps on the watch face.

It seems the glitches may be related to the App Store. Apple has not yet publicly acknowledged the problem, and there is apparently nothing users can to do set things straight.

How to watch Apple’s big ‘Unleashed’ event on October 18

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How to watch Apple's Unleashed event
It kicks off at 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Unleashed event bug Apple’s next event is right around the corner, and it’s one you won’t want to miss if you’re a fan of the Mac. The “Unleashed” keynote is expected to bring a number of new Apple machines — all powered by an even faster “M1X” chip.

Just like recent Apple keynotes, this one will be streamed online, so you’ll be able to watch it in its entirety as it all unfolds. We’ll show you how.

Parallels 17.1 brings better Windows 11 support for Intel and M1 Macs

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Parallels Desktop with Windows 11
Grab the newest update today.
Photo: Parallels

Parallels Desktop 17.1 is now available for Mac, bringing improved Windows 11 support for those looking to run Microsoft’s latest operating system on their Mac, whether it’s powered by an Intel or Apple Silicon chip.

The update introduces Virtual Trusted Platform Modules (vTPM) for all future and past Windows 11 virtual machines — complying with Windows 11’s system requirements that call for a vTPM chip.

WhatsApp rolls out encrypted chat backups on iPhone

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WhatsApp encrypted chat backup
Ensuring only you have access to your chat data.
Image: WhatsApp

WhatsApp’s encrypted backups features is now rolling out on iPhone. Users can create a password to prevent unauthorized access to their chat data, while still uploading it to iCloud or Google Drive for their convenience.

The feature ensures that your WhatsApp chats are protected, even if the backup file itself somehow makes it into the wrong hands.

Wood MagSafe Charger is prettier, more affordable than Apple’s [Review]

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Limited77 Wood MagSafe Charger for iPhone
It's just as practical, but much more interesting.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

MagSafe is a huge step forward in wireless charging for iPhone. But Apple’s own MagSafe Charger is somewhat boring and pretty overpriced. The Wood Charger from Limited77 is a great alternative.

It works just like a MagSafe Charger, magnetically attaching itself to the back of iPhone 12, and it charges just as quickly. It’s also much more affordable. Want to know more? Here’s our full review.

Apple takes 75% of smartphone profits, despite fewer sales than Samsung

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iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone also made up 40% of all shipments.
Photo: Apple

iPhone is responsible for a whopping three quarters of all profits earned in the global smartphone market, according to a new report. That’s despite Apple seeing fewer sales than Samsung and Xiaomi.

Cupertino’s handset business actually accounted for just 13% of all smartphone shipments during the second quarter of 2021. But thanks to the large profit margins it enjoys on almost all of its products, it is by far the biggest earner.

Apple Music looks set to take on Spotify on PlayStation 5

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Apple Music on PlayStation 5
It's not ready just yet, though.
Photo: Holywars1990/Reddit

It looks like Apple Music is on its way to compete with Spotify on PlayStation 5, with some users seeing an option to download the app when setting up a new user account on Sony’s latest home console.

Apple and Sony recently partnered to give PlayStation 5 owners six months of Apple TV+ free of charge, so an Apple Music app wouldn’t be totally out of the blue. However, it seems it’s not quite ready to roll out just yet.

Apple quietly extends AirPods Pro repair program for crackling sounds

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AirPods-Pro-crackle-GIF
You're now covered for up to three years.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple’s repair program for AirPods Pro, which addresses hardware issues that can cause crackling and static sounds, has been quietly extended.

The program originally covered faulty buds for two years after their initial purchase. It has now been extended to three years, with affected customers getting free replacements if they pass an Apple inspection.

AirPods 3 refresh could finally appear at next week’s Apple event

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AirPods 3 refresh on the way
It's about time Apple delivered a refresh.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple will finally introduce its third-generation AirPods refresh during next week’s “Unleashed” event, according to one reliable leaker. We’ve been waiting for them to appear for over a year now, and an upgrade is long overdue.

AirPods 3 are expected to look a lot like AirPods Pro, with shorter stems that result in a slightly more compact design. However, they will skip “Pro” features — like active noise cancellation — to remain more affordable.

Apple says sideloading apps on iPhone would ‘cripple privacy and security’

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iPhone sideloading isn't safe, Apple says
iOS restrictions make it safer than Android, Apple says.
Image: Apple

iOS is safer than Android because you cannot sideload apps onto an iPhone, Apple says. The company this week published a document in response to the European Commission’s proposal that could force Apple to allow third-party app marketplaces, which points out the many risks (as Apple sees it) with that plan.

Titled “Building a Trusted Ecosystem for Millions of Apps,” the 31-page PDF argues that allowing the sideloading of apps on iPhone “would cripple the privacy and security protections that have made iPhone so secure.”

Apple makes big cuts to iPhone 13 orders amid chip shortages

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6.1-inch iPhone 13 review
Customers already face lengthy waits for new iPhone 13 orders.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple is being forced to cut iPhone 13 orders by as many as 10 million units due to ongoing chip shortages, according to a new report. Cupertino had planned to produce 90 million handsets before the end of the year.

It is now telling partners that the final figure will be lower as partners Broadcom and Texas Instruments — which supply parts related to iPhone’s wireless connectivity and display — struggle to deliver enough components.

Woodgrain iPhone 12 case takes you back to simpler times [Review]

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Wooden Bumper for iPhone 12 review
Wood are you looking at? This sweet iPhone case?
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

If you have fond memories of the ’70s tech that was generously steeped in woodgrain panels, you’ll love this sweet iPhone 12 case from Limited77.

It combines a flexible, shock-absorbing shell with a wooden finish that gives your smartphone plenty of protection and a little extra character. It’s also fully compatible with MagSafe accessories.

Check out our full review right here — and bag yours at 17% off the usual price.

Watch Apple’s new trailer for promising dark comedy The Shrink Next Door

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The Shrink Next Door for Apple TV+
It hits Apple TV+ on November 12.
Photo: Apple

The first trailer for The Shrink Next Door introduces the characters that fuel this upcoming dark comedy based on true events. The limited series, which stars Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd and Kathryn Hahn, debuts November 12 on Apple TV+.

The two-minute clip released Tuesday introduces us to the wealthy Martin “Marty” Markowitz (Ferrell) and his longtime therapist Dr. Isaac “Ike” Herschkopf (Rudd), who uses his charm and friendliness for exploitation and manipulation.

Laughable report claims Apple will take on Nintendo Switch with powerful hybrid console

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The Nintendo Switch's flexible Joy-Con controllers work just fine with a Mac (but not an iPhone).
Don't get your hopes up.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple is developing its own “Nintendo Switch style gaming console” with a hybrid design that “will outperform anything that Microsoft or Sony offers in 2021,” according to one very sketchy report citing unnamed sources.

The company has games “rivaling” Nintendo hits The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey that are “almost ready to go” to showcase the device, which will supposedly be powered by Apple Silicon.

Awesome iPhone mod brings the upgrade everybody wants

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iPhone X with USB-C mod
Good riddance, Lightning connector.
Photo: Ken Pillonel

I think most of us can agree that iPhone is long overdue a USB-C upgrade. But despite bringing the technology to Mac and iPad years ago, Apple seems reluctant to ditch Lightning for its smartphones. So, someone else did.

Robotics engineering student Ken Pillonel managed to replace the Lightning connector in his iPhone with a working USB-C connector. The mod allows for charging and data transfer — but it’s not one you’ll want to perform yourself.

Apple Watch Series 7 starts shipping ahead of Friday’s launch

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The aluminum Apple Watch Series 7 comes in five colors.
Have you had your shipping notification yet?
Photo: Apple

Apple has begun shipping the first Apple Watch Series 7 units ahead of Friday’s official launch. Orders started preparing for shipment over the weekend, and now customers are receiving their tracking information.

Sadly, this doesn’t mean that your Apple Watch Series 7 will arrive earlier. Apple works closely with its distribution partners to ensure that doesn’t happen.

This crazy iPhone 13 case catapults hard candy at your face

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iPhone 13 candy catapult case
Sweet treats comin' at ya.
Photo: Matty Benedetto

iPhone 13 might be a nice upgrade over its predecessors, with improved cameras and better battery life, but there’s one glaring omission from its list of features: It cannot fire candy. This crazy case solves that obvious flaw.

Designed and 3D printed by Matty Benedetto, the Candy Catapult Case carries an assortment of hard candy in its back that can be quickly (and dangerously?) fired into your mouth whenever you need sweet sustenance.

Use Apple Watch Series 7’s new cable to enjoy faster charging

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Apple Watch 7 faster charging cable
It might look the same, but Apple Watch Series 7's charger is better.
Photo: Apple

If you’ve preordered a shiny new Apple Watch Series 7, be sure to use the charging cable it ships with to enjoy its faster charging speeds.

Apple’s newest wearable charges 33% faster than its predecessors. But you won’t get the benefits of that upgrade if you charge it using an older Apple Watch charger (or a power adapter that isn’t beefy enough).

Apple appeals case against Epic Games, asks to delay App Store changes

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Epic Games v. Apple is just getting started
Apple vs. Epic Games drags on.
Photo: Apple/Epic Games

Apple has appealed the September ruling of its lengthy legal battle against Epic Games, despite spinning it as a significant win for the company. It has also asked to delay changes to the App Store while the appeal is ongoing.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled in Apple’s favor in nine out of ten counts against its App Store policies, but sided with Epic on one very important one: That third-party app-makers should be allowed to offer other payment systems.

Apple SVP and General Counsel Kate Adams said the company was “very pleased with the ruling” and called it “a huge win for Apple.” It seems, however, that maybe Cupertino wasn’t quite as pleased as it claimed.

Rockstar confirms GTA: The Trilogy — The Definitive Edition for mobile

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GTA Trilogy
The collection will include GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas.
Photo: Rockstar Games

After months and months of leaks and speculation, Rockstar Games today confirmed it is bringing Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy — The Definitive Edition to consoles, PC, and mobile devices — including iPhone and iPad.

The collection includes all three PlayStation 2-era GTA games — GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas — which “will feature across-the-board upgrades including graphical improvements and modern gameplay enhancements … while still maintaining the classic look and feel.”

Google exec calls on Apple to adopt better, more secure text messaging

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Google calls on Apple to adopt RCS for better messaging
But it probably won't happen.
Photo: Apple

Google executive Hiroshi Lockheimer has called on Apple to adopt the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol that would enable improved and more secure messaging between iPhone and Android devices.

RCS brings a number of modern features — including support for audio messages, group chats, typing indicators and read receipts — and end-to-end encryption to traditional text messaging. But it’s unlikely Apple will play ball.