Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
The 2020 iPhone SE has finally landed after a lengthy wait. Photo: Apple
Apple on Wednesday unveiled its long-awaited iPhone SE refresh for 2020. The latest model packs new technologies, including an A13 Bionic chip, into a form factor that’s familiar to any iPhone fan.
The new iPhone SE also offers up to 256GB of storage, Touch ID, and wireless charging. You can order yours from Friday, April 17, starting at $399. It makes its official debut on Friday, April 24.
Pokémon Go developer Niantic has been making changes to its game in an effort to ensure fans can continue playing while they’re stuck at home. Its latest is a brand-new Remote Raid Pass that lets you raid without leaving the couch.
It’s one of the biggest changes to Pokémon Go that we’ve seen so far. Here’s how it works.
Google has confirmed in an email to Nest customers on Tuesday that it is throttling camera quality to “conserve internet resources.”
The temporary measure, which will roll out to every Nest user over the coming days, is one of many Google and other tech giants have made in an effort to reduce network strain during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
But there's more to come in the meantime. Photo: Epic Games
Epic Games confirmed on Tuesday that it is extending Fortnite Battle Royale chapter two, season two into June. It promises fresh gameplay, new challenges, bonus XP, and a “couple more surprises” before season three.
Epic did not provide us with a reason for the extension, but there are a number of reasons why season three may not be ready yet.
They're battered, but they might be worth a fortune. Photo: Giulio Zompetti
New photos of rare Apple Watch prototypes give us a sneak peek at pre-production versions of Apple’s first ever smartwatch.
The prototypes, which date back to early 2014 — a year before Apple Watch made its official debut — were discovered at an unspecified e-waste facility. Their new owner plans to restore them before selling them on.
If you’ve ever looked at your AirPods and thought they need to be more Pikachu, Razer has the perfect set of earbuds for you. Its new Pokémon wireless headphones are bright yellow and ship with an incredibly cool Poké Ball charging case. They’re set to debut later this week.
One of the best keyboards money can buy for iPad Pro now comes with a built-in trackpad. The Brydge Pro+ is one of the first to truly embrace mouse support in iPadOS. And it costs a lot less than Apple’s official Magic Keyboard, which won’t debut until May.
Like almost every other Brydge keyboard I’ve used, this one delivers a terrific typing experience that you can rely on every day. It feels superbly comfortable, and it’s brilliantly designed. It makes your iPad feel like a MacBook in the most elegant way possible.
Despite all that — and my appreciation for Brydge as a company — it’s really hard for me to recommend the Pro+. It gets so many things right, but completely misses the mark where it really matters. Here’s my full Brydge Pro+ review after several weeks of use.
UPDATE: February 25, 2021: Brydge is currently preparing a big firmware update for the Pro+ that promises to eliminate its trackpad issues for good by adding native multitouch gestures. That means the Pro+ will soon offer exactly the same functionality as Apple’s own Magic Keyboard.
We have yet been able to test that firmware update, but we have heard that it lives up to Brydge’s promises. Bear that in mind before reading the rest of our original review below.
Treat yourself to discounted gear this Easter. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
The Cult of Mac Store’s big Easter sale is in full swing, offering sweet discounts on top brands like Juuk, Mujjo, and Monowear. We’ve got Apple Watch bands, iPhone cases, charging stands, and more — all available at up to 78% off the usual price.
The sale won’t last long, so enjoy it while you can!
New data reveals the COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on iPhone sales in the United States. Apple Store closures fueled a 56% drop in March. Average selling prices have also crashed.
There's nothing users can do for now. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
Apple is shipping out replacement AirPods buds with unreleased firmware that makes them unusable for now.
Some users have been holding onto new AirPods that they cannot use for more than a week. They will remain useless until Apple makes its version 2D3 AirPods firmware available to the public.
There is another way to enjoy HBO services on Apple TV, however. Photo: HBO
HBO on Wednesday confirmed its HBO Go and HBO Now services will drop support for second- and third-generation Apple TV units this month. Users will no longer be able to stream starting April 30.
The change is being made “in order to provide the best streaming experience,” the company said. There are other ways to enjoy these services on older Apple TV boxes, however.
Apple isn't out of the woods yet, though. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Foxconn, Apple’s largest manufacturing partner, has reported a whopping 59.9% increase in revenue for March 2020 as production ramps up following COVID-19 disruptions.
It’s not all good news for Apple fans, however. One report warns that while some facilities are running at full throttle, plans for some new products have been scuppered by travel restrictions.
There is a workaround. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
A growing number of third-generation Apple TV owners are experiencing errors when attempting to watch YouTube content.
It seems the problems occur when watching certain videos, while others play just fine. One user who contacted Apple was told that the problem is on Google’s end — not with Apple TV.
A new way to interact with apps. Photo: Alexander Käßner
This brilliant new iPadOS concept imagines a spectacular “main menu” concept that would change the way we interact with iPad apps.
The feature, designed by Alexander Käßner, would allow for cleaner apps and a standardized method of accessing common functions. It works much like the toolbar every Mac user is familiar with.
Is this the beginning of the end for the Beats brand? Photo: Apple
Apple is readying new over-ear headphones and “AirPods X” for 2020 as it plans to slowly “phase out Beats,” a tipster claimed Tuesday.
We could see the company’s new over-ear headphones during the online-only Worldwide Developers Conference this June. However, the company’s sportier take on AirPods is expected to come in the fall. Currently, Apple is supposedly working to clear out Beats inventory.
It includes tighter restrictions on message forwarding. Photo: WhatsApp
WhatsApp on Tuesday outlined measures to keep its more than 2 billion users safe and secure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The measures include tighter limits on message forwarding, and working with organizations and governments like the World Health Organization to help connect user with more accurate information.
“We believe that now more than ever people need to be able to connect privately,” WhatsApp said. “Our teams are hard at work to keep WhatsApp running reliably during this unprecedented global crisis.”
Download the newest update today. Photo: Pixelmator
Pixelmator Photo, the desktop-class image editing app for iPad, now takes full advantage of Apple’s most recent iPadOS 13.4 update. Users can enjoy improved mouse and trackpad support, as well as Split View.
The version 1.2 release also brings color matching powered by machine learning, color intensity controls, and more.
A must-have for any RTS fan. Photo: Feral Interactive
World War II strategy game Company of Heroes is on its way to iPhone. The award-winning PC classic has already enjoyed a successful launch on iPad, and will soon be easier to play anywhere.
The 'Stay Home' message inside Dirt Rally 2.0. Photo: Codemasters
Your favorite games may soon be reminding you to stay at home and save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of developers have begun injecting the messages into popular titles across all platforms — including mobile.
Accessory-maker Casetify on Monday lifted the lid on its exciting new collaboration with Coca-Cola. The partnership will bring a range of awesome iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and other Coca-Cola-branded accessories.
Join the waitlist today for your chance to order as soon as they’re available.
Apple may give us brand-new wallpaper options in iOS 14. Photo: DongleBookPro
The latest iOS 14 leaks hint that new wallpaper settings and Home screen widgets are coming to iPhone and iPad.
Apple is expected to separate its default backgrounds into categories. It also might give users the ability to place real widgets anywhere they like on their Home screen — a feature Android has had for more than a decade.
Get all these and more at a sweet discount! Photos: Twelve South
Save 20% on the Cult of Mac Store’s entire lineup of awesome accessories from Twelve South. AirPods cases, iPhone chargers, iPad stands and more are all available at a discounted rate for a limited time only.
The sale includes some of Twelve South’s most popular products, including HiRise Wireless, AirSnap, and BookArc. The discounts disappear tonight, so enjoy them while you can!
Shoppers can save as much as $212 on iPhone 11 Pro Max. Screenshot: Cult of Mac
iPhone resellers in China are offering big discounts on Apple’s latest handsets in an effort to reverse falling sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suning, one of Apple’s largest retail partners in China, is offering discounts of up to 1,500 yuan (approximately $212) on the iPhone 11 series. The move is expected to trigger further price adjustments on other 4G smartphones.
Apple’s much-anticipated 13-inch MacBook Pro refresh will arrive next month, according to one popular tipster.
Recent reports claim it will be Apple’s first 13-inch MacBook Pro with a vastly improved Magic Keyboard. The refresh may also bring faster Intel processors, improved speakers and perhaps even a larger display.