Lewis Wallace - page 2

Today in Apple history: AirPods arrive to conquer the audio world

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Today in Apple history: They looked weird at first, but now it's impossible to remember a world without AirPods.
They looked weird at first, but now it's impossible to remember a world without AirPods.
Photo: Dagny Reese/Unsplash License

December 13: Today in Apple history: Original AirPods launch December 13, 2016: After months of anticipation and delay, Apple finally releases AirPods. The tiny wireless earbuds arrive in Apple’s online store just in time for holiday shoppers looking for stocking stuffers.

Like so many Apple products, they aren’t the first such earbuds to arrive on the scene. However, AirPods’ rapid success will fuel a wireless listening revolution.

2024 will bring major upgrades to iPads and Macs [The CultCast]

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iPad-upgrades-2024-CultCast-episode 624
The best tablets in the world are about to get even better.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest Apple rumors point to a jumbo iPad Air and even-better (and pricier) iPad Pros landing in early 2024. Plus, Apple’s powerful M3 chip reportedly will come to more Macs.

We run down what it all means. Brace yourself for performance!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Cool new features coming to next-gen iPhones will make Apple’s world-beating smartphone even better. We’re especially excited about a turbocharged Action button.
  • Government spying on push notifications is definitely a thing.
  • Installment number one of our “best of 2023” picks. These fabulous things made us quiver with joy this year.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Apple confirms ‘push notification spying’ by government agencies [Updated]

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A red-tinted image of a hand holding an iPhone, meant to depict push notification spying.
Unidentified countries request push notification records from Apple and Google to gain info about smartphone users.
Photo illustration: Bagus Hernawan/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

Some governments are spying on push notifications sent to iPhone users, Apple confirmed Wednesday. By examining logs of push notifications sent by various apps, authorities can piece together surprisingly detailed information about smartphone users and their activities.

The previously undisclosed data gathering, which also affects Android devices, became public after Sen. Roy Wyden published an open letter to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on Wednesday requesting disclosure of the surveillance method.

What’s next for Apple Card? [The CultCast]

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Apple Card on an iPhone. CultCast episode 623.
Changes could be coming to Apple Card.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: It sounds like Apple’s partnership with Goldman Sachs is on the rocks. What does that mean for the future of Apple Card?

Also on The CultCast:

  • The latest iOS 17.2 beta reveals some interesting new features.
  • Apple’s deal with Arm is pretty sweet … and pretty annoying for Arm!
  • Those panicky headlines about NameDrop you’ve been seeing that paint the iOS 17 feature as danger to children? Ignore them.
  • Apple seems pretty committed to Vision Pro: Multiple lower-priced versions of the headset are reportedly in the works.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

3 Reasons to Watch: Slow Horses, the acerbic Apple TV+ spy thriller

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Jackson Lamb is no James Bond, but Slow Horses is an excellent spy thriller nonetheless.
Image: Apple TV+

Slow Horses, the Apple TV+ spy thriller based on the Slough House novels by British novelist Mick Herron, spices up its twisty-turny plots with witty dialogue and convincing performances.

Lead character Jackson Lamb, a rumpled British spook played by Gary Oldman, runs the misfit spy shop known as Slough House. Everyone on his team (known as the “Slow Horses”) screwed up in a major way professionally, earning them their one-way ticket to Lamb’s dusty, low-rent M15 leper colony. Lamb torments them at nearly every turn with a mordant mix of skepticism and ridicule.

Here are three reasons you should watch Slow Horses the Apple TV+, which fires up its third season today.

Who will lead Apple when Tim Cook steps down? [The CultCast]

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Who will take over when Tim Cook finally steps down as Apple CEO? Apparently, he has some ideas.
Who will take over when Tim Cook finally steps down as Apple CEO? Apparently, he has some ideas.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Tim Cook recently said Apple has “very detailed” succession plans for when he eventually steps down as CEO. Plus, the company definitely plans to hire from within. That got us thinking … who’s next in Apple’s game of thrones?

Also on The CultCast:

  • OLED screens might come to iPad Air and iPad mini somewhat soonish.
  • Europe’s busybody technocrats have some more grand plans for Apple and other manufacturers. We’ve got mixed emotions.
  • Sonos reportedly wants to take on Apple TV and AirPods Max with rival products.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Just how hot are those new M3 MacBook Pros? [The CultCast]

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Apple's M3 Max chip sitting in front of flames. The CultCast episode 621.
Just how extreme is the MacBook Pro's thermal throttling?
Original photo: Christopher Burns

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Tests performed on the M3 MacBook Pros reveal the performance-crushing effects of thermal throttling and skimpy RAM. Erfon is not impressed!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple shocks everyone by pledging to support Rich Communication Services for better texting between iPhones and Android devices.
  • Griffin runs down some of the most interesting new features coming soon in iOS 17.2.
  • Apple reportedly plans to overhaul the iPad lineup next year, and a mammoth 12.9-inch iPad Air is apparently on the menu.
  • If the iPhone 16 gets exclusive AI features, will Siri really get smarter? We’re extremely skeptical.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

These are the only two M3 MacBook Pros you should buy [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 620. These are the only two M3 MacBook Pros you should buy.
Not every M3 MacBook Pro is created equal.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Erfon breaks down the specs/performance of Apple’s recently released MacBook Pro lineup, and he’s convinced there are only two models any sane person would buy. Listen to found out which models make the grade!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple reportedly slammed the breaks on the development of next year’s iPhone and Mac operating systems to concentrate on busting bugs. But was the pause really that big of a deal?
  • Elgato made a simple, smart change to its USB-C cables — and every manufacturer should follow suit.
  • An intriguing rumor indicates Apple might have a battery breakthrough in the works.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Find Italy’s best restaurants with this must-have foodie app [Awesome Apps]

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Osterie d'Italia app on an iPhone with a fork.
The just-updated Osterie d'Italia app showcases Italy's most soulful slow-food restaurants.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

The best Italian restaurant app just got better. Osterie d’Italia 2024, the latest app version of Slow Food Editore’s killer guide to Italy’s most authentic restaurants, now serves up its piping-hot recommendations in English for the first time.

Plus, a much-improved search functionality makes it easier than ever to find a great place to eat in Italy. And a new feature lets you store your notes and photos about particular restaurants in the cloud so you can access them in subsequent versions of the annually updated app.

Don’t hold your breath for a new 27-inch iMac

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Three kids huddle in front of a red iMac powered by Apple's M3 chip.
Apple apparently thinks a 24-inch iMac is plenty big enough.
Photo: Apple

If you’ve been holding your breath waiting for a new 27-inch iMac, it’s time to inhale: Apple reportedly has no plans to produce such a computer.

The news, which doubtless will disappoint fans of all-in-one Apple computers hoping for a bigger screen, comes straight from Apple itself.

Does iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button really need this fix? [The CultCast]

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Is the iPhone 15 Pro
We love the iPhone 15 Pro's Action button just as it is, but hey ... upgrade away!
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: An iOS 17 update supposedly will stop the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button from triggering in your pocket, at least in certain circumstances. Is this really a problem that needs fixing?

Also on The CultCast:

  • When it comes to upcoming Macs and Apple Watch, this week’s no news sounds like very bad news indeed.
  • Apple’s Vision Pro headset seems to be straining the necks of some pencil-necked geeks.
  • For this week’s Under Review segment, I’ve got a unique-looking charger and Erfon and Griffin bring very different sorts of cameras to the podcast’s version of show and tell.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Score great deals on Momax’s sophisticated Apple accessories

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MOMAX Laptop Power Bank
Rugged and portable, this unique-looking power bank will keep your MacBook juiced up for days.
Photo: Momax

Momax makes sophisticated and stylish Apple accessories that work flawlessly with your favorite Apple devices.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Momax.
The company’s prices always prove competitive. But during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, limited-time discounts make them even more outrageously affordable. Here’s a roundup of several great Momax products — including AirTag clones going for just $11.20 — on sale today and Wednesday.

Macs get ready to heat up as iPhone 15 cools down [The CultCast]

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CultCast 615- MacBook Pro rumors.
Are we really going to see new MacBooks before the year ends?
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The latest MacBook rumor sounds enticing, but will it come true? It’s time to speculate. Meanwhile, the real fire talk is all about that big, toasty iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple’s iOS 17 update fixes the overheating problem. (Frankly, “Thermalgate” seems about as overblown as “Printgate.”)

Also on The CultCast:

  • Did Apple screw up the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button? We debate our fearless leader Leander Kahney’s controversial stance on the subject.
  • Apple’s got a secret plan to own its microLED display chain.
  • If you don’t like macOS Sonoma’s brilliant one-click desktop reveal, we’ll tell you how to turn it off. (We’ll try not to think less of you if you do.)
  • On the 12th anniversary of Steve Jobs’ death, we ponder the state of Apple’s leadership and vision.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Why we’re loving iPhone 15 Pro and new Apple Watches [The CultCast]

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The CultCast logo, episode 614: A heart!
Hear our first hands-on impressions of iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Photo: Nicola Fioravanti/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After nearly a week with Apple’s new hardware, we’re serving up our first hands-on impressions. Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max too big — and/or too hot — to handle? Is Apple Watch Ultra 2 worth the upgrade? What about Apple Watch Series 9?

And seriously, Apple … you call that pink?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Griffin runs us through some of the coolest new features in macOS Sonoma.
  • OMG we’ve already got iPhone 16 rumors.
  • And we wrap up with a couple of big fat bummers from our favorite source of Apple insider info and tech haikus.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Great ways to find the movies, songs, eSIMS and beers you need [Awesome Apps]

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Awesome Apps for the Week: App icons for Untappd, Numero eSIM, Callsheet and BBC Sounds.
These apps will thrill movie buffs, music fans, frequent flyers and beer fanatics.
Image: Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

If you love movies, TV, music, beer or international travel, the apps in this week’s Awesome Apps roundup will knock your socks off. If you happen to love all those things … well, first off, congratulations on being a person of many and varied interests.

Secondly, you’d better get downloading so you don’t spend another precious moment without these apps.

iPhone 15: How pro can Apple go? [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 613: iPhone 15 Pro is so pro ...
Titanium FTW!
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The first reviews of iPhone 15 Pro rave about everything from the phenomenal titanium finish to the fantastic 5x zoom. Sounds like Tim Cook has another winner on his hands.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Loads of great new iOS 17 and iPhone 15 features fly below the radar. We discuss some of our faves.
  • Apple’s new FineWoven cases, on the other hand, sound like a huge, synthetic miss.
  • Some haters are trying to get “Printgate” started, but we can’t believe iPhone 15 Pro’s sweet titanium frame is gonna be a fingerprint magnet.
  • With tvOS 17, the Apple TV finally gets a no-brainer capability: FaceTime calls.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Whose ‘Wonderlust’ predictions came true? [The CultCast]

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Wonderlust event hits and misses - The CultCast episode 612
What we got right -- and wrong -- about Apple's big "Wonderlust" event.
Image: Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We dissect all the biggest reveals from Apple’s “Wonderlust” event, which brought us new iPhones, Apple Watches and more. And we stare unafraid at the results of our Wonderlust predictions. We have a winner!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Yes, we got new iCloud+ storage plans. And Erfon’s still complaining?!?
  • The new iPhone colors are … 🤷
  • The iPhone’s USB-C enables some cool new stuff.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Apple Watch Series 9 gets big power boost and new double tap gesture

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The aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 comes in a new pink color.
The aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 comes in a new pink color.
Photo: Apple
Wonderlust 2023

Apple Watch Series 9 brings a faster S9 chip that the company says will boost performance, make Siri more usable, and enable an entirely new “double tap” gesture.

The new Apple Watch, introduced Tuesday during Apple’s “Wonderlust” event alongside the second-gen Apple Watch Ultra, also adds Apple’s updated Ultra Wideband chip, which the company says will make the smartwatch work better with Apple’s Find My network, among other things.

“Apple Watch Series 9 has been redesigned on the inside with the all-new S9 chip, giving it a big boost in performance and capabilities,” said Deidre Caldbeck, director of Apple Watch product marketing. “It’s our most powerful Watch chip yet.”

Aside from the impressive internal updates, the 2023 Apple Watch lineup looks much the same as last year’s models.

Apple ‘Wonderlust’ event predictions and last-minute leaks! [The CultCast]

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Apple Wonderlust event predictions on The CultCast episode 611.
Who will rack up the most correct predictions? We'll know Tuesday!
Image: Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re putting our million-dollar reputations on the line with predictions for Apple’s upcoming “Wonderlust” event. Who will come out on top when the truth is revealed on September 12? (See Griffin’s scorecard for our picks.)

Also on The CultCast:

  • A last-minute leak gives us a solid look at the camera systems on the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
  • The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro might get an upgrade that makes it even more MacBook-like.
  • And speaking of MacBooks, will Apple really release a cut-rate laptop to compete with Chromebooks? A MacBook SE sounds plausible …

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Will Apple’s ‘Wonderlust’ event bring lust-worthy iPhones? [The CultCast]

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WTF? The CultCast episode 610, where we're discussing the Apple
Will the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro colors really look as drab as rumors indicate?
Image: Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple’s invite for the September 12 “Wonderlust” event offers potential clues about what to expect. Mostly it makes us wonder: Will Apple ever release an iPhone in a truly bold, lust-worthy color?

The main thing we can agree on is that it looks like the iPhone 15 colors might be more boring than usual.

Also on The CultCast:

  • We’ll miss Apple’s leather cases if the company really does pull the plug.
  • 3D printing with metal could be a game-changer for the manufacturing process. If anyone can do it, Apple can.
  • AirPods might receive the USB-C upgrade they deserve next month.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

iPhone 15 cable might be its biggest surprise [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 609: Logo plus a braided blue USB-C cable.
An iPhone cable hasn't caused this much commotion since Lightning arrived on the scene more than a decade ago.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re hearing all kinds of rumors about the USB-C cable(s) that will come with iPhone 15 models. Will they be colorful? Braided? Fast? Slow? We’ve got some leaks and some informed speculation — and probably just enough cable to hang ourselves with.

Erfon’s out this week, but we’ve got a special guest you won’t want to miss!

Also on The CultCast:

  • The Vision Pro gasp heard ’round the world!
  • Why you might want to wash the nasty stuff off your Apple Watch band.
  • Leander’s new e-book Unsung Apple Hero showcases the innovative work of Bas Ording, the Apple designer who worked closely with Steve Jobs to create the look and feel of the iPhone and more.
  • Griffin walks us through some useful Apple apps hiding on your Mac. (Hello again, Stickies!)

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

iPhone 15 might be freaky fast in sneaky ways [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 608: iPhone 15 - Freaky Fast?!?
The iPhone 15 might slay when it comes to data transfers and charging times.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We always expect Apple silicon to make our smartphones faster, but iPhone 15 could be a speed demon in unsuspected ways. Like, it might deliver 80 times faster data transfers through the port that replaces Lightning. Anyone who moves large files around should be thrilled with the latest iPhone 15 rumor. And that’s not all …

Also on The CultCast:

  • iPhone 15 might charge at extreme speeds, too.
  • Why is iPhone 14 taking a beating over its battery life?
  • Next year’s Apple Watch X could bring the major redesign we’ve all been waiting for.
  • Erfon does a surprise live unboxing of a great gift sent in by a CultCast listener.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Mark your calendars for iPhone 15 launch [The CultCast]

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iPhone 15: Coming soon! The CultCast logo, episode 607.
What will iPhone 15 look like? We're about to find out.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Looks like we have an iPhone 15 launch date. An early hint pinpointed September 13, but now it looks like the big reveal might come a day earlier. Mark your calendars (but maybe use a pencil rather than a Sharpie).

Also on The CultCast:

  • We take a closer look at what the iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Bionic chip can do.
  • Apple’s working on a wide array of M3 Macs — here’s a rundown. Plus, the M3 Max chip sounds particularly beastly.
  • Total Mac aficionado Griffin explains why an iPad makes a better choice than a MacBook Air for college students.
  • Apple TV 4K is about to get a sweet upgrade just for AirPods fans.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

The latest AirTag and Apple Watch rumors make us giddy [The CultCast]

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An Apple AirTag and an Apple Watch Ultra: We're talking the latest Apple rumors on The CultCast, episode 606.
AirTags with new functionality and Apple Watches in new colors sound good to us.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Which gets you more excited, an AirTag with new AR capabilities, a pink Apple Watch or a black titanium Apple Watch Ultra? This week’s top Apple rumors fuel our imaginations …

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple touts 1 billion paid subscribers, a gigantic number that pushed the company to record-high revenue for its services division last quarter.
  • Leander cooks up a cheap-and-dirty way to add CarPlay to any car, even an old beater. (Still can’t get him to come on the podcast, though, because … 👀.
  • Tim Cook finally plays the AI card as Apple tries to cash in on the latest tech buzzword.
  • Griffin proves he’s a total nerd the consummate tech collector by revealing what he uses an ancient Apple Newton for these days.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

More big iPhone leaks, including one we really don’t like [The CultCast]

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Wor$t iPhone 15 rumor yet! With The CultCast logo, episode 605.
Not all iPhone rumors are created equal.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Not all iPhone rumors prove exciting. In fact, a big one this week — possible iPhone 15 price hikes — sounds downright depressing. But it’s not all bad news. The “normie” iPhone 15 might get some trickle-down camera tech that could make it easier not to go Pro this year.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Think of all the interesting ways you could use an Action button like on Apple Watch Ultra’s on an iPhone. Well, the iPhone 15 Pro might get in on that action.
  • Apple’s Vision Pro loaners for developers come with some absolutely ridiculous restrictions.
  • We’ve got an Apple Watch tip that we bet you don’t know — how to get the time with a tap on your wrist. Perfect for those long, boring meetings when you don’t want to peek at your watch.
  • Hang around for the great Apple Music versus Spotify debate of 2023.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.