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Staff Writer - page 13

Get your free trial of Setapp, the Netflix for Mac apps

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Setapp brings the subscription model of Netflix to Mac apps.
Setapp brings the subscription model of Netflix to Mac apps.
Photo: MacPaw

This post is presented by MacPaw, the software team behind Setapp and a variety of proven Mac apps.

These days, lots of us indulge in subscription services. From TV, movies and music to nerd paraphernalia and razors, subscribing to what you love is a great model for exploring many options at an affordable price. If you can name it, you can find a curated collection sent straight to your door or inbox — and now the subscription model is coming to disrupt Mac apps.

The slimmest iPhone case looks even slicker in jet black

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Whether you're wishing your iPhone were jet black, or it is and you want to protect it, this insanely slim case it what you're looking for,
Whether you're wishing your iPhone were jet black, or it is and you want to protect it, this insanely slim case it what you're looking for,
Photo: Totallee

This post is brought to you by Totallee.

There’s something utterly drool-worthy about a jet black iPhone. A black mirrored finish first wowed us on the iPhone 3. It quickly gained a reputation as being super-sexy — but also super-susceptible to scratches. Even Apple warns in the fine print that iPhone 7 units with this highly sought after finish are prone to micro-abrasions. Now the phone case wunderkinds at Totallee have created a way to go to the dark side without risking a scratch.

Get in early on the one cable to connect them all

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This cleverly designed cable includes connections for USB, Micro USB, and Lightning all in one.
This cleverly designed cable includes connections for USB, Micro USB, and Lightning all in one.
Photo: Trilobi

This post is presented by Trilobi, maker of the Trilobi Magnetic 3 in 1 MAG Cable.

With all the sleek digital devices in our lives, one thing that doesn’t seem to get more streamlined is the drawer full of cables needed to keep them charged. Thankfully, a sweet, soon-to-be-released cable is about to cure that spaghetti nightmare.

This plug-in turns Apple Mail into a powerful productivity platform

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MailButler turns Apple Mail into a bona fide productivity platform.
MailButler turns Apple Mail into a bona fide productivity platform.
Image: Feingeist Software

This post is presented by Feingeist Software.

Ah, Apple Mail. Every Mac users’ de-facto communications hub, it’s a convenient tool — but it’s not exactly feature-rich. It serves as a catch-all for our contacts and email conversations, but when it comes to productivity, Mail has a lot of untapped potential.

Remove DRM from iTunes and Apple Music to play your audio on any device

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Apple Music Converter
This app converts audio files into MP3, removing their DRM restrictions so you can play them on any device.
Photo: Convertanymusic.com

This post is brought to you by Convertanymusic.com, maker of Apple Music Converter.

When we download music from iTunes, or audiobooks from Audible, the files that get onto our devices are DRM-protected. That means they can’t be played on “unauthorized” devices. This, let’s face it, is pretty inconvenient.

Don’t abandon your Apple TV, sell it to us

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The new Apple TV is about to be unveiled.
The new Apple TV is about to be unveiled.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

If you’re a decent person (we’ll assume you are since you’re a Cult of Mac reader), you don’t leave your old TV on the sidewalk when it’s outlived its usefulness. The same consideration for your neighbors and the environment should extend to your old Apple TV.

Whether you’re abandoning your old Apple TV to upgrade, replace a busted unit or to give up TV entirely (yeah right), the Cult of Mac buyback program will make sure you get the most money possible. Even better-known companies like Gazelle and Walmart can’t offer as much, and you’ll be making sure your dated or defunct device ends up in the right place.

Combo Cleaner takes Mac antivirus protection to the next level

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Combo Cleaner includes a powerful antivirus tool backed up by a dedicated team of software specialists.
Combo Cleaner includes a powerful antivirus tool backed up by a dedicated team of software specialists.
Photo: RCS LT

This post is brought to you by RCS LT, maker of Combo Cleaner.

The vast majority of apps offering antivirus protection run on an open-source engine called Clam AV. It offers a convenient module that app developers can plug into their products for free and get passable antivirus protection.

Unfortunately, you often get what you pay for, which in this case is a subpar detection rate for malware and adware. That’s why a staff-maintained antivirus solution is a better idea.

Got a new iPhone? Sell your old Android phone to us.

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Got a shiny new iPhone? Sell us your old Android device.
Got a shiny new iPhone? Sell us your old Android device.
Photo: Paula Lavalle/Unsplash

No matter how well you take care of an Android phone, the time will come for it to count its last electric sheep. Selling a smartphone, even a functioning one, can be a hassle — and less than rewarding when dealing with the typical Android buyback program or Craigslist buyer.

If you’ve got a Samsung, LG or HTC phone, even one that’s gone completely kaput, Cult of Mac’s buyback program makes it easy to trade it in for the best price.

Rip DVDs to Mac, mobile or hard drive easily (and for free)

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macx dvd ripper pro boxshot
MacX DVD Ripper Pro might be the best and easiest way to convert DVDs to usable files.
Image: Digiarty

This post is brought to you by Digiarty.

Unless you’re a teenager, you’ve probably got some DVDs lying around from back when people still used DVDs. Ripping those old movies and TV shows not only keeps their contents from being lost or damaged, it also means you can print fresh copies from scratched discs (without those annoying FBI warnings or region codes, thanks to built-in DVD decryption), and have digital versions ready to edit for your own projects.

This company built an AI for helping customer service teams

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This powerful artificial intelligence tool can help customer service agents, or converse with customers directly.
This powerful artificial intelligence tool can help customer service agents, or converse with customers directly.
Photo: Agent.ai

This post is brought to you by Agent.ai.

Not all businesses can afford a full-time staff of phone operators. And let’s be honest: Frustration with automated systems can leave customers looking for another place to do business.

Agent.ai has created something that bridges the gap — a customer relationship management (CRM) system that’s powered by machine learning. It comes in two forms: Co-Pilot and Auto-Pilot.

Sell your old Apple Watch to us for cold cash and peace of mind

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Cracked-Apple-Watch
Turn your broken Apple Watch into cash, not an environmental hazard.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Maybe your Apple Watch is broken, or you want to get some extra cash to spend on a Series 2 upgrade (or a totally different device). Whatever your reason for wanting to sell your Apple Watch, the best and easiest bet is selling it to us through Cult of Mac’s Apple gear buyback program.

You still have that old iPod? Sell it to us!

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ipadnano
If your iPod is broken or languishing in your junk drawer, it's time to cash in.
Photo: Wikipedia CC

The iPod turns 15 this year. Hard to believe, right? It’s also hard to believe you still have that old iPod at all, what with the amazing music-carrying capacity of iPhones, iPads — heck, even your Apple Watch.

If you’re not using your old iPod (and it’s not one of those incredibly valuable special edition iPods that collectors are snapping up), you should sell your old iPod to us. Cult of Mac’s Apple gear buyback program will make sure you get as much cash as possible.

Black Friday deals on health and fitness: A Withings gift guide

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Withings Black Friday gift guide
Great Black Friday deals slash up to 70 percent off Withings fitness and health gear.
Photos: Withings

This post is brought to you by Withings.

Don’t let shopping stress you out and spoil the holiday spirit. Gifts that are useful and beautiful are always a safe bet, and these Black Friday deals on health and fitness products from Withings — one of our favorite purveyors of quality gear — mean you can save up to 70 percent on the perfect gifts for 2016.

But don’t delay: These excellent deals on Withings fitness trackers, home health gadgets and smart scales won’t last forever. Prices go back up Tuesday!

Black Friday giveaway: Get one of the best video converters for Mac

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MacX Video Converter Pro
Get your free video converter today.
Image: Digiarty

This post is brought to you by Digiarty, maker of MacX Video Converter Pro.

Video is one of the most vital ways we communicate and consume media. And whether you’re creating your next viral video or looking to get a movie from your Mac onto your iPhone, a versatile
Mac video converter can be your best friend.

Sell your old iPad to us for a special Black Friday trade-in

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Cult of Mac's buyback program
See your old iPad using Cult of Mac's buyback program. We offer the highest prices around.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

If you’re ready to upgrade your iPad this holiday season, make sure you sell your old iPad to us first. Cult of Mac’s Apple gear buyback program can get you more for your outdated and even busted devices than companies like Gazelle, Walmart, Best Buy and even Apple.

We’re also offering a special Black Friday bonus. Just enter “blackfriday” on Cult of Mac’s buyback pagefor $15 extra on every trade-in.

This heart-healthy smart scale delivers what your fitness apps are missing

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Withings Body Cardio smart scale
The Withings Body Cardio smart scale adds crucial cardiovascular insights to your health data mix.
Photo: Withings

This post is brought to you by Withings, maker of the Body Cardio smart scale.

One of the great promises of the mobile and wearables revolution was that we’d all get unprecedented insights into our personal health. Apple even built a Health app into its mobile operating system. And what icon did Apple choose for its trailblazing Health app? An unmistakable red heart.

Now a heart-healthy smart scale can capture critical data about your cardiovascular health that can provide a fresh perspective on your wellness regimen.

The only iPhone case that doesn’t give Apple the middle finger

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SkinCase
Your iPhone deserves a case like this.
Photo: SkinCase

This post is brought to you by SkinCase.

It must drive the designers and engineers at Apple crazy. For all the time and resources they put into the design of the iPhone, tons of people end up hulking it out with an ugly piece of plastic.

It’s a catch-22. The iPhone’s flawless design makes you want to keep it safe, but the cases out there ruin what you love about it in the first place.

DigiDNA devs make apps that rock by thinking like a band

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The indie developers at DigiDNA scored their first hit with iMazing for Mac.
The indie developers at DigiDNA scored their first hit with iMazing for Mac.
Photo: DigiDNA

Our new App Business section is brought to you by MacPaw, maker of proven Mac apps.

Sometimes you’ve got to think small to hit it big. For DigiDNA, a Swiss development team that makes popular software for managing iOS devices, that means functioning more like a tight rock ‘n’ roll band than a sprawling orchestra.

Salivating over Apple’s latest, greatest laptops? Sell your old MacBook to us first.

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smashed_macbook
If your MacBook looks like this, it might be time to trade in and upgrade.
Photo illustration: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Got your eye on one of Apple’s latest super-sexy MacBooks? Wipe the drool from your chin, and sell your old MacBook to us — even if it fell off a bridge.

You could go through the sketchy and time-consuming process of selling your computer on Craigslist, but good luck if it’s in less than mint condition. We’ve got a better way to make sure you get what you deserve for your old computer.

In most cases, Cult of Mac’s Apple gear buyback program offers more for used or broken devices than Gazelle, Walmart, Best Buy or even Apple itself.

Now is a great time to sell your old MacBook

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This guy spilled his coffee and then sold us his laptop.
This guy spilled his coffee and then sold us his laptop....
Photo: Pexels

With new MacBook Pro models just announced, it’s a great time to clear out your old laptop. Our MacBook buyback program will give you cash to upgrade.

You can still make money off your aging MacBook. Yeah, even those dusty old white ones from 2008. The buyback program will pay you cash for your Apple laptop, whether it’s the newest 15-inch MacBook Pro or a clunker you haven’t touched in five years.

The new MacBook Pro models look super sweeeeet, so it’s a great time to clear out old gear and pad your bank account so you can afford an upgrade.
The new machines are pricey, so you’ll need the extra cash.

How do you beat light pollution? Try 40 OLED displays.

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The beauty of the aurora borealis, as seen on a giant wall of screens.
The beauty of the aurora borealis, as seen on a giant wall of screens.
Photo: LG Electronics

This post is brought to you by LG Electronics.

It’s a sad fact that around a third of people on Earth — and some 80 percent of Americans — can no longer enjoy the glory of the night’s sky, due to light pollution. The celestial firmament has been a source of wonder and inspiration for the entirety of human existence, making its sudden disappearance a truly significant loss.

The arms race to protect apps from cracking

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Protect apps from crackers
Protecting apps from crackers can be a daunting task for developers.
Image: MacPaw

Our new App Business section is brought to you by MacPaw, maker of proven Mac apps.

App developers put a lot of time and effort into preventing their apps from being cracked or pirated. But for every coder taking a step toward making an app more secure, there’s someone on the march to crack it. The integrity of any app is subject to an ongoing arms race.

The most popular and useful apps are the most likely to release the cracken (I’m so sorry), so finding out that a bunch of people have downloaded your app illegally can be worn as something of a badge of pride. But that’s cold comfort when you’re losing customers, so let’s take a look at a couple of the most likely app-cracking approaches developers should protect against.

Ready to trade in your old phone? Meet the folks behind our gadget buyback (highest prices, BTW)

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The guys behind MyPhones Unlimited, an Arkansas-based buyback program that we believe pays more than the competition (in nine out of ten cases).
The guys behind MyPhones Unlimited, an Arkansas-based buyback program that we believe pays more than the competition (in nine out of ten cases).
Photo: MyPhones Unlimited

We recently launched a gadget buyback program that promises to pay more for used and broken Apple devices than Gazelle, Walmart and even Apple itself. This post is about the startup company we partnered with to bring you this service.

A college friend who bought a new phone and was about to trash a defunct iPhone 3G sparked the idea for MyPhones Unlimited, a smartphone recycling service that Cult of Mac recently partnered with.

“Two main thoughts came to mind,” says MyPhones Unlimited founder Gabe Trumbo. “One is that that can’t be good for that to just be thrown away, there has got to be a better way to recycle it. And beyond that, I’m sure there’s still some value in it.”

He was right. Trading in his friend’s phone himself, Trumbo got a bigger chunk of change than he expected — and immediately saw a market coupled to an important problem.

The cutting edge in monitors is UltraWide with a lovely curve

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LG UltraWide monitor
The latest LG UltraWide monitor sets a new standard for immersive viewing.
Image: LG Electronics

This post is brought to you by LG Electronics.

“Immersive” is a big buzzword in tech these days, as creators and consumers of digital media seek ever-more-powerful ways to get sucked into the screen. The latest version of the top-shelf LG UltraWide monitor adds new technology that takes that elusive immersive experience to the next level.