Ste Smith - page 4

Rock out with the jamstik+ smart guitar [Review]

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jamstik+ MIDI guitar
The jamstik+ makes learning the guitar accessible and fun.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Best List: jamstik+ MIDI guitar

Already thinking about how to fulfill your 2017 New Year’s resolution of becoming a rock god?

If so, check out the jamstik+. This MIDI guitar, and its associated collection of apps, promises to help anyone who wants to learn to play guitar or improve their existing skills.

2016 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar vs. 2015 MacBook Pro

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2016 MacBook Pro versus 2015 MacBook Pro
When the shiny new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar goes head-to-head against last year's model, which computer wins?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The 2016 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar has met a lot of criticism. But all anyone really wants to know is, is it time to upgrade?

Cult of Mac put the entry-level 2015 and 2016 MacBook Pros head to head to see if it’s worth snapping up a shiny new Touch Bar machine.

MacBook Pro: Too slow and not enough ‘pro’ [Review]

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MacBook Pro
The new MacBook Pro is here, but is it worth it?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

It’s been four long years since Apple’s last big update to the MacBook Pro lineup. But Apple finally answered our prayers and delivered us the brand new MacBook Pro we’ve been waiting for — or did it?

It’s a beautiful machine with an intriguing new interface element called the Touch Bar. Check out my full MacBook Pro review below for more.

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar: First look is amazing!

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MacBook
Take a look inside the box of the new MacBook Pro.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

My shiny new MacBook Pro finally arrived. What kind of YouTube channel would Cult of Mac be running if we didn’t film a MacBook Pro with Touch Bar unboxing?

In today’s video, I open up my new space gray laptop, fire it up for the first time, and record my first hands-on impressions. Check it out below.

Everything that’s new in Final Cut Pro X 10.3

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Final Cut Editing
Apple packs a ton of updates into the new FCPX.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

If you watched the most recent Mac media event, you already got a preview of Final Cut X — thanks to the on-stage demo showing how it worked in conjunction with the MacBook Pro’s new Touch Bar. But there’s a whole lot more to the Final Cut Pro 10.3 update than that.

To check out what you’ll find in the latest update for Apple’s video-editing software, check out our comprehensive video below.

Best iPhone 7 Plus cases under $25 [Reviews]

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7 Plus Cases
We've found seven awesome iPhone 7 Plus cases under $25 each!
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Dropped some hard-earned coin on a fresh iPhone 7 Plus? Congrats. Now I’m going to help you protect it for less than $25.

In my latest video, I’ll show you my favorite iPhone 7 Plus cases that you can pick up right now at a bargain. Leather, protective. wallet — check out my picks below.

Upgrade your parties with the LaserDock [Review]

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laser
If you’re having frequent parties, or if you’re a DJ, this is the perfect piece of kit for you.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Wicked Lasers, the company behind the popular Spyder lasers and the world’s most powerful flashlight, has a new product designed to take parties to the next level. The LaserDock houses a laser projector and music visualizer in one. And it promises to be easy enough for anyone with a Mac or PC to operate.

The LaserDock was introduced on Indiegogo with much fanfare in September, surpassing its original goal. But does it deliver? Check out our video review below.

What to expect at Apple’s ‘Hello again’ Mac event

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MacBook Pro
Are you excited for the Magic of the OLED Toolbar?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

It’s been more than 500 days since the last MacBook Pro release, but Apple’s
“Hello again” Mac event will change that this week.

So what should you be expecting to see? Here’s a rundown of everything we predict Apple will reveal at the eagerly anticipated event, which takes place Thursday at Apple’s 1 Infinite Loop campus.

5 cases to keep your iPhone SE safe and stylish [Reviews]

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SE Cases
Show off your iPhone SE with a variety of great cases.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

There’s a lot of love right now for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. But what if you’re a fan of the small yet mighty iPhone SE?

While the size of the iPhone SE certainly makes it possible for you to dust off your old iPhone 5s cases for another go round, there are plenty of great new cases designed especially for Apple’s compact iPhone SE.

Check out our video roundup below.

This contraption makes bottled beer drink like draft [Review]

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Beer
Mix technology and beer without worrying thanks to Fizzics.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Technology and alcohol don’t usually mix. It normally results in lost iPhones or inebriated calls to an ex. But, I might make an exception for the Fizzics Draft Beer System.

Fizzics is designed to enhance the flavor and aroma of any bottle, can or even 64 oz. growler you place inside. Without the use of any CO2 or nitrogen cartridges, the boozy contraption aims to give you the fresh from the tap experience by using sound technology. But, does it work?

I gladly took on the challenge to try out the Fizzics and put it to the test. Check out the review below.

The perfect 4K USB-C monitor for your MacBook [Review]

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lg
This stunning 4K LG Display plays nicely with USB-C.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The upcoming 2016 MacBook Pro is rumored to feature only USB-C ports, much like last year’s MacBook refresh.

If you’re hoping to get an external display to go with your shiny new laptop, right now the options are somewhat limited. Luckily, the stunning new LG Electronics 27UD88 monitor will provide you with everything you need.

Check out our video review below.

Everything that’s new in iOS 10.1 beta 2

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iOS 10 Messages
See all that iOS 10.1 beta 2 has to offer.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

iOS 10 has only been available to the public for a few weeks, but developers are already receiving updates for iOS 10.1 beta 2. Along with bug fixes and a beta version of Portrait Mode for the iPhone 7 Plus, beta 2 offers a few new minor improvements and features.

Check them out in action in our video below.

Top 10 iOS 10 features you may not have discovered yet

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ios_10_hidden_features
Have you discovered all that iOS 10 has to offer?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Hidden among the updates to the Messages app, Apple Music and everything else we’ve all heard so much about, there are a handful of new iOS 10 features you may not have stumbled across.

Check out the video below to see the top ten iOS 10 features that currently rank as iOS’s best-kept secrets.

$50 Bluetooth speaker … is it any good? [Review]

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Bluetooth Speaker
Want a cheap speaker that can blow your socks off? Look no further.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The speakers in our iPhones and iPads keep getting better and better, but they’re not close to replacing Bluetooth speakers just yet. If you’ve just splashed out hard-earned dollars for a new iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, a low-priced, quality speaker may come as a welcome relief.

There are a few rare finds out there that deliver good bang for buck, and the $60 DKnight Big MagicBox is one of them.

Check out the full video review below.

iPhone 7 challenges my love for the SE

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iPhone 7 or iPhone SE? Everyone wants to know.
iPhone 7 or iPhone SE? Everyone wants to know.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

With new iPhones being released each year, I’m used to being tempted by the latest and greatest Apple device. The iPhone 7 is no different, but it’s always a tough decision whether you should upgrade your existing device for the latest model.

For the last 6 months or so, my daily driver has been the iPhone SE, and I’ve loved it. In fact, I did a whole video on why I was switching to the much smaller device from my 6 Plus.

And it’s that time again! The iPhone 7 has caught my eye and after using it for the last two weeks, it is tempting me away from my SE.

Check out my reasons in the video below.

5 hidden macOS Sierra features you may not know exist

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macOS Sierra
There's plenty of hidden macOS Sierra features, here's our top 5.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s latest Mac operating system has a host of big new features including Siri, Apple Pay on the web and Universal Clipboard.

But with so many marquee features, you may be missing some of the more hidden capabilities and tips. Check out our video below of the top five hidden macOS Sierra features you may not know exist.

How to use your iPhone keyboard as a trackpad

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iPhone trackpad
Edit text easier by transforming your keyboard into a trackpad.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

iOS has come a long way over the years, but trying to place your cursor accurately when writing and editing text is still a little awkward because you’re covering the text with your finger while trying to swipe across with the magnifying glass.

Well, thanks to 3D Touch, there’s a hidden trick within iOS that makes this easier. Check out this week’s Quick Tips video below to see it in action.

7 stylish Apple Watch bands your wardrobe needs [Reviews]

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Bands
Refresh your Apple Watch with these stylish bands.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The Apple Watch has been out for well over a year now, and it’s beginning to get a little bit long in the tooth. In addition, the second-generation wearable, which is rumored to arrive along with the iPhone 7 this September, isn’t shaping up to be a worthy upgrade just yet.

The best way to breathe new life into your Apple Watch is to customize it with some different bands and bracelets. Check out my top seven picks in the video below.

These weatherproof backpacks are the only tech bags you’ll ever need [Review]

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Lowepro Streetline
These backpacks will carry your tech goodies in style and comfort.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Backpacks aimed at tech heads are seemingly everywhere these days. But even with such a crowded marketplace, a couple of bags really leap out.

Two such backpacks are the Lowepro’s Fastback BP 250 AW II and Streetline BP 250, both of which are my go-to carriers when I need to haul my camera equipment, laptop, tablet — and maybe even an odd change of clothes — around with me.

Why do these two bags stand out from the pack? Check out the video below for my full reviews:

Everything that’s new in iOS 10 beta 5

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iOS
Check out the latest tweaks in iOS 10 beta 5
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

We’re gradually getting closer and closer to the public release of iOS 10 later this fall, which means developer betas are dropping fast. Just a week after beta 4 was released, beta 5 is already here.

Check out what’s new in our hands-on video below.

Chinese Apple Watch clone costs just $63, but is it any good? [Reviews]

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WatchClone
Has time run out for more expensive smartwatches?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The Apple Watch is one of the more affordable devices Apple makes. But a lot of people are still understandably hesitant about shelling out a few hundred bucks on a first-generation gadget they’re not sure they need.

If this describes you, check out our video review of a $63 Chinese Apple Watch clone, the (deep breath) Lemfo Bluetooth Smart Watch Phone GSM Pedometer Fitness Tracker. You may even come away surprised …

10 awesome iOS photo editing apps you need to try

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Cult of Mac
Want to create some amazing photo effects? Here's the apps to help you achieve them.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

There are hundreds upon hundreds of different photo editing apps for iOS in the App Store. So, how would you know which ones are worth trying out? Well, I thought I’d help you out by running through my personal top ten photo editing apps.

Check out my video rundown below.

Bulletproof iPhone case!? Pitaka Aramid iPhone case [Reviews]

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Cult of Mac
A light-weight, bulletproof iPhone case?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

It’s not often an iPhone case catches my eye. There has to be a standout feature to get me excited about seeing what it has to offer. Whether that’s amazing craftsmanship or a sneaky charging feature, it can’t be ordinary.

At first glance, the Pitaka Aramid case for the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus seems just that; ordinary. But the more I read up about what Aramid was, the more I was interested. Check out my full video review below.