Top stories - page 49

Top 5 reasons Android users switch to iPhone

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If you switched from an Android device to an iPhone, what would be your reason?
If you switched from an Android device to an iPhone, what would be your reason?
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A new report Wednesday from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) revisits the group’s recent finding that Android users increasingly switched to iPhone in recent years and gets into the reasons why.

It gave four specific major reasons and a fifth vague but important one, below.

Drugs fuel a poignant ‘divorce party’ on Platonic [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Seth Rogen and Tre Hale in ★★★★☆
What can go wrong when strippers and cocaine are involved?
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ comedy Platonic takes a look at the lighter side of divorce this week. The show, about two best friends who are suddenly back in each other’s lives after a prolonged absence, finds Sylvia deciding to throw Charlie a divorce party to get his mind off how well his ex is doing.

In the poignant episode, entitled “Divorce Party,” some drugs and changes of plan send Sylvia into a tailspin that makes her realize she isn’t where she wants to be anymore.

New Garmin smartwatches take on Apple Watch Ultra

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Garmin unveiled its the fēnix 7 Pro Series multisport GPS smartwatches.
Garmin unveiled its the fēnix 7 Pro Series multisport GPS smartwatches.
Photo: Garmin

Garmin unveiled three rugged new fēnix 7 Pro Series smartwatches Wednesday, giving Apple Watch Ultra a run for its money. The new multisport GPS watches have a lot in common with Ultra, including similar pricing depending on which features you select.

But the Garmin watches also offer a built-in LED flashlight and solar charging that helps provide 37 days of battery life in “smartwatch mode” and 139 days in “expedition mode,” according to the company.

Vintage computers flank dual-display M1 MacBook Pro rig [Setups]

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This is a modern computer setup, but Dalzell also has about 100 vintage machines.
This is a modern computer setup, but Dalzell also has about 100 vintage machines.
Photo: Drew Dalzell

Cutting-edge computer setups are cool. Vintage computer museums are also cool. But do you know what’s super-cool? Both. Together.

Los Angeles-based sound designer Drew Dalzell sent Cult of Mac his M1 MacBook Pro setup this week. As it turns out, it sits in the middle of a vintage computer collection. It includes an Apple IIGS, an Apple II Plus, an Ortrona, a Commodore 64 and more. The space is also his business HQ.

Last chance: Get Microsoft Office for life for just $29.99

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Stop paying monthly subscriptions and get Microsoft Office for life for just $49.99.
This offer for a lifetime license for either Mac or Windows is available for a one-time purchase of $29.99 for a limited time.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re a Mac-loving photo editor, a Windows-loving student, or just about anything in between, you probably could benefit from having Microsoft Office on your computer. But if you’re thinking that you’d hate to add another monthly subscription to your list, don’t worry.

This offer for a lifetime MS Office license for either Mac or Windows is available for a one-time purchase of $29.99 for a limited time. This new price drop takes it back to Cult of Mac Deals’ all-time low price. However, the price goes up on June 1.

Today in Apple history: Newspaper replaces photo staff with iPhones

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More than a trillion photos were captured in 2015.
A big Chicago daily pulls the plug on staff photographers.
Photo: HypeBeast

May 31: Today in Apple history: Chicago Sun-Times replaces photo staff with iPhones May 31, 2013: The Chicago Sun-Times fires all 28 of its photographers, with the goal of training its staff to shoot photos using iPhones instead. Pulitzer Prize winner John H. White is among those who lose their jobs.

The move is significant not just because of what it says about the declining newspaper industry. It also spotlights the iPhone’s growing acceptance as a professional camera.

How to set up Game Center to pwn your friends

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Game On With Game Center
Set up Game Center and you can compete with friends in the games you both play.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple’s Game Center service lets you compete with friends and unlock achievements in the games you play. You can see where you rank among your friends — and globally. Achievements will give you a list of missions to accomplish to prove your mastery of the game. You can even play live multiplayer games on all your separate devices using SharePlay.

Up until iOS 10, Game Center existed as a separate app on iPhone and iPad, which made this all easier to manage. How do you manage your Game Center account now? What options do you have? How do you add friends?

Make your webcam look cinematic with this smart app

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Make your webcam look cinematic with this smart app, less than $50 today.
Give the most professional presentations ever with this top-rated multi-cam video call app.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

In a world where video meetings have become an integral part of our working lives, how you come across on calls can make or break a sales pitch or interview. The innovative FineCam Pro takes the quality of your device’s existing camera to the next level. And right now, you can grab a lifetime subscription on sale for just $49.99 (regularly $84).

Rumored 4K screens could let Apple VR/AR headset offer real world-like clarity

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Apple VR/AR headset concept from Ahmed Chenni
Apple's mixed-reality headset could pack seriously impressive micro OLED displays.
Concept: Ahmed Chenni/Freelancer.com

Rumored specs of the micro OLED panels Apple plans to use in its upcoming VR/AR headset indicate the device could deliver ultra-realistic clarity that makes virtual worlds look real.

The headset, which could be called “Reality Pro” or “Reality One,” will use two 1.41-inch micro OLEDs with a pixel density of 4,000 PPI, according to a respected display analyst.

This $25 gaming console comes with 620 vintage games you’ll love

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Travel back in time with a $25 gaming console and 620+ vintage games.
Dive into nostalgia with this $25 gaming console with hundreds of classic games.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Apple Arcade is great, but maybe you miss the good ol’ days — when it was just you, a can of soda and a wired controller playing your favorite game in front of the TV.

This retro-inspired game console brings back hundreds of preloaded vintage video games for you to enjoy. And you can get it for only $24.99 (regularly $27).

Save up to 73% on refurbished JBL, AKG and Infinity headphones at Harman

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Find out how you could save up to 73% on refurbished headphones from top brands.
Turn up the volume on these refurbished JBL, AKG, and Infinity refurbished Headphones for up to 73% off at Harman.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

AirPods aren’t the only top-notch headphones on the market. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pair of high-quality headphones from a brand you recognize, Harman Audio is a great option. You can score up to 73% off on factory-refurbished headphones and earbuds from JBL, Infinity, AKG and Harman Kardon in the company’s online store.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Harman.
Whether you want a pair of long-lasting Bluetooth earbuds or some comfortable on-ear headphones, Harman’s gear will give you a reliable way to listen to music and podcasts. Audiophiles and bargain hunters alike can get excited about the refurbished deals.

All the ways to run Windows 11 on a Mac

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Windows 11 in a macOS Remote Desktop
Connect to a Windows 11 PC from Remote Desktop on your Mac.
Screenshot: Apple/Microsoft

How can you run Windows on a Mac these days? Fifteen years ago, the answer was simple: install Windows using Boot Camp. Today, you have loads of other options — even though Boot Camp itself no longer works.

You can use a virtual machine, pay to access Windows in the cloud from a web browser, use special software to get access to a couple essential apps or simply Remote Desktop in to a PC. Which path forward is right for you? I’ll run through them all.

Foldable magnetic iPad mount proves stiff but useful [Review] ★★★★☆

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If you like your iPad mounted for use with your computer setup -- hello, Universal Control and Sidecar -- this mount can help.★★★★☆
If you like your iPad mounted for use with your computer setup -- hello, Universal Control and Sidecar -- this mount can help.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you like to mount your iPad as part of your computer setup — especially if you use Apple’s Universal Control or Sidecar — a foldable magnetic mount can be a big help. Kuxiu offers a high-quality product. It sent me one to try out.

My main impressions? Quality materials, strong magnets, good multidirectional design — and maybe I can skip going to the gym. This thing requires some muscle to move around.

Apple nearly launched AirPods in 5 colors

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That's a pink AirPods case. Though the earbuds inside were still white, apparently.
That's a pink AirPods case. Though the earbuds inside were still white, apparently.
Photo: kosutami@twitter.com

Everyone knows AirPods come only in white. If you want a set of Apple earbuds in another color, you have to turn to subsidiary Beats.

But white almost wasn’t the only case, so to speak. Apple prototyped AirPods cases in five colors to match iPhone 7 colors in 2016, according to a source who displayed some images Tuesday.

This awesome pack of two 4K camera drones is just $140

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This awesome pack of two 4K camera drones is just $140 for Memorial Day.
Become an incredible aerial photographer with two 4K camera drones for less than $140 this Memorial Day.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When it comes to stepping up your photography, using a drone to capture breathtaking shots from above is a total game-changer. It doesn’t have to be expensive either: the Alpha-Z Pro 4K and Flying Fox 4K Wide-Angle Dual Camera Drones Bundle contains not one, but two stunning high-quality camera drones, and right now you can grab it on sale for just $139.97. That’s less than $70 per drone, and a savings of more than $250 off the regular price of $398.

Go ultrawide with this BenQ monitor for creatives [Review] ★★★★☆

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BenQ PD3420Q review★★★★☆
BenQ's ultrawide monitor has room for three apps side-by-side-by-side.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The BenQ PD3420Q is a ultrawide monitor designed to appeal to creative professionals with its atypical shape and color consistency with MacBooks.

The 34-inch screen has a 2K resolution and a 21:9 aspect ratio. And there are some nice additions, like a HotKey Puck and built-in KVM.

I tested the PD3420Q in my home office, exploring the advantages and drawbacks of the very wide screen.

Last chance! Score major deals on Apple accessories in our Memorial Day Sale

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They're loyal and true, but sometimes they get lost. AirTag to the rescue.
They're loyal and true, but sometimes they get lost. AirTag to the rescue via a Nine Twenty Eight collar.
Photo: Nine Twenty Eight.

The massive Memorial Day Sale is still going on in the Cult of Mac Store, running through the end of the day on Monday, May 29. You can get up to 30% off great accessories for Apple products from half a dozen leading brands: Elago, Rilee & Lo, SwitchEasy, Mifa, Laut, Bucardo and Nine Twenty Eight.

See some sale highlights below and check out the whole sale on hundreds of items before it’s too late!

Today in Apple history: Apple shows off the Newton for the first time

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Newton MessagePad prototype with stylus.
The Newton MessagePad was truly a device ahead of its time.
Photo: Grant Hutchinson/Flickr CC

May 29: Today in Apple history May 29, 1992: Apple demonstrates the Newton MessagePad for the first time, showing how the upcoming PDA can be used to order a pizza and pull off other time-saving tricks.

Hailed by Apple CEO John Sculley as “nothing less than a revolution,” the Newton is Apple’s first major new product since the Macintosh eight years earlier. During the Newton demo at the Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago, Apple shows how people can customize a pizza by moving topping icons on a symbolic pie, then fax the order straight from the device.

2 key items complete killer workstation [Setups]

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With a good iPad stand and a DAC/amp added for audio, this setup is finally done. For now.
With a good iPad stand and a DAC/amp added for audio, this setup is finally done. For now.
Photo: drhippopotato@Reddit.com

Part of the fun of covering computer setups for Cult of Mac is seeing how a setup is never “done.” Blood, sweat, tears and time may go into it, but it will always need something — whether that’s missing functionality, better decoration or the next generation of a key device.

Today’s featured M2 MacBook Air setup is a good example. Since we featured an earlier version of it just weeks ago, the user made important changes. He added two components to maximize crucial iPad functionality and pump up audio.

Start a side hustle with this deal on an easy e-commerce solution

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Start a side hustle with this Memorial Day deal on an e-commerce solution.
Don't fork out big bucks to Shopify. Set up shop with this easy and inexpensive e-commerce platform instead.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Starting a side hustle doesn’t have to be as complicated as building an entire business from the ground up. Instead, you can quickly set up your own plucky little online store. It’s easy with Gigrove, an all-in-one e-commerce solution that helps you build and manage your online store.

For Memorial Day, you can get a lifetime Gigrove Premium Plan on sale for just $39.97 (regularly $200). Sale ends May 31 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

Today in Apple history: First-gen iPad rolls out around the world

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iPad
Were you a first-gen iPad customer?
Photo: Apple

May 28: Today in Apple history May 28, 2010: Customers across Europe and Asia queue up to buy the iPad when Apple’s new tablet finally rolls out internationally.

The reason for the gap between the iPad’s U.S. launch in early April and its international debut more than a month later? Unexpectedly large demand for the groundbreaking device.

3 Reasons to Watch: High Desert, the neo-noir comedy that Apple TV+ canceled too early

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Patricia Arquette in
Patricia Arquette whips High Desert into a frenzy in the role of Peggy Newman.
Photo: Apple TV+

In this installment of 3 Reasons to Watch, we’ll tell you why we’re buzzing about High Desert, the new Apple TV+ comedy starring livewire Patricia Arquette as daffy private eye Peggy Newman.

The show, created by Miss Congeniality writer Katie Ford and Grace and Frankie alums Nancy Fichman and Jennifer Hoppe, is a bawdy neo-noir set in a world of lowlifes and fake cowboys.

Here’s why you need to give High Desert the old college try.

Save on a lifetime eSIM that gives you 2GB of data every month

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Get Memorial Day savings on a lifetime eSIM that gives you 2GB of data every month.
This eSIM will make sure you always stay connected, anywhere in the United States.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Why pay a monthly fee for cellphone data? For a limited time, you can get an eSIM that gives you a lifetime of cellular data, one month at a time, with no recurring subscription costs. Instabridge eSIM’s Lifetime Plan gives you 2GB of data every month for life, and it’s only $139.97 in our Memorial Day Sale.

If you don’t need much data, you can use it as your primary connection. Or, if you’re on a limited data plan, you can use it as a backup for those times when you burn through your monthly allotment. Jump to it, though. This sale ends May 31 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.