There’s an easy and free way to use Whisper to generate subtitles and transcripts. Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
MacWhisper is a great way to get text transcriptions for podcasts, live streams, meetings, videos — whatever you may need. Just drag a file onto the Mac app’s window and you’ll get a transcription generated on the fly. You can even use the microphone to make transcriptions live as you’re talking.
You can easily edit the transcription like a Word document and export it as a subtitle file for a video, a text file for reference or an HTML file for publishing online.
Even the speed-boosted 2023 MacBook Pro couldn't bring up Mac shipments. Image: Apple
Mac shipments declined a jaw-dropping 41% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2023, according to a market-analysis firm. It seems Apple finally joined other PC makers in seeing reduced shipments of traditional computers.
Apple crams a whole lot of computing power into the Mac mini. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The M2 Pro-powered Mac mini is a dream machine for creative types, according to our reviewer D. Griffin Jones. He joins us to sing the praises of this pint-size powerhouse. (It’s quite an upgrade from the 2015 MacBook Pro he used before.)
Also on The CultCast:
It’s just two months until we’ll see Apple’s mixed-reality headset. We can’t help thinking this pricey “star product” is gonna flop hard, even as it points the way toward the future.
A free book coming next week will reveal Steve Jobs “in his own words.”
Will the next version of watchOS really bring big changes?
Erfon knows where you can find a steady supply of genuine Apple accessories at cut-rate prices.
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.
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★★★★★
Here’s your classic product shot with everything sitting directly on a floor without anything plugged in. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The new Mac mini is the best value in the entire computer industry, point blank. It’s a $700 computer that won’t break a sweat editing high-resolution video, exhaustively long podcasts or giant graphic design projects — all at the same time. The M2 Pro model takes it even further.
Because of my job here at Cult of Mac, I wear a lot of hats. In a typical week, I edit videos, record a podcast, dabble in graphic design, compile open-source projects in Xcode and research topics for my writing. I’m basically all the creative professional stereotypes Apple loves to put in their promotional videos rolled into one.
After living with the new Mac mini for over a month, I can confidently say this is a fantastically powerful machine within the reach of independent creators, small businesses and schools.
Wow: get the 2023 Mac mini at $100 off. Already. Photo: Apple
The new Mac mini with M2 processor is a bargain at its regular price, and $100 off makes it an even better deal. That cuts the price of Apple’s newest desktop to less than $500.
Work and play from anywhere with this refurbished MacBook Air. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
In a world increasingly cluttered with discarded hardware, buying refurbished gear is starting to look like the responsible choice in more ways than one. That goes double when it comes to MacBooks, which are known for their durability and reliability.
Case in point? This refurbished MacBook Air from 2015 comes ready to go for only $247.99.
Apple released OS updates for its various computers today, including Mac and iPad. Photo: Apple
The wait is over for macOS Ventura 13.3 and iPadOS 16.4, which Apple released Monday. While not major upgrades, they do bring new emoji, a better way for devs to work with betas, and other changes (including security updates).
Apple also released iOS 16.4, as well as watchOS 9.4 and tvOS 16.4, today.
Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Pro for Mac or Windows on sale for $39.97 (regularly $349) now through April 3 during the Spring Digital Blowout promo — no coupon needed. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Some software is just essential. And until April 3 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific, we’ve got a great deal on one of computing’s bedrock software suites: Microsoft Office Pro for Mac or Windows. This multi-app bundle comes with the software that functionally runs the professional world.
Right now, a lifetime license to these essential Microsoft Office programs is on sale for just $39.97 (regularly $349) during our Spring Digital Blowout sale.
Make Windows software accessible on your Mac with CrossOver, now only $49. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Mac users get plenty out of their computers, but things can get a little complicated when trying to incorporate Windows software. Now, you can eliminate those frustrations and maximize your Mac experience by picking up a subscription that supplies seamless access to your favorite Windows apps.
For those tired of the slowness of running Windows software on their Mac, meet the CrossOver Windows compatibility app. You can get a one-year subscription to it for only $49 (regularly $74). You won’t find a better price than this anywhere on the web.
This is likely close to what the redesigned Apple TV for macOS app will look like. Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Apple TV app for macOS is reportedly about to get a redesign that includes a left sidebar. That will apparently make it nearly identical to the iPad version.
The update might debut in macOS Ventura 13.3, which is currently in beta.
Buying a Certified Refurbished product from Apple can make a lot of sense ... but not always. Photo: Laurenz Heymann/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac
Apple products are known for delivering high performance and carrying a premium price tag. If you are on a tight budget, should you consider buying a refurbished Apple product instead?
Apple’s Certified Refurbished store offers a great way to get a like-new product while letting you save hundreds of dollars on your purchase. Here’s what you need to know about Apple’s refurbished gear.
Apple just decided to paint the town yellow. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Did the world really need a yellow iPhone 14? Especially one that looks about as bold as a buttered banana? At least we’ve got new iMacs coming to ease our disappointment.
Also on The CultCast:
Those new iMacs are just the beginning of a coming wave of even-more-powerful Apple computers.
Who in their right mind would pay $600 for an Apple Watch band?
At least the yellow iPhone wallpaper is free (and so is Microsoft Outlook for Mac).
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 apps (and system features) will help you work faster. Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
I’m going to show you five ways you can instantly boost your productivity on your Mac. You might not have thought your Mac was capable of these advanced features. But in my opinion, the Mac’s reputation for being un-customizable is misunderstood. Four of these tips depend on third-party productivity apps that will add radical new system features to your Mac.
I’ll show you how to get instant window snapping on the Mac, powerful screenshot and recording tools, a clever clipboard manager that should be built into macOS, a simple tip for opening apps faster, and a smart time-tracking tool that’ll keep you productive.
The rumored 15-inch MacBook Air supposedly will run on the latest Apple silicon. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple reportedly plans to use its first 3nm-based chip, the as-yet-unveiled M3, on upcoming 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models. Previous rumors claimed Apple’s existing M2 chip would power the 15-inch MacBook Air.
Apple might launch an upgraded iMac in the second half of 2023. The machine is currently in an advanced development stage, according to the latest report.
While the upcoming iMac will retain the same 24-inch display as the current model, Apple reportedly will make some internal layout changes.
Users of many Apple computers can trade them in for cash. Photo: Apple
Apple bumped how much it will pay for trading in used products. An iPhone 13 series model now brings in as much as $600, a previous-generation iPad Air is worth up to $320, while the trade-in value for a MacBook Pro is as much as $730.
The payouts have increased up to $160 when compared to what Apple was offering last week.
While some of the work in the Asahi Linux project has been worked into Linux Kernel 6.2, and while Linux 6.2 will be adopted by the next major versions of Ubuntu and Fedora, this does not mean that Apple silicon Macs will be able to boot into these desktop environments.
The Exploratory Design Group works at Tantau 9 on the Apple campus. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Few outside of Apple have ever heard of the company’s secretive Exploratory Design Group. However, the team includes many of Apple’s brightest minds — and is developing some of its most innovative products.
Despite the secrecy, the XDG made headlines recently when its project to add blood glucose monitoring to Apple Watch leaked out. Now more details on the group and its moonshot projects have come to light.
Score this refurbished MacBook Air with an Intel processor for just $459.99 during the Refurbished Event. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
While Apple’s chips are undeniably impressive, you may need an Intel Mac, especially if you’re working a hybrid or remote schedule and need to use certain software. This refurbished MacBook Air offers all the convenience of a lightweight macOS device, with an Intel chip inside for $459.99 during our Refurbished Event.
You’ll have to act fast, though, as this promotion ends on February 23.
Linux has officially added support for Apple silicon in its latest release. Ubuntu and Fedora, two of the most popular distributions of Linux, will soon be integrating this feature.
While it’s still early for Apple silicon support, and not all computers with M-series chips will work, this is a significant milestone for Linux users. Computer scientists, programmers and hobbyists have not yet been able to fully take advantage of Apple’s powerful new hardware.
When it comes to laptops, size matters! Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The upcoming 15.5-inch MacBook Air might be the perfect laptop for many people. In fact, Erfon plans to buy one almost immediately. And he might get his chance in as little as six weeks! How can he contain his excitement?
Also on The CultCast:
What’s next for iPhone 15?
“Periscope lens” is a strange term, and one of these things is likely coming in the next iPhone Pro Max. Let’s discuss!
The MagSafe cable gets a … software upgrade. Welcome to 2023. 🤣
Sir Jony Ive designs a logo fit for a king. Literally.
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, along with this week’s CultCast show notes.
This MacBook Air is like new and comes with all the Apple features you love for just $355. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Buying a laptop is an investment, and with tech inflation where it’s at, it can be a pretty pricey one. If you’re in the market for an upgrade, buying new isn’t your only option. You can score high-quality refurbished gear that is far more budget-friendly than buying new ones.
Apple is known for its top-notch devices, from the iPhone to the iPad, and now you can grab the cult-classic MacBook Air at a lower price. This refurbished Apple laptop is on sale for only $355, but this special discount ends on February 23 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Official product photo of the renowned USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (2 m) Photo: Apple
Apple issued an important software update recently — and we’re not talking for iPhone, Mac, iPad or Apple Watch. It’s 2023, so it’s for something way more esoteric: a power cable.
Yes, the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable comes with a tiny computer inside of it that needs software updates, for some inscrutable reason.
You can get various versions of the 24-inch iMac, among other gear. Photo: Apple
Amazon-owned discount site Woot! is offering a slew of deals on iMacs, MacBooks and iPads through Thursday.
Some M1 laptops are already sold out, but a lot of gear remains, so jump on this if you’re in the market for Apple hardware. It’s the sort of sale that may make people wish they’d waited to buy instead of going all-in at launch.
The 2022 MacBook Air with M2 processor could soon be joined by a bigger brother. Photo: Apple
A super-size MacBook Air is supposedly right around the corner. An analyst who’s built a solid reputation for accurately predicting Apple products says the next macOS notebook will be out in six weeks or so.
This will be the first time the thin and light line of notebooks has expanded past the current 13.6-inch screen.