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News - page 121

Amazon Prime Video will soon show ads to subscribers who don’t pay extra

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Amazon Prime Video
You'll soon have to shell out more money for Amazon Prime Video unless you want to watch ads.
Image: Amazon

Add Amazon Prime Video to the list of streaming services that charge extra for advertising-free viewing. Commercials will start appearing on the service in 2024.

The change leaves Apple TV+ as one of the few video streaming services that doesn’t include adverts.

Yes, you can buy an iPhone 15 Pro Max today without a preorder [Updated]

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Apple store logo
Head to an Apple Store and you might be able to pick up an iPhone 15 Pro Max today.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

UPDATE Sept. 23: A day after the debut on the iPhone 15 series, it’s very unlikely Apple retail stores have any remaining stock ready for walk-up purchase.

Order an iPhone 15 Pro Max online and you could wait until mid-November to get it, or you can pick one up today from an Apple retail store, no preorder necessary.

But don’t dawdle — it’s first come, first serve.

iPhone 14 Pro trounces trashed iPhone 15 Pro in first drop test

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Yes, that's a brand-new iPhone 15 Pro after many drops, including a 40-footer.
Yes, that's a brand-new iPhone 15 Pro after many drops, including a 40-footer.
Photo: AppleTrack

In what is most likely the first drop test of the new titanium iPhone 15 Pro, a reviewer flew to Sydney, Australia, and pitted the handset in a series of drops against the stainless steel iPhone 14 Pro.

It wasn’t pretty. In fact, after doing OK in a few little drops, how the iPhone 15 Pro fared in bigger drops was shocking — even disturbing. The older iPhone won, to say the least.

All you need to turn a MacBook into a workstation [Setups]

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Not only does it tell time, this setup and its short list of peripherals and accessories turn a laptop into much more.
Not only does it tell time, this setup and its short list of peripherals and accessories turn a laptop into much more.
Photo: [email protected]

These days, MacBook laptops are more than powerful enough to handle most users’ computing needs. So if you don’t need an even brawnier desktop Mac, why not build your laptop into a full workstation with a few peripherals and accessories?

Today’s setup gets by with a 3-year-old MacBook Pro hooked up to a CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 dock and a nice LG 4K display, plus Logitech input devices and a few other items. It’s a complete workstation whether or not the user ever takes the MacBook Pro to go.

Warning: Update iPhone 15 to iOS 17.0.2 before transferring data

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If you got a new iPhone 15 series phone, install iOS 17.0.2 right away.
If you got a new iPhone 15 series phone, install iOS 17.0.2 right away.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple advised iPhone 15 buyers Friday that they need to install the latest software update, iOS 17.0.2, before transferring data during the device setup process. The update fixes a problem that could prevent the data transfer and freeze up the new iPhone.

Scuffles and massive lines as iPhone 15 goes on sale worldwide

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iPhone 15 launch day photo from Apple Sydney Store
Apple's newest iPhones are on sale now!
Photo: Apple

A disorderly scuffle broke out at a Dubai mall Friday as shoppers rushed to get the iPhone 15, as stores around the world saw massive lines for the new handsets.

Footage on TikTok shows a big crowd scuffling at Mall of the Emirates to be first in line for the new iPhone. Security guards struggle to hold back the rowdy crowd and several people fall. Other videos show the crowd jostling each other as they scramble to be first inside.

Elsewhere around the world, first-day crowds were more orderly as thousands of people lined up to get the new iPhones.

Apple releases security updates for iOS, iPadOS and watchOS alongside final macOS Sonoma beta

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The new software updates effect Macs as well as security updates for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
The new software updates effect Macs as well as security updates for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
Photo: Twelve South

Apple issued emergency software updates Thursday for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch that patch security vulnerabilities the company says may have been actively exploited. Among other things, the release notes for iOS 17.0.1, iPadOS 17.0.1 and watchOS 10.0.1 indicate the updates fix a problem that could allow a malicious app to bypass signature validation.

The updates, which Apple recommends all users download as soon as possible, come just days after the company pushed its latest operating systems live. However, if you plan to pick up an iPhone 15 tomorrow, you might want to hold off. If you update your current phone to iOS 17.0.1, you would need to update your new iPhone as well before setting it up from a backup.

Skip the Ultra 2 and get the Apple Watch Ultra for $100 off

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Apple Watch Ultra review roundup: For extremophiles
Skip the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and get the original Ultra instead.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not pack significant upgrades over the first-gen model. And that’s a good enough reason to check out the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals or consider buying the original Apple Watch Ultra at its lowest-ever price.

With a massive $100 off, you can get the first-gen Apple Watch Ultra for $700.

First iPhone 15 Pro teardown showcases repairable innards

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Once the glass was pried off, it was time to start messing around with iPhone 15 Pro's guts.
Once the glass was pried off, it was time to start messing around with iPhone 15 Pro's guts.
Photo: PBKreviews

The first YouTube video showing a complete teardown and reassembly of the new iPhone 15 Pro highlights its cool components, like the compact A17 Pro chip and the three highly capable cameras.

And it also scores the handset reasonably well on repairability, something Apple has markedly improved in recent years.

How much (actual) crap would you go through to get back a lost Apple Watch?

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This is not the outhouse in question, but you get the idea.
This is not the outhouse in question, but you get the idea.
Photo: Photo by Максим Косяков@Pexels.com

Like many people, you probably love your Apple Watch. But would you lower yourself down through a toilet into the business end of an outhouse to get it back? That’s what a Michigan woman did.

The good news is she found the watch. The bad news is she got stuck in the crap and had to be rescued.

Why an Apple-made 5G iPhone modem remains only a dream

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An Apple 5G modem might look like this
Apple has poured billions into making its own 5G chip, and so far has nothing to show for it. Here's why.
Artists concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s five-year effort to make a 5G modem for the iPhone has so far accomplished little besides spending billions of dollars, according to a new report. The reasons for the failure are myriad but mostly come down to executives underestimating the complexity of the project.

That’s left iPhone-maker dependent on Qualcomm for modems, a company Apple has a very rocky relationship with.

1Password takes a step away from passwords by adding passkey support

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1Password now supports passkeys
View and manage passkeys in 1Password.
Photo: 1Password

The popular password-management application 1Password added support for passkeys on Wednesday. The feature is now available on desktop and mobile versions of the software.

The intent of passkeys is to use biometric systems to free users from the hassles of remembering passwords for websites and apps.

Making the endlessly inventive Snoopy watch face for Apple Watch

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Lift your arm to look at your Apple Watch, and you'll see a face like this turn into an animation. And there are tons of them.
Lift your arm to look at your Apple Watch, and you'll see a face like this turn into an animation. And there are tons of them.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you love Charlie Brown’s dog Snoopy, as generations of Peanuts fans and product marketers do, you better get the new Snoopy Apple Watch face now available in watchOS 10.

After all, a ton of work went into making its endlessly inventive animations, according to a new report.

Conspiracy looms in first look at spy thriller Slow Horses season 3

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As Jackson Lamb, Gary Oldman is never looking his best.
As rumpled spy Jackson Lamb, Gary Oldman never looks his best.
Photo: Apple

Jackson Lamb and his team of misfit MI5 agents return soon for season three of espionage thriller Slow Horses. Apple TV+ offered a first look Wednesday with some photos and plot tidbits about the trouble they will get into.

The award-winning show debuts December 1 with the first two episodes of the new season. As a big fan of the show and the books it’s based on, I can’t wait.

Two powerhouse MacBooks drive dual Studio Displays [Setups]

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Not everyone can say they have two late model MacBooks Pro and two Studio Displays, but the employer helped out in this case.
Not everyone can say they have two late model MacBooks Pro and two Studio Displays, but the employer helped out in this case.
Photo: [email protected]

Not many folks get to flaunt two late-model, powerhouse MacBook Pro laptops along with two Studio Displays in their computer setup — but it certainly becomes more likely when an employer contributes gear. Today’s featured setup comes from an art director in just that situation.

His Apple-all-the-way setup won much praise, but some commenters on social media had fits over a backward-facing MacBook Pro — and provided a fix for the flagrant flub.

WhatsApp native iPad app takes a big step toward launch

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WhatsApp logo
WhatsApp's native iPad app could arrive soon.
Image: WhatsApp

Meta’s regular updates have made WhatsApp a better iMessage competitor. But the lack of an iPad app has always been the Achilles heel of the messaging service.

This could soon change as WhatsApp’s long-rumored iPad app is finally available, at least in beta.

iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15: Which one should you buy?

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iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 comparison
Should you spend the $200 extra and get the iPhone 15 Pro this year?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh

This year’s iPhone 15 lineup packs some big upgrades, including 48MP cameras, USB-C connectors and faster chips on both models, and a titanium frame on the Pro. But between the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15, which one should you pick?

The two iPhones might appear nearly the same at first glance, but as per usual, the Pro benefits from high-end features. It is also $200 more expensive. So, should you buy the iPhone 15 Pro over the regular iPhone 15? Find out in this comparison.

Soundcore’s new pint-size Bluetooth speakers pack a hi-res punch

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The new Soundcore Motion 300 is small enough to strap to a backpack for a hike.
The new Soundcore Motion 300 is small enough to strap to a backpack for a hike.
Photo: Soundcore

Summer’s ending, but the new Soundcore Motion 300 and Motion 100 portable high-fidelity Bluetooth speakers can still give you stereo sound for outdoor activities this fall and winter, the company said Wednesday.

The $80 Motion 300, available October 9, is a 30-watt speaker with Wireless Hi-Res Certification and 13 hours of playtime. The similar $60 Motion 100, which lacks the 300’s SmartTune EQ, will ship in November, Soundcore said.

Mac sits at the top of the chart for consumer satisfaction

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24-inch iMac
Mac users are very satisfied with their iMac.
Photo: Apple

Mac users are very satisfied with their computer. Even more so than last year, according to a survey of users of all types of desktops, laptops and tablets.

Apple computers beat Windows PCs from most rivals in user satisfaction. In fact, there’s only one company that can rival Apple.

Here’s what Thread networking can do for iPhone 15 Pro

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iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the first smartphones to include Thread mesh networking. But why?
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the first smartphones to include Thread mesh networking. But why?
Photo: Apple

Thread wireless mesh networking is strongly associated with the Matter smart-home automation standard, so some people found it surprising Apple would include Thread radio technology in iPhone 15 Pro models in addition to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connectivity.

A new report surfaced theories about what Apple’s up to and what future impacts it might have.

Now you can upgrade your iCloud+ storage to a whopping 12TB

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iCloud+ Storage Capacity
You can store 6X as much with an iCloud+ subscription than was possible before.
Image: Apple

The maximum capacity of an Apple iCloud+ account just expanded from 2 terabytes to 12 terabytes. There’s also a new 6TB option. Either one is a heap of storage for Mac, iPad and iPhone user to hold images, videos and other files.

The storage plans also come with useful bonus features, many of which are focused on privacy.

These iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 features won’t arrive till later this year

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The first iOS 17 public build will miss out on these features.
iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, but without these features.
Image: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple finally released iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to the public, but you won’t get to enjoy all the new features and enhancements immediately.

Certain features will be released in a future point release of the OS. Below is a look at all such iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 features that won’t be available at launch.

tvOS 17 brings FaceTime to Apple TV 4K

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With the tvOS 17 update, FaceTime comes to Apple TV 4K for the first time.
With the tvOS 17 update, FaceTime comes to Apple TV 4K for the first time.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV 4K became a more versatile living room device with Monday’s launch of FaceTime on tvOS 17, Apple said, referring to it as “a powerful integration of hardware and software.”

“Users can make calls directly from Apple TV 4K, or start calls on iPhone or iPad, and hand them off to Apple TV 4K,” Apple noted. “FaceTime on Apple TV 4K takes advantage of Continuity Camera support to wirelessly connect to iPhone or iPad, and leverages the devices’ cameras and microphones to bring participants together on the TV.”