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News - page 140

New gadget makes your XLR microphone work with your computer

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This would be less expensive most really nice USB microphones.
This would be less expensive most really nice USB microphones.
Photo: Shure

If you have a high-quality XLR microphone, how do you use it with your computer? Shure made that easier Monday with its new MXV2U USB digital audio interface that turns XLR mics into USB mics.

Using the simple, compact interface, you can adapt any XLR mic to USB and start recording, podcasting, streaming and more.

Rumors of iPhone 15 Pro Max delays are greatly exaggerated

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iPhone 15 Pro Max Concept
Don't worry about rumors that the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be delayed.
Concept: Antonio De Rosa/ADR Studio

Despite earlier reports that customers might have to wait additional weeks for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, a trusted analyst says the companies in Asia assembling Apple’s top-tier handset will begin mass shipments this week.

It and three other iPhone 15 versions are expected to hit store shelves near the end of September, as usual.

World’s slimmest 15-inch laptop gets a big $200 discount

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15-inch MacBook Air
Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air is discounted to an amazing price.
Photo: Apple

Want a slim and light laptop for everyday use with a 15-inch screen? Look no further than Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Air, especially when you can get it with a whopping $200 discount.

Amazon’s latest deal has knocked the price of the world’s slimmest 15-inch laptop to an amazing $1,099. That’s down from its usual $1,299 MSRP.

Adobe shares tips for students struggling with PDF textbooks

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PDF textbooks are better than paper textbooks
Students have better options for textbooks than this.
Photo: cottonbro studio/Pexels

Adobe wants to help students accustomed to old-fashioned paper textbooks get over the transition to PDF textbooks. The company points out that its free reader for the digital format does a lot more than display text and images, and many of these features are ideal for students.

The software developer highlighted five of the benefits of the free Mac application for those going to class with a PDF textbook.

New Samsung ViewFinity S9 takes on Studio Display

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A new competitor to Apple's 5K Studio Display arrives.
A new competitor to Apple's 5K Studio Display arrives.
Photo: Samsung

The new 27-inch Samsung ViewFinity S9 Monitor with 5K resolution started shipping to addresses in the United States Monday, the company said. It comes along with specs and price very similar to Apple’s popular Studio Display.

The new monitor, which won a CES Innovation Award earlier this year, costs $1,599 — just like Studio Display. But Samsung’s comes with a tilt- and heigh-adjustable stand while Apple charges $400 for one.

For health’s sake, get a standing desk [Setups]

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Even if you have a lot more gear than this, a standing desk can make a world of difference.
Even if you have a lot more gear than this, a standing desk can make a world of difference.
Photo: [email protected]

Maybe you’ve got back pain, or maybe your rear end falls asleep too much when you sit for long periods. Whatever the case, you, like many Apple fans, can benefit from a standing desk in your computer setup.

Today’s featured MacBook Pro setup features an affordable sit-stand desk, but there are many options. We’ll go over some of them below.

Next iPad Pro could be an even better laptop

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iPad Pro 2022 Back View
Apple's iPad Pro lineup is set to get a big revamp in 2024.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple is working on a big iPad Pro revamp due as soon as next year. This will be the first major overhaul to Apple’s Pro tablet lineup since 2018.

Besides the switch to M3 chips and a new design, the next-gen iPad Pros reportedly will feature OLED displays.

iPhone 15 cable might be its biggest surprise [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 609: Logo plus a braided blue USB-C cable.
An iPhone cable hasn't caused this much commotion since Lightning arrived on the scene more than a decade ago.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re hearing all kinds of rumors about the USB-C cable(s) that will come with iPhone 15 models. Will they be colorful? Braided? Fast? Slow? We’ve got some leaks and some informed speculation — and probably just enough cable to hang ourselves with.

Erfon’s out this week, but we’ve got a special guest you won’t want to miss!

Also on The CultCast:

  • The Vision Pro gasp heard ’round the world!
  • Why you might want to wash the nasty stuff off your Apple Watch band.
  • Leander’s new e-book Unsung Apple Hero showcases the innovative work of Bas Ording, the Apple designer who worked closely with Steve Jobs to create the look and feel of the iPhone and more.
  • Griffin walks us through some useful Apple apps hiding on your Mac. (Hello again, Stickies!)

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.

Boost your Mac’s performance with BuhoCleaner (50% off promo)

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The BuhoCleaner app from Dr.Buho is a breeze to use. It'll speed up your Mac.
The BuhoCleaner app from Dr.Buho is a breeze to use. It'll speed up your Mac.
Photo: Dr.Buho

Seeing the spinning “beach ball” a little too often as your Mac struggles to complete a task? If your machine is a little sluggish, it’s time to do some cleaning. A highly useful and intuitive tool for that is the BuhoCleaner app from Dr.Buho.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Dr.Buho.

I tried it out and found it sped up my 2021 M1 Pro MacBook Pro noticeably after just a few simple scans. The machine was a touch more responsive when opening apps and files.

Apple might release Thunderbolt cable for iPhone 15 Pro

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New evidence points to high-speed Thunderbolt connector in iPhone 15
The USB-C port in the iPhone 15 series could be blazing fast.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Good news for those hoping iPhone 15 Pro will support very high-speed data transfers: Images supposedly showing a Thunderbolt cable specifically for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max just leaked out. This offers yet another indication that Apple’s next handsets will be able to move data at up to 40Gbps.

Whether the iPhone Thunderbolt cable will be released is open to question — it’s almost completely redundant.

Slide and match tiles in new finity puzzle game

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finity on Apple Arcade
finity isn't your typical match-3 game.
Graphic: Seabaa/Apple Arcade

Take a few minutes to relax while also stretching your brain with finity. It’s a match-3 game but with sliding tiles instead of the usual gems.

This is the latest addition to Apple Arcade, and is available for Mac, iPhone and other platforms.

‘Headless’ MacBook Air runs alongside retro Macs [Setups]

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Bask in the warm glow of antique Macs actually being used.
Bask in the warm glow of antique Macs actually being used.
Photo: [email protected]

At Cult of Mac we love vintage Apple gear, of course. But to avoid confusion with what Apple means when it says “vintage,” perhaps we should say “retro” or even “antique.” You know, the old stuff people like to collect and put in computer museums.

Today’s featured setup sports both old and new. An M1 MacBook Air is the main computer, but it’s used as a desktop machine, sans built-in monitor. And right next to it are a working Macintosh SE/30 and an iMac G3.

This could be clicky music to mechanical keyboard lovers’ ears

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Cherry calls its new MX2A switches
Cherry calls its new MX2A switches "the new gold standard." And they include some actual gold.
Photo: Cherry

Some of the best-known and most commonly used switches for mechanical keyboards worldwide are getting a major redesign, German company Cherry said Thursday.

Known for its popular Cherry MX mechanical switches, it now debuts Cherry MX2A switches. And they come with the company’s new XTRFY K5V2 mechanical keyboard, but they may be everywhere soon enough.

Fast-charge iPhone and more with new power bank — for under $20

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At less than $20, this power bank is surely one of the cheapest ways to fast-charge your iPhone and more.
At less than $20, this power bank is surely one of the cheapest ways to fast-charge your iPhone and more.
Photo: Baseus

With fast chargers for iPhone and other gadgets becoming common, it’s no surprise they’re getting cheaper. But Baseus may have reached a new low with its Airpow PD 20W Fast Charging Power Bank, the company said Thursday.

It costs just $20 normally and is on sale now at just $16.

Draw more easily on iPad with screen protector and Apple Pencil tip combo

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Astropad Rock Paper Pencil includes both iPad screen protector and Apple Pencil tip.
Rock Paper Pencil might make you a better digital artist.
Photo: Astropad

Astropad’s Rock Paper Pencil is designed for digital artists who want drawing on an iPad to feel more like using a pen on paper. It achieves this effect with an unusual combination: a screen protector and an Apple Pencil tip.

Notetakers can also appreciate not having to use the slippery glass screen of an iPad.

Is your smart light bulb giving passwords to hackers?

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A research paper found TP-Link's Tapo L530E smart bulb suffers four security flaws.
A research paper found TP-Link's Tapo L530E smart bulb suffers four security flaws.
Photo: TP-Link

A popular smart light bulb from TP-Link suffers from severe security flaws that could give hackers passwords and other information, researchers said Wednesday.

A paper examined four flaws in the bestselling TP-Link Tapo L530E, which works with Apple’s HomeKit platform.

The Morning Show season 3 trailer jumps immediately to double-dealing and backstabbing

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'The Morning Show' season 3 on Apple TV+
The third season of The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon premieres globally on September 13 on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple

A new trailer for The Morning Show‘s upcoming third season depicts a major crisis hitting the show-within-a-show — but the solution might be worse than the problem.

That solution? A gigantic cash infusion from tech executive Paul Marks, a new character played by Mad Men star Jon Hamm. He dangles the money after the UBA TV network suffers a massive hack attack. The trailer, which Apple TV+ released Thursday, gives us a better look at Hamm as he joins Morning Show stars Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Billy Crudup.

Apple funding helps preserve sacred tribal lands

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Young indigenous women work to preserve a scared black-oak grove at the base of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
Young indigenous women work to preserve a scared black-oak grove at the base of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
Photo: Apple

The National Parks Foundation is putting up money to help indigenous youth restore a sacred tribal spot in California’s Yosemite National Park, Apple said Thursday. The iPhone-maker helps fund the foundation through Apple Pay sales.

Apple TV+ show shoots crucial episode on iPhone

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Who killed the groom? Better have a look at the wedding videographer's footage.
Who killed the groom? Better have a look at the wedding videographer's footage.
Photo: Apple

A TV director just revealed that he and his crew “got away with” using an iPhone to shoot much of an episode of murder-mystery comedy The Afterparty on Apple TV+.

Season 2, episode 8 of the show benefited from the sense of iPhone “found footage” because it takes place mostly during a wedding, so they took pains to make it look like some amateur shot it.

Apple’s iPhone 15 cables could be limited to sluggish data transfers

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Apple's iPhone 15 cables could be limited to sluggish data transfers
The USB-C cable that comes with iPhone 15 might not be very fast.
Photo: Apple

USB-C cables that will ship with the iPhone 15 series allegedly will support only USB 2.0. If true, that will limit data transfers to a relatively poky 480Mbps, far below the maximum speed of the more recent USB 3.2 Gen 2.

However, other reports say the actual USB-C port in the iPhone 15 is much faster.

Apple backs California’s Right to Repair Act

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Self repair components and tools for iPhone with the necessary tools from Apple.
Apple finally supports the Golden State's Right to Repair Act.
Photo: Apple

In a major U-turn, Apple endorsed a Right to Repair bill in California. This surprising move comes after years of the company fighting and delaying similar bills in various states.

Apple sent California state Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman a letter Tuesday endorsing the SB-244 Right to Repair Act — with certain stipulations.

Rugged new case could be next best thing to Apple Watch Ultra

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The orange button alone suggests Apple Watch Ultra, even though it's not.
The orange button alone suggests Apple Watch Ultra, even though it's not.
Photo: Nomad

Nomad unveiled its new Rugged Case for Apple Watch Wednesday, and it might just satisfy a few folks who wish they had an Ultra rather than a standard model.

The new steel case and included Rugged Band fit Apple Watch Series 4 or newer. And the gear gives you a rugged look and plenty of protection for your wearable at a much lower price than Apple Watch Ultra, of course.