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News - page 148

Wistron drops out of iPhone assembly in India

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Wistron drops out of iPhone assembly in India
Wistron is taking itself off the list of companies that assemble iPhone in China.
Photo: Wistron

The first company to assemble iPhone in India is reportedly getting out of the business. Wistron is selling the plant where it puts together Apple handsets to Tata Group, an Indian multinational based in Mumbai.

At the same time, Foxconn and Pegatron continue to grow their commitments to manufacturing iPhones in India.

Insiders are buzzing about Apple’s upcoming headset [The CultCast]

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CultCast 595: AI-generated image of Apple CEO Tim Cook wearing an AR/VR headset, along with the CultCast logo.
No, Apple's headset likely won't look like this AI-generated image.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Well-placed sources say Apple’s AR/VR headset blew them away. Even the guy who dreamed up the Oculus Rift says it’s great.

The more we hear about the device nobody seems to need, the more intrigued we become. And with WWDC23 just weeks away, we don’t have long to wait for answers to our questions. In the meantime, we can imagine the possibilities …

Also on The CultCast:

  • How Apple’s M3 chip will stack up against its predecessors.
  • Five hidden features in iMessage that you should try ASAP.
  • Erfon finally gives us an update on his beloved, but beleaguered, original HomePod.

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.

Our sponsor: ExpressVPN

Protect your online activity today with the VPN rated No. 1 by Business Insider. Visit ExpressVPN.com/cultcast to get an extra three months free on a one-year package.

3 Apple TV+ hits are more popular than almost anything else on streaming

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Explore the deep mystery of the 'Silo'
"Silo" on Apple TV+ gets more viewers than any other series on any streaming service.
Photo: Apple TV+

Silo, Ted Lasso and Ghosted all showed up in this week’s lists of the most-watched streaming movies and TV shows. They offer further proof that Apple TV+ can successfully compete against Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+.

In fact, Silo currently ranks as the most popular series on any streaming service.

Enter to win the ultimate protection for your Apple Watch Ultra [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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With 8-foot drop protection, this rugged case/band combo (with screen protector) is a great match for your Apple Watch Ultra.
With 8-foot drop protection, this rugged case/band combo (with screen protector) is a great match for your Apple Watch Ultra.
Photo: Elkson

Apple Watch Ultra owners, this week’s giveaway is for you. We teamed up with Elkson to give away five Quattro Pro 2.0 cases for Apple Watch Ultra. All winners also will receive an Apple Watch Ultra screen protector for an added layer of protection.

This great bundle retails for $25.99. It’s excellent for any Apple Watch Ultra wearer who’s looking for some extra comfort and protection.

6-in-1 USB-C dock powers Steam Deck gaming

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Bring your Steam Deck gaming to a big screen and use other peripherals with it, too.
Bring your Steam Deck gaming to a big screen and use other peripherals with it, too.
Photo: Ugreen

Ugreen unveiled its new 6-in-1 USB Steam Deck Dock Thursday, saying it provides gamers with a range of high-speed connectivity, 4K@60Hz output and fast charging.

And it’s on sale at Amazon. See below.

Apple hasn’t given up on iOS 16 and macOS 13

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Apple hasn't given up on iOS 16 and macOS 13
iOS 16 and macOS 13 will still be around for months, even though we'll soon learn all about their replacements.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The first betas of iOS 16.6 and macOS Ventura 13.5 went to developers on Friday. The same is true for iPadOS 16.6 beta 1, watchOS 9.6 beta 1 and tvOS 16.6 beta 1.

The timing might seem odd because Apple is expected to unveil iOS 17, macOS 14 and the replacements for its other operating systems in a couple of weeks, but this is normal.

AirPods Pro 2 case with lanyard adds ‘triple protection’

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Elago's Liquid Hybrid Case offers stylish protection for AirPods Pro 2.
Elago's Liquid Hybrid Case offers stylish protection for AirPods Pro 2.
Photo: Elago

If you invested in Apple’s fantastic AirPods Pro (2nd generation) earbuds, shouldn’t you consider protecting that investment with an exceptional carrying case?

Elago’s Liquid Hybrid Case, available with a handy nylon lanyard, is now available in the Cult of Mac Store at a great price.

Edifier’s affordable new headphones bring hi-res audio

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Edifier's new cans pack technology for clear music and voice calls.
Edifier's new cans pack technology for clear music and voice calls.
Photo: Edifier

Edifier unveiled a new version of its bestselling wireless over-ear headphones Friday. The active-noise-canceling (ANC) W820NB Plus — the Plus is added to the older set’s name — bring support for the high-definition LDAC Bluetooth codec as well as Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification.

And you know what else sounds good? The price — $79.99.

Photographer’s sluggish Intel MacBook Air needs Apple silicon relief [Setups]

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Gabriel's computer setup packs a large array of gear.
Gabriel's computer setup looks relatively tidy, but it packs a large array of gear.
Photo: Gabriel B.

Gabriel B., a 13-year-old student and photographer in Baton Rouge, La., sent pics and commentary showcasing and describing his well-equipped MacBook Air-and-dual-display setup to Cult of Mac this week.

He noted his Intel MacBook powers an “army of peripherals,” but it’s not quite up to the work he asks of it. And how has he already filled 3TB of digital storage space, anyway? Well, that’s what heavy photo and video editing will do.

Apple TV+ summer plans include new Peanuts specials

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Get ready for loads more Peanuts, Charlie Brown -- coming soon to Apple TV+.
Get ready for loads more Peanuts, Charlie Brown -- coming soon to Apple TV+.
Image: Apple TV+

If you love Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang, the kids-and-family slate Apple TV+ plans for this summer should be right up your alley (or in your dog house).

Apple TV+ said Friday you can expect two new Peanuts specials, the new series Camp Snoopy and, outside of Linus and Lucy’s world, new seasons of Duck & Goose, Eva the Owlet and the award-winning Lovely Little Farm.

How to manage browser tabs so they don’t stress you out

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How to manage browser tabs so they don't stress you out
Browser clutter can be stressful, no matter what device it happens on.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A recent study found that web browser clutter is a source of stress for many people. It’s a result of keeping large numbers of tabs open and disorganized.

Here are some tips for managing the number of browser tabs you keep open, including using Safari’s system for organizing them.

First Killers of the Flower Moon trailer mixes oil, greed and murder

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Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio in
Robert De Niro, left, and Leonardo DiCaprio bring plenty of star power to Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon.
Photo: Apple TV+

The first trailer for Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon opens with bare-chested members of the Osage Nation dancing exuberantly in slow motion around an oilfield gusher. And then things get dark … really dark, really fast.

It’s a riveting first look at the movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, which comes to Apple TV+ this October.

ChatGPT iPhone app puts AI ‘at your fingertips’

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OpenAI ChatGPT for iOS
Get an iPhone version of the real ChatGPT today. No workarounds necessary.
Photo: Cult of Mac

OpenAI introduced ChatGPT for iOS, an application that brings the much-hyped chatbot powered by artificial intelligence to iPhone users.

It is free and has all the features of the web version, which means it is ready to answer questions with generally correct answers. Plus, this iOS version supports OpenAI’s speech recognition system.

Apple TV 4K now lets you watch 4 sports streams at once

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Multiview now available for MLS Season Pass and Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV 4K
The new multiview feature on Apple TV 4K can show up to four simultaneous streams on MLS Season Pass or Friday Night Baseball.
Image: Apple

Apple rolled out its new multiview feature on Apple TV 4K Thursday. It lets sports fans watch four streams at once, mixing and matching programming in a choice of layouts.

And that programming can include not just Major League Soccer matches and Friday Night Baseball games, but also selected MLS and MLB live shows with commentators.

Classy leather band with case dresses up and protects Apple Watch

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The sturdy case and fine leather band will protect Apple Watch and look good doing it.
The sturdy case and fine leather band will protect Apple Watch and look good doing it.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Of all the many types of Apple Watch bands, there is one timeless classic: leather. It sports a rugged yet refined look. It’s durable. And it gains character with age.

Speidel makes it even better by including a stylish and protective case for your Apple Watch and a soft silicone interior to boost the band’s comfort and breathability. And you can get a great deal on it in the Cult of Mac store.

iOS 16.5, iPadOS 16.5 and macOS Ventura 13.4 arrive

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iOS 16.5
Time to check for updates on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Following a beta period spanning over a month, Apple has released the stable build of iOS 16.5, iPadOS 16.5, and macOS Ventura 13.4 to the public. Your Apple Watch and Apple TV are also getting a new update.

Unlike iOS 16.4, the latest iOS release is not packing a ton of new features. There are a few improvements and enhancements, but otherwise, this is mostly a bug-fixing release.

Georgia becomes latest state to support driver’s license in Apple Wallet

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Georgia becomes latest state to support driver’s license in Apple Wallet
Georgia got on board with Apple's digital ID initiative.
Image: Georgia Department of Driver Services

Georgia is now the fourth U.S. state to support digital driver’s licenses and IDs stored in the Wallet app on iPhone or Apple Watch. The major advantage is speeding up the process of moving through security checkpoints at airports.

It’s another step in Apple’s goal of replacing physical wallets with iPhone.

Your next soft drink could uncap free Apple Music

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Bad Bunny joins Pepsi on offer to win free Apple Music and much more.
Bad Bunny joins Pepsi with offer to win free Apple Music subscriptions and much more.
Photo: Pepsi

Pepsi teamed up Wednesday with Apple Music and its 2022 Artist of the Year, Bad Bunny, to launch a summer ad campaign and giveaway.

Customers who buy Pepsi products in stores — Mountain Dew Major Melon, anyone? — may uncap a free Apple Music subscription or other prize, like Beats headphones. Or you can sign up to win without a purchase.

“Summer is the season of the year that we all get excited about, the one that brings the heat, when we seek the beach, friends, good music and just have a good time,” said Bad Bunny. “I’m happy to partner with Pepsi and Apple Music to bring fans more of what we love and unites us: MUSIC, through ‘Press Play On Summer’ offer.”

Apple’s dream of lightweight AR glasses remains elusive

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Apple Glass concept from the Hacker 34.
The technology to make Apple AR glasses like these doesn't exist yet.
Concept: the Hacker 34
WWDC23

The VR/AR headset roughly the size of a pair of ski goggles that Apple is widely expected to introduce next month isn’t even close to CEO Tim Cook’s original goal for the project, according to info leaking from the company. Instead, Cook wanted a slim pair of AR glasses that could be worn all day,

As it stands now, that lightweight version of the product remains years away.

Online Apple store opens virtual doors in Vietnam

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Online Apple store opens virtual doors in Vietnam
iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and accessories are all now available in Vietnam via an online Apple Store.
Image: Apple

Vietnam is the latest country to get an online Apple store to shop for iPhone, Mac and other products.

It’s the latest move in the company’s efforts to increase sales in Asia — Thursday’s opening comes a month after Apple opened its first retail stores in India.

More Android users switch to iPhone than you might expect

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iPhone shipments grow while Android tanks
Even after all these years, there are lots of Android users who jump ship for iPhone.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The percentage of U.S.-based iPhone owners who just dumped their Android has grown in recent years, according to a market-analysis company.

That’s exactly the opposite of what conventional wisdom says should be happening. Nevertheless, the percentage of Android switchers hasn’t been this high since 2018.

Review roundup: New Beats Studio Buds+ win with cool clear case and audio upgrades

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Transparent plastic is a new look for Beats.
Transparent plastic is a new look for Beats.
Photo: Amazon/Beats

The new Beats Studio Buds+ went on sale Wednesday as numerous initial reviews praised their good looks and tech upgrades.

Nearly every reviewer loved the ’90s-nostalgic, iMacs-of-yore transparent case option. And the new custom chipset for audio quality, new microphones for better active noise cancellation (ANC) and voice calls, and longer battery life aren’t bad, either. If you’re looking for the newest Beats, these upgrades make them a solid choice.

But some features are still missing on the $169.99 buds, up $20 from the original Beats Studio Buds when they came out — but $80 less than AirPods Pro (2nd generation) for thrifty shoppers.