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News - page 157

Apple TV+ courts college football with possible Pac-12 deal

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The deal is far from done, but Apple TV+ may pick up Pac-12 football games at some point.
The deal is far from done, but Apple TV+ may pick up Pac-12 football games at some point.
Photo: Pac-12

NCAA Pac-12 conference leaders saw an offer Tuesday from Apple TV+ for a streaming deal to replace the conference’s expiring TV contact for football games, a report noted.

After Apple’s deals to air Major League Soccer (MLS) and Major League Baseball (MLB) games, its potential entry into college football is intriguing — but it’s not a done deal yet.

Apple preps second-generation AirTag tracker with AR capabilities

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Car thieves can hide an AirTag somewhere on your car and track it for theft later.
An improved follow-up to the AirTag item tracker is in development.
Photo: York Regional Police

The Apple AirTag item tracker sells well enough that an updated version is in early development, according to a reputable analyst. And it might include the AR capabilities that were rumored years ago.

The tiny tracker has reportedly been selling by the millions since the product launch in 2021.

ChatGPT digs up major threat to Macs on dark web

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An attacker could take full control of your Mac to steal your personal and financial information.
An attacker could take full control of your Mac to steal your personal and financial information.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

A security company recently asked OpenAI’s ChatGPT about Mac threats online and used the results to uncover some scary malware for sale from Russia on the dark web.

At a price of $60,000, it can give an attacker total control of someone’s Mac. A more damaging version is available for $80,000.

In any case, if the malware gets on your Mac, you won’t know it’s there, it’s very hard to get rid of, and it can steal a lot of your information. Luckily, you can probably avoid it.

Fab office remodel suits MacBook Pro and massive display [Setups]

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The accent wall and solid-wood DIY standing desk steal the show from the M2 MacBook Pro and 49-inch curved display.
The accent wall and solid-wood DIY standing desk steal the show from the M2 MacBook Pro and 49-inch curved display.
Photo: [email protected]

When you remodel your home office, isn’t that a great excuse to revamp the ol’ computer setup? That’s what happened with today’s featured rig, which relies on a new MacBook Pro and a Samsung super-ultra-wide display.

But all commenters wanted to talk about was the accent wall and the solid-wood DIY standing desk. And the killer Klipsch audio got some love, too.

Introvert Marcie takes center stage in new Peanuts trailer

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You remember Marcie, don't you? She's the smart, quiet one.
You remember Marcie, don't you? She's the smart, quiet one.
Photo: Apple

“Sometimes, the people who make the biggest difference aren’t the ones who grab the spotlight,” Apple TV+ said Wednesday, when it dropped a trailer for a new Peanuts special focusing on the introverted character Marcie and all the behind-the-scenes work she does.

Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie premieres Friday, August 18.

Here’s what I use my Apple Newton for in 2023

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A MessagePad with the optional keyboard and carrying case.
A MessagePad with the optional keyboard and carrying case.
Photo: Adam Tow

They say the early bird gets the worm. But the bird that’s too early spends an hour looking for worms in the middle of the night and has to give up after a while. That’s an apt summary of the Newton Messagepad, Apple’s handheld computer that launched on this day in 1993.

The Newton launched at a high price and with a somewhat limited feature set. As a result, it never found a strong enough customer base or a “killer app” to make it a must-have device.

But all these years later, I still found two good uses for my Newton MessagePad 2000.

This curvy MacBook stand appeals to the budget-conscious

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Twelve South Curve SE MacBook stand appeals to the budget conscious
The Twelve South Curve SE does everying a MacBook stand should, at a lower-than-usual price.
Photo: Twelve South

The Twelve South Curve SE stand holds up a MacBook so the screen is at eye level, making the laptop part of a desktop setup. It’s ergonomic and also cools the computer.

It’s a premium laptop stand made of aluminum but costs substantially less than the company’s other stands.

Anker unveils Prime lineup of 8 powerful multi-device chargers

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The new Anker Prime chargers handle charging multiple devices with less clutter.
The new Anker Prime chargers handle charging multiple devices with less clutter.
Photo: Anker

Anker rolled out eight new chargers Tuesday, including a 240-watt USB-C charger and a 250-watt power bank for fast-charging multiple devices.

The company said its new high-speed, multi-port chargers take good advantage of gallium nitride, aka GaN, technology, referring to efficient power transfer, compact design and active heat reduction.

Make your MacBook Pro charger and cable last longer

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With this case, you might not need a new charger or cable for a long time.
With this case, you might not need a new charger or cable for a long time.
Photo: Elago

If you’re on the road a lot for work, you know your computer accessories — like chargers and cables — can take a beating. That’s why Elago now offers its MacBook Charger Cable Management Case.

Want to extend the life of your charger and cable? Check out the clever new Mac cable case, which costs just $14.99 in the Cult of Mac Store.

This deal on Apple’s Pro Display XDR will ease the sting

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Apple Pro Display XDR
Get the stunning Pro Display XDR with up to $300 off.
Photo: Apple

If you are in the market for a 6K display for your Mac, it is hard to beat Apple’s Pro Display XDR. The 32-inch display with nano-texture glass is down to $5,699 on Amazon after a hefty $300 discount. And if you want the standard glass variant, it’s available with a $200 off.

Stocks are limited on this fantastic deal, so pull the trigger on the offer as soon as possible.

Shake it with Samba de Amigo and other new Apple Arcade games

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Coming to Apple Arcade in August:
Coming to Apple Arcade in August: Samba de Amigo: Party-to-Go plus three puzzle games.
Photo: Apple

Apple said Tuesday it will add four new games and more than 30 updates and events to Apple Arcade in August.

New games include a revival of Sega’s classic rhythm game Samba de Amigo: Party-To-Go, puzzle games Nekograms+ and Kingdoms: Merge & Build, and indie puzzle-remix game finity.

Samba de Amigo: Party-To-Go is coming soon to Apple Arcade with exciting new songs and a series first Story Mode only found on the service,” said Ian Curran, president and chief operating officer of Sega of America.

Apple, Pixar, Nvidia and more form alliance to ‘standardize the 3D ecosystem’

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Apple, Pixar, NVIDIA and more form alliance to ‘standardize the 3D ecosystem’ and back the Universal Scene Description standard
The Alliance for OpenUSD will promote the standardization, development, evolution, and growth of Pixar’s Universal Scene Description technology.
Photo: AOUSD

The newly announced Alliance for OpenUSD is a collection of industry heavyweights — including Apple — putting their influence behind Pixar’s Universal Scene Description technology.

The stated goal of the AOUSD is “to standardize the 3D ecosystem.”

Apple check No. 2, signed by Jobs and Woz, goes up for auction

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Apple check #2, signed by Jobs and Woz, goes up for auction
Both Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak signed this check.
Photo: RR Auction

A unique bit of Apple history just went up for auction: Apple Computer check “No. 2” signed by company co-founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Bidding for the $116.97 check is already up to more than $55,000.

A number of other rare Apple items are also up for sale, some signed by Jobs.

New ErgoFlip mouse lets you easily switch hands

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Just twist the top to switch from one hand to the other. Here it's in left-handed mode (thumb rest on the right side of base).
Just twist the top to switch from one hand to the other. Here it's in left-handed mode (thumb rest on the right side of base).
Photo: Targus

Known for laptop cases and such, Targus unveiled its new ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse last week. You can switch it from right- to left-hand use (or vice versa) with a simple twist of the top.

“This is the first mouse that provides true ergonomics for right- or left-hand use, solving the age old problem of finding a mouse that truly everyone can use,” said Mike Sexton, Targus’ senior director of Global Product Management & Development.

“This, along with its gaming-level performance and precision, and sustainable benefits, including its long battery life, makes it the mouse that does it all,” he added.

Why you’re probably spending too much on cellular data

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iPhone 12 Pro parts cost shockingly little
You might be wasting money on your unlimited data plan.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Most Americans pay for more cellular data than they need or ever use, according to a recent study. Dropping to a plan that offers less data would benefit 72% of subscribers for an obvious reason: These plans are more affordable.

In short, unlimited data plans usually aren’t a good value.

That’s one way to get 50% off a Studio Display [Setups]

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Can you spot the chip/crack in one of the displays?
Can you spot the chip/crack in one of the displays?
Photo: [email protected]

The owner of today’s MacBook Pro setup chose two Studio Displays over one Pro Display XDR to suit his workflow and because he realized he could bag one of the monitors at half price. Lucky him.

Several folks on social media noticed the damage, and some said they’d grab that deal, too, if they could.

Why it’s time to grab your wand and play Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery again

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Why it’s time to play ’Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery’ again
The new Beyond Hogwarts expansion pack to Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery lets players grow up and start careers.
Image: Jam City

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery just got its largest-ever game expansion. Dubbed Beyond Hogwarts, it offers 50% more content as players leave the hallowed halls of Hogwarts and visit the magical haunts of London.

With the expansion, those who played the original game when it launched 5 years ago can come back and find plenty more to enjoy.

iPhone 15 Pro’s massive upgrades could cost you

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iPhone 15 Concept
More premium in-hand feel? Customizable Action button? iPhone 15 Pro is shaping up to be a big upgrade.
Photo: Cult of Mac

This year’s iPhone 15 Pro models will feature “stronger, lighter and more premium” titanium edges, according to a reliable source. And a customizable Action button could be another highlight, letting users quickly enable Focus mode, launch the Camera app or perform other common tasks.

All those new features could jack up the cost of the iPhone 15 Pro line considerably.

More big iPhone leaks, including one we really don’t like [The CultCast]

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Wor$t iPhone 15 rumor yet! With The CultCast logo, episode 605.
Not all iPhone rumors are created equal.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Not all iPhone rumors prove exciting. In fact, a big one this week — possible iPhone 15 price hikes — sounds downright depressing. But it’s not all bad news. The “normie” iPhone 15 might get some trickle-down camera tech that could make it easier not to go Pro this year.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Think of all the interesting ways you could use an Action button like on Apple Watch Ultra’s on an iPhone. Well, the iPhone 15 Pro might get in on that action.
  • Apple’s Vision Pro loaners for developers come with some absolutely ridiculous restrictions.
  • We’ve got an Apple Watch tip that we bet you don’t know — how to get the time with a tap on your wrist. Perfect for those long, boring meetings when you don’t want to peek at your watch.
  • Hang around for the great Apple Music versus Spotify debate of 2023.

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.

Win a posh leather iPad Pro sleeve from Harber London [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Keep your iPad protected in luxurious Leather
Keep your iPad protected in luxurious leather.
Photo: Harber London

For this week’s giveaway, we partnered with Harber London to offer you an opportunity to win an exquisite, handmade Magnetic Envelope Sleeve for iPad Pro valued at $118.

This gorgeous, full-grain leather iPad sleeve exudes elegance and durability, boasting a sleek design and robust construction. Crafted in either black or tan, the sleeve is made of top-quality leather, with 100% wool felt on the back and inner sleeve. This combination ensures comprehensive protection for your prized iPad, shielding it from potential scratches and impacts while providing a comfortable touch.

Apple TV+ film and series catalog grew over 50% in the last year

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Appletvpluslogo
There’s a lot more to watch on Apple TV+ than there was this time last year.
Photo: Apple

Apple aggressively added to its catalog of original films and TV shows between June 2022 and June 2023. The Apple TV+ total hit almost 200, and has since surpassed that milestone.

And some of the shows are very popular, appearing near the top of the ratings list always every week of 2023.