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News - page 160

iOS 17 might add smart home display mode to iPhone

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Nest Hub Max
Apple might borrow an idea from Google and let iPhone as a smart home hub.
Photo: Google

The always-on display in recent iPhones will get a new use in iOS 17, according to a tipster. The device will reportedly show upcoming appointments, controls for smart home accessories, and more.

We won’t have long to wait to find out if this is an accurate leak — the official unveiling of iOS 17 at WWDC23 is expected in under two weeks.

The Snoopy Show season 3 trailer promises paw-some adventures

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'The Snoopy Show' season 3
Ahoy! The Snoopy Show season 3 is almost here!
Photo: Apple TV+

The Snoopy Show season 3 premieres in June on Apple TV+, with Charlie Brown’s dog, his pal Woodstock and the rest of the Peanuts gang setting off for more fun. The trailer for the new season shows the irrepressible pooch becoming an airline pilot, a surfer, a skater, a pirate and much more.

And this is just one of the Peanuts shows coming soon to Apple TV+, including a new series.

View a 100-inch virtual screen with ‘world’s first AR laptop’

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If you were really standing behind her, you wouldn't be able to see any of those tabs.
If you were really standing behind her, you wouldn't be able to see any of those tabs.
Photo: Sightful

With Apple apparently on the verge of releasing its first AR/VR headset at WWDC23, an Israeli startup called Sightful has unveiled Spacetop, which it calls “the world’s first augmented-reality laptop.”

Spacetop has no dedicated display. The user dons AR glasses to view tabs across a curved, 100-inch virtual space that no one else can see. You have to wonder if this practical step into AR is the right move at the right time — or too practical for its own good.

MacBook Pro rig depends on Studio Display stand-in [Setups]

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A MacBook Pro and a Lenovo PC laptop rely on a 27-inch Alogic Clarity 4K external monitor.
A MacBook Pro and a Lenovo PC laptop rely on a 27-inch Alogic Clarity 4K external monitor.
Photo: [email protected]

Apple’s 5K Studio Display in on the pricey side for many folks, so many less-expensive 4K monitors like the one in today’s featured MacBook Pro and Lenovo laptop setup tend to stand in for it.

But not every big-selling 4K display is designed to look like it belongs in an Apple setup. This one is.

Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing expands to the US

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Netflix Downloads for You puts suggested shows right onto your iPhone
Netflix's crackdown on password sharing arrives in the US.
Photo: Netflix

Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing has arrived in the US. Going forward, your friends or family members will have to pay extra to stream content from Netflix if they were leeching from your account.

Netflix’s new account-sharing rules require all members to reside in the same household.

Get creative: Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro launch for iPad

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Final Cut Pro for iPad gives users the ultimate mobile studio for all their video and editing needs — no matter where they are.
Final Cut Pro for iPad gives users the ultimate mobile studio for all their video and editing needs — no matter where they are.
Photo: Apple

Responding to years of requests for iPad versions of professional-grade software, Apple released Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPadOS on Tuesday.

These are not “lite” versions of Apple’s video editing and music creation software. They are equivalent to the macOS ones, but adapted for iPad. And that includes additional features.

New desktop power tower sports retractable USB-C cable

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The device sports three power outlets, USB-C and USB-A ports, and a retractable USB-C cable.
The device sports three power outlets, USB-C and USB-A ports, and a retractable USB-C cable.
Photo: Baseus

On Monday Baseus released its new PowerCombo 6-in-1 Charging Station, a desktop power-strip tower featuring a retractable USB-C cable.

In addition to the cable, the device includes three electrical outlets for computers, monitors and other electronics, plus a 65-watt USB-C port and a 60W USB-A port for charging devices like iPads, iPhones and AirPods.

Apple strikes big deal with Broadcom for US-made 5G components

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Apple struck a multibillion-dollar deal with Broadcom for 5G components made in the US.
Apple struck a multibillion-dollar deal with Broadcom for 5G components made in the US.
Photo: Brad Gibson/Cult of Mac

Apple said Tuesday it struck a “new multiyear, multibillion-dollar agreement” with technology manufacturer Broadcom to develop 5G radio frequency components in the United States.

“We’re thrilled to make commitments that harness the ingenuity, creativity and innovative spirit of American manufacturing,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook.

“All of Apple’s products depend on technology engineered and built here in the United States, and we’ll continue to deepen our investments in the U.S. economy because we have an unshakable belief in America’s future,” he added.

Adobe Firefly turns Photoshop into effortless AI image generator

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Generative Fill in Photoshop
Just tell Photoshop what you want and Generative Fill will add it.
Photo: Adobe

With Generative Fill in Photoshop, users can select an area in their image then tell the app what they want added and the application will generate the addition through the power of artificial intelligence.

It’s the latest addition to Adobe Firefly, a collection of tools for generative AI.

iPhone 16 could look a lot like the iPhone 12

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iPhone 12 mini
Will you be disappointed if the iPhone 16 shipped with a vertical rear camera layout?
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Even though the iPhone 15 has not yet debuted, rumors about the 2024 lineup have already started popping up. A new leak claims iPhone 16 will have an iPhone 12-like rear design.

The entry-level iPhone 16 could have its rear cameras arranged vertically. Apple switched to a diagonal layout for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14’s cameras.

WhatsApp finally lets you edit sent messages

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Message editing comes to WhatsApp
You have 15 minutes to edit your WhatsApp message.
Image: WhatsApp

Meta’s popular messaging service, WhatsApp, is bringing an iMessage-like editing feature. You can now edit your WhatsApp messages for up to 15 minutes after sending them.

Apple introduced similar message-editing capabilities to iMessage with iOS 16. However, WhatsApp’s message editing implementation differs from iMessage in many ways.

Hit the road with Mophie’s new MagSafe car mount for iPhone

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Mophie's new wireless charging vent mount with MagSafe works with iPhone 12 series handsets or newer.
Mophie's new wireless charging vent mount with MagSafe works with iPhone 12 series handsets or newer.
Photo: Mophie

If you want to use your iPhone while you drive, it’s best to go hands-free with a mount. Zagg subsidiary Mophie rolled out two choices Monday, a MagSafe-compatible magnetic vent mount and a MagSafe-certified wireless charging vent mount.

“The magnetic and wireless charging vent mounts from mophie are each designed to enhance the driving experience,” said Brad Bell, senior vice president of global marketing at ZAGG. “No matter the use case, mophie helps connected drivers keep their iPhone secure and in line-of-sight.”

What to expect from the first 15-inch MacBook Air

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2023 MacBook Air 15-inch concept
There's never been a MacBook Air with a screen this large.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
WWDC23

Two weeks from today, Apple will launch the first 15-inch MacBook Air, according to multiple tipsters. This will be the largest consumer-oriented notebook Apple has ever offered.

You don’t need to wait for WWDC23 to get the details, though. Here’s everything that has leaked out about this soon-to-be-released Mac.

Job postings hint Apple is developing its own generative AI chatbot

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Siri
Siri might get smarter.
Photo: Apple

Apple is apparently responding to criticism that it doesn’t offer real competition for OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, two AI-powered chatbots that have made so many headlines in recent months. Job postings show the Mac-maker is on a hiring spree for people skilled in generative AI.

Perhaps Apple’s voice-activated system Siri is in for a significant jump in capabilities.

Developer’s Mac Studio rig looks like an Apple ad [Setups]

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This setup is all Apple, all the time (not counting stuff Apple doesn't make).
This setup is all Apple, all the time (not counting stuff Apple doesn't make).
Photo: [email protected]

Many computer setups go heavy on the Apple hardware, but not many of them could be mistaken for Apple advertisements. Some, though, like today’s Mac Studio workstation, manage to hit that mark — or close enough.

If the app developer who uses it fancied things up a bit more, the rig might seem too staged and on-the-nose-Apple to feature.

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.