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News - page 162

Photomator for Mac launches as a low-cost rival to Photoshop

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Photomator for Mac launches as a low-cost rival to Photoshop
Photomator for Mac is designed for pros, but doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Photo: Pixelmator

The powerful image-editing application that used to be called Pixelmator Photo when it was only available for iPad and iPhone launched Tuesday on Mac as Photomator.

It promises state-of-the-art color adjustments, AI tools, powerful Repair and Clone tools, and batch editing. But it faces tough competition from Adobe Photoshop.

Wireless car charger automatically clamps onto iPhone

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This wireless car charger with auto-clamp makes it easy to handle your iPhone while you drive.
This wireless car charger with auto-clamp makes it easy to handle your iPhone while you drive.
Photo: Elago

Everybody knows it’s dangerous to use your iPhone while driving. In order to do so safely and hands-free, you need a car mount. And what could be better than a wireless charger mount that senses and grabs onto your phone for you? No need to take your eyes off the road to carefully place it just so.

Elago now offers just such an auto-clamping car charger in the Cult of Mac Store.

Apple promises Live Speech, Personal Voice, and Point and Speak are coming to iOS

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Apple promises Live Speech, Personal Voice, and Point and Speak are coming to iOS 17
Apple will bring Assistive Access, Live Speech and Personal Voice to iPad and iPhone.
Photo: Apple

Just can’t wait for WWDC23? Apparently, Apple can’t either because it’s already starting announcing new features that will almost certainly be in iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and macOS 14.

These are aimed at those with disabilities, and include Live Speech and Personal Voice. These will allow those with speech disabilities to participate in conversations in a synthesized voice that sounds like the user.

iMessage comes to Windows via Microsoft Phone Link for iOS [Updated]

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iMessage comes to Windows via Microsoft Phone Link for iOS
Quick, someone check to see if hell has frozen over.
Photo: Microsoft

Windows users can now send and receive messages and calls via an iPhone. The new capability — which many thought would never happen — comes courtesy of Microsoft’s Phone Link for iOS, which is rolling out now.

This is the latest software release from Microsoft to make it easier for Windows users to own an iPhone.

Microsoft started rolling the feature out in April, and announced on Monday it’s available to all Windows 11 users.

Swagger season 2 might ruin everything for young basketball hopefuls

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Apple TV+ 'Swagger' Season Two
The second season of the sport drama Swagger premieres in June on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Swagger, the Apple TV+ series that isn’t exactly the life of basketball superstar Kevin Durant, returns for season 2 in June. The young players are getting famous and the future look bright, but a scandal might ruin all their hopes.

A trailer for the upcoming season, released Monday, shows some of what to expect in the episodes that premiere in June.

5 reasons to get excited about the Apple VR/AR headset

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An AI-generated image of Tim Cook wearing an Apple-branded VR headset.
We don't yet know what the Apple VR/AR headset will look like, but that doesn't mean it's too soon to get excited about it.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
WWDC23

Multiple sources predict Apple will launch its first VR/AR headset three weeks from today at WWDC23. As the company’s first major new product category to launch since Apple Watch, there’s a lot riding on the headset. And yet not everyone’s buzzing with anticipation.

For those who aren’t yet feeling excited, here are five reasons you should look forward to the big reveal next month.

Last chance to get great deals on gifts for Mom

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Mifa's Sparkle Band is the picture of elegance. Or, mom might like a classic leather band or a tactical strap.
Mifa's Sparkle Band is the picture of elegance. Or, mom might like a classic leather band or a tactical strap.
Photo: Mifa

You’re not the first person to show up late to the party for Mother’s Day, forgetting to fork over a gift on her special day. So, a day later, it’s a good thing you can still choose from a huge selection of great Apple accessories on sale.

You can pick up a variety of items for 15% to 25% off in the Cult of Mac Store’s Mother’s Day Sweet Savings Collection through Monday. See a selection of highlights below.

This deal on the 16-inch MacBook Pro is too good to pass up

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What we're expecting from 2022 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro or M2 Max
Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro featuring the M2 Pro or M2 Max chip is down to its cheapest price.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro chip is down to its lowest-ever price. After a staggering $249.01 discount, you can get Apple’s best MacBook Pro for $2,249.99.

You can get a similar $250 off on the machine’s 1TB and M2 Max configurations.

Programmer loves his Logitech peripherals [Setups]

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The programmer likes his Logitech Mini mechanical keyboard.
The programmer likes his Logitech Mini mechanical keyboard.
Photo: [email protected]

Before reading past the jump, take a look at today’s featured M1 Mac mini computer setup in the photograph above and see if you can quickly identify the two items that aren’t from peripherals giant Logitech — other than the main computer, display and furniture.

Both items are on the small side, so it might take a hard look to spot them. Answers below in the post and at the bottom just above the gear list.

Get 1-month free trial of MLS Season Pass from Apple

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Are you ready for some football? And by that we mean soccer, natch.
Are you ready for some football? And by that we mean soccer, natch.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple is now offering a free, month-long trial of MLS Season Pass, its subscription service that shows all the matches from the top professional soccer league in the United States.

The deal is available for both new and returning customers.

iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature expands to Australia and New Zealand

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Apple launches free Emergency SOS via satellite on all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models
Starting Tuesday, an iPhone 14 can now communicate with satellites.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple is expanding Emergency SOS via satellite to two new countries: Australia and New Zealand. If you use an iPhone 14, you can enjoy this life-saving feature for free for the next two years.

The feature allows your iPhone to contact emergency services through text messages when you are out of mobile network range.

Forgot Mother’s Day? Don’t panic. You have options.

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Laut's Holo cases for AirPods reflect all the colors of the rainbow.
Laut's Holo cases for AirPods reflect all the colors of the rainbow.
Photo: Laut

Haven’t bought a Mother’s Day gift yet? Don’t worry. Moms are generally forgiving types. Instead of rushing to get something cheap at the drug store on the way to her house, buy her a cool Laut accessory and let her know a nice gift is on the way.

And she doesn’t even have to know you’re getting 15% off the price. Browse the Mother’s Day Sweet Savings Collection in the Cult of Mac Store now (and click here to see only Laut items). Peruse some highlights below. The sale goes through Monday.

Apple’s next-gen M3 Pro chip could pack even more CPU and GPU cores

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Apple M3 processor
The wait for the Apple M3 processor could be shorter than expected.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly began internal testing of Macs powered by next-generation M3 chips. At least one of the variants could feature a 12-core CPU, an 18-core GPU and 36GB of system memory.

The next-generation Apple silicon remains a few months away from release, however. Rumors suggest it could debut at the end of this year or early 2024.

iPad goes pro, Apple leaker goes dark [The CultCast]

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Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro finally come to iPad, on The CultCast podcast.
The wait is over for Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro on the iPad.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple finally brings Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro to iPad, and apparently uses some clever spycraft to take down a leaker in the process. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.

Also on The CultCast:

  • One feature in the new Final Cut Pro for iPad makes iPhone owners jealous (and hopeful).
  • Erfon thinks it’s a great time to buy a Mac.
  • Humane’s combadge-style gadget might not kill your iPhone, but the company’s vision of a personalized AI sounds promising.
  • Enter for your chance to win an Urban MacBook Sleeve from SwitchEasy.

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.

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Get 20% off Apple Watch necklaces and bands for mom

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Take that to the gym for a workout.
Take that to the gym for a workout.
Photo: Bucardo

Time is running out to get mom a Mother’s Day gift that will ship in time for May 14 — that’s why you give her a card on Sunday explaining that a gift is coming. And that gift could be a lovely Bucardo sport band, charm necklace or pocket watch locket for Apple Watch.

Right now through May 15 you can take 17% to 20% off all Bucardo gear for Mother’s Day. Browse the Mother’s Day Sweet Savings Collection now (and click here to see only Bucardo items).

California shutters its phone-based COVID-19 exposure notification system

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California shutters its phone-based COVID-19 exposure notification system
CA Notify is no more.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

California introduced a COVID-19 exposure-notification system that used iPhone and Android to track interactions with infected people. And now that the U.S. government says the pandemic is over, CA Notify is shut down.

It’s possible Apple will eventually remove the underlying technology from iOS.

Take 20% off clever Elago gifts for Mother’s Day

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Elago's magnetic stand helps you use your iPad like a desktop computer.
Elago's magnetic stand helps you use your iPad like a desktop computer.
Photo: Elago

Elago is known for its wonderful collection of accessories for Apple products, from device chargers to iPad stands to Apple Watch bands and whimsical cases that look like retro gear from yesteryear. What could be a more fun choice of gifts for mom?

And right now through May 15 you can take 20% off all Elago gear for Mother’s Day. Browse the Mother’s Day Sweet Savings Collection now (and click here for just Elago items).

Coder keeps old MacBook Pro around for just 1 reason [Setups]

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An M1 MacBook Pro or an older Intel-based Mac drive a 32-inch LG display.
An M1 MacBook Pro or an older Intel-based Mac drive a 32-inch LG display.
Photo: [email protected]

There’s nothing like a straightforward, reasonably up-to-date computer setup that is simply good enough for solid productivity. Today’s featured rig sports newer and older MacBook Pro laptops, an affordable 4K display, a pretty slick mechanical keyboard and homemade laptop stands.

The coder who uses it keeps the older Intel-powered MacBook Pro around despite having an M1 machine for a pretty typical reason, too.

Silo looks like a towering hit for Apple TV+

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Viewers and critics are digging
Viewers and critics are digging "Silo" on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Dystopian sci-fi thriller Silo debuted on Apple TV+ Friday, May 5, and the story of the last 10,000 people on earth living in a buried silo is proving to be deeply popular among viewers and critics alike. They’re digging it.

A number of ratings services and critical sources show it at or near the top of lists ranking streaming services’ shows.

Mount iPhone anywhere with new Anker MagGo Grip

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The Anker 620 MagGo Grip can mount your MagSafe iPhone in many places.
The Anker 620 MagGo Grip can mount your MagSafe iPhone in many places.
Photo: Anker

Anker introduced its new 620 MagGo Grip for iPhone this week, encouraging you to use the magnetic gadget to mount your handset anywhere so you can multitask.

The device is a handheld grip, a wall mount and a stand for MagSafe iPhones all in one. Not bad for a $20 item.

Apple’s online store opens in Vietnam on May 18

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Apple's online store in Vietnam is opening soon.
Apple's online store is coming to another Asian country.
Screenshot: Rajesh

Apple’s online store is expanding to Vietnam. The store will go live on May 18 at 9 am local time, giving customers access to Apple’s entire product lineup.

This will mark the company’s first direct official expansion in the Asian country.

Dell’s new 6K display costs $1,800 less than Pro Display XDR

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Dell's new 32-inch 6K display packs a lot of features for productivity.
Dell's new 32-inch 6K display packs a lot of features for productivity.
Photo: Dell

Dell, which first showed off its new UltraSharp 32 6K monitor at CES 2023 in January, started selling the well-equipped display Thursday for $3,199.99 — a solid $1,800 below the cost of Apple’s similar 6K Pro Display XDR ($4,999).

The new Dell has high resolution and plenty of features. But it’s not equivalent to Apple’s top display for a few reasons.

Steve Jobs check for $175 brings whopping $107,000 at auction

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Bid on check signed by Steve Jobs to own piece of Apple history
This check is from when Apple was still operating out of a garage.
Photo: RR Auction

Back in 1976, when Apple still operated out of cofounder Steve Jobs’ garage, he signed a $175 check to a consulting firm. And someone just paid $106,985 for it, Boston-based RR Auction said Thursday.

That’s one pricey piece of paper. And another one, a Jobs business card from NeXT, brought in a more affordable $3,076. Both sums far exceeded the auction estimates.