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News - page 179

Why now is the best time to buy an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max

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iPhone 14 Pro held above a wet picnic table
You can have a shiny new iPhone 14 Pro in your hand soon. But there's a good reason to not procrastinate on placing your order.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Now is the “sweet spot” to get an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max. Apple has almost caught up with demand, but a growing crisis in China might impact production of the top-tier iOS handsets.

So if you’ve been waiting for the right time to order one, this is probably it.

Mac mini and MacBook Pro trade off in student rig [Setups]

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Both a MacBook Pro and a Mac mini drive this setup.
Both a MacBook Pro and a Mac mini drive this setup.
Photo: [email protected]

Back in our day — when we walked 5 miles uphill to school both ways — students were lucky to have plywood on cinderblocks for a desk and a laptop weighing, oh, let’s say 25 pounds (we’re too old to remember things).

Nowadays, these kids have pretty swanky computer setups with desktop machines you could toss in a knapsack. Today’s featured item boasts a Mac mini, a MacBook Pro, a 4K display, Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad 2 and a Lego building set to die for.

Wild new mechanical keyboard sports a full screen under clear keys

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As soon as that finger contacts the key, a ripple is going to scatter those koi fish.
As soon as that finger contacts the key, a ripple is going to scatter those koi fish.
Photo: Finalmouse

Gaming mouse-maker Finalmouse dipped its toe in the mechanical keyboard pool last week, and it made a ripple like you might see on the keyboard itself. That’s because the keeb, aimed at gamers, features clear keycaps and switches so you can see the full screen underneath while you type, showing crazy colors and lights.

Whether the new Centerpiece keyboard is easy to type on or just crazy distracting, it’s certainly going to be interesting. It comes out in early 2023.

Folding iPad mini probably not in development

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2021 iPad mini 6
The iPad mini will apparently stay a traditional tablet.
Photo: Apple

There’s bad news for those ready for a folding iPad. Apple is not working on a small folding tablet to replace the iPad mini, according to a reliable source of inside info.

Still, a new version of the iPad mini with a faster processor is on the way.

Don’t make the same mistake I did with new AirPods

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Why isn't that case festooned with hilarious emojis? Foolish me.
Why isn't that case festooned with hilarious emojis? Foolish me.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

As soon as AirPods Pro (2nd generation) launched, I ordered them. I got them into the shipping queue so fast, in fact, I skipped any option that looked like it might take extra time or add expense. That included “Personalize them for free,” which would have done neither.

Apple has been letting users monogram AirPods cases with letters and numbers since 2019. It added emojis the following year. Now you can even choose your own Memoji via the Apple Store app.

What I didn’t realize at the time is that whatever you have etched on the case shows up on your devices wherever your earbuds are indicated, like when you pair them. Now I wish I’d monogrammed mine because it’s so much easier to identify your own personal AirPods.

Why Apple’s VR headset won’t be the next iPhone

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Why Apple’s VR headset won’t be the next iPhone
Apple VR/AR headset won't be anywhere near as successful as the iPhone. But it is leading to something big.
Graphic: Cult of Mac/Minh Pham/Unsplash License

The AR/VR headset likely coming from Apple in 2023 will not be the company’s next smash hit. It will have fans, just not huge numbers of them.

But this first headset will be an important stepping stone toward an Apple device that will change the world.

Production of 3nm processors finally starts at Apple’s chipmaker

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Apple might get cutting-edge 3nm processors in 2022
Apple will reportedly be one of the first companies in the world able to offer processors made with a 3nm process.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

3 nanometer chip production is about to begin at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. This is important news for Apple, as TSMC makes the CPUs for Mac, iPhone, iPad, etc.

Apple is expected to use 3nm processors in products launching in 2023, making the devices faster and more efficient.

Watch some of the best Apple TV+ shows for free

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Eva Birthistle, Anne-Marie Duff, Sharon Horgan, Sarah Greene, and Eve Hewson are Bad Sisters.
Bad Sisters is just one for five popular Apple TV+ shows now watchable by everyone.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple has a gift for those without an Apple TV+ subscription: the first seasons of five popular shows are now available for anyone to watch at no charge.

Spend your Christmas vacation time enjoying some Ted Lasso or Prehistoric Planet, or any of the many other free episodes. These can all be enjoyed without an Apple device.

Design problem forced Apple to nerf iPhone 14 Pro chip

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iPhone 14 might have to settle for less advanced 4nm chip
The A16 is much weaker in graphics performance than Apple initially intended.
Graphic: Apple/Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The A16 processor in the iPhone 14 Pro models isn’t as powerful as Apple first hoped. Engineers reportedly mucked up the original design of the GPU so much that the company was forced to use essentially the same design as its predecessor.

Apple’s difficulties hiring and retaining top talent for its processor team apparently caused the problem.

External monitor, MacBook Pro and iPad all float on one arm [Setups]

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The external display, MacBook Pro and iPad are all lined up on one mount/arm.
The external display, MacBook Pro and iPad are all lined up on one mount/arm.
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s featured Mac-and-gaming-PC computer setup pulls off a rare feat. It perfectly aligns three displays on one arm. The displays are a substantial external monitor, a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro mounted vertically (yet running Sidecar).

Read on for tips on how to pull all that off, as well as tricks to using an iPhone as a mounted webcam and more.

YouTube scores NFL Sunday Ticket rights after Apple punts

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NFL could pass Sunday football games to Apple TV+
Nope, not gonna happen.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s year-long effort to broadcast pro football games on Sunday nights has come to an end. The Mac-maker was reportedly in negotiations for the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket, but was outbid by Google’s YouTube TV instead.

Apple TV+ will continue to boast high-profile sports, but its roster won’t include NFL games.

Take $17 off this compact 4-in-1 MagSafe charging stand

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The charging stand is convenient on your desk or your nightstand.
The charging stand is convenient on your desk or your nightstand.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Even if you’re not worrying about giving gifts that must arrive by a certain deadline, mid-to-late December is a great time to take advantage of holidays sales. And right now you can get a great deal on a handy SwitchEasy 4-in-1 MagPower Charging Stand that’ll keep your gadgets going.

Through December 26 you can get it for 20% the regular price in the Cult of Mac Store. That’s a savings of $17.

DaVinci Resolve pro video editing app launches on iPad

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DaVinci Resolve pro video editing app heads for iPad
Yes, that's the popular DaVinci Resolve video-editing application running on iPad.
Photo: Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design introduced the promised iPad version of it’s DaVinci Resolve professional video editing application. Beyond editing, it also handles color correction.

The software is available for download now from the App Store.

Apple removes new Home architecture upgrade option in iOS 16.2

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iOS 16.2 bring in a new Home architecture upgrade option.
Thank your stars if you did not upgrade the Home app's architecture in iOS 16.2.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

With iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1, Apple introduced a new architecture for the Home app. Following issues reported by early adopters, the company has pulled the upgrade option altogether.

The new Home app architecture promises improved performance and reliability. It was an opt-in upgrade, with users getting the option when they opened the Home app after installing iOS 16.2.

Apple could cancel or postpone 2024 iPhone SE 4 launch

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iPhone XR with iPhone SE 4 text
The iPhone SE 4 might not see the light of the day.
Image: Rajesh

Apple could delay or cancel the launch of the 2024 iPhone SE 4 due to cost and demand issues. The company’s budget products have not performed as well as initially thought.

The full-screen design of the iPhone SE 4 could also push its prices higher. This could affect its demand and position in Apple’s current lineup.

Apple do-it-yourself repair program adds Mac desktops

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M1 iMac teardown
If you want to tear into your 2020 iMac, Apple will show you how.
Photo: iFixit

Apple’s Self Service Repair program now includes Mac desktops. That means those who want to fix their recent iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, etc. have access to repair manuals and genuine Apple parts and tools. Plus, info and tools for the most-recent Apple monitor are also available.

The program already included some MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models, as well as recent iPhones.

Apple TV app could be on the way to Android

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Apple TV app could be on the way to Android
Android users may soon have an Apple TV application.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

Android users could soon find it easier to watch Apple TV+ shows and films. A reliable tipster says an Android version of the Apple TV application is in development.

It would be a win-win for both Android and Apple.

Don’t give up on the iMac Pro just yet

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Don't give up on the iMac Pro just yet
A 27-inch iMac Pro is allegedly still a possibility.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Although Apple killed off the iMac Pro line, it’s coming back better than ever, according to a reliable source. That means a high-end macOS all-in-one is supposedly on Apple’s product roadmap.

The company is also reportedly working on a Mac Pro desktop, also powered by Apple silicon.

2022 11-inch iPad Pro gets a generous $100 discount

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iPad Pro 2022 Back View
Grab the 11-inch M2 iPad Pro at its lowest price yet.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s 2022 11-inch iPad Pro has dropped to its lowest-ever price ahead of Christmas. You can get the M2-powered tablet for $699, a $100 discount from its MSRP.

If you want the tablet before Christmas, Amazon promises delivery of the Space Gray mode before Christmas. However, it is available with a slightly lower $70 discount.

Dual Mac minis and Xbox play in gamer’s workstation [Setups]

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Two Mac minis and an Xbox provide the fun in this gaming setup.
Two Mac minis and an Xbox provide the fun in this gaming setup.
Photo: [email protected]

To a lot of people, “home for the holidays” may mean even more massive amounts of gameplay than usual. That could be the case with the owner of today’s featured computer setup. In addition to two Mac minis, the workstation sports an Xbox Series S with a couple of special-edition controllers.

And two of the three displays in the setup are curved gaming monitors. The other’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro mounted on a stand.

Apple may have dropped out of fight for NFL Sunday Ticket

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It seems the new NFL Plus streaming service could go to the bidder who wins NFL Sunday Ticket.
No NFL games for you, Apple TV+.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s efforts to broadcast pro football games on Sunday nights reportedly have come to an end. The Mac-maker has pulled out of negotiations with the NFL.

Apple TV+ will continue to boast high-profile sports. But apparently its roster won’t include the NFL Sunday Ticket.

Apple seemingly cancels ‘M2 Extreme’ Mac Pro

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Meet the chip powering Apple's new MacBook Air.
The upcoming Mac Pro won't be as Extreme as initially reported.
Photo: Apple

At WWDC20, Apple promised to complete its transition to Apple silicon inside Macs in two years. It missed that deadline, and the company is yet to reveal a replacement for its 2019 Intel Mac Pro.

A new report details the reason behind the delay in the next Mac Pro’s launch. It also sheds light on why, contrary to initial rumors, Apple won’t launch a version powered by an upcoming processor that’s essentially four M2 Max processors merged together, sometimes called the M2 Extreme.