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News - page 187

New Apple TV+ documentary trailer shows ominous ‘War for Football’

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Will a war over big-time soccer tear the sport apart?
Will a war over big-time soccer tear the sport apart?
Photo: Apple TV+

A new documentary series is coming to Apple TV+ January 13 — Super League: The War for Football. Its trailer, dropped Wednesday, makes it look like a spy thriller filled with betrayals is currently unfolding in the world of international soccer.

And it’s good timing on the streaming service’s part, promoting it during the world’s most-popular sport’s biggest event, the World Cup.

watchOS 9.2 boosts Apple Watch Ultra’s battery life while tracking Multisport workouts

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If you have a tough timepiece like Apple Watch Ultra, you need a rugged band to go with it.
Your Apple Watch Ultra will now last longer while tracking Multisport workouts.
Photo: Apple

Alongside iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1, Apple also dropped watchOS 9.2 for all compatible Apple Watch models. Besides packing several new features, the update improves the Apple Watch Ultra’s battery life.

Interestingly, Apple does not mention this improvement in the watchOS 9.2’s release notes.

Apple gears up for alternative app stores on iPhone and iPad

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No, the App Store isn't closed. But big changes are taking place behind the scenes.
No, the App Store isn't closed. But big changes are taking place behind the scenes.
Photo: Apple

Apple has launched a major project to allow alternative app stores on iPhones and iPads by 2024. The effort is meant to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which comes fully into force then, and other possible national or regional laws that will make Apple allow sideloading of apps, according to new report Tuesday.

The end result should see Apple allowing people to download third-party software to iPhones and iPads from somewhere other than the App Store for the first time.

Brainstorm with Freeform now in macOS Ventura 13.1

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Freeform runs on MacBook and other Apple devices, too.
The Freeform brainstorming app is a signature feature of macOS Ventura 13.1.
Photo: Apple

macOS Ventura 13.1 launched Tuesday, giving Mac users access to Freeform, a collaborative brainstorming application that’s also for iPhone and iPad.

In addition, the new macOS version ushers in important new iCloud encryption options, including the ability to encrypt images on Apple’s cloud-storage service.

Get way more done with full external display support in iPadOS 16.2

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iPad finally gets floating windows in Stage Manager on iPadOS 16
More than double your iPad's useful screen area with iPadOS 16.2.
Screenshot: Apple

iPadOS 16.2 just launched, and for many users of top-tier iPads, the standout feature is full external display support. This makes Apple tablets far better at multitasking than ever before.

There are other improvements in iPadOS 16.2 as well, including the Freeform collaboration app.

10 new iOS 16.2 features to try right away

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Try out these 10 new iOS 16.2 features on your iPhone ASAP.
Try out these 10 new iOS 16.2 features on your iPhone ASAP.
Image: Cult of Mac

iOS 16.2, which Apple released Tuesday, brings many new features that make it a must-have update for all iPhone owners. From security advancements and productivity boosters to cosmetic tweaks and other fun stuff, it’s positively loaded with upgrades.

Here are the top new iOS 16.2 features you should try right now. (Note: Many of these features also appear in iPadOS 16.2, which Apple also released today.)

Ends tonight: Save 20% on compact SwitchEasy USB-C wall chargers

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SwitchEasy PowerBuddy 30W can top off two devices at once.
SwitchEasy PowerBuddy 30W can top off two devices at once.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Need ideas for practical stocking stuffers that friends and family will actually use? The SwitchEasy Flash Sale in the Cult of Mac Store is on through 11:59 p.m. PST on December 13.

You can pick any of three compact wall chargers with USB-C and USB-A ports. There’s a potent 30W version, another 30W with cable storage and a tiny 20W version. Check them out.

iPhone 14 Pro wait times now stretch to 2023

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iPhone 14 Pro in 2023
If you haven't already ordered an iPhone 14 Pro, it won't arrive before 2023.
Photo: Cult of Mac/Engin Akyurt/Pexels

It’s no longer possible to order a new top-tier iPhone from Apple and have it delivered this year. The iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max are both backordered until early January 2023.

The delay is the result of strong demand for these handsets coupled with production problems in China.

iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via satellite service expands to more countries

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Apple launches free Emergency SOS via satellite on all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models
iPhone 14 can now communicate with satellites in more countries.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple is expanding iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature to more countries. The feature is now available to iPhone 14 owners in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Ireland starting today.

Emergency SOS was only available in the United States and Canada so far. Apple previously confirmed the feature would expand to more countries in December.

Grab these 8 great stocking stuffers for techies before it’s too late

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What's small, not-too-pricey and perfect for geeks? The ideal stocking stuffer.
What's small, not-too-pricey and perfect for geeks over the holidays? The ideal stocking stuffer.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The holiday season is fast-unfolding, and Christmas will be here before Hermey the elf from the classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer can say “Well, sir, someday I’d like to be a dentist.”

So it’s time to act fast if you want to get a gadget-y gift for the techie or geek in your life in time for deliveries by December 25. Check out some cool ideas below.

They’re all small enough to fit in a stocking; prices range from a cheap $20 to a few hundred bucks (for those very special stockings). And there’s plenty more good stuff in the Cult of Mac Store.

Eve beams Matter support to an array of smart home devices

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The Eve Motion sensor is one of the devices to receive the new firmware update with Matter support.
The Eve Motion sensor is one of the devices to receive the new firmware update with Matter support.
Photo: Eve Systems

A number of devices across Eve Systems’ product lineup are receiving support for the home automation networking standard Matter with a new, optional firmware update, the company said Monday.

Matter support — which lets devices from different makers work together over the same network — will come to Thread-enabled devices in the company’s Eve Door and Window, Eve Motion and Eve Energy lineups.

Formidable Mac trio drives pro streaming rig [Setups]

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This setup generates a 2-hour streaming show twice a week.
This setup generates a 2-hour streaming show twice a week.
Photo: [email protected]

Ahoy there, would-be video streamers — today’s featured computer setup comes from an airtight and seaworthy pro streaming operation you might want to emulate.

The folks behind Sailing Illustrated streams shared their rig, based on a Mac Studio, an M1 Mac mini, an M1 MacBook Pro, a Rode RodeCaster Pro production studio and a slew of related gear and software.

Apple dramatically increases iPhone assembly in India

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iPhone 14 Pro in India
Your next iPhone could be assembled in India rather than China.
Photo: Cult of Mac

After recent problems in China, Apple is ramping up iPhone assembly in India. The number of iOS handsets assembled in that country will reportedly triple in the coming years.

Previous reports have also indicated that Apple is putting a much greater emphasis on making iPhones in India.

Apple and Ericsson end iPhone patent dispute

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iPhone uses cellular-wireless tech patented by Ericsson
Apple and Ericsson buried the hatchet in their latest patent fight.
Photo: Cult of Mac

After a muti-year argument, Apple and Ericsson agreed to cross license each others patents on cellular standard-essential technologies. And they’ll drop their lawsuits, too.

What’s really happening though is that the two companies have negotiated how much money Apple will pay to license Ericsson patents for use in the iPhone.

Tiny new drone shoots 4K HDR video

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The DJI Mini 3 can transmit video from up to 10 kilometers away.
The DJI Mini 3 can transmit video from up to 10 kilometers away.
Photo: DJI

Just in time for the holidays, DJI released a tiny, more affordable version of its DJI Mini 3 Pro drone. Just subtract the world “Pro” from the name.

The new DJI Mini 3 weighs in at a svelte 249 grams (8.78 ounces) or less and shoots detail-rich, 4K HDR video, the company said.

M1 MacBook Air knows how to have fun [Setups]

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Lots of toys live in this MacBook Air and gaming PC rig.
Lots of toys live in this MacBook Air and gaming PC rig.
Photo: [email protected]

Some setups are no-nonsense, just the facts, ma’am — strictly utilitarian. Others are fanciful and full of toys. Today’s featured setup leans toward the latter, with its burgeoning population of Transformer figures crowding the shelf above the display and even related wall art.

And there’s plenty of gaming going on there, too, via a custom gaming PC and Nintendo Switch OLED in addition to an M1 MacBook Air and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Oh, and it has one of the coolest speaker systems ever made, too.

Glitter band turns your Apple Watch into a Christmas ornament

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Ready to get your bling on?
Ready to get your bling on?
Photo: Casetify

“Get your bling on with the Casetify Glitter Apple Watch Band!” says Casetify in its listing for the distinctive band. And at this time of year, the festive bands — available in four fun colors — seem especially merry.

But you can rock the sparkling band any time of year for whatever festivities you’re into. Just head to the Cult of Mac Store.

Google makes Chrome for Mac less of a RAM hog

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Websites may have issues with Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox when each one hits version 100.
Google is improving Chrome so it takes up less of Mac's system memory. And it'll go easier on batteries, too.
Photo: Google/Apple

Google tweaked the desktop version of Chrome so that background tabs take up less memory. The widely used browser will also use less power when a laptop’s battery is getting low.

The changes are coming soon to the macOS version as well as other desktop OSs.

Corral accessories with new Mujjo tech organizers

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The new Mujjo Tech Kit is compact. The Tech Case is larger.
The new Mujjo Tech Kit is compact. The Tech Case is larger.
Photo: Mujjo

Are your Apple accessories and cables becoming a messy hassle, especially when you travel? Mujjo, known for its vegan leather products, unveiled a new collection of eco-friendly nylon tech organizers Thursday.

The Mujjo Tech Kit and Tech Case help keep your growing gaggle of tech accessories tidy and untangled, the company said.

Foldable power bank wirelessly charges iPhone and AirPods anywhere you go

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Foldable power bank wirelessly charges iPhone and AirPods anywhere you go
Satechi's new iPhone power bank is also a stand. And a wireless AirPods charger, too.
Photo: Satechi

Satechi’s latest power bank wirelessly juices up an iPhone while also serving as an adjustable mobile stand. The Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand can power the handset while its showing a film or just displaying incoming messages.

Plus, the 10,000 mAh battery wirelessly charges AirPods, too.

First look at Truth Be Told season 3 introduces new cast member

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Octavia Spencer, left, and new cast member Gabrielle Union star in
Octavia Spencer, left, and new cast member Gabrielle Union star in Truth Be Told season 3.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ offered a first look at season 3 of its award-winning drama Truth Be Told Thursday, introducing a new cast member in the process.

Actress Gabrielle Union joins Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer on the NAACP Image Award-winning show. Season 3 kicks off on January 20.

Apple employees have raised $880 million for charity since 2011

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Apple and its staff support organizations and communities around the world through volunteer work, donations and learning programs.
Apple and its staff support organizations and communities around the world through volunteer work, donations and learning programs.
Photo: Apple

Apple and its employees have raised more than $880 million in charitable giving for nearly 44,000 groups all over the world since the Employee Giving program started 11 years ago, the company said Thursday.

As part of that, more than 76,000 Apple workers have put in over 2.1 million volunteer hours. Apple matches employee giving and volunteer hours with donations, too, in addition to its corporate grants to organizations.