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Take Thunderbolt speed on the road with new Hyper hub

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Sanho HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub review: You can never have too many high-speed data ports, and the HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub adds three more to your Mac or iPad Pro.
You can never have too many high-speed data ports, and the HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub adds three more to your Mac or iPad Pro.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The most important feature of the new Hyper Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub is something it doesn’t have: a giant power brick. The three-port hub offers 40Gbps data transfers as its rivals do, but in a more compact form.

The device was unveiled in summer 2022 and went through crowdfunding but is only now available for all to buy.

Mystery MacBook Pro outed by Canadian regulators

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2021 MacBook Pro with M1 Pro, M1 Max
Here's more evidence that the 2023 MacBook Pro is imminent.
Photo: Apple

A Canadian regulatory agency recently approved a MacBook Pro that Apple itself has yet to announce. Few details were leaked aside from the notebook supporting Wi-Fi 6E, an improvement on the current version of the short-range wireless networking standard.

Currently, only the newest iPad Pro has Wi-Fi 6E.

Crazy invention snoozes iPhone in the most ridiculous way possible

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Crazy invention snoozes an iPhone in the most ridiculous way possible
Snoozing an iPhone alarm isn't usually this complicated.
Photo: Joseph's Machines/Casetify

To snooze a wake-up alarm on your iPhone, you can tap the screen or press any button. Or you might build an elaborate mechanism that spans most of your bedroom and sends the handset on a wild adventure. That’s what one inventor recently did.

The Rube Goldberg device is the creation of Joseph Herscher, who makes them for a living.

Multiple missing Macs might be unmasked tomorrow

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What we're expecting from 2022 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro or M2 Max
The new MacBook Pros could be coming in hot tomorrow.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Update: This prediction came 100% true. Apple took the wraps off a pair of Macs on January 17. Don’t miss Cult of Mac‘s full coverage:


Rumors suggest Apple is preparing for a quiet release of new Mac computers as early as Tuesday. These will include updates to the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in addition to the Mac mini. The updates reportedly will be minor, bringing the new M2 chips to the computers.

There won’t be an Apple event — the company will announce the new computers by press release, if the rumors prove correct.

Tricks to make your workstation look (and sound) beautiful [Setups]

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The desktop wallpaper by Basic Apple Guy really does a lot for this setup's visual effect.
The desktop wallpaper by Basic Apple Guy really does a lot for this setup's visual effect.
Photo: [email protected]

Some workstations look boring and utilitarian while others, at least sometimes, look otherworldly. The difference between the two usually comes down to good lighting, skillful photography — and often a key visual you don’t see every day.

Today’s featured MacBook Pro setup relies on atmospheric lighting and exceptionally cool desktop wallpaper on the displays to make it look fascinating.

And because the workstation is used mainly for audio design and includes great gear, it undoubtedly sounds great, too.

iPhone 14 Pro supply catches up with demand

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iPhone 14 Pro has the processing power for great gaming.
You can put your hands on a new iPhone 14 Pro today.
Photo: Apple

The time when iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max buyers could expect a long wait to get Apple’s latest are over. The top-of-the-line iOS handsets can now be ordered from the Apple store for next-day delivery.

That’s a far cry from last fall when the wait stretched out over a month.

Apple tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. includes free book

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Apple's tribute to MLK includes one of the civil rights leader's classic books for free.
Apple's tribute to MLK includes one of the civil rights leader's classic books for free.
Photo: Apple

As it has done over the past several years on this national holiday, Apple dedicated most of its homepage Monday to honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Along with a photo of King preaching at the pulpit, this quote by him urging a response to the Vietnam War appeared: “This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive education.”

And the Cupertino tech giant offered a book by King for free on Apple Books.

Get power on the go with Alogic’s new portable-charger lineup

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Alogic's new 67W wall chargers come with plugs that work in many countries.
Alogic's new 67W wall chargers come with plugs that work in many countries.
Photo: Alogic

Consumer electronics maker Alogic rolled out a new lineup of chargers for travelers in early January. The range includes car chargers as well as portable GaN wall chargers that work in multiple countries to keep your iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and more going.

Equipped with various power capacities and port selections, the chargers could be useful for travel and in hybrid work environments, the company said.

6 reasons a touchscreen MacBook makes sense

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A MacBook Pro with the text
A touchscreen is a logical addition to a MacBook. Here's why.
Image: karsten madsen/Pexels/Modified by Cult of Mac

You may have felt a seismic shift recently. The origin was Apple Park in Cupertino, where Tim Cook and Co. decided to start work on a touchscreen MacBook Pro. This is something the company has been adamantly against for many years, going back to a scathing comment from the late Steve Jobs.

But the computing world has changed enormously since Jobs mocked touchscreen laptops. Today, there are plenty of reasons for Apple to make one.

Yes, touchscreen Macs really might be a thing [The CultCast]

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A woman points to her MacBook screen.
Steve Jobs said it would never happen, but we've heard that one before.
Image: Marek Levák/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Deep down inside, you know you want to give your Mac the finger. Apple might make that happen in the (somewhat) near future, according to the latest rumor. That’s right — Apple reportedly is “seriously considering” making a touchscreen MacBook. That’s enough to get us chattering!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple’s headset inches closer to (mixed) reality. But where are you going to put that waist-mounted battery pack if you don’t wear a belt?!? This is chaos!
  • Lots of geeky talk on the future of Apple screens, and why microLED will make a big difference.
  • What Apple products to expect this year, and when we think we’ll see them.

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 sponsors: Rocket Money and CultCloth

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Apple prepares for return of Home app architecture upgrade

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iOS 16.2 bring in a new Home architecture upgrade option.
New HomeKit Architecture
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple apparently plans to re-release its update to the underlying architecture of its HomeKit home-automation system in the near future. The upgraded platform for the Home app is included in the latest iOS and iPadOS betas.

The company briefly made this update available to all users in December before withdrawing it due to unspecified problems.

Marvelous iPhone 15 concept showcases sleek new design

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Marvelous iPhone 15 concept showcases sleek new design
This iPhone 15 Pro Max concept is based on leaks with a bit of hope mixed in.
Image: Antonio De Rosa/ADR Studio

The iPhone 15 is expected to get a facelift along with other design changes, and a new concept video and images present a very early look at the handset Apple might launch this autumn.

The concept artist started with details that have leaked out already and mixed in some of their own hopes. The result is splendid.

Illustrated’s puzzle pieces tell beautiful stories

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Illustrated’s puzzle pieces tell beautiful stories
Illustrated is a puzzle game that immerses players in beautiful illustrations and the stories behind them.
Image: BorderLeap

Illustrated is a new puzzle game — literally. Players put together jigsaw puzzle pieces to assemble beautiful illustrations.

Putting puzzles together is a meditative process for many, and the new game embraces that, with each containing a quote or other wisdom. It’s now available on Apple Arcade for iPhone, Mac and more.

Could this MacBook Pro rig be any more Apple? [Setups]

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Even the wall art above the Studio Display is Apple -- a deconstructed iPhone.
Even the wall art above the Studio Display is Apple -- a deconstructed iPhone.
Photo: [email protected]

Some computer setups are more Apple-ish than others. Apple-y. Apple-centric. Today’s featured M1 Max MacBook Pro outfit welcomes a new Studio Display to replace a recently “retired” 20-inch Cinema Display, and that’s just the start of the Cupertino madness.

Almost everything else in the setup is Apple, too. The input devices, the audio gear — even some of the wall art. And what’s in the book collection? The Cult of Mac hardcover book.

Beats Studio Buds for $60? Yes, please.

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The deal is only on the black ones. But black goes with everything, right?
The deal is only on the black ones. But black goes with everything, right?
Photo: Beats

Need great wireless earbuds but don’t want to spend much? Woot, owned by Amazon, is currently selling refurbished Beats Studio Buds for the uncommonly low price of $59.99.

That’s $90 off the list price of $150. And it’s less than typical sale prices, like the $99.95 Amazon is charging right for the buds right now.

Enter to win spectacular iPad Pro accessory bundle from Pitaka [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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All you need to keep your devices juiced up all day
All you need to keep your devices juiced up all day
Photo: Pitaka

The Cult of Mac giveaway this week is a corker. We teamed up with Pitaka for one lucky winner to get the chance to win an iPad Pro accessory bundle worth $190.

This giveaway includes a Pitaka MagEZ iPad Pro case along with a MagEZ wireless charging stand. If you’re an iPad Pro owner, don’t miss your shot at winning this bundle, whether you’re on the go with your iPad in tow, or working from the comfort of your own home.

Apple Music and Apple TV apps launch for Windows 11

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Apple Music and Apple TV apps launch for Windows 11
Apple Music is ready to be downloaded from the Windows Store.
Screenshot: Apple/Microsoft

Windows 11 users can now download preview versions of the Apple Music and Apple TV applications.
In late 2022, Microsoft committed to getting them into the Windows Store this year.

And a new Apple Devices app is a significant move toward phasing out iTunes for Windows.

Apple TV+ Sharper trailer spins a web of secrets and lies

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Veteran actors John Lithgow and Julianne Moore star in the new film.
Veteran actors John Lithgow and Julianne Moore star in the new film.
Photo: Apple

“Sharper” is old slang for a con artist or swindler. And in the trailer Apple TV+ dropped Thursday for its first film of 2023, a “neo-noir thriller” that shares the slang term as a title, it’s not easy to tell the con artist from the conned.

But it looks like it’ll be fun guessing which rich Manhattan people will lose their shirts in the film, starring Julianne Moore and John Lithgow.

It comes out in theaters February 10 and streams February 17, Apple TV+ said.

Apple ‘seriously considering’ a touchscreen MacBook

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A Macbook with the words: Macs? With touchscreens? Seriously?!?
Apple might right-size the Touch Bar lol.
Image: Devin Pickell/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

Apple now has engineers “actively engaged in the project” of adding touchscreens to Mac computers, starting with the popular MacBook Pro. According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, a consistent and reliable leaker, the first Mac with a touchscreen display could ship as soon as 2025.

The product is evidently still being tested internally, with no definitive plans for a product launch set in motion.

iPhone 15 Pro will not have actual, physical buttons. Really.

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iPhone 15 Pro will not have actual, physical buttons. Really.
Apple might be about to give old-fashioned buttons the heave-ho.
Photo: Apple

Apple is reportedly phasing out traditional buttons, starting with the iPhone 15 Pro models. The handsets will still seem to have them, but it’ll be a high-tech trick performed with haptic feedback.

The change should make the iOS devices more durable and waterproof.

Developer craves more pixels in ultra-wide display [Setups]

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Text renders more clearly on the MacBook Pro's Liquid Retina display than on the ultra-wide monitor.
Text renders more clearly on the MacBook Pro's Liquid Retina XDR display than on the ultra-wide monitor.
Photo: [email protected]

With modern computer displays, you can have brilliant colors, tons of screen real estate and even a cool curve in the screen. But will you be happy reading text on it? That’s not necessarily a sure thing.

In today’s featured MacBook Pro-based computer setup, a developer finds she likes her 34-inch curved ultra-wide display, but not in every possible way. She craves more pixels, having been “ruined” by her MacBook Pro’s crisp display.

Companies control how their info appears in Apple apps with new tool

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Companies control how their info appears in Apple apps with new tool
Companies can edit their Apple Maps place cards with the new Business Connect tool.
Screenshot: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Business Connect is a new tool that enables businesses to claim their location place cards in Apple Maps, Messages, Wallet, Siri and other apps.

It debuted Wednesday, and owners of businesses of all sizes can now customize their place cards.