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News - page 205

Keep iPhone 14 safe on the mean streets with MagSafe Urban Folio

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The folio case keeps your iPhone 14 and other valuables safe.
The folio case keeps your iPhone 14 and other valuables safe.
Photo: Laut

Some new accessories for iPhone 14 are almost unbelievably practical. Why just slap a plain-jane case on your handset when you get much more use out of a Laut MagSafe Urban Folio?

The Urban Folio is both a protective case and a handy, detachable wallet for your cards and cash. And you can get right now in the Cult of Mac Store.

Read this before installing the iOS 16.1 beta if you plan to get an iPhone 14 ASAP

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iOS 16.1
You might want to avoid the iOS 16.1 beta for a bit.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple seeded iOS 16.1 to developers on Wednesday and could give the general public access on Thursday. But you should think twice about installing it if you intend to get an iPhone 14 as soon as it’s released.

It’s likely the new handset will launch running an earlier version of iOS, which might cause you difficulties.

Apple Watch Series 8 review roundup: Best smartwatch gets a tick better

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Apple Watch 8 is great. But it's not necessarily great enough to upgrade, given its minimal improvements.
Apple Watch 8 is great. But it's not necessarily great enough to upgrade, given its minimal improvements.
Photo: Apple

The upcoming Apple Watch Ultra garners most of the oohs and aahs, and the Apple Watch SE takes the cake as Cupertino’s best-selling wearable, but gosh darn it, people like the Apple Watch Series 8, too. And by people, I mean reviewers.

Early reviews of Apple Watch Series 8 started coming in Thursday morning. They tend to emphasize that it remains the best smartwatch you can buy, even though its upgrades over the Series 7 seem minimal.

Apple Watch SE review roundup: Amazing value

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Apple Watch SE 2022
Apple Watch SE 2022 is an outstanding value at $250.
Photo: Apple

The first reviews of the new 2022 version of Apple Watch SE highlight was a value the device is. Engadget calls it “a $400 smartwatch for $250.”

Considering your first model? Or an upgrade from an older one? Read on to see if the revamped Apple Watch SE is right for you.

iPhone 14 Pro performance whips Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra [Updated]

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iPhone 14 Pro performance whips Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The iPhone 14 Pro comes out way ahead of the Galaxy S22 Ultra in a popular cross-platform benchmark test.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Benchmark tests done on the newly announced iPhone 14 Pro show that its Apple A16 processor offers far better performance than the Qualcomm Snapdragon chip in the Galaxy S22 Ultra.

So, for another year, Apple’s flagship smartphone is much faster than Samsung’s.

iOS 16.1 beta begins testing new iPhone features

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iOS 16.1 beta begins testing new iPhone features
iOS 16.1 beta 1 is out for developers to test.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 16.1 to developers on Wednesday. This signals the start of testing for some iPhone features Apple already announced but didn’t debut in iOS 16.

This includes Clean Energy Charging. And there’s good news for some iPhones that couldn’t display battery percentage in the Status Bar.

Everyone ‘running away from something’ in wild Apple TV+ Shantaram trailer

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Feeling hunted and reckless? Welcome to 1980s Bombay.
Feeling hunted and reckless? Welcome to 1980s Bombay.
Photo: Shantaram

Looking for romance, adventure and more than a little life-threatening danger? That’s easy, just head to Bombay in the 1980s. Apple TV+ offered first-look images and an action-packed trailer Wednesday for the upcoming series Shantaram. It ticks all those boxes.

The 12-episode first season starring Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) debuts October 14. Watch the trailer below.

iPhone 14 review roundup: Deja vu all over again

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iPhone 14
iPhone 14 could be a good upgrade for those coming from iPhone 11 or older.
Photo: Apple

Early reviews of the new iPhone 14 are rolling in. The consensus? It’s a capable iPhone — basically an iPhone 13 with minimal improvements (and nowhere near as cool as the feature-rich iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max).

So it’s not quite worth an upgrade from an iPhone 13, or maybe even the fairly similar iPhone 12. Only people holding iPhone 11 and older have something to get excited about.

But for some who want the big screen of the iPhone 14 Plus — not yet in the hands of reviewers — an upgrade from a recent handset may be worth it.

New emoji? Talk to the hand!

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Proposed new emoji list shows we already have all the emoji we need
These are some of the emoji coming to Apple devices... probably in 2023.
Image: Emojipedia

Emoji are about visual communication, and the some of the new ones just approved say “Talk to the hand.” And there’s a new way to express love, too. Or there’s good news for everyone desperately waiting on a moose emoji.

Other new additions approved by the Unicode Consortium include a shaking face, a donkey, a jellyfish and a flute.

M1 Mac mini marshals 3 dazzling displays [Setups]

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Using Running two ultra-wide displays and a portable monitor with an M1 Mac mini isn't very difficult.
Using Running two ultra-wide displays and a portable monitor with an M1 Mac mini isn't very difficult.
Photo: [email protected]

We’ve covered many computer setup with multiple displays, even as many as six. But we don’t come across many purpose-built portable displays, perhaps because iPads often serve that purpose.

But today’s featured gaming setup uses an M1 Mac mini to drive two LG UltraWide monitors and a 15.6-inch Full HD portable screen, claiming no lag or latency. If you’re searching for the best monitor for Mac mini, check out this guide on top display options.

The secret? Well, as is often the case, it’s in the hub.

Powerful new Ugreen Nexode Charger juices 3 devices fast

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Ugreen's new charger can pump 140W of power to up to three devices.
Ugreen's new charger can pump 140W of power to up to three devices.
Photo: Ugreen

Ugreen rolled out its new Nexode 140W Charger Tuesday, saying it “can charge as fast as any charger currently on the market, while also being able to fast charge three devices at once.”

The compact charger has three ports to charge MacBooks, iPads, iPhones and other devices. I plan to review it soon.

Is this the toughest iPhone 14 case?

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The new Casetify Bounce Case features fortified corners and more.
The new Casetify Bounce Case features fortified corners and more.
Photo: Casetify

Casetify made a bold claim when it released its Bounce Case for the iPhone 14 series on September 7, along with its upgraded Impact and Ultra Impact series cases.

It said the Bounce is “the world’s most protective case for the mass market.”

“Tested to withstand over 156 drops on all angles and falls from up to 21.3 feet, the 6x Military Grade Standard Bounce Case is the most protective of its kind,” the company added.

This hybrid Apple Watch band makes leather fit for everything

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Mifa-Hybrid-Sport-Apple-Watch
Get yours for just $25!
Photo: Mifa

Mifa’s brilliant Hybrid Sport band for Apple Watch lets you enjoy the look and feel of vintage leather without the drawbacks.

A silicone backing means it’s ideal for both formal functions and the toughest workouts. It’s sweat-resistant, incredibly comfortable, and amazingly affordable. It also comes in a wide range of color options (including green and camouflage, which you don’t see all that often).

Keep hands and pockets free with new iPhone 14 holster cases

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The Zip iPhone Holster is the more compact of the two holsters.
The Zip iPhone Holster is the more compact of the two holsters.
Photo: WaterField Designs

WaterField Designs introduced two American-made cases for iPhone 14 and other handsets that you probably won’t see everywhere else: the Zip iPhone Holster and the Finn iPhone Holster Wallet.

“The two fully-enclosed iPhone14 holsters ideally suit contractors, field technicians, or anyone looking to free up hands and pants pockets with a more comfortable, secure way to carry their iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 and wallet contents,” the San Francisco-based company said.

Why iPhone 14 Plus is delayed until October

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Why iPhone 14 Plus is delayed until October
No one can get their hands on the iPhone 14 until October. Here's why.
Photo: Apple

Three of the new iPhone 14 series models first reach customers on September 16, but not the iPhone 14 Plus. That’s on hold for three extra weeks.

Apple didn’t explain the delay, but an analyst has the likely reason why: Cupertino can’t get enough of a critical component.

New Sonos mini subwoofer pairs via AirPlay with sound bars and speakers

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The new Sonos Sub Mini is designed to punch up bass while blending in.
The new Sonos Sub Mini is designed to punch up bass while blending in.
Photo: Sonos

Audio powerhouse Sonos launched the long-awaited Sub Mini on Tuesday. The small, cylindrical wireless subwoofer is designed to add low end to home theaters in smaller rooms.

It’s compatible with the company’s range of products, including its AirPlay-enabled sound bars and speakers. The affordable subwoofer goes up for sale on October 6 for $429. You can preorder it now.

Apple TV+ bags 9 Emmys including another best-comedy win for Ted Lasso

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“Ted Lasso” on Apple TV+ took home four wins at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, including back-to-back wins for Outstanding Comedy Series for both its first and second seasons.
“Ted Lasso” took home four Emmys, including back-to-back wins for Outstanding Comedy Series for its first and second seasons.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ took home nine Emmys at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards Monday night, including Outstanding Comedy Series for Ted Lasso for the second year running.

The streaming service won four Emmys for Ted Lasso and others for Carpool Karaoke: The Series, SeveranceSchmigadoon! and Home Before Dark.

You can soon charge your iPhone using clean energy

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Clean Energy Charging feature in iOS 16: You can soon charge your iPhone using clean energy
The new Clean Energy Charging feature in iOS 16 could help ease the strain on power grids.
Photo: Appolinary Kalashnikova/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

iPhones will gain a new Clean Energy Charging option later this year as a part of an iOS 16 update, Apple said Monday.

The first-of-its-kind feature will strategically time when iPhones charge, using cleaner energy and thus reducing the devices’ carbon footprint.

Enter to win a shiny new elago iPhone 14 case of your choice [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Pick your color with the new elago iPhone 14 Silicone Cases.
Pick your color with a new iPhone 14 silicone case from elago.
Photo: elago

This week’s giveaway is to ensure your glossy new iPhone 14 is protected the best way possible. elago, one of our favorite Apple accessory-makers, just launched its new iPhone 14 cases, and we are giving three lucky readers a chance get their hands on one of them.

The best bit is, if you win, the case choice is yours.

iOS 16 does not kill older iPhone performance or battery life

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iPhone 8 Wireless Charging
Don't listen to the doomsayers – tests show iOS 16 makes iPhone 8 run faster.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Benchmark tests show that models as old as iPhone 8 run nearly as fast on the just-released iOS 16 as they did on iOS 15. Some devices even see a performance increase after the upgrade, while others see very moderate slips.

These tests refute the mistaken claims that iOS updates turn older iPhones into slugs. And some Apple handsets even get a considerable increase in battery life from iOS 16.

Show off iPhone 14 with Totallee’s super-thin cases

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Totallee's clear cases really show off the handset, like the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Totallee's clear cases really show off the handset, like the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Photo: Totallee

Looking to protect your iPhone 14 without adding any bulk? Right after Apple unveiled the new iPhone 14 series handsets, Totallee offered its new collection of ultra-thin cases, including transparent options that verge on invisibility.

At just 0.02-inches thick, Totallee’s new cases are truly thin. They’re about as close as you can get to not having a case while still adding protection.

Go luxe with Mujjo’s new leather iPhone 14 cases

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Mujjo's new cases feature Ecco leather and machined metal buttons.
Mujjo's new cases feature Ecco leather and machined metal buttons.
Photo: Mujjo

New iPhone 14 owners have a luxe choice of case in Mujjo’s new lineup of leather cases, with wallet or not. The company rolled them out the same day Apple released the iPhone 14 series.

Mujjo said all the new cases include “machined metal buttons to optimize responsiveness.”

iOS 15.7, macOS Monterey 12.6 arrive to fix security problems

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iOS 15.7, macOS Monterey 12.6 arrive to fix security problems
If you're not installing iOS 16, at least upgrade to iOS 15.7.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iPhone users can now install iOS 15.7, which fixes almost a dozen security problems. Apple recommends the update to all users. That said, the update launched at the same time as iOS 16 – but there are good reason for the simultaneous updates.

Plus, macOS Monterey 12.6 is out with its own set of security-related bug fixes. And iPadOS 15.7 deals with the same sort of problems.