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News - page 216

Apple video explains how to use Time Machine to back up your Mac

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Apple video explains how to use Time Machine to backup your Mac
A "how to" makes the process of setting up Time Machine to backup your Mac less intimidating.
Image: Apple

Your Mac can automatically make copies of your files with Time Machine, software built into macOS. A new video walks anyone unfamiliar with the feature through the setup process.

Using Time Machine is highly recommended. Macs don’t fail often, but when they do it can be a disaster for the user if they don’t have backups of their important files.

Apple TV+ prison drama Black Bird soars to top of charts

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Black Bird recap: Once again, Ray Liotta steals the show.
The limited series features a compelling performance by the late, great Ray Liotta.
Photo: Apple TV+

Black Bird is the latest hit for Apple TV+. The prison drama has been one of the top 10 most watched streaming shows for three weeks straight now, according to a company that tracks viewership.

The series is not only popular, it’s getting rave reviews from critics.

Beats Pill+ portable speaker won’t stay dead

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A second special edition since Apple discontinued the Beats Pill+ speaker looks to be imminent.
A second special edition since Apple discontinued the Beats Pill+ speaker looks to be imminent.
Photo: Apple/Beats

Apple killed the Beats Pill+ portable speaker in January, and yet it lives on. In March it saw a special-edition release through a partnernship with Stüssy. And now it rises from the dead once again.

This time, a collaboration with Devin Book and Book Projects will result in a customized Beats Pill+ exterior design that takes its cues from the Sonoran Desert.

Save $26 on colorful Apple Watch bands made of fine Italian leather

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You can get 35% off this supple Italian leather band in teal (pictured), red, yellow or orange.
You can get 35% off this supple Italian leather band in teal (pictured), red, yellow or orange.
Photo: Olpr. leather goods co

There are few things more classic than a watch band made of supple Italian leather. And the Cult of Mac Store has a great one on sale right now for your Apple Watch, at 35% off (that’s a savings of $26).

The Italian Leather Band by Olpr is not only a classic leather band, it’s also colorful. You can get it in red, teal, yellow and orange.

New Apple ‘Switching to iPhone’ video makes it easy for Android users

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Thinking of switching from an Android phone to an iPhone? It's easy.
Thinking of switching from an Android phone to an iPhone? It's easy.
Photo: Apple

Apple aimed a new video Monday at Android users who might want to switch to iPhone. The video answers the most common questions switchers ask, from transferring contacts to trading in handsets and much more — all in about 4 minutes.

The video comes as Apple prepares the iPhone 14 series for release and follows Cupertino’s surprisingly positive earnings results Thursday in which the company mentioned a record numbers of switchers from Android to iPhone.

Massive discount makes the Apple TV 4K a lot more affordable

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Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K drops to a new low price of $119.99.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV 4K is down to its lowest price yet, making it a lot more affordable and the perfect time to snag one up. Apple’s streaming box retails for $179, but you can get it for $119.99 after a massive 33% discount.

This deal is better than the previous deals we have seen so far. So, if you have been eyeing the Apple TV for a while, now is the time to pull the trigger.

Transform your workspace with stunning 3D wall panels [Setups]

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Look how the wall panels interact with the desktop wallpaper.
Look how the wall panels interact with the desktop wallpaper.
Photo: [email protected]

Many computer setups complete their dazzling looks with great lighting, like RGB light strips or light bars hidden behind monitors or under desks. And while lighting goes a long way towards setting moods and helping you see things, it’s not the whole story.

Another element that can make the most of lighting would be 3D wall panels. Full of raised surfaces, they catch the light and make a wall or other space come alive. Today’s featured setup uses 3D wall panels beautifully.

Major Oceanhorn 2 update adds new sidequests, other enhancements

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Major 'Oceanhorn 2' update adds new sidequests, other enhancements
There's more to enjoy in Oceanhorn 2 thanks to a significant update out now.
Photo: Cornfox & Brothers

The latest update to the RPG Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm adds two new sidequests. Plus, the latest version makes the on-screen character faster and more agile, and improves the audio.

The new update for the multi-platform game takes it to version 4.0. It’s code named Secrets of Gaia.

$50 Apple TV gift card promotion expands to international countries

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Apple TV 4K
Apple is once again bundling a $50 gift card with the Apple TV.
Photo: Apple

Apple is once again bundling a $50 gift card with the purchase of the Apple TV. The company first ran this promotion on its U.S. online store from July 1 through July 14.

This time, Apple is running the promotion in the U.S., UK, some European countries and Australia. And in typical Apple fashion, the company took down its website for a few hours before making this promotion live.

Dive in: Latest iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 public betas are stable enough to try

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Dive in: Latest iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 public betas are stable enough to try
iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 bring some welcome new features. And you can try them out now, if you can tolerate their bugs.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Tired of just reading about the new iPhone Lock Screen and want to try it? Really eager to make full use of an external screen with your iPad? There’s good news: Apple released new public betas of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 this week, and my testing shows they’re stable enough for average users to try them out.

That said, be cautious. These are prerelease versions — they still have bugs. The final versions aren’t expected for months, and there’s still plenty of room for improvement

Apple car gets a Lambo injection [The CultCast]

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The CultCast: Spoiler alert: The Apple car probably won't look like a Lamborghini.
Spoiler alert: The Apple car probably won't look like a Lamborghini.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple’s electric self-driving car project apparently just landed a bigwig from Lamborghini. Does this mean the hiding-in-plain-sight Apple car is back on track?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Why we didn’t see an M1 Mac Pro — and why we never will.
  • Saudi Arabia’s crazy glass building sounds unbelievable.
  • Anker makes GaN charging even faster and more efficient.
  • The EU’s new Digital Markets Act could bring big changes for Apple and the App Store.

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 livestream, embedded below.

Our sponsor: CultCloth

Get the only cleaning cloth you need: CultCloth!

Apple plans to squeeze even more money out of App Store

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iPhone App Store Today tab will soon include advertising
Get ready for new ads to appear in the iPhone App Store.
Image: Apple

Apple is going further into the ad business. Soon, a paid advertisment will be added to the Today tab of the App Store. And a paid link will be added to the product pages for individual applications.

These will join the Search Ads that are already included in the App Store.

Apple acting as an advertising broker is likely to be controversial because the company has taken a strong stance on targeted ads provided by Google, Facebook and others.

Keychron’s first split ergonomic mechanical keyboard may ease your pain

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Now you can get a mechanical keyboard that's ergonomically correct.
Now you can get a mechanical keyboard that's ergonomically correct.
Photo: Keychron

Keychron started rolling out its Q series of custom mechanical keyboards about a year ago, adding to its mainstream K-series offerings. The Q lineup now includes an array of sizes and special features. But until this week it has not offered an “Alice-style,” split ergonomic board.

But now the Q8 65% Alice-style custom mechanical keyboard has arrived to soothe your aching wrists.

Apple still can’t keep up with iPad demand

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Brydge 11 Max+ keyboard case is built for hardcore iPad Pro users
There's plenty of demand for tablets as low-cost alternatives to traditional computers.
Photo: Brydge

iPad shipments declined modestly in the Q2 2022, but not because people don’t want Apple tablets. iPad is still suffering from component shortages that slow production.

This was the second quarter in a row that Apple couldn’t make enough iPadOS units to meet demand.

This is how you maximize space and fill it with sound and light [Setups]

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This excellent use of space is brought to you by a standing desk, a mounted ultra-wide display and MacBook Pro, and inventive wall storage.
This excellent use of space is brought to you by a standing desk, a mounted ultra-wide display and MacBook Pro, and inventive wall storage.
Photo: [email protected]

Not everyone has a huge desk with ample room for their computer setup and loads of associated gear. But with a few smart moves, anyone can make the most of a small desk in a cramped space.

Today’s featured setup is a good example. It takes advantage of a standing desk, displays mounted on arms and ample wall-mounted storage to maximize limited space.

And the audio gear and lighting don’t disappoint, either.

Supply chain problems hurt Mac and entire PC industry

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Some MacBook Pro wait times already stretch nearly to Christmas
Apple's inability to keep up with demand for MacBook Pro and other Mac models hurt the company in Q2 2022.
Photo: Apple

Mac shipments dropped a whopping 20% in the June quarter, according to a market-research firm. But it wasn’t just Apple struggling – shipments of all the top PC-makers declined.

COVID lockdowns in China this spring hurt production for all these companies, lowering the number of computers they could ship to consumers.

New Apple TV+ Peanuts trailer cheers educators in Lucy’s School

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It's a back-to-school special, Charlie Brown!
It's a back-to-school special, Charlie Brown!
Photo: Apple TV+

With a new school year looming, it’s time to celebrate educators. Apple TV+ did just that Friday when it dropped a trailer for Lucy’s School, an all-new Peanuts special that debuts on the streaming service August 12.

For those who grew up with Peanuts, it’s comforting that the classic series based on classic Charles M. Schulz comics lives on. Lucy’s School adds to the growing list of seasonal features following Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy and the rest of the gang.

iPhone shipments grow while smartphone market shrinks

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iPhone 13 Pro
The iPhone 13 sold well in Q2 2022.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

iPhone shipments grew 3.3% year over year during the second quarter of 2022, according to a market-research firm. That’s in contrast to the global smartphone market, which declined 7%.

Apple made up 16% of the total market, its highest second-quarter performance in more than a decade.

8 tantalizing tidbits from Apple’s otherwise stultifying earnings call

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Apple Q3 2022 earnings roundup: The earnings call wasn't that exciting, but Apple still dropped some tantalizing tidbits on us.
The earnings call wasn't that exciting, but Apple still dropped some tantalizing tidbits on us.
Image: Sharon McCutcheon/Unsplash License/Cult of Mac

Apple earnings calls with analysts can offer fascinating glimpses behind the scenes at the iPhone-maker. Most of the time, though, they are dull as toast. That’s true even for the June quarter, when Apple managed to snatch financial success from the jaws of supply constraints.

But we endured the tedium of the call so you don’t have to. Just read on to get the interesting details almost lost in all the talk of basis points and CAPEX.

Apple earnings beat pessimistic predictions

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Apple earnings Q3 2022: Cupertino does it again! Against all odds, Apple squeaks out another record-breaking quarter.
Against all odds, Apple squeaks out another record-breaking quarter.
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple overcame considerable headwinds to set a new revenue record during its most recent financial quarter, the company said Thursday. Cupertino once again beat analysts’ expectations, despite COVID-19 lockdowns in China that slowed Mac and iPad production.

“Our June quarter results continued to demonstrate our ability to manage our business effectively despite the challenging operating environment,” said Luca Maestri, Apple’s chief financial officer, in a press release announcing the Q3 2022 earnings.

Apple expands Mac processor development in Israel

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Apple M1 Max and M1 Pro chips
The Apple M1 Max and M1 Pro chips were designed in Israel.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple will reportedly design future Mac processors at a new R&D center in Jerusalem.

The company already does chip development in Israel. Some of the more powerful M1 variants were designed in the country.

Beats Studio Buds get an atomic makeover

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The collaboration with artist Futura features his signature atomic symbol.
The collaboration with artist Futura features his signature atomic symbol.
Photo: Beats

Just about a week after collaborating with Twitch streamer Nickmercs, Apple subsidiary Beats is out with another special-edition release of Beats Studio Buds, this time with design firm Futura Laboratories.

This is the second Beats collaboration for the design firm’s founder, the graffiti artist Futura.

The long wait for India’s first Apple store continues

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India Apple Online Store
Apple sells directly to consumers in India through its website, but still hasn't managed to open its landmark retail store in the country.
Photo: Apple

The first Apple store in India won’t open until 2023. Apple has been trying to open the retail location since 2019, but it’s been beset with delays.

The Mumbai store is supposed to be part of an important shift in the way the company does business in India. Another store in the country is also on the way.

Zuckerberg says Apple and Meta are battling over the internet’s future

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Apple versus Meta
The CEO of Meta says his company and Apple are in a "competition of philosophies and ideas."
Photo: Cult of Mac

Both Apple and Meta (formerly Facebook) are both building AR/VR headsets, but they’re going about it in dramatically different ways. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly told Meta employees the two companies are in “a competition of philosophies and ideas.”

It’s possible the metaverse is the future of the internet. And Zuckerberg describes Meta as being a leader in creating an open metaverse with multiple companies working together, while he says Apple is creating its own closed version.

But Zuckerberg’s comments ignore another major philosophical difference between the twin companies. Apple believes in protecting user privacy, but Meta makes its money by collecting and selling information about users.