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News - page 222

M2 MacBook Air blows away other Macs in speed test

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M2 MacBook Air review roundup: The fast and the beauteous
The Apple M2 chip gives the 2022 MacBook Air a crazy fast web browser.
Photo: Apple

The new M2 MacBook Air got an amazing score on the Speedometer 2.0 benchmarking app. Apple’s latest notebook solidly beat other Macs in this test of web browser speed.

The performance boost comes from the new Apple M2 processor – the MacBook Pro with the same chip scores equally well.

Apple Maps extends cycling directions to all 50 states

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With the addition of Hawaii, now you can get turn-by-turn biking directions in all 50 states.
With the addition of Hawaii, now you can get turn-by-turn biking directions in all 50 states.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you ride a bike, now you can now get turn-by-turn navigation from Apple Maps in all 50 states. That’s because cycling directions recently arrived in Hawaii.

If you get rolling now, there’s just time to bike through the whole country in … never. Not gonna happen.

But it’s nice to know directions are available all over if you ever need them.

Are you worthy of Nomad’s new golden Base One chargers?

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Nomad's Gold Base One Max looks so money.
Nomad's Gold Base One Max looks so money.
Photo: Nomad

Nomad’s refined and costly Base One and Base One Max MagSafe chargers are widely considered to be of excellent quality,  even “high-end” status. But now you can feel even more like a king — maybe King Midas — by snagging one with a rich golden hue.

That’s right, Nomad just rolled out golden gear for you, the Gold Base One and Base One Max.

Redesigned Eve Aqua sensor for HomeKit gains durability

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The new Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller is more durable than before.
The new Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller is more durable than before.
Photo: Eve Systems

Eve Systems rolled out a redesigned version of it Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller for HomeKit Tuesday that should help you keep your lawn or garden green.

The gadget sports a new look and improved mechanics for better durability, the company said.

Apple ends face mask mandate for corporate employees at ‘most locations’

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The walkway around Apple Park.
Apple corporate employees will see a lot fewer masks at Apple Park.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly told its corporate employees the company’s face mask requirement is at its end. There are exceptions, though.

In March, the company removed the requirement for workers who had been vaccinated for COVID-19. After Monday’s policy change, it’s mostly come to an end for all employees.

Plugable’s USBC-VAMeter3 gets even better at finding charging woes

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Plugable’s USBC-Vameter3 gets even better at finding charging woes
Plugable's tiny voltage and amperage meter can help you find out why a MacBook or iPad isn't getting power.
Photo: Plugable

Anyone who’s ever said to themselves “Is this $%&@ thing even charging?” might be interested in the new version of Plugable’s voltage and amperage meter.

Plug the USBC-VAMeter3 into your device then plug the charging cable into the meter and you’ll see how much power is flowing and in which direction.

A new version USBC-VAMeter3 launched Tuesday for under $30. It can handle more power, which makes it more useful and less likely to be accidentally damaged.

Apple offers feeble fix for Studio Display’s speaker problems

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Apple Studio Display
Apple's $1,599 Studio Display is marred with issues.
Photo: Apple

After months of complaints from Studio Display owners, Apple finally offered a temporary fix for problems with the pricey monitor’s speakers and microphone. The frustrating glitches include choppy playback, audio that cuts out unexpectedly and playback speed issues.

The company provided a temporary solution in an internal memo while it scrambles to come up with a software fix.

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.