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News - page 224

‘Time machine’ app takes you inside Apple Store history

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Sure, time travel exists. But in this case, you can only go to four places.
Sure, time travel exists. But in this case, you can only go to four places.
Photo: Michael Steeber

If you missed some of the biggest Apple Store openings ever, don’t worry. Now there’s an app for that. The Apple Store Time Machine app transports you to opening day at four iconic locations with a surprising amount of detail.

Michael Steeber created the interactive app to take you back to opening day in four places (and times): Tysons Corner (McLean, Va.), Stanford Shopping Center (Palo Alto, Calif.), Fifth Avenue (New York, NY) and Infinite Loop (Cupertino).

Anker pushes GaN envelope with 6 new fast chargers

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Anker launched a new range of advanced GaN chargers Monday.
Anker launched a new range of advanced GaN chargers Monday.
Photo: Anker

Anker Innovations said Monday at a special event that new partnerships have birthed a new lineup of Gallium Nitride (GaN) fast chargers for use at home and on-the-go.

The six new compact, efficient GaNPrime chargers range in power output from 150W down to 65W and cover a lot of possible uses. The range includes wall chargers, a power bank and a power strip.

“GaNPrime represents a new era in charging,” said Steven Yang, CEO of Anker Innovations. “In addition
to delivering a faster and safer charging experience, our new GaNPrime chargers offer significant savings in energy consumption, reinforcing Anker’s commitment to a more sustainable future.”

Apple spends $1.3 billion to fight homelessness

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Apple is working with affordable housing organizations to build new homes and provide housing stability for individuals and families in communities across California.
Apple is working with affordable housing organizations to build new homes and provide housing stability for individuals and families in communities across California.
Photo: Apple

Apple spent $1.3 billion recently to help remedy the California housing crisis, the company said Monday, following up on its pledge three years ago to spend $2.5 billion on an array of projects.

The Cupertino tech giant highlighted its new Veterans Square unit in Pittsburg, California, among other developments.

Nice MacBook Pro, but it’s all about that cool hybrid-model canine [Setups]

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The M1 MacBook Pro and Samsung ultra-wide display form the setup's core, but the canine unit at right is a crucial feature, too.
The M1 MacBook Pro and Samsung ultra-wide display form the setup's core, but the canine unit at right is a crucial feature, too.
Photo: [email protected]

People love posting impressive photographs and descriptions of their computer setups online. And other people love either drooling over them or mercilessly criticizing them.

But no matter what technology appears — lets say a new-ish M1 MacBook Pro, a 4K wide-screen display, an excellent 4K webcam, rock-solid input devices and a reliable standing desk, as in today’s featured setup — it’s all forgotten if there’s a pet in the picture.

Apple will offer hefty discounts on iPhone 13, iPhone 12 and AirPods in China

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6.1-inch iPhone 13 review
Apple will discounts its selected products in China for a limited time.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

In a rare move, Apple will run a four-day promotion in China and offer hefty discounts of up to RMB 600 ($90). The discount will be applicable for iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone SE, Apple Watch SE and AirPods.

The promotion will run from July 29 through August 1.

Just how fast can Apple upgrade the MacBook Pro? [The CultCast]

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The CultCast Apple podcast: With Apple cranking out new chips for its Mac lineup, it gets harder to decide when to upgrade.
With Apple cranking out new chips for its Mac lineup, it gets harder to decide when to upgrade.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: It looks like MacBook Pros with more-powerful M2 series chips will come sooner rather than later. Is Apple going to make this an annual thing? And if so, how will Erfon (and other Mac fans) cope? So many decisions …

Also on The CultCast:

  • What exactly is Apple up to with its U1 chips and iOS 16? Sounds intriguing.
  • Amazon Prime Air delivers with drones, and a robotaxi might not be far behind.
  • The DeLorean might make an 88-mph comeback.

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: Squarespace

Special thanks to this week’s sponsor, Squarespace. Get all the tools you need to set up your very own website and commence selling anything online. Start your free website trial today at squarespace.com/cultcast (no credit card required). Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code cultcast at checkout.

Enter to win a 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station and 200W GaN charger bundle [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Ugreen 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station giveaway: Declutter your space, while charging all devices simultaneously.
Declutter your space, while charging three devices simultaneously.
Photo: Ugreen

Anyone with multiple devices knows the chore of tangled wires. Maybe it’s time to change that. This week we are teaming up with Ugreen to give two lucky winners a shot at winning a sleek 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charging Station, retailing at $159.99, plus a six-port Nexode 200W USB-C Desktop Charger priced at $199.99.

Enter below for your chance to win one of these powerful bundles.

Go on a snarky adventure in HEROish on Apple Arcade

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Go on a snarky adventure in 'HEROish' on Apple Arcade
HEROish is an adventure/tower defense game that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Image: Sunblink/Apple Arcade

HEROish from Sunblink challenges layers to, “(almost) save the world and (kind of) look good while doing it.” The latest addition to Apple Arcade offers single-player adventures, but it’s also player-versus-player deck-building tower defense game.

The fantasy-themed title is available now for a variety of Apple computers, including iPhone and Mac.

New toggle in iOS 15.6 turns on government emergency alert tests

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When the government sends out test emergency alerts, you can be in the know.
When the government sends out test emergency alerts, you can be in the know.
Photo: FEMA

Worried that the U.S. government is trying to make sure emergency alerts it sends to smartphones are working — and you don’t even know about it?

Well, now you can make sure you receive those test alerts thanks to a new toggle Apple added to iOS 15.6 and the third iOS 16 beta.

Lawmakers call for quick votes on Big Tech antitrust bills

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Some lawmakers urge votes take place before recess.
Some lawmakers urge votes take place before the upcoming recess.
Photo: Jens June/Pixabay

A letter from progressive members of the U.S. House of Representatives this week urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to call for votes soon on a pair of antitrust bills that would rein in the power of tech giants like Apple and Google in an attempt to open up competition from more companies.

Without votes “in the next few weeks,” lawmakers’ upcoming months-long recess could delay action considerably.

Download striking ‘Apple Stage’ wallpaper for Mac, iPad and iPhone

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Basic Apple Guy's new wallpaper is based on Jony Ive's work.
Basic Apple Guy's new wallpaper is based on Jony Ive's work.
Photo: Basic Apple Guy

Designer and Apple maven Basic Apple Guy offered a delightful surprise Friday with his new “Apple Stage” wallpaper for Mac, iPad and iPhone.

The stunning rainbow wallpaper sports a design inspired by the real-life, six-color stage structure created by Cupertino design legend Jony Ive at Apple Park.

Dutch IT guy rocks with iMac, electric guitar and audio interface [Setups]

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This computer setup's centerpiece is a 24-inch iMac.
This computer setup's centerpiece is a 24-inch iMac.
Photo: [email protected]

We like Friday Setups posts to be on the fun side. We look for entertaining gear, wacky decor and exotic locations. Today we found a Dutch guy who works in IT management via his M1 iMac.

That doesn’t sound especially fun, but he also wields a pretty badass electric guitar.

He runs the axe into a Focusrite audio interface and listens to his musical creations on a killer set of cans, too.

Apple and Chicago settle the ‘Netflix tax’ lawsuit

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Apple TV+
Chicago residents will continue to have to pay the "Netflix tax."
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple has dropped its lawsuit against Chicago’s “Netflix tax” after the two parties reached a settlement. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Chicago introduced a 9% tax on streaming platform subscribers in 2015. Apple sued the city in 2018 for allegedly violating the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act and the U.S. Constitution.

Apple takes another step to avoid iPhone 14 shortage at launch

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iPhone 14 Pro models may get an always-on display, finally.
A new Chinese company has joined the iPhone 14's supply chain for the first time.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple seemingly diversified its supply chain by adding a new component supplier for the iPhone 14 lineup. Chinese company SG Micro has acquired the necessary certifications to supply components for the high-end iPhone 14 Pro series.

The move comes as Apple looks to avoid disruptions in its supply chain due to external factors.

Wait times get shorter for Studio Display shipments

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Apple can ship you a new Studio Display in 1 to 2 weeks now.
Apple can ship you a new Studio Display in 1 to 2 weeks now.
Photo: Apple

Back in May, Cult of Mac wrote about wait times for Studio Display shipments stretching into August. But now, four months after Cupertino rolled out the $1,600 monitor, shipping-time estimates are dropping fast in many countries, including the U.S.

New Apple Pay promotion offers up to 70% off at major retailers

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Apple Pay fun in the summertime: Get big discount from 13 retailers.
Apple Pay fun in the summertime: Get big discount from 13 retailers.
Photo: Apple

Cupertino sent out a new summer-themed Apple Pay promotion Thursday with special deals on clothing, shoes, accessories and more. You can get up to 70% off items from GOAT and significant discount from a dozen other retailers. That means you can get the crazy-looking Yeezy 450 ‘Sulfur’ sneakers for $157 (regularly $200).

The discounts come from popular stores like Crocs, Ray-Ban, J.Crew, Lands’ End, Gymboree, Matt & Nat, The RealReal and others. Hit the links below.

Last chance: Protect your iPhone 13 with SwitchEasy accessories — at 20% off!

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Protect those all-important camera lenses.
Protect those all-important camera lenses.
Photo: SwitchEasy

When you spend a pretty penny on an iPhone 13 — OK, more like a thousand bucks, probably — you realize you better protect the dearly expensive gadget. Good thing SwitchEasy features all the accessories you need. You have your choice of cases, plus screen protectors and more.

And best of all, you can get 20% off all SwitchEasy iPhone 13 accessories in the Cult of Mac Store. But you need to act fast: This sale ends at 11:59 p.m. PDT on July 21.

Today in Apple history: Apple unseats Nokia as top smartphone vendor

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Nokia
Remember when Nokia was on top of the world?
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

July 21: Today in Apple history: Apple unseats Nokia as top smartphone vendor July 21, 2011: Apple officially passes Nokia to become the world’s top smartphone vendor.

It’s a major milestone for Apple, which launched the iPhone just four years earlier. For Nokia, the Finnish company that dominated the cellphone market during the 1990s and early 2000s, it marks the end of an era.

New Eve motion sensor supports Thread and senses ambient light

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The updated Eve Motion now supports Thread networking and senses light to trigger automations.
The updated Eve Motion now supports Thread networking and senses light to trigger automations.
Photo: Eve Systems

Eve Systems offered its second-generation Eve Motion sensor Thursday, adding a light sensor and Thread mesh networking support. The device detects motion to activate other HomeKit-enabled devices.

And it’s actually less expensive than the previous model by $10.

The Thread standard that will be integral to the upcoming Matter home automation technology standard that helps different manufacturers’ devices work together.

AirTag battery indicator disappears from Find My app after iOS 15.6 update

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AirTag battery indicator disappears from Find My app after iOS 15.6 update
When you look for an AirTag in Find My, you no longer see a battery icon. unless it's very low.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Yesterday’s iOS 15.6 update and the newest iOS 16 beta show a surprising move on Apple’s part. It took away the Find My app’s AirTag battery indicator.

Previously, when you opened an AirTag card in Find My, you’d see a small battery icon showing remaining power below the tracking device’s name and location, Now you don’t, or at least not until remaining power is critically low.

Apple explains what happens when games leave Apple Arcade

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Don't miss out on 15 games leaving Apple Arcade soon.
Hurry up and finish that Apple Arcade game exiting the program.
Photo: Apple

A new support document from Apple explains what happens when games exit Apple Arcade — and how long you can play them after they disappear from the subscription service.

The support page went live after Apple added a “Leaving Arcade Soon” section to the App Store highlighting 15 games due to exit the program.