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News - page 227

15-inch MacBook with M2 Pro might launch in spring 2023

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13-inch MacBook Air with M2
The 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 might be joined by a larger version.
Photo: Apple

A 15-inch MacBook will debut in less than a year that offers either an M2 or an M2 Pro processor, according to a reliable Apple analyst. That could make it one of the first with the upgraded version of the M2.

Note that the notebook might not be branded as a MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air. It could be a “MacBook.”

M1 MacBook Pro and Studio Display co-star with HyperX RGB mic [Setups]

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The flashy RBG microphone sits to the left of the Studio Display.
The flashy RBG microphone sits to the left of the Studio Display.
Photo: [email protected]

If you’re tired of being just another drab presence on conference calls or online gaming tournaments, maybe it’s time to bring the party. No, we’re not saying you should send everyone jello shots beforehand. But you might try a sassy RGB microphone like the one in today’s featured MacBook Pro and Studio Display setup.

And it’s not just for fun. The product designer who uses it said it’s perfectly loud and clear on Zoom and Discord calls.

Apple’s free classes will expand your mind this summer

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All you need to learn for free with Apple is an iPad.
All you need to learn for free with Apple this summer is an iPad.
Photo: Apple

Apple trotted out a new list of free iPad-based virtual conferences this summer in its Professional Learning series. Topics cover subjects like photo storytelling, making music and learning the Swift programming language.

And best of all, they’re free. All you need to participate, once you register, is an iPad.

Huge Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon update comes loaded with new enemies, weapons and levels

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'Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon' update comes loaded with new enemies, weapons and levels
There is even more RPG action in Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon - Golden Edition.
Image: Cornfox & Brothers

Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon – Golden Edition adds new enemies to the dungeon crawler, along with new levels, special items, power ups, legendary weapons and more.

The update released by Cornfox & Brothers on Wednesday even includes the town of Nexus – previously the game took place entirely in the dungeon.

Your repaired iPhone 12 will return in more eco-friendly packaging

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iPhone 12 mini
Don't be surprised if your repaired iPhone 12 comes in a brown box
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple will start shipping repaired iPhone 12 units in environment-friendly packaging starting this week. Made from bleach-free paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, the new brown box will replace the white boxes used so far.

Apple promises to eliminate the use of plastic in its packaging by 2025.

Budget iPad could finally dump Lightning and adopt USB-C

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New budget iPad 9 gets better video chat, doubles storage
The iPad 9 could be the last Apple tablet with a Lightning port, as its successor might use USB-C instead.
Photo: Apple

The budget iPad will reportedly be the next Apple device to dump the Lightning port in favor of USB-C. The tenth tablet in this series might also have a larger screen, a faster processor and optional 5G.

The upcoming device is expected to debut this fall.

Keychron goes big(ger) with latest custom mechanical keyboard

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Keychron's new Q5 is nearly full sized and completely customizable.
Keychron's new Q5 is nearly full sized and completely customizable.
Photo: Keychron

Following launches of other interesting mechanical keyboards in its customizable Q series, Keychron recently made the Q5 available.

The “almost full-size,” 96% layout custom mechanical Mac keyboard features an aluminum build, RGB backlighting, Gateron G Pro switches and more.

Apple TV will stream all Major League Soccer games for 10 years

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All the games? No blackouts? Yes, please. Watch free soccer on Apple TV.
All the games? No blackouts? Yes, please.
Photo: Apple

Cupertino unveiled a major new sports deal Tuesday, saying Apple TV will be the exclusive streaming destination for all Major League Soccer (MLS) games for 10 years, starting with the 2023 season.

Unlike Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV+, watching many soccer games will require a separate subscription to an MLS streaming service, available exclusively through the Apple TV app. But some of the biggest matches will air on Apple TV+, as well.

14.1-inch iPad might lack typical ‘pro’ features

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iPad Air 5
The 14.1-inch iPad might have more in common with the iPad Air 5 than iPad Pro.
Photo: Apple

Surprising details leaked out about the rumored 14.1-inch iPad. Aside from its large size, the display might not include top-tier features offered by other iPad Pro models, like a very fast refresh rate.

These might be an attempt by Apple to control the price of the extra-large tablet.

Secretive startup full of Apple talent aims to change your life through wearables

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Humane's wearable ditches a screen in favor of lasers, which project info out into the world. Here it is showing a thermostat projected on a user's hand.
Humane's wearable ditches a screen in favor of lasers, which project info out into the world. Here it is showing a thermostat projected on a user's hand.
Photo: Humane

The people who invented the iPhone are trying to invent what comes after the iPhone, and it sounds bonkers.

A secretive San Francisco startup called Humane appears to be developing a wearable, screen-less device that uses low-powered lasers to project information out into the wearer’s environment. And there’s not an AR/VR headset in sight.

Germany investigates unfair advantages in Apple’s anti-tracking system

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Facebook vs. iPhone App Tracking Transparency
There's more to App Tracking Transparency than meets the eye.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

The German government is looking into whether Apple’s App Tracking Transparency system is designed to give Apple an unfair advantage in advertising.

The Bundeskartellamt doesn’t object to the iPhone-maker blocking tracking. But the agency points out that ATT doesn’t block Apple’s own advertising tracking system.

Apple plans several Stage Manager improvements in upcoming iPadOS 16 betas

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iPad finally gets floating windows in Stage Manager on iPadOS 16
Stage Manager is going to get better in upcoming iPadOS 16 betas
Screenshot: Apple

Stage Manager is undoubtedly one of the key new features in iPadOS 16. However, its M1 iPad exclusivity has irked a lot of users despite Apple explaining the technical reason behind this.

Craig Federighi, SVP of Apple’s software development efforts, has shared more insight into Stage Manager limitations.

Don’t get too excited about that 12-inch MacBook rumor

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12-inch-MacBook
A 12-inch MacBook would be a blast from the past. If real, of course.
Photo: Apple

Although one reliable Apple tipster recently said a 12-inch M2 MacBook is on the drawing board, another is skeptical that any such device is in development.

If released, the small notebook would be a change of strategy for Apple.

Hands-on: All iPads get these great new iPadOS 16 features

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Hands-on: All iPads get these great new iPadOS 16 features
Improved Files and Mail apps are just a couple of the great new iPadOS 16 features coming to non-M1 iPads.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

There’s more to iPadOS 16 than floating app windows. The Files app gets some significant improvements in the upcoming upgrade. There’s a Weather app and great new features in the Mail and Messages apps. Plus, you can hand off a FaceTime call between your Apple computers.

These enhancements are available to every iPad that supports iPadOS 16, which is currently in developer beta. So don’t think there’s nothing coming this fall for tablets without an Apple M1 processor. That’s just not true.

‘Old gamer’ goes with M1 Pro MacBook and Steam Deck [Setups]

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Two computers live here: a 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook and a Steam Deck for gaming.
Two computers live here: a 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook and a Steam Deck for gaming.
Photo: [email protected]

Everybody knows Macs don’t set the gaming world on fire, though Apple silicon has made some inroads. So while plenty of Mac users enjoy Apple Arcade and use Apple hardware to play games, many turn to other means. We’ve seen plenty a hybrid Mac – PC computer setups out there.

But today’s featured setup takes another course to gaming satisfaction. It’s owner, who describes himself as an “old gamer,” divides his time between work via an M1 MacBook Pro and gaming on a Valve Steam Deck.

New Wi-Fi smart plug for HomeKit keeps tabs on energy use

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A four-pack for $50 is a good deal for something that won't block other outlets, works with HomeKit and monitors energy.
A four-pack for $50 is a good deal for something that won't block other outlets, works with HomeKit and monitors energy.
Photo: TP-Link

A smart plug that takes up just a little space on your electrical outlet is great. But it’s even better when it lets you monitor your energy use. Such is the case with TP-Link’s new HomeKit-enabled Kasa Smart Wifi Plug Slim.

And at about $12.50 per plug in a four-pack, it’s a good deal on Amazon, too. It’s the only smart plug priced that low that works with HomeKit and monitors energy usage.

WWDC22 recap: Apple revelations make our heads spin [The CultCast]

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WWDC22 recap: There was much info to get through at WWDC22, no wonder Apple software chief Craig Federighi was running like the wind.
There was so much info to plow through at WWDC22, no wonder Apple software chief Craig Federighi was running like the wind.
Image: Cult of Mac
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: iOS 16 … iPadOS 16 … macOS Ventura … watchOS 9…. We’re racing as fast as we can through all Apple’s WWDC22 keynote revelations, but we’re gonna need a longer show. It’s our WWDC22 recap!

Also on The CultCast:

  • How about that super-skinny new MacBook Air?
  • And the blazing-fast new M2 chip that powers it?
  • Next-gen CarPlay looks like a total cockpit takeover.
  • What happened to Apple’s AR/VR headset?!?

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.

Apple explains why Stage Manager is not coming to non-M1 iPads

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Why the best iPadOS 16 features are limited to M1 iPads
You can't have iPadOS 16's Stage Manager multitasking system without one of the capabilities of the M1 processor.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Many of the best features of iPadOS 16 like Stage Manager are only coming to the M1 iPads. This angered a lot of non-M1 iPad users since they believe Apple is intentionally trying to limit the feature to newer devices.

The company has now provided an in-depth technical explanation behind Stage Manager not coming to older iPads.