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News - page 229

Zagg’s most capable keyboard case with trackpad expands to fit 12.9-inch iPad Pro

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Zagg's capable Pro Keys keyboard case expands to fit 12.9-inch iPad Pro
The Zagg Pro Keys with Trackpad is ready to turn the 12.9-inch iPad Pro into a detachable notebook.
Photo: Zagg

Zagg launched a version of the Pro Keys with Trackpad that’s compatible with Apple’s largest iPad. It combines a rigid, protective case with a removable keyboard with a built-in trackpad.

There were already versions of the keyboard case for smaller iPad models, and now there’s one for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Tiny 1TB SSD connects to all your computers

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Tiny 1TB SSD includes connectors for all your computers
OWC Envoy Pro mini includes both USB-C and USB-A connectors for wide capability.
Photo: OWC

The OWC Envoy Pro mini is a thumbdrive designed to work with almost any computer. It has both USB-C and USB-A connectors, and comes with up to 1TB of storage.

The tiny drive supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 and benchmark tests show it can transfer data at over 900 MBps.

COVID-19 throws off Apple’s return-to-office plan yet again

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Apple leases new offices near to Apple Park
Getting employees back in Apple Park isn't going smoothly.
Photo: Duncan Sinfield

Apple reportedly slowed the pace at which it will require its corporate employees to return to the office. They were scheduled to be back at their desks three days a week starting later this month, but rising numbers of COVID-19 cases supposedly pushed that back.

Apple employees are still required to be in the offices two days a week.

Apple Music Live series returns Friday with Harry Styles show

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The first show in the returning Apple Music Live series features Harry Styles on Friday.
The first show in the returning Apple Music Live series features Harry Styles on Friday.
Photo: Apple Music

Apple has rebranded its Apple Music Live series and kicks off a new season with a live performance by Harry Styles in New York City on Friday, May 20.

Apple Music subscribers can tune into the live show and enjoy a seven-part video interview with Styles anytime.

iPhone apps can now increase subscription prices without permission

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Apple raked in the cash last quarter.
Developers no longer need approval to increase iPhone subscription prices.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Pay attention to renewal notices for App Store subscriptions because these are the only notification you’ll receive that the cost is going up. Developers are now allowed to increase iPhone app subscription prices without users having to opt in.

There are limits on how much the fees can go up, though.

Why the iPhone 14 looks like the iPhone 12

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Why the iPhone 14 looks like the iPhone 12
There's something slightly familiar about the iPhone 14 design...
Concept render: souta

It’s understandable if you’re feeling slightly underwhelmed by the upcoming iPhone 14. Leaks, combined with artist renders, give us an early glimpse of the iOS handset coming this autumn. And if they’re accurate, this year’s iPhone lineup will look nearly identical to its predecessors going back years.

That’s because Apple uses a three-year cycle in iPhone designs these days. That’s not laziness – there’s a solid reason for the choice.

Ad firms share your location and online behavior 747 times a day

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Advertisers pay to know your online behavior and location.
Advertisers pay to know your online behavior and location.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Google leads the way among ad tech companies sharing your online behavior and location with advertisers. It happens an average of 747 times a day in the United States and 376 times a day in Europe. That’s according to a new report from a civil liberties group.

Google and others use a process known as real-time bidding to help advertisers target you by behavior and location.

The group behind the report called such sharing “the biggest data breach” in the world.

Apple develops Door Detection for blind or low vision iPhone users

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Apple develops Door Detection for blind or low vision iPhone users
Door Detection can find and verbally describe a door to an iPhone or iPad user.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple’s Door Detection uses advancements in hardware, software, and machine learning to help people who are blind or low vision use their iPhone and iPad to navigate the last few feet to their destination.

This is one of several innovative software features unveiled Tuesday with new ways for users with disabilities. These include Live Captions, Apple Watch Mirroring and more.

Apple tests color e-ink display for future foldable devices

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The foldable iPhone 12 Flip concept could someday be a reality.
Apple could use a color electronic paper display panel for a foldable device's cover display.
Photo: ConceptsiPhone

Apple is testing electronic paper display tech from Chinese company E Ink for use as the cover screen on future foldable devices, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Color EPD panels could be ideal for foldables with a secondary screen, as they are more energy efficient than traditional OLED panels.

This may be the best look yet at the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro Max

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The iPhone 14 Pro Max mock-up is at left, the slightly bigger camera assembly.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max mock-up is at left, with a slightly bigger camera assembly.
Photo: Unbox Therapy

As excitement builds for the iPhone 14 launch expected in about four months, many of the usual suspects are finding ways to stoke it. Case in point, the YouTuber behind Unbox Therapy posted a video Monday in which he “unboxed” what he implied is a CAD design mock-up of an iPhone 14 Pro Max created by iPhone case makers in Japan with access to Apple schematics.

The replica device looks just like an iPhone 13 Pro Max in the video. But a closer look and some measurements revealed numerous subtle differences, many of which track with analysts’ predictions for the new handset.

HP monitor sports pop-up webcam with Center Stage-like tracking

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The webcam pops up and keeps you centered in the frame, a la Center Stage.
The webcam pops up and keeps you centered in the frame, a la Center Stage.
Photo: HP

A new report said HP plans to release a 1440p USB-C monitor with a built-in webcam that pops up and features tracking much like Apple’s Center Stage used in iPad models.

The display should serve professionals who want decent pixel density but don’t need the top-shelf visuals a graphics professional might.

Apple Podcasts offers new features for creators and listeners

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Creators and listeners both can benefit from Apple Podcasts' new features.
Creators and listeners both can benefit from Apple Podcasts' new features.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple offered several new features for its Podcasts app Monday. They include downloaded episode controls, annual subscription plans, partnerships with third-party hosting platforms and more.

There’s something for both podcast creators as well as listeners in the updates, with some changes available in imminent OS updates and others slated to become available in the fall, Cupertino said.

Wait is over for iOS 15.5, macOS 12.4 and watchOS 8.6

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iOS 15.5, macOS 12.4, iPadOS 15.5, watchOS 8.6 and tvOS 15.5: If you have an Apple computer, no matter the shape or size, there's a good chance it just got a software update.
If you have an Apple computer, no matter the shape or size, there's a good chance it just got a software update.
Photo: Szabo Viktor/Unsplash License

Apple released software upgrades for all its computers Monday. After finishing weeks of beta testing, macOS Monterey 12.4, iOS 15.5, iPadOS 15.5, watchOS 8.6 and tvOS 15.5 are available for anyone to download.

Many of them include an update to the Podcasts application to keep it from taking up too much storage space. And the webcam in the recently released Apple Studio Display will work better after a firmware update.

Would this dual Studio Display rig be your ‘dream setup?’ [Setups]

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This is someone's dream setup. Is it yours?
This is someone's dream setup. Is it yours?
Photo: [email protected]

You look at enough computer setups online and you realize people are never really done with them. There’s always something to add. It could be some gear got held up by shipping delays, or the setup’s owner got a sudden urge to try another type of input device or some other gadget. And people often take ages to tame the cable clutter.

So you rarely see people claiming a setup’s done for good. Or it’s the best it can be. Or it’s the proverbial “dream setup.”

But sometimes they say that. Today’s setup got called a “dream setup” by its proud owner. Would you agree?

Video shows Apple’s Tap to Pay iPhone feature in action

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iPhone Tap to Pay
iPhone's Tap to Pay feature will make accepting payments a breeze
Photo: Apple

Apple has started testing its new “Tap to Pay” iPhone feature in the Apple Park Visitor Center in Cupertino.

Tap to Pay allows small businesses and merchants the ability to accept payments using only their iPhones. The feature makes it possible to receive payments using Apple Pay, credit/debit cards, and other compatible digital wallets.

Apple could go all in on USB-C across its product lineup

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This AirPods charging case has a USB-C connection.
USB-C could finally be the standard charging port across all Apple devices
Photo: Ken Pillonel

Beyond iPhones, Apple is looking to switch to USB-C on all its other products with a Lightning connector like the AirPods, Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and more.

A reputable Apple analyst thinks the Cupertino company will make the transition in the “foreseeable future.”

Feel lucky? Watch the teaser trailer for Apple TV+ animated comedy Luck.

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Do you feel lucky? Watch the teaser trailer for Apple TV+'s animated comedy 'Luck'
All is not going as expected in the Land of Luck.
Photo: Apple TV+

The Apple TV+ teaser trailer for the upcoming animated film Luck explains how luck really works: it’s controlled by magical creatures. The star-studded film by Skydance Animation will be about the unluckiest person in the world visiting the Land of Luck.

Watch the trailer to see more – and learn more about luck.