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News - page 295

Razer ‘Pro’ lineup adds mechanical keyboard, mini mouse and XXL mouse mat

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Razer quieted down the keys for its new Pro Type Ultra mechanical keyboard.
Razer quieted down the keys for its new Pro Type Ultra mechanical keyboard.
Photo: Razer

Previously all about gaming gear, Razer began rolling out new productivity accessories last year. Now it’s back with three new items for work at home or in the office — the quiet Pro Type Ultra mechanical keyboard, the Pro Click Mini mouse and the Pro Glide XXL mouse mat.

Mystery ‘homeOS’ shows up in another Apple job listing [Updated]

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Apple TV plus HomePod equals homeOS? Maybe
A combination Apple TV and HomePod might need a new operating system.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

An Apple job listing has people scratching their heads because it mentions an operating system that doesn’t exist. It references “homeOS” alongside iOS, watchOS and other known operating systems.

It’s possible this is something Apple is working on. But there’s a less exciting possibility: if could be another name for something millions of people use every day.

Keyboards collide: Apple Magic vs. Logitech MX Keys [Setups]

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People choose sides in a fight between a Magic Keyboard and a Logitech MX Master Keys.
People choose sides in a fight between a Magic Keyboard and a Logitech MX Master Keys.
Photo: [email protected]

In a knock-down, drag-out fight between an Apple Magic Keyboard and one of its most popular alternatives, the Logitech MX Keys wireless keyboard, which would win? Actually, it might be more of a minor dust-up than a brawl. Maybe just a slightly heated discussion among proudly opinionated nerds, even.

M1 MacBook Air helps Apple shift a whopping 6.5 million notebooks in Q3

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MacBook Air power
Despite chip supply problems, the MacBook business is booming.
Photo: Apple

Apple shipped a rather impressive 6.5 million notebooks last quarter, according to new data — thanks in large part to the success of the M1 MacBook Air. That figure makes Cupertino the fourth-largest laptop vendor in the world.

Although Lenovo, HP and Dell all shipped significantly more laptops than Apple during the three-month period, the MacBook-maker did see decent growth of 10% over the same quarter last year.

Samsung swipes Safari 15’s only decent change for its own web browser

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Samsung Internet steals from Safari 15
Well, would you look at that.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

There’s not much Apple’s rivals would want to steal from Safari 15 — it’s not exactly the company’s finest (or most popular) browser update. But in true Samsung style, the South Korean firm found one thing worth swiping for its own mobile devices.

The latest version of the Samsung Internet browser gives Galaxy smartphone users the ability to shift the address bar to the bottom of the screen, making it a little more accessible — especially during one-handed use.

Apple calls on Samsung and LG to bring OLED displays to MacBook and iPad

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Some MacBook Pro wait times already stretch nearly to Christmas
But we'll be waiting years for the switch.
Photo: Apple

Apple has enlisted Samsung’s help in its effort to bring OLED displays to future MacBook and iPad models, according to a new report. It is also said to be in talks with LG, one of Samsung’s biggest competitors in the display industry.

It is believed Apple originally planned to launch its first OLED MacBook in 2025, but thanks to complications surrounding the display manufacturing process, the plan is “likely to be postponed,” sources familiar with the matter said.

ColorWare gives AirPods 3 a super-pretty paint job, but it’ll cost you

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ColorWare paints AirPods 3
Prices start at a whopping $319.
Photo: ColorWare

ColorWare is now offering Apple’s newest AirPods in much prettier, more colorful designs. You can choose how you want yours to be painted, but be warned that you’ll have to cough up a lot more to stand out.

Prices start at a rather eye-watering $319 — up from just $179 when you buy AirPods in white — and that price covers only the AirPods buds themselves. It rises even higher if you want a colorful charging case as well.

Netflix’s Apple Arcade rival launches but iOS support still ‘on the way’

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Netflix’s Apple Arcade rival launches but iOS support still ‘on the way’
Netflix is now also a game service. At no additional cost.
Screenshot: Netflix/Cult of Mac

Netflix’s promised mobile game service launches Wednesday. It’s initially only for Android but the company promises a version for iPhone and iPad is “on the way.”

It will launch with five downloadable games available to everyone with a Netflix subscription. At no extra cost.

Apple extends its product return policy for the holidays

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Apple-Store-gifts
Shop 'til you drop (then return it all by January 8).
Photo: Apple

Apple’s extended holiday return policy is now in effect for all purchases made through the Apple Store online. Goods received between November 1 and December 25, 2021 can be returned through January 8, 2022.

There are some exceptions shoppers should be aware of, however.

iPhone 14 performance upgrade could be held back by chip production woes

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Apple might get cutting-edge 3nm processors in 2022
TSMC might be unable to provide Apple with a 3nm A16 chip for the iPhone 14.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

TSMC is reportedly struggling to get its 3nm chip production process working. And the problems might force TSMC to make the A16 processor for the upcoming iPhone 14 with the current 5nm process. That would mean the chip won’t be as much an improvement over the A15 as it otherwise would be.

The production problems, if real, will also likely affect Mac and iPad processors, as all Apple computers use variations of the same processor core.

LG gives smart TV owners 3 months of free Apple TV+

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LG Apple TV+ promo
Claim your trial before February 13, 2022.
Photo: LG

LG is giving its smart TV customers three months of Apple TV+ free of charge. Those with an eligible 4K or 8K set made in 2016 or later have until February 13, 2022 to take advantage of the promotion, but there is a caveat …

If you’ve had an Apple TV+ free trial in the past, you’re out of luck.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak gets iPhone 13 and ‘can’t tell the difference’

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Steve Wozniak
Steve Wozniak
Photo: The DEMO Conference/Flickr CC

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak “can’t tell the difference” between iPhone 13 and his previous model. It’s not the first time the Apple-1 creator has lamented the rather insignificant differences between modern iPhone generations.

There are, of course, some notable improvements between iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 — particularly when it comes to camera quality. But the overall experience is the same, especially when it comes to software, Woz said.

Apple cuts iPad production to combat iPhone 13 component shortages

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iPhone 13 Pro
Apple is doing its best to ensure a steady supply of iPhone 13 units.
Photo: Apple

Apple has “cut back sharply” on iPad production in an effort to combat component shortages affecting iPhone 13, according to a new report, which suggests chip supply problems are hitting Cupertino harder than expected.

Sources say iPad production over the last two months was down 50% from Apple’s original plans. The company has also cut production of older iPhone models so their components can be used in the latest handsets instead.

Upcoming Apple TV+ movies and shows we can’t wait to watch

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Upcoming Apple TV+ movies and shows we can't wait to watch
There’s a lot to look forward to in the third year of Apple’s streaming video service.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

Apple TV+ is two years old and there are plenty of new films and series to look forward to in the third year. The streaming service has us eagerly awaiting two comedies, a tragedy, two murder mysteries and an animated movie, all premiering in just the next four months.

Here are the Apple TV+ additions we’re having the hardest time waiting for.

iPad shipments grow even as pandemic wanes

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There are no iPad or iPhone purchases limits
iPad shipments are up. The same can’t be said about Android tablets, though.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

iPad shipments boomed during the Covid-19 pandemic but there were predictions of steep declines as people returned to offices and classrooms. If that’s going to happen, it didn’t start in the third quarter of 2021 as iPad shipments actually rose year over year.

Shipments of Android tablets did drop during the July-to-September period, however.

As Apple TV+ turns 2, what’s its vision for the future?

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As Apple TV+ hits two years, it's time to take stock of where the streaming service has been -- and where it's headed.
As Apple TV+ hits two years, it's time to take stock of where the streaming service has been -- and where it's headed.
Photo: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash CC

As Apple TV+ celebrates its second birthday today, it’s time to look back on the highs and lows. It’s been a wild ride filled with some risky but rewarding gambles and a bunch of safe (and ultimately disappointing) bets. We’ve also endured a higher than expected (or recommended) amount of singing.

So, after two years and untold billions of dollars, what has Apple TV+ achieved? What kind of identity does the streaming service have? And where, exactly, is Apple TV+ going?

Eugene Levy will host Apple TV+ travel show The Reluctant Traveler

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You'll be able to travel far and wide with actor Eugene Levy via Apple TV+.
You'll be able to travel far and wide with actor Eugene Levy via Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ said Monday that Emmy Award-winning comedy actor Eugene Levy will host and executive produce a new travel series called The Reluctant Traveler.

You may know Eugene Levy from the recent hit comedy Schitt’s Creek. Or, much earlier in the 74-year-old Canadian’s career, from Second City Television. Or from the American Pie movies.

The point is, the man and his impressively bushy eyebrows have been there and done that. But they’ve never hosted a travel series. Until now.

Swanky Master & Dynamic launches its first gaming headset

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The MG20 gaming headset costs $450.
The MG20 gaming headset costs $450.
Photo: Master & Dynamic

Premium audio brand Master & Dynamic adds gamers to its client list with the release of its first-ever headset for e-sports, the MG20 Wireless Gaming Headphones. Of course, being good for gamers almost certainly makes these cans a solid choice for anyone wanting high-quality noise-cancelling headphones for music and communication, too.

tvOS 15.1.1 squashes bugs in Apple TV

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apple tv and siri remote
There’s a bug fix update for your Apple TV.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple TV users can install the tvOS 15.1.1 update for the media streamer. It was introduced for all to download on Monday.

Virtually nothing is known about it now, however. But it’s almost certainly a simple “bug fix.”

Last chance: Get scary-good deals in the Cult of Mac Store’s Halloween Sale

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Get 10% to 15% off a frightening array of brands through Monday.
Get 10% to 15% off a frightening array of brands through Monday.
Photo: Cult of Mac

UPDATE: This sale ends later today, so now is your last chance to take advantage of the discounts. Plus, use the promo code HALLOWEEN21 at checkout to get free delivery when you spend over $50.

Halloween isn’t for everyone. The candy, the costume parties, the scary stories about dead people tormenting you. But pretty much everyone likes a great deal, right? So head over to the Cult of Mac Store to find a murderer’s row of brands offering 10% to 15% off just for a few days.

In the Halloween Sale, you’ll find a ghoulish array of iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, chargers and more. See below for some highlights. The sale ends Monday, November 1, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Secure your AirTag in Elago’s new Nintendo console-style keychain case

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Elago's new AirTag keychain case looks like a classic Nintendo gaming console.
Elago's new AirTag keychain case looks like a classic Nintendo gaming console.
Photo: Elago

Elago is at it again with its nostalgic cases that look like other things — this time the Elago W5 AirTag Keychain Case, which looks like an old-school Super Nintendo home gaming console. You stick your AirTag item tracker in it and attach the case via carabiner clip to whatever you want to keep track of.

Hello, 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook; goodbye, 3 external displays? [Setups]

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Can you have three external monitors with a new M1 Pro 14-inch MacBook?
Can you have three external monitors with a new M1 Pro 14-inch MacBook?
Photo: [email protected]

Let’s say you get one of Apple’s new MacBook Pro laptops — the 14-inch or the 16-inch with either the M1 Pro or the M1 Max chip. Do you still face the external display limitations seen in the M1 MacBooks (just one external monitor), or something similar? This is bound to be a common question leading to folks struggling to figure out what should work using the dreaded “pixel math.”

Beats Fit Pro with active noise cancellation available now for $199.99

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Beats Fit Pro in black
Get yours in one of four color options.
Photo: Beats

Apple’s new Beats Fit Pro wireless headphones, which were last month spilled by Kim Kardashian, are now available to order in four color options. The new buds pack active noise cancellation and the Apple H1 chip for $199.99.

They also support spatial audio with with dynamic head tracking, like AirPods Pro. And like the more affordable Beats Studio Buds that launched back in June, they work just as well with Android as they do with Apple devices.

HomePod mini’s new color options are available to order now

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HomePod mini breaks out in a burst of colors
HomePod mini will soon debut in three new colors: orange, yellow, and blue. That’s in addition to white and space gray.
Photo: Apple

Apple today confirmed that its new color options for HomePod mini are now available to order in a small number of markets, including the U.S., Canada and Mexico. They will roll out in more territories, including the U.K., later this month.

HomePod mini is still priced at $99 in yellow, orange, and blue. The new color options are functionally identical to the earlier white and space gray models, with no internal alterations to the device.

iPhone and Apple Watch could get car crash detection next year

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Apple Watch car crash detection
That would be handy!
Photo: Huggs2 CC/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly plans to bring “crash detection” to iPhone and Apple Watch next year, with the ability for both devices to automatically dial 911.

The feature is said to use existing sensors like the accelerometer and gyroscope, already baked into both devices, to measure sudden spikes in movement or force that will allow them to “detect car accidents as they occur.”