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News - page 366

A14 chipmaker earnings hint at monster success for the iPhone 12

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iPhone 12 Pro parts cost shockingly little
Signs look good that the iPhone 12 has been a big hit for Apple.
Photo: Cult of Mac

We won’t definitively know how well the iPhone 12 is doing until Apple’s next earnings call January 27. But the signs are certainly looking good.

On Thursday, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the company that makes Apple’s A-series chips, reported better-than-expected earnings for the December quarter. This was apparently helped by “robust” demand for the iPhone 12.

Samsung Galaxy S21 will ditch power adapters just like iPhone 12

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Galaxy S21
“Whaaaaaaat's in the box?!”
Photo: Samsung/Evan Blass

Samsung was quick to mock Apple when it revealed that it was going to stop including power adapters with the iPhone. But a few months later, it seems the South Korean tech giant has reconsidered its stance, and realized that maybe Apple actually kind of had a good point.

At least, that’s according to images leaked by tipster Evan Blass, showing what he claims are promotional images for the Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra. The new premium handsets boast a refreshed design, support for 5G — and no charger in the box.

You can see evidence of AirTags on your own iPhone

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The Find My app has been hiding a secret.
An easy trick opens a hidden tab in Apple’s Find My app.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

There’s no reason to be skeptical about Apple’s plans for AirTags. Any iPhone, iPad or Mac user can see evidence that Apple is about to add support for item trackers to the Find Me application.

Tim Cook: Parler can return to App Store once it solves moderation issues

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Google, Apple and Amazon exercise their rights as private companies to refuse to do business with Parler.
Parler is welcome back as soon as it can solve its moderation problems.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

Social media app Parler will be restored to the App Store if it complies with Apple’s terms of service, Apple CEO Tim Cook said Wednesday.

In a CBS interview, Cook said the app “has some issues with moderation.” However, he said Apple’s “hope is that they do that and get back on the store.”

Foxconn strengthens its chances of making the Apple Car

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Foxconn Wisconsin
Foxconn has long been Apple's go-to manufacturer.
Photo: Foxconn

Apple manufacturer Foxconn is setting up an automotive arm, just as Cupertino is reportedly gearing up to build an Apple Car. This could make Foxconn a prime manufacturing partner, much in the same way that the Taiwanese company currently assembles iPhones and other devices for Apple.

Apple’s new Racial Equity and Justice Initiative projects will combat systemic racism in US

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Parler Center
Apple is supporting the construction of a new learning hub for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s promised big announcement is a series of new projects within the company’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, designed to fight systemic racism and advance racial equity across the United States.

As part of a previously announced $100 million fund, Apple revealed Wednesday that it will support the launch of a new global innovation and learning hub for historically Black colleges and universities, open it’s first U.S. Developer Academy to support coding efforts in Detroit, and contribute venture capital funding for Black and other minority entrepreneurs.

Apple held talks with electric vehicle startup Canoo about possible acquisition

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Canoo
Canoo is a California-based EV startup.
Photo: Canoo

Hyundai is rumored to be on the verge of signing a deal with Apple to build an electric car. But Hyundai wasn’t the first automaker Apple approached about a deal, a new report claims.

As per The Verge, Apple held meetings with the California-based EV startup Canoo in early 2020. The two companies discussed options such as an Apple investment or even an outright acquisition, sources familiar with the conversations suggest.

Apple’s pending ‘big announcement’ fuels speculation [Updated]

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There’s an Apple announcement coming January 13.
Apple is about to announce... something.
Photo: Gustavo Fring/Pexels CC

CBS This Morning reports that Apple will make a “big announcement” on Wednesday. But what is about to be revealed remains a matter for speculation.

Unfortunately, it’s not a new product.

Update: Tim Cook announced on Wednesday a series of new Racial Equity and Justice Initiative projects, designed to fight systemic racism and advance racial equity across the U.S.

Anker’s clever wireless power bank clings to iPhone 12 with magnets

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Anker Magnetic Wireless Power Bank doesn’t support MagSafe.
The Anker Magnetic Wireless Power Bank attaches to an iPhone 12 when needed, but is easily removable.
Photo: Anker

CES 2021 bugAnker’s latest external battery uses magnets to attach itself to an iPhone 12 for wireless charging. It enables the handset to juice up while it’s being used on the move.

The accessory maker also unveiled at CES 2021 a 3-in-1 wireless charger with an removable 10,000 mAh battery.

Plugable 7-in-1 USB-C hub promises top-tier performance on a budget

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Plugable USBC-7IN1E promises high quality for a low price.
Plugable’s USB-C adapter offers plenty of ports. All of which can be used at the same time.
Photo: Plugable

CES 2021 bugPlugable freely admits its new 7-in-1 USB-C hub for Mac or iPad is entering a crowded market. But the accessory maker promises its new USBC-7IN1E multiport adapter stands out from cheap competitors with better hardware.

Nevertheless, the cost is just $30.

Satechi iPhone 12 charging stand also juices up AirPods

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Satechi Aluminum 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand was unveiled at CES 2021.
The Satechi Aluminum 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand looks great on a night stand.
Photo: Satechi

CES 2021 bugSatechi on Tuesday took the wraps off an aluminum stand that makes use of the magnets Apple built into the iPhone 12. It elevates the handset while charging it, making the screen easier to see. The stand also includes an AirPods charger.

Prototype wearable supposedly can monitor blood sugar noninvasively

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Quantum
It might look like an Apple Watch, but it reportedly does something no Apple Watch can do.
Photo: Quantum Operation Inc.

CES 2021 bug A new device shown off at CES may look like an Apple Watch knockoff, but its maker says it can do something Cupertino’s wearable can’t: accurately and noninvasively measure a person’s blood sugar level.

Japanese manufacturer Quantum Operation says its prototype employs a miniature spectrometer to scan blood in the wrist for biomarkers that reveal glucose levels. The user supposedly just puts on the smartwatch and activates the monitoring with a touch. After 20 seconds, the wearer receives the blood sugar data on the device’s screen.

What’s old is new: CAD renders show off 2021’s familiar 11-inch iPad Pro

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11-inch iPad Pro
A glimpse at the new iPad Pro.
Photo: MySmartPrice

A new, 11-inch iPad Pro is expected for early 2021, and the website MySmartPrice claims that it has received an early glimpse at them — courtesy of some CAD renders.

The renders suggest there will be minimal design changes for the 11-inch iPad Pro , one of the two sizes of iPad Pro Apple is ship this year. According to the report, the next-gen tablet will boast the same approximate dimensions as its predecessor. However, it will “shave off some millimeters from the length and breadth.”

Andy Samberg sci-fi comedy coming to Apple TV+

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Palm Springs movie
Andy Samberg re-teams with the Palm Springs writer for a new Apple TV+ sci-fi project.
Photo: Limelight Productions/Hulu

A new sci-fi comedy/drama starring the hilarious Andy Samberg is reportedly coming to Apple TV+.

The as-yet-untitled project is based on an idea by BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg. And it’s being penned by Andy Siara, who wrote the script for Samberg’s hit Hulu movie, Palm Springs.

Puffco’s psychedelic promo video will give you a contact high

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The Peak Pro clip doesn't look like your typical tech promo video.
The Peak Pro clip doesn't look like your typical tech promo video.
Photo: Puffco

CES 2021 bug Loaded with psychedelic visuals and insect-eye product shots, Puffco’s promo video for its upcoming Peak Pro vaporizer will get your head spinning.

The super-chill dabbers in the high-concept one-minute video all look like they’re doing their thing in darkened rooms at their own private raves. The Peak Pro’s pulsating lights and a pulsing soundtrack add to the mood.

Kensington’s brilliant StudioDock adds USB-C hub to iPad desk stand

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The Kensington StudioDock was named a CES 2021 Innovation Awards Honoree.
Kensington StudioDock could be the iPad productivity tool you’re looking for.
Photo: Kensington

CES 2021 bugThe Kensington StudioDock turns an iPad into a desktop. The tablet magnetically attaches to the stand, and then a USB-C connection brings access to a range of ports, including HDMI, Ethernet, USB-A, and more. Plus, there are wireless chargers for iPhone and AirPods built in.

The stand is impressive enough to be named a CES 2021 Innovation Awards Honoree.

New OtterBox clip joins iPhone to Xbox controller for on-the-go gaming

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OtterBox, known for rugged phone cases, branched out to the gaming market.
Cheery people use the OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip and the Gaming Carry Case.
Photo: OtterBox

CES 2021 bugOtterBox, known for rugged phone cases, branched out to the gaming market. Its newly announced Mobile Gaming Clip attaches a smartphone to an Xbox Wireless Controller.

The company also unveiled the Otterbox Easy Grip Controller Shell, which brings extra protection to an Xbox controller. And more gaming accessories, too. All at CES 2021.

Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug lets you extend HomeKit to your yard

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Lutron Caseta Outdoor Plug takes HomeKit outside.
Think of all the ways HomeKit can enhance your outdoor living space.
Photo: Lutron

CES 2021 bug Lutron is taking its top-notch HomeKit smart plug outside. The upcoming Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug is a beefy-looking, iP-65-rated AC outlet that’s built to take all the abuse Mother Nature can dish out.

Designed to give you control over things like outdoor lighting and pumps, it’s smart enough that it can adjust your timers when daylight saving time arrives.

“It’s essentially weatherproof, dirtproof and sunproof,” said Matt Swatsky, Lutron’s vice president of residential mid-market business, in a press release Monday. “A homeowner can now enjoy all the benefits of a Caséta system for their outside spaces.”

OWC portable SSD is so tough it survived a trip into space

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OWC Envoy Pro FX was unveiled at CES 2021.
The OWC Envoy Pro FX portable SSD is designed for the urban jungle or a chaotic movie set.
Photo: OWC

CES 2021 bugThe Envoy Pro FX is a 2 terabyte SSD that’s “built like a tank” according to OWC, its maker. The solid state drive is compatible with Mac, iPad, and many other devices. Plus, it can transfer data at up to 2800 MB/s.

Monday is the kickoff of CES 2021, so OWC also took the wraps off an updated version of its travel USB-C multi-port adapter.

Belkin MagSafe charger juices up both iPhone 12 and AirPods

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Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with MagSafe is a lot of name.
Easily make FaceTime calls with Belkin’s new charging stand that supports the iPhone 12 series’ MagSafe system.
Photo: Belkin

CES 2021 bugThe Belkin Boost↑Charge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with MagSafe uses magnets to hold an iPhone 12 up where it can be more easily seen. And it includes a pad for AirPods cases that support wireless charging.

In addition, Belkin also unveiled the SoundForm Freedom True Wireless Earbuds on Monday, the first day of CES 2021. These truly wireless headphones offer environmental noise cancellation and 8 hours of playback.

Apple Watch research study will monitor for possible cognitive decline

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The Elkson Apple Watch bumper case solved a problem that drove me crazy, and it looks good too!
Your Apple Watch can check your heart health. How about your cognitive health too?
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Whether it’s heart health or exercise routines, there are plenty of biometrics Apple Watch can keep tabs on. But could it also be used to monitor cognitive performance and possible decline?

That’s the basis of a new, multi-year observational research study announced Monday. A collaboration between Apple and neuroscience company Biogen, the aim is to assess the role the Apple wearable and the iPhone could play in measuring cognitive health.