Apple was awarded a patent for bump transfer of data between iPhones. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
The federal government has awarded Apple a patent for iPhone users to transfer data by bumping together handsets.
If this sounds familiar, it is because bump transfers for both iOS and Android have been possible through apps, most notably an app called Bump that debuted in 2008.
Following recipes is easy and convenient with Paprika. Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
Have you ever decided to make dinner, only to find the recipe has gone missing. Sometimes it’s a misplaced notecard, other times, a saved (or pinned) link that is now dead. With Paprika, your favorite recipes are stored digitally, and you’re in control. As someone who cooks nearly every day, Paprika is the best recipe app for chefs of any skill level.
Wisconsin is offering a super generous package to attract Foxconn. Photo: CBS
Wisconsin will be the site of a new display factory built by Apple manufacturer Foxconn — but local residents will be paying for it.
According to a new report, Wisconsin residents will be coughing up an extra $1 billion on top of the existing $3 billion package of subsidies to attract Foxconn to the area. This “sweetener” will come out of public funds, and will leave the state “on the hook” for 40 percent of the public bonds which finance local expenses should the project flop.
The ZAGG Nomad Book is a keyboard case that fits a range of tablets, including the 10.5- and 9.7-inch iPads. Photo: ZAGG
The ZAGG Nomad Book is a keyboard case designed to fit around range of tablets 10.5 inches or smaller. That means it can be used with every iPad released for the past several years except the very largest.
ZAGG also just introduced the Messenger Folio. This has many of the benefits of the Nomad Book but was created specifically for the iPad Pro 10.5.
Do you go hard at the gym? These earbuds are designed to keep up. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Whether you’re a casual weightlifter or a committed gym rat, workouts are better with music. But if you go hard at the gym, chances are you burn through earbuds like you do calories. Most personal audio devices can’t stand the sweat.
Dual pistols are live in Battle Royale. Photo: Epic Games
Clear your schedule for the evening because this week’s Fortnite update is a big one!
Epic has given us two new game modes to enjoy — including the long-awaited Playground mode — plus Battle Royale’s first dual pistols. It has also made a whole host of big improvements and tweaks to gameplay and performance.
There's a new way to control your Amazon Echo. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
If you’re an iPhone owner who’s opted for one of Amazon’s Echo smart speakers over Apple’s own HomePod, there’s some good news: Amazon is finally adding voice control to its iOS Alexa app.
Pokémon Quest is available now on Android and iOS. Photo: The Pokémon Company
Polish off those Poké Balls and prepare yourself for battle because Pokémon Quest is finally available on Android and iOS.
The new free-to-play game from The Pokémon Company takes us on an all-new adventure across Tumblecube Island with a fresh spin on filling up your Pokédex.
After the changes being implemented in WPA3, you might feel less nervous about public Wi-Fi.
Part of the reason public Wi-Fi is so risky to use is that the security built into this short-range wireless networking standard hasn’t had a significant upgrade since 2004. But that’s about to change.
The Wi-Fi Alliance introduced Wi-Fi CERTIFIED WPA3, the next generation of Wi-Fi security. This adds new features to simplify Wi-Fi security and enable more robust authentication. The enterprise version offers increased cryptographic strength.
Xiaomi's latest phone bears a strong resemblance to the iPhone X. Photo: Xiaomi
Xiaomi founder Lei Jun gained attention for his company by dressing like Steve Jobs and releasing a string of iPhone-alike devices. Now we know the reason: Because it was Jobs’ story which prompted the entrepreneur to get into the computer business.
Apple has some fascinating (if dangerous) research projects underway. Photo: Mark Rober
Apple has recruited popular science YouTuber Mark Rober to work as part of its top secret special projects group, developing a VR on-board entertainment system for self-driving cars.
Rober has been working with Apple for the past several years, although he has kept news of Apple’s identity secret. In a Reddit AmA, he described it as a “large tech company in the Bay Area.” His name was revealed as part of several patent applications Apple has recently filed.
There are lots of welcome tweaks in iOS 12 beta 2. Photo: Cult of Mac
Two weeks after the initial — and surprisingly solid — beta of iOS 12, comes the second update. iOS 12 beta 2 has tweaked the operating system in several places, mostly in Screen Time, which was quite sparse in the first round. Let’s take a look at what’s changed.
Keeping enough cables around to keep your iPhone and Android-toting friends charged up can be a big tangled pain, but there’s now one cable to rule them all.
inCharge debuted its new tiny charging cable today. Not only does it pack a Lightning connector that also works with Micro-USB ports, but you can also clip on a USB-C port too, making it the most versatile charging cord we’ve ever seen.
CEO Tim Cook says short-term investors aren't needed at Apple. Photo: Apple
Apple stock price has dropped steadily throughout June. That likely bothers short-term investors, but not Tim Cook. Apple’s CEO thinks long-term, and says planning no farther than the next quarterly earnings report is a recipe for disaster.
“If you’re making a decision based on the short term investors, you’re going to be guaranteed to be making terrible decisions,” Cook said yesterday.
The iOS 12 public beta could render your iPhone almost useless. Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac
The iOS 12 public beta is available to download and install on any of your compatible devices. The public beta is essentially the same as the developer beta, only each build is released around a week after the developer version. So far, the develoer beta has been surprisingly stable, but its definitely not ready for regular day-to-day use (more on that in a moment). But if you’re feeling brave, or if you have a spare device you’d like to use to see what all the fuss is about, then installing the beta is easy.
Instagram is becoming a full blown communication platform. Photo: Instagram
Communicating with your friends on Instagram just got a lot more fun with a new update today that brings group video chat to the photo-sharing social network.
Instagram previewed the new video chat feature last month at Facebook’s developer conference, but now all users can take advantage of the new feature that lets you connect with friends whether they’re on iOS or Android.
The iPhone X Plus is set to launch in September. Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
The best Apple analyst in the game just dropped a huge report on all the new products coming out soon and there’s a lot for Apple fans to be excited about.
If you’ve been desperately waiting for Apple to come out with a new MacBook Air the wait might be over real soon. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says a cheaper MacBook Air is set to launch later this year, and he’s got some info on the 2019 iPhone too.
Siri Shortcuts could become super powerful. Photo: Apple
Siri Shortcuts are the iOS way to automate actions you do over and over. The WWDC 2018 keynote gave an examples of chaining together a bunch of these actions into one shortcut — order your favorite “coffee,” and give you directions to work, or switch on the lights at home one whole hour before you get there in order to, I don’t know, waste electricity? To trigger these little automations, you just tell Siri, using a pre-chosen keyword/name.
However, you don’t alway want to put together lots of steps. Sometimes you just want Siri to carry out a single action with a Shortcut. For instance, opening up your favorite news site in Safari, or sending a message to your spouse, or viewing your most recent photos. The good news is, you can do all of these right now, even without the fancy new Siri Shortcuts app.
Apple adds 5 new vice presidents to its executive lineup Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac
When Tim Cook wants to know how Apple is doing, it’s doubtful he turns to some research group’s published rankings of brands and companies with the most value, most love or most intimacy with its customers.
So for what it’s worth to the CEO or, for that matter anyone else, Apple is the second-most valuable U.S. brand, according to a new report published today by the group Brand Finance.
They’re still running! Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Android owners are still ditching their handsets for an iPhone at an impressive rate.
New research reveals that up to 20 percent of iPhone buyers each quarter are switching from Google devices. The iPhone SE is one of the most popular models among former Android fans, but there’s a lot of love for larger Apple devices, too.
Students and teachers can start using Schoolwork today. Photo: Apple
Apple’s free Schoolwork app, which lets students and teachers collaborate on school assignments, is available now.
Schoolwork makes it easy to create assignments, take advantage of third-party apps for learning, and view student progress. It will work alongside the Classroom app to provide teachers around the world with the tools they need to “enhance the learning experience.”
Save $300 on an ultralight Apple laptop that's perfect for students. Photo: Apple
In today’s edition of Deals & Steals, we have select models on the latest MacBook Air for a phenomenal deal. Plus, you can get an (ugh) Galaxy S9, FIFA 18 and a pair of Bose wireless earphones — all at neat discounts.
Will we finally get a release date for AirPower? Photo: Apple
Apple’s upcoming AirPods case will offer more than just wireless charging for your headphones, according to a sketchy new report.
A source familiar with Apple’s plans claims the case will double as an iPhone charger that will give you a boost in battery life when you’re in a pinch. The device could be available before the end of this year.
Mediate and decompress with this well reviewed iPhone app Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Keeping a clear mind takes discipline and practice. And in the age of smartphones and constant distractions, mindfulness is more of a challenge than ever. So it makes sense that your phone might also offer a solution.