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iTunes won’t arrive on Windows Store by 2017

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The Windows Store is getting iTunes.
Windows 10 S users still can't get iTunes.
Photo: Microsoft

Windows 10 users hoping for some love from Apple by the end of the year are in for a dose of disappointment.

Apple says it won’t be bringing iTunes to the Windows Store this year. The move comes after Microsoft announced in May that iTunes would be supported on Windows 10 S machines by the end of 2017.

These stealthy wings will prop up your phone

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The SnapWings phone stand gives any phone the ability to hold itself up.
This little add-on gives any phone the ability to hold itself up.
Photo: SnapWings

This post is presented by SnapWings.

To keep your phone propped up at a convenient reading angle, you need a special case with a kickstand or some sort of (typically bulky) iPhone stand. But over at Kickstarter, a new solution just snapped into view.

Apple inks deal for new sci-fi series

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apple tvPIC
Apple is beefing up its TV arsenal.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The guy that developed Battlestar Galactica for TV is teaming up with Apple for an all-new sci-fi TV series.

Apple has reportedly inked a deal with Ronald D. Moore that will see the sci-fi TV producer bring his next series exclusively to Apple. The project is being created in partnership with Sony Pictures Television and Moore’s studio-based Tall Ship Productions.

Foxconn could soon use AI to help identify faulty iPhone parts

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Foxconn Wisconsin
New technology was designed by former Google AI expert.
Photo: Foxconn

Apple manufacturer Foxconn is planning to adopt artificial intelligence image recognition systems for quality control in its factories, a new report claims.

The tech could help identify faulty circuit boards or other components, thereby improving Foxconn’s efficiency when it comes to assembling devices. The AI system was developed by Andrew Ng, a machine learning expert who has previously headed up major projects for both Google and Baidu.

This MacBook case is strong enough to stop bullets

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C6SHELL case for MacBook
This case will protect your MacBook from almost anything.
Photo: C6SHELL

Who says a MacBook isn’t fit for the battlefield? The C6SHELL case made from real carbon fiber is all you need to keep your beloved notebook protected in a war zone.

It’s strong enough to stop bullets, but light enough to carry anywhere.

Import taxes could make iPhone even more expensive in India

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Apple supplier is increasing its ability to build masses of iPhones in India
Apple faces an uphill battle to get the iPhone into customers' hands in India.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple may be keen to grow its business in India, but it’s certainly not getting any favors from the government.

In a new ruling, it’s been announced that the import tax paid on smartphones is being raised from 10 to 15 percent in a decision that will hurt Apple’s business in the country. Unless Apple absorbs the cost itself, this will make its iPhones more expensive at a time when it is desperate to get more handsets into customers’ hands.

10 things I love about iPhone X

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iPhone X looks like a bezel-free flatscreen TV
The iPhone X makes older phones look as dated as a cathode ray tube TV.
Photo: Cult of Mac/Stephen Smith

Earlier this week my colleague Killian Bell published 10 things he hates about his iPhone X.

Like some of our readers, I was shocked. Hates? How could he find one thing to hate, let alone 10?

I can’t think of anything to hate about the X. On the contrary, there are lots of things to love. Here are 10 things I love about the iPhone X.

Samsung’s first Bixby speaker will take on HomePod in early 2018

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HomePod
Apple's smart speaker will arrived early next year.
Photo: Apple

Samsung wants to take on Apple’s HomePod with its own smart speaker, which could arrive as soon as the first half of 2018, a new report claims.

Like Apple, the Samsung smart speaker will reportedly focus on high-end audio quality, as well as functioning as a hub for controlling smart home devices. The smart speaker will reportedly be based around Bixby, the Samsung AI assistant introduced this year for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ handsets.

Siri could soon whisper back when you need quiet

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whisper pic
"Psssst, Siri!"
Photo: Evan Long/Flickr CC

Apple is exploring new ways to make Siri smarter — and one of them involves letting Siri know when you want to keep the noise level low by whispering.

According to a patent application published this week, Apple is interested in, “a digital assistant that is capable of detecting a whispered speech input and providing a whispered speech response.” That could be useful in scenarios such as protecting your privacy, while still letting you use its speech capabilities, or settings where high volume levels are prohibited.

Adventure-worthy gift ideas for the outdoorsy folks in your life

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A tent is in our Gift Guide 2017 roundup of best outdoor gear.
They're probably going to want a tent.
Photo: Chad McDonald/Flickr CC

2017 Gift Guide outdoor gear Gear-shopping for your favorite outdoors-loving friends and family members can be as daunting as trekking up Mount St. Helens as she’s about to blow. There are so many options — and so much crap! Nobody wants to waste money on a gift that’s not going to get used.

To help you out with your holiday shopping, we waded through the endless lists of camping and hiking gear and gadgets that came out in 2017. The goal? To find the perfect stuff your special someone will love.

Apple TV makes a comeback on Amazon

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Apple TV 4K
The new 4K Apple TV is a pricey but capable streaming box.
Photo: Stephen Smith/Cult of Mac

Amazon is finally back in the business of selling Apple TVs.

The online retail giant stopped selling Apple’s set-top-boxes back in 2015. But the company is extending an olive branch to both Apple and Google and has created new listings for the Apple TV and Chromecast.

Nail the guitar sound of any song with Tonebridge

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tonebridge bass
Even bass players can use Tonebridge.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

The iPad has many, many amazing effects apps for making music, and several high-level apps just for emulating guitar amplifiers and effects pedals. But what if you just want to plug in and play a song, and have your guitar sound just like the one on the record? That’s exactly what Tonebridge is for. Under the hood, this simulator app is as powerful as the others, but it’s way, way simpler to use.

Whereas most apps present a range or virtual pedals and amps, Tonebridge is based around songs. You fire it up, plug in your guitar, and search for the song you want to play. The app loads up the sound of the song, and you can play along. The app is impressive, nailing the tomes of pretty much any song you ask for, without any tweaking necessary.

But now, with the latest Tonebridge release, you can also dig in to the settings that used to sit behind the scenes. Let’s take a look.

iMac Pro packs new T2 chip for extra security

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iMac Pro
The internals are insane.
Photo: Apple

The iMac Pro is the most secure Apple desktop ever built, and it’s got a special chip to prove it.

Early review units are starting to trickle out to tech experts and according to iOS and Mac developer Cabel Sasser, the iMac Pro packs a new T2 chip that is basically like a secure enclave for the iMac.

Tim Cook teams up with Charles Koch to fight for dreamers

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Tim Cook
Cook and Koch aren't usually homies.
Photo: Apple

Apple CEO Tim Cook and Koch Industries CEO Charles Koch are usually on opposite ends of the political spectrum, but the two business titans are coming together to support a common cause: The Dreamers.

In a rare opinion piece authored by Cook and Koch, the two implore Congress to act now so that this holiday season isn’t the last one in the United States for 690,000 of our neighbors.

Super antenna iPhone cases, smart screen protectors, and more [Crowdfund Roundup]

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Firefly case
Firefly boosts your iPhone's cellular signal.
Photo: Firefly

Crowdfund Roundup bugIf you’re plagued by dropped calls and slow data, say hello to Firefly for iPhone. Thanks to “super antenna technology,” this case can boost cellular, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity while protecting your iPhone from scuffs and bumps.

It’s just one of the awesome ideas in this week’s Crowdfund Roundup. We also have smart screen protectors, levitating home security cameras, and more!

The FCC just killed net neutrality

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Slow internet
This could change the internet as we know it.
Photo: Pexels

In a shocking change to internet protocols in the US, the Federal Communications Commission has voted to repeal net neutrality.

The FCC voted to repeal the landmark rules that protect consumers from being charged special prices for accessing certain parts of the internet. By scraping the neutrality regulations, The FCC just opened the doorway for Internet service providers to block websites or make users pay more to get some content.

How to use Portrait Mode on iPhone X and 8

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iPhone 8 Plus portrait lighting camera
Portrait Lighting can make a movie star out of almost anyone. Almost.
Photo: Ste Smith/ Cult of Mac

Portrait mode is an iPhone 7 feature that has been supercharged in the iPhones X and 8, with the addition of Portrait Lighting. Both features use depth data from these iPhones’ dual cameras, either to separate the subject of the photo from its background, or to completely re-light the photo to add drama. Here’s how to make the most of them.