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Apple patches HomeKit bug that left smart locks vulnerable

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HomeKit devices
This isn't good.
Photo: Apple

A huge vulnerability within Apple’s HomeKit software has been discovered that potentially could have allowed attackers to gain access to smart accessories like locks and garage doors.

The zero-day vulnerability was reportedly patched by Apple within the last few days but certainly shows that HomeKit might be quite as secure as some users think.

Week’s best Apple deals: Best price yet on a refurbished iPhone 7

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iPhone 7
Apple makes iPhone 7 more affordable.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

 It’s no iPhone X, but the iPhone 7 remains a remarkably good phone. This week, you can snap up a refurbished iPhone 7 at the lowest price yet.

That’s not the only winner in this week’s roundup of the best Apple deals, either. We found a big bargain on a tiny iPad, plus a hot deal on an iPhone X case and a handy (and free!) iOS app. If you’re on the hunt for a studio display refurbished, don’t miss this great deal on a refurbished iPad 7.

Best wireless earbuds for iPhone and iPad

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wireless earbuds
Wireless earbuds sometimes come with wires.
Photo: Beats by Dre

Wired earbuds still sound better than similarly priced wireless earbuds, plus they don’t usually require charging. But the wires are a big enough pain that going wireless is a one-way trip. Never again will you have to untangle your earbuds to listen to a podcast in bed. You won’t have to put up with rustling cables as you walk, or suffer having earbuds ripped out when the wire catches on your hand.

But not all wireless earbuds are worth the switch. And there are also several big differences in style and function that you should consider. Here, then, is your guide to the best wireless earbuds around.

Clever iPhone X case is a total throwback

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The Anniversary Skin gives will disguise your X as the original iPhone.
The Anniversary Skin gives will disguise your X as the original iPhone.
Photo: Slickwraps

Want your smartphone of the future to look like the Ghost of iPhone Past? If so, this case is for you. It makes even Apple’s latest, greatest iPhone X look like the device that started this whole crazy smartphone thing.

Get a master class in crowdfunding [Deals]

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This trio of courses cover the ins and outs of successful crowdfunding campaigns.
This trio of courses cover the ins and outs of successful crowdfunding campaigns.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The power of crowdfunding is undeniable. Maybe you’re recording an album, launching a new product, or just trying to fund a potato salad. Crowdfunding has revealed there are countless people eager to throw their money at your projects.

Camera-free security, affordable AirPower alternatives and more [Crowdfund Roundup]

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Home security without spying eyes.
Home security without spying eyes.
Photo: Point

Crowdfund Roundup bugApple’s latest devices finally support wireless charging, so why not treat yourself to a charging mat that can top up two simultaneously? Funxim looks as good as Apple’s own AirPower mat, but it will cost you considerably less.

It’s just one of the awesome ideas in this week’s Crowdfund Roundup. We’ve also got home security that doesn’t rely on cameras, an ultra-tough Apple Watch band, and more.

Your iPhone could be missing out on tracking a fifth of your steps

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iPhone X wireless charging
But it's not necessarily Apple's fault!
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

You’re probably a bit more active than your iPhone’s built-in pedometer suggests that you are, a new study carried out by researchers at the University of British Columbia claims.

The study found that the iPhone misses around 1,340 steps during a user’s typical day when compared to a purpose-built accelerometer worn on the waist. That’s an average of 21.5 percent of the steps that you take on a daily basis.

But don’t be so quick to blame the iPhone. It turns out that this is partly the fault of users!

Apple’s original video team adds another TV veteran

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Michelle Lee 1
Michelle Lee is another highly qualified hire for Apple's growing TV division.
Photo: Apple

Apple has hired another high level scripted television veteran as part of its Apple Worldwide Video initiative.

Michelle Lee has been named a creative executive at Apple Worldwide Video. In her previous role at the Universal Television-based True Jack Productions, she developed and executive produced multiple series, including the upcoming Rise for NBC, The Path for Hulu, About a Boy for NBC, and Pure Genius for CBS.

Apple highlights its best apps, games, movies, and music of the year

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best of the year
Apple has released its 'best of' list for 2017.
Photo: Apple

Apple has released its yearly “Best of” list, highlighting its picks for the top apps, games, albums, movies, podcasts, books, and TV shows — just in time for your holiday purchasing!

As is always the case, the lists combine Apple’s own hand-curated picks and popularity-driven charts, based on purchases in Apple’s various services such as iTunes, the App Store, iBooks Store, and Apple Music.

Buggy software could tarnish Apple’s sterling reputation

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iPhone buggy software
The bugs keep on coming.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple built its trillion-dollar reputation delivering beautiful hardware that turned tedious tasks into magical experiences.

But a recent string of ridiculous bugs — and a seriously shocking security flaw — put Cupertino in a precarious position: If Apple doesn’t stop the screw-ups, it could permanently sully its good name.

The best iPhone accessories

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iPhone accessories
Accessories can make your iPhone easier to use.
Photo: Twelve South

The iPhone comes in such a simple form that you could think of it as the core brain of a larger system. If you need to go underwater, you can get a case for that. If you want to turn it into a satnav for your bike or stroller, you can do that, too (see below).

The iPhone accessory market is huge, and there is a gadget or gizmo for almost anything. Here are some of our favorite iPhone accessories, for the new iPhone X as well as for older iPhones.

Amazon Prime Video is finally available for your Apple TV

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apple tv
Apple TV just got a little bit better.
Photo: Apple

As rumored, Apple has finally delivered on its WWDC promise to bring Amazon Prime Video to Apple TV, with just a few weeks to spare before Apple hit its own end-of-the-year deadline.

The tvOS version of the app is available to download on Apple TV 3rd generation devices or above by searching “Amazon Prime Video” on your set-top box. It brings an end to the days of having to use AirPlay to play Amazon Prime Video on your Apple TV, via another device.

App: The Human Story is an antidote to Planet of the Apps

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app documentary
What does it take to make a successful app?
Photo: App: The Human Story

What does it feel like pinning your hopes and livelihood to one of Apple’s most important creations? Fascinating new documentary App: The Human Story takes an unflinching look at the world of app developers in an attempt to answer that question.

It showcases devs’ big wins — and infuriating struggles — as they try to survive and thrive in the massive app economy Apple created. It’s basically the show Apple should have made instead of its ridiculous and annoying Planet of the Apps.

U.S. senator says Apple should defend free expression in China

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Tim Cook
Comments came after a recent keynote Tim Cook gave in China.
Photo: Apple

Democratic Party Senator for Vermont Patrick Leahy has argued that Apple has a “moral obligation” to push back against suppression of free expression in China.

Leahy, who is the most senior senator and took office in 1975, has previously questioned Apple’s relationship with the government in China. In a new interview with CNBC, he said that, “American tech companies have become leading champions of free expression. But that commitment should not end at our borders.”