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A faulty first-gen Apple Watch could get you a free upgrade

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Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 3 will look exactly the same as its predecessors.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

If you have a first-generation Apple Watch that’s faulty, you could bag a free upgrade when you take it to the Apple store.

Employees and Authorized Service Providers in some countries have been given authorization to replace original models with Apple Watch Series 1 units, but only certain variants are eligible.

Apple’s biggest rivals back fight against Qualcomm

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Red iPhone in hand
Other tech companies aren't happy that Qualcomm's trying to ban the iPhone.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple has some serious backup in its battle against Qualcomm, as a lobbying group representing some of tech’s heaviest hitters (including a handful of Apple’s biggest historic enemies) have called on regulators to reject Qualcomm’s bid to ban the importing of iPhones.

Some of the names in said group? Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Samsung — all of whom have filed official comments in support of Apple with the U.S. International Trade Commission.

Apple may have already picked its iPhone 9 battery supplier

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battery1
Apple's got LG in its sights. In a good way.
Photo: Apple

The iPhone 8 isn’t even out yet, and already the tech world is focused on who might be supplying the various components for next year’s iPhone 9 (or iPhone 8s, depending on whether Apple returns to its traditional naming formula!)

A new report claims that South Korean tech company LG has secured the exclusive contract to provide Apple with its iPhone 9 batteries, having committed to making a big investment in production facilities in 2018.

Apple reportedly working with Chinese firm on electric car battery

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apple car
A rendering of an Apple car with a different kind of bumper
Photo: Motor1

Apple may be working on a car after all. A partnership between Apple and China’s biggest battery manufacturer is all about developing an electric car battery, according to a new report.

Apple was long rumored to be working on an autonomous vehicle under the code name Project Titan. But recent signals from Cupertino made it look like the tech company was downshifting its automotive ambitions, focusing on software rather than building an actual electric car.

How to ask Siri when a nearby store is open

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ask siri
Siri knows all about the opening times of local businesses.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Is it too late on a Saturday night to hit the hardware store for that essential dingus you need for Sunday’s DIY project? Has the local supermarket closed already, or do you still have time to buy some more beer? Does the Kanaan restaurant (“Best Humos in Berlin”) even open today? Just ask Siri.

You may be used to firing up Google Maps, searching for the store or restaurant you’re interested in, then tapping around in the app to get to the opening times. But did you know that Siri can also tell you if a local business is open, or when it will be?

Clever origami stand won’t fold under weight of your devices

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FODI
This origami-inspired stand will prop up your tech life.
Photo: FODI

There are people in the world with the title professional origami artist. Just the thought puts a crease in your forehead.

To answer your question, Yes, there is value in people knowing the art of folding paper. Let a product called FODI convince you by being one of the most indispensable tech accessories you could carry.

This premium video converter doesn’t cost a dime

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Want to get convert video from one format to another? VideoSolo Free Video Converter makes it easy.
Want to convert video from one format to another? VideoSolo Free Video Converter makes it easy.
Photo: VideoSolo

This post is brought to you by VideoSolo.

Sometimes it seems like there are as many video formats as there are devices to play them on. Whether you’re creating or consuming video content, getting the right format and resolution for a particular device can make a big difference. It can also take some pricey software. Don’t want to spend a bundle? VideoSolo Free Video Converter is a quality converter for Mac and Windows that also happens to be free.

Great travel apps to make your trip easy and fun [Tech Travel Tips]

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Rome vacation travel apps
Travel isn't all about visiting amazing places. Sometimes it's about using apps on your phone, too.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

tech travel tips You already have all the travel gadgets you need for a successful and relaxed trip. Today we’re going to look at travel apps. Specifically, apps that make your trip better and easier, like great city guides.

We’ll also showcase apps that work around limitations you face while traveling, like a lack of bandwidth. Let’s get started!

Samsung might get aced out of big iPhone chip deal

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iPhone 7 back
TSMC may be the company behind Apple's A12 iPhone chips.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is likely to hang on to Apple’s A-series iPhone chip orders in 2018, a new report claims.

The report contrasts with one published earlier this week, suggesting that Samsung would be taking over the role of A12 chip manufacturing, on account of its investment in “extreme UV lithography machines,” some of the the most advanced chip-making equipment around.

iPhone 8’s Touch ID returns to the back in new leak

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iPhone 8 chassis
Touch ID moves again.
Photo: Baidu

The positioning of Touch ID has changed yet again in the latest iPhone 8 leak.

A machined rear panel for Apple’s upcoming device suggests the company still has plans to put a fingerprint scanner on its back — as indicated by earlier leaks. But it won’t be a pain to reach like the Galaxy S8’s.

Apple execs meet with Australian government to talk encryption

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iPhone hack
The Australian government is no fan of strong encryption
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Australia may not be one of Apple’s biggest markets, but that doesn’t mean that Apple’s not taking its impending law changes regarding strong encryption seriously.

In fact, according to a new report, Apple has flown to of its top privacy executives to the country over the past month to lobby the government over its demands. Apple representatives met with Australian Attorney-General George Brandis and members of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s government this week to discuss cybersecurity.

Curtains raise on The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs opera this weekend

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Ashton Kutcher and Michael Fassbender played Steve Jobs in movies. Now Edward Parks III brings his rich baritone voice to the Steve Jobs opera, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.
Your new Steve Jobs, everyone!
Photo: Dario Acosta/Santa Fe Opera

Always wanted to know more about the life of Steve Jobs, but been put off by the lack of show-stopping musical numbers? The Santa Fe Opera is here to offer a solution.

This Saturday, the Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico debuts its long-awaited production, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs. It tells the life story of Apple’s co-founder and most iconic CEO in a way no biography has done before.

New Apple data center will boost iCloud in China

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Hacker who tried to extort Apple for $100k is spared prison
Hacker who tried to extort Apple for $100k is spared prison
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Apple will help launch a new data center in the Guizhou province of China to boost iCloud services locally.

A new report claims the company has signed a cooperation agreement with the government to invest $1 billion in the facility, which will be maintained by a third-party.

Apple issues security updates for all devices

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mac security
Apple released new security updates to keep malicious hackers out.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple issued a laundry list of updates on most of its operating systems to resolve what appears to be security soft spots.

Cupertino offered few specifics but the list includes macOS, tvOS, iOS, watch OS, Safari and iTunes and iCloud for Windows.

Super-smart rings, secure GPS trackers and more [Crowdfund Roundup]

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ORII smart ring
ORII is a smart ring that's actually smart.
Photo: ORII

Crowdfund Roundup bugMaybe smartwatches aren’t your thing, but what about an impressive smart ring that lets you take calls, interact with virtual assistants, and more without being too intrusive?

It’s just one of the awesome ideas in this week’s Crowdfund Roundup. We also have the world’s first graphene headphones, a fidget spinner that you can connect to your smartphone for ultra-cool LED effects, and more!

Everything new with Siri in iOS 11

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siri ios 11
Siri gets a lot of love in the latest iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra updates.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Siri often gets dinged for being stupid, but significant upgrades in iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra make Apple’s AI assistant smarter than ever. With advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence, Siri sounds slicker and understands you better on Apple’s updated platforms.

Siri also learned a lot of new tricks, and can now offer suggestions inside other apps. Here’s a brief look at everything new with Siri in iOS 11.

How to use one-handed Maps mode in iOS 11

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one-handed-maps
This is all happening with one finger.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Using one-handed maps is currently suboptimal, because you need two fingers to zoom the map. But in iOS 11, the familiar pinch-to-zoom gesture is joined by a new tap-to-zoom, which lets you navigate the entire interface with a single thumb. This means that you can easily check the map while walking, or even — if you are an irresponsible psychopath — while riding a bike.

Mind mapping can boost your brainstorms and enhance your productivity

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Mind mapping with Mind Vector
Mind mapping, a classic technique for visualizing ideas, is getting a digital makeover.
Image: Mind Vector

This post is presented by Mind Vector.

Many people blame technology for mind-warping things like short attention spans, rotten social skills and fidget spinners. However, technology also offers new ways of engaging with our minds and sharpening our thoughts. Take mind mapping, a popular technique for brainstorming and planning.