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Sway, Meganoid 2017, and other awesome apps of the week

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Awesome Apps
'Appy weekend!
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Looking to get up to speed on the week’s hottest apps? We’ve got your back!

Whether you’re looking for a great “roguelike” platformer, a meditation app from the makers of Monument Valley, or a much-loved calendar app which has finally landed on iPad, we think you’ll find something to entertain you.

Check out our picks below.

World’s thinnest iPhone case faces 21-foot drop test [Review]

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thinnest iPhone case Review
The Clear-Coat FUSION Bumper from Mobile Outfitters was put to the drop test. Did it survive?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Philadelphia-based company Mobile Outfitters is well-known for its ultra-strong iPhone screen protectors. Now it’s put all of its phone-protection know-how together to create the Fusion Bumper — the world’s thinnest iPhone case.

At 1.9 mm thin, the Clear-Coat Fusion Bumper case for the iPhone 6, 6s and 7 has been drop-tested up to 20 feet. But, can it really survive a drop from that sort of height?

Check out the video review below to see us really put it through the test.

Make your Mighty Mouse much more ergonomic [Week’s Newest Deals]

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collage-2017-03-28 (2)
Upgrade your Magic Mouse's ergonomics, access a massive icon library, and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Just in time for the beginning of a new month, a bunch of great new deals just came into the Cult of Mac Store. This week, we’ve got a massively discounted icon library for designers, a combination USB charger and car locator, a cable-free service that lets you keep your favorite cable channels, and a set of foam cushions for your Mighty Mouse to make it a lot more ergonomic.

Massive app bundles, lifelong VPN protection and more [Month’s Best Deals]

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collage-2017-03-28 (1)
Get access to a massive library of Mac apps, comprehensive VPN protection, and lots more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

This year is off to a stressful start for many people, making the awesome gear and gadgets we get into the Cult of Mac Store every week a welcome relief.

As March comes to an end, we’ve gathered some of the best deals we’ve seen this month. They include a massive bundle of top-shelf Mac apps; a set of extra-long, MFi-certified Lightning cables; a powerful tool for unlocking PDFs; and a lifetime of VPN protection. There’s something here for everybody!

Weird and wacky Apple gadgets that time forgot, on The CultCast

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Apple TimeBand: great-great-grandfather of the Apple Watch.
Apple TimeBand: great-great-grandfather of the Apple Watch.
Photo: Apple

This week on The CultCast: The weird and wacky Apple products Cupertino hopes you’ve forgotten! Well, we haven’t, Tim. Plus: The best new features in iOS 10.3 and macOS 10.12.4; rumor mills say Apple might resurrect the PowerBook; iPhone 8 rumors point to a backside Touch ID sensor; and the inspirations for Steve Jobs’ best one-liners.

Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. It’s simple to accept Apple Pay and sell your wares with your very own Squarespace.com website. Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10 percent off any hosting plan.

Ms. Pac-Man invades Google Maps for April Fools’

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google maps pacman
Get your PacMan fix in Google Maps.
Photo: Buster Hein/Cult of Mac

There’s just one day left in March which means a cornucopia of horrible tech “pranks” are about to be unleashed on the internet. Google is getting its gags out early and this year, the company’s April Fools’ Day prank is actually a lot of fun.

Google Maps added a new feature for users this morning on both iOS, Android and the web that allows users to turn city streets into a giant game of Ms. Pac-Man.

iPhone 8 may get True Tone display and two 3D sensors

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iPhone8
We hope the iPhone 8 is this beautiful.
Photo: Imran Taylor

One of the best iPad Pro features may soon be heading to the iPhone.

All three new iPhones in 2017 will get True Tone displays, according to the latest research note from analysts at Barclays that predict Apple will add a “full spectral sensing” ambient light sensor on each device.

Beyoncé lends a hand in colorful Apple Watch ad

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Apple Watch is the perfect workout companion.
Apple Watch is the perfect workout companion.
Photo: Apple

Apple dropped a colorful new ad for the Apple Watch Series 2 this morning to promote the wearable’s fitness features and waterproof design.

The fun new Apple Watch ad features a cast of different athletes going through their workouts while Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” blasts throughout the video. Other athletes and adventurers can be spotted in the minute-long ad that encourages watchers to “live bright.”

Check it out:

Apple hires YouTube vet to shape video strategy

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Planet of the Apps
Not a high point for Apple.
Photo: Apple

In another sign that Apple is gearing up to make a big push into video, the company has hired former YouTube executive Shiva Rajaraman.

The hire comes as Apple is beginning to launch its own efforts to create original video content for Apple Music subscribers, but the addition of Rajaraman could mean Apple is looking to explore other avenues for its video content too.

Find the right mobile mount for your car [Deals]

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collage-2017-03-28
We've got just the right car mount for your situation.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Almost everybody uses their phone on the reg. But for those of us who also drive all the time, the phone can easily become a costly and dangerous distraction. That’s why having a good spot to place your phone when you drive is essential, and we’ve gathered some of the best mobile mounts on the market right here at the Cult of Mac Store. Whether you’d like a swivel mount or a flexible arm, one that connects to the windshield, air vent, or even your old CD player, we’ve got you covered. Read on for more details:

Galaxy S8’s facial recognition can be fooled by a photo

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Galaxy S8 in hand
Galaxy S8's facial recognition is just a bit of fun, apparently.
Photo: Samsung

Facial recognition is one of the myriad new features of the Samsung Galaxy S8, but only one a couple of days after the phone’s announcement, Samsung’s latest security method seems… well, a little bit unsecure.

Already a video has appeared online showing the phone being unlocked with a picture, while according to industry sources it’s a feature that’s designed to be no more than a bit of fun. Because security’s no fun, apparently.

Apple’s Indian App Accelerator is open for business

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Apple supplier is increasing its ability to build masses of iPhones in India
Apple is pushing into the Indian market.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s brand new App Accelerator in Bengaluru, India, is officially open for business!

Plans for the 40,000-square-foot office space were first announced by Tim Cook during his visit to India last year. The App Accelerator’s purpose is to offer guidance, inspiration, tutorials, and feedback to local developers building iOS, tvOS, watchOS, and Mac OS apps.

iPhone returns to Indonesia after one-year absence

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iPhone-7
Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

After an absence of more than a year from Southeast Asia’s largest smartphone market, the iPhone arrives back in Indonesia today with the long-awaited debut of the iPhone 7.

Apple has been unable to sell the previous iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and iPhone SE generation of its handsets after a ruling in the country that all makers of 4G smartphones must have 30 percent of “local content” — meaning hardware, software, or an investment commitment.

Apple targets students and travelers in new iPad Pro ads

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iPad Pro comes with all-day battery.
iPad Pro comes with all-day battery.
Photo: Apple

Apple continued its new ad campaign series for the iPad Pro today by publishing some new ads that showcase how the tablet is the perfect laptop replacements.

The three new ads are aimed at students and frequent travelers by highlighting the iPad Pro’s lightness, ability to carry textbooks and notes on the same screen, as well as its all day battery life that can keep you entertained on a 12 hour flight. Like the previous set of iPad Pro ads, the quirky new videos feature tweets from real people with real problems.

Watch all three short ads below:

Middle East airlines lend iPads to skirt tablet ban

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Airlines are offering loaner laptops on flights from the Middle East.
Airlines are offering loaner laptops on flights from the Middle East.
Photo: Qatar Airlines

Two airlines from the Middle East are coming to the rescue of fliers that have been effected by President Donald Trump’s recent executive order banning the use of tablets and laptops on flights to the United States.

Both Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways launched new electronics loaner programs for passengers this week, giving customers the option to rent an iPad while their own device is safely stored inside checked baggage.

Apple plans to fight climate change despite Trump agenda

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One of Apple's many solar farms.
One of Apple's many solar farms.
Photo: Apple

While President Donald Trump gets busy gutting the Environmental Protection Agency, many of America’s largest companies plan to fight climate change without his help, including Apple.

During the reign of Tim Cook, Apple has made renewable energy and going green one of its top priorities. According to a new report, that won’t change now that there’s a new administration in the White House.

iOS 11 concept supercharges the Home screen

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The Home screen becomes more than just an app launcher.
The Home screen becomes more than just an app launcher.
Photo: Matt Birchler

It’s about time Apple made our Home screens more useful. It could start by taking tips from this iOS 11 concept, which imagines more informative icon badges and support for complications similar to those on Apple Watch.

Rip, convert and manage digital media like a pro [Deals]

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CoM - MacX Media Management Bundle
Get on top of your media files with this trio of powerful MacX apps.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re making hard copies of your files or trying to get a video to work better on your phone, having a solid set of media apps can really come in handy. This trio of MacX media management apps offers a comprehensive toolset for anyone working with digital video, audio, or any other kind of file. The MacX Media Management Bundle includes MacX DVD Ripper Pro, Video Converter Pro, and MediaTrans, and right now you can get the whole bundle for just $20.99 at Cult of Mac Deals.

Beware phone scammers who warn of iCloud hack

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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

Got a call from “Apple Support” to say your iCloud account was hacked? Hang up and ignore it.

Phone scammers are calling unsuspecting iPhone and iPad users and trying to trick them into handing over their iCloud account details. Once they have them, they can purchase whatever they want, and it’s you who foots the bill.

iPhone returns to Argentina after 8-year absence

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Something worth singing about!
Photo: Evita, Buena Vista Pictures

The iPhone will start selling widely again in Argentina next month, after a period of 8 years during which it was blocked, due to laws requiring companies that wanted to sell devices to set up local manufacturing facilities.

The move comes as President Mauricio Macri attempts to re-open Argentina to global trade. The laws barring the iPhones from being supported by local carriers carriers Telefonica SA, America Movil SAB and Telecom Argentina SA came into being in 2009, courtesy of President Macri’s predecessor, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.