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Overcast app lets you send podcasts to Apple Watch

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Like podcasts? Like Apple Watch? Then this is the app for you!
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Superior iOS podcast app Overcast has issued a new 3.1 update, allowing users to send individual podcasts to their Apple Watch to listen to when they’re not in the immediate vicinity of their iPhone.

This is something that can’t be done with Apple’s official Podcasts app, even though users can send audio files from the iOS Music app.

The one thing Steve Jobs and Bill Gates agreed on

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Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, rivals and friends.
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates shared same view on kids and technology
Photo: AllThingsD

Steve Jobs and Bill Gates didn’t always see eye to eye. When it came to their kids’ relationships to technology, however, it seems they agreed on more than they disagreed on.

That’s based on a new interview with Microsoft co-founder Gates, in which he says he and his wife didn’t allow their children to have cellphones until they were 14 — and limited other screen time as well. Jobs did much the same.

Instagram is finally cracking down on fake accounts

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These Instagram tips will help you connect with photographers who share your interests.
We don’t want to see photos from everyone we follow.
Photo: Lee Peterson/Cult of Mac

Instagram is finally clamping down on fake accounts that aren’t controlled by real users.

Instagress, a service that helped Instagram users gain additional followers for a fee, has been forced to shutdown as a result of the crackdown.

Didi Chuxing may cure world of traffic jams, says Tim Cook

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tim cook in a car
Tim Cook catches a cab with Didi Chuxing's Chuxing's Jean Liu.
Photo: Tim Cook/Twitter

Apple CEO Tim Cook had nothing but high praise for Didi Chuxing CEO Jean Liu in an exert he wrote about her for Time magazine.

Liu was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people of 2017. Cook, who sits on Didi’s board, was asked to write about Liu and said that her taxi-hailing startup is changing how people in China connect and commute with its convenience and flexibility.

Leaked Apple injuries report hints at AR glasses

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Google Glass wasn't meant to be a big success... yet.
What will Apple's AR glasses look like?
Photo: Google

New clues about prototype products Apple is currently testing may have just been revealed by leaked documents originating from Apple’s Cupertino campus.

A report on Apple compiled by an Environment Health and Safety contractor has reportedly leaked online today. Inside the report are over 70 different incidents that occurred on the campus. Most of the incidents in the report are fairly ordinary, but a couple entries hint at Apple developing augmented reality glasses.

Nike unveils new Apple Watch with ‘bone and black’ band

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Say hello to the new Nike Apple Watch.
Say hello to the new Nike Apple Watch.
Photo: Nike

Apple’s partnership with Nike has birthed a fresh new look for the Apple Watch Series 2 aimed at runners with a passion for style.

Nike unveiled its new twist on Apple’s iconic wearable today, dubbed the Apple Watch NikeLab. Nothing is new on the watch as far as hardware upgrades go, but the new “bone on black” band is so gorgeous fitness freaks will probably be lining up to get it on their wrists.

6 iPhone apps every stoner needs on 4/20

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Now that marijuana is  legal in many spots around the U.S., pot apps abound.
Now that marijuana is legal in many spots around the U.S., pot apps abound.
Photo: Rob LeFebvre/Cult of Mac

Happy weed day!

Cannabis lovers across the U.S. are busy ditching work to spend some quality time with their bongs today in honor of the number all potheads hold dear: 420.

Buying marijuana has never been easier, thanks to the 2016 elections: Six new states approved measures for recreational or medical marijuana use. Getting into the weed scene is super-easy, too, thanks to a batch of quality apps that help stoners find weed, grow weed and meet other people who love weed.

Grab these pot apps for a great 4/20.

Earth Day videos showcase Apple’s struggle to go green

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Can solar farms feed yaks?
Can solar farms feed yaks?
Photo: Apple

Apple is taking Earth Day more seriously than ever this year. The company just published a new series of animated videos that go behind the scenes on the company’s goal to create zero waste.

The four new videos highlight the crazy things Apple does to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Each one-minute video focuses on challenges the company already overcame, whether it’s making yak-friendly solar farms in China, building breathable walls for Apple Park or creating fake sweat for iPhone tests.

Watch all four right here:

Give your iPhone a new set of superpowers [Deals]

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Add grip, extended vision, extra life, and other powers to your smartphone with this bundle of accessories.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Your iPhone comes out of the box full of possibilities. But with the right accessory, you can vastly expand the powers of your phone. This bundle of upgrades will allow your iPhone to cling to walls, see into your house no matter where you are, throw its voice, and add up to 10 extra lifespans.

It’s like Jedi training for your iPhone!

Apple’s AR tech lets users add and remove objects in the virtual world

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Augmented reality (or AR) could be the next big thing for Apple.
Augmented reality could be the next big thing for Apple.
Photo: USPTO

Tim Cook has made no secret about Apple’s interest in augmented reality tech — and a newly published patent application reveals just how seriously the company takes the technology.

The patent application describes techniques for inserting virtual objects into a real environment, or removing real objects from a virtual one, all in real time.

It’s time for Apple Watch to get serious about fitness

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Here's how Apple could improve watchOS 4 for fitness buffs.
Here's how watchOS 4 could improve Apple Watch for fitness buffs.
Image: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Apple puts fitness front and center in its advertising for Apple Watch Series 2, even going so far as to claim the device is a “superior sports watch.” But in reality, it is not a sports watch at all. It’s a smartwatch. And that’s a massively important distinction.

Sports watches, like the TomTom Runner or Garmin Forerunner, are cheaper and more reliable at logging workouts, while smartwatches are jacks of all trades, which usually means they are masters of none. Or at least, not masters of fitness.

The sad fact is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Right now, it’s mostly the software that is letting Apple Watch down. That’s why I’m hoping that with its next major software update, Apple will finally get its smartwatch into shape for fitness fans. Here’s what I want to see in watchOS 4, which Apple will likely unveil at its Worldwide Developers Conference this June.

Apple Music snaps up documentary about legendary music exec Clive Davis

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Clive Davies
Star-studded documentary is the latest Apple Music acquisition.
Photo: Tribeca Film Festival

Apple bought new music documentary Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives, revealing the acquisition prior to the film’s opening night screening at the Tribeca Film Festival.

The documentary is based on the best-selling autobiography by Davis, the legendary music exec who played a key role developing artists from the 1960s through the rise of hip-hop.

Apple wants all its devices to be made from recycled or renewable materials

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iPhone 7 back
Future iPhones will be made from 100 percent recycled and renewable materials.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple has pledged to end its reliance on mining, and to make its devices from only renewable or recycled materials — although it’s not announced any timeline to do so.

The pledge was announced as part of the company’s Environmental Responsibility Report.

Apple produces half a gallon of fake sweat every day for product testing

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It sure beats the real sweat Apple engineers make!
Photo: Arielle Duhaime-Ross/Twitter

In addition to the tech it publicly releases, Apple invests in some pretty wacky technology most people never even hear about.

One example? The half-gallon of synthetic sweat Cupertino pumps out every single day to see how well its products withstand the day-to-day rigors of real-world use. Yes, really!

Best List: These ‘social’ headphones let you share your music [Review]

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Wearhaus Arc Headphones
The Wearhaus Arc headphones are the first 'social' headphones that allow music sharing between headsets.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Best List: Wearhaus’ Arc ‘social’ headphones

Wearing headphones tends to cut you off from the world, but Wearhaus’ Arc headphones are more sociable.

The wireless Arc headphones allow multiple headsets to stream audio from the same source. Think silent disco, watching a movie together, or sharing tunes with your BFF.

NYC Apple store’s glass cube will be dismantled

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apple-store-fifth-avenue-nyc-new-york
Hopefully the glass cube comes back.
Photo: Simone Lovati/Flickr CC

Apple’s giant glass cube in New York City is about to come crashing down.

The iPhone-maker’s most iconic retail store is set for major renovations this year, and according to a new filing, the glass cube is scheduled to be dismantled and removed.

Finally, a sensible way to store and charge Apple Pencil

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The ProBack stores and charges the Apple Pencil and even has a place for the pencil cap.
The ProBack stores and charges the Apple Pencil and even has a place for the pencil cap.
Photo: Studio Tika Innovation

For all the intricate thought that went into the design of the Apple Pencil, a safe and elegant way to store and charge it with the iPad Pro was an obvious detail seemingly overlooked.

An accessories startup has produced a smart case for the iPad Pro that conveniently docks and charges the pencil along an edge.

A simple way to avoid common email mistakes

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The MailButler plugin adds a range of super-useful features to Apple Mail.
The MailButler plugin adds a range of super-useful features to Apple Mail.
Photo: Feingeist Software

This post is brought to you by Feingeist Software, maker of MailButler.

If your inbox is a disaster zone that fosters common email mistakes, perhaps it’s time to get a little help. MailButler is a simple plugin that adds lots of features and functions to the stock Mail app on your Mac. It will help you avoid the dreaded “accidental send” and other common email mishaps.

PornHub’s new AR app makes your nude pics safe for work

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Pornhub image
TrickPics takes the 'N' out of 'NSFW' pics.
Photo: PornHub

Sending a saucy pic to a significant will no longer put your naughty bits in danger of being exposed to the entire internet, thanks to a new app from PornHub.

The new app called TrickPics taps into the power of augmented reality to cover up your private parts. It’s basically like Snapchat lenses, only instead of turning your face into a cute puppy, it turns package into a Christmas gift box.

Week’s best Apple deals: Bring game night to your iPhone

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iOS games Apple deals
It's time to get a Ticket to Ride on your iPhone.
Images: Asmodee Digital, Apple, Zinsoko

If you love hit board games like Ticket to Ride and Splendor, you’ll love this week’s roundup. You’ll find heavily discounted iOS versions of those hit games, plus hot buys on earbuds, AirPort Express and more in the best Apple deals of the week.

China wants to tighten screws on livestreaming apps

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China
Tim Cook meeting with China's vice premier on a previous visit.
Photo: Apple

Apple has run into another hurdle in China, with internet regulators in the country reportedly calling on Apple to “tighten its checks” on live streaming apps which appear in the App Store.

While no specific live streaming apps are mentioned, popular apps include Periscope, Facebook Live, and others. Apparently the concern on this occasion concerns possible “management loopholes” with the apps in question. However, this is far from the first time the Chinese government has kicked up a fuss about Apple.

Galaxy S8 review roundup: Samsung just schooled the iPhone

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Galaxy S8 Infinity Display
Samsung has a winner in the Galaxy S8.
Photo: Samsung

The first reviews of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ have dropped a day ahead of their official launch in many markets, and there’s one thing to take away from them: Samsung just knocked it out of the park with its best smartphones to date.

Despite the problems the company encountered with the Galaxy Note 7 last fall, it has managed to produce two new devices that don’t disappoint. From gorgeous design and impressive cameras to the best display on the market, the Galaxy S8 series has it all.

It might not perfect, but the changes and improvements Samsung has made show Apple what a smartphone should be in 2017, and make it even more difficult for the iPhone to catch up.

Here’s our review roundup.

It’s time to really perfect your Excel skills [Deals]

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CoM - eLearnExcel Microsoft Excel School- Lifetime Subscription
With this lesson bundle, you can up your Excel chops and make yourself even more marketable.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

OK, let’s face it: Excel is anything but sexy. But the spreadsheet software is essential to any digital workplace, so it’s well worth knowing how to use it. If you’re looking to boost your skill level with this essential app, take a look at this bundle of lessons from eLearnExcel.

With a lifetime license to eight lesson modules, you’ll learn the ins and outs of one of the most widely used applications in business today. It’s an instant upgrade to your marketability, offering crucial knowledge and even certification. And right now you can get lifetime access to eLearnExcel Microsoft Excel School for a mere $39 at Cult of Mac Deals.