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Meet Steve Jobs’ alter ego on the opera stage

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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.
Ashton Kutcher and Michael Fassbender played Steve Jobs in movies. Now op
Photo: Dario Acosta/Santa Fe Opera

Edward Parks III will likely be the first singer on an opera stage to perform in running shoes, jeans and a black mock turtleneck shirt.

Yet Parks knows there is nothing casual about playing Steve Jobs. He is soaking up all he can about the late Apple co-founder as he prepares to bring his much-heralded baritone voice to the role this summer in the world premiere of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs at the Santa Fe Opera.

“I’m taking in everything that is out there and stuffing it in my head so that I can come away with my own thoughts of who he was and what he means to us,” Parks, 33, told Cult of Mac. “I think at first it was a little daunting. This is going to have a lot of attention, not just from the opera world but in the tech community.”

Seamlessly and painlessly add 256GB to your MacBook [Deals]

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CoM - Nifty MiniDrive
Add a massive amount of storage to your Macbook without adding anything else.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

MacBooks ship with a pretty sizeable hard drive, but that storage can disappear fast. Whether your job involves large file types or you just like saving your favorite TV shows, you’re likely to find yourself wanting a little more space on your computer without having to add an external hard drive to your computer bag.

With this Nifty MiniDrive MicroSD Card Adapter, you can add up to 256GB to your MacBook instantly and without adding any bulk. And right now, you can get a Nifty MiniDrive MicroSD Card Adapter for $29.99 at Cult of Mac Deals.

Google Play Music launches in India, undercuts Apple Music

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Apple supplier is increasing its ability to build masses of iPhones in India
Apple has been working to grow its brand in India.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

India is one of the next big markets for tech companies, and Google just threw down the gauntlet against Apple by undercutting Apple Music with its own Google Play music subscription service.

While Apple Music charges 120 rupees per month (around $2), Google is charging just 99 rupees ($1.50) for tis own service — with a discounted rate of 89 rupees for the first 45 days. In the U.S., both Google Play Music and Apple Music charge $9.99 per month.

Twitter Lite keeps you tweeting over bad data connections

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Twitter
Twitter Lite is available through your browser.
Photo: Twitter

Twitter is making it easier for users to keep on tweeting even when they have a poor data connection.

The company today unveiled its new Twitter Lite web app, which is optimized to deliver a smooth and snappy experience over slow and spotty connections. You can access it in your browser, so you don’t even need to download to get started.

Pebble update ensures your watch will work when services die

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Pebble might be dead, but your watch isn't.
Pebble might be dead, but your watch isn't.
Photo: Pebble

The original smartwatch maker is closing down after being acquired by Fitbit, but your Pebble watch will continue to work after all of its services are dead.

With its final update, Pebble has eliminated any reliance on online servers, ensuring your wearable will continue to function as normal when connected to your smartphone.

Mac malware skyrockets 744 percent in 2016

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Mac attacks are on the up!
Mac attacks are on the up!
Photo: Cult of Mac

Still think your Mac is immune to malware? Think again.

According to the latest Threats Report (.pdf) from McAfee Labs, the number of malware attacks on Mac skyrocketed by 744 percent in 2016. The increase was mostly as a result of adware, which isn’t too harmful — but it’s still software you don’t want lurking on your Mac.

Australian watchdog says Apple punishes customers for third-party repairs

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Australia money
Investigation was sparked by Apple's disastrous Error 53 fault.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s Australia headaches are continuing, as the country’s Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) consumer watchdog has filed a lawsuit against the company.

The suit is based on an investigation into Apple’s business practices, sparked by the disastrous Error 53 fault which disabled iPhones which had a home button or cables related to Touch ID replaced by an unauthorized third-party.

Microsoft launches new social networking app for iMessage

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Get your friends organized with 'Who's In'
Get your friends organized with 'Who's In'
Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft is dipping its toes back into the social game with a brand new app for iOS users that aims to make it easier than ever to organize group events.

The app is called “Who’s In” only instead of launching as a standalone iPhone or iPad app, Microsoft’s new software can only be accessed via iMessage.

Subscribe to this suite of Mac apps to get your creative juices flowing

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Setapp Mac apps subscription service
Mac apps subscription service Setapp saves you time, effort and money.
Photo: MacPaw

This post is brought to you by MacPaw, maker of Setapp and proven Mac apps.

Setapp brings the Netflix model to Mac apps, offering access to dozens of legit apps for a modest monthly fee. While the new Mac app subscription service packs plenty of essential utilities, it also includes software designed to delight creatives.

Robotic drawing boards, chipboard wallets and more [Crowdfund Roundup]

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You can finally play drums without the drums.
You can finally play drums without the drums.
Photo: Drumistic

Crowdfund Roundup bug If you’ve ever wanted to play the drums but you don’t have the space for a real kit, you need Drumistic. These amazing sensors let you play, record, and improve your drumming with nothing more than a set of sticks.

They’re just one of the awesome ideas in this week’s Crowdfund Roundup. We’ve also got a gorgeous wireless keyboard inspired by classic typewriters, a 100 percent sustainable wallet made from chipboard, a robotic drawing board that controls itself, and more!

YouTube TV arrives to shake up streaming world

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YouTube TV is only available in 5 cities for now.
YouTube TV is only available in 5 cities for now.
Photo: YouTube

YouTube’s new tv streaming service for cord-cutters has finally arrived for customers in five major US markets.

The new service, dubbed YouTube TV, gives subscribers access to dozens of channels that normally would require a cable subscription, putting it in direct competition with the likes of Hulu, Sling TV, DirecTV Now and Playstation Vue.

Here’s how Apple could bring MagSafe to USB-C

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When Apple left off MagSafe connection to its USB-C MacBook, Griffin came up with a solution.
When Apple left off MagSafe connection to its USB-C MacBook, Griffin came up with a solution.
Photo: Griffin

Apple killed its awesome MagSafe power connection feature on the new MacBook Pro, but based on a new patent filing, the beloved port could be ready to make a comeback.

USB-C replaced MagSafe on the MacBook Pro because it can handle both power and data on a single port. It lacks the brilliant safety features of MagSafe. Hwever, it looks like Apple found a workaround similar to Griffin’s magnetic BreakSafe cables.

Gorgeous keyboard brings the typewriter feel to Mac and iOS

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Penna is the retro keyboard you've been waiting for.
Penna is the retro keyboard you've been waiting for.
Photo: Eletron

Still miss the deafening clunk and iconic design of an old typewriter? You can bring it back with Penna, a gorgeous retro keyboard for Mac and iOS.

Packed with Cherry key switches for a firm click, a macro bar for frequent shortcuts, and up to six months of use on just two AA batteries, it’s the old-school keyboard made for modern machines that you’ve been waiting for.

Use your iPhone to put your kitchen to work [Deals]

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CoM - Blue Apron Plans
Cook meals you never thought you could, ordered straight from your favorite device.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Everyone loves home-cooked meals. But our constantly connected lives often leave us too busy or distracted to gather groceries and get it together in the kitchen. With Blue Apron, your Apple devices become a gateway to a steady diet of delicious meals, or just the occasional stay-at-home date night.

It’s a simple and easy way to get gourmet-quality food into your kitchen, and right now you can subscribe to Blue Apron Plans and get three meals for two people a week for just $25 at Cult of Mac Deals.

Neat chipboard wallet is cheap, green and functional

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No animals were skinned for the making of this wallet.
No animals were skinned for the making of this wallet.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

A designer who sets out to reimagine men’s wallets must accept certain time-honored limitations. It has to be shaped to fit in a pants pocket and hold cash and credit cards of a standard size.

No matter the material, color or whether you like your cash folded in half, thirds or tucked in a clip, the look is relatively predictable.

The Chipwallet provides a fresh experience – the user must assemble it themselves.

Western Union lets you use Apple Pay to send money

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Apple in talks to bring Apple Pay to Israel
It's now easier than ever to send money using Apple Pay!
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Western Union has announced that users of its mobile app can now use Apple Pay to make mobile money transfers.

In a move that makes sending money from your account to another person’s as quick and easy as the touch of a finger on your Touch ID sensor, Western Union has expanded its Apple Pay integration beyond simply supporting it in stores.

iPhone 7 bursts into flames on user’s bedside table

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jet black iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
Incident took place in China.
Photo: Apple

A woman in East China’s Jiangsu Province claims that a new Matte Black iPhone 7 exploded while she was charging it next to her bed.

The woman, who is identified only as Yin, says that she was fortunately out of the room when the incident happened. “My phone ran out of battery, so I left it to charge on my bedside table,” she said. “I went out for a walk and heard the explosion when I came home. Then I realized it was my phone.”

Apple could make us wait until November for iPhone 8

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iphone 8 display
iPhone 8 could arrive on time after all.
Photo: Martin Hajek

Apple could delay the launch of its next-generation iPhone until October or November, according to a new report.

It is claimed the company has run into “technical issues” associated with its new curved OLED displays, which means we may not get the spectacular refresh we were expecting this September.

Siri could soon recognize your voice for added security

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Sorry, Alexa: Siri still the most widespread AI assistant
Siri could be about to get more security conscious.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Siri may soon respond to your voice and your voice alone, according to a recently-published patent application from Apple.

The security feature would essentially expand the biometric security system of Touch ID to voice, so that Siri’s voice recognition could also be used to unlock devices or potentially even confirm payments on Apple Pay.

Apple Watch competition hots up with second supplier

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Apple Watch
It will deliver a big boost to one Apple supplier.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple has reportedly added a second Apple Watch supplier to its manufacturing chain.

Until now, Quanta Computer has been the only assembler of Apple’s wearable, but Compal Electronics is expected to begin shipping Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 units in the second half of 2017.