Mobile menu toggle

Does the new MacBook Pro deserve the criticism? [Friday Night Fights]

By

fnf
Are you pleased with the new MacBook Pro?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar might be Apple’s fastest-selling Pro machine to date, but a lot of fans are far from happy with it.

Friday Night Fights bugIt’s thinner and lighter than its predecessors, and it boasts the fastest storage we’ve ever seen on a Mac. But it’s also a lot more expensive, and it’s missing traditional USB-A ports that the vast majority of us still rely on every day. The SD card slot is gone, too.

But, does it really deserve all this criticism? Join us in this week’s Friday Night Fight as we debate the new MacBook Pro and whether Apple messed up this year’s refresh.

$500 off refurbished MacBook Air, $80 off a GoPro bundle and much more [Deals]

By

11-10collage
Save big on refurbished MacBook Airs, Canon EOS Rebel, GoPro Hero4 and more.
Photos: Apple, Canon, GoPro

Another week, another awesome deal roundup, and this time we’re all about tech! From GoPro cameras to the new Xbox One S, the web is going wild with deals on today’s hottest electronics. Amazon is even getting in on it with huge price cuts on its Echo and Kindle products.

Meet Instagram’s biggest Apple Watch band fan

By

A sampling of Ryan Verbeek's ever-growing Apple Watch band collection.
A sampling of Ryan Verbeek's ever-growing Apple Watch band collection.
Photo: Ryan Verbeek

Cult of Mac 2.0 bugRyan Verbeek is fashionable enough as he moves about Holland’s oldest city, but he says his style is not likely to draw much attention. His friends and more than 51,000 followers on Instagram beg to differ and are always curious about one detail — the band Verbeek is wearing with his Apple Watch.

The 17-year-old student has a collection of nearly 40 bands that he routinely switches out depending on his mood or wardrobe. His enthusiasm has gained him Instagram fame, free bands from companies hoping he will model them for his social media account, and a deal to collaborate with a French company to design a couple of bands.

Massively expand your Mac’s functionality with this 9 Mac app bundle [Deals]

By

CoM - The Black Friday Mac Bundle 2.0
Featuring PDF Expert 2.0 and eight other utility Mac apps

How can you make a great computer even better? One way is to get a bundle of diverse productivity apps like this one. It’s packed with nine awesome apps like PDF Expert 2.0, Call Recorder for Facetime, MainMenu Pro 3, TripMode, and more. And right now you can get the whole thing for $19.99, a massive 92 percent off the usual price.

Read on for more details:

Big bailout gives Apple display maker a shot at OLED

By

iPhone 7
The iPhone is getting OLED displays next year, but not everyone's happy about it.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple display maker Japan Display is set to receive yet another bailout, in the vicinity of $703 million, from the Japanese government-backed fund that is it’s larger shareholder, claims a new report.

The money will help Japan Display catch up its OLED manufacturing capabilities, which have been lagging behind its rival display makers.

‘Catastrophe theory’ explains MacBook Pro backlash

By

Apple's 2016 MacBook Pros, which Apple fans hate.
Apple's 2016 MacBook Pros, which Apple fans hate.

Apple’s launch of the new MacBook Pros prompted a surprisingly virulent backlash — one that can be explained by “catastrophe theory” in mathematics.

Normally, reaction to Apple’s new products is remarkably consistent. Apple loyalists are pleased, the wider public approves and the tech press cynically dismisses the new products (because they hold Apple to a higher standard than the rest of the industry).

This time, it was different. There was a very loud and very negative reaction. The negativity came not from the tech press, but from the most loyal and ardent Mac enthusiasts. The very people who evangelize Apple products and who are deeply invested in the whole ecosystem were the ones most vocally expressing disappointment, frustration and outright anger.  

So what exactly happened? What was so bad about these new machines to provoke this reaction?

As best as I can tell, the answer is nothing at all.

Take your wired headphones wireless with this Bluetooth adapter

By

AirMode Bluetooth headphone adapter
The AirMode Bluetooth headphone adapter lets you cut the cord on your wired headphones.
Photo: Audio Nation

If you’ve got high-end wired headphones and want to make them wireless, AirMode might do the trick. The short cable comes with standard audio connectors on either end that replace the detachable cords found on many headphones.

Packed with features and reasonably priced, AirMode could be the perfect Bluetooth dongle for retrofitting your gear for Apple’s wireless future.

How to use Siri to send people money with PayPal

By

Siri can now send friends cash using PayPal.
Siri can now send friends cash using PayPal.
Photo: PayPal

PayPal is making it super-easy to send friends money, thanks to new Siri support introduced in the company’s iOS app today.

Now you can use voice commands to tell Siri how much money to send, and who to send it to. All you have to do is set up the PayPal app to give Siri access. Here’s how to do it:

Week’s best Apple deals: Get an Apple Watch for just $209

By

It might be time to snag a deal on the first-gen Apple Watch.
It might be time to snag a deal on the first-gen Apple Watch.
Photo: Apple, Pixelbite

As often happens, the best Apple deals we’re seeing this week are on refurbs and older-generation devices.

If you don’t demand the latest/greatest, you can definitely score a bargain on an iPad Air, Apple Watch and other Apple gear in this week’s roundup of best Apple deals.

AirPods supposedly land in Apple stores next week

By

airpods
Is the wait almost over?
Photo: Apple

Apple still hasn’t officially told us when its AirPods will finally become available, but according to one customer, some stores will begin receiving stock next week.

AirPods were originally scheduled to make their debut in October, but since Apple announced a delay, the company has kept quiet about when the wireless headphones will go on sale.

Add Microsoft Office certification to supercharge your job search [Deals]

By

Get certified in one of the most widely-used skillsets of today's workplaces, no matter the industry.
Get certified in one of the most widely-used skillsets of today's workplaces, no matter the industry.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether or not the company you work for is based on Mac or PC, chances are they’re using at least part of the Microsoft Office suite. That means that being certified in MS Office makes you that much more qualified for any gig you’re trying to get. The Microsoft Office 2016 Certification Training Bundle offers a comprehensive background in this ubiquitous productivity suite that usually goes for $1,000, but right now you can get the whole bundle for just $39 at Cult of Mac Deals.

Tim Cook encourages Apple to move forward after Trump win

By

Tim Cook was short on surprises at the 'Hello Again' keynote.
"Apple's North Star hasn't changed," says Tim Cook.
Photo: Apple

The U.S. presidential election left people around the world anxious about the future, but Apple CEO Tim Cook rallied employees yesterday saying we all have to keep moving forward.

In an email to employees, Cook told employees that “Apple’s North Star hasn’t changed.” The Apple CEO invoked the late Martin Luther King Jr. in his note, saying, “We only do great work and improve the world by moving forward.”

Check out the full email:

Apple now sells refurbished 9.7-inch iPad Pro

By

iPad Pro 6
Save up to $140 on the 9.7-inch iPad Pro by buying refurbished.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple has started selling refurbished models of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, eight months after the device made its official debut.

Prices start at $509 for a 32GB Wi-Fi model — $90 less than the price of a brand new device — while more expensive options can save you up to $140.

You can now buy Apple TV apps on iOS, macOS and PC

By

apple tv and siri remote
tvOS app shopping just got easier.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple is making it easier to purchase Apple TV apps by giving users the ability to download them remotely from iOS, macOS, and Windows.

Developers can now create iTunes links for these devices that take customers directly to the product page for their tvOS app.

Best List: Luxury charging stand for Apple Watch throws a curve [Review]

By

x
The CalypsoTimeless Charging Stand consists of a simple arch form swathed in soft, European leather and held together by meticulous stitching.
Photo: CalypsoCrystal

Best List: CalypsoTimeless Cuvette Charging Stand for Apple Watch

When a high-tech accessory doubles as something else I’m always intrigued. In this instance, I’m looking at a charging stand that not only powers up my Apple Watch, but is a great art piece independent of its charging capabilities.

This AI will generate music to help you focus [Deals]

By

Let an AI help you study or relax with music that's tuned for your brain.
Let an AI help you study or relax with music that's tuned for your brain.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Computers are powerful tools for productivity, but also for distractions. Ironically, computers might also provide a solution for distraction. Brain.fm is a music streaming service that provides a soundtrack tuned to help you focus, relax, or get to sleep. What’s interesting is that all the music is composed by a computer, according to research into how the brain works. It’s like having an AI DJ at home, and right now you can get a lifetime subscription for just $39 at Cult of Mac Deals.

WhatsApp lets users share GIFs at last

By

WhatsApp
You can send Live Photos and short videos as well!
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

If you’re a fan of GIFs (and, wherever you fall on the political spectrum, today sure is a good day for them!), you’ll be pleased to hear that WhatsApp’s latest update finally gives users the chance to use them — provided they have an iOS device, that is.