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$26 smart scale measures 11 different health metrics

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Get smart about your weight journey with this high-tech $33 scale.
See your BMI, muscle mass and much more with this affordable smart scale.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Let’s face it. For those trying to lose weight, stepping on the bathroom scale can be the last thing we want to do. We assign too much emotional weight to that single number, when it only tells part of the story. A smart scale can help put things into perspective.

The Roomie Sophie is a smart scale that uses pinpoint sensors to measure various factors related to your overall health. For a limited time, you can grab this innovative scale for only $25.97 (regularly $79).

Ultrathin portable power bank keeps MacBooks going

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Baseus Blade 2 thin laptop charger
The Blade 2 is super-thin for portability.
Photo: Baseus

Baseus’ new Blade 2 Ultra-Thin 65W Laptop Power Bank provides enough portable power to keep MacBooks and other devices going. It also adds some interesting advanced features designed to make it even more useful.

The 65-watt, 12,000mAh power bank, released Monday, includes a charge information display and offers intelligent app control. Plus, it can charge two devices at once. If you’re looking for a reliable Baseus power bank, this model is an excellent option.

Bonus: For a limited time, the super-slender power bank is available at 30% off with promo code 30OFFBLADE, which drops the Blade 2 price to just $69.99.

Vision Pro ‘superpowers’ surgical team in spine operation

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Apple Vision Pro headset overlaid atop photo of two surgeons.
Vision Pro is an exciting new tool in the surgery theater.
Image: Apple and Olga Guryanova/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

Vision Pro demonstrated its healthcare chops recently, assisting a surgical team operating on a patient’s spine in the U.K., reports indicated. It marked the first Vision pro surgery in Europe and one of the first worldwide, undoubtedly.

Because a nurse assisting the surgeons wore the device, they could efficiently help prepare for and track the procedure.

Can you handle a display this massive? [Setups]

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Big OLED smart TV display setup with MacBook Pro
When it comes to OLED smart TVs as computer displays, how big is too big?
Photo: [email protected]

Is bigger always better? Nope. And the debate rages on over how big an OLED smart TV display should be to best-suit a computer setup. Would you go large at over 50 inches, or stick to, say, 42 inches or smaller?

Today’s MacBook Pro setup raised the issue again, surfacing some sensible advice. And the smart TV in question is on sale!

Owen Wilson heads to Apple TV+ in Ted Lasso-ish sports comedy

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Owen Wilson heads to Apple TV+ in 'Ted Lasso'-ish sports comedy
Owen Wilson tees up in an upcoming Apple TV+ comedy series about golfers.
Photo: Markus Spiske/Pixels

The list of comedies on Apple TV+ will expand with the addition of one starring Owen Wilson as a washed-up golf pro stepping up to coach a teen in the sport.

The series — which does not yet bear a name — seems to have a lot in common with Ted Lasso, another sports-themed comedy that was an enormous success for Apple TV+.

How to use AirPods as hearing aids

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AirPods Pro and Transparency Mode make for fine hearing aids.
AirPods Pro and Transparency Mode make for fine hearing aids.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

AirPods can work surprisingly well as hearing aids. Thanks to Transparency mode, AirPods Pro will boost the sound of your environment around you. They can give you freaky Spiderman super-hearing if you boost input volume to the max. And Conversation Boost on the latest AirPods Pro 2 can intelligently raise the volume of people talking to you (while lowering the volume of your music or podcasts).

My prescription hearing aids were out of action recently due to a battery problem, so for a few weeks, I used my AirPods Pro as hearing aids.

For the most part, they’ve been pretty good. They work best when set up properly, which is a bit of a chore, but here’s how to do it.

11.1-inch iPad Pro supply shortage might push back launch

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2024 OLED iPad Pro mockup
It could be hard to get your hands on the 11.1-inch iPad Pro at launch.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple will soon debut the M3 iPad Pros with OLED screens, but perhaps not as soon as many had hoped. And a new leak indicates the smaller 11.1-inch model could be in short supply at launch.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro apparently won’t have any supply issues.

Make your videos look better with this $23 portable streaming light

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Get better iPhone shots with this foldable LED light, now only $23.
Upgrade your iPhone photography with this $23 portable LED stream light.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Social media and FaceTime mean we’re all shooting more iPhone videos and photos than ever — sometimes in lighting conditions that are far from ideal. This Mini Foldable Stream Light is easy to take anywhere, so it provides better lighting anytime (and anywhere) you plan to be streaming video or taking pix.

Right now, you can elevate your imagery for a very low price. Get the Mini Foldable Stream Light for only $23.99 (regularly $29).

Brilliant mod makes iPhone 15 Pro Max match Vision Pro

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Caviar's iPhone 15 Pro mod that borrows design elements from the Apple Vision Pro headset
This unusual but gorgeous iPhone 15 Pro mod borrows design elements from the Apple Vision Pro headset.
Photo: Caviar

iPhone 15 Pro Max Vision is a version of Apple’s premier handset modified so it matches the look of the Vision Pro AR headset. It’s from Dubai-based Caviar, and is actually a beautiful option for someone who uses both devices.

But buyers will need deep pockets. The modification adds tremendously to the cost of the iPhone.

And you have to see Caviar’s crazy mod that turns a Samsung S24 Ultra into a Tesla Cybertruck. Both creations are part of Caviar’s Future collection, designed to reflect “the most prominent futuristic hits,” according to the company.

This USB-C iPhone game controller is soooo fun and portable [Review] ★★★★

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Don't play 'Diablo Immortal' without a good iPhone game controller like GameSir X2s.★★★★
Say goodbye to virtual controls and hello to precise joystick and trigger inputs with GameSir X2s Type-C Mobile Controller.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The GameSir X2s Type-C Mobile Controller is ready to make your mobile gaming so much better. Wrap the telescope design around your iPhone 15 to be ready for your favorite RPG, FPS and other advanced games.

It boasts Hall Effect sticks and triggers in a familiar arrangement, but is always ready for you to pick it up and go.

I tested it with my iPhone 15 and had quite a lot of fun. It also works with Androids. And if you’re still rocking a Lightning-enabled iPhone, don’t feel left out — GameSir has a version for you, too.

M3 MacBook Pro gets a whopping $199 discount

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Late-2023 MacBook Pro with M3
M3 MacBook Pro becomes even more affordable after a $199 discount.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s M3 MacBook Pro packs the best bits of its more powerful M3 Pro and M3 Max siblings at a lower price point. At $1,599, the laptop is also $400 cheaper than its siblings.

Amazon’s latest deal drops the price of the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro by $199. The discount means you can get the machine for as low as $1,399.

Keep your iPhone and other Apple gear topped up with this 5-in-1 power bank

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Charge all your Apple gear with $50 off this 5-in-1 power bank.
Get 5 charging options in 1 with this $70 Apple-compatible power bank.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Keeping powered up on the go is always a challenge, and there’s nothing worse than your iPhone giving out while providing directions or your Apple Watch shutting down during a workout. Fortunately, you can bring on-the-go charging anywhere with this 5-in-1 Multi-Device Power Pack.

The core of this power pack is a 10,00mAh battery holding enough capacity to charge multiple Apple devices several times. Now, you can snag this nifty charging solution for only $69.99 (regularly $119).

No App Store needed: EU iPhone users can install apps directly from websites

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No App Store needed: EU iPhone users can install apps directly from websites
iPhone sideloading just got much closer to actual sideloading.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

EU developers can forgo the App Store entirely and distribute their apps directly to iPhone users from their own websites, Apple said Tuesday. This is a significant reversal from Apple’s original rules, which required devs that wanted to skip the official App Store to place iPhone software in third-party software marketplaces.

In another major change, Apple also will allow EU developers to create app marketplaces that sell only their own software.

Apple touts robust new Vision Pro health and wellness apps

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Vision Pro health apps - Cedars-Sinai's Xaia app
Cedars-Sinai’s Xaia app offers patients AI-enabled, conversational mental health support in relaxing spatial environments where they can also do deep breathing exercises and meditation.
Photo: Apple

Powerful new health and wellness apps take advantage of visionOS’s “infinite canvas” to use spatial experiences to improve patient outcomes in clinical settings and at home, Apple said Monday. It seems that Vision Pro health apps are changing medical care.

“We’re thrilled to see the incredible apps that developers across the healthcare community are bringing to Apple Vision Pro,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “The imagination and drive of our developers, combined with the technical capabilities of visionOS, are igniting new possibilities for physicians, frontline workers, and even students, and we can’t wait to see what’s to come.”

iOS 18 could bring hearing aid functionality to AirPods Pro

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iOS 18 could bring hearing aid functionality to AirPods Pro
Conversation Boost in current AirPods Pro acts like a hearing aid but Apple reportedly wants to go farther.
Graphic: Apple

AirPods Pro might be able to act more like a hearing aid with the release of iOS 18, according to an Apple tipster.

The additional audio function would benefit those with slight hearing loss who aren’t ready for more serious hearing assistance.

Classic Macintosh SE stands with new Studio Display [Setups]

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MacBook Pro and Studio display setup with classic Macintosh SE
A classic Macintosh SE sits off to the right of the M1 MacBook Pro and Studio Display setup, and it actually gets some use.
Photo: [email protected]

Pimping out a computer setup with vintage gear is super-cool, even if the old stuff doesn’t get much use (or is solely for display purposes). Today’s M1 MacBook Pro setup recently added a new Studio Display, and both of those modern machines bask in the glory of a nearby classic Macintosh SE from the 1980s.

The ancient all-in-one computer still works and it even gets some use.

Apple TV+ takes home no Oscars despite 13 nominations [Updated]

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Apple TV+ movie
Killers of the Flower Moon got 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. But it didn't win any.
Photo: Apple TV+

No Apple TV+ film won an Academy Award on Sunday, despite 10 nominations for Martin Scorsese’s historical epic Killers of the Flower Moon — including Best Picture — and three for Ridley Scott’s historical epic Napoleon.

Despite the final results, Apple made it clear that it is honored to be nominated. And both films have drawn large audiences since they debuted on Apple’s streaming service.

Entry-level M3 MacBook Air uses significantly faster SSD

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The new MacBook Air with M3
Base M3 MacBook Airs ship with faster storage than their predecessors.
Photo: Apple

Apple fixed the slow storage speed that plagued M2 Macs on the M3 MacBook Air. Early testing indicates the entry-level M3 MacBook Air delivers significantly faster read/write speeds than its predecessor.

The slow SSD transfer speed only affected entry-level M2 Macs due to them using a single-chip NAND.

Are AirTags waterproof? [Key facts and best solutions]

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Are AirTags waterproof?
Don't be nervous: AirTags are probably waterproof enough for your needs.
Photo: Auguras Pipiras/Blaque X/Cult of Mac

Are AirTags waterproof? Keeping liquids out of our electronics isn’t always easy. Especially when it’s something we take with us everywhere, like our AirTags. Those with Apple’s handle little item tracker, or anyone thinking about getting one, might ask the questions:

  • Can AirTags be submerged in water?
  • Can AirTags go through the wash?
  • Can my dog swim with AirTag?

I’ve kept a tracking tag on my indoor/outdoor cat for years, so I fully understand wanting to be sure a bit of rain won’t cause problems. And I have tags on my keys and many other items, and I also don’t want a trip through the wash to ruin them.

Fortunately, I have lots of good news.

$18 travel charger can handle iPhone, Apple Watch and more

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Enjoy wireless, easy charging for your Apple gear with this $18 charging solution.
Save an extra 20% on this foldable, wireless charging station.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Need a compact travel charger for iPhone, Apple Watch and more? This Foldable Wireless Magnetic Charging Station does the trick, with its two MagSafe-compatible charging pads and integrated adapters. Through March 10, this nifty charging option is only $17.59 with code ENJOY20.

Vision Pro: Don’t confuse the power of AR with the limitations of VR

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Vision Pro: Don't confuse the power of AR with the limitations of VR
Comparing Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 comes down to the advantages of AR over VR.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Anyone criticizing Apple Vision Pro as a Meta Quest at seven times the price misses the profound difference between the two headsets. Apple made an augmented reality device, while Meta focused on virtual reality.

And the basic distinction between the two is that AR is the future of computing while VR will always be much more limited.

Both Apple and Meta seem to realize this, which is why their devices support AR and VR. The difference comes down to which one the rivals focus on, and that’s where Apple has the advantage.

This 13-port docking station is a real bargain, especially with new price drop!

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Find a home for all the tech with 14% off this 13-port docking station.
With 13 ports, this $39.99 hub is probably all you need to stay connected.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you want to transform a MacBook or iPad into a high-performance workstation, you’re going to need a USB-C hub to connect all your gear. And this 13-in-1 Docking Station with Dual HDMI is a great way to keep everything plugged in and organized.

If you need maximum connectivity but want to spend minimum cash, you’re in luck. Because a limited-time deal drops the price of this bestselling bargain dock to just $39.99 with code ENJOY20.

M3 MacBook Air benchmarks sound amazing, but what’s next? [The CultCast]

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M3 MacBook Air promo image with The CultCast logo (episode 637).
These new MacBook Airs sound like absolute screamers.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Surprise! Apple drops new MacBook Airs with M3 chips inside. The new laptops’ specs and first benchmarks make the performance boost sound quite impressive indeed. But what should we expect next for the MacBook, and when should we expect it?

Join us for a titillating conversation about the current state (and future) of Apple’s laptops.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple launched the M3 MacBook Airs with amazing specs, but nothing but a press release. Sounds like it’s about to do the same with new iPads. There’s a lot to look forward to if you’re a fan of Apple tablets.
  • An inside look at the canceled Apple car project offers fascinating details about crazy prototypes, dashed dreams and crushing indecision.
  • How cool would a MacBook with a folding 20-inch screen be?
  • The European Union demands a cool 1.8 billion euros from Apple over its dealings with Spotify. Sounds like a shakedown!
  • iOS 17.4 brings some useful new features to your iPhone, and Griffin tells us all about the best ones.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Constellation space-thriller becomes latest hit for Apple TV+

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'Constellation' space-thriller becomes latest hit for Apple TV+
Audiences are thrilled by Constellation on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Add Constellation to the lengthy list of Apple TV+ shows that are standout hits. The new sci-fi mystery horror series sits near the top of the popularity charts of two different ratings services, and has ever since its February premiere.

Masters of the Air remains popular, too. As do the historical dramas Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon. That puts all four of these series/films ahead of almost all the content on any streaming service.

Connect this $25 multicolor smart light to your iPhone and set the mood

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Control this smart light with your phone, on sale for $24.99.
Save $15 on this smart light that pairs with your iPhone.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re looking for a stylish new LED table lamp that can set any mood, this one delivers — and it gives you notifications right from your iPhone. The Notti smart light hooks up to your smartphone through Bluetooth to give you a heads-up with a pop of color for calls, texts, Facebook updates and more.

For a limited time, you can get the Notti smart light on sale for just $24.99.