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iPhone gaming gets even better with redesigned Backbone One controller

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iPhone gaming gets even better with redesigned Backbone One controller
Have more fun gaming with the updated Backbone One iPhone game controller.
Photo: Backbone

Backbone updated the Lightning version of its popular game controller for iPhone with new magnetic adapters, a reshaped D-pad, and more. The goal of the second generation Backbone One is “better, faster, and longer gaming,” according to the company.

It now matches the updated USB-C version that Backbone introduced in autumn 2023.

Why you shouldn’t use M3 MacBook Air in clamshell mode

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2024 MacBook Air M3 with dual-monitor support
In clamshell mode, 2024 MacBook Air can connect to a pair of external displays.
Photo: Apple

The recently launched MacBook Air with the Apple M3 processor performance slows down significantly if pushed too hard when in clamshell mode (with the lid closed). Thermal throttling is the culprit.

That said, the problem mostly shows up when using Apple’s consumer-grade notebook for tasks it’s not designed to handle.

Power up iPhone, Apple Watch and more with first Belkin Qi2 wireless charging stand

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Power up iPhone, Apple Watch and more with first Belkin Qi2 wireless charging stand
Belkin just launched one of the first multi-device charging stands with Qi2.
Photo: Belkin

The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand with Qi2 offers 15W charging for iPhone and other Qi2-enabled handsets, fast charging for Apple Watch, and optimal charging for AirPods, too.

This third version of Belkin’s charging stand launched Tuesday.

EarFun’s first over-ear headphones break new ground on value [Review] ★★★★★

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EarFun Wave Pro headphones★★★★★
EarFun Wave Pro headphones have great features, sound quality, noise cancellation and battery life for the money ($80).
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Listening to music through EarFun’s first over-ear headphones — EarFun Wave Pro, released Monday — I almost couldn’t believe the high quality sound and wonderful comfort they offer. That’s why I give the set 5 stars in this EarFun Wave Pro headphones review.

It’s flat-out astonishing that someone can offer this level of audio quality, noise cancellation, comfort and battery life for $80.

With AirPods Max rarely marked down much from their lofty $549 price, you have to wonder why people spend that much, or even $300, for a great set of cans.

Sneak peek shows ‘one-of-a-kind’ Apple Store in Shanghai

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Apple Jing’an in Shanghai
A plaza with a nearby temple encircles the dramatic new Apple Store in Shanghai.
Photo: Apple

Apple previewed its unusual new retail location in Shanghai Monday. Apple Jing’an, located near Jing’an Temple and Jing’an Park, opens Thursday. Encircled by a plaza, Apple Jing’an store in Shanghai will be a community gathering place and “a one-of-a-kind shopping destination,” the iPhone giant said.

Fraggles get frantic in Back to the Rock season 2 trailer

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Back to the Rock season 2 trailer
A big dust storm messes things up in Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock season 2 trailer.
Image: Apple TV+

Jim Henson’s Fraggles learn to adapt to change and stick together after a dust storm in the season 2 trailer for Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock.

The Emmy Award-winning kids musical comedy series returns to Apple TV+ March 29. Season two cast includes the return of Daveed Diggs plus new guest stars Ariana DeBose, Brett Goldstein, Catherine O’Hara, Adam Lambert and K-pop group aespa.

M1 MacBook Air drops to all-time low price of $649

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MacBook Air M1 2020
2020 MacBook Air drops to $649 after a massive discount.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple discontinued the M1 MacBook Air following the debut of the M3 Airs earlier this month. But you can still get your hands on the first Apple silicon laptop for as low as $649.

Right now, Best Buy’s deal makes this very capable laptop insanely more affordable.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Pro Display XDR completes powerful MacBook Pro rig [Setups]

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Pro Display XDR setup
The third, final and best display here is Apple's stellar Pro Display XDR.
Photo: [email protected]

In the computer setup arms race over bigger and better external displays, one monitor reigns supreme (with a price tag to match) — Apple’s phenomenal Pro Display XDR. Today’s M3 Max MacBook Pro rig just added one to its two other displays, including the oddly square LG DualUp.

Look through visionOS App Store when considering Apple AR headset

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Look through visionOS App Store when considering Apple AR headset
You no longer have to own Vision Pro to see what's on the visionOS App Store.
Screenshot:

Apple made the visionOS App Store available for anyone to look through. The change will give anyone thinking about buying the Vision Pro AR headset a preview at what software is available.

Previously, the list of available app was only viewable by those who already owned the cutting-edge computer that launched in the United States in February.

EarFun’s first over-ear headphones claim hi-res sound, 80-hour playback

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EarFun Wave Pro headphones on laptop user
Paying $80 for hi-res over-ear ANC headphones with 80-hour battery life seems like a steal. But for a short time you can pay just $56.
Photo: EarFun

Known for high-quality earbuds that don’t break the bank, EarFun released a set of over-ear cans Monday for the first time — Earfun Wave Pro Hi-Res ANC Wireless Headphones.

Introduced at CES 2024, the new noise-canceling EarFun Wave Pro cans claim high-resolution audio, hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) and a stalwart 80 hours of playback. And all that comes at a cost of just $80. Actually, even less for early-bird buyers. If you’re considering Apple Mac headphones as an alternative, you might want to explore this review of EarFun Wave Life headphones to compare features.

Promote mindfulness and creativity with Groodles art therapy app

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Use art therapy from Groodles to promote relaxation and emotional expression, now $39.99.
Add art therapy to your emotional health regimen with Groodles, on sale for less than $40 for life.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Art therapy can be a powerful tool for your emotional well-being, yet it can be difficult to find accessible tools to use it to its maximum potential. Groodles changes that by putting an art therapy app on your iPhone or iPad.

Named one of AppAdvice’s top apps of January 2024, Groodles is designed for all ages and to be as accessible as possible. Children and adults alike can benefit from Groodles and its promotion of art therapy for self-expression and stress relief. Right now, lifetime access costs just $39.99 (regularly $149).

iOS 18’s generative AI features might use Google Gemini

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iOS 18 with Gemini logo
Google could power many of iOS 18's AI features.
Concept logo/Graphics: Kevin Kall/Google

Apple could use Google Gemini to power the generative AI features reportedly coming this year in iOS 18. Apple and Google are reportedly in “active negotiations” about the possibility, but have not yet finalized a deal. If it happens, it would be the first time in years that the two tech giants have collaborated so closely.

Apple also held talks with OpenAI and considered using ChatGPT, according to Bloomberg’s report.

Smartwatch curious? Try this affordable Apple Watch alternative for fitness fans.

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You're just in time to get this Apple Watch alternative for its early Black Friday Price.
You can get the MagPro activity-tracking smartwatch for less than $40.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If even the $249 price of the entry-level Apple Watch SE is too high to make you try a smartwatch, take a look at the MagPro instead. This activity-tracking smartwatch packs a lot of fun features into a sleek, modern design.

Purchase the MagPro Smartwatch with a gray, black, tan or teal band for $39.99. No code is needed, but stock is limited. Once we run out, it’s gone for good!

Get ready for ‘the biggest AirPods launch to date’

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Apple needs to take the frustration out of AirPods firmware updates
With ANC, AirPods 4 might be a significant jump up from its predecessor.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple suppliers are reportedly preparing for “the biggest AirPods launch to date.” The company is supposedly planning to produce between 20 million and 25 million units of AirPods 4, a significant jump from previous models, according to recent news airpods.

Apple could launch the AirPods 4 in two flavors later this year: one with ANC and another without. Alongside updated internals, the new earbuds purportedly will sport a sleeker new design.

7 reasons to become James Bond and battle Spectre in Cypher 007 stealth adventure game

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'Cypher 007' hits Apple Arcade later in September
Cypher 007 is more about sneaking past your enemies than shooting them.
Image: Tilting Point LLC/Apple Arcade

Blofeld, the criminal mastermind and head of Spectre, is once again scheming to defeat James Bond in Cypher 007 from Tilting Point LLC.

I’m a fan of RPGs so I loaded the action game on my iPhone. It’s also playable on a range of other Apple devices.

Soundcore adds better noise-masking, longer battery life to sleep earbuds

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soundcore sleep A20 earbuds
You, too, can be well-rested with Soundcore's upgraded sleep earbuds.
Photo: Soundcore

Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds with improved noise-masking, longer battery life and soft ear tips are coming to help you sleep through all the racket, parent company Anker said Friday — aka World Sleep Day.

You can sign up now for Super Early Bird pricing at $60 off in the Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for the Sleep A20 earbuds, which launches April 16.

This might be the coolest AirPods case money can buy [Review]

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Elago-W3-AirPods-case
It looks like a tiny Macintosh!
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

AirPods won’t win any awards for their durability. Their shiny plastic case picks up scratches faster than a hip-hop DJ’s latest vinyl. So you should protect them with a decent case. And for Apple fans, nothing can beat this AirPods that case looks like a Mac.

AirPods cases don’t come much cooler than those from Elago. This one is like carrying a tiny little Macintosh with you wherever you go. And prices start at just $11.99.

Update: Elago’s awesome W3 case, which makes your AirPods look like a tiny Macintosh, is now available for the latest (third-generation) AirPods and AirPods Pro. Read on for our full review.

Misleading talk about iPhone demand in China costs Apple $490 million

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Misleading talk about iPhone demand in China costs Apple $490 million
Tim Cook didn't give investors the truth about iPhone demand in China in 2018 and it's costing the company.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly settled a class-action lawsuit that accused the company of hiding news of declining iPhone demand in China. It concerns comments made by CEO Tim Cook during an investor call back in 2018.

The iPhone-maker allegedly will pay out a $490 million settlement, according to a preliminary settlement filed Friday with the U.S. District Court in Oakland, California.

Powerful speakers flank smart TV display [Setups]

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IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers
You can also stand them up vertically, as shown here.
Photo: IK Multimedia

High-quality speakers in MacBooks and Studio Displays and the like are all well and good. But if you want great sound in your computer setup, you’re better off with studio monitor speakers like those in today’s MacBook Pro setup. They’re IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers.

The powered pair of studio monitor speakers pump out 100 watts of sound apiece. And right now they’re 25% off at $300 each. Find them in the gear list below if you want to level up your setup’s sound.

Apple Pencil (2nd gen) gets a sweet 11% discount

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Apple Pencil 2 in Hand
Apple Pencil (2nd gen) is a handy iPad accessory to have.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

If you take notes or draw on your iPad, consider investing in an Apple Pencil. It will greatly enhance your note-taking and doodling experience. To know more about the latest deals and why the Apple Pencil 2 is a must-have accessory, check out this detailed breakdown.

While the Apple Pencil (2nd gen) is expensive at $129, Amazon is discounting it by 11% to $115. This makes the useful iPad stylus a bit more affordable.

Folding iPhone could be 2 years away

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Folding iPhone is here! Too bad there's only one.
This one-off folding iPhone mod could be a glimpse of the future.
Photo: KJMX

Apple may have decided that 2026 is the right year to launch a folding iPhone.

Cupertino has been tinkering with prototype handsets with foldable displays for a long time. An analyst predicted Thursday that the company will finally have something to offer in a couple of years.

Camp in style with this pop-up car cabin

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Camp in style this Labor Day with a $309.97 pop-up car cabin.
Turn your car into an outdoor gazebo with this $309.97 pop-up tent.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

What’s keeping you from traveling? A little time in a new setting can change your whole outlook — and a unique piece of travel gear makes that possibility a lot easier. It’s called Carsule, and it’s a pop-up car cabin that gives you a cool place to chill anywhere you go.

It’s not quite as crazy-luxurious as the Apple car we’ll never get. But if your current ride has a trunk that swings up, Carsule can transform it into a shady nook that lets you work, read or relax in comfort anywhere you go.

OLED iPad Air might be on hold until 2028

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OLED iPad Air preview
An iPad Air with an OLED display might be four years away.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

While the first iPad Pro with an OLED display is expected any day now, iPad Air fans will have a much longer wait. Possibly until 2028. That’s what an analyst predicted, anyway.

However, this contradicts a previous report that said an OLED iPad Air would be out in 2026.