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Magnetic cable management system clears clutter for less than $14

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Elago cable management system
Keep chargers under control.
Photo: Elago

When you have too many cables cluttering up your desk or bedside table, you need a good cable-management system. Elago’s uses cleverly placed magnets to keep things tidy, and it costs just $13.99.

A single device holds up to three cables, which can be easily removed and reattached should you ever need to move them. Order yours today in black or white from the Cult of Mac Store.

Adding Spatial Audio earns musicians more money

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Apple Spatial Audio technology
Spatial Audio puts users in the middle of their music.
Image: Apple

Apple Music reportedly will pay artists 10% more for tracks that use Spatial Audio, which offers a surround sound-like experience without requiring additional speakers.

Theoretically, more music that offers Spatial Audio should persuade more consumers to buy Apple products that support the feature.

Matrix Ultimate charges your gadgets at home and on the go [Review] ★★★★

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Alogic Matrix Ultimate★★★★
Matrix Ultimate fast-charges MagSafe iPhones and Apple Watch while also juicing up AirPods
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you only want one charger for your smaller gadgets, Alogic’s new Matrix Ultimate is nearly ideal. You can use the 3-in-1 charger for iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch at home or easily take it with you on trips.

That’s because the solidly built folding portable charger has a removable power bank and Apple Watch charging puck, plus a very nice felt carrying case. And it comes with a power adapter and USB-C cable. It’s not cheap, but it’s quite useful.

Protect up to 6 devices for life with this $33 VPN deal

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Save $130 on this VPN service that can be applied to six devices.
Stay safe, and avoid regional streaming restrictions, with $130 savings on this versatile VPN.
Photo: StackCommerce

You can’t be too safe online, and a trustworthy VPN can help make sure your private information isn’t exploitable.

Rather than go through each day as a vulnerable internet user, lock down online protection with lifetime access to BulletVPN. Normally sold for $162, this plan (which works for up to six devices) is available for only $32.97 through January 28.

Get Windows 11 Pro for less than $25

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Microsoft's top-rated OS, Windows 11 Pro, is now under $25.
Put Windows 11 Pro on three PCs for less than $25 total.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The latest, greatest version of Microsoft Windows is a powerful, productivity-boosting operating system for PC users. And now through January 28, you can get Windows 11 Pro on sale for just $24.97 (regularly $199).

For that low price, you can get yourself (or a loved one) a plethora of advanced features from Microsoft, available to use on up to three PCs!

Constellation trailer explodes with horror from space

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Contellation on Apple TV+
The psychological space-thriller premieres on Apple TV+ February 21.
Photo: Apple TV+

After a disastrous mission, an astronaut returns to Earth to find parts of her life missing, and it appears a horrifying conspiracy may be to blame, according to the trailer Apple TV+ dropped Monday for the upcoming eight-part space-thriller series Constellation.

The streamer describes the series, which stars Noomi Rapace and Jonathan Banks, as an “action-packed space adventure,” but the trailer feels more like horror. Good thing Apple also calls it a “conspiracy-based psychological thriller.” It premieres February 21.

What to try first in iOS 17.3

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iOS 17.3
iOS 17.3 introduces a major new security feature for iPhones.
Image: Cult of Mac

iOS 17.3, the third major release of iOS 17, arrived Monday. It packs several new features, one of which is Stolen Device Protection. It also brings the much-delayed Apple Music playlist collaboration.

Once you install iOS 17.3 on your iPhone, check out the new features you must try below.

Nightshade app ‘poisons’ AI models copying your art [Awesome Apps]

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Nightshade app
Researchers at the University of Chicago have given artists a tool to fight AI models imitating their artwork.
Photo: University of Chicago
Awesome Apps

Artists have every reason to fear artificial intelligence (AI) models that might train on their artwork online without permission, essentially imitating it and potentially diluting its value.

A new free app called Nightshade — yeah, after the poisonous plant — is here to mess with AI models to deter trainers from doing that.

No regrets on move from monster PC to M3 MacBook Pro [Setups]

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M3 Max MacBook Pro setup
The M3 Max MacBook Pro in clamshell mode offers plenty of power in a small, mobile footprint.
Photo: [email protected]

If you have a powerful custom desktop PC, why would you switch to a MacBook Pro? We’ve seen plenty of setups that opt to include both, but today’s setup made the swap and its user feels zero regrets.

The Mac laptop is just that powerful, and the option for mobile use proved irresistible.

MacBook Air with speedy M3 chip on track for spring launch

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M2 MacBook Air comes i 13-inch and 15-inch versions
Apple M3 processor will reportedly reach the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air soon.
Photo: Apple

The sleek MacBook Air will get upgraded with the recently released M3 processor this spring, according to a trusted source of insider info.

The Apple M3 is also supposedly coming to the iPad Pro, probably at the same event.

Siri Remote case holds an AirTag so you can’t lose your clicker

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Pair your Siri Remote with an AirTag
Before your Siri Remote goes missing, make sure you can track it.
Photo: Elago

Forever losing your Siri Remote for Apple TV? You should probably do something about that — like wrapping yours in one of these protective silicone cases from Elago that also can house an AirTag.

Priced at less $15, the R5 case keeps your sleek and slender remote in tip-top condition, and allows it to be easily tracked when it inevitably goes missing. It also makes your 2020/2021 Apple TV remote more comfortable to hold onto.

Bag yours today from the Cult of Mac Store.

More Vision Pro headsets sold on launch weekend than you might expect

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Apple Vision Pro applications
Apple wants Vision Pro to be for work as well as play.
Photo: Apple

Apple quickly ran through its launch-day inventory of Vision Pro headsets Friday, but customers continued to place preorders for units to be delivered later. The weekend total could have reached 180,000 units, according to a report from a trusted analyst.

Wait times for the device to be delivered now stretch out to March, but questions remain about long-term demand.

Why I’m going ‘nearly nude’ with my iPhone 15 Pro Max

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iPhone 15 Pro Max with no case, held aloft defiantly
iPhone case? I don't need no stinkin' case.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

After several months with my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I’m stripping off its case and going “nearly nude.”

Yes, there’s a chance I’ll drop it and incur a hefty repair bill. (If so, AppleCare+ will ease the sting.) But the unbridled joy of the naked iPhone in my hand — and the lurid thrill of leering at its sleek natural titanium finish — make it worth the risk.

Leak reveals alleged 12.9-inch iPad Air design

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iPad Air 6
An iPad Air with a bigger display could arrive in Q1 2024.
Photo: Apple

Rumors indicate Apple is working on a 12.9-inch iPad Air due to launch later this year. A new leak shows off alleged design renders of the upcoming tablet.

The CAD renders show that the 12.9-inch iPad Air will resemble its 10.9-inch sibling. However, it apparently will feature a redesigned rear camera module.

Google admits Chrome Incognito mode does almost nothing

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The Google Chrome logo with the caption:
Google is finally having to make it clear that Chrome's Incognito mode does almost nothing.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The description of Chrome’s Incognito mode will soon be changed to make it clear that Google tracks people who use the web browser. It also will warn users that websites can gather data about them as well.

This means the only people blocked from knowing your browsing history when using Incognito mode are family/friends who use the same computer.

Will Apple Vision Pro be a hit? [The CultCast]

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Apple Vision Pro demo The CultCast episode 630
Will Vision Pro leave us all saying, "Whuuuuut?!?" in amazement? We're about to find out.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple Vision Pro preorder week brings interesting new details about the mixed-reality headset. Will it be a sellout success? An amazing entertainment device? A $3,499 pain in the neck?

Maybe all of the above! We go over the last-minute pros and cons.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Apple Watch drops a key health feature, but the patent fight’s not over yet.
  • Cupertino’s compliance with “anti-steering” mandates won’t please anybody, especially developers like Epic Games.
  • Got an old iPhone gathering dust somewhere? We’ve got some DIY projects for you.

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.

Apple offers to open iPhone tap-to-pay to other payment systems in the EU

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Apple Pay Tap-to-Pay
Those in the EU may soon be making "tap and go" payments with something besides Apple Pay.
Photo: Apple

The days of the iPhone’s NFC capabilities being limited to just Apple Pay are coming to an end. Apple is open to allowing rivals to use the iPhone wireless tap-to-pay system. But only in the European Union.

The change is the result of antitrust charges brought by the EU.

Become a cybersecurity expert with this $33 bundle

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Learn a new skill in 2024 with this $33 cyber security training bundle.
Gain ethical hacking knowledge with more than 130 hours of content in this certification bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Cybersecurity is a field with undeniable demand. The reason is obvious: Most businesses and companies rely heavily on digital means to conduct daily operations, facilitate communication and much more. To acquire the expertise needed to work in the cybersecurity field, consider an affordable start with some well-sourced e-learning.

You can gain critical skills with this comprehensive cybersecurity and ethical hacking training bundle. The courses in this bundle will help you prepare for certifications. And the whole thing is on sale now for only $32.97 (regularly $130).

Forgotten iPhone passcodes are no problem with this $39.99 app

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Unlock your iOS device with this $39.99 app.
MobiUnlock unlocks iOS devices in a snap.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether it’s an old iPhone you need to get back into or your passcode just slipped your mind, there’s more than one way to get into your iOS devices. MobiUnlock is an iOS unlocking tool that works for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to bypass your passcodes and get you back inside, no hacking needed.

New video makes Vision Pro look fun, conveniently skips the work part

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Screenshot of Apple's 'guided tour' of Vision Pro.
Apple's guided tour makes Vision Pro look amazing, but suspiciously skips over any serious work.
Photo: Apple

Check out Apple’s new video for the Vision Pro: It’ll definitely give you FOMO. Labeled a “guided tour,” the 10-minute video shows a newbie user testing the AR/VR headset for the first time.

You’ll see lots of moments where the newbie gasps with Steve Jobs’ famous childlike wonder. But while Vision Pro looks amazing for consuming media, the video suspiciously skips over work you might do with Apple’s new spatial computer. It’s mentioned, but briefly: Here’s your workspace, now let’s watch Godzilla!

Apple Vision Pro with max storage and accessories costs $6,257

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Apple Vision Pro with max storage and accessories costs $6,257
$3,499 is only the starting price for Apple Vision Pro.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

There were gasps when Apple first revealed that the Vision Pro headset costs $3,499, but shoppers who load the spatial-computing device up with additional storage and Apple’s recommended add-ons pay almost twice as much.

But to put that price in perspective, an earlier ground-breaking Apple product — one that changed computers forever — cost even more than that when it launched decades ago.

Making Apple Vision Pro video will mesmerize you

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The Making Apple Vision Pro title card
You won't see a more fascinating 1-minute, 21-second video today!
Image: Apple

Even if you have zero interest in buying a $3,499 mixed-reality headset, you should stop right now and watch the new Making Apple Vision Pro video. It’s an absolutely mesmerizing video that shows the elaborate manufacturing process for Apple’s upcoming “spatial computing” device.

It takes just over a minute to watch, and it’s truly stunning!

Apple Vision Pro weight doesn’t sound like a neck-breaker

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How much does Apple Vision Pro weigh? The mystery has been solved. Stock image of a scale.
The mystery has been solved.
Photo: Graphic Node/Unsplash License

How much does Apple Vision Pro weigh? That was one of the great mysteries about the $3,499 mixed-reality headset before Apple published the Vision Pro technical specifications Friday.

The answer? Between 21.2 and 22.9 ounces. That’s 1.325 to 1.431 pounds, or 600 to 650 grams. (The “weight varies depending on Light Seal and head band configuration,” Apple says.)

‘Small’ MacBook Pro rig punches well above its weight [Setups]

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MacBook Pro setup
Despite appearances, there's really a lot going on here.
Photo: [email protected]

Isn’t it great when someone on social media humbly displays a well put-together and complete computer setup that makes yours look like random debris? Well, at least it’s a good learning opportunity. And today’s MacBook Pro setup is an exceptional example, as it doesn’t look like “all that” — even though it is.

At a glance you might not guess that it packs about two dozen components, and the user is happy to explain how he uses most of them.