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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Epic Games came out ahead in the latest skirmish between the developer and Apple. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Epic Games can release Fortnite in the EU and open an App Store rival after Apple restored the company’s developer account. This came as the European Commission was starting an inquiry into why the account had been cancelled.
Apple called Epic Games “untrustworthy” when it pulled the account.
Generative AI features will almost certainly be the centerpiece of iOS 18. Concept: Kevin Kall
New generative AI features are expected to be a highlight of iOS 18, and a skilled artist created a concept video that presents an early look at how they might work.
The video also shows other suggested upgrades, like bringing Split View — Apple’s multitasking feature that lets two apps appear side by side on iPad (and Mac) — to the iPhone.
Don't miss this chance to get a great iPad for almost $400 off. Photo: Apple
With Apple expected to release new iPad models anytime now, Amazon bargain site offers a doozy of a deal on the still-awesome 2021 12.9-inch iPad Pro: $389 off. Getting almost $400 off iPad Pro is not a deal we see every day.
“iHad an iPad but iLost it and now iSad,” Woot says at the top of the sale page. No need to be sad when you can bag a fantastic, brand-new, full-sized M1 iPad with 128GB of storage for just $809.99.
This audio interface turns your Mac into a music studio for two microphones and two instruments. Photo: Focusrite
If you’re going to make and manipulate music or other sound with your Mac setup, odds are you need a good audio interface. Today’s Mac Studio workstation relies on a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB audio interface when the user makes YouTube videos, for example.
Check it out below, along with the rest of the setup’s gear.
Enter promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com to score major savings on Microsoft software. Photo: CdkeySales.com
March may come in like a lion and leave like a lamb, but it also offers fantastic deals on Microsoft software, thanks to CdkeySales.com’s March Sale. Bargains galore await on Microsoft productivity software like Windows and Office, including a great Windows 10 Pro deal for just $17.05.
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This post is brought to you by CdkeySales.
You can find surprisingly low prices at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com now and throughout the year. To get the most savings, enter promo code CULT. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s low prices on software keys. And what’s more, if you buy Windows 10, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11.
Apple expects the larger 2024 iPad Pro model to be the more popular. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple reportedly ordered 8.5 million OLED screens for the iPad Pro models it’s expected to launch soon. More of these panels are for the 13-inch version of the tablet than they are for the 11-inch one.
Leaks indicate the next generation iPad Pro will reach store shelves later this month. Possibly even next week.
Making the switch from iPhone to Android will get easier. But there's a caveat. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple is building a way out of the iOS “walled garden.” It promised on Thursday to make it easier to switch the data from an iPhone to an Android or other handset.
That said, the migration tool is part of Apple complying with the European Union’s Digital Market Act so the solution might not be available outside of the EU.
Record your trips, and back up safely, with this dual-cam touchscreen that mounts on your rearview mirror. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
The more time you spend in your car, the more dashcams seem like a really good idea. They’re a great way to monitor the road and protect yourself in case of an accident, but a cheap cam can be more trouble than it’s worth. This 4K dashcam/backup cam combo covers all the bases — and it’s on sale for a limited time.
When it comes to features, this 4K touchscreen dashcam and backup cam delivers everything a safe driver needs. The 10-inch IPS touchscreen attaches easily to your rearview mirror. And for a limited time, you can grab one for just $76.79 with code ENJOY20.
Maya Rudolph stars as Molly Wells on season two of Apple TV+ comedy series "Loot." Photo: Apple TV+
Ridiculously rich people are the problem, ridiculously rich person Molly Wells (Maya Rudolph) says in the season two trailer for comedy series Loot, out Thursday. And that’s why she’ll give away her whole $120 billion fortune. Or she’ll try, anyway.
Loot season two debuts with two episodes April 3 on Apple TV+.
macOS Sonoma 14.4 brings in a couple of nice tweaks. Photo: Apple
The wait is over for macOS Sonoma 14.4, with the new version going out a bit sooner than expected. It brings in new emoji plus auto-generated transcripts in the Apple Podcasts app.
watchOS 10.4 also went to all users on Thursday, as did tvOS 17.4 and visionOS 1.1.
This one with the gold stainless steel case and matching Milanese Loop is $60 off. Photo: Apple
We often point out sale prices on basic Apple Watch Series 9 models — usually the more-affordable ones with aluminum cases and GPS only. But now Amazon is rocking great low prices on the fancy stainless steel models with cellular coverage plus GPS. You could save up to $227!
BenQ's new PD3225U Designer Monitor packs features ideal for Mac and MacBook users. Photo: BenQ
BenQ rolled out a new 32-inch 4K display Wednesday aimed straight at Mac and MacBook users. It’s the BenQ PD3225U Thunderbolt 3 Designer Monitor. At $1,100, the 4K display packs features that might tempt you away from spending more on a Studio Display or another 5K monitor.
“Featuring IPS Black for 2000:1 contrast ratio, Color Match with Mac devices through M-book mode, and iKeyboard Control, the PD3225U is the perfect creative complement for Mac users in need of color accuracy and enhanced connectivity,” the company said.
This concept could be an early glimpse of the MacBook of the future. Concept: Astro HQ
Apple continues to work on a MacBook with a 20-inch folding screen, according to a reliable source of insider information. It could set a new pattern for notebooks for the coming decade.
The product has been on the drawing board for quite some time, but isn’t scheduled for release until 2027.
One Apple car prototype reportedly looked something like one of Canoo's microbus-style vehicles. Photo: Canoo
The history of the Apple car is littered with wild prototypes, astonishing hubris and a deadly dose of crippling indecision, according to a damning report that offers the best picture yet of the secretive Project Titan.
It sounds like many Apple employees — and even key execs — viewed the self-driving car project as a doomed effort nearly from the start.
“The big arc was poor leadership that let the program linger, while everyone else in Apple was cringing,” said an anonymous Apple executive who worked on Project Titan.
If you want to know how a massive research and development project can crash and burn, this new behind-the-scenes account of Project Titan will show you how. It’s filled with gory details of unachievable goals, chaotic management, bad decisions (and sometimes no decisions at all).