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Long-running lawsuit pitting Caltech against Broadcom and Apple ends

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Broadcom
Broadcom Wi-Fi modems were at the center of a lengthy lawsuit that's finally been settled.
Photo: Florian Knodt/Flickr

The California Institute of Technology got what it wanted out of a years-long patent-infringement lawsuit against Broadcom and (peripherally) Apple. Caltech filed paperwork in a California court dismissing its case.

It’s not clear at this point whether or how much Broadcom and Apple paid the university as part of a settlement. It could be hundreds of millions, though.

Teach yourself keyboards a whole new way for the best price online

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Learn to play with this top-rated piano teaching app for under $150.
Play piano with this interactive app for the best price on the web.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Want to learn to play piano? Skoove is an interactive app that can be used with literally any kind of musical keyboard (even an old-school piano). And it’s now available for a price you won’t find anywhere else on the web.

Get Skoove, and you can master the piano thanks to a lifetime of lessons for one low price.

iPhone 16 Pro could offer 5G speed boost with even faster modem

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iPhone modem maker gets ready for faster 5G Advanced in 2024
The Qualcomm X75 modem will almost certainly appear in the iPhone 16 Pro and add support for 5G Advanced.
Image: Qualcomm

The Qualcomm X75 modem unveiled in February will be part of the iPhone 16 Pro models when they launch in 2024, according to an industry analyst. It’s the first from the modem-maker to support the speedy 5G Advanced standard.

But the cutting-edge chip supposedly won’t be included in Apple’s more affordable non-Pro handsets.

Learn a new language on your lunch break

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Get a lifetime of this top language learning system for $159.97.
Get serious about language learning with an extra $30 off Rosetta Stone.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

In theory, we’d all love to learn a new language. There are tons of benefits to being multilingual, some obvious (better communication skills, the chance to meet new friends) and some less so (heightened mental health, a resume upgrade).

The problem is finding the right time and the right teacher. And no matter what kind of time you have in your day, Rosetta Stone is designed to help you learn, one word at a time. Now anyone can get lifetime access to this popular language learning system for an extra $30 off with a special fall promo code.

This laptop sleeve also serves as wireless charger, desk mat and mouse pad

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Journey's new Nexa is a sleeve for MacBook, ,sure, but it also charges gadgets and works as a desk mat and mouse pad.
Journey's new Nexa is a sleeve for MacBook, ,sure, but it also charges gadgets and works as a desk mat and mouse pad.
Photo: Journey

Citing a workforce that has become more mobile than ever before, Journey unveiled its new journey laptop sleeve that also works as a wireless charger, mouse pad, and desk mat for a mobile setup, the company said Thursday.

“The Nexa is a laptop accessory that actually does the job of four accessories – a sleeve, charger, mousepad, and desk mat,” Journey said. ““Laptop users with a NEXA in hand can enjoy better mobility when they come and go between different workspaces each day.”

Nanoleaf’s nifty portable smart lamp and new bulbs support Matter and HomeKit

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The Cono portable smart lamp can stand up, lie down or be hung up. That's handy.
The Cono portable smart lamp can stand up, lie down or be hung up. That's handy.
Photo: Nanoleaf

Nanoleaf added a handy new portable smart lamp with brand partner Umbra and two new smart bulbs to its Essentials line, the company said Thursday.

All of the products will work through the Matter smart-home standard with HomeKit and other smart-home platforms.

Be sure to read Apple’s guide to buying a used iPhone

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iPhone 6s drop test
Be sure to carefully inspect the used iPhone before buying it because problems are't always this obvious.
Photo: PhoneBuff

Anyone planning on purchasing a used iPhone should take a look at new support document from Apple with tips on a successful buying process.

This includes a very useful inspection checklist to go through before handing over any money.

Grab new Beats Studio Pro headphones for half off

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Sandstone is one of four colors you can choose from at the 49% off price point of $180.
Sandstone is one of four colors you can choose from at the 49% off price point of $180.
Photo: Beats

Although the well-reviewed Beats Studio Pro wireless active noise canceling (ANC) headphones just launched in July, you can now get them for half off on Amazon (49% off, to be exact). And that’s not a Prime member special, either.

So for an unknown amount of time, you can nab them for $179.95 instead of $350.

PNY dual Lightning/USB drive is ready for iPhone and Mac [Review] ★★★★☆

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PNY Duo Link iOS USB 3.2 Dual Flash Drive★★★★☆
PNY offers the cross-platform flash drive your iPhone needs.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Feeling jealous that iPhone 15 users can plug a thumb drive directly into their phone? Then you need the PNY Duo Link iOS USB 3.2 Dual Flash Drive. It has both a Lightning connector and USB-A connector, which makes it compatible with iPhone, iPad and Mac. Windows, too.

With it, you can copy images or other files between devices. Or backup your iPhone when you’re on the go.

I put PNY’s drive through its paces. Here’s what I found out.

Score CdkeySales October deals like Windows 10 Pro for just $16

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Use promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com to score major savings on Microsoft software.
Use promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com to score major savings on Microsoft software.
Photo: CdkeySales.com

With the leaves turning colors and the wood stoves standing by for winter, it’s not too late to score great deals on Microsoft’s crucial productivity software, Windows and Office. Bargains await in the October Sale at CdkeySales.com.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by CdkeySales.
Software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com offers amazing prices. 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, when you buy Windows 10, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11.

Logitech’s new Wave Keys keyboards bring all-day typing comfort

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Logitech's Wave Keys keyboards are all about comfort and come in three color choices.
Logitech's Wave Keys keyboards are all about comfort and come in three color choices.
Photo: Business Wire

Logitech unveiled its new Wave Keys ergonomic keyboards for personal and business uses Wednesday. They offer “instantly familiar typing, providing comfort at the desk in the home and office,” the company said.

“We believe that everybody deserves to feel good at the end of a day of work, so we set about designing workspace essentials that are as attractive and approachable as they are ergonomic,” said Art O’Gnimh, general manager, Logitech Core Personal Workspace. “Wave Keys has workspace wellbeing at its heart, thanks to its science-driven design with a stamp of approval from leading ergonomists.”

Safeguard your devices anywhere with this cybersecurity hardware

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Save $99 on this hardware firewall Mac protector.
The Deeper Connect Pico is portable protection you can trust.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re going on vacation or working from anywhere, you need to protect your gear before using networks you don’t know. Instead of yet another software subscription, the Deeper Connect Pico offers hard-wired protection that fits in your pocket.

Right now, you can get this travel-ready cybersecurity protection device and Wi-Fi adapter for just $148.99. That’s $99 off the $248 MSRP.

Gain exclusive access to scorching travel deals

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This member-exclusive travel deal website is now only $40 for your first year.
Join the Travel Buyers Club for just $40 for your first year.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Globetrotters may think they already know all the best travel hacks, but they might not know this secret: With Travel Buyers Club, you can gain access to member-exclusive prices on airfare, hotels, rental cars, theme parks and more.

Since you’re a Cult of Mac reader, you can save 60% on your first year of membership and get it for just $39.99 (regularly $99).

Don’t expect an OLED MacBook before 2026

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OLED MacBook is possible… and probably inevitable
An OLED MacBook will happen, but patience is required.
Photo: Cult of Mac

An authority on display technology said Wednesday that Apple will be unable to introduce a MacBook with an OLED screen for at least three years.

But iPads with OLED are expected much sooner.

Storm Reid drops MacBook Air study tips in new video

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When you have a study partner, you get to know their favorite snack. Reid's is sardines and hot sauce on pieces of a tortilla shell.
When you have a study partner, you get to know their favorite snack. Reid's is sardines and hot sauce on pieces of a tortilla shell.
Photo: Apple

Apple posted a 90-minute “Study With Me” YouTube video Wednesday showing actress Storm Reid, a college student, leading a study session with her 15-inch MacBook Air.

And while the video promotes the laptop, it really is a study session using the Pomodoro method, with study periods, breaks and music. So crack that laptop and get to work with her.

Last chance: Grab great deals on cool Function101 Apple accessories

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These cable blocks are incredibly handy for taming cable clutter.
These cable blocks are incredibly handy for taming cable clutter.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

As part of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, Function101 offers a couple of ways to save on Apple accessories, like the accessory-maker’s nifty Cable Blocks, Apple TV remote control and Desk Mat Pro.

But act fast, because the offers end Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

Meet the amazing disappearing workstation [Setups]

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Where did it go? Hint: The display is hiding in plain sight.
Where did it go? Hint: The display is hiding in plain sight.
Photo: Nick Howard

Cult of Mac reader Nick Howard sent us his clever M1 Mac mini computer setup. It’s clever because it pulls a disappearing act, with very little effort on Howard’s part, whenever it’s not in use. Almost like magic.

“I love this setup as it’s completely unobstrusive when not being used and, in use, it offers the perfect combination of screen size and display of information for me, [while] remaining minimalist,” he said.

Build a reading list and track your progress [Awesome Apps]

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Reading Time for iPhone
A smarter way to keep your reading list organized.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

Reading Time for iPhone and iPad lets you build a library of books, then tracks your progress as you read. It encourages reading by making everything easier and more fun.

You can easily scan books by their barcodes to add them to your library. When you start a reading session, a Live Activity will show up on your Lock Screen, in the Dynamic Island or in StandBy.

The Reading Time app keeps track of your progress with detailed stats — like your reading speed, and estimated time until you’re finished — in an organized dashboard of books.

Mophie’s new 3-in-1 MagSafe charger extends for FaceTime calls

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You can raise, lower and tilt the iPhone MagSafe charging pad.
You can raise, lower and tilt the iPhone MagSafe charging pad.
Photo: Mophie

The new Mophie 3-in-1 Extendable Stand with MagSafe features a tilting charging pad that telescopes upward from its base to help you position your iPhone for the best FaceTime calls.

And with charging spots for Apple Watch and AirPods, you can power up three devices at the same time.

Apple rakes in up to $20 billion a year to make Google the iPhone default search engine

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Google
Google pays big to be an important part of using an iPhone.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Being the default search engine in the Safari web browser is apparently worth an enormous amount of money. Google reportedly pays Apple between $18 billion and $20 each year for the privilege.

But the payments might come to an end as a result of the antitrust accusations the Department of Justice brought against the search giant.

iOS 17.1 will add pocket-detection mode for iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button

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Closeup of iPhone 15’s new Action button.
iOS 17.1 will make a slight change to iPhone 15 Pro's Action Button behavior.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple will tweak the Action button’s behavior on the iPhone 15 Pro with the upcoming iOS 17.1. The change should prevent accidental keypresses from triggering the camera or flashlight.

The customizable Action button is easily one of the key highlights of the iPhone 15 Pro series.