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Apple hasn’t given up on Face ID for MacBooks

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No Face ID in MacBook Pro is a missed opportunity
There’d be far fewer complaints about the MacBook Pro notch if it included Face ID.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple just received a patent that covers building Face ID into a MacBook. The facial-recognition system is not a feature of any Mac … yet. But the new patent serves as evidence that Apple is still at least considering the idea of replacing Touch ID with Face ID in its notebook line.

This mechanical keyboard comes with a personalized display

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You can personalize the LCD screen just below the large multi-use control knob.
You can personalize the LCD screen just below the large multi-use control knob.
Photo: Epomaker

The new Epomaker TH80-X compact keyboard comes with a large, multi-use control knob and a built-in LCD screen for customization.

Available today, the latest member of Epomaker’s TH80 family of mechanical keyboards features a space-efficient 75% layout rather than a full-size one.

Apple should soon begin making iPhone ‘Batterygate’ payments to customers

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iphone battery
Batterygate is long over, but Apple is still dealing with the repercussions of a severe lapse in judgement.
Photo: iFixit

Apple is expected to soon begin making payments to iPhone users who were affected by 2017’s “Batterygate.” The iPhone-maker settled a class-action lawsuit in 2020, and the money is finally going out.

Those who owned an iPhone back then, and who filed a claim several years ago, should receive about $65.

Upgrade your storage with this 10TB cloud plan, less than $100 for life

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Upgrade your storage with this 10TB cloud plan for under $100.
Get 10TB of cloud storage that's both safe and accessible for a one-time payment of just $99.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Free cloud storage services are a dime a dozen these days, but what a lot of users are just now finding out is that you get what you pay for. If you use your devices for any kind of work, you definitely need your files to be safe. But just as importantly, you need them accessible — from anywhere.

That’s the kind of reliability users get with Degoo, a popular cloud storage service that’s now offering 10TB lifetime plans for just $99.99.

Split up payments with Apple Pay Later

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Give me my money! (In four scheduled installments)
Instead of paying once, you have the pleasure of paying four times! (But a little less.)
Image: DigiGal DZiner/Wikimedia Commons/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can split up a big purchase across four smaller payments using Apple Pay Later. Unlike other similar services like Klarna, Afterpay and Affirm, there’s no interest — you pay the exact same amount of money as if you were purchasing at once.

Payments are expected every two weeks, matching the most common paycheck schedule in the United States. It’s easy to use and transparent about what you’ll pay when; it couldn’t be more straightforward.

This bargain bundle serves up Microsoft Office and Windows 11 for less than $50

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Outfit your device with MS Office and Windows 11 for under $50.
Why pay more for the software you need? Save with this all-in-one bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re going to use Windows and Office, you might as well go pro. And this heavily discounted bundle gives PC users (or Mac users running Parallels emulation software) the latest, greatest Microsoft software for one low price.

For a limited time, Cult of Mac readers can score this package that bundles lifetime access to Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for Windows for only $49.97 (regularly $418).

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

Netflix games on TVs will use iPhones as controllers

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Netflix games on TVs will use iPhones as controllers
A just-announced Netflix cloud gaming service will bring games to TVs, as well as Mac and Windows.
Graphic: Netflix

Netflix games (remember Netflix games?) are finally expanding beyond iPhone and Android. The streaming service has begun testing its games on TVs and computers, too, via a cloud-gaming service.

A unique aspect of the upcoming service is that gamers playing on a TV will be able to use their iPhone or other handset as a controller.

Slender new Spigen hubs greatly expand MacBook connectivity

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Spigen's new 6-in-1 hub opens up the connectivity options for MacBook.
Spigen's new 6-in-1 hub opens up the connectivity options for MacBook.
Photo: Spigen

Mobile accessories-maker Spigen rolled out two new USB hubs for MacBooks and other laptops Monday: Spigen ArcDock Pro Multi Hub 6-in-1 and ArcDock Multi Hub 8-in-1.

In each case, a plethora of ports give you plenty of options for connecting your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro to loads of peripherals, including a high-definition external display.

Apple TV+ doubles down on soccer superstar Lionel Messi

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The second of the two documentary series covers Messi's big move to MLS' Inter Miami CF.
The second of the two documentary series covers Messi's big move to MLS' Inter Miami CF.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV+ said Monday it landed the “first and only behind-the-scenes account of soccer superstar Lionel Messi’s new chapter” with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami CF.

The as-of-yet untitled documentary series comes in addition to the other Messi documentary series coming to Apple TV+. That one covers the legend’s longstanding work with Argentina’s national team and his many FIFA World Cup appearances.

Try this cool way to mount iPad for use with Sidecar [Setups]

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The little iPad holder makes using Sidecar or Universal Control a cinch.
The little iPad holder makes using Sidecar or Universal Control a cinch.
Photo: [email protected]

While many folks like to have miles of screen real estate with multiple external monitors, some enjoy simply having their iPad’s screen in tandem with their main screen, especially for use with Sidecar or Universal Control.

Today’s clean and well-lighted MacBook Pro setup mounts an iPad with the main monitor in a neat way while hiding away the laptop. 

New images reveal components of iPhone 15 USB-C port

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Mockup of iPhone 15
A USB-C port will be one of the more important changes in the upcoming iPhone 15 series.
Photo: Mockup Cloud

If anyone still has lingering doubts that the iPhone 15 series will have a USB-C port, images showing the internal hardware for the port have leaked out.

The end of the Lightning port is expected to be one of the major changes of the iPhone 15 series when it debuts next month.

Get 2 dual-cam drones for less than $150

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Get 2 powerful dual-cam drones for less than $150.
Fly two of our top-rated dual-cam drones for just $149.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Remember when drones used to be fancy gadgets only a few tech wizards could tame? Well, the game has totally changed. Now, the sky’s the playground for all of us!

Introducing the ultimate drone bundle: the super-sleek Alpha Z Pro 4K and the zippy Flying Fox 4K. This dynamic drone duo will take your aerial escapades to a whole new level for just $149.99.

iPad is a bright spot in weak post-pandemic tablet market

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iPad Air 5
iPad Air 5 brought a big surge of sale in Q2 2022, which made Q2 2023 look weak.
Photo: Apple

Although people are still buying millions of iPads, the numbers are down compared to where they were during the pandemic.

Still, Apple is doing a much better job of selling tablets than any of its rivals. During the second quarter of this year, it shipped about twice as many as any other company, according to a pair of market research firms.

Apple ‘Watch X’ with new design might arrive in 2024

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Apple Watch Series 7 with Speidel Twist-O-Flex watch band
The Apple Watch's 10th anniversary upgrade could be a special one.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple is planning some big upgrades for the 2024 Apple Watch. Reportedly called the “Watch X,” it could debut with a slimmer chassis, a new watch band mechanism and other major changes.

With the Watch X launch, Apple plans to celebrate the Apple Watch’s 10th anniversary.

Ends tonight: Learn 24 languages and much more with this $160 Rosetta Stone bundle

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Get 24 languages for life with Rosetta Stone, plus unlimited courses, for just $160 today.
Learn languages and new skills forever with more than $500 off this Rosetta Stone and unlimited course bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The best gift you can give yourself is to always be learning. As John F. Kennedy said, “ Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” And as Einstein proved, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”

Make an investment in yourself and give yourself unlimited learning for life with The Unlimited Lifetime Learning Subscription Bundle featuring Rosetta Stone. Usually $749, not only is it on sale right now, but you can use the coupon ROSETTA at checkout for a further $30 off through August 13 — driving the price all the way down to $159.97.

Less than $160 to be set with learning languages and valuable skills for life? That sounds like the best investment you’ll make, perhaps, ever.

Hijack finale brings huge surge of viewers

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Idris Elba in
So many people tuned in to see the conclusion of "Hijack" starring Idris Elba that it's the most watched show on streaming.
Photo: Apple TV+

Hijack, the Apple TV+ thriller starring Idris Elba, wrapped up last week, and the finale pushed the series to the very top of the charts. It became the most popular show on any streaming service, according to a market analysis.

With the entire season of Hijack available, now is the time to binge-watch it.

Mark your calendars for iPhone 15 launch [The CultCast]

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iPhone 15: Coming soon! The CultCast logo, episode 607.
What will iPhone 15 look like? We're about to find out.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Looks like we have an iPhone 15 launch date. An early hint pinpointed September 13, but now it looks like the big reveal might come a day earlier. Mark your calendars (but maybe use a pencil rather than a Sharpie).

Also on The CultCast:

  • We take a closer look at what the iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Bionic chip can do.
  • Apple’s working on a wide array of M3 Macs — here’s a rundown. Plus, the M3 Max chip sounds particularly beastly.
  • Total Mac aficionado Griffin explains why an iPad makes a better choice than a MacBook Air for college students.
  • Apple TV 4K is about to get a sweet upgrade just for AirPods fans.

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.

Double your fun and productivity with this second screen for your laptop

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Work with two screens, anywhere, with this Kickstarter-funded laptop monitor, $90 off now.
Get this dual-screen laptop monitor for just $250.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re looking to upgrade your laptop setup, check out this portable dual-screen magic. Imagine your laptop, but with a cool extra screen sliding out. It’s like having a twin for your work!

Say hello to the Mobile Pixels Duex Plus: the champ of portable dual-screen laptop monitors. It’s got all the things you’d wish for in a second screen, plus it’s totally travel-friendly. And guess what? Right now, it’s up for grabs at a sweet price of just $249.97. That’s the absolute lowest you’ll find this gem going for online. You’re pocketing a solid $89 discount off its regular price tag of $339.

Suspicion is the word of the week on Foundation [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Jared Harris, Leah Harvey and Lou Llobell in ★★★★☆
Who can you trust in Foundation? Hari (played by Jared Harris, left), Salvor (Leah Harvey) and Gaal (Lou Llobell) get a crash course in making new allies.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewFoundation finds old flames, new complications and uncertain allies in a very engaging episode this week. Hari, Salvor and Gaal find themselves in the company of a goddess. Dusk, Dawn and Day start suspecting each other. And Sareth gets closer to the truths she came to Trantor to divine.

Unsurprisingly strong performances elevate “The Sighted and the Seen,” this week’s episode of Apple TV+’s epic science fiction series based on the work of Isaac Asimov.

Grab a lifetime MS Office license for just $34.97 during our two-day flash sale

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You can get a lifetime MS Office license during this two-day flash sale for only $34.97.
A Microsoft Office lifetime license for Mac or PC costs less than $35 during this limited-time sale.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Picture this: You’re in the zone, creating killer docs, sleek spreadsheets, and presentations that practically pop off the screen. Who’s got your back? Drumroll, please … Microsoft Office to the rescue!

And guess what? Hold onto your hat, ’cause we’ve got a flash sale going on! You can snag a lifetime pass to Microsoft Office, whether you’re rocking a Mac or a Windows machine, all for the ridiculously awesome price of just $34.97. Yep, you heard right. It’s usually $219, but we’re hooking you up with this sweet deal.

So, if you’re all about boosting your productivity game and turning out those top-notch docs, spreadsheets and presentations, this is your golden ticket. Don’t miss out – grab your lifetime license now and let Microsoft Office take your work to the next level!

Top up iPhone and other gadgets with Momax wireless charging stations

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The Momax UD26 charges an iPhone, AirPods case and Apple Watch.
The Momax UD26 charges your iPhone, AirPods case and Apple Watch.
Photo: Momax

If you’ve got an iPhone, you need good ways to charge it. One of the more convenient methods is to use a magnetic wireless charging station that can charge more than just your handset. Momax makes 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 versions that should fit the bill nicely.

Just stick one of these on your nightstand or desk and it’s always ready to top up your iPhone and other gadgets. The 3-in-1 stand powers up an iPhone, AirPods case and Apple Watch, while the 2-in-1 juices an iPhone and an AirPods case.

And right now, Cult of Mac readers can get a 30% discount with a special coupon code. Read on.

Learn to tame cable clutter with Basic Apple Guy [Setups]

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See any cables here? We didn't think so.
See any cables here? We didn't think so.
Photo: Basic Apple Guy

Today’s featured computer setup comes from Mac maven and designer Basic Apple Guy. We know him from the free wallpapers he offers for download. Who knew he was such a cable-management Jedi?

We came across his powerful setup with nary an unsightly cable while writing about his new “Flow” wallpaper — which was actually inspired by his fight with cable clutter.

‘Messi effect’ doubles MLS Season Pass subscriptions

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Want to watch Lionel Messi? Check out the Leagues Cup on MLS Season Pass.
Want to watch Lionel Messi? Check out the Leagues Cup on MLS Season Pass.
Image: Apple

Jorge Mas, the managing owner of Inter Miami CF, says that the addition of Lionel Messi to his soccer team has “more than doubled” subscriptions to Apple’s MLS Season Pass, which allows viewers to watch Major League Soccer games.

Messi joined the Florida team in July. The huge boost in paid viewership is quick work, even for the man who’s been called the greatest soccer player ever.