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Jony Ive returns to hardware design with $60,000 record player

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Jony Ive's design firm LoveFrom worked on the new Linn Sondek LP12-50 turntable.
Jony Ive's design firm LoveFrom worked on the new Linn Sondek LP12-50 turntable.
Photo: Linn Products Limited

If Apple made a turntable, would it cost $60,000? Almost certainly not, but that’s the lofty price tag on the new 50th anniversary Linn Sondek LP12-50, sketched out by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive and his firm LoveFrom.

It’s his first hardware design project since leaving Apple in 2019. And he did it for free.

Swagger savors a party before the storm [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Isaiah Hill in ★★★★☆
It's party time for Jace (played by Isaiah Hill) ... until he gets some very troubling news.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ Review This week on Swagger, Jace and Ike’s latest victory is a short-lived affair. When Crystal comes to Jace with worrying possibilities for his future, he shuts down — leaving Phil, Drew and Musa to panic.

Meanwhile, Jenna and Tonya start making plans. And Ike and Emery decide to hash out their differences the old-fashioned way. The episode, entitled “Rise + Fall,” is good and tense. And it points the way toward much darker events to come on the Apple TV+ basketball drama.

How would you fix this MacBook Air workstation? [Setups]

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How would you improve this setup? See others' advice below.
How would you improve this setup? See others' advice below.
Photo: [email protected]

On social media we see plenty of people flaunting pristine computer setups, and even completely staged ones. But plenty of them are “lived in,” and some aren’t necessarily complete. People sometimes call out for help: “How do I make this better?”

Today’s featured M1 MacBook Air setup is example of the latter. The user asked for advice and got it. But he didn’t agree with some of it. See below.

Jony Ive’s discontinued Apple design book now goes for big bucks

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You're probably going to wish you bought the thing when it was merely expensive.
You're probably going to wish you bought the thing when it was merely expensive.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

When former Apple design honcho Jony Ive released his super-premium Apple design book in 2016, a lot of folks thought it was an overpriced ego trip. After all, Designed by Apple in California went for $299 for the large size and $199 for the small size.

And now? Well, now you’d be lucky to get the fancy coffee-table books for dollar amounts in the high hundreds and low thousands.

Nab sizzling summer deals like Windows 10 Pro for $16, Office 365 for $20

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Ready to save on genuine Microsoft software? Head to CdkeySales.com using the links above. And don’t forget to enter promo code CULT to get extra savings.
Ready to save on genuine Microsoft software? Head to CdkeySales.com using the links above. And don’t forget to enter promo code CULT to get extra savings.
Image: CdkeySales.com

Summer is the most colorful time of year, with blue skies, beach balls and a million flavors of ice cream. But it also brings some of the best deals on Microsoft software. You need to update yours to keep it working smoothly — not to mention safe from the latest security threats. Luckily, you can score the latest versions of Windows, Microsoft Office and other great software at super-low summer prices.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by CdkeySales.
Check out the selection at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com if you’re ready to stop paying full price. You’ll find low prices on Windows, Office and more. And if you want the biggest savings, enter promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com. That slashes an additional 30% off the site’s low prices on software keys. (Plus, you get a free Windows 11 upgrade when you buy Windows 10.)

Lucha libre legend takes on villainous piñata in ‘Shot on iPhone’ film

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Lucha Libre legend takes on villainous piñata in ‘Shot on iPhone’ film
A hilarious short film demonstrates the power of the iPhone 14 Pro camera.
Photo: Apple

A short film commissioned by Apple demonstrates that the iPhone 14 Pro can be used to make a movie. In this case, a short action comedy called Huracán Ramírez vs. La Piñata Enchilada.

Apple also released a “making of” video to show how the film was made with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Win the job hunt with lifetime access to an AI resume writer

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Win the job hunt by picking up lifetime access to this AI-powered resumé writer for only $39.99.
Save nearly 80% on this AI-powered resume writer that will help you get employers' attention.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You can make your job search faster and easier by wielding the power of artificial intelligence. With this AI resume-writing tool, you can majorly upgrade your employment-seeking approach from here on out.

For a limited time, you can purchase a lifetime subscription to Resoume, an AI assistant that writes resumes, for only $39.99 (regularly $180) with no coupon required. That’s nearly 80% of savings on an app primed to maximize your chances of landing better jobs.

Buying Apple’s Vision Pro headset will require in-store appointment

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From left to right: The glass of Apple Vision Pro flows seamlessly into the custom aluminum alloy frame, gently curving around the user’s face, while a modular system of parts — including the Light Seal and Head Band — allows for a tailored fit.
Vision Pro's modular parts allow a custom fit, but that means special accommodations in Apple Stores.
Photo: Apple

Apple will reportedly require you to make an in-store appointment to buy the Vision Pro headset when it launches next year. This is the same strategy the company employed for the Apple Watch launch in 2015.

Apple plans to set up special demo zones inside its stores when the $3,500 headset goes on sale in the United States in early 2024. The company reportedly will utilize custom tools to make sure accessories fit buyers’ faces.

Spotify kicks out subscribers paying through Apple’s App Store

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Spotify logo on iPhone
Spotify is making sure it doesn’t pay Apple anything it doesn’t absolutely have to.
Photo: Cult of Mac

All Spotify subscribers who’ve been paying for the music streaming service through the App Store are being switched to a free, ad-supported plan whether they want to or not.

Those who wish can switch back to a for-pay plan, but can not pay for it through Apple’s app payment system.

Get a deal on Instabridge eSIM and avoid internet charges when traveling

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Don't wait for Prime Day to grab the Instabridge eSIM to avoid internet charges when your traveling again.
Get a lifetime of internet access when you travel with Instabridge, now only $130 ahead of Prime Day.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

How much will using data in another country cost you on your next trip? If the answer is anything more than “nothing” (and it’s likely to be, given that receiving an unexpectedly large bill from your mobile provider even has its own name: “bill shock”), then it’s time to set yourself up with reliable international internet connectivity that won’t break the bank.

The Instabridge eSim has a perfect 5-star rating from fellow travelers, and during Deal Days, our own epic version of Prime Day, you can grab a Lifetime Plan for only $129.97 (regularly $1,000), the lowest price you’ll find for it anywhere on the web. But you’ll have to act fast since this offer expires July 14 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific!

New Foundation season 2 trailer shows a galaxy ready for war

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'Foundation' season 2 on Apple TV+
The epic saga Foundation will return to Apple TV+ for season 2 in July 2023.
Graphic: Apple TV+

The Galactic Empire and the Foundation prepare for massive conflict in a new trailer for Apple TV+ show Foundation, with the sci-fi series’ gorgeous special effects and cinematography very much on display.

Foundation season two premieres July 14. So now’s the time to watch the epic trailer Apple released Thursday — or get caught up on season one.

Win a compact charger that juices up 3 devices at once [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Cleverly designed to charge three of your Apple devices simultaneously
This travel-worthy charger can handle iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously.
Photo: Kuxiu

This week we teamed up with Kuxiu to put an X40 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger and stand in the hands of one lucky winner.

This charger, which retails for $89.99, can juice up an iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch all at once. And it’s perfect for travel, thanks to its light weight and compact size. It tips the scales at just 6.9 ounces, so you can take it anywhere and just pop it in your pocket for extra convenience.

How to use Threads, the new (new (new)) Twitter replacement

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The new, new new Twitter? From Instagram?
No, but seriously this time… I think.
Image: Meta/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Threads is the new social media platform with Twitter-like features, coming from Instagram. As on Twitter, you can make short text posts with a few attached images or video, write replies, quote posts, repost them, etc. But you’re not starting fresh again: You sign in with your Instagram account and instantly access the same network of people who you follow and all your followers.

Since Twitter’s slow-burn downfall began last year, a few hot new replacements have been propped up, with varying degrees of staying power. Mastodon is the open-source, volunteer-driven network that courted the nerdy types in the tech community — but no one else. Bluesky, backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has been scaling slowly on an invitation system. Post, T2 and countless others were the fashion of the day but burned out fast.

Threads has three great things going for it: It’s incredibly easy to join, it’s built off your existing network of friends, and it’s very simple to use. If you liked Twitter, you’ll like Threads. While I don’t like Threads as much as Mastodon, its future interoperability with the open-source alternative means we can all be happy on whatever service we choose and stay in touch.

Add fun to your vacation with this brilliant pico projector [Review] ★★★★☆

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Add fun to your vacation with this amazingly small pico projector★★★★☆
The EZCast Beam J4a pico projector goes anywhere and works brilliantly with Mac or iPad.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

With the EZCast Beam J4a, you can carry a big-screen TV everywhere you go. The pico projector is amazingly small, but is ready to show movies, games or presentations wherever you need it to. Just plug it into your Mac or iPad.

I love this thing. Absolutely freaking love it. But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Read on to see what I mean.

iPhone 15 Pro Max could get a price increase

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iPhone 15 Concept
The iPhone 15 Pro Max could cost more than its predecessor.
Photo: Cult of Mac

The iPhone 15 Pro Max will cost more than last year’s equivalent version, according to an analyst. If true, this will be the first time the largest and most powerful of Apple’s flagship handsets has seen a price change since 2019.

The analyst also predicts the entire iPhone 15 series will go into production in August. The four new models are expected to launch in September.

Don’t wait for Prime Day: Get these HD digital camera binoculars at half-price

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Don't wait for Prime Day to get these HD digital camera binoculars for under $100.
Ahead of Prime Day, save $100 on powerful binoculars that capture HD images and video.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Summer provides plenty of opportunities to get outside, whether you’re at a sports game, concert or just taking in nature. If you’d like to get a better view of memorable moments along the way, take advantage of this limited-time sale on a set of versatile camera binoculars.

During Deal Days, our version of Amazon’s Prime Day, you can pick up these HD Digital Camera Binoculars for only $99.97 (regularly $199) with free shipping — no coupon necessary. You’ll have to be quickly, though, since this deal only lasts through July 14 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific!

Meta’s new Threads app kicks Twitter while it’s down

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Meta’s new Threads app kicks Twitter while it’s down
Threads sure looks a lot like Twitter.
Image Meta

Meta just launched Threads, a new text-based social networking service that goes head-to-head with Twitter. Meta’s Facebook and Instagram have always competed with Twitter, of course, but Threads does so directly. The two apps are nearly identical.

Twitter has struggled since being acquired by Elon Musk in 2022, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg clearly sees an opportunity to supplant it.

Apple reminds us that iPad Pro does augmented reality, too

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Apple reminds us that iPad Pro does augmented reality too
Deep Field transforms kids’ drawings to 3D with AR and iPad.
Photo: Apple

With all the buzz about its upcoming Vision Pro augmented-reality headset, Apple sent out a reminder that iPad Pro also has AR capabilities. The tablet powers Deep Field, an application that lets children use an Apple Pencil to draw plants inspired by works of art, and have their creations rendered into 3D via the magic of augmented reality.

You won’t find this $140 BOGO chef’s knife set on Amazon

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You won’t find this $140 BOGO chef's knife set on Amazon.
Get two high-end Japanese chef's knife sets for the price of one with this pre-Prime Day discount.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you have a passion for cooking, then you don’t have to debate whether or not it’s worth investing in quality tools.

capable and high-quality knife set is a great place to start. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for Prime Day to score savings on new, much-needed kitchen artillery. During Deal Days, our version of Prime Day, you can grab this exclusive buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal on this eight-piece Seido Japanese knife set with gift boxes for only $139.99 (regularly $429). Act fast since this deal only lasts until July 14 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific!

Platonic spins up jealousy, anger and a slumber party [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne in ★★★★☆
A Seth Rogen sleepover? What could go wrong?
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewPlatonic heads into the home stretch this week as the Apple TV+ comedy about two friends who interrupt each other’s lives and relationships digs into jealousy.

Charlie takes his anger out on a co-worker in the strangest way imaginable. Sylvia takes out her anger directly on Charlie. And Will takes out his anger on his co-workers, who in turn take out their frustration on him. It’s less of a listening and learning week than a wit’s end week on this very easily consumed show.

Judge blocks government from pushing social media censorship

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Social Media
A federal judge blocked federal government contact with social media sites.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

A federal judge in Louisiana issued a broad injunction Tuesday limiting federal government contact with social media sites over what the Biden administration may see as disinformation spreading out of control.

The ruling is one of many upcoming that frame a fight over the constitutionality of curbing social media’s influence in light of the First Amendment’s right to freedom of expression.

Apple Watch may detect Parkinson’s disease long before symptoms appear

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Amazingly, Apple Watch may become even more vital to tracking your health in the near future.
Amazingly, Apple Watch may become even more vital to tracking your health in the near future.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

A smartwatch like your trusty Apple Watch might be able to screen you for Parkinson’s disease up to 7 years before symptoms would show up if you have it, according to a fascinating new study.

Parkinson’s damages the brain slowly, so early detection via smartwatch could offer treatment advantages as new therapies develop.

Killers of the Flower Moon trailer follows the money and the bloodshed

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Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro star in Martin Scorsese's
Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro star in Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon," debuting in October.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ dropped the official trailer Wednesday for its upcoming historical drama Killers of the Flower Moon. The sprawling period piece is filled with the rage and bloodshed of one of America’s most-enduring murder mysteries.

Based on a nonfiction account of a deadly conspiracy by white men to capture oil wealth held by the Osage Indian nation members in early-1900s Oklahoma, the Marin Scorsese film counts Leonardo Di Caprio and Robert De Niro among its sprawling cast.