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Swagger season 2 might ruin everything for young basketball hopefuls

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Apple TV+ 'Swagger' Season Two
The second season of the sport drama Swagger premieres in June on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Swagger, the Apple TV+ series that isn’t exactly the life of basketball superstar Kevin Durant, returns for season 2 in June. The young players are getting famous and the future look bright, but a scandal might ruin all their hopes.

A trailer for the upcoming season, released Monday, shows some of what to expect in the episodes that premiere in June.

5 reasons to get excited about the Apple VR/AR headset

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An AI-generated image of Tim Cook wearing an Apple-branded VR headset.
We don't yet know what the Apple VR/AR headset will look like, but that doesn't mean it's too soon to get excited about it.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
WWDC23

Multiple sources predict Apple will launch its first VR/AR headset three weeks from today at WWDC23. As the company’s first major new product category to launch since Apple Watch, there’s a lot riding on the headset. And yet not everyone’s buzzing with anticipation.

For those who aren’t yet feeling excited, here are five reasons you should look forward to the big reveal next month.

Last chance to get great deals on gifts for Mom

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Mifa's Sparkle Band is the picture of elegance. Or, mom might like a classic leather band or a tactical strap.
Mifa's Sparkle Band is the picture of elegance. Or, mom might like a classic leather band or a tactical strap.
Photo: Mifa

You’re not the first person to show up late to the party for Mother’s Day, forgetting to fork over a gift on her special day. So, a day later, it’s a good thing you can still choose from a huge selection of great Apple accessories on sale.

You can pick up a variety of items for 15% to 25% off in the Cult of Mac Store’s Mother’s Day Sweet Savings Collection through Monday. See a selection of highlights below.

Fuel your next adventure with Bluetti’s new AC60 portable, expandable power station

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Bluetti's AC60 power station and B80 extension battery make a powerful combo that can handle the great outdoors.
Bluetti's AC60 power station and B80 extension battery make a powerful combo that can handle the great outdoors.
Photo: Bluetti

Bluetti’s latest portable power station, the AC60, is the company’s most compact and durable yet. The lightweight power station, which launches today alongside the B80 expansion battery, comes with an IP65 rating, so it’s ready for your next outdoor adventure.

Plus, if you pair it with Bluetti’s new B80 — and maybe a solar panel or two — you don’t need to run out of juice.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Bluetti.
The solar generator and expansion battery combo promises faster charging, longer battery life and safer operation than other small power stations on the market. “The AC60 surpasses all expectations for traditional mini power stations,” Bluetti said, noting that both the AC60 and B80 come with an industry-leading six-year warranty.

This deal on the 16-inch MacBook Pro is too good to pass up

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What we're expecting from 2022 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro or M2 Max
Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro featuring the M2 Pro or M2 Max chip is down to its cheapest price.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro chip is down to its lowest-ever price. After a staggering $249.01 discount, you can get Apple’s best MacBook Pro for $2,249.99.

You can get a similar $250 off on the machine’s 1TB and M2 Max configurations.

Programmer loves his Logitech peripherals [Setups]

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The programmer likes his Logitech Mini mechanical keyboard.
The programmer likes his Logitech Mini mechanical keyboard.
Photo: [email protected]

Before reading past the jump, take a look at today’s featured M1 Mac mini computer setup in the photograph above and see if you can quickly identify the two items that aren’t from peripherals giant Logitech — other than the main computer, display and furniture.

Both items are on the small side, so it might take a hard look to spot them. Answers below in the post and at the bottom just above the gear list.

Get 1-month free trial of MLS Season Pass from Apple

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Are you ready for some football? And by that we mean soccer, natch.
Are you ready for some football? And by that we mean soccer, natch.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple is now offering a free, month-long trial of MLS Season Pass, its subscription service that shows all the matches from the top professional soccer league in the United States.

The deal is available for both new and returning customers.

Shop smarter and stretch your budget with a Costco Gold Star Membership

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Shop smarter and stretch your budget with a Gold Star Membership to Costco.
For a limited time, new members (or former members whose memberships expired at least 18 months ago) can get a one-year Gold Star Costco Membership for $60.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When you get a Costco Gold Star Membership, you gain access to a wide selection of appealing ingredients and premade food items that can aid you in crafting delicious meals. Take advantage of this limited-time deal for a one-year Costco Gold Star Membership for only $60, which includes a $30 Digital Shop Card*.

iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature expands to Australia and New Zealand

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Apple launches free Emergency SOS via satellite on all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models
Starting Tuesday, an iPhone 14 can now communicate with satellites.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple is expanding Emergency SOS via satellite to two new countries: Australia and New Zealand. If you use an iPhone 14, you can enjoy this life-saving feature for free for the next two years.

The feature allows your iPhone to contact emergency services through text messages when you are out of mobile network range.

Add convenient wireless charging to iPad Pro with this case and stand [Review] ★★★★☆

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Pitaka MagEZ Case Pro and MagEZ Charging Stand review★★★★☆
Pitaka's wireless charging case and stand look brilliant.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

With the Pitaka MagEZ Case Pro, you can stop plugging in a charging cable. Put the tablet in this slim, lightweight case then pop on a charging mat when it’s time to juice up the tablet.

Combine it with the MagEZ Charging Stand and you have a desktop setup without the hassle of wires for the iPad Pro and an iPhone or AirPods.

I tested both accessories in my home office. There’s a lot to like here.

Forgot Mother’s Day? Don’t panic. You have options.

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Laut's Holo cases for AirPods reflect all the colors of the rainbow.
Laut's Holo cases for AirPods reflect all the colors of the rainbow.
Photo: Laut

Haven’t bought a Mother’s Day gift yet? Don’t worry. Moms are generally forgiving types. Instead of rushing to get something cheap at the drug store on the way to her house, buy her a cool Laut accessory and let her know a nice gift is on the way.

And she doesn’t even have to know you’re getting 15% off the price. Browse the Mother’s Day Sweet Savings Collection in the Cult of Mac Store now (and click here to see only Laut items). Peruse some highlights below. The sale goes through Monday.

Apple’s next-gen M3 Pro chip could pack even more CPU and GPU cores

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Apple M3 processor
The wait for the Apple M3 processor could be shorter than expected.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly began internal testing of Macs powered by next-generation M3 chips. At least one of the variants could feature a 12-core CPU, an 18-core GPU and 36GB of system memory.

The next-generation Apple silicon remains a few months away from release, however. Rumors suggest it could debut at the end of this year or early 2024.

Earn passive income your own way with this $29.99 how-to bundle

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Learn how to earn the easy way with this passive income bootcamp.
Turn your spare time into a few extra bucks with this $30 course on passive income.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You know the old saying: “Work smarter, not harder.” That’s easier than ever in our highly digitized economy, but few take full advantage of the opportunity.

If you’re starting an online business, your most significant assets are your smarts and imagination. All it takes is a few practical steps to turn them into revenue, and that’s exactly what you can get in a new six-course e-learning bundle on passive income.

iPad goes pro, Apple leaker goes dark [The CultCast]

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Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro finally come to iPad, on The CultCast podcast.
The wait is over for Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro on the iPad.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple finally brings Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro to iPad, and apparently uses some clever spycraft to take down a leaker in the process. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.

Also on The CultCast:

  • One feature in the new Final Cut Pro for iPad makes iPhone owners jealous (and hopeful).
  • Erfon thinks it’s a great time to buy a Mac.
  • Humane’s combadge-style gadget might not kill your iPhone, but the company’s vision of a personalized AI sounds promising.
  • Enter for your chance to win an Urban MacBook Sleeve from SwitchEasy.

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.

Our sponsor: Lectric eBikes

With top-tier build quality, a range of up to 42 miles and speeds up to 28 mph, the Lectric XP 3.0 is one of the best values in e-bikes. Check out the XP 3.0 and Lectric’s other great bikes at lectricebikes.com.

Get 20% off Apple Watch necklaces and bands for mom

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Take that to the gym for a workout.
Take that to the gym for a workout.
Photo: Bucardo

Time is running out to get mom a Mother’s Day gift that will ship in time for May 14 — that’s why you give her a card on Sunday explaining that a gift is coming. And that gift could be a lovely Bucardo sport band, charm necklace or pocket watch locket for Apple Watch.

Right now through May 15 you can take 17% to 20% off all Bucardo gear for Mother’s Day. Browse the Mother’s Day Sweet Savings Collection now (and click here to see only Bucardo items).

5 hidden features in iMessage

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Hidden iMessage Features
You probably won’t find these features on your own.
Image: Jonatan Svensson Glad/Wikimedia Commons/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

In the United States, iMessage is one of the first features iPhone users mention as a benefit over Android. In the rest of the world, nobody cares, because everyone uses WhatsApp and other cross-platform services.

But there are a lot of cool features inside the Messages app these days — we’ve previously covered how to edit and unsend messages and share your screen. Here are five more hidden features inside Apple’s messaging app. Keep reading or watch the video below.

Drops of God uncorks some doozies this week [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Tomohisa Yamashita in ★★★★☆
Issei (played by Tomohisa Yamashita) gets some big surprises this week.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewDrops of God, the impressive new Apple TV+ series about an impossible contest to determine the winner of a fortune in wine, brings us to our second challenge this week.

In the episode, entitled “The Link,” Issei deals with the fallout from his father’s latest and most devastating decision. And Camille is given even more choices as she struggles to come out ahead in the latest contest.

Compost the smart way with this compact tool

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Compost the smart way for less than $490 with this compact tool.
Turn food waste into compost with no smell for less than $490.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Farmers know that one of nature’s miracles is its ability to turn egg shells, banana peels and other food waste into fertilizer that helps plants grow and produce more food. Unfortunately, nature needs a sizeable and smelly outdoor space for that to happen, which is why not too many people compost. Reencle is a gadget that aims to change all that with tech that makes composting convenient and odor-free.

Typically $699, the Reencle composter is now on sale for only $489.

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie will inspire and entertain you [Apple TV+ review] ★★★

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Michael J. Fox in ★★★
Still stands strong as a stirring portrait of actor Michael J. Fox.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewNew Apple TV+ documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie tells the story of the charismatic actor’s life, his complicated relationship with stardom, and the degenerative disease that hit him at an early age.

Directed by Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth, He Named Me Malala), it’s a fleet, funny, tragic and humane portrait of a man desperate to get everything out of his head while he still can.

California shutters its phone-based COVID-19 exposure notification system

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California shutters its phone-based COVID-19 exposure notification system
CA Notify is no more.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

California introduced a COVID-19 exposure-notification system that used iPhone and Android to track interactions with infected people. And now that the U.S. government says the pandemic is over, CA Notify is shut down.

It’s possible Apple will eventually remove the underlying technology from iOS.

The Last Thing He Told Me serves up some chilling secrets [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★☆☆

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Jennifer Garner in ★★★☆☆
Hannah (played by Jennifer Garner) finally gets to the bottom of her missing husband's real identity.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewThe Last Thing He Told Me nears its endgame this week as Bailey goes AWOL and Hannah must make a tough choice.

The Apple TV+ thriller, about a software developer with a rap sheet who goes missing and leaves a trail of breadcrumbs for his wife and daughter, finally starts to spill its last bunch of secrets before a showdown or a retreat in next week’s finale. Hannah needs to decide which of those sounds more appealing, and which will keep her stepdaughter the safest.

Apple explains how to use Stage Manager on iPad

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Stage Manager on iPad
A tutorial video from Apple Support demonstrates how to get started using Stage Manager on iPad.
Photo: Apple Support

Stage Manager puts iPad applications into floating, resizable, overlapping windows. It’s the most significant change to iPadOS in many years, and Apple Support created a video that walks through the possibilities.

Watch it if you’d like to get started with this multitasking system.

Silo goes deep into the machine [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★

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Rebecca Ferguson in ★★★
Juliette (played by Rebecca Ferguson) tries to repair the silo's gigantic generator.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewNew Apple TV+ sci-fi series Silo examines the social machinations at play in the titular structure, and takes us deep inside the belly of the beast for a truly thrilling sequence.

The show — about the last people on earth, who live inside an incalculably huge structure powered by a huge generator — takes a long walk with the mayor for political points. And Juliette lands a job offer, but she needs a big favor before she’s ready to take it.

After so much table-setting, Silo gets down to business in the episode, entitled “Machines.”

Take 20% off clever Elago gifts for Mother’s Day

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Elago's magnetic stand helps you use your iPad like a desktop computer.
Elago's magnetic stand helps you use your iPad like a desktop computer.
Photo: Elago

Elago is known for its wonderful collection of accessories for Apple products, from device chargers to iPad stands to Apple Watch bands and whimsical cases that look like retro gear from yesteryear. What could be a more fun choice of gifts for mom?

And right now through May 15 you can take 20% off all Elago gear for Mother’s Day. Browse the Mother’s Day Sweet Savings Collection now (and click here for just Elago items).

Coder keeps old MacBook Pro around for just 1 reason [Setups]

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An M1 MacBook Pro or an older Intel-based Mac drive a 32-inch LG display.
An M1 MacBook Pro or an older Intel-based Mac drive a 32-inch LG display.
Photo: [email protected]

There’s nothing like a straightforward, reasonably up-to-date computer setup that is simply good enough for solid productivity. Today’s featured rig sports newer and older MacBook Pro laptops, an affordable 4K display, a pretty slick mechanical keyboard and homemade laptop stands.

The coder who uses it keeps the older Intel-powered MacBook Pro around despite having an M1 machine for a pretty typical reason, too.