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City on Fire has a wet hot Hamptons summer [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★☆☆

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Wyatt Oleff in ★★★☆☆
Charlie (played by Wyatt Oleff) gets a rude awakening this week.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ thriller series City on Fire runs down its best leads this week. William has escaped an attempted murder, and flees to the one place he knows he might be safe. Nicky and Sol have one more trick up their sleeve to get even. And Charlie finds some disheartening things that put him even further in jeopardy than he was a few minutes ago.

Entitled “Annus Horriblis,” it’s a fine episode, even though it gives in to some of the very silliest tendencies prestige TV has to offer.

Apple plans ‘controlled’ demos of new AR/VR headset

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WWDC23 attendees and press can try the new AR/VR headset in a new facility, and demos should continue through the summer.
WWDC23 attendees and press can try the new AR/VR headset in a new facility, and demos should continue through the summer.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac
WWDC23

Calling WWDC23 Apple’s “most significant product launch event in nearly a decade,” a report Friday relayed new information about the event’s headlining hardware — Apple’s first AR/VR headset.

While the headset won’t go on sale for months, WWDC attendees and media can try demonstrations of it in a large new structure at Apple Park, and in future demos throughout the summer.

Silo ramps up the intrigue with a relic [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Rebecca Ferguson and Chinaza Uche in ★★★★☆
Sheriff Juliette (played by Rebecca Ferguson, left) and her deputy Billings (Chinaza Uche) try to get to the bottom of the silo's secrets.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewSilo, the dystopian Apple TV+ series about the last survivors of civilization living in a cavernous underground structure, finds new sheriff Juliette treading on shaky ground this week. With a reluctant Paul Billings in tow, she starts intensifying her search for clues. Meanwhile, the silo’s Judicial authorities start to get mighty suspicious of her motives.

The episode, entitled “The Relic,” is a creepy and involving installment of an increasingly interesting show.

New high-end Macs with M2 Max and Ultra chips could debut at WWDC23 [Updated]

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A table of desktop Macs. Going clockwise around the table, starting at the front: the Mac Studio with Studio Display (height-adjustable stand and nano texture glass), the iMac, Mac Pro with Pro Display XDR (with Pro Stand) and Mac mini with Studio Display (tilt stand).
The 2023 Mac Studio might debut as soon as next week.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
WWDC23

Apple could launch two new high-end desktop Macs at WWDC23 next week. Labeled internally as Mac 14,13 and Mac 14,14, the two machines could be Apple’s most powerful Macs yet.

Likely aimed at professionals, the new desktop Macs — likely updated versions of the Mac Studio — reportedly will feature M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips. The rumored specs point to big performance boosts.

Mac mini and custom PC help make gamer’s paradise [Setups]

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Just check out those pegboards holding many and varied gaming implements.
Just check out those pegboards holding many and varied gaming implements.
Photo: Sajid Kahn

Some computer setups blow you away with the sheer number of components they include. Today’s featured M1 Mac mini rig not only has five computing devices — not counting a whole wall full of gaming systems — its gear list at the bottom of this post includes 33 items.

And that doesn’t even count the 3D printer, smartphones and a bunch of other items the user showcased.

Here’s your chance to work for Apple as an AI engineer

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Siri desperately needs some ChatGPT-like smarts
There's a lot Siri doesn't understand. And that's a problem.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Want to make Siri smart again and help boost Apple’s artificial-intelligence chops across the board? A recent Apple job posting shows it seeks “machine-learning engineers with a background and/or interest in conversational and generative AI.”

“This role will play a critical part in helping Apple change the way humans learn about learning,” the listing noted.

Hard to say if the new engineers will inject more gray matter into Siri, but one source suggests they might work on device-based apps for Apple’s AR/VR headset, expected to show on Monday at WWDC23 Monday.

Midyear discounts up to 91%: Windows 10 Pro for $13, Office 365 for $20!

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Windows 10.
Use promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com to score major savings on Microsoft software.
Image: CdkeySales.com

It’s no thrill to update your Microsoft software. But it’s something you’re better off doing if you want to be as productive as possible. And the great part is you can score legitimate copies of Windows, Microsoft Office and more at just a fraction of the full price.

How, you ask? Buy some software activation keys.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by CdkeySales.
So are you ready to stop paying full price? Try shopping at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com, where you can discover low prices on Windows, Office and more. And if you want to get the most-possible savings, enter promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s super-low prices on software keys.

Plus, if you buy Windows 10, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11.

Design, animate and more with Adobe Creative Cloud for $29.99

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Design, animate and more with the Adobe Creative Cloud for $29.99.
Use 26 fantastic Adobe Creative Cloud apps for less than $30 ... with free storage space to boot!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re a creative who wants to make money with your art, you know that inspiration will only get you so far. At some point, you need to do the work and actually create, which is exactly what the programs in the Adobe Creative Cloud are designed to help you do.

And now that you can get 26 apps in the Adobe Creative Cloud for just $29.99 for three months, the time is ripe to build that portfolio.

No Man’s Sky and Stray come to improve Mac gaming

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'Stray
Stray is an award-winning game coming soon to Mac.
Image: Annapurna Interactive/BlueTwelve Studio

There’s good news for Mac gamers: a pair of top-quality games are headed for Apple desktops and laptops. No Man’s Sky is out now while Stray is coming soon.

However, both won’t be available for Intel-based Macs.

Drops of God pours out an exquisite season finale [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Tomohisa Yamashita and Fleur Geffrier in ★★★★
Season one of Drops of God served up perfectly decanted drama.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewAs stellar Apple TV+ series Drops of God brings its first season to a close, Camille and Issei complete their last challenge in the contest to inherit their father’s estate. However, the real challenges remain ahead of them.

A final contest will test their allegiances and their strengths, but nothing will prepare them for their final trial. The Drops of God season one finale, entitled “All or Nothing,” serves as a wonderful conclusion to a surprise delight.

Apple plans big retail push in Asia-Pacific through 2027

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Apple Store
Four new Apple Stores could also open in the US in the next four years.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple plans to open at least 24 new stores worldwide through 2027, focusing on expanding its retail presence in Asia and Europe.

Additionally, Apple will revamp or relocate six stores in Asia, nine in Europe, and 13 in the United States.

Apple Card Savings customers complain about delayed withdrawals

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Some Apple Card Savings account customers are frustrated by withdrawal and transfer delays.
Some Apple Card Savings account customers are frustrated by withdrawal and transfer delays.
Photo: Apple

Apple Card Savings accounts launched to great acclaim recently with their high yield, but some customers are complaining that withdrawing money and transferring funds through the Goldman Sachs-held accounts takes too long.

And some are leaving, according to a new report.

Meta squeezes in VR headset tease ahead of WWDC23

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Meta Quest 3 is
Meta Quest 3 is "coming this fall."
Photo: Meta
WWDC23

That’s some interesting timing on Meta’s press release Thursday for a VR headset not expected to come out until at least late September. Mark Zuckerberg and company wedged in a tease for Meta Quest 3 just four days ahead of WWDC23, when Apple is expected to unveil its much-anticipated AR/VR headset.

The Meta press materials even appropriated “we can’t wait,” one of Apple CEO Tim Cook’s trademark phrases.

Keep all your Apple gear topped up with this 5-in-1 charger [Sold out]

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Keep all your Apple gear charged with this 5-in-1 charger.
Juice up all your Apple gear wirelessly with this 5-in-1 charger.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Update: Sorry, but this deal quickly sold out.

As more Apple gear becomes available, we all have a problem: How to keep it all charged? This 5-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger has room for just about everything — and more besides.

It even boasts an unusual design that makes it resemble a leafy plant!

High Desert digs into Guru Bob’s weird past [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Matt Dillon and Patricia Arquette in ★★★★☆
Peggy's on the case. Sorta.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewOff-kilter Apple TV+ comedy High Desert, which stars Patricia Arquette as con artist-turned-private-investigator Peggy Newman, takes a detour into Guru Bob’s past this week.

In the episode, entitled “Soul Retrieval,” Peggy and her ex-husband get reacquainted with the good times and the bad times that so characterized their marriage. Plus, Peggy lands her first case — if she can remember to get around to it.

The wildly entertaining comedy procedural takes a beat from the main action this week and still proves fast on its feet.

Protect yourself from hackers without streaming slowdowns

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Protect yourself from hackers and stream content unimpeded with a $50 Getflix subscription.
Keep cybercriminals at bay and stream content unimpeded with Getflix.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

We all know the importance of web security. After all, hackers are everywhere and their methods are growing ever more sophisticated. But the majority of virtual private networks — the most accessible and economical way for consumers to protect against hackers — also cause slowdowns, which makes it difficult to do things like stream content.

That’s why Getflix, with more than 1 million customers and a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot, has grown in popularity. And right now is the perfect time to subscribe, since you can get lifetime access with savings of more than $100 off the regular price.

App Store developers rake in astonishing $1.1 trillion in 2022

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Apple said Wednesday that the App Store makes a lot of money for developers.
Apple said Wednesday that the App Store makes a lot of money for developers. And they keep almost all of it.
Photo: Apple

An independent study found App Store developers generated $1.1 trillion in total billings and sales last year as part of the system’s robust year-over-year growth of 29%, Apple said Wednesday.

More than 90% of the money went to developers, without any commission paid to Apple, the company said.

Ted Lasso finale will make a believer out of you [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★

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Brett Goldstein, Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt in ★★★
It's finally time for Ted Lasso's last game with AFC Richmond.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewTed Lasso, the perpetually upbeat Apple TV+ show that blindsided a pandemic-stricken world with a cocktail of optimism and inspiration, comes to a fitting close this week after a remarkable three-season run.

The Ted Lasso finale, entitled “So Long, Farewell,” finds Ted’s team AFC Richmond up against its most fierce nemesis, Rupert Mannion’s West Ham United.

With West Ham’s old coach Nate back at Richmond after an awkward breakup, will the Greyhounds have what it takes to beat the Hammers? Just how optimistic can this show be?

Top 5 reasons Android users switch to iPhone

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If you switched from an Android device to an iPhone, what would be your reason?
If you switched from an Android device to an iPhone, what would be your reason?
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A new report Wednesday from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) revisits the group’s recent finding that Android users increasingly switched to iPhone in recent years and gets into the reasons why.

It gave four specific major reasons and a fifth vague but important one, below.

Drugs fuel a poignant ‘divorce party’ on Platonic [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Seth Rogen and Tre Hale in ★★★★☆
What can go wrong when strippers and cocaine are involved?
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ comedy Platonic takes a look at the lighter side of divorce this week. The show, about two best friends who are suddenly back in each other’s lives after a prolonged absence, finds Sylvia deciding to throw Charlie a divorce party to get his mind off how well his ex is doing.

In the poignant episode, entitled “Divorce Party,” some drugs and changes of plan send Sylvia into a tailspin that makes her realize she isn’t where she wants to be anymore.

New Garmin smartwatches take on Apple Watch Ultra

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Garmin unveiled its the fēnix 7 Pro Series multisport GPS smartwatches.
Garmin unveiled its the fēnix 7 Pro Series multisport GPS smartwatches.
Photo: Garmin

Garmin unveiled three rugged new fēnix 7 Pro Series smartwatches Wednesday, giving Apple Watch Ultra a run for its money. The new multisport GPS watches have a lot in common with Ultra, including similar pricing depending on which features you select.

But the Garmin watches also offer a built-in LED flashlight and solar charging that helps provide 37 days of battery life in “smartwatch mode” and 139 days in “expedition mode,” according to the company.

Vintage computers flank dual-display M1 MacBook Pro rig [Setups]

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This is a modern computer setup, but Dalzell also has about 100 vintage machines.
This is a modern computer setup, but Dalzell also has about 100 vintage machines.
Photo: Drew Dalzell

Cutting-edge computer setups are cool. Vintage computer museums are also cool. But do you know what’s super-cool? Both. Together.

Los Angeles-based sound designer Drew Dalzell sent Cult of Mac his M1 MacBook Pro setup this week. As it turns out, it sits in the middle of a vintage computer collection. It includes an Apple IIGS, an Apple II Plus, an Ortrona, a Commodore 64 and more. The space is also his business HQ.