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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.

Last chance: Get Microsoft Office for life for just $29.99

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Stop paying monthly subscriptions and get Microsoft Office for life for just $49.99.
This offer for a lifetime license for either Mac or Windows is available for a one-time purchase of $29.99 for a limited time.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re a Mac-loving photo editor, a Windows-loving student, or just about anything in between, you probably could benefit from having Microsoft Office on your computer. But if you’re thinking that you’d hate to add another monthly subscription to your list, don’t worry.

This offer for a lifetime MS Office license for either Mac or Windows is available for a one-time purchase of $29.99 for a limited time. This new price drop takes it back to Cult of Mac Deals’ all-time low price. However, the price goes up on June 1.

Make your webcam look cinematic with this smart app

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Make your webcam look cinematic with this smart app, less than $50 today.
Give the most professional presentations ever with this top-rated multi-cam video call app.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

In a world where video meetings have become an integral part of our working lives, how you come across on calls can make or break a sales pitch or interview. The innovative FineCam Pro takes the quality of your device’s existing camera to the next level. And right now, you can grab a lifetime subscription on sale for just $49.99 (regularly $84).

Apple informs developers about upcoming App Store tax changes

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App Store
App Store tax changes are coming in Brazil, Spain and some other countries.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple has announced several tax changes for the App Store that go into effect starting May 31. The new rules will affect app developers in Ghana, Lithuania, Moldova, Brazil and Spain.

In Spain and Ghana, taxes on the proceeds earned from apps and games have increased. While in Lithuania and Moldova, the VAT rate on e-books and audiobooks has gone down.

Rumored 4K screens could let Apple VR/AR headset offer real world-like clarity

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Apple VR/AR headset concept from Ahmed Chenni
Apple's mixed-reality headset could pack seriously impressive micro OLED displays.
Concept: Ahmed Chenni/Freelancer.com

Rumored specs of the micro OLED panels Apple plans to use in its upcoming VR/AR headset indicate the device could deliver ultra-realistic clarity that makes virtual worlds look real.

The headset, which could be called “Reality Pro” or “Reality One,” will use two 1.41-inch micro OLEDs with a pixel density of 4,000 PPI, according to a respected display analyst.

This $25 gaming console comes with 620 vintage games you’ll love

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Travel back in time with a $25 gaming console and 620+ vintage games.
Dive into nostalgia with this $25 gaming console with hundreds of classic games.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Apple Arcade is great, but maybe you miss the good ol’ days — when it was just you, a can of soda and a wired controller playing your favorite game in front of the TV.

This retro-inspired game console brings back hundreds of preloaded vintage video games for you to enjoy. And you can get it for only $24.99 (regularly $27).

Apple Music Classical now playing on Android

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Apple Music Classical now playing on Android
Apple Music Classical isn't just for iPhone users any more,.
Photo: Apple

The Apple Music Classical application that debuted for iPhone in March is now available for Android, too. The service gives access to the world’s largest classical music catalog, and is designed to help users find specific recordings of great works almost instantly.

It requires a subscription to Apple Music.

Save up to 73% on refurbished JBL, AKG and Infinity headphones at Harman

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Find out how you could save up to 73% on refurbished headphones from top brands.
Turn up the volume on these refurbished JBL, AKG, and Infinity refurbished Headphones for up to 73% off at Harman.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

AirPods aren’t the only top-notch headphones on the market. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly pair of high-quality headphones from a brand you recognize, Harman Audio is a great option. You can score up to 73% off on factory-refurbished headphones and earbuds from JBL, Infinity, AKG and Harman Kardon in the company’s online store.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Harman.
Whether you want a pair of long-lasting Bluetooth earbuds or some comfortable on-ear headphones, Harman’s gear will give you a reliable way to listen to music and podcasts. Audiophiles and bargain hunters alike can get excited about the refurbished deals.

You can now use the same WhatsApp account on multiple iPhones

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WhatsApp for iPhone gets Companion mode
Grab the latest WhatsApp for iPhone release to enjoy using Companion mode.
Image: Cult of Mac

You can now use your WhatsApp account on multiple devices. After rolling out Companion mode on WhatsApp for Android, the Meta-owned platform has made the feature available on iPhones.

WhatsApp initially announced Companion mode in late April 2023. But the feature was only available for Android users so far.

Keep your Mac safe with a powerful software bundle (up to 70% off!)

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Mac Premium Bundle X9
Get your Mac humming.
Photo: Intego

Your Mac is a mighty machine, but in some ways it’s got some pretty human problems. That includes getting messy and catching a bug. The occasional spring cleaning or malware scan are well and good, but what you really want is a complete toolkit that covers everything.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Intego.

Your Mac needs a checkup from the neck up, to use the technical term. Lucky for you, Intego’s premium bundles of apps for Mac are deeply discounted right now. Check out some of the helpful tools in the bundles below.

Swift Student Challenge winners share passions through code

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From left, Marta Michelle Caliendo, Yemi Agesin and Asmi Jain are among the 375 Swift Student Challenge winners this year.
From left, Marta Michelle Caliendo, Yemi Agesin and Asmi Jain are among the 375 Swift Student Challenge winners this year.
Photo: Apple
WWDC23

Each year alongside WWDC, Apple runs a contest for students worldwide to create great app playgrounds using Swift code. This year 375 coders won, up from the previous 350. They’ll be among WWDC23’s virtual and in-person attendees.

“We are amazed by the talent we see from the young developers who enter our Swift Student Challenge,” said Susan Prescott, Apple vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations.

“This year’s submissions demonstrated not only the next generation’s commitment to building tools that will improve our lives, but also a willingness to embrace new technologies and tools, and deploy them in original and creative ways,” she added.

Foldable magnetic iPad mount proves stiff but useful [Review] ★★★★☆

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If you like your iPad mounted for use with your computer setup -- hello, Universal Control and Sidecar -- this mount can help.★★★★☆
If you like your iPad mounted for use with your computer setup -- hello, Universal Control and Sidecar -- this mount can help.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you like to mount your iPad as part of your computer setup — especially if you use Apple’s Universal Control or Sidecar — a foldable magnetic mount can be a big help. Kuxiu offers a high-quality product. It sent me one to try out.

My main impressions? Quality materials, strong magnets, good multidirectional design — and maybe I can skip going to the gym. This thing requires some muscle to move around.

iOS 17 might make sending video to TVs via AirPlay easier

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AirPlay Logo
Using AirPlay to wirelessly send video from an Apple device to someone else's TV will allegedly get easier.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Sending video from iPhones to TVs over AirPlay will get easier in iOS 17, according to a tipster. The goal is supposedly to simplify sending video to other people’s TVs. The improvement will almost certainly be extended to iPad, too.

This is one of numerous small changes expected when iOS 17 is unveiled at WWDC23 in early June.

Apple nearly launched AirPods in 5 colors

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That's a pink AirPods case. Though the earbuds inside were still white, apparently.
That's a pink AirPods case. Though the earbuds inside were still white, apparently.
Photo: [email protected]

Everyone knows AirPods come only in white. If you want a set of Apple earbuds in another color, you have to turn to subsidiary Beats.

But white almost wasn’t the only case, so to speak. Apple prototyped AirPods cases in five colors to match iPhone 7 colors in 2016, according to a source who displayed some images Tuesday.

This awesome pack of two 4K camera drones is just $140

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This awesome pack of two 4K camera drones is just $140 for Memorial Day.
Become an incredible aerial photographer with two 4K camera drones for less than $140 this Memorial Day.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When it comes to stepping up your photography, using a drone to capture breathtaking shots from above is a total game-changer. It doesn’t have to be expensive either: the Alpha-Z Pro 4K and Flying Fox 4K Wide-Angle Dual Camera Drones Bundle contains not one, but two stunning high-quality camera drones, and right now you can grab it on sale for just $139.97. That’s less than $70 per drone, and a savings of more than $250 off the regular price of $398.

Go ultrawide with this BenQ monitor for creatives [Review] ★★★★☆

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BenQ PD3420Q review★★★★☆
BenQ's ultrawide monitor has room for three apps side-by-side-by-side.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The BenQ PD3420Q is a ultrawide monitor designed to appeal to creative professionals with its atypical shape and color consistency with MacBooks.

The 34-inch screen has a 2K resolution and a 21:9 aspect ratio. And there are some nice additions, like a HotKey Puck and built-in KVM.

I tested the PD3420Q in my home office, exploring the advantages and drawbacks of the very wide screen.

Last chance! Score major deals on Apple accessories in our Memorial Day Sale

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They're loyal and true, but sometimes they get lost. AirTag to the rescue.
They're loyal and true, but sometimes they get lost. AirTag to the rescue via a Nine Twenty Eight collar.
Photo: Nine Twenty Eight.

The massive Memorial Day Sale is still going on in the Cult of Mac Store, running through the end of the day on Monday, May 29. You can get up to 30% off great accessories for Apple products from half a dozen leading brands: Elago, Rilee & Lo, SwitchEasy, Mifa, Laut, Bucardo and Nine Twenty Eight.

See some sale highlights below and check out the whole sale on hundreds of items before it’s too late!

2 key items complete killer workstation [Setups]

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With a good iPad stand and a DAC/amp added for audio, this setup is finally done. For now.
With a good iPad stand and a DAC/amp added for audio, this setup is finally done. For now.
Photo: [email protected]

Part of the fun of covering computer setups for Cult of Mac is seeing how a setup is never “done.” Blood, sweat, tears and time may go into it, but it will always need something — whether that’s missing functionality, better decoration or the next generation of a key device.

Today’s featured M2 MacBook Air setup is a good example. Since we featured an earlier version of it just weeks ago, the user made important changes. He added two components to maximize crucial iPad functionality and pump up audio.

Start a side hustle with this deal on an easy e-commerce solution

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Start a side hustle with this Memorial Day deal on an e-commerce solution.
Don't fork out big bucks to Shopify. Set up shop with this easy and inexpensive e-commerce platform instead.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Starting a side hustle doesn’t have to be as complicated as building an entire business from the ground up. Instead, you can quickly set up your own plucky little online store. It’s easy with Gigrove, an all-in-one e-commerce solution that helps you build and manage your online store.

For Memorial Day, you can get a lifetime Gigrove Premium Plan on sale for just $39.97 (regularly $200). Sale ends May 31 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

Best Memorial Day deals on AirPods, MacBooks and iPads

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Apple logo
An Apple-Amazon deal may have hurt sellers of refurbished, discounted products.
Photo: Apple

Looking to buy a new iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, or AirPods? Take advantage of the Memorial Day sale across various retailers, and you can save big on your purchase.

Given that Apple products are almost always in demand, they are heavily discounted this Memorial Day.

3 Reasons to Watch: High Desert, the neo-noir comedy that Apple TV+ canceled too early

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Patricia Arquette in
Patricia Arquette whips High Desert into a frenzy in the role of Peggy Newman.
Photo: Apple TV+

In this installment of 3 Reasons to Watch, we’ll tell you why we’re buzzing about High Desert, the new Apple TV+ comedy starring livewire Patricia Arquette as daffy private eye Peggy Newman.

The show, created by Miss Congeniality writer Katie Ford and Grace and Frankie alums Nancy Fichman and Jennifer Hoppe, is a bawdy neo-noir set in a world of lowlifes and fake cowboys.

Here’s why you need to give High Desert the old college try.