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Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earth battles onto iPhone and iPad

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'Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earth' hits iPhone and iPad in May
Grab your axe, sword or bow and get ready to do battle.
Photo: Electronic Arts

Unite a team of elves, dwarfs, wizards, men and hobbits to battle in Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earth. It’s tactical, turn-based strategy combat for iPhone and iPad set in the world created by J.R.R. Tolkien (obviously).

The game was created by EA and Capital Games, who previously teamed up on Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes.

Totallee’s new cases add premium feel to your AirPods

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They give your AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3 cases a new look and more protection.
They give your AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3 cases a new look and more protection.
Photo: Totallee

Totallee, known for its minimalistic iPhone cases, rolled out new cases Tuesday for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods 3.

They’re “on brand” for Totallee in that they’re lightweight, protective and branding-free. And they’re also made of 100% recycled plastic, the company said.

Join Sam’s Club for just $35, and you’ll save on Apple gear and more

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A Sam's Club membership is now only $35, and could help you save on groceries and more.
Lock in a money-saving Sam's Club membership, now only $35.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Shopping is a fact of adult life. We all need groceries, electronics, household goods and so on. And don’t get us started on how much we spend on Apple gear. You can save on all this and more at Sam’s Club.

For a limited time, a year-long membership with Sam’s Club is available for $15 off at just $34.99, a 30% discount that comes with an auto-renew feature.

Androids will soon warn of AirTags used by stalkers

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Androids will soon warn of AirTags used by stalkers
Unknown tracker alerts are coming to Android in case someone is misusing an AirTag, Tile or other location tracking device.
Photo: Google

Google promised that Android users will soon be alerted if they’re being followed by a location tracker like AirTag or Tile.

It’s part of a collaboration between Apple, Google and other companies to keep item trackers from being used by criminals, stalkers and creeps in general.

Ted Lasso drops the ball on homophobia [Apple TV+ recap] ★★☆☆☆

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David Elsendoorn, Cristo Fernández, Stephen Manas, Moe Hashim, Kola Bokinni, Toheeb Jimoh and Phil Dunster in ★★☆☆☆
It seems like Ted Lasso had a point to make, but just didn't have the balls to make it.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewTed Lasso comes out of the closet this week as Colin and Isaac tackle their unspoken problem. Meanwhile, Roy has a goals problem. Rebecca has a Roy problem. And Nate gets put to the test by Rupert and Jade.

In the episode, entitled “La Locker Room Aux Folles,” AFC Richmond must learn a quick lesson in tolerance that would be better put to the writers of this show. It’s a uniquely frustrating episode — the type that only the people at Ted Lasso can provide.

Get deals on refurbished MacBooks and iPads while they last

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Refurbished and scratch-and-dent MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are on sale now at Woot.
Refurbished and scratch-and-dent MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are on sale now at Woot.
Photo: Apple

 If you love a good deal more than you love having the latest tech, Amazon deals site Woot! is your friend. It’s selling a variety of MacBooks and the 2019 iPad Air for bargain-basement prices on refurbished and scratch-and-dent models. If you’re specifically looking for a refurbished MacBook Pro 2019 16 inch, there are great options available at competitive prices.

The iPad Air (3rd generation) sale ends in less than a day. The MacBook sale on various models goes on for almost another week.

Apple busts major iOS 17 leaker with spycraft ‘canary trap’

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iPhone with an iOS 17 logo
A source of numerous leaks about iOS 17 has been caught by Apple.
Photo: Cult of Mac

The tipster who went by analyst941 leaked a large number of details about iOS 17, but his or her inside source apparently was caught by Apple in a sting operation. The source has reportedly been fired, and both they and the tipster could face legal action by the iPhone-maker.

It appears that Apple caught the leaker by laying a “canary trap” — a piece of classic spycraft used by intelligence agencies for years.

Trim M2 MacBook Air rig packs stellar audio [Setups]

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At a glance, you might not think this setup has 18 items in it not including the furniture.
At a glance, you might not think this setup has 18 items in it not including the furniture.
Photo: [email protected]

We’ve seen more M2 MacBook Pro laptops lately in Setups than M2 MacBook Air machines, but today’s featured setup bucks the trend. Its M2 MacBook Air drives a 34-inch LG 4K IPS display.

But it’s the setup’s audio gear that may grab your attention. AirPods Pro (2nd gen) make the cut, as do two other sets of premium earphones, outstanding speakers and one of Sony’s super-high-end Walkman MP3 players.

Take 15% off cool assortment of Apple Watch bands for Mother’s Day

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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

Whether your mom would prefer an elegant and feminine Apple Watch band or something a bit more practical — even tactical — the Cult of Mac Store’s Mother’s Day sale has you covered with Mifa’s cool assortment.

And better yet, you can pick up Mifa items in the Cult of Mac Store’s Mother’s Day Sweet Savings Collection for 15% off through May 15.

The Big Door Prize plays the emotional card and wins [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Gabrielle Dennis and Djouliet Amara in ★★★★
Everyone's coming clean and unwrapping their emotions this week on The Big Door Prize.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewThe Big Door Prize stares down the barrel at the end of its first season with the first lovey-dovey installment of a two-part finale.

The Apple TV+ sci-fi comedy about a machine that predicts the futures of the busybodies in a small town — and changes a few too many lives in the process — puts on a big display of emotional fireworks in “Deerfest: Part One.” It’s one of the finest episodes of the season.

iPhone users want pro camera mode from Final Cut Pro for iPad

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Pro camera mode from Final Cut Pro for iPad
Final Cut Pro for iPad offers pro camera mode when recording video.
Photo: Apple

The iPad version of Final Cut Pro that Apple recently unveiled includes a “pro camera mode” with a number of manual settings not included in the standard camera application. iPhone users saw this and quickly started calling for these features to be brought over to iOS, too.

Perhaps in iOS 17?

Man stricken with huge blood clot says Apple Watch saved him

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William Fryer, 83, said Apple Watch saved his life.
William Fryer, 83, said Apple Watch saved his life.
Photo: WCPO ABC-9 Cincinnati

When an Ohio man went for his usual walk along the river recently and felt his knees turn to rubber, he had no idea what he was in for — other than he was “going down.”

But it turned out his Apple Watch and a health app had a few ideas, and they helped save the fallen 83-year-old’s life.

3 ways to celebrate Mother’s Day with Bluetti

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Trust us, mom will be grateful for the laptop charging when you take her camping.
Trust us, mom will be grateful for the laptop charging when you take her camping.
Photo: Bluetti

Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude for all the hard work and dedication mothers put into their families. And what better way to celebrate that than with Bluetti’s top-of-the-line portable power solutions?

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Bluetti.
This Mother’s Day (on May 14 in the United States and many other countries), make your mom feel truly special with Bluetti’s special promotion, which runs through May 18.

iOS beta surfaces unreleased Beats Studio Pro headphones

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The new headphones may look a lot like Beats Studio3 cans, but with big upgrades to functionality.
The new headphones may look a lot like Beats Studio3 cans, but with big upgrades to functionality.
Photo: Apple

Tuesday’s iOS 16.5 release candidate for developers, plus some additional reporting, revealed upgraded Beats Studio Pro noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones in the works, according to a new report.

This follows news of the upcoming Studio Buds+, which came from a premature and short-lived Amazon product listing.

Grab a refurbished MacBook Air for just $247.99

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Buy refurbished and grab this 11
Get this refurbished MacBook Air with 128GB of storage for $247.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Each generation of laptops comes with its own quirks and improvements, but a Mac is still a Mac. That’s why when it comes to a workhorse laptop, you don’t need to automatically turn to the newest, shiniest model on the shelf. Buying refurbished Apple gear is an incredible way to get a a high-quality computer without overpaying.

For sleekness and portability at an incredibly affordable price, this refurbished MacBook Air is the solution. You can grab one now for only $247.99, along with an included protective case.

Build your business acumen with this $45 MBA training bundle

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Build your business acumen with this $45 MBA training bundle from Chris Haroun.
Learn how business works with this all-in-one MBA training bundle for $45.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Ready to launch your own business or push your career to the next level? You need the 2023 Total MBA Training in One Box by Chris Haroun.

While this training bundle doesn’t replace an actual MBA degree, it puts hundreds of interactive lessons at your disposal. With them, you can enhance your approach to all entrepreneurial pursuits.

See full demo of Humane’s AI-powered ‘iPhone killer’

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You call that an iPhone killer? See Humane’s first public demo.
Screens?! We don't need no stinkin' screens!!"
Screenshot: Humane/TED Talks

Humane, a startup founded by Apple veterans, recently gave a demo of a device intended to kill the smartphone. The new device doesn’t have a display — instead, it projects information onto the user’s hand. But that’s just hardware — the company’s real goal is creating a personalized artificial intelligence that can go everywhere.

Initial details of the as-yet-unnamed product leaked out a few weeks ago. The full video demonstration is now ready to be watched.

Cherry’s sleek new mechanical keyboard boasts an ultra-low profile — at a price

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This mechanical keyboard is low-profile enough you could mistake it for a membrane keyboard.
This mechanical keyboard is low-profile enough you could mistake it for a membrane keyboard.
Photo: Cherry

Known for its mechanical keyboard switches and other office accessories, Cherry just released its new KW X ULP mechanical keyboard.

The “ultra low profile” keeb sports Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile (ULP) switches and costs a somewhat high-profile price of $250.

Mom will like this: Take 25% off metal Apple Watch bands and stacking bracelets

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Stackable bracelets add another element to Rilee & Lo's smooth-fitting steel bands.
Stackable bracelets add another element to Rilee & Lo's smooth-fitting steel bands.
Photo: Rilee & Lo

If you need a classy gift for your mom this Mother’s Day, May 14, why not go with a sleek metal Apple Watch Band and matching stacking bracelets from Rilee & Lo?

And better yet, you can pick up Rilee & Lo items in the Cult of Mac Store’s Mother’s Day Sweet Savings Collection for 25% off through May 15.

Apple promises iOS 16.5 launches next week

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iOS 16.5
iOS 16.5 will be out soon with a number of "nice to have" tweaks.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

The wait for iOS 16.5 is almost over. On Tuesday, Apple committed to releasing it “next week.” The same is true for watchOS 9.5.

Apple almost always introduces new versions of its operating systems simultaneously. So, those eager for macOS Ventura 13.4 and tvOS 16.5 should expect these updates soon, too. Especially as the release candidates for all these OS updates came out on Tuesday.

Celebrate LGBTQ+ with new Apple Watch Pride face, band and iOS wallpaper

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Apple said the LGBTQ+ community's strength and beauty inspired this year's Apple Watch Pride Edition.
Apple said the LGBTQ+ community's strength and beauty inspired this year's Apple Watch Pride Edition.
Photo: Apple

Cupertino paid homage to the LGBTQ+ community Tuesday. It rolled out its new Apple Watch Pride Edition watch face, band and iOS wallpaper.

“Celebrating the ongoing movement to protect and advance equality for LGBTQ+ communities around the world, Apple is introducing a new Pride Edition Sport Band accompanied by a matching watch face and iOS wallpaper,” the company said.

Apple unveils Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro for iPad

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Final Cut Pro, left, and Logic Pro are finally coming to iPads.
Final Cut Pro, left, and Logic Pro are finally coming to iPads.
Photo: Apple

Ever wished your iPad could serve as a mobile AV studio like your MacBook can? The tablet’s time for pro-level audio and video production has come. Apple said Tuesday Logic Pro for audio and Final Cut Pro for video now work on iPad.

And you’ll be able to download them as subscriptions from the App Store starting May 23.

This expert advice will show you how to win YouTube

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Get over 50 hours of YouTube advice from the experts for only $49.
Learn to create viral YouTube videos with this $49 master class bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Social media channels come and go, but there’s a reason YouTube has not only endured but thrived. Animators, comedians, athletes, singers and teachers can all find an audience on this free-form video platform — but that doesn’t mean all of them will. Making a viral video and, ultimately, a successful YouTube channel, is equal parts art and science, and the 2023 All-in-One YouTube Masterclass Bundle can teach you both.

Even better, this educational bundle is now only $48.99 (regularly $2,400). It’s never been more affordable to learn the tips and tricks of seasoned YouTubers to get a head start on your own goals on the platform.