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Let AI do your custom voiceovers in more than 140 languages

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Get the best price online for this text to speech AI software you can edit on the fly, now $50.
This $50 AI subscription can turn scripts to speeches and essays into podcasts.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Writing a script and performing it are very different things. Luckily, even if you’re a production team of one, your voice doesn’t need to be the one that shows up on the final track. Micmonster AI voiceovers can turn text into lifelike speech, and you can now get a lifetime subscription for only $49.97 — the best price on the web.

iOS 16.4 and macOS 13.3 likely will launch next week

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iOS 16.4 release candidate
The iOS 16.4 release candidate means the full version should reach iPhones everywhere before the end of March.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple seeded the release candidates for iOS 16.4 and macOS Ventura 13.3 to developers on Tuesday, signaling that beta testing for these upcoming operating systems is almost over. The same is true for the release candidates for iPadOS 16.4, watchOS 9.4 and tvOS 16.4.

These will usher in new emoji, a better way for devs to work with betas, and other changes.

New Anker MagGo fast-charges iPhone plus AirPods and Apple Watch

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The Anker 737 MagGo MagSafe charger comes with a USB-C adapter and cable.
The Anker 737 MagGo MagSafe charger comes with a USB-C adapter and cable.
Photo: Anker

Anker rolled out its latest 15W MagSafe charging stand Tuesday, introducing the 3-in-1 Anker 737 MagGo Charger. It adopts a triangular shape, juicing up iPhones at a full 15W and AirPods and Apple Watch at 5W apiece.

This follows the company’s first 3-in-1 MagSafe fast-charging stand, the Anker Cube, released in October 2022.

Why iPhone is winning the global smartphone battle

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iPhone shipments grow while Android tanks
If you bought a top-tier smartphone anywhere in the world, it's almost certainly an iPhone.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Premium smartphones are on a roll. Revenue from iPhone and other devices that cost more than $600 grew to the point that they contributed more than half of all revenue from the product category in 2022, according to a market research firm.

That’s to Apple’s advantage, as iPhone sales make up 75% of this category.

New Jabra Elite noise-canceling earbuds cut the cost

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The new Jabra Elite 4 buds cost just $99.
The new Jabra Elite 4 buds cost just $99.
Photo: Jabra

Jabra unveiled its new Elite 4 wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation Tuesday, offering various premium sound and comfort features for a modest price of $99 — $20 less than the previous version.

“The modern earbud user is looking for tech that’s ready for work and play at their fingertips, while not compromising on key features,” said Calum MacDougall, SVP at Jabra. “The Elite 4 offers a solution to this and is the perfect well-rounded design to help users to concentrate, connect and call without distractions.”

Start your AirTag collection with this discounted 4-pack

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After a bit of confusion, Lufthansa says it won't ban AirTags from checked baggage.
Grab the four-pack AirTags bundle with a $10 discount on Amazon.
Photo: Daniel Romero/Unsplash License

Apple’s four-pack AirTag bundle is available for $89.99 after a sweet $10 discount. While not the lowest, this is the best deal on the AirTags bundle in quite a while.

If you don’t need 4 AirTags, Amazon is offering a modest $2 discount on just one unit of its tracker.

OtterBox iPhone case’s pop-up handle plays nice with MagSafe [Review] ★★★★☆

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OtterBox OtterGrip Symmetry Series review★★★★☆
The OtterBox OtterGrip protects your iPhone and adds a handle that doesn't impede wireless charging.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

OtterBox’s new OtterGrip Symmetry Series case protects your iPhone, plus it includes a pop-up handle. What sets it apart from the competition is the handle doesn’t interfere with MagSafe wireless charging.

I wrapped my own iPhone 14 Plus in an OtterGrip. I found a lot to like.

Keep iPhone connected abroad with Holafly’s eSIM unlimited data plans

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A man sits in an airport terminal with his feet resting on his suitcase and an iPhone with eSIM for international data in his hand. A plane is taking off outside the window.
Traveling to another country? With an eSIM, you can rest assured your iPhone can get online.
Photo: Jeshoots.com/Unsplash License

You may already know about SIM cards for cellular data, those little microchips that slide on trays in or out of smartphones. But the future of connectivity is eSIM cards, and that future is now.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Holafly.
iPhones and other smart gadgets already come with eSIM built in. And one of the best ways to use this convenient new technology is to enjoy international travel with unlimited eSIM data from Holafly.

Holafly’s eSIM unlimited data plans cover you when you travel. They’re tailored to your destinations. And they keep your iPhone connected in many countries, hassle-free, while also keeping costs down.

Save space and cut cable clutter with this 4-in-1 charging hub, now only $60

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Charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods and iPad with this $60 hub.
This $60 charging hub can power four devices at once.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You don’t have to exile all your devices from your desk if you want to save space and skip the nuisance of cluttered cables. Instead, you could just charge everything with one device — like, for instance, the Fast Charge Four-in-One Wireless Charging Hub from Electronic Avenue.

This compact power station lets you power up four devices simultaneously, and it’s now only $59.99 (regularly $99).

Apple could optimize MFi USB-C power bricks to fast-charge iPhone 15

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iPhone 15 already in trial production
iPhone 15 may force you to spend money on a USB-C charger.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac/Pixabay/Pexels

Apple could optimize the fast-charging performance of MFi-certified USB-C power bricks for the iPhone 15. The company is expected to ditch the Lightning connector and transition to USB-C on its 2023 iPhone lineup.

Due to this change, Apple reportedly expects a strong demand boost for its 20W USB-C charger.

Cool 8BitDo game controllers now support Apple devices

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Cool 8BitDo game controllers now support Apple devices
A range of 8BitDo game controllers now work with Mac, iPad, Apple TV and more.
Image: 8BitDo

The selection of game controllers that can be used with Apple devices just grew, as a software update made multiple 8BitDo products compatible with iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.

The accessory maker offers wired and wireless controllers that mimic Xbox and Playstation ones. And there’s the 8BitDo Lite SE, too.

Let’s hope the latest iPhone 15 leak is wrong

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Leaked CAD images show iPhone 15 Pro mute button could prove problematic
The iPhone 15 Pro will supposedly have a solid-state volume rocker and mute switch.
Image: chenwen1987

The traditional mute switch on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max supposedly will be replaced with a static, touch-sensitive button. If true, it’s possible this will be too easy to activate so users don’t get the notifications they expect.

Just-leaked CAD images allegedly show how the buttons on the upcoming iPhones will look. And that they look very easy to press accidentally. It also doesn’t look like the new button would offer a visual cue that an iPhone is set to silent mode.

Run Windows apps on Mac seamlessly with this easy-to-use software

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This $50 subscription to CrossOver+ makes Windows software accessible on Mac.
Make Windows software accessible on your Mac with CrossOver, now only $49.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Mac users get plenty out of their computers, but things can get a little complicated when trying to incorporate Windows software. Now, you can eliminate those frustrations and maximize your Mac experience by picking up a subscription that supplies seamless access to your favorite Windows apps.

For those tired of the slowness of running Windows software on their Mac, meet the CrossOver Windows compatibility app. You can get a one-year subscription to it for only $49 (regularly $74). You won’t find a better price than this anywhere on the web.

How fast can you spot the MacBook Pro in this super-clean rig? [Setups]

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It's an exceptionally clean setup. Even
It's an exceptionally clean setup. Even "absurdly" so, as one admirer said.
Photo: [email protected]

If there’s one thing computer-setup fans on social media value above all else, it’s a “clean” workstation. The best ones — neither messy nor cluttered with cables — place everything just so. Today’s featured MacBook Pro setup does a nice job with that.

And it even hides the laptop as well as an iPad. See how fast you can spot them. One commenter noted it took longer than it should have.

Russian officials ordered to get rid of their iPhones

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Russia fines Apple for not storing data in country
Neither iPhone nor Android are secure enough to satisfy the Kremlin.
Photo: Bryan Jones/Flickr CC

Claiming that iPhones can be hacked by Western intelligence agencies, the Kremlin reportedly told government officials involved in the 2024 Russian election to get rid of their iPhones.

A Kremlin spokesperson then told Reuters that government officials shouldn’t use a smartphone at all, Android or iPhone.

Get the best price online for this top-rated productivity app

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Get the best price online for this top-rated productivity app, now only $60.
Easily organize and visualize your next project with xTiles, now on sale at a steep discount.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

In nature, good things happen by accident all the time. But when it comes to business or work, that’s rarely the case. Whether you’re building a house, coding an app or writing the next Great American Novel, you need a definitive plan. And while computers can help, there comes a time in any project when your to-do list can get overwhelming.

That’s where a visual planning app like xTiles can be a lifesaver.

You won’t find a better time to buy Apple Pencil 2

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Apple-Pencil-close-up
Get Apple Pencil 2 at well below the usual price. If you hurry.
Photo: Daniel Korpai/Unsplash

Digital artists, or those who would like to be, can pick up an Apple Pencil 2 for a whopping $40 off the usual price. That’s a 31% discount.

I use this stylus with my iPad all the time, and there’s no better tool for painting on your tablet. It’s also great for taking notes and sketching out ideas.

Future-proof your iPhone gaming with this Lightning and USB-C controller [Review] ★★★★

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RiotPWR RP1950 Cloud Gaming Controller review★★★★
The RiotPWR RP1950 game controller is ready to play top-tier games on an iPhone or iPad.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The RiotPWR RP1950 Cloud Gaming Controller solves a problem for iPhone gamers: the controller plugs into the Lightning port in today’s models, but also into the USB-C port that will be in the iPhone 15. In the mean time, the controller can also be used with the many iPad models that use USB-C.

I field-tested RiotPWR’s latest controller and its removable iPhone mount. I understand why Apple likes it enough to put in the online Apple Store.

Score this smart stock analyzer for just $200 and learn to make solid investments

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Score smart stock analyzer for just $200 and learn to make solid investments.
This $120 stock screener can make the stock market and investing simple.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

To really grow your wealth, you need your money to work for you and not just sit in a savings account losing value. But, getting started with investing can be daunting, and not understanding what you’re doing can result in costly mistakes.

Tykr, a smart stock screener, can be an incredible tool for making investing simple. Your first smart investment? Grabbing Tykr on sale. Now, you can get a lifetime subscription to the Tykr stock screener Pro Plan for only $119.99.

Former Apple engineer explains why Siri still sucks

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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

Siri simply can’t compete with ChatGPT and other chatbots because it was built with the wrong system, according to someone who was once charged with improving Apple’s voice assistant.

But there’s hope for future improvement, as Apple is reportedly working on a replacement that is being built to be more like ChatGPT.

Crack this puzzle and win some cash with the 2 Million Dollar Puzzle, now only $17.77

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Crack this puzzle and win some cash with the 2 Million Dollar Puzzle, now only $17.77.
Use your puzzle skills to win money with the 2 Million Dollar Puzzle, now only $17.77 this St. Paddy's Day.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There are some truly amazing puzzles and puzzle-solvers out there, but few can lay claim to becoming a millionaire thanks to their ability to slot pieces together just so. The 2 Million Dollar Puzzle, however, sets you up to win big with your puzzle-solving abilities.

For a limited time, this fun prize puzzle is now only $17.77 (regularly $30). You’ll have to act fast, though, as this deal only lasts until March 20.

A HomePod with special skills + Tim Cook’s VR power play [The CultCast]

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AI-generated image of a HomePod smart speaker with an embedded display.
No, the next-gen HomePod isn't gonna look like this. AI can't do everything! (At least not yet.)
Image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: That old rumor about a HomePod with a built-in display for FaceTime calls and smart-home wizardry resurfaces. But this time, some fresh details make Erfon even more cranked up than usual about Apple’s smart speaker.

Also on The CultCast:

  • It sounds like Tim Cook pulled a power move on Apple’s design team to make sure the company foists an expensive AR/VR headset on the masses sooner rather than later. Who’s excited? Show of hands?!?
  • Apple TV+ racks up another Oscar, and Erfon is almost intrigued enough to resubscribe. (Especially if his “get three months free” trick works again.)
  • The baton’s about to wave on Apple Music Classical. We’re all quivering with excitement!

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.

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