A MacBook Pro and a Lenovo PC laptop rely on a 27-inch Alogic Clarity 4K external monitor. Photo: [email protected]
Apple’s 5K Studio Display in on the pricey side for many folks, so many less-expensive 4K monitors like the one in today’s featured MacBook Pro and Lenovo laptop setup tend to stand in for it.
But not every big-selling 4K display is designed to look like it belongs in an Apple setup. This one is.
The 100W adapter is especially good for charging up two MacBooks at once. Photo: Momax
Every globetrotter who visits multiple countries on one trip knows keeping gadgets charged can be a hassle. You might need a different plug for each country. That’s where universal travel adapters like Momax’s come in super-handy.
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Momax just released compact 35W and powerful 100W versions of its Momax 65W GaN Universal Travel Adapter to make a full lineup for your travel needs. Each is a little powerhouse you can easily pack, with sockets that work in more than 150 countries. And Cult of Mac readers can jet off with a hot 20% off deal right now.
★★★★☆Platonic asks, "Why can't we be friends ... again?" Photo: Apple TV+
In new Apple TV+ comedy Platonic, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne play old pals who, after taking a hiatus from their intense friendship, learn that rekindling such a thing is a fraught proposition this far into their lives.
Created by Francesca Delblanco and Nicholas Stoller, Platonic is a lovely, lazy-day kind of a comedy that charms even when it seems like it could stand to straighten up and fly right.
Get a quality VPN for privacy and streaming on your Mac. Image: Intego
What’s the best VPN to use on a Mac, and how do you use a VPN for data privacy? With Intego Privacy Protection, you can instantly connect to servers all around the world, including ones specially optimized for streaming. This advanced VPN comes with plenty of options for keeping your data secure and private.
You can set it to automatically open when you start your Mac, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to launch it. Intego’s international servers, which are optimized for streaming services, worked perfectly in my testing. I’ll show you how to get started with one of the best VPNs for Mac.
Netflix's crackdown on password sharing arrives in the US. Photo: Netflix
Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing has arrived in the US. Going forward, your friends or family members will have to pay extra to stream content from Netflix if they were leeching from your account.
Netflix’s new account-sharing rules require all members to reside in the same household.
Make new friends in 50 languages with these translating earbuds. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Yes, the internet has done wonders when it comes to increasing our understanding of the world. But for all that hard data, there’s nothing like actually going out and experiencing other cultures for yourself. It’s certainly more fun, and with a little preparation, it can be easier than you think.
For instance, world travelers can now bridge the language barrier in more than 50 languages, thanks to Peiko’s second-generation translation earbuds. Just in time for your summer vacation or other travels, these wireless earbuds are on sale now only $89.99 (regularly $125).
Govee's popular smart-lighting products now include an LED strip that works with the new Matter standard and, therefore, with HomeKit. Photo: Govee
With the release of Govee’s first Matter-compatible smart light — the LED Strip Light M1 — users can connect lighting across smart home automation platforms like HomeKit and others, the company said Monday.
Final Cut Pro for iPad gives users the ultimate mobile studio for all their video and editing needs — no matter where they are. Photo: Apple
Responding to years of requests for iPad versions of professional-grade software, Apple released Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPadOS on Tuesday.
These are not “lite” versions of Apple’s video editing and music creation software. They are equivalent to the macOS ones, but adapted for iPad. And that includes additional features.
The device sports three power outlets, USB-C and USB-A ports, and a retractable USB-C cable. Photo: Baseus
On Monday Baseus released its new PowerCombo 6-in-1 Charging Station, a desktop power-strip tower featuring a retractable USB-C cable.
In addition to the cable, the device includes three electrical outlets for computers, monitors and other electronics, plus a 65-watt USB-C port and a 60W USB-A port for charging devices like iPads, iPhones and AirPods.
Apple struck a multibillion-dollar deal with Broadcom for 5G components made in the US. Photo: Brad Gibson/Cult of Mac
Apple said Tuesday it struck a “new multiyear, multibillion-dollar agreement” with technology manufacturer Broadcom to develop 5G radio frequency components in the United States.
“We’re thrilled to make commitments that harness the ingenuity, creativity and innovative spirit of American manufacturing,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook.
“All of Apple’s products depend on technology engineered and built here in the United States, and we’ll continue to deepen our investments in the U.S. economy because we have an unshakable belief in America’s future,” he added.
Always reset your Mac before selling or passing it along to a friend. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Selling your old Mac or passing it to a friend or family member? It is always a good idea to reset your Mac to factory settings before doing so.
This ensures the machine wipes clean all your data, so you won’t have to worry about any privacy problems. The best part is that Apple makes it very easy to reset a MacBook, iMac or Mac mini to its factory state.
Just tell Photoshop what you want and Generative Fill will add it. Photo: Adobe
With Generative Fill in Photoshop, users can select an area in their image then tell the app what they want added and the application will generate the addition through the power of artificial intelligence.
It’s the latest addition to Adobe Firefly, a collection of tools for generative AI.
Will you be disappointed if the iPhone 16 shipped with a vertical rear camera layout? Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac
Even though the iPhone 15 has not yet debuted, rumors about the 2024 lineup have already started popping up. A new leak claims iPhone 16 will have an iPhone 12-like rear design.
The entry-level iPhone 16 could have its rear cameras arranged vertically. Apple switched to a diagonal layout for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14’s cameras.
You have 15 minutes to edit your WhatsApp message. Image: WhatsApp
Meta’s popular messaging service, WhatsApp, is bringing an iMessage-like editing feature. You can now edit your WhatsApp messages for up to 15 minutes after sending them.
Apple introduced similar message-editing capabilities to iMessage with iOS 16. However, WhatsApp’s message editing implementation differs from iMessage in many ways.
Let this AI author create instant custom content for less than $40. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Just because you’re a marketer doesn’t mean you must also be a writer. The hard part comes in knowing what to say to a prospective audience. As for how to say it? You can leave that up to Write Bot, an AI writing tool with a surprisingly lifelike voice and a no-nonsense interface that can save content creators hours of work daily.
Mophie's new wireless charging vent mount with MagSafe works with iPhone 12 series handsets or newer. Photo: Mophie
If you want to use your iPhone while you drive, it’s best to go hands-free with a mount. Zagg subsidiary Mophie rolled out two choices Monday, a MagSafe-compatible magnetic vent mount and a MagSafe-certified wireless charging vent mount.
“The magnetic and wireless charging vent mounts from mophie are each designed to enhance the driving experience,” said Brad Bell, senior vice president of global marketing at ZAGG. “No matter the use case, mophie helps connected drivers keep their iPhone secure and in line-of-sight.”
There's never been a MacBook Air with a screen this large. Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Two weeks from today, Apple will launch the first 15-inch MacBook Air, according to multiple tipsters. This will be the largest consumer-oriented notebook Apple has ever offered.
You don’t need to wait for WWDC23 to get the details, though. Here’s everything that has leaked out about this soon-to-be-released Mac.
Apple is apparently responding to criticism that it doesn’t offer real competition for OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, two AI-powered chatbots that have made so many headlines in recent months. Job postings show the Mac-maker is on a hiring spree for people skilled in generative AI.
Perhaps Apple’s voice-activated system Siri is in for a significant jump in capabilities.
★★★★☆
Throwboy: “Where do you want to sit today?” Oh wait, that’s Microsoft. Throwboy: “A cushion for the rest of us.” Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Throwboy pillows by Roberto Hoyos are a series of soft, squishy pillows that resemble your favorite Apple products. You can decorate your living room with astonishingly accurate facsimiles of the fan favorites — the Macintosh 128k, the iMac G3, the iPod, the iPhone — as well as the cult classics — the Lisa, the iMac G4 and the G4 Cube.
When I say “astonishingly accurate,” I’m not exaggerating. I was blown away by the attention to detail.
This setup is all Apple, all the time (not counting stuff Apple doesn't make). Photo: [email protected]
Many computer setups go heavy on the Apple hardware, but not many of them could be mistaken for Apple advertisements. Some, though, like today’s Mac Studio workstation, manage to hit that mark — or close enough.
If the app developer who uses it fancied things up a bit more, the rig might seem too staged and on-the-nose-Apple to feature.
The new trade-in program can help you save on an upgrade while minimizing your environmental impact. Photo: Bluetti
Portable power stations brand Bluetti just launched a trade-in program. It’s meant to encourage customers to upgrade their gear, while reducing their impact on the environment.
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The Bluetti Trade In campaign’s tagline, “Upgrade with Ease, Save the Planet with Us,” underscores the company’s dedication to promoting sustainable living and reducing electronic waste.
Wistron is taking itself off the list of companies that assemble iPhone in China. Photo: Wistron
The first company to assemble iPhone in India is reportedly getting out of the business. Wistron is selling the plant where it puts together Apple handsets to Tata Group, an Indian multinational based in Mumbai.
At the same time, Foxconn and Pegatron continue to grow their commitments to manufacturing iPhones in India.
Enjoy widescreen Nintendo Switch gaming with this $19.99 accessory. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Every veteran gamer knows that for all the playability of the Switch library, the most significant feature of Nintendo’s flagship console is its versatility. For instance, you’re not just limited to the tiny screen. You can take your Switch to a friend’s house and put the action on nearly any monitor or TV.