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New Sonos Era smart speakers take direct aim at HomePod

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The Sonos Era 300 is the larger and better-equipped of the two new smart speakers.
The Sonos Era 300 is the larger and better-equipped of the two new smart speakers.
Photo: Sonos

A new leak indicates Sonos will release its new Sonos Era 100 and 300 smart speakers in March with a slew of features that challenge Apple’s recently relaunched HomePod.

Of the two new Sonos speakers, the pricier Era 300 features a version of spatial audio. Both support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB-C line-in for versatile connectivity. The Era 100 is likely to replace the much-liked Sonos One, launched in 2017.

TSMC’s entire 3nm chip output goes to Apple

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TSMC chip production
The 3nm chips TSMC makes all go to Apple.
Photo: TSMC

TSMC can now make 3nm processors, and Apple is all in. Literally all in — it’s reportedly buying the Taiwanese foundry’s complete output of 3nm chips.

This will be in the form of the upcoming Apple A17 and M3 processors, which are expected to both be made with the new process. It will make them faster and more energy efficient.

This refurbished MacBook Air with an Intel Core i5 processor can do it all

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Need a powerful work device? This refurbished MacBook Air with an Intel Core i5 Processor can do it all.
Score this refurbished MacBook Air with an Intel processor for just $459.99 during the Refurbished Event.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

While Apple’s chips are undeniably impressive, you may need an Intel Mac, especially if you’re working a hybrid or remote schedule and need to use certain software. This refurbished MacBook Air offers all the convenience of a lightweight macOS device, with an Intel chip inside for $459.99 during our Refurbished Event.

You’ll have to act fast, though, as this promotion ends on February 23.

Why the Apple Watch might be banned from US import

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A judge ruled Apple infringed on AliveCor's ECG-related patents.
Apple Watch imports might be banned in an ongoing patent dispute. But that's unlikely.
Photo: Apple

A decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission to block Apple Watch imports reportedly received a go-ahead from the Biden administration.

That would be a devastating decision, except that the ITC’s ruling is based on Apple Watch violating patents owned by AliveCor, and the U.S. Patent Office has ruled those are invalid. AliveCor is appealing, though.

Get 10TB of Prism Drive secure cloud storage, just $89 for life

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Looking to switch to secure cloud storage? Get 10TB of Prism Drive for only $89.
With 10TB of cloud storage from Prism Drive, you won't need another storage solution.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Cloud storage is not just for big companies anymore. We all need our data to be accessible and secure. Prism Drive fulfills all the requirements you need from a cloud storage solution. And right now, you can get a lifetime of 10TB storage on sale for just $89.

Apple hits 16 years at top of ‘world’s most admired companies’ list

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Apple hits 16 years at top of ‘world’s most admired companies’ list
Apple leads the list of Fortune's World’s Most Admired Companies All-Stars.
Photo: Fortune

Apple once again tops Fortune‘s list of the most admired companies in the world. It’s an honor Cupertino earned many times before. “For the 16th consecutive year, Apple finishes first in our annual ranking of corporate reputation,” noted Fortune.

Other tech giants that made the top 10 include Amazon, Microsoft and Alphabet/Google.

Linux is now officially supported on Apple silicon [Correction: No it’s not]

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The Year of Linux on the Mac
Everyone’s third-favorite desktop operating system comes to the Mac.
Image: PantheraLeo/Wikimedia Commons/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Correction: This story was based on a misunderstanding of the facts. We published a correction to set the matter straight. Read that instead of the story below.

Linux has officially added support for Apple silicon in its latest release. Ubuntu and Fedora, two of the most popular distributions of Linux, will soon be integrating this feature.

While it’s still early for Apple silicon support, and not all computers with M-series chips will work, this is a significant milestone for Linux users. Computer scientists, programmers and hobbyists have not yet been able to fully take advantage of Apple’s powerful new hardware.

OtterBox OtterGrip iPhone case combines serious protection with pop-up handle

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OtterBox OtterGrip gives iPhones serious protection plus a pop-up handle
OtterGrip promises solid protection, MagSafe compatibility and a pop-up handle.
Photo: OtterBox

OtterBox is known for its very protective iPhone cases, and its new OtterGrip Symmetry Series case adds a twist: a pop-up handle. Surprisingly, this doesn’t interfere with MagSafe wireless charging.

The design was good enough to win an Innovations Award at CES 2023 in January, and the case is now available to order.

New HiRise Pro adjustable MacBook stand also charges iPhone

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You can adjust the stand's height to bring your MacBook's screen to eye level and align it with your main external monitor.
You can adjust the stand's height to bring your MacBook's screen to eye level and align it with your main external monitor.
Photo: Twelve South

Accessories maker Twelve South introduced a successor to its original HiRise stand for MacBook released about a decade ago — the new HiRise Pro for MacBook. You can watch the video below.

You can adjust its height for almost any use, it matches Apple’s Pro accessories in color and finish, and it features a spot in the base where you can insert a MagSafe charger to juice up your iPhone and other gadgets.

Unlike AirPods, Beats Fit Pro keeps adding fun new colors

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Three bright new colors of Beats Fit Pro earbuds are coming Thursday.
Three bright new colors of Beats Fit Pro earbuds are coming Thursday.
Photo: Beats

When Apple subsidiary Beats launched Beats Fit Pro in 2021, the earbuds were noted for high-level features a la AirPods Pro. But unlike AirPods Pro — or any AirPods, which are steadfastly white and only white — Beats came in a choice of four colors.

Beats has added more colors since, including a brand new choice of three hues available Thursday — coral pink, tidal blue and volt yellow.

Researchers explore ‘frontiers of heart health’ with Apple Watch

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Apple Watch is already helping researchers study heart health in various ways.
Apple Watch is already helping researchers study heart health in various ways.
Photo: Apple

Apple highlighted Apple Watch’s potential as a heart-health monitor on Tuesday, referring to its increasing usefulness to health researchers and medical personnel.

In addition to the ResearchKit and CareKit programs rolled out in 2015, Apple said it launched its Investigator Support Program. In it, health researchers get Apple Watches to study the heart.

Apple tries to jump-start virtual Car Key feature

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Apple tries to jumpstart virtual Car Key feature
Apple wants to make your iPhone into your car key, if it can get automakers to cooperate.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Remember Car Key digital car keys? Possibly not. Because ever since Apple announced the feature — which would let users unlock and start their cars with iPhone or Apple Watch — in 2020, it’s gone essentially nowhere. But a new Car Keys Tests application seems to indicate that the company wants to make its virtual car key system more widely available.

For that, it needs the help of automakers. The new app is part of that drive.

This Sam’s Club membership costs just $24.99 — and it comes with a bonus perk

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A Sam's Club membership is just $24.99, but it comes with an extra perk too.
New members can join Sam's Club for less than $25, and get a $20 travel and entertainment promo code to boot.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

This may be the year that an omelet became a luxury item, but there are still ways to save when you’re shopping against inflation. Buying in bulk can help you save on everything from groceries to everyday home essentials, and Sam’s Club is the place to do it.

It’s even better if you get a sweet deal on your club membership. And right now, new members can grab this auto-renewing Sam’s Club membership for only $24.99. Plus, you’ll get a $20 travel and entertainment promo code as an added bonus.

Google Chrome for Mac update makes it less of a memory hog

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Websites may have issues with Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox when each one hits version 100.
Google Chrome for Mac implements changes to reduce power and resource consumption.
Photo: Google/Apple

Google Chrome’s latest update will make the browser more mindful of using your Mac’s precious resources. Chrome also will consume less power when your MacBook’s battery is low.

These Google Chrome changes were first announced in December 2022. The should make the world’s most popular desktop browser even better — and a great Safari replacement on Macs.

Get a ChatGPT training bundle for just $19.99 with this Presidents’ Day deal

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Get this ChatGPT training bundle for just $19.99 with this Presidents' Day deal.
Hone your ChatGPT skills with this AI training bundle, now under $20 for Presidents' Day.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There’s been a lot of talk about the AI chatbot ChatGPT, and with every passing week, we find out a new use for it. While tech giants like Microsoft put it to work overhauling their flagship tools, let’s try to remember that this powerful technology is still free and available to anyone who can sign up for an OpenAI account.

So, if you’re behind the curve on this revolutionary AI, there’s never been a better time to catch up. This ChatGPT AI training bundle includes four courses that will demystify the subject. And it’s on sale for only $19.99 in honor of Presidents’ Day, but you’ll have to act fast since this deal ends tonight.

Apple makes Messages safer for kids in more countries

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UK iPhones will soon scan for iPhone sexually explicit images in texts sent to children
The iPhone's Communication Safety in Messages feature is expanding to half a dozen more countries around the world.
Image: Apple

iPhone users in six additional countries have access to a tool intended to protect children from sexual predators. The countries now getting access to Communication Safety in Messages are in Europe, Asia and elsewhere.

The optional feature warns kids if they receive or attempt to send photos containing nudity.

Mount iPhone or iPad on this sturdy magnetic hoop stand [Review] ★★★★☆

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SwitchEasy's MagEasy Flipmount is a sturdy stand for iPads, iPhones and other devices.★★★★☆
SwitchEasy's MagEasy Flipmount is a sturdy stand for iPads, iPhones and other devices.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

A computer setup benefits from stands, which raise up your devices for hands-free use while easing problems like neck strain. That’s a big selling point of the SwitchEasy MagEasy Flipmount Magnetic Hoop Stand. It’s not a charger, but it mounts MagSafe iPhones nicely, and it includes a hoop that magnetizes any other device, like an iPad.

SwitchEasy sent me one to check out. You can read my thoughts below.

Save big on refurb iPhones and Apple Watches in this one-day sale

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Now's your chance to grab an affordable Apple Watch 7.
Now's your chance to grab an affordable Apple Watch 7.
Photo: Apple

Monday — aka Presidents’ Day — is your day to grab great deals on refurbished iPhones and Apple Watches at Woot, Amazon’s bargain site.

The scratch-and-dent sale’s selection includes iPhone 13 and Apple Watch 7, plus a slew of older models. If you want one, you’d better hurry, though. The sale ends at 10 p.m. PST Monday.

How old do you have to be to still have a printer? [Setups]

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You don't see a printer right in the setup all that often. People took notice.
You don't see a printer right in the setup all that often. People took notice.
Photo: [email protected]

We come across setups with printers from time to time, though they’re usually off to the side and perhaps only occasionally used. But today’s featured setup with a MacBook Air, a 2016 12-inch MacBook and a 20-inch Cinema Display keeps the printer right in the main mix.

This took some commenters by surprise. They noted why they never print anymore and grilled the user about his age, which turned out to be a lot lower number than expected.

Rare first-gen iPhone auction brings in record amount

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Pick up a rare first-gen iPhone for a mere $50,000
This 2007 iPhone sold for even more than its pre-auction estimate.
Photo: LCG Auctions

If you only brought $50,000 to an auction for an original 2007 iPhone then you didn’t bring enough money. It’s an unusually valuable object because the handset is still sealed in the original packaging, and the item went for quite a bit above the auction estimate.

The winning bidder ended up paying $63,356 for the factory-sealed iPhone.

Kick aging to the curb with this AI-powered health app

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Get more than half off this top-rated health app from Humanity trusted by hundreds of thousands of users.
Take control of your health and longevity with more than 50% off the Humanity app.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Staying fit and healthy is one of the most important life goals you can ever have, but finding the time to monitor your wellness is easier said than done. The revolutionary Humanity health app makes it easy to take control of your health right from your phone.

And now, you can grab a lifetime subscription to this top-rated app for only $129.99.

This gardening app will keep your plants alive and thriving

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This plant care app is only $14.99, and can help you keep your greenery in their best shape.
Tap into your inner green thumb with this discounted plant care app.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Spring is on the way, and it might be time to finally get your hands dirty in the garden again. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or total newbie, an app that offers plant care guidance will come in handy.

The NatureID app can identify and provide care instructions for more than 14,000 plant species, and its price just dropped for Presidents’ Day. Normally $59 for a lifetime subscription, you can get it for just $14.99 if you buy before February 20 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Why a super-size MacBook Air might be the perfect laptop [The CultCast]

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When it comes to laptops, size matters!
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The upcoming 15.5-inch MacBook Air might be the perfect laptop for many people. In fact, Erfon plans to buy one almost immediately. And he might get his chance in as little as six weeks! How can he contain his excitement?

Also on The CultCast:

  • What’s next for iPhone 15?
  • “Periscope lens” is a strange term, and one of these things is likely coming in the next iPhone Pro Max. Let’s discuss!
  • The MagSafe cable gets a … software upgrade. Welcome to 2023. 🤣
  • Sir Jony Ive designs a logo fit for a king. Literally.

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, along with this week’s CultCast show notes.

Our sponsor: CultCloth

Get the only cleaning cloth you need: CultCloth!

Shrinking makes top 10 streaming list for third week running

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'Shrinking' makes top 10 streaming shows for a third week
Jason Segel and Harrison Ford in Shrinking, a hit comedy on now on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Shrinking is racking up a streak as one of the most popular shows on any streaming service. The Apple TV+ comedy starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford sits on the top 10 list for a third week in a row.

The hilarious ongoing series is about a struggling therapist who throws out the psychological rulebook and tells his clients what he really thinks they should do.

Luminar Neo marks a year of creative upgrades with a special offer for you

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Right now you can get a 2-for-1 deal on the highly functional Luminar Neo photo editing app.
During Luminar Neo's birthday celebration, you can get a two-for-one deal on the highly functional photo editing app.
Photo: Skylum

Are you a photographer? If so, you should know about Luminar Neo, the full-featured photo editing app from Skylum that’s celebrating its first birthday.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Skylum.
The team behind it, based in war-torn Ukraine, has relentlessly improved the award-winning software over the past year. With a multitude of new features — including several AI-powered tools that make photo editing magically creative — Luminar Neo offers serious photographers total control over their images.

Skylum is marking Luminar Neo’s one-year anniversary with a fantastic opportunity for savings. Read on for more on the app’s new features and the “1+1” deal on offer.