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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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’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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Retro games may have been simpler than today’s modern marvels, but that doesn’t make them any less fun. Plus, there’s a nostalgic certain charm to those old-school graphics. If you want to relive the early days of gaming or reminisce about your childhood, try this Retro Inspired Game Console, which comes with 620 games preloaded. It’s on sale now for only $24.99.

This week’s giveaway will let five lucky winners get their hands on a convenient 360 Rotating Universal Tablet Stand from Lululook. Available in two sleek colors, space gray and silver, this rock-solid iPad stand will definitely complement your device.

Enter below for your shot at winning this sturdy stand, which retails for $39.99.

This week on Dear Edward, the Apple TV+ series about the daisy chain of grief that connects dozens of people after a plane crash, survivor Edward learns that his dead brother had a secret girlfriend.

Dee Dee and her daughter have a heart-to-heart that reveals a strained relationship. Kojo and Adriana dance around each other on their way to a relationship. Lacey tries to be a mom. Amanda and Steve make some mistakes. And Edward has a falling out with Shay.

The episode, entitled “Haunted,” doesn’t prove quite as headache-inducing as last week’s. Nevertheless, Dear Edward insists on screenwriting 101 at every turn.

Make or Break, Apple TV+’s surfing competition series, returns for its second season this week, throwing us right back into the personal lives and challenges facing the greatest wave riders in the world as they prepare for a world championship.

Who will be crowned the best? If that question excites you, you’ll have a fine time with this by-the-numbers surfing docuseries.

You may have heard that Netflix has started cracking down on password sharing. They’ve been doing the same thing to VPN users for years, but there are a few that can still get through, which may be a big help with the upcoming restrictions. As of 2023, Windscribe can still access Netflix servers, and that’s just the start of what you could do with this premium VPN.

You can keep your ability to share Netflix passwords with your partner, family or friends with a three-year subscription to Windscribe VPN. With this Presidents’ Day deal, you can get it for only $49.99, but this sale ends February 20 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Apple TV+’s Servant takes a trip to a backyard zoo this week. The show about the world’s scariest nanny and her burgeoning mystical powers finds the Turner family in the middle of a circus of violence, vomit and vengeance.

The cult members haven’t run out of ideas about ways to get Leanne back, even if Dorothy has. Plus, Sean and Julian have a brutal heart-to-heart. And Bev has a bone to pick with Leanne.

The episode, entitled “Zoo,” is another marvelously unhinged half-hour of television from the best crew in the biz.