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Wine-obsessed Japanese manga Drops of God spills onto Apple TV+

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Turns out wine keeps across comic novels and live-action TV series.
Turns out wine keeps across comic novels and live-action TV series.
Photo: Legendary Entertainment

Into Japanese comics (manga) or fine wine (boozy grape juice)? Then you may know Drops of God in its bestselling comic-novel form. Soon you can watch it as a live-action, multilingual dramatic series on Apple TV+, the streaming service said Wednesday.

In a somewhat unusual move, Apple TV+ licensed the French-Japanese dramatic series adapted from manga form rather than producing it. It did not set an air date, however. It said only that the series will premiere in 2023.

iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2 arrive

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iOS 16.3 and macOS 13.2 launches are only a week away
iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, watchOS 9.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2 are here.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

After a relatively short beta period, Apple on Monday released iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2 to the public. Compatible Apple Watch and Apple TV models also received watchOS 9.3 and tvOS 16.3 updates.

Usually, point releases of iOS and macOS bring several new features and changes. But that’s not the case with iOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2. Relatively light on new features, the updates focus more on bug fixes and security patches. Below is a look at all the new features in iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, macOS Ventura 13.2 and watchOS 9.3.

Review roundup: M2 and M2 Pro chips jack up new Mac mini models

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Reviewers heartily recommend the M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini models for different types of users.
Reviewers heartily recommend the M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini models for different types of users.
Photo: Apple

With the new M2 and M2 Pro versions of Mac mini released last week and expected to ship Tuesday, reviewers are showing a lot of enthusiasm for the new compact desktop machines.

Starting at $599, the Mac mini remains the cheapest Mac, but with performance upgrades and a powerful M2 Pro version on offer, the machines are more than capable of meeting the needs average users and pro creatives alike, reviewers said.

Gaming station sports Mac Studio and ultra-wide 4K display [Setups]

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This great-looking setup relies on Mac Studio, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and a PC.
This great-looking setup relies on Mac Studio, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro and a PC.
Photo: [email protected]

In the world of computer setups flaunted on social media, we run across lots of folks who have their cake and eat it, too — in that they’re avid PC gamers who love their Macs, as well. Macs are rarely, if ever, the darlings of hardcore gamers.

Today’s featured setup plays hardball with a PC and Sony PlayStation, but it also covers the Apple bases. In addition to a powerful Mac Studio sharing time on the ultra-wide 4K display with the PC, the workstation boasts a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro.

2023 MacBook Pro review roundup: M2 Max brings considerable performance boost

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2023 MacBook Pro
2023 MacBook Pro is the same but faster.
Screenshot: Apple

The new 16- and 14-inch MacBook Pro models that are about to hit shelves have reached reviewers early, giving the world its first independent look at the newest macOS notebooks. The reviewers’ consensus is that the only noticeable change is the performance gain coming from the new M2 Max or M2 Pro processors.

That means the highlights of their reviews are benchmark scores for the much-improved CPUs and GPUs in Apple’s latest chips.

Holafly eSIM gives iPhone users international data without barriers

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With Holafly eSIM you can stay connected wherever you go, all over the world.
With Holafly eSIM you can stay connected wherever you go, all over the world.
Photo: Holafly

An eSIM in your iPhone can keep you connected wherever you go internationally while avoiding expensive roaming charges. It’s super-easy to set up an eSIM. Plus, you can create different profiles for different countries or regions, so you never have to worry about getting hit with surprise charges.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Holafly.
You can even use your regular SIM card alongside an eSIM. Find out more about how companies like Holafly provide eSIM service in this guide for international travelers.

Get a reliable electric bike for just $899

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Upgrade your transportation approach by picking up an e-bike for 60% off.
Go further with an e-bike, priced at an amazing 60% discount.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Cost-effective and climate-conscious, electric bikes are an increasingly popular option in rural areas and cities alike. While they’ve become a wish-list item for many, the typical price tag can be a bit prohibitive. But not with this deal.

BirdBike’s A-frame electric bike normally sells for well over $2,000, but it’s currently available for only $899 with no coupon necessary. You can get 60% off — and pay no shipping costs — on an advanced product that adds greater efficiency to your daily commute.

Apple is not actively working on a HomePod mini 2

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HomePod mini
Apple is not working on a HomePod mini successor for now.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Although the HomePod mini played a key role in helping Apple make inroads in the smart speaker market, the company is reportedly not working on a second-generation model.

Apple launched the HomePod mini in October 2020 with a $99 price tag, which made it much more affordable than the full-size speaker.

What to expect from Apple Studio Display Pro

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A table of desktop Macs. Going clockwise around the table, starting at the front: the Mac Studio with Studio Display (height-adjustable stand and nano texture glass), the iMac, Mac Pro with Pro Display XDR (with Pro Stand) and Mac mini with Studio Display (tilt stand).
Leaks indicate Apple's Studio Display will soon be joined by an improved version.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

An enhanced version of the Apple Studio Display is expected soon with a better, brighter LCD. The “Pro” version be out before the end of March, according to a reliable source.

Any Mac user in the market for a new external monitor should know what is about to join Apple’s product lineup.

Save sweet $50 on your 2023 MacBook Pro pre-order

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2023 MacBook Pro.
Apple's M2 Pro MacBook Pros are available with a $50 pre-order discount.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s new M2 Pro MacBook Pros are already available with a sweet $50 pre-order discount on Amazon. The deal is available on the entry-level 2023 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros.

The discount drops the price of the 14-inch MacBook Pro to $1,949 from $1,999. Similarly, you can get the 16-inch MacBook Pro for $2,449, down from $2,499.

Generate AI images with any prompt using Dream by Wombo

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Generate paintings with any prompt using Dream by WOMBO.
With this easy-to-use AI art generator, the only limitation on your imagery is your imagination.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As processors improve, AI art is becoming more and more accessible. Yet one fundamental question remains: How do you best use it? This art tool from Wombo lets you turn your ideas and words into incredible art in mere seconds, and is now on sale for $49.99.

New HomePod … new Mac mini … new MacBook Pros … what a week! [The CultCast]

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Second-gen HomePod image showing fewer tweeters.
We know the second-gen HomePod comes with fewer tweeters. Will it still tickle our ears?
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The new Mac mini is a steal. The new MacBook Pros are a spec bump. And the new HomePod is … interesting. We’re such fans of the original, we can’t wait to wrap our ears around Apple’s (possibly) upgraded smart speaker.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Should you buy a new MacBook Pro or wait till next year’s M3 chips arrive?
  • HomePod mini’s secret sensor is about to go live.
  • We know Apple cut some corners to make the new HomePod. The question is, will the new version bring the boom like the OG HomePod?
  • And Cult of Mac writer D. Griffin Jones makes his CultCast debut.

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.

AirTag plays Lassie for pup lost in California flood

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AirTag plays Lassie for pup lost in California flood
A California couple was reunited with their dog after he went through a harrowing experience.
Photo: San Bernardino County Fire Department

Seamus the Australian Shepherd was swept away in floodwaters in San Bernardino, California, after recent storms. He was carried downstream almost a mile, but was rescued with the assistance of the Apple AirTag attached to his collar.

Cult of Mac interviewed Emilie Brill, Seamus’ owner. Here are the details of the pup’s rescue in her own words.

Discover how Shopify and Amazon FBA work, then cash in!

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Discover how Amazon FBA Works with this training bundle.
Master Shopify and Amazon FBA with this training bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Amazon is one of the simplest ways to sell products, while Shopify offers a flexible dropshipping platform anyone can use. But without a business plan, you can’t make the most out of these platforms. Whether you’re selling goods as a full-time career or a side hustle, learn how to maximize profitability and efficiency with this business model and strategies bundle.

It’s on sale for just $30, but the insider knowledge is priceless.

How the M2 and M2 Pro Mac minis compare to the M1 model

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M1 vs M2 Mac Mini Comparison
How does the M2/Pro Mac mini compare against the M1 mini?
Photo: Apple/Rajesh

Apple’s newest Mac mini packs a punch. It comes with a faster M2 chip, with the company even bringing the M2 Pro chip to the compact desktop Mac.

So, how does the M2/Pro Mac mini compare to the M1 and the high-end Intel-powered Mac mini that it replaces? Find out in our comparison.

Enter to win a charming Apple Watch Band from Goldenerre [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Make a statement with this timeless piece for your Apple Watch
Make a statement with this timeless Apple Watch band.
Photo: Goldenerre

One lucky winner will get their hands on Goldenerre’s bestselling Apple Watch band in this week’s Cult of Mac giveaway. The gorgeous Goldenerre Herringbone band screams elegance, and it’s available in three stunning colors (gold, silver and rose gold).

Retailing at $148, the band fits all series of Apple Watch. It’s perfect for any Apple Watch owner wanting to add some glam to their wrist.

Learn (and profit!) with 12 stock market courses for one low price

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Learn and profit by exploring 12 stock market courses at one low price.
Raise your stock market IQ with this affordable at-home lesson plan.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The stock market has turned college-age kids into millionaires, launched lucrative long-term careers and can be used to cash out for a comfortable retirement. Of course, the ability to reap such benefits comes with an inherent set of risks. And those who don’t understand or respect them can swiftly see their ambitions dashed.

Gain valuable knowledge of the stock market by exploring a lifetime subscription to this stock trading and investing course bundle, which is now on sale for just $39.

Servant unleashes a bed bug blitz [Apple TV+ recap]

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Servant cast members in hazmat suits and gas masks.
Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse ... bed bugs!
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewDorothy is back in the bizarre Turner household this week on Apple TV+ thriller Servant — and she’s not happy to be home. Leanne insists on normalcy, but considering the things that have happened, that’s asking a lot.

To make matters worse, Tobe and Julian are stuck in the house together. Plus, the Turners have a big bug problem, Sean can’t stand up for either Leanne or Dorothy, and Dorothy keeps throwing a monkey wrench in Leanne’s plans.

In Truth Be Told season 3, podcaster Poppy tackles sex trafficking [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★

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Podcaster Poppy Scoville-Parnell (played by Olivia Spencer, left) jumps on a kidnapping case in season three of Truth Be Told on Apple TV+.★★★
Podcaster Poppy Scoville-Parnell (played by Olivia Spencer, left) jumps on a kidnapping case in season three of Truth Be Told.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewTruth Be Told, the Apple TV+ drama created by Nichelle D. Tramble about a true crime podcaster, returns for its third season this week. This season, Poppy Scoville-Parnell — the intrepid reporter played by Oscar winner Octavia Spencer — must blow the lid off a sex-trafficking ring that resulted in at least one kidnapping, maybe more.

Politics, tech money, school board in-fighting, and police reform are all tied up in this case — and our podcasting hero Poppy is at the center of the swirl, as usual.

‘Budget’ MacBook Air workstation doesn’t look cheap [Setups]

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Christian Panea setup
It's a "budget" setup, but it really doesn't look it.
Photo: Christian Panea@Workspace Setups Addict

Some budget computer setups look the part — cheap, utilitarian, uninspired, incomplete — and others don’t. Today’s featured setup falls in the latter category. You look at the well-equipped workstation and the word “cheap” doesn’t occur to you.

Against a DIY desk and pegboard, the setup features an M1 MacBook Air, dual Dell displays, some nice AV gear and plenty of nice touches.

As low as $13: Get more done in 2023 with Windows and Office

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Get great deals on Microsoft software by using promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com.
Unlock unbeatable deals on Microsoft software with promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com.
Photo: CdkeySales.com

New Year’s Eve parties may be a fading memory, but big savings continue on Microsoft software. Just visit the ongoing Happy New Year Sale at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com to save on Windows, Office and more.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by CdkeySales.
Cult of Mac readers who want a great deal on Windows 10 (and more) can simply click on the links below. (Bonus: Windows 10 comes with a free upgrade to Windows 11.) But in addition to Windows deals, CdkeySales offers major savings on plenty of other Microsoft software, too. To achieve maximum savings, enter promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com. That will slash an extra 30% off the site’s rock-bottom prices on keys for Windows 10 Pro Global, Microsoft Office 2021 Pro and more.

Saddle up for some solitaire with Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!

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Saddle up for some solitaire with 'Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!'
Play Solitatire to win horse races in an interesting mashup game that debuted in Apple Arcade on Friday.
Screenshot: Game Freak

A classic Nintendo 3DS game trotted over to Apple Arcade. Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! merges Solitaire and horse racing into a unique combination.

It launched January 20 for a variety of Apple devices, including iPhone and Mac.

Super-size your laptop with this discounted second screen

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Maximize laptop time with this discounted dual-screen monitor.
Save $40 on this portable laptop display expander.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Constantly multitasking on your laptop? If you’re attempting to FaceTime in one corner of your screen while messaging in another app and “working” on an assignment somewhere in between, things can get tricky.

You can make multitasking a breeze by expanding your laptop display anytime, anywhere with the Duex Plus, a portable second-screen monitor. Normally $339, this helpful addition is now only $299.99.

Shape Island squares the circle: It’s stop-motion perfection for kids and parents [Apple TV+ review] ★★★★★

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Circle, Square and Triangle from stop-motion animation show ★★★★★
Minor problems deliver major entertainment in excellent new stop-motion animation series Shape Island. on Apple TV+.
Image: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewShape Island arrives on Apple TV+ today to teach kids about social interactions and to help them ward off the anxiety inherent in such things. Based on the critically acclaimed books by illustrator Jon Klassen and author Mac Barnett, this charming stop-motion show is as cute as it is thoughtful — a good way to make kids laugh while slyly making them learn.

This is one of the first Apple TV+ kids’ shows with enough joyous anarchy for parents as well as children.

Apple TV outage means no stream for you! [Updated]

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Problems with the Apple TV app and/or the Apple TV+ made streaming impossible for some users Wednesday.
Problems with the Apple TV app and/or the Apple TV+ made streaming impossible for some users Wednesday.
Screenshot: Cult of Mac

UPDATE: Apple’s System Status page now lists the problems with Apple TV and Apple TV+ as a “resolved issue.” 


An Apple TV outage late Thursday afternoon left viewers wondering why they couldn’t watch their favorite shows.

Around 5 p.m. PST, a message in the Apple TV app read: “Content Unavailable. There’s a problem loading this content. If this continues, check your Internet connection.” The ongoing problem apparently affects the Apple TV app, as well as the Apple TV+ streaming service and the channels subscribed to through the Apple TV app. On Macs, the message appeared in the Watch Now, Apple TV+ and Store tabs of Apple’s TV app.