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Apple Pencil 2 is more affordable than ever after a $40 discount

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It's not the first time Apple Pencil 2 has been this cheap, but you may never see a lower price.
The Apple Pencil 2 is rarely discounted to such a low price.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

The Apple Pencil 2 is again down to its lowest price of $89, a sweet $40 off its $129. If you use your iPad heavily for note-taking or sketching, the Apple Pencil 2 is a no-brainer.

Apple’s handy iPad accessory can magnetically attach to the tablet and charge wirelessly.

Translate text anywhere on your iPhone

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Translate anything, anywhere (all at once?)
You don’t need any other apps or websites to translate text on your phone.
Image: Adrian Grycuk/Wikimedia Commons/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can instantly translate text anywhere on your iPhone and Mac. You don’t need to futz around retyping or copying text into a Google Translate tab — you can select text and get translations from 11 languages wherever you are.

It’s extremely fast and it works everywhere: not just text on the web, in email and in apps; but also inside pictures, videos and directly from the camera, too. Let me show you how it works.

This 14-port docking station will keep all your gear connected

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Stay connected to several devices with a single power source for 20% off.
This discounted docking station makes your devices more accessible than ever.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Any modern lifestyle is reliant upon connectivity, whether it’s for personal or professional purposes. Rapid advancements in technology allow us to access information and communicate anywhere in the world — as long as we have the right gear.

Like, for instance, the versatile mbeat docking station. Able to simultaneously power up several devices and designed with 14 ports, it’s primed to provide a breakthrough in efficiency and make connectivity easier than ever.

For a limited time, you can score a 20% discount on the mbeat dock, dropping the price to only $199.99.

Handy shelf makes the back of iMac or Apple Studio Display useful

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Twelve South BackPack for Apple Studio Display
The back of an Apple Studio Display doesn't have to be so blank.
Photo: Twelve South

The Twelve South BackPack for Apple Studio Display and iMac adds storage space to the rear of the monitor. The snap-on shelf can be used to declutter a desk or to add a bit of decor to an office.

There was already a version of the accessory specifically for iMacs.

Master all types of software with a lifetime subscription to Stream Skill

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Master a new trade with this software training subscription from StreamSkill.com.
Get more than 6,600 software training videos for just $59.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Learning new software can earn you extra money or maximize your productivity — but it can be a major challenge. Add in that you might already be spending your time and energy at school or work, and things get even harder.

If you want to start cultivating useful, marketable skills in a simpler setting, then you might want to check out Stream Skill. With a lifetime membership to StreamSkill.com, you can get unlimited access to more than 110 software courses for all your needs. And even better, it’s now on sale for only $59.

Apple execs reveal what went wrong with Intel

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Vice President of Platform Architecture and Hardware Technologies at Apple, Tim Millet, standing in the Apple chip lab.
Tim Millet, Apple's vice president of platform architecture and hardware technologies, introduces the new MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips.
Photo: Apple

What pulled Apple away from Intel? In a new interview, Apple executives Tim Millet and Bob Borchers reveal why the company shifted to making its own Mac chips.

Plus, they shed light on what they’re doing to make the Mac a gaming platform once again, how the Apple silicon architecture can make it happen, and when the best time is to buy a new Mac.

Aqara devices in smart homes begin jump to Matter standard

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Aqara's Hub M2 is receiving a firmware update enabling Matter support for Zigbee devices.
Aqara's Hub M2 is receiving a firmware update enabling Matter support for Zigbee devices.
Photo: Aqara

Aqara began rolling out beta firmware designed to bring many of its devices already in smart homes in line with the new Matter connectivity protocol. Matter makes it easier for devices from different makers to work together.

The update works via Aqara’s M2 Hub with more than 40 of the company’s Zigbee-controlled devices. But it might not roll out to all users until March, however, and the company cautioned HomeKit users about it.

Learn to protect your kids online with a free class from Apple

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Child with iPad
iPad and iPhone have free tools to help protects kids online. Apple offers a class on how to use them.
Photo: Apple

February 7 is Safer Internet Day, and parents can take part by signing up for Apple’s “Your Kids and Their Devices” class. It shows parents how to maintain the online privacy of children who use iPhone or iPad. For those looking for more tools for kids to stay safe online, Apple offers various built-in features and educational resources.

The class is free and available online or in person around the world.

Gamers can gear up with new custom-fit wireless earbuds

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Logitech G Fits wireless gaming earbuds feature a custom-molded fit and strong connectivity.
Logitech G Fits wireless gaming earbuds feature a custom-molded fit and strong connectivity.
Photo: Logitech G

Keyboard and mouse maker Logitech, whose Logitech G brand has made gaming headsets for the past couple of years, launched its first set of wireless gaming earbuds last week.

Logitech G Fits True Wireless Gaming Earbuds are not only the first buds to use Lightspeed technology for strong, low-latency connectivity, they add Lightform technology for a custom fit that isolates sound and cancels external noise, the company said.

Super-slim new hub adds the ports a MacBook needs [Review] ★★★★★

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Super-slim new hub adds the ports a MacBook needs★★★★★
Expand the port selection on your MacBook with a USB-C hub that clicks to the side of the notebook.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi Pro Hub Slim plugs directly into the side of a MacBook to greatly expand the range of ports available. It’s sleek enough for Apple’s latest notebooks, and adds minimal bulk. But there’s still room for HDMI, a pair of full-size USB-A ports, memory card readers and more.

I tested each of the features of the 7-in-2 hub to be sure it lives up Satechi’s promises.

Google and Mozilla test iPhone browsers not based on WebKit

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Google claims Chrome for Mac is now faster than Safari
A major under-the-hood change might be coming to Chrome for iPhone.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Google is tinkering with a version of its Chrome web browser for iPhone that does not use the WebKit rendering engine. The same is true for Mozilla and the Firefox browser.

Releasing these is currently impossible because of Apple’s browser rules, but the iPhone-maker may be forced to drop that restriction soon.

Love and terrorism tangle in French-English Liaison trailer

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In the Apple TV+ trailer for the thriller
In the Apple TV+ trailer for the thriller Liaison, Vincent Cassel and Eva Green gaze into each other's eyes a lot.
Photo: Apple

If there’s one thing you can tell from the trailer Apple TV+ dropped Tuesday for its first French- and English-language series — the thriller Liaison — it’s that a shadowy Frenchman (Vincent Cassel) and an English operative (Eva Green) have a thing for each other.

Almost every time you see the international stars onscreen, both of whom are actually French, they’re staring into each other’s eyes. Meanwhile, London endures assault after assault, and it’s only getting worse.

Forget Instagram glamour — celebrate the banality of daily life with BeReal

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Embrace the pointless
It’s not the worst idea for a social network I’ve heard of, but that’s not a tall order.
Image: BeReal/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

How do you use BeReal, one of the top new social media apps? It’s simple: You and your friends get one (and only one) opportunity to post a picture a day, all at the same time. You can see what everyone’s up to in this small slice of the day.

It’s a social media app like no other. Let me walk you through what it’s like to create an account and use BeReal.

Power up with a pair of Polaroid wireless charging stands

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Power up with the Polaroid wireless charging stand 2-Pack.
Get two iPhone-compatible wireless charging stands for just $19.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With a wireless charging stand, you can juice up your iPhone while simultaneously using it as a second screen. That makes a wireless charger the ultimate multitasking accessory. And you can score two Qi-compatible charging stands from Polaroid now for one low price — $19.99.

‘iPhone Ultra’ concept envisions what a titanium iPhone might look like

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Mockup of the rumored iPhone Ultra
This might be what an "iPhone Ultra" looks like.
Mockup: Jonas Daehnert

Apple is reportedly working on an “iPhone Ultra,” an even-more-premium iPhone that sits above the Pro series. A designer wondered if that might mean an iPhone Pro mixed with an Apple Watch Ultra, and dreamed up a concept device that merges the two.

The result is fun and gorgeous, if not anything Apple is likely to ever make.

Software update brings tiny tweaks to Apple TV and HomePod

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Apple TV and HomePod mini
tvOS 16.3.1 and HomePod software 16.3.1 are ready to be installed.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

A tvOS 16.3.1 update is out for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. There’s also an equivalent update for HomePod smart speakers.

These bring general improvements, not new features, but are nevertheless recommended for users of the Apple entertainment devices.

Get killer deals on iPhones and Apple Watches before it’s too late

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Want an iPhone 13 on the cheap? Here's your chance.
Want an iPhone 13 on the cheap? Here's your chance.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Amazon-owned discount site Woot! is back with another Apple bargain-fest. We spotted it Monday. It’ll let you grab a variety of iPhones and Apple Watches at discounted prices through February 11.

A bunch of items are already sold out, like Apple Watch 7 and most of the iPhone series 12 handsets, unfortunately. But you can still find some great deals.

13 ways to improve this dual-Studio Display workstation [Setups]

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How can we make this setup better? Let us count the ways.
How can we make this setup better? Let us count the ways.
Photo: [email protected]

Among the everlasting truths about computer setups, first comes “a setup is never finished.” And the second might be, “A setup can always be improved.” The user behind today’s featured setup certainly found out about No. 2  when he asked for advice on how to improve his M1 Max MacBook Pro and dual-Studio Display workstation.

Find all the advice below — jokes ‘n’ all — as well as all of the setup’s excellent gear.

Gift your valentine 2 dozen roses without breaking the bank

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Gift your Valentine 2 dozen roses this holiday without breaking the bank.
Save almost 50% on a luxurious rose arrangement designed to impress your Valentine.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

February has arrived, which means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Don’t become one of the unfortunate folks who approach this holiday unprepared — and overspend at the last minute out of desperation.

Roses are a time-tested winner when considering what to get for your Valentine, but the florist can become ridiculously pricey this time of year. Guarantee your special person receives a stunning bouquet this Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank. Send them two dozen roses and a vase from Rose Farmers for only $49.99 — today only!

Apple could launch an ‘Ultra’ high-end iPhone as soon as 2024

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iPhone Ultra concept with dual front cameras
Are you ready for an Ultra iPhone?
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple is reportedly working on an iPhone “Ultra” that could debut in 2024. The company is internally discussing adding an even-more-premium iPhone that sits above the Pro series.

Apple apparently does not want to replace the iPhone Pro Max with an Ultra model. Instead, the iPhone Ultra would be an entirely new addition to the company’s smartphone lineup.

Get 15 bottles of wine shipped to your sweetie’s doorstep for $79.99 this Valentine’s Day

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Get 15 bottles of wine shipped to your sweetie's doorstep for $79.99 this Valentine's Day.
Stock up for Valentine's Day with 15 bottles of wine for $79.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

“Be wise, decant the wine,” said Horace. Who are we to argue with the preeminent Roman poet from the age of Augustus? Even back in the first century B.C., the Romans knew the power of wine. Though their Valentine’s Day might’ve looked a little different from ours, it’s a good bet that a couple glasses of vino would’ve been involved.

While we’re dispensing wisdom, here’s another nugget: Never be afraid to try something new. When it comes to Valentine’s Day, Wine Insiders has a deal that makes that easy. In honor of every lover’s favorite holiday, you can get a treasure trove of 15 wines shipped to your special someone’s doorstep for $79.99.

Will new HomePod dazzle our ears like the original? We hope so. [The CultCast]

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Two HomePods and the logo for
We've got our ears all cleaned out and ready to listen.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The first reviews of the 2023 HomePod make Apple’s updated smart speaker sound pretty formidable. We can’t wait to hear for ourselves. (Unfortunately, if you didn’t already place your HomePod order, you’re probably looking at a substantial hang time.)

Also on The CultCast:

  • An iPad with a folding screen might be just around the corner.
  • Retina alert: Apple Watch Ultra might get an even bigger, brighter screen next year.
  • Former Apple design chief Jony Ive’s latest creation is … a bright red nose!

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.

Our sponsor: CultCloth

Get the only cleaning cloth you need: CultCloth!

Apple TV+ has a hit with Shrinking starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford

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Take a first look at Harrison Ford in Apple TV+ comedy 'Shrinking'
Plenty of people are watching Jason Segel and Harrison Ford in “Shrinking,” now on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Shrinking is finding a growing audience. The Apple TV+ comedy drew enough viewers during its debut week to become one of the top 10 most popular shows on all streaming platforms.

The ongoing series starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford is about a therapist who throws out the rule book and tells his clients what he really thinks they should do.