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Win Valentine’s Day with this $20 deal on $200 worth of restaurant gift cards

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Be your Valentine's hero with this $20 deal on $200 worth of gift cards from Restaurant.com.
Find the perfect Valentine's Day dinner with this $20 Restaurant.com deal.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you haven’t dined out in a while, you might be counting the minutes until Valentine’s Day gives you the perfect excuse for a date night. Here’s the problem: You may not have noticed, but that swanky eatery you and your partner love has probably gotten more expensive this year.

Luckily, Cupid is coming to the rescue just in time. As a special Valentine’s Day promo, you can now get $200 worth of electronic gift certificates to Restaurant.com for only $20.

Servant dishes out a delightfully scary Halloween treat [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Leanne (Nell Tiger Free) wears a Halloween costume in an this week's episode of ★★★★
You've heard of Christmas in July. What about Halloween in February?
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewHalloween comes early this week on Servant, the Apple TV+ saga of a family increasingly held prisoner by the mystic nanny who once threatened to save them from themselves.

On the prowl for zealots, Leanne discovers that the violence inside her can be used for more than necessary evil. Julian and Sean are starting to lose the illusion that they have any kind of control over her, and are beginning to agree with Dorothy that it’s time for the nanny to go. It’s another excellently creepy outing for the Turner family.

iPad shipments shoot through the roof

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To celebrate Juneteenth, artist Ajuan Mance is revisiting “The Ancestors’ Juneteenth,” a series that depicts historical Black figures in present-day settings.
iPad had a good 2022.
Photo: Apple

Apple made almost half the tablets sold in the word during the December quarter, according to market researchers.

The company itself says it took in more revenue from iPad sales in the October-through-December period than in any previous quarter.

Everyone wins (up to $1 million) when they solve this clever puzzle

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Win up to $1 million for celebrating National Puzzle Day.
After you finish this brain-teasing puzzle, scan it to see how much you won.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If National Puzzle Day didn’t leave you completely wiped out, you can take a shot at turning puzzling fun into big money with this hot deal. How? Try solving the 2 Million Dollar Puzzle.

First, pick up a puzzle for the discounted price of $19.98. Second, solve it. Third, scan it to see if you won $1 million!

Deep secrets emerge in a taut Truth Be Told [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Ron Cephas Jones plays Leander in a scene from Apple TV+ crime drama ★★★★
Everyone's got their secrets, even Poppy's dad Leander (played by Ron Cephas Jones).
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewSecrets come out left and right on this week’s episode of Truth Be Told, Apple TV+’s drama about a true crime podcaster and her community.

Leander and Poppy have to hash out some family history, and Markus and Zarina have to hash out some very present things or risk losing their future together. Plus, Eva must be honest about who she is and what she wants.

Even though none of them yet know it, the clock is ticking. The episode, entitled “Here She Shall See No Enemy,” stands as a superlative edition of the Oakland-set drama.

LG software update brings Apple services to hundreds of smart TV brands

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Apple TV+ is just one of the features coming to more smart TVs.
Apple TV+ is just one of the features coming to more smart TVs.
Photo: Apple

Consumer electronics maker LG added Apple TV, Apple Music, AirPlay and HomeKit to its webOS Hub Tuesday, making Apple’s core services available to smart TVs from 200 brands that use the custom software.

The update starts rolling out Friday in more than 100 countries and regions. It could provide quite a boost to Apple globally as new users try the features.

These new hi-res noise-canceling headphones go for just $180

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Edifier's new premium cans use the LDAC codec, which should make them sound especially good with devices made for it.
Edifier's new premium cans use the LDAC codec, which should make them sound especially good with Android devices made for it.
Photo: Edifier

Edifier rolled out a new wireless over-ear set of headphones Tuesday — the WH950NB headset — providing another affordable alternative to high-end cans like Apple’s AirPods Max and products from the likes of Sony and Sennheiser.

Featuring active noise cancellation (ANC) and hi-res audio, Edifier’s premium headphones go for $180, a pretty low price for the feature set.

Smashy, smashy with Castle Crumble on Apple Arcade

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Smashy, smashy with 'Castle Crumble' on Apple Arcade
That's a nice-looking castle you got there. Be a shame if something happened to it.
Photo: Orbital Knight

Have fun with creative destruction in Castle Crumble, which challenges players to knock down fortresses with bombs and spells.

The puzzle game debuted Friday on Apple Arcade, and is playable on iPhone, Mac and other Apple devices.

BTS fans: Get a cute Universtar BT21 AirTag case with keychain

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You can choose from several BT21 Universtar characters. This one is called Chimmy.
You can choose from several BT21 Universtar characters. This one is called Chimmy.
Photo: Elago

If you’re young or just young-at-heart, here’s your chance to nab an adorably expressive case and keychain for your AirTag tracking device. The colorful cases, inspired by K-Pop boy band BTS, represent seven fanciful characters from the Universtar BT21 universe. You can read a little bit more about it below.

Don’t miss your chance to get a cool AirTag case from K-Pop culture in the Cult of Mac Store — they’re just $12.99!

Pinecone & Pony will whisk kids off on whimsical adventures [Apple TV+ review] ★★★★☆

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A still from Pinecone & Pony shows the animated stars of the whimsical Apple TV+ kids show.★★★★☆
What a pair!
Image: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewMarvelous Apple TV+ children’s show Pinecone & Pony returns for an energetic second season this week. The animated show, based on the popular book by writer and cartoonist Kate Beaton, centers on a hero-in-training in a world based on Viking lore and Lord of the Rings-style fantasy.

The series continues to combine cute animation and vocal performances with good-natured social lessons. It’s a winning and whimsical escape for kids and adults should also have a very nice time indeed.

M2 Mac mini drives dual displays in rolling rig [Setups]

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This user enabled dock-free dual-display use by adding an M2 Pro Mac mini.
This user enabled dock-free dual-display use by adding an M2 Pro Mac mini. And note the can of Death & Taxes black lager, a serious adult beverage.
Photo: [email protected]

“How many external displays can I easily run with my Mac and how” is a common question, and some Macs make it much easier to run more than one external monitor than others.

In today’s featured computer setup, a software developer went out and bought a new M2 Mac mini specifically for its generosity in that regard. It really helped his highly portable setup, which features a Studio Display and an LG 4K screen.

Software discounts up to 91%! Windows 10 genuine lifetime license only for $13, Office $23!

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

You know what’s sweeter than candy hearts or chocolates on Valentine’s Day? Saving money. To get huge discounts on Microsoft software, just check out the latest big sale at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com. You can 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 other Microsoft software) can click on the links below. And as a bonus, Windows 10 comes with a free upgrade to Windows 11. To get the most savings, enter promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com. That will chop an extra 30% off the site’s already-low prices on keys for Windows 10 Pro Global, Microsoft Office 2021 Pro and more.

iPhone shipments drop but still top global phone market

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iPhone 14 Pro performance whips Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The iPhone 14 series propelled Apple past Samsung and other Android-makers in Q4 2022.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple was hit with a sharp decline in iPhone shipments in the December quarter, but the news isn’t all bad — it’s once again the world’s largest maker of smartphones by a wider margin than ever before, according to market analysts.

Even better, Apple is pulling in almost half the revenue of the entire global market, and a very large share of the profit.

Shrinking’s unfunny jokes will make you mental [Apple TV+ recap] ★★☆☆☆

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Jason Segel in a scene from Apple TV+ comedy ★★☆☆☆
James (played by Jason Segel) has some interesting new ideas about psychotherapy.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewShrinking, the new Apple TV+ comedy starring Jason Segel as therapist James Laird, starts dealing with the consequences of its lead character’s new ideas about mental health this week. In fact, it looks like maybe James needs a little time on the couch himself.

With one patient supposedly living in Canada with her sister to avoid an abusive husband, one revising his dating game, and one living in James’ poolhouse, his track record doesn’t exactly look successful. Plus, Gabrielle needs a little help, James and Alice find a new outlet for their sadness, and Paul needs his eyes checked.

Unfortunately, this week’s episode of Shrinking proves every bit as frustrating as the first two.

Score a year of Costco shopping, and a $30 Digital Costco Shop Card, for only $60

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Shop for all your essentials under one roof with a discounted Costco membership.
Did you know Costco stocks Apple gear at discount prices?
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Instead of hopping from store to store to find everything you need, try shopping at a warehouse club that provides its members with perks and affordable products. With a Costco Gold Star Membership, you can purchase groceries, outdoor furniture, electronics and more.

And for a limited time, you can get a one-year Costco Gold Star Membership for $60 — and it comes with a complimentary $30 Digital Costco Shop Card*.

Dear Edward turns a plane crash into a dumpster fire [Apple TV+ recap] ★☆☆☆☆

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In a scene from Apple TV+ drama ★☆☆☆☆
Young Eddie is a piano prodigy, among other things. If only Dear Edward had a genius in the writers' room.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewNew Apple TV+ series Dear Edward is a sprawling ensemble piece about the aftermath of a plane crash. This baffling bit of overwrought drama cannot decide for longer than a few scenes what it’s actually about — or why it needs a season (or more) of TV to tell stories we’ve already heard in the most overwrought terms possible.

The series, which premieres today, misfires on just about every front. This show about grief seems to itself be in the throes of a panic attack.

New full-size HomePod now available at your nearest Apple store

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A second-generation HomePod and a hand holding an iPhone.
HomePod 2 goes on sale from today.
Photo: Apple

Two weeks after its announcement, the HomePod 2 is officially on sale and hitting retail stores in the US, Canada, Australia, and other markets. Customers around the world are also receiving their HomePod 2 pre-orders.

Apple started accepting HomePod 2 pre-orders soon after its announcement. If you placed your order early, your unit should also show up today.

AirPods Max 2 and HomePod mini 2 won’t arrive anytime soon

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AirPods Max even look pretty on the inside.
What improvements do you want to see in the AirPods Max 2?
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

The next AiPods Max refresh, low-cost AirPods, and the HomePod mini 2 could enter into mass production in H2 2024. These products could go on sale between the end of 2024 and the first half of 2025.

Apple is unlikely to announce new audio products for the remainder of 2023 or H1 2024.

Win a supreme stand that mounts your MagSafe iPhone anywhere [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Need hands free iPhone use at your desk? No problem.
Need to go hands-free with your iPhone at your desk? No problem.
Photo: SwitchEasy

We teamed up with SwitchEasy for this week’s giveaway, which will see three lucky winners receiving an Orbit Universal Magnetic Stand.

The multifunctional stand works with any MagSafe-compatible iPhone. And it lets you mount that iPhone practically anywhere, from your desk to your car’s dash (thanks to the 3M sticker on the back).

Enter to win below!

5 upbeat takeaways from Apple’s optimistic earnings call

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A rainbow Apple logo looms over a cloudy sky with the sun peeking through. The words
Wall Street might not be happy right now, but Apple sees strong growth ahead.
Image: Cult of Mac, based on photos by Aaron Burden and Sumudu Mohottige/Unsplash License

Although Apple’s December 2022 quarter was something of a disappointment, thanks to declines in revenue and profits, company executives accentuated the positives whenever possible during an earnings call with investors on Thursday.

Here are some upbeat developments coming out of Apple’s Q1 2023 financial results, including a significant milestone in active users and a big jump in iPad revenue.

Apple surpasses 2 billion active devices

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A Mac, iPhone and iPad with the words
Apple continues to woo new users and passes another milestone: 2 billion active devices as of February 2023.
Photo: Oleg Ivanov/Unsplash License

Apple’s installed base now exceeds 2 billion active devices, CEO Tim Cook said during Thursday’s earnings call. Although revenue in Apple’s first quarter fell $6.7 billion short of last year’s, the continued growth helped the company achieve what Cook called “a truly incredible milestone.”

Apple’s holiday quarter comes in worse than expected

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Apple logo with the text
$117.2 billion in revenue seems like a lot of money, but Wall Street expected more from Apple
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple’s financial results from the December 2022 quarter include revenue and earnings per share that declined compared to the same period of the previous year. The figures did not live up to analysts’ expectations, which is dropping the share price.

Still, CEO Tim Cook stayed positive: “As we all continue to navigate a challenging environment, we are proud to have our best lineup of products and services ever, and as always, we remain focused on the long term and are leading with our values in everything we do.”

Who will be Apple’s next Jony Ive? Nobody, apparently.

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A MacBook Air with ominous red lighting and a giant white question mark.
Apple apparently does not plan to replace departing industrial design chief Evans Hankey.
Photo: Adrian Regeci/Unsplash License

Apple reportedly stopped looking for a replacement industrial design chief. This is surprising, as it’s a high-profile position once held by Jony Ive, who led the team that created the iconic look of the iPhone, iMac and more.

The corporate rearrangement increases the power of Jeff Williams — Apple’s chief operating officer and possibly Tim Cook’s eventual replacement as CEO.

Juice up 4 Apple devices with this modular charging station [Review] ★★★★☆

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Zens 4-in-1 Modular Charging Station★★★★☆
Zens' latest powers up four Apple devices without a lot of cable clutter.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Keep your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and AirPods all powered up with the Zens 4-in-1 Modular Charging Station. This one multi-device can take on all the Apple computers and accessories you carry around every day.

I put the charging station in my home office where it replaced the octopus of cables normally required by these devices. And there are built-in stands for iPhone and Apple Watch.