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!
★★★★☆
Everyone's got their secrets, even Poppy's dad Leander (played by Ron Cephas Jones). Photo: Apple TV+
Secrets 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.
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.
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.
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!
Marvelous 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
★★☆☆☆
James (played by Jason Segel) has some interesting new ideas about psychotherapy. Photo: Apple TV+
Shrinking, 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.
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*.
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Young Eddie is a piano prodigy, among other things. If only Dear Edward had a genius in the writers' room. Photo: Apple TV+
New 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.
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.
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.
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).
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 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.”
Turn scraps to soil with the CES hit Reencle Prime, now $489. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Nearly a quarter of what we throw away is food waste, much of which goes to landfills. While there are many ways to make use of waste, the Reencle Prime composter can cut down your carbon footprint by turning your kitchen scraps into plant food.
$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.”
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.
★★★★☆
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.
This soft and stylish sleeve works for any 15- to 16-inch MacBook. Photo: Elago
If you like a touch of “soft and comfy” with your style, Elago’s fiber-fill sleeves for MacBook and iPad could be for you. They’re a soft cases for your devices that are also environmentally friendly because the material in them is recycled.
And these sleeves won’t break the bank, either. You can choose from different sizes and colors and pay less than $30 in some cases. Check out the collection in the Cult of Mac Store.
Is this something you'd play $50,000 for? Photo: LCG Auctions
You can grow your collection of classic Apple gear with an original iPhone from 2007… if your pockets are deep enough. A first-generation iOS handset doesn’t usually go for that much, but this one is still sealed in the original packaging.
Typically, an iPhone 1 sells for a few hundreds dollars. This one might hit $50,000.
Take over half off this high-tech LED lamp that's perfect for Valentine's Day. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Valentine’s Day only comes once a year, and the pressure to make things special can break even the best of us. No matter how much we spend on fancy dinners, bouquets or thoughtful gifts, it all comes down to the little things. We’re talking stuff like music and lighting — especially when you’re taking that special someone home for the first time.
We’ll leave the playlist to you, but if you’re looking to make a big impression in a small space, it doesn’t get more effective than this minimalist LED floor lamp from Lamp Depot, which is now only $139.99 a pair.