EU won’t force iMessage to work with WhatsApp, rival messaging apps

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iMessage messaging
The EU won't require Apple to make dramatic changes to iMessage, the iPhone's messaging app.
Photo: Cee Ayes/Unsplash

The European Commission decided not to require Apple to further break down its barriers between iMessage and rival messaging services.

It would seem Apple’s decision to add RCS support helped persuade the European regulator that no additional changes are necessary.

How to update Vision Pro software (and try visionOS betas if you dare)

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Vision Pro software update screen in a mountaintop environment
With Vision Pro, you can install software updates from a blissful mountaintop.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Whether to add new features or squash bugs, Apple releases Vision Pro updates from time to time. (The latest one, visionOS 1.0.3, arrived Monday. It eliminates a major headache that plagued Vision Pro owners who forgot their devices’ passcodes.) Luckily, downloading and installing visionOS updates is easy once you know how.

In fact, installing Vision Pro software updates proves very similar to the process for updating an iPhone, iPad or Mac. We’ll show you how it’s done — and also how to get visionOS beta updates. If you want to take a chance on betas, you can test upcoming Vision Pro features before they officially arrive.

Transmit any audio to AirPods for less than $40

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Make audio output from any device wireless with this $39.99 transmitter.
Enjoy wireless audio from any source with this easy-to-use Bluetooth transmitter/receiver.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Those of us who switched to Bluetooth headphones did so because of the freedom they provide — but how free are you, really? Without a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, you’re still limited to listening from your iPhone, Mac, iPad and other Bluetooth-compatible devices. And that rules out a lot of audio options.

You can beat the Bluetooth blues with the Mymanu Link. This simple but universally handy gadget lets you connect to anything with an audio output jack. Then you can transmit that audio to your wireless earbuds or any Bluetooth speaker. And for a limited time, you can get your hands on a Mymanu Link for less than $40.

What it’s really like to cook with Apple Vision Pro

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Screenshot of a recipe for pizzelles floating in a kitchen
Just look over to the right to see the recipe.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

If you’re addicted to your Vision Pro, with your apps floating around you all the time, you’ll have to cook yourself dinner at some point. After all, you may not be able to afford to eat out after buying one. Cooking with Vision Pro offers some fun surprises, but it’s not all gravy.

There are obvious upsides. Placing timers around your kitchen and having easy access to a recipe floating nearby seem incredibly convenient rather than fiddling with your iPhone. This is what I was most excited to try out.

But the downsides snuck up on me. I had a hard time reading my measuring spoons, nor could I tell apart my sugar from my flour. But worst of all, trying to lick the cookie dough off a large whisk without smearing the Vision Pro proved impossible.

Check out our YouTube video or keep reading below.

AirPods airplane adapter makes in-flight entertainment sound great

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Elevate your connections with a $46 Bluetooth transmitter and receiver.
Use your AirPods to hear the plane's in-flight movies with this inexpensive Bluetooth transmitter and receiver.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Even in 2024, most in-flight entertainment systems don’t offer Bluetooth connections. Without an AirPods airplane adapter, you can’t pop in your favorite earbuds and enjoy your choice of the airline’s featured movies, TV shows and music in a glorious state of noise-cancellation-induced bliss. Instead, you need to bring an additional pair of wired headphones or use (or purchase) a crappy pair on the plane.

If using random earbuds that don’t sound good and/or continuously fall out seems unappealing to you, you’re not alone. That’s why this Eve II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver is such a useful device for travelers. Perfect for any upcoming air travel, it’s on sale now for only $45.99 (regularly $59).

visionOS update eliminates a major headache

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Clicking top button on Vision Pro
visionOS 1.0.3 is ready to squash Vision Pro bugs.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple released visionOS 1.0.3 to users of the Vision Pro on Monday. It’s the first to go out since the launch, and is primarily a bug-fix patch.

That said, the new version deals with a problem that previously sent some users to an Apple retail store looking for technical assistance.

Studio Display hits all-time low price

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$300 off Studio Display
Right now you can get any version of Studio Display for $300 off at Best Buy.
Photo: Apple

On Monday you can find every model of Apple’s popular but pricey midrange monitor on sale at Best Buy and get $300 off Studio Display. That makes for the lowest price yet on the standard glass version with a tilt-adjustable stand. And it’s one of the best deals you’ll find on the more-expensive Nano-texture glass versions, even with the height-adjustable stand.

Audio engineer touts Apple’s ‘most stylish computer’ ever [Setups]

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iMac Pro audio recording and mastering setup
An iMac Pro from 2017 is core to this audio recording and mastering setup.
Photo: Wanderedabit@Reddit.com

Before Apple’s powerful but sub-Mac Pro-level desktop Mac Studio even existed, there was iMac Pro. We don’t see the premium all-in-one desktop computer in the wild often compared to regular iMacs, but it clearly still has its fans.

Today’s featured user, who records and masters audio in a home studio, refuses to give up his 7-year-old iMac Pro until absolutely necessary. Because it’s still great. And for some people, it could be a great bargain on the used market (check out a few options in the gear list below).

Shopping online with Apple Cash is about to get a whole lot easier

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Shopping online with Apple Cash is about to get a whole lot easier
Apple Wallet will soon be able to turn Apple Cash into a virtual debit card.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple Cash will soon give shoppers everything they need to make purchases online. Starting with iOS 17.4, a debit card number can be created for the financial service, along with the usual associated details.

This will be a boon for those who depend on the digital payment system, especially teenagers.

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs wins posthumous Grammy

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Cue
Steve Jobs' death caused an outpouring of support.
Photo: Grammys

February 12: Today in Apple history February 12, 2012: Months after his untimely death, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is honored with a Special Merit Grammy Award in recognition of his contributions to the field of music with the iPod and iTunes Music Store.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of internet software and services, collects the Grammy on behalf of Jobs’ family and “everyone at Apple.”

Rip DVDs with this lightning-fast Mac app

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Rip DVDs on Mac into digital versions with this $31.97 tool.
Put old DVDs on your Mac in minutes with this $31.97 ripper.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Still got a stack of DVDs gathering dust in the garage? Far too many of us throw them away or dump them at the thrift store, assuming it’ll be too much of a timesuck to convert them to digital format. If you’re using default Mac software, you’re probably right — but not if you’re using a great Mac DVD ripper.

With a license to MacX DVD Ripper Pro, you can put that old video on your digital screen for good with surprising speed. Plus, you can even improve upon the original — all for less than $32 through February 18.

3 reasons to watch Masters of the Air‘s bloody WWII aerial ballet

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Austin Butler, right, appears in Masters of the Air on Apple TV+
The life expectancy of these airmen was not high.
Photo: Apple

When I was a kid, I had a thing for historical aircraft. I especially loved the smooth lines of the B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. And it played a big role in ending World War II, as shown in Masters of the Air on Apple TV+, the final installment in Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman’s World War II filmmaking trilogy.

Despite massive challenges, the plane and its crews’ strategic bombing helped bring down Adolf Hilter and the Nazi regime, shortening a horrific ground war.

And yet as good as the series is, sometimes it lands just short of the runway, like a beat-up B-17 losing its landing gear and grinding to a halt. Will it blow up? Maybe, maybe not. But is Masters of the Air worth watching? Hell yes.

Apple Vision Pro’s ‘ideal form’ might be four generations away

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Vision Pro's new UI is simple and easy to learn.
Apple's headset is still a work in progress.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple insiders think the Vision Pro is at least four generations away from reaching its “ideal form.” Apple still needs to do a lot of work behind the scenes before the headset can potentially become as popular as an iPhone or Mac.

While the first-gen headset has issues, it is an impressive first try from Apple.

Best ways to watch 2024 Super Bowl on Apple TV, iPhone or Mac

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Best ways to watch 2024 Super Bowl on Apple TV, iPhone or Mac
The App Store also recommends Paramount+ for watching the 2024 Super Bowl.
Image: Apple/Paramount

The 2024 Super Bowl is Sunday, and football fans can watch via their favorite Apple device. Maybe it’s on an Apple TV connected to the big screen in your living room, or you might need to watch on your iPhone because you have to be at work tonight.

Whatever your setup is, here are the best ways to stream the big game.

Today in Apple history: iPad fails to impress Bill Gates

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Bill Gates Fox News
Bill Gates definitely doesn't wish Microsoft invented the iPad.
Photo: Fox News

February 11: Today in Apple history: iPad fails to impress Bill Gates February 11, 2010: With iPad excitement reaching a fever pitch, Steve Jobs’ old frenemy Bill Gates wades in with his own opinion of Apple’s tablet.

The Microsoft co-founder’s view? The upcoming device is kinda meh.

“There’s nothing on the iPad I look at and say, ‘Oh, I wish Microsoft had done it,'” Gates tells one interviewer.

Vision Pro wall-to-wall: Pros, cons, grins and gripes! [The CultCast]

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CultCast host Erfon Elijah wearing an Apple Vision Pro headset behind a microphone, recording the podcast. The CultCast episode 633.
Erfon has some thoughts about the Vision Pro.
Photo: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After spending a few days with Apple’s headset, Erfon and Griffin are ready to unleash their initial Vision Pro reviews. They’ve got some gushing praise, some mild concerns and some unmitigated gripes.

Also on The CultCast:

  • A sad Vision Pro “demo” shows why you should never try the headset with your glasses on. Book a real Apple demo instead!
  • The technology in Apple’s headset is astonishing. So are the immersive experiences. But is all that enough to justify the price?
  • Griffin talks about doing actual work while wearing Vision Pro.
  • Erfon reveals his grand plan for a new podcast called CultCast Off Topic.

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.

Today in Apple history: Mac Color Classic ditches monochrome

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The Macintosh Color Classic is the Mac everybody had been waiting for.
The Macintosh Color Classic was the Mac the world had been waiting for.
Photo: Chung Chu/Flickr CC

February 10: Today in Apple history: Macintosh Color Classic ditches monochrome February 10, 1993: Apple launches the Macintosh Color Classic, the company’s first compact Mac with a color screen.

As the first all-in-one Mac with an integrated color display, and the last U.S. Mac to offer the compact form factor, this model represents a landmark in the evolution of the Macintosh. A Color Classic unit also happens to become the 10 millionth Macintosh that Apple shipped.

Find the best laser printer for your Mac

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Best laser printer for Mac
For most cases, laser printers outshine inkjet printers. Here's how to find the best laser printer for Mac.
Photo: Cult of Mac

What is the best laser printer for Mac users? When choosing between laser or inkjet, we recommend laser. Laser printers used to be prohibitively expensive, but prices have come down, and you’ll have fewer headaches. Inkjet printers are better for photos but are a pain to own. Replacement ink costs a fortune, the heads clog, and they dry out if the printer isn’t in regular use.

Laser printers, on the other hand, can sit idle for weeks without problems. They cost more up front, but are often cheaper to own in the long-run.

In this guide, we’ll explore which brand of printer works best with Mac and top laser printers that are fully compatible with macOS, whether you need a printer for your personal use, a home office or a small business.

Learn multiple languages with Babbel, now just $149.97 for life

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Speak a second language with Babbel, now $199.97 for life.
Turn downtime into a language-learning opportunity with Babbel.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Hola! Hallo! Ciao! Bonjour! Now you know how to greet people in Spanish, German, Italian and French. Interested in learning more?

Babbel is an app that can teach you up to 14 languages through bite-size, interactive lessons. Just pay a one-time fee and get access for life. And, for a limited time, a lifetime subscription — normally $599 — is price-dropped to just $149.97.

Former employee hit with hefty fine for stealing Apple car secrets

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This one is definitely not just a driving simulator.
Criminals can't yet steal an Apple car, but they can steal secrets of its technology.
Photo: Basic Apple Guy

An Apple employee who tried to head for China with stolen secrets about Apple’s self-driving car was sentenced to four months in prison and a $147,000 fine.

He’s one of two people caught attempting industrial espionage on technical details of the upcoming autonomous vehicle.

What’s it like working out wearing a Vision Pro?

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Me wearing workout clothes on a treadmill. Oh, and a Vision Pro on my face.
Is this the future of working out? Probably not.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

People have been spotted wearing Apple’s Vision Pro headset at gyms. I was curious whether they had unlocked a secret killer feature or whether they were bearing through aches and pains just to show off. What’s it really like working out wearing a Vision Pro?

To find out, I hopped on a treadmill, lifted some weights and did some crunches while wearing the headset to discover the pros and cons of wearing a Vision Pro while working out. Check out our latest YouTube video to see what it’s like first-person.

The overall experience proved unsurprisingly mixed — with one very surprising drawback.

Boost mobile charging with new 2-in-1 power bank and wall adapter

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Belkin BoostCharge Hybrid Wall Charger 25W + Power Bank 5K
Belkin's new combo power bank and wall charger can cover plenty of your charging needs.
Photo: Belkin

Belkin rolled out a new portable 2-in-1 charger Thursday that should suit people who travel a lot or work in different places, like hybrid employees, because it’s both a wall charger and a power bank. It’s the Belkin BoostCharge Hybrid Wall Charger 25W + Power Bank 5K, great for keeping devices like iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch going.

It’s set to start shipping on Valentine’s Day, February 14. And no, we’re not saying it’s a romantic gift idea.

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs’ NeXT quits making computers

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NeXT Cube
The NeXT Computer was great but it didn't sell.
Photo: Rama & Musée Bolo/Wikipedia CC

February 9: Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs' NeXT quits making computers February 9, 1993: NeXT Inc., the company Steve Jobs founded after being pushed out of Apple, quits making computers. The company changes its name to NeXT Software and focuses its efforts entirely on producing code for other platforms.

In a mass layoff, 330 of NeXT’s 500 employees are made redundant in an event known internally as “Black Tuesday.” Cruelly, many people hear of their fate on the radio.

What Loupedeck can do for your photo and video editing [Setups]

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Loupedeck
Today's user relies on Loupedeck Live for photo and video editing tasks.
Photo: Loupedeck

The other day we featured an M1 Ultra Mac Studio setup. We wanted to loop back to call out a couple of cool components in it — namely, a Loupedeck streaming media console and a Keychron Q1 Pro Mechanical Keyboard. It turns out Loupedeck Live is great for video editing (photos, too!).

Valentine’s Day deals: Get Windows 10 for as low as $14 at CdkeySales!

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CdkeySales MIcrosoft Windows logo
Use promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com to score hearty savings on Microsoft software.
Photo: CdkeySales.com

Love is a many-splendored thing, the old song says. And mid-February means many sweet deals on Microsoft products you’ll love in CdkeySales.com’s Valentine’s Day Sale. Bargains galore await on Microsoft productivity software like Windows and Office. You’ll be smitten.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by CdkeySales.
You can find attractively low prices at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com now and throughout the year. To get the most savings in the Valentine’s Day Sale, enter promo code CULT. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s low prices on software keys. And what’s more, when you buy Windows 10, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11.