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Maxed-out Mac Pro stars in Apple-riffic rig [Setups]

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"How many computers do you need," asked a commenter.
Photo: [email protected]

We enjoy seeing computer setups grow and change. We last looked at today’s featured setup when its user described it as “temporary” back in June. Since then it has metastasized into a monstrous beast with a maxed-out Mac Pro, a 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro, a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, iPad mini and dual Pro Display XDRs.

And the custom-made desk with lights against a dramatic backdrop of 3D wall panels really enhances the setup, too.

Echo 3 takes its weird sexual vibe to a whole new level [Apple TV+ recap] ★★☆☆

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Echo 3 recap Apple TV+: Things go from bad to worse for Amber (played by Jessica Ann Collins). First she's kidnapped, then she disappears!★★☆☆
Things go from bad to worse for Amber (played by Jessica Ann Collins). First she's kidnapped, then she disappears!
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewNew Apple TV+ military thriller Echo 3 finds its heroes in desperate times this week, anxious and ready to take desperate measures. The kidnapped Amber has been put in a hellish South American prison camp, her brother Bambi is abandoned by his cohorts, her husband Prince is back in America recovering from multiple gunshot wounds — and nobody has a clue how to make this situation any better. But the writers sure know how to make it weirder.

The show, about what happens when an American with clandestine government ties stumbles into a private war, gets good mileage out of mechanics over message in this week’s episode, entitled “Upriver.” The bizarro sexual subtext of intervention gets quite the workout in this show.

Creative amps up distinctive Pebble Pro desktop speakers

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Creative Pebble Pro promise plenty of volume, bass and clarity.
Creative Pebble Pro promise plenty of volume, bass and clarity.
Photo: Creative

Creative recently unveiled a new addition to its distinctively round and tilted Pebble line of USB desktop speakers — Creative Pebble Pro.

With overhauled full-range drivers and digital amplifiers — plus flashy new RGB lighting — the new speakers jack up volume and bass so no subwoofer is needed, the company said.

CdkeySales Black Friday Sale last chance: Get Windows 10 for only $12

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

While Black Friday sales are synonymous with savings on holiday shopping, they don’t last through the whole holiday season. But you can still get super deals on Microsoft software when you visit the extended Black Friday Sale at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by CdkeySales.

As a Cult of Mac reader, just click on the links below to get a great deal on Windows 10 that comes with a great bonus: a free upgrade to Windows 11. CdkeySales offers big savings on plenty of other Microsoft software, too.

To get the most savings, enter promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com. That will slash an extra 35% off the site’s already-low prices on keys for Windows 10 Pro Global, Microsoft Office 2021 Pro and more.

Shantaram seethes with double-crosses and lust for revenge [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★

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Shantaram recap: Everything's coming to a boil, including our hero's temper, as Shantaram heads for its final curtain.★★★
Everything's coming to a boil, including our hero's temper, as Shantaram heads for its final curtain.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ Review This week on Shantaram, Lin is ready to flee except for one big thing: He wants revenge. The Apple TV+ limited series about a benevolent fugitive on the run from his past is coming to a bloody head as Lin tries to square accounts, Karla runs around town preparing the double-cross of a lifetime, the grim specter of death arrives in Bombay, and everyone else is caught in the middle.

Though this episode is well-played, it focuses on Shantaram’s least-interesting characters.

Order by December 8 to get this pro golf simulator in time for Christmas

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Save nearly 25% off this 4K golf sim and get it in time for Xmas.
Get this 4K home golf sim in time for Xmas - at less than $190.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It may be the season to be jolly, but in too many parts of the world, it’s definitely not the season for golf. We all have that friend who can’t wait for the snow to stop falling so they can hit the links (that “friend” might even be us!). But, thanks to some cutting-edge sports tech, waiting for spring to swing isn’t necessary.

The SwingLogic SLX MicroSim golfing simulator lets anyone sharpen their game, no matter the weather. And if you order by December 8, you can get it for $189.99 (regularly $249) with guaranteed delivery in time for Christmas — free shipping included.

Slow Horses’ second season cuts to the chase [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Slow Horses season two on Apple TV+: Jackson Lamb (played by Gary Oldman, right) has a new mystery to solve.★★★★☆
Jackson Lamb (played by Gary Oldman, right) and his slow horses have a new mystery to solve.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses returns this week for a slick second season of low-brow high tension.

Grotesque super spy Jackson Lamb (played by Gary Oldman) is on a personal crusade in the wake of a friend’s death. And the rest of his “slow horses” are desperately looking for work — even the ones who are still behind their desks at Slough House, the London HQ for MI5’s misfit spies.

Season two of Slow Horses starts at a good clip and just keeps galloping. The show, based on the Slough House series by British crime novelist Mick Herron, remains one of the most consistent secret pleasures of the Apple TV+ lineup.

Apple rebrands its mixed-reality operating system as ‘xrOS’

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Apple VR/AR headset takes big step toward production
Apple's AR/VR headset is inching closer to release.
Concept: Martin Hajek/Computer Bild

Apple reportedly changed the name of the operating system that will power its upcoming mixed-reality headset. Previously referred to as “realityOS,” Apple now calls the operating system “xrOS.”

This internal change is another sign of Apple ramping up work on the headset ahead of its official launch.

Back up your iPhone videos with 10TB of Degoo Premium cloud storage for $100

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Keep your Mac and iPhone backed up with 97% off Degoo Premium.
Get 10TB of storage for your Apple gear with 97% off Degoo Premium.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Apple’s decision to introduce ProRes to Pro iPhones gave average consumers the ability to capture lossless video without investing in proper camera gear. But those large files can eat up your storage quickly, even if you purchased an iPhone with the maxium storage capacity.

Alternatively, you can offload those large video files to a cloud storage service like Degoo, which earned 4.4 out of 5 in our store. Premium 10TB Lifetime Plans are on sale for $99 for a limited time.

Now you can customize a mechanical keyboard with Lego bricks

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Go crazy with those Lego bricks.
Go crazy with those Lego bricks.
Photo: MelGeek

Lots of people love all things Lego. Now they can use Lego bricks to create whatever design they want on the front and back of a new mechanical keyboard, the tenkeyless (TKL) MelGeek Pixel.

The Lego-friendly keyboard has surpassed its funding goal on Kickstarter, so if you buy one, it will probably ship.

This portable Apple Watch power bank turns into a nightstand

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OtterBox 2-in-1 Power Bank with Apple Watch Charger
Keep your Apple Watch juiced up for days with the travel-friendly power bank from OtterBox.
Photo: OtterBox

OtterBox merged a power bank, an Apple Watch wireless charger and a stand for the wearable into a single product. Just place the accessory on it end and it becomes a stand that juices up the Watch.

In addition, OtterBox also released on Thursday a MagSafe iPhone power bank that comes with a clip-on stand plus a car vent mount. This is joined by a foldable power bank with a built-in iPhone stand and Apple Watch charger.

All three new accessories are now available from the Apple store.

Beats Flex earbuds get savage with special-edition leopard print

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The special edition is purely a cosmetic tweak.
The special edition is purely a cosmetic tweak.
Photo: Beats

Apple-owned Beats hooked up with Japanese fashion brand Wacko Maria to release a new special-edition set of Beats Flex earbuds Friday featuring a leopard print, the companies said Thursday.

Beats Flex are the brand’s most affordable wireless earbuds. But now they pack a little more street cred.

Hubitat hub update broadens smart-device compatibility with HomeKit

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The updated hub supports HomeKit integration.
The updated hub supports HomeKit integration.
Photo: Hubitat

With a new software update to the Hubitat Elevation hub, users can bridge hundreds of Z-Wave and Zigbee devices not normally compatible with HomeKit into their Apple Home app, Hubitat said Wednesday.

The Hubitat Elevation software version 2.3.4 update brings HomeKit integration. It lets the hub serve as a bridge for “countless lights, switches, sensors and other devices that are not natively HomeKit compatible,” the company said.

Extended Cyber Week sale: Get Microsoft Office for Mac (or PC) for just $30

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Get the full Microsoft Office suite at its lowest price ever with this unbeatable Black Friday deal.
Get the full Microsoft Office suite for less than $30 with this early Black Friday deal.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you like to work offline or simply want to work with the same software as 200 active monthly million users around the world, Microsoft Office is a great choice as opposed to using free online tools. There’s also never been a better time to purchase the full Office suite.

With this Cyber Week sale, you can get Microsoft Office 2021 for just $29.99 for Mac or Windows — its lowest price ever!

Make AirPods sound like new with Belkin cleaning kit

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Make AirPods sound like new with Belkin cleaning kit
Get that yucky earwax out of your AirPods with this cleaning kit.
Photo: Belkin

Your old AirPods aren’t what they used to be. The speakers can get gummed up, degrading the audio performance. But the Belkin Cleaning Kit for AirPods can take care of the problem.

This might save you the cost of buying a new pair of Apple earbuds.

Here’s how you can help Apple in the fight against AIDS

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Here's a range of (Product) Red devices that help support the fight against AIDS.
Here's a range of (Product) Red devices that help support the fight against AIDS.
Photo: Apple

Apple recognized World AIDS Day Thursday with a reminder about how customers can join the fight to end AIDS. They can help through Product (Red) purchases, downloading and sharing new red Apple Watch faces and other means.

Purchases of Apple (Product) Red devices help support the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, a major nonprofit fighting HIV/AIDS worldwide.

Get this designer lamp for $60 (and delivered by Christmas)

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Light up the holidays with this designer lamp, on sale with over $80 off and delivered before Christmas.
Change the look of any room instantly with this colorful designer lamp.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you want to give an awesome gift that will suit anyone’s home or light up your place ahead of entertaining this holiday season, we’ve found the designer light that will do the trick: a Minimalist LED Corner Floor Lamp by Lamp Depot. Not only is this space-saving lamp loved by users, but right now, you can purchase one for just $59.99 with free shipping. That’s more than half off the regular price — and the best price you’ll find on the web.

Plus, if you order before December 12, this sleek fixture is guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas, thanks to our Last Chance event. It could be wrapped under a tree as the perfect gift for those who appreciate interior design, or set up in your living room to brighten up holiday parties.

Ends tonight! Save 60% on a lifetime Babbel subscription.

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Missed Cyber Monday? Get the Babbel language learning app for just $199 until Nov 30.
The Babbel language learning app is on sale for just $199 through Nov 30.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There are many reasons to learn a new language. The world, after all, seems to be getting smaller by the day. And if we want to be successful — whether professionally or socially — communication is key.

To that end, we’re offering a spectacular deal on lifetime subscriptions to renowned language learning app Babbel. It’s trusted by more than 10 million users worldwide and earned 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store. It currently costs just $199 during our Cyber Monday Sale, now extended through November 30.

iOS 16.1.2 aims to fix iPhone 14 Crash Detection feature

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iOS 16.1.2 aims to fix iPhone 14 Crash Detection feature
iPhone 14 Crash Detection feature should only be set off by a real crash.
Photo: Cult of Mac/Pixabay/Pexels

The new iOS 16.1.2 update is intended to make the iPhone 14 stop calling for an ambulance when the user takes a tumble. It includes “Crash Detection optimizations” according to Apple.

The update released Wednesday also makes some other tweaks so it’s worth installing on all compatible iPhones.

Take a first look at Harrison Ford in Apple TV+ comedy Shrinking

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Take a first look at Harrison Ford in Apple TV+ comedy 'Shrinking'
Jason Segel and Harrison Ford in “Shrinking,” premiering globally on January 27, 2023 on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

What if a therapist told his clients what he really thinks they should do? That’s the premise for Shrinking, a comedy starring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford premiering in January on Apple TV+.

The series was written by the a co-creator of the mega-hit Ted Lasso. A teaser trailer released Wednesday gives an early taste of the fun.

Save $49 on this at-home golf simulator that connects to your iPhone

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Avoid pricey private golf instruction with this affordable at-home solution.
Don't miss this limited-time pricing on a product that's primed to improve your golf game.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Cyber Monday has passed, but you can still capitalize on those savings thanks to our extended sale, which lasts through November 30. For golf players of all skill levels, this means you can get the TruGolf Mini for only $199 without any coupon.

This at-home golf simulator, which typically costs $249, boasts impressive technology. So this markdown presents an especially affordable way to keep your swing on point, no matter how the weather acts this winter.

We bet you haven’t seen a 3-display rig quite like this one [Setups]

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The little monitor at the bottom is the odd bit.
The little display at the bottom of the stack is the unusual bit.
Photo: [email protected]

Display towers — when monitors are stacked on top of each other — aren’t super common in computer setups. But they’re not terribly rare, either. From time to time we’ve even seen three stacked horizontally in the middle with two posted vertically on the sides. But today’s featured triple-display MacBook Pro setup sports an unusual choice at its base.

You can’t miss the 49-inch Samsung curved ultra-wide screen in the middle and the nice 34-inch LG 4K display on top. But at the bottom lurks a TidByt, which is a retro display for sports scores, stock prices and more. We don’t recall seeing one featured in a setup.

Leaked 2023 MacBook Pro benchmarks show it’ll support much more RAM

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What we're expecting from 2022 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro or M2 Max
New evidence points to the Apple M2 Max supporting much more RAM than its predecessor.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Very early benchmark scores for what is apparently the 2023 MacBook Pro show buyers will be able to configure the laptop with much more RAM. And new details on the M2 Max processor were revealed, too.

The performance scores show a modest 14% increase over the 2021 version, but benchmark scores months before the release of any computer are of limited use.