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Follow your favorite news, blogs and webcomics without Twitter

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Ditch Twitter, follow the news.
Ditch Twitter, follow the news.
Image: Mori aka ICE/Wikimedia Commons, D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

We all have our favorite news sites, independent blogs or webcomics. A lot of people keep up with new posts on Twitter — it’s where a lot of Cult of Mac traffic comes from. With a mass exodus of Twitter users after you-know-what happened, there’s a way you can still keep up with your favorite sites. It’s a technology that has powered the web for over twenty years called RSS; let me show you can follow the news without Twitter.

Love is in the air this week on Acapulco [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★☆☆

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Acapulco review: Everybody's trying to connect in Acapulco.★★★☆☆
Everybody's trying to connect in Acapulco.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ ’80s comedy Acapulco has romance on the brain this week. Maximo and Julia have to talk, Hector and Don Pablo are feeling unloved by Diane, Memo’s love is over and blooming at once, and Sara is heartbroken but she ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

A strong episode of the tacky comedy reveals some important things about the limits of a show like this, how formula and reality don’t always match, and how much you can get away with in a comedy. It’s a fascinating, frustrating study in the state of the sitcom.

Save on a portable Apple Watch charger with an early Black Friday price drop

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Spend less than $20 on this portable and powerful solution to your on-the-move Apple Watch charging needs.
Bundle up to four Apple Watch charger key chains for 60% during this deal.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Out of all the smartwatches on the market, the Apple Watch is difficult to top, and its accessories will likely be in high demand this holiday season. But you don’t need to wait for Black Friday to find a sweet deal on Apple Watch accessories. This November, we’re running Black Friday deals every Friday. That means you’ll find early discounts to help you get a head start on holiday shopping. For example, this portable Apple Watch-compatible charger lets you power up while on the go, and it’s on sale this Friday for just $18.99 (Reg. $49).

The Mosquito Coast’s second season starts with a bang [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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The Mosquito Coast season 2 recap Apple TV+: Allie Fox (played by Justin Theroux) comes clean to the kids -- mostly -- in the season two premiere.★★★★☆
Allie Fox (played by Justin Theroux) comes clean to the kids -- mostly -- in the season two premiere.
Photo: Apple TV_

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ show Mosquito Coast returns Friday with more under-the-radar thrills. Based on the book by Paul Theroux and starring his nephew Justin as wanted criminal and escape artist Allie Fox, Mosquito Coast is about the many little compromises we make on our way to what we hope is a better life.

In the season two opener, Allie and his wife Margot reminisce about their past lives for their children Dina and Charlie, finally explaining why they’ve been living their lives on the run this whole time. And one telling lie means they’re still not really ready to be honest. It’s a solid return to form after last year’s stellar season finale.

Apple News will be shoved into the Weather app

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News in the Weather app.
If you're in the right city, and the weather is notable enough, and you're on the 16.2 beta, and all the stars are aligned, you just might see the News section of the Weather app.
Image: Dmitry Makeev, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons and D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple’s Weather app for iPhone, iPad and Mac soon will incorporate local news sourced from the Apple News service.

In the latest beta of iOS 16.2, certain cities have an additional section for weather news, slotted between the 10-day forecast and the air quality meter. On iPadOS and macOS Ventura, this section occupies an even larger widget in the corner.

Start speaking a new language quickly with the Babbel app

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You can cross learning a new language off your bucket list with Babbel.
Babbel is the modern way to learn new languages.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

For those ready to start on a new life adventure that sharpens their cognitive abilities, improves thinking skills, and opens up their minds to new cultures and ways of thought, it’s time to consider the Babbel Language Learning App. It’s so easy to add the platform to your new iPad 10 or MacBook Pro, and hit the world running.

Even with the threat of a noose, Shantaram’s still a pretty good hang [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★

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Shantaram recap: Charlie Hunnam's effortless vibe infects Shantaram.★★★
Charlie Hunnam's effortless vibe gives Shantaram a definite boost.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ Review This week on Apple TV+ drama/thriller Shantaram, it’s all about escapes. Lin knows a story about his medical work will bring his flight from justice to the attention of the authorities, so it’s time to leave Bombay.

Meanwhile, Prabhu and Parvati want to marry in secret before her parents can prevent it. Lisa discovers Modena is still up to his old tricks, and now she wants out of their new arrangement. And just when Lin is in line for a fake passport, a whole new situation arises that threatens his freedom. It’s a suitably tense time.

Show off and protect iPhone 14 with a crystal-clear case

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Let them see your iPhone 14's vibrant color through a clear case.
Let them see your iPhone 14's vibrant color through a clear case.
Photo: Laut

There’s no better way to protect your iPhone 14 than with a tough case. And, short of going without any case at all, there’s no better way to show off your iPhone 14 than with a crystal-clear case, like the Laut Huex Crystal 14 Series iPhone Case.

And right now you can pick up the tough but absolutely clear case for just $20 in the Cult of Mac Store.

Streamers’ dream come true: Elgato launches first 4K60 webcam.

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Attention, streamers: Elgato's new Facecam Pro offers 4K streaming at 60fps.
Attention, streamers: Elgato's new Facecam Pro offers 4K streaming at 60fps.
Photo: Elgato

In a bid to capture the streaming content creator market, Elgato just launched what it called “the world’s first 4K60 webcam” — Facecam Pro. It shoot video in 4K resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second (fps), which previously required a DSLR or other advanced camera setup.

The pricey new camera joins the original Facecam in Elgato’s growing lineup.

Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me paints portrait of poisonous fame [Apple TV+ review] ★★★

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Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me★★★
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me shows the private side of a public life
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewIn new Apple TV+ documentary Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, we take a trip into the center of the pop star’s world to discover her journey has been nothing but hardship surrounded by impossible highs, which makes coping with her fame something like a near-impossibility.

Narrated by Gomez herself and directed by Alek Keshishian (Madonna: Truth or Dare), this revealing, well-intentioned and often quite beautiful documentary gets us inside of her turmoil and the whirlwind of both her fame and her illness. It’s important for people to know that being America’s sweetheart is no picnic, and that the machinery of fame is parasitic and unyielding. Hopefully, someone, somewhere will pull the brakes on throwing kids into the show business maelstrom.

Dual Studio Display workstation prioritizes open space [Setups]

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Two Studio Displays are better than one, don't you think?
Two Studio Displays are better than one, don't you think?
Photo: [email protected]

 People who show off their computer setups often go for a clean, spare look without much, if any, clutter — from cables or anything else. But few have as clean and spacious a look as today’s featured MacBook Pro setup with two Studio Displays. To learn more about this setup, check out the details here.

There are many ways of making a setup minimalistic without simply leaving out the crucial gear. In this case, it has a lot to do with a very cool desk with some interesting features.

With 190 products certified, Matter smart-home standard looks ahead

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About 190 products are certified for the Matter standard (or soon will be after testing).
About 190 products are certified for the Matter standard (or soon will be after testing).
Photo: CSA

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) showcased companies and products using the newly available Matter home-automation standard at a launch event in Amsterdam Thursday.

The group, which includes Apple, Google and many other companies, emphasized the standard’s building momentum and drew a rough road map of what’s to come.

Deals in CdkeySales 11.11 Sale: Get lifetime Windows 10 Pro for $16, free Windows 11 update

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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

All over the world, November 11 (“11.11”) is a special discount day for many products. And so it is for Microsoft software when you visit the 11.11 Sale at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com. As a Cult of Mac reader, you can click on the links below and get a great deal on Windows 10 that gets you a free upgrade to Windows 11. And you can dig up big savings on plenty of other Microsoft software, too.

In order to maximize your savings, enter promo code CULT at CdkeySales.com. That will take an extra 30% off the site’s already-low prices on keys for Windows 10 Pro Global, Microsoft Office 2021 Pro and more.

Fix is on the way for Apple TV users who can’t access Netflix ad-supported plan

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Commercials are coming to Netflix
Apple TV is currently unable to access the cheap new Netflix ad-supported plan.
Photo: Netflix/Cult of Mac

The inexpensive new Netflix “Basic with ads” plan launched Thursday, but users of Apple TV quickly discovered they couldn’t access it. Netflix promised a fix, though.

Users of other devices can now watch the streaming service for only for $6.99 a month, as long as they also watch commercials.

Start holiday shopping now with an early Black Friday price on a Sam’s Club membership

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Get a 1-year Sam's Club membership for its Black Friday price early.
Get an early start to your Black Friday shopping with this discounted Sam's Club membership.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re hosting the family, grabbing gifts or trying to get your shopping done before the holiday rush, Sam’s Club is a great choice. When you visit Sam’s club, you can shop for all your groceries, home goods, pet supplies and even furniture under one roof rather than rushing all around town. All you need is a Sam’s Club membership, and we’ve got Black Friday deals happening early every Friday this month. That means you can sign up for one year of Sam’s Club for just $24.99 (Reg. $50). No coupon needed. 

In Causeway, Jennifer Lawrence gets back to indie basics [Apple TV+ review] ★★★

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Causeway review: Jennifer Lawrence plays an injured vet in new Apple TV+ drama Causeway.★★★
Jennifer Lawrence plays an injured vet in new Apple TV+ movie Causeway.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewDepressive drama Causeway, which stars Jennifer Lawrence as a recovering Afghanistan war veteran trapped in her hometown, marks the latest collaboration between indie film company A24 and Apple TV+.

Lawrence, dipping her toe back into being a movie star following last year’s Don’t Look Up, returns to her roots in the film, which premieres Friday on Apple TV+. Causeway hits a lot of expected Sundance/indie movie beats but finds grace notes in quieter, less empathic scenes.

The faster new 4K Apple TV is now on sale

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Apple TV 4K 2022 launch: With an A15 Bionic chip inside a slightly smaller form factor, the new Apple TV 4K performs better yet is more energy efficient.
The new Apple TV 4K is cheaper than its predecessor.
Photo: Apple

Announced in mid-October, Apple’s latest streaming box—the 2022 Apple TV 4K—is now on sale. Pre-order customers are also receiving their units today.

The newest Apple TV 4K is faster and cheaper than its predecessor and has Thread support to control your smart home devices.

Save a massive $100 on the latest iPad mini

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iPad mini 6 with control center open
At $399, the iPad mini 6 provides a lot more value for money.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Apple’s 2021 iPad mini is down to $399.99 on Amazon, a sweet $100 discount off its usual retail price. You can get the 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular variant with a similar $100 off.

Featuring an A15 Bionic chip and an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, Apple’s smallest iPad can be your perfect travel companion.

The Mac is back! Apple ships most MacBooks ever

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WWCC22: The new M2 MacBook Air comes in four colors.
The July launch of the M2 MacBook Air helped propel Apple's to new heights in notebook shipments.
Photo: Apple

Apple shipped a record number of MacBooks during the September quarter, a whopping 26% increase over the same period of 2021, according to a market-analysis firm. That’s more than the company has ever shipped in a single quarter.

At the same time, Windows notebook-makers saw their shipments decline.

Land a better job with this resume and interview training bundle

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Design a killer resume with this template bundle.
Upgrade your career with this resume and interview bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

While not everybody can land a job at Apple (especially in this economy), anyone can improve their career with the right resume. Admittedly, few folks are pros at writing resumes and cover letters, and if you don’t do it properly, you might fall victim to an applicant tracking system (ATS). This application template collection could simplify your job hunt and includes a course on how to nail your interviews. It’s on sale for $25 (Reg. $149) for a limited time.

Bad news for Xmas: Apple’s largest factory forced into ‘total lockdown’

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Foxconn building
Foxconn is Apple's biggest contract manufacturer.
Photo: Puddingworld, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Days after reports of Foxconn employees hopping fences and fleeing from their jobs, a report late Wednesday from Taiwan News says Apple’s biggest iPhone factory is now on “total lockdown.” These new restrictions may have a big impact on Apple’s sales during the crucial holiday period.

Foxconn, whom Apple contracts to manufacture the lion’s share of iPhones, Macs and other Apple products, has had employees stay in on-site dormitories in a “closed-loop system” to prevent COVID outbreaks. Employees have been complaining about the “increasingly unsafe and inhumane working conditions” of the dorms.

Apple begins adding 5G to iPhone in India next week

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iPhone 5G
iPhone users in India don't have to wait much longer for 5G.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

5G service launched in India in October, but no iPhone supports the high-speed wireless networking standard… yet. Apple plans to change that in December.

And those who are part of the iOS beta program can get access even earlier.

Top kid-friendly case and keyboard options for iPad 10

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OtterBox EasyClean Tablet Case
Put the iPad 10 in a very protective case before handing it to child, like this one from OtterBox.
Photo: OtterBox

The just-released iPad 10 is a major update, but the design changes mean new cases are required. Fortunately, accessory makers OtterBox and Logitech quickly brought out several of them for designed with children in mind.

A kid-friendly stylus is also an option.