There’s a lot of competition among cloud storage providers, which isn’t surprising considering how necessary the cloud has become. Even if you’re working on something with the storage capacity of a souped-up MacBook Pro, you’re going to need a more spacious home for your data sooner or later.

Any plan can give you enough space — if you shell out enough cash. What sets Koofr’s cloud solution apart from the competition is its ability to make your data both easily accessible and secure. For a limited time, you can get a lifetime subscription to Koofr cloud storage for just $129.97 with code KOOFR.

The new Mac mini and the high-end MacBook Pro are the first Macs to receive Apple’s powerful new M2 Pro and Max chips. But should you upgrade to the new MacBook Pro (or Mac mini) or not?

That depends on what Mac you already have. Our charts and video will walk you through the decision-making process if you’re considering buying a new Mac. (Bonus: We also break down the pros and cons of the new HomePod versus the original and the HomePod mini.)

WhatsApp’s beta Apple Silicon Mac app is now available for download to the public through its website. The company has been beta testing its native Mac app through TestFlight for the last few months.

The new app provides a notably better user experience than the existing app of the messaging service. And since it is a native app, it performs much better as well.

Despite its drawbacks, remote work seems like the way of the future. Luckily, technology offers some fascinating new ways to adapt to the status quo. GoBrunch’s virtual meeting platform is a great example, and you can get a lifetime subscription for just $79.

New leaked details about Apple’s upcoming VR headset show the company is learning from mistakes made by makers of rival devices. Most notably, it’s reportedly creating a headset — possibly called “Reality Pro” — that will offer more realistic avatars, and won’t require the user to hold controllers in their hands.

Here are five ways Apple’s not making the same errors as Meta and other companies.

Into Japanese comics (manga) or fine wine (boozy grape juice)? Then you may know Drops of God in its bestselling comic-novel form. Soon you can watch it as a live-action, multilingual dramatic series on Apple TV+, the streaming service said Wednesday.

In a somewhat unusual move, Apple TV+ licensed the French-Japanese dramatic series adapted from manga form rather than producing it. It did not set an air date, however. It said only that the series will premiere in 2023.

After a relatively short beta period, Apple on Monday released iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2 to the public. Compatible Apple Watch and Apple TV models also received watchOS 9.3 and tvOS 16.3 updates.

Usually, point releases of iOS and macOS bring several new features and changes. But that’s not the case with iOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2. Relatively light on new features, the updates focus more on bug fixes and security patches. Below is a look at all the new features in iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, macOS Ventura 13.2 and watchOS 9.3.

With the new M2 and M2 Pro versions of Mac mini released last week and expected to ship Tuesday, reviewers are showing a lot of enthusiasm for the new compact desktop machines.

Starting at $599, the Mac mini remains the cheapest Mac, but with performance upgrades and a powerful M2 Pro version on offer, the machines are more than capable of meeting the needs average users and pro creatives alike, reviewers said.

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In the world of computer setups flaunted on social media, we run across lots of folks who have their cake and eat it, too — in that they’re avid PC gamers who love their Macs, as well. Macs are rarely, if ever, the darlings of hardcore gamers.

Today’s featured setup plays hardball with a PC and Sony PlayStation, but it also covers the Apple bases. In addition to a powerful Mac Studio sharing time on the ultra-wide 4K display with the PC, the workstation boasts a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro.

The new 16- and 14-inch MacBook Pro models that are about to hit shelves have reached reviewers early, giving the world its first independent look at the newest macOS notebooks. The reviewers’ consensus is that the only noticeable change is the performance gain coming from the new M2 Max or M2 Pro processors.

That means the highlights of their reviews are benchmark scores for the much-improved CPUs and GPUs in Apple’s latest chips.

An eSIM in your iPhone can keep you connected wherever you go internationally while avoiding expensive roaming charges. It’s super-easy to set up an eSIM. Plus, you can create different profiles for different countries or regions, so you never have to worry about getting hit with surprise charges.

Cost-effective and climate-conscious, electric bikes are an increasingly popular option in rural areas and cities alike. While they’ve become a wish-list item for many, the typical price tag can be a bit prohibitive. But not with this deal.

BirdBike’s A-frame electric bike normally sells for well over $2,000, but it’s currently available for only $899 with no coupon necessary. You can get 60% off — and pay no shipping costs — on an advanced product that adds greater efficiency to your daily commute.

Although the HomePod mini played a key role in helping Apple make inroads in the smart speaker market, the company is reportedly not working on a second-generation model.

Apple launched the HomePod mini in October 2020 with a $99 price tag, which made it much more affordable than the full-size speaker.

An enhanced version of the Apple Studio Display is expected soon with a better, brighter LCD. The “Pro” version be out before the end of March, according to a reliable source.

Any Mac user in the market for a new external monitor should know what is about to join Apple’s product lineup.

Apple’s new M2 Pro MacBook Pros are already available with a sweet $50 pre-order discount on Amazon. The deal is available on the entry-level 2023 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros.

The discount drops the price of the 14-inch MacBook Pro to $1,949 from $1,999. Similarly, you can get the 16-inch MacBook Pro for $2,449, down from $2,499.

As processors improve, AI art is becoming more and more accessible. Yet one fundamental question remains: How do you best use it? This art tool from Wombo lets you turn your ideas and words into incredible art in mere seconds, and is now on sale for $49.99.

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The new Mac mini is a steal. The new MacBook Pros are a spec bump. And the new HomePod is … interesting. We’re such fans of the original, we can’t wait to wrap our ears around Apple’s (possibly) upgraded smart speaker.

Also on The CultCast:

• Should you buy a new MacBook Pro or wait till next year’s M3 chips arrive?
• HomePod mini’s secret sensor is about to go live.
• We know Apple cut some corners to make the new HomePod. The question is, will the new version bring the boom like the OG HomePod?
• And Cult of Mac writer D. Griffin Jones makes his CultCast debut.

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.

Seamus the Australian Shepherd was swept away in floodwaters in San Bernardino, California, after recent storms. He was carried downstream almost a mile, but was rescued with the assistance of the Apple AirTag attached to his collar.

Cult of Mac interviewed Emilie Brill, Seamus’ owner. Here are the details of the pup’s rescue in her own words.

Amazon is one of the simplest ways to sell products, while Shopify offers a flexible dropshipping platform anyone can use. But without a business plan, you can’t make the most out of these platforms. Whether you’re selling goods as a full-time career or a side hustle, learn how to maximize profitability and efficiency with this business model and strategies bundle.

It’s on sale for just $30, but the insider knowledge is priceless.

Apple’s newest Mac mini packs a punch. It comes with a faster M2 chip, with the company even bringing the M2 Pro chip to the compact desktop Mac.

So, how does the M2/Pro Mac mini compare to the M1 and the high-end Intel-powered Mac mini that it replaces? Find out in our comparison.

One lucky winner will get their hands on Goldenerre’s bestselling Apple Watch band in this week’s Cult of Mac giveaway. The gorgeous Goldenerre Herringbone band screams elegance, and it’s available in three stunning colors (gold, silver and rose gold).

Retailing at $148, the band fits all series of Apple Watch. It’s perfect for any Apple Watch owner wanting to add some glam to their wrist.

The stock market has turned college-age kids into millionaires, launched lucrative long-term careers and can be used to cash out for a comfortable retirement. Of course, the ability to reap such benefits comes with an inherent set of risks. And those who don’t understand or respect them can swiftly see their ambitions dashed.

Gain valuable knowledge of the stock market by exploring a lifetime subscription to this stock trading and investing course bundle, which is now on sale for just $39.

Dorothy is back in the bizarre Turner household this week on Apple TV+ thriller Servant — and she’s not happy to be home. Leanne insists on normalcy, but considering the things that have happened, that’s asking a lot.

To make matters worse, Tobe and Julian are stuck in the house together. Plus, the Turners have a big bug problem, Sean can’t stand up for either Leanne or Dorothy, and Dorothy keeps throwing a monkey wrench in Leanne’s plans.

Truth Be Told, the Apple TV+ drama created by Nichelle D. Tramble about a true crime podcaster, returns for its third season this week. This season, Poppy Scoville-Parnell — the intrepid reporter played by Oscar winner Octavia Spencer — must blow the lid off a sex-trafficking ring that resulted in at least one kidnapping, maybe more.

Politics, tech money, school board in-fighting, and police reform are all tied up in this case — and our podcasting hero Poppy is at the center of the swirl, as usual.

Some budget computer setups look the part — cheap, utilitarian, uninspired, incomplete — and others don’t. Today’s featured setup falls in the latter category. You look at the well-equipped workstation and the word “cheap” doesn’t occur to you.

Against a DIY desk and pegboard, the setup features an M1 MacBook Air, dual Dell displays, some nice AV gear and plenty of nice touches.