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Tim Cook teases new iPads as Apple’s online store prepares for launch [Updated]

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Apple Store down iPhone 13
New iPad Pros are coming!
Image: Apple

Apple’s online store has gone offline ahead of the rumored M2 iPad Pro announcement later today. Tim Cook also shared a teaser about the new iPads on Twitter.

Rumors have indicated that Apple will announce new iPads in late October. It is unclear if the company will unveil the new M2 MacBook Pros today as well.

Update: The wait is over. Apple unveiled the 2022 iPad Pro and iPad 10 on Tuesday. There’s also a faster Apple TV 4K on the way.

iPad 10 could support more-capable Apple Pencil 2 [Updated]

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Like everything else, the new Apple Pencil is better.
iPad 10 will apparently include support for the improved Apple Pencil 2, which helps confirm that the tablet is in for a major redesign.
Photo: Andrea Nepori

A slipup by a retail employee revealed that the upcoming iPad 10 will support the Apple Pencil 2. That’s a change from the current version of Apple’s most affordable tablet, which is compatible with the original version of the stylus with fewer features.

Update: No, it does not. There are many changes in the iPad 10, but it still supports Apple Pencil 1.

The next budget iPad is expected to launch any day now. This is only the latest leak revealing info about it.

Get the M1 iPad Air at its lowest price so far

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iPad Air 5
The 2022 M1 iPad Air has never been this cheap.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s 2022 iPad Air with M1 chip is down to its lowest-ever price on Amazon. It is available for $519 after a whopping $80 discount.

This deal is on the entry-level iPad Air with 64GB storage. You can score a similar $80 off on the 256GB variant of the tablet.

iPhone 14 shines through this durable, crystal-clear case

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An iPhone case doesn't have to hide the handset.
An iPhone case doesn't have to hide the handset.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Searching for the perfect transparent iPhone 14 case to protect and show off your gorgeous new handset? Look no further. SwitchEasy has a brilliant contender. They call it “Crush.” The crystal-clear case uses an air barrier for optimal shock-proofing, in addition to other treatments to increase durability.

And you can get it right now at a great price in the Cult of Mac Store.

Kensington StudioDock iPad Docking Station gets much more affordable

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The Kensington StudioDock was named a CES 2021 Innovation Awards Honoree.
The Kensington StudioDock might now be in your price range.
Photo: Kensington

The Kensington StudioDock turns an iPad into a iMac with a wide range of ports and wireless chargers. It’s a powerful accessory that launched in 2021 at a very high price. Kensington has now cut the price almost in half, making the stand affordable to many more customers.

The professional-grade accessory is available for both 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions of the iPad Pro.

Try this simple trick for a cleaner workstation [Setups]

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See the cables? It's pretty easy to neaten those up by putting the dock under the desk.
See the cables? It's pretty easy to neaten those up by putting the dock under the desk.
Photo: [email protected]

Maybe you can’t be bothered to fuss over cable management. But some tricks for a cleaner-looking computer setup are so easy anybody can pull them off with minimal effort. Take today’s featured MacBook Pro setup, for example.

Its owner is primarily concerned about replacing aging dual displays, and we’ll cover some advice on that. But he also gets a valuable lesson about how to present a cleaner workstation by making one simple change.

Apple drops plan to use RAM from controversial Chinese company

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Apple drops plan to use RAM from controversial Chinese company
No RAM chips from YMTC will be used in iPhone 14.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple has reportedly given up its plan to use RAM chips made by Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. in the iPhone 14 series. It apparently ran into too much resistance from U.S. politicians, including suggestions the chips would somehow be used to surveil Americans.

To be clear, the chips would not have been used in iPhones sold outside of China.

Kiss snoring goodbye with this sleep mask and iOS snore detector app

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This sleep mask could help you stop snoring.
This sleep mask and iPhone app could help you sleep quietly through the night.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Around 37 million Americans snore regularly. It’s not uncommon to deal with, but that doesn’t make it any easier for folks who sleep a bit worse because of it. If you want to try to stop snoring, give the Hupnos Anti-Snoring Sleep Mask a whirl. This intelligent, portable sleep mask is on sale for $94.99. 

Block-based themes for WordPress: Benefits, promise, and future?

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screenshot of Wordpress block editor
The block editor in Wordpress is a powerful addition to the publishing tool.
Photo: WordPress

WordPress is one of the most widely used content management systems on the market today. It powers 40% of the web. And WordPress, among other features, is much loved for its wide assortment of themes.

As of 2020, WordPress has 31,000+ themes available. (More than 10,000 of them are available for free!)

Recently “block-based themes” has become a common term. You can see it being casually thrown around in WordPress development circles.

Are you a developer who awkwardly gawks at others discussing block themes? Are you a business owner looking for advice about using block-based themes for your site? Do you just like learning new concepts and staying updated with tech information?

Either way, this is the guide for you.

Apple Music gains Spatial Audio support on select Mercedes-Benz vehicles

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Apple Music with Spatial Audio on MBUX systems
Apple Music now supports Spatial Audio on select Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Photo: Apple

Apple is partnering with Mercedes-Benz to bring Apple Music’s Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos support to select Mercedes vehicles. The feature will be immediately available to Apple Music subscribers with compatible cars.

Apple Music has been available on Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system since 2021.

What to expect from the 2022 iPad Pro and iPad 10

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What to expect from the 2022 iPad Pro and iPad 10
Fresh versions of the iPad Pro and basic iPad are on the way soon.
Photo: Apple

October is likely to be a good month for iPad fans with new models expected any day now. That includes a faster version of the iPad Pro and a redesigned budget iPad, according to leaks.

But don’t expect them to appear at a glitzy event. Apple is apparently going to launch these on the downlow.

Apple preps iPad cradle that’s also a HomePod

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Apple prepping iPad cradle that's also a HomePod
A HomePod that's also an iPad cradle might look something like this concept.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly plans to release an iPad cradle with a built-in speaker. The device will function as a HomePod smart speaker, and when a tablet is placed in it will become a smart home hub with a touchscreen.

The company also allegedly continues work on a single device that will perform the same task.

Apple Arcade collection of classic games keeps growing

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Puzzle with time in 'The Gardens Between+'
The Gardens Between+ is one of four classic games recently added to Apple Arcade.
Photo: Voxel Agents

Apple Arcade subscribers can now enjoy The Gardens Between+, which challenges player to solve puzzles by manipulating time. It’s a classic title joining Apple’s game service.

In recent weeks, Gris+, Gin Rummy Classic+ and Spider Solitaire: Card Game+ also joined Apple Arcade.

Awesome apps for work and a great game for play

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Awesome Apps of the Week
Showcasing some of the best, coolest, most interesting new apps and app updates.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

I rely on my devices for everything. Whether it’s my recipe book, my alarm clock, to help me get work done, or entertain me during my downtime, my devices are a critical piece of life. Having apps that help me in those situations (or just make them a little more fun) is key.

This week, an app that makes short work of dealing with obscure files, a way to manage your favorite color collections, and a delightful game to enjoy. As usual, if you have something you want us to check out for a future Awesome Apps post, be sure to email your suggestion or tweet them over!

Use this discounted service to transform any website into an iOS app

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You don't have to know how to code to make iPhone apps anymore.
Use this tool instead of learning to code to create full iPhone apps.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Normally, to make smartphone apps, you’d have to learn one of the programming languages associated with them. Swift or Flutter and Dart are some of the common starting points. However, you may not actually have to learn to code to create mobile apps. Instead, you could use simple app builder software that may make it easier all around. For example, AppMySite is a quick, intuitive app builder that lets you turn any website into an iOS or Android app without writing a line of code, and a five-year subscription is on sale for $49.99 (Reg. $2,340). 

Learn from a virtual teacher you can see with your own eyes using this iOS language-learning app

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Learn 41 languages from your iPhone with this app.
This iPhone language learning app could put a virtual teacher in your real room.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It’s no secret that learning a new language as an adult is hard, especially if you’re comparing it to that breeze of a time you had as a baby learning your first. However, there are a lot of tools around that could make it easier to learn another language. Mondly has a Lifetime Subscription on sale that gives you access to all 41 of its languages, and it’s just $99.99 (Reg. $2,199). 

Get a Ring Video Doorbell for 23% off, a price Amazon can’t beat

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Get a Ring video doorbell here cheaper than Amazon.
We've got a Ring video doorbell for a lower price than Amazon.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You might be getting ready for a steady stream of visitors flying in right about now. Whether they’re out for candy, roasted bird or gifts, the influx of guests probably won’t slow down until New Year. Though you may expect company, it also pays to know who is actually at your door, whether it’s your food delivery or an old friend. The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is a smart replacement doorbell that lets you see who’s outside, among other awesome features. For a limited time, you can purchase one for $49.99 (Reg. $64), cheaper than what you’d find on Amazon.

Satechi’s new hardcase wraps MacBook Pro in form-fitting protection

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Satechi's new hardcase wraps MacBook Pro in form-fitting protection
The Satechi Eco-HardShell Case is so tight-fitting it's hard to see unless you look closely.
Photo: Satechi

The Satechi Eco-HardShell Case covers the top, bottom and sides of the 2021 MacBook Pro models  to protect them from scratches. It fits the notebook like a glove to add minimal bulk.

To celebrate the launch, the sleek hardcase is available now at 20% off the regular cost.

Bye-bye, Baba Voss! See unleashes an incendiary series finale. [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★☆☆

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See series finale recap Apple TV+: We'll miss you, Baba Voss!★★★☆☆
We'll miss you, Baba Voss!
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewPost-apocalyptic Apple TV+ series See comes to its thrilling conclusion this week, sending off Baba Voss and his family in high bloody fashion.

With the whole of civilization in a tunnel to freedom, Haniwa, Maghra and Kofun must decide whether to let Baba go to his death by himself or stay with their people in their hour of need. Can Baba stop deposed queen Sibeth Kane before she destroys everything, or before he gets caught and killed?

It took three seasons, but See is finally worth seeing. And wouldn’t you know it? It’s over.

Get 20% off screen protector that makes writing on iPad feel like paper

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Write or draw like it's real paper with this iPad screen protector.
Write or draw like it's real paper with this iPad screen protector.
Photo: SwitchEasy

If you’re like me, you love your iPad for its many uses and its portability. And an Apple Pencil is fun to use for both writing and drawing on the tablet. But wouldn’t it be more rewarding if it felt more like writing and drawing on real paper?

This may be why I still use an old-school notebook for most of my notes and doodles. But now the SwitchEasy PaperLike iPad Screen Protectors offers an inexpensive way to make the iPad screen feel more like paper when you use Pencil.

And better yet, you can get the screen protector at 20% off in the Cult of Mac Store from October 14 through October 21. That’s a savings of $6.

Mophie’s new power bank sports built-in iPhone and Mac charging cables

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Mophie's new power bank sports built-in iPhone and Mac charging cables
Never be without the charging cable you need with the Mophie Powerstation Plus.
Photo: Zagg

The latest model in the Mophie Powerstation Plus line of external batteries includes two integrated charging cables —Lightning and USB-C. This simplifies charging an iPhone, iPad or Mac.

The 10,000 mAh power bank can extend the battery life of these devices by hours.

Will Roku’s new smart-home gadgets work with HomeKit and Matter?

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Those who use Roku streaming devices will find the new smart-home gear, like the doorbell camera, integrate seamlessly.
Those who use Roku streaming devices will find the new smart-home gear, like the doorbell camera, integrate seamlessly.
Photo: Roku

Roku is best-known for its streaming media devices. But it’s branching out with a whole-home strategy that will see a range of smart-home gadgets, including security cameras, lights and plugs, go on sale next week at Walmart, the company said.

But a report indicates the company isn’t saying yet whether its new gadgets will work with the new Matter smart-home connectivity standard supported by Apple and other companies. It’s designed to let devices from different makers work together on systems like Apple’s HomeKit and others.

Roku’s lack of clarity is a bit odd, given that it’s among the companies supporting Matter, and that might give some would-be purchasers pause.

It’s confession time in Bad Sisters’ sensational season finale [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★★

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Bad Sisters recap: The dark comedy delivers in an uproarious season finale.★★★★★
Bad Sisters does not disappoint with its uproarious season finale.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewBad Sisters, the Apple TV+ black comedy about the murder of a bad man and the five women who stood to gain from it, draws its delicious first season to a close this week.

John Paul’s dead. Matthew’s closer than ever to finding the killer, but red herrings abound. John Paul’s widow Grace tells a tale to her sisters. The magnificent show comes to a gripping close in typically brilliant fashion.

MacBook Pro and PC rig features designer’s own folding MagSafe stand [Setups]

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This moody shot doesn't show the folding MagSafe stand well, but you can see it in the images below.
This moody shot doesn't show the folding MagSafe stand well, but you can see it in the images below.
Photo: [email protected]

Once in a while a computer setup comes along that shows off its owner’s invention. Sometimes it’s something perfectly utilitarian and sometimes it’s something weird and wonderful (examples below).

In today’s featured MacBook Pro and Intel NUC PC setup, we find a nifty folding MagSafe charging stand just about to go on the market.