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Win an iPhone 14 accessories bundle from Laut [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Protect your new iPhone 14 in style with a Laut Shield case.
Protect your new iPhone 14 in style.
Photo: Laut

This week’s giveaway is a special chance for any new iPhone 14 user. Three lucky winners will get their hands on a bundle of iPhone accessories from Laut.

The prize package includes a new iPhone 14 series case and a screen protector. And, to add ultimate protection, the winners also get a lens protector to safeguard the iPhone 14 camera array.

Make and play games with an Xbox Live deal that Prime Day can’t touch

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Learn how games work by playing and coding with this better-than-Amazon deal.
Master game development with this eight-course bundle and three months of Xbox Live Gold.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Our parents might’ve scolded us for letting our imaginations run wild, but that rebellious creativity birthed many of the games we know and love today. The 2023 Ultimate Xbox Game Developer Bundle offers game development training to help you bring those imaginary worlds to life for just $19.99 (a $1,624 value).

And it even comes with three months of Xbox Live Gold — a $24.99 value — as inspiration.

This collection is discounted thanks to our Deal Days sale. It’s our answer to Prime Day, and it features awesome apps, courses and gear at low prices that Amazon can’t touch. However, it only runs until October 12.

This tiny 1 TB SSD connects to all your computers [Review] ★★★★★

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OWC Envoy Pro mini review★★★★★
OWC Envoy Pro mini is both a small thumbdrive and a powerful external SSD.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The OWC Envoy Pro mini is a small external SSD with both USB-C and USB-A connectors so it works with Mac and iPad but also Windows, Android and more. It’s rugged, fast and comes with up to 1TB of storage.

I ran the tiny drive through a battery of tests. It passed with flying colors.

Studio Display Pro with gorgeous mini-LED screen delayed to 2023

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The original Apple Studio Display reportedly will be joined by a
Apple Studio Display will reportedly be joined by a "pro" version in the coming months.
Photo: Mohamed Kerroudj/Unsplash License

An enhanced version of the Apple Studio Display won’t launch until the first part of 2023, according to a very reliable source of insider info. It supposedly will have much in common with Apple’s current version, but with a mini-LED screen in place of the standard LCD.

This is the third time unconfirmed reports have indicated the product release has been pushed back.

iOS 16 causes bugs in third-party apps posting pictures, logging in and more

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Updates is here for your iPhone bugs
iOS 16 brought new bugs to many third-party applications.
Photo: Cult of Mac/Egor Kamelev/Pexels

When a new iOS version launches, it’s easy to concentrate on its bugs and forget the problems it causes for third-party iPhone software. An analysis of user reviews made in the weeks since iOS 16 debuted found that social networking apps and dating apps are more likely to have issues on iPhones running Apple’s latest OS.

So if you’re suddenly having problems with a frequently used app, you might not be alone.

Make your own records with this new turntable

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Not only does it play records, you can also cut your own.
Not only does it play records, you can also cut your own.
Photo: Teenage Engineering

It’s no secret vinyl records have made a huge comeback in recent years after being supplanted long ago by cassettes and later CDs and MP3 files. Now a new turntable, Teenage Engineering’s PO-80 Record Factory, lets you not only play vinyl but cut your own records.

And all you need to do to get started is plug an audio device into the cute orange-and-white turntable’s standard 3.5mm jack.

Best Apple Watch Ultra bands: Rugged and ready for adventure

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If you have a tough timepiece like Apple Watch Ultra, you need a rugged band to go with it.
If you have a tough timepiece like Apple Watch Ultra, you need a rugged band to go with it.
Photo: Apple

From the three bands Apple designed especially for the chunky Apple Watch Ultra to several other worthy options, you have plenty to choose from when it comes to a rugged band that can handle whatever you throw at it and Apple’s toughest timepiece.

In our roundup below, we cover Apple’s best options for bands to pair with the high-performance Apple Watch Ultra. Plus, we found other great (and more-affordable) choices from brands like Carterjett, Kordiz, Mifa, Nomad, Pinnacle and Spigen.

iPhone 14 Plus review roundup: Bigger is better

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Why iPhone 14 Plus is delayed until October
The iPhone 14 Plus delivers a large screen with a lengthy battery life.
Photo: Apple

Early reviews of the iPhone 14 Plus praise its long battery life and large display. There are also positive comments on the camera and the smartphone’s weight.

Apple’s first 6.7-inch non-Pro handset reaches store shelves on Friday.

These earbuds’ case doubles as a power bank, and you won’t find them on Amazon

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Check out these Bluetooth earbuds with a power bank case that you can't find on Amazon.
We've got a huge discount on this combo earbuds/power bank, which you won't find on Amazon.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Wireless earbuds are unique among smart devices because each pair comes with its own unique charging case. The Flux 7 TWS Earbuds change things up by expanding their charging case’s battery capacity — and turning it into a fully functional power bank you can use to charge other devices.

You won’t find these Bluetooth earbuds and their cool charging case during Amazon’s Prime Day. But we have our own sale called Deal Days. And, during our big sale, you can get a pair of Flux 7 Earbuds for just $24.99 (regularly $99). There’s no coupon needed, but the sale ends October 12 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

iPhone 14 Plus vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max comparison: Which is right for you?

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iPhone 14 Plus vs iPhone 14 Pro Max comparison: Which 6.7-inch iPhone 14 is right for you?
Which 6.7-inch iPhone 14 is right for you?
Image: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

If you want an iPhone 14 with a large screen, you now have two choices: iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

That’s because Apple tweaked its iPhone 14 lineup this year, replacing the “mini” model with a “Plus” variant. The new iPhone 14 Plus comes with a 6.7-inch display, giving it similar dimensions to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, it comes with different features — and a smaller price tag.

So, what compromises did Apple make to reach that lower price point? And, if you want a large iPhone, which model should you buy? Read our comparison of the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max to find out.

Protect your devices anywhere with this plug-and-play decentralized VPN

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Keep your data on your Mac with the Deeper Connect Pico.
Keep security in your pocket with the Deeper Connect Pico.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

While updating your Apple gear can protect you from vulnerabilities, that’s just the start of keeping your data secure. The Deeper Connect Pico packs hardwired protection and privacy into a casing the size of a pack of gum. And this effective decentralized VPN is available now for $199.99 (regularly $248) during our Deal Days sale.

This event is our answer to Amazon’s Prime Day. You’ll find amazing deals on apps, home goods, gadgets such as the Pico and more in our promotional collection. No coupon is needed to claim this discount, but you’ll have to be quick, as our Deal Days event ends October 12.

Graphic designer’s Mac Studio rocks but ultra-wide display struggles [Setups]

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The M1 Max Mac Studio works great, but sometimes the LG ultra-wide display's USB-C struggles to recognize connected devices.
The M1 Max Mac Studio works great, but sometimes the LG ultra-wide display's USB-C struggles to recognize connected devices.
Photo: [email protected]

Graphic design is one of the best uses of a powerful computer like the Mac Studio, assuming it’s paired with a magnificent display. In today’s featured computer setup, the Mac Studio handles the job. But the LG UltraWide monitor falls a bit short, due to some recurring connectivity issues.

And the setup features some interesting bits that might give you ideas about how to organize your own workstation.

Bathe your room in colorful mood lighting with this corner-hugging LED floor lamp

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Customize your space with this fully controllable minimalist LED lamp.
Make your home unique with this fully controllable, minimalist LED lamp.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Details matter, whether they’re how an icon communicates information or how you design your home. This minimalist LED lamp gives you complete control of the mood of your space, and now through October 12, you can get it for a great price as part of our Deal Days sale.

The corner-hugging RGB lamp is going for just $59.99 (regularly $149.99) — no coupon necessary. And if you’re looking to outfit your home with more decor, visit our Deal Days collection for additional discounts.

Apple-backed home-automation standard Matter finally launches

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Matter is a new interoperable homer automation standard back by Apple, Amazon, Google and m ore.
Matter is going to… matter to fans of home automation.
Photo: Connectivity Standards Alliance

The wait is over for Matter 1.0. The Connectivity Standards Alliance, which includes Apple, Amazon and many more, has introduced the cross-platform home-automation standard after lengthy delays.

It is intended to break through the walled silos of Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Home, allowing accessories from a wide range of companies to communicate. It might finally make smart homes more common … potentially even mainstream.

Apple wants to make AirPods and Beats headphones in India

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How to use your iPhone and AirPods to spy on people
AirPods could be the next Apple product to be 'Made in India.'
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

 Apple is asking its suppliers to move production of AirPods and Beats from China to India. This is the first time the company is looking to manufacture its wireless earbuds in the South Asian country.

The Cupertino giant has been heavily diversifying its supply chain recently and reducing its reliance on China. The company had already moved a portion of AirPods production from China to Vietnam in 2019. If you’re an airpods mac user, this shift in production could mean faster availability and better supply in new markets.

You could win $1 million just by completing this unique puzzle

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Complete this unique puzzle and you could win a million dollars.  
Get The 2 Million Dollar Puzzle for less than $25 in our Deal Days sale.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Finally, you can put those procrastination skills to good use: You could win $1 million simply by completing a jigsaw puzzle. That’s the concept behind the innovative The 2 Million Dollar Puzzle. And right now, you can purchase one for just $24.99 (regularly $30) during our Deal Days sale.

Deal Days is our version of Prime Day, and it’s your chance to get popular products such as The 2 Million Dollar Puzzle and more at amazingly low prices — even better than Amazon’s. But, you’ll have to be quick — this special event ends on October 12.

Protect M1 MacBook Pro on the go with stylish SuitCase

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Protect M1 MacBook Pro on the go with stylish SuitCase
The Twelve South SuitCase for MacBook is both stylish and protective.
Photo: Twelve South

Twelve South expanded its SuitCase line to the latest 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. The case offers three layers of protection, with the outer being quilted twill for a smart look.

“When all you need is your MacBook for an off-site meeting, SuitCase is the ultimate shuttle,” says Twelve South.

The Problem with Jon Stewart season 2 trailer yuks it up over tough topics

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Apple TV+ unveiled the season 2 trailer Tuesday for the Emmy-nominated series The Problem With Jon Stewart. The show premieres Friday, October 7.
The new season lands Friday.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ unveiled the season 2 trailer Tuesday for the Emmy-nominated series The Problem With Jon Stewart. The show premieres Friday, October 7.

“Welcome back, it is season 2 of the The Problem — this is the new variant,” Stewart says at the trailer’s opening, offering a bit of self-effacing pandemic humor.

Elon Musk throws in towel, agrees to buy Twitter at original price

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The world's richest person will soon have total control of Twitter.
Looks like Musk will buy Twitter after all.
Photo: Elon Musk/Twitter/Cult of Mac

Elon Musk reportedly has stopped his efforts to get out of buying Twitter. He’s going to purchase the social media platform at his original price from April.

He spent the intervening months trying back out of the deal, which forces him to pay much more for the company than its current value.

Clever side-by-side iPhone game controller has no problem with bulky cases [Review] ★★★★

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Clever side-by-side iPhone game controller has no problem with bulky cases [Review]★★★★
Play games on the Gamevice Flex without taking off your iPhone case.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Gamevice Flex is an iPhone game controller that mimics the design of the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con with the controls set on either side of the display. Similar iPhone controllers make you take the case off your handset to play but the Flex wraps around the handset even if it’s in a protective case.

The wired controller includes a full set of buttons, sticks, bumpers, etc. so you can enjoy games like Fortnite from Xbox Cloud Gaming or similar services, or almost anything from Apple Arcade.

I spent quite a few hours testing Gamevice Flex – here’s why I like it.

Spark for Mac redesign focuses on boosting your productivity

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Spark for Mac gets a redesign
Spark for Mac gets a big redesign.
Photo: Readdle

Popular email client Spark is getting a significant redesign for Mac. It completely overhauls how you approach your inbox, with features like priority email, Smart Inbox, and a Command Center.

Spark is also moving towards a premium model with a new subscription tier. You can continue using the app for free if you don’t need the premium features.

Get best-of-web pricing on up to 10TB of cloud storage

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Save files from any device and access them anywhere with this awesome cloud storage in the Deal Days sale.
Access all your files in one place with this exclusive low price on lifetime cloud storage in the Deal Days sale.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It’s time to organize those masses of files across all your devices. The way to do it is with a great cloud storage solution like Prism Drive that allows you to access every file from anywhere.

Prism Drive comes highly recommended by users. And right now, you can get lifetime access to 2TB of cloud storage space for $39.99 (regularly $700), a price you won’t find anywhere else.

You’ll have to be quick, though, as this best-of-web price is part of our limited-time Deal Days event — our version of Amazon’s Prime Day — which ends on October 12. (You can find even more major savings on our most popular products right here.)

EU passes law forcing Apple to switch to USB-C by 2024

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iPhone X with USB-C port
R.I.P. Lightning ...
Photo: Ken Pillonel

The European Parliament voted in an overwhelming majority Tuesday to enforce USB-C as the standard charging port across a wide range of consumer electronics. The law will come into effect by the end of 2024.

With the legislation passed, Apple has a couple of years to complete the transition of its product lineup to USB-C. The company continues to use the Lightning port on iPhone and some accessories for charging purposes. As the iPhone maker adapts to these regulatory shifts, users can expect significant changes in Apple’s hardware ecosystem.