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What you should know about Apple Support scam calls

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What You Should Know About Apple Support Scam Calls: Don't fall prey to increasingly tricky scammers.
Don't fall prey to increasingly tricky scammers.
Photo: Khusen Rustamov/Pixabay License

Once technical hurdles start ruining one’s day, most people would do anything it takes to resolve them as soon as possible and get on with their merry lives. This is especially true if resolving the problem is needed to progress with the task at hand, service a client, or anything along these lines.

When there is a looming sense of urgency, you are much more likely to fall victim to a scam or buy into a false pretense that someone can help you out. What a perfect atmosphere for scammers to prosper — and they’re getting increasingly more sophisticated in their ways. Falling in line with the rest of their repertoire of methods they use to defraud you, there is the infamous Apple Support scam, the latest addition to bad actors’ bag of tricks.

Killer Mac Studio station sees (and hears) major AV upgrades [Setups]

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This setup has been massively upgraded for better video calls and overall sound quality.
This setup has been massively upgraded for better video calls and overall sound quality.
Photo: Santego

Cybersecurity expert Santego shared his computer setup with Cult of Mac recently, unveiling major audio-visual upgrades in the Mac Studio and ultra-wide display rig. He wanted to improve the quality of his overall sound and his video calls.

And those additions came on top of a beautifully put together setup with great connectivity, power management and backup, as well as specialized lighting and terrific input devices.

A follower of our Setups coverage, he said “You encouraged me to upgrade the space I spend 10 hours a day in working from home.”

iPhone 15 Ultra leak points to dual front cameras, more storage

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iPhone 15 Ultra leaks points to dual front cameras, more storage
The iPhone 15 Ultra might have double the number of front cameras.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Details on Apple’s 2023 top-tier handset are starting leak out. It will supposedly be dubbed iPhone 15 Ultra and include a pair of front-facing cameras and USB-C. Plus, the base model will have more storage capacity.

Although the iPhone 14 series is still brand new, it’s never too soon to start looking ahead.

AirPods Pro 2: A must-have for Apple users and a solid choice for anyone [Review] ★★★★

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At a glance, they could be AirPods Pro, but they're AirPods Pro 2, with many internal upgrades.★★★★
At a glance, they could be AirPods Pro, but they're AirPods Pro 2, with many internal upgrades.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro look almost exactly like the original model released in 2019. But they’re upgraded in every way that matters most, thanks mainly to the new H2 processor. In this in-depth AirPods Pro 2 review, I’ll run through all the ways Cupertino gave its flagship noise-canceling earbuds a boost.

Apple may not have gone as far as it could have in some ways. But still, the second-gen AirPods Pro are among the best earbuds on the market and a worthy upgrade for almost anyone. They’re particularly great for those who use lots of Apple gear and love how seamlessly their devices can work together.

Let’s take a look at, and a listen to, the second-gen AirPods Pro, aka AirPods Pro 2.

Apple Watch Ultra lives up to durability claims in hammer test

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Apple Watch Ultra review roundup: For extremophiles
The Apple Watch Ultra is truly ultra-durable.
Photo: Apple

A YouTuber has put the Apple Watch Ultra through an intense test to determine its durability. The wearable was dropped multiple times, repeatedly hit with a hammer, and even put in a jar of nails.

The watch emerged unscathed from the ordeal. While not an ideal replica of real-world use, the test gives a good idea of the Apple Watch Ultra’s durability.

Apple starts making iPhone 14 in India

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iPhone 14
Apple is now manufacturing the iPhone 14 in India.
Photo: Apple

Apple has started manufacturing the iPhone 14 in India. The move comes just a couple of weeks after the latest iPhones went on sale in over 30+ markets globally.

The Cupertino giant has already been assembling the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 in India. Foxconn and Wistron manufacture the phones in their Indian facilities.

What we’re expecting from 2022 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro or M2 Max

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What we're expecting from 2022 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro or M2 Max
Late 2022 MacBook Pro buyers can look forward to faster macOS notebooks.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

There’s overwhelming evidence that Apple is about to reveal the M2 Pro and M2 Max, a fresh generation of high-performance processors for notebooks. These are expected to go into the next generation of 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.

Here’s what to expect in new macOS laptops before the end of 2022.

AirPods Pro 2 can use ear tips from the original version

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AirPods Pro 2 can use ear tips from the original version
AirPods Pro ear tips are compatible with AirPods Pro 2.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

AirPods Pro 2 is now reaching customers and they confirm what everyone hoped: ear tips designed for the original version fit the new one.

But that’s not the whole story – Apple doesn’t recommend moving tips between the two versions of its earbuds. Here’s why.

Get 1TB of lifetime cloud storage from this iCloud alternative for $112

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Free up space on your devices with 1TB of cloud storage for life, less than $112 now.
For this month only, you can grab 1TB of top-rated cloud storage for less than $112.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Need more storage space? With more photos and videos to store than ever, who doesn’t? But before you upgrade your iPhone for more capacity, consider purchasing a cloud storage plan.

Koofr is one of the highest-rated providers on the market, and right now, you can get lifetime storage for a single payment. 1TB storage plans are available for just $111.99 (regularly $2,700) with code KOOFR this September.

M2 MacBook Pro hits Apple’s refurbished store with big discounts

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13-inch MacBook Pro with an Apple M2 processor
All refurbished products from Apple are eligible for AppleCare+.
Photo: Apple

Apple has started selling refurbished M2 MacBook Pros in the United States and Canada through its online store. You can save up to $200 off the MSRP of the computer by buying the refurbished model directly from Apple.

The M2 MacBook Pro looks the same as the 2020 model, with the switch to a newer chip being the only upgrade.

iPhone 14 Pro review: Dynamic Island and massive camera sensor offer something new ★★★★★

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A Silver iPhone 14 on a wet picnic table★★★★★
iPhone 14
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Out of the box, the new iPhone 14 Pro looks almost identical to its predecessor, the iPhone 13 Pro, with its frosted glass back, shiny steel band and triple-lens rear camera.

But switch it on, and you immediately see an obvious difference — the new Dynamic Island, a fun, interactive UI element that alone is almost worth the upgrade. But what cinches it is the new 48MP camera sensor, which takes absolutely fantastic pictures.

Learn how to draw with $30 lessons from this top Udemy instructor

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Lifetime access to nearly 100 lessons on drawing can help turn your hobby into a career.
The basic building blocks of successful drawing methods are covered throughout this four-course bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Inspiration strikes each of us in different ways, and if you feel a call to draw, you don’t need a formal education to get started. Give your artistic side a shot by exploring the 2023 Fundamental of Drawing and Shading Bundle. The bundle features four courses comprising nearly 100 collective lessons, and you can purchase it for only $29.99 (Reg. $800) for a limited time.

See gets back to its murderous best [Apple TV+ recap] ★★☆☆

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See recap: It's massacre time on See, thank goodness.★★☆☆
It's massacre time again on See, thank goodness.
Photo: Apple TV+

It’s close quarters combat on this week’s See, and plenty of it. The Apple TV+ show about a dystopian society run by blind people hits a violent snag as Tormada comes for his bombs — and finds Baba Voss and his sword waiting for him.

Also, Haniwa gets an earful and an eyeful of destructiveness and it just about breaks her. Harlan has to say a messy goodbye to my favorite character, and Sheva brings out the big guns to protect her family.

Extend your MacBook’s screen with over half off this portable 4K touchscreen

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Live the digital nomad dream with this portable touchscreen monitor, on sale with half off today.
This portable touchscreen will turn any device into a multi-screen workstation - and it’s half off today.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Your MacBook makes for a great, portable work machine, but all laptops come with inherent downsides. For one, their screens are nowhere near as wide as a desktop display. A portable monitor could fix that, and this 4K touchscreen extension by Desklab might fit the bill for you.

It’s on sale with more than half off right now at just $289.99 (regularly $700).

9 things you probably didn’t know about Apple Watch Ultra

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The Ultra's siren sounds like nothing else.
The Ultra's siren sounds like nothing else.

The big and rugged Apple Watch Ultra is a very different beast than the “normal” Apple smartwatches that came before it. With so many new features, there’s still a lot we don’t know about it.

But over the past couple of weeks, I have discovered nine fascinating factoids that most reviewers haven’t picked up on yet. So to celebrate Ultra’s launch day, I’m sharing them with you now.

Get 25% off rugged new Nomad Ultra Orange iPhone 14 cases and Apple Watch Ultra band

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Up for feats of endurance? Nomad's rugged new Ultra Orange limited-edition accessories could be for you.
Up for feats of endurance? Nomad's rugged new Ultra Orange limited-edition accessories could be for you.
Photo: Nomad

If you’ve got a new iPhone 14 or an Apple Watch Ultra, it’s time to get tough about protecting them.

Good thing Nomad rolled out its special-edition Ultra Orange iPhone 14 case and Apple Watch Ultra band just for the occasion, now available for preorder at a discount.

And they’re not kidding about “ultra orange.” They’re vividly colored accessories.

Delve into adventure in Shovel Knight Dig on Apple Arcade

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Shovel Knight Dig is now on Apple Arcade
The shovel is mightier than the sword!
Photo: Yacht Club Games/Apple Arcade

Fans of classic arcade games should enjoy Shovel Knight Dig, a retro adventure game that launched Friday. Players guide a hero down deep into the earth to fight monsters and win treasure with the aid of his trusty Shovel Blade.

The latest offering from Yacht Club Games debuted Friday on Apple Arcade for a range of Apple computers.

New suspicions simmer on Bad Sisters [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆

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Bad Sisters recap: Gabriel (played by Assaad Bouab) saves John Paul's life, unfortunately.★★★★☆
Bad Sisters recap: Gabriel (played by Assaad Bouab) saves John Paul's life, unfortunately.
Photo: Apple TV+

Twisted Apple TV+ comedy Bad Sisters recovers from a few nasty falls this week. The series, which centers on Irish sisters determined to put their brother-in-law on ice, circles the wagons and waits for bad news as insurance inspectors get closer to the truth.

In a typically great episode from the show’s marvelous artistic team and cast, John Paul survives another murder attempt in the past, and Becka makes a shocking discovery.

Do this if you want to massively improve audio quality [Setups]

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The DAC is the little gadget to the left of the monitor.
The DAC is the little gadget to the left of the monitor.
Photo: [email protected]

If you’re at all into audio equipment, you’ve probably heard of a digital-to-analog converter, or DAC. You might think it’s a fancy thing for rich audiophiles. But, actually, even you already have a few DACs if you have gadgets that make sound, like a computer, tablet and smartphone.

But not every DAC is created equal. Today’s featured MacBook Pro setup illustrates the point by going to the trouble of adding a standalone DAC in between a laptop and a pair of excellent powered speakers.

AirFly 2 wireless audio adapter makes an even better AirPods add-on

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Twelve South AirFly 2 wireless audio adapter adds useful features at a lower price
AirFly 2 has been significantly redesigned with new features. And a price drop.
Photo: Twelve South

AirFly 2 from Twelve South can wirelessly connect your AirPods to any audio jack, like its predecessor. But the new version has a longer battery life, adds new volume controls and more. And it even costs less.

It joins other AirFly versions that offer additional capabilities.

This slim iPhone MagSafe wallet is also a flexible stand [Review] ★★★★☆

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Moft Flash Wallet & Stand review★★★★☆
Combine two useful iPhone accessories into one with the Moft Flash Wallet & Stand.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Moft Flash Wallet & Stand magnetically clings to your iPhone, giving you a place to hold your ID while also acting as a kickstand whereever you need one.

I’ve used the wallet/stand for several weeks. Here’s how it stands up in everyday life.

Good news from SCDKey: $14 Windows 10 Pro and $24 Office Pro Plus lifetime licenses just arrived!

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Be sure to use promo code CULT when shopping for software deals at SCDKey.com to get the lowest possible price.
Be sure to use promo code CULT when shopping for software deals at SCDKey.com to get the lowest possible price.
Image: SCDKey.com

This post on discount Microsoft software is presented by SCDKey.com.

The Autumn Sale at software activation keys provider SCDKey.com offers fantastic deals on crucial Microsoft software. Better yet, as a Cult of Mac reader, you can click on the links below and get an even better deal on Windows 10. Plus, you can score big savings on plenty of other Microsoft software.

To get the most savings, enter promo code CULT at SDKey.com. That will take an extra 25% off the site’s already-low prices on keys for Windows 10 Pro Global, Microsoft Office 2021 Pro and more.

Apple Music to sponsor new NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show

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2022's Super Bowl LVI halftime show featured Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Eminem (not pictured).
2022's Super Bowl LVI halftime show featured Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Eminem (not pictured).
Photo: NFL

The National Football League brokered a multiyear deal with Apple to bring the Apple Music ​Super Bowl Halftime Show to one of the world’s biggest stages, the league said Friday.

The new halftime show debuts at Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, February 12, 2023. But most details about it have yet to take the field.

Grab a 3-in-1 cable to power your Apple Watch, AirPods and iPhone

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Use one cable to charge your Apple Watch and two Lightning devices.
Why carry three separate cables when one will suffice?
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Carrying a separate Apple Watch charger proves annoying when you travel. Save space in your bag or on your nightstand with this three-in-one Apple Watch, AirPods and iPhone charging cable. It comes with two Lightning tips and one Apple Watch charging puck.

Connect it to a power source, and it can charge an Apple Watch, an iPhone and AirPods all at once. And it’s not just convenient. It’s colorful and inexpensive! Get one in gray, blue, white or red for $16.99 each.