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Magic Trackpad nestles in developer’s cool custom wrist rest [Setups]

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There's nothing like polished wood. And did you notice the custom wrist rest?
There's nothing like polished wood. And did you notice the custom wrist rest?
Photo: [email protected]

Today’s featured computer setup displays an innovation we’ve seen from time to time, but not as often as we’d expect. It’s a custom keyboard wrist rest built to fit a Magic Trackpad or other trackpad in its middle section.

This one’s on the tall side, suitable for a mechanical keyboard. The developer who had it made to his specifications finds it — and the Magic Trackpad 2 — more than adequate for his needs.

Get Windows 10 for only $16 and Windows 11 for just $22 in Autumn Sale

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Get ready to snatch up great savings on genuine Microsoft software with promo code CULT. Photo: CDKeylord.com
Get ready to snatch up great savings on genuine Microsoft software with promo code CULT.
Image: CDKeylord.com

This discount software activation keys post is presented by CDKeylord.com.

The Autumn Sale at CDKeylord.com lets you nab big savings on software, games and gaming accessories. The software activation key provider extends major discounts on genuine products from Microsoft and other developers.

And you what’s even better? Cult of Mac readers can get 30% off the regular price of a Windows 10 Pro key. And when you buy a Windows 10 key, you can get a free upgrade to Windows 11! Just enter the special discount code CULT when you check out. See the deals below.

No, Apple isn’t building Chinese spy chips into iPhone 14

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Republicans warn Apple not to use Chinese memory chips in iPhone 14
iPhone 14 will allegedly have RAM chips made by a controversial company.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple will reportedly use RAM chips made by Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. in the iPhone 14 series. This set off a firestorm of complaints from U.S. politicians, including suggestions the chips will somehow be used to surveil Americans.

YMTC is partially owned by the Chinese government and has ties to the Chinese military. There have been calls for it to be added to the U.S. Entity List of companies that face import restrictions.

Turn your iPhone into a research library with Perlego

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Search and re-search with this massive 900K+ library of academic and non-fiction books.
Carry a university library on your iPhone with Perlego.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Not everyone has access to the same learning resources. For example, an Ivy League student can tap into vastly different assets than someone paying their way through community college.

Online library Perlego can help level the playing field. By offering unlimited access to more than 900,000 academic and nonfiction books, it allows anyone to study and research thousands of topics. One-year, two-year and three-year subscriptions to Perlego are on sale for $99, $159 and $199 for a limited time.

Cynical Gutsy flatters Hillary the Conqueror once again [Apple TV+ review] ☆☆☆☆

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Gutsy review Apple TV+: Gutsy women Hillary Clinton, Amy Schumer and Chelsea Clinton.☆☆☆☆
Gutsy women Hillary Clinton, Amy Schumer and Chelsea Clinton.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+’s Gutsy, a deeply cynical PR stunt from former first lady Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea, attempts to preach to a very specific choir while celebrating everything human about someone who at this point couldn’t be less relatable to the American public.

Gutsy is an expensive, self-aggrandizing road trip shared by women who were never really like the rest of us and now never will be. The series, which premiered Friday on Apple TV+, is replete with jaw-dropping guest stars, rehearsed banter, and about as much “fun” as an orientation day skit at college.

Basically, Gutsy is the unappealing answer to the question, “What do you give the woman who has everything?”

You can now preorder the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and AirPods Pro 2

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That pill-shaped hole where the notch used to be? Apple calls it the Dynamic Island.
Place your iPhone 14 preorder early if you want it on launch day.
Photo: Apple

You can now preorder the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and AirPods Pro 2 from Apple. The company announced these products at its Far Out event on September 7.

Barring the iPhone 14 Plus, all other products going up for preorder today will start shipping on September 16. The former will launch nearly a month later, on October 7.

Apple Store goes down ahead of iPhone 14 and AirPods Pro 2 preorders

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Apple Store down ahead of iPhone 14 pre-orders
Just a few hours left before you can preorder the iPhone 14 and AirPods Pro 2
Photo: Apple

UPDATE: The online Apple store is back up and you can now preorder the iPhone 14 and AirPods Pro 2.

Apple’s online store has gone down ahead of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro preorders later today. The company will also start accepting preorders for the AirPods Pro 2 from today.

All products will go on sale on September 16. This is also the day you should get your preordered product, provided you can get your order in early.

iPhone 14 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade?

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Should you upgrade from iPhone 13 Pro to iPhone 14 Pro?
Should you upgrade from iPhone 13 Pro to iPhone 14 Pro?
Photo: Rajesh/Apple

Apple’s newest iPhone is here. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max represent the best of what the company has to offer customers this year.

But if you already own the iPhone 13 Pro, should you upgrade to the iPhone 14 Pro? Or is it better to save your money for next year’s model? Find out in this comparison.

Learn to code in Python with $55 off these interactive courses

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Master Python by coding it with these interactive training exercises.
Learn Python with this hands-on, interactive training series.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As iOS and Mac become more friendly to amateur programmers, learning to code and build your own apps has never been more tempting. And you don’t need to set foot in an expensive school to do so.

Lifetime access to Code Direct’s Python Interactive Coding exercises can show you how to code powerful, flexible apps across Apple platforms, the internet and beyond. Lifetime access is available for $24.99 (regularly $79) for a limited time.

Why didn’t Apple raise US prices on new products?

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You'd almost think Apple is impervious to inflation.
You'd almost think Apple is impervious to inflation. Then you look at Europe.
Photo: Apple

One of the bigger surprises at Apple’s Far Out event Wednesday wasn’t in the hardware itself, but in its pricing. As in, it didn’t go up as it often does, at least in the U.S. market — despite rising inflation and the supply chain backups we heard so much about.

In fact, considering inflation, it’s almost like prices went down. That said, while each iPhone 14 model kept the same price as its iPhone 13 counterpart in the U.S., prices rose in many foreign markets.

What gives? Is Apple impervious to inflation? Some analysts think it’s more likely a shrewd strategy to sustain demand.

How to get ready to preorder iPhone 14

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How to get ready to preorder iPhone 14
You can start preordering the iPhone 14 on Friday, September 9. Here's how to do it right.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 14 series goes up for preorder on Friday, and Apple’s latest and greatest handsets are likely to sell out quickly. You need do some early prep work if you want to get your hands on the iPhone 14 Plus or the new Pro models as soon as possible.

AirPods Pro 2 also up for early orders at the same time.

Here’s how to be completely ready to put in a preorder for either or both items.

Apple still hasn’t given up on iOS 15

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Apple still hasn't given up on iOS 15
iOS 15.7 is on the way, even though iOS 16 is right around the corner.
Screenshot: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iOS 16 launches on September 12, but Apple nevertheless seeded the release candidate for iOS 15.7 on Wednesday. This is – obviously – likely to be the last significant update to the version first introduced in 2021.

Apple also seeded release candidates for macOS Monterey 12.6 and iPadOS 15.7, but their replacements aren’t expected for weeks.

New Steve Jobs Archive aims to share his ‘sense of possibility’

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A new archive will celebrate Steve Jobs' life and values with an array of materials and programs.
A new archive will celebrate Steve Jobs' life and values with an array of materials and programs.
Photo: Ben Stanfield/Flickr CC

Something unexpected came out of Vox Media’s Code conference Wednesday — a birth announcement for The Steve Jobs Archive. The new repository celebrates the Apple co-founder’s life and strives to share his values. Various programs are planned.

In a panel discussion, Apple CEO Tim Cook, former design honcho Jon Ivy and Jobs’ widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, discussed the man’s legacy and introduced the archive.

Here’s how much RAM the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are packing

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6.1-inch iPhone 14 and 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus
The iPhone 14 has more RAM than the 2021 model.
Photo: Apple

All four of the newly announced iPhone 14 models reportedly come with 6GB of RAM. That’s a 50% increase for the non-Pro model over the 2021 equivalent.

While the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are supposed to keep the same amount of RAM as their predecessors, an unconfirmed report says that they will use a faster type.

Affordable EarFun Air S earbuds feature good sound, questionable fit [Review] ★★★

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You can get a discount on these, lowering their already-reasonable $70 price.★★★
You can get a discount on these, lowering their already-reasonable $70 price.
Photo: EarFun

EarFun has been putting out affordable audio gear since 2018. It released its latest active noise cancelling (ANC) wireless earbuds, EarFun Air S, in June. The company recently sent me a pair to try out.

The name of the game here is value. Like some of the company’s other earbuds, Air S offers quality sound and features found in more expensive earbuds. But the product is not without a few drawbacks, which I’ll describe below.

Note that if you want to give these a try and buy on Amazon by September 12, you get a discount plus a coupon that bring the regular price of $69.99 down to $56.41, EarFun said.

Make a website without writing a line of code using Buldix

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Try this drag-and-drop website builder if you don't want to code.
Anyone can create a modern-looking website quickly and easily with Buldix.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There are many reasons to run your own website, whether it’s to advertise your work, sell cool crafts, post pictures of your cooking or anything else. Sometimes you need a website. And in other instances, they’re just fun to have. However, making them can be a pain — especially if you don’t want to code.

Luckily, a drag-and-drop website builder like Buldix Pro can make launching your website easier. For a limited time, you can get a lifetime subscription to the simple no-code website builder for $59 (regularly $990).

How watchOS 9’s Low Power Mode boosts Apple Watch battery life

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watchOS 9 demo
watchOS 9 will introduce a new Low Power Mode to double your Apple Watch's battery life.
Image: Apple

Apple is introducing a new Low Power Mode in watchOS 9 to boost your Apple Watch’s battery life further. The company claims the new mode will double the Series 8’s battery life to 36 hours, and let the new Apple Watch Ultra last up to 2.5 days.

You will have to sacrifice some of the advanced features of your wearable to get the longer runtime, though.

iPhone 14 Pro will play a startup and shutdown sound

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That pill-shaped hole where the notch used to be? Apple calls it the Dynamic Island.
Apple is bringing an iconic Mac feature to the iPhone 14 Pro.
Photo: Apple

Apple is adding a startup and shutdown chime to the iPhone 14 Pro series, similar to the iconic startup sound on Macs. The accessibility feature will help you know when your iPhone is rebooting.

iPhones currently do not play any chime when they are on the boot screen.

Apple’s Far Out event packs plenty of surprises

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Apple's Far Out Event delivered plenty of hardware and some solid surprises.
Apple's Far Out Event delivered plenty of hardware and some solid surprises.
Image: Cult of Mac/Apple

Apple definitely over-delivered with Wednesday’s Far Out event. The rumor mill’s constant churn of leaks and speculation gave us a solid framework for our expectations, but Cupertino’s hardware and software wizards still whipped out a few surprises.

Here’s everything you need to know about the iPhone 14 lineup, second-gen AirPods Pro and the 2022 Apple Watch models — including that hot new Ultra version for extreme athletes (and couch potatoes with solid credit ratings).

Hermès intros two new Apple Watch bands (and a horsey face)

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Apple Watch Hermès will debut two fancy new bands and a horsey watch face.
Apple Watch Hermès will debut two fancy new bands and a horsey watch face.
Photo: Apple

Rumors that Apple is discontinuing its partnership with Hermès appear to be completely wrong.

Among the flurry of announcements during Wednesday morning’s ‘Far Out’ event was news that the French fashion house is introducing two fancy new Apple Watch bands, plus a new watch face that celebrates the house’s equestrian roots.

BAM! Crash detection smashes into iPhone 14

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BAM! Crash detection smashes into iPhone 14
Both iPhone 14 series and the new Apple Watch models will call for help if you've been in a car wreck.
Photo: Apple

If you’re in a severe car accident, your iPhone 14 will be able to tell and it can contact emergency services if you’re unconscious.

The feature will also be incorporated into the most recent Apple Watch models.

Unlock and download internet content with Offcloud

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Unlock the internet with this download manager.
Make your own copy of the internet with this cloud-based download manager.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Does the internet feel more like something you’re looking at and not participating in? You can stream content, but you can’t keep it. You can find practically every song ever recorded, but where’s your copy? And, while you can use a fake name, that doesn’t change the data profile third parties can construct from your browsing history.

It’s annoying running into obstacles online, but you can get past them with Offcloud. Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot, you can unlock internet restrictions with a lifetime subscription to Offcloud, on sale for $39.99 (regularly $699).

Yes, those hot new Apple Watch Ultra bands work with older models (sorta)

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Three new bands — Trail Loop, Alpine Loop and Ocean Band — offer unique design features that provide a secure and comfortable fit for every adventure.
Three new Apple Watch Ultra bands -- Trail Loop, Alpine Loop and Ocean Band -- are ready to tackle any adventure.
Photo: Apple

The three Apple Watch Ultra bands unveiled Wednesday look suitably rugged for the new smartwatch designed for extreme athletes. And if you want to inject a little bit of the Ultra’s rugged sensibility into your regular old Apple Watch, you’re in luck … kinda sorta maybe.

The new $99 bands fit some regular Apple Watches, according to Apple’s website. However, a caveat from Cupertino makes it seem like an Ultra band on a Series 7 or 8 watch might not look as seamless as usual.

iPhone 14 launches free emergency texting via satellite

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iPhone 14 launches free emergency texting via satellite
iPhone 14 can talk to satellites in orbit. "Far out" indeed.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple wasn’t kidding when it said its September product launch event would be “far out.” The newly announced iPhone 14 series offers Emergency SOS via satellite, allowing the handset to contact help in critical situations.

And it’s not just for life-threatening danger. It can also be used to share the handset’s location with the Find My network when out of cell service.

iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island looks … shockingly original?

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The Dynamic Island morphs into different sorts of notifications.
The Dynamic Island morphs into different sorts of notifications.
Photo: Apple

At Apple’s Far Out event, the company got rid of the notch at the top of the screen in its iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models, replacing it with a smaller, pill-shaped cutout, as predicted.

More of a surprise is the functionality that comes with the cutout, which Apple calls the Dynamic Island. What the heck is it?