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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?

iPhone 14 Pro models get major camera upgrades and always-on displays

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The new iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max come in four colors -- two of them new (space black and dark purple).
The new iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max come in four colors -- two of them new (space black and dark purple).
Photo: Apple

Apple revealed its new iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max handsets Wednesday with numerous updates, including massive camera upgrades, always-on displays, an improved A16 chip and the notorious “notch” replaced with a pill-shaped cutout with new “Dynamic Island” interactive functionality.

“iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are the best iPhones we’ve ever created, with a new way to experience iPhone as well as the industry-leading A16 bionic chip, always-on display and powerful new camera technologies,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook during the company’s Far Out event.

iPhone 14 Plus ushers in big changes

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iPhone 14 Plus ushers in big changes
Apple just unveiled the iPhone 14, which offers a camera upgrade and satellite communications, but the iPhone 14 Plus is the big news.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple took the wraps off the much-anticipated 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus at a product launch event on Wednesday. This has a screen as big as the company’s largest handset, but at a significantly lower price.

“With a larger display, you can enjoy more content when browsing the web,” promised Kaiann Drance, the head of iPhone marketing. “You can see more text or larger text. It looks great with the incredible features of iOS 16. ”

The 6.1-inch iPhone 14 was also announced, but is a fairly minor update over its predecessor. Still, both models have cameras with better low-light performance than their predecessors and emergency satellite communications, too.

Apple unveiled the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max at the same product event on Wednesday.

Apple Watch Ultra is a big, bulky, beautiful beast

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The age of Ultra. Apple Watch Ultra.
The age of Ultra. Apple Watch Ultra.
Photo: Apple

Apple took the wraps off Apple Watch Ultra — describing the sports-oriented smartwatch as the most rugged and capable Apple Watch yet — during Wednesday’s Far Out event. Big, bulky and beautiful, it delivered on everything the rumor mill predicted and more.

Apple Watch Ultra is huge, with a bulky exterior, chunky buttons and a massive display. It boasts a tougher case, designed to withstand knocks from extreme sports, and a battery that can last the distance for endurance races. It features a new Depth Gauge app for scuba and free divers, improved GPS for running and cycling, a redesigned compass app for exploring, and even an 86-decibel siren to let people know if you get lost. Like the new Apple Watch Series 8 models, the Ultra comes with a temperature sensor.

Retailing at $799, Apple Watch Ultra is the Apple Watch that hardcore fitness fans have long been craving. But will its quirky, uncompromising looks catch on with mainstream audiences? Or is the Ultra destined to occupy a niche in the lineup?

Apple unveils Watch Series 8 with new body temp sensor, focus on women’s health

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Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 focuses on women's health with a new body temperature sensor that can detect ovulation.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple just unveiled the Watch Series 8 with a focus on women’s health, including a body temperature sensor that can help with advanced cycle tracking.

The new watch, available to pre-order today and shipping September 16, also features car crash detection, a new low-power mode, international roaming and new faces and bands.

Pricing starts at $399 for GPS, and $499 for cellular.

This is when you can get iOS 16 and watchOS 9

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Apple makes a multitude of changes with iOS 16.
After months of beta testing, iOS 16 is finally coming to your iPhone.
Photo: Apple

After months of beta testing, Apple on Wednesday confirmed September 12, 2022, as the final release date for iOS 16 and watchOS 9. The upcoming releases will add several new features to iPhone and Apple Watch.

New AirPods Pro support personalized Spatial Audio and precision finding

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They might look the same. but AirPods Pro bring powerful new features.
They might look the same. but AirPods Pro bring powerful new features.
Photo: Apple

At Apple’s ‘Far Out’ event, music lovers got a treat in the form of new AirPods Pro, Apple’s top wireless, noise-canceling earbuds — the first revision since their 2019 launch. The top-shelf buds keep the same design but gain support for personalized spatial audio, touch controls and precise location finding.

AirPods products are typically announced alongside new iPhones and Apple Watch models. Today was no exception, with their debut tying in with the new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro models, the new Apple Watch Series 8, SE and Ultra.

AirPods Pro 2 will be available for preorder on September 9 for a September 23 release date at $249.

Apple Pay is now bigger than MasterCard

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A major regulator points at Apple Pay Later to express concern over Big Tech entering the short-term loan business.
Apple Pay adoption keeps growing by leaps and bounds.
Photo: Apple

Apple Pay is now handling over $6 trillion in transactions a year, according to new research. That means the iPhone’s wireless payment system is now bigger than MasterCard and Alipay.

Since its inception in 2014, analysts report that Apple Pay has slowly grown to the point where a large majority of iPhone users now have it activated.

Prepare for a storm (or an outdoor party) with an Okmo solar generator

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Buy a solar generator like Okmo's before you need it (whether that's to power an outdoor party or for a major disaster).
Buy a solar generator like Okmo's before you need it (whether that's to power an outdoor party or weather a major disaster).
Photo: Okmo

This post on portable solar generators is brought to you by Okmo.

With hurricane season ramping up, if you live near the coast — or if your power goes out for any reason, anytime or anywhere — you should consider investing in a reliable solar generator.

Bonus: In between power failures, do you know what solar generators and portable power stations are great for? Keeping your outdoor parties rocking like a hurricane. And right now, Cult of Mac readers can get great deals on Okmo power products. Read more below.

Earn an extra paycheck through a copywriting side hustle with this $32 master class

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Launch a career in copywriting with help from more than 200 lessons for only $32.
Maximize exposure for your company or product with assistance from these copywriting courses.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Inflation and other factors might make for unpredictable economic landscape. But on the bright side, remote employment opportunities like copywriting can give you a supplemental paycheck or boost your content portfolio.

The 2022 Complete Digital Copywriting Master Class Bundle could be a launch pad of sorts if you’re looking to sharpen your writing abilities. This course collection is currently on sale for only $32 (regularly $1,400) and is loaded with more than 200 lessons on business writing, email etiquette, SEO and more.

How to watch Apple’s ‘Far Out’ iPhone 14 event

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How to watch Apple’s 'Far Out' iPhone 14 event live
It's a big day for iPhone and Apple Watch aficionados. Here's how to tune into today's Apple event.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Today is the day! Apple’s “Far Out” product launch event kicks off in just a few hours. The iPhone 14 series, three new Apple Watch models and more are all expected.

Just like past such events, this year’s will be streaming online, so you’ll be able to watch it in its entirety as it all unfolds. Here’s how.

Apple Store goes down ahead of ‘Far Out’ iPhone 14 event

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Apple Store down Far Out event
You can now only access Apple's online store after the 'Far Out' event.
Screenshot: Rajesh

Apple’s online store went down Wednesday morning, a few hours ahead of the iPhone 14 event. The company typically makes its store inaccessible a few hours before any event or new hardware launch.

Besides the iPhone 14 series, Apple is expected to announce three new Apple Watch models and the AirPods Pro 2.

Brazil orders Apple to stop selling iPhones without a charger in the box

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In some lighting, the Sierra Blue iPhone 13 Pro looks OK. In others, not so much.
Brazil bans sale of iPhones without a bundled power adapter.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Brazil’s Justice Ministry has ordered Apple to stop selling iPhones without a power adapter in the box in the country. Additionally, it fined the company R$ 12.275 million (US$2.35 million).

The sales ban extends to all iPhones available in the country, including iPhone 12 and newer models.

Grab iPad mini at amazing 20% off while it lasts

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Everything iPad mini owners need to know about USB-C
Now is great time to grab an iPad mini 6 thanks to an outstanding deal.
Photo: Apple

You won’t find Apple’s most portable tablet at a better deal than this. The most-recent iPad mini is now an amazing $100 below its usual price.

A great discount like this won’t last – if you want this petite but powerful computer, you’d better move now.

Transcribe up to 5 people’s words with this speech-to-text app

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Literally read lips with this cloud-based speech transcription app.
Get it in writing with this 99% accurate voice-to-text transcription app (that we happen to have the best deal on).
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Have you ever zoned out for a moment during a lecture only to come back and be completely lost? Workers with 8 a.m. meetings, same question.

Whether in person or online, it’s natural not to be laser-focused 100% of the time. In those moments, it might be helpful to be able to read back what was said. With Voicetapp, you can capture live or recorded speech and turn it into text with remarkable accuracy. And right now, a lifetime subscription costs just $59 (regularly $599) — the best price on the web!

What to expect at Apple’s Sept. 7 ‘Far Out’ product event [Updated]

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Far out: Apple’s Sept. 7 iPhone event is on and in person
There's a lot to look forward to on September 7 at 10 a.m.
Image: Apple

The long-anticipated Apple early fall event is just around the corner. On September 7, executives will take to the stage at Apple Park to unveil an array of new products.

Here’s everything we’re expecting at the “Far Out” event, plus the devices we’ll likely have to wait until later in the year to see.

Make iPhone gaming more fun with this Xbox-style controller [Review] ★★★★

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PowerA MOGA XP5-i Plus review★★★★
The PowerA MOGA XP5-i Plus game controller works beautifully with a range of Apple devices. And there's an iPhone mount, too.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The PowerA Moga XP5-i Plus has the same basic design as an Xbox controller, but with a focus on Apple devices. Put your iPhone in the adjustable mount, or remove the mount for iPad or Apple TV gaming.

It stands out from the crowd with a built-in battery for recharging your handset while you play. Plus, PowerA added a couple of useful extra buttons.

I’ve enjoyed gaming on the Moga XP5-i Plus for a few weeks now. Here’s why.

Take a sneak peek at Apple Watch Pro with beautiful new concept images

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Take a sneak peek at Apple Watch Pro with beautiful new concept images
Behold: Apple Watch Pro!
Concept: Ian Zelbo

A recent leak of CAD renders revealed the possible design for the rumored Apple Watch Pro, a high-end smartwatch reportedly designed for extreme athletes. An artist subsequently turned those basic renders into images that show what the wearable might look like in future Apple adverts.

With Apple’s Far Out event set for Wednesday morning, we’re also hearing plenty of chatter about accessories for the company’s top-tier wrist computer, which is likely to be unveiled.

Developer’s M1 MacBook Pro rig is all there in black and white [Setups]

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The M1 MacBook Pro is hidden in a drawer.
The M1 MacBook Pro is hidden in a drawer.
Photo: [email protected]

Some computer setups go for splashy color while others like to be monochromatic — often black and white, or one or the other. In today’s featured setup, an iOS and macOS software developer sets a Studio Display in a black-and-white scheme that hides an M1 MacBook Pro.

And they go for quality sound in the mix, too, with one of the world’s most popular USB microphones and an exceptional pair of open-back headphones.