A new hyper-secure Lockdown Mode should help protect the iPhones, iPads and Macs of journalists, politicians and activists who face “highly targeted cyberattacks from private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware,” Apple said Wednesday.
The new security measure is only for extreme cases, though, because it blocks commonly used features of messaging and web browsing.
Most of the time, when we talk about home automation, we’re talking about Apple’s HomeKit system. But today’s featured computer setup, which relies on a formidable M1 Max MacBook Pro and dual displays, goes another route.
The homeowner runs a Raspberry Pi with open-source software to achieve about 50 automations, including Siri integration.
★★★★☆
Slip the KYY 15.6-inch 1080P USB-C Portable Monitor in the same bag as your notebook and you can always count on having more screen space to work.
M1 iPad users looking forward to external display support should also think about this screen. Or attach it to your Switch for more fun on the run.
I used KYY’s monitor for a couple of weeks. Here’s why I find it surprisingly good.
This post is brought to you by Kdan.
If you want to work smoothly with PDF files, you need a capable tool like Kdan’s PDF Reader. The name may leave you thinking it just helps you read PDFs, but it actually does much more for your workflow. If you’re wondering how to convert to PDF on iPad, take a look at this step-by-step guide.
With PDF Reader, you can create, read, edit, sign, scan, secure and convert PDFs on your iPhone, iPad or Mac. Learn more and download it below.
Apple has started selling refurbished Mac Studio in the United States, Canada, and select other European countries. You can save up to 15% by picking up a refurbished Mac Studio instead of purchasing a brand new unit.
Update: Apple has again updated its Certified Refurbished store with fresh refurb M1 Max Mac Studio units with one-day delivery for most locations. Stocks are unlikely to last for long, so if you find a configuration you want, pull the trigger on it.
Apple’s svelte new M2 MacBook Air will be available for order starting July 8. It will then hit retail stores on July 15.
“Supercharged by the M2 chip,” Apple said in a press release Wednesday, “the all-new MacBook Air features even more performance and a new strikingly thin design, a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a four-speaker sound system, up to 18 hours of battery life, and MagSafe charging.”
Going forward, Apple might make its latest and greatest A-series chips exclusive to high-end iPhone models, according to a reputable analyst.
Apple previously did not differentiate between Pro and “regular” iPhones when it came to processors. But that could change with this year’s iPhone 14 lineup.
This Apple Watch wireless keychain charger can go practically anywhere, and features a beefy 950mAh lithium-ion internal battery. It can recharge most Apple Watches up to three times on one charge, making it perfect for long weekend getaways or camping trips.
For a limited time, you can get one, two or four of them for $19.99 (regularly $49), $38.99 (regularly $99) or $76.99 (regularly $199).
Nothing beats the classic style and comfort of a premium leather Apple Watch band. And calfskin leather typically makes for an especially supple version of the classic strap.
If you’re looking to upgrade the look and feel of your wrist, check out the Speidel Sport Calf Skin Leather Apple Watch Band. You can get a good price on it in the Cult of Mac Store.
The European Parliament passed the landmark Digital Markets Act on Tuesday. The legislation aims to outlaw many common practices of Big Tech companies, especially Apple, Google and Amazon.
For iPhone users, the DMA would force Apple to allow rival app stores and sideloaded applications. And these are only two of many significant changes in the act.
There are still further steps the the EU government must go through before the DMA goes into effect, but that’s expected to happen before the end of 2022.
Apple will now pay you a lower amount when you trade in your existing iPhone, iPad or Mac to purchase a new device.
The company regularly updates its trade-in prices for older devices as they depreciate in value over time.
TaoTronics’ elegant Metal Mother Daughter LED Floor Lamp may look simple, but it delivers a ton of options for how you light a room, and it’s on sale for just $34.99 (regularly $52) for a limited time.
As seen on Shark Tank, the Toybox 3D Printer Deluxe Bundle lets you and your kids design and print new toys, and during our Fourth of July Sale, it’s only $279.99 (regularly $469) with code JULY20.
Catch an unbelievable view with this duo drone bundle featuring the Alpha Z Pro and Flying Fox dual 4K camera drones. This pack of two drones costs just $139.99 (regularly $398) during our Fourth of July Sale if you use code JULY20.
Apple is giving new Apple Music student subscribers free Beats Flex earphones worth $69.99. The offer is only for eligible students in the United States and the U.K.
The limited-time offer has been running since June 22, 2022.
This year’s AirPods Pro refresh is unlikely to pack health features like heart rate or body temperature monitoring.
Apple is testing both features internally, which “could arrive one day.” But that day is not coming this year.
The upcoming Apple Watch Series 8 could feature a body temperature sensor that will allow the wearable to detect when you are running a fever.
Both the regular Apple Watch Series 8 and the rumored rugged variant aimed at hardcore athletes should feature the new sensor.
When you only have a few clients, designing and sending handmade marketing materials is no problem. However, your time gets eaten as you scale upward, no matter how many productivity apps you have on your Mac. If you want to produce quality assets at scale, Robolly might be worth a try. This graphics automation program can produce personalized content in a few clicks, and it’s on sale.
For a limited time, the base and Professional plans are $29 (regularly $1,200) and $79 (regularly $2,400). Plus, during our Fourth of July Sale, you can get 20% off the Business and Power User Plans, which are only $119.20 (regularly $3,600) and $159.20 (regularly $4,800) with code JULY20.
There’s something satisfying about being able to reuse some of your old design components. It’s like a gift from your past self. In that regard, Monday Hero Pro is the gift that keeps on giving. With this refined dev tool, you can save time and convert Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch into mobile code, which could be a gamechanger if you want to make a killing creating apps on the App Store. For a limited time, a Monday Hero Pro Developer Tool two-year subscription is on sale for $79 (Reg. $432).
If you’ve ever worked on a computer with a dual-screen setup, going back to a single screen feels impossible. Unfortunately for MacBook users, you won’t always have multiple desktop displays on hand.
Luckily, the Mobile Pixels Trio Max gives your MacBook a dual-screen setup. During our Fourth of July Sale, you can get 20% off your purchase of $100 or more with code JULY20. That means you can score the Mobile Pixels Trio for just $247.99 (regularly $359).
From Irish folklore to ’60s New York, from culture clashes to meteors, here is a list of the very best films on Apple TV+ so far.
You can divine the company’s best impulses by seeing the best films it acquired, from arcane, auteurist curiosities and thoughtful genre pieces to documentaries that attempt to break free from the usual niches.
People tend to become digital hoarders during their student years. By the time you graduate and move into your career, you may already have a considerable digital library you’ll only add to as you work. Consider a file backup plan like Degoo if you always want to have room for the files you accrue.
During Cult of Mac Deals’ 4th of July Sale, if you spend more than $100, you can get 20% off your purchase with code JULY20. And for a limited time, you can use that sitewide coupon to purchase 15TB, 25TB, 35TB and 50TB Degoo backup plans for $119.99, $159.99, $199.99 and $239.99, respectively.
★★☆☆☆
1980s aerobics nightmare Physical goes in circles this week as Bunny and Tyler engage in surveillance for subterfuge, John and Sheila seek outside help, and Danny gets a hard dose of reality from Wanda.
In the episode, entitled “Don’t You Want to Watch,” the Apple TV+ series falls back into a familiar rut of Sheila facing problems and somehow solving them, with too little suspense and zero empathy generated for its ghoulish cast of characters.
Physical needs a Hail Mary in the worst way.
★★☆☆☆
Apple TV+’s lunar headache For All Mankind is headed to Mars for real this time. Three competing spaceships strive to make it to the red planet first to win a huge cash prize.
NASA holds some tricks up its sleeve to beat the wilier competition, but you can’t count out the Russians just yet. They’re always willing to do something stupid to make headlines. A mostly fine episode ends on a nice little cliffhanger to boot.
Curved ultra-wide displays are all the rage lately, and it’s no wonder why. What a fantastic amount of real estate. But it can be worrisome buying one if you’re not sure how it will look with your Mac’s resolution and scaling options.
Today’s featured computer setup pairs a beast of a 16-inch M1 Max MacBook with a brilliant 40-inch LG 5K UltraWide curved display. Let’s look at how well it’s working and what some of the issues can be.