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iOS 16 could make your iPhone’s lock screen more useful

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These iPhones and iPads won't get iOS 16
iOS 16 could give the iPhone's lock screen much-needed usability boost
Photo: the Hacker 34
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple could introduce major enhancements to the iPhone’s lock screen in iOS 16, with wallpapers that offer widget-like functionality, according to a new report. The OS reportedly will add always-on display support for the iPhone 14 Pro series as well.

Apple is expected to showcase iOS 16 — code-named “Sydney” — during the WWDC22 keynote on June 6.

Is this purple iPhone 14 Pro the real deal? [The CultCast]

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The CultCast Apple podcast: We're scrutinizing these new purple iPhone 14 Pro renders.
We're scrutinizing these new purple iPhone 14 Pro renders.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After eyeballing the latest iPhone 14 Pro renders from John Prosser and Ian Zelbo, we’re left with two big impressions. One, that iPhone looks awfully familiar. Two … purple? Really?!?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Please let the latest cryptic HomePod rumor be true.
  • Can your eyes handle the even-fancier Studio Display that’s supposedly coming soon? And can your wallet?
  • This week’s giveaway features a mophie 3-in-1 travel charger that makes us wish we could enter. (Don’t worry. You can, and we’ll try to hid our jealousy.)
  • Erfon’s got a bit of a crush on Soundcore Frames, the Bluetooth sunglasses you can hear.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video livestream, embedded below.

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$70 bundle pairs Microsoft Office with courses you need to master the software

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Get the apps and learn to be an advanced Microsoft Office user.
Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office for Mac or Windows, plus courses that will teach you all the tricks you need to know to get the most out of the software.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Microsoft Office ranks among the most popular app suites on the market — it’s basically a pillar of the professional world. However, its programs offer many advanced features that users often overlook. Some prove difficult to learn on your own, but brushing up on them could transform the way you do work.

This bundle can set you up for ultimate workplace success. The Premium Microsoft Office Training Bundle comes with all the software — either the Professional Suite for Windows or the Home and Business Suite for Mac — plus courses that will make you a Microsoft Office master.

Both license bundles are on sale for just $69.99 during Cult of Mac Deals’ Memorial Day Sale.

This app can help you make time to read books again

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Get back into reading with this app.
With the 12min Micro Book Library, you can read or listen to bestsellers unbelievably quickly.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

At the end of the day, it’s hard to make time to read. And even if you had the energy, by the time you got invested in your book, it’s likely time to get some sleep. The 12min Micro Book Library exists to give you access to condensed microbooks that can be read (or heard) in 12 minutes.

And during Cult of Mac Deals’ Memorial Day Sale, you can get a lifetime premium subscription to 12min for just $29. But the sale ends on May 31!

Apple allegedly intimidates retail workers into canceling union vote

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Apple Store employees in Atlanta and New York work to unionize for higher pay
Apple Cumberland Mall will not become the first Apple store with a union.
Photo: Apple

Employees of an Apple store in Atlanta won’t be voting to form a union after all. They withdrew their request with the National Labor Relations Board, and said Apple had carried out “a systematic, sophisticated campaign to intimidate them.”

It remains unknown how this will affect employees trying to unionize at an Apple retail store in New York

How to take stunning selfies with the Apple Watch Camera Remote app

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The Camera Remote app with raise your selfie game
The Camera Remote app will take your selfies to a whole new level.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Everyone knows Apple Watch is an excellent health and fitness companion. But did you know it’s also handy for taking selfies? That’s thanks to Apple Watch’s best kept secret: the Camera Remote app.

This indispensable watch app will raise your selfie game, enabling you to take more flattering shots, with better compositions, more interesting poses and much, much more.

I use it all the time to take photos for Cult of Mac, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. So here’s my definitive guide to taking better selfies with Apple Watch.

The tension ratchets up in Tehran [Apple TV+ recap] ★★☆☆☆

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Mossad agent Tamar from Apple TV+ show Tehran★★☆☆☆
Mossad agent Tamar must spring her boyfriend from an Iranian jail.
Photo: Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+’s Tehran goes to jail this week as everybody’s best-laid plans come crashing down. As the tension on the show ratchets up approaching the season finale, the obvious imbalance in the two groups of opposing Mossad and Iranian agents shrinks.

That makes watching the show for fun a little easier, but always there’s a lingering uneasiness about who Tehran’s heroes and villains really are.

Check out some of our best Memorial Day deals under $50

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These memorial day deals are all under $50.
Cheers to some good deals for Memorial Day.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There’s a lot you can do with an extra day. During long holiday weekends, you can hit the pool, relax at home, and maybe revisit a hobby you don’t get enough time with. But whatever you do, you probably want to really focus on something you enjoy. That’s why we rounded up hot Memorial Day sales on fun gadgets and toys that can help you make the most out of your time off.

Below are 10 of the best Memorial Day deals under $50 for your home, hobby and downtime.

Shining Girls edges toward answers to unspeakable questions [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★☆☆

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Shining Girls recap: Shining Girls star Elisabeth Moss directs this week's fast-paced episode.★★★☆☆
Shining Girls star Elisabeth Moss directs this week's fast-paced episode.
Photo: Apple TV+

Shining Girls enters its endgame this week in a thrilling episode that’s heavy on plot and light on psychological depth. Just as Kirby (played by Elisabeth Moss) thinks she finally understands the next step in serial killer Harper’s game plan, reporter Dan runs off to chase leads. And her bewildered husband Marcus betrays them both without meaning to.

Can anyone hold onto their reality long enough to come out on top? This terrifically directed episode has the answers.

Last chance to save! Protect your Apple gear with tough SwitchEasy cases

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SwitchEasy's Odyssey lanyard cases for iPhone make it super-easy to keep the handset handy and safe.
SwitchEasy's Odyssey lanyard cases for iPhone make it super-easy to keep the handset handy and safe.
Photo: SwitchEasy

SwitchEasy’s rugged Odyssey line of Apple cases is known for being protective, stylish and convenient. You can safeguard your iPhone 13 or 12 Series handset, your Apple Watch and your AirPods 3. Some clip on for added carrying options.

And best of all, the SwitchEasy flash sale on Odyssey cases goes through 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 30, in the Cult of Mac Store. You can get 20% off — see the deals below.

Evidence of iPad floating app windows shows up in Apple WebKit

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Floating app windows could be coming to iPad. Finally.
The odds of floating app windows appearing with iPadOS 16 just went up.
Illustration: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

There’s a new reason to think iPadOS 16 might include support for resizable floating app windows. A developer found evidence that this hoped-for feature is being added to Apple’s browser engine for iPad and iPhone.

If true, confirmation isn’t far away. Apple is expected to unveil iPadOS 16 at its Worldwide Developers Conference in early June.

Rule the skies this summer with these two drones, on sale for more than half off

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These double-pack of drones is on sale now.
The sky isn't the limit with these two drones.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Just a few years ago, you’d be lucky to find a decent drone for less than a thousand dollars. Now you can get one that’s smaller, more nimble, has better cameras, and costs significantly less.

With the Alpha Z Pro 4K + Flying Fox 4K drones bundle, you can get two high-quality, dual-camera drones for the price of one. And if you get them during Cult of Mac Deals’ Memorial Day Sale, which ends May 31, then it’ll only cost you $159.99 (regularly $398) for both of them.

Why you’re waiting 10 weeks for a new MacBook Pro or Mac Studio

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MacBook assembly restarts after COVID-19 lockdown: There's a light at the end of tunnel of long MacBook Pro wait times.
You can blame COVID-19 for the lengthy wait for new Macs.
Photo illustration: Cult of Mac

Wait times for some Macs now stretch into August. Apple manufacturer Quanta Computer simply can’t assemble enough units to meet demand, as its workers revolt at lengthy COVID-19 lockdowns.

The delays caused by the lockdowns, enforced by the Chinese government in an attempt to control the spread of the highly transmissible disease, are not just irritating to customers, though. Apple predicts the problem will mean an $8 billion hit to its revenue.

Everybody’s playing dirty this week on Now and Then [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Now and Then recap Apple TV+: Things get increasingly complicated this week.★★★★
The five teens of Now and Then are under suspicion.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+’s Now and Then, a Miami-based murder mystery, starts to play dirty this week.

New roommates Marcos, Isabel and Sofia are primed to turn on each other. Political couple Ana and Pedro have a huge, expensive mess on their hands. Mother and son Daniela and Hugo might have more secrets than anyone. And Detective Neruda finally opens up about the reasons she’s so committed to catching and convicting all of them.

This sleek little show has as much confidence as it does wonderfully seedy plot threads. The excellent first season continues apace.

Best Buy’s Memorial Day Sale offers massive discounts on iPad Air, Apple Watch and MacBook Air

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Apple Watch and MacBook
Don't miss these amazing Memorial Day deals on Apple products from Best Buy.
Photo: Naipo.de/Unsplash

Best Buy’s Memorial Day sale is live, and you can save hundreds of dollars on the Apple Watch Series 7, iPad Air 4 and M1 MacBook Air.

The retailer is selling the iPad Air 4 with a whopping $150 discount, MacBook Air with a $100 discount, and up to $70 off on select Apple Watch models.

A wild party puts the ‘sex’ in The Essex Serpent [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★★

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The Essex Serpent recap: Things are getting wild tonight in Essex in the Apple TV+ series.★★★★★
Things are getting wild tonight in Essex.
Photo: Apple TV+

There’s a party tonight on The Essex Serpent and everyone’s invited. But no one’s going to have the time they imagined. Things take a turn for the biblical this week with red paint on sinners’ homes and adultery in every hearth. Dancing leads to sex, and nobody’s in the bed they ought to be.

Apple TV+ miniseries The Essex Serpent bids a tearful farewell to good taste this week — and then enjoys the ever-loving hell out of the depraved no man’s land.

iPhone 14 Pro’s A16 chip might not beat A15 by much

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iPhone 14 might have to settle for less advanced 4nm chip
The A16 is expected to be the heart of the iPhone 14 Pro models.
Graphic: Apple/Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The A16 processor going in this fall’s iPhone 14 Pro models will be made with a 5nm process, according to a tipster. That’s the same process used for years, not a better one, and it means the upcoming iPhones won’t get as big a speed boost as expected.

Still, the A16 is rumored to get improved processor cores and other enhancements.

Full-on ‘Dark Mode’ brings creativity into focus [Setups]

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The setup proper in
The setup proper in "Dark Mode." Atmospheric, eh? It's a space dedicated to creativity, but it also helps with focus.
Photo: Chris Denbow

Photographer and writer Chris Denbow puts an interesting twist on his computer setup. He credits its “Dark Mode” — which is obvious in the photographs of the desk and the room, but extends to the machines and the software he uses — for boosting his focus and creativity. He said the dark theme gives him a “space dedicated to creativity.”

“Introducing ‘Dark Mode,’ a minimal, monochromatic home office/workspace that helps eliminate distractions, [and] allows focus and productivity,” Denbow told Cult of Mac.

This camera solves a major problem with drone photography

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The Insta360 Sphere camera works with two DJI Mavic drones, keeping them out of the shot.
The Insta360 Sphere camera works with two DJI Mavic drones, keeping them out of the shot.
Photo: Insta360

An issue amateur drone pilots face taking photos or shooting footage is that the drone itself often shows up in the shot. Then, if they want to make that aerial photography perfect, they — or someone they pay — has to edit the drone out afterwards.

Insta360 said Tuesday it solved that problem with it’s new Sphere, a 360-degree camera specially designed to keep the drone “invisible.”

Purchase Windows 10 Pro license for $15 and Office for $28 in End of May Sale

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Keysbuff offers great deals on Microsoft software activation keys.
Keysbuff offers great deals on Microsoft software activation keys.
Photo: Keysbuff.com

This post on discount Microsoft software is brought to you by Keysbuff.

Keysbuff’s End of May Sale offers you the chance to get great deals on software. Cult of Mac readers will find deep discounts from the software activation keys provider. You can save up to 90% off the full price on Windows 10 — and score great savings on lots of other Microsoft software, too.

To grab these great bargains, just use promo code COM at Keysbuff.com. That will save you an extra 25% off the site’s already-low prices on keys for Windows 10 Pro Global, Microsoft Office 2021 Pro and others in the list below. You can purchase many of these products with lifetime licenses.

Carpool Karaoke needs to pull over [Apple TV+ review] ☆☆☆☆

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Carpool Karaoke review on Apple TV+: Carpool Karaoke will never die. No matter how hard some of us might wish for its demise.☆☆☆☆
Carpool Karaoke will never die. No matter how hard some of us might wish for its demise.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is trying to kill me, specifically, the guy writing this. They’re trying to kill me. Send help. I am begging you, find someone, call the United Nations. You see, Apple TV+ bought Carpool Karaoke from The Late Late Show With James Corden — and it’s bringing the dreadful reality show back for another season.

The only saving grace is that Corden is not here, presumably because he’s harvesting the tears of children. There’s puff journalism, and then there’s treating the idea of Carpool Karaoke as some beloved cultural fixture and allowing celebrities the chance to “prove” how well they can sing and how fun they are.

Affordable new Xbox streaming device could mean trouble for Apple TV

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Pretty soon Xbox gaming and media streaming may not require a console.
Pretty soon Xbox gaming and media streaming may not require a console.
Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft confirmed Friday it’s developing a low-cost streaming device that would allow users to play Xbox games and stream media without needing a full console. That could directly compete with Apple TV.

Meanwhile, Apple’s product — sometimes criticized as overpriced — may see a less-expensive iteration later this year, according to analysts.

Hit the links from your living room with the Phigolf golf simulator

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PhiGolf is the premier golf simulator.
It's your last chance to get this lifelike golf simulator at a record-low price.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

A dearth of local golf courses shouldn’t stop you from hitting the links. It turns out, you can play golf on some of the most famous courses in the world — from your living room. And you don’t even have to risk your windows to do it.

The Phigolf smart golf simulator is an incredibly lifelike golf simulator that puts you in some of the most famous courses in the world without ever needing to put on shoes.

But this is your last chance to grab it at a great price! If you pick up Phigolf with swing stick before May 31 during Cult of Mac Deals’ Memorial Day sale, you can get it for only $179.

US government effort to regulate Big Tech stalls

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App Store faces barrage of antitrust charges
Support is lagging for a centerpiece of U.S. government efforts to regulate Big Tech.
Photo: Sora Shimazaki/Pexels CC

A bill aimed at regulating Big Tech is reportedly losing support in the U.S. Senate. The fate of the American Choice and Innovation Online Act is now in question.

It is a Democratic proposal but some Senate Democrats are leery about voting for it in an election year.