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Apple’s AR/VR headset could use ultrasonic sound waves to simulate a breeze in mixed reality

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Oculus Quest
Apple's first headset could be around the same size as Oculus Quest.
Photo: Oculus

Apple could use ultrasonic sound waves to deliver haptic feedback to wearers of its upcoming AR/VR headset when they interact with virtual objects.

Most consumer AR/VR headsets do not provide haptic feedback like that, but some high-end ones feature a basic vibration motor that does not give the desired effect. However, Apple’s new patent filings suggest it wants to solve this issue on its AR/VR headset by using ultrasonic sound waves.

Clear space on your Mac for betas, photos, movies and more

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Clear up storage using the macOS System Information tool and CleanMyMac X.
Clear up storage using the macOS System Information tool and CleanMyMac X.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Death, taxes and running out of storage on your Mac; few things in life are as certain.

But now is the time to do something about it. Apple is about to unveil the next version of macOS at its Worldwide Developers Conference next week, and if you want to install the public beta, you’ll need at least 3GB of free space to install it. You’ll need even more if you follow our recommendation to install it on a separate partition. (Our guide on that will be out soon.)

Whatever the reason you need more storage, read on to learn how to tidy up your Mac.

Apple Design Awards finalists unveiled ahead of WWDC22

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The Apple Design Awards recognize apps in six categories.
The Apple Design Awards recognize apps in six categories.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

With its Worldwide Developers Conference coming up, Apple revealed the finalists Tuesday for this year’s Apple Design Awards.

The Apple Design Awards, to be bestowed at WWDC22 next week, showcase apps with outstanding design, innovation, ingenuity and technical achievement, the company said.

Keep cool this summer with nearly $30 off this portable AC

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This mini AC unit can cool your bed.
Enjoy a chill summer with this portable AC.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The warm weather is officially here. There are many ways you can make your home a nicer place to be, but in the summer, there’s only one thing that really counts. How are you going to stay cool?

The evaChill EV-500 is a portable air conditioner that can bring cool air wherever you go. And for a limited time, it costs only $69.99 (regularly $99.99).

Working Apple-1 signed by Woz could fetch $485,000

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Wozniak autographed the Apple-1's CPU in Dubai in 2021.
Wozniak autographed the Apple-1's CPU in Dubai in 2021.
Photo: The APPL Collection

A restored Apple-1 in good working order might see a winning bid of $485,000 in an upcoming auction. That’s not just because the antique computer is nearly all original and actually works. It’s also because Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak signed it.

Safari becomes second browser to surpass 1 billion users

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Safari now has more than 1 billion users.
Safari now has more than 1 billion users.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple’s Safari web browser recently topped 1 billion users, a new study indicates, making it the second browser to do so. Even so, it still lags well behind Google Chrome in popularity.

“1,006,232,879 internet users (19.16% of all internet users) now use the Safari browser, making it the second browser with over a billion users,” the Atlas VPN report said.

Gamevice turns iPads into handheld gaming consoles

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This could be the device to take your iPad gaming to the next level.
This could be the device to take your iPad gaming to the next level.
Photo: Gamevice

Gamevice introduced a new gaming controller Tuesday that it designed for iPad, in addition to a version for iOS already on the market.

The device, called Gamevice for iPad, fits around your tablet‌, making it work like a handheld gaming console.

This smartwatch might save your grandparent’s life

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This discounted smart watch is also a first-rate medical alert.
This wearable combines typical smartwatch features with advanced medical alerts.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The LutiBand is a next-gen medical alert device as well as a great smartwatch. Its combination of advanced security features and precise biometric readings make this a fantastic wearable for you or a loved one.

For a limited time, the LutiBand Smartwatch is on sale for $99.99 (regularly $169).

Prehistoric Planet is a brontosaurus-size hit for Apple TV+

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Dreadnoughtus in 'Prehistoric Planet' on Apple TV+
Dreadnoughtus shown in Prehistoric Planet, now streaming on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple’s five-episode dinosaur documentary Prehistoric Planet pulled in plenty of viewers. Amazing archosaurs recreated with cutting-edge CGI effects helped the series hit number five on a list of most-watched TV shows on all the streaming services in the United States.

And Severance continues to draw a big audience almost two months after the season finale on Apple TV+.

Analyst says Apple’s AR headset and realityOS will be a no-show at WWDC22

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Apple's new AR/VR headset and its realityOS may or may not debut at WWDC22.
Don't expect Apple's AR/VR headset to show up at WWDC22
Photo: RendersbyIan
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple is unlikely to showcase its long-rumored AR/MR headset — or even demo the realityOS that powers it — at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

His mood-dampening remarks follow lots of buzz in recent weeks that indicated Apple finally would take the wraps off the secret project at WWDC22.

The reason? There’s still a lot of time before the headset enters mass production. And Apple doesn’t want its competitors to steal its ideas and rush a copycat to market, Kuo said.

Watch content from all your streaming subs with this app

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This app gives you access to 500,000+ tv channels.
This app makes it simple to watch your favorite shows.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Between all the different streaming services, it can be hard to find one to sit down with and watch TV. But not anymore. With SelectTV, you can watch over 150 live channels and more than 500,000 shows and movies.

During Cult of Mac Deals’ Memorial Day Sale, you can get this ultimate streaming app on sale for $79.99 (regularly $478) until May 31.

Last chance! This might be your perfect Apple Watch band for a ‘tactical’ look.

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Mifa's Apple Watch band might have people thinking you work for NASA.
Mifa's Apple Watch band might have people thinking you work for NASA.
Photo: Mifa

Tired of searching for a utility band for everyday wear to match your space gray Apple Watch? Maybe something with a bit of a “tactical” look to it? Want to look like you’re going on patrol when you’re just headed to the flower shop? Well, stand down, because your mission may be accomplished.

It doesn’t matter if your Apple Watch is made of aluminum or stainless steel, Mifa’s rugged Nylon Sports Leather Apple Watch Band can be a great complement to it.

And it’s 20% off in the Cult of Mac Store through the end of May. That’s a savings of $5.

M1 Max MacBook and Xbox share killer ultra-wide display [Setups]

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An Xbox in the under-desk drawer handles the gaming chores.
An Xbox in the under-desk drawer handles the gaming chores.
Photo: [email protected]

If you’re one of the many, many people waiting longer and longer periods for your Mac thanks to supply-chain delays, we apologize in advance. We don’t mean to rub your face in your misfortune.

But when we find a great computer setup featuring an exciting new 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro splitting time with an Xbox on a 40-inch, curved ultra-wide display, we’ve just got to talk about it.

Will realityOS for AR/VR headsets make its debut at WWDC22?

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Apple's new AR/VR headset and its realityOS may or may not debut at WWDC22.
More details emerge about Apple’s upcoming headset.
Photo: RendersbyIan
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

On Sunday, when people noticed “realityOS” trademarks set for international filing on June 8, mad speculation flew that at least the software platform for Apple’s planned AR/VR headsets could be rolled out at WWDC22, which gets underway June 6.

And while it’s tantalizing speculation with other supporting evidence, there is reason for doubt, too. Especially since a reputable analyst threw cold water on the idea on Tuesday, contradicting others.

Power up all your Apple gear with this modular charging station

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This modular charging station can power 4 devices.
This modular power station can charge four Apple devices at once.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

We know how you Apple fanatics are. With the increasing number of devices in your inventory, your nightstand, desk and sometimes every other horizontal surface can get pretty cluttered with chargers.

It’s easier to organize your gear if you pick one spot to charge it all. And it’s even more awesome if you can take that charging station with you when you travel. These Magnetic Power Tiles create a modular four-in-one charger that can keep your devices powered by your nightstand or on the go.

Ready to upgrade? You can purchase the kit for $37.99 (regularly $99) during Cult of Mac Deals’ Memorial Day Sale. But be warned — the sale ends May 31.

Why Noir is my all-time favorite Safari extension [Awesome Apps]

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Meet my favorite Safari extension.
Meet my favorite Safari extension.
Screenshot: Joe White/Cult of Mac

There are loads of Safari web extensions in the App Store, all of which pimp out Apple’s mobile browser in interesting and exciting ways. But the very best Safari web extension is called Noir. This must-have extension brings Dark Mode support to every website you visit.

Here’s why you should download it immediately.

Send your smartphone screen to PCs, TVs, Androids and more

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This app lets you project your phone to other smart devices.
This app lets you project your iPhone or Android screen to other smart devices.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If your hardware doesn’t support Apple’s amazing AirPlay, it’s a little silly how many wires it can take to cast one screen to another. You can wind up with a whole pile of HDMI cables and adapters.

ApowerMirror skips the cables by letting you share your smartphone screen to a Mac, PC, iPhone, Android or smart TV. And for a limited time, ApowerMirror is on sale for $41.99 (regularly $259).

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.

Our sponsor

CultCloth is the cleaning cloth that gives Apple’s expensive Polishing Cloth a serious run for its money. For a limited time, score a free 8×8 CarryCloth with any order when you use code CULTCAST at checkout.

$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.