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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.

Tiny, smiling Macintosh is actually a potent GaN charger

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The cute little GaN charger puts out up to 35W of power.
The cute little GaN charger puts out up to 35W of power.
Photo: Shargeek

Whether you’re nostalgic for early Macintoshes or you simply like the cuter things in life, Shargeek has the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for you. You can join the campaign at a low, early-bird price to get the company’s new Retro 35 GaN Charger. It looks just like a toy version of an original Macintosh, complete with a little smile on its screen.

And with 35W of power, it can readily charge up laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Learn to travel smarter with this awesome bundle

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Learn how to be a master traveler with this bundle.
Become world-wise with this ultimate travel bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Traveling is expensive, so you want to make sure you have a great time while you’re abroad. Sometimes that means hitting the best tourism spots or knowing where the prettiest views are. Or it means knowing the language and being able to talk to the locals and learn where they think the best spots are.

Learn to travel smarter with The 2022 Ultimate Travel Bundle. It will show you how to make your experience one to write home about. And for a limited time, it costs only $29.99 (regularly $2,079).

Veteran actor Ray Liotta, star of Black Bird on Apple TV+, dead at 67

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Actor Ray Liotta, set to appear in the upcoming drama series
Actor Ray Liotta, set to appear in the upcoming drama series "Black Bird" on Apple TV+, died Thursday in his sleep.
Photo: Apple TV+

Actor Ray Liotta, famous for his roles in Goodfellas, Field of Dreams, Cop Land and other films and TV shows, died in his sleep Thursday at age 67, his publicist said.

Liotta also stars in the upcoming Apple TV+ drama series Black Bird, set to premiere on July 8.

Caviar for breakfast? How Apple plans to pamper WWDC22 attendees.

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Apple is hosting a limited event at Apple Park for WWDC22.
Apple is hosting a limited event at Apple Park for WWDC22.
Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons; Image: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Lucky attendees who get to visit Apple Park for a special WWDC22 developer day are getting the red carpet treatment, including caviar for breakfast.

The menu for the event includes a smoked salmon and caviar bagel made from “house smoked salmon, mascarpone cream, Tobiko black caviar, Persian cucumber, [and] micro horseradish,” which asks more questions than it answers. What on earth is micro horseradish?

Get the powerful M1 iPad Pro with a massive $450 discount [Update: Sold out!]

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UAG Scout for iPad Pro and Apple Smart Keyboard
The iPad Pro could be your next workhorse
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Update: That “massive $450 discount” proved extremely popular. It sold out incredibly quickly, which sometimes happens. You can still get other deals on iPad Pro at the links below, though.

Apple’s excellent M1 iPad Pro is available on Amazon with massive discounts of up to $450.

With a powerful M1 chip and large display, the iPad Pro could become your ideal workstation when you are on the move.

Former trombone player Tim Cook gives $100,000 to his high school band

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The Robersdale High School Band poses with instruments.
The Robersdale High School Band poses with instruments.
Photo: Baldwin County Public Schools

We’ve all heard the “sad trombone” sound. Well, today all brass is happy — or at least some brass, down south in Alabama — because Apple CEO Tim Cook just gave his alma mater’s band program a donation to the tune of $100,000.

Cook played trombone in the Robertsdale High School band in Robertdale, Alabama, near Mobile. He graduated in 1978, on his way to an engineering degree from Auburn University and later an MBA from Duke University.