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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.

Apple TV+ could get new NFL Plus streaming alongside Sunday Ticket

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It seems the new NFL Plus streaming service could go to the bidder who wins NFL Sunday Ticket.
It seems the new NFL Plus streaming service could go to the bidder who wins NFL Sunday Ticket.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Some sources suggest Apple TV+ has already signed a deal for the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket. Now a new report say the football league’s planned NFL Plus streaming service could sweeten the deal for Apple — or another winning bidder, as the case may turn out to be.

The two services together on Apple TV+ could offer fans a great selection of viewing options.

Apple raises pay for retail and corporate employees

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Apple store
Good news, Apple retail employees!
Photo: Apple

Apple employees can to look forward to raises. The company sent an email to its workers informing them it’ll spend more on employee compensation this year. And starting pay for retail workers is going up 10%.

This is happening as Apple faces increasing competition for employees in a tight labor market, and its retail workers are starting to unionize.

This $50 smartwatch is a solid Apple Watch alternative

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This smartwatch isn't second best.
This $49.99 smartwatch is packed with features.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

A smartwatch doesn’t need to come with a hefty price tag. While it might not boast all the advanced features of the latest Apple Watch Series 7, the ChronoWatch C-Max Call Time smartwatch gets the job done just fine. And it’s definitely a bargain when you consider the Series 7’s starting price of $399.

This affordable smartwatch comes with many common features related to health, fitness, productivity and entertainment. It works with iPhones as well as Android devices. And it’s on sale for just $49.99 (regularly $159).

Meet Apollo, the best Reddit client for iPhone and iPad [Awesome Apps]

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Apollo Reddit client on iPhone
Apollo is the best client for reading Reddit on the go.
Photo: Apollo/Joe White

Created by former Apple employee Christian Selig, Apollo for Reddit is hands-down the best Reddit reader out there. Forget the official Reddit client for iOS and iPadOS – Apollo is the app I return to day after day when it comes to exploring the fascinating world of Reddit.

In my view, the official Reddit app feels like a rehashed version of Reddit’s freewheeling website. Meanwhile, Apollo is a proper piece of mobile software — the real McCoy, if you will. It gives you a fantastically effective interface for digesting the mountain of news and topical info posted by Reddit’s millions of users.

Now don’t get me wrong. Apollo is by no means swish, flash and fancy. It’s instead the exact opposite – stripped-down and streamlined. But believe me: When it comes to browsing Reddit while on the move, this app gets the job done.

iPhone 14 Max could be hard to get your hands on at launch

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iPhone 14 Pro concept in white
You could have to wait longer to get your on the iPhone 14 Max
Concept: Jon Prosser/Ian Zelbo

Haitong International Securities analyst Jeffy Pu has provided more insight into the iPhone 14’s production delay and revealed that the production of the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max has been the worse affected by the lockdown in China.

A supply chain report from earlier in the week claimed that iPhone 14’s production was running behind schedule.

Your Apple TV needs the tvOS 15.5.1 update

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Apple's new Apple TV 4K with redesigned Siri Remote
There's a software patch for Apple TV.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV users should install a system software patch released Wednesday. tvOS 15.5.1 apparently fixes a small bug in the latest big update, which Apple released last week.

The patch comes out in unison with a small update to HomePod software.

This email manager will get you to that fabled inbox zero

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This email manager can tame even the most chaotic inboxes.
Organize your cluttered inbox with this email manager.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

A cluttered email inbox is as aggravating as it is common. Everyone deals with it, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it.

Instead of constant distractions, and sifting through piles of unnecessary and unwanted emails, you can take control of your inbox. Finally achieve that fabled zen state known as inbox zero with a lifetime subscription to the Mailman email manager.

It’s a web browser plugin that works with Apple Mail, Gmail and other popular email clients. And it’s on sale for a limited time.