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Score Windows 10 Pro lifetime license for $15 in March Big Sale with up to 91% off!

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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 is presented by Keysbuff.

“March Madness” usually means college basketball, but it can also mean big savings on software. Cult of Mac readers can get great discounts this month from software activation keys provider Keysbuff. You can save up to 91% off the full price on Windows 10 and get great savings on many other Microsoft software titles.

Just use promo code COM at Keysbuff.com to get 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 products with lifetime licenses.

iPhone SE 3 cuts carriers out of the buying process in the US

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The new iPhone SE is available is available in the same colors as before, but it's much-improved on the inside.
It's now a lot easier to buy Apple's most affordable iPhone.
Photo: Apple

The new iPhone SE is Apple’s first smartphone that can be purchased without carrier credit checks in the United States. Customers can obtain the device without having to provide their phone number or Social Security information.

This applies only to AT&T and T-Mobile customers for now, who will be able to take advantage of a new feature called “on-device authentication” during iPhone SE’s setup process. It is also expected to be available on iPhone 14.

WeCrashed, a show about wasted money, arrives to waste your time [Apple TV+ recap]

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WeCrashed recap Apple TV+: What was the point of this show again?
What was the point of this show again?
Photo: Apple TV+

For some reason, Apple TV+ paid actual money for WeCrashed, the deeply inessential story of WeWork founder Adam Neumann and his wife Rebekah.

The tale’s already been told as a documentary, a podcast and a series of investigative pieces for various publications. But as we all know, the idea isn’t totally wrung dry until a couple of Oscar winners have their say.

So here’s Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway as the Neumanns in a terrible Apple TV+ mini-series directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. Maybe now we can tell another story.

Put your Apple Watch to work with this smart, discounted desk elliptical

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Work out at work with this under-desk elliptical on sale.
This Bluetooth mini elliptical can burn 150 calories an hour.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Wouldn’t it be nice to work out without needing the “out” part? Well, thanks to modern technology, now you can.

Check out this app-enabled elliptical that can fit under your desk and burn calories without changing your routine. Right now, the Cubii Smart Sit Bundle is on sale for $299.99 (regularly $447).

How to get the new gender-neutral Siri voice in iOS 15.4

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Apple’s AI-driven voice-controlled digital assistant Siri
Siri doesn’t have to sound female.
Image: Apple

One of the new features in iOS 15.4, released earlier this week, is a new, gender-neutral voice for Siri.

Apple developed the gender-neutral voice in response to criticism for using female voices as the default for the virtual assistant. If you want Siri to use a voice that is not explicitly female or male — maybe if you don’t identify that way yourself, or if you just want a nongendered voice assistant — now you have the option.

Here’s how to switch to the new voice on iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Studio Display is powered by the same version of iOS 15 as iPhone and iPad

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Apple Studio Display runs iOS 15
Yes, exactly the same version.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s new Studio Display is incredibly impressive in more ways than one. And while some early reviews note that other excellent monitors are available for less, there are some things that make Studio Display completely unique.

Not only is it powered by an A13 Bionic chip, for instance, but Studio Display runs iOS 15.4. No, not a watered-down version of it, but exactly the same iOS 15.4 build that you have installed on your iPhone and iPad. You just can’t use it.

Mac Studio, Studio Display and iPad Air reach customers around the world

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Mac Studio and Studio Display launch
Are you getting new Apple devices today?
Photos: Joe Dawson and Pawan

Apple’s new Mac Studio, Studio Display, iPad Air and iPhone SE officially go on sale today. That means customers who preordered early (before shipping dates slipped) are beginning to receive the first deliveries around the world.

If you, like me, are disappointed not to be reveling in the same delight as they are, here are a whole bunch of photos that highlight what we’re missing out on.

Kids learn to make life an adventure with Pinecone & Pony on Apple TV+ in April

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Kids learn to make life an adventure with ‘Pinecone & Pony’ on Apple TV+ in April
Pinecone & Pony set off for adventure April 8 on Apple TV+.
Photo: DreamWorks Animation/Apple TV+

DreamWorks Animation created Pinecone & Pony, the animated adventure of a girl learning that there’s more than one way to be a warrior. The series for kids and families premieres on Apple TV+ on April 8.

A trailer for the upcoming series gives a taste of the fun to come.

Save on awesome accessories for all Apple devices this St. Patrick’s Day

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Cult of Mac Store St. Patrick's Day sale
Use the code PATRICK at checkout.
Image: Elago/Cult of Mac

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by saving 20% on outstanding accessories for all your Apple devices in the Cult of Mac Store.

We’ve got cases, premium Apple Watch bands, do-it-all charging stands, sturdy in-car mounts, MacBook risers, and lots, lots more. Use the promo code PATRICK at checkout to take advantage of the discount today only.

Turn your laptop into a desktop with new StarTech Thunderbolt 4 dock

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StarTech.com's capable new Thunderbolt 4 docking station can broaden your laptop's horizons.
StarTech.com's capable new Thunderbolt 4 docking station can broaden your laptop's horizons.
Photo: StarTech.com

With Thunderbolt 4 connectivity becoming more and more common in new laptop computers, including various Macs, you may be in the market for a worthy docking station. After all, small, lightweight laptops don’t always have all the ports you need. So it’s a good thing StarTech.com recently released its TB4CDock for Mac and Windows. If you also need an apple sd card reader along with a docking station, consider checking out this 6-port hub from Zagg.

The Thunderbolt 4 station bristles with the ports you need to turn your laptop into a desktop, or close to it.

Apple vows to fix Studio Display’s disappointing webcam

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Apple Studio Display
A software update is on the way.
Photo: Apple

Apple has promised that it will address webcam quality issues on its new Studio Display with a software update.

The monitor’s rather disappointing camera performance is one of the biggest frustrations among reviewers. One likened it to an “old BlackBerry,” while another said it is “awful in good light and downright miserable in low light.”

Carry your new Mac Studio in style with this protective case

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If you need to bring your Mac Studio desktop computer somewhere, this is a good way to do it.
If you need to bring your Mac Studio desktop computer somewhere, this is a good way to do it.
Photo: WaterField Designs

If you buy a powerful new Mac Studio desktop computer and you need to take it somewhere, what are you going to do? Re-pack it? Here’s a better idea. Get a stylish and protective new carrying case like the one WaterField Designs just released.

The San Francisco-based luxury bag maker for tech gear adds the new Mac Studio Shield Case to its list of quality goods, including sturdy leather AirTag accessories and a cool AirPods Max case that Apple should’ve made.

Launch of much-anticipated home-automation standard Matter delayed again

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Matter is a new interoperable homer automation standard back by Apple, Amazon, Google and m ore.
Matter is going to… matter to fans of home automation.
Photo: Connectivity Standards Alliance

The release date for the Matter standard has been pushed back to fall of 2022. Previously, Apple and the rest of the Connectivity Standards Alliance had hoped to launch the cross-platform home-automation standard much earlier in the year.

A primary goal is interoperability, allowing accessories to connect to HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, etc. Matter might finally make smart homes more common… even mainstream.

Now Siri can control your Roomba robot vacuum cleaner

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Have Siri tell that robot Roomba vacuum where to go.
Have Siri tell that robot Roomba vacuum where to go.
Photo: iRobot

Siri is about to get better at helping you clean the house. iRobot has begun to roll out an iRobot Genius 4.0 Home Intelligence software update to Roomba robot vacuum and Braava jet robot mop customers. The update brings Siri voice support to all users, at long last.

So cleaning the floors isn’t just for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant anymore.

Studio Display review roundup: Is Apple’s new monitor worth it? Depends who you ask.

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Apple Mac Studio
Studio Display isn't blowing everyone away.
Photo: Apple

The first reviews of Apple’s new Studio Display are in, and just as expected, reviewers have some terrific things to say about it. Its impressive 27-inch panel and top design make it one of the finest monitors you can pair with a Mac.

But is it worth its price tag? That depends who you ask. While some reviewers love Studio Display, others say its shortcomings stick out like a sore thumb. Here’s the review roundup.

Mac Studio review roundup: Insane power in a small desktop

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Mac Studio review roundup: Insane power in a small desktop
Mac Studio offers better performance than Mac Pro. But there’s at least one major drawback.
Photo: Apple

The powerful Mac Studio desktop first reaches customers on Friday, but the initial reviews are out to answer any lingering questions about Apple’s latest macOS desktop.

This is supposed to be Apple’s new mid-range desktop, but hands-on tests show it beats the 2019 Mac Pro hands down.

Perfect your swing from anywhere with $40 off this smart golf simulator

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Perfect you swing with this top-rated golf simulator on sale.
Get $20 off this top-rated smart golf simulator, as seen at CES.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you don’t have time to get to the golf course year-round, you can still perfect your swing at home (or, from anywhere). The secret to doing so is with a smart new generation of golf simulators – and one of the best is the PhiGolf: Mobile & Home Smart Golf Simulator with Swing Stick. Not only is it all you need to bring the  experience of golfing home, but right now you can grab it on sale with $40 off, for $209 (reg. $249).

Apparent iPhone 14 leak suggests no major design changes

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iPhone 14 design leak
Apple's next iPhone could be largely the same as the last one.
Image: MySmartPrice

iPhone 14 Pro is expected to come with big design changes — like the removal of its notch — this fall. But the same tweaks seemingly won’t be extended to regular iPhone 14 models. In fact, they may not change at all.

Leaked CAD drawings, supposedly showing the standard iPhone 14, suggest its design will be identical to that of iPhone 13. It appears to sport the same notch, the same rear-facing camera setup, and the same overall shape.

Netflix cracks down on users who share their accounts with others

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Netflix account sharing
Users will have the option to keep sharing for a small fee.
Image: Netflix

Netflix on Wednesday confirmed new measures to crack down on the sharing of user accounts between multiple households. But rather than putting a stop to it, the company is adding a new “sub account” option for a small fee.

Sharing accounts between households, which goes against Netflix’s terms of service, is “impacting out ability to invest in great new TV and films for out members,” the company said.

YouTube still doesn’t offer promised picture-in-picture feature on iPhone

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YouTube picture-in-picture may finally be close to full iPhone support
The long, long wait for YouTube picture-in-picture support for iPhone could be near its end.
Graphic: YouTube

YouTube has once again pushed back the date when it will apparently follow through on its promise to allow all iPhone users to watch video from its application in a small window while another app is open. The feature is already available for YouTube Premium subscribers, but it in beta testing, and that is scheduled to end on April 8. So that’s that next date that picture-in-picture could become available for all iPhone users.

When it finally launches, PiP will make YouTube videos easier to enjoy because they’ll allow people to use their iPhone to multitask while also watching.

Get a lifetime of unlimited online courses for only $150

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Get 83% off a lifetime of online courses with International Open Academy.
Learn for life with this e-learning bundle on sale.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Ever wanted to learn American Sign Language? Or how to set up a furniture restoration business? How about learning magic card tricks?

All these and hundreds more online courses are available from one of the highest-rated e-learning services out there: the International Open Academy eLearning, and for a limited time, you can get a lifetime membership on sale for just $149. That’s 83% off the regular price of $895.

Proposed UK law makes ‘cyberflashing’ via AirDrop a crime

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Proposed UK law makes ‘cyberflashing’ via AirDrop a crime
Cyberflashing could put you behind bars in the UK. That includes using AirDrop to do it.
Image: Cult of Mac/Icons8

Cyberflashing, sharing unsolicited sexual image via social media, could soon be a crime in the U.K. That specifically includes using Apple’s AirDrop to send a nearby stranger a picture of your junk.

Just… don’t do it. For a lot of reasons. Including the fact that you don’t want to spend up to two years in prison.

Major update to Slack for iPad revamps user interface

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Major update to Slack for iPad revamps users interface
Slack for iPad works more like the desktop version.
Graphic: Slack

Slack promises a “major update” for the iPad version of its application. It mixes the mobile and desktop versions into a design suited for a tablet.

With so many people working from home, iPad has become a computer millions depend on for their jobs. And Slack is a part of the daily routine for many of them, leading to complaints about the design of the previous version.