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Protect your iPad Pro with Nomad’s new leather case and folio

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Nomad's new case and folio offers premium leather options to protect your iPad Pro without bulk.
Nomad's new case and folio offer premium leather options to protect your iPad Pro without bulk. (Pictured: folio).
Photo: Nomad

If you’d like a change from plastic or silicone cases for your iPad Pro, you have a new option. Accessories maker Nomad rolled out two new premium leather products Wednesday, the Modern Leather Case and the Modern Leather Folio. Depending on how you feel about leather, you may find they offer a touch of class without much bulk.

Both products feature full-grain leather. Their slim design offers protection mainly because of specs like a raised TPE bumper and a polycarbonate layer.

Get kinky with these exotic, erotic iPhones

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Get kinky with these exotic, erotic iPhones from Caviar
An iPhone you can’t take home to grandma.
Photo: Caviar

Caviar has the perfect gift for the dominatrix in your life. There are five different specially modified iPhone 13 models in their new Kinky collection. These “reflect the most secret and hidden aspects of love, wild fantasies, and secret passions,” according to their maker.

They are coming out just in time for St. Valentine’s Day, so if your lover has enough latex body suits, this might be just what you’re looking for.

Samsung copies one of iPhone’s biggest advantages

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Apple vs Samsung
Samsung promises more years of Android updates. Not as many as Apple offers iOS updates, though.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

Debates over the relative merits of iOS versus Android can go on forever, but there’s always been one area where Apple was way ahead: offering years of operating system upgrades.

Not anymore. Samsung committed itself Wednesday to releasing four generations of Android OS updates for its high-end smartphones. And for its tablets, too.

How to play unlimited Wordle and other useful hacks

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Useful Wordle hacks
Enable color blind mode, the dark theme, and play offline.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Can’t get enough of Wordle? There is a way to keep playing after you’ve completed the daily puzzle if you’re thirsting for more. And there are a bunch of other hidden Wordle hacks that every fan should know about.

Want to turn Wordle into an app on iPhone and iPad? How about enabling its hard mode for a tougher challenge? We’ll show you how to do all this and more.

Can you get work done while using an under-desk treadmill? [Setups]

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Two items that set this setup apart are the iPad stand and the elevated Edifier speakers.
Two items that set this setup apart are the iPad stand and the elevated Edifier speakers.
Photo: [email protected]

When you spend loads of time at a desk, it’s natural to wonder how you might remain chained to it but still somehow get exercise. That’s why under-desk treadmills exist, of course. But can you really get things done while walking in place?

Today’s featured M1 MacBook Pro setup answers the question and offers up a couple of other tantalizing tidbits, like a killer iPad stand and affordable bookshelf speakers with isolation pads.

macOS 12.3 beta 2 seems to fix MacBook’s Bluetooth bug

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abstract-MacBook
Your MacBook should stop dying in its sleep.
Photo: Dmitry Chernyshov

Apple’s newest macOS 12.3 beta appears to eliminate a frustrating Bluetooth bug that causes excessive battery drain for many MacBook users.

The bug, introduced in macOS 12.2 late last month, continually wakes up a MacBook when it’s supposed to be asleep. That means the battery slowly drains while the computer’s not being used. Only disabling Bluetooth will prevent it for now.

iOS 15.4 fixes bug that collects Siri recordings even after users opt out

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Siri
Apple says it will delete all inadvertent recordings.
Image: Apple

Apple on Tuesday confirmed that its second iOS 15.4 beta fixes a bug that caused some Siri interactions to be recorded even after a user opted out.

Only a “small portion” of iPhone units were affected by the bug, which was first introduced in iOS 15, Cupertino said. After installing iOS 15.4, users will again be asked whether they want to help improve Siri by having their interactions saved.

Get 70% off this no-code website builder loved by web designers 

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Build your own websites with zero coding with this 5-star rated software.
Build beautiful, responsive websites with zero coding with this 5-star software.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Building amazing, responsive websites is one of the most valuable skills you can have today. But did you know it’s possible to develop them without any coding?

The secret lies in next-level smart software like the Complete Blocs Website Builder Bundle. And today, you can grab it on sale for just $49.99. That’s a 70% discount off the regular price of $169.

Apple spills ‘realityOS’ again as new AR/VR headset inches closer

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Apple realityOS leak
Apple continues to lay the groundwork for its first mixed reality device.
Image: Steve Troughton-Smith

Another reference to Apple’s unreleased “realityOS” operating system leaked Wednesday in new open source code. It suggests the company’s highly anticipated mixed-reality headset is inching closer to its public debut.

The headset could appear this year — perhaps at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference — as many reports previously suggested. However, thanks to technical difficulties Apple recently encountered, we might have to wait until 2023.

Why working Apple retail just got better

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Apple store
There’s good news for Apple Store employees.
Photo: Apple

Apple retail store employees are getting more time off. Both sick days and vacation days. This is part of improving the benefits for those who works in the Mac-maker’s brick-and-mortar locations.

The changes come as lots of employers find themselves competing for quality applicants in a tight job market.

Nothing Ear 1 true wireless earbuds get Siri voice support

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With Siri voice support added, these buds just became a little more competitive with AirPods and AirPods Pro.
With Siri voice support added, these buds just became a little more competitive with AirPods and AirPods Pro.
Photo: Nothing

Nothing, the audio brand from OnePlus founder Carl Pei, just updated its Ear 1 true wireless earbuds to include Siri voice support. That makes the inexpensive earbuds a little more competitive with competitors like AirPods and AirPods Pro. After all, the Ear 1 buds already have a lot of premium features.

New CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 dock boasts record 18 ports

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This thing bristles with 18 ports, the most ever on a Thunderbolt 4 dock, CalDigit said.
This thing bristles with 18 ports, the most ever on a Thunderbolt 4 dock, CalDigit said.
Photo: CalDigit

CalDigit said Tuesday its newly released Thunderbolt Station 4 dock for MacBook Pro sports 18 ports — the most ever on a Thunderbolt 4 dock. The company said it’s also the only TB4 dock with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet as well as 98W of charging power.

Tinder promises to stop charging older users more for premium features

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Tinder pricing
Users aged 30 to 49 have been paying 65.3% more than younger users.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Tinder vows to stop charging older users “substantially more” for premium features after the shady tactic was exposed in a report on price discrimination.

The popular dating service has been charging users aged between 30 and 49 an average of 65.3% more than younger users in almost all countries. It has already been hit with one class action lawsuit over its pricing strategy.

Denzel Washington and CODA pick up big Oscar noms for Apple TV+

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Denzel Washington and ‘CODA’ pick up big Oscar noms for Apple TV+
Denzel Washington is up for the Best Actor Oscar for his role in The Tragedy of Macbeth, now streaming on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

The nominations are out for the 94th Academy Awards, and Apple TV+ films are up for six Oscars. Two movies from Apple’s streaming service attracted the attention of the Academy: CODA and The Tragedy of Macbeth.

Both films have already garnered a bevy of awards and nomimations.

What the puck? Belkin’s new iPhone charger comes with a kickstand [Review]

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Belkin Boost↑Charge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad with MagSafe 15W review
Belkin’s Portable Wireless Charger Pad is a MagSafe charger and desktop stand in one.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Belkin found a way to improve on Apple’s MagSafe charging puck for iPhone. Both charge equally fast, but Apple’s lies flat, while Belkin’s includes a built-in kickstand. Plus, the third-party accessory maker put in a much longer cable. And these are just some of the benefits of the (deep breath) Belkin Boost↑Charge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad with MagSafe 15W.

I put the wireless charger through a round of tests. It came through with flying colors.

Apple’s new Tap to Pay feature lets iPhone accept contactless payments

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iPhone Tap to Pay
It will be available only in the U.S. initially.
Photo: Apple

Apple will give iPhone the ability to accept contactless payments without additional hardware later this year, the company confirmed Tuesday.

The feature, which Apple calls “Tap to Pay,” initially will be available to merchants in the United States who use a “partner-enabled iOS app.” The company says Tap to Pay will “empower millions” to use their iPhones to seamlessly accept payments.

Learn from a pro and design apps for the iPhone and iPad

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Start making apps for iPhone and iPad with Swift.
Learn Swift from the best and start making iOS apps today.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

To start developing apps for the iPhone and iPad, all you need to know is how to code with Swift. Want to get off to a fast start? We’ve got a hot deal on a that will get you developing iOS apps in no time.

Swift 5 Fundamentals: The Language of iOS Development covers the basics as well as advanced aspects of this fundamental Apple coding language. Plus, it shows you how to put those skills to use. And right now it’s only $19.99 (regularly $200).

LG shifts display production to prepare for new OLED iPad

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Apple Smart Folio for iPad Pro, iPad Air
But when will we actually see an OLED iPad?
Photo: Apple

LG Display is reportedly making changes to its production plans so it can double its OLED screen output in preparation for a new iPad, according to a new report.

Sources say the South Korean company is shifting equipment to its Paju plant to ensure more efficient production of high-resolution panels that meet Apple’s strict quality standards for iPad.

New MacBook Pro with next-gen M2 chip could land next month

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MacBook Pro notch won’t hinder mouse cursor movement
Could we get an M2 Mac earlier than expected?
Photo: Apple

Apple’s next MacBook Pro upgrade could be right around the corner. Supply chain sources claim a new model with a next-generation M2 chip will be unveiled during Cupertino’s spring event next month.

Aside from the silicon upgrade, the new MacBook Pro is expected to employ the same internals as existing models. Apple suppliers reportedly kept production going during the Lunar New Year to prepare for the machine’s arrival.

Nvidia scraps $66 billion plan to acquire mobile chip designer Arm

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FTC moves to block Nvidia's acquisition of Arm
Regulators didn't like the idea of Nvidia and Arm merging together.
Image: Arm/Nvidia/Cult of Mac

Nvidia on Monday backed out of a deal to acquire mobile chip designer Arm for $66 billion, according to reports. It would have been the largest ever sale in the semiconductor industry, but regulators including the FTC weren’t keen on it.

SoftBank, the Japanese company that currently owns Arm, still expects to sell it by the end of the year through an initial public offering.

Apple and its latest acquisition will make AI music together

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StaffPad being used on iPad
Soon your iPhone can write music just for you.
Photo: David William Hearn

Apple reportedly bought AI Music, a startup that uses artificial intelligence to create songs in real time.

The technology will most likely be integrated into the Apple Photos application for creating background music for slideshows and video montages.

Dell’s new 4K USB-C monitors are first to use LG’s high-contrast ‘IPS Black’ tech

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Dell's new 27-inch and 32-inch UltraSharp monitors are the first to use LG's IPS Black Technology.
Dell's new 27-inch and 32-inch UltraSharp monitors are the first to use LG's IPS Black Technology.
Photo: Dell

Dell said it has started shipping two new monitors that are the first on the market using LG’s new IPS Black Technology, rolled out at CES in January. IPS Black promises 35% deeper blacks than typical 4K displays, which tend to have poor contrast in favor of other benefits (mainly brighter colors). That’s effectively doubles the usual contrast ratio to 2000:1.

If you depend on your display for the best possible image — say, like a designer does — the new monitors could offer the great color IPS displays are known for, but with solid contrast, too.

Hack your productivity with some serious Microsoft Office skills

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Master Excel, Publisher, and more with this bundle.
Boost your capabilities with this Microsoft Office training bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It’s amazing how much more you can get out of the Microsoft Office programs you use every day. The 2022 Premium Microsoft Office Training Certification Bundle teaches you how to use programs like Excel and Publisher to their fullest.

And right now, it’s on sale for $29.99 — a 98% discount of its regular price of $2,200.

Elizabeth Moss gets scary-metaphysical in Shining Girls Apple TV+ trailer

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Think twice before you cross Elizabeth Moss.
Think twice before you cross Elizabeth Moss.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ set a premiere date of April 29 and put out an initial trailer for the Apple Original horror-thriller series Shining Girls on Friday. And it’s seriously spooky. What with all the blurred reality and scary-shapeshifting-killer vibes, the trailer makes the show look both disturbing and disorienting.