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10 tough cases that keep your iPhone in top condition

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10 tough cases for iPhone
Ensure your iPhone always looks brand-new.
Photos: OtterBox, Casetify, LifeProof, SwitchEasy, Elago

If you want your iPhone to always look brand-new — even after you’ve dropped it over and over again — you’ll need a rugged case that offers plenty of impact protection. And there are loads of tough iPhone cases to choose from.

We rounded up 10, starting at just $7.99, that are all built to be robust bodyguards for your iPhone.

First WeCrashed trailer reveals the sheer lunacy of WeWork

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First ‘WeCrashed’ trailer reveals the sheer lunacy of WeWork
The wait for WeCrashed is almost over. It will debut in March.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ released the first full trailer for WeCrashed to get viewers pumped for the limited series that premiers in March. It’ll star Jared Leto as the controversial co-founder of WeWork as he builds a cult of personality that eventually helps take the company down.

Watch the trailer to get ready for the wild ride up… then down.

Wemo’s latest HomeKit smart plug uses Thread for fast, reliable connections

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Wemo’s latest HomeKit smart plug uses Thread for fast, reliable connections
The Wemo Smart Plug with Thread offers simple and inexpensive home automation.
Photo: Wemo/Belkin

The Wemo Smart Plug with Thread simplifies controlling lamps, fans, and other appliances with an iPhone or Siri. Anything that plugs into a standard wall outlet can be turned on or off.

Rather than Wi-Fi, the HomeKit accessory communicates with other accessories over Thread, a mesh networking standard.

Here comes the world’s first LDAC and aptX HD Bluetooth speaker

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The Acro BE100's support for hi-res codecs and quality build may actually justify the high price.
The Acro BE100's support for hi-res codecs and quality build may actually justify the high price.
Photo: Astell&Kern

A world where Bluetooth rises above compression and delivers full-stream, hi-res, lossless audio remains in the future. But sound specialist Astell&Kern said it’s about the roll out the world’s first Bluetooth speaker with support for the rarefied LDAC and aptX HD codecs — which should at least allow for CD-quality wireless streaming.

The Acro BE100, Astell&Kern’s first Bluetooth speaker, goes on sale March 7, the company said. And it’s not just the codecs that make it special.

How to use Safari Tab Groups to take control of your browser tabs

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How to get organized with Safari Tab Groups
Use Safari Tab Groups to arrange all those browser tabs you have open..
Photo: Cult of Mac

Keeping large numbers of browser tabs open is such a common habit that Apple created a system to organize them. Safari Tab Groups let you put open tabs into logical collections so you can more easily work with them. And the same groups are available across all your Apple devices.

The system gets a little complicated. But here’s how to get started with Safari Tab Groups.

New OtterBox MagSafe power bank sends and receives wireless power

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New OtterBox MagSafe power bank both sends and receives wireless power
No cables needed. The Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe gets and provides power wirelessly.
Photo: Otterbox

The OtterBox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe offers two-sided charging capability. It clings magnetically to an iPhone while charging it, and the external battery also magnetically attaches to MagSafe chargers to receive power. It’s that second feature that sets it part from rivals.

There are versions with 3,000mAh and 5,000mAh of capacity.

Popular Halide camera app finally adds batch photo actions

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The Halide MK II camera app for iPhone and iPad adds batch photo actions, improved
The Halide MK II camera app for iPhone and iPad adds batch photo actions, improved "Image Rescue" and more.
Photo: Lux Optics

On the heels of a big Obscura 3 camera app refresh, another popular and powerful photo app sees major changes this week. This time, it’s the Halide MK II app for iPhone and iPad, from Lux Optics, which also makes the Spectre app for creating long exposures.

The Halide app’s important updates include the addition of batch actions — so you can finally work with multiple photos at the same time — and an improved “Image Rescue” function.

MacPaw vows user support will continue as war breaks out in Ukraine

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MacPaw Ukraine
MacPaw says "nothing is going to change" for users.
Image: MacPaw

Our friends at MacPaw in Kyiv, Ukraine, are today facing the horrifying reality of a Russian invasion. But they want to assure users of their software — including CleanMy Mac X and Setapp — that support will continue.

An emergency plan is in place to ensure that there are no disruptions to MacPaw’s operations, development or customer assistance. “We’ve been enjoying working for you all these years and appreciate all the trust you’ve put into our company,” said CEO Oleksandr Kosovan in a blog post Thursday. “We won’t disappoint your expectations.”

How to recover a Word document on Mac with Tenorshare 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery

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Losing a Word file is a definite drag. But recovering a lost file is easier than you might think.
Losing a Word file is a definite drag. But recovering a lost file is easier than you might think.
Photo: Romain V/Unsplash License

This post on how to recover a Word document on Mac is presented by Tenorshare 4DDiG.

Accidentally deleting important Word files is something we all do sometimes. When you trash an important file that contains necessary data or work, you will need to recover it. For Mac users, 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery is one of the best pieces of software for that purpose. It is easy to install and use, and you can recover any lost Word document with it.

But before we get into that, let’s learn about the reasons why Word documents become lost — so maybe disaster can be prevented in the first place.

Apple brings fresh designs to stunning new Abu Dhabi store

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Apple's newest store is in Abu Dhabi's financial district. Check out that golden carbon fiber roof.
Apple's newest store is in Abu Dhabi's financial district. Check out that golden carbon fiber roof.
Photo: Apple

Apple previewed its “dramatic” new Al Maryah Island store in Abu Dhabi Thursday, showcasing design elements never seen before at Apple stores, as well as special programs.

The retail location opens Friday at 5 p.m. United Arab Emirates time.

Apex Legends for iPhone and iPad expands its reach ahead of full rollout

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Apex Legends Mobile for iPhone and iPad
There's still no release date for a proper launch.
Photo: EA

Apex Legends Mobile, the smartphone and tablet version of the popular battle royale game, expands its reach to 10 new countries next week ahead of an official global rollout.

The game has been in testing since EA and Respawn launched a closed beta almost a year ago. It still doesn’t have a release date, but Respawn says it will share more details “coming out of the limited regional launch.”

Go from total beginner to Adobe expert with this top-rated boot camp, less than $30 

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Become an Adobe power user with this top-rated training
Learn everything you need to know about Adobe's super-popular software.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you want to amp up your creative skills for personal or professional projects, training in Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator and the rest of the Creative Cloud is the perfect way to do it. It’s the world’s No. 1 software — with more than 90% of the world’s creatives using Photoshop — but right now, you can get an awesome Adobe education from anywhere. And it won’t cost anywhere near what you’d expect to pay.

The 2022 Ultimate Adobe CC Beginner to Advanced Training Bundle is on sale today for just $29.99 (regular price: $1,800). With nine courses included in this mega-bundle, that works out to less than $3.50 a course.

Facebook is still whining about Apple’s ‘harmful’ privacy features

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By running anti-Apple ads in major newspapers, Facebook's taking its battle with Apple to the next level.
Facebook is expected to lose $10 billion to Apple's changes this year alone.
Photo: Thought Catalog/Unsplash CC

Facebook parent company Meta is still bemoaning App Tracking Transparency, the “harmful” feature Apple introduced last year in iOS 14.5 to bolster the privacy of iPhone and iPad users.

The change is “making it harder and more expensive” for businesses to reach their customers, Meta said as advertisers reportedly slash their spending on Facebook and Instagram and turn to rivals like Amazon and Google instead.

Intel leak reveals plans for more efficient chipsets to take on Apple silicon

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M1 Max chip
Intel is targeting today's M1 chips, but it's not ready to compete yet.
Photo: Apple

Intel is planning to build more efficient mobile chipsets that will better compete with Apple silicon, according to a leaked internal roadmap.

The document outlines plans to take on the 14-inch MacBook Pro specifically with upcoming Arrow Lake processors that are scheduled to launch in late 2023 or early 2024. There just one (rather large) problem with that plan.

Enhance your iPhone photography with overhauled Obscura 3 camera app

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Last updated four years ago, Obscura's third version adds a lot.
Last updated four years ago, Obscura's third version adds a lot.
Photo: Ben McCarthy

Long one of the most popular professional camera apps for iOS, Obscura is relatively easy to use. It enables various manual-style controls for shooting photographs using your iPhone.

And with Obscura 3 – Pro Camera, released Thursday, developer Ben McCarthy redesigned the interface, added new capture modes and made other improvements. The last major upgrade to Obscura came four years ago.

Save on Microsoft Office for Mac: Get a lifetime subscription for less than $50

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Get 85% off the full Microsoft Office suite for Mac today.
Get the full Microsoft Office suite featuring Word, PowerPoint, Excel and more for one unbeatably low price.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There’s a good reason why 70% of Fortune 500 firms use Microsoft 365. The world’s leading office suite delivers practically everything you need for work and play. So, whether you run a small business, work from home, or are studying right now, Microsoft Office contains software that will give you a lift.

And once again, we’re offering a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac for just $49.99. The incredibly popular bundle includes six Microsoft apps at an incredible 85% discount.

Foldable stand makes MacBook more comfortable to use anywhere

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Foldable Lift Stand for MacBook
Super-sturdy and ready to go with you everywhere.
Photo: Wiplabs

You don’t have to settle for an uncomfortable work setup when you’re away from the office. Wiplabs’ new Lift Stand elevates your MacBook so that it’s easier to use, and folds down so you can easily transport it anywhere.

It’s made from sturdy anodized aluminum so there’s no need to worry about it getting broken in your bag. And it’s adjustable, so you’re all but guaranteed a great viewing angle anywhere. Get your Lift Stand today for under $40.

Logitech’s Options+ software adds full native M1 Mac support

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With the new update, Logitech peripherals like the MX Master 3 mouse should work more smoothly.
With the new update, Logitech peripherals like the MX Master 3 mouse should work more smoothly.
Photo: Logitech

In what will surely be welcome news for folks who like to use the company’s peripherals with their Macs, Logitech said it’s rolling out full native M1 support in the latest beta version of its Logi Options+ software.

If you use Logitech products, you may think of it as Logi Options. Logi Options+ replaces that software and features some enhancements in addition to the native support for Silicon Macs.

Charge up to 6 devices at once with new Passport III GaN travel adapter

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Zendure says the 65W Passport III works in 200 countries.
Zendure says the 65W Passport III works in 200 countries.
Photo: Zendure

If you’re ready to start traveling the world again despite the ongoing pandemic, accessories maker Zendure thinks its new, 65W Passport III GaN travel adapter is just what you need. It said the charger works in 200 countries and can top off up to six devices at once.

Citing the success of the device’s crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, the company even suggested Tuesday that the travel industry may be on the mend.

Well, use your own judgment there. But the Passport III does indeed look like it might be a worthy addition to your charging arsenal.

Should every workstation have a 3D printer? [Setups]

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The 3D printer at left helped make other parts of this computer setup.
The 3D printer at left helped make other parts of this computer setup.
Photo: [email protected]

You still rarely see a computer setup with a 3D printer in it. Today’s featured setup is an exception. You can see the printer against the wall on the left in the photo above.

Probably more workstations in the near future will have them. Why? Not only are they becoming more affordable, you can use them to make parts of the setup!

Sonus Faber Omnia could be your new do-it-all wireless streaming speaker

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If you can afford it, the new Sonus Faber Omnia could be your new all-around hi-fi audio player.
If you can afford it, the new Sonus Faber Omnia could be your new all-around hi-fi audio player.
Photo: Sonus Faber

“Omnia” means “prepared for all things” in Latin. The 40-year-old Italian audio brand Sonus Faber tries to live up to that with its new Omnia all-in-one wireless streaming speaker. It joins the fray in a fast-growing market for compact but premium systems.

The Omnia has built-in support for practically all streaming sources and you can hook up almost any audio-related hardware to it.

Did I mention it costs two grand? Well, there are reasons for that price point.

EU chief says Apple would rather pay fines than face App Store regulation

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App Store
Apple motion for a delay has been denied.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

The European Union’s head of digital policy believes Apple would rather continue to pay fines than accept new App Store regulation.

Cupertino is currently fighting new rules in the Netherlands that say dating app developers should be allowed to use third-party payment systems. EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager called Apple’s behavior an example of how “gatekeepers” try to circumvent the rules.

Apple thanks police after ‘terrifying’ hostage situation at Amsterdam store

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Apple Leidseplein store in Amsterdam
Apple Leidseplein, where a gunman demanded $226 in ransom money on Tuesday.
Photo: Apple

Apple thanked police in Amsterdam on Wednesday for their “exceptional work” after a “terrifying” hostage situation unfolded at a local Apple store.

An armed man in a balaclava stormed Apple Leidseplein on Tuesday, and a bystander was taken and held at gunpoint. After several hours, police stopped the gunman by hitting him with a car as he tried to flee.

iOS 15.4 beta 4 adds new anti-stalking features for AirTag

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SwitchEasy Skin for AirTag
Apple wants to crack down on stalking without ruining AirTag's functionality.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Apple’s newest iOS 15.4 beta adds new anti-stalking features for AirTag that were first announced earlier this month.

The fourth beta release, which rolled out to registered developers on Tuesday, includes a new AirTag setup warning that states it is illegal to use the device to track people without their consent in many regions.