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WhatsApp is adding contact photos to notifications on iPhone

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WhatsApp contact photos in iPhone notifications
The feature is already in testing.
Image: WABetaInfo/Cult of Mac

A future WhatsApp update will bring contact photos to your notifications on iPhone. The feature, which requires iOS 15 or later, is already being tested among beta users in version 2.22.1.1 of the app.

This is just one of many improvements WhatsApp has started working on for its iPhone app. Others include revamped contact pages, and a Community feature that gives admins more control over their groups.

Apple and Google face class-action lawsuit over search engine deal

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Apple Google
The complaint calls for both companies to be broken up.
Image: Apple/Google

Google’s deal with Apple, which ensures that it remains the default search engine in Safari across all Apple devices, is the subject of a new class-action lawsuit against both companies and their CEOs, Sundar Pichai and Tim Cook.

A lawsuit filed in California this week alleges that the two Silicon Valley giants have a non-compete agreement in internet search that violates U.S. antitrust laws and prevents Apple from launching a search engine of its own.

Make 2022 the year you finally pick up a musical instrument

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Play in the New Year with these deals on music courses!
Play in the new year with these deals on music courses.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If nothing else, 2022 can sound better than what you’re leaving behind if you learn a musical instrument. Learning an instrument is one of the most fulfilling skills you can develop, and it can keep your brain feeling young!

For the new year, Cult of Mac rounded up some awesome deals on everything to do with learning music. There’s never been a better chance to pick up an instrument.

Connect your Mac to 3 monitors with Plugable’s new dock

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Connect your Mac to 3 monitors with Plugable’s new dock
The Plugable UD-6950PDZ Docking Station lets you connect a Mac to up to three monitors.
Photo: Plugable

Plugable used CES 2022 to unveil a dock that can handle up to three 4K external monitors using either HDMI or DisplayPort. The UD-6950PDZ also has ports for Ethernet, USB-A, audio and more.

In addition, Plugable also announced the USB4-HUB3A, a small hub with three Thunderbolt ports and more.

Apple’s AR headset could feature ‘pancake’ lenses and arrive in late 2022

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Apple AR VR headset
Good luck getting one at launch.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple’s first mixed reality headset will feature “pancake” lenses that allow for a lighter, more compact design, according to a new report. The device is still on track to make its debut in late 2022, despite early production delays.

However, it is believed the headset — which is expected to offer both augmented and virtual reality experiences — will be in short supply initially. Availability is set to increase substantially in early 2023.

Targus backpack uses Apple Find My without AirTag

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Targus laptop backpack boasts Apple Find My tracking
CES 2022 Innovation Awards honoree: The Cypress Hero Backpack with Find My Technology from Targus.
Photo: Targus

You won‘t have to attach an AirTag tracker to the upcoming Targus Cypress Hero Backpack to locate it because it’ll have Apple’s Find My tracking technology built in.

The bag, which can hold a MacBook as large as 16 inches, can also be used to locate a misplaced iPhone.

This smart collar wants to be your dog’s Apple Watch

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Is this dog an Olympic athlete? Her resting heart rate is amazing!
Is this dog an Olympic athlete? Her resting heart rate is amazing!
Photo: Invoxia

Devices that track your pet’s whereabouts aren’t exactly new. Your pooch might have a chip embedded right now. But Invoxia is looking to be best in show of a different sort at CES 2022. The company’s new Smart Dog Collar can monitor your pet’s vital signs via advanced technology as well as track via GPS in case he or she gets lost. Like an Apple Watch for their furry necks.

New Year, New You Sale: Learn something new in 2022 for only $20

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Learn something new for the new year with these deals.
We have 10 deals on new things to learn for the new year.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The best New Year’s resolutions are the ones you can actually act on, and there are few better than just committing to learning a new skill. Cult of Mac rounded up some of the best deals on e-learning and skill-building courses — and they’re all on sale for $20, no coupon code needed, during our New Year, New You Sale!

Take a look and find something you can learn that will actually mean something to you.

Apple VR/AR headset might pack more screens than people have eyes

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This Apple VR headset concept
The Apple VR/AR headset is only a concept now, but details keep leaking out.
Concept: Antonio De Rosa

Apple’s upcoming virtual reality and augmented reality headset will have three displays, according to a new report by display-industry analysts. They also have a prediction for what the third screen will be used for.

Rumors indicate the VR/AR headset finally will surface in 2022.

Moft’s vegan leather Smart Desk Mat also acts as MacBook, iPad and iPhone stand

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Moft Smart Desk Mat also acts as MacBook, iPad and iPhone stand
The Moft Smart Desk Mat takes your office desktop vertical.
Photo: Moft

The vegan leather Moft Smart Desk Mat beautifies your desk, but that’s just the start. It unfolds into an angle-adjustable stand that can can hold one or more Apple computers and accessories in a range of configurations.

Moft also announced at CES 2022 a fold-flat, cooling laptop stand. And a case and stand for the iPad mini 6, as well.

TP-Link’s extensive new Tapo lineup of smart plugs, lights and sensors support Apple HomeKit

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TP-Link’s extensive new Tapo lineup of smart plugs, lights and sensors support Apple HomeKit
The Tapo S500D Smart Dimmer Switch and Tapo L535 Multicolor Smart WiFi Light Bulb are two of the HomeKit-compatible accessories TP-Link just unveiled.
Photo: TP-Link

TP-Link unveiled a collection of HomeKit-compatible smart home accessories at CES 2022. It includes smart plugs, switches smart lighting and more.

With nine new products coming out this year, it’s a big push into supporting Apple’s HomeKit home automation system.

Awesome silicone skin makes Apple TV look like a retro console

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Elago T4 Apple TV skin
Get yours for under $30.
Photo: Elago

Apple TV’s slim and subtle design means that it looks incredibly clean no matter where you keep it, but my goodness, isn’t it boring? Transform and protect yours with this awesome T4 silicone skin from Elago.

Priced at under $22 while it’s on sale, the skin makes your Apple TV look like a classic Super Nintendo Entertainment System. And you can get a Siri Remote skin inspired by a SNES controller to go with it.

Learn to create, buy and sell art on the NFT marketplace

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Start living off your art instead of for it with this NFT bundle.
Learn how to make money off your artwork in the blazing-hot NFT marketplace.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Non-fungible tokens, aka NFTs, are a relatively new and exciting way that artists can make money from their work. With just a little knowledge of the blockchain and a few more skills, you can start making money directly from your art, or by buying and displaying the work of other artists.

With The All-in-One NFT Masterclass for Artists & Entrepreneurs Bundle, you can learn how to make, buy and sell NFTs on your own. And during our New Year, New Me Sale, the bundle costs only $20, with no coupon code needed.

AT&T and Verizon agree to put 5G expansion plans on hold

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AT&T and Verizon postpone 5G expansion
The FAA is worried 5G will interfere with pilot systems.
Photo: Philip Myrtorp/Unsplash

AT&T and Verizon have agreed to postpone major 5G expansion plans at the request of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Both carriers initially rejected a delay. They argued that it would be “an irresponsible abdication of the operating control required to deploy world-class and globally competitive communications networks.” But statements released Monday evening confirm they changed their minds.

Oral-B’s new brushes work with iPhone to give you cleaner, healthier teeth

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Oral-B iO brushes 2022
The new iO lineup is even better than the last.
Photo: Oral-B

Oral-B is adding three new brushes, previewed this week at CES 2022, to its smart iO lineup that all work alongside your iPhone to give you cleaner, healthier teeth.

With features like real-time feedback, pressure control, multiple brushing modes, and the ability to monitor your brushing habits, the iO4, iO5 and iO10 brushes promise greater plaque removal and improved gum health.

Apple close to signing Brad Pitt for new Formula One film

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Apple TV picks up Brad Pitt racing film
Apple beat Amazon, Netflix and others to the movie.
Photo: Glen Wheeler/Unsplash

Apple is said to be close to securing its first original movie of 2022. The company is in negotiations to acquire a Formula One film that stars Brad Pitt as a racing driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a young teammate.

The movie, which will be directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer — who are working together on Top Gun: Maverick — is worth around $140 million, according to a Monday report.

HomeKit bug can send iPhone into reboot loop of death. Here’s how to avoid it.

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Apple Home app
Beware random Home invitations.
Photo: Apple

A newly discovered HomeKit bug can render unsuspecting iPhone and iPad users with a completely unresponsive device. All it takes is for a smart home gadget to be given a super-long name.

Once the bug affects an iOS or iPadOS device, the gadget will continually freeze and restart itself. The only way to fix it is to factory reset the iPhone or iPad — and avoid logging into your iCloud account.

Samsung beats Apple to truly wireless charging over Wi-Fi waves

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Samsung Eco Remote with Wi-Fi wireless charging
Its new TV remote uses your router to stay charged.
Photo: Samsung

Despite Apple’s lengthy and ongoing efforts to deliver much-improved charging technologies, archrival Samsung has beaten Cupertino in the race for truly wireless charging. Except you won’t find it in a smartphone … yet.

The South Korean company’s next-generation TV remote — announced this week ahead of CES 2022 — cleverly uses radio waves emitted from your Wi-Fi router to stay topped up so you don’t have to worry about charging it.

Get fit for the new year with this top-rated workout app

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Optimize your health with this top-rated fitness app.
Achieve your fitness goals with this highly rated app.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Gyms are notoriously crowded once the new year hits and people with fresh resolutions start pouring in. Skip the wait and meet your wellness goals with this BetterMe Home Workout & Diet subscription.

The highly rated app delivers customized workouts you can do from home, paired with nutrition plans to keep your progress going. It’s basically like having your own personal trainer — on your own time, and on call 24/7.

Apple wins race to $3 trillion market cap

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Apple earnings blow past analysts’ estimates yet again
After growing steadily for years, Apple’s market capitalization passed the $3 trillion point.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple just became the first publicly traded U.S. company to be valued at a whopping $3 trillion. AAPL stock topped out at $182.88 a share Monday before dropping slightly, bringing the market cap back below the $3 trillion milestone.

It closed at $182.01, leaving Apple’s market cap at an astonishing $2.99 trillion. But it continued to climb once again in after-hours trading.

HyperDrive Turntable Dock for iMac will get your head spinning

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HyperDrive Turntable Dock for iMac will have your head spinning
Take your iMac for a spin with the HyperDrive Turntable Dock
Photo: Hyper

The HyperDrive Turntable Dock for iMac includes a 360-degree swivel mechanism that makes turning the computer a breeze. Plus, it has room for an SSD and 10 useful ports.

Hyper also unveiled on Monday the HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub, which combines a docking station and 100W computer charger.

Both are nominated for CES Innovation Awards.