All-around protection that won't let you down. Photo: Laut
Want to protect your 11-inch iPad Pro or fourth-generation iPad Air without doubling its size? Check out the new Huex Folio from Laut, which offers a slimline design that includes a screen cover and a home for Apple Pencil.
Apple hopes to someday enable AirPods to identify who is wearing them. Photo: Apple
First there was Touch ID, then Face ID. Now Ear ID could be on the way. Apple filed for a patent on a biometric system using AirPods wireless earbuds.
The idea is that headphones should be able to identify who is wearing them and refuse to work for unidentified wearers. But if the system is accurate enough, it could potentially be used to unlock an iPhone or Apple Watch without needing a passcode.
Sony's new soundbar and subwoofer combo add surround sound to your TV for $300. Photo: Sony
Hot on the heels of Denon’s launch of a soundbar-and-subwoofer combo with Dolby Atmos for just $449, Sony said Thursday it will offer its own affordable surround-sound rig for only $300. It’s the HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar, set for launch in April.
At that price, Sony’s new soundbar looks like a solid budget-friendly option for stellar TV audio. Pumping out 330W of sound, it comes with a wireless subwoofer, easy connectivity to the company’s newest TVs and an OLED heads-up display.
Judging by the Denon and Sony launches, it appears an era of high-quality, affordable TV audio solutions is upon us. After all, just months ago, companies raced to put out similar gear that cost many hundreds of dollars more, in many cases.
This is an outrageous deal on the full Microsoft Office suite for Macs. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Some software is just essential. And we’ve got a hot deal on one of computing’s bedrock software suites: Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021. This six-part bundle comes with the programs that functionally run the professional world.
And right now, a lifetime license to these essential Microsoft Office programs is on sale for just $49.99 (regularly $349).
The problem first surfaced late last year, soon after iOS 15 made its debut, and sporadically prevented many apps from syncing data through iCloud — much to the frustration of users and developers. But it is said to be eliminated now.
It could be a massive Home screen upgrade. Image: LeaksApplePro
Apple could finally make widgets interactive in iOS 16, allowing you to control music playback, toggle your flashlight, adjust display brightness, and lots more right from your Home screen.
The new widgets are codenamed “InfoShack” internally, according to a sketchy new rumor that promises more details are on the way.
Worrying news for companies like Square. Mockup: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Apple is working to give iPhone the ability to accept contactless credit card payments over NFC without the need for additional hardware “in the coming months,” according to a new report.
You currently need a third-party credit card reader, like those made by Square, to use iPhone as a payment terminal. However, since iPhone 6 made it debut in 2014, Apple’s smartphone has been packing the NFC technology that’s needed.
Lee Minho and Minha Kim in Pachinko, premiering globally March 25, 2022 on Apple TV+. Photo: Apple TV+
An adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel Pachinko is now scheduled to premiere on Apple TV+ in March. The international drama series will take place across three countries and star an internationally renowned cast.
The first images from the upcoming eight-episode season were revealed Wednesday.
Luck, coming to Apple TV+, takes a trip to a world of good and bad luck to discover there are more powerful things than luck. Photo: Apple/Skydance Animation
Skydance Animation’s Luck will be the second full-length animated film on Apple TV+ when it premieres in August 2022. The story of the unluckiest person in the world will feature the voices of Jane Fonda, Whoopi Goldberg and other stars.
While the release date and additional details on the film were revealed Wednesday, there is as yet no trailer.
This braided Lightning cable is built to last. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
It can prove difficult to find a Lightning cable that works well and lasts a while. The Crave 4-foot Lightning-to-USB Cable is super-sturdy and can handle the output of a powerful charger.
Shockingly, it costs less than Apple’s own Lightning cables. And right now, you can save even more. Get one in gold or silver for just $14.99 (regularly $19.99). At that price, it might be time to buy some extras.
The new Elgato Stream Deck Pedal gives you hands-free control over your shortcuts. Photo: Elgato
Anyone who uses a stream deck to streamline hardware and software workflows with shortcuts now has the option to go hands-free with the new Elgato Stream Deck Pedal, unveiled Wednesday.
And in addition to launching the pedal, the company said its new Discord communications software plugin for Stream Deck is now available.
Apple probably raked in more revenue in the 2021 holiday quarter than in any previous quarter in its history. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
When Apple reveals its financial results from the holiday shopping season on Thursday, analysts predict the company will announce its best quarter ever.
Whether the Mac-maker meets this lofty goal will have a big effect on its stock price, which has been sliding in recent weeks.
The new Logitech G413 SE comes in full size, above, or a tenkeyless version. Photo: Logitech G
Serious gamers like to use specialized gaming gear in their computer setups. And that includes input devices like souped-up mice and sleek mechanical keyboards. The good news is, the latter keep getting better and cheaper. On Wednesday, Logitech’s gaming arm, Logitech G, rolled out the G413 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard in two sizes.
And better yet, the two new keebs’ prices won’t break the bank.
Denon's new soundbar offers Dolby Atmos at a reasonable price. Photo: Denon
If your TV sounds a little thin on its own, you might want to beef up that audio with a soundbar and subwoofer. Until recently, sets offering Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound tended to cost quite a bit. But Denon’s got an affordable new outfit for you — the DHT-S517 soundbar.
Known for it AV receivers, Denon now takes on the likes of Sonos Arc with its release of the DHT-S517. You can plug it into any TV to jack up your entertainment experience with Dolby Atmos for $449.
Apple Watch users can return to happily charging with watchOS 8.4. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple Watch wearers can now install watchOS 8.4. And many will want to do so soon because the new version removes an irritating bug that prevented some third-party chargers from working.
But this kind of digital scrubbing isn’t reserved for top CEOs and celebrities. In fact, anyone can quite easily get their own home hidden from online maps. All you need to do is ask Apple and Google to conceal the locations. We’ll show you how.
macOS 12.2 takes care of a few bugs. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Mac users can now install macOS Monterey 12.2. Apple is vague about what’s in the new version. However, prerelease beta testers indicate it brings a rewritten Apple Music app and smoother scrolling for MacBooks with ProMotion displays. It definitely fixes a serious Safari bug.
iOS 15.7.4 takes care of a long list of security bugs. Photo: Cult of Mac/Egor Kamelev/Pexels
Apple made iOS 15.3 available to all compatible iPhone models Monday. The update squashes at least one bug that recently made headlines. But there are no new features.
Apple also introduced iPadOS 15.3 to erase many of the same bugs. And macOS Monterey 12.2 and watchOS 8.4 debuted, too. tvOS 15.3 arrived Monday as well.
Thanks to Edison bulbs and Govee light strips for all these colors. Photo: [email protected]
Some computer setups knock your socks off with lighting. It can be tasteful, warm, welcoming and conducive to work without eye strain. It can be bright, inventive and dazzling, like fantastic decorations. Or, as in today’s MacBook Pro-based featured setup, it can be either one of those, depending on both choice of settings and time of day.
The light show in today’s workstation derives from two sources, or schemes. One involves two very different table lamps. The other involves LED light strips.
The iVoler Vertical Laptop Stand saves room on your desk, and is just cool looking. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
What to do with your MacBook or iPad when you’re not using them? You can just leave them lying around but that’s wasteful of space. The iVoler Vertical Laptop Stand holds your computer upright, either when it’s charging or when you have an external screen and keyboard connected. Best of all, its clamp closes on your computer to securely hold it but also easily release it.
I tested the very affordable stand in my home office. Here’s why I love it.
SwitchEasy just slashed 20% off its latest band collection for Apple Watch. Its brightly colored Candy band, stunning stainless steel mesh, and luscious leather options can be yours today for as little as $26.39.
This robust backup solution protects important emails. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Most of us rely on emails every day for communication, whether for work or connecting with friends and family. Instead of being disappointed or worried when an important email is lost, you can use Mail Backup X to proactively protect all your email instead of just the critical ones.
This holistic solution is the perfect way to back up email, archive old emails, sort them and even convert emails to stay organized. And, for a limited time, it’s 72% off.
Get the new face now through the Watch app. Photo: Apple
Apple celebrates this year’s Black History Month by promoting Black business and innovation, amplifying Black voices, and showcasing Black creatives, the company announced on Wednesday.
It is also introduced a new, limited-edition Black Unity Braided Solo Loop and Unity Lights face for Apple Watch, which you can get yours hands on today.
You now have one-tap pairing across all Apple devices. Photo: Beats
Apple this week rolled out a new firmware update for its Beats Studio Buds that adds a couple of handy new features and controls — including instant pairing for all your Apple devices over iCloud.
Instant pairing, which was already available on AirPods, means users no longer have to connect Beats Studio Buds to all their Apple devices individually.