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This awesome X-ray wallpaper lets you see inside your Apple Watch

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Apple Watch X-ray wallpaper
One of the coolest ways to use the Photos face.
Photo: iFixit

Your Apple Watch is surprisingly pretty on the inside. Take a peek behind the screen with this awesome wallpaper from the fine folks over at iFixit.

The photo is a real X-ray image of Apple Watch Series 7. It clearly shows off a number of important components, including its Taptic Engine, intricate chipset, and the wireless charging coil. And it works great as a watch face.

Sizzling software deals: Windows 10 Pro for $13, Office 2021 Pro for $41 and free Windows 11 upgrade!

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When you buy a Windows 10 activation key at CDKeylord.com, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11.
When you buy a Windows 10 activation key at CDKeylord.com, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11.
Photo: CDKeylord.com

This discount software activation keys post is presented by CDKeylord.com.

Software seller CDKeylord.com extended its recent Black Friday sale, so the good deals keep coming. Cult of Mac readers can get 35% off the regular price of a Genuine Lifetime Windows 10 Pro key and many other product-activation keys. And when you buy a Windows 10 key, you can get a free upgrade to Windows 11! Just enter the special discount code CULT at checkout.

See all the currently available extreme discounts on Microsoft software in the list below.

Apple Watch owners sue for injuries caused by swollen batteries

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Apple Watch battery repair
Apple didn't leave enough space for expansion, plaintiffs claim.
Photo: iFixit

Apple faces a class action lawsuit from Apple Watch wearers who claim to have been injured by their device after its battery swelled and cracked its screen.

The plaintiffs say Apple, in its efforts to make Apple Watch as thin as possible, doesn’t provide enough space for potential battery expansion. So, when this happens, the display pops out and can leave “razor-sharp edges” exposed.

Quit cords once and for all with this 4-in-1 wireless charging hub

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Cut the cord and grab this all-in-one charging hub.
Top up all your Apple devices at once with this $60 charging hub.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You shouldn’t need to buy a separate charger for each of your devices. Instead of fighting to keep cords untangled and constantly juggling devices between a limited number of chargers, take a look at the Fast Charge 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Hub. This charging hub can power four devices at once, and it’s on sale for $59.99 (regularly $99).

Microsoft was open to bringing Xbox exclusives to iPhone, Apple wouldn’t play ball

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Microsoft wanted to bring Xbox exclusive to the App Store
Halo Infinite could have hit the App Store.
Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft told Apple that it was willing to turn big Xbox exclusives into iPhone and iPad games before negotiations over bringing its Xbox Cloud Gaming service to the App Store broke down earlier this year, internal emails show.

Microsoft was also open to releasing individual apps for each of the titles available in its streaming catalog to comply with App Store rules. It changed course when it became apparent that appeasing Apple was just too difficult.

These 7 iPhone 13 cases are on sale and look great

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Grab a case for your new iPhone 13.
You don't have to pay a fortune to protect your new iPhone.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re lucky enough to have already grabbed one, you know the iPhone 13 is just beautiful. It has one of the most advanced displays you can find for smartphones, and everything about it is worth protecting.

And that’s why if you have an iPhone 13 or are hoping to grab one, you’ll want a case that will protect your phone and still showcase its aesthetic. Cult of Mac Deals gathered up seven of the best deals on iPhone 13 cases, and you’re going to have a hard time seeing all of them and not grabbing one.

Never lose your Apple TV remote again

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Elago has you covered with its new Apple TV remote cases, plus a handy mount.
Elago has you covered with its new Apple TV remote cases, plus a handy mount.
Photo: Elago

Have you ever lost your Apple TV remote? What an annoyance. But Elago’s new accessories for the Apple TV — a neat bunch of cases for your remote-control device as well as a mounts for it and your Apple TV hardware — help prevent loss. And they make thoughtful gifts for Apple fans.

Apple suppliers ‘gearing up’ for next-gen iPhone SE in early 2022

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iphone-SE
Apple's most affordable 5G phone.
Photo: Apple

iPhone component suppliers are preparing for the launch of a next-generation iPhone SE in early 2022, according to a new report. Industry sources also claim that there have been no cutbacks in orders for the latest iPhone models.

The new iPhone SE is not expected to deliver a big redesign. However, recent reports have suggested it will feature a faster chip and 5G connectivity.

New Adonit active stylus works with both iPad and iPhone [Review]

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Adonit Dash 4 review
The Adonit Dash 4 looks great and can be used with either iPad or iPhone.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Adonit Dash 4 is an iPad stylus well suited for writing or drawing. And it offers something the Apple Pencil doesn’t: iPhone compatibility. The stylus flips between Apple’s tablet and handset with the push of a button. Or use it with Android.

I tried the Dash 4 with a variety of devices. Here’s what I found out.

Apple mixed reality headset could feature advanced gesture controls

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Apple mixed reality headset
It probably won't look anything like this.
Photo: Vu Hoang/Flickr CC

Apple’s first mixed reality headset will pack a number of advanced sensors that allow for innovative gesture controls, according to one analyst.

It is believed the device will be able to recognize subtle changes in hand movements, like the clench of a fist, to allow users to interact with virtual objects without using another device, such as a controller.

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne whips up some old-school holiday magic [Apple TV+ review]

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Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne
The gang's all here as New Year's Eve approaches!
Photo: Apple TV+

Just in time for Christmas, Apple TV+ cooked up a brand-new holiday special from the Peanuts gang. The charming show, titled Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne, debuts Friday and centers on Lucy’s attempt to pull off a New Year’s Eve party.

It will run alongside several classic Peanuts specials on the streaming service, so we don’t have to judge the new one in a vacuum. Luckily, For Auld Lang Syne pops the cork on some of that old-fashioned holiday magic that makes the Peanuts special so … special.

This minimalist magnetic charging station can wirelessly power 3 devices at once

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3-in-1 charging station for only $60.
This 3-in-1 wireless charging station is as sleek as it is powerful.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Many wireless charging stations are bulky behemoths that dominate the landscape wherever you end up putting them. But switching back to cords simply isn’t an option.

The StepUp magnetic wireless charging station offers the best of both worlds. It’s a compact charging station with three wireless zones that doesn’t take up your whole nightstand. And two of those charging zones disappear when you’re not using them! Plus, it’s on sale for just $59.99 (regularly $89).

watchOS 8.3 brings gesture controls to older Apple Watch models

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Apple Watch AssistiveTouch gesture controls
Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5 support on the way.
Photo: Apple

The new watchOS 8.3 release candidate, rolled out by Apple on Wednesday, brings AssistiveTouch gesture controls to older Apple Watch models.

The feature made its debut back in May, but could be used only on newer devices, like Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 7. The release candidate expands support to Series 4 and Series 6 devices for the first time.

Jennifer Lawrence will star as Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes in Apple TV+ drama

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Elizabeth Holmes
Elizabeth Holmes will be played by Jennifer Lawrence in an upcoming Apple TV+ film.
Photo: Max Morse/TechCrunch/Wikipedia CC

Apple TV+ reportedly confirmed that it’s producing Bad Blood, a film that will have mega-star Jennifer Lawrence portray Elizabeth Holmes, who is currently on trial for fraud committed as the head of medical tech startup Theranos.

It seems appropriate that Apple TV+ should produce the film, as Holmes modeled herself after Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. All the way to the black turtleneck.

Court delays App Store changes as Apple appeals contentious ruling

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App Store
The App Store won‘t see any changes to payment methods. For now.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Developers will have to put plans to steer App Store users to their own direct payments systems on the back burner. A court on Wednesday granted Apple’s request to put the change on hold while the iPhone-maker appeals the Epic Games v. Apple court ruling.

Any modifications to the App Store resulting from the lawsuit are now in limbo… quite possibly for years.

Developer squeezes primo sound out of a solid gaming rig [Setups]

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Premium audio components make this setup a sonic powerhouse.
Premium audio components make this setup a sonic powerhouse.
Photo: [email protected]

Premium computer setups for gaming are known for their eye-popping visuals, of course — but they need great sound, too. Today’s featured setup gets there with a killer display but also a raft of audio gear by companies like Aiyima, Burson, Kanto and Hifiman. The headphones, in particular, may make you green with envy.

Redditor IsTowel is a front-end developer and designer as well as a gamer. Their post about their “Working and listening station” outlines some pretty high-level gaming specs in a Mac and PC, dual-display setup — especially for stellar sound quality.

How to get paid to take online surveys, play games and watch videos

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Find out how to get paid to take online surveys with PrizeRebel.
Find out how to get paid to take online surveys and more with PrizeRebel.
Photo: Sharon McCutcheon/Unsplash CC

This online survey post is brought to you by PrizeRebel.

Taking online surveys is great way to earn some extra cash. First of all, it’s easy. All you have to do is give your opinions. Second, it’s convenient. You can do it from anywhere as long as you have a computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection. Third, you can’t go wrong when leaders in the field like PrizeRebel want to help you make the most of your time taking surveys and earning from it.

Even better, PrizeRebel gives you several other easy and fun ways to earn money, too.

Samsung could make iPhone 14’s first ‘hole punch’ displays

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Samsung Galaxy with hole punch display
Samsung already makes 'hole punch' displays for its own phones.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung has reportedly started manufacturing new “hole punch” OLED displays for iPhone 14 that will allow Apple to finally do away with the notch.

The South Korean company already uses hole punch displays in its own Galaxy devices, negating the need for a black bar at the top of the screen. On iPhone, however, they will initially be exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro models.

New Satechi Mac dock adds multiple Thunderbolt and USB-A ports, plus more

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New Satechi Mac dock adds multiple Thunderbolt and USB-A ports, plus more
The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock adds almost a dozen ports. And it enables high-speed data transfers over most of them.
Photo: Satechi

Satechi’s just-launched Thunderbolt 4 Dock includes a whopping eleven ports, including three Thunderbolt 4 and four USB-A ports. And there’s also a range of other ports for connecting additional peripherals.

Plus, Satechi launched a pair of USB-C hubs on Wednesday.

How to stream AirPlay video on the cheap

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How to stream AirPlay video from iPhone to TV on the cheap
The days when you had to pay $150 or more to get an AirPlay-compatible device are over.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

You don’t need cables to stream video from your iPhone or iPad to a TV. Apple’s AirPlay 2 system is wireless and easy to use. That’s been true for years — what’s changed is the necessary equipment has become very affordable.

Here is what you need.

Verizon tracks almost everything you do on iPhone. Here’s how to stop it.

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Stop Verizon tracking iPhone
Don't let Verizon keep tabs on everything you do.
Image: Verizon/Cult of Mac

If you use an iPhone on Verizon, there’s a good chance your carrier has been tracking everything you do when you’re connected to its cellular network. This includes the websites you visit, the apps you use, your location and more.

It’s all part Verizon’s “Custom Experience” and “Custom Experience Plus” programs, which are designed to “personalize” the carrier’s communications with its customers. In other words, it’s to build a profile about you so Verizon can better serve you targeted ads. (According to Verizon’s typo-riddled website, “The Custom Experience programs help us personalize communications, recommandations [sic] and offers to make them more relevant to you.”

There’s nothing Apple can do to stop this — despite its new privacy protections baked into iOS — because its tracking does not require an app installed on your iPhone. But there is something you can do to prevent it. We’ll show you how.

This golf simulator is a hole-in-one gift for iOS users

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Grab a golf simulator without missing the green.
Happy holidays are par for the course with this ingenious golf simulator.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Golf is fun, but by nature it’s one of the only sports you can’t really carry around. That’s something the golf lovers in your life certainly know and wish wasn’t true. And even when there’s time, the price of joining a country club can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars a month.

If you have a golfer who wishes they could hit the course more often, but doesn’t have the time or spare cash, get them the TruGolf Mini golf simulator, on sale now for $299 (regularly $399).

How to get the Microsoft OneDrive preview that runs natively on M1 Macs

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Get OneDrive for M1 Macs
The preview release is available to anyone.
Image: Microsoft

Microsoft is now testing a new version of OneDrive for Mac that runs natively on Apple M1 chipsets. The update enables faster syncing and better performance — particularly for larger files — with no need for emulation anymore.

Although this release is only a preview build for now, anyone who uses OneDrive on macOS can get their hands on it. We’ll show you how.