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Stick an AirTag to almost anything with this affordable silicone pad — now 15% off

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Elago Silicone Pad for AirTag
So many possibilities for your AirTag.
Photo: Elago

Make your belongings much easier to find when they go missing by attaching an AirTag using Elago’s affordable Silicone Pad. This little accessory features a reusable adhesive that allows it to be stuck to almost any flat surface.

You can get yours in one of three color options — including one that glows in the dark — from the Cult of Mac Store. Enjoy 15% off for a limited time!

Messages bug sends read receipts even when they’re turned off

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Messages replay
"Why are you ignoring me?"
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Some iPhone and iPad users are being plagued by a Messages bug that causes read receipts to be sent even when they are disabled. The problem seems to affect devices running iOS 15 or later.

There is no permanent fix for the issue yet, but there is one thing you can do that may eliminate the problem for a short time.

Never run out of phone space with this secure cloud backup

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This all-in-one cloud backup secures your precious files.
This cloud backup secures all your media with 256 AES encryption.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Our iPhones are mini-computers — and we’d hate to lose a single precious file. Whether it’s a video of your friends at a concert a few years ago or photos of your dog as a puppy, this G Cloud Mobile Backup ensures that you never lose your most important media (for practical and sentimental reasons). It also helps maintain some extra space on your phone, so you don’t constantly need to delete files to avoid maxing out.

Cydia creator takes a blow in App Store lawsuit against Apple

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Cydia
But it's not quite over yet.
Photo: Alex Heath/Cult of Mac

A U.S. district judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed against Apple by Cydia creator Jay Freeman . Filed last year, the complaint alleges that Apple maintains an illegal monopoly over app distribution on iOS.

Cydia, which launched in 2008, became the first App Store alternative for iPhone and iPad, providing access to thousands of unauthorized downloads. However, you can only access it if you have a jailbroken device.

iPhone calendar bug scraps 2022 holidays in many countries

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iPhone Calendar bug scraps 2022 holidays
No days off in 2022? Blame Apple.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

iPhone’s built-in Calendar app has an ongoing bug that prevents 2022 holidays from appearing in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom.

The problem first cropped up in mid-2021, but iPhone owners assumed the holidays would appear as the new year drew closer. Almost a week into 2022, a large number of users remain unable to see them.

Google steps up fight against iPhone by ripping off more Apple features

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Google rips off iPhone features
Spatial audio, unlock with Wear OS, and more on the way.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Google plans to make its latest Pixel and Wear OS devices more compelling alternatives to iPhone and Apple Watch by ripping off some of Cupertino’s most popular software features — including spatial audio and AirDrop.

The Android-maker revealed the long list of improvements, which will span all of Google’s software platforms as well as Windows, this week at the CES trade show in Las Vegas. Here’s what you can expect if you plan to ditch your Apple devices and swap sides.

Learn the most popular coding language in the world for $20

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Python is the world's most popular coding language.
Python pops up in virtually every field, and you can learn it for only $20.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

By a pretty big margin, Python is the most popular programming language in the world. That’s because it has a huge variety of uses across industries — and it’s not too hard to learn.

If you’re going into the new year with the resolution to pick up some new skills or languages, then grab The Premium Python Programming Certification Bundle while the price has dropped to $20 for Cult of Mac’s New Year, New You Sale!

Siri is the least attractive part of Garmin’s new Venu 2 Plus smartwatch

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With new voice assistant access, you can get a lot done on your wrist with Garmin's new Venu 2 Plus GPS smartwatch.
With new voice assistant access, you can get a lot done on your wrist with Garmin's new Venu 2 Plus GPS smartwatch.
Photo: Garmin

Fitness tracker company Garmin showed a new version of its Venu 2 Plus GPS smartwatch at CES 2022 — and this one let’s you talk to Apple’s voice-activated assistant, Siri. If you’re into that sort of thing.

Or, if you’re among the many folks who seem to prefer other helpers on their devices, you could talk to Google Assistant or Samsung’s Bixby. Previous Garmin smartwatches didn’t allow that. Plus the Venu 2 Plus works with both iOS and Android devices, Garmin said.

Win a Journey 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station for all your Apple gear [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Journey 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station giveaway: Sleep soundly knowing all your devices will be fully charged in the morning.
Sleep soundly knowing all your devices will be fully charged in the morning.
Photo: Journey

The holidays are finally over, and if you were lucky enough to receive an Apple Watch, iPhone or AirPods as gifts, this latest giveaway is for you. Journey, a maker of innovative consumer electronics, is giving three lucky winners its 3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station.

This minimalist charger takes up little space and will charge your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch at the same time. If you want to simplify your life by cutting out cords and charging hassles, make sure to enter this Cult of Mac giveaway.

Get ahead of the curve with Satechi’s new USB-4 MacBook hubs

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Satechi's new 4K Multiport Adapter supports 8K HDMI. Maybe soon your Mac will, too.
Satechi's new 4K Multiport Adapter supports 8K HDMI. Maybe soon your Mac will, too.
Photo: Satechi

At CES 2022, Satechi debuted two new accessories designed for the new M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBooks. Both the USB-4 Multiport Adapter and the Pro Hub Max expand the ports available on the new laptops, opening up possibilities for connectivity.

And, in the case of the adapter’s 8K HDMI support, one port goes a bit beyond Mac laptops’ current comfort zone.

The Fraggles are back! New Apple TV+ kids’ series premieres Jan. 21.

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The Fraggles are back! New kids’ series premieres Jan. 21
Red, Gobo, Boober, Mokey and Wembley in Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, premiering globally January 21 on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Jim Henson’s fun-loving and musical Fraggles return in Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock. The series will debut January 21 on Apple TV+. ‘80s kids, you can introduce your children to a show you loved back in the day.

A little fuzzy on the Fraggles? Watch a trailer released Wednesday to start the fun.

Elago’s Clear band makes Apple Watch even cooler — save 15%

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Elago Clear band Apple Watch
Bag yours for just $12.99.
Photo: Elago

Remember when transparent watch bands were some of the coolest things you could slap on your wrist? Elago does, which is why it is bringing them back with its Clear band for Apple Watch.

Made from a sturdy TPU that’s almost indestructible, the Clear band is ideal in any situation. It’s also a steal at just $11.04 with 15% off. Bag yours today from the Cult of Mac Store.

MagSafe Battery Pack prototype spills earlier design with glossy finish

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MagSafe Battery Pack prototype
That's ... different.
Photo: Internal Archive

Photos purporting to show an Apple MagSafe Battery Pack prototype surfaced Wednesday, revealing an earlier design with a glossy finish and a repositioned charging LED. The device also features internal identification markings.

The device looks genuine, but it’s very different from Apple’s final product, which went on sale last July at $99.

Dell’s new UltraSharp videoconferencing display packs 4K webcam

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Dell's new 32-inch UltraSharp display features a built-in 4K webcam.
Dell's new 32-inch UltraSharp display features a built-in 4K webcam.
Photo: Dell

The new 32-inch UltraSharp monitor Dell introduced at CES 2022 looks like a home-office videoconferencing powerhouse. The 4K display has a 4K webcam with microphones built in for those WFH meetings. And the monitor serves as a USB-C hub with decent port selection and 90W of power for your MacBook or other laptop, too.

Going green with envy over space-gray peripherals [Setups]

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Mmm ... space gray Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad. What, no mouse?
Mmm ... space gray Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad. What, no mouse?
Photo: [email protected]

If Apple takes something away, people tend to want it more. We see this in the persistent coveting of space gray peripherals — Magic Trackpad, Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2 — that the Cupertino tech giant stopped selling separately last year after the iMac Pro’s discontinuation.

Following the space gray iMac Pro’s launch in 2018 with matching peripherals exclusive to it, owners found they could sell the dark-hued input devices for mad money. So Apple jumped on that market, charging a slight premium over the silver versions, though not forever. But space gray gear still carries a certain cache.

Belkin’s new HomeKit video doorbell includes high-res camera

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Belkin’s new HomeKit-compatible video doorbell includes high-res camera
Belkin’s Wemo Smart Video Doorbell uses HomeKit Secure Video to ensure your privacy.
Photo: Belkin

Belkin unveiled the Wemo Smart Video Doorbell that uses Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video. It’s built around a 4MP, wide-angle lens.

Also at CES 2022, Belkin announced redesigned smart plugs and lighting solutions with support for Matter over Thread, which means they’ll also support HomeKit.

Plus, the wraps came off Belkin SoundForm Immerse noise cancelling earbuds with support for Apple’s Find My system.

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.