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Halloween Sale: Keysbuff deals include Windows 10 for just $14

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In Keysbuff's Halloween Sale, you can get genuine lifetime activation of Windows 10 and more.
In Keysbuff's Halloween Sale, you can get genuine lifetime activation of Windows 10 and more.
Photo: Keysbuff

This software activation key sale post is presented by Keysbuff.

Cult of Mac readers get great deals from software activation keys provider Keysbuff. You can save up to 80% off full prices on Windows 10 and many other Microsoft software products in the Keysbuff Halloween Sale. Just use promo code COM at Keysbuff.com to get an extra 28% off already-low prices on keys for Windows 10 Pro Global, Microsoft Office 2019 Pro and others in the list below. You can purchase many products with lifetime licenses.

Apple’s $6 billion blues and other earnings revelations

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Apple Q4 2021 earnings call: Supply chain woes cost Apple an estimated $6 billion in revenues last quarter.
Supply chain woes cost Apple an estimated $6 billion in revenues last quarter.
Photo: Alireza Khoddam/Unsplash CC/Cult of Mac

Apple made a record $20.6 billion in profits last quarter but is getting punished because $83.4 billion in revenue didn’t meet Wall Street analysts’ expectations. Turns out even the Cupertino juggernaut is not immune to supply chain problems — $6 billion worth of them.

Here’s the bad news — and the good — from Apple’s September 2021 earnings report and a Q&A session with analysts afterward.

Save on these 4 premium travel chargers for your on-the-go power demands

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These 4 chargers are perfect for travel, and they’re all on sale now.
No matter where you're going, or what you need to recharge, these chargers will save the day.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Having a reliable charger at your convenience, wherever you are, is one of the biggest day-to-day life upgrades you can give yourself. And that doesn’t just count for at home or at your desk. A charger you can rely on when you’re on the go means you’ll never run out of battery when you need it.

These accessories, made by the charger experts at VogDuo, are all portable and perfect for taking with you on your travels. These four chargers, on sale right now, will keep your iPhone, AirPods and other gear primed for action — anytime, anywhere!

Apple’s growth in revenue leads to profits but misses expectations

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Apple earnings call Q4 2021: Despite strong iPhone sales, Apple revenues fall short of analyst expectations.
Despite strong iPhone sales, Apple revenues fall short of analyst expectations.
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple revenue during the July-to-September quarter totaled $83.4 billion, up 29% year over year and a new record for the quarter. That lead to an dramatic increase in net income. Revenue from iPhone was up significantly, while iPad, Mac, wearables and services revenue grew by smaller percentages.

But analysts had been expecting more. The consensus was for Apple’s total revenue to be nearly $85B. It’s rare for the company to not exceed these expectations. Apple execs said in a conference call after the announcement that component supply constraints cut revenue by $6B.

Jabra Elite 7 Pro ANC earbuds are worth top dollar but cost less [Review]

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At $199, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro ANC earbuds offer great sound, customization and comfort.
At $199, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro ANC earbuds offer great sound, customization and comfort.
Photo: David Snow / Culf of Mac

With the new Jabra Elite 7 Pro earbuds, I seem to have found near-ideal audio with active noise cancellation (ANC) for both music and phone calls. The compact earbuds offer surprisingly expansive sound and are incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

First macOS 12.1 Monterey beta resumes testing missing features

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First macOS 12.1 Monterey beta resumes testing missing features
macOS 12.1 might bring some much anticipated Monterey features.

Developers just got their hands on macOS 12.1, the initial major update to Monterey. It’s Apple’s first opportunity to test features missing from macOS 12, like SharePlay and Universal Control.

But the beta is so new it’s not yet clear whether these features are in it yet.

Extend your old MacBook Pro’s life with a new OWC Aura Pro NT SSD

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Got a 2016 or 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro? You can extend it's useable life with OWC Aura Pro NT storage.
Got a 2016 or 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro? You can extend it's useable life with OWC Aura Pro NT storage.
Photo: OWC

If you have a MacBook Pro of a certain age, you probably know what it’s like to run out of storage. These days, apps, macOS updates and big media files like videos require more space than ever before. But memory and storage provider OWC has your 2016-2017 13-inch MacBook Pro covered with its new Aura Pro NT NVMe solid state drive (SSD).

Plugable’s new universal dock makes ‘hot-desking’ easy

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The Plugable UD-3900C makes it easy to get right to work.
The Plugable UD-3900C makes it easy to get right to work.
Photo: Plugable

The new Plugable UD-3900C universal docking station is a reasonably priced means of “hot-desking” with Macs and PCs. That allows hybrid workers to easily connect and get right back on the job when they come back to the office, even if they always use a different desk.

Apple Music lands on PlayStation 5, but spatial audio support is missing

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Apple Music on PlayStation 5
Stream your favorite tracks while you game.
Photo: Sony

After weeks of speculation surrounding a new Apple Music app for PlayStation 5, the streaming service has finally landed on Sony’s newest home console, allowing subscribers to enjoy their favorite playlists while they game.

However, the app is missing one of its most impressive features. Users have discovered that spatial audio with Dolby Atmos is not available for Apple Music tracks on PlayStation 5.

Chinese students sue Apple for ditching iPhone chargers

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Original iPhone unboxing with charger
Apple no longer includes a charger or headphones with new iPhone models.
Photo: Juan Martín López CC

A group of students in China is suing Apple for no longer including chargers with its newest iPhone models. The lawsuit calls for Cupertino to cough up for charging adapters, breach of contract, and court fees.

Apple has already been fined by Brazil’s consumer protection agency since it stopped shipping power adapters with iPhone 12 last fall.

This versatile charger powers up 4 devices at once

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This powerful charging stand can charge Apple 4 devices simultaneously.
Why wrestle with a million cords?
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’ve invested this past year in a fancy at-home office setup, you know cable clutter can easily build up with the number of devices you rely on. And that only makes your desk feel that much more chaotic.

Make your workspace neater, and boost your productivity, with this 4-in-1 Versatile Wireless Charger. It’s a powerful, universal wireless charger that can power up to four devices at once, while keeping all your most-relied on gear conveniently located in one spot.

Apple makes 2021 MacBook Pro’s battery much easier to replace

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2021 MacBook Pro teardown battery
All six cells can be easily removed.
Photo: iFixit

When the time comes to replace the battery inside your 2021 MacBook Pro, you can avoid the pricey repair shops. Apple has made this particular process significantly easier than it was on earlier MacBook models.

All six battery cells inside the new machines are easily accessible — with no need to remove the logic board first — and much easier to remove. The changes make for a fairly simply at-home repair for those who are brave enough.

HomePod mini’s new color options could hit US next week, Europe later

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HomePod mini breaks out in a burst of colors
Get yours in orange, yellow or blue.
Photo: Apple

HomePod mini’s new color options, which were introduced during Apple’s big MacBook Pro event on October 18, will go on sale in the U.S. next week, according to a new report. Fans in Europe will have to wait a little longer.

The new color options include orange, yellow and blue. Aside from the fresh lick of paint, however, the new smart speakers are identical to the original.

Safari 15.1 reverses controversial design changes for macOS Big Sur and Catalina

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Safari 15.1 design
Safari is back to its best.
Screenshot: Cult of Mac

After Apple finally decided to reverse its controversial Safari design changes in the latest macOS Monterey beta (when you use the “Separate” tabs option), it has made the same move for those running macOS Big Sur and Catalina.

The Safari 15.1 update released Wednesday for earlier versions of macOS brings back Safari’s old tab design. However, if you prefer the new “Compact” interface — introduced at WWDC 2021 back in June — you still have the option to use it.

Take stunning 4K photos and videos with this awesome drone, less than $75 today 

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Control this drone from your smartphone and take amazing 4k photos and videos.
This is your easy-to-use, high-def eye in the sky. (Makes a great gift, too!)
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you don’t own a drone yet, you’re missing out. Stunning aerial photography and tons of fun both come standard when you get into the drone game. And you might be surprised at how affordable they can be.

We found a great option in this Black Drone with Dual HD 4K Camera, on sale for just $74.95 today. That’s 16% off the regular price of $89. And the savings keep on coming. With this limited-time deal, you also get $10 in store credit.

iOS 15.2 beta brings App Privacy Report to track activity of third-party apps

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Apple begins testing iOS 15.2 with new App Privacy Report
Developers can start testing iOS 15.2 beta 1, iPadOS 15.2 beta 1 and watchOS 8.3 beta 1 on Wednesday.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

iOS 15.2 beta 1 and iPadOS 15.2 beta 1 have been seeded to developers. When available to everyone, the updates will bring an App Privacy Report for tracking what third-party application are doing. It’ll show users, each app’s sensor, data and internet usage in a simple chart.

These beta releases come only two days after iOS 15.2 and the iPad equivalent were released to the general public.

Manage your smart home with Aqara’s affordable Hub E1 for HomeKit

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The Aqara E1 Hub is an inexpensive controller for your smart home.
The Aqara E1 Hub is an inexpensive controller for your smart home.
Photo: Aqara

Aqara’s affordable new USB-powered controller, the Smart Hub E1, makes it easy to control devices and sensors through Apple’s HomeKit and other smart-home systems. The company’s Zigbee-based devices, such as smart sensors, connect to the cloud through a central smart hub.

Because Aqara bridges all its devices to HomeKit, you can mix and match automations using different vendors. What’s more, you can power the Aqara Smart Hub E1 with any USB port you have, whether it’s a wall plug or a powered USB port on a console, computer or smart TV.

Kevin Durant’s Swagger looks like a dramatic slam dunk [Apple TV+ review]

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Swagger review on Apple TV+: Isaiah R. Hill, left, and O'Shea Jackson Jr. deliver the swagger.
Isaiah R. Hill, left, and O'Shea Jackson Jr. deliver the swagger.
Photo: Apple TV+

NBA star Kevin Durant turned his experiences as a young basketball player into Swagger, Apple TV+’s highly promising sports drama. The series, which premieres Friday on Apple’s streaming service, follows the trajectory of a rising basketball star as he becomes a legend with help from his community.

Powered by strong acting, kinetic directing and a compelling storyline about life both on the court and off, Swagger scores from the jump. It looks like one of Apple TV+’s strongest series to date.

New MacBook Pros prove surprisingly good at gaming

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New MacBook Pro proves surprisingly good at gaming
The 2021 MacBook Pro can run Rise of the Tomb Raider as well as a top-tier Windows laptop.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s M1 Pro and M1 Max processors in the new MacBook Pro offer powerful graphic performance. That’s intended for artists rendering video and other professional tasks, but tests show that it translates to excellent gaming performance.

Of course, that doesn’t remedy the lack of high-end games for Mac.

Russia might force Apple to change critical App Store payment policy

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App Store
Russia joined the voices around the world demanding Apple loosen its grip on the App Store and in-app purchases.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Add Russia to the list of countries investigating the App Store. It is reportedly looking into whether Apple’s policy forbidding iPhone developers from telling customers about alternate — and possibly cheaper — payment options is a violation of its antitrust laws.

The U.S. and other countries are asking that same question.

Apple makes progress on its 2030 carbon neutral goal

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Apple makes progress on its 2030 carbon neutral goal
One of Scandinavia’s largest solar arrays powers Apple’s Viborg data center.
Photo: Apple

As part of its goal to become completely carbon neural, Apple says that 175 of its suppliers will transition to using renewable energy, more than double the number that had previously committed to using 100% clean power.

It’s part of the Mac-maker’s plan to be carbon neutral across its supply chain and products by 2030.

Apple needs a 16-inch MacBook Air in its lineup

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Apple needs a 16-inch MacBook Air in its lineup
This isn’t something beyond man’s power to create. Apple could, and should, make a 16-inch MacBook Air.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Some of the criticism leveled at the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro should inspire Apple to make a MacBook Air with the same size display. It would be the largest Air ever, but there seems to be a market for a very big, yet very slim, Mac notebook.

And that’s not something Apple offers in its current product lineup.

Apple News expands local coverage to select cities

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Apple News expands its local coverage to Charlotte, Miami and Washington, D.C.
Apple News expands its local coverage to Charlotte, Miami and Washington, D.C.
Photo: Apple

Apple News will now offer its “local news experience” in three additional U.S. cities: Charlotte, N.C., Miami and Washington, D.C. The service’s editors curate local news, selecting coverage of topics important to communities, Apple said.