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Apple TV+ picks up new docuseries based on NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson

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Apple TV+ picks up Magic Johnson docuseries
Johnson enjoyed a glittering NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Photo: Apple TV+

A new documentary series based on NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson was Friday confirmed for Apple TV+.

It will be split into four parts that “explore the remarkable accomplishments and global impact of Johnson’s life, both on and off the court,” Apple said. It doesn’t have a release date just yet.

Apple brings its TestFlight platform to Mac for the first time

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TestFlight lands on Mac
Download it today for free.
Screenshot: Cult of Mac

TestFlight, Apple’s own platform for distributing beta software, is now officially available on Mac for the first time. It gives developers the opportunity to invite up to 10,000 people to test early versions of their apps ahead of their release.

Apple first confirmed TestFlight would be coming to Mac back in June at WWDC. It was previously only available on iPhone and iPad.

Get over your public speaking fears with this confidence-boosting AI app

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This AI speech app is an extra 15% off for Pre-Black Friday.
Get an extra 15% off this interactive speech app in our Pre-Black Friday Sale.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you break out in a cold sweat every time you switch into presenter mode on Zoom, you’re not alone. About 75% of the population struggles with the fear of public speaking.

For all those moments you wish you had your own public speaking coach before key presentations and important meetings, the Orai Interactive AI Assisted Public Speaking Course + 1-Year Subscription App Bundle is the perfect thing to have in your (literal) back pocket. And it’s on sale ahead of Black Friday.

In no hurry? Sleek, compact Zens 4-in-1 magnetic charger tops up your gear. [Review]

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The aluminum build gives the Zens Magnetic + Watch Wireless Charger a sense of premium quality.
The aluminum build gives the Zens Magnetic + Watch Wireless Charger a sense of premium quality.
Photo: David Snow / Cult of Mac

The Zens Magnetic + Watch Wireless Charger stands in the ranks of MagSafe-compatible chargers designed to be your go-to device for juicing up multiple pieces of Apple gear — and the sleek and compact 4-in-1 device does it in style. But not with a huge amount of charging power.

The Zens Magnetic + Watch Wireless Charger tops up four devices — all at once, if you like.

A puck on a dark metallic stem holds a MagSafe iPhone (12 or 13 series) firmly in place, horizontally or vertically. The surface underneath charges an AirPods case or any Qi-enabled device. A USB-A charging stick lets you top off an Apple Watch in Sleep mode. And a USB-A port on the side powers up something else, like an iPad.

Exciting sci-fi series Dr. Brain might be Apple TV+’s Squid Game [Apple TV+ review]

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Dr. Brain review: Mind = blown.
Mind = blown.
Photo: Apple TV+

Hooking up with maverick South Korean director Kim Jee-Woon for new sci-fi series Dr. Brain looks like one of Apple TV+’s smartest, and most mind-blowing, decisions.

The energetically unhinged show, which debuts Thursday, centers on a scientist who devises a way to talk to the dead. Can Dr. Brain rival Netflix’s Squid Game, the latest South Korean phenomenon to become a streaming hit? If the exciting pilot is any indication, this could be a wild success for Apple TV+.

Not just you: iCloud Private Relay is offline [Updated]

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Not just you: Several Apple online services are having ‘issues’
iCloud Private Relay is really offline.
Photo: Cult of Mac/Mabel Amber/Pexels CC

iCloud Private Relay, a privacy feature that recently debuted, is temporarily offline. The service for iPhone, Mac and iPad is a public beta so a few hiccups are to be expected.

Apple promises the optional, for-pay add-on feature will be back online soon.

Update: Private Relay is back after being offline for 7.5 hours on Wednesday.

HomePod gets podcast bug fix via software tweak

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HomePod gets podcast bug fix via software tweak
HomePod Software 15.1.1 brings a small update to Apple smart speakers.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

If your HomePod has had problems playing podcasts recently, it might need the software update Apple released Wednesday. It brings the full-size and pint-size audio devices up to version 15.1.1.

It doesn’t include any new features, though.

Brydge’s new keyboard case turns smallest iPad Pro into a laptop with big capabilities

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Brydge 11 Max+ keyboard case is built for hardcore iPad Pro users
Brydge 11 Max+ is a premium keyboard case for the 11-inch iPad Pro with a large trackpad.
Photo: Brydge

The Brydge 11 Max+ is a clip-on keyboard designed to make an 11-inch iPad Pro into a very portable clamshell notebook. It magnetically attaches to the tablet and adds a backlit keyboard and trackpad.

After being announced earlier this year, the product is now available in stores starting Wednesday.

Razer ‘Pro’ lineup adds mechanical keyboard, mini mouse and XXL mouse mat

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Razer quieted down the keys for its new Pro Type Ultra mechanical keyboard.
Razer quieted down the keys for its new Pro Type Ultra mechanical keyboard.
Photo: Razer

Previously all about gaming gear, Razer began rolling out new productivity accessories last year. Now it’s back with three new items for work at home or in the office — the quiet Pro Type Ultra mechanical keyboard, the Pro Click Mini mouse and the Pro Glide XXL mouse mat.

Mystery ‘homeOS’ shows up in another Apple job listing [Updated]

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Apple TV plus HomePod equals homeOS? Maybe
A combination Apple TV and HomePod might need a new operating system.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

An Apple job listing has people scratching their heads because it mentions an operating system that doesn’t exist. It references “homeOS” alongside iOS, watchOS and other known operating systems.

It’s possible this is something Apple is working on. But there’s a less exciting possibility: if could be another name for something millions of people use every day.

Keyboards collide: Apple Magic vs. Logitech MX Keys [Setups]

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People choose sides in a fight between a Magic Keyboard and a Logitech MX Master Keys.
People choose sides in a fight between a Magic Keyboard and a Logitech MX Master Keys.
Photo: [email protected]

In a knock-down, drag-out fight between an Apple Magic Keyboard and one of its most popular alternatives, the Logitech MX Keys wireless keyboard, which would win? Actually, it might be more of a minor dust-up than a brawl. Maybe just a slightly heated discussion among proudly opinionated nerds, even.

Manage your company’s hardware easily and affordably with Desktop Central

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Manage your company's devices across the workforce and various platforms with Desktop Central from ManageEngine.
Manage your company's devices across the workforce and various platforms with Desktop Central.
Image: ManageEngine

This UEM post is brought to you by ManageEngine.

If you manage technology for a company, you need all the help you can get. Not every business has the resources for a big, well-equipped IT department. Yet you might still need to manage, automate and secure all sorts of devices across a workforce and varied systems.

That’s where ManageEngine’s Desktop Central comes in. Its unified endpoint management system is affordable, feature-rich and easy to use, thanks to a clean, intuitive design.

M1 MacBook Air helps Apple shift a whopping 6.5 million notebooks in Q3

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MacBook Air power
Despite chip supply problems, the MacBook business is booming.
Photo: Apple

Apple shipped a rather impressive 6.5 million notebooks last quarter, according to new data — thanks in large part to the success of the M1 MacBook Air. That figure makes Cupertino the fourth-largest laptop vendor in the world.

Although Lenovo, HP and Dell all shipped significantly more laptops than Apple during the three-month period, the MacBook-maker did see decent growth of 10% over the same quarter last year.

Save over 35% on this MagSafe power bank during our Pre-Black Friday Sale

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Get this slim power bank for $47 during the pre-black Friday sale.
Magnets make this iPhone power bank and case combo extra-magical.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Wireless chargers don’t have to be bulky things that live on your nightstand. The Xvida Magnetic Wireless Power Bank with Xvida Magnetic Case for iPhone 13 is a slim, portable power bank that packs a major charge into a small package.

We’ve got sets that fit every model in the iPhone 13 lineup. And for a limited time, you’ll pay only $46.74 if you use the code SAVE15NOV during our Pre-Black Friday Sale.

Samsung swipes Safari 15’s only decent change for its own web browser

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Samsung Internet steals from Safari 15
Well, would you look at that.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

There’s not much Apple’s rivals would want to steal from Safari 15 — it’s not exactly the company’s finest (or most popular) browser update. But in true Samsung style, the South Korean firm found one thing worth swiping for its own mobile devices.

The latest version of the Samsung Internet browser gives Galaxy smartphone users the ability to shift the address bar to the bottom of the screen, making it a little more accessible — especially during one-handed use.

Apple calls on Samsung and LG to bring OLED displays to MacBook and iPad

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Some MacBook Pro wait times already stretch nearly to Christmas
But we'll be waiting years for the switch.
Photo: Apple

Apple has enlisted Samsung’s help in its effort to bring OLED displays to future MacBook and iPad models, according to a new report. It is also said to be in talks with LG, one of Samsung’s biggest competitors in the display industry.

It is believed Apple originally planned to launch its first OLED MacBook in 2025, but thanks to complications surrounding the display manufacturing process, the plan is “likely to be postponed,” sources familiar with the matter said.

ColorWare gives AirPods 3 a super-pretty paint job, but it’ll cost you

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ColorWare paints AirPods 3
Prices start at a whopping $319.
Photo: ColorWare

ColorWare is now offering Apple’s newest AirPods in much prettier, more colorful designs. You can choose how you want yours to be painted, but be warned that you’ll have to cough up a lot more to stand out.

Prices start at a rather eye-watering $319 — up from just $179 when you buy AirPods in white — and that price covers only the AirPods buds themselves. It rises even higher if you want a colorful charging case as well.

Netflix’s Apple Arcade rival launches but iOS support still ‘on the way’

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Netflix’s Apple Arcade rival launches but iOS support still ‘on the way’
Netflix is now also a game service. At no additional cost.
Screenshot: Netflix/Cult of Mac

Netflix’s promised mobile game service launches Wednesday. It’s initially only for Android but the company promises a version for iPhone and iPad is “on the way.”

It will launch with five downloadable games available to everyone with a Netflix subscription. At no extra cost.

Master Macs with one $25 course during our Pre-Black Friday Sale

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Use your mac to the fullest for $25 during pre black Friday sale.Master Macs for $25 during the pre black Friday sale.
Learn everything you need to know about Macs with this affordable course bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It pays to know your way around a Mac. Whether you want to keep your home or office machines humming, or become a fully qualified tech professional with a lucrative new career, the Apple Certified Support Professional macOS 11 Course can teach you everything you need to know.

And during our Pre-Black Friday Sale, you can get this ACSP course for only $25.49 (regularly $295) if you use the code SAVE15NOV.

AirPods Pro with MagSafe Case is a total steal at just $189.99

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AirPods Pro with MagSafe case: There's no telling how long these deals will last.
There's no telling how long these deals on AirPods Pro and other Apple gear will last.
Photo: Apple

A pre-Black Friday price cut from Amazon makes the new AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case surprisingly affordable at just $189.99. With active noise cancellation, excellent audio quality and three sizes of silicone ear tips for a comfortable fit, Apple’s high-end earbuds hit all the right notes.

If you want a pair — or want to knock out some early holiday gift shopping — you might want to jump on this deal. Or one of Amazon’s other surprising discounts on the Apple gear you crave, like an Apple Pencil 2 for just $99.

Apple extends its product return policy for the holidays

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Apple-Store-gifts
Shop 'til you drop (then return it all by January 8).
Photo: Apple

Apple’s extended holiday return policy is now in effect for all purchases made through the Apple Store online. Goods received between November 1 and December 25, 2021 can be returned through January 8, 2022.

There are some exceptions shoppers should be aware of, however.

iPhone 14 performance upgrade could be held back by chip production woes

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Apple might get cutting-edge 3nm processors in 2022
TSMC might be unable to provide Apple with a 3nm A16 chip for the iPhone 14.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

TSMC is reportedly struggling to get its 3nm chip production process working. And the problems might force TSMC to make the A16 processor for the upcoming iPhone 14 with the current 5nm process. That would mean the chip won’t be as much an improvement over the A15 as it otherwise would be.

The production problems, if real, will also likely affect Mac and iPad processors, as all Apple computers use variations of the same processor core.

LG gives smart TV owners 3 months of free Apple TV+

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LG Apple TV+ promo
Claim your trial before February 13, 2022.
Photo: LG

LG is giving its smart TV customers three months of Apple TV+ free of charge. Those with an eligible 4K or 8K set made in 2016 or later have until February 13, 2022 to take advantage of the promotion, but there is a caveat …

If you’ve had an Apple TV+ free trial in the past, you’re out of luck.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak gets iPhone 13 and ‘can’t tell the difference’

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Steve Wozniak
Steve Wozniak
Photo: The DEMO Conference/Flickr CC

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak “can’t tell the difference” between iPhone 13 and his previous model. It’s not the first time the Apple-1 creator has lamented the rather insignificant differences between modern iPhone generations.

There are, of course, some notable improvements between iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 — particularly when it comes to camera quality. But the overall experience is the same, especially when it comes to software, Woz said.