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Everyone’s falling apart on The Morning Show [Apple TV+ review]

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The Morning Show review: The presidential debate prep in this week's episode feels fresh as last year's news.
The presidential debate prep in this week's episode feels fresh as last year's news.
Photo: Apple TV+

This week on The Morning Show, Maggie Brener’s book is about to come out. Alex is having a panic attack. Chip is having a crisis of confidence. Cory’s on the attack. And Bradley’s having the time of her life.

Apple TV+’s showbiz show juggles tones and sympathies — and drops several of the balls along the way. Things gets good, and then bad, and then good again. It’s time for The Morning Show writers to make some hard choices about which direction to head. Well … it was time weeks ago, but now will do just fine.

Apple Watch Series 7 owners report mysterious third-party app glitches

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Apple Watch 7 app glitches
There should be app icons in those empty spaces.
Photo: James Thomson

Users setting up brand-new Apple Watch Series 7 units today report a number of strange glitches with third-party apps. In addition to missing app icons, many see problems rendering complications, the tiny widgets that surface info from various apps on the watch face.

It seems the glitches may be related to the App Store. Apple has not yet publicly acknowledged the problem, and there is apparently nothing users can to do set things straight.

This smart pen converts your text into editable e-notes

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Take next-generation notes with this smart pen.
SyncPen is every note-taker's dream.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

We all spend a lot of time typing these days, whether that’s on a phone, tablet or laptop. But there’s something special about taking notes by hand that merely tapping out text can’t capture. This SyncPen 2nd Generation Smart Pen with Notebook takes your doodles, scribbles and formulas and turns them into editable digital text that you can easily access later — it’s the best of both worlds.

How to watch Apple’s big ‘Unleashed’ event on October 18

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How to watch Apple's Unleashed event
It kicks off at 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple Unleashed event bug Apple’s next event is right around the corner, and it’s one you won’t want to miss if you’re a fan of the Mac. The “Unleashed” keynote is expected to bring a number of new Apple machines — all powered by an even faster “M1X” chip.

Just like recent Apple keynotes, this one will be streamed online, so you’ll be able to watch it in its entirety as it all unfolds. We’ll show you how.

Truth Be Told builds toward shocking season finale [Apple TV+ review]

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Truth Be Told review: Actor Mekhi Phifer steals another scene this week!
Actor Mekhi Phifer, right, steals another scene this week.
Photo: Apple TV+

The second season of Apple TV+’s first crime series is drawing to a gripping close. This week Truth Be Told, podcaster Poppy Parnell’s cause grows in righteousness even as the noose tightens around her childhood friend Micah Keith.

The little show that could soldiers on, propelled by the searing charisma of one of the best casts on TV.

Parallels 17.1 brings better Windows 11 support for Intel and M1 Macs

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Parallels Desktop with Windows 11
Grab the newest update today.
Photo: Parallels

Parallels Desktop 17.1 is now available for Mac, bringing improved Windows 11 support for those looking to run Microsoft’s latest operating system on their Mac, whether it’s powered by an Intel or Apple Silicon chip.

The update introduces Virtual Trusted Platform Modules (vTPM) for all future and past Windows 11 virtual machines — complying with Windows 11’s system requirements that call for a vTPM chip.

WhatsApp rolls out encrypted chat backups on iPhone

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WhatsApp encrypted chat backup
Ensuring only you have access to your chat data.
Image: WhatsApp

WhatsApp’s encrypted backups features is now rolling out on iPhone. Users can create a password to prevent unauthorized access to their chat data, while still uploading it to iCloud or Google Drive for their convenience.

The feature ensures that your WhatsApp chats are protected, even if the backup file itself somehow makes it into the wrong hands.

New HomePod software chief tasked with making Apple smart speaker more competitive

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HomePod mini
A new head of HomePod software development making make Apple’s smart speaker smarter.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly hired Afrooz Family as its new head of software development for the HomePod. He’s supposedly been tasked with making the smart speaker a stronger rival for Amazon’s and Google’s products.

That would be something of a turnaround for the product.

iOS 15 makes stealing another student’s class notes a snap

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iOS 15 makes stealing another student’s class notes a snap
A student snapped a picture of their classmate’s PC screen with an iPhone and is using iOS 15’s Live View to copy the text.
Screenshot: Juan Buis

Suppose you glance around in class and notice the person in front of you is taking way better notes than you are. An iPhone running iOS 15 makes grabbing a copy easy as pie without the hassle of asking permission — thanks to the magic of Live Text.

A video of this happening in the real world that was posted on Twitter is going viral. Watch it now.

Here are some ‘big things’ that might launch at Apple’s October event

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Here are some ‘big things’ that might launch at Apple Oct. 18 event
A couple of big things might be on the docket for the Apple October event.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple promises “big things” at its product event happening October 18. Although that’s the only official hint we have, leaks have revealed details on a couple of extra-large Macs that might fit the bill.

And there could be good news for fans of both MacBook and iMac at the “Unleashed” event.

Add Florida to states adopting digital driver’s licenses in Apple Wallet

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Driver's licenses and IDs in Apple Wallet
Florida could be the ninth state to offer digital driver’s licenses in Apple Wallet.
Photo: Apple

Many Floridians will soon be able to leave home with just their iPhone… no wallet necessary. Florida is working with Apple to display its residents’ digital driver’s licenses in the Wallet app.

When the feature becomes available, residents of the Sunshine State plus eight other states will be able to store and display digital versions of their driver’s licenses on their iPhone and Apple Watch.

Wood MagSafe Charger is prettier, more affordable than Apple’s [Review]

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Limited77 Wood MagSafe Charger for iPhone
It's just as practical, but much more interesting.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

MagSafe is a huge step forward in wireless charging for iPhone. But Apple’s own MagSafe Charger is somewhat boring and pretty overpriced. The Wood Charger from Limited77 is a great alternative.

It works just like a MagSafe Charger, magnetically attaching itself to the back of iPhone 12, and it charges just as quickly. It’s also much more affordable. Want to know more? Here’s our full review.

Have a spooky HomeKit Halloween with discounted Hue outdoor lights

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You can really scare trick-or-treaters with Philips Hue outdoor lighting bundles.
You can really scare trick-or-treaters with Philips Hue outdoor lighting bundles.
Photo: Philips Hue

It’s not too late to get ready to give trick-or-treaters a fright on Halloween night. Philips Hue offers 20% discounts on various HomeKit-compatible multicolor lighting packages. Think what you could do with a well-placed Grim Reaper and a motion-activated spotlight, for example. And maybe a blood-red lightstrip along the hedge. Throw in a few fiery jack-o’-lanterns, and you’re good to go.

Apple takes 75% of smartphone profits, despite fewer sales than Samsung

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iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone also made up 40% of all shipments.
Photo: Apple

iPhone is responsible for a whopping three quarters of all profits earned in the global smartphone market, according to a new report. That’s despite Apple seeing fewer sales than Samsung and Xiaomi.

Cupertino’s handset business actually accounted for just 13% of all smartphone shipments during the second quarter of 2021. But thanks to the large profit margins it enjoys on almost all of its products, it is by far the biggest earner.

Apple Music looks set to take on Spotify on PlayStation 5

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Apple Music on PlayStation 5
It's not ready just yet, though.
Photo: Holywars1990/Reddit

It looks like Apple Music is on its way to compete with Spotify on PlayStation 5, with some users seeing an option to download the app when setting up a new user account on Sony’s latest home console.

Apple and Sony recently partnered to give PlayStation 5 owners six months of Apple TV+ free of charge, so an Apple Music app wouldn’t be totally out of the blue. However, it seems it’s not quite ready to roll out just yet.

Apple quietly extends AirPods Pro repair program for crackling sounds

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AirPods-Pro-crackle-GIF
You're now covered for up to three years.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple’s repair program for AirPods Pro, which addresses hardware issues that can cause crackling and static sounds, has been quietly extended.

The program originally covered faulty buds for two years after their initial purchase. It has now been extended to three years, with affected customers getting free replacements if they pass an Apple inspection.

Win an iPhone 13 case bundle from Smartish [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Win an iPhone 13 case bundle from Smartish [Cult of Mac giveaway]
This is your chance to win a five-way iPhone 13 bundle of cases and accessories.
Image: Smartish/Cult of Mac

If you just got an iPhone 13, this week’s giveaway is for you. Popular case-maker Smartish is giving one lucky winner a bundle that will keep their new iPhone protected, organized and charged.

Smartish makes inexpensive iPhone cases that people like, and the company racked up more than 30,000 five-star reviews to prove it. This bundle includes three popular iPhone 13 cases and two must-have accessories.

macOS Monterey might debut without handy Universal Control feature

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Universal Control is part of macOS Monterey and iPadOS 15.
Working with multiple Macs and iPads get a lot easier with Universal Control.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple released the tenth and possibly final beta of macOS Monterey on Wednesday and it still doesn’t allow testers to try out Universal Control. Apple will either have to delay the introduction of one of the highlights of macOS 12 or release it without it having gone through the usual beta testing program.

Apple normally announces when the debut of a major feature has been delayed. But it has not done so with Universal Control.

Kingston DataTraveler Max will make you toss your old flash drives [Review]

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Kingston DataTraveler Max review
The Kingston DataTraveler Max is so fast it leaves old USB-A flash drives in the dust.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Kingston DataTraveler Max is blazing fast. It supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 so the new flash drive can transfer data at up to 1,000MBps. And it uses USB-C so can be plugged into any Mac and most iPads.

I tested Kingston’s speed claims under real-world conditions. And data transfers are so quick it made me want to pitch out all my old flash drives.

Alto offers launch discount on new iPhone 13 cases

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Until the end of October you can get a discount on a new Alto iPhone 13 leather case.
Until the end of October you can get a discount on a new Alto iPhone 13 leather case.
Photo: Alto

Alto, which specializes in leather accessories for Apple products, offers a 10% launch discount and extra rewards points for purchases of its new iPhone 13 cases through the end of the month.

The Taiwan-based company launched four leather phone case series for Apple’s latest handsets. Each series offers products fitting iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Soundcore Frames glasses let you listen to music without earbuds

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Soundcore Frames let you stream music and other audio from your iPhone or other Bluetooth device.
Soundcore Frames let you stream audio from your iPhone or other Bluetooth device.
Photo: Anker Innovations

Soundcore Frames look like typical glasses, but they come with a stealth capability: They let you listen to music.

The new “audio eyewear” product packs tiny drivers into the glasses’ temples, so wearers can listen to audio streaming from a Bluetooth device. Plus, a smart design choice that rips a page from the Apple Watch playbook makes them fashionable. But don’t expect augmented reality or other “smart” features.

Cult of Mac got an early look (and listen) during an advance demo of Soundcore Frames.

Turn iPad into external monitor for Windows PC with Luna Display 5.0

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Turn iPad into external monitor for Windows PC with Luna Display 5.0
You can easily expand your Windows PC’s working area by turning your iPad into a second screen.
Photo: Astropad

Luna Display 5.0 allows Windows PC users to make their iPad into a second screen. A hardware/software combination from Astropad lets the two disparate computers communicate via a wireless adapter for USB-C or HDMI.

The app could already turn an iPad into a Mac display with a dongle.

Sneak a peek at Apple TV+ coming-of-age adventure Harriet the Spy

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Sneak a peek at ‘Harriet the Spy’ in trailer for coming of age adventure
Harriet the Spy will premiere November 19, 2021, exclusively on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ released the first trailer for its adaptation of the children’s classic Harriet the Spy. The animated series about the irrepressible Harriet M. Welsch is set to debut on the streaming service on November 19.

Plenty of talent is involved. It’ll star Golden Globe and SAG Award nominee Beanie Feldstein, and include Emmy winner Jane Lynch. The series will be produced by The Jim Henson Company.