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Colorful Cable Blocks will rid you of troublesome tangles

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Cable management blocks
No more cable clutter.
Photo: Function101

Sick of seeing a sea of tangled cables on your desk or nightstand? Restore order with a four-pack of colorful Cable Blocks.

They’re weighted (not stuck down) so they can be easily repositioned whenever you like, and they’ll hold onto almost any cable to prevent it from mingling with others — or from falling off your table.

Microsoft overtakes Apple to become world’s most valuable company

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Microsoft overtakes Apple world's most valuable
Apple's market cap has fallen to $2.43 trillion.
Screenshot: Cult of Mac

After Apple stock tanked following the company’s earnings call on Thursday, arch rival Microsoft overtook it to become the world’s most valuable company with a market cap of $2.46 trillion. But Apple isn’t far behind.

Cupertino’s market cap currently sits at around $2.43 trillion. Apple has warned, however, that ongoing supply issues could lead to weaker-than-expected results for the final quarter — typically Apple’s most lucrative — of the year.

Halloween Sale: $14 genuine lifetime Windows 10 Pro key + free Windows 11 upgrade

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CdkeySales offers free upgrades to Windows 11 with Windows 10 purchases.
CdkeySales offers free upgrades to Windows 11 with Windows 10 purchases.
Image: Cult of Mac

This software activation key sale post is presented by CdkeySales.com.

Some previous CdkeySales.com discounts offered Cult of Mac readers 20% off the company’s already-low-priced software product activation keys. But now, in CdkeySales’ Halloween Sale, you can get a whopping 30% off great products like Genuine Lifetime Windows 10 Pro and many more. See the list below — and don’t forget to use coupon code CULT to lock in your best savings.

Risqué business: Google Photos Locked Folder feature coming to iPhone

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Google Photos Locked Folder
Coming early next year.
Photo: Google

Save others the shock and misery of stumbling across your nudes by keeping them protected inside Google Photos. The service’s handy Locked Folder features is making the leap from Android to iOS “early next year.”

Locked Folder gives you a place to put sensitive photos and videos where are secured by a passcode or biometric security protections.

This top-rated Mac app is better than any paper planner

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Stop stressing and let Pagico organize your projects.
Pagico is the best task- and data-management Mac app around.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You can transform your stressful tasks into manageable work with Pagico Task & Data Management Software. On sale for just $25, this task-management multitool will streamline some of your most time-consuming tasks.

You can use Pagico to visualize your work, giving you a simplified and intuitive way of seeing the status of different projects. And if you have a big project you’re struggling to wrap your head around, Pagico can help you turn smaller tasks into lists — and lists into actionable timelines.

Invasion finally gets to the aliens [Apple TV+ review]

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Invasion review: Golshifteh Farahani remains the most interesting performer in this sci-fi series.
Golshifteh Farahani remains the most interesting performer in this sci-fi series.
Photo: Apple TV+

Civilization is collapsing, the adults in the room are dying, and the aliens are starting to reveal themselves. Does anyone stand a chance? Apple TV+’s pulp sci-fi series Invasion encounters new hurdles and reaches paranoid heights this week.

Both Monty the school bully and Ahmed the cheating husband near the limits of their likability and desperation, while Caspar, Aneesha and Mitsuki find new stores of courage and resolve to combat their horrible new realities. And everybody’s fates rest upon what happens next.

USB connectivity problems plague macOS Monterey users

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Satechi's portable USB-C hub is designed for home or travel.
Are your USB-C peripherals working properly under macOS Monterey?
Photo: Satechi

A growing number of reports from macOS Monterey users suggest Apple’s newest operating system has issues with USB-C hubs and some other USB peripherals — some of which do not work at all.

Some users say that while there USB-C hub is detected and most ports work as intended, USB 3.0 ports supposedly aren’t seen by macOS.

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.