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Engrossing Truth Be Told returns to the scene of the crime [Apple TV+ review]

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Octavia Spencer as Poppy Parnell on Truth Be Told
Octavia Spencer plays true-crime podcaster Poppy Parnell.
Photo: Apple TV+

Truth Be Told, the Apple TV+ series about a true-crime podcaster, makes its triumphant return this week after winning a host of awards and setting up a new-yet-old-fashioned kind of TV heroine.

In the show’s second season, which kicks off today, star Octavia Spencer and a host of the greatest actors in America keep Truth Be Told rooted in a relatable reality.

Puzzle to the rhythm of new Tetris Beat

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‘Tetris Beat’ is coming soon to Apple Arcade
Take “Tetris” and give it some rhythm and you get “Tetris Beat.”
Photo: Apple Arcade

This isn’t your parents’ Tetris. N3TNetwork updated the classic puzzle game to give it some rhythm — the result is Tetris Beat.

It launched today on the gaming service Apple Arcade.

Apple could host multiple events in September for a bunch of new products

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There are lots of things that make Apple so great, Cook says.
But don't get your hopes up.
Photo: Apple

 

 

Cupertino has previously staggered its fall events over September, October and November. But according to some sources, it will unleash a barrage of hardware within just a few weeks this time around.

We’re expecting big refreshes for iPhone and Apple Watch, as well as a new iPad and iPad mini, third-generation AirPods, and more.

Google wants to bring Android games to your Mac

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Android games on the way to Mac
It wants to "provide the most reach of any platform."
Photo: Oppo

Google plans to bring Android apps and games to Mac and Windows in the coming years, according to internal documents recently made public as a result of the ongoing lawsuit between Apple and Epic Games.

As part of a project it calls “Games Future,” the company wants to make quality games available “on all screens.” The service is expected to run alongside Stadia, Google’s platform for streaming PC games to any device.

MagStand elevates your iPhone and adds MagSafe compatibility

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MagStand for iPhone
Get yours for under $20.
Photo: MagStand

MagStand is a slim, sturdy, and foldable stand that sticks onto the back of your iPhone and is always ready to go when you need it. It’s great for watching movies and hands-free FaceTime calls — and it’s affordable.

What’s more, MagStand makes your older iPhone compatible with MagSafe accessories. Bag yours today from the Cult of Mac Store.

Steve Jobs planned low-cost iPhone nano back in 2010

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ipod_touch
Apple hoped to make an iPhone nano based on the iPod touch.
Photo: Apple

Rumors circulating way back in 2011 said Apple was planning an iPhone nano, its first budget iOS device. The handset didn’t come out for years and it used a different name, but new evidence proves the early leaks were 100% accurate.

Pokémon Unite brings online team battles to mobile next month

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Pokémon Unite
Preorder today to get "special rewards."
Photo: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon Unite, the newest mobile release from The Pokémon Company, will make its App Store debut next month. You can preorder the team-based battling game now ahead of its official debut on iPhone and iPad.

Nintendo also confirmed this week that the Pokémon Home app will pick up support for its next-generation Pokémon games — Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus — early next year.

This fingerprint-protected USB drive is $50 cheaper for now

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This secure USB drive is $50 off
This USB drive is equipped with a fingerprint scanner.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

A computer isn’t actually the safest place to store precious pictures, important files and irreplaceable documents. A laptop is convenient, but if you want to safely move and store your information, then you need a Tokk Fingerprint USB.

These awesome, secure flash drives are as compact as they are safe. And right now you can get one on sale for $49.99.

90+ organizations urge Tim Cook to drop Apple’s photo scanning plan

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Groups oppose Apple photo scanning
The largest campaign so far against Apple's new child safety features.
Photo: Benjamin Balázs

An international coalition of more than 90 policy and rights groups is urging Apple to drop plans to scan user photos for child abuse material (CSAM).

In an open letter addressed to Apple CEO Tim Cook, published on Thursday, the coalition said it is concerned the feature “will be used to censor protected speech, threaten the privacy and security of people around the world, and have disastrous consequences for children.”

Coi Leray becomes first ‘contestant’ on Apple’s Play, Pause, Delete

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Coi Leray becomes first contestant on Apple’s ‘Play, Pause, Delete’
Apple premiered Play, Pause, Delete with rapper Coi Leray.
Screenshot: Apple

Rapper Coi Leray went on Apple’s Play, Pause, Delete to choose her favorite venues, her go-to sidekick, and the superpower she can’t wait to delete forever. That makes her the star of the first episode of what Apple calls a game show but is more of a talk show. It’s available to all on YouTube.

Netflix gets more immersive with Spatial Audio support

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Spatial audio for Apple TV in tvOS 15
Netflix beats Apple TV to the punch.
Photo: Apple

Netflix has begun rolling out Spatial Audio support. This lets the streaming service offer a surround sound-like experience but without all the speakers. Currently, it requires AirPods Pro or AirPods Max but that’ll change soon.

And Netflix beat out Apple TV in offering the feature.

Learn computer science essentials with this $35 training

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This comprehensive computer science training is 98% off.
This computer science bundle contains 11 courses & 100+ hours of content on Java, C++, Ruby on Rails and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’re looking for a stable career or just want to join an industry where there’s a wealth of opportunity, look no further than computer science. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the computer science and IT field is expected to grow by 13 percent from 2016 to 2026 — faster than the average growth rate of all occupations. Whether you’re an experienced coder looking to beef up your toolkit or a beginner that needs to grow your skills before your first interview, check out the 2021 All-in-One Computer Science Certification Bundle.

‘Double agent’ sells iPhone secrets and then names names to Apple

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‘Double agent’ trades iPhone secrets and then names names to Apple
A mole inside the market for iPhone secrets revealed to Apple the names of others also sharing insider info.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Andrey Shumeyko was part of the market for iPhone prototypes and insider secrets. He was also giving Apple the names of other people who shared this type of information.

His hope was the company would pay him for the info. He was very disappointed.

New Carpool Karaoke season heads for Apple TV+

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Carpool Karaoke
Miss Piggy rides shotgun with Jason Sudeikis in the second season of Carpool Karaoke.
Photo: Apple

Carpool Karaoke: The Series is reportedly getting fifth season and is becoming part of Apple TV+. The Emmy-winning program by James Cordon debuted years before Apple’s streaming service was around but now the two are coming together.