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Parallels 17 brings Windows 11 support and improved gaming to Mac

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Parallels 17 adds Windows 11 support
Run Windows 11 on your Mac today.
Photo: Parallels

Parallels, the excellent virtualization software that makes it easy to run Windows and other operating systems on your Mac, just got a major update that adds a whole bunch of brilliant new features.

The version 17 release adds support for Windows 11 and macOS Monterey virtual machines. It also greatly enhances gaming performance inside Windows, with big improvements to OpenGL and DirectX 11.

C:\>BANNED! Apple gives DOS game emulator for iOS the heave-ho [Updated]

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iDOS 2
Go back to the future with DOS emulation. Well, until Apple pulls the app that is.
Photo: iDOS

Of all the apps Apple might get upset about, one that lets you emulate classic DOS games on your iPhone doesn’t seem like it would make the top of the list.

Someone at Apple clearly disagrees, however. iDOS 2 developer Chaoji Li recently revealed that Apple rejected an update to his DOS-emulation app — on the grounds that it launches executable code. That’s despite the fact that some version of Li’s iDOS app has been in the App Store since 2010.

In July, Li posted Apple’s message warning him about pending removal from the App Store in a blog post titled “iDOS 2 will be gone soon.”

Learn 1,000 new skills for $30 with lifetime access to StackSkills

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Take 1,000+ classes whenever you want for life.
Learn a thousand new skills and more with StackSkills.
Photo: Pexels

There never has to be a time when you’re done learning new things, but sometimes it’s hard to actually find where to learn the things you want to know. All the motivation in the world won’t help you learn to code if you can’t find material to learn from. StackSkills Unlimited Online Courses puts thousands of courses in one place, so you will never run out of something new to learn. And for a limited time, a lifetime subscription is only $30. 

Fantasian gets bigger and better in upcoming major update

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Sakaguchi’s ‘Fantasian’ gets bigger and better in upcoming major update
Fantasian is a really gorgeous game. Enormous effort went into the look.
Photo: Mistwalker/Apple Arcade

Fantasian, which mixes handmade sets with computer-generated characters, will soon be updated with new content that’ll double the amount of gametime available.

Fantasian is the creation of Hironobu Sakaguchi, who also made the classic Final Fantasy series. It debuted on the Apple Arcade gaming service in April and Part 2 is scheduled for release August 13.

Vince Vaughn drama Bad Monkey heading to Apple TV+

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Vince Vaughn drama ‘Bad Monkey’ heading to Apple TV+
Apple TV+ picked up Bad Monkey, a detective drama based on a popular novel.
Photo: Grand Central Publishing

Vince Vaughn is the latest star set to appear on Apple TV+. The streaming service picked up Bad Monkey, a detective drama starring Vaughn and written by Bill Lawrence, who co-created Apple’s hit Ted Lasso.

Surprising iOS 14.8 update might be on the way

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iOS 14 adoption. It’s a good thing.
iOS 14 just keeps going and going. Next on the docket is apparently iOS 14.8.
Photo: Apple

Don’t think iOS 14 is ready to ride off into the sunset. There’s strong evidence there could still be another version released, even as Apple works on iOS 15. But it’s not clear what will be in iOS 14.8.

44% of iPhone users already plan to upgrade to iPhone 13

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This concept image shows how the iPhone 13 notch might shrink.
A smaller notch isn’t the feature most potential iPhone 13 buyers are looking forward to. Not even close.
Artists concept: Cult of Mac

Apple has yet to unveil the iPhone 13 but a survey shows that nearly half of current iPhone users are ready to upgrade. The potential buyers are making the decisions are apparently based on rumored features, and the survey totals which ones people are most looking forward to.

Save $30 on a brand-new Apple Pencil 2 — now just $99

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Apple Pencil 2 in Hand
Bag yours before the discount disappears!
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Pick up the newest Apple Pencil for iPad with a generous $30 off the usual price from Best Buy. The saving applies to brand-new units backed by a one-year Apple warranty, which are now just $99.

The discount won’t last long, so enjoy it while you can.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

D.C. teens get free AirPods with COVID-19 vaccine

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AirPods 2 pairing with iPhone
Aged between 12 and 17? Get vaccinated to get yours.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Washington, D.C., says it will give teens free AirPods — and the chance to win even bigger prizes — for receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.

The promotion, which hopes to encourage widespread adoption for the vaccine among youths, applies to those aged 12 to 17 who get their first shot at one of three sites throughout the city.

Enhance how you present with LiveWebinar Pro, on sale for over 80% off

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LiveWebinar Pro is 86% off for a limited time.
LiveWebinar Pro is the most advanced award-winning webinar platform out there.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The tools we use to work and learn online are improving every day, and one area that is getting some much-needed attention is the platforms we can use for webinars. The software that has been available in the past made it possible for people to meet, work, and share information online, but it didn’t often make that process easier. Webinars have been around for a long time, but only recently is the technology at a point where it is this easy and efficient to host events online. LiveWebinar Pro is an award-winning webinar platform that gives you so much control over every stage of your experience, and right now a lifetime subscription is on sale for $99.99.

Next-gen MacBook Pro with mini-LED screen takes big step toward release

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Apple_macbookpro-13-inch_screen_05042020
Apple could be making 800,000 units a month by late November.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s next-generation MacBook Pro models, which are expected to be the first Mac units with mini-LED displays, have entered mass production ahead of their official debut, according to a new report.

The new 14- and 16-inch machines, which could also ship with revamped designs and even faster Apple Silicon chips, are scheduled to arrive before the end of the year.

Apple TV, HomePod combo on the way to combat weak living room strategy

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Apple TV 4K reviews: Finally more than a hobby?
But we'll have to wait a while for it.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV engineers say “there isn’t much optimism” over the company’s weak living room hardware strategy, but there plans to change it with new devices, according to a new report from one reliable reporter.

Cupertino is still planning a combined Apple TV, HomePod and FaceTime camera — but it is not expected to appear until “around 2023.”

Apple looks to ease CSAM photo scanning concerns with new FAQ

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Apple CSAM photo scanning
Clearing up the confusion.
Photo: Apple

Apple defends its plan to scan user photos for child sexual abuse imagery in a newly published FAQ that aims to quell growing concerns from privacy advocates.

The document provides “more clarity and transparency,” Apple said, after noting that “many stakeholders including privacy organizations and child safety organizations have expressed their support” for the move.

The FAQ explains the differences between child sexual abuse imagery scanning in iCloud and the new child-protection features coming to Apple’s Messages app. It also reassures users that Apple will not entertain government requests to expand the features.

Get more use from your Apple gadgets with this iOS device manager

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This iOS device manager is on sale for multiple devices.
This iOS device manager will backup your files, move music and more with this great deal.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

For how useful a lot of our mobile devices are, keeping them updated, organized, and safe can be a lot of work. Between backing up your data, managing your apps, updating your music, and even just cleaning up your message folders, there’s a lot to do with mobile devices that isn’t actually using them. iMazing makes all of those necessary, but tedious tasks a lot easier, and it works for iPhone, iPad, and your computer. Right now, iMazing iOS Device Manager is on sale with coverage for two devices at $20, three devices for $25, and five for $30. 

Track pins, identify birds and boost your productivity [Awesome Apps of the Week]

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Awesome Apps of The Week for Aug. 8, 2021
Whether you want to bring technology to your hobby or boost productivity, this week’s Awesome Apps are worth checking out!
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

The “Shazam for bird sounds” and a genius way to digitize your pin collection kick off the “Awesome Apps of the Week” series this week. On top of that, a couple of interesting new productivity apps to simplify your calendar, task list, email, and notes. And best of all, they’re all free, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Free IMDb TV service brings classic movies and shows to iPhone, iPad

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Free IMDb TV service brings classic movies and shows to iPhone, iPad
A new IMDb TV app offers thousands of classic movies and series. It’s free but advertiser supported.
Photo: Amazon

Looking for something budget-friendly to do this weekend? IMDb TV offers thousands of free classic movies and series. It costs nothing, and a version for iPhone and iPad debuted recently.

The service from Amazon includes hit shows like Mad Men, Chicago Fire and Lost. Movies currently available include How to Train Your Dragon, Boyz n’ The Hood, Wolf of Wallstreet, A Beautiful Mind and many more.

Make custom fractal-generated animations with Amberlight 2

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You can create amazing animations easily with Amberlight 2.
Create and animate with Amberlight 2.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As beautiful as your art and animation might be, sometimes you just want a complex splash of color that folds in on itself in an infinite, scintillating spiral. Other times you might just want a cool image for a space scene. Regardless of the reason, a program that can help design fractal-generated images, backgrounds, effects, and animations can add a lot to your work, and that’s exactly what Amberlight 2 does.

Hey kids, fight crime with Batman in new AR app for iOS

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Games, comics, stickers -- the new Bat-Tech app for iOS packs a lot of fun.
Games, comics, stickers -- the new Bat-Tech app for iOS packs a lot of fun.
Photo: Warner Bros.

On Thursday Warner Bros. launched its DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app for iOS, aimed at kids aged 6 to 12 (but who’s counting?). The app comes loaded with exclusive Batman content, mini-games, augmented reality (AR) filters and digital comic books.

Jump onto Super Leap Day platformer on Apple Arcade

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Jump onto ‘Super Leap Day’ platformer on Apple Arcade
Float up, leap high and raise the roof in Super Leap Day.
Photo: Nitrome

There’s no reason leap day should only happen once every four years. With Nitrome’s Super Leap Day, it can be every day! This fast-paced one-button platformer offers a new level to play every single day.

And it’s not the only game to debut on Apple Arcade this Friday. A pair of classic titles are also available for subscribers at no additional cost.