Gorgeous, high-definition monitors hold a place of honor in many a computer setup. And sometimes it’s several displays, actually. But we rarely come across one of the most amazing monitors out there: the Apple Pro Display XDR. Why? Well, it costs $6,000, for one thing. Or, if you’re lucky, not quite that much.
So if you’re not a wealthy or financially irresponsible person, what’s a reasonable alternative to the Pro Display XDR?
Apple is planning to bring high-definition FaceTime cameras to all next-generation Mac models, one tipster claims. The move will start with the upcoming MacBook Pro refresh, expected later this year.
A larger iMac powered by Apple Silicon is “en route” and could feature an even faster “M2X” chip, according to reliable reporter Mark Gurman.
The next-generation all-in-one is expected to replace the 27-inch iMac with an even larger screen — perhaps around 30 inches — and could well be Apple’s fastest desktop to date.
Apple’s new iPad mini is on track to launch this fall with its “biggest redesign” to date, according to one reliable reporter.
The sixth-generation device, which could look like a more compact version of the iPad Air, is expected to feature a larger edge-to-edge screen. It could be powered by the lightning-fast A14 Bionic chip.
There’s probably nothing more annoying than your phone dying right when you need it the most. Ditto for your AirPods or Apple Watch in the middle of a workout. Instead of dealing with a mess of different cables and chargers to power up your favorite devices, this 3-in-1 Apple Watch & Lightning Charger Cable can charge three devices at once.
It’s the perfect way to minimize cable clutter and ensure that all your necessary charging cords can be located quickly and conveniently. And it’s on sale now for just $16.99!
FaceTime is about to get even better. In iOS 15, which is available now as a free public beta, Apple’s proprietary messaging service gets great new audio and video features. Plus, you can use it to communicate with Android and Windows folks as well.
Find out what these new FaceTime features do, and how to use them, in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. Also don’t miss this week:
Read all about it in our iOS mag, or get the links below.
If you have a dog that runs away or just doesn’t listen, this week’s giveaway is for you. The CollarTrek dog collar securely holds an AirTag in place, making sure Fido’s location is easily trackable at all times.
Keep your dog safe and sound by entering this week’s giveaway. Enter and you could win one of four CollarTrek Leather AirTag dog collars.
Apple Watches carry quite the price tag, and for good reason. The state-of-the-art smartwatch integrates seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, making it a convenient companion. However, the Apple Watch band comes with a steep price tag, and there’s nothing really “smart” about it. A high-quality silicone watch band serves the exact same purpose as a $99 steel mesh one.
The popular Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso notched more nominations than any other show for the inaugural HCA TV Awards, with eight. Apple TV+ got 15 nominations overall.
Working student Chris Reed told Cult of Mac he put a year of work into his “slow build” home office and computer setup. In that year he strove to achieve a clean and balanced look, and, judging by his pics and comments, it seems he got there.
Reed said he wanted to go with dual monitors rather than a wide screen display to save some money. He’s pleased with his choice of 32-inch Samsung 1080p curved monitors, run along with his 2020 MacBook Pro and his iPad Pro.
Lisey has both of her sisters by her side as crazed stalker Jim Dooley approaches for their final showdown. But is everything as cut-and-dried as it appears?
The penultimate episode of Lisey’s Story, the Stephen King miniseries on Apple TV+, has one last round of games to play.
First there was 2015’s brilliant Alto’s Adventure. Then there was 2018’s superb Alto’s Odyssey. Now the third entry in the series, Alto’s Odyssey: The Lost City, is coming to Apple Arcade July 16 — and, boy, does the newly released trailer get our hopes up.
Describing the Alto’s games is a bit difficult. They’re, in essence, endless runners, in which the focus is on traversing environments such as snowy peaks and sandy dunes. But if that makes it sound like a sport’s game, you’d be wrong. These titles are all about the gorgeous, almost hypnotic graphics and sound that make it feel more like Monument Valley than SSX: Tricky.
Check out the trailer below.
Joining the Apple ecosystem is easy — all devices complement one another with compatible software, chargers and proprietary technology. What isn’t as easy is keeping these powerful devices charged up for constant everyday use.
Those entrenched in the Apple world use the Apple Watch on the go, a MacBook for work and an iPhone for the entire day. That can make it nearly impossible to use all these devices without worrying about a charge.
There’s no outcome yet announced for Epic Games’ battle with Apple in the United States. But the Australian Federal Court just handed a victory (of sorts) to the Fornite maker: giving it permission to proceed with its fight with Apple in Oz.
The lawsuit alleges that Apple is abusing its position in the marketplace by not allowing companies to distribute their apps on iOS outside the App Store. Epic’s efforts to battle Apple in Australia temporarily halted earlier this year due to a jurisdiction clauses stopping Australian lawsuits from proceeding if a similar case is being heard elsewhere in the world. The judge said they wanted to see what the US case would conclude before continue.
However, three Federal Court judges have ruled that it can continue — since it involves conduct in the Australian market that is of importance to the public.
Mini-LED screens, branded by Apple as “Liquid Retina XDR” displays, are reportedly coming to MacBook Pro. In a note to clients Friday, seen by Cult of Mac, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models — featuring Liquid Retina XDR displays and an all-new design — will enter mass production in the third-quarter of 2021.
This contrasts with a May report that claimed the launch of Apple’s mini LED-backlit MacBook series had been postponed to 2022. It’s not clear whether that information was incorrect, or whether Apple and its suppliers have been able to solve whatever problem they may have been facing.
Apple’s swanky mini-LED display apparently won’t be limited to the larger iPad Pro next year.
According to a Friday research note from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, seen by Cult of Mac, both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch 2022 iPad Pro models likely will come equipped with mini-LED screens.
Razer is known for aggressively designed, gaming-friendly gear, but its new Opus X active noise cancelling (ANC), over-ear Bluetooth headphones appear to be aimed at least in part at mainstream consumers.
The comparatively minimalist headphones offer an accessible price point and some desirable features.
Though cloud storage has made drive-based storage seem a little like an also-ran, local, portable, physical storage still has a place. So it’s good companies still try to improve it. TeamGroup has released three speedy new USB-3.2 flash drives, including one that carries the name “Extreme Speed.”
Director Todd Haynes’ first foray into documentary filmmaking, The Velvet Underground, got rave reviews after its world premiere Wednesday at the Cannes Film Festival. And that bodes well for the music doc’s debut on Apple TV+ and in theaters on October 15.
UPDATE 7/8/21: Elago’s brilliant AirTag keychain is now available in new colors — stone, lavender and dark gray — and its price tag has been lowered from $15.99 to $11.99.
Make your AirTag infinitely more useful by combining it with an Elago Case keychain and attaching it to almost anything.
Made from sturdy silicone that keeps your AirTag protected at all times, the case also features a built-in clip that can be easily attached to any bag, coat, bicycle, and more. It’s also affordable at under $12.
It’s built-in USB-C port makes connection iPad Pro to many peripherals a lot easier than it has been in the past. But for most things, you’ll still need an adapter — like this highly rated 6-in-1 solution from Rayrow.
Get yours on Amazon today to enjoy $31.10 off its usual price.
Apple has teamed up with the BBC for a documentary that will provide a timeline of the President of the United States in the hours after the 9/11 attacks. 9/11: Inside the President’s War Room will debut on Apple TV+ this September, marking the 20th anniversary of the attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
Narrated by actor Jeff Daniels, the documentary will include never-before-seen testimony from former President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, national security advisor Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State Colin Powell, chief of staff Andy Card, director of communications Dan Bartlett, and many, many others. It will also include filmed archive and close to 200 previously unpublished photographs.
Pick up an affordable Apple notebook in Woot’s latest sale on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro refurbs. Prices start at just $509.99 for a 2017 MacBook Air, while 2020 units can be yours from as little as $799.99.
The discounts are good for today only, so enjoy them while you can.
Warren Buffett is one of the greatest financial masterminds of our time. But he’s not infallible. Sometimes even Warren makes mistakes — and one of those recent mistakes was called Apple.
Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway firm has long invested in Apple, with Buffett once saying that, “I don’t think of Apple as a stock. I think of it as our third business. It’s probably the best business I know in the world. And that is a bigger commitment than we have in any business except insurance and the railroad.”
Apple has done extremely well for Buffett. The company’s stake in Apple has tripled in value in the past three years. On Wednesday, as Apple closed at a new all-time high, it was worth $128 billion. It accounts for more than 40% of Berkshire’s US portfolio, while Berkshire is Apple’s second larger shareholder (after index fund giant Vanguard.) However, Buffett has also been pruning his Apple stake. And it’s cost him.
All dual-monitor users know that once you try it, you can never go back. But, that’s difficult when you’re traveling or working from home with your laptop.
Now, the innovative Mobile Pixels Duex display makes it possible to enjoy two screens while on the go or with limited desk space, and two models are on sale now for $229.