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Now anyone can play Xbox games on iPhone and iPad

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Xbox Cloud Gaming for iPad and iPhone
The wait is over. iPad and iPhone users can now enjoy Xbox Cloud Gaming, which includes 100+ console-quality games.
Photo: Microsoft

Xbox Cloud Gaming is now available for any iPhone, iPad or Windows 10 user who wants it. It’s been in invite-only beta testing for months, but now all that’s required is an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to start using the gaming service, which allows users to play 100+ console-quality games.

Linux 5.13 launches with support for M1 Macs

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Linux on an M1 Mac is possible. With a lot of work.
Start using Linux on your M1-based MacBook or Mac mini.
Photo: Cult of Mac

The Linux 5.13 Kernel Linus Torvalds released in final form on Sunday adds support for M1-powered Macs in the open-source operating system for the first time.

The update followed a public testing phase in May. It adds support for the M1 chip as well as a handful of others based on the ARM architecture. As a result, people can now run Linux natively on Apple Silicon hardware. That includes the new M1 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini and 24-inch iMac.

Hide your real phone number with this bestselling app

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This phone number app helps keep your real number hidden
Hushed Private Phone Line acts just like a second phone line without any commitment or expensive fees.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There are plenty of reasons why you’d want to keep your personal phone number hidden. Perhaps you want to sign up for a service, escape promotional calls or just want some guaranteed anonymity when selling an item over Craigslist. Or maybe you’re planning on going on a date with someone you met over an app.

Whatever the case may be, it’s easy to keep your phone number private by using a second one. Hushed Private Phone Line can keep your number totally private, and lifetime subscriptions are on sale now for $19.99, or 86% off.

Apple allegedly requires employees to wear body cameras to stop leaks [Updated]

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Axon Body 2 body camera
The Axon Body 2 body camera could become a common sight at Apple headquarters.
Photo: Axon

Apple is reportedly forcing some of its employees to wear “police-grade” body cameras in an effort to stop them from leaking proprietary information.

Recently, the company stepped up efforts to stop internal info from appearing in the press. This is apparently the latest move.

Update: Mark Gurman from Bloomberg said on Twitter that there’s no truth to this report.

Sennheiser launches XS Lavmic for content creators on the go

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Just clip on the new Sennheiser XS Lavmic and record sort of like a pro.
Just clip on the new Sennheiser XS Lavmic and record sort of like a pro.
Photo: Sennheiser

You may be used to simply recording audio on your mobile device for those endless cat-video voiceovers of yours. But if you want clearer, more-focused audio for your content creation, a small microphone like Sennheiser’s new XS Lavmic will usually do a better job.

See the amazing world-building in second trailer for Apple TV+’s epic Foundation

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See the amazing world-building in second trailer for Apple TV+’s epic ‘Foundation’
Apple went all in on the special effects for “Foundation.” And the writer is top-notch.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ finally revealed the debut date for Foundation, its much-anticipated adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s classic series of novels. The wait will be over on September 24, 2021.

And a second “teaser trailer” debuted on Monday… though it does a bit more than tease.

When the only way to go is up [Setups]

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When you can't built out, built up.
When you can't built out, built up.
Photo: xelferz@Reddit

Some computer setups are a little like Manhattan. When you have nowhere else to build horizontally, the only way to go is vertical. Hence the monitor tower seen in Redditor xelferz’s MacBook Pro-and iPad Air-based workstation.

Pressed into the corner of a narrow room with a vaulted ceiling, xelferz’s setup stacks a 34-inch LG ultrawide display on top of a 49-inch, curved ultrawide LG display. A webcam sits on top of the lower screen. The whole thing looks a bit like a tree.

Snapchat promises fix for frequent app crashes on iPhone [Update]

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Snapchat icon
Avoid version 11.34.0.35 if you can.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

UPDATE: A fix for this problem is now available. Download the latest Snapchat update from the App Store.

Snapchat has promised to roll out a fix for frequent app crashes on iPhone after its latest update. Version 11.34.0.35 of the app sends some users back to their Home screen immediately after being opened.

HyperJuice 4-in-1 MagSafe wireless charger stand folds up for easy transport

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HyperJuice 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand folds for easy transport
HyperJuice 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand holds up an iPhone 12 and Apple Watch, and can juice up AirPods too. And it folds!
Photo: Sanho/Hyper

The HyperJuice 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand includes a MagSafe-compatible charger and an Apple Watch charger. In its base are two more charging pads for AirPods and/or another phone.

Plus, Sanho’s stand offers a couple of tricks. It can fold flat to go into a backpack or suitcase. And it can get power from either USB-C or a DC charger.

Apple receives iPhone 13 components ahead of mass production

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iPhone 12 mini
It's almost that time again.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple has begun pulling in new components for iPhone 13 lineup, with mass production scheduled to begin in the coming weeks ahead of a big launch this fall.

Sources in the supply chain say the orders will bring significant revenue increases for a number of Apple’s suppliers, including Cyntec and TXC.

Learn French or Spanish from native speakers this summer with Lingoda

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Get live language learning instruction with Lingoda
Native speakers will teach you French and Spanish in these affordable language courses.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Tutors can be underrated. Having a dedicated, specialized scholar educate you on a subject at your own pace and on your own time makes even the most difficult concepts comprehensible. However, tutors are often underutilized because people either find their rates too expensive or decide to go it alone.

Apple’s plan for $1 billion Irish data center isn’t dead yet

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Irishcenter
A mock up of Apple's proposed data center in Ireland.
Photo: Apple

Apple seems to be reviving plans to build a $1 billion data center in Athenry, Ireland.

It looked like the project was dead after Apple said in 2018 that “delays in the approval process” forced it to make other plans. But the company has now submitted a second application to extend planning permission.

New MacBook Pro and iPad mini remain on track for 2021

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This 14-inch MacBook Pro concept is by Renders by Ian
It could be Apple's fastest Mac to date.
Concept: Ian Zelbo/Renders by Ian

Big upgrades for the MacBook Pro and iPad mini are still on track for a 2021 release. A new entry-level iPad, aimed primarily at students, will also appear this year, according to a new report.

Apple is said to be fully focused on new iPhone and Apple Watch upgrades coming this fall for now, but other hardware revisions are expected before the end of 2021.

Get lifetime VPN protection for you and a friend with this $50 Ivacy VPN deal

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Protect your data for life with this top-rated VPN, on sale now for less than $50
Never worry about hackers again with two separate lifetime subscriptions to this top-rated VPN.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Everyone needs a solid virtual private network. We spend more time online than ever, and using a VPN is the secret to keeping your private data protected, your online banking secure, and staying protected from hackers — especially when using public Wi-Fi.

Last chance! Start the summer right with a Color Pop iPhone case [Cult of Mac Giveaway]

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Colorful iPhone cases: The Casetify Color Pop collection comes in vibrant colors.
The Color Pop collection from Casetify comes in vibrant colors.
Photo: Casetify

Nothing screams summer more than sweet, sticky popsicles. And Casetify, a purveyor of durable and vibrant cases, just launched a Color Pop line that will make your iPhone look like a popsicle — but without the mess. If you want a pop of color for your iPhone, make sure to enter this week’s giveaway. Enter and you could win one of five Casetify cases.

To sweeten the giveaway even more, Casetify is giving all Cult of Mac readers 15% off cases this week. Just use the code COM15 at checkout.

iOS 15 brings big changes to Safari — but don’t worry [Cult of Mac Magazine 407]

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In iOS 15, Safari's Address Bar gets a new address.
In iOS 15, Safari's Address Bar gets a new address.
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

I’m too terrified to put the iOS 15 beta on my iPhone. Luckily, Cult of Mac writer Ed Hardy isn’t afraid to sacrifice his smartphone’s stability — and maybe his sanity.

He’s been selflessly testing the next-gen operating system to evaluate the changes coming soon to an iPhone near you. And he’s ready to tell you exactly what to expect in Safari in iOS 15.

Some folks seem upset by Apple’s more-controversial changes, but Ed says not to worry. Find out what he likes about Safari in iOS 15, and what he doesn’t, in this week’s cover story. Download Cult of Mac Magazine to read for free on your iPhone or iPad.

Also this week, we’ve got reviews of new documentaries Fathom and Who Are You, Charlie Brown? And, of course, all the usual Apple news, reviews and how-tos.

Keep your Apple gear charged with a 4-in-1 wireless charger, now just $41

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wireless charger
This versatile wireless charger powers up four devices at once.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There are two universal truths in life: 1) We will always want the latest iPhone, no matter how perfectly fine the one we currently have is. And 2) You can never have enough chargers.

Never underestimate the luxury of always having your devices charged. Having easily accessible chargers usefully placed around your home simply makes life a breeze.

One of the best ways to do that? With this awesome 4-in-1 Versatile Wireless Charger, which is on sale today for just $40.95. That’s a 31% discount off the regular price of $60.

iOS 15 will bulk up to WPA3 security for hotspot connections

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iPadOS 14 is good but iPadOS 15 just needs some new features to even better.
It’s not too soon to start an iPadOS 15 wishlist.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

When iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 finds their way to the masses in the fall, one upgrade may be easy to miss. Hotspot connections made from iPhones and iPads will feature the stronger WPA3 security protocol, making those mini networks more secure and harder to hack.

Logitech MX Travel Case gives your mouse a proper home away from home

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Your Logitech mouse is ready to hit the road with the new Logitech MX Travel Case.
Your Logitech mouse is ready to hit the road with the new MX Travel Case.
Photo: Logitech

If you love your Logitech mouse as much as I do, you probably hate jamming it unceremoniously into your suitcase. So undignified!

And yet, if you’re like me, you likely depend on your mouse. For me, it’s crucial if I want to remain comfortable and also get some serious work done on the road. The new Logitech MX Travel Case provides proper housing for your precious pointer (and some other gear, too).

Who Are You, Charlie Brown? pulls the football on Peanuts doc [Apple TV+ review]

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Who Are You, Charlie Brown?
An early drawing shows Charlie Brown on the mound.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ has another hagiographic documentary for you, and this one proves just as insubstantial as its last aimless doc. It’s called Who Are You, Charlie Brown?, and it premieres today on Apple’s streaming service.

Unfortunately, if you were hoping for a deep dive into the craft and artistic impulses behind Charles M. Schulz and his world-renowned Peanuts characters, maybe read a book instead.

iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM

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iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM iPadOS 15 gives beefy iPad apps access to more RAM
Powerful iPad graphics apps will have access to more RAM on iPadOS 15.
Photo: Apple

iPadOS 15 lets applications request more than the usual amount of RAM. This removes a limitation in iOS 14 that kept apps from taking full advantage of the 2021 iPad Pro models with more RAM than any of their predecessors.