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Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Air 4 adds keyboard, trackpad without Bluetooth

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Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Air 4 adds keyboard, trackpad without Bluetooth
Convert your iPad Air 4 into a detachable laptop with Logitech Combo Touch.
Photo: Logitech

Logitech’s Combo Touch keyboard case just launched for iPad Air 4. It includes a detachable keyboard and trackpad, as well as a protective case with kickstand. And Bluetooth is unnecessary.

There are versions for other iPad models out already. And there is a new color option for these.

Stop spam calls for good — and exact revenge on spammers — for $40 with RoboKiller

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RoboKiller's apps' answer bots block 99% of Unwanted Calls and Messages
Live a life free of spam calls with this highly rated blocker, on sale for less than $40 today.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Feel like you’ve been getting a ton of spam calls lately? Like, even more than usual? You wouldn’t be alone. In fact, there was a shocking 18% increase in spam calls during the pandemic. 

Thankfully, you can do something about it with RoboKiller Spam Call & Text Blocker, an app that stops nuisance calls in their tracks. Even more excitingly, two-year subscriptions have dropped to just $39.99 — almost half off the regular price of $79.

Now, just imagine the peace of two whole years without spam calls …

New iPhone 13 dummies and renders show incremental changes

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Dickson's dummies show small changes to four possible iPhone 13 models.
Dickson's dummies show small changes to four possible iPhone 13 models.
Photo: Sonny Dickson

Leaker Sonny Dickson showed off iPhone 13 dummies Wednesday of four possible models that could be released this fall, in addition to case renders and video of a case, included below.

They all suggest a handful of tweaks to iPhone 12 that may be forthcoming in the new models.

Wristcam’s Live Video Messaging on Apple Watch lets you go phone-free

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Wristcam gives your Apple Watch dual cameras and live video messaging.
Wristcam gives your Apple Watch dual cameras and live video messaging.
Photo: Wristcam

This post is brought to you in collaboration with our friends at Wristcam.

Dick Tracy comics gave its tough-guy detective a two-way-radio wristwatch in the 1940s, presaging today’s Apple Watch and other smartwatches. Now Wristcam is turning your Apple Watch into a walkie-talkie-style communicator.

Wristcam, the first (and only) smart-band camera for Apple Watch to receive the “Made for Apple Watch” designation, today announces its live video messaging capability is available on the App Store. And Cult of Mac readers can get a special discount on this unique Apple Watch accessory now through July 30, 2021. Just use our link to get $30 off a Wristcam.

Apple preps more-affordable 6.7-inch iPhone for 2022

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2022 iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max
In 2022, every iPhone will allegedly be either 6.1 inches or 6.7 inches.
Photo: Apple

Apple will release two 6.7-inch iPhone models in 2022, according to a reliable analyst. There’ll be a high-end “Pro” model in this size, but the second will reportedly have a lower price.

The iPhone Max will supposedly replace the 5.4-inch iPhone mini in Apple’s product lineup. That model reportedly isn’t selling well, and it seems Apple is going to the opposite extreme in screen size for its successor.

Adobe Substance 3D Collection revamps tools in one suite

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Adobe's new Substance 3D Collection packs lots of creative capabilities.
Adobe's new Substance 3D Collection packs lots of creative capabilities.
Photo: Adobe

Today Adobe released its new Adobe Substance 3D Collection, a suite of interoperable tools and assets that support 3D creativity. It addresses a near-future the company pictures where 3D work’s not just for blockbuster movies and games anymore, but for anyone.

The updated apps now sit in one integrated subscription package, intended as a do-it-all capture-and-create place for 3D art, sampling and virtual photography. The tools can enhance video games, e-commerce and marketing projects, and even virtual reality content.

M1 MacBook Air handles dual external monitors [Setups]

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There's a trick to running dual external monitors with an M1 MacBook, but it's not very tricky.
There's a trick to running dual external monitors with an M1 MacBook, but it's not very tricky.
Photo: ImajiiMac@Reddit

One of the downsides you hear about the M1 MacBook Air and the M1 MacBook Pro is that they officially (natively) support just one external display in addition to the laptop’s screen, not dual external monitors.

Well, that may be true in the user manual. But Redditor ImajiiMac is among those discovering that “official” ain’t everything.

Apple TV+ video takes viewers behind the scenes of new show Physical

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Exercise your eyes with trailer for Apple TV+ dramedy ‘Physical’
Rose Bryne stars in Physical, a new dark comedy that debuted this month on Apple TV+.
Screenshot: Apple

A new Apple TV+ video gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the creation of new perm- and leotard-filled dark comedy Physical. The retro series follows the 1980s transformation of a timid housewife into an aerobics influencer extraordinaire.

The four-and-a-half-minute “making of” video features input from Physical stars Rose Byrne, Rory Scovel, Della Saba and Dierdre Friel, along with series showrunner Annie Weisman. It includes discussions of the show’s themes, including central character Sheila Rubin’s eating disorder.

Apple thinks antitrust reform could create ‘race to the bottom’ for security

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Privacy
Apple says proposed antitrust regulation would endanger consumer privacy.
Photo: Apple

Apple thinks five pieces of antitrust reform legislation could undermine innovation and competition in tech, as well as creating a “race to the bottom” for security and privacy. Apple laid out its concerns in a letter sent ahead of Wednesday’s meeting of the House Judiciary Committee to discuss the proposed laws.

The letter — sent to chairmen Jerrold Nadler and David Cicilline, and ranking members Jim Jordan and Ken Buck — lays out Apple’s arguments for why the government needs to reconsider the five bills.

Synchronize all your folders, files and disks instantly for $14.99

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Backup and synchronize your data for 50 percent off
This macOS utility will sync and back up all your important data.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With consumers constantly upgrading devices and sharing files, it can be difficult to store and synchronize all that data in the cloud. That’s why so many companies charge for cloud storage in order to keep up with the deluge of new photos, music files and documents as we continue on with our lives.

But with FoldersSynchonizer, you can synchronize and back up all your valuable files, folders and disks easily. And that means you can securely restore and update your computer with the click of a button. Available now at 50% off for just $14.99, this nifty utility for macOS will ensure that you stay up to date with all of your data.

Apple says allowing sideloading iPhone apps would ‘actually eliminate choice’

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App Store
Stick to the App Store, Apple says.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s none too keen on sideloading, the process of allowing apps to be installed on iPhones and iPads from outside of the App Store. While some critics take issue with this as an example of Cupertino’s uncompromising monopolistic tendencies, Apple — unsurprisingly — has a different take.

In an interview with Fast Company, timed to coincide with publication of a white paper on the subject, Apple’s head of user privacy, Erik Neuenschwander, explains the company’s take.

Spoiler alert: It’s all about security.

Sonic the Hedgehog speeds onto Minecraft to celebrate 30th birthday

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Minecraft
Thirty years speeds by, too fast for the naked eye.
Photo: Minecraft

It’s somehow been 30 years since Sega’s rapid blue hedgehog mascot, Sonic, first speeded his way onto the Genesis and into video game history on June 23, 1991.

To celebrate the occasion, Minecraft has released an official DLC pack that lets you play through recreations of some of Sonic’s most iconic levels from the original Sonic the Hedgehog inside, well, Minecraft. It even includes blocky rings to collect.

If you’re a fan of Sega’s iconic spiky mammal, it looks like it’s well worth checking out. This 3D endless runner is all yours for 1,340 coins — or, approximately, $8 in real world terms. Check out the trailer below.

Tim Cook called Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats worried about antitrust legislation

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Tim Cook congressional antitrust hearing: Should Tim Cook be worried about Congress breaking up Apple?
"Or how about we don't?"
Photo: C-SPAN

Tim Cook reportedly got in touch with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in addition to other members of Congress, to voice his worries about possible antitrust legislation, the New York Times reported Tuesday.

The Democrats are currently circulating drafts of antitrust bills that could affect the likes of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google. If passed, these bills could impact Apple’s ability to own and operate its own App Store marketplace in the way it currently does.

Brave browser bravely takes on Google with privacy-focused search

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Brave browser bravely takes on Google with privacy-focused search
Try Brave Search if you’re trying to prevent Google from tracking everything you do online.
Photo: Brave

A public beta of a privacy-preserving search engine from Brave debuted Tuesday. It doesn’t track users, their searches or their clicks.

It is, of course, entering into a David vs. Goliath fight with Google, which dominates the search business with a more than 90% share.

Apple’s new Tower Theatre store in LA looks preposterously beautiful

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Many Angelenos on the hunt for Apple gear will recognize the historic theater's restored clocktower and sign. But the interior will blow them away.
Many Angelenos on the hunt for Apple gear will recognize the historic theater's restored clocktower and sign. But the interior will blow them away.
Photo: Apple

Apple previewed its newest retail location at the historic Tower Theatre in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday. The company announced the store’s Thursday opening in conjunction with the launch of the Today at Apple Creative Studios global mentorship initiative for young creatives.

And wow, the new store looks like a real beauty. Apple called it “one of its most significant restoration projects to date.” That’s saying something. Just look at Rome. Or Bangkok. Or even the long-established Grand Central Station store in New York.

Download videos from streaming sites with 76% off this award-winning app

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downloader
With vDownloader, you can download videos from YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch and more.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Have you ever loved a YouTube video so much that you just had to download it? Or perhaps you found an interesting video that you want to download to watch later. Sometimes, you might just find yourself without Wi-Fi and need some mindless entertainment to fill the void. Whatever the reason, being able to download videos from streaming sites in just a click can feel like the ultimate internet superpower.

The software that gives you that superpower? The award-winning vDownloader. And you can grab a lifetime subscription today for just $29.99 — that’s a huge 76% discount off the regular price of $129.

Don’t miss these Prime Day deals on great iPhone, Mac and iPad accessories

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Don’t miss these Prime Day deals on great iPhone, Mac and iPad accessories
Prime Day can save you money on add-ones for your Apple Gear.
Photo: Amazon

Amazon’s Prime Day brings bargains on a range of accessories for your Apple devices. There are cases, keyboards, chargers, SSDs… lots of options and all below the regular prices.

There are savings on gear for iPhone Mac and iPad, but most of the deals expire on Tuesday. Don’t wait around.

Today at Apple Creative Studios launches to mentor young creative workers

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In Los Angeles, young creatives will receive mentorship from Grammy Award-winning producer Larrance “Rance” Dopson, documentary photographer and filmmaker Bethany Mollenkof, and Apple Music’s Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B Ebro Darden.
In Los Angeles, young creatives will receive mentorship from Grammy Award-winning producer Larrance “Rance” Dopson.
Photo: Apple

Apple announced a new global initiative today called Today at Apple Creative Studios. It aims to provide career-building mentorship, creative-industry skills training, resources and access to Apple products to workers from underrepresented communities globally.

Facebook launches Clubhouse clone Live Audio Rooms and new podcast platform

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Facebook
Launching in the US today.
Photo: Facebook

Facebook debuted its Clubhouse-style Live Audio Rooms and new podcast platform Monday, giving users two new ways to engage with the social network — and hopefully keep them hooked for longer.

Public figures and select Facebook Groups in the United States can create Live Rooms on iOS. They can then invite friends, followers, public figures and, well, anyone else who wants to tune in and contribute to an audio session. There can be up to 50 speakers, with no limits on listeners.

How to get a month of Paramount+ free via Apple TV

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Get a month of Paramount+ free through Apple TV.
Get a month of Paramount+ free through Apple TV.
Photo: ViacomCBS

Apple TV users can get a free month of Paramount+, the streaming service formerly known as CBS All Access, Apple said Monday in a tweet.

The trial offer, running now through June 30, is available to new Paramount+ subscribers in the United States when they sign up through the Apple TV app. As not all free trial offers on Apple TV last a full month, this is a good one. Here’s how to jump on it and watch Paramount+ originals like Star Trek: Picard and Jordan Peele’s reboot of The Twilight Zone. The streaming service also offers movies from the Mission: Impossible and Star Trek franchises.

Silicone case makes Apple TV’s new Siri Remote even more awesome

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Elago 2021 Apple TV Siri Remote R1 Intelli Case: This silicone case will keep your new Apple TV remote safe.
This new silicone case will keep your new Apple TV remote safe.
Photo: Elago

If the stark aluminum chassis of the new Siri Remote leaves you cold, a stylish new silicone case from Elago could warm your heart.

It’s not only about making the Apple TV remote more comfortable in your hands, though. The R1 Intelli Case packs a trick or two. And it comes in any color you want — as long as that color is “black as Steve Jobs’ turtleneck.”

Apple manufacturers ramp up the bonuses to recruit enough iPhone 13 workers

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This concept image shows how the iPhone 13 notch might shrink.
These iPhones aren't going to build themselves.
Artists concept: Cult of Mac

It’s iPhone production season, and that means that Apple manufacturers need to recruit enough workers to build them. While this seasonal demand happens every year, in 2021 it’s heightened by the worldwide labor shortage coming out of the pandemic.

As a result, Apple’s manufacturers are working hard to offer bonuses to tempt people to spend a few months on the production line. According to a report from Taiwan’s Economic Daily paper, manufacturer Pegatron is offering extra paychecks for both workers and those who recommend their friends for jobs.