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Microsoft’s unified Office app finally lands on iPad

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Microsoft Office iPad
It only took a year after its iPhone debut.
Photo: Apple

Almost exactly one year after it arrived on iPhone, Microsoft’s unified Office app is now finally available for iPad. The app combines Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in one single package.

That means that all your documents are in one place, and you don’t need to switch between apps depending on whether you’re editing a text document or using a spreadsheet.

Save 68% on Adobe Photoshop Elements for Mac and PC

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Photoshop Elements for Mac
Now just $39.99 for a limited time.
Photo: Adobe

Get your hands on Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020, the most powerful image editing software for Mac and PC, at 68% off its usual price. The deal brings the cost of the full application down to just $39.99 — the lowest we’ve seen anywhere for this release — from the usual $99.99.

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

Apple’s Entrepreneur Camp for Black founders and devs combats opportunity barriers

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Entrepreneur Camp for Black Founders and Developers
This is Apple’s first-ever Entrepreneur Camp for Black Founders and Developers.
Photo: Apple

Apple on Tuesday revealed the 13 app companies that will take part in its first Entrepreneur Camp for Black Founders and Developers.

The company called the program part of its “ongoing commitment to empower the Black community and dismantle barriers to opportunity.”

Master iPhone photography with top-rated instructor Phil Ebiner

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Learn how to take beautiful and professional-looking photos using just your iPhone with this photography course.
Find out how to take better photos with your iPhone.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The iPhone proved you don’t need an expensive DSLR camera to take professional-looking photos. But are you really capturing the best images possible with your phone? Learn how to take stunning iPhone photos with the extensive pro tips in this mobile photography course by Phil Ebiner.

Apple fixes macOS Big Sur installer bug that could result in data loss

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With macOS Big Sur, Apple takes things to the next level.
Big Sur issue trapped some users in a never-ending install loop.
Photo: Apple

Apple fixed a bug in the macOS Big Sur installer that could result in data loss and a perpetual install loops for unlucky users.

The macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 fix, released Monday, causes Macs to carry out checks to see if users have enough free space for installation prior to updating their systems.

Prop up your MacBook for easier typing with the ParcSlope [Review]

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Twelve South ParcSlope review
Twelve South ParcSlope securely supports an Apple laptop or tablet.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Tilting up the base of your MacBook makes it easier to type. And it elevates the screen to be nearer eye level. The Twelve South ParcSlope is a simple, sturdy laptop stand that offers both benefits. And you can use it with your iPad, too.

I used the ParcSlope for several days to see how well it performed in real-world use. Read on to see what I found out.

Rip your favorite DVDs to play on your Apple devices

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This Mac app will allow you to rip your favorite DVDs on your apple devices
Don't let your DVD collection languish. Rip those vids so they'll play on your iOS devices!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you want to convert your DVDs to videos you can watch on your iPad or iPhone, MacX DVD Ripper Pro can handle the task. Rather than letting your DVDs collect dust, use this helpful Mac app to convert all your favorite movies, TV shows and music to a format compatible with your Apple gear.

That means you won’t need to buy an additional digital copy to enjoy your favorite content on your favorite devices.

watchOS 7.3.1 repairs serious Apple Watch charging problem

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watchOS 7.3.1 squashes a bug inApple Watch’s Power Reserve feature.
Power Reserve reduces drain on your Apple Watch’s battery. But there’s a bug.
Photo: Cult of Mac

To prevent your Apple Watch Series 5 or Apple Watch SE from refusing to charge when it’s in Power Reserve, you need watchOS 7.3.1. Apple rushed this update out on Monday specifically to fix this bug.

Any Apple Watch hit with this bug drains until it’s dead, and can‘t be recharged. But Apple will repair the affected devices at no cost.

Real astronauts will splash-land on For All Mankind podcast

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‘For All Mankind: The Official Podcast’ debuted Friday on Apple Podcasts
For All Mankind: The Official Podcast is a mix of hard science and alternate history.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is launching a podcast dedicated to For All Mankind, the streaming service’s alternate-history show about the space race. The podcast will serve as a platform for real astronauts and scientists to discuss space travel with the series’ cast and creators.

The first episode of the podcast debuts Friday, the same day season two of the sci-fi series arrives.

Colorado finance pro likes his (indoor) open spaces [Setups]

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Ryan Brookes likes open spaces in and around his setup.
Ryan Brookes likes open spaces in and around his setup.
Photo: Ryan Brookes

Ryan Brookes, who works in sales for a financial services firm in Denver, Colorado, likes his open spaces. That includes indoor ones, like a spare, clean setup on his desk. Physical space helps him think, he told Cult of Mac.

His Mac mini with an M1 chip tethered to a 49-inch Samsung curved monitor probably help him think, too. Those and his iPad, which he will soon pair with a Keychron K1 Mechanical Keyboard.

Build your own iPhone, Apple Watch charging stand with Blocks

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Blocks charging stand kit
What kind of charging stand will you create?
Photo: SwitchEasy

Build your own charging stand with the brilliant Blocks set from SwitchEasy. The kit includes everything you need (except charging cables) to create a wonderfully unique charging dock for iPhone, Apple Watch, or both.

Blocks makes a great gift for any creative mind, and it’s just $19.99 through the Cult of Mac Store.

Apple Music Replay 2021 is your own personal hit parade

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Replay
Replay is the easy way to check out your most listened-to tracks.
Photo: Cult of Mac/Apple

Apple launched its Replay 2021 playlist on Monday, giving Apple Music users a way to easily see a ranking of their most listened-to songs.

Unlike Spotify’s ultra-popular Wrapped feature, which summarizes annual listening, Apple updates its Replay feature constantly throughout the year. Updated rankings show up every Sunday.

Steve Jobs’ teenage job application goes up for auction

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Jobs
Before he co-founded Apple, Steve Jobs had to apply for jobs like the rest of us.
Photo: Esther Dyson/Flickr CC

Steve Jobs didn’t have to fill in a whole lot of job applications during his life. After founding Apple Computer at 21, Jobs’ name was well enough known that he didn’t have to mail off too many resumes and cover letters. Or have reasons to send them out.

However, one of the rare applications Jobs did complete is coming up for auction. It’s a great piece of memorabilia, even if it will likely set you back a whole lot more than Steve would have ever earned in the role.

Get 15% off iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad accessories this Presidents’ Day

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These apple charging accessories are an additional 15% off for President's Day
It's time to save on must-have Apple accessories.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Did Valentine’s Day stress you out? There’s a better way to celebrate than splurging on chocolate sales the day after. Presidents’ Day is here, so you can enjoy the long weekend by finding amazing gifts for your significant other (or yourself).

And for a limited time, you can enjoy 15% off these Apple accessories with code PREZ2021.

VW boss says threat of Apple car’s overnight success does not worry him

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VW
Rumors of an Apple car continue to roil the automotive industry.
Photo: Sgcdesignco/Unsplash CC

Welcome, Apple…. Seriously.

That, in essence, seems to be the message from Volkswagen chief exec Herbert Diess in a recent interview, responding to rumors about the Apple car.

“The car industry is not a typical tech sector that you could take over at a single stroke,” Diess said in a recent interview with German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung. “Apple will not manage that overnight.”

iPhone 13 could be Apple’s first with an always-on display

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A signature feature of the iPhone 13 might be an always-on display.
The iPhone 13 could stand out from its predecessors thanks to an always-on display.
Artist’s concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 13 series will borrow the always-on screen from the Apple Watch, according to an unconfirmed report. And the upcoming iPhone supposedly will support some new camera tricks, including Portrait Mode for video.

It’s shaping up to perhaps be more than a speed-bumped version of Apple’s 2020 models.

Epic adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation premieres on Apple TV+ in fall 2021

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Foundation is coming to Apple TV+ next year.
Foundation on Apple TV+ will be a mix of Star Wars and Game of Thrones.
Photo: Apple/Skydance Television

Apple TV+’s ambitious version of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series is reportedly scheduled for fall of 2021. Previously, all we’ve known is a vague promise from Apple that the sprawling sci-fi epic is “coming soon.”

In addition, the series is expected to extend over dozens of episodes.

Protect your data forever with this bulletproof Mac recovery software

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This recovery system for Mac will protect you from data loss
Kick data loss in the teeth with a lifetime sub to Disk Drill Pro.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’ve been faithful to your MacBook for many years, you know how many important files it holds. From old work portfolios and personal documents to  sentimental photos and more, your laptop is likely loaded with files you’d hate to lose.

But accidents do happen, and drives do fail. So it’s good to have what amounts to an insurance policy on all your most important data. This lifetime sub to Disk Drill Pro 4 makes it easy to recover documents, music, photos, videos or even whole partitions from your Mac.

Why we want a bigger iPad Pro Max [Cult of Mac Magazine 388]

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We want a bigger iPad -- call it an iPad Pro Max. Please make it happen, Tim!
Please make it happen, Tim!
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac Magazine

When it comes to iPad Pro, bigger would be better. And when it comes to iPhone 12 mini, smaller was definitely not better – at least from a sales perspective.

Get those perspectives in this week’s top opinion/analysis pieces from Cult of Mac Magazine. Then enjoy the rest of the week’s top Apple news, how-tos and reviews. It’s all free and ready to download and read on your favorite iOS device.

P.S. After weeks of Apple car rumors, don’t miss our thought experiment that explores five ways Cupertino could shake up our ideas about automobiles.

Film perfectly lit videos with this ring light and tripod

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This streaming studio is the perfect work-from-home companion
This versatile lighting rig will make your videos look awesome.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re filming instructional videos for your company’s YouTube channel, building your TikTok brand, or going live on Instagram, proper lighting can make all the difference. You don’t need an expensive studio setup to look great and potentially score a viral video hit, though. The Aduro U-Stream Executive Home Streaming Studio with Ring Light & Tripod will help you shoot captivating, beautifully lit videos from the comfort of your home.

Facebook plans smartwatch to compete with Apple Watch

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A Facebook watch will likely give new meaning to the word “watch.”
A rumored Facebook watch will offer many of the features already in the very successful Apple Watch.
Illustration: Wikipedia CC/Cult of Mac

Facebook is reportedly building a smartwatch that’ll offer instant messaging on the go. And help users stay fit.

Of course, the Facebook watch will have to go head-to-head with Apple Watch, the 500-pound gorilla of the wearables market.

Emily becomes invisible in this week’s Dickinson [Apple TV+ review]

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Emily Dickinson (played by Hailee Steinfeld) gets published ... and disappears!
Emily Dickinson (played by Hailee Steinfeld) gets published ... and promptly disappears!
Photo: Apple TV+

Emily Dickinson is finally a published author, but will that stitch the tear in her heart or repair the fraying nerves of everyone in her orbit? Anyone who knows the story of the 19th-century poet knows the answer to that, but we’re not watching Apple TV+’s revisionist history for its accuracy, are we?