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Court sentences Samsung heir to 2.5 years in prison

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Lee Jae Yong
The Samsung heir in 2016.
Photo: Wikipedia CC

Samsung’s 52-year-old heir, Lee Jae Yong, has been sentenced to 2.5 years in prison related to a bribery case. Lee was found guilty of bribery, embezzlement, and concealment of criminal proceeds worth $7.8 million.

Lee has already served some time in prison while waiting for the trial. This leaves him with 18 months still to serve. He was first arrested back in early 2017 over a political scandal linked to the then-president of South Korea, Park Geun-hye. The case has been ongoing since then, leading to Monday’s decision by the Seoul High Court.

Keep your Mac neat and tidy with this desktop-organization app

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Getting more organized is a productive and easy goal
Take the plunge and organize your Mac.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’ve been looking for ways to be more productive in 2021, one of the easiest goals you can implement is getting a little bit more organized. From decluttering your desk with space-saving tools, to organizing your thoughts with helpful apps, or even going the old-fashioned route and turning back to paper and pen notes to keep yourself centered, it’s all for nothing if you go to your computer and you can’t find anything on your desktop.

MultiDock for Mac is a powerful app that helps you systemize your favorite folders, files and applications. And right now, you can get a lifetime license at a big discount.

Apple pays tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day

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MLK Day 2021 homepage
The U.S. celebrates MLK Day on the third Monday of every January.
Photo: Apple

Apple has commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day by changing up the image on its homepage to showcase a photo and quote from the legendary civil rights leader.

“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice,” reads the quotation. To this, Apple ads,  “We honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his leadership in civil rights.”

Coalition for a Safer Web sues Apple for not giving Telegram the boot

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Telegram flames
Telegram is under fire. And Apple as well.
Photo: Telegram/Cult of Mac

The Coalition for a Safer Web, a Washington DC-based nonprofit, is suing Apple for not removing messaging app Telegram from the App Store.

In a lawsuit filed Sunday, Marc Ginsberg, a former U.S. ambassador to Morroco, and the coalition say the app remains in the App Store “despite Apple’s knowledge that Telegram is being used to intimidate, threaten, and coerce members of the public.”

Tim Cook won’t comment on Apple Car, talks suspending Parler from App Store

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CEO Tim Cook photo via Fox Business
Tim Cook talked with Fox News over the weekend.
Photo: Fox Business

Apple CEO Tim Cook refused to take the bait about Apple Car during a Sunday interview with Chris Wallace of Fox News. After Cook commented that Apple continues “making the best products in the world,” Wallace asked if that would include an Apple Car.

Cook responded by laughing, and said he “can’t comment on rumors and so forth.” Wallace then pushed back, saying that Cook could comment, he was just choosing not to. “You’re right,” Cook said, ending the exchange. “I choose not to. Touché.”

Touch ID could return in 2021 iPhone 13

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The 2018 iPhone models aren't going to have an in-display Touch ID fingerprint scanner.
Touch ID could be back, but not as you know it.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A fingerprint scanner might once again be part of Apple’s iPhone line, according to a reliable source. Touch ID might appear in 2021 alongside Face ID, not in place of it.

Also, Apple reportedly has a folding screen in the prototype stage.

A classic Mac app returns from the dead, and it’s time to get your affairs in order [Awesome Apps of the Week]

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Awesome Apps of the Week EZ Estate and more
These apps and updates stand out from the crowd.
Image: Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

A recent restoration project brought vintage Mac MP3 player Audion back from the edge of oblivion. You can get Audion, and its more than 800 wild and wooly custom user interfaces, for free.

If you’re interested in how software design has evolved, you’ll love this totally trippy flashback to the bad old days when we all crammed our hard drives full of downloaded MP3s.

If you’d rather deal with more pressing matters, we’ve got other new apps to showcase in this week’s roundup. EZ Estate will help you get your final affairs in order. A new RSS reader will make you fall in love with an otter. You can display your HomeKit scenes in iOS widgets and more.

Free Apple TV+ trials extended until July

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Your free Apple TV+ trial just got even sweeter.
Your free Apple TV+ trial just got even sweeter.
Photo: Apple

Apple just added up to five months to current Apple TV+ free trials. If your free access to the streaming video service was about to expire, it’s instead been extended until the end of June.

And Apple is giving monthly rebates to those who paid for an annual subscription.

Last chance sale: Learn a new language with Babbel

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Babbel
Learn 14 languages with more than 10,000 hours of high-quality online language education.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There’s no better time than the new year to start thinking about a new skill to learn. While you might be considering changing careers by learning how to code, or developing a passion side project in photography, don’t count out learning a new language.

Mastering a second tongue can open up all kinds of doors, from getting you a new job (possibly even in a new country) to earning you a promotion. This lifetime subscription Babbel Language Learning gives you access to 14 different languages and more than 10,000 hours of intuitive lessons. But hurry — the sale ends in 24 hours!

Is the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar a goner? [Cult of Mac Magazine 384]

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The next-gen MacBook Pros might add a bunch of cool features. But they also might lack a Touch Bar.
The next-gen MacBook Pros might add a bunch of cool features. But they also might lack a Touch Bar.
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

From CES product unveilings to juicy rumors, this week suffered zero shortage of new for Apple fans. You’ll find the cream of the crop in this week’s issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. As always, it’s free — and it’s ready for consumption on your iOS device of choice.

I don’t want to slow you down on your way to the week’s top news stories. But if you use Safari (and you really should), don’t miss our new series of how-tos on getting the most out of Apple’s web browser. Those Safari Pro Tips are in the mag as well.

Or you can get it all, plus our reviews of the new Apple TV+ seasons of Servant and Dickinson, in your browser at the links below.

Block 99% of spam calls and messages with this helpful app

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RoboKiller will block 99% of your spam calls and messages
RoboKiller stops spammers in their tracks.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

We’ve all been bothered at untimely moments by spam calls and texts. Short of getting a second phone with an alternate contact number, there is actually a way to prevent those pesky calls that interrupt you, your workflow and your relaxation time. This discounted two-year subscription to RoboKiller Spam Call & Text Blocker will eliminate 99% of spam calls, so you only get the phone calls you want (without needing to manually screen anything).

This awesome Wi-Fi microscope connects to your iPhone or iPad

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The best apple accessory you didn't know you needed
This might be the best Apple accessory you didn't know you needed.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You may think you have all the Apple accessories you need. AirPods? Check. MagSafe wireless charger? Check. Portable battery pack? Check.

Still, there’s an accessory out there for your iPhone and iPad that you probably didn’t know you wanted — and it is possible the most awesome one yet. Enter the WiFi Digital Microscope. Not only is it super-cool, but right now, it’s on sale for just $55.95.

Apple might give paid podcasts a whirl

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Apple Podcasts could get a premium tier.
Everything on Apple Podcasts now is free. That could change if the company creates Podcasts+.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple is reportedly considering a for-pay podcast subscription service. It would join other Apple services offering premium content, like Apple TV+ and News+.

The news sent shares of rival Spotify down over 7% on Friday.

Automatically fetch desktop websites in Safari on iOS [Pro tip]

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How to fetch desktop websites in Safari
Don't settle for mobile sites all the time.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Safari pro tips bugWe want to help you master Safari. Cult of Mac’s Safari Pro Tips series will show you how to make the most of Apple’s web browser on iOS and Mac.

If you prefer an entirely unadulterated experience when browsing the web, you probably find yourself frequently loading websites in desktop mode in Safari on iPhone. But rather than having to enable this mode every time you visit a new site, you can have Safari fetch desktop websites automatically.

We’ll show you have to set it up in this Safari pro tip.

Everybody’s stuck, blocked and frustrated in Dickinson’s latest episode [Apple TV+ review]

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Anna Baryshnikov (left) and Hailee Steinfeld play two very different Dickinsons in Apple TV+ show
Anna Baryshnikov (left) and Hailee Steinfeld play two very different Dickinsons.
Photo: Apple TV+

Dickinson ambles closer to the edge of its hero’s fame and madness in this season’s fourth episode, which serves as a meditation on creative blockage.

Though oft charming and frequently beautiful, the postmodern Apple TV+ show about the 19th-century poet still suffers from an irreconcilable identity crisis. This week’s episode, released Friday, takes no steps to resolve the situation.

Apple plans the iMac redesign we’ve been dreaming of

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Apple plans the 2021 iMac redesign we’ve been dreaming of
The 2021 iMac could dump the huge screen bezels of the current version. And move to Apple Silicon.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The iMac is about to get the dramatic redesign so many people have been hoping for, according to a highly reliable source. Smaller bezels and an M-series processor are highlights.

Apple is also reportedly planning a significant redesign of the Mac Pro desktop.

2022 iPhone will be cooler than ever. Literally.

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Future iPhones might need a Vapor Chamber cooling system
The 2022 iPhone could sport an advanced cooling system.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A powerful processor and 5G wireless networking will force Apple to build a cooling system into the 2022 iPhone, according to an analyst and trusted Apple prognosticator.

But the system Apple is reportedly investigating won’t be ready in time for the iPhone 13, expected this autumn.

Apple Watch could spot COVID-19 symptoms a week before it strikes

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Apple Watch Series 6
Two studies suggest Apple Watch could be a useful diagnostic tool.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Smartwatches such as Apple Watch could detect COVID-19 infections a week before the wearer feels sick or would test positive for the novel coronavirus, two medical studies suggest.

Since such devices can identify subtle changes in heart rate that might indicate an early infection, they could spot asymptomatic individuals, who make up a sizable proportion of COVID-19 cases.

Last chance: Save 25% on wonderful Wood Mark bands for Apple Watch

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Wood-Mark-Apple-Watch
An Apple Watch band unlike any other.
Photo: Wood Mark

If you don’t want your Apple Watch to look just like everyone else’s, pair it with a unique band unlike any other. Choose a Wood Mark strap from the Cult of Mac Store — made almost entirely out of wood — and enjoy 25% off the usual price for a limited time.

They’re wonderfully comfortable, long-lasting, and kind on the environment. This discount ends later today, so enjoy it while you can!

MagSafe charger could make triumphant return to MacBook Pro this year

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MagSafe
MagSafe was a great Apple innovation.
Photo: Gordon Mei/Flickr CC

Apple’s MagSafe branding technically made a return last year with the iPhone 12. But the MagSafe fans most fondly recall — the neat magnetic charging system for the MacBook — is also gearing up to make a comeback.

According to a Friday report from Bloomberg, Apple is bringing back MagSafe for this year’s MacBook Pro refresh. The connector will reportedly be similar in design to the “elongated pill-shape” original MagSafe. It will provide faster charging for the MacBook.

Easily build your own games and apps, even with zero experience

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This bundle is all you need to build your own apps and games this year
This bundle is all you need to build your own apps and games this year.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Want to build your own app or game in 2021, even if you’ve never tried before? These top-rated creator kits are the easiest way to do it. And even better, right now The Complete AppGameKit Game Creator Bundle is on sale for just $29.99, an amazing 84% off the regular price.

A16 Bionic: TSMC gears up to produce first 3nm chips for future iPhone

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Apple A14 is made with an amazing 5nm production process.
Ready to see the A14 look like old hat?
Screenshot: Apple

Apple’s A14 chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is gearing up for “risk production” of its next-gen chips, Digitimes reported Friday.

The chips in question are TSMC’s 3-nanometer chips, expected to be the eventual successor to the current 5-nanometer chips. Risk production refers to the dress rehearsal process for manufacturing, in which things appear ready to go, but are not quite ready to go into mass production just yet.

Apple may drop the Touch Bar from its next MacBook Pro

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You got the touch. Here's how to master your MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar.
Apple introduced the context-sensitive Touch Bar in 2016.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

According to reliable TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the next-gen MacBook Pro will come in 14- and 16-inch sizes, feature more ports and bring back the MagSafe charger in some form (!). And, of course,  the high-end laptops will run on new Apple Silicon chips.

But the first big MacBook Pro redesign in half a decade also do away with the Touch Bar, the controversial — and never entirely successful — innovation Apple debuted back in 2016.

PSA: Season 2 of Servant gets off to a spooky start on Apple TV+

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Servant
Episode one debuted Friday.
Photo: Apple

2021 not scary enough for you? Apple TV+ is here to help. On Friday, Apple debuted the first episode of season two of Servant. The creepy psychological thriller series from Tony Basgallop and M. Night Shyamalan spooked audiences with its first season about the supernatural goings-on involving “baby” Jericho and nanny Leanne.

Check out the season 2 trailer below:

This tiny charger juices up your iPhone and MacBook [Review]

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Aukey Omnia Mix review
Don’t let the small size of the Aukey Omnia Mix fool you.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Aukey Omnia Mix wall charger offers a USB-C port that can handle anything from an iPhone to a MacBook. It’s palm-size but the 65W portable power adapter also includes a USB-A port for other electronics, like an Apple Watch.

My real-world testing included using the affordable charger with multiple Apple devices. Here’s how it stood up.