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macOS Big Sur bricks some older 13-inch MacBook Pro models

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Apple
Beware Big Sur if you have an older MacBook Pro.
Photo: Apple

You might want to avoid Apple’s fancy new macOS Big Sur upgrade if you’re running an older MacBook Pro. Some owners report that the update rendered their machines completely unusable.

The problem seems to be affecting late-2013 and mid-2014 MacBook Pro models. It is believed Apple is aware, but there is no fix just yet.

Zagg folio case offers the keys to unlock iPad Pro productivity [Updated review]

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Zagg Slim Book Go review
With the Zagg Slim Book Go your iPad Pro becomes a 2-in-1 tablet/notebook.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

An iPad Pro is powerful mobile computer. Add a Zagg Slim Book Go and you get a genuine MacBook competitor.

We typed our way through a full review of this keyboard folio case for Apple’s latest pro tablet, so dive in to see if it’s the add-on your iPad has been looking for.

Turn yourself into a data maven with these career-boosting courses

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Advanced Data Analyst Bundles: Learn your way around data, analysis, charts, and more with 30 hours of lesson content covering Excel, Power BI, PivotTables, and Python.
Wrap your head around data-crunching to kick your career into overdrive.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whatever field you work in, data is key. That makes mastering spreadsheets and other methods of organizing and processing vast quantities of information a key skill. If you don’t even know where to start, these two educational bundles can flip the script.

If you’re ready to prep yourself for a job search, or get ahead wherever you currently work, this heavily discounted coursework offers critical training that can alter your career trajectory.

Meross dual-plug smart outlet offers easy and affordable HomeKit automation [Review]

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Meross Smart WiFi Plug review: Easily affordable HomeKit automation
The Meross Smart WiFi Plug is unobtrusive but very functional. Just what your want.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Meross Smart WiFi Plug lets you control two lights, fans or other appliances from your iPhone or iPad. And because it’s a simple plugin unit, it brings the convenience of Apple’s HomeKit home automation with minimal hassle.

After extensive testing, here’s how this accessory stood up to regular use.

Score up to 50TB of super-secure cloud storage

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Degoo Mega (1)
Get up to 50 terabytes of storage, with end-to-end encryption and availability on unlimited devices.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There’s no such thing as too much digital backup space. Even so, offering up to 50 terabytes, this deal on super-secure cloud storage is probably more than you’ll need for a long time. Even better, it can be yours at a massive 97% discount.

Grab Apple’s fabulous Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Pro at 40% off

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Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is available for a wide range of iPad models.
The Smart Keyboard Folio is a lightweight, very portable keyboard case for iPads.
Photo: Apple

Amazon has an amazing deal on the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Pro and iPad Air. This super-slim case adds hardly any bulk to the tablet, despite including a full-size keyboard. And you can get one today for $79 below the usual price.

The deal is good for either the version of this case for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro or one that fits the 11-inch iPad Pro and the new 10.9-inch iPad Air.

Optimize your new iPhone experience with these expert setup tips

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iPhone Xs
Get your new iPhone set up the right way.
Photo: Apple

For many people, iPhone 12 will be radically different from previous iPhone models. Despite this, the iPhone setup process hasn’t changed much. However, while you might find yourself on familiar ground, there are still plenty of little things you really ought to do before you fire up your new phone for the first time (or pretty soon thereafter).

Let’s take a look at all the things you can do to get your iPhone set up exactly how you want it.

Servant‘s next season ramps up the missing-baby mind games

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The upcoming second season of ‘Servant’ promises to be just as disturbing as the first.
You know that’s not a real baby, right?
Photo: Apple

A missing baby is frightening enough, but the second season of Servant involves a missing baby that’s not really a baby. Or perhaps it actually is a baby. And where is it?

A trailer for this Apple TV+ show’s upcoming season dropped on Friday, though it doesn’t answer any of viewers’ questions. That’s what you’d expect from a series with M. Night Shyamalan involved.

Apple looks ahead to the 6G future

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The Next G Alliance will help develop 6G technologies.
Apple joined the Next G Alliance to have a voice is the creation of 6G cellular-wireless networking.
Photo: Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions

Apple joined an industry group devoted to fostering the development of 6G cellular wireless technologies.

With 5G still rolling out, and some people might be surprised that planning for its replacement is already beginning, but the Next G Alliance says it’s not too soon.

Gorgeous Mujjo Sleeve keeps your MacBook covered and comfortable on the move [Review]

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Mujjo Sleeve for MacBook
Made from high-quality felt and leather.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

The delightful Mujjo Sleeve for MacBook is a great way to protect your precious notebook when you’re on the move. It’s beautifully made from quality materials, and it won’t weigh you down like a bulky bag.

The Sleeve ensures your notebook remains free from marks and scratches, no matter how much you carry it around. It also offers space for some accessories, important documents and more.

I’ve been using one to protect my 13-inch MacBook Pro for several months now. Here’s what I think of it.

These 3 new Apple TV+ shows will blow and/or ease your mind

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‘Becoming You’ debuted on Apple TV+ on Friday, November 13.
Becoming You is a new documentary series showing how children develop.
Photo: Apple

A trio of new informative and enjoyable shows hit Apple TV+ on Friday. Mind-blowing documentary Fireball takes a look at meteors throughout history, while Becoming You explores human development. And Doug Unplugs is an animated series for small children.

Each can be watched now on Apple’s streaming video service.

First iPad with mini-LED display, AirPods 3 expected for early 2021

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iPad Air
LCD's days are numbered.
Photo: Apple

Apple will introduce its first iPad with a mini-LED display and refreshed AirPods in the first half of 2021, according to one reliable analyst.

Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities predicts the iPad will be one of six Apple products that will get mini-LED screens next year. Others include iPad Pro, iMac Pro, and MacBook Pro.

Connect to your digital creativity with the ultimate Mac controller

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TourBox
Optimize your creative computing with a highly customizable controller.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you work as a digital creative, you know full well how small inefficiencies add up to lots of wasted time. Every extra keystroke or trip across the screen is a drag on your workflow. This powerful but intuitive controller takes the pain out of repetitive tasks and gives you new ways to speed through your creative endeavors.

The TourBox controller quickly feels like a natural extension of your hand. It works with Macs and PCs, and it’s great for navigating advanced software like Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, Premier and Capture One.

iPhone batteries could shrink again in 2021, but without battery life cuts

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iPhone 12 battery teardown
iPhone 13 could be first with new "soft board" battery tech.
Photo: iFixit

Apple will reportedly shrink iPhone batteries again in 2021 to make room for new technologies. But that doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll have to get used to charging more frequently.

Reliable TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects Apple to adopt new “soft board” battery technology for iPhone 13. It could allow more power to be squeezed into a smaller space.

First iOS 14.3 beta brings Apple ProRAW image format and more

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iPhone 12 Pro series include cameras tat support ProRAW
iOS 14.3 will bring the ProRAW format to the iPhone 12 Pro cameras.
Photo: Apple

When Apple unveiled the iPhone 12 Pro series in October, it promised a software update for these handsets with support for the new ProRAW format. That update will be iOS 14.3, as this feature is included in the first beta of this upcoming operating system update seeded to developers on Thursday. There are also mentions of AirTags and Apple Studio headphones.

In addition, Apple begin testing the first betas of iPadOS 14.3, watchOS 7.2 and tvOS 14.3.

macOS Big Sur does not pave the way for a touchscreen Mac

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macOS Big Sur offers a lot, but not a touchscreen Mac.
macOS Big Sur isn’t the first step toward a touchscreen Mac.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s head of software development threw cold water on speculation that macOS Big Sur was designed with a touchscreen Mac in mind.

Instead, Craig Federighi says the latest Mac operating system is more similar to iOS and iPadOS so it’s easier for users to switch between an Apple laptop, phone or tablet. Designers weren’t thinking about a touch-based Mac.

Apple fixes frustrating delays in macOS Big Sur downloads [Update: Maybe not!]

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Get your macOS Big Sur download now.
Here’s why you couldn’t download macOS Big Sur earlier.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Anyone who struggled to download the just-released macOS Big Sur might not be surprised to learn that Apple’s backend systems experienced major problems Thursday. By early afternoon, Apple said it fixed the problem. However, glitches lingered, as Apple admitted late in the afternoon.

“At present, you may see this error message appear when attempting to download macOS Big Sur,” Apple Support said on Twitter. “Apple is aware of this behavior and is currently investigating. Try waiting a while and attempting the download again.”

M1 processor is so good it surprises even Apple

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Apple SVP Craig Federighi was blown away by the M1 processor.
Apple’s Craig Federighi says his company’s new M1 processor exceeds his expectaions.
Screenshot: Apple

The capabilities of Apple’s new M1 processor surprised even the people who designed it. The new chip was created to get Macs away from Intel, and Apple executives are gushing about it. Craig Federighi, SVP of software engineering, said the M1 is outperforming the company’s own expectations.

macOS Big Sur arrives, ushering in huge changes for Macs

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macOS Big Sur public release ushers in huge design changes
The wait is over. You can install macOS Big Sur today.
Photo: Apple

Apple released the final version of macOS Big Sur on Thursday. The new operating system offers the biggest design overhaul to the Mac user interface in nearly two decades. Plus, it brings big improvements to Apple’s bundled applications like Messages, Maps and Safari.

Becoming You will make you marvel at human development [Apple TV+ review]

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Becoming You is sensational, no matter your age
Becoming You is sensational, no matter your age
Photo: Apple TV+

New Apple TV+ documentary series Becoming You is the kind of admirably human show that seems designed to rack up grateful viewers.

Tackling the earliest development of the human brain in more than a hundred children the world over, the docuseries makes a calculated plea for empathy and togetherness — and a convincing one at that.

First HomePod mini reviews: Superior audio that’s better late than never

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First HomePod mini reviews: Better late than never
Early reviews say the HomePod mini punches above its weight.
Photo: Apple

The first HomePod mini reviews almost universally praise the tiny smart speaker for outstanding audio quality. A wave of superlatives like “impressively powerful,” and even “startling” make HomePod mini sound like a total champ.

Across the board, the reviewers say Apple’s new $99 smart speaker offers stiff competition to other devices in that price range. And beyond audio, they deliver surprisingly positive assessments of the HomePod mini’s design and features. Even Siri earns accolades!

How to optimize your swimming stroke with Apple Watch

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Do you know how Apple Watch counts your swim strokes?
Do you know how Apple Watch counts your swim strokes?
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch is a great swimming companion, offering highly accurate length counts, pace measurements and stroke recognition. But the benefits to swimmers don’t stop there.

You’ll find plenty more useful swim stats in the Fitness app on your iPhone. Strokes Per 25/50/100 is especially valuable because it tracks your swim efficiency, which is key if you want to go faster, further or just look more cool in the pool.

But the way Apple Watch counts your strokes is not as simple as it seems. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert swimmer, it’s worth taking time out to understand exactly how it works.