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Can a charging cable be sexy? Because this one comes close.

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Product shot of Statik GloBright RGB charging cables
Grab two of these USB-C cables that light up as they charge your gear.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Your MacBook is beautiful. Your iPad is elegant. So why are you still charging them with a cable that looks like it came from a cereal box? The Statik GloBright RGB USB-C cable lights up as it charges. These braided cables offer an easy way to add some flair to your setup.

You can grab a two-pack of these RGB cables for just $24.99 with free shipping (regularly $35.98), while a single Apple cable would cost you more. A bonus: Each of these cables measures 6 feet long, so you can enjoy some freedom from wall outlets as you charge.

ChatGPT-maker OpenAI ready to buy Chrome from Google

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OpenAI willing to buy Chrome
If money permits, OpenAI would buy Chrome from Google.
Photo/Graphics: OpenAI/Google/CultOfMac

If the U.S. federal judge orders Google to sell Chrome, OpenAI would be willing to buy it. Nick Turley, the head of ChatGPT at OpenAI, revealed this during his testimony in the ongoing Google antitrust trial.

When asked if OpenAI would buy Chrome, he replied, “Yes, we would, and so would many other parties.”

More iPhone users say yes to paying for Apple Intelligence

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Apple Intelligence
Surprise surprise! U.S. iPhone users are willing to pay for Apple Intelligence.
Photo: Apple

Despite all the criticism and negative publicity, more U.S. iPhone users are willing to pay for Apple Intelligence than before. A survey conducted by Morgan Stanley found “stronger-than-expected Apple Intelligence engagement.”

The survey results also suggest that more than 80% of U.S. iPhone users tried Apple Intelligence in the last six months.

How to make apps avoid the MacBook screen notch

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Make apps avoid the MacBook notch
It’s easy to make apps avoid the MacBook notch
Image: Cult of Mac

If your favorite app doesn’t work well with the screen notch in your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, there is a solution. Apple created a “Scale to fit below built-in camera” setting that always puts the app into the space below the notch when in full-screen mode.

And it can be set for individual apps. Here’s how.

There’s a fix for aging batteries and it involves … heating them?

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Battery recycling
The future of battery recycling might have just been rewritten.
Photo: Cult of Mac

In what might be the biggest battery recycling news of the decade, scientists in China found a way to achieve nearly 100% voltage recovery in worn-out lithium-ion batteries by precisely heating them to high temperatures while applying voltage. This has the potential for “rejuvenating aging batteries, making old electric vehicles like new,” according to the institute where the research was conducted.

This is exactly the sort of news one hopes for on Earth Day.

Hey, Siri: Welcome your new Vision Pro overlords

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Siri management shakeup
The new head of Siri development has one job: make it stink less.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

In a shake-up aimed at revitalizing Apple’s aging Siri voice assistant, the iPhone giant brought in Mike Rockwell to lead a comprehensive overhaul now in progress, according to a new report. First, the former head of Vision Pro software continues revitalizing the Siri leadership team in the Vision Pro team’s image.

Save with Ugreen’s solid AirTag alternative plus wallet tracker [Review] ★★★★

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Ugreen Smart Finder Tracker review★★★★
Ugreen's pair of trackers are effective and affordable.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Ever misplaced your wallet or keys right when you’re rushing out the door? This Ugreen Smart Finder tracker review might help solve that universal frustration on the cheap. Whether you’re considering the standard Smart Finder or its wallet-sized counterpart, both promise to keep your valuables just a tap away through Apple’s Find My network.

These Bluetooth trackers pack some interesting features that set them apart from typical item finders — specifically their compact design, reliable tracking capabilities and low prices.

Today in Apple history: Apple teams with Volkswagen for iBeetle car

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The first Apple car, a collaboration with VW known as the iBeetle, rolls onto the scene.
The first Apple car, a collaboration with VW known as the iBeetle, rolls onto the scene.
Photo: Volkswagen

April 22: Today in Apple history: Apple teams with VW for the iBeetle. It's the first Apple car! April 22, 2013: The world gets its first Apple car. Well, kind of. In reality, the iBeetle is a collaboration with German automaker Volkswagen that offers a car “stylistically linked” to Apple.

This means Apple-inspired colors, a built-in docking station for your iPhone, and a special app that lets you control the car’s features.

Train for top IT certifications like CompTIA and AWS for less than $80

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Four people studying together for IT exams
Ace your exams and earn top IT certifications with these affordable online courses.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Want to pass IT exams and land a tech job you’ll love? This comprehensive bundle provides user-friendly training across multiple platforms, including CompTIA, AWS, Microsoft and Cisco. It’s an invaluable exam preparation resource if you plan to pursue IT certifications.

For a limited time, Cult of Mac readers can score this lifelong e-learning bundle for a one-time payment of just $79.99 (regularly $2,530).​

xMEMS Labs micro tweeter helps power audio in new AI sports glasses

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BleeqUp Ranger AI sports glasses
BleeqUp Ranger AI sports glasses feature xMEMS Labs' Cowell micro tweeter.
Photo: xMEMS Labs

A cutting-edge pair of AI sports glasses feature innovative audio technology from xMEMS Labs, the company said Tuesday. The new BleeqUp Ranger glasses, developed by Chinese startup BleeqUp, represents the first commercial use of a xMEMS solid state microtweeter in AI eyewear — but likely not the only one.

“xMEMS is proud to help power the next generation of AI wearables,” said Steven Bentley, VP of worldwide sales at xMEMS Labs. “The integration of Cowell into BleeqUp’s glasses not only showcases the high-fidelity performance of our MEMS speakers. We’re excited to help more companies accelerate their path to market with compact, high-performance audio solutions for AI glasses.”

Perhaps that, or the upcoming uses of xMEMS Labs’ Sycamore microspeaker, could signal a new direction for Apple if it revives its smart glasses project.

7 everyday tasks that Apple Watch makes easier

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Apple Watch pros
Sometimes, your Apple Watch really is better than your iPhone.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

It’s time to break the habit of doing everything on your iPhone while overlooking what’s often a better alternative. Consider the Apple Watch pros: It’s a very capable little computer, and it’s right there on your wrist. Odds are you aren‘t taking advantage of half of what it can do for you.

Here are the simple tasks I used to do on my iPhone that are now easier because I do them on my Apple Watch. And all without needing any third-party software. The only apps required come preinstalled on every Apple Watch.

Price drop: Play Street Fighter II, Zelda and 70,000 other games on this retro console

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Product photo of the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro retro gaming emulator and streaming console .
Get the Kinhank Super Consple X2 Pro on sale less than $90.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro is a retro-style gaming console preloaded with more than 70,000 classic games. It also lets you use your favorite streaming apps to watch videos. It’s great for any household — and a perfect gift for any gamer on your list.

This retro games and streaming console is on sale now for just $89.97 with free shipping. However, that deep discount won’t last much longer.

Apple Watch Move ring vs. Exercise ring: What’s the difference?

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Don't get your Move and Exercise rings mixed up
Don't get your Move and Exercise rings mixed up
Image: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Closing your three Apple Watch Activity rings can become such an obsession that it’s easy to forget why you’re doing it. But what does it really mean to close an Apple Watch ring? The Stand ring seems obvious. We all know we shouldn’t sit around on our asses all day. But how about the Move and Exercise rings, which sound so similar?

Actually, no. The Apple Watch’s Move and Exercise rings are very different, and understanding that difference is massively important if you want to achieve your fitness goals.

How to hard-lock your iPhone in a hurry

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Know how to hard-lock your iPhone in a hurry.
Know how to hard-lock your iPhone in a hurry.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

If you find yourself in a situation where a police officer or federal agent — like a TSA person at the airport — requests or demands your iPhone, should you hand it over? Many folks say no, never. But if you do, at least know how to hard-lock it in a hurry before it leaves your hand. That will help protect your data on the device.

Killer Mac mini rig sports color-calibrated BenQ displays [Setups]

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Mac mini setups
Lucky Mac mini! BenQ calibrates these 4K displays for accurate Mac color matching.
Photo: [email protected]

If you work with visual media in some way — like as a graphic designer or video editor — you know how important color accuracy on external monitors can be. Today’s M4 Pro Mac mini user relies on a pair of BenQ monitors specifically calibrated to match Mac colors. They’re actually made for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, to reproduce the rich colors on the laptops’ Liquid Retina (Air) and Liquid Retina XDR (Pro) displays.

And that’s not all. The sleek and deceptively simple setup actually packs in a surprising amount of cool gear. See below.

Today in Apple history: Rumors fly that Canon might buy Apple

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Apple is worth more than the entire US energy sector combined
Apple was up for sale in the 1990s.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

April 21: Today in Apple history: Rumors fly that Canon might buy Apple April 21, 1995: Rumors swirl that Japanese camera company Canon might take over Apple in either a partial or complete acquisition.

Speculation grows about a possible deal after Apple reveals its latest earnings, which show big improvement but still fall far short of Wall Street’s expectations.

Brilliant Alogic Clarity 5K Touch display conjures touchscreen magic [Review] ★★★★★

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Alogic Clarity 5K Touch Monitor review★★★★★
The display is bright enough (though less so than Studio Display) and incredibly crisp and clear with 5K resolution.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

The quest for an affordable Apple Studio Display alternative got going right after Apple launched its premium 5K monitor in 2022, but now Alogic takes a bold step in a completely new direction. As this Alogic Clarity 5K Touch Monitor review points out, it’s not just another 5K display trying to undercut Apple’s pricing. It’s a technological breakthrough that brings something the Studio Display simply doesn’t offer: a fully functional touchscreen interface for macOS.

Today in Apple history: Gizmodo tears down a lost iPhone 4 prototype

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Gizmodo buys iPhone 4 prototype
The iPhone 4 prototype bought by Gizmodo came disguised as an iPhone 3GS. But a teardown showed big differences inside.
Photo: Gizmodo

April 20: Today in Apple history: Gizmodo tears down lost iPhone 4 prototype April 20, 2010: A day after the most high-profile iPhone leak in history, tech news site Gizmodo dissects a prototype iPhone 4, then publishes the teardown — showing the world exactly what’s inside the soon-to-be-released device.

The iPhone 4 prototype, accidentally left in a bar by 27-year-old Apple software engineer Gray Powell, quickly becomes the biggest story in the tech world. And that’s where the trouble begins.

Ask one simple question to get the most out of your Apple Watch

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Maximize your Apple Watch use
Make your Apple Watch useful for more than health tracking.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Odds are, you’re not taking advantage of all the useful things your Apple Watch can do for you. That’s because we all tend to grab our iPhone, even when it’s not the best option. I started using my smartwatch much more after I began asking myself one simple question whenever I grab my iPhone: “Would this be easier on my Apple Watch?”

You should try it, too.

Today in Apple history: Newton boss departs as device struggles

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The Newton MessagePad, an product line run by Gaston Bastiaens, looks gigantic next to an iPhone.
The Newton MessagePad did not become the immediate hit Apple desired.
Photo: Blake Patterson/Wikipedia CC

April 19 April 19, 1994: Gaston Bastiaens, the executive in charge of Apple’s revolutionary new Newton MessagePad product line, parts ways with the company.

“We can’t say whether he fell or was pushed,” says an Apple spokesman. Reports suggest that the departing Bastiaens, general manager of Apple’s personal interactive electronics division, is leaving due to his failure to make the Newton a financial success.

Sigma BF is an Apple-esque camera for the pure joy of photography [Review] ★★★★☆

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The Sigma BF, a simple aluminum full frame camera, sitting on a pine table★★★★☆
It’s a stunning camera.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The Sigma BF is a beautifully designed camera unlike any other. While testing it for this review, I found the full-frame camera to be as easy to pick up as a point-and-shoot. It’s a pleasure to use — a love letter to minimalism, precision and the pure joy of old-school photography.

With an aluminum unibody worthy of Jony Ive and a stripped-down interface that favors elegance over excess, this full-frame mirrorless marvel feels less like gear and more like art itself.

What it lacks in cutting-edge features, this gorgeous $1,999 camera more than makes up for with soul. And for Apple lovers, photo fans and design purists, that might be all that matters.

Keep reading for my in-depth Sigma BF review (and/or watch my video version).

New ending makes Mythic Quest‘s final cliffhanger disappear

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Apple TV+ canceled Mythic Quest
Charlotte Nicdao and Rob McElhenney starred in Mythic Quest. While Apple TV+ canceled the show, season four will get a new ending.
Photo: Apple TV+

In a shock to dedicated fans, Apple TV+ canceled Mythic Quest after the show’s fourth season. The gaming-oriented workplace comedy concluded March 26 with an intended season finale, not a series finale. So Apple greenlit a redo of the last episode’s cliffhanger ending so it will actually end the whole show. Now it’s out.

Update: Attention, bereft Mythic Quest fans: The new season four ending is now streaming with a revamped episode 10, “Heaven and Hell.” It officially ends the show, typing up some loose ends and removing some cliffhangers. Reshooting a series ending is a rare thing in TV, so at least you have some closure. And if you haven’t checked out the spinoff anthology series Side Quest, there’s that, too.

GameBaby controller/case brings retro fun to iPhone [Review] ★★★★

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GameBaby review★★★★
GameBaby can be your key to retro gaming fun.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

GameBaby from Bitmo Lab is both an iPhone case and a game controller. Combined with the Delta retro game emulator, the accessory’s clever design allows you to play classic games on your phone with real buttons. And there’s nothing wrong with a new way to have fun.

For my GameBaby review, I tested it with my iPhone 16 Pro Max, and it’s the closest thing to a Game Boy I’ve played in much too long.

Plus, it’s available at a huge discount right now — 38% off. But the deal only lasts a few more days.

Mac mini user ditches Studio Display for ultra-wide OLED monitor [Setups]

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ultra-wide monitor
In a back-and-forth battle, Studio Display ultimately lost out to a Samsung G8 OLED ultra-wide monitor.
Photo: [email protected]

The turf war between standard displays and ultra-wide monitors continues — sometimes within one computer setup. Today’s M4 Mac mini user went back and forth multiple times before their Samsung ultra-wide OLED display retook the crown from their Studio Display, which is now “gone.” And that’s the case despite their acknowledgement that “Studio Display is the best monitor for Mac, no discussion.”

Keychron M5 vertical gaming mouse wants to save your wrists

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Keychron M5 Wireless Ergonomic Mouse
Shown here in white, the M5 is fairly light, but it features a stable base.
Photo: Keychron

In an unusual move from Keychron blending ergonomic comfort with high-performance gaming specs, the keyboard specialist released its new M5 Wireless Ergonomic Mouse earlier this month. The device makes for an interesting peripheral launch because you don’t see a mouse mashing up professional ergonomic features and technical gaming capabilities every day.