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Awesome stand gives Apple Watch the retro Game Boy look [Review]

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Elago-W5-Front
Give your Apple Watch a vintage Game Boy vibe.
Photo: Adel Neal/Cult of Mac

Every Apple Watch deserves a good charging stand. The W5 from Elago takes you back in time with a one-of-a-kind design that resembles an iconic handheld gaming console.

Made from high-quality silicone, it’s simple, sturdy and surprisingly affordable. It’s also compatible with every Apple Watch ever made. Here’s why we think the Elago W5 charging stand is a great way to spend $19.

Apple Watch SE and Series 6 first impressions: Time for an upgrade?

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Apple Watch SE is only $279
Solid upgrades to an already great smartwatch.
Screenshot: Apple

Ahead of the new Apple Watch units finding their way onto users’ wrists, the initial “first impressions” reviews have hit the internet. While they’re not deep dives into the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE (users got to try them out for 24 hours), they still provide a sense of how they’re being received.

So what do the lucky individuals Apple sent an early review unit to have to say about them? Read on to find out.

Users won’t have to wait for Apple Watch Series 6’s blood oxygen sensor

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The Apple Watch Series 6 Blood Oxygen app lets you measure oxygen saturation in just 15 seconds.
The blood oxygen sensor on the new Apple Watch is big news.
Photo: Apple

Buyers won’t need to wait to use Apple Watch Series 6’s marquee feature: a blood oxygen sensor. The Blood Oxygen app should be available from day one in the United States and many other countries, according to Apple’s list of watchOS 7 features.

That stands in stark contrast to the delay for Apple Watch Series 4’s big health-related feature. People who bought it had to wait quite a few months before the smartwatch’s new ECG feature went live. It switched on in the United States three months after the device shipped, and users elsewhere had to wait even longer.

Apple One subscription isn’t fazed by different Apple IDs for Apple Music and iCloud

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An Apple One bundle might be announced in September. Or October.
Apple One is the Amazon Prime-style bundle for all your services in one.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Apple One subscription bundle service promises to make your monthly Apple subs easier by rolling them into a simple, one-off payment. But what if your existing subscriptions, such as Apple Music and iCloud accounts, are tied to different Apple IDs?

Fortunately, Apple’s longest-serving employee, Chris Espinosa, says that poses no problem. “It manages that,” he wrote in response to a question on Twitter. “I just double-checked.”

Save hundreds on MacBook, MacBook Pro, iPad refurbs today only

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Save on MacBook, iPad refurbs
Don't miss out!
Photo: Apple

Woot is hosting another massive blowout on refurbished Apple devices, giving you the chance to save hundreds on MacBook, MacBook Pro, and iPad — as well as some original Apple accessories.

These deals are available today only, so enjoy them while you can.

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

Mark Zuckerberg isn’t interested in AR glasses that are like ‘an Apple Watch on your face’

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Apple Glass
Zuck's comments sound like a shot at Apple's plans.
Image: Jon Prosser/Front Page Tech

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg took a low-key shot at Apple’s AR plans in a new interview with The Verge, saying that he’s not enthusiastic about “putting an Apple Watch on [his] face.”

While Zuck was talking more broadly about augmented reality glasses, the fact that he called out Apple Watch (and the fact that Apple is the highest profile company reportedly working on AR glasses) makes it pretty clear which direction he’s throwing his shade.

Apple Watch deal with Singapore government will pay people to live healthier lives

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save Apple Watch 6
Users can earn $280 in rewards for participating in the program.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch can help you get fit and live a healthier lifestyle. However, most of us have to pay for the honor. Things work a bit differently in Singapore, thanks to a new deal between Apple and the Singaporean government.

The program will hand out up to $280 in rewards for those who complete tasks on a dedicated app. Because, while good health is its own reward, who’s going to turn down some extra goodies?

Artists rejoice: Adobe Illustrator for iPad launches in October

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Adobe Illustrator for iPad will debut in late October 2020
Adobe Illustrator for iPad will let artists draw with an Apple Pencil.
Photo: Adobe

An iPad version of the Adobe Illustrator professional drawing tool is scheduled to launch next month. The desktop vector graphic design app has been “reimagined” for iPad, according to Adobe.

The application is available for pre-order starting on Wednesday.

AppleCare+ covers far more damage than it used to

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AppleCare provides extended insurance for so many Apple products.
All these Apple products can be protected with AppleCare+.
Photo: Apple

Apple just made its AppleCare+ breakage insurance cover more accidents. In some cases, twice and even three times as many.

The program now offers deeply-discounted repairs on two accidents for every twelve months of coverage. Previously, it only covered a total of two repairs.

iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 bring new features to iPhone, iPad

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The wait is almost over for iOS 14 and iPadOS 14.
The wait is over for both iOS 14 and iPadOS 14,
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple released the full version of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 on Wednesday. iPhone owners get Home screen widgets and a new way to organize their devices. And iPad owners get handwriting recognition and new drawing tools.

While reports indicate not everyone has access to the new versions yet, Apple says it released them at 1 p.m. Pacific time. The Golden Master versions of these upgrades went out to beta testers Tuesday.

Apple One is the Prime-style bundle that will lock us into Apple services

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Amazon Prime video
Can Apple follow the Amazon Prime formula?
Photo: Morning Brew/Unsplash CC

Apple One, which bundles several of the company’s vaunted services together, is a genius move. At best, it saves you money. At worst, it looks like it does.

I think it’s going to be a massive hit for Apple, and will provide a much-needed boost for struggling services like Apple News+ and Apple Arcade. However, it might cause some big headaches in Cupertino, too.

iMobie AnyFix tackles 130 iOS and other system issues

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iMobie AnyFix can address more than 130 system issues with Apple devices.
iMobie AnyFix can address scores of system problems that might plague your Apple device.
Photo: iMobie

This iOS repair post is presented by iMobie AnyFix.

Apple hardware enthusiasts enjoy a lot of problem-free usage. That’s one of the reasons we love our gadgets. But occasionally things go wrong. When faced with a disabled device, the first instinct may be to seek professional repair help, or to hurl the thing at a wall. The good news is, neither action may be necessary. A tool like iMobie AnyFix can remedy more than 130 system issues with iPhones, iPads, iPods and Apple TVs — with just a few clicks (and zero tech skills).

How to leave the iOS 14, iPadOS 14 beta programs

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How to iPadOS 14
Now that the beta program isn't necessary, it's a good time to leave.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

With iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 on its way to all, you no longer need to be enrolled in Apple’s beta program to get your hands on them. In fact, it’s a good idea to leave the program now that it’s not necessary.

While you have a beta profile still installed on your device, you will miss out on public releases that could include important fixes and security patches. We’ll show you how to easily remove it.

Leaks give us first uninspiring look at AirPods Studio headphones

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AirPods Studio will apparently look much like this.
Apple’s is prepping a pair of over-the-ear headphones, possibly as part of phasing out its Beats brand.
Render: Jon Prosser/cconceptcreator

After months of near quiet, a images and even video leaked out supposedly showing Apple’s first over-the-ears headphones, possibly called AirPods Studio.

If real, these show the headphones will have a squarish design, with curved edges and corners.

New Apple ads reveal the glories of iPad Air 4, Apple Watch Series 6 and more

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One of the new Apple ads is for the iPad Air 4
One of the. new Apple ads shows a quirky use for the iPad Air 4.
Screenshot: Apple

Apple lets its new devices strut in a series of video ads. The iPad Air 4 goes through its paces, with an emphasis on Apple Pencil features. And the Apple Watch Series 6 gets an introductory video, too. Plus, there are two more about Apple Watch in general.

Watch all these videos now:

Dashlane launches first-of-its-kind scoring tool for business password health

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Dashlane's new dashboard for scoring password health can inform businesses' security strategies.
Dashlane's new dashboard for scoring password health can inform businesses' security strategies.
Photo: Tyler Franta on Unsplash

This password security for businesses post is presented by Dashlane.

We often report on proper password management as an easy and cost-effective way for folks to secure their online lives against threats. Now Dashlane has gone and made it even easier for businesses to make the most of this vital step by offering the industry’s first password health score dashboard, released Monday.

PSA: New iPad Air 4 compatible with most 11-inch Pro accessories

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iPad Pro cases will fit new iPad Air 4
Logitech's Folio Touch for iPad Pro works with iPad Air, too.
Photo: Logitech

Picking up a new iPad Air next month? If you’re switching from a 11-inch iPad Pro, you will be pleased to know that most of your existing accessories should work just fine with your new tablet.

Both devices are almost identical in size, with the new iPad Air being ever so slightly thicker than the iPad Pro. Unless you have an incredibly tight-fitting case, you shouldn’t have any compatibility issues.

Apple: Epic wanted a fight to revive declining interest in Fortnite

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Epic Games mocked Apple with a ‘1984’ parody.
Fortnite maker Epic and Apple have been battling since August.
Screenshot: Epic Games

Apple likens Epic Games’ current predicament, shut out of the App Store, to the company having “started a fire, and poured gasoline on it,” and now requesting help from the court to put it out.

Apple’s lawyers are referencing Fortnite maker Epic’s recent claims that it is suffering major harm by being blocked from the App Store. Then Apple really puts the boot in.

Take your guitar practice anywhere with this controller and iOS app

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Jamstik: This portable trainer makes it easy and fun to improve your guitar skills.
This portable trainer makes it easy and fun to improve your guitar skills.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Lots of people are practicing guitar in the age of quarantine, and guitars are perfectly portable around the house. But try traveling with one, and they suddenly become a much bigger hassle. Thankfully digital technology has made it so you can practice guitar anywhere, without a guitar.

The Jamstik Guitar Trainer is a cleverly designed, compact guitar practice controller, with six strings, directional pad controls and a feature-packed companion app. At just over 18 inches long, the controller fits inside any backpack, but it also includes a convenient travel case. The new 2020 edition features spring-loaded strings for a more realistic feel. As you play, you’ll see your fingers on the screen in real-time, so you can get a grip (literally) on chords, scales and songs. AI-generated exercises, play-along sequences, and a gamified progression system make it exciting to progress. It’s like Guitar Hero, except that by the end you’re actually better at guitar.

Buy now: Get a Jamstik Guitar Trainer for $199. That’s 13% off the usual price.

Listen to Steve Jobs hype up the NeXT Computer in 1988

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One of the launch ads for the NeXT Computer.
One of the launch ads for the NeXT Computer.
Image: NeXT

Most Apple fans have heard Steve Jobs’ introduction of the original 1984 Macintosh. But far fewer are familiar with the initial public demonstrations of the NeXT Computer, the first of two NeXT machines Jobs launched during his years outside Apple.

However, 32 years down the line, an audio recording of one such speech, from the Boston Computer Society, has shown up online. Check it out.

Pick up an iPad Air 2, compatible with iPadOS 14, for under $220

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iPad Air 2
They won't last long!
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

You don’t want to miss out on Apple’s big iPadOS 14 upgrade, and you don’t have to splash out on a brand-new iPad to enjoy it, either. Pick up a refurbished iPad Air 2 today for as little as $219.99.

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

Apple Watch is now eligible for 0% Apple Card financing

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Next Apple Watch Activity challenge will take place on Veterans Day
You can now pay for your Apple Watch in monthly installments
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

The same day that Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE, the company expanded its 0% Apple Card financing service to cover its line of smartwatches.

Apple launched its 0% Apple Card financing option for iPhone back in December. This June, it expanded it to cover Mac, iPad, AirPods Pro, AirPods, and Apple Pencil — although Apple Watch was strangely MIA.

5 big takeaways from Apple’s September ‘Time Flies’ event

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The Apple September event had everything you could want
Important new products and services were all highlights of the Apple “Time Flies” September event.
Photo illustration: Cult of Mac/Apple

Apple executives took to virtual stages on Tuesday to unveil a parade of important new products at its “Time Flies” event. The much-anticipated Apple Watch made its debut, and a cheaper version too. And the iPad Air got a massive upgrade. Plus, there are new services and more.

Here’s why you shouldn’t overlook anything Apple just announced.

Phew! Apple leaker Jon Prosser gets to keep his eyebrows

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Tim Cook can't be happy about Jon Prosser's latest hits.
Tim Cook can't be happy about Jon Prosser's latest hits.
Photo: Apple

For Apple leaker Jon Prosser, Tuesday’s “Time Flies” event was a make-or-break situation.

Prosser, the Front Page Tech YouTuber whose reputation took a hit last week after he claimed Apple would launch new Apple Watches and iPads via press release, staked his continued relevance on his predictions for the event.

When the dust finally settled Tuesday, Prosser did not find himself slurping up a hot bowl of claim chowder. In fact, he pretty much nailed it.