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Magic Keyboard review roundup: iPad Pro’s best keyboard yet

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iPad-Pro-Magic-Trackpad
The iPad Pro accessory we've been dreaming of.
Photo: Apple

iPad Pro’s exciting new Magic Keyboard, available to order now from $299, has already made its way into the hands of some reviewers. As you might have guessed, they all have great things to say about it.

Its excellent typing experience, unparalleled trackpad, and ease of use make the new Magic Keyboard one of the best iPad accessories to date, though it’s not quite perfect. Here’s what you need to know before you get yours.

Apple AI experts work to solve big speech-translation problems

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Translation Unsplash
Machine translation isn't easy. But Apple's working to solve it.
Photo: Romain Vignes/Unsplash

Apple is seemingly looking to step up its work in speech translation, showing one more way that Cupertino is looking to incorporate cutting-edge approaches to artificial intelligence into what it does.

In a recent paper, published to the pre-print server arXiv, two Apple research scientists describe the challenges in the field, carrying out a fundamental survey of the problems with current speech translation.

No, they don’t have a magical solution. But the fact that Apple gave them such a task suggests the company takes seriously the need to hone its tools in this area.

Magic Keyboard heavier than iPad Pro; hands-on videos provide first look

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iPad-Pro-Magic-Keyboard
A 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard is heavier than a MacBook Air.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s amazing new Magic Keyboard might be a must-have accessory for some iPad Pro owners, but it comes with one big tradeoff. The combined weight of both devices makes the package heavier than a MacBook Air.

That’s something you’ll want to bear in mind if you use an iPad Pro for its portability. If it doesn’t put you off, however, you’ll want to check out the early hands-on videos that show the Magic Keyboard in action.

Get equipped for remote digital project management [Deals]

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CoM - Remtoe Project Management
Make the most of your remote work setup with lifetime access to digital project management how-to guides, resources, eBooks, and community support.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Project managers are used to working directly with their teams. But work life is changing for everybody, so this bundle includes everything you need for doing digital project management from a distance.

Next iPad Air could boast Mini LED display and under-glass Touch ID

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iPad Air
New iPad Air could have an all-display screen.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The new iPad Air will boast a Mini LED display and display-based Touch ID instead of Face ID, an Apple leaker claims.

Twitter user @L0vetodream, who has previously correctly shared details about forthcoming Apple devices, said that the iPad will therefore feature a full screen display with no notch. Last year’s iPad Air refresh sported a physical Home button.

Apple could be developing its own game controller for iOS, Apple TV

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Fortnite on iPad with SteelSeries Nimbus
Coming this year or next?
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple is developing its own game controller for Apple TV and iOS devices that will launch this year or next, according to claims from one tipster, published on Monday. It is said to be part of a big push to improve Apple Arcade.

The information comes from the same source who accurately predicted Apple’s plans for the 2020 iPad Pro refresh and the second-generation iPhone SE.

iPhone 12 notch may be considerably smaller than its predecessor

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iPhone notch 12
Is this the new notch?
Photo: Jon Prosser/Twitter

If you’re hoping for a smaller notch on the iPhone 12 than previous models you may be in luck, according to an image tweeted by Apple leaker Jon Prosser Sunday.

The image appears to be a CAD diagram. It shows a labeled version of what Prosser claims is the new notch for Apple’s next-gen iPhone. Compared to the ones seen on the last three generations of iPhones — dating back to the iPhone X — it looks substantially smaller.

Easily control Abode’s DIY security system with iPhone and HomeKit [Review]

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Abode Iota review
Abode Iota includes a camera, motion sensor and supports HomeKit home automation.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Abode Iota is a do-it-yourself security system that’s one of the very few with support for Apple’s HomeKit home-automation platform. That means it’s a breeze to control from your iPhone. It includes a camera, motion detector and windows/door sensor. Additional sensors can be added.

I installed the Iota Starter Kit and have extensively tested it. Read on to see whether it’s the right solution to secure your home or business.

Apple AirPower replacement might come in large and small sizes

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AirPower
Apple might be prepping a smaller wireless charger to go with the rumored multi-device version.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple will release a single-device wireless charging pad in addition to the larger, multi-device mat rumored to be much like the doomed AirPower, according to an unconfirmed report Sunday.

The latest rumors come a year after Apple canceled the AirPower wireless charger the company announced in 2017 without ever releasing it.

Use your newfound downtime to get skilled in Microsoft Office [Deals]

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The All-In-One Microsoft Office Professional Suite Certification Prep Bundle
Whether you're a beginner or a skilled user, you'll get an in-depth education in the full range of tools in the Microsoft Office Suite.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re working from home or at the office, Microsoft Office Suite is probably part of the picture. Excel, Word, Outlook and the rest of the software package prove fundamental to the modern workplace. So if you find yourself with some extra time, these lessons mean you can gain some super-marketable skills.

It’s time to get certified!

Fun new GarageBand tutorial shows how to make house music in your house

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The latest Today at Apple at Home is a GarageBand Tutorial
Learn to sample sounds in a free GarageBand tutorial from Apple.
Screenshot: Apple

An Apple employee teaches the basics of the free GarageBand music-creation software in an new video tutorial from Today at Apple. It covers sampling sounds from your kitchen to make house music.

Normally, these free educational sessions are held in Apple Stores, but with these all closed during the COVID-19 crisis, they’ve gone online. There are already training videos for drawing and taking better pictures.

The new iPhone SE: Fast, fun, cheap and perfect [Cult of Mac Magazine 345]

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2020 iPhone SE: Fast, fun, cheap and perfect
Apple threads the needle with its new budget iPhone.
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

With screaming-fast internals, key flagship-level features and a budget price tag, the new iPhone SE ticks all the boxes in these uncertain times. Apple cut a few smart corners to make the magic happen.

Read all about the 2020 iPhone SE in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. Grab yours today and get to reading. (Alternatively, hit the links below for the week’s top Apple news, reviews and how-tos.)

5 post-apocalyptic novels you probably haven’t read yet [What We’re Into]

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Five amazing post-apocalyptic novels for your reading pleasure.
Five amazing post-apocalyptic novels for your reading pleasure.
Photo: Kimberly Farmer/Unsplash CC

What We're Into bug If you’re looking for some situation-appropriate fiction to read during the COVID-19 lockdown, then what could be better than a good old post-apocalyptic novel?

Some people will want to avoid all mention of pandemics and other worldwide disasters. But if your idea of catharsis comes through mental inoculation, then you should check out this list. I’ve read a ton of dystopian fiction over the years, and below are some of my favorites. A few are from recent years, and one is a bona fide classic, but all of them are great.

Get the perfect lighting and angles for your quarantine streams [Deals]

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U-Stream Main
Boost your streaming video game with these discounted gear bundles.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Being unexpectedly stuck at home can mean you’ve suddenly got time to start streaming your thoughts and creative endeavors. But if you want people to watch your videos, you’ve got to cover the basics — good camera angles and quality lighting.

These two DIY bundles include studio lights, camera grips and more so you can stream video like a pro.

URcdkeys offers Cult of Mac readers 20% off Windows 10 for only $13

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URcdkeys 20% off sale, April 2020
Save on Windows 10 and Microsoft Office upgrades with our discount code.
Photo: URcdkeys

This Windows 10 and Microsoft Office upgrades post is presented by URcdkeys.

If you currently run old versions of Microsoft software and keep putting off upgrades because of costs, Cult of Mac has you covered. Our readers can get 20% off an assortment of Windows 10 and Office product keys that are already priced well below typical prices.

Once you enter Cult of Mac’s special discount code at purchase and get the key, you’ll be free to install Windows 10 Pro or your choice of 2016 or 2019 Office products on any PC.

Apple Music chief takes over Beats headphones

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Apple Beats PowerBeats in red
There’s a new boss of Beats, an Apple product line of top-tier headphones, some aimed at runners.
Photo: Apple

The head of Apple Music is apparently assuming an additional role. Oliver Schusser is reportedly going to take charge of the company’s Beats line of high-end headphones, while also remaining at the helm of Apple’s music-streaming service.

Apple also took the opportunity to refute a recent unconfirmed report that it’s phasing out Beats.

Chris Evans is a tour guide to the dark ride that is Defending Jacob

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Chris Evan plays the lead character in “Defending Jacob.”
Defending Jacob star Chris Evans talks about portraying every parent’s nightmare.
Photo: Apple

Chris Evans’s first big role after playing Captain America is a district attorney whose 14-year-old son is accused of murder in Defending Jacob on Apple TV+. He and other cast members talk about their characters from this upcoming show in a “First Look”video released Friday.

Watch it now:

Toggle ‘shopping mode’ on your iPhone for touch-free, mask-friendly grocery buying

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Make safe grocery acquisition a little easier with Drafts' shopping mode.
Make safe grocery acquisition a little easier with Drafts' shopping mode.
Photo: David Clarke/Unsplash

During the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve probably become hyper-aware of how much you touch everything. Your face, your iPhone, the AirPods you never clean, the filthy handle on your apartment building’s front door, etc. If you’re using your iPhone’s Reminders app to manage your iPhone shopping list, you’re likely finding yourself constantly tapping the screen and relying on Face ID to wake it up during trips to the store.

Clearly that’s useless if you’re being responsible and wearing a mask in the supermarket. Today we’ll see how to quickly toggle a “shopping mode” in the Drafts app, which will keep your iPhone awake while you dash down the aisles.

Leaked ad evokes the joy of unwrapping 2020 iPhone SE

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Apple “The Opening” online ad for 2020 iPhone SE
A short and wacky ad from Apple takes an unusual look at opening a 2020 iPhone SE.
Photo: Apple

Every iPhone buyer knows the excitement they feel when they first pull the protective plastic wrapper off their new device. Apple is supposedly about to release an ad for the 2020 iPhone SE that plays on the excitement users feel in that exact moment.

Watch it now:

ACLU wants COVID-19 tracking program loaded with privacy safeguards

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contact-tracing
Privacy groups want to make sure contact tracing technology keeps your data safe.
Photo: MIT Lincoln Lab

The American Civil Liberties Union said Friday it is cautiously encouraged by a commitment to privacy by Apple and Google as they develop Bluetooth-based contact-tracing technology to track the spread of COVID-19.

But the civil liberties group says the two tech giants must resolve “certain important privacy-related questions” key to winning trust from a public growing wary about who sees their data.

New Radeon Pro W5700X GPU is Mac Pro’s most affordable yet

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Mac-Pro-W5700X
Order yours today for $1,000.
Photo: Apple

Those looking to improve the graphics performance of their 2019 Mac Pro can now pick up the Radeon Pro W5700X MPX Module from the Apple Online Store.

For exactly $1,000, the new GPU offers up to 9.4 teraflops of compute performance and 16GB of GDDR6 memory. It uses AMD’s latest RDNA architecture, and it’s now the most affordable GPU module Apple sells.

2020 iPhone SE availability already slips to next month

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iphone.se.image.1
You’ll have to wait a bit if you didn’t already order the 2020 iPhone SE.
Photo: Apple

Apple began taking pre-orders for the second-generation iPhone SE on Friday, and in the U.S. already ran out out of its stock for release on launch day.

Orders placed placed earlier today will arrive on April 24. But the official Apple Store website indicates that orders for the new $399 iPhone placed now won’t arrive until May.