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Got some extra time? Use it to Master Adobe Creative Cloud [Deals]

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Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
Boost your earning potential from home with 60 hours of courses in Adobe Creative Cloud.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether to stay creative or to broaden job prospects, Adobe’s Creative Cloud is one of the best tools to have under your belt. Lots of us are at home wondering what to do right now, so it’s a good time to sharpen your skills. And with this deal, you can get more than 60 hours of training in Adobe CC for less than $35.

Amazing Stories delivers solid shot of escapism with ‘Signs of Life’ [Review]

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Michelle Wilson in Amazing Stories
Michelle Wilson anchors a solid outing of the new Amazing Stories.
Photo: Apple TV+

After a bumpy start, the Apple TV+ reboot of Amazing Stories headed off in an agreeable direction. Between its heart-on-the-sleeve emotional core and the very modern, depressive look at the deflation of the American dream, this is a show that understands why people need to believe in the impossible today.

Episode 4, titled “Signs of Life,” might not be a perfect hour of television. However, it’s got its heart in the right place. And a host of excellent elements make its story beats hit with extra force.

Quarantined photographer executes fantastic FaceTime fashion shoot

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Alessio Albi FaceTime model shoot
Alessio Albi makes screenshot magic on FaceTime.
Screenshot: Alessio Albi/Instagram

Quarantined photographers across the internet have used the lockdown to come up with personal projects they could shoot within the same confines of their home.

Condé Nast shooter Alessio Albi has one of the more interesting bodies of work to emerge from staying at home. He is using FaceTime for remote fashion shoots.

Boxy iPhone 12 Pro concept packs ProMotion XDR display and PowerDrop

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iphone-12-pro
Would you buy the iPhone 12 Pro if it looks like this?
Photo: The Hacker 34

Another iPhone 12 Pro concept landed on YouTube this week to satiate Apple fans who just can’t wait for the real deal to be revealed this fall.

Created by the Hacker 34, the new iPhone 12 Pro concept offers a couple features not included on the drool-worthy concept we posted yesterday. Armed with a ProMotion XDR display, new quad-camera setup and two-way charging, this boxy concept will have you ready to open your wallet for the 5G iPhone, whenever it actually comes out.

Check it out:

Customize your Apple Watch workouts for effective home exercise

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Can't go to the gym? Customize your Apple Watch to fit your home workouts.
Can't go to the gym? Customize your Apple Watch to fit your home workouts.
Photo: Meghan Holmes/Unsplash CC

If you’re stuck at home due to COVID-19 self-isolation, you’re probably not getting enough exercise these days. Still, you should try to keep yourself in shape, for both your mental and your physical wellbeing. The Apple Watch can definitely help, and you can customize the data it displays during workouts so you only see what you need.

Maybe you don’t need to know the current pace for your indoor walk, or you don’t care to be distracted by your calorie burn during a yoga session. Let’s see how to customize Apple Watch workouts to fit your personal needs.

Apple Watch might get Touch ID for easier unlocking

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Apple-Watch-Touch-ID
Is Touch ID really necessary?
Mockup: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple is working to bring Touch ID to Apple Watch for the first time, according to new reports out Friday. The company is said to be exploring two methods of integrating the technology into its wearable for easier unlocking.

The new model may prove particularly interesting to Apple Watch Series 2 owners, who are expected to miss out on Apple’s upcoming watchOS 7 update this fall.

Zoom shares data with Facebook even about non-Facebook users [Updated]

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Zoom video conferencing for Mac
Zoom became very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has some sketchy privacy practices.
Photo: Zoom

The Zoom video conferencing app has been a lifesaver for many people unexpectedly forced to work from home during the coronavirus outbreak. But privacy experts have raised concerns that this app shares more user data than many might realize. That includes the iOS version reportedly sending information to Facebook, even about users who don’t have a Facebook account.

Update: Zoom has removed this controversial code.

Disney+ racks up 5 million downloads on launch day in Europe

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disney.plus.uk.2
Disney+ has finally landed in the UK.
Photo: Apple

The Disney+ mobile app is off to a roaring start in Europe and the UK just days after it launched earlier this week.

Third-party app analytics firm App Annie revealed that the Disney+ app has been downloaded over 5 million times on launch day, possibly thanks to millions of residents having to shelter-in-place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This setting makes Mac System Preferences way easier to use

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Arrange your Mac System Preferences alphabetically.
Arrange your Mac's System Preferences alphabetically.
Photo: Jessicah Hast/Unsplash

Are you forever opening up your Mac’s System Preferences app and searching for the section you need? If so, it’s because by default, all those Preference Panes are ordered by category, which — to me at least — makes little sense.

Luckily, changing a single setting in the Mac’s System Preferences app can make this essential tool far easier to use. There’s a much better way to sort them — alphabetically. Let’s check it out.

Hackers see COVID-19 as a big opportunity for new exploits

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hacker
We should be even more vigilant online.
Photo: Clint Patterson

A new report published on Friday by the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) details the many ways hackers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to exploit unsuspecting targets.

It includes new social engineering attacks that convince email users to give up sensitive data, and an increase in malware distributed via malicious links. Europol calls for law enforcement agencies to be vigilant and prepared.

Apple launches new COVID-19 screening app and website in partnership with CDC

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apple
The new COVID-19 app and website provide the latest information and guidance from the CDC for users across the US.
Photo: Apple

Apple is jumping into the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic with a new website and app that allow visitors to screen themselves for COVID-19 symptoms.

The company partnered with the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control for the new site and app, found at Apple.com/covid19 and on the App Store. The goal is to give people resources so they can stay informed on steps they can take to protect their health during the coronavirus outbreak.

Lara Croft Go goes free for quarantined tomb raiders

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Lara Croft Go
And all without unnecessarily raiding your pocket.
Photo: Square Enix

At five years old, Square Enix’s Lara Croft Go is a comparative oldie, but a goodie. The tomb-raiding puzzle game is also now free to download — making it perfect for a time when many of us are stuck in the proverbial (definitely not literal) tombs that are our apartments and houses.

What better time to play a globe-trotting, death-dodging, brain-tickling action game?

iOS bug may expose data even while running a VPN

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This VPN provider is backed by super secure encryption, Swiss data privacy laws, and lots more.
ProtonVPN brings an iOS bug to light.
Photo: Cult of Mac

A consultant has discovered an unpatched security bug in iOS that prevents virtual private networks from encrypting all traffic.

The problem impacts iOS 13.3.1 and later and could lead some internet connections to expose data or leak IP addresses.

CarKey screenshots show how drivers will start their cars via Wallet app

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CarKey access type 1
Here's how you'll interface with CarKey.
Photo: DongleBookPro

A new CarKey feature for iOS 14 will let drivers start up compatible vehicles from their iPhone or Apple Watch, using a digital car key in their Wallet app. Leaked screenshots that appeared on Twitter this week show what the user interface might look like.

Tapping on the digital car key in the Wallet app will reveal the car model and automaker. It also offers the ability to share your key with another person. And an Express Mode works without requiring Face ID or your passcode.

R&B star learns iMovie on lockdown to make sexy ‘quarantine style’ video

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Kehlani music video on iMove
Kehlani doing her work at home.
Screenshot: Kehlani/YouTube

Kehlani, an R&B star from Oakland, California, used her time in COVID-19 quarantine to teach herself iMovie — then shot and edited a racy DIY music video at home.

The video for her new single “Toxic” involves creative lighting, a lot of twerking and, um, implied self-care. “Created, directed, edited by me in my room in an hour,” she wrote on Twitter. “Thank U red wine.”

VPN use skyrockets during self-quarantine, and you should get in on the action [Deals]

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VPN Unlimited Main
Now's a great time to finally protect your online activity with a virtual private network.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As the coronavirus pandemic leads to stay-at-home lockdowns around the country, lots of people are suddenly online even more than usual. Unfortunately, with increased online activity comes extra risk of data theft and compromised privacy.

Plus, many people who became stuck while traveling now face problems accessing location-restricted content. So it’s little wonder that NordVPN says use of its virtual private network services spiked 165% since March 11. If you haven’t already jumped on the VPN bandwagon, now is a great time to do it. With this deal from KeepSolid VPN Unlimited, you can get a lifetime’s access for just $39.

iPad Pro’s been supercharged, but not how you think … we discuss! On The CultCast

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CultCast 433
It's not the LIDAR cam that makes the new iPad Pro magical....
Photo: @YSR50

This week on The CultCast: Forget the A12Z and LiDAR Scanner, it’s iPadOS and the new Magic Keyboard that just supercharged the iPad Pro — we discuss! Plus, we’ll tell you the best new features in iOS 13.4. And Tim Cook, aka The Cookie, uses Apple’s massive supply chain prowess to deliver hugely needed supplies for medical workers — we got the story for ya right here!

Our thanks to LinkedIn for supporting this episode. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters. So head to LinkedIn.com/cultcast and get a $50 credit toward your first job post.

No, Apple is not throttling its A-series chips for easy upgrades later

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2020 iPad Pro builds on the 2018 model.
The 2020 iPad Pro offers an additional GPU core, but its chip hasn't changed.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A new investigation into Apple’s improved A12Z Bionic chip inside the 2020 iPad Pro reveals that it features exactly the same GPU found in the A12X Bionic for 2018 iPad Pro units. The one big difference is that an additional eighth core is now enabled, making it slightly faster.

Many fans are now criticizing Apple for what seems, at first glance, as intentional throttling. It is assumed Cupertino is disabling features in its newest chips, only to enable them later and market them as improved — even though they’re essentially the same on the inside.

Could it be that this is a scheme to make quick and easy cash? Actually, no. This is standard practice across the semiconductor industry. Others like Intel and Nvidia use exactly the same approach — and there’s a very good reason for it.

Here’s the real reason why an A12Z is just an A12X with unlocked potential.

iPhone component makers push back at claims Apple is delaying 5G iPhone

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iPhone-12-concept-2
Will Apple delay the iPhone 12? These folks say no.
Photo: PhoneArena

Printed circuit board suppliers in the Apple supply chain in Taiwan have dismissed rumors that they’ve been asked to delay volume production of the 5G iPhone, according to a new report from Digitimes.

This comes at a time when there are mixed reports about whether this fall’s iPhone 12 handsets are going to be delayed due to the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Apple TV+ has a brand-new episode of Amazing Stories for you to enjoy

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Amazing Stories Signs of Life 1
Friday means new Apple TV+ day!
Photo: Apple

The latest episode of the Steven Spielberg executive produced sci-fi anthology series Amazing Stories is available to check out on Apple TV+.

The fourth of five standalone episodes, “Signs of Life,” tells the story of a teenager who struggles to reconnect with the stranger that is their mother after she awakens from a six-year coma. It landed on Apple TV+ Friday morning.

ARM-based Macs coming next year, USB4 in 2022

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Phil Schiller: Nope, Apple still isn’t planning to make a touchscreen Mac
Coming soon to a Mac near you?
Photo: Apple

Apple will launch multiple Macs, including both MacBooks and iMacs, with its own eagerly anticipated custom ARM-based processors in 2021, respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo writes in his latest note to clients and obtained by Cult of Mac.

The research note, published late Thursday, says that the switch to ARM-based processors will have several advantages for Apple. It will further differentiate its products from Windows PCs, reduce processor costs by 40-60%, and free Apple from following Intel’s product roadmap with any of the delays that might entail.

Stay at home! This free TV list will make your quarantine cozy

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Apple TV remote news
Binging on TV is now a healthy choice.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

If staying at home saves lives during the coronavirus pandemic, then binging on TV is your civic duty.

Networks and streaming services are stepping up to help us sacrifice, offering loads of free programming for any device while we wait out stay-at-home orders. Much of what we’re about to tell you in this guide to free streaming is available on a variety of platforms, from Apple TV to the iPhone, iPad, Macs and smart TVs. Chances are good you’ve already got everything you need to take advantage of these freebies.

Drool-worthy iPhone 12 Pro concept shows off boxy body and new LiDAR sensor

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iphone 12
Meet the iPhone 12 Pro.
Photo: ConceptsiPhone

Just can’t wait until Apple unleashes its new iPhones later this year? Our friends at ConceptsiPhone just published their most beautiful iPhone 12 Pro concept video yet and it looks like it almost came directly from Apple’s marketing department.

The detailed concept video shows off the most anticipated features on the 2020 iPhone lineup, including the new iPhone 4-inspired body in two new colors and LiDAR sensor that was just added to the new iPad Pros that came out last week.

Grab a napkin and get ready to drool: