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Severance stars face hot ‘Wings of Death’ [Video]

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Severance stars on Hot Ones Versus
Scott and Arquette take miniscule bites to minimize the pain.
Photo: First We Feast/Hot Ones Versus

Severance costars Patricia Arquette and Adam Scott faced off in a funny, face-melting hot chicken wing-eating contest Tuesday in a new video from the show Hot Ones Versus.

In the words of the show, “today, these co-stars will have two choices: Tell the truth, or suffer the wrath of the Last Dab. Whoever eats the most wings, loses!”

The wings are spicy enough for the show to call them “Wings of Death,” and their spicy pain showed in the actors’ suffering as well as the teeny, tiny little bites they took when they missed a question.

This one cable charges Apple Watch plus your other gear

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Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch
Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch charges your wearable and your Mac at once.
Photo: Nomad

When you need to juice up your iPhone and Apple Watch, a single cable isn’t going to do you much good… unless it’s the latest innovation from Nomad. The new Universal Cable for Apple Watch charges the wearable while also sending current to another USB-C device, like a MacBook or iPad.

It’s not quite like anything else on the market.

New Opera Air browser offers calm in online storm

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new Opera Air browser
Maybe take a break from doomscrolling and go for a zen moment on Opera Air.
Photo: Opera

The new Opera Air web browser brings meditation and mindfulness features directly to users, the Norway-based browser developer said Tuesday. The new browser’s approach to surfing the web combines Opera’s established browser technology with wellness tools typically found in dedicated meditation apps. Perhaps more traditional browsers like Safari and Chrome will follow suit.

“The web is beautiful but it can be chaotic and overwhelming,” said Mohamed Salah, Opera’s senior director of product. “We decided to look at science-backed ways to help our users navigate it in a way that makes them feel and function better.”

Get terabytes of storage on the cheap with speedy new SSD from PNY

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PNY PRO Elite V3
The PNY PRO Elite V3 might be the affordable external storage you’re looking for.
Photo: PNY

A new mobile SSD called the PNY Pro Elite V3 holds terabytes of data and can transfer that data at up to 1,000MB/s. But perhaps its standout feature is price: the 2TB variant comes in at just $145.

PNY also just introduced two other speedy USB-C drives that top out at 256GB — but cost less than $25.

Berlin ER brings the pain in a good way [Apple TV+ trailer]

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Berlin ER trailer
Apple TV+ calls it "gritty" repeatedly, and it really seems to be.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ trots out the word “gritty” in press materials that go with its gripping new trailer for Berlin ER, the upcoming German-language hospital drama formerly known as Krank Berlin. And for the first time, PR for the show seems to actually live up to that description.

The trailer makes the new series look raw, with a visceral realism about the harsh realities of an inner-city hospital that makes me want to watch it, even if I have to use subtitles (or maybe, ugh, dubbed English). The eight-episode series starts streaming on Apple TV+ February 26.

Plan a party with the new Apple Invites app

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Apple Invites app
“A new app that brings people together for life’s special moments,” according to Apple.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple is taking on Evites. On Tuesday, the company unveiled Apple Invites, an app that lets users share invitations and RSVP to events via iCloud+. Invited guests can add to a shared photo album and even contribute to the music playlist.

“With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together,” said Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple’s senior director of worldwide product marketing for Apps and iCloud, in a press release. “Apple Invites brings together capabilities our users already know and love across iPhone, iCloud, and Apple Music, making it easy to plan special events.”

Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs considers buying Yahoo

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Yahoo
Apple could have teamed up with Disney to make an offer.
Photo: Yahoo

February 4 Today in Apple historyFebruary 4, 2008: Apple CEO Steve Jobs reportedly considers buying the search engine Yahoo. Apple is one of several interested companies, following reports that Microsoft offered $44.6 billion for the web portal the previous week.

Nothing ultimately comes of it, but Apple’s interest is later confirmed in an authorized biography of Jobs.

MacBook Pro is just fine without OLED

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OLED MacBook? Why?
An OLED MacBook probably isn’t worth waiting for.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple is undoubtedly working to upgrade the LCD in its MacBook Pro line with a beautiful OLED display. Rumors differ on exactly what that’ll happen though, and the wait stretches out years.

As someone who already uses another Apple computer with a large OLED, I have to say there’s no reason for Apple to hurry. MacBook Pro users really should not feel impatient.

Say goodbye to unreliable AI — generate fact-checked content with ease

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Photo of a woman working on her laptop using Katteb AI writer while she is on the couch.
This reliable AI content generator is on sale at a huge discount for a lifetime plan.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’ve ever been let down by artificial intelligence providers spitting out half-truths and random guesses, it’s time to upgrade to Katteb. This AI-powered content generator is designed to deliver factually accurate, SEO-friendly and plagiarism-free content across more than 30 content types in more than 110 languages.

With a lifetime subscription to Katteb, you’ll finally have a tool that’s as smart as it claims to be. And it’s on sale now for just $79.99 (regularly $195) as a one-time payment.

Get six months of Apple Music for just under $3

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First-time Apple Music subscribers get just a 1-month free trial now (unless they bought an Apple device).
Apple Music's biggest offer gets you six month of subscription for less than $3!
Photo: Apple

For a limited time, Apple is running a promo offering six months of Apple Music subscription for just $2.99. That’s just $3 for six months, leading to substantial savings.

Without the promo, new Apple Music subscribers would have to pay $10.99 monthly for the streaming service.

Average iPhone selling price tops a whopping $900

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iPhone Series 16 day in photos
Shoppers bought heaps of iPhone Pro models in 2024.
Photo: Apple

 If you paid $900 for your iPhone, then you paid less than the global average, according to a new analysts’ report. That’s because the average selling price for iOS devices grew 25% over the last four years, even as the number of handsets Apple sold also increased.

There’s been a trend for several years of greater demand for Apple’s more expensive iPhone Pro models, and that’s driving up ASP. Apple continues to push innovation, including features like Adaptive Audio AirPods, which were recently highlighted in this Spike Jonze short film.

Price drop: Add 128GB of storage to your iPhone (or other device) with 4-way flash drive

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Never run out of storage again with this smart flash drive that works with almost any phone, $31 today .
Back up your iPhone photos and videos with this pocket-size flash drive.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Did you know you can expand your iPhone storage by using a flash drive? This 4-in-1 Smart Flash Drive lets you add 128GB of storage to almost any device, thanks to its four connectors: USB-C, Lightning, USB 3.0 and micro-USB. That array of connectivity makes this four-way flash drive one of the most convenient storage options around.

This pocket-size lifesaver allows you to transfer files between your devices in just a couple of taps, saving you valuable phone storage space and potentially expensive cloud costs.  And right now, you can grab it on sale for just $24.99. That’s $15 off the regular price of $39.99.

Sophie tangles with evil British aristocracy in Surface season 2 [Apple TV+ trailer]

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Surface season 2 trailer
Still searching for clues to her forgotten life, Sophie stumbles upon a scandal in British high society.
Photo: Apple TV+

In Surface season 2, amnesiac Sophie enters a whole new world in London on her search for lost memories. But she ends up embroiled in a British aristocratic scandal, tangling with people far more dangerous than they seem on the, er, surface, according the new trailer Apple TV+ dropped Monday.

The psychological thriller returns for its eight-episode second season on Apple TV+ Friday, February 21.

Don’t miss your chance to get AirPods Pro 2 at a huge discount

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AirPods Pro 2 in hand with case opened
Save big on the AirPods Pro 2.
Source: Unsplash

AirPods Pro 2 are — hands down — the best earbuds for iPhone users. They offer high-quality audio while also seamlessly switching between Apple devices as needed. And AirPods sales from multiple retailers mean you can pick up a pair at a sweet 32% off.

And there are more sweet discounts, including AirPods 4 at up to 22% off, and AirPods Max at up to 13% off.

As breaches rise, Surfshark Alert with free Data Leak Checker can help

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Surfshark Alert with Data Leak Checker
Now you can easily find out if your personal information appeared in a data breach.
Photo: Surfshark

With high-profile data breaches on the rise, the digital landscape becomes increasingly treacherous for both individuals and organizations. Fortunately, tools like Surfshark Alert’s free Data Leak Checker can protect your precious personal information.

Surfshark products offer advanced levels of protection against growing online threats. And right now, you can lock in security for less with a great deal on Surfshark One+, a top-of-the-line package that adds an easy-to-use tool for removing your compromised data from the internet.

Today in Apple history: iPhone comes to Verizon at last

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Four years of AT&T exclusivity on iPhone finally comes to an end.
Four years of AT&T exclusivity on iPhone finally comes to an end.
Photo: Jon Fingas/Flickr CC

February 3: Today in Apple history: iPhone comes to Verizon at last February 3, 2011: The iPhone finally arrives on Verizon Wireless, the United States’ largest carrier, ending nearly four years of exclusivity with AT&T.

The move comes as Apple faces pressure to expand its customer base as Android phones grow in popularity. The deal commences with the iPhone 4 available for preorder by Verizon’s 93 million customers.

Software sharpens text on MacBook Pro rig’s external 4K display [Setups]

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Thunderbolt monitor
This MacBook setup uses BetterDisplay to make text as crisp as possible on the BenQ external display.
Photo: [email protected]

What do you think, does today’s featured setup photograph, above, look the product of artificial intelligence? Something too neat and maybe a little off about it? Lots of people thought so. But the user insists only the desktop wallpaper showing on the Thunderbolt monitor is AI-generated. And the MacBook Pro user finds BetterDisplay sharpens text on his external display, a 32-inch BenQ 4K screen.

Get to know Kendrick Lamar before his Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

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Kendrick Lamar Road to Halftime
Apple offers many ways to get ready not for the game but for the halftime show with hip hop star Kendrick Lamar.
Photo: Apple Music

With hip-hop icon Kendrick Lamar taking center stage at the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show on February 9 at New Orleans, Apple kicked off the artist’s Road to Halftime festivities Monday.

“Throughout his career, Kendrick Lamar hasn’t met the cultural moment so much as he’s defined it,” said Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s global head of content and editorial. “He is an artist’s artist — authentic to his core. We couldn’t be more thrilled to watch him headline the third Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, in what’s sure to be another moment we’ll all be talking about for decades.”

Apple to drop multiyear AppleCare+ plans from retail stores

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AppleCare+ coverage for Apple products
AppleCare+ payment options will get a small but important tweak.
Photo: Apple

Apple reportedly will make a small change to AppleCare+ payments next week. Customers will no longer have the option to prepay for two or three years of AppleCare+ coverage at retail stores.

Instead, they can only purchase AppleCare+ annually or monthly through Apple Stores. The multiyear subscription plan is not going away, though.

Today in Apple history: Gil Amelio takes over as CEO

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Bringing on Gil Amelio was viewed as a big coup for the Apple board.
Many viewed new CEO Gil Amelio as the man to save Apple.
Photo: Apple

February 2: Today in Apple history: Gil Amelio takes over as Apple CEO February 2, 1996: Apple reveals that turnaround artist Gil Amelio will take over from Michael “The Diesel” Spindler as CEO of the struggling company.

With disappointing Mac sales, the disastrous “clone Mac” strategy and a failed Sun Microsystems merger to his name, Spindler is asked to resign by the Apple board. Then Cupertino enlists supposed corporate miracle worker Amelio for the job.

Unfortunately, he turns out to be no better than Spindler.

Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds with heart-rate monitoring reportedly launch Feb. 11

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Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 coming in 2025
MLB star Shohei Ohtani wears the upcoming Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds during batting practice. You can wear them soon.
Photo: Beats

After months of teasing glimpses of Powerbeats Pro 2, the fitness-oriented wireless earbuds will launch next week, if a report from a generally reliable source proves accurate. The updated earbuds reportedly will mark a significant milestone for Apple — its first earbuds with built-in heart-rate monitoring. If you’re planning to use these earbuds with an Android device, you might find this guide on how to pair Powerbeats Pro to Android helpful.

This comes as Apple continues to expand its ecosystem, including new developments like Beats Fit Pro 2 that enhance user experience across devices.

Apple iCloud-based event planning service could launch this week

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iCloud Passwords land on Windows
A new iCloud service could make organizing events and parties easier.
Photo: Apple

Apple is reportedly launching an iCloud-powered events and invite service called “Confetti” inside the company as soon as this week. The feature will enable users to invite their friends and families to upcoming parties and functions.

The move is part of Apple’s plan to revamp its Calendar app.

Bad news for Apple AR glasses, good news for CarPlay and Siri [The CultCast]

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AI-generated image of AR glasses with the word
Another big Apple project bites the dust.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple pulls the plug on a secret AR glasses project. What does this mean for Vision Pro?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Erfon discusses the pros and cons of the 13-inch iPad Pro.
  • Apple’s latest earnings call yields some astonishing factoids.
  • Apple still plans to fix Siri — and to roll out the delayed CarPlay 2.
  • We end with a laugh at one of the craziest iPhone cases we’ve ever seen.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Today in Apple history: Stephen Colbert shows off iPad early at Grammys

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Stephen Colbert shows off a prerelease iPad during the Grammy Awards show.
Jay-Z didn't get one of these in his gift bag.
Photo: Grammys

February 1: Today in Apple history: Stephen Colbert shows off iPad early at the Grammys February 1, 2010: The tech-loving world goes into meltdown at the sight of comedian Stephen Colbert using a prerelease iPad to read nominations during the Grammy Awards show.

“Jay-Z, did you not get one of these in your gift bag?” Colbert quips from the stage. “Am I cooler than you?”

The celebrity sneak peek is all part of Apple’s big (and wildly successful) plan to hype its upcoming tablet.

How to find your lost iPhone using Find My (and Apple Watch)

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Find My iPhone
One of the best iPhone features.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Find My iPhone, a feature available in Apple’s Find My app, will help you locate your lost phone. You can find it using any other Apple device you own or by borrowing a friend’s device. You can even ping your iPhone from your Apple Watch.

From Find My, you can also remotely lock down your lost iPhone, put the device into a special Lost Mode, or even wipe its contents. You should take a peek at this incredibly useful app before you have to.

Keep reading or watch our video.