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Protect your online privacy with one of these VPNs on sale [Deals]

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VPN Roundup Main
We've rounded up some massive deals on four premium VPN subscriptions, up to 98% off.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When you use the internet, you’re exposing your information all kinds of threats. From identity theft, to tracking malware, to annoying location based content restrictions, the threats to privacy and security are endless, and so are the reasons for using a VPN. There are tons of providers out there, so we’ve rounded up four top tier VPN subscriptions. at discounts that go as high as 98%. Read on for more details:

iOS 13 could make upgrading from an old iPhone much faster

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iOS-13-wired-data-transfer
Yes, that’s two iPhones connected via a cable.
Photo: Apple

You may soon be able to transfer photos, videos, contacts, and more from an old iPhone to a new one using a cable.

The latest iOS 13 beta hints at the ability to connect two iOS devices for wired data transfer. The move could significantly speed up the upgrade process, which currently relies on wireless connectivity.

But it’s not exactly clear how you’ll be able to marry two iPhones with a cable.

Fortnite fans prepare for Upside Down as Stranger Things takes over

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Fortnite-Stranger-Things-portal
One of several portals now found in Mega Mall.
Screenshot: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Fortnite players could soon find themselves transported to the Upside Down as Stranger Things begins its in-game takeover.

Gateways to the parallel universe, complete with floating spores, have started appearing in the Mega Mall area of Battle Royale. They won’t take you far for now — but that could soon change.

‘Close Your Rings’ videos show how Apple Watch users get their exercise

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Close Rings
Here's how Apple Watch users close their rings.
Photo: Apple

Apple has updated its “Close Your Rings” Apple Watch website with short videos and stories detailing how different Apple Watch wearers complete their fitness goals each day.

“Close Your Rings” is Apple’s slogan describing an Apple Watch UI element. It pushes users to move, exercise and stand up by presenting this data as a series of rings to be closed each day.

Samsung completes its Galaxy Fold redesign

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Apple invents a unique, no-crease folding iPhone screen
We still don't know the release date, though.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung has reportedly completed a two-month redesign of its folding Galaxy Fold handset, after screen defects caused the company to delay its release.

While undoubtedly embarrassing, this will at least allow Samsung to get its next-gen smartphone on the market before the holiday season.

Four ways to instantly enhance your iPhone camera [Deals]

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iPhone Photography Roundup
We've rounded up four incredible add-ons to make your iPhone an even better photo powerhouse.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

We get iPhones as much for the camera as for any of the other features. But as great as mobile photography has become, it’s still up against the limitations that come with being, you know, a phone. So if you’re looking to take your iPhone photos to the next level, these four upgrades are for you, from wireless charging gimbals to DSLR-style grips, 360 camera extensions and more. Read on for more details:

myCharge battery sports built-in Lightning and USB-C cables [Review]

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myCharge HubMax Universal with iPhone and iPad Pro
iPhone, iPad Pro, and myCharge HubMax Universal: you’re ready to go.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Hands up if this ever happens to you: you remembered your iPhone or iPad and an external battery but forgot the charging cable. That frustration isn’t possible with the myCharge HubMax Universal as it has both a Lightning and a USB-C cable built in. Even better, this 10050 mAh battery has a pair of wall prongs so it can plug straight into a socket.

Go on the road with me as I put the HubMax Universal through its paces.

Apple asks Supreme Court to support LGBTQ workers

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Apple employees in Pride parade
Apple is asking the Supreme Court to protect LGTBQ people from workplace discrimination.
Photo: Apple

Apple is among more than 200 companies asking the Supreme Court to protect LGBTQ workers with current job non-discrimination laws.

The companies signed onto a “Friend of the Court” brief for three cases the high court is scheduled to hear this fall.

CarPlay is better than ever in iOS 13 — here’s what’s new

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CarPlay-dashboard-iOS-13
My cheap Kia came with CarPlay as standard.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

iOS 13 doesn’t just mean big improvements for your iPhone. Apple is making some pretty significant enhancements to CarPlay, too, including a brand-new dashboard and better apps.

Some of these great new CarPlay features are long overdue. Here’s everything you can expect from Apple’s in-car platform in iOS 13.

Pock puts your Mac’s Dock in the Touch Bar

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Pock dock and settings
In deep with Pock.
Photo: Pock

Pock is a very neat little utility for folks with Touch Bar MacBook Pros. All it does is replace the Touch Bar’s tools with swap-in “widgets,” or sets of tools. One of these puts the Mac’s own Dock into the Touch Bar, which is an amazing idea. But there are several other widgets available, with more to come.

Phantom MacBook appears briefly in FCC database

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2019 MacBook Pro
The FCC just accidentally leaked some info on an upcoming Apple laptop.
Photo: Apple

5The FCC just signed off on an Apple laptop that hasn’t been announced yet. This could be the 16-inch MacBook Pro that’s been the subject of recent rumors. Or it might be just a speed-bumbled version of an earlier model.

Turn your favorite iPhone photos into museum-quality canvas prints

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Print your iPhone photos on canvas with CanvasChamp.
Print your iPhone photos on canvas for a museum-quality look.
Photo: CanvasChamp

This post is presented by CanvasChamp.

iPhones take such great pictures, it seems a shame to limit them to viewing on a screen. For a variety of reasons, the photos of friends and family that we take these days rarely end up decorating our homes the way they used to. But that’s not because it’s hard to do, or even expensive.

Xiaomi digital avatars totally rip off Apple’s Memoji

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Xiaomi Mimoji vs. Apple Memoji
One of these is an Apple Memoji and the other a Xiaomi Mimoji. Can you tell which is which?
Photo: Xiaomi/Memoji

There’s something slightly familiar about Xiaomi’s new Mimoji 3D avatars. And by “slightly familiar” we mean this feature debuting in the Chinese company’s latest phone is a complete knockoff of Memoji, the animated avatars Apple introduced last year.

Third betas for iOS 13 and iPadOS arrive for devs

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ios13
Users can't wait to get their hands on iOS 13.
Photo: Apple

Apple seeded the third beta build of iOS 13 and iPadOS to developers this morning, bringing a host of new tweaks and bug fixes to test devices just before the 4th of July break.

iOS 13 beta 3 arrives just over two weeks after Apple dropped the last developer beta. The first iOS 13 public beta came out a week ago. Apple also released the third betas of tvOS 13, watchOS 6 and macOS Catalina today.

How to use the OP-Z’s new sampler with your iPhone

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This is all you need to make a hit record. Well, maybe a few dongles, too…
This is all you need to make a hit record. Well, maybe a few dongles, too…
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Teenage Engineering’s awesome, pocket-size OP-Z synth can now record and use samples. Thanks to a massive software update, it can now sample live audio in through its mic, or via its USB-C port. And yes, if you hook it up to an iPhone or iPad via USB, it shows up as a standard audio interface: You can record from, and send audio to, the OP-Z in lossless digital quality.

Today we’re going to check out these new features. A few limitations prove annoying, but Apple users should feel accustomed to that by now.

Ireland probes Apple’s compliance with strict EU privacy rules

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Anti-robocall bill is one step closer to being passed into law
EU law sets strict privacy rules, and it’s the job of an Irish commissioner to be sure Apple is following them.
Photo: rawpixel.com/Pexels CC

Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner is looking into whether Apple is following all the requirements of the EU’s new General Data Protection Regulation privacy law.

The DPC has three investigations going into Apple’s business practices, each covering a different aspect of the GDPR legislation. There are far more ongoing probes into how Facebook handles user privacy.

The Apple Car could have the best bumper ever

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apple car
A rendering of an Apple car with a different kind of bumper
Photo: Motor1

Dying to see what Apple’s idea of a car looks like? Here’s a bumper.

OK, so a patent, like the one for an extendable bumper awarded to Apple today, doesn’t exactly give us a detailed picture. But we at least see one more piece of evidence Apple remains a committed player in the future of cars – whether we drive them or not.

Jony Ive is leaving Apple at a time it’s pivoting to Services

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Apple services
Services is based on software, not hardware.
Photo: Apple

There’s a plenty of court intrigue about the reasons for Jony Ive leaving Apple.

John Arlidge, who interviewed Ive for the U.K.’s Sunday Times in 2013 and 2014, has an interesting take. In an article for Wired, Arlidge points out that Ive’s split from Apple comes at a time when it’s pivoting away from hardware.

Rally or not? Apple stock is at a ‘key technical juncture’

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AAPL stock
Should you be excited about Apple stock? This chart could tell you.
Image: CNBC

Apple shares increased 2% on Monday, buoyed by the news that the burgeoning trade war between China and the U.S. could be over.

In all, AAPL is up almost 30% for the year. But according to an equity strategist, what happens next could be crucially important. It’s either very good news for Apple, or very bad.

Confirmed: Samsung’s new iPhone XS Max rival will arrive on August 7

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Galaxy-Note-10-Unpacked
You’ll be able to watch the event online.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung today issued invites for a big Galaxy Unpacked event on August 7. The South Korean company is expected to unveil its newest rival to the iPhone XS Max — the much-anticipated Galaxy Note 10.

We recently got a glimpse at leaked photos of the device, which will offer a giant edge-to-edge display with a tiny camera cutout.

You can now enjoy Spotify Stations on the road with CarPlay

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CaPlay 1
Spotify Stations is like your own personal radio station.
Image: Spotify

Spotify has updated its Spotify Stations app with support for CarPlay. The app is intended to provide a radio station-like experience, which customizes itself to your tastes.

With its latest update, you no longer need to use your iPhone to access the app. If you’re a CarPlay user, you can do it right from your dash.

Apple has a surprising plan to save iPhone in China

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The 2018 iPhone models aren't going to have an in-display Touch ID fingerprint scanner.
Touch ID could be back, but not as you know it.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could have a surprising trick up its sleeve to save the iPhone in China.

New reports claim the company is working on a smartphone exclusively for the Chinese market. The device is expected to be significantly more affordable and will include an under-display fingerprint scanner in place of Face ID.