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All the ways Mophie’s iPhone battery pack beats Apple’s [Review]

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Mophie Juice Pack Access review
The Mophie Juice Pack Access helps the most recent iPhone models spend longer away from electrical sockets.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Mophie Juice Pack Access is designed to extend the already long battery lives of the 2018 iPhone models. And charging can be done wirelessly, so the handset’s Lightning port is always available.

We put this new battery pack to the test. And we also compare it to the features of Apple’s similar Smart Battery Case.

Armor your iPhone with an edge-to-edge, tempered-glass screen protector

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Xkin's glossy, black border that mimics and blends right into the iPhone X bezels.
Edge-to-edge protection for your iPhone's screen.
Photo: Just Mobile

A few weeks ago, I dropped my iPhone down a flight of stairs. What else is new? It’s a ridiculous story that no one wants to hear, and yet all of you have probably experienced something similar. However, as I rushed down those precarious steps to retrieve my undoubtedly shattered iPhone, I was completely surprised.

Not because I didn’t think my Xkin screen protector would hold up against the 10-foot drop but because I had completely forgotten it was even on my screen in the first place! Not until I saw zero damage did I remember I installed the Xkin 3D Tempered Glass onto my iPhone months ago.

I completely forgot it was even there. How? Just Mobile’s rounded, full-coverage design runs edge to edge, including the iPhone’s curved screen. Xkin might as well be invisible.

Predictions for Apple’s big ‘show time’ event [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 288]

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Get ready for the big event. Apple's
Get ready for the big event.
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Brace yourself for an Apple event like no other. In a little over a week, Cupertino execs — and probably a passel of Hollywood stars — will give us our first peek at Apple’s (not so) secret video-streaming service. As the company pushes its growing slate of services, Apple likely will put new hardware on the back burner.

Find out what to expect at Apple’s “It’s show time” event. Then treat yourself to the rest of the week’s best Apple news, how-tos and reviews. It’s all wrapped up for free in the latest edition of the easy-readin’ Cult of Mac Magazine for iOS. Download it now. Or get all the posts in the roundup of links below.

Plus: Don’t miss the big St. Patrick’s Day sale in the Cult of Mac Watch Store.

Score a second phone number, sweatproof earbuds and more [Deals]

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Check out the 4 best deals in the Cult of Mac Store this week.
Check out the 4 best deals in the Cult of Mac Store this week.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As spring approaches, we’re stocking up on discounted gear, gadgets and more. This week, we’ve got deals on a burner phone number, lessons in social media marketing, a music subscription that fosters focus, and a set of workout-ready earbuds.

Most of these hot deals are discounted by 70 percent or more!

Jury says Apple owes Qualcomm for stealing patents

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Qualcomm patents
A jury sided with Qualcomm over claims Apple stole patents for the iPhone.
Photo: Qualcomm

A jury ruled today Apple owes chip maker Qualcomm $31 million for violating three patents for tech used in some models of the iPhone.

The ruling came after a two week trial in San Diego on a lawsuit filed by Qualcomm in 2017. Apple is likely to appeal.

LG TVs with AirPlay 2, HomeKit hit shelves next month

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LG OLED TVs released this year will be among the first to support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.
LG OLED TVs released this year will be among the first to support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.
Photo: LG

The wait for LG’s first lineup of TVs with Apple tech built in is almost over. After unveiling them  in January, the Korean company said today that it will begin rolling out its big-screen models with AirPlay 2 and HomeKit in April.

These are apparently part of Apple’s move to broaden the availability of the video streaming service it’s expected to unveil in a couple of weeks.

Go green for less green with 20 percent off select bands [Watch Store]

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E3 Supply Co. Apple Watch Strap in Reverse Shell Cordovan Leather
Getting a new Apple Watch band is almost as good as guzzling green beer.
Photo: E3 Supply Co.

You don’t have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but you do need something green. We’ve made it easier to wear the green by discounting select products this Saturday and Sunday.

We’ve rounded up special bands in green from these great companies: Carterjett, Casetify, E3 Supply Co., Nyloon and Ullu. Save 20 percent on these Apple Watch bands at the Cult of Mac Watch Store this weekend! (As a special treat, all Ullu products are on sale!)

AirPods most popular brand in ‘hearables’ market

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AirPods sales
35 million pairs of AIrPods sold in 2018.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple sold some 35 million AirPods last year. That makes the wireless earbuds, which had a rocky rollout, the most popular “hearables” device in the U.S., according to Counterpoint Research.

But Apple has competition within earshot from Sony and Samsung, both of which are only a couple of percentage points off in market share and are expected to grow.

Translate text on the fly with Gboard keyboard for iOS

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Google Gboard
Google’s Gboard iOS keyboard app can translate everything you type.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Gboard has gone beyond helping you enter text. It can now be used to translate your words into a myriad of other languages on the fly.

This free add-on from Google can be used in any application where an on-screen keyboard is available.

Apple simplifies Face ID, iOS 12 and recycling in new ads

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Face ID ad
Did you know Face ID doesn't store photos of your face?
Photo: Apple

Apple goes back to the basics in a new set of ads today uploaded to YouTube.

Doing away with fancy effects, catchy music, and even its own hardware, it highlights some of the key features of Face ID and iOS 12. It also promotes its smartphone recycling program that’s open to all handsets — even if they’re not iPhones.

Apple picks up high-budget TV series Pachinko

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Pachinko
Pachinko got has been greenlit by Apple.
Photo: Grand Central Publishing

Apple may have found its own answer to Netflix’s popular TV show, The Crown

The iPhone-maker has reportedly ordered an eight-episode series based on the New York Times bestselling novel Pachinko. After beating out multiple other bidders for the project Apple is allegedly throwing more money behind the Pachinko than most of its other series as it aims to make a splash at the Emmys in 2020.

Apple eyes 2020 Emmys for its slate of original shows

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FireWire lands Apple its first Emmy.
Apple has its eyes on an Emmy.
Photo: The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple has its eye on awards glory with its original video content, a new report claims. It suggests that Apple is looking to take on not only the likes of Amazon and Netflix, but also established studios.

By putting together a dedicated team with awards strategy experience, Apple is reportedly aiming to be in the running for Emmy awards as early as 2020.

Google Chrome now supports Nintendo Switch controllers

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The Nintendo Switch's flexible Joy-Con controllers work just fine with a Mac (but not an iPhone).
Nintendo’s newest console was by far the hottest product.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Google Chrome now supports official Nintendo Switch controllers.

The console’s included Joy-Cons and optional Pro Controller are compatible. The surprise update comes just days before Google is expected to unveil a brand new game streaming service at GDC 2019.

Release your inner DJ with 3 powerhouse Mac apps [Deals]

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Between these three apps, you can become a creative powerhouse with audio and video.
Between these three apps, you can become a creative powerhouse with audio and video.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Thanks to digital technology, creativity is not bound by one medium. Music, video, visualizations and other elements are all fair creative game. It’s even possible to create in the moment with these materials, if you’ve got the right tools.

The Mixvibes DJ Software Bundle includes three powerful tools for creating music and visual performances in real time — and you can get all of them at a massive 75 percent discount.

3-lens iPhone could take page out of Huawei’s playbook

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Mockup lens
Would you buy this iPhone?
Photo: Macotakara

There are plenty of rumors out there claiming that this year’s new iPhone will feature a triple camera setup. While we’ve seen a few mockups of how this might look, a new render is supposedly based on an inside scoop.

Based on information provided by members of the supply chain, the alleged design looks very similar to the camera placement on Huawei’s Mate 20 Pro handset.

Qualcomm owes Apple $1 billion rebate payment

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Qualcomm headquarters
The latest chapter in the Apple vs. Qualcomm case is unfolding.
Photo: Qualcomm

Apple has won the latest battle in the Apple vs. Qualcomm war. A judge has ruled that Qualcomm owes Apple close to $1 billion in patent royalty rebate payments.

Judge Gonzalo Curiel of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California made the ruling on Thursday. The payments were due as part of a business cooperation agreement made between the two companies during happier times in their relationship. It’s not going to necessarily mean Qualcomm handing over a $1bn check, though.

iOS 12.2 makes audio messages sound way better

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iOS 12 Voice Memos redesign is way more than just a lick of paint.
Your voice messages get a quality boost in the latest iOS 12.2 beta.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Among the changes hidden in the new iOS 12.2 beta is improved audio quality for audio messages sent using the Messages app.

The switch involves transitioning over from the previous 8000 Hz .AMR file format to .24000 Hz .CAF files. What this means from a listening perspective is that audio messages now sound clearer and louder. Check out this direct comparison.

Apple comes out swinging against Spotify complaint

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Spotify Premium update October 2018
Spotify isn't happy with Apple.
Photo: Spotify

Apple has responded to Spotify’s complaint that Apple is being anti-competitive by charging a cut of App Store purchases — including subscriptions.

In an impassioned statement, Apple points out how many jobs have been created through the App Store. This has amounted to payments of “more than $120 billion for developers.” It also criticizes Spotify for wanting to take advantage of the reach that the App Store makes possible, without wanting to give anything back.

Don’t miss our ‘show time’ keynote predictions, this week on The CultCast

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CultCast 379 MacBook Pro
Apple's streaming service may have an ace up its sleeve.

This week on The CultCast: Apple’s “it’s show time” event is just around the corner, and this is the first event ever that focuses purely on services. Is Apple’s streaming TV service going to suck? Don’t miss our “show time” keynote predications. Plus: Leander unveils the details on his new Tim Cook book, out April 16th!

Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10 percent off your first purchase of a website or domain..

iOS users miss out as Steam makes mobile PC gaming more portable

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Steam Link iPhone iPad Apple TV
Steam Link’s first big update is great for controller users.
Photo: Valve

Valve today confirmed a big update to its PC game streaming platform that makes desktop games more portable than ever.

Its new Steam Link Anywhere service now lets you enjoy your favorite titles anywhere in the world through the Steam Link app for mobile. But don’t get too excited if you use an iPhone or iPad.

Apple’s strict App Store guidelines mean iOS users remain left out in the cold.

Funny Apple video demos why iPhone privacy matters

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Apple: Keep Out, privacy
You keep people out of your bedroom, You should keep them out of your phone too.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s latest video is a humorous take a serious topic. It reminds users of this company’s commitment to privacy with the tagline: “If privacy matters in your life, it should matter to the phone your life is on.”

Watch it now:

Clear case lets you marvel at classic Mac’s insides

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Macintosh SE clear case
Beautiful inside and out.
Photo: MacEffects

No one uses a 30-year-old Mac anymore. But plenty of Apple fans still own classic computers as a reminder of where the world’s most beloved technology company came from. Now marveling at those machines just got even better.

A new clear case designed for the Macintosh SE/30 lets you enjoy its insides as well as its iconic all-in-one form factor. Help it become a reality by pledging your support on Kickstarter today.