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iPad Air 2019 review roundup: Middle child done good

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The new 2019 iPad Air, with its 10.5-inch screen, works with Apple's existing Smart Keyboard.
The new iPad Air sounds like a winner.
Photo: Apple

The new iPad Air might not be quite as beautiful or cutting edge as its Pro counterpart, but it’s still a gorgeous piece of tech — and a potential “Back to School” winner.

That’s according to the first reviews of the new tablet published. We’ll update this meta review with other opinions as they become available, but here are the first impressions so far.

Wall Street Journal reportedly signs on for Apple News subscription service

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Apple News
The Wall Street Journal would be a great launch partner for the service.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The Wall Street Journal has reportedly agreed to participate in Apple’s paid news subscription service. Apple should offer details on the new service during the “It’s show time” media event.

News of the WSJ’s participation comes shortly after reports that The New York Times and Washington Post both opted out.

Apple’s TV service could hit 100 million subs in next 5 years

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Apple TV
Apple's TV streaming service could mean a massive revenue boost.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple hasn’t even debuted its streaming video service yet, and already analysts are salivating over the potential cash tidal wave it could earn Apple.

According to Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives, Apple could carve out 100 million subscribers in the next 3-5 years. This could earn anywhere up to $10 billion in revenue per year.

Satechi launches headphone adapter iPad Pro needed all along

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The Satechi Type-C Headphone Jack Adapter also lets you charge your iPad Pro.
The Satechi Type-C Headphone Jack Adapter also lets you charge your iPad Pro.
Photo: Satechi

Satechi just introduced an adapter for audiophiles with the new iPad Pro.  There’s no headphone jack in this tablet, so this accessory maker created a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter. 

At the same time, Satechi has a new USB-C to USB-C charging cable that can handle high-speed data and fast charging.“

Why this week’s Apple PR blitz is brilliant [Opinion]

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Updated iMacs, AirPods, and iPads have all debuted this week. What’s next?
Updated iMacs, AirPods, and iPads have all debuted this week. What’s next?
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple isn’t following its usual strategy for product launches. Rather than holding a press event during which a collection of devices gets shown off, it spread the news out across multiple days this week.

This bold new approach brought plenty of attention to products that might otherwise have gotten lost in the furor around bigger announcements. And it’s also creating excitement about what’s coming next.

Apple reveals WWDC 2019 set for June 3 – 7 [Update: Register now!]

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WWDC 2019
It’s going to be big!
Photo: Apple

Update: Heads up developers! Today is the last day to register for WWDC 2019.

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference officially has a date.

This morning, Apple revealed that it will host WWDC 2019 in San Jose, California, from June 3 to 7. The event brings together thousands of developers from across the world, giving them access to Apple’s engineers for hands-on training. It’s also the place where Apple unveils its biggest software updates of the year. Based on early rumors, it could be one of the most exciting WWDC’s in years.

Prioritize and cancel app downloads with 3D Touch

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No, not that kind of 3D Touch.
No, not that kind of 3D Touch.
Photo: Rachel Johnson/Flickr CC

Did you ever update a bunch of apps over a slow connection? Maybe you’re on vacation, saving your cellular data, and you’re running your app updates on the free Wi-Fi in a cool beachside bar? Can you cancel that huge update you don’t need?

Or maybe you just restored your iCloud backup to a brand-new iPhone, and now you’re waiting for all the apps to re-download. Isn’t there a way to make your favorite apps jump to the beginning of the queue?

Well, the answer is yes to both! You just need 3D Touch.

Sorry, slowpokes: Shipping times slip for new AirPods

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AirPods
Better get you order in now!
Photo: Apple

Apple is already having a hard time keeping its new AirPods in stock just hours after their debut this morning.

Shipping times for the new AirPods with Wireless Charging Case have started slipping, with delivery estimates now showing one to two weeks’ wait time in some areas. If you just want the new AirPods wireless charging case, though, you’re still in luck.

How to add a local folder to your iPad

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It’s not so easy to fill up that storage space on your iPad local files
It’s not so easy to fill up that storage space on your iPad.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

One of iOS’s most ridiculous omissions is the lack of any way to create a local folder in the Files app. You can add as many folders as you like to your iCloud Drive, but if you just want to create a folder that lives on your iPad, tough.

Luckily, there are workarounds. Here are a couple.

Every Apple TV+ series and movie currently in the works [Updated]

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Apple spent more than $20 million advertising Apple TV+ last month
Here’s what’s on Apple TV+ right now
Photo: Apple

The star-studded Apple TV+ lineup is starting to look like it could become a legitimate contender to Netflix and HBO. After going on a Hollywood spending spree in the last eight months, Apple appears poised to make a huge push into original content.

Thanks to its new worldwide video executive team, many of the Apple TV series in development actually look really promising and diverse. From Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories to mysterious new sci-fi series See, Apple’s working on some shows everyone could enjoy.

Check out the full list of Apple TV+ series and movies currently in the pipeline.

Update: We’ve added all the shows we know about heading into Apple’s big March 25 event, where the company expected to finally unveil its TV streaming service.

Apple design dictate: Make apps look good on our latest devices

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The iPhone XS Max screen delivers more of that OLED awesomeness.
You want your app to look as good as possible, right?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

All new apps and app updates must support the iPhone XS Max and latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro starting March 27.

In a post on its developer portal, Apple notes that apps must be built with the iOS 12.1 SDK or later. New Apple Watch apps must also support the Apple Watch Series 4.

SliQ wireless AirPods charging case will save you money, drive you mad [Review]

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You can have wireless AirPods charging right now, if you must, with SliQ silicone AirPods case.
You can have wireless AirPods charging right now, if you must.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

Dying to charge your AirPods wirelessly but hesitant to plunk down $79 for Apple’s new wireless charging case? If so, you might consider dropping $25 on a SliQ silicone cover for your AirPods case.

It’s a relatively inexpensive way to add Qi wireless charging capability to your AirPods right now. But a variety of drawbacks should make you think twice.

Old image of MIA AirPower disappears from Apple website [Updated]

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Why was this crusty old mage of AirPower removed from Apple’s website?
Why was this crusty old mage of AirPower removed from Apple’s website?
Photo: Apple

Evidence is mounting that the long-delayed AirPower charging mat is finally about to be released. Oddly enough, part of this evidence is the fact that an older image of the product has been removed from Apple’s web site.

Apple has unveiled new products every day this week so it’s possible AirPower‘s launch will come before the weekend.

Update: A new report on the Wall Street Journal indicates that production of this accessory began earlier this year.

Fortnite 8.11 brings insanely powerful Flint-Knock pistol

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Fortnite Flint-Knock pistol
It's got one hell of a kick to it.
Photo: Epic Games

This week’s Fortnite update brings yet another new weapon to Battle Royale. The Flint-Knock pistol is a powerful sidearm that uses heavy ammo and can deal up to 90 base damage in a single shot.

The version 8.11 release also brings back the impulse grenade, makes the scoped assault rifle more powerful, and more.

iPads pulled from classroom after kids use them to watch porn

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2018 iPad Pro unboxing
iPads are being removed from classrooms after a parent sounded the alarm.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Students in California’s Sonoma Valley school district have had iPads pulled from their classrooms. This follows several second-graders reportedly using the tablets to access porn.

According to a report, searches for the word “kissing” on YouTube prompted suggestions of other videos, which included sexually explicit content. These videos had been viewed by kids as young as 8.

Disney completes massive $71 billion Fox takeover

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Mickey Mouse Disney Apple Watch Series 4
Disney and Apple could be a clash for the ages.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Disney has officially completed its acquisition of 21st Century Fox, one of the biggest entertainment deals in history.

The $71 billion deal puts Disney in control of Fox’s movie and TV studios, the FX networks, National Geographic, and India’s Star India station. It also puts Disney is its strongest position yet to challenge the might of Netflix — along with whatever streaming service Apple comes up with.

New AirPods deliver hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ and better battery life

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2019 AirPods
The new Wireless Charging Case is also available.
Photo: Apple

The wait for new AirPods is finally over.

Apple’s newest wireless buds are here with a brand new H1 chip that allows for hands-free “Hey Siri.” They also promise better battery life in between charges, and even faster connectivity.

An optional Wireless Charging Case is also available, but it’s not cheap.

Kaspersky Labs latest to take stab at Apple’s ‘monopoly’

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Woman in China temporarily goes blind in one eye after smartphone overuse
Apple debuted its Screen Time feature last year.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab has filed a complaint against Apple, alleging monopolistic behavior in the way it runs the App Store.

“Despite a long history of working successfully with Apple, we believe that this is a necessary step,” the company claims. The complaint comes shortly after Spotify also alleged that Apple was abusing its position.

Why the latest iPads don’t support Apple Pencil 2

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The newest iPad mini supports the first-gen Apple Pencil, not the newer version of this stylus.
A must-have for iPad owners.
Photo: Apple

The number of tablets that can use the Apple Pencil expanded with the debut of the iPad Air 3 and iPad mini 5. Curiously, these support the original version of this pressure-sensitive stylus, not the newer one that launched in the fall.

But it turns out there are several good reasons for this move.