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Apple adds male lead to its M. Night Shyamalan TV series

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Toby Kebbell 1
Kebbell at the 2015 San Diego Comic Con International.
Photo: Gage Skidmore/Wikipedia CC

Actor Toby Kebbell has been cast as the male lead in Apple’s forthcoming psychological series from director M. Night Shyamalan. Kebbell will likely be best known to readers for his role as Koba in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes.

He has also made memorable appearances in the revenge movie Dead Man’s Shoes and Guy Ritchie’s RocknRolla, as well as appearing as Dr. Doom in the critically panned Fantastic Four. Here’s who he will be starring alongside.

iPhone filmmaker wins prestigious (and controversial) Turner Prize

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Charlotte Prodger
Prize-winning artist Charlotte Prodger.
Photo: Film London

A series of short video clips shot on an iPhone have been awarded the 2018 Turner prize, a prestigious (if sometimes controversial) annual award handed out to a British visual artist.

The videos which scored the 25,000 pound ($31,700) prize include scenes such as a view of the Scottish countryside filmed from a train window, a T-shirt drying on the radiator, and a cat pawing at a lamp.

iOS 12 adoption hits 70 percent of iPhone and iPad users

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iOS 12 Support_WWDC18
Phones and tablets dating back to 2013 can be upgraded to iOS 12.
Photo: Apple

A data analysis firm recently estimated that three-quarters of iPhone and iPad users have upgraded to iOS 12. Turns out that was slightly optimistic. Apple revealed today that iOS 12 adoption is actually at 70 percent.

That is vastly better than the number of people who’ve been able to upgrade to the latest version of Android.

Take stabilized video and charge your phone all at once [Deals]

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This iPhone gimbal does double duty as a charging platform, with a bunch of other cool extras.
This iPhone gimbal does double duty as a charging platform, with a bunch of other cool extras.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Despite the great camera, taking great video with iPhone requires a few extra things. First, you’ll want something to reduce the shakiness of handheld video. Additionally, because the camera is a serious energy drain, you want something to keep your phone charged. So any iPhone videographer can get into this gimbal that does both.

Why Apple’s Geniuses seem so glad to accept lower pay

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Apple store
Apple Store employees are partially compensated with intangible benefits.
Photo: Apple

Anyone who frequents Apple retail stores knows they can always count on knowledgeable and sympathetic help from an employee. One might assume that Apple retains such people with high salaries. Nope.

Instead, the Geniuses — as some employees of Apple Stores are famously called — work there because they are a select few who believe they are helping customers by selling them Macs, iPhones, etc.

How to change background blur in iPhone XS and XR photos

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Depth Control on iPhone XS
Depth Control can add subtle or wild background blur to your images.
Photo: Cult of Mac

The iPhone XS has an  amazing camera, and the best part of that camera is the Depth Control feature, which lets you adjust the background blur after you take the photo.

This is a powerful feature, but to get the most out of it, you might want to check out these tips and tricks on using Depth Control on iPhone XS.

Cheaper Lightning-to-USB-C cables launching sooner than expected

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Lightning cables that plug into USB-C ports charge your iPhone more quickly.
Lightning cables that plug into USB-C ports charge your iPhone more quickly.
Photo: Apple

You could be able to get your hands on less expensive, but still MFi certified, Lightning-to-USB-C cables more quickly than first thought. Apple is allowing third-party manufacturers to produce these, and shipments could start in just a few months.

These cables allow iPhones and older iPads to charge far more quickly than Lightning-to-USB-A ones.

Kevin Durant TV show gets ordered to series by Apple

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Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is branching into TV.
Photo: NBA

The early-life of NBA superstar Kevin Durant is set to become the focus of Apple’s latest TV show project.

Apple reportedly ordered Durant’s “Swagger” TV show to series this week, adding the sports-based drama to its growing roster of TV shows as the company prepares to launch its original content package next year.

Samsung busted using fake photos to demo a smartphone camera (again)

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Samsung uses this DSLR mage to demonstrate the Galaxy A8 Star’s camera.
Samsung uses this DSLR mage to demonstrate the Galaxy A8 Star’s camera.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung uses an image taken by a professional photographer to show off the capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy A8 Star. That wouldn’t be a problem except the picture was taken with a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, not the phone Samsung is pretending it came from.

If that wasn’t bad enough, it’s not the first time something like this has happened.

Biometric AirPods might fit better than ever

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AirPods wall display is on show in New York.
AirPods wall display is on show in New York.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Left and right ear versions of AirPods could soon be a relic of the past, based on one of Apple’s most recent patents that envisions a one-size-fits-all version of earbuds.

Apple’s completely redesigned AirPods aren’t expected to arrive until 2020, but if they use some of the tech proposed in the recently disclosed filing, they could be the smartest earbuds we’ve ever seen.

Save on a killer app for ripping DVDs to your Mac

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You have until December 10 to score a free copy of the powerhouse app, MacX DVD Ripper.
You have until December 10 to score a free copy of the powerhouse app, MacX DVD Ripper.
Photo: Digiarty

This post is presented by Digiarty.

Plenty of us have stacks of DVDs gathering dust in the closet. Streaming video services offer a lot of content, but you never know what will be available when. The movies you bought are worth keeping. So if you don’t want to lose the movies on those disks — or the ability to watch them whenever you want — you should rip them to a local or cloud drive for safekeeping.

Improved TinType app gives selfies old-timey feel

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TinType app
The TinType app makes use of the TrueDepth technology for a more authentic shallow depth of field.
Photo: Hipstamatic

Instant gratification, the kind you get from a selfie, used to come on a thin sheet of iron.

A tintype photo was novel and relatively immediate in the late 19th century. Have your picture made then wait while the photographer developed the image. After a few minutes, you had a photo to share.

Users of the TinType app by Hipstamatic have been bringing that distinctive and, at times, haunting aesthetic to portraits and selfies since 2012.

iPhone production could head to Vietnam to avoid U.S. trade tariffs

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iPhone XS box gold
Bag yours before they're all gone.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

iPhone assembly partner Foxconn is considering the possibility of opening a new facility in Vietnam in an effort to avoid U.S. trade tariffs.

The factory would focus specifically on iPhone production, according to a new report. Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vu Tien Loc says talks with Foxconn are underway.

Steve Jobs’ autograph could cost you $50,000

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Steve Jobs autograph
That signature lower-case-letter-style of signing.
Photo: Nate D Sanders/Paul Fraser Collectibles

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had little time or interest in signing autographs for fans.

But if you are in possession of the rare exception, you have a signature considered the most valuable, according to a guide that tracks the values of the most sought-after autographs.

HSBC analyst says iPhone growth is ‘broadly over’

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Queue in Singapore
Fans lining up to get their hands on a new iPhone.
Photo: Apple

HSBC analyst Erwan Rambourg thinks that Apple’s hardware growth is “broadly over for now,” as iPhone sales stall.

Rambourg is the latest analyst to downgrade Apple’s price target. However, he doesn’t think investors should sell up just yet. “[It’s] too late to sell, too early to buy,” the analyst advised.

Deezer lets you discover your next favorite song using Siri

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Deezer 2
Siri will let you discover new music, via Deezer.
Photo: Deezer

Streaming music company Deezer wants to make it easier for users to play the music they want — by adding support for Siri Shortcuts. This means that you can now access your jam (as the kids say) by asking Deezer to “Play my favorite tracks.”

That puts 53 million tracks — including new releases, albums and curated playlists — at your fingertips at the tip of your tongue. And Deezer thinks it has the added secret sauce to make this extra special, too.

Enter to win 6 indestructible iPhone XS Max cases [Instagram Giveaway]

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Worth a whopping $200-plus, this bulletproof bundle could be yours for free in our iPhone XS Max cases giveaway.
Worth a whopping $200-plus, this bulletproof bundle could be yours for free.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

You know what time it is! ‘Tis the season of giving (aka treating yo’self).

To keep our promise of gifting tons of top-notch iPhone cases, we’re kicking off December with another Instagram giveaway.

The iPhone XS and XR case giveaways were a smash hit. Now, it’s finally time for the iPhone XS Max case bundle. Cult of Mac hand-picked six wicked cases from UAG, Just Mobile, Encased and Caudabe. Plus we’re throwing in a super-tough 3D tempered-glass screen protector.

Apple hopes big discounts will boost slowing iPhone sales

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Apple
Apple is changing up its sales strategy.
Photo: Apple

Apple is resorting to very un-Apple marketing strategies to try and bolster sales of this year’s new iPhones, a report claims.

These strategies include discount promotions via “generous” device buyback terms. The company is even moving marketing staff from other projects to try and come up with ways to move the iPhone XR and XS off the shelves. This could be proof positive that the new iPhones haven’t been selling as expected.

Microsoft’s new Surface Go ad blasts iPad as a child’s toy

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Surface Go ad 2018
Don’t give an iPad, apparently.
Photo: Microsoft

Think twice about buying your little ones an iPad for Christmas. Once they reach a certain age, Apple’s tablet just isn’t good enough, according to a new Microsoft holiday ad.

The hilarious 30-second clip features a young girl singing about all the reasons why the Surface Go is a better option. It suggests the iPad is a toy — not a “real computer” that’s fit for work.

Apple highlights the apps and games which ‘shaped entertainment’ this year

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Apple removes 17 malware apps which secretly clicked on ads
Apple also covers movies, music, and more.
Photo: Apple

Apple has released its year-end lists for the best apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, podcasts and more. Apple’s selections — which it claims “shaped entertainment and culture around the world this year” — are all available to buy via Apple’s platforms.

Here are some of the selections that made the cut.

Tim Cook promises Apple ‘won’t give a platform to violent conspiracy theorists’

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Tim Cook opening remarks WWDC 2017
Tim Cook said “I worry less about computers that think like people and more about people that think like computers.”
Photo: Apple

During his acceptance speech for the Anti-Defamation League’s first ever “Courage Against Hate” award today, Apple CEO Tim Cook made it clear that his company won’t shy away from taking moral positions. 

“We only have one message for those who seek to push hate, division or violence: You have no place on our platforms,” Cook said.

Save $100 on the new iPad Pro today only [Deals & Steals]

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2018 iPad Pro unboxing
Save on Apple’s biggest and best iPad Pro.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

The new iPad Pro lineup is Apple’s most expensive to date, but you can score yours at a sweet discount if you know where to look. B&H Photo has slashed up to $100 off select models for today only!

That’s just one of the awesome offers in today’s Deals & Steals roundup. We also have up to $500 off the MacBook Pro, $100 off Powerbeats3 wireless headphones, and $40 off the latest 9.7-inch iPad.

Plus, you can get Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 for PlayStation 4 or Xbox One for nearly half off!

Rupert Grint will get terrified in M. Night Shyamalan’s Apple TV series

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This is what Rupert Grint does best, and he’s bringing that talent to Apple TV.
This is what Rupert Grint does best, and he’s bringing that talent to Apple TV.
Photo: Warner Bros.

One of Rupert Grint’s jobs playing Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter movies was looking terrified whenever appropriate. That might be the reason he’s been hired to be in the TV series M. Night Shyamalan is helping create for Apple.

This, like all the programs being filmed for Apple, will reportedly be free to watch on any Mac, iPad, iPhone, etc.

USB-C for iPad Pro: Everything you need to know

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Lightning could have done this, with a dongle anyway.
Lightning could have done this, with a dongle anyway.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Despite its drawbacks, USB-C is the future of the iPad. But just what is USB-C? Well, it’s a connector, but not all USB-C connectors are the same. And in fact, not even everything that looks like a USB-C connector is a USB-C connector.

Confused? I was. Today we’ll find out what USB-C is, why it looks just like Thunderbolt, and what hubs you might want to buy.

Apple store adds 10% discount for vets and military

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app store
Apple is lowering prices for the military.
Photo: Apple

Buying a new iPhone XS just got a lot more affordable for anyone that has served is or is currently surviving in the U.S. Military.

Apple revealed today that it has launched a new website that gives a 10% discount to vets and active military members that the company says is an expression of its gratitude for service.