Mobile menu toggle

Reviews - page 62

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

By

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.

Tiny chargers show the big advantages of gallium nitride, aka GaN [Review]

By

Anker PowerPort Atom PD 1 and RavPower PD Pioneer 45W review
Gallium nitride technology allows these chargers to be much smaller than more traditional alternatives.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Chargers are transitioning from silicon transistors to gallium nitride (GaN), enabling  these irritatingly bulky accessories to shrink in size. Anker and RavPower both make power adapters that put out more current than you’d expect for their svelte dimensions thanks to the magic of GaN.

We tested out both chargers that can be used to power up your MacBook, iPad or iPhone. Read on to see how they performed.

TwistedWave is the least annoying way to edit music on iOS [Review]

By

No, not that kind of wave.
No, not that kind of wave.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

If you ever wanted to do any of the following …

  • Chop up music.
  • Remove the start or end of an audio track.
  • Extract the audio from a video.
  • Convert an MP3 (or any other music file) to some other music file format.
  • Pretty much anything else.

… then you should grab TwistedWave this second. It’s an essential app for working with audio on the iPhone and iPad. And it’s also really, really quick and easy to use.

Gamevice controller for iPhone falls flat where it really counts [Review]

By

Fortnite with iPhone XS in Gamevice controller
The Gamevice is good, but not great.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Mobile gaming has never been better, but you’re missing out if you’re playing the latest titles with touch controls. A good controller is a worthwhile purchase, but should you spend $75 on the Gamevice?

It looks great, boasts the best design of any iPhone controller, and never needs charging. It also works with almost any iPhone. The only problem? It disappoints where it matters most.

Nizo blurs the lines between shooting and editing video

By

Nizo manages to mix power and ease of use. Take note, Apple.
Nizo manages to mix power and ease of use. Take note, Apple.
Photo: Nizo

Nizo is a new take on video apps. It manages to blend shooting and editing together, so you can edit your movies on the fly as you capture them.

The interface to do this is — like much good design — so clean and obvious that you wonder why it wasn’t done before. Let’s take a look.

Perk up the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio with Slickwraps [Review]

By

Slickwraps for Apple Smart Keyboard Folio review
This is an iPad Pro, believe it or not.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for the 2018 iPad Pro is slim, lightweight and very useful. It’s also ugly as a mud fence. Slickwraps makes an array of “skins” designed to improve the appearance with bright colors, simulated wood grain or other options.

We tested this device cover to see whether it really enhances this iPad Pro add-on. Read on to find out how it did.

Luxurious leather case gives iPad Pro with Apple keyboard the protection they need [Review]

By

Picaso Lab iPad Pro with Apple Keyboard sleeve review
Carry your iPad Pro and its keyboard in this attractive leather sleeve.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Picaso Lab hand makes a professional-looking leather sleeve that goes around both the latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the Smart Folio Keyboard. It offers much more protection to the tablet than just Apple’s keyboard case. And this sleeve looks far better than Apple’s folio.

Read on for our full review of this great-looking protective cover.

Hyperspektiv app glitches up your photos and videos [Review]

By

Imagine this moving, and you might start to get seasick.
Imagine this moving, and you might start to get seasick.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Hyperspektiv is a contradiction. Photo-editing apps are designed to make your photos look better by making them look nicer. Hyperspektiv is designed to make your photos look better by making them look worse.

Not only that, it’s one of a handful of photo apps that don’t try to mimic the limitations of film photography, like grain and light leaks. Instead, it ditches the nostalgia and uses truly digital means to glitch up your images, turning them into stills and videos that would look fantastic in a music video.

Triqtraq turns your iPhone into an amazing groovebox [Review]

By

Triqtraq is almost too much fun.
Triqtraq is almost too much fun.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

A week or so back, I took a long trip, and I figured I’d make some music on the journey. I wanted an app that would be simple to use, but powerful enough to get some real expression into these musical sketches. Plus, I wanted something called parameter locks, which I’ll explain below.

I quickly narrowed in on Triqtraq. It’s not a new app, but it’s so good you should check it out ASAP.

Lightweight iPad Pro folio won’t drain your wallet [Review]

By

EasyAcc Ultra Slim Folio Case with 12.9 iPad Pro
EasyAcc’s Ultra Slim Folio Case is very inexpensive but functional.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Anyone who choked at the $99 pricetag on the Apple Smart Folio cover for the latest iPad Pro should consider EasyAcc’s rival. This is slim and light, and costs less than half what Apple’s does.

We put this budget folio case through weeks of daily use and bring you our findings.

Trainiac is a fitness expert in the palm of your hands [Review]

By

Trainiac Beats iPhone X
Trainiac connects you with a real personal trainer to maximize your fitness
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Have you ever felt sick and thought to yourself, “I should diagnose myself based on a web search,” later wishing you’d sought a professional instead? How about taking on an extensive home-improvement project, only to call in a contractor after struggling to make any real progress?

Getting in shape or losing weight shouldn’t be something you are stuck doing on your own, either. That’s where a personal trainer comes in.

This cheap Lightning-to-USB-C cable is better than Apple’s [Review]

By

Anker PowerLine II USB-C Cable with Lightning Connector
There’s no reason to get Apple’s Lightning-to-USB-C cable when Anker’s is at least as good for less money.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Anker is taking pre-orders for a Lightning-to-USB-C cable that costs much less than Apple’s version. We tested this new accessory to see how quickly it can charge an iPhone to be sure it’s a reasonable copy and not just a cheap knockoff.

Read on to see how well the Anker Powerline II USB-C cable stood up to our tests.

Best Valentine’s Day gifts for Apple fans [Gift Guide]

By

Valentine’s Day gift guide 2019
Gifts that are guaranteed to bring a smile.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Valentine’s Day is fast-approaching, which means it’s time to start shopping for that special someone in your life. If they’re a fan of Apple products and awesome gadgets to go with them, Cult of Mac is here to help.

Our Valentine’s Day gift guide is full of great gift ideas that are guaranteed to put a smile on their face. We have beautiful books about Apple’s most iconic devices, the coolest cushions and T-shirts, and must-have accessories.

No matter what your budget, you’ll find something they’ll love almost as much as you. (Maybe even more?)

This iPad Pro case is rugged without excess bulk [Review]

By

The Urban Armor Gear Metropolis is both a protective case and an iPad Pro stand.
The Urban Armor Gear Metropolis is both a protective case and an iPad Pro stand.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The latest rugged folio case from Urban Armor Gear protects the 2018 iPad Pro models without adding too much bulk. The Metropolis also adds some industrial style, and it includes an Apple Pencil holder.

Don’t miss our review of this rugged folio that starts at $59.95.

Give your brain a workout with Brilliant [Review]

By

Brilliant iOS app on desk with switch and tv remote
Quit wasting time and learn something with Brilliant.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Whether you’re addicted to Twitter, obsessed with Fortnite or wasting the day away on Netflix, you can kill hours on your iPhone without ever doing anything useful or productive.

Instead of mindlessly killing time, Brilliant gives you a way to expand your mind and learn something new every day.

Dodocase Two Tone turns your iPad into an old-school notebook [Review]

By

Dodocase Two Tone looks right at home in a classroom or coffeeshop.
Dodocase Two Tone looks right at home in a classroom or coffeeshop.
Photo: Dodocase

The Dodocase Two Tone brings a retro look to iPad or iPad Pro. You could almost write “Trig” on the cover in Magic Marker and feel like you’re in high school again.

And this case is very lightweight while still doing double duty as a stand. There’s even an Apple Pencil holder.

The Dodocase Two Tone is available for a wide range of iOS tablets, including the 2018 iPad Pro models.  Prices start at $64.95.

This app turns your iPhone into a personal trainer [Review]

By

Aaptiv app at the gym for a spin
Aaptiv offers more than 2,500 audio-guided workouts to keep you motivated and moving.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Getting in shape takes time and motivation. Whether you’re trying to get fit, lose weight, or train for your next race, having the right tool can help you get the most out of each workout.

For some people, hitting the gym a couple times each week is all they need. For others, they need something to offer that extra push. Aaptiv is the trainer you need, right where it matters most.

Satechi’s slim USB-C multi-port hub is right for Mac or iPad [Review]

By

Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter V2
The Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter V2 lives up to its name.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A USB-C hub really adds capabilities your computer. The Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Multi-Port Adapter V2 was created with Macs in mind but it expands the capabilities of Apple’s iPad Pro as well.

It’s slim and portable, but still has room for many of the most-used ports.

Satechi USB-C hub adds the ports iPad Pro needs most [Review]

By

Satechi USB-C hub for 2018 iPad Pro
A USB-C hub can’t make an iPad Pro into a full desktop but Satechi‘s really tries.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi Aluminum Type-C Mobile Pro Hub was designed specifically for the 2018 iPad Pro. It adds all the the most-useful ports to Apple’s latest tablet. With it, you can add headphones, an external monitor and other USB-A accessories. All in a tiny package.

Those who want even ports can choose instead this company’s slightly larger but still slim USB-C hub designed for laptops. This also works with the new iPad.

Don’t miss our hands-on review of the Satechi Alumiunium Type-C Mobile Pro Hub.

Cheap accessories that make iPad Pro a productivity powerhouse

By

Satechi's iPad Pro USB-C hub packs four commonly used ports.
Get real work done on your iPad Pro.
Photo: Satechi

Is the iPad Pro a laptop replacement? Despite what you might think, and what many reviewers will tell you, it can be for a lot of professionals. But not by itself.

If you’re going to use your iPad to get real work done, and to be as productive as possible, you’ll need some things to go with it. In this roundup, we’ve listed affordable accessories that turn iPad Pro into a productivity powerhouse.

Best apps to tackle your New Year’s resolutions

By

Best New Year’s Resolution Apps
Unless your resolution is to give up your iPhone, these apps are perfect for starting the new year right!
Photo: Tru Katsadne. Graphic: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Every year, people make a pledge to themselves to improve in some way. New Year’s resolutions typically come in the form of personal wellness and fitness, productivity or kicking a bad habit. Sometimes they can be more general.

Whatever your goal is for the new year, there’s probably an app to help. These are some of the best apps to help you on your journey to a better you in 2019.

The best Mac apps of 2018 [Year in Review]

By

Year in Review Best Mac Apps 2018: Make Mac great again with one (or all!) of these top apps.
Make Mac great again with one (or all!) of these top apps.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Cult of Mac Year in Review 2018 The Mac may be way older than the iPhone and iPad, but it still has some tricks. 2018 saw some fine updates to some of our favorite Mac apps, as well as some amazing new apps that migrated across from iOS.

Also, Apple injected so much new life into a tired old macOS staple in Mojave that it’s made our top 5 list this year. Can you guess which one it is?

The best Christmas apps for iOS

By

The Best Christmas Apps for iOS
Our 5 favorite apps for making the most of the holiday season.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

The holidays are officially upon us. That means family time, festive celebrations, joyous music and an overabundance of delicious food. To help get you through the holidays, we compiled a list of the best iOS apps to make the most of the season.

Whether you’re looking for a way to provide some entertainment for the kids, hosting friends or family, or just want a way to spread some festive cheer, we’ve got your tree trimmed, so to speak.