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New Wi-Fi smart plug for HomeKit keeps tabs on energy use

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A four-pack for $50 is a good deal for something that won't block other outlets, works with HomeKit and monitors energy.
A four-pack for $50 is a good deal for something that won't block other outlets, works with HomeKit and monitors energy.
Photo: TP-Link

A smart plug that takes up just a little space on your electrical outlet is great. But it’s even better when it lets you monitor your energy use. Such is the case with TP-Link’s new HomeKit-enabled Kasa Smart Wifi Plug Slim.

And at about $12.50 per plug in a four-pack, it’s a good deal on Amazon, too. It’s the only smart plug priced that low that works with HomeKit and monitors energy usage.

With iOS 16 you cannot use your iPad as a HomeKit hub

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Apple discussed its overhauled Home app and HomeKit at WWDC22.
Apple discussed its overhauled Home app and HomeKit at WWDC22.
Photo: Apple
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

Apple rebuilt its Home app from the ground up for iOS 16, ensuring it will make managing HomeKit a breeze and support the upcoming Matter home-automation standard.

But for those who’ve been using an iPad as a hub for HomeKit, the house party’s over as of iOS 16’s release.

M2 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Pro: Is the Pro worth the extra $100?

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2022 MacBook Air with M2 processor
Should you buy the M2 MacBook Air over the new Pro model?
Photo: Apple

Both of Apple’s latest laptops —  the M2 MacBook Air and the M2 MacBook Pro — run on the same powerful new chip. With only a $100 difference between the two, what exactly sets them apart? Does the new MacBook Pro live up to its “pro” name, or is the Air the better buy?

Here’s a look at the differences between the two new Mac laptops unveiled during Monday’s WWDC22 keynote.

Ready to play WWDC22 bingo? See developers’ predictions.

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Time to play WWDC22 bingo!
Time to play WWDC22 bingo!
Photo: Peter Rimar/Wikimedia Commons CC
WWDC22 - Brought to you by CleanMyMac X

WWDC Bingo is back ahead of next week’s Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. The crew behind the Flighty flight-tracking app put together the contest, which doubles as a survey about what participants expect during Monday’s WWDC22 keynote.

Unlike your granddad’s bingo, where something like five correct numbers in a row constitutes a win, WWDC Bingo serves up 74 possible outcomes to vote on. Contestants strive to achieve the highest percentage of correct answers.

And both the biggest winner and the biggest loser get prizes, sort of.

What could be in store for the return of the big HomePod?

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The big HomePod could be back soon. But how pricey and how functional will it be?
The beloved big HomePod could be back soon. But how pricey and how functional will it be?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple plans to produce an updated version of the HomePod as soon as the fourth quarter of 2022 or the first quarter of 2023, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Friday.

As reliable as Kuo can be, little other information exists beyond speculation. But that’s part of the fun.

A lot of folks are jonesing for an Apple smart speaker that goes beyond the HomePod mini. The original HomePod, while much more expensive, earned a great reputation for sound quality before Apple killed it in 2021. So naturally, Apple fans are interested in a successor, possibly with new features.

Easy way to screen mirror iPhone or Android device to computer

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If you want to see your smartphone screen on something bigger, MirrorTo is an easy option.
If you want to see your smartphone screen on something bigger, MirrorTo is an easy option.
Photo: iMyFone

This post on phone screen mirroring is brought to you by iMyFone.

It’s a common question: “How do I screen mirror my phone to Mac or Windows wirelessly?”

Apple’s proprietary AirPlay technology works well for streaming from iPhone to certain devices, including some Macs, Apple TV boxes and smart TVs. But what if you don’t have the proper hardware? You’re not out of luck. Here’s one of the best tools to get the task done quickly and easily — and you can try it for free.

Discontinued HomePod keeps going up in value

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Bucking the usual trend with discontinued gear, the original HomePod is appreciating in value.
Bucking the usual trend with discontinued gear, the original HomePod is appreciating in value.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Citing lackluster sales, Apple discontinued the original HomePod — the big one — in March 2021. Cupertino chose to focus on the HomePod mini. But now the original version is appreciating in value in online marketplaces, showing surprising resilience.

Most of the time, discontinued gadgets end up in the bargain bin — if they’re sold at all.

YouTube picture-in-picture rolling out for all iPhone users [Update: NOPE]

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YouTube Picture in Picture is back. At least for now.
Watching a YouTube video in Picture in Picture is back!
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

YouTube said Sunday that it is rolling out picture-in-picture support for all users of its iOS app. Then it walked the announcement back on Monday. A mixup by a support person is the problem.

The convenient feature has been in beta testing for many months, and some people say they’ve begun getting access to the non-beta version several days ago. But not according to YouTube.

Upgrade your HomeKit setup with this Thread-compatible smart plug [Review]

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Wemo Smart Plug with Thread
The Wemo Smart Plug with Thread is both simple and advanced, offering home automation with mesh networking.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Insert the Wemo Smart Plug with Thread into any wall socket and you can use HomeKit to control any plug-in appliance with your iPhone. It’s easy. Plus, this gadget (obviously) offers Thread mesh networking, the future of smart home tech.

I tested in my own home. Here’s why there’s a lot to like.

Don’t fall for these clever April Fools’ Day jokes

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Don’t fall for these clever April Fools’ Day jokes
You’d surely run out to spend $500 on the tvTV for Apple TV if it weren’t April Fools’ Day.
Photo: Twelve South

Many companies just can’t resist April Fools’ Day jokes. Some people find these exasperating, but others enjoy the lighthearted humor. This year, we got a ridiculous new Apple TV accessory, what’s perhaps the most tasteless way to wear an AirTag, and more.

Read on for our favorite gags to celebrate this unusual holiday.