So many people love Apple gear because the Cupertino tech giant gets a lot right with its hardware. That certainly includes monitors, and not just the phenomenal Pro Display XDR and new Studio Display. We see a fair number of new computer setups relying on classic Apple screens like Cinema Display and Thunderbolt Display.

Today’s featured MacBook Pro and Xbox setup is a good example. Even with a modern gaming console — and given the right adapter — a display from a dozen years ago is still keeping it real.

Most people don’t really use AM and FM radios anymore, but streaming live content is hardly dead. Lots of podcasts do live streams — and you can still tune into radio stations online. Broadcasts, an app by independent developer Steven Troughton-Smith, makes listening to live music and streaming radio on your iPhone very easy.

Let me show you how it works.

Over the past 20 years, Apple’s Safari web browser grew from a speedy young upstart to a polished professional. Released on this day in 2003 as a free download, Safari has been bundled with every version of the Mac operating system since.

Take a trip down memory lane as we look at how Safari has evolved over the years.

Episode XOXO is an interactive storytelling game full of love, drama and adventure now on Apple Arcade. It brings a version of the very popular Episode: Choose Your Story game to Apple’s gaming service.

It is now playable on a wide range of Apple computers, from iPhone to Mac.

Even with a growing list of streaming services to explore, things can get stale in a hurry, leaving adults and kids alike with unfulfilling experiences or rewatches. If you’re searching for some fresh perspective, try 42% savings on a lifetime subscription to a streaming service for the most curious among us.

Normally priced at $250, you can get unlimited access to Curiosity Stream’s massive library of documentaries for only $144.99 — the best price on the web — through January 9.

Years ago I was a regular Mac user who switched to PC for a long time. When I fully re-immersed myself in the Apple ecosystem, an old annoyance came right back — all those unwanted apps launching for no apparent reason on startup, slowing things down.

Like many folks, I don’t restart my Mac very often these days because Sleep mode has its benefits. So having to close a bunch of apps is not a massive annoyance. But for anyone who wants a fix, there are easy ways to disable startup items.

And if those don’t work, you can try a couple of tricks to get rid of hidden launch agents.

Continue reading

If you want a healthy computer setup, don’t just check off the “ergonomics” box and leave it at that. In addition to good posture, straight wrists and so on, you’re going to need good lighting to reduce eye strain. And to look good on video, too, of course.

Today’s featured M1 Mac mini setup throws the switch on a couple of lighting products we rarely see.

Comcast customers can now wirelessly send cable channels to any TV over AirPlay. The Xfinity Stream application has been updated with Apple’s streaming video tech.

The app already supported Chromecast, but this latest addition is a better fit for iPhone and Mac users.

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: If the EU does indeed force Apple to open up the iPhone to allow alternative app stores, is that a bad thing? Some people think sideloading apps will be fantastic.

Also on The CultCast:

• Cool new stuff to try in iOS 16.2.
• Why web browsing might be in for radical changes on iOS devices.
• How to get Apple TV+ for free so you can watch Severance, our favorite show of the year.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Our sponsors: Rocket Money and Squarespace

• Don’t let subscription fees get out of hand. Stop paying for useless subscriptions ASAP with Rocket Money.
• Squarespace gives you all the tools you need to set up your very own website and commence selling anything online. Start your free website trial today at squarespace.com/cultcast (no credit card required). Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code cultcast at checkout.
  Continue reading

Fans of My Little Pony have a new game to enjoy. It’s up players to help the Mane 5 save Equestria, and they’ll do so by solving multiple puzzles.

My Little Pony: Mane Merge debuted Friday on Apple Arcade, and is playable on a wide range of Apple computers.