Not too bad for an Apple product launch event that never actually happened, I guess. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: For once, Apple’s new products leave us scratching our heads more than reaching for our wallets. We let loose our first impressions of this week’s new iPads, the surprisingly affordable Apple TV 4K, that ridiculous Apple Pencil dongle and more.
Also on The CultCast:
Is the new Magic Keyboard Folio really all that magical? Some features sound great, but we don’t think it will turn your iPad into a laptop — at least not one you can use on your lap!
What’s up with that USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter? Like everyone else in the Apple universe, we’re not diggin’ the dongle.
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.
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The latest Apple TV 4K is more powerful than ever. Photo: Apple
Apple has unveiled the 2022 Apple TV 4K with significantly faster internals and a lower price. It features the same A15 Bionic chip found inside the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series.
The 2022 Apple TV carries a lower starting price of $129, making it $50 cheaper than the previous model.
Grab the set-top streamer at this irresistible price. Photo: Apple
In the market for a new streaming device? The 2021 Apple TV 4K is once again down to its lowest price on Amazon, making it the perfect time to pick one up.
HomePod mini is one of the devices that can be a Thread 1.3.0 border router. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
A major Thread networking standard update Tuesday brings the Matter home automation technology standard a step closer for those who already own certain devices. Namely, gear that can act as a border router in the smart home — like Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini.
Thread 1.3.0 lets Thread devices work with any other Thread border router. That’s big because Thread will be Matter’s main wireless protocol, along with Wi-Fi.
Does the Siri Remote have you going around in circles? Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac
When Apple TV 4K launched last year, it had fans salivating. But not for the sharper picture or faster processor. It was the new Siri Remote that caught everyone’s eye. Had Cupertino finally made a TV remote control that didn’t suck?
With its iPod-style scroll wheel, the second-generation Siri Remote promised to make scrolling through content effortless. In reality, the scroll wheel turned out to be hard to use, and lacked support from third-party apps like YouTube.
But don’t throw your remote at the TV just yet. When you get the hang of its quirks, the Siri Remote scroll wheel works surprisingly well. And you can use it with loads of essential apps, including Netflix, HBO Max and, of course, Apple TV+.
Apple TV 4K is a real steal after a massive 27% discount Photo: Apple
Looking to buy the Apple TV 4K? Amazon currently has an irresistible deal that drops the streaming box to its lowest-ever price of $129.99. That’s a massive $49.01 discount off its MSRP.
The deal is unlikely to last for long, so pull the trigger on it as soon as possible.