| Cult of Mac

Belkin seriously challenges AirPods Pro with its new ANC earbuds

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Belkin's new ANC earbuds look like they match up pretty well with AirPods Pro.
Belkin's new ANC earbuds look like they match up pretty well with AirPods Pro.
Photo: Belkin

Building on other versions of ANC earbuds released in 2021, Belkin rolled out its new SoundForm Immerse Noise Cancelling Earbuds in Las Vegas this week — and they promptly became a CES Innovation Award 2022 Honoree.

The new buds challenge aging champ AirPods Pro, due for a revamp, not only with hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) with Hear-Thru mode, but they work with Apple’s vast Find My network. And they flaunt a number of premium features.

Belkin introduced other products at CES, too, of course.

Google steps up fight against iPhone by ripping off more Apple features

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Google rips off iPhone features
Spatial audio, unlock with Wear OS, and more on the way.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Google plans to make its latest Pixel and Wear OS devices more compelling alternatives to iPhone and Apple Watch by ripping off some of Cupertino’s most popular software features — including spatial audio and AirDrop.

The Android-maker revealed the long list of improvements, which will span all of Google’s software platforms as well as Windows, this week at the CES trade show in Las Vegas. Here’s what you can expect if you plan to ditch your Apple devices and swap sides.

Get ahead of the curve with Satechi’s new USB-4 MacBook hubs

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Satechi's new 4K Multiport Adapter supports 8K HDMI. Maybe soon your Mac will, too.
Satechi's new 4K Multiport Adapter supports 8K HDMI. Maybe soon your Mac will, too.
Photo: Satechi

At CES 2022, Satechi debuted two new accessories designed for the new M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBooks. Both the USB-4 Multiport Adapter and the Pro Hub Max expand the ports available on the new laptops, opening up possibilities for connectivity.

And, in the case of the adapter’s 8K HDMI support, one port goes a bit beyond Mac laptops’ current comfort zone.

Dell’s new UltraSharp videoconferencing display packs 4K webcam

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Dell's new 32-inch UltraSharp display features a built-in 4K webcam.
Dell's new 32-inch UltraSharp display features a built-in 4K webcam.
Photo: Dell

The new 32-inch UltraSharp monitor Dell introduced at CES 2022 looks like a home-office videoconferencing powerhouse. The 4K display has a 4K webcam with microphones built in for those WFH meetings. And the monitor serves as a USB-C hub with decent port selection and 90W of power for your MacBook or other laptop, too.

Belkin’s new HomeKit video doorbell includes high-res camera

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Belkin’s new HomeKit-compatible video doorbell includes high-res camera
Belkin’s Wemo Smart Video Doorbell uses HomeKit Secure Video to ensure your privacy.
Photo: Belkin

Belkin unveiled the Wemo Smart Video Doorbell that uses Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video. It’s built around a 4MP, wide-angle lens.

Also at CES 2022, Belkin announced redesigned smart plugs and lighting solutions with support for Matter over Thread, which means they’ll also support HomeKit.

Plus, the wraps came off Belkin SoundForm Immerse noise cancelling earbuds with support for Apple’s Find My system.

Connect your Mac to 3 monitors with Plugable’s new dock

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Connect your Mac to 3 monitors with Plugable’s new dock
The Plugable UD-6950PDZ Docking Station lets you connect a Mac to up to three monitors.
Photo: Plugable

Plugable used CES 2022 to unveil a dock that can handle up to three 4K external monitors using either HDMI or DisplayPort. The UD-6950PDZ also has ports for Ethernet, USB-A, audio and more.

In addition, Plugable also announced the USB4-HUB3A, a small hub with three Thunderbolt ports and more.

Targus backpack uses Apple Find My without AirTag

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Targus laptop backpack boasts Apple Find My tracking
CES 2022 Innovation Awards honoree: The Cypress Hero Backpack with Find My Technology from Targus.
Photo: Targus

You won‘t have to attach an AirTag tracker to the upcoming Targus Cypress Hero Backpack to locate it because it’ll have Apple’s Find My tracking technology built in.

The bag, which can hold a MacBook as large as 16 inches, can also be used to locate a misplaced iPhone.

This smart collar wants to be your dog’s Apple Watch

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Is this dog an Olympic athlete? Her resting heart rate is amazing!
Is this dog an Olympic athlete? Her resting heart rate is amazing!
Photo: Invoxia

Devices that track your pet’s whereabouts aren’t exactly new. Your pooch might have a chip embedded right now. But Invoxia is looking to be best in show of a different sort at CES 2022. The company’s new Smart Dog Collar can monitor your pet’s vital signs via advanced technology as well as track via GPS in case he or she gets lost. Like an Apple Watch for their furry necks.

Moft’s vegan leather Smart Desk Mat also acts as MacBook, iPad and iPhone stand

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Moft Smart Desk Mat also acts as MacBook, iPad and iPhone stand
The Moft Smart Desk Mat takes your office desktop vertical.
Photo: Moft

The vegan leather Moft Smart Desk Mat beautifies your desk, but that’s just the start. It unfolds into an angle-adjustable stand that can can hold one or more Apple computers and accessories in a range of configurations.

Moft also announced at CES 2022 a fold-flat, cooling laptop stand. And a case and stand for the iPad mini 6, as well.