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How to make the most of the Files app’s column view in iPadOS

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Column view
Check out the columns on that!
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

iOS 13 brought all kinds of neat new features to the Files app, aka the iOS Finder. But maybe the best of all these is the new column view, a very Mac-like view of all the files and folders stored on your iPad. It’s not just an easy-to-browse view, either. The Files app column view also introduces a preview panel with plenty of tricks of its own.

How to change the dictation language on Apple Watch

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Apple Watch dictation
If you talk to your Apple Watch, you need to know this tip.
Photo: Israel Palacio/Unsplash

Maybe you like to keep your iPhone and Apple Watch in English, but you also like to dictate notes and messages in your mother tongue. Or perhaps you want to dictate your notes in English, but send iMessages to your family in Spanish. Or maybe your Apple Watch is just screwed up, and keeps trying to take dictation in a language you don’t speak.

Whatever the reason, it is easy to change the Apple Watch dictation language. Plus, you also can specify a different language for each and every app. Let’s see how.

How to disable iOS 13’s link previews

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Link previews
The iPad version has a toggle directly over the preview image.
Photo: Cult of Mac

In iPadOS and iOS 13, long-pressing a link does two things simultaneously. It brings up a contextual menu with options for sharing and so on, and it loads a preview of the linked web page. Apple calls this a link preview.

But what if you don’t want a link preview? Maybe you’re on a cellular connection and you don’t want to waste data by loading pages you won’t read. Or maybe you only need the link, and never want to see the page. What if it’s a link to a huge image, or an MP3? Or perhaps it’s a link in an email, and you want to use the contextual menu to check the URL for scams. In this last case, there’s no way you want that link to load. It could prove disastrous.

The good news is that you can disable link previews in iOS 13 with a single tap.

6 reasons the 6.1-inch iPhone 11 is Apple’s best new smartphone [Review]

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Latest iPhone was 1 out of every 10 smartphones sold in US last quarter
Latest iPhone was 1 out of every 10 smartphones sold in US last quarter
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Everyone shopping for a 2019 iPhone faces a conundrum. The new Pro models come loaded with top-of-line features, but they cost much, much more than the 6.1-inch iPhone 11. Is it really necessary to pay $1,000 or more to get a great iPhone?

No, no it isn’t. In our iPhone 11 review, we’ll tell you why it’s Apple’s best new smartphone for most people.

Anker’s ultra-slim charger is just right for your iPad [Review]

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Anker PowerPort Atom III
The Anker PowerPort Atom III is minuscule for a 30W charger.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Wall chargers made with gallium nitride (GaN) transistors can be considerably smaller than ones that use silicon instead. An outstanding case in point is the Anker PowerPort Atom III Slim, which is tiny but can still put out 30W to quickly power up an iPad Pro or even a MacBook.

We tested this svelte USB-C battery charger in the field. Read on to see how well it lives up to its promise.

Bento Stack keeps your essentials neatly organized on the go

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bento
Bento Stack is a must-have for any traveler.
Photo: Wiplabs

Carrying essential accessories with you wherever you go can be a nightmare. Your wires can get tangled, your AirPods can get lost, and your Apple Pencil can end up in more than one piece. That’s why you need the Bento Stack.

This compact, multi-compartment storage solution keeps more than 10 must-have accessories neatly organized when you’re on the road. It’s a must-have if you’re a frequent traveler.

IQbuds Boost wireless earbuds also help you hear better [Review]

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Nuheara IQbuds Boost
Beyond just music, IQbuds Boost make it easier to listen to friends and family.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Nuheara’s IQbuds Boost work as Bluetooth headphones, but that’s only the start. They are really for people who need just a bit of help hearing. They aren’t true hearing aids, but might actually be better.

Take a listen to my review of these high-end wireless earbuds, along with an optional Bluetooth accessory that connects them to your TV.

Last chance! Get this luscious Apple Watch band and save 50% on a matching bracelet

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Rilee & Lo stretch link band
Brilliant stretch-link bracelets that won't break the bank.
Photo: Rilee & Lo

Bling it up with Rilee & Lo’s spectacular stretch-link band for Apple Watch and get half off a matching stacking bracelet in this exclusive deal.

Available in a range of gorgeous color options and made from premium stainless steel, they’ll help make your Apple Watch look better than ever. Bag yours today before this offer expires on Friday, August 9.

How to get free McDonald’s fries using your iPhone

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McDonald’s Fries
Mmmm, feeling hungry?
Photo: McDonald’s

Tomorrow is National French Fry Day and McDonald’s is celebrating by giving away these golden delicious treats every Friday for the rest of July. The fast-food chain has partnered with Apple Pay on this promotion so you’ll need to make the purchase with your iPhone.

iPad Pro case gets medieval on your tablet [Review]

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Twelve South’s BookBook vol. 2
This is an iPad Pro case, believe it or not.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Twelve South’s BookBook vol. 2 goes beyond just protecting your expensive iPad Pro; it adds old-world charm. This case transforms Apple’s tablet into an elegant leather-bound hardcover book.

We tested the updated version of the BookBook with our 2018 iPad Pro, so don’t miss our hands-on review.

Pride comes in new faces with watchOS update

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Pride Apple Watch faces
Pride has its range of styles.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch wearers now have a couple of style options on how to show LGBTQ Pride, including a new face with thicker threads of color and a choice of analog watch hands.

The Pride face options became available this morning when Apple released watchOS 5.2.1.

Hand-crafted wood bands give Apple Watch a rustic look and polished feel

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Each wooden band is made by hand, a rustic touch that is subtle but appreciated.
Each wooden band is made by hand, a rustic touch that is subtle but appreciated.
Photo: Ottm

Ottm makes some of the most unique smartwatch bands yet. Each Ottm band is crafted from hand-selected West African zebrawood, Indonesian sandalwood or Canadian maple. Treated with tung oil for a smooth, luxurious finish, these sustainably sourced bands are really something special.

The result is a watch band completely unique to you — no two bands are the same. Pair it with your Apple Watch, and you’ve got an exotic statement piece and stunning accessory.

With just a few days left to catch Cult of Mac’s Watch Store sale, be sure to grab an Ottm band before it’s too late.

Catch a baby-faced Leander, unboxing his own Ottm band:

How to restart your Apple TV without leaving the couch

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Oh man, who wants to walk all the way over there? Reset Apple TV
Oh man, who wants to walk all the way over there?
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Maybe you need to restart your Apple TV. Perhaps something didn’t load right, or the whole thing is acting screwy. It happens. The Apple TV is just another iOS computer after all. And while unplugging your Apple TV is one valid option, that means getting off your couch. And what do TV lovers hate more than unnecessary exercise? Nothing, that’s what. Happily for you, my lazy friend, you can restart the AppleTV using the remote. If you can find it.

How to use iOS Spotlight like a launchbar for your iPad

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Let these shortcuts take care of your morning routine, so you can focus more on important things, like breakfast.
Let these shortcuts take care of your morning routine, so you can focus more on important things, like breakfast.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Every morning, after I park my iPad in its desk stand, I start writing the same way: I play the same music playlist; I start the Focus app, which reminds me to take breaks; and I create a new Ulysses sheet to start typing in. And I do all of these almost without touching the screen.

You’d be surprised at how much you can do on the iPad with just the keyboard. Today we’re going to see some cool examples, plus a bonus Good Morning shortcut.

Best gifts for iPhone fans [Gift Guide 2018]

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iPhone gift guide 2018
Buying for an iPhone fan? Start here!
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

With the holidays right around the corner, you should have started your shopping by now. And if you’re anything like the rest of us, you’re already fed up of it. That’s why Cult of Mac is here to help.

Gift guide 2018 bugOur handy holiday gift guides will help you pick out the perfect present for friends and loves ones. We’ve hand-picked all kinds of awesome accessories and gadgets that are worthy of your hard-earned cash — and guaranteed to fetch a smile.

This guide is for the iPhone fans in your life, and it includes something to suit every budget.

Is the 2018 iPad Pro Smart Folio Cover really worth $99? [Review]

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The Smart Folio Cover also eliminates the camera bump.
The Smart Folio Cover also eliminates the camera bump.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

If you buy a new iPad on launch day, and you want a cover or case, you’ll probably have to buy one from Apple. The first-party covers are great, but the prices are absurd. After using a Smart Cover on my old 1st-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro for a few years, I swore to myself that I’d wait it out this time, until good third-party cases went on sale, instead of wasting cash on a Smart Folio Cover.

But, after just a couple of hours with the new iPad Pro, I realized there was no way to carry it in my bag without a case. So I put it back in its box, walked to the Apple Store, and gave Apple another 120 euros (or $136 at current exchange rates). Was it worth it?

Use iOS 12’s smart albums to clean up your photo library

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Here's a photo that could totally be in some smart albums
Here's a photo that could totally be in some smart album.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Grab your iPhone, if you’re not holding it already. Then open the Photos app, go to the Albums tab, and scroll down. On iOS 12, you’ll see a list showing pretty much every kind of photo you have: Live Photos, Panoramas, screenshots, and a lot more. This is powerful stuff, so let’s check it out

Opera Touch is a speedy browser built with iPhone XS in mind

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Opera Touch iOS
Opera Touch is easy to use with one hand.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

The fast and simple mobile browser from Opera is now available on iOS.

Opera Touch was built with gesture-based devices like the iPhone X and iPhone XS in mind, and it’s optimized for one-handed use on larger screens. It boasts a number of useful features, including Flow, which lets you share content with Opera on your desktop.

Wirelessly power up your iPhone on the go with this travel charger [Review]

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The mophie Charge Stream Travel Kit uses inductive charging to bring your iPhone back to 100 percent, at home or on the go.
The mophie Charge Stream Travel Kit uses inductive charging to bring your iPhone back to 100 percent, at home or on the go.
Photo: mophie

A wireless charger for your iPhone is very convenient, and now you don’t have to miss out when you’re on the road. The mophie Charge Stream Travel Kit includes a travel-size Qi wireless charger and the add-ons to use it in a hotel room or even your car.

This mobile charging kit currently sells for $49.95 on Amazon, and is compatible with the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. It also works with any Qi-compatible phone or accessory. Don’t miss our hands-on review. 

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