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OnePack backpack lives up to its roomy name [Review]

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OnePack backpack
A discreet backpack that holds more than you think.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

Marketing language often invites a reviewer to find the flaw in the claim. So skepticism was in order when the OnePack arrived with the declaration of being the “Most Functional Backpack.”

I have a backpack for every time I heard that one. But of all the backpacks I’ve shouldered for reviews, OnePack at least comes close to keeping its word.

iPad vs. iPad Pro: Which is right for you?

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2018 iPad and Apple Pencil
Is the new iPad right for you?
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Apple’s most affordable iPad is now even greater. With a faster A10 processor and support for Apple Pencil, it’s closer to the iPad Pro than it’s ever been. And yet, it’s less than half the price — and even more affordable if you’re a student.

So, what’s the difference between them? Is the iPad Pro still worth the extra cash?

Choosing between the two doesn’t have to be difficult. Our helpful comparison will help you decide which iPad is right for you.

Textor is the missing TextEdit for iOS [Review]

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textor
Textor is like TextEdit for iOS.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

On the Mac, you can quickly open up and edit any text file using TextEdit. And while there are a ton of great text-editing apps on the iPad and iPhone, none of them is quite as simple as the Mac’s built-in app. Until now, anyway: Textor combines the iOS 11 Files app with an ultra-simple text editor, making it possibly the quickest and easiest way to quickly view, edit and even create new text files on an iPhone or iPad.

How to save $1 on every coffee you buy [Review]

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The Square Cash Card is changing the game with coffee discounts.
It's shockingly simple to save $1 on every coffee you buy.
Photo: Chevanon Photography/Pexels CC

Square Cash is the world’s best coffee loyalty program — and it’s time you knew about it.

The Square Cash Coffee Reward program has been the highlight of my last six months. You can either take that as an indictment of my quality of life, or a resounding recommendation for this coffee cash-back program.

ShotBox brings instant screenshot markup to the Mac

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shotbox
If you've used screenshot markup on iOS, you already know how ShotBox works.
Photo: Josh Parnham

If you like Instant Markup on iOS, then you’re going to love ShotBox. It’s a free app, available from the Mac App Store, that automatically pops up a panel of markup tools whenever you take a screenshot. It’s almost exactly like the Instant Markup tools built into iOS 11.

Save 60% on chic, stingray bands for Apple Watch

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ullu
Ullu offers a line of luxury Apple Watch bands in premium leathers that include stingray. Now on sale at 60% off in Watch Store.
Photo: Ullu

Ullu offers a taste of the accessibly exotic with its line of handcrafted leather bands for Apple Watch. The Apple-centric accessories brand offers luxurious bands in stingray and ostrich, as well as its signature Italian leather bands.

Peruse the collection of colorful, artisan-made bands in our Watch Store, and step up your style for spring. Ullu’s Stingray bands for Apple Watch are on sale for $99 (regularly priced at $249). Order now in time for Valentine’s Day!

Colgate’s iPhone-controlled AI toothbrush is smart, but not essential [Review]

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toothbrush
Brushing is getting a 2018 overhaul.
Photo: Luke Dormehl/Cult of Mac

Colgate’s new iPhone-compatible smart toothbrush promises to transform the way you brush your teeth, thanks to the magic of machine intelligence.

So is the E1 Smart Electronic Toothbrush With Artificial Intelligence like having a virtual dentist at your beck and call? Here’s what we make of it after a week of tooth-cleaning action.

EvenMidi adds real knobs to the iOS-controlled effects pedal [Review]

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evenmidi
Look at all those knobs. Just look at them.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

The Eventide H9 is a magical effects box for musicians, and it is especially relevant to iOS users because it can be completely controlled by an iOS app via Bluetooth, putting virtual knobs and dials on the screen of an iPad or iPhone. Today, we’ll review the EvenMidi, which is a box that does one thing — adds bunch of knobs the the Eventide H9 so you never need to touch a screen again.

Deck out your Macbook with these awesome add-ons [Deals]

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We've rounded up the best deals on essential accessories for your Macbook.
We've rounded up the best deals on essential accessories for your Macbook.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Buying a Macbook is just the first step. Once you’ve got your shiny new machine, it’s time to outfit it with the peripherals that’ll make it yours. So we’ve gathered some of the best deals on essential Macbook add-ons. That includes a neck-saving laptop stand, powerful drive repair software, a USB connection expansion, and more. Read on for more details:

Best Apple Watch accessories for smartwatch fans [2017 Gift Guide]

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Apple Watch gift guide
Great gift ideas for any Apple Watch wearer.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

2017 Gift Guide bugTreat the Apple Watch lover in your life to some sweet gifts this holiday season.

Cult of Mac can help you pick out the finest accessories money can buy for Apple Watch fanatics. We have everything from swanky straps to chic charging stands in our best Apple Watch accessories roundup.

This silicone Apple Watch band is perfect for fitness freaks [Review]

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Nomad Sport Strap review for Apple Watch
The Nomad Sport Strap is ready to accept your fitness challenge.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

While many Apple Watch bands put fashion front and center, the Nomad Sport Strap embraces the wearable’s exercise potential. This wide, black silicone strap makes the Apple Watch look less like a smartwatch and more like a hard-core fitness tracker.

How to use Portrait Mode on iPhone X and 8

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iPhone 8 Plus portrait lighting camera
Portrait Lighting can make a movie star out of almost anyone. Almost.
Photo: Ste Smith/ Cult of Mac

Portrait mode is an iPhone 7 feature that has been supercharged in the iPhones X and 8, with the addition of Portrait Lighting. Both features use depth data from these iPhones’ dual cameras, either to separate the subject of the photo from its background, or to completely re-light the photo to add drama. Here’s how to make the most of them.

This stainless steel Apple Watch band is super-shiny

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casetify
Casetify's Stainless Steel Mesh Bands rival Apple's Milanese Loop Bands in quality and cost nearly half the price.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Stainless steel meticulously weaves its way through the Mesh Band for Apple Watch — Casetify’s answer to the significantly more expensive Milanese Loop by Apple. Casetify’s version is just as stylish and functional as the behemoth brand’s band, and now comes in two brand-new finishes: Iridescent and Gold (that matches the Series 3).

For penny-counters, you’ll save from $67 to $117 on Casetify’s silver and black stainless steel mesh bands, respectively, and gain three additional colors not offered by Apple: gold, rose gold and iridescent.

Casetify designs all its products to be super stylish and functional, and its latest collection of Stainless Steel Bands for Apple Watch is no exception. The Stainless Steel Mesh Bands are for both men and women. Check out the latest colors in our Watch Store, and read on to learn more.

Wrap your Apple Watch in woven stainless steel [Watch Store]

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casetify
Casetify's Stainless Steel Mesh Bands rival Apple's Milanese Loop Bands in quality and cost nearly half the price.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Stainless steel meticulously weaves its way through the Mesh Band for Apple Watch — Casetify’s answer to the significantly more expensive Milanese Loop by Apple. And, Casetify’s version is just as stylish and functional as the behemoth brand’s band.

For penny-counters, you’ll save from $67 to $117 on Casetify’s silver and black stainless steel mesh bands, respectively, and gain an additional color not offered by Apple: rose gold. I’ve been wearing mine all week and am loving the quality and fit of this sleek metal band.

Casetify designs all its products to be super stylish and functional, and its latest collection of Stainless Steel Bands for Apple Watch is no exception. Check out these new bands in our Watch Store, and read on to learn more.

Why every Apple user should be using a VPN

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In this age of constant data leaks, using a VPN to protect your online identity is a must.
In this age of constant data leaks, using a VPN to protect your online identity is a must.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you think the buzz around using a VPN service these days is exaggerated hype and paranoia, think again. Never before have so many day-to-day human interactions and transactions occurred online.

Whether we’re emailing our bosses, checking in with our kids, chatting with our friends or using a plethora of apps to schedule and manage our lives, it all takes place online.

Seize power with these assorted battery packs [Deals]

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This roundup of portable battery packs has the power solution you need.
This roundup of portable battery packs has the power solution you need.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The more we lean on our mobile devices, the more of a headache a dead battery becomes. That makes carrying a backup battery a must, but where to start? Whether you’re in need of something compact and quick, or a massive hub for a suite of devices, this roundup of battery packs has you covered. Everything is discounted by 30 percent or more. Read on for more details:

Best iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus cases so far

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8_Cases
Which iPhone case have you picked?
Photo: Mujjo

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus may cost as much as the top-end iPhone X, but that certainly doesn’t mean you don’t want to protect your new iPhone.

You’ll find a range of cases on the market. Ultra-thin “skins” will to protect your iPhone 8 from scratches without changing its appearance much. Heavy-duty armor will save it from concrete smashes. And wallet-style cases let get organized. Here are our top picks for the iPhone 8/8 Plus cases you need to know about.

iPhone X vs. iPhone 8: Should you wait longer and pay more?

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iPhone X
iPhone X is worth the hefty price tag.
Photo: Apple

iPhone X is “the future” of the smartphone, and it’s set to revolutionize the way we use mobile devices all over again with features like Face ID and wireless charging. It’s also incredibly good-looking, and insanely powerful thanks to Apple’s A11 Bionic chip.

But is it worth the wait and the hefty price tag?

Find out in our in-depth comparison, which pits iPhone X against its more familiar, more affordable sibling, iPhone 8.

Name your price for four iOS 11 coding courses [Deals]

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Pay What You Want- The Complete iOS 11 Developer Bundle
This bundle of coding courses covers the gamut for iOS 11. And you can get it for whatever you're willing to pay.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

iOS 11 is about to launch, and it’s going to be a big one. With all manner of updates and entirely new features, it’s going to give developers a lot to work with and a lot to learn. That means it’s time to get studying, coders.

Calling all coders: Now’s the time to learn iOS 11 [Deals]

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The Complete iOS 11 & Swift Developer Course- Build 20 Apps
iOS 11 is almost here, so all you coders better get studying.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

iOS 11 is ready to mark yet another major overhaul for Apple users and developers both. Apple has said that iOS 11 will mark the new standard for the operating system, with sweeping tweaks and changes. Whether you’re new to coding or a seasoned pro, it’s time to get studying.