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Top stories - page 111

Microsoft Teams adds native Apple silicon support at long last

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Microsoft Teams is getting native support for M1 and M2 Macs ... pretty soon.
Microsoft Teams is getting native support for M1 and M2 Macs ... pretty soon.
Photo: Microsoft

Apple first said it would transition from Intel chips to Apple silicon more than 2 years ago. Then Cupertino launched the first M1 Mac in November 2020. And, finally, today Microsoft said its Teams app will now run natively on M1 and M2 Macs.

So it’s about time.

But don’t get greedy and expect the upgrade immediately. The Redmond tech giant said the rollout to users will be incremental.

iPadOS 16 might be delayed until October

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iPadOS 16 Stage Manager
iPad users could be waiting longer than expected for iPadOS 16.
Image: Apple

iPadOS 16 reportedly won’t be introduced in September, as expected. Instead, the next major iPad upgrade has supposedly been pushed back by a month.

The upcoming version is packed with new features, including giving iPads with an M-series processor support for floating app windows on the tablet screen and on external displays

M1 MacBook Pro and custom PC split dual gaming displays [Setups]

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The owner tried to set this whole thing up to roll into another room.
The owner tried to set this whole thing up to roll into another room.
Photo: cjeffe10

Some computer setups will make you green with envy, considering their gear’s quantity as well as quality. Take today’s featured setup, a delight for both gamers and podcasters.

It sports not just a new M1 MacBook, but also a powerful custom gaming PC. It boasts not just a solid 27-inch full HD display, but a monster 49-inch super-ultra-wide screen. And it relies on not just a good webcam, but a premium mirrorless digital camera.

And the list goes on, extending to audio and even a new mechanical keyboard. Read on.

Why Apple is (nearly) recession-proof

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Apple’s financial results were all the company could ask for.
Analysts expect consumers to keep buying Apple products, no matter what the global economy does.
Graphic: Cult of Mac

Although economists can’t agree whether a global recession is on the way, it’s definitely a possibility. But Apple execs don’t seem to have a lot to worry about – market analysts remain generally upbeat about the company.

Here are comments from a range of experts that are sure to warm Apple CEO Tim Cook’s heart.

NYC man learns the hard way to not track down thieves with an AirTag

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Car thieves can hide an AirTag somewhere on your car and track it for theft later.
Don't use an AirTag to go vigilante. You're not Batman.
Photo: York Regional Police

A New York City man had his scooter stolen. But he’d put one of Apple’s AirTag item trackers on the bike, so he was able to track down the thieves … who beat the $%#@ out of him.

Stephen Herbert said he feels lucky he got out of the unfortunate encounter alive.

Tune into AM, FM, shortwave and more with this compact travel radio

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We've got an Amazon's Choice radio for an even lower price.
This travel radio even comes with a swank leather cover.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Your smartphone isn’t the only way to stay connected to the world of music, sports and news. Even before TVs, people had a fun, portable, convenient way of staying tuned in their interests: radio.

It turns out that video didn’t completely kill the radio star, because the medium is making a comeback. And you can tune into a world of music and more with the Eton Elite Traveler. This compact radio is an Amazon’s Choice product, but we’ve got a better price at $49.99!

Here’s your chance to get a lifetime of Curiosity Stream for less than $200

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Stock up on documentaries with this lifetime of CuriosityStream: limited time availability.
Stop repeating Netflix documentaries and get this lifetime of CuriosityStream, limited time deal.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

How’s that Netflix documentary list looking lately? Still pretty sparse? You could watch the Bob Ross documentary again, or you could check out a streaming service that lives and breathes documentaries.

Curiosity Stream offers thousands of incredible documentaries, educational television and more, all in one location. That means no more bouncing between streaming services as you burn through the paltry selection. For a limited time, you can get a lifetime Curiosity Stream HD Plan for only $179 (regularly $250).

Apple Maps extends cycling directions to all 50 states

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With the addition of Hawaii, now you can get turn-by-turn biking directions in all 50 states.
With the addition of Hawaii, now you can get turn-by-turn biking directions in all 50 states.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you ride a bike, now you can now get turn-by-turn navigation from Apple Maps in all 50 states. That’s because cycling directions recently arrived in Hawaii.

If you get rolling now, there’s just time to bike through the whole country in … never. Not gonna happen.

But it’s nice to know directions are available all over if you ever need them.

Are you worthy of Nomad’s new golden Base One chargers?

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Nomad's Gold Base One Max looks so money.
Nomad's Gold Base One Max looks so money.
Photo: Nomad

Nomad’s refined and costly Base One and Base One Max MagSafe chargers are widely considered to be of excellent quality,  even “high-end” status. But now you can feel even more like a king — maybe King Midas — by snagging one with a rich golden hue.

That’s right, Nomad just rolled out golden gear for you, the Gold Base One and Base One Max.

Redesigned Eve Aqua sensor for HomeKit gains durability

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The new Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller is more durable than before.
The new Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller is more durable than before.
Photo: Eve Systems

Eve Systems rolled out a redesigned version of it Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller for HomeKit Tuesday that should help you keep your lawn or garden green.

The gadget sports a new look and improved mechanics for better durability, the company said.

Free up space without deleting files with 1TB of cloud storage for life

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Get a lifetime 1TB cloud storage for only $140.
Get cloud storage that syncs with Google Drive (and more!) while it's 94% off.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You should think of your iPhone‘s or Mac’s built-in storage as if you’re moving into a new apartment. That first day, it looks totally roomy. But once you move all your stuff in, aka your everyday apps are installed, it’s remarkable how small it gets.

So, if you’re tired of getting that “storage almost full” notification on your iPhone or MacBook, it might be time to supplement it with cloud storage. Luckily, Koofr is offering 1TB lifetime cloud storage subscriptions for only $139.99 (regularly $2,700).

Apple offers feeble fix for Studio Display’s speaker problems

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Apple Studio Display
Apple's $1,599 Studio Display is marred with issues.
Photo: Apple

After months of complaints from Studio Display owners, Apple finally offered a temporary fix for problems with the pricey monitor’s speakers and microphone. The frustrating glitches include choppy playback, audio that cuts out unexpectedly and playback speed issues.

The company provided a temporary solution in an internal memo while it scrambles to come up with a software fix.

Beats Pill+ portable speaker won’t stay dead

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A second special edition since Apple discontinued the Beats Pill+ speaker looks to be imminent.
A second special edition since Apple discontinued the Beats Pill+ speaker looks to be imminent.
Photo: Apple/Beats

Apple killed the Beats Pill+ portable speaker in January, and yet it lives on. In March it saw a special-edition release through a partnernship with Stüssy. And now it rises from the dead once again.

This time, a collaboration with Devin Book and Book Projects will result in a customized Beats Pill+ exterior design that takes its cues from the Sonoran Desert.

Save $26 on colorful Apple Watch bands made of fine Italian leather

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You can get 35% off this supple Italian leather band in teal (pictured), red, yellow or orange.
You can get 35% off this supple Italian leather band in teal (pictured), red, yellow or orange.
Photo: Olpr. leather goods co

There are few things more classic than a watch band made of supple Italian leather. And the Cult of Mac Store has a great one on sale right now for your Apple Watch, at 35% off (that’s a savings of $26).

The Italian Leather Band by Olpr is not only a classic leather band, it’s also colorful. You can get it in red, teal, yellow and orange.

New Apple ‘Switching to iPhone’ video makes it easy for Android users

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Thinking of switching from an Android phone to an iPhone? It's easy.
Thinking of switching from an Android phone to an iPhone? It's easy.
Photo: Apple

Apple aimed a new video Monday at Android users who might want to switch to iPhone. The video answers the most common questions switchers ask, from transferring contacts to trading in handsets and much more — all in about 4 minutes.

The video comes as Apple prepares the iPhone 14 series for release and follows Cupertino’s surprisingly positive earnings results Thursday in which the company mentioned a record numbers of switchers from Android to iPhone.

Transform your workspace with stunning 3D wall panels [Setups]

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Look how the wall panels interact with the desktop wallpaper.
Look how the wall panels interact with the desktop wallpaper.
Photo: [email protected]

Many computer setups complete their dazzling looks with great lighting, like RGB light strips or light bars hidden behind monitors or under desks. And while lighting goes a long way towards setting moods and helping you see things, it’s not the whole story.

Another element that can make the most of lighting would be 3D wall panels. Full of raised surfaces, they catch the light and make a wall or other space come alive. Today’s featured setup uses 3D wall panels beautifully.

Hub adds 3 high-speed Thunderbolt ports without the bulky power brick [Review] ★★★★★

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Sanho HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub review: You can never have too many high-speed data ports, and the HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub adds three more to your Mac or iPad Pro.★★★★★
You can never have too many high-speed data ports, and the HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub adds three more to your Mac or iPad Pro.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Thunderbolt hubs add super-fast ports to your Mac, speeding up your workflow. But these hubs also require a really bulky power adapter … usually. The just-announced Sanho HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub is the exception. It’s small enough to travel with.

I tested the Thunderbolt hub in my home office for a couple of weeks to see how it stands up to real-world use.

The best keyboard Apple ever made, but smaller? [Review] ★★★★☆

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The Matias keyboard on my desk. The Mac sits on the mStand next to an Apple Cinema Display and Magic Trackpad.★★★★☆
The Matias keyboard is the spiritual successor to the greatest keyboard of all time, the Apple Extended Keyboard II.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

In its entire 46-year history, Apple has made only one truly great keyboard: the Apple Extended Keyboard II. Dating from 1987, the Apple Extended Keyboard II has been dubbed “the greatest computer keyboard of all time.

For me, the Extended Keyboard is the ultimate Goldilocks keyboard: it offers the perfect amount of travel, feel and sound. Alas, it was discontinued in 1994 and Apple hasn’t made a mechanical keyboard — with switches and springs beneath each key — since.

But fear not. The Matias Mini Tactile Pro keyboard is the Extended Keyboard’s spiritual successor: a modern mechanical keyboard in a mini package that plays nice with modern Macs.

But is it any good?

Dive in: Latest iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 public betas are stable enough to try

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Dive in: Latest iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 public betas are stable enough to try
iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 bring some welcome new features. And you can try them out now, if you can tolerate their bugs.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Tired of just reading about the new iPhone Lock Screen and want to try it? Really eager to make full use of an external screen with your iPad? There’s good news: Apple released new public betas of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 this week, and my testing shows they’re stable enough for average users to try them out.

That said, be cautious. These are prerelease versions — they still have bugs. The final versions aren’t expected for months, and there’s still plenty of room for improvement

Broadcast any sports game you attend using your iPhone

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Have a ball live streaming any sports event with this app.
Give your kid's T-ball game the World Series treatment with this sports streaming app.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Sports lovers, what if you controlled the broadcast? When you’re watching the Super Bowl, how much color commentary do you really want? And wouldn’t it be cool to actually broadcast a local game that TV won’t cover?

Swish Live could make that happen. With this sports live-streaming app, you can control your own broadcast, whether you’re recording the big game for your friends to watch at home or running the interviews for your local club game. For a limited time, the Swish Live Streaming Basic Plan is on sale for $99 (regularly $340).

Apple car gets a Lambo injection [The CultCast]

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The CultCast: Spoiler alert: The Apple car probably won't look like a Lamborghini.
Spoiler alert: The Apple car probably won't look like a Lamborghini.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple’s electric self-driving car project apparently just landed a bigwig from Lamborghini. Does this mean the hiding-in-plain-sight Apple car is back on track?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Why we didn’t see an M1 Mac Pro — and why we never will.
  • Saudi Arabia’s crazy glass building sounds unbelievable.
  • Anker makes GaN charging even faster and more efficient.
  • The EU’s new Digital Markets Act could bring big changes for Apple and the App Store.

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 livestream, embedded below.

Our sponsor: CultCloth

Get the only cleaning cloth you need: CultCloth!

Skip the Apple Watch price tag and grab this affordable alternative instead

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Watch out for this affordable Apple Watch alternative.
Your smartwatch can be affordable and useful, and The C-MAX Smartwatch proves it.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Apple Watches are fantastic, but they’re also pretty expensive starting at $399 for a Series 7. Luckily, there are Apple Watch alternatives that get the job done and look great at the same time. The C-Max Chrono-Max Smartwatch is an affordable Apple Watch alternative that comes in black, teal, rose and pink, and for a limited time, all colorways are on sale for $34.99 (regularly $219).

Things heat up for our jailhouse informer in Black Bird [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Black Bird recap: Things are not going well for prison informer Jimmy Keene (played by Taron Egerton).★★★★
Things are not going well for prison informer Jimmy Keene (played by Taron Egerton).
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ miniseries Black Bird finally reveals the killer this week, along with the evidence that might hang him … or might not be enough to do anything but frustrate the people working to expose him.

Superlative work from actors Paul Walter Hauser, Ray Liotta and Laney Stiebing in the episode, titled “The Place I Lie,” pulls the show into greatness just before its final installment.

Black Bird covered a lot of ground in a little time — and now it’s time to bring it home.

Apple plans to squeeze even more money out of App Store

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iPhone App Store Today tab will soon include advertising
Get ready for new ads to appear in the iPhone App Store.
Image: Apple

Apple is going further into the ad business. Soon, a paid advertisment will be added to the Today tab of the App Store. And a paid link will be added to the product pages for individual applications.

These will join the Search Ads that are already included in the App Store.

Apple acting as an advertising broker is likely to be controversial because the company has taken a strong stance on targeted ads provided by Google, Facebook and others.