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These pico projectors will enhance your favorite shows during lockdown

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These projectors will enhance your viewing experience from home
Take your pick of these two hot deals on pico projectors.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

We’re experiencing yet another bump in the road as coronavirus cases spike nationwide. With stores and public outings closed for the foreseeable future, we’ll need to find new ways to stay entertained during lockdown, especially now that our usual routines are months old at this point.

Learn a new language fast with this song-based app

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The most fun way to learn a new language
The Lirica app uses hit songs to teach you a new language.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It’s about that time where everyone is making New Year’s resolutions — whether getting fit or mastering investing with a powerful new tool.

If you’re looking to learn a new language in 2021, there’s probably no more fun, intuitive way than with a lifetime subscription to the Lirica Premium Language Learning App.

2021 might be even better than 2020 for Apple [Cult of Mac Magazine 382]

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Can Apple pull off an even more amazing year in 2021?
Can Apple pull off an even more amazing year in 2021?
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac Magazine

2020 was rough. However, the pandemic gave Apple a chance to show its true colors. From fantastic new products to altruistic accomplishments, the company found many ways to excel.

Read Leander Kahney’s recap for an informed look at Apple’s incredible year. Then read Ed Hardy’s predictions about what to expect from Apple in 2021. And, if you’re ready to achieve your fitness goals, read Graham Bower’s piece on how to make your New Year’s resolutions stick with Apple Fitness+.

It’s all in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. Download it now to read on your iOS device, or get the links below.

Ugreen X-Kit cleverly combines MacBook stand with USB-C multiport hub [Review]

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Ugreen X-Kit review
The Ugreen X-Kit looks like an ordinary laptop standing, but it does much more.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Laptop stands make it easier to type as well as see what’s on your MacBook display. USB-C hubs make adding peripherals to your laptop a snap. The Ugreen X-Kit is both a display and a hub. Plus, it’s designed to be used on the go.

I tried out this combination stand/hub to see how well it works with Apple gear. Read on to see what I found out.

Invest intelligently with this real-time financial tool

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This financial tool will help your investments
Ready to rake it in? This financial tool will help you manage your investments.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Whether you’re an experienced trader who’s been dabbling with the stock market for years, or just beginning to seek out ways of earning passive income, the people who get the most out of their investments are ones that strategically manage their hard-earned funds. And, while the stock market can sometimes be volatile, the best way of keeping track of your funds and shifting your investments around is being able to track how your stocks are performing in real time.

If you want to do that without needing to work with a broker (and pay brokerage fees), check out this lifetime subscription to the Currency HeatwaveX Financial Tool.

Ring in the new year by mastering Six Sigma training

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This is an invaluable skill to learn in 2021
Get some serious skills to set yourself up for a successful 2021.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

As we all know, 2020 was an exceptionally rough year, but January is a great time to take stock, reflect on what you learned, and start making decisions and taking actions that will make 2021 far better. One way to get started in that regard is this 2021 Complete Six Sigma Training Suite Bundle.

It includes 45 hours of content on Lean, Six Sigma and Minitab, and it can help you slash inefficiencies and boost profit in almost any business. Right now, the whole bundle is just $31.99 (98% off the normal $2,988 price tag).

Expect exciting new MacBooks, iPad, Apple Watch and more in 2021

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Expect Apple 2021 to bring exciting new MacBooks, iPads, Apple Watch features.
There are outstanding improvements coming to many Apple product in 2021.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple broke new ground in 2020, and will build on that in many ways in 2021. It should be a really significant year for Mac. And iPad and Apple Watch are expected to get important new features as well.

Plus, this could be the year a product Apple has been quietly developing finally breaks out.

How to make your New Year’s resolutions stick with Apple Fitness+

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Time’s up for excuses - get in shape in 2021
Time’s up for excuses - get in shape in 2021
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Apple Fitness+ makes it easier than ever to get in shape. So you should have no problem smashing your New Year’s resolution. Right?

Wrong. The sad fact is, despite the best of intentions, most New Year’s resolutions fail. But it doesn’t have to be that way. I know from personal experience as someone who went from a middle-aged slob to the proud owner of six-pack abs for the first time in my life. Now I’m a qualified personal trainer and I write about fitness for Cult of Mac.

So what’s the secret? Why do some resolutions succeed where others fail? Here are my top five tips for how you can use Apple Fitness+ to get in shape in 2021 and stay that way.

Despite pandemic, 2020 was Apple’s best year ever [Year in Review]

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Apple products on a table
The big story for Apple in 2020, was, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo: Elena Mozhvilo/Unsplash

In spite of a devastating pandemic, a moribund economy, widespread unemployment, factory and store closures, and a workforce toiling from home, Apple in 2020 had one of its best years ever.

The company released a raft of new products, saw its stock soar, enjoyed a record valuation, made record amounts of money, experimented with virtual product launches and events, released great advertising, and mostly skated through government antitrust hearings.

The company even killed off a hated product feature, to widespread plaudits from fans.

Kick-start your fitness goals in 2021 with more than 90% off this top-rated app

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Put Your Apple Watch to work with this fitness app
Fire up your Apple gear and achieve your fitness goals this year.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Ready to start the new year with a new workout regime? This top-rated fitness app is the easiest way to reach your goals — and right now, a one-year subscription to BetterMe Home Workout & Diet is on sale for just $15.99 with coupon code HOLIDAY20.

That code also gives you 20% off the Cult of Mac store, site-wide, to ring in the new year. Yes, that’s even on top of sale prices.

Get 7 of the best digital skills courses of 2020, for up to 98% off right now

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Here's 7 of the best online courses of 2020
Get some serious tech skills with one or more of these discounted educational bundles.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

What better way to round out the old year and kick-start the new one than by learning a new skill from home, in your own time? From Google Analytics to coding and app development, we selected some of the top-rated online courses of 2020 to level up your personal and professional skills.

Even better, all of these e-learning courses are on sale, with amazing discounts of up to 98% off right now.

Save at least 46% on the best app and software deals of 2020

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Here are some of the best apps of 2020
Take advantage of some year-end sales on great apps.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The end of the holidays marks the end of an extremely difficult year. Luckily, the holiday deals haven’t come to an end just yet.

We rounded up 10 of the best deals on apps and software from 2020, some of which are over 90% off. And many come with lifetime subscriptions.

New features that absolutely should be in iPadOS 15 [Opinion]

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iPadOS 14 is good but iPadOS 15 just needs some new features to even better.
It’s not too soon to start an iPadOS 15 wishlist.
Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple’s developers are surely already thinking about iPadOS 15, and will almost certainly unveil it in June 2021. Considering iPadOS 14 was thin on exciting new features, it’s easy to look ahead. Here are some suggestions from a heavy iPad user of what the devs should have on their to-do list.

Make your way toward financial freedom with this $16 course bundle

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Financial Freedom has never been more important
Kick-start your quest for financial freedom with The 2021 Master Your Finances Bundle.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The pandemic made many of us question our financial stability in 2020. Millions of people lost their jobs, and many more are just barely hanging on as we face a winter surge of COVID-19 infections. Thankfully, the vaccine is finally being distributed, and economic recovery may be just beyond the horizon.

Innovative Apple Watch band lets runners monitor speed and heart rate at a glance [Review]

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EdgeGear Shift review: Seeing your Apple Watch while jogging is far easier with this Apple Watch band for runners.
Seeing your Apple Watch while running is far easier with the EdgeGear Shift.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The design of the wristwatch hasn’t changed in over 100 years, but EdgeGear has an alternative that makes it easier for runners to see their Apple Watch while on the go. The Shift is not like any band you’ve worn before, as the Watch is held near the base of your thumb, not in the middle of your wrist.

I took the EdgeGear Shift on a few runs, and can report on how it performed in the real world.

How to change Apple Watch app layout to a handy list [Pro tip]

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Change Apple Watch app layout from honeycomb grid to list view.
Get ready to say goodbye to the honeycomb app grid.
Photo: Daniel Cañibano/Unsplash CC

Pro-tip-4 By this point, the honeycomb app grid that debuted with the original Apple Watch must have fueled millions of frustrated app hunts.

That swirling sea of apps certainly looked innovative and magical during Apple’s demo in 2014. Apple called the unique interface “fluid and vital,” but in practice, the honeycomb grid often makes it difficult to find the particular app you want.

Luckily, Apple gave you another option. These days, there’s no need to suffer through the search for the app you want. You can easily switch to an alphabetical list view that makes it much easier to find Apple Watch apps.

Go from zero experience to photography master with this $40 training

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Kick off 2021 learning an impactful fun skill
Take your photo skills to the next level with these expert courses.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

A lot of us promised ourselves that we would pick up a new skill before the end of the year, but 2020 is just about over, and you might feel like your time has been wasted. Luckily, the calendar doesn’t determine when it’s time to learn something — you do.

There are plenty of resources on the internet that will help you learn new skills, whether it’s how to build apps or taking gorgeous photos.

AirPods Max condensation makes some owners sweat

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AirPods Max users complain of condensation inside headphones: Water collected inside one user’s AirPods Max ear cups after really extended wearing.
Water collected inside these AirPods Max ear cups after extended use.
Photo: Donald Filimon

Apple’s AirPods Max headphones are drawing complaints from some users after drops of water formed inside the earpads after extended use. Condensation is not an uncommon problem with over-the-ear headphones, though the metal ear cups and tight fit of the Apple version might increase the amount.

Track your fat, body mass and hydration levels with this $95 Apple Watch strap

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This Smart Strap is the perfect companion for your Apple Watch
The Aura Smart Strap is the perfect companion for your Apple Watch.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you received a brand-new Apple Watch this holiday season, you’re in luck! There are a ton of third-party accessories on the market, from fashionable watch straps to sleek charging stands.

Some, like this nifty Aura Smart Strap, give your Apple Watch additional functionality that complements its fitness-tracking capabilities. Normally retailing for $118.99, you can get an Aura Smart Strap for just $95.19 using coupon code HOLIDAY20 at checkout.

Elago cases offer great iPhone 12 protection at a stellar price

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Elago's new iPhone 12 cases
The Liquid Silicone is super-slim. The Protective Armor is ultra-rugged.
Photo: Elago

Elago’s brilliant cases are now available for the entire iPhone 12 lineup. There are four different styles to choose from, from the super-slim Liquid Silicone to the ultra-rugged Protective Armor.

And the best bit? They’re all nicely priced at just $18.

Keep your AirPods safe and secure with this tracker

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Never lose your AirPods again with Air Fob
Never lose your AirPods again with Air Fob.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

What would you do without your AirPods? They’re perfect for everything from tuning into your favorite learning app or wearing during a sweaty workout. Unfortunately, they can fall out during almost any activity, whether you’re moving around too much while taking a class, or even while you’re in transit from your doorstep to the side street.

Luckily, there’s Air Fob — an AirPods tracker that both protects your precious earbuds from damage and helps you locate them in case they slip out.

This mobile charger quickly juices up MacBook and iPhone simultaneously [Review]

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Aukey Omnia Mix3 Charger review
The Aukey Omnia Mix3 Charger is smaller than Apple’s MacBook one, but boasts 3x as many ports.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Aukey Omnia Mix3 90W 3-Port PD Charger can juice up your MacBook Pro at nearly full speed. Or it can power your iPad, iPhone and Apple Watch all at the same time.

Since Apple stopped bundling chargers with its iPhones, but they do come with a Lightning to USB-C cable, now is a good time to consider a multi-port USB-C solution like this one.

I put the Aukey wall charger to the test powering up my devices. Read on to see how well it did.