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We talk AirPods with health features, and Apple TV+’s hits and misses, on The CultCast

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CultCast 442: AirPods with health sensors
Can you handle some hot, hot beta action?
Image: The CultCast

This week on The CultCast: AirPods with new sensors could be on the horizon, and that would fit perfectly with Apple’s always-on approach to health. Find out why we can’t wait for in-ear health trackers. Or for Apple to revamp the musty Messages app for Mac.

Plus, we discuss the aftermath of last week’s controversial chat with hotshot Apple leaker, Jon Prosser. And finally, Cult of Mac TV reviewer Scout Tafoya tells us why you probably ought to queue up Defending Jacob (and why you might want to skip Central Park).

Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Final episode of Defending Jacob delivers no easy answers [Apple TV+ review]

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Defending Jacob review: The Apple TV+ crime drama Defending Jacobcomes to a powerful conclusion.
The Apple TV+ crime drama comes to a powerful conclusion.
Photo: Apple TV+

Breakout Apple TV+ series Defending Jacob comes to a gutsy and strong conclusion by leaving its characters, and its audience, in the lurch. This is the smartest decision the show’s creators could have made.

The limited series’ ending, which premieres Friday, shifts everything we’ve seen so far into an entirely new light. It likely will haunt you for some time to come.

Spoiler alert: Details about “After,” the final episode of Defending Jacob, follow.

Bob’s Burgers creator can’t make lightning strike twice in Central Park [Apple TV+ review]

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Central Park is here to do exactly what focus groups say you want it to.
Central Park is here to do exactly what focus groups say you want it to.
Image: Apple TV+

Despite an impressive pedigree and a marketable cast, new Apple TV+ show Central Park seems primed to annoy as many people as it will please.

You must put up with an awful lot of very trendy singing and songwriting, and an overly precious approach to character and plotting, to get to the meager delights within.

Save on Apple’s newest MacBook Air, or bag last model for under $850

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Apple_new-macbook-air-wallpaper-screen_03182020
Don't wait for them to sell out!
Photo: Apple

Apple’s newest MacBook Air is $49 more affordable if you buy yours on Amazon right now. Or you can save even more by opting for a renewed previous-generation MacBook Air, which is now available for less than $850.

Renewed stock doesn’t last long, so bag yours before they’re gone.

Banish lockdown boredom with big savings on Fire TV devices

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Fire TV Edition Smart TVs
Now with Apple TV support!
Photo: Amazon

Amazon is helping us all say entertained during COVID-19 lockdowns with generous savings on its own Fire TV devices. You can pick up a Fire TV Stick for as little as $29.99, and Fire Edition TV sets from just $139.99.

All Fire TV devices now support Apple TV+ — as well as a host of other streaming services, including Netflix and Disney+. These are limited-time savings, so enjoy them before they disappear.

Huge discounts back on 2018 iPad Pro — get a 12.9-inch model for $730

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iPad Pro with Smart Keyboard
Go claim yours before they're all gone!
Photo: Apple

Woot is offering some of the biggest discounts we’ve ever seen on the 2018 iPad Pro today only. You can bag your refurbished 12.9-inch model for as little as $729.99 with 64GB of storage, or $839.99 with 256GB of storage.

Stock is selling fast, so be quick!

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Tiny adapter adds 480GB SSD and HDMI to your MacBook [Review]

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Minix Neo Storage Pro with MacBook
Minix Neo Storage Pro combines an SSD, USB-A and HDMI in a clip-on package.
Photo: Minix

Apple doesn’t make it easy to upgrade your MacBook. But the Minix Neo Storage Pro does. Clip this to your laptop to add 480GB of storage capacity. Even better, the multiport adapter also includes an HDMI port and a USB-A port for connecting legacy accessories. And there’s a Thunderbolt 3 port, too.

I’ve been testing the Neo Storage Pro for weeks. Here’s how well it works in regular use.

Insane iPhone sale offers refurbs for as little as $39.99 today only

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iPhone 6s
Quick! They won't last long.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Woot’s insane deals on iPhone refurbs keep on coming, and today’s might just be its best yet. With prices starting at a mere $39.99, there’s never been a better time to pick up a backup — or treat your kid to their first phone.

The only downside to this sale is that it’s good for one day only, and stock is selling quickly. Act fast or miss out!

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

macOS Catalina 10.15.5 arrives to save your MacBook battery

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2020 macbook air
A new Battery Health Management feature should extend the time before you think about replacing your MacBook Air.
Photo: iFixit

Beta testing is over, and Apple released macOS Catalina 10.15.5 to the general public today. It includes a new Battery Health Management feature intended to reduce wear and extend the useful life of MacBook batteries.

100 more US Apple Stores will open soon … sort of

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Apple plans to start the slow process of reopening its U.S. retail stores next week.
Apple plans to start the slow process of reopening its U.S. retail stores.
Photo: Open Grid Scheduler/Flickr CC

Apple said Tuesday it intends to open its retail locations in 21 U.S. states. But some stores will reportedly only offer curbside service, with customers not allowed to go in. The dates these Apple Stores would reopen were not announced.

Virtually all of Apple’s storefronts have been closed since March to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Apple could save Messages on Mac with new iPad app port

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Messages-iPad
Messages is so much better on iPad.
Photo: Apple

Apple looks to be gearing up to port iPad’s built-in Messages app over to Mac. The move could immediately fix Messages’ biggest problems on Mac, including its glaring lack of features.

The desktop version of the app still does not support iMessage apps, Apple Pay, message effects and other key features. Evidence of the move has been uncovered in leaked iOS 14 code, indicating it could be executed this fall when Apple drops its next major macOS update.

How to remove ‘iOS Files’ that are taking up space on your Mac

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iOS-Files-Mac
Free up gigabytes of storage space.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Are mysterious “iOS Files” taking up gigabytes of precious storage space on your Mac? You may not need them anymore, so we’ve put together a handy how-to guide on removing them with ease.

Here’s how to free up a lot of storage in no time at all.

Get more from your iPhone with 4 useful accessories [Deals]

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iPhone Main
Protect, sanitize, charge, and get more enjoyment out of your phone with these four accessories.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You can instantly level up your iPhone game with any one of these four great iPhone accessories. Plus, you’ll save as much as 80% on these hot deals.

Come for the noise-canceling headphones and portable UV sanitizer, stay for the solar-powered power bank and lifetime VPN subscription!

The biggest discounts are back on AirPods Pro, Powerbeats Pro and more

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Powerbeats-Pro
Bag yours for under $180 before this discount disappears.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s newest wireless headphones have returned to some of their lowest prices yet, thanks to big discounts from Amazon. You can save up to $50 on AirPods Pro, Powerbeats Pro, and more for a limited time only.

You can also pick up second-generation AirPods for as little as $129, and there are big savings to enjoy on Beats headphones, too.

Amazon slashes a whopping $100 off Apple Watch Series 5

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Next Apple Watch Activity challenge will take place on Veterans Day
Sweet savings!
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Big discounts on Apple Watch Series 5 are back at Amazon. You’ll find up to $100 off some of the most affordable configurations, with a 44mm model with GPS now available for as little as $329 — down from $429.

GPS + cellular options are also available from $399 — down from $499. All are brand-new units that are ready to ship right away, but these discounts won’t last long. Enjoy them today before they disappear.

How to perfect your push-ups with Apple Watch and iPhone

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Log push-ups effortlessly with iPhone and Apple Watch
Log push-ups effortlessly with iPhone and Apple Watch
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

The push-up is one of the world’s most hated exercises. In the movies, Marine Corps drill instructors shout: “Drop down and give me 40” as a punishment.

But the push-up doesn’t deserve its bad reputation. It’s actually a versatile, effective and enjoyable exercise. Better still, you can do it anywhere, anytime, without any special equipment. Which makes it an indispensable part of any quarantine home workout routine.

Here’s how your iPhone and Apple Watch can help you give your push-ups a push in the right direction.

Remember: Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise activity. Don’t exercise if you feel any discomfort, nausea, dizziness or shortness of breath.