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RavPower’s massive power bank pushes the limit with AC outlet [Review]

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RAVPower RP-PB055 AC Power Bank review
It’s a bit bulky, but the RAVPower RP-PB055 can recharge an iPhone 11 more than 5 times.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Power banks designed for phones don’t do much for laptops and tablets. But the RavPower RP-PB055 AC Power Bank packs a whopping 30,000mAh, and more than doubles a MacBook’s time between recharges. Even better, it includes a standard wall socket so it can run DVD players, lamps, fans … whatever you need.

I tested it not only with Apple products but with other electronics, too. Read on to see how this uber-size power bank held up.

iPhone SE comes in hot! [Cult of Mac Magazine 346]

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Good reviews (and giddy owners) greet Apple's budget iPhone SE.
Good reviews (and giddy owners) greet Apple's new budget iPhone.
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

The reviews are in: The 2020 iPhone SE is a wallet-friendly speed machine with features that make it totally tempting. You can almost hear new owners squealing with delight as their preorders arrive.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 faces delays due to the worldwide COVID-19 shutdown. Get those stories and more in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. Download the app now for a smooth read on your iOS device of choice. Or hit the links below for the week’s top Apple news, reviews and how-tos.

Learn 14 languages with this lifetime subscription to a highly rated app [Deals]

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Babbel App Image
Learn 14 languages across more than 10,000 hours of online language education.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Learning a new language opens up a world of possibilities. This highly rated app will teach you up to 14 different languages, so you can emerge from quarantine with some fresh skills. And since we’re offering a big discount on a lifetime deal, you can continue to master new tongues long after this COVID-19 pandemic blows over.

First Apple Watch concept drawing reveals brilliance of original designs

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Apple Watch concept
Imran Chaudhri drew this Apple Watch concept sketch long before the release of this wearable.
Photo: Imran Chaudhri

Imran Chaudhri, who played a pivotal role in the Apple Watch’s creation, offered an inside look into the device’s design process Friday, showing off an early concept drawing of the smartwatch’s home screen.

His sketch, shared on the 5-year anniversary of the Apple Watch launch, looks amazingly close to what is in use now. He also showed off a video of the very first Apple Watch band and talked about the history of some Watch faces.

Facebook takes on Zoom, Group FaceTime with free video calls for up to 50 people

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facebook.messenger.rooms
Facebook on Friday announced new video calling features including Messenger Rooms, which allows users to host video calls of up to 50 people.
Photo: Facebook

Facebook announced Friday it will add the ability for free video calling for up to 50 people on its new video-calling service, Messenger Rooms. The change is taking direct aim at the Group FaceTime and the popular Zoom service that has taken the world by storm as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The expanded service will launch by days end in selected regions with a smaller number of users at launch, but will not be available for the maximum number for a few more weeks, the company said. 

Apple reportedly cuts 5G iPhone orders on fears of global recession

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This iPhone 12 concept borrows from Samsung.
Is Apple cutting back on its orders for the future iPhone 12? It appears so.
Image: ConceptsiPhone

Apple reportedly cut orders for its future 5G iPhones with Chinese component makers, fearing a slowdown in orders as a result of what many economists are already calling the beginnings of a global recession. 

Chinese daily technology newspaper Digitimes reported Friday some component suppliers have been told by Apple they will not need as many parts for new iPhones, expected to be released later this year. Other suppliers now say that they too expect a slowdown in orders from the iPhone-maker.

How to add a Smart Folder to your Mac’s Dock (and why you’ll want to)

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A Smart Folder can make a powerful addition to your Dock.
A Smart Folder can make a powerful addition to your Dock.
Photo: Dan Counsell/Unsplash CC

I have an app I use every day, but whenever I open it, it opens to a new, blank document, instead of the project I was working on when I closed the app. To open that project, I have to mouse up to my Mac’s menu bar, click on File > Recent Items…, and find it in there.

To fix this, I set out to find a way to easily access the last few projects from this app. What if I could put this list of recent projects into my Mac’s Dock? It turns out that you can easily do this, using a quick Spotlight search, a Smart Folder and a drag to the Dock.

We talk next-gen AirPods and the return of Touch ID, 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: The next generation of AirPods might be incoming! We’ll tell you what we know. Plus, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro are likely coming to iPad, along with Mini LED and Touch ID … under the screen. This could be the new Touch ID tech we’ve been waiting for. And stay tuned to hear how to listen to YouTube music in the background, without paying for YouTube Red. It’s a hot tip, and it’s coming your way.

Our thanks to Netgear for supporting this episode. The Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in Wi-Fi ever. Check it out today at Netgear.com/bestwifi.

Sorry! Order an iPhone SE today and you’ll wait till mid-May

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The iPhone SE backordered around the world.
You can’t buy an iPhone SE from the German Apple Store without a lengthy wait. Or in the U.S., the U.K, and many more countries.
Screenshot: Apple

Those who pre-ordered an iPhone SE last week started receiving their handsets today, but Apple sold out of its supply. Orders placed Friday for this $399 handset won’t arrive for over two weeks.

The latest iOS handset is backordered in the U.S. and in countries around the world.

Exclusive: iPhone 12 faces delays, with faster 5G limited to key countries

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iPhone 12 might mix iPhone 11 and iPad Pro designs
Prepare for iPhone 12 delays and confusion.
Photo: Ben Geskin

A number of iPhone 12 models currently face delays and may not become available in key markets until later in the year, a trusted source familiar with Apple’s plans revealed to Cult of Mac.

Options also could be limited in the United States and in other countries, where faster mmWave 5G technology is available. Elsewhere, customers may have a complete iPhone 12 lineup to choose from, but with slower 5G technology, according to the source.

Defending Jacob finally justifies the existence of Apple TV+ [Review]

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Chris Evans, Jaeden Martell and Michelle Dockery portray a family fighting suspicion in Defending Jacob.
Chris Evans, Jaeden Martell and Michelle Dockery portray a family fighting suspicion in Defending Jacob.
Photo: Apple TV+

With a hot cast and a true-crime sheen, Defending Jacob is one of the most highly anticipated Apple TV+ series so far. It’s based on a best-selling novel. It’s helmed by an Oscar-nominated director. And the first three episodes arrived Friday, primed for a literally captive audience seeking its latest obsession.

Apple calls its fledgling streaming service “the new home for the world’s most creative storytellers.” And for the first time, Apple TV+ has delivered a show that lives up to the hype — at least judging by the first three episodes.

These portable power banks are perfect to throw in your bag [Deals]

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RavPower Power Bank
Get a pocket-sized powerhouse with dual iSmart outputs, fast charging and up to 20,000mAh capacity.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

These days, traveling is stressful no matter what, so why add worries about iPhone battery life to the list? A good backup battery is one of the handiest tools you can have on hand when the time comes to go outside. And with these deals, cost is no excuse not to have one.

Apple reassures worried workers that family comes first during COVID-19

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Apple Park
Work at Apple has certainly changed in the past couple of months.
Photo: Matthew Roberts

Apple has told its working-from-home employees that family comes first when it comes to the current coronavirus pandemic. But many employees with kids are still struggling in Silicon Valley’s hectic work culture, claims a new report from CNet.

The article, published Thursday, describes some of the challenges in a tough Silicon Valley working culture, but where — at least in California — schools won’t reopen until fall. Apple is doing whatever it can to help, however.

Apple insists big Mail app security flaws have not been exploited

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Mail app inbox
Nothing to worry about?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple insisted on Friday that there is no evidence to suggest serious security flaws in its Mail app have been exploited.

The company says the issues do not pose an immediate risk to iPhone and iPad users. Its statement seems to dispute earlier claims from security researchers, who published details of at multiple suspected “attacks” on Wednesday.

Bag a bargain iPhone refurb for as little as $119.99 today only

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iPhone XS box gold
Go claim yours before they're all gone!
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Woot’s spectacular sale on refurbished iPhones is back, with big savings to be had on a wide range of models. Prices start at a mere $119.99 for iPhone 7 and rise to just $509.99 for iPhone XS Max.

This sale is good for today (Friday, April 24) only. Enjoy it while you can!

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

First 3 episodes of Defending Jacob debut on Apple TV+

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Defending Jacob 1
Chris Evans stars as a man whose son may or may not have committed a murder.
Photo: Apple TV+

Defending Jacob, a new Apple TV+ murder mystery show starring Chris Evans (Captain America), debuted Friday on Apple’s streaming TV service.

The show tells the story of a small-town assistant district attorney whose family is turned upside down after his 14-year-old son is accused of murder. Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery plays Evans’ wife, while Jaeden Martell from It plays the titular Jacob.

Beastie Boys Story relives the beer-soaked glory days of hip-hop’s original hell-raisers [Review]

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Beastie Boys Story: Mike Diamond, Adam Yauch and Adam Horovitz in 1993 from an archival photo used in “Beastie Boys Story,” premiering globally on Apple TV+ on April 24.
Beastie Boys turned hip-hop on its head, and a new doc captures the magic.
Photo: Apple TV+

Beastie Boys Story, director Spike Jonze’s endearing Apple TV+ documentary about the first white rap phenoms, proves as powerful as it is screamingly funny.

Jonze, a confidant and collaborator of the group since the Beasties’ experimental mid-career, exhibits an easy candor with his subjects. That familiarity allows all of them to open up, which is important when it comes to discussing their failures and losses.

Tim Cook drops in on UK’s The Big Night In fundraiser

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“The Big Night In” was raising funds for charity, and Tim Cook dropped by the help.
Tim Cook appeared on The Big Night In to announce a sizable donation from Apple to the cause.
Photo: BBC TV

Apple CEO Tim Cook appeared on Thursday’s The Big Night In event on BBC One in Great Britain. He announced his company is making a “significant donation” to this fundraiser, which is raising money for Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need.

Rugged iPhone SE cases offer ample protection for just $13

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Elago-Armor-iPhone-SE
The Armor case is built like a tank.
Photo: Elago

Looking for awesome but affordable protection for your new iPhone SE? This stellar range of cases from Elago includes something for everyone, with different styles and color options to choose from.

All offer ample protection, and they cost as little as $13 each!

Amazing Darkroom photo app now does video

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Darkroom, the amazing iOS photo-editing app, now edits video
Darkroom, the amazing iOS photo-editing app, now edits video
Photo: Darkroom

Darkroom, one of the best photo library and editing apps on iOS, is now also one of the best video library and editing apps on iOS. In today’s update, Darkroom adds support for editing your videos. Not cutting and chopping them up, like iMove, but changing how they look, as if you were applying filters and edits to a still photograph. And the along thing is, it’s instant, just as fast as editing a still image.

Third-gen AirPods to enter production in early 2021

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AirPods sales
That means a lengthy wait for your next upgrade.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s third-generation AirPods will enter mass-production during the first half of 2021 ahead of a release next year, according to one reliable analyst on Thursday.

Apple hopes the refresh will save falling demand for second-generation AirPods. Its next AirPods Pro units won’t enter mass-production until the fourth-quarter of next year at the earliest.

How to protect yourself against the iOS Mail attack

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insecure mailbox
Would you put your mail in this mailbox?
Photo: Pineapple L/Unsplash

Right now, you shouldn’t be using the Mail app on your iPhone or iPad. Thanks to a serious exploit, a hacker can take control of your iOS Mail app just by sending you a malicious email.

You don’t need to open that mail for it to do its bad business. In fact, you don’t even have to have the Mail app open for the attack to work. Yesterday, we covered the news of this attack, and you can read all about the consequences. Today we’ll show you how to protect yourself by changing just one setting.