Mobile menu toggle

Top stories - page 370

How to mute annoying email threads in iOS 13

By

Mute email
Mute entire email threads as easily as muting your music.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Have you ever been part of one of those threads where your boss sends out a fairly benign yet pointless email, and then one of your less-smart co-workers hijacks the thread with reply-alls about dress code for the upcoming office team-building excursion? Before long, the thread is an embarrassing morass of arguments on whether sneakers count as casual shoes, and who will sit where during dinner.

Your moronic co-worker (hopefully) ends up getting a do-not-promote mark in their personnel file. While you, thanks to today’s tip, manage not only to stay above the fray, but to completely ignore it. That’s because you’re about to see how easy it is to mute an email thread so you never have to see it again.

Innovative antenna might make next year’s cheap iPhone faster

By

iPhone SE 2 could cost $399 just like the first-gen iPhone SE
The inexpensive iPhone on Apple’s docket will supposedly look like an iPhone 8 on the outside.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

The sub-$400 iPhone supposedly coming the first quarter of next year will have improved wireless performance thanks to a liquid crystal polymer antenna, according to the well-respected analyst who’s the source of many details about this unannounced handset.

It’s often called the “iPhone SE 2” but allegedly won‘t have much in common with that earlier model aside from an affordable price tag.

Batteries Widget for Mac keeps tabs on your devices’ battery levels

By

Batteries widget for mac
A batteries widget. For you Mac.
Photo: Rony Fadel

See if you can guess what the new Batteries Widget for Mac app does. That’s right. It adds an iOS-style battery widget to the Mac’s Today panel, in the Notification Center. Anytime your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac, its battery level will show up in the widget.

You will get low-battery notifications when your devices start to run out of juice. Plus, the app shows battery levels for trackpads, AirPods and so on.

Google will fix iPhone ‘bug’ that allows unlimited photo storage

By

iPhone-11-Pro-camera
Google won't let original photos go free.
Photo: Apple

Google has confirmed it plans to fix a “bug” that gives iPhone owners unlimited high-resolution photo storage.

Some users believed the issue was actually a feature that could save Google “millions of dollars” in cloud storage. But Google has says it is unintended and it is working on a fix.

Trick or treat? 16-inch MacBooks could arrive before Halloween

By

16-inch MacBook Pro concept
A 16-inch MacBook Pro, which might look something like this, could be arrive soon.
Concept Art: Viktor Kádár

The 16-inch MacBook Pro has reportedly begun shipping in volume, indicating the much-anticipated Apple laptop could arrive later this month

October has just 10 days remaining and rumors about a 16-MacBook have kept us guessing for most of this year. Some reports said to expect an October announcement. Others said it would be delayed until 2020.

iPad sketch app Paper adds brilliant creative templates [Review]

By

These exquisitely designed digital journals in Paper by WeTransfer will get anyone’s creative juices flowing.
These exquisitely designed digital journals will get anyone’s creative juices flowing.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

Looking for some fun stuff to do with your Apple Pencil? Then you should definitely check out today’s update to Paper by WeTransfer, which introduces a new Paper Store.

Despite its name, the Paper Store doesn’t actually sell paper. Instead it offers a range of 28 digital journals created by brilliant designers and illustrators. These journals are filled with creative prompts, exercises and drawing tutorials that will get your creative juices flowing. And they’re a whole lot of fun to use.

Doodling has never been so easy or productive.

2020 will deliver Apple’s ‘most impressive hardware’ in years

By

Apple Glasses
Next year could bring Apple's long-rumored AR glasses.
Concept: Taeyeon Kim

2020 will be the year Apple unveils its “most impressive hardware in some time,” according to a new report.

Alongside big upgrades for iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac, Cupertino also is expected to deliver its first augmented reality glasses. And they could kick-start an AR revolution.

The future is now with this portable language translator [Deals]

By

CM translator
This slim, lightweight device translates 42 languages and lasts 24 hours on a single charge.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

From Star Trek to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, one of the signs of the future is a portable device that instantly translates languages. Well, it’s 2019, so we should expect things to feel properly futuristic.

Right on cue, we’ve now got access to an ultra-light, sleek, portable translator. And unlike the Babel fish, you don’t even need to stick it in your ear.

Apple Arcade adds player-vs-player Pac-man and baseball games, plus three more titles

By

Apple Arcade adds PvP Pac-man and baseball games
Apple Arcade is an attempt to take mobile gaming to the next level.
Photo: Apple

Apple is working hard to meet its goal of offering over 100 games in Apple Arcade. Five more have been added, bringing the total to almost 90.

The latest additions include Ballistic Baseball, Pac-man Party Royal, and several more.

Seize this chance to win a free iPhone 11, AirPods and charging pad [Deals]

By

The iPhone 11 256GB + AirPods & Charging Pad Giveaway
This is a rare opportunity to win the latest iPhone along with a brand-new set of AirPods and a special-edition wireless charging pad.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It’s as reliable as the seasons. As sure as the weather getting colder or the leaves turning yellow and orange, mouths begin to water when a new iPhone model rolls around. The iPhone 11 is no exception, marking a serious upgrade for an already top-tier device.

Of course, it also carries a top-tier price. That makes this chance to win an iPhone 11 — along with a set of AirPods and a wireless charging pad — even more irresistible.

Apple AR is here. Did you notice? [Cult of Mac Magazine 319]

By

Apple AR is here: Cult of Mac Magazine 319
The era of Apple augmented reality already dawned. Are you ready for what's next?
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Who needs Apple AR glasses? The era of Apple augmented reality is already here. You just might not have noticed it. Here’s a look at where we are — and where we might be headed.

Get that glimpse of the present/future, along with Apple how-tos and product reviews (including our take on one of the best metal Apple Watch bands yet), in this week’s issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. Grab your free download from the iOS App Store. Or hit the links below to read this week’s best Apple news, reviews and how-tos in your browser.

Plus, don’t miss your chance to enter our Apple Watch Series 5 giveaway. It ends soon!

Get more gigs with classes that boost your digital skills [Deals]

By

photo-1513258496099-48168024aec0 (1)
Save 80% on a massive resource of expert-taught courses covering all kinds of digital skills.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The landscape facing the digital professional is constantly shifting, which poses challenges but also opportunities. Expanding your skills, pivoting careers — even just running a side hustle — requires skill and perspective.

That can take time to learn, if you even know where to start, and guidance is key. Signing up with StackSkills Premium offers an invaluable resource for charting your professional course and staying ahead of the curve.

This virtually unbreakable 3-in-1 charging hub does it all

By

Elago-charging-hub
Lightweight, portable, and virtually unbreakable.
Photo: Elago

If you need a charging hub that you can take with you everywhere, you want one that’s going to survive every trip. And you want one that charges all your devices simultaneously.

What you really want is the Elago 3-in-1 charging hub. It tops up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods — and it’s virtually unbreakable. It’s also a steal at just $30 with free shipping.

iPhone 11 Pro pix of Northern Lights will blow you away

By

zach honig's photo of northern lights shot on iphone
Zach Honig's photo of the Aurora Borealis will make iPhone 11 owners flock to the Arctic Circle.
Photo: Zach Honig/The Points Guy

Travel blogger Zach Honig hiked into a remote part of Alaska with a tripod and Sony camera to capture the Northern Lights.

But his best photos came from his new iPhone 11 Pro Max – without a tripod.

Apple signs Fargo writer for multiyear TV+ deal

By

Apple spent more than $20 million advertising Apple TV+ last month
Here’s what’s on Apple TV+ right now
Photo: Apple

Apple signed Fargo writer and producer Monica Beletsky to a multiyear Apple TV+ deal. She reportedly will develop a new series exclusively for the upcoming streaming service.

Beletsky is also working on two films for Hello Sunshine, the production company owned by Reese Witherspoon, who stars in Apple’s exclusive news-biz drama The Morning Show.

Apple AR is already here, and you’re probably wearing it right now [Opinion]

By

Apple AR already surrounds us.
Apple’s AR already surrounds us.
Photo: Drew Graham/Unsplash

“Apple is all-in on augmented reality. But where will it lead?” That’s a pretty standard view of Apple’s experiments with visual AR, aka overlaying virtual objects onto the real world, via the iPhone’s camera and screen.

But Apple is already providing a fully immersive AR overlay onto the real world, to millions of users — only it isn’t using a screen. AirPods are augmented reality. They are also a part of a new computing paradigm that Apple snuck into the world without telling anybody. This paradigm currently consists of AirPods, iPhone, Apple Watch and the HomePod. And it is as discreet and low-key as it is important.

Name your price for a bundle of 9 utility Mac apps [Deals]

By

Pay What You Want- The Magnificent Mac Bundle
This massive bundle of Mac apps is yours for whatever you want to pay.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Are you really getting the most out of your Mac? Are you sure? This bundle of premium Mac apps will boost your productivity, turbocharge your creative pursuits, and generally spice up your computing life.

The Magnificent Mac Bundle includes nine apps with a variety of uses. Separately, they run more than $350. But you can pay what you want for the whole enchilada, thanks to Cult of Mac Deals!

‘AirPods Pro’ with noise cancellation could debut this month

By

AirPods 2 pairing with iPhone
I've spent MANY hours with these in my ears.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Apple is expected to deliver pricier “AirPods Pro” with noise cancellation later this month, according to a new report.

Images of the buds were leaked by Apple in an iOS 13.2 beta earlier this month. They are expected to offer multiple listening modes and could cost around $100 more than the regular models.

iPhone SE 2 is getting BIG upgrades… We fill you in, on The CultCast

By

CultCast 410
According a reliable analyst, iPhone SE 2's specs and price will be shockingly good.
Photo: Apple

This week on The CultCast: iPhone SE 2 is almost here! And its specs and price are surprisingly good… Plus: finally! Long awaited camera upgrades are coming to iOS 13; Apple TV+ finally lays out the details of their launch shows; and AMC’s new movie streaming is going to take on Apple Movies with a genius feature Apple can’t possibly match.

Our thanks to Belkin for supporting this episode. Belkin Cables are built to last and supported with a 5-year warranty. If you’re tired of broken burnt out cables, switch to Belkin, and save 30% off your order with code CultCast at checkout.

How to enter Mac passwords with your Apple Watch

By

Apple Watch password
Is there anything the Apple Watch can’t do?
Photo: Jens Kreuter/Unsplash

You know how you can double-press the side button on your Apple Watch, and then wave it over a contactless terminal to pay with your credit card? Wouldn’t it be great if you could do the same with your Mac login password? Instead of having to type your password to authenticate yourself, you’d be able to double-tap the Apple Watch’s side button to do it instantly.

Well, now you can do exactly this — if you’re running macOS Catalina.

Heads up: Apple Arcade free trial subscriptions expire soon

By

Apple Arcade
Apple Arcade is a great deal, but it might be time to drop out if it’s not right for you.
Photo: Apple

Everyone who signed up for a free trial of Apple Arcade when this gaming service launched is about to be charged for their first month. The 80+ titles currently available give plenty of options, but anyone who hasn’t warmed up to it should drop out before they get their first bill.

Fortunately, iOS makes this a snap.

iOS 13’s powerful new Slide Over features make it useful at last

By

Slide Over in iPadOS 13 is like having an iPhone inside your iPad.
Slide Over is like having an iPhone inside your iPad.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

In iOS 13, Slide Over goes from being a useful-but-annoying novelty, to being an essential utility. Instead of only letting you dock one app window to the side of the screen, and sliding it out for a quick look or edit, Slide Over is now fully integrated.

In iOS 13, you can have multiple Slide Over panels, you can switch between them as easily as switching apps on an iPhone, you can open almost anything into a Slide Over pane, and you can easily turn a Slide Over app into a full-screen app. Here’s how it all works.

Photoshop for iPad will ship without some key features

By

Photoshop-iPad
As the great D:Ream once sang, things can only get better.
Photo: Apple

Adobe is finally close to bringing real Photoshop to iPad. But before you get too excited, you should know that the first version of the app will ship without some key features.

Early testers have described the current state of Photoshop as “rudimentary,” according to a new report. It seems it won’t be replacing its desktop counterpart anytime soon.