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iOS 12.1.2 possibly resolves iPhone sales ban in China

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iPhone sales are finally rebounding in China
In most of the world, iOS 12.1.2 fixes some bugs. But in China, it might remove some features.
Photo: Tim Cook/Weibo

Apple has rushed out iOS 12.1.2 after a single round of beta testing. This highly unusual move could be part of the company’s response to a recent ban on iPhone sales in China.

The release notes on this new version say nothing about that though, just indicating that iOS 12.1.2 fixes some small issues.

Even Apple thought combining Touch ID with Face ID was smarter

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iPhone
What do you think of an iPhone with in-screen Touch ID and Face ID? It could have happened.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

An Apple patent filing is basically a white paper on the advantages of using dual biometric security systems. This makes it clear the company nearly made a device that offered facial recognition and a fingerprint scanner.

In the end, though, Apple decided to replace Touch ID with Face ID.

How to record podcasts on iPad part II: The apps

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The iPad has some amazing tools for recording podcasts.
The iPad has some amazing tools for recording podcasts.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

In part one of this series, we saw how to record remote podcasts using only iOS. It requires using your iPhone to place the FaceTime or Skype call, but you end up with a great result. That post covered the setup. Today, we’ll see how the recording and editing parts work, using AUM and Ferrite on the iPad.

Gutted iPhone 4 turned into a work of art

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iPhone art project
This iPhone 4 was laid to rest to be appreciated long after its last text.
Photo: The Incorporeal/Reddit

We watch with both horror and fascination those videos where someone rips apart the latest Apple gadget to see how it is built.

But one member of the r/iPhone thread on Reddit took the dismantling of his iPhone 4 in a different direction: He artfully arranged the pieces for a framed keepsake.

2018 was a wild ride for Apple [Year in Review]

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Year in Review Everything Apple Did 2018
It was a busy year in Cupertino.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Cult of Mac Year in Review 2018 2018 was a rollercoaster year for Apple — with incredible highs, massive dips, and probably an executive or two throwing up along the way.

Apple became the first $1 trillion public company in U.S. history, unleashed some amazing new products, and pulled in record amounts of cash. But it also faced lows, from the iPhone-throttling controversy to a tanking stock price at the end of the year.

One thing that can’t be said, however, is that this was an uneventful 12 months for Cupertino. Here’s a recap of some of the year’s most memorable Apple moments.

Kiwi for Gmail finally makes email manageable on the Mac [Review]

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Kiwi for Gmail on macOS. If you use Gmail, you should be using Kiwi on your Mac (or Windows PC).
If you use Gmail, you should be using Kiwi on your Mac (or Windows PC).
Screenshot: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Did you know that Gmail has more than 1.5 billion users? For a large portion of those users, email is something they must deal with on a regular basis — whether for work-related matters, personal communication or staying updated on the latest deals at their favorite retailers. Staying on top of your email can be a major pain, and even with all the smarts that Gmail offers, once you fall behind, it’s daunting to catch up.

Kiwi helps add a layer of convenience and intelligence to managing your Gmail and G Suite accounts on your Mac or Windows PC, all while offering the familiarity and comfort of Google’s mail platform.

Enter to win a trio of super sleek iPhone XS Max cases

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Armor up with these unsuspectingly resilient iPhone XS Max cases.
Armor up with these unsuspectingly resilient iPhone XS Max cases.
Photo: Kristal Chan/Cult of Mac

We know what you’re thinking, “Another Instagram giveaway already?!” The answer is, “Shh, yes we do love our readers and followers that much.”

In fact, we appreciate you all so much, this is round we’re giving away three extra special treats from Spigen, Silk, and Casemate with a total value of $80. Each iPhone XS Max case is both aesthetically and sturdily impressive.

Our Instagram giveaway only lasts this week from December 17, 2018 – December 24, 2018, so check out the details below ASAP.

Practice mindfulness with the help of your smartphone [Deals]

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Finding inner peace is easier (and cheaper) than ever with the Aware mindful meditation app.
Finding inner peace is easier (and cheaper) than ever with the Aware mindful meditation app.
Photo: Samuel Silitonga/Pexels CC

It can be hard to find the time to stop and breathe, let alone meditate. With the right app though, you can get regular reminders to check in with the present moment. That’s not what most people think a smartphone is for, but it might be one of the best uses.

These handsome leather iPhone cases replace your wallet [Review]

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Any of these Dodocases can hold your iPhone and your credit cards, driver license, etc.
Any of these Dodocases can hold your iPhone and your credit cards, driver license, etc.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple Pay and electronic IDs are removing the need for a wallet, but why wait? Try a Dodocase that holds your phone as well as your drivers license, credit cards, etc.

We went hands on with three of this company’s leather iPhone wallet cases so we can report how they stand up to real-world use.

We’ve got the wireless chargers you’re looking for [Deals]

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Pick the best wireless charger for your home, office, or car.
Pick the best wireless charger for your home, office, or car.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When it comes to charging, wired is tired, and wireless is…better. And as Qi-compatible chargers catch on, they’re available for way more than just your desktop. So we’ve rounded up 3 of the coolest wireless charging gadgets you’ll find, all at big discounts. Read on for more info:

Turn your iPad into a podcasting machine [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 275]

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Embrace the iPad, podcasting road warriors!
Embrace the iPad, podcasting road warriors!
Cover: Charlie Sorrel/Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

The iPad Pro is pro enough for almost anything, but one thing it still can’t handle is making a Skype or FaceTime call and recording it at the same time. This is a total pain for podcasters who like to travel light. Luckily, there’s a neat workaround.

Find out how to podcast from the road in the latest free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. Get it now on iTunes, or keep reading for the week’s best Apple news, reviews and how-tos.

International roaming is a killer. This $42 chip keeps your travel fees in check. [Deals]

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Data roaming
Get access to 4G data speeds when traveling abroad with Flexiroam.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’ve ever made calls or used data across international borders without checking on your service plan specifics first, that’s likely a mistake you won’t make again. It’s called international roaming — and when your U.S. SIM card connects with a mobile network in a foreign nation, you usually start accruing new charges. Those fees typically start at just a couple bucks, but they can go through the roof quickly if you aren’t careful.

How to play Apple Music on your Amazon Echo

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Amazon Alexa
The Echo finally plays nice with Apple Music.
Photo: Amazon

Amazon’s Alexa speakers can finally connect to your Apple Music account.

Support for Apple Music on the Amazon Echo was rolled out today, giving iPhone and iPad owners the option to pump out their favorite jams without signing up for an Apple Music competitor like Spotify Premium.

Getting the new Apple Music integration up and running is ridiculously easy, but we’ll walk you through the entire process.

Free Apple II papercraft makes a perfect Christmas tree ornament

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This free Apple II papercraft project will take you back to your Oregon Trail days.
This will take you back to your Oregon Trail days.
Photo: Rocky Bergen

Even amid the three-quarters of a million residents of Winnipeg, Canada, Rocky Bergen felt alone when it came to his love of vintage computers.

But thanks to his papercraft models of classic machines like the Apple II, Bergen has connected with folks in places as far away as Italy and Sweden.

Catch our favorite gadgets of 2018, this week on The CultCast

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iPhone XS CultCast
It's gadgets galore on this week's CultCast.
Photo: Thanks, @YSR50!

Cult of Mac Year in Review 2018 This week on The CultCast: It’s all our favorite gadgets of 2018! Well, not all, but lots of them. We didn’t have time to get through them all but we tried real hard. Plus: Apple is finally gearing up to overhaul the AMD GPUs in the Mac lineup. And the legit way to purchase a base iMac Pro for just $3,900.

Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. It’s simple to accept Apple Pay and sell your wares with your very own Squarespace website. Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10 percent off your first hosting plan or domain.

Apple hopes iOS update will help overturn costly iPhone sales ban in China

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Qualcomm headquarters
Apple says an iPhone ban would force a settlement with Qualcomm.
Photo: Qualcomm

Apple is rushing to release an iOS update in China to resolve potential infringement of Qualcomm patents. The news follows a report stating that a Chinese sales ban of certain iPhone models would cost Apple millions of dollars a day.

“Early next week we will deliver a software update for iPhone users in China addressing the minor functionality of the two patents at issue in the case,” Apple said in a statement.

For $16, turn your Raspberry Pi into a game console, smart home controller and more [Deals]

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Raspberry Pi
Finally start creating your own DIY Raspberry Pi projects this weekend.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When Raspberry Pi rolled out in 2012, people immediately hailed the low-cost, credit card-size microcomputer as a fun new toy for kids and tech tinkerers. Since then, forward-thinking Pi users adapted this “toy” into a surprisingly powerful piece of tech. Users create everything from home media networks to robotics to fully automatic timesavers.

How I record podcasts on iPad only

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The iPad is more than capable of recording podcasts.
The iPad is more than capable of recording podcasts.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

The iPad Pro is pro enough for almost anything, but one thing it still can’t manage is making a Skype (or FaceTime) call and recording it at the same time. This is actually the fault of Skype (and FaceTime), but is nonetheless a pain for anyone who travels and podcasts.

There’s a workaround, however. It requires that you use an iPhone and an iPad together. But seeing as how the alternative is carrying a MacBook, too, it’s a pretty good option. It’s also easy, once you get your head around the setup. And you don’t need to travel to use this setup. After some experimentation, this is now my default podcasting method.

Best gifts for Apple fans [Gift Guide 2018]

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Apple gift guide 2018
Shopping for an Apple fan? Start here!
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Gift guide 2018 bugBuying for an Apple fan who already has the latest products and accessories doesn’t have to be difficult. There are a ton of great gifts out there, like beautiful books showcasing Apple design, cool cushions that carry familiar Apple logos and slogans, and more.

In this gift guide, we’ve hand-picked a bunch of awesome products that would make any Apple fan insanely happy this holiday season. They’re products we’ve used, reviewed, and would recommend ourselves — and there’s something to suit every budget.

Quick! Trade in your old Apple devices before the holidays

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iPhone SE
Two new iPhone SE models for 2020?
Photo: Sam Mills/Cult of Mac

If you’re going to become the proud owner of a brand new Apple device over the holidays, it’s time to start thinking about what you should do with your old ones. Don’t let them sit around, collecting dust.

Your old iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac could be worth a small fortune — and Cult of Mac wants to buy it! We typically pay more than other trade-in services, and we won’t leave you waiting ages for your cash.

Apple caps off ‘amazing’ year with more advertising honors

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2019 Creative Marketer of the Year
Spike Jonze created Apple's most celebrated ad of 2018.
Photo: Apple

Apple marketing set an even higher bar in the advertising industry this year and is closing out 2018 with three commercials in Adweek’s Top 25 Best Ads of the Year.

Adweek listed “Welcome Home,” Apple’s HomePod ad directed by Spike Jonze, as second-best. Nike’s “Believe in Something. Even If it Means Sacrificing Everything” was the top ad, featuring polarizing quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Become a certified master of Microsoft Office [Deals]

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Get a comprehensive education in one of the most widely used software platforms, Microsoft Office.
Get a comprehensive education in one of the most widely used software platforms, Microsoft Office.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

There aren’t many applications more widely used than Microsoft Office. No matter where you work, you’ll encounter Office, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and the rest. So no matter where you work, it’s worth getting certified in MS Office suite.