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Microsoft’s new Lumia phones boast facial recognition, liquid cooling

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microsofts-new-lumia-phones-boast-facial-recognition-liquid-cooling-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201510Lumia-950-and-XL-png
Microsoft's new flagships have finally arrived. Photo: Microsoft
Microsoft’s new flagships have finally arrived. Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft hopes to tempt you away from Android and iOS with a pair of flagship smartphones that boast built-in facial recognition and liquid cooling.

The Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL scan your eyes instead of your fingerprints for lightning-fast unlocking, and they’re the first smartphones on the market powered by Windows 10.

Scrap that bulky tripod for easy-to-use Pakpod

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The Pakpod quickly adjusts to any level with the turn of one knob.
The Pakpod quickly adjusts to any level with the turn of one knob.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

Two things about me as a photographer: I hate tripods and I will never tell another photographer what they must carry with them. Both changed when the Pakpod arrived in the mail.

Weighing 15 ounces, the PakPod has legs that can quickly extend and lock in crazy asymmetrical positions with the turn of a single knob. Legs extend and lock with the push of a button or can be anchored to the ground or even the ocean floor with flip-out stakes at the feet.

How to auto-hide the menu bar in OS X El Capitan

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Look, ma, no menubar!
Look, ma, no menubar!
Screen: Rob LeFebvre/Cult of Mac

Sometimes you need to use your entire screen at once, like when you’re working on a serious photo-retouching project or need more screen real estate for an epic GarageBand session and you don’t want to maximize the app you’re using.

If you’ve ever wanted to regain a little bit of space on your Mac’s screen, the time is right to make sure you’re running the latest version of OS X, El Capitan. It will let you hide the menu bar up top to give you more space to work with.

Here’s how to have your menu bar hide itself when you’re not using it.

Young app developer has caught the eye of Apple

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Connor Chung
Connor Chung, 14, of Bethlehem, NY, at the WWDC 2015.
Photo: Connor Chung

Few things could excuse a kid from skipping his middle school graduation. Connor Chung had a note from Apple.

It explained he would be needed in San Francisco for the WWDC. Once there, he would meet important people like Tim Cook, take part in brainstorming sessions with developers and engineers and lay the groundwork for an Apple Watch app that would be among the first in iTunes on the day OS 2 launched.

Turn any PDF into a beautifully readable digital presentation [Deals]

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Flip PDF easily transforms simple PDF documents into beautiful digital books.
Flip PDF easily transforms simple PDF documents into beautiful digital books.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

PDFs are convenient and used by almost everybody, but flipping between preview windows is not a very attractive or engaging way to view content. Flip PDF for Mac makes it easy to create beautiful digital books and presentations out of your PDFs, perfect for designers, photographers, advertisers, anyone who could benefit from a beautiful digital presentation of their work. And right now, you can get a copy for a tenth of the normal price, just $9.

Ultra-chic Apple Watch Hermès goes on sale for $1,100+

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Hermes Apple Watch bands are now available on their own.
The Hermès "double tour" wraps twice around your wrist.
Photo: Apple

Apple today launched its ultra-chic Apple Watch Hermès product line, as announced at the company’s media event last month.

Combining the existing Apple Watch hardware (only with the addition of a Hermès logo) with luxury leather straps from the Parisian fashion brand, the result is quite possibly the most stunning range of Apple Watches yet. They even come with unique Hermès watch faces.

Prices range from $1,100-$1,500.

Samsung’s super-sized iPad Pro competitor to pack disappointing specs

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samsungs-super-sized-ipad-pro-competitor-to-pack-disappointing-specs-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201507samsung-galaxy-tab-s2-2015-07-20-02-jpg
Samsung's massive tablet could be a massive disappointment. Photo: Samsung
Samsung’s massive tablet could be a massive disappointment. Photo: Samsung

Samsung’s super-sized iPad Pro competitor will come packing painfully disappointing specifications, according to the latest leak.

The slate’s 18.5-inch display is to be accompanied by a speedy octa-core Exynos processor — but it’s lacking in RAM, cameras, and motion sensors.

Tim Cook commemorates Steve Jobs on fourth anniversary of his death

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Steve
Steve Jobs connects the dots in his commencement speech at Stanford in 2005.
Photo: Stanford University

It may not seem like it, but Steve Jobs passed away four whole years ago today — leading to his colleagues paying tribute to the late Apple CEO.

In an email sent out to employees, Tim Cook praised Jobs as a “visionary,” reminding people that Jobs’ office remains untouched at Apple, and encouraging people to post their own memories to Apple’s internal AppleWeb intranet and messaging system.

Check out Cook’s complete message below:

Jobs’ widow tried to block the release of Steve Jobs movie

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Michael Fassbender as Steve Jobs.
Laurene Powell Jobs probably won't be lining up to watch the movie opening weekend.
Photo: Universal Pictures

Could the story behind the upcoming Steve Jobs movie be even more exciting than the movie itself?

Having seen the movie dropped by its original backers, experienced damaging leaks as a result of the Sony hack, and topped off by a recent war of words between Tim Cook and writer Aaron Sorkin, now a new report claims that Jobs’ widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, tried to block the film’s release altogether.

Cult of Mac will pay top dollar for your used iPhone 

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Every year, millions of older smartphones are dumped. We hope to help change that. Cult of Mac is launching a trade-in service that pays more than almost all the other gadget buy-back programs out there. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
Every year, millions of older smartphones get dumped. Cult of Mac hopes to change that with a new buyback service that pays more than similar programs.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

I’m super-excited to announce that Cult of Mac is launching a gadget buyback program that promises to pay more for used and broken Apple devices than Gazelle, Walmart and even Apple itself.

As we enter the annual upgrade season, we’ve teamed up with a U.S. recycling company to offer what we believe is the highest-paying buyback program right here at buyback.cultofmac.com.

We pay cash for old iPhones, iPads, iPods and MacBooks. We accept both used and broken devices — even dead iPhones that have fallen in the toilet.

Last chance to save big on a tiny, tough Lightning cable that goes anywhere [Deals]

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Titan's MFi-certified Loop is a superb way to keep a charging cable on hand when and wherever you need it.
Titan's MFi-certified Loop is a superb way to keep a charging cable on hand when and wherever you need it.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

These days, the charging cable for our mobile devices is almost as important to keep on our person as the house keys. Titan Loop is a great way to keep both on hand, a lightweight, steel-sheathed lightning cable that can also fold into a loop that attaches to anything else you regularly carry around with you. For a very short time, Titan Loops are still available for $19.95 at Cult of Mac Deals.

Our fave El Capitan tricks plus seven days with the 6s on The CultCast

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Your Mac—it just learned some new tricks.
Your Mac—it just learned some new tricks.
Photo: Library of Congress

This week: we’ve spent seven full days with iPhone 6s and we’re ready to report what we love and what we don’t. Plus: El Capitan just made your Mac a lot better! We’ll cover the cool tricks your Mac just learned. And then, how does $9 for an Apple Watch Sport band sound? How about $28 for a Leather Loop? Sure, the fake Apple Watch bands are 1/5 the price of genuine bands, but are they any good? We’ve been testing two fakes to find out, and the results might surprise you.

Our thanks to Lynda for supporting this episode. Lynda is like the Apple Music of online education, with over 3000 expert-taught video courses you can stream straight to computer or mobile device. Learn how to use Logic’s new super powerful Alchemy synth, or develop Mac apps for OS X—learn all you want for free for 10 days at lynda.com/cultcast.

Need new headphones? We’ve got the ones you’re looking for, at the right price. [Deals]

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Beats by Dre, like their namesake, are well known for making sound that's guaranteed to move you.
Beats by Dre, like their namesake, are well known for making sound that's guaranteed to move you.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you’ve got a phone, you’ve got to have a good set of headphones. We’re all looking for something different from the music makers we put into our ears, whether it’s studio quality sound, wireless convenience, or something that can survive a daily workout regimen. No matter what your needs, we’ve got you and your budget covered with these four deals on top notch earbuds.

Where are all the watchOS 2 fitness apps?

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Runtastic's text is sometimes too small to read while running
Runtastic's text is sometimes too small to read while running
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

WatchOS 2 offers cool new features for third-party fitness apps. But a week after its launch, most leading fitness apps have yet to go native and take advantage of the Apple Watch update.

So what’s up? The answer may lie in Apple’s new workout API, which does not provide the GPS coordinates required for apps to map your run or cycle ride.

Cult of Mac Magazine: iPhone 6s is one sexy beast

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It's all in here.
It's all in here.
Cover Design: Stephen Smith/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus came out last week, and it’s been a fun ride getting to know what makes these sexy beasts tick.

Check out this week’s Cult of Mac Magazine for all the tips, tricks, reviews, news, and just plain great content with yet another digital issue of your favorite magazine.

Download the brand new Cult of Mac Magazine app from iTunes right now, and you’ll get all this, and more, absolutely free.

Does Apple Watch really need a ‘killer app’?

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1_1024
What's wrong with thousands of great apps?
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch is missing a “killer app.”

At least that’s what some say. Apple’s first wearable has been selling well, but its inability to convince everyone they need a smartwatch since it went on sale in late April is being blamed on its lack of stellar software by some analysts. But are they right?

Friday-Night-Fights-bug-2Does Apple Watch really need a killer app to become the next iPod (in sales terms), or will it do perfectly well with thousands of great apps?

Join us as we battle it out over these questions and more in this week’s Friday Night Fight between Cult of Android and Cult of Mac!

How to beam YouTube to the big screen using El Capitan

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Get YouTube up on the big screen.
Get YouTube up on the big screen.
Photo: Rego Korosi/Flickr

Ever wish you could watch all those great Key & Peele or Inside Amy Schumer clips from YouTube on the big television in the living room?

Sometimes the small screen on your MacBook just isn’t large enough to contain all that hilarity. It’s times like these that you’ll want to send video to that massive HDTV, and El Capitan makes it even easier with a new AirPlay feature.

Here’s how to beam your favorite clips to your favorite screen.

A wireless LED flashbulb makes your phone a much more powerful camera

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iBlazr 2 is a wireless flash that opens whole new ways of taking photos with your phone
iBlazr 2 is a wireless flash that opens whole new ways of taking photos with your phone
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The phones in our cameras, especially with the release of the iPhone 6S, have become as good as what the pros use. Of course the pros also use more than just cameras to make their pictures look great, and iBlazr 2 brings one of the most important of them to your phone: a wireless flash. Right now it’s going for just $55.99 at Cult of Mac Deals.

When it comes to porn, Android users come out on top

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when-it-comes-to-porn-android-users-come-out-on-top-image-cultofandroidcomwp-contentuploads201504Android-porn-jpg
We won again, Android bros! Photo: Cult of Android
We won again, Android bros! Photo: Cult of Android

Android users are into some pretty weird… stuff. I know you’re probably denying that now — I tried, too — but you can’t, because Pornhub has its eye on us all. Sort of.

According to the website’s latest browsing statistics, the list of things Android users are into makes for a much more intriguing reading that that for iOS users. Mobile devices are also crushing the desktop when it comes to overall traffic, and Android has the edge.

Yay?

Slick aluminum iPhone 6 dock will make you change your ways

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This iPhone 6 dock will simplify your life.
This iPhone 6 dock will simplify your life.
Photo: Rob LeFebvre/Cult of Mac

Best List: iPhone 6 dock by Kanex

Every now and then, I need to FaceTime with someone. Holding my iPhone still is kind of a challenge when I’m chatting, plus I can’t gesticulate wildly when I’m keeping the iPhone upright with my hands. The folks at Kanex have me covered thanks to this slickly designed aluminum dock for iPhone 6 or 6 Plus (and I’m pretty sure it will work with the newer “s” models, as well).

iPhone 6s payment plans: the best way to finance your new iPhone

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iPhone 6s
Where should you buy that fancy new iPhone 6s or 6s Plus from? We've got the skinny.
Photo: Buster Hein/Cult of Mac

There’s never been a more confusing time to buy an iPhone.

If you’re looking for the best deal on a new iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus, you have tons of options. From Apple to AT&T, Verizon to T-Mobile, carriers and retailers have expanded their options for buying a new iPhone. That, plus an upheaval in traditional cellphone pricing and plans led by T-Mobile, has us all rather confused.

Where can you find a comparison of all the major US options? Right here, of course. We spent the time with our spreadsheets and the websites of AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Apple, T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless, Boost Mobile, and (yes) Consumer Cellular to help you cut through the confusion and find the best iPhone purchase plan for you.

This is a comparison of buying your iPhone 6s, not the coverage or monthly cost of phone calls, text or data on any specific carriers, though that will factor in to your choice, of course.

Pay what you want for top-to-bottom mastery of the Microsoft Office suite [Deals]

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Office is having a tough time right now.
Office is having a tough time right now.
Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft Office is still the champ of content creation in workplaces the world over, so it’s well worth getting acquainted with. These 12 courses cover the works: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access, for beginners and advanced users alike. It’s hours of content and invaluable insight that right now you can get it for whatever you’re willing to pay.

Pistol grip helps get your photography on target

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The Grip&Shoot steadies a smartphone photographer's shaky hand.
The Grip&Shoot steadies a smartphone photographer's shaky hand.
Photo: David Pierini/Cult of Mac

Best List: Grip&Shoot Bluetooth smart grip for photographers

Nobody likes a blurry picture. And while smartphone snappers might think they don’t miss a viewfinder, holding an old-school camera close to the face allowed photographers to use their arms against their torsos to steady things.

With a smartphone, which is held out in front of our bodies, there’s far more risk of shake and blur. Luckily, the Grip&Shoot is a simple solution that will steady the hand.

LG’s Watch Urbane 2 is the first Android Wear watch with 4G

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lg
LG's smartwatches have always been bad, but the W7 is even worse.
Photo: LG
LG's new Watch Urbane doesn't need your phone. Photo: LG
LG’s new Watch Urbane doesn’t need your phone. Photo: LG

LG today unveiled a second edition of its Watch Urbane smartwatch, which finally frees Android Wear from your smartphone.

Thanks to its built-in 4G and 3G connectivity, the new Watch Urbane makes calls and continues to receive notifications even when you leave your phone behind.