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Servant dishes out a delightfully scary Halloween treat [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Leanne (Nell Tiger Free) wears a Halloween costume in an this week's episode of ★★★★
You've heard of Christmas in July. What about Halloween in February?
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewHalloween comes early this week on Servant, the Apple TV+ saga of a family increasingly held prisoner by the mystic nanny who once threatened to save them from themselves.

On the prowl for zealots, Leanne discovers that the violence inside her can be used for more than necessary evil. Julian and Sean are starting to lose the illusion that they have any kind of control over her, and are beginning to agree with Dorothy that it’s time for the nanny to go. It’s another excellently creepy outing for the Turner family.

Everyone wins (up to $1 million) when they solve this clever puzzle

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Win up to $1 million for celebrating National Puzzle Day.
After you finish this brain-teasing puzzle, scan it to see how much you won.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If National Puzzle Day didn’t leave you completely wiped out, you can take a shot at turning puzzling fun into big money with this hot deal. How? Try solving the 2 Million Dollar Puzzle.

First, pick up a puzzle for the discounted price of $19.98. Second, solve it. Third, scan it to see if you won $1 million!

Deep secrets emerge in a taut Truth Be Told [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Ron Cephas Jones plays Leander in a scene from Apple TV+ crime drama ★★★★
Everyone's got their secrets, even Poppy's dad Leander (played by Ron Cephas Jones).
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewSecrets come out left and right on this week’s episode of Truth Be Told, Apple TV+’s drama about a true crime podcaster and her community.

Leander and Poppy have to hash out some family history, and Markus and Zarina have to hash out some very present things or risk losing their future together. Plus, Eva must be honest about who she is and what she wants.

Even though none of them yet know it, the clock is ticking. The episode, entitled “Here She Shall See No Enemy,” stands as a superlative edition of the Oakland-set drama.

LG software update brings Apple services to hundreds of smart TV brands

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Apple TV+ is just one of the features coming to more smart TVs.
Apple TV+ is just one of the features coming to more smart TVs.
Photo: Apple

Consumer electronics maker LG added Apple TV, Apple Music, AirPlay and HomeKit to its webOS Hub Tuesday, making Apple’s core services available to smart TVs from 200 brands that use the custom software.

The update starts rolling out Friday in more than 100 countries and regions. It could provide quite a boost to Apple globally as new users try the features.

These new hi-res noise-canceling headphones go for just $180

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Edifier's new premium cans use the LDAC codec, which should make them sound especially good with devices made for it.
Edifier's new premium cans use the LDAC codec, which should make them sound especially good with Android devices made for it.
Photo: Edifier

Edifier rolled out a new wireless over-ear set of headphones Tuesday — the WH950NB headset — providing another affordable alternative to high-end cans like Apple’s AirPods Max and products from the likes of Sony and Sennheiser.

Featuring active noise cancellation (ANC) and hi-res audio, Edifier’s premium headphones go for $180, a pretty low price for the feature set.

BTS fans: Get a cute Universtar BT21 AirTag case with keychain

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You can choose from several BT21 Universtar characters. This one is called Chimmy.
You can choose from several BT21 Universtar characters. This one is called Chimmy.
Photo: Elago

If you’re young or just young-at-heart, here’s your chance to nab an adorably expressive case and keychain for your AirTag tracking device. The colorful cases, inspired by K-Pop boy band BTS, represent seven fanciful characters from the Universtar BT21 universe. You can read a little bit more about it below.

Don’t miss your chance to get a cool AirTag case from K-Pop culture in the Cult of Mac Store — they’re just $12.99!

Pinecone & Pony will whisk kids off on whimsical adventures [Apple TV+ review] ★★★★☆

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A still from Pinecone & Pony shows the animated stars of the whimsical Apple TV+ kids show.★★★★☆
What a pair!
Image: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewMarvelous Apple TV+ children’s show Pinecone & Pony returns for an energetic second season this week. The animated show, based on the popular book by writer and cartoonist Kate Beaton, centers on a hero-in-training in a world based on Viking lore and Lord of the Rings-style fantasy.

The series continues to combine cute animation and vocal performances with good-natured social lessons. It’s a winning and whimsical escape for kids and adults should also have a very nice time indeed.

M2 Mac mini drives dual displays in rolling rig [Setups]

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This user enabled dock-free dual-display use by adding an M2 Pro Mac mini.
This user enabled dock-free dual-display use by adding an M2 Pro Mac mini. And note the can of Death & Taxes black lager, a serious adult beverage.
Photo: [email protected]

“How many external displays can I easily run with my Mac and how” is a common question, and some Macs make it much easier to run more than one external monitor than others.

In today’s featured computer setup, a software developer went out and bought a new M2 Mac mini specifically for its generosity in that regard. It really helped his highly portable setup, which features a Studio Display and an LG 4K screen.

Shrinking’s unfunny jokes will make you mental [Apple TV+ recap] ★★☆☆☆

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Jason Segel in a scene from Apple TV+ comedy ★★☆☆☆
James (played by Jason Segel) has some interesting new ideas about psychotherapy.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewShrinking, the new Apple TV+ comedy starring Jason Segel as therapist James Laird, starts dealing with the consequences of its lead character’s new ideas about mental health this week. In fact, it looks like maybe James needs a little time on the couch himself.

With one patient supposedly living in Canada with her sister to avoid an abusive husband, one revising his dating game, and one living in James’ poolhouse, his track record doesn’t exactly look successful. Plus, Gabrielle needs a little help, James and Alice find a new outlet for their sadness, and Paul needs his eyes checked.

Unfortunately, this week’s episode of Shrinking proves every bit as frustrating as the first two.

Score a year of Costco shopping, and a $30 Digital Costco Shop Card, for only $60

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Shop for all your essentials under one roof with a discounted Costco membership.
Did you know Costco stocks Apple gear at discount prices?
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Instead of hopping from store to store to find everything you need, try shopping at a warehouse club that provides its members with perks and affordable products. With a Costco Gold Star Membership, you can purchase groceries, outdoor furniture, electronics and more.

And for a limited time, you can get a one-year Costco Gold Star Membership for $60 — and it comes with a complimentary $30 Digital Costco Shop Card*.

Dear Edward turns a plane crash into a dumpster fire [Apple TV+ recap] ★☆☆☆☆

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In a scene from Apple TV+ drama ★☆☆☆☆
Young Eddie is a piano prodigy, among other things. If only Dear Edward had a genius in the writers' room.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewNew Apple TV+ series Dear Edward is a sprawling ensemble piece about the aftermath of a plane crash. This baffling bit of overwrought drama cannot decide for longer than a few scenes what it’s actually about — or why it needs a season (or more) of TV to tell stories we’ve already heard in the most overwrought terms possible.

The series, which premieres today, misfires on just about every front. This show about grief seems to itself be in the throes of a panic attack.

Win a supreme stand that mounts your MagSafe iPhone anywhere [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Need hands free iPhone use at your desk? No problem.
Need to go hands-free with your iPhone at your desk? No problem.
Photo: SwitchEasy

We teamed up with SwitchEasy for this week’s giveaway, which will see three lucky winners receiving an Orbit Universal Magnetic Stand.

The multifunctional stand works with any MagSafe-compatible iPhone. And it lets you mount that iPhone practically anywhere, from your desk to your car’s dash (thanks to the 3M sticker on the back).

Enter to win below!

5 upbeat takeaways from Apple’s optimistic earnings call

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A rainbow Apple logo looms over a cloudy sky with the sun peeking through. The words
Wall Street might not be happy right now, but Apple sees strong growth ahead.
Image: Cult of Mac, based on photos by Aaron Burden and Sumudu Mohottige/Unsplash License

Although Apple’s December 2022 quarter was something of a disappointment, thanks to declines in revenue and profits, company executives accentuated the positives whenever possible during an earnings call with investors on Thursday.

Here are some upbeat developments coming out of Apple’s Q1 2023 financial results, including a significant milestone in active users and a big jump in iPad revenue.

Apple surpasses 2 billion active devices

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A Mac, iPhone and iPad with the words
Apple continues to woo new users and passes another milestone: 2 billion active devices as of February 2023.
Photo: Oleg Ivanov/Unsplash License

Apple’s installed base now exceeds 2 billion active devices, CEO Tim Cook said during Thursday’s earnings call. Although revenue in Apple’s first quarter fell $6.7 billion short of last year’s, the continued growth helped the company achieve what Cook called “a truly incredible milestone.”

Who will be Apple’s next Jony Ive? Nobody, apparently.

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A MacBook Air with ominous red lighting and a giant white question mark.
Apple apparently does not plan to replace departing industrial design chief Evans Hankey.
Photo: Adrian Regeci/Unsplash License

Apple reportedly stopped looking for a replacement industrial design chief. This is surprising, as it’s a high-profile position once held by Jony Ive, who led the team that created the iconic look of the iPhone, iMac and more.

The corporate rearrangement increases the power of Jeff Williams — Apple’s chief operating officer and possibly Tim Cook’s eventual replacement as CEO.

Carry MacBook or iPad plus accessories in style with these new sleeves

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This soft and stylish sleeve works for any 15- to 16-inch MacBook.
This soft and stylish sleeve works for any 15- to 16-inch MacBook.
Photo: Elago

If you like a touch of “soft and comfy” with your style, Elago’s fiber-fill sleeves for MacBook and iPad could be for you. They’re a soft cases for your devices that are also environmentally friendly because the material in them is recycled.

And these sleeves won’t break the bank, either. You can choose from different sizes and colors and pay less than $30 in some cases. Check out the collection in the Cult of Mac Store.

Light up your Valentine’s Day date with this mood-setting LED lamp

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Light up your V-Day date night with this mood-setting LED lamp.
Take over half off this high-tech LED lamp that's perfect for Valentine's Day.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Valentine’s Day only comes once a year, and the pressure to make things special can break even the best of us. No matter how much we spend on fancy dinners, bouquets or thoughtful gifts, it all comes down to the little things. We’re talking stuff like music and lighting — especially when you’re taking that special someone home for the first time.

We’ll leave the playlist to you, but if you’re looking to make a big impression in a small space, it doesn’t get more effective than this minimalist LED floor lamp from Lamp Depot, which is now only $139.99 a pair.

View saved Wi-Fi network passwords on iPhone and Mac [Pro Tip]

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MacBook render with
It is easier than you think to view saved Wi-Fi passwords on your iPhone or Mac.
Graphics: Rajesh

Your iPhone automatically syncs the details of any Wi-Fi network you join with other devices linked to your Apple ID. Thanks to this handy feature, your Mac or other Apple devices will seamlessly join that network without you doing anything. And iOS also makes it easy to share Wi-Fi passwords with other people who are using iPhones or iPads. You can even turn your home’s Wi-Fi password into a QR code for easy sharing.

However, there will be situations when you need to retrieve a Wi-Fi password for sharing with friends who don’t use an iPhone. When that’s the case, follow the steps below to discover the password of a saved Wi-Fi network on your iPhone or Mac.

This convenient magnetic iPhone charger can go anywhere you go

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This convenient magnetic iPhone charger can go anywhere you go and keep your phone powered up.
Charge your iPhone anywhere with this discounted wireless charger, now only $39.99.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The iPhone is an exceptionally popular tool, and plenty of accessories promise to enhance the user experience. Few items are more paramount than a reliable charging option that allows you to power up without pausing your day, though.

That’s the case with this handy wireless iPhone charger. And currently, you can pick up one for a fraction of the typical cost. Typically $119, the stylish and sleek Speedy Mag charger is available for only $39.99.

Jony Ive creates ‘perfect’ schnoz for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day

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Has Jony Ive sniffed out a new sideline? His new paper nose looks pretty good on this guy.
Has Jony Ive sniffed out a new sideline? His new paper nose looks pretty good on this guy.
Photo: Comic Relief

Legendary Apple design chief Jony Ive, responsible for the look and feel of iconic products like iPhone, grabbed headlines Wednesday for a new creation — a big, red paper nose. That may sound odd, but it’s for a good cause.

Ive and his team came up with the nose to go along with Red Nose Day, March 17. That’s charity Comic Relief’s day of giving in the U.K. and around the world to help end poverty, particularly among children.

Punch up productivity and gaming alike with new feather-light mouse

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Keychron's new M3 wireless mouse weighs just 79 grams.
Keychron's new M3 wireless mouse weighs just 79 grams.
Photo: Keychron

Best-known for keyboards, Keychron rolled out its new ultra-lightweight M3 wireless mouse Tuesday, touting its strong build and robust features for Mac users and others.

“To accompany it, we have designed the smallest Type-C 2.4 GHz receiver for M3, which is compatible with MacBook and other laptops,” Keychron said.

And at $49, the svelte new optical mouse is affordable, too.

Rock on with Marshall’s rugged new flagship Bluetooth speaker

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The new Middleton carries some heft, but it's still portable.
The new Middleton carries some heft, but it's still portable.
Photo: Marshall

Legendary in rock’n’roll history for its Marshall stacks of amplifiers, the English company recently added a rugged Bluetooth speaker to the top of its growing lineup — the Middleton.

Like Marshall’s other portable wireless speakers — which all have proper English names, by the way — it looks like a guitar amp.

And this top-of-the-line number not only “goes to 11,” but it’s weatherproof and features multidirectional sound, too.

Dream job leads to ultimate home workstation [Setups]

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Maybe the right job will land you a tricked out MacBook Pro, Studio Display and all the other treats in this setup.
Maybe the right job will land you a tricked out MacBook Pro, Studio Display and all the other treats in this setup.
Photo: [email protected]

Wouldn’t it be great if the right job opened the door to building a killer computer setup? It happened for design and product lead Jaime Creixems.

Today’s featured setup is his M1 Max MacBook Pro and Studio Display-driven wonderland, complete with excellent audio equipment and fun sidelights like Lego sets.

Apple TV+ kicks off MLS Season Pass for soccer fans in 100 countries

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With MLS Season Pass, soccer fans can watch every MLS match via the Apple TV app from February 25 through the league championship.
With MLS Season Pass, soccer fans can watch every MLS match via the Apple TV app from February 25 through the league championship.
Photo: Apple

Major League Soccer fans in more than 100 countries can now sign up for the MLS Season Pass subscription service via the Apple TV app and Apple TV+, Cupertino said Wednesday.

This comes ahead of the 2023 season’s launch on February 25. The new service will air all MLS and Leagues Cup matches, plus hundreds of MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT games, Apple said.