| Cult of Mac

Old and new MacBook Pros work in harmony [Setups]

By

This setup features an M2 MacBook Pro, but it still uses a 2015 Retina model, too.
This setup features an M2 MacBook Pro, but it still uses a 2015 Retina model, too.
Photo: izzyontheweb@Reddit.com

Who says an 8-year-old MacBook Pro is too old? Today’s featured setup relies on a new M2 MacBook Pro for most of the real work, but a 2015 Retina model still contributes regularly.

“Used it for school but recently graduated in May, only use for it now is YouTube/visuals until it dies,” graphic designer and Redditor izzyontheweb said. “Could you believe it’s a 2015 model and still works amazing?”

Huge OLED TV makes ‘perfect’ display (for some) [Setups]

By

That's a 42-inch OLED HD TV for a monitor.
That's a 42-inch OLED HD TV for a monitor.
Photo: FrankyHi5@Reddit.com

New computer displays tend to get not just better over time, but bigger — within reason. Unlike TVs, they’re designed to be viewed from just a few feet away at most. But increasingly, we see people using smart TVs as external monitors to get that extra size into their desktop setups.

Today’s featured setup sports an M2 MacBook Pro driving a 42-inch LG OLED smart TV that the user describes as “perfect.”

New mount charges iPhone while it’s clipped to Xbox game controller

By

New mount charges iPhone while its clipped to Xbox game controller
You know you can easily play games on iPhone with an external controller, right? And a new clip-on mount from PowerA charges your iPhone while you play.
Photo: PowerA

The PowerA Moga Play & Charge Gaming Clip for Xbox Wireless Controllers is more than a way to attach an iPhone to a Microsoft game controller. It also includes a battery to keep the handset charged up during lengthy gaming sessions.

Not leaving PlayStation fans out, PowerA will also soon release the Moga Mobile Gaming Clip for DualSense and DualShock 4 Wireless Controllers.

Get the most out of your Xbox with this Game Pass Ultimate deal, now just $8.99

By

Get the most out of your Xbox with this Game Pass Ultimate deal, now just $8.99.
Game like you mean it with a cut-rate Xbox Game Pass Ultimate sub.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The twilight of games as physical media is truly upon us. Apologies to those who like the smooth feel of those fragile little discs, but this is a good thing. You may be paying a little more for your console’s subscription plan, but in return, you get access to perks that include a virtual warehouse worth of games.

With a two-month subscription to Xbox’s Game Pass Ultimate, you can access hundreds of games (including some true classics) for just $8.99.

Old Cinema and Thunderbolt displays handle new gear and gaming [Setups]

By

With the right adapter you can use a new Xbox with an old Cinema Display (on the right).
With the right adapter you can use a new Xbox with an old Cinema Display (on the right).
Photo: thatvirtualboy@Reddit.com

So many people love Apple gear because the Cupertino tech giant gets a lot right with its hardware. That certainly includes monitors, and not just the phenomenal Pro Display XDR and new Studio Display. We see a fair number of new computer setups relying on classic Apple screens like Cinema Display and Thunderbolt Display.

Today’s featured MacBook Pro and Xbox setup is a good example. Even with a modern gaming console — and given the right adapter — a display from a dozen years ago is still keeping it real.

Apple Music finally launches on Xbox

By

First-time Apple Music subscribers get just a 1-month free trial now (unless they bought an Apple device).
Xbox gamers can now enjoy Apple Music while playing.
Photo: Apple

Apple Music is now available on recent versions of Microsoft’s Xbox gaming console. That includes playing songs while gaming.

The streaming music service is already available on PlayStation and other third-party entertainment platforms.

Affordable new Xbox streaming device could mean trouble for Apple TV

By

Pretty soon Xbox gaming and media streaming may not require a console.
Pretty soon Xbox gaming and media streaming may not require a console.
Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft confirmed Friday it’s developing a low-cost streaming device that would allow users to play Xbox games and stream media without needing a full console. That could directly compete with Apple TV.

Meanwhile, Apple’s product — sometimes criticized as overpriced — may see a less-expensive iteration later this year, according to analysts.

Apple’s ‘controversial’ Mighty Mouse lives on with some TLC [Setups]

By

The Mighty Mouse and the Leopold mechanical keyboard in this MacBook Pro setup are both rarities.
The Mighty Mouse and the Leopold mechanical keyboard in this MacBook Pro setup are both rarities.
Photo: Rafiq_Kobayashi@Reddit.com

Here at Setups Central we love spotting people working with gear we rarely or never see. Today’s featured setup includes rarities in the form of its input devices.

One of the peripherals is a high-quality Leopold mechanical keyboard and the other is an original Apple Mighty Mouse, which first came out in 2005. It was the company’s first mouse with more than one button as well as a trackball.

The setup’s owner called the mouse “kind of controversial.” And it was.

Racy MacBook Pro and Xbox rig seeks beefier sound system [Setups]

By

Those white desktop speakers might not be cutting it.
Those white desktop speakers might not be cutting it.
Photo: Winnisterr@Reddit.com

You can have a lot of good gear in your computer setup but still feel it falls short somehow. Like with today’s featured setup, you could have a recent MacBook Pro and an Xbox Series X gaming console. You could have a sweet curved gaming monitor. You might even have a kick-ass Lego Technic McLaren Formula 1 Race Car mounted on the wall.

But do you have stellar audio or just OK audio? That’s the issue our setup’s owner faces.

Xbox Cloud Gaming gets ‘major’ improvements on iPhone and iPad

By

Xbox Cloud Gaming gets major improvements
Try them out now and let Microsoft know what you think.
Image: Microsoft

Microsoft this week rolled out a big Xbox Cloud Gaming update that promises “major performance improvements” on iPhone and iPad. They should allow for smoother and more responsive gameplay, the company said.

The changes have already been well-received by Cloud Gaming users, with Microsoft seeing a “significant increase” in positive feedback from players.