David Snow - page 10

iPhone 16 and 16 Plus review roundup: Updates worthy of an upgrade

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iPhone 16 review roundup
Early reviews say iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are worthy upgrades from older models.
Photo: Apple

Early reviews for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus say the base handsets close the gap between them and the Pro models. With the new Action and Camera Control buttons, the powerful new A18 chip, camera improvements and the promise of upcoming Apple Intelligence functionality, users with older models have plenty of reason to upgrade from older models (especially iPhone Series 14 and older). Read our iPhone 16 review roundup to find out more.

Hall effect magnetic keyboards: The next big thing for Mac gamers?

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NuPhy Field75 HE Keyboard
The NuPhy Field75 HE Keyboard packs Hall effect magnetic switches under those key caps.
Photo: NuPhy

As a Mac user, you’re no stranger to cutting-edge technology, like the hottest new mechanical keyboards. But have you heard about Hall effect keyboards, which are gaining popularity, especially among gamers? Let’s dive into why people turn to these specialized magnetic mechanical keyboards and what they could mean for your Mac gaming setup. They’re not actually new, but more of them have hit the market lately. And a lot of people think they offer big advantages.

Time’s up: After 1 season, Apple TV+ cancels Time Bandits

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Apple TV+ cancels Time Bandits
A combination of economic factors put an end to this gang of time-traveling thieves' hijinx.
Photo: Apple TV+

Despite positive reviews, bankable star Lisa Kudrow as a main character and much-loved source material, Apple TV+ opted to pull the plug on its fantasy adventure series Time Bandits after just one season, according to a new report.

Based on Terry Gilliam’s cult classic 1981 film (but rendered in more family-friendly fashion), the show’s 10-episode first season — now streaming on Apple TV+ — will have to stand alone.

Apple Watch 10 review roundup: More refined than revamped

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Apple Watch 10 review roundup
That glossy Jet Black color is new to the Apple Watch 10 aluminum cases this year.
Photo: Apple

As Apple Watch celebrates its 10th anniversary, Series 10 has arrived with a suite of refinements rather than revolutionary changes, our Apple Watch 10 review roundup found. And that’s despite the fact that a redesign took place to make the wearable larger yet slimmer. Let’s dive into what reviewers say this latest iteration brings to the table, including a larger display, faster charging and sleep apnea detection.

Cool dark MacBook Pro rig pairs HomePod minis [Setups]

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HomePod mini stands
Those black-looking orbs are actually paired HomePod mini smart speakers on stands. Blame the mood lighting.
Photo: Texas_sucks15@Reddit.com

What’s better than a HomePod? Well, two HomePods, obviously — especially if they’re paired for true stereo sound. Today’s MacBook Pro and Xbox setup, under-lit for a dark and moody vibe, includes AirPods Pro 2 but gets its robust in-room audio from a set of paired HomePod minis placed on HomePod mini stands near the back corners of the desk.

Apple TV+ bags 10 Emmys, including first for Slow Horses

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Apple TV+ wins 10 Primetime Emmy Awards
"Slow Horses" creator and executive producer Will Smith won a Primetime Emmy for the show's writing.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple TV+ scored 10 wins at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, including the first for darkly comedic espionage thriller Slow Horses, plus a second for The Morning Show star Billy Crudup as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

In all, five Apple TV+ shows and one commercial won Primetime Emmys, on top of the eight wins that five shows garnered recently in the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Primetime-winning shows included Palm Royale, Lessons in Chemistry, Masters of the Air and Girls State.

Get up to $1,000 off M2 iPad Pro models

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Up to $1,000 off M2 iPad Pro
Right now you can get up to $1,000 off M2 iPad Pro.
Photo: Apple

M4 iPad Pro has been out a while, so some big retailers, like Best Buy, are offering bigger and better deals on the last models with the M2 chip (you know, to get rid of them). They’re still amazing tablets, and you can get up to $1,000 off M2 iPad Pro‘s regular prices. And that’s without having to be a Best Buy member (sometimes their best deals are reserved for members).

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Get this guy’s ultra-wide curved gaming display for $700 off right now [Setups]

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Samsung Odyssey G9 monitor
You can get hundreds off that ultra-wide curved gaming monitor right now.
Photo: TheMrBr0wn@Reddit.com

In the never-ending arms race for more and bigger external displays in computer setups, one distinct subset is the ultra-wide, curved gaming monitor. Samsung is big in that game, and today’s M1 Mac mini user likes his 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 monitor, which he pairs with a couple of 32-inch 4K flat displays. And by the way, the big curved gaming monitor is deeply discounted right now on Amazon.

The user also asked for feedback on his new setup. You can see that below, too.

Connect tiny new Miniroll Bluetooth speakers for bigger sound

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Ultimate Ears Miniroll Bluetooth speaker
The new Ultimate Ears Miniroll Bluetooth speaker is tiny, but carries more strength in numbers.
Photo: Ultimate Ears

Ultimate Ears’ new Miniroll is the smallest and most affordable entry in the company’s Bluetooth speaker lineup. The tiny new speaker with a “river rock-inspired design” isn’t quiet for its size, the Logitech-owned company said. But for more sound over a larger area, it easily connects to others. And it features a hook-able silicone strap to easily connect to almost anything and go where you go.

“Miniroll started with a consumer ask,” said Jonah Staw, general manager of Ultimate Ears. “We heard our fans loud and clear. They wanted a speaker that could strap in and go anywhere to keep up with their active lifestyles. This led our design and engineering teams to build our most portable speaker, showing how passionate consumers can drive innovation.”

Studio Display user loves M4 iPad Pro as second monitor [Setups]

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mirror M4 iPad Pro setup
This MacBook Air users loves using his 13-inch M4 iPad Pro as a second external display. His Studio Display displays his iPad screen in the photo above.
Photo: Ok-Mulberry6597@Reddit.com

Many users out there on social media can’t seem to get enough external displays into their computer setups. Sometimes we see as many as six big screens. But don’t forget a simple way you can always add another small screen. Namely, don’t just add your MacBook open on the desk or on a stand. Include your iPad, too. Today’s M1 MacBook Air user proudly has his M4 iPad Pro mirror on Studio Display as it sits in the mix on a Twelve South stand.

‘1 billion keyboards in 1?’ Yes, that’s the claim.

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Glorious GMMK 3 keyboard
Now that's a cool-looking keyboard. And it could have either mechanical or Hall effect magnetic switches.
Photo: Glorious Gaming

The new Glorious GMMK 3 keyboard is “1 billion keyboards in 1” because it supposedly packs more than a billion possible hardware configurations, giving gamers and typists alike “unparalleled” control over aesthetics, typing experience and performance, Glorious Gaming said Tuesday.

Ugreen’s new Uno chargers look like cute little robots [Updated: Now on sale]

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Ugreen Uno chargers
This little guy delivers 100 watts of charging power to devices.
Photo: Ugreen

Ugreen unleashed “fast and fun” robot-themed Uno series chargers for iPhone users, as well as the Revodock Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station, the company said at IFA Berlin Friday.

UPDATE: Ugreen let us know Tuesday that they’ve now listed some of the Uno series charging products for sale on Amazon, including a 6-in-1 USB-C hub we didn’t include in the original post. See below.

Check out new iPhone 16 cases from Apple (and … Beats?!?)

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Beats iPhone 16 cases
Hey, look at that: Now Beats is making iPhone 16 cases!
Photo: Beats

Apple It's Glowtime Event:You know what else comes along whenever Cupertino busts out a new set of handsets like the new iPhone 16 lineup? New iPhone cases and accessories. The company trotted some out at its “It’s Glowtime” event Monday, and in a surprise move, so did its audio subsidiary Beats.

But neither appeared to include a replacement material for the much-maligned FineWoven leather alternative that came out with iPhone 15 cases. Apple’s new cases are clear and silicone models. Beats’ cases feature a hard polycarbonate back and flexible sides.

Read more about Apple and Beats cases below, and don’t miss our roundup of the best third-party iPhone 16 cases available now.

Bigger iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max beef up cameras and AI processing power

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iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
Apple said iPhone 16 Pro models are the most advanced iPhones ever made (which it says every year, naturally).
Photo: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event:The new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max handsets boast size increases, thinner bezels for larger screens, a leap in battery life and new features, including impressive camera and audio upgrades. And on top of that, the new A18 Pro chip brings enough raw processing power to handle resource-intensive Apple Intelligence functions, Apple said Monday at the “It’s Glowtime” event.

“iPhone 16 Pro has a stunning new design with innovations inside and out. It starts with a big improvement to the gorgeous pro displays,” said Greg “Joz” Joswiak, Apple senior VP of Worldwide Marketing. “They’re even larger at 6.3 inches on iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches an iPhone 16 Pro Max for the largest iPhone display ever, helping you see more and do more. These are by far our best iPhone displays ever.”

And they’re the best iPhones ever, which Apple CEO Tim Cook was sure to mention, as he always does.

These new iPhone 16 cases could replace disastrous FineWoven

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Apple replaces FineWoven iPhone cases
This pristine version of a FineWoven case doesn't show any of the scratches and stains users complained about.
Photo: Apple

Apple It's Glowtime Event: A prominent leaker with a fair-to-midding record for accuracy claims Apple will ditch its much-maligned FineWoven iPhone cases. Instead, the company will release a new alternative that appears to look like leather  — perhaps a vegan or faux variety — at the “It’s Glowtime” event Monday.

If Apple replaces FineWoven iPhone cases with something else, other accessories like Apple Watch bands likely will follow.

Expect to see iPhone 16 and 16 Plus in these 4 colors

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The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus lineup showing the rumored colors.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus lineup showing the rumored colors.
Photo: @theapplehub

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models will come in four colors — white, green, pink and blue — according to a new report Friday. The white model reportedly will replace the yellow seen in the iPhone 15 lineup. The current black color option will disappear. And the shades of green, pink and blue used in iPhone 16 will look different from the current versions of those colors.

What exactly will the new iPhone colors look like? We will find out soon. Apple will unveil the iPhone 16 lineup during Monday’s “It’s Glowtime” event.

Is it really a sin to place Studio Display on a monitor riser? [Setups]

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Studio Display stand
Some people object to the whole idea of putting Apple displays on stands.
Photo: CaptainBromo@Reddit.com

When a MacBook Pro perched his Studio Display on a generic stand and then asked for recommendations for alternative risers for Studio Display, some Apple users reacted a bit brusquely. That’s simply not done, they seemed to say, presumably because Apple provides adjustability options as part of the purchase process. But plenty of commenters responded to the question with practical advice, below.

Lockly introduces 4 new smart locks to Home app and Home Key

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Lockly Zeno smart locks
Lockly Visage smart lock and 3 others are the company's first to work with Apple's Home app and Home Key.
Photo: Lockly

The new unveiled Lockly Zeno smart locks are its first ones to work with Apple Home and Home Key for use with iPhone and Apple Watch, the company said Thursday. Lockly Visage, with advanced facial recognition access technology, and Lockly Vision, with an integrated 2K video doorbell with intercom, are the two flagships.

“As technology progresses, so do customer expectations. We’ve made it our mission to always go above and beyond the cutting edge to set a new standard for the smart home industry,” said Frank Polidoro, Lockly CRO. “We are extremely excited to partner up with The Home Depot to bring our latest innovation to homeowners and the professional market.”

Soundcore’s top new headphones fold down to half their normal size

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Soundcore Space One Pro headphones
Traveling? These premium cans fold down to 50% of their normal size when in use.
Photo: Soundcore

The new Soundcore Space One Pro headphones are the Anker subsidiary’s most advanced noise cancelling headphones yet, featuring a unique foldable design that reduces their size by half, Soundcore said Thursday. It released the new cans and several other audio products at IFA Berlin, including AeroFit 2 open earbuds and Bluetooth speakers.

Beats pitches upcoming Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds

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Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 coming in 2025
MLB star Shohei Ohtani wears the upcoming Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds during batting practice. You can wear them starting sometime next year.
Photo: Beats

The sleek, stylish Beats Powerbeats Pro earbuds, which loop over the ear and dangle via earhook, have appealed to fitness enthusiasts since their release way back in 2019. Beats finally dropped a teaser video for the next model Wednesday. But it shows precious little information beyond a glimpse of the buds on a popular MLB pitcher. And a reference saying we should see Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 coming in 2025.

This trick makes Xbox play nice with Studio Display [Setups]

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using Xbox with Studio Display
This MacBook Air user found an easy way to use Xbox with Studio Display.
Photo: Ok-Mulberry6597@Reddit.com

Macs have gained ground in the gaming world with the rise of Apple silicon chips, as those M-series chips massively boost performance. But sometimes you just want to play on a console rather than your computer. Today’s MacBook Air user switches to Xbox One for gaming. And he gave simple advice, below, to curious commenters who wanted to know how he gets the system to work with his Studio Display. He describes his method below.

Slow Horses season 4 ratchets up the heart-pounding action [Updated: Now streaming]

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Slow Horses season 4 trailer
Slow Horses season four just started streaming. It's an action-packed comedy spy thriller.
Image: Apple TV+

London is under threat from shopping-mall car bombers and espionage masterminds, and somehow Gary Oldman’s MI5 screwups once again end up in the middle of the action. That’s according to the new Slow Horses season four trailer for the black-comedy spy-thriller series.

The Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning series stars Oldman as MI5’s irascible Slough House section chief Jackson Lamb. The six-episode season premieres September 4 on Apple TV+.

UPDATE: Season 4 of Slow Horses gets underway Wednesday with the first episode, entitled “Identity Theft,” on Apple TV+. “A London bombing triggers and explosive hidden past,” notes the streamer’s tagline. A season review in The Guardian calls the show “faultlessly directed,” notes the cast is even better than before and says “Gary Oldman roars like a bear dipped in chip fat.”

Labor Day sale: 20% off iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, iPad stands and more [Still going!]

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Labor Day deals on SwitchEasy Apple accessories
The incredibly clever SwitchEasy EasySelfie Selfie Stick is just one of 100 items on sale.
Photo: SwitchEasy

Labor Day weekend is a great time to kick back, take a rest from work — and be thankful for the paycheck that lets you buy tons of Apple Labor Day sale items. The Cult of Mac Store marks the holiday this year by taking 20% off everything from SwitchEasy.

That’s 100 products to choose from! The company makes a wide variety of cool accessories for Apple Watch, AirPods, AirTag, iPhone, iPad, MacBook and more, like various chargers. So whatever Apple gear you have, check out these Labor Day deals on SwitchEasy Apple accessories.

It’s hard to beat these Labor Day MacBook Pro deals

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MacBook-Pro-M3-trio
You have your choice of big deals on MacBook Pro with M3, M3 Pro or M3 Max chips.
Photo: Apple

You might not be thinking much past a barbecue on Monday. But you should be thinking about nabbing incredible Labor Day deals on M3 MacBook Pro. Both Amazon and Best Buy are pulling out the stops for Labor Day. Savings run up to $500 — or even $1,000 (but that’s only for Best Buy members … so you might want to sign up).

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

California’s controversial AI safety bill moves closer to reality

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California passes AI safety law
For better or worse, California leads the way on reigning in the potential dangers of powerful AI models.
Photo: Pexels-cottonbro

California’s legislature passed a hotly contested AI safety bill Thursday — the groundbreaking Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act (SB 1047).

The controversial bill, which awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature before it can become law, introduces the first major AI regulations in the United States. It could have far-reaching implications for tech companies and users alike.