Reviews - page 11

Skiers and snowboarders, hit the updated Slopes app [Awesome Apps]

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The Slopes tracking app for skiers and snowboarders is now updated for iOS 17 and watchOS 10.
The Slopes tracking app for skiers and snowboarders is now updated for iOS 17 and watchOS 10.
Photo: Slopes
Awesome Apps

As fall rolls toward winter in much of the world, it’s time for skiers and snowboarders to get ready to hit the slopes. And major updates in the popular Slopes tracking app offer a lot of great new features for just that.

The app’s slogan is “Track your edge,” and the new version gives you plenty of ways to do it with iOS 17 and watchOS 10.

Use your AirPods to improve your posture [Awesome Apps]

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Posture Pal pops up a cartoon giraffe whenever it detects bad posture using your AirPods' motion detectors.
Banish bad posture with AirPods and a cartoon giraffe.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

I’ve spent most of my working life slumped in an office chair. Don’t get me wrong: I move around quite a lot. I start upright, and by the end of the day, I’m almost horizontal.

We all know this is very bad, but luckily help is at hand … from my AirPods!

Kingston’s tiny new external SSD is quick and budget-friendly [Review] ★★★★

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Kingston XS1000 External SSD review★★★★
Add up to 2TB of storage to your Mac or iPad with this pocket-size SSD.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Kingston XS1000 External SSD is about the size of pack of gum but holds up to 2 terabytes of data. And it can transfer files at high speed, too.

I put the petite but powerful and affordable solid state drive to the test and came away impressed.

Apple Watch Series 9 is a surprising package of new features [Review] ★★★★☆

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Apple Watch Series 9 with Mulberry Sport Band on desk★★★★☆
Apple Watch Series 9 is a fine watch, but some of its best features won’t come until later.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch Series 9 is the biggest year-over-year leap in recent years. It has not one, not two, but a whopping four new features, most powered by its updated chip. Apps load faster, voice dictation is near instant and the display gets both brighter in the sun and dimmer in darkness.

A couple of the best features I haven’t been able to test — double tap promises to make tapping the screen with your nose obsolete; improved connectivity with your phone will make it easier to find, if paired with a new iPhone. And with this release, Apple dips their toe into more sustainable manufacturing practices.

The Apple Watch Series 9 a good product. In the end, with big releases like this so few and far between, I can’t help but wonder if it’s close to reaching its potential.

Portable new iPhone game controller is ready to play wherever you go [Review] ★★★★

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Turtle Beach Atom Controller for iOS review★★★★
Don't struggle with on-screen controls when gaming on your iPhone. The Turtle Beach Atom Controller is the way to go.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Clip the Turtle Beach Atom Controller for iOS on either side of an iPhone to add the physical buttons and sticks that make high-end gaming much more fun. It mimics the brilliant design of the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con with the controls set on either side of the display.

It’s ready for Apple Arcade games and cloud-gaming services, too. And don’t forget the console games Apple has promised to port to the iPhone 15 Pro.

I spent hours testing the controller (it’s a hard job I have) and I really like it. Here’s why.

Why CleanMyMac X is essential Mac-cleaning software [Awesome Apps]

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MacPaw CleanMyMac X update better monitors your Mac's health
CleanMyMac X offers 30-plus tools for keeping your Mac in tip-top condition.
Photo: MacPaw

Awesome AppsOne piece of software I consider indispensable for keeping my Mac running clean, quick and clear is CleanMyMac X by MacPaw.

CleanMyMac X packs more than 30 tools for keeping your Mac in tip-top condition, but is especially useful for clearing disc space, freeing up RAM, and deleting malware and adware. The latest version has a new, unlimited seven-day free trial, and Cult of Mac readers can get an exclusive 10% discount.

iPhone 15 and 15 Plus: Pro features for less [Review]

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iPhone 15 and 15 Plus review: Pro features for less
A brighter screen is just one of many improvements in the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Those who were jealous of the Dynamic Island and 48MP camera in the iPhone 14 Pro can relax — the just-launched iPhone 15 and 15 Plus include the best features of last year’s Pro models. This makes them significant upgrades for anyone with an older handset … even one from 2022.

And dumping the old Lightning port in favor of USB-C is icing on the cake.

Great ways to find the movies, songs, eSIMS and beers you need [Awesome Apps]

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Awesome Apps for the Week: App icons for Untappd, Numero eSIM, Callsheet and BBC Sounds.
These apps will thrill movie buffs, music fans, frequent flyers and beer fanatics.
Image: Cult of Mac

Awesome AppsIf you love movies, TV, music, beer or international travel, the apps in this week’s Awesome Apps roundup will knock your socks off. If you happen to love all those things … well, first off, congratulations on being a person of many and varied interests.

Secondly, you’d better get downloading so you don’t spend another precious moment without these apps.

Best USB-C cables and chargers for iPhone 15

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These are the best USB-C cables and chargers for iPhone 15.
You can never have too many cables.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

One of the best things about iPhone 15 is arguably its USB-C port, which makes connectivity a whole lot simpler. It means you can finally charge your iPhone with the same cables and chargers you might use for other devices, like iPad Pro, MacBook Air, Nintendo Switch and lots more.

If you don’t own any of those and you need to stock up on USB-C accessories, fear not. We rounded up the best USB-C cables and chargers you can buy right now for iPhone 15.

Best screen protectors for iPhone 15

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Best iPhone 15 screen protectors
These are the best screen protectors you can buy right now for iPhone 15.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

If you’re getting a new iPhone, the very first thing you should do right out of the box is slap a screen protector on it. Even though Apple calls the iPhone 15 lineup’s Ceramic Shield glass screens the toughest ever, they can and will shatter when dropped.

Plus, no matter how much you baby your new smartphone, it’s going to rub up against dirt and debris in your pocket or while rolling around in your bag. That can lead to unsightly scratches.

Keep your iPhone 15‘s screen in superb shape with a quality screen protector. Here are the best options you can buy right now.

Ultra 2 reviews: Small upgrades strengthen ‘ultimate’ Apple Watch

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Apple Watch Ultra 2 debuted with modest but welcome upgrades.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 debuted with modest but welcome upgrades.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch Ultra 2 reviews are out, and they’re positive. Modest upgrades like a brighter display, double-tap gesturing and a faster processor might not make current Ultra owners shell out for the new one, but it’s highly recommended to anyone else who wants the best rugged smartwatch.

Early Apple Watch Series 9 review roundup: New chip brings new tricks

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Apple Watch Series 9 on Wrist
Just because the outer design of Apple Watch Series 9 hasn't changed doesn't mean there aren't new features.
Screenshot: Apple

Early reviews of Apple Watch Series 9 praise its new processor that gives the wearable a nifty Double Tap gesture and improves Siri, too. The brighter display also draws kudos from reviewers.

The 2023 version can be preordered now, and starts reaching customers on Friday.

Best cases you can buy today for iPhone 15

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These are the best cases you can buy for iPhone 15 right now.
From as little as $14.99.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Got an iPhone 15 or 15 Pro on preorder? It’s time to start thinking about protection. No matter how badly you want to show off your handset’s pretty paint job or its tough titanium chassis, you’re going to regret not covering it up if you drop it onto a hard surface and break it within a week. But don’t worry — there are already a bunch of excellent case options to choose from.

Whether you want a sleek fit that complements iPhone 15’s slim design, extreme impact-resistance for the most damaging drops, or luxurious leather that only gets better with age, there’s an iPhone 15 case right up your alley.

We rounded up the best options you can buy right now, with prices starting from a mere $14.99.

iPhone 15 Pro/Max review roundup: In high demand for a reason

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One of the best Pro model upgrades in years, some reviewers said.
One of the best Pro model upgrades in years, some reviewers said.
Photo: Apple

High demand for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is well-deserved, according to the first reviews, thanks to the new models’ lightweight titanium frames, immersive screens, beefed-up cameras and numerous incremental improvements,

Several reviewers noted how smartphone changes are always incremental nowadays. But the upgrades to the iPhone 15 Pro models seem like some of Apple’s best in years.

Build an army of cute ‘robots’ to conquer charging needs [Review] ★★★★☆

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The adorable little charging bots come in 30W and 65W versions and black or purple colors.★★★★☆
The adorable little charging bots come in 30W and 65W versions and black or purple colors.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you like cute, Ugreen’s got you covered. Its new Ugreen Nexode RG fast chargers are adorable little “robots” that can charge iPhones, iPads and more. “RG” stands for “Robot GaN,” meaning they’re gallium nitride (GaN) chargers.

And they really only look like robots. They’re not going to walk your dog or rise up and destroy humanity or anything. Probably.

The company sent me a trio of the little cuties to check out. You could get several for different electrical outlets, and when they’re not plugged in, they could stand guard over your computer setup.

First iPhone 15/Plus reviews: Pro features get more affordable

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iPhone 15 in hand
iPhone 15 includes the Dynamic Island and other features that were formerly for Pro only.
Screenshot: Apple

Initial reviews of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus praise the addition of the Dynamic Island and 48MP camera, saying they make the new handsets feel like a significant upgrade for users of older models. They also applaud the switch to USB-C and the new ultra-wideband chip.

The two iOS 17 devices reach store shelves this Friday.

Fantastic Foundation season 2 finale promises hope for the future [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★★

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Jared Harris in ★★★★★
What's next for Hari Seldon and the Second Foundation?
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ Review Apple TV+’s epic science fiction series Foundation concludes its second season this week and it goes out on a remarkable high note.

Who knows what the future holds for the Second Foundation? But I’ve greatly enjoyed this season. The hours I’ve spent getting sucked into this excellent sci-fi show were well worth the investment.

Tilting iPhone platform sets 100W multidevice GaN charger apart [Review] ★★★★☆

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This unusual GaN charger juices up MagSafe iPhones via the tilting platform and other devices via USB-C and USB-A ports (up to 100W).★★★★☆
This unusual GaN charger juices up MagSafe iPhones via the tilting platform and other devices via USB-C and USB-A ports (up to 100W).
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Need a compact and potent MagSafe charging station to replace a slow 3-in-1? Coming out just after iPhone 15’s release, Ugreen’s unusual new Nexode 100W GaN Charging Station could fit the bill, charging up to four devices at once.

Rolled out Thursday, the speedy charger takes up a small space by putting a MagSafe platform for iPhone that tilts up on top and USB-C and USB-A ports in the squat body. The company sent me one to try.

Even Jon Hamm can’t save The Morning Show season 3 [Apple TV+ recap] ☆☆☆

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Episode 1. Tig Notaro and Jon Hamm in ☆☆☆
Jon Hamm joins The Morning Show cast, playing a tech mogul that's part Steve Jobs, part Elon Musk and part Jeff Bezos.
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewApple TV+’s flagship drama The Morning Show returns today for another season of broadcast news back-stabbing after a truly disastrous second season. The show adds a new character — a tech exec played by Mad Men star Jon Hamm — to the toxic mix this time around.

But can the showrunners right The Morning Show’s course? And, perhaps more importantly, does it matter? The show, about a news network and its star executives and anchors, finds itself dealing with contemporary politics a day late and a dollar short.

Epic battles lift Foundation to new highs [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★★

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Lee Pace and Laura Birn in ★★★★★
Terminus had better watch out for Brother Day (played by Lee Pace, left) and Demerzel (Laura Birn).

TV+ ReviewApple TV+ science fiction show Foundation reaches the penultimate episode of a very fine second season this week

Brother Day demands answers from the people of Terminus, who disappoint him with their conviction. Gaal and Salvor plot a daring escape from the Mentalics. And a great big dogfight in space precedes the showstopping image of the season.

Power up iPhone and more with this 3-in-1 kickstand battery [Review] ★★★☆☆

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Ugreen's 10000mAh power bank is a wireless charger and stand for iPhone and can also charge other devices by wire.★★★☆☆
Ugreen's 10000mAh power bank is a wireless charger and stand for iPhone and can also charge other devices by wire.
Photo: Ugreen

When your iPhone dies while you’re out an about it can be a real drag. That’s why it pays to make a power bank part of your everyday carry — like the recently released Ugreen 10000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank.

You can use it as a wireless magnetic charger for iPhone or AirPods and power up two other devices via USB-C and USB-A ports at the same time.

One multiport USB-C fast-charger to rule them all [Review] ★★★★☆

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It's a bit big for portability, but Ugreen's new 300W GaN charger easily juices up your devices at home or at work.★★★★☆
It's a bit big for portability, but Ugreen's new 300W GaN charger easily juices up your devices at home or at work.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

As the world increasingly turns to USB-C connectivity — looking at you, imminent iPhone 15 — Ugreen is there. Its powerful new Nexode 300-watt GaN fast-charger, launched Tuesday, powers up five devices at once — four via USB-C and one via USB-A.

Ugreen calls it “the world’s first 5-Port 300W GaN desktop charger,” and the company sent me the beast to check out. You’ll want to keep this hefty brick in one place, not carry it around with you.

It’s all secrets and schemes this week on Foundation [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

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Sandra Yi Sencindiver and Terrence Mann in ★★★★
Rue (played by Sandra Yi Sencindiver, left) reveals something earth-shaking to Brother Dusk (Terrence Mann).
Photo: Apple TV+

TV+ ReviewSalvor and Gaal are in trouble this week as incredible Apple TV+ space opera Foundation heads into the home stretch of its great second season.

With the Mentalics moving on our two heroines, it seems that everyone has their fair share of trouble in the episode, entitled “The Last Empress.” Cleric and Constant find themselves at the business end of a Trantor firing squad. Dusk and Dawn see themselves fading into obsolescence. And Sareth’s running out of time to make her move.

Zagg’s new Bluetooth keyboard also does wireless charging [Review] ★★★★☆

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Zagg Pro Keyboard 12 review★★★★☆
This new Zagg Pro keyboard uses Bluetooth and wireless charging.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Zagg Pro Keyboard 12 is a slim, lightweight desktop keyboard that uses Bluetooth so no data cable is required. And it also charges wirelessly so it never needs a cable of any kind.

The accessory can be paired with multiple devices, and switch easily between them.

I tested the membrane keyboard in my home office for several weeks. Here’s what it’s like in real-world use.