Lewis Wallace - page 19

Wonderboom 2’s new Outdoor Boost mode pumps up the bass

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Outdoor Boost mode sounds like a perfect addition to UE Wonderboom 2 Bluetooth speaker.
Outdoor Boost mode sounds like a perfect addition.
Photo: Ultimate Ears

The tiniest member of my favorite Bluetooth speaker family just got a big upgrade. Ultimate Ears’ new Wonderboom 2 adds an Outdoor Boost mode that cranks up the bass and is “specially tuned” for listening in the great outdoors. And that seems like a completely awesome feature for the rugged little speaker.

Even better, you trigger Outdoor Boost by pressing one of the cutest buttons I’ve ever seen.

Apple’s epic WWDC 2019 keynote was the best in years

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Nailed it! Craig Federighi onstage during the WWDC 2019 keynote.
That pretty much sums it up.
Photo: Apple

WWDC 2019 bug Like a blockbuster movie, Apple’s jaw-dropping WWDC 2019 kickoff served up a boatload of things that make us swoon: fun new features, LOL-worthy jokes, actual soulful moments and unexpected twists.

Perhaps most surprising — in an era of rampant leaks — Apple even delivered a legitimate surprise when it showed off its highly anticipated Mac Pro computer. That monster machine might look a little familiar, but the modular design and audacious specs got the world buzzing. (So did that cringe-inducing $5,999 price tag. That’s the starting price.)

And, like most modern movies, the WWDC 2019 keynote lasted about 15 minutes too long.

We’re throwing a WWDC watch party, and you’re invited

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WWDC 2019 watch party
Let's get this party started right!
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

WWDC 2019 bug Rather than just live-blogging today’s WWDC 2019 keynote, we’re throwing a watch party for our closest friends: you.

It’s all going down this morning in the CultClub’s Governor’s Lounge, the Discord channel we set up for our weekly podcast, The CultCast. All your favorite Cult of Mac staffers will be watching the Apple keynote live. And this time, we won’t be the only ones sharing our instant reactions. You can get in on the action, too.

While becoming a CultClub member is totally free, it’s usually quite exclusive. But we’re handing out passes like candy today so every Cult of Mac reader can join the party.

Get half off a Smart Keyboard, $470 off Mac mini [Deals & Steals]

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The new 2019 iPad Air, with its 10.5-inch screen, works with Apple's existing Smart Keyboard.
Contact Apple today to claim your free fix.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s own Smart Keyboard is one of the best keyboards you can buy for iPad. It snaps on in an instant, doesn’t require pairing, and never needs charging. It’s even better when it’s half price. Get yours today for just $79.50.

That’s just one of the awesome offers in today’s Deals & Steals roundup. You can also save a whopping $470 on the Mac mini, and $600 on the 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display. Plus, you can get the Netgear Orbi while home Wi-Fi system for under $200.

Breakout! Inside an Apple escape room [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 296]

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An unusual Apple-themed escape room is set to inject some fun into this year's AltConf during WWDC.
An unusual Apple-themed escape room is set to inject some fun into this year's AltConf during WWDC.
Cover: Martin Cortinas/Cult of Mac

Imagine yourself in a nightmare scenario. You’re tasked with making an Apple keynote run smoothly, but Murphy’s law is in full effect. Everything that can go wrong does. Tim Cook is not pleased. And you must wield your Apple knowledge to make things right.

That’s what you’ll experience if you dare to go “Backstage at the Keynote” during WWDC 2019. Find out all about this unusual Apple-themed escape room, which should spice things up at AltConf next month, in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine for iOS.

Or read on to get the rest of the week’s best Apple news, reviews and how-tos in your browser, including our scoop on what’s up with that mysterious rainbow stage spotted inside Apple Park.

How (and why) Jony Ive built the mysterious rainbow Apple Stage

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The colorful Apple Stage really pops in the center of Apple Park.
The colorful Apple Stage really pops in the center of Apple Park's massive "spaceship" building.
Photo: Duncan Sinfield

The mysterious, rainbow-colored stage erected inside Apple Park bears all the hallmarks of the company’s meticulous design, according to an Apple document provided to Cult of Mac.

It’s the latest creation by Jony Ive’s team — and it’s just as thoughtfully and intricately designed as you might imagine.

An article explaining the project to Apple employees sheds light on just how much thought, time and intense effort went into building the rainbow Apple Stage. And Jony Ive’s ruminations on the project show he and his collaborators put a lot of thought into it.

What’s brewing for iOS and macOS [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 295]

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Get the latest rumors about what's coming in iOS 13 (and macOS 10.15).
Get the latest rumors about what's coming in iOS (and macOS).
Cover: Marty Cortinas/Cult of Mac

With rumors, leaks and discoveries coming in hot and heavy, we’re getting a pretty good idea of exactly what iOS 13 and macOS 10.15 will look like when they land.

We’ve got three ways to get the latest. You can read our iOS/macOS rumor roundup, watch our YouTube video on the same subject or indulge in that story and more in our free Cult of Mac Magazine for iOS.

4 key reasons Apple’s China problem is going away

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Activist shareholders push Apple on why it booted Hong Kong protest app
Activist shareholders push Apple on why it booted Hong Kong protest app
Photo: Fredrik Rubensson/Flickr CC

Apple’s business in China is finally turning around, according to execs who say Cupertino’s troubles in the country might be a thing of the past.

“We feel positive about our trajectory,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said during Tuesday’s earnings call, noting that the company’s “year-over-year revenue performance in Greater China improved relative to the December quarter.”

Then Cook laid out four reasons why Apple’s “China problem” is going away.

Why iPad + mouse = genius [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 294]

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Actually, using a mouse with an iPad sounds pretty awesome.
Actually, using a mouse with an iPad sounds pretty awesome.
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Coming soon to an iPad near you: a mouse! Don’t puke in your mouth. This is going to be cool.

Plus, get the rest of the week’s best Apple news, reviews, how-tos and opinions in the latest issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. It’s a free iOS app, and it looks great on your iPad (with or without a mouse). Or keep reading to get the week’s top stories in your browser.

10 awesome Activity app secrets [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 293]

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Get ready to get ripped with these hidden Activity app features.
Get ready to get ripped with these hidden Activity app features.
Cover: Graham Bower/Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Dig into Apple’s slick Activity app and you’ll find some advanced metrics that can help take your fitness to the next level.

Get the lowdown on 10 features hidden inside the app — plus the week’s best Apple news, reviews and how-tos — in this week’s issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. It’s free and it looks the perfect way to enjoy some weekend reading on your iPad. Or use the links below to read the stories on our website.

Inside Apple’s megafactories [Cult of Mac Magazine 292]

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Exclusive outtakes from Leander's new book on Tim Cook take you inside Apple's innovative manufacturing process.
Exclusive outtakes from Leander's new book on Tim Cook take you inside Apple's innovative manufacturing process.
Cover: Marty Cortinas/Cult of Mac

In case you haven’t heard, our fearless leader (Cult of Mac founder and publisher Leander Kahney) has a new book coming soon. It’s called Tim Cook: The Genius Who Took Apple to the Next Level, and it offers an eye-opening look at the Apple CEO.

Unfortunately, Leander couldn’t squeeze all the info he gathered into a single book. So we’re publishing a series of outtakes dealing with Apple’s innovative approach to manufacturing the world’s greatest computers.

Catch up on all the outtakes so far — starting with a peek inside Apple’s megafactories — in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. Or use the links below to stay in your browser. Either way, you’ll get all the outtakes from the Cook book, plus the week’s best Apple news, how-tos and reviews.

New Logitech wireless headphones will really get you in the zone

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Logitech Zone Wireless headphones will really put you in the zone.
Zone Wireless headphones' marquee features include active noise cancellation and Qi charging.
Photo: Logitech

Knowledge workers of the world, listen up! Logitech wants to solve your headphone problem. Actually, make that your headphones problem: The upcoming Logitech Wireless Zone headphones could replace the three types of headsets currently cluttering your desk in that oh-so-trendy open office.

Logitech’s pitch is that Zone Wireless will free you from juggling your omnipresent earbuds, the cushy noise-canceling headphones you brought from home, and that ugly headset your company’s IT department burdened you with.

How to cope with your MacBook keyboard [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 291]

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No, pounding your stuck MacBook keyboard in rage is not the answer.
No, pounding your keyboard in rage is not the answer.
Cover: Graham Bower and Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple admits that some people experience serious MacBook keyboard problems. So, what are you going to do about it? We’ve got a theory about what might be causing the failures, as well as some tips that could help you deal with stuck MacBook keys (and maybe avoid them altogether).

Even if you don’t have one of the problematic MacBooks, grab this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine for iOS. You’ll get a handful of other helpful how-tos for anybody in the Apple ecosystem. Plus, an AirPower postmortem, the latest iPhone rumors, reviews of various Apple accessories and more.

Download the free app now, or hit the links below to read the week’s best stories in your browser. And don’t miss your last chance to enter to win a free copy of iMazing.

Apple shows off new services, then kills AirPower [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 290]

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When we say
When we say "no new hardware this week," we really mean it. (RIP, AirPower.)
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple pulls back the curtain on its wily master plan, giving us our first glimpse at a squeaky-clean new TV service, an ambitious subscription videogame service, a slightly familiar-sounding magazine and news service and more. (Spoiler alert: The Apple credit card steals the show.)

And then, after all that, Cupertino unceremoniously pulls the plug on its AirPower wireless charging mat.

Get our take on Apple’s new services, plus new how-tos and reviews, in this week’s issue of Cult of Mac Magazine for iOS. Download the free app now, or get the links below to read the week’s best stories in your browser.

With Apple TV+, Tim Cook peddles an antidote to toxic TV [Opinion]

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Apple TV+ could have 26 million paying subs by 2025; 2.6 million currently
Apple TV+ could have 26 million paying subs by 2025; 2.6 million currently
Photo: Apple

At a time when critically acclaimed TV shows serve up a steady stream of sex and violence, the upcoming Apple TV+ service proffers an unusual prescription for success: optimism, inclusion, creativity and inspiration.

Touting its upcoming streaming video service as “the new home for the world’s most creative storytellers,” Apple is carefully framing its upcoming Apple TV+ day as a healthy antidote to Hollywood’s toxic hellstew of nudity and mindless gore. The company even suggested its original shows could act as a tonic to heal a nation divided by the bitter partisan politics of the Trump era.

Apple’s unorthodox PR blitz is a total genius move [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 289]

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Apple's PR blitz for new AirPods, iPads and iMacs was more than just surprising - it was brilliant!
Apple's PR blitz was more than just surprising - it was brilliant!
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

So. Many. New. Products. Who would have guessed Apple would roll out multiple hardware upgrades in the week prior to a big media event? Here’s why that was a total genius move!

Read all about the new iPads, iMacs and AirPods in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine for iOS. Plus, you’ll find our latest how-tos and products reviews to help make your tech life easier.

Grab the mag now. Or go old-school and get all the posts in the links below.

SliQ wireless AirPods charging case will save you money, drive you mad [Review]

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You can have wireless AirPods charging right now, if you must, with SliQ silicone AirPods case.
You can have wireless AirPods charging right now, if you must.
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac

Dying to charge your AirPods wirelessly but hesitant to plunk down $79 for Apple’s new wireless charging case? If so, you might consider dropping $25 on a SliQ silicone cover for your AirPods case.

It’s a relatively inexpensive way to add Qi wireless charging capability to your AirPods right now. But a variety of drawbacks should make you think twice.

Predictions for Apple’s big ‘show time’ event [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 288]

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Get ready for the big event. Apple's
Get ready for the big event.
Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Brace yourself for an Apple event like no other. In a little over a week, Cupertino execs — and probably a passel of Hollywood stars — will give us our first peek at Apple’s (not so) secret video-streaming service. As the company pushes its growing slate of services, Apple likely will put new hardware on the back burner.

Find out what to expect at Apple’s “It’s show time” event. Then treat yourself to the rest of the week’s best Apple news, how-tos and reviews. It’s all wrapped up for free in the latest edition of the easy-readin’ Cult of Mac Magazine for iOS. Download it now. Or get all the posts in the roundup of links below.

Plus: Don’t miss the big St. Patrick’s Day sale in the Cult of Mac Watch Store.

Why we’re hopelessly hooked on iPhone [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 287]

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Admit it: You couldn't leave the Apple ecosystem even if you wanted to.
Admit it: You couldn't leave even if you wanted to.
Cover: Marty Cortinas/Cult of Mac

What keeps you locked into the Apple ecosystem? These killer features and services have us totally hooked on the iPhone. Honestly, we couldn’t quit Apple if we tried.

You’ll get our sober rundown of all the things we couldn’t live without if we switched to Android, plus the week’s best news, how-tos and reviews, in this week’s Cult of Mac Magazine. Download your free issue for iOS. Or hit the links below to read the stories in your browser.

Bonus: Scroll down to the “week’s best reviews and recommendations” section for a link to enter our new iPhone XS Max and AirPods giveaway!

How to dominate Apple Watch Activity Competitions [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 286]

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Accept the challenge and win with these Apple Watch Activity Competition tips.
Accept the challenge!
Cover: Graham Bower and Marty Cortinas/Cult of Mac

If your fitness-freak friend challenges you to an Apple Watch Activity Competition, don’t recoil in horror. Accept the invitation — and crush the contest with these insights and tips.

Get the lowdown in the latest free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine for iOS. Or hit the links below to get the latest news, reviews and how-tos from our website.

How gesture controls could bring multi-touch to Mac [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 285]

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Gesture controls could replace 3D Touch and bring multi-touch to the Mac (finally!).
Gesture controls could replace 3D Touch and bring multi-touch to the Mac (finally!).
Cover: Graham Bower and Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

With gesture controls apparently about to become a thing, it’s time to look at how they could work on future iPhones and Macs. In this week’s issue of Cult of Mac Magazine, we show how gesture controls could take the place of the dying 3D Touch. And, even better, how they could bring multi-touch to the Mac at long last.

Download the latest free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine for iOS. Or hit the links below to get the latest news, reviews and how-tos from our website.

Samsung steps up fitness game with two new wearables

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While Galaxy Watch Active functions more like Apple Watch, Galaxy Fit looks more like a straight-up fitness tracker.
While Galaxy Watch Active functions more like Apple Watch, Galaxy Fit looks more like a straight-up fitness tracker.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung really wants to compete with Apple Watch on the fitness front, as shown by a pair of new wearables the Korean company unveiled Wednesday. The Galaxy Watch Active offers a “full smartwatch experience,” the company said, while the Galaxy Fit works more like a stripped-down fitness tracker.

Framing both new devices as essential for health in the modern world, Samsung ripped a page from Cupertino’s successful health-centric marketing of Apple Watch. But it also dunked on Cupertino with some features that will make Apple Watch owners drool.

Art of the commute: Dina Alfasi’s iPhone pix are a trip [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 284]

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Dina Alfasi’s stealthy snaps of her fellow commuters are a trip.
Dina Alfasi's award-winning iPhone pix are a trip.
Photo: Dina Alfasi; cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Photographer Dina Alfasi’s stealthy snaps capture commuters in all their intimate glory. She tells us what informs her award-winning art in the latest issue of Cult of Mac Magazine.

Plus, get the latest on Apple’s upcoming TV shows and subscriptions services, plus how-tos that will help you make the most of your Apple gear. Grab your free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine for iOS. Or hit the links below to get the latest news, reviews and how-tos from our website.

Why iPads and MacBook Pros drive us nuts [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 282]

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The iPad Pro is almost perfect. Almost.
The iPad Pro is almost perfect. Almost.
Cover: Marty Cortinas/Cult of Mac

We love Apple products. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be even better. In this week’s issue of Cult of Mac Magazine, you’ll get the lowdown on our pet peeves about working with the iPad and MacBook Pro.

Plus, get some killer tips for boosting your Google searches (and learn how to ad stickers to your next “megaselfie”). Read up on the rest of the week’s best Apple news, reviews and how-tos in the latest issue of Cult of Mac Magazine. It’s yours for free in the iOS app store now.

What Apple’s past says about its future [Cult of Mac Magazine No. 282]

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Hey, that's no crystal ball ... Apple earnings offer a peek at Apple's future.
Hey, that's no crystal ball ...
Cover: Marty Cortinas/Cult of Mac

After enduring a rough quarter, Apple tells the world what went wrong. But even more interesting is what went right — and what that means for Apple’s future.

Get our take on what you really need to know from Apple’s latest earnings call, plus the rest of the week’s best Apple news, reviews and how-tos. You’ll find it all in this week’s free issue of Cult of Mac Magazine.