Massachusetts-based David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
You don't see a screen on a keyboard every day. Photo: Epomaker
A new 75% compact mechanical gaming keyboard with a retro look includes a decidedly modern and unusual feature — a customizable LCD screen. The Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 VIA is “designed for an extreme gaming and typing experience,” the company said Thursday.
The cool new keeb is an update on Epomaker’s popular TH80 Pro keyboard.
The white Fenge monitor stand, or desk shelf, is one of the coolest choices we've seen lately. Photo: [email protected]
Monitor stands, aka monitor risers or desk shelves, are often unsung heroes of computer setups. Even just a single shelf can add so much in terms of organization and ergonomics. In today’s colorful and artistic Mac mini workstation, the Fenge monitor riser is crucial. Without it, the desktop would devolve into chaos.
The documentary's trailer does, indeed, make it look like a shocking scam. Photo: Apple TV+
A juicy and lurid new documentary crime series is coming to Apple TV+ soon with Hollywood Con Queen, judging by the fast-paced trailer the streamer dropped for it Thursday. It “explores the shocking story behind one of Hollywood’s biggest scams.”
The three-part docuseries premieres May 8 on Apple TV+.
This is a major overhaul of the app, which lets you manage functions and content on iPhone and iPad. Photo: DigiDNA
The new iMazing 3 app redesign brings a fresh user interface and Vision Pro connectivity support to the software, developer DigiDNA said Wednesday. The widely used software helps you manage iPhone, iPad and iPod content and functionality from a Mac.
“In the eight year since we released iMazing 2, regular updates have improved functionality and expanded device and OS support,” said DigiDNA CEO Jerome Bedat.
“To achieve our vision for iMazing 3, we had to redevelop our approach, with a modern user interface and new codebase that will allow us to deliver features in the future that no one else can offer,” he added.
A couple of 2021 iMacs are in the mix of sale items. Photo: Apple
Two concurrent Apple sales at Amazon bargain site Woot! run for the next week or so — one on iMacs and Accessories and one for a selection of Apple Accessories. It’s a good chance to stock up on big and small stuff alike.
“An Apple a Day… is really expensive!” the site quips. Both sales run through May 1 at 10 p.m. PT.
This M1 Mac mini setup features a lot to look at, but don't miss that cool iPad Pro stand on the right. Photo: [email protected]
Sometimes what stands out in a computer setup isn’t a major piece, like a computer or display, but a cool accessory. Today’s colorful M1 Mac mini workstation with dual displays and loads of artwork features a cool accessory one could easily miss — a Lab22 Infinity Adjust iPad stand.
The new sessions feature business owners teaching other business owners how to make the most of Apple products and services. Photo: Apple
A special Today at Apple series by and for small-business owners is coming in May to select Apple Stores, the iPhone giant said Wednesday. New “Made for Business” sessions will offer small business owners and entrepreneurs free opportunities to learn how Apple products and services can support them.
“At Apple, we know small businesses are the backbone of local communities, which is why we are constantly innovating to help at every stage of their growth,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail.
“Our retail stores provide only-at-Apple experiences such as community and education sessions, free Today at Apple programming, and ongoing support from in-store experts who help small businesses find the perfect technology to supercharge their work,” she added.
The Vision Pro and its connected battery. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Apple lowered production targets as Vision Pro demand drops for the mixed-reality headset in 2024, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. That suggests lower-than-expected demand among consumers as Apple plans to roll out the headset to new countries.
The company now plans to manufacture only 400,000 to 450,000 units this year, significantly lower than the initially anticipated 700,000 to 800,000 units.
You will see this guy and his Nomad Glow accessories coming, even in the dark. Photo: Nomad
Apple accessories maker Nomad turned up the wattage Tuesday on its second-generation glow-in-the-dark Sport Band for Apple Watch. And it also unveiled its first-ever Glow Sport Case for iPhone 15 Pro models. They both glow in the dark — even more so than the first Glow Sport Band.
The season 4 trailer for comedy "Trying" is out. The kids are getting older. Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ heralded the birth of a new season of popular family comedy Trying with a season 4 trailer Tuesday. It charmingly shows everyone getting older as the London family faces life’s little problems, including those adopted kids. After all, six years have passed in the story since season three’s action. They’re “older not wiser,” according to the show’s tagline.
The trailer is not exactly uncontrollably laughing-out-loud funny. But, like the show, its moments of wry humor will draw smiles and a chuckle or two. The fourth season debuts May 22 on Apple TV+.
Sonos first-gen Beam soundbar at 25% off is one of the deals you can grab. Photo: Sonos
A lot of folks love Apple audio products like HomePod speakers and AirPods earbuds. But another cherished audio brand is running a promotion right now you don’t want to miss. That would be 25% off Sonos refurbished speakers and soundbars, plus a couple of other primo deals. See the details below.
After all, we know Apple’s refurbs are good, so why not Sonos?
FineWoven accessories like Apple Watch bands may not be gone yet, but it seems they will go soon. Photo: Apple
The same leaker who pronounced Apple’s FineWoven material dead Sunday said Tuesday the leather replacement will live one more “season” in new colors. Apple uses the textile in iPhone cases and wallets, Apple Watch bands and some AirTag accessories like keychains.
Presumably, Apple will find a way to replace the heavily criticized material soon, and probably without returning to leather goods, as the leaker implied in their original post on X.
iPhone sales in China slumped, but momentum could shift in Apple's favor. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
In the first quarter of 2024, iPhone sales in China slid 19.1% compared to Q1 2023. And that’s mainly due to competitor Huawei taking a bigger bite in the premium segment, according to new research. And yet analysts indicated possible signs of recovery for Apple, too.
The deal, possibly worth $1 billion, would be another big soccer move for the iPhone giant. Photo: Mxmystro/Flickr
Apple may be close to signing a deal with FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, to secure worldwide rights to air a monthlong World Cup-style tournament in the United States next summer, according to a new report.
Rebound Hybrid Case 360 features a shock-resistant clear back and lets you mount Pad Air in landscape or portrait orientations. Photo: ESR
Rumors say a new 12.9-inch iPad Air will come out soon. And ESR is banking on it early with the release of its new range of cases for the expected tablet — the first time Apple would offer that size outside of its iPad Pro lineup.
The setup's M3 Pro MacBook Pro has six speakers. But who cares when there are also KEF speakers. Photo: KEF
A more than capable M3 Pro MacBook Pro powers today’s computer setup, but its six-speaker sound system won’t be needed. That’s because the medical student who own the rig has the good taste to include fantastic KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers.
He’ll just have to keep the powerful speakers’ volume in check to avoid having to see an ear doctor.
EarFun Wave Pro headphones are a steal at this price. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
If you love a good set of earbuds but you don’t want to spend a ton on Apple’s AirPods or Beats products, EarFun is worth a look. And on Sunday the company runs its first EarFun headphones and earbud deals through Amazon’s Deal of the Day.
Those special prices combined with coupons give you ridiculously low prices on these solid products. See below.
And you can get M3 Pro and M3 Max laptops in space black. Photo: Apple
Right now you can lop up to $250 off the regular prices of M3 Pro or M3 Max MacBook Pro, the latest and greatest Apple laptops. And you can do it at your choice of competing retailers. Amazon, B&H Photo and Best Buy all have the same deals.
Uh-oh, buying expensive stuff just got a whole lot easier with Best Buy's new app for Vision Pro. Photo: Best Buy
The new Best Buy Envision app helps you find new purchases through a Vision Pro AR/VR headset and picture how they’ll look in your living space, the company said Friday.
“Today we’re announcing a new way that our customers can explore, discover and bring new technology to life in their own living space,” the big box store noted. “Best Buy Envision is an app exclusively available on the Apple Vision Pro that helps users plan their ultimate home technology setup.”
The space black M3 MacBook Pro sits open on a stand rather than in clamshell mode. Photo: [email protected]
A medical school student’s charming dual-display setup adds an M3 MacBook Pro as a third display by keeping it open on a stand. And the three displays form a pleasingly staggered formation, with one in portrait on the left, one in landscape at center and then the laptop’s screen.
★★★★☆
As a condo owner, I don't need more than Anker Solix C800 Plus to keep the place going in a power outage. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
The Anker Solix c800 Plus Portable Power Station is a capable and versatile portable power station that can get you through a power outage or let you live like a king on a camping trip.
With a stout 768Wh lithium-ion battery, the device packs a punch. It allowed me to charge multiple devices simultaneously and power various appliances in a simulated blackout. Now I’m just waiting for the power to go out for real, or for someone to invite me camping.
The family of Elago Neo devices could help newbies create great content, and look and sound good on calls. Photo: Elgato
The new Elgato Neo range of devices — condenser microphone, webcam, LED key light, capture card and stream deck — simplifies video calls, content creation and video streaming for newbies, the company said Thursday. The gear also looks good doing it, with a unified white design across all five devices.
All the Neo products are compatible with iPad, making them an excellent choice for creators who use their tablets for content creation.
Users pay a small annual fee. Developers can distribute apps for free. Photo: AltStore PAL
The first third-party app marketplace, AltStore PAL, launched in the European Union on Wednesday. The App Store alternative comes from Riley Testut, the developer who got his Delta retro-game emulator into the iPhone App Store on the same day.
Apple said it's working with River Partners in northern California to restore the natural function of the flood plain on 750 acres where the Sacramento River, Feather River and Butte Creek meet. Photo: Apple
Apple said Wednesday it has tripled its use of clean energy since 2020, among other benchmarks of progress toward its goal to reach carbon neutrality across its supply chain by 2030. And on Thursday, the iPhone giant released its full 2024 Environmental Progress Report.
“Clean energy and water are foundational to healthy communities and essential building blocks for a responsible business,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives.
“We’re racing toward our ambitious Apple 2030 climate goal while taking on the long-term work to transform electrical grids and restore watersheds to build a cleaner future for all.”
UPDATE: Ahead of Earth Day on April 22, on Thursday Apple released its much more detailed 2024 Environmental Progress Report, laying out its progress on environmental initiatives related to Apple 2030. For example, the iPhone giant said its greenhouse gas emissions are down 55% since 2015.
Not only do fans of the hit sci-fi show get a new season, they get "For All Mankind" spinoff "Star City." Photo: Apple TV+
Apple TV+ renewed its hit alternative-history sci-fi show For All Mankind Wednesday for a fifth season. And, while it was at it, it threw in a whole new spinoff series! For All Mankind spinoff Star City will delve further into secrets of the Soviet space program.