David Snow

Eve Weather station adds support for Matter standard

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Eve Weather station adds Matter support
Versions of the Eve Weather station have you covered for HomeKit use, with or without a hub.
Photo: Eve Systems

A new version of the Eve Weather Connected Weather Station supports the Matter home-automation standard even as the company maintains a HomeKit-only version for those without a Matter hub, Eve Systems said Thursday. Eve Weather keeps you informed of conditions outside and can interact with HomeKit and other platforms to set automations. That could include adjusting the thermostat and turning on lights, or even telling Siri to do so.

Vision Pro users get scads of new immersive content

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New Immersive Video for Vision Pro
"Boundless" premieres with Hot Air Balloons,” transporting viewers to Cappadocia, Türkiye.
Photo: Apple

Apple unveiled a slate of new Immersive Videos for Vision Pro in the form of series and films Thursday. So users of the AR/VR headset are in for some new audio-visual treats. And some are available now.

“Apple Immersive Video is a groundbreaking leap forward for storytelling, offering Apple Vision Pro users remarkable experiences with an unparalleled sense of realism and immersion,” said Tor Myhren, Apple’s vice president of Marketing Communications.

Why you need some sort of monitor light [Setups]

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EppieBasic LED Desk Lamp setup
The user has lots of external displays. But he considers the overarching desk lamp crucial.
Photo: jaycvegs@Reddit.com

The computer setup we feature today sports a powerful Mac Studio desktop computer and an impressive phalanx of external displays, yet commenters’ attention focused mainly on the monitor light. It’s actually an EppieBasic LED Desk Lamp rather than a typical monitor light bar, but it serves the same purposes. The user obliged commenters and explained why he loves it.

Best Amazon Prime Day deals on all things Apple [Updated – deals extended!]

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Prime Day 2024 EXTENDED
Prime Day is over but the savings haven't stopped.
Image: Tamanna Rumee/Unsplash License/Modified by Cult of Mac

Amazon Prime Day officially ran July 16 and 17, but it’s not over yet, as Amazon extended many big bargains on Apple products. Tons of goods from Apple and others are discounted. See our selection of the best deals on AirPods (and Apple subsidiary Beats), AirTags, Apple Watch, iPads, MacBooks, Mac mini and more below. Return to this page for updates (and beware that deals can change suddenly with supply fluctuations, so you may click through to find updated pricing or sold-out items in some cases).

UPDATE: Amazon extended a host of Prime Day deals on Apple products into Thursday and Friday and even into Saturday, so you can still shop many of the items below!  Items with full strikethroughs represent deals no longer available.

See Natalie Portman’s surreal nightmare in Lady in the Lake [Updated: Now streaming]

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Lady in the Lake trailer
This series starring Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram looks a lot weirder than expected.
Photo: Apple TV+

At first glance a Baltimore crime story set in 1966, the limited series Lady in the Lake soon turns into a surreal nightmare, as shown in the trailer Apple TV+ dropped for it recently. As the streamer said in press materials, the show, starring Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram, turns into a “feverish noir thriller and an unexpected tale about the price women pay for their dreams.”

So it’s a bizarre and arresting trailer. It includes “live performances” that are like fever dreams. The seven-part series debuts with its first two episodes on Friday, July 19.

Update: The new Apple TV+ drama series Lady in the Lake is now streaming, as of Friday. Reviews look a bit mixed — with some offering high praise for Portman in her TV debut — but you should see for yourself and watch the new show here.

Faulty CrowdStrike Windows security update cripples businesses worldwide

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The dreaded Windows BSOD struck thousands of Windows machines globally after a faulty CrowdStrike update.
The dreaded BSOD struck thousands of Windows machines globally after a faulty CrowdStrike update.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Many thousands of Windows computers are showing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) at boot today, impacting banks, airlines, TV broadcasters, supermarkets and many more businesses worldwide, according to reports. A faulty Windows security update from CrowdStrike knocked affected PCs and servers offline, forcing them into a recovery boot loop so machines can’t start properly. Note that the outage, causing headaches for IT admins everywhere, does not affect Mac or Linux machines.

Apple TV+ plans to bulk up with more Hollywood films

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Apple TV+ may add Hollywood movies
Apple's temporary addition of hit movies recently went well. Now the streamer is talking to Hollywood studios to license more.
Photo: Apple

Here’s some good news for those who loved it when Apple TV+ recently added dozens of Hollywood films to its library (temporarily): The streamer is in talks to license more titles from major studios, according to a new report. So Apple TV+ may add Hollywood movies — maybe in huge numbers — soon enough.

Afirstsoft PDF: The ultimate PDF solution for Apple users in 2024?

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Afirstsoft PDF app for Apple devices
User-friendly and AI-integrated Afirstsoft PDF makes working with PDF files easy. And you can get a great deal on it.
Photo: Afirstsoft PDF

Apple fans are just like everybody else. In a world filled with digital documents, job applications and more, we often need to deal with PDF files. But instead of spending a ton of money on big-name software, or hunting around for severely limited free apps, wouldn’t you rather try the efficient and effective Afirstsoft PDF app for Apple users?

At a quarter the annual cost of Adobe Acrobat, Afirstsoft PDF helps you view, annotate, edit, convert, scan and organize PDF files. And its artificial intelligence feature analyzes and summarizes PDF files for you in seconds. Even better, you can use it across Mac, iPhone and iPad with ease (Windows and Android, too). And you can save even more money with special discounts for new users (see below).

Apple execs explain what makes the new Beats Pill speaker special

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What makes new Beats Pill speaker special
The completely revamped Beats Pill speaker catches the eye in black, red and gold color options.
Photo: Apple

The recent return of the iconic Beats Pill portable Bluetooth speaker wasn’t just a typical product update, but a complete overhaul to help cement Beats’ identity as a premium-products subsidiary of the iPhone giant, according to a new interview with Apple executives.

“We wanted to do something special with the Pill and completely re-architect and reimagine it,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple VP of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports and Beats. “It wasn’t a case [of] let’s swap out one or two things. We really wanted a complete refresh. This is a completely new product inside, and outside as well.”

Up to half off: Don’t miss Prime Day bargains on multi-device MagSafe chargers

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Prime Day deals on MagSafe chargers - Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 charging pad
This 3-in-1 MagSafe charging pad from Belkin is 49% off for Prime Day.
Photo: Belkin

If you hurry, there’s still time left in Amazon Prime Day 2 to snag deals on multi-device MagSafe chargers from Belkin and other makers. So if you want, say, Belkin’s MagSafe 3-in-1 Fast Wireless Charging Pad for half off — or other good deals on chargers for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods from various companies — see the Amazon links below. And note that Prime Day prices may fluctuate.

Prime Day deals: Add a great external display to your Mac setup [Updated]

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Prime day deals on external displays
Maybe Prime Day is your chance to double up on Studio Displays!
Photo: FaithlessnessDry387@Reddit.com

If you use a desktop computer like Mac mini or you typically hunch over a MacBook or other laptop, it’s time to bring beautiful views to your computer setup with a big, bright external display. And with Amazon Prime Day in full swing July 16 and 17, you have plenty of Prime Day deals on external displays with 4K or 5K resolution to choose from. See below.

Apple tries to ease California housing crisis close to home

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Apple Bay Area Housing Innovation fund
The Bay Area Housing Innovation Fund will make targeted, favorable loans to advance affordable housing development. The fund’s first project will break ground in San Francisco next week.
Image: Apple/David Baker Architects

A new Apple initiative addresses California’s housing-affordability crisis in the San Francisco Bay Area, the company said Wednesday. In partnership with the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund, Sobrato Philanthropies and Destination: Home, Apple launched the Bay Area Housing Innovation Fund with an initial investment of $50 million.

The fund aims to accelerate affordable housing development by providing targeted, favorable loans to developers. It’s part of Apple’s larger $2.5 billion commitment to tackle housing affordability issues across the company’s home state.

These security cams let you monitor your home or business 24/7 from your iPhone

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cameras that connect to smartphones
With a camera that connects to your iPhone or other smartphone, you can keep tabs on your home or business.
Photo: Reolink

Cameras that beam still images and video to iPhones and other smartphones make it easy to keep tabs on your home or business from anywhere. Security cams, video doorbells and other types of cameras can connect to your phone, letting you view live footage 24/7.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Reolink.
In this article, we’ll describe different types of security cameras that connect to your phone and recommend the best ones you can buy in 2024.

Get the best Bluetti Prime Day deals on power stations and solar generators 

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Bluetti Prime Day deals
You can save a bundle on Bluetti portable power stations and solar generators for Amazon Prime Day.
Photo: Bluetti

This is traditionally the best time of year to buy portable power stations and solar generators for summer camping and hurricane preparedness. And now there’s another big reason to pull the trigger on a power purchase: Amazon Prime Day. Bluetti’s Prime Day deals on power stations, backup batteries and more mean you can assemble the perfect system for your needs — and save tons of money from July 16 to July 21.

Edifier W830NB noise-canceling headphones: Big features, small price tag [Review] ★★★★☆

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Edifier W830NB headphones review★★★★☆
If you only have $80 to spend, Edifier's new W830NB is a good choice. Shown here in "sandwhite," but also available in black and gray.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Looking for good Bluetooth headphones that won’t throttle your wallet? In this Edifier W830NB headphones review, I look at Edifier’s latest noise canceling set. They might just be your ticket to affordable listening.

Following up on its W820NB model, Edifier packs serious punch for the price in this $80 pair (or $63 for Amazon Prime Day!). Just don’t expect them to beat out top-shelf cans from the likes of Apple and Sony.

Apple Watch SOS saves desperate swimmer swept out to sea

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Apple Watch Emergency SOS
Apple Watch Emergency SOS leads to a dramatic helicopter rescue Down Under.
Photo: Surf Life Saving NSW

In a harrowing incident off the coast of Australia, an experienced swimmer’s routine morning body surfing session turned potentially deadly after riptides took him out to sea. Fortunately, 49-year-old Rick Shearman remembered the SOS feature on his Apple Watch Ultra. Using it led to a dramatic helicopter rescue that saved his life Saturday.

Surprising choice of retro wireless speaker ‘gets the job done’ [Setups]

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Edifier desktop speaker setup
Did you know you can turn any computer setup "retro-cool" with the right choice of wireless speaker?
Photo: KozukiYamatoTakeru@Reddit.com

Today’s M3 MacBook Air setup features a retro-cool speaker unlike most you’ll see in workstations. When people look beyond the laptop for sound, the usual answer is bookshelf speakers. But the doctor who runs this MacBook Air and iPad Pro setup likes an unusual choice — an Edifier desktop speaker called the MP230.

iPhone and Apple Watch refurbs sale brings great bargains [Updated]

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iPhones and Apple Watches sale - iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini
In addition to iPhone 14 models, both iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are on sale.
Photo: Apple

For all the bargain hunters and late adopters out there, Woot just launched another iPhone and Apple Watch sale on great (but not new) gear. The big sale on Apple refurbs runs through July 31 at 10 p.m. Pacific. It’s your chance to grab refurbished models at great prices.

Woot calls it the “Big Value Little Price iPhones and Apple Watches.” The cheeky Amazon site says “now E.T. can phone home in style!”

Indeed, you can find refurbished iPhones in all shapes and sizes, including the discontinued iPhone mini. Same goes for Apple Watch. Don’t dally, though. One of the deals already sold out!

Why Tim Cook uses Vision Pro headset every single day

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Tim Cook uses Vision Pro every day
Apple's CEO said he's developed quite a reliance on the Vision Pro AR/VR headset.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Apple CEO Tim Cook says he uses his Vision Pro headset every day and explains why he thinks the device is “very revolutionary,” in an interview published Thursday.

“I think it delivers stunning entertainment,” Cook told The Sun in an interview tied to the AR/VR headset’s U.K. launch. “It unleashes this infinite canvas for productivity. It gives you new ways to connect and collaborate. These are just huge ideas that affect all of the things that we do every day, so I’m a huge believer in it.”

Developer loves ‘hated Touch Bar’ on MacBook Pro [Setups]

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MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
Unlike many, this developer actually likes the Touch Bar on his 2017 MacBook Pro.
Photo: OcelotEfficient9250@Reddit.com

Apple doesn’t have a very long list of unpopular products or features, but whatever list of shame it may keep probably includes MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar. But not everyone hates the feature. The Python developer who runs today’s MacBook Pro setup actually loves it.

Finally, Silo season 2 details arrive — in a couple of weeks

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Silo season 2 details
"Silo " star Sarah Ferguson peers at you mysteriously in this season 2 teaser image.
Photo: Apple TV+

Release dates for new seasons of hit Apple TV+ shows like Severance and Slow Horses are in the news, and now we can add Silo to that list — maybe. The show’s stars and producers will discuss season 2 details at San Diego Comic-Con July 27, Apple TV+ said Friday. And a release date — and maybe more, like a trailer — will probably come out of that panel discussion.

$100 off: Nab early Prime Day deals on Apple Watch 9 and SE

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Great deals on Apple Watch 9 and SE
Apple Watch 9 has more features, but Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, pictured above), is a fine fitness and sleep tracker.
Photo: Apple

Mega retailer Amazon often offers early discounts on the run-up to Prime Day, July 16 and 17. So now’s a great time to bag great deals on Apple Watch Series 9 and SE. Several models are already $100 off the regular price. That may drop even further next week, but you never know.

Early Prime Day deals: Up to $90 off M2 iPad Air models

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early Prime Day deals on M2 iPad Air
M2 iPad Air is a new tablet, yet you can get almost $100 off it already.
Photo: Apple

If you can’t wait for Amazon Prime Day July 16 and 17, turns out you don’t even need to — every Prime Day, deals start leaking out early. Right now you can take up to $90 off the recently released M2 iPad Air, for example. And that’s just the biggest savings on a top model. Plenty of early Prime Day deals on M2 iPad Air models with lesser specs can be had, too. See the examples below.

iPhone 16 could get twice as fast charging

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iPhone 16 rumors
iPhone 16 rumors
Photo: Sonny Dickson/Cult of Mac

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 lineup could see a significant boost in charging speeds, potentially doubling the current fast-charging capability to 40W when using a compatible power adapter, according to a recent rumor.

While late-model iPhones are already pretty fast chargers, twice as fast is a serious improvement.