This week: the iPhone X may be Apple’s best phone, but it’s not perfect.  Catch our first week impressions to hear what we love (and what we don’t!) about Apple’s very spicy new iPhone. Plus: our top reasons to NOT buy an iPhone X; how to use Apple Pay cash to pay your friends an fam; and catch our list of X-rated tips, aka the really useful iPhone X tips and tricks you haven’t heard about.   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   Speck makes some of the best looking, most protective iPhone cases in the land.  Shop iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X cases in stores or online at SpeckProducts.com/cultofmac   The single-router wifi model just doesn’t work for our increasingly high-bandwidth world. The EERO distributed system will blanket your home in hyper-fast, reliable WiFi, and you can score free overnight shipping with code CULTCAST at checkout, at eero.com.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple, the most personal computer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHh8RmWDD9o   iPhone X setup shows Apple’s core brilliance https://www.cultofmac.com/512591/easy-iphone-x-setup/ Automatic Setup signs you into iCloud, Keychain, iTunes, the App Store, iMessage and FaceTime using your Apple ID, according to Apple. It also takes care of device settings like language, region, network, keyboard preferences, Siri and Home and health data. The setup is reminiscent of setting up a new Apple Watch, but even easier.   DisplayMate: iPhone X Has the 'Most Innovative and High Performance' Smartphone Display Ever Tested https://www.cultofmac.com/512485/iphone-x-boasts-best-smartphone-display-ever/ Displaymate:  iPhone X's display resolution provides "significantly higher image sharpness" than can be analyzed by a person with normal 20/20 vision at a 12-inch viewing distance. DisplayMate said this means that it's now "absolutely pointless" to increase the display resolution and pixels per inch of the iPhone any further, since there would be "no visual benefit" for users "highest absolute color accuracy of any display we have ever tested," with a display that is "visually indistinguishable from perfect.”   iPhone X could be Apple’s most fragile handset ever https://www.cultofmac.com/512369/iphone-x-apples-fragile-handset-ever/ Stress tests by SquareTrade Labs used a range of scientific robots to drop, bend, tumble, and dunk their new iPhone X to see how it managed to hold up to “everyday” damage. They’re calling the X the most breakable, highest priced, most expensive to repair iPhone ever.   How to use Apple Pay Cash to send money to friends https://www.cultofmac.com/512855/use-apple-pay-cash-send-money/ Apple’s new peer-to-peer payments system called Apple Pay Cash is finally rolling out to public beta testers today with the release of the public beta for iOS 11.2 beta 2 and watchOS 4.2 beta 2, giving iPhone and iPad users the ability to send money to each other electronically. It lets you send money to each other using iMessage. You can send up to $3,000 and the transaction is free if you use a debit card registered in your Apple Wallet. Have a credit or debit card registered in your Apple Wallet Be in the United States Have two-factor authentication activated on your Apple ID Use an iPhone 6 or newer Both you and the receiver must be running iOS 11.2 If you meet the above requirements, a new app will show up in the iMessage Dock Once you hit $500 in Apple Pay Cash transactions, you must verify your identity. To do so, you need to take a picture of your driver’s license or official state ID card, and provide some personal information (Social Security number and so on).   iPhone X keeps your notifications secret from people who aren’t you https://www.cultofmac.com/511647/iphone-x-keeps-notifications-secret/ Thanks to Face ID, the iPhone X knows when its owner is looking at it, and can hide the content of your notifications until you do so. Now, if somebody else picks up your iPhone X and takes a peek at your incoming alerts, it will only see a list of the apps that have notifications for you.     X-rated Tips   How to teach FaceID to work more accurately If Face ID doesn’t recognize your face, don’t reposition your face so it will accept it. Instead, type in the passcode so it will ad that position of your face to the accepted data set.   Activating multitasking The smallest swipe of the home bar will register that you want to command the home bar to either go home or multitask. Moment you stop moving you will begin multitasking.   Scroll to the top To quickly scroll to the top in any app, just double tap anywhere at the top of the screen (under the notch, or side of notch both work)   Adjust your notification privacy settings  iPhone X has them hidden by default if your phone is locked.  You can go to Settings>Notifications>Show Previews to make them visible when locked.

This week: iPhone X—the good, the bad… the ugly.  The reviews are in, we’ll tell you what people love and don’t about Apple’s newest iPhone.     Plus: how to speed up Face ID we’ll tell you about the clever new strategy Apple used to build massive hype for the iPhone X launch, and why it really pissed a lot of folks off.  And stick around for a very weird What We’re Into, where we reveal the stuff we’ve been dong in our lives that you should try too.   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Siri, before Siri https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1bmZLePhCs   Massive iPhone X lines form at Apple Stores worldwide https://www.cultofmac.com/511715/iphone-x-attracts-apple-store-lines-around-world/ Fans have begun lining up outside Apple Stores around the world to get their hands on iPhone X. The X makes its official debut on November 3. Apple has promised that units will be available for walk-in customers, but just like pre-orders, they’re expected to disappear quickly. Some lines have already turned chaotic, while latecomers are offering money for precious spots near the front. Scumbags camping just to sell their spots!   Why Apple short-circuited the media machine for iPhone X reviews https://www.cultofmac.com/511357/apple-strategy-iphone-x-reviews/ Anybody who thinks Apple can’t innovate should look in awe at the fecal hurricane whipped up by the company’s unorthodox iPhone X marketing plan. By giving popular YouTubers early access to the next-gen iPhone, and allowing them to “scoop” the old-school journalists traditionally granted such preferential treatment, Cupertino upended the typical review cycle. Apple apparently bruised a few fragile egos in the process. Frankly, it’s hilarious watching the ensuing media meltdown.   iPhone X meta review: Setting Apple up for the next 10 years https://www.cultofmac.com/511193/iphone-x-meta-review-setting-apple-next-10-years/   Face ID Unlocks an iPhone More Slowly Than Touch ID, but is Faster in Day-to-Day Usage https://www.macrumors.com/2017/11/01/face-id-touch-id-iphone-unlocking-comparison/ Mark Spoonauer of Toms Hardware compared Face ID and Touch ID unlocking times with a stopwatch. When using Raise to Wake and swiping up on the display as the iPhone is recognizing a face (as Face ID is meant to be used), unlocking took 1.16, but touchID stock only .91 seconds to accomplish the same job. TechCruch said that while Face ID is slower when placed head to head with Touch ID, it's "much more fluid and faster to actually 'do things, ‘“ like opening notification takes fewer steps with faceID. In the Verge’s review, Nilay Patel said that he had trouble getting FaceID to work in bright environments. He postulated it was became the bright light interfered with the dot projector or infrared camera. Hidden benefit of FaceID, can be used with gloves on   Face ID can be slower than Touch ID, but you can speed it up https://www.cultofmac.com/511559/face-id-slower-touch-id-can-make-faster/ There are some things you can do to make Face ID faster, though. The first is to ensure the Raise to Wake feature is enabled in Settings. This shaves off precious time by eliminating the need to swipe or tap the iPhone X’s display before you unlock it. Another thing you can do is disable attention detection. This means Face ID won’t wait until your eyes and face are looking directly at the display before unlocking your iPhone. But be warned: It does make Face ID a little less secure.   DrDisRespect is the most good-looking, the most ruthless Twitch streamer in the entire gaming community http://twitch.tv/drdisrespectlive

This week: How to get the best deal on your iPhone X, save yourself some serious buckets Why Woz says the iPhone X will be the first iPhone he won’t buy day one Would you let your delivery man enter your house when you’re not home? We discuss Amazon key! Plus we’ll tell what we like and don’t about the gadgets we’re reviewing in an all-new Under Review   This episode supported by CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Woz: iPhone X will be the first iPhone I haven’t bought on day one https://www.cultofmac.com/509875/woz-iphone-x-will-first-iphone-havent-bought-day-one/ Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak says the iPhone X is the first iPhone he doesn’t plan to buy on “day one.” “I’d rather wait and watch that one,” Wozniak said during an interview at the Money 20/20 conference. “I’m happy with my iPhone 8 — which is the same as the iPhone 7, which is the same as the iPhone 6, to me. " will, so I’ll be close enough to see it.”   How to get the best deal on the iPhone X https://www.cultofmac.com/510141/get-best-deal-iphone-x/ $500 off with Xfinity Triple Play $350 off at Sprint Up to $300 off on Verizon T-Mobile gives $300 off Nothing yet at    iPhone X will be available to walk-in customers on launch day https://www.cultofmac.com/509959/iphone-x-will-available-walk-customers-launch-day/ Apple has promised that iPhone X will be available to walk-in customers on launch day. You will also be able to purchase iPhone X from Apple Stores beginning Friday, November 3 at 8 a.m. local time. “Stores will have iPhone X available for walk-in customers, who are encouraged to arrive early,” Apple says.   Amazon Key opens your home for indoor deliveries https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/25/amazon-key-service-delivery-access-unlock-door/ Would you be cool with your delivery person opening your front door when you’re away to drop off your package? Amazon Key, uses a smart lock and connected camera. When a delivery is made the courier scans the package's barcode which sends an access request to Amazon's cloud. When it grants permission, the camera starts recording, the courier swipes a prompt on their app and then your door unlocks. They leave the package by the door and relock it on their way out. You'll get a notification that the delivery has been made, along with a video of the drop-off to reassure you everything was done above board. Amazon has designed the service with deliveries in mind, but Key has a bunch of other uses, too. For example, you can use it to give permanent access to people you trust or temporary access to visitors such as dog-walkers, cleaners or guests (this could be especially helpful for Airbnbhosts).   How to use the iPhone’s one-handed keyboard in iOS 11 https://www.cultofmac.com/509889/how-to-use-iphone-one-handed-keyboard-ios-11/ Did you know iOS 11 had a one-handed keyboard built right in? Anytime the keyboard is on screen, you can just long-press the little globe icon to bring up the keyboard selection popover. This is the same globe icon you use to select the emoji keyboard, to cycle between any keyboards you have active on your iPhone The keyboard-switching globe icon only appears if you have more than one keyboard active on your iPhone. Long-pressing the globe icon brings up the familiar popover, only in iOS 11 it now has an extra row of keyboard glyphs at the bottom. Just select the one-handed keyboard you want, and poof, a keyboard you can type on with just one hand   Leander's $10,000 BatBike! https://twitter.com/erfon/status/923628109999489024   Under Review   JLAB Epic Ear waterproof earphones https://www.jlabaudio.com/products/epic-bluetooth-earbuds   Schlage Sense HomeKit-enabled smart lock http://amzn.to/2gHRHrD   Light and Motion Bicycle lights http://amzn.to/2i7H69r http://www.lightandmotion.com/choose-your-light/combo

This week: you’ll have mere seconds to lock down your iPhone X pre-order on October 27th, and if you’re not ready, you’ll be waiting months!  We’ve got the strategies you’ll need to employ to have your order placed seconds after the X goes live.     Plus: Steve Wozniak just launched his first new product in years, and it’s actually pretty cool; the really dumb Mac accessory you’ll definitely want; Apple taps one of Hollywood’s best for a new TV series; and stick around for Leander’s new $10,000 bike, Buster’s new affordable action camera, and a new movie service you’ve GOT to try in an all-new Under Review.   This episode supported by CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Foxconn is reportedly pumping out iPhone X’s on schedule https://www.cultofmac.com/508843/iphone-x-component-suppliers-beat-teething-troubles/ According to a new report, Foxconn has sent out 46,500 units from its facilities in Zhengzhou and Shanghai, headed for the Netherlands and United Arab Emirates After running into multiple problems building its next-gen iPhone X, Apple’s suppliers have reportedly achieved more stable yield rates for troublesome components. Foxconn has managed to ramp up its output of the iPhone X from 100,000 to 400,000 units a week Digitimes says "shipments of the device have increased gradually and will meet Apple’s demand ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the sources indicated.” But even though production has ramped up, no one is quite sure how big demand will be. Will this be the most popular iPhone ever? KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, iPhone X preorders could exceed 40 million, and may even hit 50 million. However, Kuo has also noted right from the start that supply of the new device is likely to be constrained through the first half of 2018   Chrome Auto Refresh plug-in https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/auto-refresh/ifooldnmmcmlbdennkpdnlnbgbmfalko   The candle that makes your house smell like a Mac is back https://www.cultofmac.com/508933/candle-makes-house-smell-like-mac-back/ Mac and iPhone accessory maker TwelveSouth is bringing back its Mac-scented candle that flew off store shelves last year. The all-new Inspire candle still smells like a new Mac but comes with some big updates to its design that are sure to delight Apple fans. TwelveSouth updated the Inspire candle this year with a new fragrance formula that’s supposed to remind you of opening up a new Mac. The scent is created by blending bergamot and armoise with hints of lemon, tarragon, amber and musk.   Steve Wozniak announces tech education platform Woz U https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/13/steve-wozniak-announces-tech-education-platform-woz-u/ Steve Wozniak, the Apple co-founder who changed the world alongside Steve Jobs, has today announced the launch of Woz U. Woz U will start as an online learning platform focused on both students and companies that will eventually hire those students. Woz U is based out of Arizona, and hopes to launch physical locations for learning in more than 30 cities across the globe. At launch, the curriculum will center around computer support specialists and software developers, with courses on data science, mobile applications and cybersecurity coming in the future. Alongside the education platform, Woz U will also offer platforms for tech companies to recruit, train and retain their workforce through on-site customized programs and subscription-based curricula No work on pricing yet   Apple taps Steven Spielberg for original sci-fi show https://www.cultofmac.com/507709/apple-taps-steven-spielberg-original-sci-fi-show/ Apple is set to make its biggest push into original content yet by inking a deal with one of the biggest directors in Hollywood history. Steven Spielberg and Apple reportedly will create new episodes of Amazing Stories. The science fiction anthology series originally ran in the 1980s on NBC, but will be relaunched with all-new episodes. A reported 10 episodes of the new show have been ordered by Apple to start. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the budget for Amazing Stories will be more than $5 million an episode.   Our What We're Into picks   Apple HiFi (yes, really) http://amzn.to/2yBx9Jg   Specialized Tarmac bicycle https://www.specialized.com/fi/en/sworks-tarmac-disc-di2/106251   Yi 4K Plus action cam http://amzn.to/2zp10DQ   Movie Pass https://www.moviepass.com   GO SEE Blade Runner 2049 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCcx85zbxz4

This week: live in the home of the future, today!  We’ll tell you how with iOS 11’s huge improvements in the Home app and HomeKit.  Plus: there’s a new Apple ID phishing scam you need to know about; there’s been a disappointing development with Apple’s AR glasses; we have to talk about the hundreds of new emoji coming at you in iOS 11.1; and we’ve got a svelte iPhone 8 case, a MacBook Pro sleeve made from real sheep, and a new power brick that’ll charge your MacBook, iPhone, Nintendo Switch—EVERYTHING—in an all new under review.   This episode supported by CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @lewiswallace / @lkahney   9 beautifully minimalist cases for your iPhone 8 & 8 Plus (and 7/7Plus) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhsoKFLYBuw   Why you shouldn’t trust Apple ID prompts in third-party apps https://www.cultofmac.com/507863/beware-apple-id-prompts-appear-third-party-apps/ A savvy developer named Felix Krause has discovered it is shockingly easy for an iOS app developer to phish your Apple ID and password with a  fake authentication prompt that looks exactly the a real one. He posted pictures of a real and fake prompt this week and they look identical. Worse, developers can add this code after their app has been approved by Apple. How to tell the difference: The app will close and the popup will disappear with it. This means it was a phishing attempt. The app and popup remain on screen. This means it is a genuine system dialog and can be trusted.   Apple is now selling its latest MacBook Pro at a discount https://www.cultofmac.com/507865/apple-now-selling-latest-macbook-pro-discount/ Apple has updated its online Apple store to start offering refurbished 15-inch MacBook Pro models with Touch Bar, marking the first time this year’s Touch Bar-equipped models have been available to buy refurbished. Apple typically sells refurbished models for around 15 percent off the full retail price   Apple CEO Tim Cook: Technology Doesn't Exist to do AR Smart Glasses 'In a Quality Way’  https://www.macrumors.com/2017/10/10/tim-cook-on-augmented-reality-smart-glasses/ Apple CEO Tim Cook recently sat down for a wide ranging interview with The Independent When questioned about the topic, he said the technology to create a pair of augmented reality smart glasses "in a quality way" does not exist today. "But today I can tell you the technology itself doesn't exist to do that in a quality way. The display technology required, as well as putting enough stuff around your face - there's huge challenges with that. "The field of view, the quality of the display itself, it's not there yet.” "We want to be the best and give people a great experience," he said. "But now anything you would see on the market any time soon would not be something any of us would be satisfied with. Nor do I think the vast majority of people would be satisfied.”   Apple drops iOS 11.1 beta 2 with dozens new emoji https://www.cultofmac.com/507553/apple-drops-ios-11-1-beta-2-dozens-new-emoji/ Apple unleashed hundreds of new emoji on developers today with the release of iOS 11.1 beta 2. The new emoji also have new faces, clothes, sports, food, dinosaurs and other mystical characters. Monocle face Mind blow face Mer-people Wizards Draculas Chinese food takeout container Elves, fairies, genie Dinosaurs   Inside iOS 11: HomeKit gains multi-person geofencing, conditional triggers http://www.idownloadblog.com/2017/08/15/20-new-homekit-features-ios-11/ HomeKit and the Home app will boggle your gourd.  They’re WAY more powerful now that in iOS 10. Multi-person geofencing.  Actions can be triggered when one person comes or goes, or when a group of people in the same HomeKit group does. Turn on lights when first person gets home Turn off heat when last person leaves Support for conditional triggers Lighting will come on with someone comes home, but only after sunset AC will turn on when someone comes home, but only if the temperature is above a threshold that you set. Airplay 2 speakers are now supported, so you could set your speakers to start playing music in the morning or when you get home. Time-based event triggers (i.e. turn the lights off at 5:30, or turn them on 30 minutes after sunrise) Day of the week reoccurrence, so you can set things differently for different days of the way, or on the weekends Home occupancy gate (i.e. only run something if you’re at home) Timers (auto off after 1-60 minutes)   Now you can control sprinklers, faucets, and Airplay 2 speakers in addition to: security devices garage doors fans lights outlets air purifiers locks humidifiers doorbells cameras air conditioners window shades and thermostats Finally, Apple is really pushing for better adoption of HomeKit; manufacturers can now add HomeKit compatibility to their non-HomeKit accessories due to Apple’s relaxed licensing terms.  Vendors are no longer required to use a dedicated encryption chip—all HomeKit authorization can go through software, which means Nest could add HomeKit compatibility with a software update.   Under review   Woolnut laptop sleeve https://www.woolnutcovers.com   Mophie Powerstation USB-C XXL http://www.mophie.com/shop/powerstation-USBC-XXL   Spigen Liquid Air Armor iPhone 8 Plus http://amzn.to/2z3dv86

This week: a company unlike any other, some say Steve Job’s greatest product was Apple itself, but how have they fared in the 6 years since his passing?  Leander shares the cold hard facts.  Plus: Leander’s long soliloquy about his new love, the 4K Apple TV; an iOS 11 software trick doubles your iPhone storage; and we’ll wrap up our favorite minimalist cases for your iPhone 7, 8, and X.   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Photos and videos shot in iOS 11's HEIF/HEVC format are literally now half the size they were in iOS10’s JPG/H.264 formats   Catch our CultCast 300 live celebration show on Tuesday, October 10th at 12PM PT! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RweyyksGEqQ   9 beautifully minimalist cases for your iPhone 8 & 8 Plus (and 7/7Plus) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhsoKFLYBuw&t=1s   Google's Pixel Buds translation will change the world https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/04/google-pixel-buds-translation-change-the-world/ Google announced all sorts of stuff yesterday Pixel 2, a smart speaker called the Max to compete with the HomePod But at the very end of their key, Google introduced the Pixel Buds, wireless headphones designed for use with the company's new Pixel 2 handset.  Once paired, you can tap the right earphone then issue a command. If you say, "Help me speak Japanese" and then start speaking in English, the Pixel’s speakers will output your translated words as you speak them. The other party's reply into the phone will then play into your ear through the Pixel Buds in English. 40 languages are currently supported, and the translation works in real time with virtually no lag.   Apple TV 4K is almost picture-perfect [Review] https://www.cultofmac.com/504719/apple-tv-4k-review/ Apple’s newest set-top box pulls out all the stops to be the best on the field. It’s packing incredibly powerful new hardware that leaves competitors in the dust, and a much-improved tvOS platform that is years ahead of its rivals. Remote. Not much has changed for the Siri Remote, either, which is a shame — it’s still wretched. It looks almost identical this year, except there’s now a white ridge around the Menu button. Speed. Thanks to an A10X Fusion processor — the same one you’ll find in the latest iPad Pro — Apple TV 4K is pretty fast. It’s by far the most powerful set-top box on the market, and that’s not just for 4K video. 4K HDR video is sharp, colorful and full of contrast and detail. The screensavers especially are spectacular and detailed. Shot in 4K, the screensavers were downgraded for the old AppleTV. On the 4K box they appear in all their trippy, hypnotic detail. One thing you won’t be able to enjoy in 4K HDR, however, is YouTube. That’s because Apple doesn’t support the VP9 video format that YouTube serves up — it doesn’t work on macOS or iOS, either — so the best you’ll get is 1080p.   Our favorite iPhone 8/8Plus cases Edward Field Wallet Case $99 Nodus iPhone 8 Cases Rhinoshield Crashguard bumper for  iPhone 8 Plus/7Plus iPhone 8/7

This week: why iPhone X's Face ID is an astounding accomplishment! Plus: the new and notable features in macOS High Sierra; Bill Gates finally ditches his Windows Phone; Leander’s writing a new Tim Cook book; Erfon talks about the best 4K television money can buy; and we’ll tell you what we like and don’t about the gadgets we’re reviewing in an all-new under review!   This episode supported by Audible, the home of over 150,000 audio books from practically every genre in existence.  Grab Leander's book, Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple's Greatest Products, for FREE with a 30-day Audible trial.  The book is yours to keep even if you decide not to keep your Audible subscription.  Get started at audible.com/cultcast.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Catch our CultCast live show on Monday, Oct 2nd at 12PM! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RweyyksGEqQ   Bill Gates ditches Windows Mobile, but not for iPhone 8 https://www.cultofmac.com/505353/bill-gates-drops-windows-android-still-wont-use-iphone/ Bill Gates just got himself a brand new smartphone, and it isn’t an iPhone 8. The Microsoft co-founder has ditched Windows Mobile for Android. Despite getting closer to Steve Jobs before he died in 2011, Gates still has no interest in using iOS. further pressed about the possibility of using iOS instead, Gates responded, “Nope. No iPhone.”   Apple TV is finally back on Amazon buster https://www.cultofmac.com/505375/apple-tv-finally-back-amazon/ Getting your hands on the new Apple TV 4K though Amazon won’t be easy though. The page for Apple’s newest set-top box shows that there are no units in stock. It appears that Amazon is only offering the 64GB model priced at $199. Putting Apple TV back on its digital shelves is a bit unexpected but is likely related to Apple TV finally gaining an Amazon Prime Video app. The service still hasn’t launched on Apple TV yet but is expected to debut at some point this fall.   Apple's Face ID is a Triumph of Machine Learning Technology https://blog.andplus.com/apples-faceid-tech-machine-learning Data scientist Abdul Dremali is leading research & development in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Big Data at the AndPlus Innovation Lab, and he’s very impressed with Face ID.   macOS High Sierra is now available to the public buster https://www.cultofmac.com/505135/macos-high-sierra-now-available-public/ Apple unleashed its huge update for the Mac this morning bringing a host of new features and UI changes to desktops after months of beta testing. Most of the update contains under-the-hood changes the makes machines faster and more stable, but there are plenty of new additions to love. macOS High Sierra brings support for the new Apple File System to the Mac. Apple added it to iOS devices last year. AFS’ 64-bit architecture is more secure, with built-in encryption, crash protection and simplified data backups. Safari is one of the biggest benefactors from the macOS High Sierra update. Apple claims its now the world’s fastest browser, with an 80% speed advantage over Google Chrome Mail received some improved search functions tied to the update to Spotlight. You can also use a new Split View mode too that lets you write emails while keeping tabs on your inbox. The Photos app also got some big updates. There’s now better facial recognition and some new editing tools that make it a more capable photo editor. Notes got a new pin feature to keep your most important notes to the top of the list where you’ll be able to find them easier. The app also has support for tables now. Last Thursday, six ad industry groups penned an open letter criticizing Apple's upcoming Safari feature, saying the decision to incorporate such technology into a web browser is heavy-handed and "bad for consumer choice and bad for the ad-supported online content and services."  Today, Apple responded to the missive in a statement to The Loop. "Apple believes that people have a right to privacy - Safari was the first browser to block third party cookies by default and Intelligent Tracking Prevention is a more advanced method for protecting user privacy," Apple said. "Ad tracking technology has become so pervasive that it is possible for ad tracking companies to recreate the majority of a person's web browsing history. This information is collected without permission and is used for ad re-targeting, which is how ads follow people around the Internet. The new Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature detects and eliminates cookies and other data used for this cross-site tracking, which means it helps keep a person's browsing private. The feature does not block ads or interfere with legitimate tracking on the sites that people actually click on and visit. Cookies for sites that you interact with function as designed, and ads placed by web publishers will appear normally.”   Apple’s Face ID white paper is not nearly as boring as it sounds https://images.apple.com/business/docs/FaceID_Security_Guide.pdf   Under Review Tom Bihn’s Hero’s Journey Backpack for $480 Outdoor Research Dry Payload Pack for $150 Fender Mustang GT200 for $600 Fender Mustang GT40 for $250 Otterbox Strada Folio case  Phone 7 Plus or 8 Plus for $25 iPhone 7 and 8 for $23

This week: iPhone 8 reviews are in!  We’ll tell you what everyone loves Apple’s newest phone, and why you should get one (but probably won’t).  Plus: we round up the reviews for Apple Watch series 3, and argue over which model is best. And stick around for what we don’t like about iPhone X; Apple’s A11 chip hits a surprising benchmark; tests show iPhone 8 wireless charging is abysmally slow; Apple quietly hikes their iDevice prices; and we’ll tell you all the best AR apps you need to try.   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Historical first? New iPhones fail to sell out - leander https://www.cultofmac.com/503060/iphone-8-apple-watch-3-still-surprisingly-easy-get-hold/ For the first time since the launch of the iPhone in 2007, the company’s latest models failed to immediately sell out. More than 12 hours after pre-orders opened this morning, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus remain generally available for pickup at Apple stores next Friday, Shipping time is currently 3 business days   iPhone X’s Face ID will only recognize one person - buster https://www.cultofmac.com/502958/face-id-will-support-just-one-user-iphone-x-makes-debut/ When the new biometric security features makes its debut this November, it will support just one user, Apple has confirmed. If anyone else uses your device, they’ll have to enter the passcode.   Apple silently raises iPad Pro prices https://www.cultofmac.com/502688/apple-quietly-raises-ipad-pro-prices-no-reason/ Changes made to the online Apple store show that the 10.5-inch iPad Pro models with WiFi only are now $50 more expensive each. Before yesterday’s keynote, the 256GB and 512GB units cost $749 and $949. Now they’re priced at $799 and $999. iPhone prices have also been hiked up. The cellular models for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro also got a price increase Nothing has changed about the products. iPhone prices have also been hiked iPhone 7 32GB - $649 iPhone 7 Plus 32GB - $769 iPhone 8 64GB - $699 iPhone 8 Plus 64GB - $799   Adding wireless charging to your AirPods will cost $69 https://www.cultofmac.com/502858/adding-wireless-charging-airpods-will-cost-69/ Apple’s new Wireless Charging Case for AirPods will go on sale this December, according to a report out of Europe, which sites Apple Switzerland. The device is expected to cost $69, which is the same amount you’ll pay to replace a standard case if you lose it. Apple reportedly has no plans to sell AirPods with the Wireless Charging Case, so it will be available as an optional accessory.   The best ARKit apps to try on iPhone and iPad https://www.cultofmac.com/503887/best-arkit-apps-try-iphone-ipad/

This week: we react to everything announced at Apple's iPhone X press event! Plus, we’ll tell you everything we now know about iPhone X, iPhone 8, the new Apple TV 4K, Apple Watch Series 3, the AirPods update, and the new AirPower charging mat.  It’s a packed show.  Better hit play, fam!   This episode supported by Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of sink and bounce, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why at Casper.com/cultcast,and get $50 towards any mattress with code CultCast at checkout.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Erfon’s Twitch stream on Faceshift, the technology powering Star Wars animations and now iPhone X Animoji https://www.twitch.tv/videos/173683607   iPhone 8 brings awesome new features at a cheaper price https://www.cultofmac.com/501936/iphone-8-gives-awesome-new-features-cheaper-price/   iPhone cameras just got a whole lot smarter https://www.cultofmac.com/502376/iphone-cameras-just-got-whole-lot-smarter/   Watch all of Apple’s new iPhone videos right here https://www.cultofmac.com/502420/watch-apples-new-iphone-videos-right/   7 ways Apple surprised us at the iPhone X event https://www.cultofmac.com/502416/iphone-x-event-surprises/   Apple releases iOS 11 GM (the right way) https://www.cultofmac.com/502432/apple-releases-ios-11-gm-right-way/   iPhone X vs. iPhone 8: Should you wait longer and pay more? https://www.cultofmac.com/502462/iphone-x-worth-wait-heres-compares-iphone-8/   Everything Apple unveiled at its iPhone X keynote https://www.cultofmac.com/502280/everything-apple-unveiled-iphone-x-keynote/  

This week: a look inside the new Steve Jobs Theater, a beautiful spectacle of technology and architecture, a physical manifestationof the Apple ethos, and a true and fitting monumen..  And like any Apple product, it packs some features that will delight you. Plus: why it will probably be damn near impossible to purchase an iPhone 8, and we’ll pitch you our favorite gadgets then vote on which is best in an all new Faves ’N Raves!   This episode supported by Build a beautiful, responsive website quick at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.   CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   The Cult of Mac watch store has the best straps in the biz!  Save 20% off any order with code CultCast at checkout.   Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Pre-Orders for iPhone 8 Likely to Start on September 15, Shipments on September 22 https://www.macrumors.com/2017/09/06/iphone-8-preorders-september-15/   Drone flyover shows off a bustling Steve Jobs Theater https://www.cultofmac.com/500740/drone-flyover-shows-off-bustling-steve-jobs-theater/   Steve Jobs Theater is as special as any other Apple product https://www.cultofmac.com/500790/steve-jobs-theater-special-apple-product/ On Tuesday, September 12th, according to Bloomberg, will unveil not only its latest batch of products, but also give us all a first glimpse of its brand new campus The Steve Jobs Theater is as obsessively perfect as you’d expect a building named after Apple’s co-founder and former CEO should be. The entrance to the venue sits underneath a silver disc, which which sits 20 feet in the air, supported by gigantic glass panels. The auditorium itself occupies four underground stories, and to get there, journalists will descend a staircase spiraling down alongside the walls. In order to gain access to the subterranean theater, attendees can either descend via a spiral staircase or using two custom elevators. These elevators rotate as they descend, so that passengers enter and exit through the same door, even though they do so from different directions. The theater also sports a retracting wall, which opens to reveal a hidden product testing area. Given the theater's 1,000-person capacity, one engineer said back in March that the building's budget meant each leather seat had cost Apple the equivalent of $14,000 apiece. It’s a touching eponym, isn’t it?  Steve Jobs theater?  It will be a beautiful spectacle of technology and architecture, a true and fitting monument.  A metaphor for Steve Jobs, and a physical representation of the Apple ethos. Steve Jobs was man that literally started with nothing, not even his biological parents, and went on to build one of the world’s most coveted companies. It’s a uniquely American success story.     Analyst: Blame Samsung for iPhone 8’s high price tag https://www.cultofmac.com/500884/analyst-samsung-partly-blame-iphone-8s-high-price-tag/ Apple’s upcoming premium iPhone is likely to be its most expensive model ever — and Samsung is partly to blame, according to a reliable Apple analyst. In his latest research note, KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo explains to investors that Samsung currently holds a practical monopoly on the supply of OLED displays. They’re the only ones capable of reliably mass producing the screens Apple needs, and thus seems to be inflating the price. Apple previously paid between $45 and $55 for the screens on Plus-size iPhones. But Ming Chi Kuo claims Samsung is probably charging about $75 more for OLED displays. The final price for the displays likely costs Apple $120 to $130 per unit. That could explain why rumors predict the iPhone 8 (or iPhone Edition)     Our Faves N Raves Picks Fidgetly CTRL bluetooth spinner Arlo Pro Cameras Shubu Raven