The CultCast

Send us a text!This week: new MacBook Pros at WWDC?  Insiders say yes!  We’ll tell you all we know.  Plus: why future Macs are about to get much faster CPUs; Apple makes a big move to bring manufacturing back to the US; and we’ll wrap up with 5 weird and whacky facts about the new Apple Park campus.   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.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple may reveal three new MacBooks at WWDC http://www.cultofmac.com/481877/new-macbooks-wwdc/ Apple hasn’t released new hardware at a WWDC keynote since 2013, but the company is allegedly planning to unveil a new lineup of MacBooks, according to a report that claims the new machines will pack Intel’s new Kaby Lake processor to bring more speed than ever. Three new laptops will debut at WWDC 2017, claims Bloomberg, citing “people familiar with the matter.” Both the MacBook Pro and 12-inch MacBook will be updated with new Intel chips. Apple is also supposedly considering updating the 13-inch MacBook Air with a new processor, too, which would be quite a surprise as most observers assumed the machine was on its last legs now that the MacBook and MacBook Pro are thinner. Sales of the old MacBook Air remain “surprisingly strong” due to its cheap price tag, claims one of the report’s sources. What features needed to make the machine exciting again Shows Apple may be getting about making Mac great again.   Intel: Cannonlake CPUs will be more than 15 percent faster than Kaby Lake http://www.pcworld.com/article/3167942/components-processors/intel-cannonlake-will-be-more-than-15-percent-faster-than-kaby-lake.html Meager performance gains aren’t all Apple’s fault Chipmakers in past years focused on increasing performance by raising the clock frequency. But that made chips power hungry, and their focus shifted to adding cores, which boosted performance but also added battery life to laptops. Then the focus turned to integrating technologies like graphics and I/O buses inside processors. Gaming and virtual reality have brought a focus back to raw CPU performance. The performance improvements from Skylake to Kaby Lake topped out at 15 percent. The CPU performance boost for Cannonlake should be at least that, Intel said. The gaming market is exploding, especially eSports, and demand for high-performance Core i7 chips skyrocketed last year Intel may be trying to catch up with AMD, which is boasting a 40 percent performance improvement for its upcoming Ryzen chips.   Apple’s standalone Siri could look a lot like Echo

Send us a text!This week:  It’s official, the WWDC keynote takes place June 5th, so here are our hardware expectations 🕺 Apple quietly acquires one of the world’s best sleep tracking technologies Why Amazon’s Prime video app may FINALLY be coming to your Apple TV Our first impressions of the Amazon Echo Show, and the features we hope Apple steals from it And stick around for a completely weird, totally tribal What We’re Into, the segment where we reveal the all the non-tech stuff we’re currently enjoying.   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 and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.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.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Apple Sends Out Press Invites for WWDC Keynote on June 5 https://www.macrumors.com/2017/05/09/apple-confirms-june-5-wwdc-keynote/ The invites are out!  The WWDC keynote you’ve been waiting for us coming in three weeks, on June 5 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.   Apple acquires sleep-tracking startup Beddit http://www.cultofmac.com/480719/apple-acquires-sleep-tracking-startup-beddit/ Apple recently purchased Beddit, a sleep monitoring system that pairs a pliable under-sheet sleep sensor with an app, all of which is designed to help users analyze and improve their sleeping habits. Apple's Beddit purchase came to light because Beddit updated its privacy policy to both highlight the acquisition and implement Apple's privacy rules. "Your personal data will be collected, used and disclosed in accordance with the Apple Privacy Policy," reads the site.   Amazon Prime Video may come to Apple TV this summer http://www.cultofmac.com/480027/amazon-prime-video-may-coming-apple-tv-summer/ Apple and Amazon, the tech giants, are close to an agreement to bring an Amazon video app to Apple’s Apple TV set-top box, according to people familiar with the two companies. Amazon employees expect the app to show up on Apple’s hardware in the third quarter of the year. That move would allow Amazon Prime Video subscribers to easily watch TV shows and movies from the service using Apple TV. It’s unclear what got the two companies to reach an agreement, though some industry observers suggest that any pact would have been worked out, at a high level, by CEOs Tim Cook and Jeff Bezos.   Amazon Echo Show brings video to smart-speaker party

Send us a text!This week:  Apple’s secret Siri speaker may be announced at WWDC—we’ll tell you everything (we think) we know about it.   Why AirPods are the best product Apple’s made in years Why Microsoft’s MacBook clone is actually great for Apple fans We deconstruct and decode Tim Cook’s mysterious and quickly deleted accidental tweet, and you’ll be shocked at the truth!   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.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   This week’s Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOwN5kpgWGc   Apple’s new Siri speaker could be revealed at WWDC http://www.cultofmac.com/478847/apples-new-siri-speaker-revealed-wwdc/ Earlier this week, we heard the company is currently in the process of finalizing the design of its first standalone Siri device, which is expected to take on the Amazon Echo. Now we have an idea what it might look like and when it could be revealed. Apple's Siri-based smart speaker and home hub has an "over 50 percent chance" of being announced at WWDC, according to our homeboy Ming Chi Kuo. Kuo said Apple's smart home product will likely launch in the second half of 2017 and cost more than the Amazon Echo, $179. The device will supposedly support AirPlay with "excellent acoustics performance" from one woofer and seven tweeters. Kuo said its performance will be similar to the iPhone 6/6s. Last week, leaker Sonny Dickson likewise said Apple's smart speaker could be announced as early as WWDC. He said the device will run a variation of iOS with unspecified Beats technology, in addition to a Mac Pro-like concave top with built-in controls and speaker meshing covering the majority of its surface. A report from The Information said Apple's smart home speaker would be able to control appliances, locks, lights, and curtains through Siri voice commands. It added that some of the prototypes in testing have facial recognition sensors   Apple places orders for its Amazon Echo rival

Send us a text!This week:  Apple stores are about to get a massive 2.0 overhaul, and we’ve got all the details Why the iPhone 8 may launch super late with no OLED Final Cut Pro X hits a massive milestone Google co-founder makes a flying car, and you’re gonna want one!  We reveal our favorite new gadgets in an all new Under Review 🕺   This episode supported by Blue Apron makes it easy to cook delicious meals at home.  See their upcoming menu and get your first three meals free at BlueApron.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.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   SVP of retail Angela Ahrendts reveals redesigned Apple stores https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHlfEeng17A&t=184s 2017’s ‘iPhone Edition’ to arrive late, OLED display uncertain http://www.cultofmac.com/471109/2017s-iphone-edition-launch-late-oled-display-not-sure-thing/ Apple analyst KGI Ming-Chi Kuo is reporting that mass production of the OLED iPhone will likely be pushed back to October/November, instead of the normal August/September timeframe because suppliers are having difficulties producing several of the phone’s cutting edge custom-ordered parts. The moderately reliable Makotakara is reporting that device is also claiming the phone will be delayed, and that the OLED upgrade we’ve been looking forward to isn’t a sure thing yet.   Final Cut Pro X hits massive 2 million users milestone http://www.cultofmac.com/478369/final-cut-pro-x-hits-massive-2-million-users-milestone/ At this week’s annual National Association of Broadcasters conference, Apple revealed that it now has 2 million users of its Final Cut Pro X video-editing software, five years after launching the tenth version of the program. At $299 for a license, that’s a cool 600 million dollars. Apple’s rep added that it is taken considerably less time for Apple to jump for 1 million to 2 million users than it did for the company to reach its first million adopters.   Here’s how Apple plans to make its stores more magical http://www.cultofmac.com/478219/angela-ahrendts-talks-making-apple-store-experience-special/ Angela Ahrendts was hired as Apple’s VP of retail just about 3.5 years ago, and she’s now unveiling her vision for the future of the Apple store. Apple wants to make their stores to be a place where you can engage with your devices and your communities.  A place to meet your friends, like at Starbucks!  says VP of Retail Angela Ahrendts. Apple is bringing new “hands on” sessions to its stores, enlisting artists, Mac experts and celebrities in a bid to make its retail outlets more engaging. The new 

Send us a text! This week: we deconstruct the new iPhone 8 leaks! We’ll tell what we’ve learned.     Plus: Apple starts testing the driverless car they’re totally not working on; and the best iOS apps for all you marijuana connoisseurs.    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.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney     This week’s Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-Watf8QxS8     Sources confirm some of iPhone 8’s biggest upgrades http://www.cultofmac.com/477175/sources-confirm-iphone-8s-biggest-upgrades/ In its report on the new iPhone 8, Bloomberg corroborates many previous rumors about the next-gen iPhone, but suggests that more “ambitious” features may be scaled back or ditched due to manufacturing problems. According to the report, and as we’ve discussed on the show, Apple is preparing three iPhones for launch. Two will simply be updated versions of the current iPhone, while the high-end model will sport a totally revamped look. Apple is testing a premium version with a screen that covers almost the entire front of the device.  That results in a display slightly larger than that of an iPhone y Pus but with an overall phone size closer to the iPhone 7. The updated lower-end model iPhones will stick with LCD displays and get fewer hardware updates. "One of the latest prototype designs includes symmetrical, slightly curved glass on the front and the back. The curves are similar in shape to those on the front of the iPhone 7. The new OLED screen itself is flat, while the cover glass curves into a steel frame. The design is similar conceptually to the iPhone 4 from 2010” "Apple also tested a more ambitious prototype with the same slightly curved front and steel frame, but a glass back with more dramatic curves on the top and bottom like the original iPhone design from 2007, one of the people said. “ "Apple suppliers have so far struggled to reliably produce heavily curved glass in mass quantities, so the company is more likely to ship the version with more subdued curves” "Significant camera changes are also in testing for Apple’s overhauled iPhone. For the back of the phone, Apple is testing versions of the phone with the dual-camera system positioned vertically, instead of horizontally like on the iPhone 7 Plus, which could result in improved photos,” “Apple has … experimented with integrating the iPhone’s fingerprint scanner into the screen of the OLED version, which would be technically challenging, the people said”.  TouchID on the

Send us a text!This week: Official new Nvidia drivers make your Mac compatible with the best GPUs on the market! A mole gives us our best look yet at what it’s really like to work in an iPhone factory Apple has a secret team working on ‘breakthrough’ diabetes treatment with the Apple Watch The saga of Ron Wayne, the forgotten Apple co-founder who traded his 22 billion dollars of Apple stock for just $800.   This episode supported by VideoBlocks, the affordable, subscription-based stock media site that givesyou unlimited access to premium stock footage. Check it out for free for 7 days at videoblocks.com/cultcast   Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of sink and bounce, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.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.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   NVIDIA releases Mac drivers for Pascal graphics cards NVIDIA today released new drivers that make its Pascal graphics cards compatible with a Mac. The drivers support all 10 Series GPUs, including the GTX 1050 through GTX 1080 Ti, and the newly-announced GTX Titan Xp. Until now, however, you had to settle for older 9 Series cards. Now the newest cards, from the GTX 950 to the GTX Titan Xp, are supported   Report: Apple has secret team working on ‘breakthrough’ diabetes treatment w/ Apple Watch   UNDERCOVER IN AN IPHONE FACTORY: What it's really like to work in a Chinese mega-factory, according to a student who spent 6 weeks there     Pegatron mole describes ‘torture’ of working at iPhone factory     Today in Apple history: Apple co-founder quits and cashes in his stake for $800 In Apple lore, Ron Wayne is the man who threw away winning lottery ticket. It’s April 12, 1976: Apple’s third co-founder, a former Atari colleague of Steve Wozniak’s named Ron Wayne, is cashing in his 10% of Apple shares for $800. Hell of a nice guy. Drew Apple’s original logo. Wayne also wrote up the first contract in Apple’s history, solidifying what all three co-founders would do. Wozniak was to be in charge of electrical engineering, Jobs was responsible for marketing, and Wayne would oversee mechanical engineering and documentation.

Send us a text! This week: Apple just revealed their future Mac plans… on purpose!  It’s unprecedented, and we’ll unpack it all for you. Apple promises an all-new “rethought” Mac Pro and Apple display.   Why the Mac Pro failed. Apple’s plans to make the Mac “Pro” again. New Pro-level iMacs coming this year. Leander reviews the top-secret new Sonos speaker Erfon’s couldn’t talk about. Erfon reviews a clever  Watch stand that Buster hates but true Mac fans will love!   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.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show. On the show this week    @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney Steve Jobs Introduces the very first Mac Pro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l72MsGZQA8Q   Apple building all-new, modular Mac Pro and external display http://www.cultofmac.com/474799/apples-mac-pro-is-now-even-faster-all-new-model-coming-next-year/   Apple brings faster Intel Xeon chips, better GPUs to the Mac Pro http://www.cultofmac.com/474823/apple-brings-faster-intel-xeon-chips-mac-pro/   2017 iMacs will bring spec bumps to woo power users http://www.cultofmac.com/474843/new-imacs-way-will-target-power-users/   Apple pushes the reset button on the Mac Pro https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/04/apple-pushes-the-reset-button-on-the-mac-pro/   Sonos’ new Playbase speaker http://amzn.to/2oPQFwz   You’ll love this vintage Mac  Watch stand! http://amzn.to/2oPJrbJ   Meet Eddie, The Eagle http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/03/05/09/17446C1A000005DC-0-image-m-14_1457171012331.jpg    

Send us a text!This week: We’ve found even MORE of the weirdest and wackiest Apple products that time forgot The best new features in iOS 10.3 and macOS 10.12.4. Rumors mills say Apple may resurrect the PowerBook! iPhone 8 rumors point to a backside TouchID The sources of Steve Jobs best one-liners A wobbly British guy tries to ski   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.   VideoBlocks, the affordable, subscription-based stock media site that gives you unlimited access to premium stock footage. Check it out for free for 7 days at videoblocks.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.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show. On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   Intro: A young Jony Ive on the 20th Anniversary Mac https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeUs8sDcYO8   ‘iPhone Edition’ could have rear-facing Touch ID sensor http://www.cultofmac.com/473949/473949/ A (somewhat sketchy) new report claims that the tenth anniversary iPhone, commonly referred to as the iPhone 8, will instead by called the iPhone Edition. In addition, it suggests that the major form factor redesign that’s been reported on may turn out to be less drastic than some are imagining — although changes will include features like a rear-mounted Touch ID sensor. According to the report, which is accompanied by renders showing the design, the iPhone Edition won’t feature a Touch ID sensor embedded beneath the display, but rather a fingerprint scanner on the rear of the device. It also won’t come with the glass back plate, but will instead stick to having a metal back plate as the result of glass’ tendency to shatter when dropped   Does Apple trademark fil

Send us a text! This week: our reactions to all Apple’s new products 💪🏼  Apple’s new iPad is cheaper, fatter, heavier, and underpowered Why the iPad Mini Pro is kind of a ripoff Two reasons you should not buy a Product Red iPhone 7 What is Apple’s new Clips app do?  We’ll give you the rundown Why Leander’s got mixed feelings about his new Pioneer SPH-DA120 Car Play stereo Erfon’s reviews the Think Tank Helipack V2, a gigantic backpack built for your DJI Phantom   This episode supported by Blue Apron makes it easy to cook delicious meals at home.  See their upcoming menu and get your first three meals free at BlueApron.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.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show. On the show this week   @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney Macintosh TV Commercial with Tim Barton! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiNdi2go8EE   Apple’s new 9.7-inch iPad is more affordable than ever http://www.cultofmac.com/472635/apples-9-7-inch-ipad-is-now-more-affordable/ Apple today introduced a new, fatter 9.7-inch iPad that’s more affordable than ever before. Macrumors calls the new iPad "a little bit iPhone 6s, a little bit iPad Air, and a little bit iPad Air 2.” The device looks almost identical to the iPad Air 2 that it is replacing in Apple’s tablet lineup Starts at just $329 with 32GB of storage, $429 for 128GB

Send us a text!This week: Apple’s about to overhaul the iPad, and it’s long overdue!  Plus: why Steve Jobs was cool with your kids using an iPad, but not his own; how the technology we love might be making us all stupid;  and we wrap up with an all new CultCast Choices, the game of great gifts with strange side effects... This episode supported by Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.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.   We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a  thanks for the great music you hear on today's show. On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney Westworld-style folding phone might get real this year http://www.cultofmac.com/472055/samsung-may-unveil-westworld-style-folding-phone-year/#more-472055 Smartphones that fold out into a tablet are one of the many awesome inventions the creators of Westworld promised we have to look forward to in the future. But according to a new rumor, Samsung might make them a reality in 2017. New iPads to arrive next month during first Apple Park event http://www.cultofmac.com/471709/new-ipads-arrive-next-month-first-apple-park-event/ Apple will announce its next-generation iPad lineup next month during its very first event at Apple Park, according to a new report. Sources say that production of the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro has been brought forward for the launch. The device is expected to be accompanied by an updated 12.9-inch iPad Pro and a more affordable 9.7-inch iPad. Apple “is expected to unveil the new iPad at a product event to be held in early April to mark the inauguration of Apple’s new headquarters in California,” The new 10.5″ iPad would have the exact same resolution as the 12.9″ iPad Pro (2732 x 2048), but the same pixel density of the iPad mini (326 ppi instead of 264 ppi). Crunch the numbers, do a little Pythagorean Theorem, and you end up with a screen 10.5″ diagonal   Server logs reveal Apple is testing four new iPad models http://www.cultofmac.com/471657/new-ipads-spotted-in-logs/ Device logs obtained by mobile marketing firm Fiksu appear to show that four different iPad models are currently being tested in the San Francisco Bay Area. Just because four model numbers have been discovered doesn’t mean Apple will release four different iPads this month. Last year, Fiksu saw new device model names pop up in its logs about a month before the new iPads were announced.