Apr 30, 2022

AirTag one year later: A re-evaluation

Today marks the first birthday of AirTag, Apple’s tiny tracker that makes it easy to locate lost keys, bags and other items.

After spending a year with the Mentos-shaped tracking tags, our reviewer Ed Hardy takes a look at how AirTag evolved – and what the future might hold.

Personally, I like AirTags, even though they’re about as sexy as an insurance policy. Have you been using them?

Elsewhere in The Weekender you’ll find:

A handful of helpful new how-tos for all you iPhone owners.
The usual Apple leaks and rumors.
A look at Apple’s record-breaking quarterly revenue (this is getting old!) … plus a sobering warning about problems on the horizon.
On the Apple TV+ beat, two hot shows (Pachinko and Slow Horses) just wrapped their first seasons, and two new ones (thriller Shining Girls and surfing docuseries Make or Break) just arrived. We’ve got recaps/reviews!

Have a good one …

– Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Apple AirTag: What a difference a year makes [Review]

A year ago today, I reviewed the AirTag on launch day. I was unimpressed. Now that I’ve used Apple’s item tracker for 12 months, I can say it’s better than it seemed in my first impressions. That said, there’s still room for improvement when Apple releases an AirTag 2 or AirTag Pro.

News and opinion

Lightning strikes for Apple again, but storm clouds are on the horizon

The first three months of 2022 were good to Apple, but the company warns that problems getting components and assembling products will take a nasty chunk out of revenue.

Plus: Despite headwinds, Apple sails to another record-breaking quarter

Apple now offers parts and tools needed to fix your own iPhone

The iPhone Self Service Program marks a major shift in the company’s approach to hardware fixes. The program is for individuals, not small businesses.

Leaked iPhone 14 front panels offer best size comparison yet

An image supposedly showing the front screen panels of all four iPhone 14 models gives a side-by-side comparison of some of the most significant changes coming to Apple’s 2022 handsets.

Plus, more Apple leaks and rumors:

Clever DIY project hacks old iMac into a Studio Display

An intrepid Apple expert sets out to convert an iMac on its last legs into a useful external monitor with the same general design and functionality as a new Studio Display.

Plus: Apple fixes Studio Display’s disappointing webcam in new macOS 12.4 beta

A MESSAGE FROM DAYLITE

This entrepreneur saw 75% pandemic year growth with help from Daylite

In the midst of a global pandemic that challenged the wits of many entrepreneurs, Victor Medina celebrated revenue growth of 75% in 2021. One of the pillars of his success was a decision in 2006 to commit to the Apple ecosystem, and an Apple-focused CRM app called Daylite.

If you’re into any of these things, Apple thinks you’re a ‘hipster’

You might ride around on an electric scooter in your shades and flannel shirt while sporting copious amounts of sculpted facial hair, but are you a hipster? Find out if you’re on Apple’s list.

How-tos

Stop following me! Tweak iPhone location settings to keep spies at bay.

If you’re uncomfortable with social media apps tracking your movements, here’s how to stop them using your iPhone’s built-in Location Services.

Pro Tip: Use your iPad to charge your iPhone in an emergency

Your iPhone battery has run out, you absolutely must make a call or text, and there’s no wall socket anywhere. If you have an iPad, the solution is easy: Connect the iPhone to the tablet.

Your iPhone can alert you to breaking glass, smoke alarms and other dangers

The other day I was walking with music blasting through my AirPods when I almost stepped in front of a speeding ambulance. Luckily, the magical Sound Recognition feature on my iPhone was turned on and my AirPods recognized the wailing sirens.

Deals

This sleek charging station powers 5 Apple devices at once

Why mess with multiple chargers for multiple devices when you can use one for everything? The modular Omnia Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station can power five devices at once: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Pencil. And for a limited time, it’s just $89.95 (regularly $120) with code SPRING10.

Try one of Elago’s stylish new steel bands for Apple Watch

There are few things more classic than a stainless steel watch band. It’s durable yet stylish, rugged yet elegant, and appropriate for work or play. And Elago’s new bands cost just $19.99.

Save $40 on the just-launched 2022 iPad Air 5

The iPad Air 5 has only been out a month and you can already buy it at a nice discount.

Eliminate those cellphone fees that drive you crazy

Visible is a wireless service provider for people who are over the added charges that pop up and turn your monthly phone bill into a stress test. Thanks to Visible’s streamlined plan, you can lock in unlimited data, talk, text and mobile hotspot for as low as $25 a month.

Get Microsoft Office for Mac, and become a power user with premium training, for just $79.99

Microsoft Office is powerful, but it’s even more amazing if you actually know how to use it. You can grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021, plus The Premium Microsoft Office Training Bundle, for just $79.99. This mega-bundle usually costs $1,549.

Reviews

Versatile origami iPad case folds 3 ways for more kickstand options [Review]

The SwitchEasy Origami Protective Case folds into three different styles of iPad stand, giving you a range of options for typing, reading or browsing.

Plus: Protect your MacBook with SwitchEasy’s leather sleeve and stand

'Shining Girls' might be too mysterious for its own good [Apple TV+ recap]

The new thriller starring Elisabeth Moss brings Apple TV+ into competition with a number of other streamers’ giant successes.

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps and extras:

Spill your iPhone’s guts with Casetify’s Inside Parts cases

Did you know you can protect your iPhone while making it look like you somehow got a really cool transparent version that shows your handset’s high-tech innards? Well, you can.

This clever MagSafe iPhone stand holds a sleek power bank [Review]

The Pitaka MagEz Slider combines a desktop stand for your iPhone with a MagSafe power bank, so your handset can get juiced up wherever you go. As a bonus, the swiveling stand includes an AirPods charger. Plus, you can add a dongle for Apple Watch.

If you own an Apple Pencil, you should try these 4 accessories

The Apple Pencil is a great tool that helps you make full use of an iPad, whether you want to take notes or draw. And Elago offers some wonderful accessories that can help you get the most out of your stylus.

Setups

Mac mini rig enjoys maximum display space plus The Max Stand

When a computer setup sports massive curved and stacked displays, it can be easy to miss other details. This Mac mini setup features a 32-inch curved monitor sitting on top of a super-ultra-wide screen spanning a jaw-dropping 49 inches. But a tiny object sitting off to the right in the photograph quietly steals the limelight.

Racy MacBook Pro and Xbox rig seeks beefier sound system

You can have a lot of good gear but still feel your setup falls short. Like with this one, which pairs a MacBook Pro and an Xbox Series X with a curved gaming monitor and a Lego Technic McLaren Formula 1 Race Car. But what about audio?

Studio Display setup dresses to the nines in silver and black

There are two types of people in the world. There’s the person who happily tosses a bunch of mismatched gear on a desk and calls it a setup. Then there’s the person with properly placed objects, minimal-to-no cable clutter and careful color choices.

Did you enjoy this issue?

Cult of Mac

Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac.

Tweet