Feb 6, 2021

Apple car rumors kick into overdrive 🚘

After years of low idling, the Apple car rumors are really revving up.

Every day this week brought news of possible deals with Kia and other automakers, details about supply-chain maneuvers, and even a surprising claim that Cupertino’s first cars “will not be designed to have a driver.”

This week also brought more potential revelations about that other top-secret Apple endeavor – building a headset. Whether that will be a $3,000 niche VR model or something a little more down to earth remains to be seen.

And if that’s not enough good Apple news for one week … Snoopy is back for new adventures on Apple TV+.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your weekend engines …

– Lewis Wallace, managing editor

News and opinion

Kia and Apple build up supply chain for rumored Apple car

Kia reportedly began reaching out to potential partners in Georgia about working on Cupertino’s secret car project. This comes as Apple and Kia parent company Hyundai supposedly prepare to team up in a $3.6 billion deal to build a self-driving electric vehicle.

Plus, more Apple car rumors:

iOS 14.5 bypasses Face ID, unlocks iPhones with Apple Watch

Apple has a solution for the hassle of unlocking an iPhone while wearing a face mask.

Plus, more software updates:

Apple’s AR glasses look like something you might actually want to wear

A patent application could give a first glimpse of the augmented-reality specs the company is developing.

Plus: Apple’s $3,000 VR headset could boast 8K display, advanced hand- and eye-tracking

Who needs aluminum? These insane Macs are made of ice, coal and beeswax.

Concept designers are supposed to think outside the box. Hank Beyer and Alex Sizemore created some Mac designs that are so far outside of the box you sometimes can’t tell there ever was a box.

Plus: Swiss watchmaker’s $30,800 Apple Watch spoof refuses to load apps

iMac Pro-based setup handles whatever this animator throws at it [Setups]

Miami-based Curtis Sponsler has been a 3D animator and motion graphics designer for more than 30 years. These days, that work takes copious amounts of computing power and massive storage capacity. Fortunately, his current iMac Pro-based setup handles his needs well.

Plus, more Setups:

How-tos

How to unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch in iOS 14.5

This is perfect for those who can’t get Face ID to work when wearing a mask. We’ll show you how to get it all set up in the latest iOS beta.

How to use iCloud passwords inside Google Chrome on Windows

Apple’s surprise Chrome extension lets users access iCloud passwords on PCs. Here’s how to use it to sync all the passwords you create on Mac, iPhone and iPad to your Windows desktop.

How to pair and customize a PS5 or Xbox Series X controller in iOS 14.5

The latest controllers can finally be used to play games on iPhone and iPad in Apple’s latest iOS and iPadOS betas.

Deals

These Lightning cables are stronger and will last longer than your standard cord

Choose from a variety of Lightning cables that are far more rugged, and far less expensive, than Apple’s stock connectors.

Connect your AirPods seamlessly to your Mac with this innovative app

You’re really missing out if you haven’t started using AirBuddy yet. This app makes connecting your AirPods to your Mac just as cool and easy as it is on iOS.

Get fast, reliable Wi-Fi with this powerful gigabit router

This router will more than keep up with your family’s extensive Wi-Fi demands. It packs all the speed, range and security you need (and the value you want).

This audio reading app turns anything into a personal podcast

When even book summaries won’t cut through your massive reading list, you need to bring in the big guns.

Plus, more software deals:

Reviews

The Snoopy Show will charm children and de-stress adults [Apple TV+ review]

Everyone’s favorite beagle flies back into action for a new series of misadventures on Apple TV+. The new animated series premieres today, bringing some stress-busting, family-friendly entertainment to Apple’s streaming service.

Plus, more Apple TV+ reviews:

Tiny iPhone and iPad charger will surprise you with its power

Aukey’s USB-C charger is about as small as the standard 5-watt iPhone charger but provides far more juice.

Soft, premium silicone keeps iPhone 12 protected for under $22

Apple will charge you a heck of a lot for a piece of silicone you can slap on the back of your iPhone. Elago’s premium MagSafe Silicone case for iPhone 12 is absolutely terrific – and a fraction of the price.

This super-slim iPhone 12 MagSafe wallet is also a nifty stand

Accessories that take on more than one task are the best. Like Moft’s clip-on iPhone wallet that’s also a stand. It can hold three cards, but is very slender. And it uses magnets to cling tightly to the handset.

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