May 21, 2022

🦕 Brace yourself for dino week on Apple TV+ 🦖

Doesn’t everybody love dinosaurs?

Apple TV+ hopes so – it’s unleashing the beasts Monday in a five-part limited series called Prehistoric Planet. New episodes will appear daily, pairing flashy CGI and beautiful nature photography to provide a fascinating look at how these ancient creatures lived.

We’ve got a Prehistoric Planet review to whet your appetite.

Also in The Weekender:

Loads of Apple rumors and leaks arrived this week, giving us a peek at future iPhones, Apple Watches and even that long-rumored AR/VR headset.
A timely primer on how to make Twitter fun again.
A handful of hot deals on software and Apple accessories that will end soon.
A look at another new Apple TV+ show, Now and Then, which our reviewer calls “a noirish riff on The Big Chill and Stephen King’s It.”

Enjoy your weekend … and brace yourself for next week’s dino invasion!

– Lewis Wallace, managing editor

'Prehistoric Planet' will give you your dinosaur fix [Apple TV+ review] ★★★★

The docuseries delves into the lives and habits of a host of dinosaurs, and offers all the usual pleasures of presenter David Attenborough’s nature documentaries. Viewers can learn – and be awed by the state-of-the-art CGI creature design and gorgeous location photography – all at once.

News and opinion

iPad needs floating app windows to reach its full potential

With iPadOS 16 right around the corner, there’s a lot of hope that a rumor of floating app windows for iPad will come true. This would make Apple’s tablet more Mac-like, without turning it into a Mac. That’s the right way to go.

Apple AR/VR headset won’t focus on gaming

New details emerge about the long-rumored headset’s development woes, and about what it will – and won’t – do.

Plus, more Apple leaks and rumors:

Why the iPhone 14 looks like the iPhone 12

It’s understandable if you’re feeling slightly underwhelmed by the upcoming iPhone 14. Leaks, combined with artist renders, give us an early glimpse of the iOS handset coming this autumn. And if they’re accurate, this year’s iPhone lineup will look very familiar. Here’s why.

Apple develops Door Detection for blind or low vision iPhone users

Advancements in hardware, software and machine learning will help people who are blind or low vision use their iPhone and iPad to navigate the last few feet to their destination.

Wait is over for iOS 15.5, macOS 12.4 and watchOS 8.6

Apple released software upgrades for all its computers Monday. Time to upgrade!

Plus: Apple Podcasts offers new features for creators and listeners

Apple’s new IT training courses would make your resume pop

The online, self-paced format should make them accessible to almost anyone. Plus, the courses are free (although the exams required to earn certifications cost $149).

How-tos

How to make Twitter fun again

Twitter is what you make it. Here are five tips on how to take back control of your timeline and make Twitter enjoyable.

How to make Podcasts use less storage

You can clear up a big chunk of your iPhone’s storage space by limiting how many podcasts you keep downloaded. iOS 15.5, which Apple released Monday, introduces a feature that can help. Here’s how to use it.

Deals

Protect iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods 3 with tough SwitchEasy cases

SwitchEasy’s rugged Odyssey line of Apple cases is known for being protective, stylish and convenient. You can safeguard your iPhone 12 or 13, your Apple Watch and your AirPods 3. Some cases clip on for added carrying options. And best of all, you can get 20% off in the SwitchEasy flash sale on Odyssey cases, which runs through Monday, May 23, in the Cult of Mac Store.

Get Microsoft Office for Mac, plus courses that teach you to master the apps

Even if you use Microsoft Office every day, you probably aren’t getting the most out of the world’s most popular software. These courses show you how to maximize your productivity. Oh, and they come with lifetime access to Microsoft Office … for just $79.99 total!

This might be your perfect Apple Watch band for a ‘tactical’ look

Tired of searching for a utility band for everyday wear to match your space gray Apple Watch? This one’s great – and it’s on sale for just $19.99.

Plus: This Apple Watch charging cable can handle 4 devices at once

Make your data practically unhackable with this decentralized VPN

The Deeper Connect Mini decentralized VPN and firewall is simple-to-use hardware that can protect your identity online and shield you from threats. And for a limited time, it’s on sale for $349.

Become a certified coding pro for less than $3 a course

You can master various in-demand programming languages from home with The 2022 All-in-One Learn to Code Certification Bundle. Usually $3,000, it’s on sale right now for just $44.99.

Reviews

Now and Then is the best kind of trashy TV [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★

The new time-hopping Apple TV+ show centers on a group of friends who reminisce about youthful indiscretions as new mysteries present themselves. Now and Then showcases a great cast doing ruthless character work.

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:

Forget Reminders, Todoist is the best task-management app out there [Awesome Apps]

It’s true – Apple’s Reminders app has gone from strength to strength in recent years. But for a more-comprehensive task-management app on iOS, iPadOS and macOS, look no further than Todoist. It’s the best to-do app out there.

Connect a pair of 4K HDMI monitors to an M1 MacBook with this portable USB-C adapter [Review] ★★★★½

MacBooks with an Apple M1 processor can handle only one external monitor, but this dongle doubles the number. And Mac mini users can connect to three monitors with it.

Setups

Would this dual Studio Display rig be your ‘dream setup?’ [Setups]

Look at enough computer setups online, and you realize people are never really done with them. There’s always something to add. But not this one.

Sometimes ‘keeping it simple’ means maintaining older Apple gear [Setups]

Not every setup needs to be a visually stunning technological showcase, despite appearances to the contrary on social media sites. The best setup is the one that gets the job done.

Composer makes beautiful music with 2013 Mac Pro and big Cinema Display [Setups]

Las Vegas-based pianist, composer and educator Travis Lohmann uses an intriguing setup that hearkens back to yesteryear.

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