Jun 25, 2022

Exclusive: Apple Watch Explorer Edition mockups

We got so tired of waiting to see a ruggedized Apple Watch that we cooked up some mockups that show what the long-rumored device might look like.

Our Apple Watch expert Graham Bower thought long and hard about how Cupertino might craft the Explorer Edition for athletes. Then he cranked out some concept art.

Will the sporty smartwatch actually look like this when (if) it arrives? Who knows. But we love daydreaming about upcoming Apple gear. I hope you do too.

Happy weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

P.S. Don’t miss our red-hot deal on a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 for just $39.99. It’s an exclusive price drop for our email subscribers only – and it ends Monday!

News and opinion

Exclusive mockups: Apple Watch Explorer Edition looks rugged and sporty

Rumors of an Apple Watch Explorer Edition – a ruggedized smartwatch designed specifically for athletes – started last year. These Photoshop mockups explore exactly what the Explorer Edition might look like

M1 vs. M2 MacBook Air: Which one should you buy?

The new model with Apple’s M2 chip inside commands a $200 premium over its predecessor. So, is the M2 MacBook Air worth the additional price? Or should you save some money and go for the M1 Air? Read our comparison to find out.

Plus, more on the latest Macs:

iWork 12.1 desperately tries to make presentations more exciting

Keynote version 12.1 adds moving backgrounds intended to add visual interest to presentations. And Pages 12.1 adds support for mail merge. Add in a performance-oriented tweak in Numbers 12.1, and you’ve got the latest version of Apple’s free productivity suite.

Apple’s Back to School promo bundles gift card up to $150 with new Mac or iPad

Apple’s annual deal for students is now live in the United States, Canada and other parts of the world.

AirPods Pro 2 could act as heart monitor and hearing aid

It goes without saying that AirPods Pro 2 will offer better sound. Duh. But Apple also will add some surprise features to the next generation of its earbuds, according to a new leak.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

How 'For All Mankind' created the color Apple Newton that never existed

An episode of Apple TV+ hit For All Mankind features some retro Apple tech that real people in the 1990s could only dream of: an Apple Newton with a color screen. And one that can make video calls!

Apple’s Automatic Verification will help us escape from annoying CAPTCHAs

Apple developed Automatic Verification to let iPhone, Mac and iPad users bypass those irritating CAPTCHA image tests that websites use to confirm that someone is a human and not a bot.

Why you shouldn’t buy an Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch Series 3 is still in Apple’s product lineup but you should avoid it. There’s another Apple wearable that costs just a bit more and isn’t about to ride off into the sunset.

How-tos

How to edit and unsend messages in iOS 16

Have you ever wanted to edit and unsend messages in iOS? Thankfully, with iOS 16 and Apple’s other upcoming OS upgrades, you can do just that.

Plus, more on iOS 16:

How to find an iPhone with Apple Watch

If you own an Apple Watch, it really is the fastest way to locate your lost iPhone. And there’s more than one way to do it.

Deals

Exclusive price drop: Get MS Office for Mac for just $39.99

With this Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 lifetime license deal, you’ll get access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and OneNote for Mac for one low price. This exclusive price drop to $39.99 ends Monday.

Alternative dock makes Nintendo Switch feel brand-new

Replace the stock Switch dock with a more modern take that expands how easily you can game on the go.

This 5-in-1 wireless charging station is your new favorite iPhone accessory

The Omnia Q5 can power up your entire fleet of Apple devices: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Pencil. And for a limited time, it will only set you back $69.99 (regularly $120).

Plus, more charging deals:

Mac or iPhone full? Store files safely for life with 10TB Prism Drive for $89.

Common restrictions on file types, file sizes and even how you can upload severely undercut the convenience and security of cloud storage. You won’t encounter those problems with Prism Drive.

Reviews and recommendations

'Loot' is funny, but we’ve heard these jokes before [Apple TV+ recaps] ★★★☆☆

In new Apple TV+ comedy Loot, Maya Rudolph plays a billionaire playgirl who must grow up and discover a conscience when she realizes that her public behavior casts her charitable foundation in a bad light.

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:

New Soundcore sport ANC earbuds: Good fit for fit people [Review] ★★★★☆

Ever have an earbud fall out of your sweaty ear at the gym? The new Soundcore Sport X10 deliver noise cancellation and aim to put an end to wayward earbuds.

Take selfies and much more with this clever iPhone accessory

If you’d like to take your selfie game up a notch, you can’t do much better than SwitchEasy’s EasySelfie Selfie Stick. The highly portable devices doubles as a tripod and works with your iPhone or a variety of cameras.

Plus, more Apple accessories:

Travel-ready 7-in-1 USB-C hub packs both HDMI and DisplayPort [Review] ★★★★☆

With Hyper’s HyperDrive USB4 Mobile Dock, you’re ready to connect to either HDMI or DisplayPort monitors at 4K or even 8K. The USB-C hub also includes dual USB-A ports, Ethernet and more.

Setups

Epic OLED smart TV and pro audio gear distract from wrong-color keyboard

Will you rue the day you choose the wrong color peripherals? Will you ask strangers on social media to help you fix the problem? The owner of this striking M1 MacBook Air-based setup did just that. But if you ask us, they could simply take solace in the setup’s strengths.

Mounts make the most of a home videoconferencing center

Mounts can mobilize computers, displays and microphones so you can use them when you need them and push them out of the way when you don’t. And you can minutely adjust their positioning, too.

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