Holiday Gift Guide: best stocking stuffer ideas under $20 for Mac fans
With the holidays fast approaching, here are some great value gifts for Mac users that you can purchase for $20 or less.These stocking stuffer ideas are all under $20.The end of 2022 is coming up rapidly, and you have a few weeks left to buy gifts for loved ones, friends, and family. With budgets tightening all round, more people will be looking at the value end of the gift spectrum. Read more...

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Today in Apple history: Secret project ports Mac OS to PCs
December 4, 1992: Apple engineers demonstrate a “proof of concept” of the Mac operating system running on an Intel computer. More than a decade before Macs will switch to Intel processors, the astonishing feat is part of an aborted plan to make Apple’s software available on other manufacturers’ hardware. Apple ultimately chickens out, fearing (probably […] (via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

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Celebrate Christmas with Binance for a chance to win 0.5 BTC
Binance, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, is giving fans the chance to win a share of 0.5 BTC (Bitcoin) equivalent to $17,000 ... Read more The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Apple 35W Dual USB-C Charger now on sale for $52 on Amazon
Apple fans looking to declutter their home office or workstation setup can take advantage of a discounted dual charger on Amazon. The Apple 35W ... Read more The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Amazon's $199 AirPods Pro 2 deal returns, AirPods Max drop to $439
Amazon's AirPods deals deliver the best prices this weekend, with AirPods Pro 2 back on sale for $199.99 and AirPods Max getting a new $110 discount.Apple AirPods are discounted at Amazon.Black Friday pricing has returned on Apple AirPods Pro 2, with the 2022 release back on sale for $199.99. This matches the cheapest price we've seen at Amazon and it falls within $2 of the record low price we've seen at any reseller. Read more...

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Goldman Sachs updates Apple Card agreement for new feature
Apple’s Card customer agreement page has been updated to reflect the upcoming “Savings Account” feature. Goldman Sachs, the issuer of the Apple Card, made ... Read more The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Zedd’s ‘Clarity’ Now Available for Remixing on GarageBand
Apple has released a new Remix Session on its GarageBand app featuring the popular dance hit single “Clarity” by Zedd. The Remix Session, which ... Read more The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Apple Card Promotion Offers 5% Daily Cash on Eligible Purchases
Apple Card has launched a new promotion for customers who sign up for an account. From December 1 to 25, those who get an ... Read more The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Anker MagGo Power Bank on Sale for $41.99 on Amazon
Wireless magnetic charging and a power bank in one convenient device? Yes, please! The Anker MagGo 5,000mAh Power Bank is currently on sale for ... Read more The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Belkin releases AirPods cleaning kit to remove debris and wax build-up
Third-party company Belkin has recently launched a cleaning kit that removes dirt and wax build-up off the Apple AirPods. The AirPods Cleaning Kit consists ... Read more The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Better late than never: Apple accelerates plans to move production out of China
In recent weeks, Apple has accelerated plans to shift some of its production outside China, long the dominant country in the company's supply… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple TV+ series ‘Surface’ renewed for second season
Apple TV+ series “Surface” has been renewed for a second season on the streaming service. The thriller series tells the story of a young ... Read more The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Apple TV+ unveils preview of 2023 and upcoming content
Apple has recently uploaded a new video showing upcoming shows and movies for its streaming service, Apple TV+. The video, titled “Apple TV+ Winter ... Read more The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Save on a powerful dock that expands your Mac’s capabilities
Today on Amazon, the Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock is down to just $149.99 from its original price of $200. This powerful ... Read more The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Apple’s 10th-generation iPad gets detailed teardown
YouTube channel iFixit recently gave Apple’s newest iPad a detailed teardown video, revealing the innards of the 10th-generation tablet. The video showed the internal ... Read more The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Kuo: software issues push Apple's mixed-reality headset to late 2023
Apple's in-development mixed-reality headset could see its launch pushed back from early 2023 to later in the year, indicates analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, with software issues causing an extended delay.A render of a potential Apple headset [AppleInsider]Apple's long-rumored and highly anticipated first headset release was thought to be on the horizon, with mass production of the augmented reality and virtual reality headwear slated to begin in early 2023. However, while hardware's getting prepared for manufacturing, another element may slow down its actual release. Read more...

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Apple is reportedly developing xrOS to power the next ecosystem of devices
With 2022 ending on a somewhat quiet note with just one fall event, all eyes are on 2023. But new Macs, iPads, and iPhones might not be the star of 2023. Instead, a new report suggests Apple is readying an entirely new ecosystem. According to Bloomberg, Apple is “ramping up work on a mixed-reality headset” that is due to finally launch in the new year. Along with the hardware, which has managed to avoid major leaks so far, Apple is working on a new dedicated operating system called xrOS, as well as an xrOS App Store for third-party software. Like iOS and macOS, the new name suggests the platform is a major component of the headset. Bloomberg had previously reported that Apple’s OS was being developed under the realityOS name, but the new xrOS branding suggests Apple has bigger plans for the ecosystem. Bloomberg notes that “xr” stands for extended reality, which encompasses both virtual and augmented reality devices and applications. Like iOS and macOS, xrOS will likely constitute a full platform of devices with features that complement each other and Apple’s other devices. One of the xrOS devices will surely be a headset—or possibly two if Apple continues to separate its products into Pro and non-Pro models—but another could be something a little smaller and even more personal. In a patent filing with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, Apple has described a “Self-Mixing Interferometry-Based Input Device” or an Apple Ring. As spotted by Patently Apple, Apple describes the system as an “SMI-based gesture input system including at least one of a wearable device or a handheld device.”  Such a system would obviously work extremely well in conjunction with a headset. Apple also shows the Ring working with an Apple Pencil for AR applications. An Apple Ring would also presumably have health features that work independently from a headset as well, similar to the Oura Smart Ring that tracks sleep, readiness, and activity. Work on Apple’s mixed-reality “metaverse” has been steadily ramping up, with rumors pointing to a 2023 launch. The headset will reportedly feature a pair of 8K displays and an M1 processor, and come with a hefty price tag. But if the rumors of a new platform and ecosystem are true, the price and the wait will be worth the investment. Apple

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Save $5 on this Apple TV-compatible button remote
The Apple TV continues to sell like hotcakes, but its remote remains a topic of conversation and leaves some users searching for alternative options. A third-party Apple TV remote like the Function101 Button Remote could give you the classic experience you desire. It’s an affordable solution and a thoughtful holiday gift at only $24.95 with […] (via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

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Crime blotter: Video goes viral of Black Friday Apple Store thefts
In the latest Apple Crime Blotter, Frankie Grande's iPhone was stolen, a guilty plea in a Minneapolis theft ring, and an orchestra conductor has iPad and annotated scores stolen.The Apple Store in Palo Alto The latest in an occasional AppleInsider feature, looking at the world of Apple-related crime. Read more...

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This new Android app is swooping in to cure the pain of green iMessage bubbles
If there’s one thing that iPhone and Android users both agree on, it’s the hatred of green bubbles. A pox on the messaging community, green bubbles ruin iPhone group messages, end relationships, and create an overall terrible experience for everyone involved. A new app named Sunbird wants to change that. Available in closed beta and eyeing a summer 2023 release, the concept is simple: Android users will be able to communicate with their iPhone friends as if everyone was using an iPhone. Macworld was shown a demo of the system in use and it’s pretty slick: Sign in with an Apple ID, authenticate your iCloud account with a two-factor authentication code, and start texting with your iPhone friends in blue bubbles. The developers claim that since it is using Apple’s own iMessage system, there isn’t any risk. Sunbird doesn’t store your Apple ID password on its servers and all messages are still end-to-end encrypted: “Users get security (encryption), internet messaging, full-quality media, iMessage group chats, reactions/tap backs, live-typing, and read receipts, with plans to add new features regularly.” This isn’t the first time someone has tried to bring iMessage to Android, but it does appear to be the simplest. Other solutions need a Mac or an iPhone running software that communicates with a dedicated server, but Sunbird requires very little setup and zero investment from the user other than a free iCloud account. Additionally, the developers say Sunbird will be free “for now,” with no plans to monetize the service at launch. Sunbird wants to bring iMessage to Android phones. Sunbird However, there are plans to expand Sunbird to other messaging apps. First on the list is Whatsapp and Telegram and Messenger are also on their radar. The goal is to turn Sunbird into a one-stop messaging app that lets you communicate with anyone on any platform no matter what service or OS they’re using. There are also plans to make a web app for Sunbird as well. “By inventing new technology that gives Android users iMessage on Android, one can enjoy the most popular functions and features uniting the top messaging apps that people use every day,” said Danny Mizrahi, CEO, and Founder of Sunbird Messaging. “One inbox for all your messages.” It remains to be seen whether Apple will allow Sunbird to operate without a legal battle, however. Sunbird’s method brings the entire iMessage experience—typing prompts, uncompressed photos and videos, and of course, blue bubbles—to Android phones and the developers claim it isn’t reliant on Apple to play along. However, Apple has admitted that iMessage “lock-in” is one of the biggest reasons why it hasn’t brought the service to Android, so it will likely take umbrage with Sunbird’s approach. It’s unclear what recourse Apple has since the app will be in the Google Play Store and not the App Store, but Apple’s lawyers will likely take a long hard look once it arrives “in about six months.” For now, Android users join a waitlist to participate in a closed beta of Sunbird. So the next time your Android friend texts you a message with a blue bubble, it might not mean they’ve switched phones—it might just mean they downloaded a new app. iPhone

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Elon Musk says Apple has fully resumed Twitter advertising
Apple has returned to advertising at its normal level on Twitter, according to Elon Musk, who also confirmed Apple is Twitter's biggest ad client.Elon Musk [Twitter]On November 28, Twitter CEO Elon Musk engaged in a tweet-storm against Apple, including claims Apple had "mostly stopped advertising on Twitter." One week later, and Musk has changed his tune. Read more...

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Apple speeds up plans to move iPhone production out of China
Apple has expedited plans to move a part of its supply chain outside of China. The company is asking suppliers to increase their assembly base in India and Vietnam. Over the last year, China’s strict COVID-19 restrictions have disrupted Apple’s production lines in the country multiple times. Apple wants to make more iPhones in India […] (via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

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Daily deals Dec. 4: $749 M2 11-inch iPad Pro, $600 off Sennheiser HD800S, Up to 50% off Garmin Smartwatches, more
Sunday's best deals include $400 off a 16-inch MacBook Pro, a Klipsch 3.1-channel soundbar system for $549, $159 Refurbished Shark Robot Vacuum, and much more.Best deals for December 4Every day, AppleInsider checks online stores daily to uncover discounts and offers on hardware and other products, including Apple devices, smart TVs, accessories, and other items. The best offers are compiled into our regular list for our readers to use and save money. Read more...

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Apple Makes Plans to Move Production Out of China
The Wall Street Journal reports: In recent weeks, Apple Inc. has accelerated plans to shift some of its production outside China, long the dominant country in the supply chain that built the world's most valuable company, say people involved in the discussions. It is telling suppliers to plan more actively for assembling Apple products elsewhere in Asia, particularly India and Vietnam, they say, and looking to reduce dependence on Taiwanese assemblers led by Foxconn Technology Group. Turmoil at a place called iPhone City helped propel Apple's shift. At the giant city-within-a-city in Zhengzhou, China, as many as 300,000 workers work at a factory run by Foxconn to make iPhones and other Apple products. At one point, it alone made about 85% of the Pro lineup of iPhones, according to market-research firm Counterpoint Research. The Zhengzhou factory was convulsed in late November by violent protests.... Coming after a year of events that weakened China's status as a stable manufacturing center, the upheaval means Apple no longer feels comfortable having so much of its business tied up in one place, according to analysts and people in the Apple supply chain.... One response, say the people involved in Apple's supply chain, is to draw from a bigger pool of assemblers — even if those companies are themselves based in China. Two Chinese companies that are in line to get more Apple business, they say, are Luxshare Precision Industry Co. and Wingtech Technology Co.... Apple's longer-term goal is to ship 40% to 45% of iPhones from India, compared with a single-digit percentage currently, according to Ming-chi Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities who follows the supply chain. Suppliers say Vietnam is expected to shoulder more of the manufacturing for other Apple products such as AirPods, smartwatches and laptops. For now, consumers doing Christmas shopping are stuck with some of the longest wait timesfor high-end iPhones in the product's 15-year history, stretching until after Christmas.... Accounts vary about how many workers are missing from the Zhengzhou factory, with estimates ranging from the thousands to the tens of thousands. Mr. Kuo said it was running at only about 20% capacity in November, a figure expected to improve to 30% to 40% in December. Foxconn says it accounted for 3.9% of China's exports in 2021, the Journal points out. Yet "A survey by the U.S.-China Business Council this year found American companies' confidence in China has fallen to a record low, with about a quarter of respondents saying they have at least temporarily moved parts of their supply chain out of China over the past year." Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Best AirTag key rings, bag tags, holders & accessories
Here at Macworld we’re extremely fond of Apple’s AirTag, which we consider by far the best Bluetooth tracker for an iPhone or Mac user. However, one complaint raised in our AirTag review was that it doesn’t have a hole, which means you’re forced in most situations to buy an accessory to put it in. Want to attach it to your keys? You need to buy a special key ring. Want to attach it to your luggage? Special luggage label. An ecosystem has quickly sprung up offering straps, loops, pet tags, cases and holders for AirTag owners. But which ones are worth buying? We’ve been testing out all the AirTags accessories we can get our hands on, so we can help you find the best AirTag holder for your needs. AirTag Key Rings Apple AirTag Leather Key Ring MSRP: $35 Best Prices Today: $35 at Apple$35.00 at Amazon There are cheaper alternatives, but this is the best AirTag key ring we’ve seen. It’s light, attractive and reassuringly well-made. It’s easy to put the AirTag inside, but the metal popper won’t let it escape. And we love the large, chunky (but quite flat) ring, although we’d recommend testing it out in a shop if you’re planning on attaching car keys with a small aperture. This reviewer’s Nissan and Skoda keys were both a tight fit. The leather covering protects the AirTag’s edge from drop damage but leaves most of its chassis, both front and back, open to the elements and liable to scuff a little. We think this is worth it for the pleasing look, and scuffing is both inevitable and minor, but if you want total protection you’ll need to look elsewhere.–David Price Orbitkey Leather Holder for AirTag MSRP: $39.90 Best Prices Today: $39.90 at Orbitkey Orbitkey‘s leather offering is well worth your consideration. It costs roughly the same as Apple’s Leather Key Ring but it has a nice-looking design and a couple of advantages up its sleeve. One is the slenderness of the ring itself. Whereas Apple’s broad, flat ring can be awkward for attaching car keys with a narrow aperture, this will fit into holes of the smallest dimensions. The second advantage lies in the innovative way keys are attached: an initially baffling locking system that, once mastered, is far quicker and easier (and far less painful) than prising apart the traditional two-layer ring with your fingernails. The only real quibble is that the leather fob is quite a lot bigger than the AirTag itself. It has more space than it needs and wobbles around slightly inside the pocket. The key ring thus takes up more room in your pocket than it needs to. This does also give the AirTag far more protection than Apple’s version. It’s less likely to get scuffed than with the other key rings we tried out. If the price tag puts you off, Orbitkey also makes a much cheaper Slim Case with a similar locking system.–David Price Belkin Secure Holder with Key Ring for AirTag MSRP: $12.95 Best Prices Today: $9.74 at Amazon$12.95 at Apple$12.95 at Apple If the leather key rings above are too expensive for your budget, consider Belkin’s cheerful, affordable alternative. The Secure Holder is made of plastic, which gives it more of a budget feel, but it’s reassuringly robust. As with Apple’s key ring, both faces of the AirTag are left exposed, but the plastic surround sticks out more and thus provides more drop protection. The AirTag is secured inside the holder via a clever twist-and-lock mechanism. It’s available in white, black, pink and blue.–David Price Olixar Silicone Protective Skin For Apple AirTags MSRP: $11.99 Best Prices Today: $11.99 at Mobile Fun$12.99 at Amazon Olixar’s simple offering costs less than the Belkin key ring, and less than a third of the Apple option, for a pair. Very handy if you want to equip a couple of young teenagers with AirTags and keep an eye on their movements. Wrestling the AirTag into the silicone cover is mildly tricky–there’s no clasp of any kind, you just stretch the edges and jam it in there–but it’s secure once inside and admirably protective. In fact you could say it provides twice the protection of Apple’s key ring since it covers the back completely: only the front face is exposed. The karabiner-style opening on the ring makes it easier to use and more fun than a conventional ring (although slightly less secure, since it doesn’t have the lock feature of a full mountaineering karabiner). But this is essentially a basic option; if you’re prepared to spend a little more, consider Olixar’s ‘leather style’ version instead, or even its top-of-the-line genuine leather case.–David Price ElevationLab TagVault: Keychain MSRP: $12.95 (single); $39.95 (4 pack) Best Prices Today: $12.95 at ElevationLab$29.95 at Amazon Elevation Lab’s TagVault: Keychain offers a keyring nub, resistance to scratching or mars, or waterproof or water-resistant options. This rugged case has a gasket that prevents water intrusion while passing through ultrawideband and Bluetooth signals and allowing about two-thirds of the AirTag’s sound volume. It has an integral loop for a keychain ring and comes with a simple but robust one.–Glenn Fleishman Read our full Review TagVault: Keychain Caseology Vault MSRP: $13.99 Best Prices Today: Not Available at Amazon How about a properly rugged key ring accessory for your AirTag? The Caseology Vault is made from military-grade thermoplastic polyurethane, with a nicely grippy sandstone finish that makes it less prone to drops. Like the Olixar Silicone it features a karabiner attachment. This is removable, which makes the Vault a versatile accessory. It’s just as happy tracking rucksacks as keys.–David Price Apple AirTag Hermès Key Ring MSRP: $349 Best Prices Today: $349 at Apple Before we finish looking at your key ring options, let’s briefly indulge ourselves in this glorious blast of pure luxury: Apple’s saddle-stitched Hermès offering in orange, brown or black leather. (Or, to be exact, Orange, Fauve or Bleu Indigo.) Most of the accessories in this roundup do not include an AirTag, but this one does, and the tracker you get will be custom-etched with the fashion company’s logo. Glorious.–David Price AirTag luggage tags Apple AirTag Loop MSRP: $29 Best Prices Today: $9.00 at Adorama$14.99 at Best Buy$19.99 at Amazon Apple’s AirTag Loop is made of polyurethane and feels and looks smart, with two of the color options (Electric Orange and Sunflower) particularly bright and cheerful. This will also help you to spot your suitcase on the conveyor belt. The AirTag clips in using a metal clasp that’s easy to use and secure; you then put the strap around your luggage’s handle and loop the head part back through the slit in the tail. It looks slightly delicate at first glance–the strap gets quite thin at a certain point–but proved resistant to moderate tugging and should be fine under non-military usage conditions. Like Apple’s key ring, it protects the edges of the AirTag but not the center of its two faces, so expect some scuffing.–David Price Apple AirTag Leather Loop MSRP: $39 Best Prices Today: $19.99 at Amazon$19.99 at Best Buy$21.00 at Adorama Apple’s Leather Loop is available in Saddle Brown, Baltic Blue, Forest Green, California Poppy, or (Product) Red. It’s only a bit more expensive than the AirTag Loop–from a high starting point, admittedly–and looks and feels significantly nicer than the polyurethane version. (We also suspect it will prove more resistant to damage in the long term, although both have been fine so far.)–David Price Olixar Soft Silicone Luggage Loop For AirTags MSRP: $11.99 Best Prices Today: $11.99 at Mobile Fun$12.99 at Amazon Olixar’s silicone AirTag strap has a very similar design to Apple’s Loop, but as you’d expect (given how much cheaper it is) the materials and quality of manufacture are slightly less luxurious. It’s a bit floppier, for one thing, and doesn’t feel quite as nice. It’s a perfectly decent, functional and much more affordable substitute, however, and there’s always the option of the leather version if you’re prepared to splash out a bit more for a taste of the finer things in life.–David Price Belkin Secure Holder with Strap for AirTag MSRP: $12.95 Best Prices Today: $9.74 at Amazon$12.95 at Apple$12.95 at Apple Belkin’s Secure Holder is also available with a robust string for attaching it to the handle of a suitcase or bag. Like the strap-style loops provided by other manufacturers this threads back through itself to easily attach to your luggage. It’s available in white, black, blue, and pink with a matching string. Since the front and back sections, string and key ring are all detachable, you could create a multicolor accessory by mixing and matching more than one holder.–David Price Casetify Customisable AirTag Holder MSRP: $29 Best Prices Today: $29 at Casetify The principal appeal of Casetify’s AirTag holder is the sheer range of designs and colors you can choose from. The ones pictured are, from left, Colorful Floral in Turquoise and Pink (with Peach background); Flowers for you by Matthew Langille (with Licorice); and Egg Tart with Mice (with Avocado). That last one is our favorite, but there are hundreds of options.–David Price Apple AirTag Hermès Luggage Tag MSRP: $449 Best Prices Today: $449 at Apple For luggage labels, too, Apple’s Hermès partnership provides the luxury option. It’s made of saddle-stitched Barénia leather, and available in any color as long as it’s Fauve. Like the deluxe key ring, the Hermès Luggage Tag comes with a custom-etched AirTag.–David Price Apple AirTag Hermès Bag Charm MSRP: $299 Best Prices Today: $299.00 at Apple$299 at Apple This handsome and luxurious bag charm is the most affordable of the four AirTag accessories made by Apple with Hermes–although affordability is a relative concept. It’s available in Orange, Fauve, and Bleu Indigo and comes with a custom-etched AirTag.–David Price Apple AirTag Hermès Travel Tag And here’s the fourth, final, and most expensive Apple/Hermès collaboration in this roundup. It’s a dual-function travel tag that attaches to your luggage and holds both an AirTag (included in the price) for geolocation and a card with written information. It isn’t listed on Apple’s store, so you’ll need to buy direct from Hermes. It’s available in Fauve only.–David Price AirTag pet collars ElevationLab TagVault: Pet MSRP: $19.95 Best Prices Today: $19.95 at Elevation Lab$19.95 ($19.95 / Count) at Amazon The TagVault: Pet uses screws with the small Torx T6 star-shaped drive for the portion that contains the AirTag and maintains the waterproof seal. These screws are piercing, self-tapping screws with a T10 slot. They’re used to hold a hard plastic anchor to provide further stability when attached to a pet collar that you provide–though the case may be too big for smaller collars. The kit includes a steel Torx T6 L-shaped wrench with screw tips on both ends.–Glenn Fleishman Read our full Review Elevation Lab TagVault: Pet AirTag wallet holders ElevationLab TagVault: Wallet Best Prices Today: $9.95 at Amazon$9.95 at ElevationLab Designed to hold an AirTag firmly in place in a wallet, it comes in two form factors: standard, 3.25 by 1.5 inches (83 by 38 mm), and compact, 2 by 1.5 inches (51 by 38 mm). Both are 0.05 inches (1.3 mm) thick. The more rectangular style works well in billfold slots; the squarer design in other parts of a wallet. With the AirTag exposed front and back, there’s no additional blocking beyond your wallet to block wireless signals for tracking and Precision Finding.–Glenn Fleishman Read our full Review TagVault: Wallet Nomad Card for AirTag MSRP: $19.95 Best Prices Today: $19.95 at Nomad Though it tapers to the edges, the Card for AirTag is 3.2 by 2.1 by 0.2 inches (54 by 82 by 5 mm) at its largest. The AirTag sits like a gem in its center, bulging slightly outwards to 0.3 inches (8 mm). A combination of soft and hard materials–polycarbonate and TPU rubber–provides both a nice outside feel and the rigidity and flexibility to insert an AirTag into the Card’s opening with a satisfying click.–Glenn Fleishman Read our full Review Nomad Card for AirTag AirTag mounts Olixar AirTags Adhesive Silicone Pocket MSRP: $11.99 Best Prices Today: $11.99 at Mobile Fun$12.99 at Amazon If the thing you want to track hasn’t got a handle you can loop the AirTags to, or a pocket you can slip one inside, then the next option is stickiness. These neat silicone pockets (which come in a pack of four) both protect the tracker from external damage, and give it a strong and reliable adhesive surface to cling to a jewel box, schoolbag or games console. Despite the unobtrusive look of the pocket the AirTag is still fairly obvious and easily slipped out, so this solution isn’t ideal for tracking down stolen property (unless there’s a more discreet internal surface you can stick it to). But for locating TV remotes–and for sheer versatility of application–they’re indispensable.–David Price Curved Surface Mount for AirTags MSRP: $19.99 (single); $69.96 (four pack) Best Prices Today: $19.9 at Moment$24.99 at Amazon A flexible silicon case for AirTag that can be attached to just about any surface. Moment includes two additional die-cut 3M VHB stickers that becomes stronger and more permanent over time. Its dark matte black makes it nearly invisible against a black background. —Glenn Fleishman Hard Shell Mount for AirTags MSRP: $19.95 (single); $69.96 (four pack) Best Prices Today: $19.95 at Moment$29.99 at Amazon This is essentially a tougher version of the Curved Surface Mount, so it’s better suited for more rugged situations. Moment includes two additional die-cut 3M VHB stickers that becomes stronger and more permanent over time. —Glenn Fleishman Pelican Protector Sticker Mount Case for AirTag Devices MSRP: $19.99 Best Prices Today: $19.99 at Case-MateNot Available at Amazon If you’re looking for an AirTag mount that can stick to almost any surface and allows for easy AirTag removal, the Pelican Protector fits the bill. It’s not discreet, it’s not rugged, and it doesn’t offer additional water protection, but as a mount, it works well. Pelican relies on 3M VHB adhesive for attachment, which creates a near-permanent mount that becomes stronger over time.—Glenn Fleishman Read our full Review Pelican Protector Sticker Mount Case for AirTag Devices Other types of AirTag cases and holders Olixar Apple AirTags Anti-Scratch Protector MSRP: $11.99 Best Prices Today: $11.99 at Mobile Fun The AirTag is a little prone to picking up scuff marks, and many of the holders in this roundup leave at least one of its surfaces uncovered and vulnerable to damage. If this is something you’re concerned about, consider buying a “screen” protector for your tracker–it hasn’t actually got a screen, of course, but the same principle applies. Olixar includes two TPU film covers in the pack, along with ethanol wipes and a cleaning cloth for preparing the AirTag, and an application card for smoothing out air bubbles.–David Price ElevationLab TagVault: Bike MSRP: $19.95 Best Prices Today: $19.95 at Amazon$19.95 at Elevation Lab The TagVault: Bike is a lozenged-shaped plastic shell that houses the AirTag AirTag nestles inside its waterproof seal. It attaches to a bike via the bike’s water bottle mount, using longer screws to attach the bottle cage, or shorter screws if you don’t attach the cage. The case is a matte black, rendering it unobtrusive. Screwed in between a cage and the frame, a thief would first have to recognize it and then work hard to remove it quickly.–Glenn Fleishman Read our full Review Elevation Lab TagVault: Bike What you can expect in an AirTag case Because the AirTag comes in a single variety, you don’t need to choose which kind to acquire. Apple sells them singly ($29) and in a four-pack ($99). Engraving is free. An AirTag regularly broadcasts 2.4GHz Bluetooth signals with an encrypted device ID for other Apple devices to pick up and relay along with those devices’ locations. The 2.4GHz band penetrates solid objects well, but case designers need to be mindful of materials that have the potential to block the signal. In our survey of AirTag cases, we didn’t find a case so far that had that design problem. AirTags also use ultrawideband (USB) technology for Precision Finding, exclusive to Apple’s own Find My items. Precision Finding lets an iPhone with UWB identify the direction and distance within inches when it’s within about 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 m). Consider to what use you may put an AirTag to determine the features you want: Purpose: Cases exist in enough variety that you can find one designed as a luggage tag, another as a stylish keyring, and another to resist enormous amounts of damage. Figure out where you want to put the AirTag and match the case to it.Water resistance: Many cases feature some degree of water resistance, some using the IP rating that defines precisely how much. If you’re using an AirTag outside or on a pet’s collar, you may want one with a high degree of resistance. When attaching to a bag or keyring, it may seem less important or not important at all.Ring, clip, loop, or carabiner: Case makers offer many variants on attachments. Some include a simple hole to attach a keychain, while others incorporate a keychain as part of the product and may include a keyring. You can purchase multiple cases built into a carabiner, including one with a three-digit combination lock. You can also get a string or similar loop design, in which the case passes through a loop and pulls tight on a handle without a knot.Removable or adhesive: You might want an AirTag case that’s easy to move about or attach and reattach. Other cases include adhesive for semi-permanent fixed attachment.Hidden for theft recovery: Some cases are designed to hide an AirTag, making its presence less apparent and thus less likely to be discovered if stolen; others are obvious, such as in a keychain or luggage tag. Temper hideability with the knowledge that Apple’s anti-stalking features built into AirTag tech makes them discoverable to criminals with a smartphone.Shows the front: Conversely, some cases show off an AirTag, revealing its front where you might have had added custom engraving from Apple with an emoji or text. You might want to see that engraving to differentiate among AirTags you own.Cost: Cases generally cost from about $20 to $35—around the price of a single AirTag. However, there are outliers below $10 and above $40. It’s all about the function, ruggedness, and complexity of purpose. Some charge extra for style.How we test AirTag case features For each kind of case, we rated them based on specific features around which they were designed. These include: Easy to insert the AirTag for secure retention: Every case has a slightly different approach to getting an AirTag inside. Some cases have an elaborate locking procedure or require removing and restoring four tiny screws to preserve a waterproof seal. Others are simple as sliding the tag into a holding or popping it into a rubber ring.Attaches securely for attachable cases: We tested cases that market themselves as attachable at how well they succeed at that task. Cases may come with or be part of a keyring, carabiner, wrist strip, or pet collar, or may have an adhesive to stick on to objects, like the inside of luggage.Access for battery replacement: Apple expects an AirTag battery to last for about a year in everyday usage, which it defines as one case of Precision Finding and four tones played per day. A case should allow access that isn’t maddening for replacing the battery every several months to a year.Robust against bumps and bangs: Only a few kinds of cases can avoid the wear and tear of bumping against other objects. Most need to be constructed with that in mind. For cases exposed to other surfaces, we look at whether the materials and build quality give confidence in them provide lasting value.Blocks access to remove: A handful of cases provide a security element intended to prevent access to an AirTag without excessive force—the AirTag would have to be destroyed to remove it. We rate these cases on whether they seem able to prevent or deter everything but destruction. AirTag MSRP: 1 pack $29 | 4 pack $99 Best Prices Today: $27.98 at Amazon$29 at Apple Read our full Review AirTag AirTag 4 pack MSRP: $99 Best Prices Today: $99.00 at Adorama$99.00 at Apple$99.00 at Best Buy Computer Accessories, Mobile Phone Accessories, Tablet Accessories

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Score big savings on the SLX MicroSim golf simulator, now 23% off
Still shopping for the golf fan on your list? Then check out the SLX MicroSim, the golf simulator that provides a realistic experience. There’s still time to get it shipped before the holidays and since it’s on sale for just $189.99 — 24 percent off the MSRP — it’s easily affordable too. The SLX MicroSim is a golf simulator that lets you play from anywhere. You don’t have to book tee times or wait for good weather. Just use the included smart stick, connect it to the Windows, iOS, and Android compatible app, and start playing. And since the system provides you with metrics about your swing, it’s a fantastic resource for improving your overall game too. This isn’t like some of those cheesy golf video games out there. It provides, instead, a realistic experience that lets you play year-round all the while enhancing your swing. And, for even more realism, you can even use it with your own clubs, which is a nice bonus. That makes the SLX MicroSim the perfect gift for every fan of the game and, at this price, a budget-friendly option.   SwingLogic SLX MicroSim – Home Golf MicroSimulator – $189.99 See Deal Prices subject to change. Gaming

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Apple-1 computer with Steve Jobs writing is on auction
A rare Apple-1 computer, numbered by former Apple CEO Steve Jobs, is currently up for auction on the RR Auction site. The fully operational ... Read more The post appeared first on iLounge.

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Elon Musk says Apple is Twitter’s largest ad client; has now ‘fully resumed’ advertising on the platform
During a Twitter Space this evening, Elon Musk confirmed that Apple has “fully resumed advertising” on Twitter. This comes less than a week after Musk publicly shamed Apple for having “mostly stopped advertising on Twitter” and questioned if the company hated “free speech in America.” Apple never confirmed nor denied that it had stopped advertising […] The post appeared first on 9to5Mac.

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How to instantly remove backgrounds from images with macOS Ventura
With iOS 16 arriving before macOS Ventura, users got the ability to quickly remove backgrounds from images with a couple of taps on iPhone and iPad. Fortunately, the capability is also available with macOS Ventura and is accessible in two different ways. Here’s how to remove backgrounds from images on Mac. more… The post appeared first on 9to5Mac.

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The 4 biggest recruiting hurdles your company faces — and how to vault over them
Hiring in 2023 is no joke — but it’s not impossible. While every company faces challenges when it comes to staffing, there are ways to tackle those issues head-on such as using ZipRecruiter. Rated the No. 1 job site in the United States*, ZipRecruiter provides employers with weekly access to more than 10 million job […] (via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

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ConnectWise Quietly Patches Flaw That Helps Phishers
ConnectWise, a self-hosted, remote desktop software application that is widely used by Managed Service Providers (MSPs), is warning about an unusually sophisticated phishing attack that can let attackers take remote control over user systems when recipients click the included link. The warning comes just days after the company quietly patched a vulnerability that makes it easier for phishers to launch these attacks.

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The “Secret” Apple Tax – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 268
There's more news about Twitter, as Elon Musk has called out the "secret" Apple tax of 30% that large developers pay, that wasn't so secret. We also look at the various types of drives that you can use to back up your Mac: hard drives, SSDs, and NASs. The post appeared first on The Mac Security Blog.

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How to Choose the Best Hard Drive or SSD to Back Up Your Mac
There are several types of hard drives you can use to back up your Mac. Learn about the differences, and find the best backup drive for your needs. The post appeared first on The Mac Security Blog.

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U.S. Govt. Apps Bundled Russian Code With Ties to Mobile Malware Developer
A recent scoop by Reuters revealed that mobile apps for the U.S. Army and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were integrating software that sends visitor data to a Russian company called Pushwoosh, which claims to be based in the United States. But that story omitted an important historical detail about Pushwoosh: In 2013, one of its developers admitted to authoring the Pincer Trojan, malware designed to surreptitiously intercept and forward text messages from Android mobile devices.

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8 essential tips to stay safe shopping online on Cyber Monday and Cyber Week
How can you ensure that your online shopping experience is safe and secure? We have several crucial tips to help you stay protected during the holiday shopping season and year-round. (And also, don't miss our Cyber Week 2020 deals!) The post appeared first on The Mac Security Blog.

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Vulnerability Summary for the Week of November 21, 2022
Original release date: November 28, 2022 | Last revised: November 29, 2022  High Vulnerabilities Primary Vendor -- Product Description Published CVSS Score Source & Patch Info 2code -- wpqa_builder The WPQA Builder WordPress plugin before 5.9 does not have CSRF check when following and unfollowing users, which could allow attackers to make logged in users perform such actions via CSRF attacks 2022-11-21 8.8 CVE-2022-3688 CONFIRM aerocms_project -- aerocms AeroCMS v0.0.1 was discovered to contain a SQL Injection vulnerability via the Category parameter at category.php. This vulnerability allows attackers to access database information. 2022-11-22 7.5 CVE-2022-45330 MISC MISC aerocms_project -- aerocms AeroCMS v0.0.1 was discovered to contain a SQL Injection vulnerability via the p_id parameter at post.php. This vulnerability allows attackers to access database information. 2022-11-22 7.5 CVE-2022-45331 MISC MISC apache -- alarm_instance_management Alarm instance management has command injection when there is a specific command configured. It is only for logged-in users. We recommend you upgrade to version 2.0.6 or higher 2022-11-23 9.8 CVE-2022-45462 CONFIRM MLIST apache -- hama ** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** missing input validation in Apache Hama may cause information disclosure through path traversal and XSS. Since Apache Hama is EOL, we do not expect these issues to be fixed. 2022-11-21 7.5 CVE-2022-45470 MISC MLIST apartment_visitors_management_system_project -- apartment_visitors_management_system Apartment Visitor Management System v1.0 is vulnerable to SQL Injection via /avms/index.php. 2022-11-23 9.8 CVE-2022-44139 MISC api2cart -- api2cart_bridge_connector Arbitrary Code Execution vulnerability in Api2Cart Bridge Connector plugin =3.0.0 =4.0.0 =5.0.0

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AirPods as Trackers, Hacking Hackers, and Apple Tracking – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 267
In this week's security news, a stalker used AirPods to track a woman, since they don't sent alerts like AirTags; Australia is hacking hackers in a sort of precrime operation; and we give a few tips for the annual Black Friday shopathon. The post appeared first on The Mac Security Blog.

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Vulnerability Summary for the Week of November 14, 2022
Original release date: November 21, 2022 | Last revised: November 22, 2022  High Vulnerabilities Primary Vendor -- Product Description Published CVSS Score Source & Patch Info aiphone -- gt-dmb-n_firmware Aiphone GT-DMB-N 3-in-1 Video Entrance Station with NFC Reader 1.0.3 does not mitigate against repeated failed access attempts, which allows an attacker to gain administrative privileges. 2022-11-14 7.5 CVE-2022-40903 MISC MISC amazon -- opensearch OpenSearch is a community-driven, open source fork of Elasticsearch and Kibana. There is an issue with the implementation of fine-grained access control rules (document-level security, field-level security and field masking) where they are not correctly applied to the indices that back data streams potentially leading to incorrect access authorization. OpenSearch 1.3.7 and 2.4.0 contain a fix for this issue. Users are advised to update. There are no known workarounds for this issue. 2022-11-15 9.8 CVE-2022-41918 MISC CONFIRM amazon -- opensearch_notifications OpenSearch Notifications is a notifications plugin for OpenSearch that enables other plugins to send notifications via Email, Slack, Amazon Chime, Custom web-hook etc channels. A potential SSRF issue in OpenSearch Notifications Plugin 2.2.0 and below could allow an existing privileged user to enumerate listening services or interact with configured resources via HTTP requests exceeding the Notification plugin's intended scope. OpenSearch 2.2.1+ contains the fix for this issue. There are currently no recommended workarounds. 2022-11-11 8.7 CVE-2022-41906 MISC CONFIRM MISC apache -- airflow A vulnerability in Example Dags of Apache Airflow allows an attacker with UI access who can trigger DAGs, to execute arbitrary commands via manually provided run_id parameter. This issue affects Apache Airflow Apache Airflow versions prior to 2.4.0. 2022-11-14 8.8 CVE-2022-40127 MISC MISC MLIST apache -- airflow A vulnerability in UI of Apache Airflow allows an attacker to view unmasked secrets in rendered template values for tasks which were not executed (for example when they were depending on past and previous instances of the task failed). This issue affects Apache Airflow prior to 2.3.1. 2022-11-14 7.5 CVE-2022-27949 MISC MISC MLIST apache -- archiva If anonymous read enabled, it's possible to read the database file directly without logging in. 2022-11-15 7.5 CVE-2022-40308 CONFIRM MLIST apache -- sshd Class org.apache.sshd.server.keyprovider.SimpleGeneratorHostKeyProvider in Apache MINA SSHD

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How to Rip DVDs or Blu-rays and Add Them to Your Apple TV Library
It can be time-consuming, but ripping DVDs and Blu-Rays is easy. Add them to your Apple TV library so you can view your movies on your devices. The post appeared first on The Mac Security Blog.

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Researchers Quietly Cracked Zeppelin Ransomware Keys
Peter is an IT manager for a technology manufacturer that got hit with a Russian ransomware strain called “Zeppelin” in May 2020. He’d been on the job less than six months, and because of the way his predecessor architected things,… Read More »

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Twitter, AirDrop, and Continuity Camera – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 266
The situation at Twitter is changing daily, and we have some security tips for staying safe with Twitter’s new verification system. We look at some changes that Apple is making to AirDrop in China, which would be good for everyone. And we discuss the new Continuity Camera feature of macOS Ventura. The post appeared first on The Mac Security Blog.

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New Holiday Sale: Apple retailers are offering $100 discounts on 10.9″ iPad Airs, prices start at $499
Several Apple retailers lowered prices on 10.9" iPad Airs overnight to lows of $100 off MSRP starting at $499. Their prices are the lowest available for iPad Airs anywhere this Holiday season right now. All retailers offer free shipping, and Best Buy and Walmart also offer free local store pickup (if available)... The post first appeared on MacPrices.net.

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New Holiday sale at Amazon: Take $50 off Apple’s new 2022 10th-generation iPads, only $399
Amazon has Apple's new 10th-generation iPads in stock and on sale, for the first time, for $50 off MSRP starting at only $399. Their discount applies to all models and all colors. With the discount, Amazon's prices are the lowest available anywhere for these iPads: The post first appeared on MacPrices.net.

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Holiday Sale: Get an 8.3″ Apple iPad mini for $100 off MSRP, only $399, through December 7th
Sams Club has 10.9" 64GB iPad minis on Holiday sale for $80-$100 off MSRP through December 7, 2022. With their discount, prices start at $399 -- the cheapest price for a new iPad mini from any of the Apple retailers we track. Sale price for online orders only, in-store prices may vary. Choose free home shipping or free local store pick up (if available). Sams Club membership required: (1) 8.3" 64GB WiFi iPad mini: $399.98 $100 off MSRP, (2) 8.3" 64GB WiFi + Cellular iPad mini: $569.98 $80 off MSRP. For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our iPad mini Price Tracker, updated daily. The post first appeared on MacPrices.net.

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Sams Club Holiday December Event sale: Apple AirPods Max headphones for $110 off MSRP, only $439
Apple AirPods Max headphones are on sale at Sams Club for $110 off MSRP ($439) as part of their December Event sale, ending on December 7, 2022, valid for all colors. Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Choose free shipping or free in-store pickup (if available). $45 Sams Club membership required. The post first appeared on MacPrices.net.

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Apple’s 10.2″ 64GB 9th-generation iPads are on sale for $60 off MSRP, starting at only $259
Sams Club has 9th-generation 64GB iPads on Holiday sale for $60 off MSRP through December 7, 2022. With their discount, prices start at $259 -- the cheapest price for a new iPad from any of the Apple retailers we track. Sale price for online orders only, in-store prices may vary. Choose free home shipping or free local store pick up (if available). Sams Club membership required: (1) 10" 9th-generation 64GB WiFi iPad: $259.98 $60 off MSRP, (2) 10" 9th-generation 64GB WiFi + Cellular iPad: $389.98 $60 off MSRP. For the latest prices & deals, keep an eye on our iPad Price Tracker, updated daily. The post first appeared on MacPrices.net.

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11″ 128GB WiFi M2 iPad Pro on sale for $749, save $50
B&H Photo has the new 11" 128GB WiFi M2-powered iPad Pro (in Space Gray or Silver) on Holiday sale for $749 including free 1-2 day shipping to most US addresses. Their price is $50 off MSRP and represents the lowest 11" M2 iPad Pro price currently available (matching Amazon's). The post first appeared on MacPrices.net.

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Find the best Holiday sale price on an iPad using our Apple award-winning price trackers
We've updated our iPad Price Trackers with the latest information on the new 10th-generation iPads, M2-powered iPad Pros, M1 iPad Airs, iPad minis, and 9th generation iPads from Apple's authorized internet/catalog retailers: iPads, iPad minis, iPad Airs, 11" iPad Pros, 12" iPad Pros. We update the trackers continuously. Looking for an accessory? Try out iPad Keyboard Price Tracker and Apple Pencil Price Tracker. The post first appeared on MacPrices.net.

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Apple retailers are offering $100-$150 Holiday discounts on 13″ M2 MacBook Airs
Apple retailers have posted their most-recent Holiday sale prices on 13" MacBook Airs. Take up to $150 off MSRP on M2-powered Airs with these sales with prices starting at only $1099. Free shipping is available across the board. These are the lowest prices currently available... The post first appeared on MacPrices.net.

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Holiday Sale: Apple’s 14″ MacBook Pros with M1 Pros CPUs for $200-$300 off MSRP
B&H Photo is offering $200-$300 discounts on Apple's 14" MacBook Pros with M1 Pro CPUs as part of their Holiday 2022 sale, with prices starting at $1799. Free 1-2 day shipping is available to most US addresses: (1) 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro/8-Core CPU/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/Space Gray: $1799, $200 off MSRP, (2) 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro/10-Core CPU/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/Space Gray or Silver: $2199, $300 off MSRP. B&H's prices are among the lowest available for new 14" MacBook Pros among the Apple retailers we track. The post first appeared on MacPrices.net.

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Holiday Sale: Apple’s 14″ MacBook Pros with M1 Pros CPUs for $200-$300 off MSRP
B&H Photo is offering $200-$300 discounts on Apple's 14" MacBook Pros with M1 Pro CPUs as part of their Holiday 2022 sale, with prices starting at $1799. Free 1-2 day shipping is available to most US addresses: (1) 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro/8-Core CPU/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/Space Gray: $1799, $200 off MSRP, (2) 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro/10-Core CPU/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/Space Gray or Silver: $2199, $300 off MSRP. B&H's prices are among the lowest available for new 14" MacBook Pros among the Apple retailers we track. The post first appeared on MacPrices.net.

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Deal Alert! 50% off Apple MagSafe Chargers
AT&T has Apple MagSafe Chargers on sale for 50% off MSRP as part of their Holiday sale. Service is not required to take advantage of these savings. With the discounts, their sale prices are the lowest prices anywhere for MagSafe Chargers: (1) MagSafe Charger: $19.50, regularly $39, (2) MagSafe Duo Charger: $64.50, regularly $129. Shipping is free, or order online and pick up in-store (if available). The post first appeared on MacPrices.net.

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Apple’s Magic Keyboard for the 12.9″ iPad Pro is on sale for $100 off MSRP
Walmart has the Black Apple Magic Keyboard for the 12.9" iPad Pro on sale for $249 on their online store for a limited time. Their price is $100 off MSRP, and it's the lowest price for a new 12.9" Magic Keyboard available today. Sale price available for online orders only. Order online for store pickup, if available, or choose free shipping. For the latest sales and prices, see our iPad Keyboards Price Tracker, updated daily. The post first appeared on MacPrices.net.

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