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45 ways Apple put a ding in the universe 🌌

April 03, 2021

In some ways, it's hard to remember what the world looked like before Apple arrived in 1976. The upstart company made computing consumer-friendly, fashionable and, ultimately, ubiquitous.

In just four and a half decades, Apple made a surprisingly big impact on the tech scene and the world at large.

As we look back on the company's 45th birthday this week, we take stock of 45 ways Apple put a ding in the universe.

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

News and opinion

This week marked 45 years since a little outfit called the Apple Computer Company was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. Apple set out to build and sell personal computers, and ended up changing the world.

For the second year running, Apple's developer conference will be an all-virtual event. The WWDC festivities will run all week long, offering what Apple calls “unique insight into the future of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.”

Apple is holding its iPad wrong. The company designs its tablets as if the best way to hold one is in a portrait orientation. But landscape is actually more common, and Apple should make changes to the iPad’s design to reflect that.

Apple makes a huge push for its subscription gaming service, launching 11 new original games in a range of genres, from NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition to Star Trek: Legends.

A beefed-up version of Apple Watch could take the device’s lifesaving smarts to new extremes. The so-called Apple Watch Explorer Edition, rumored to be in the works with a possible release as early as this year, could be Cupertino’s answer to Casio’s ultra-popular G-Shock watches.

How-tos

WhatsApp on Mac now offers the ability to make and receive voice and video calls. It’s ideal for keeping in touch with friends, family and colleagues from your desk while you can’t see them face to face.

You don’t have to stick with your local version of Apple’s comically bad voice assistant. Shake up Siri with a new accent.

Deals

What better way to protect your pricey iPhone than to wrap it in high-quality leather? Limited77’s gorgeous Ultra Leather case is made from a soft and specially tanned European hide, complete with a microfiber lining, that keeps your beloved smartphone looking brand-new. And you can get yours right now at 29% off the usual price.

Satisfy all your binge-watching needs on a giant screen — anywhere! — with this unbelievably portable projector.

If “knowledge is power,” then how empowering would it be to possess the knowledge of 14 different languages? Right now, you can find out for yourself with an unbeatable deal on a fantastic language app.

This easy-to-use 3D printer takes childhood creativity to a whole new level. And it's available at a 32% discount for a limited time.

Reviews

The Sanho HyperJuice Magnetic Wireless Battery Pack magnetically clings to the back of an iPhone 12 series model, recharging it without wires, clips or anything else. It packs 5000mAh of power and a USB-C port, too.

AirPods are one of the best accessories Apple ever made. But there’s a quick and easy way to make them even better: Pair them with the AirFly Pro from Twelve South. This second-generation dongle lets you connect your AirPods or AirPods Pro to almost anything.

The space-race soap opera drops a bomb this week that could ruin the chances of everybody getting what they want — and definitely destroys whatever character work the writers and actors have done up until now.