- The Weekender
- Posts
- Embrace the awesome, password-free future
Embrace the awesome, password-free future
Passwords can be a total pain in the butt. If you're not utilizing complex, unique passwords that no human could remember, your data is at risk. And if you are using complex passwords, you definitely need a password manager to stay on top of things. It's not great.
Luckily, passwords are the past. Passkeys are the future.
Passkeys let you automatically sign in to online services using Face ID, Touch ID or your computer’s password. The technology is just taking off, but eventually, it will be everywhere.
Find out how passkeys work in our lead article. It will give you a tantalizing taste of the password-free future.
Plus, don't miss:
iOS 16.2 will bring exciting new features, and it's right around the corner.
Will Smith's Emancipation is just one of several new things to arrive on Apple TV+ this week. Read our reviews of the Civil War epic and new seasons of Little America, Puppy Place and Carpool Karaoke: The Series (in addition to our usual weekly recaps).
We've also got plenty of last-minute deals on gifts for your holiday shopping convenience.
Enjoy your weekend!
— Lewis Wallace, managing editor
How-tos
Managing passwords is and always has been a giant pain. It isn’t the best system, but it’s the system we’ve got. Well, actually, not if Apple can do anything about it.
Shopping for an iPad can be overwhelming. Apple sells five models, in a wide range of sizes and capabilities. Which tablet should you get? Our updated iPad buying guide will help you decide.
The Christmas season is in full swing and there’s good news for fans of the Peanuts holiday specials. Apple will make the holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas available for everyone to stream for free. (Apple TV+ subscribers can enjoy it already.)
News and opinion
Apple takes a huge step toward giving iPhone users access to the Freeform collaboration app, the recently announced Apple Music Sing and other exciting new features.
The three new initiatives to keep data and communications safe are iMessage Contact Key Verification, Security Keys for Apple ID and Advanced Data Protection for iCloud.
Apple says the App Store is undergoing “the most comprehensive upgrade to pricing capabilities” since its launch.
Cupertino's plan for a completely autonomous vehicle reportedly goes back to the drawing board. Again.
Plus, more Apple rumors:
The company is asking suppliers to increase their assembly bases in India and Vietnam.
No larger than a “fun-size” candy bar, the Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 supports fast data transfer speeds and can store up to 4TB.
This is an important step toward running operating systems other than macOS on Apple’s powerful new computers.
Deals
Apple’s tracking tags can be a lifesaver, whether you’ve lost something valuable or suffered theft. And what makes AirTag even better? A simple, secure device that protects it and attaches it to your valuable, whether that’s a suitcase or your pet dog.
Also in the Cult of Mac Store:
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, being able to understand the local language can make your trips more enjoyable. Carry a bit of fluency in your pocket with an award-winning pair of Mymanu Clik S smart translation earbuds.
The Function101 Button Remote gives you the old-school experience you desire. It’s an affordable solution and a thoughtful holiday gift at only $24.95.
Not sure what to get the person who has everything this Christmas? Forget useless gifts they’ll never unbox and give them something they’ll appreciate.
Plus, more last-minute gift ideas:
If you want to avoid spending hours recording voiceovers for your podcasts, YouTube videos or training materials, give Micmonster a try.
Reviews
'Emancipation' looks the horrors of slavery dead in the eye [Apple TV+ review] ★★★★☆ — www.cultofmac.com
Based on a true story about a slave’s quest for freedom during the Civil War, Apple TV+’s oddly positioned Oscar contender Emancipation pairs action with an unflinching look at slavery’s brutality.
Plus, more full-season reviews of Apple TV+ shows:
This stylish new wireless speaker is just right for your next party [Review] ★★★★☆ — www.cultofmac.com
The Victrola Music Edition 2 is a great-looking Bluetooth speaker suited for small parties or outdoor gatherings. Plus, it packs some nice extras, like a wireless charger.
Ian and Poppy try to un-scrooge Christmas on 'Mythic Quest' [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★☆ — www.cultofmac.com
Apple TV+ comedy Mythic Quest rings in the holiday season with a very special Christmas episode this week.
Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:
Your iMac, MacBook and iPad can easily share the Zagg Pro Mouse. With the press of a button, the Bluetooth mouse switches between multiple computers. As a bonus, it supports wireless charging.
Not every laptop has great — or even good — speakers. Enter Edifier and its MF200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker.
Setups
Occasionally a computer setup crops up that just makes you say, “WTF?” That’s what a colleague said about a DIY extravaganza he came across in which three 30-inch Cinema Displays were mounted under glass inside a desk.
In this setup, a 2012 Mac mini shares the spotlight with a new 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro. Before you think, “Wow, the Mac mini must be amazing, competing with that sleek new laptop” ... nah, this is more like take-your-great-grandfather-to-work day for the elderly little desktop machine.
Some setups are no-nonsense, just the facts, ma’am — strictly utilitarian. Others are fanciful and full of toys. This one leans toward the latter, with its burgeoning population of Transformer figures.