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Mac's most amazing screensavers

Mac's most amazing screensavers

Apple's Aerial screensavers will mesmerize you.

Lewis Wallace
February 24, 2024

The Aerial screensavers on Apple TV look so amazing, that sometimes it’s more entertaining to gaze in awe at them than to stream yet another sci-fi show or nature documentary.

If you’ve never seen them before, they truly are astonishing. They offer rolling, overhead shots of some of the most eye-dropping vistas on earth. (The underwater ones look especially mind-blowing.)

You can get those same visual thrills on a Mac by enabling Apple’s free Aerials screensavers. We put together a quick how-to that shows you where to find them (and what settings to pick for maximum effect).

Prepare to be mesmerized.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Don’t get hung up on the Vision Pro’s downsides. Apple’s headset offers us a true glimpse of the future of computing.
If you happened to buy (and keep) one of Apple’s $3,499 face computers, you should check out our list of the best Vision Pro games and apps so far.
Two years after Russia’s brutal invasion, Mac software developers in Ukraine find ways to survive — and even thrive.
We found loads of deals on Apple gear this week, including MacBook Air, iPad mini, various Apple Pencils, “new open box” Beats Studio Pro headphones and refurbished iPhones, AirPods and Apple Watches.
The iPod lives on — as an inexpensive, open-source project.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

How-tos

How to set up the best Mac screensaver, Aerial

Apple’s Aerial Mac screensaver offers sweeping views of shockingly gorgeous locations. Here's how to set up the Aerial screensaver on Mac.

How to download, set up and use the new Apple Sports app for iPhone

In Apple’s new sports app, you can see upcoming games for the teams you follow and get live updates from the scoreboard.

Connect a Bluetooth keyboard, trackpad or controller to Vision Pro

If you want to work or game on your Vision Pro, you’ll really want a Bluetooth accessory or two for precision input.

How to make a shared, collaborative Apple Music Playlist

You and your friends can build a playlist together for a party, road trip, etc.

News

Vision Pro gives a first look at computers of 2034

Stop thinking of Vision Pro as a clunky thing you strap to your face. Instead, consider visionOS as a window into the future of computers.

Apple fortifies iMessage to foil hackers of the future

iMessage is getting upgraded with post-quantum cryptography to fend off future hackers. Quantum computers might break current methods.

Plus, more security news:

Two years after Russian invasion, Ukrainian coders keep up the fight

MacPaw, Skylum, Nektony and other Ukrainian software companies find a way to survive, and even thrive, amidst Russian missile attacks.

The Ai Pin demo that Humane should have made

Here's the first cool Humane Ai Pin demo we've seen so far. This is the demo the company should have made.

Apple’s 2024 OLED iPad Pro could be crazy thin

A report spills the beans on the OLED iPad Pro dimensions, suggesting they will be significantly thinner than the existing models.

Classic iPod reborn as cheap open-source project

The nostalgia-inducing Tangara iPod alternative portable music player is made to be customized, repaired and upgraded.

iOS 17.4 beta 4: All the new features and changes

The first beta of iOS 17.4 is chock-a-block with new features. There are new emoji for everyone, and major changes for the EU.

Deals

Yes, you can get genuine Beats Studio Pro headphones for just $180

When it comes to headphones, don't settle for knockoffs. Get the genuine article in Cult of Mac Deals' Beats headphones sale.

Plus, more Apple deals (subject to availability):

This 6-in-1 multiple charging cable can charge practically anything

Reduce clutter with this 5-foot, six-in-one multiple charging cable, which includes Lightning, USB-C, USB-A and mini-USB.

Never pay for web hosting again with this cheap, unlimited lifetime deal

Score unlimited web hosting with the top-rated iBrave lifetime subscription. This cheap web hosting deal costs just $89.97 for life!

Find the right color every time with this tiny sensor for iPhone

The Nix Mini 2 color-matching tool gives artists, designers and remodelers a quick way to match colors exactly (plus a paint-matching app).

Reviews and recommendations

Here are all the best apps and games for Vision Pro

If you have a Vision Pro and you don’t know where to start, here’s a list of the coolest AR apps and games to try out.

Keep iPhone going with Belkin’s power bank/wall charger [Review] ★★★★☆

Stay powered up on the go with Belkin's wall charger and power bank. It lets you charge your devices even when there's no socket in sight.

Mac apps to speed your work, and games to make you forget all that [Awesome Apps]

In this week's roundup, you'll find apps for managing files, using AI to boost your writing, and turning an iPad into a creative input device.

This pocket-size charger juices up Apple Watch anywhere [Review] ★★★★½

qCharge 2.0 is a power bank with a built-in charger especially for Apple Watch. It's ready to go where you go.

Apple Watch Ultra is tough, but this case/band combo makes it tougher

Just put it in the new Elkson Quattro Pro 2.0, a rugged case with matching band that protects the Apple Watch Ultra from bumps and drops.

Setups

Don't sleep on perfect ambient lighting

Philips Hue ambient lighting can help set your computer setup's mood and change up its look in many cool ways.

Custom mechanical gaming keyboard ups 'cool' factor

Ready to try a mechanical gaming keyboard? This Mac Studio and Studio Display user loves a customized NuPhy Halo75 keeb.

Slick new Yamaha speakers blast rapper's soundtrack

Brand-spanking-new Yamaha speakers punch up the sound in this M1 MacBook Pro setup, which also boasts AirPods Max headphones.