R.I.P. HomePod 🪦😢

March 20, 2021

Pour one out for our homie, the HomePod.

Apple recently pulled the plug on its sweet-sounding smart speaker, and the move is definitely not music to our ears.

In fact, it calls into question Apple's strategy of releasing -- and then rudely abandoning -- expensive, niche products.

Maybe it's time to throw in the towel on that.

Enjoy your weekend (if you can keep from weeping).

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

News and opinion

After throwing in the towel on the original HomePod after just three years, Apple should stop releasing pricey, niche products. Let's pray this doesn't happen again.

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How-tos

Looking for an iPhone charger that will deliver the fastest possible charging speeds? Forget the one that came bundled with your old iPhone and pick up a super-speedy 20W adapter instead. If you can’t find the wattage of an adapter in its product description, we’ll show you a quick and easy way to calculate it.

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Users can now find nearby businesses and organizations providing the life-saving injections.

Deals

A shelf full of DVDs may look good, but they can be cumbersome to use, and a physical copy of a movie is only as good as the disc holding it. To conserve space and make your movies accessible, use Mac DVDRipper Pro to burn your DVDs directly to your computer.

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Limited77’s sweet lineup of engraved wood cases for iPhone just hit the Cult of Mac Store, and you can get yours at a reduced price for a limited time. There are a bunch of designs to choose from, with prices starting at just $25. Bag yours before the discount disappears!

Let’s face it: Apple Arcade is fine, but real arcades absolutely ruled. You could win the ultimate at-home arcade system — and relive the past with a decidedly modern twist — if you enter our Polycade Lux Giveaway. Step right up for your chance to win this high-end gaming system (retail value $4,449).

Reviews

Imagine an iMac with an iPad for its screen and you’ve got the Kensington StudioDock. Slip your tablet into the docking station and it’s elevated to eye level, plus you have access to an extensive collection of built-in ports. The stand can even wirelessly charge your other Apple devices.

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It’s well-designed and built like a tank from super-sturdy materials. And it’s an unbelievably good value at just $18.99.

The characters in Apple TV+’s space-race melodrama all try to find their sea legs … or, uh, space legs … in this week’s tense episode.