Ted Lasso is back!

Ted Lasso's second season brings more of the aw-shucks charm and positivity that made the show the biggest hit on Apple TV+.

I'll admit I didn't find the show's concept -- a cornball U.S. football coach gets hired to lead a U.K. soccer squad -- all that intriguing when the show debuted last year.

But Ted Lasso's relentless optimism won me over. And I'm not alone: The upbeat show definitely struck a chord with pandemic-weary viewers all over the world.

The show might be too sappy for Cult of Mac reviewer Scout Tafoya, who's apparently not a sports fan. But even he grudgingly admits Ted Lasso is "handsomely produced and well-acted."

And really, the show isn't about sports ... it's about life, leadership and the transformative nature of teamwork.

I know what I'll be streaming this weekend. How about you?

-- Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Featured review

The big American heart in the body of the United Kingdom is beating again. Ted Lasso is back for another season of relentless positivity, and fans of the hit Apple TV+ comedy can rest easy. They know exactly what they’re getting.

News and opinion

The new iPhone accessory faced plenty of mockery for not being as slim as a credit card, as some people apparently expected. This criticism clearly comes from people ignoring an inescapable fact: Batteries are always bulky.

Of all the apps Apple might get upset about, one that lets you emulate classic DOS games on your iPhone doesn’t seem like it would make the top of the list. Someone at Apple clearly disagrees, however.

This week's update adds reverse wireless charging to the iPhone 12 series, albeit in a limited way. It also includes some promised improvements to the Apple Card, and allows users to manage timers on a HomePod.

NSO Group’s spyware is making headlines again after it was reported that a number of governments around the world have been using it to hack the smartphones of activists, politicians, journalists and other individuals. And iPhones aren't immune.

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives thinks Apple is gearing up to produce between 90 million and 100 million smartphones for this year's lineup.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

How-tos

You can try new features like Ambient Noise Reduction and spatial audio for FaceTime calls (if you dare).

We’ll guide you through who’s hosting the action, and which apps you’ll need to watch it.

The new feature can help you quickly separate notes for different projects. Plus, they make it easier to find things later.

The feature lets you hold “quick, informal discussions” with other members of your team. You can also use it to share your desktop screen, which makes it great for demonstrations.

Deals

Travelers and commuters alike know the importance of items that multitask. If you’re looking to pack light and get from point A to point B with ease, look no further than these multitasking charging accessories.

The FixMeStick Virus Remover is a unique security device removes any viruses or malware, and can be unplugged until you’re ready to use it again.

Whether you run a business or have a personal website that cements your professional reputation and visibility, you need great web hosting to do it.

Even the most experienced computer users make mistakes. Working quickly, moving files around, and juggling multiple tasks at once can sometimes lead to the accidental deletion of important files. If that happens, Disk Drill Pro 4 can help.

Reviews

The Satechi Aluminum Stand & Hub turns your iPad into a useful desktop. Not only does it prop up your tablet, but it includes six useful ports. And it goes almost anywhere, from a meeting room to a coffee shop.

Make your AirTag infinitely more useful by slipping it inside Laut’s new Huex case. It lets you attach an AirTag to almost anything, keeps your tracker protected, and comes in colorful designs to suit your look.

Breaking up is hard and painful, unless you’re an AirPod. They’re far from loyal, and they will leave you any time and anywhere. That’s why you need Elago’s awesome EarHooks.