The CultCast
This week:  the pros and cons of Apple’s new 4K and 5K iMacs.  Plus: the new Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse 2, and Magic Trackpad 2—we’ve got our grubby hands on Apple’s new peripherals and we’re ready to share what we like (and what we don’t).
 
And just when you thought we were wrapping it up, we say hale na', let’s talk about apps!  We’ll pitch you some our current favorites.
 
And stay tuned for CultCast 2nd Hour with guest Blake J. Harris, author of Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation, to be regaled with the story of the 90s video game war that pitted newcomer, Sega of America, against Nintendo, an unstoppable force and maker Mario Brothers, Duck Hunt, and the beloved Nintendo Entertainment System. 2nd Hour starts at 1:08:05!
 
This episode supported by
 
Soft layer — Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.
 
Casper — Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and get $50 towards any mattress at Casper.com/cultcast.
 
Freshbooks — the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!
 
We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.
 
 
On the show this week
 
This week’s links
 
Console Wars
 
Blake “J.” Harris
 
Apple releases ‘stunning’ new 4K and 5K iMacs
Direct download: CultCast_201_-_Yaba_daba_dooooo.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:03pm PDT

This week: we're celebrating CultCast 200, yaaa’aaaaall!  And just in time for the party—it’s the iPhone 6s scandal we all knew would someday come... #CHIPGATE. We’ll tell why the internet is nerd-raging over this newest iPhone scandal, and why it might just be diminishing your iPhone 6s' battery life.  Plus: the new Jobs movie is generating Oscar buzz.  Seriously!  And since he’s seen it—twice—Alex E Heath is here to give us his review. And stay tuned till the end for our favorite memories of CultCast’s past.  It’s CultCast 200!!!!
 
Join us for our CultCast 200 live hangout and AMA!  Fun starts Friday, October 9th, 12pm PST at live.thecultcast.com
 
Our thanks to Harry’s for supporting this episode. Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.
 
And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.
 
We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the music you hear in today's show.
 
On the show this week
 
Apple denies Chipgate means iPhone 6s battery woes
Direct download: CultCast_200.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:26pm PDT

This week:  we’ve spent seven full days with iPhone 6s and we’re ready to report what we love and what we don’t.  Plus: El Capitan just made your Mac a lot better!  We’ll cover the cool tricks your Mac just learned.  And stay tuned for our dive into the world of fake Apple Watch bands… how does  $9 for an Apple Watch Sport band sound? How about $28 for a Leather Loop?  Sure, the fakes are 1/5 the price of genuine Apple bands, but are they any good?  We’ve been testing two fakes to find out, and the results might surprise you.
 
Our thanks to Lynda for supporting this episode.  Lynda is like the Apple Music of online education, with over 3000 expert-taught video courses you can stream straight to computer or mobile device. Learn how to use Logic’s new super powerful Alchemy synth, ordevelop Mac apps for OS X—learn all you want for free for 10 days at lynda.com/cultcast.
 
And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.
 
We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.
 
On the show this week
 
This week’s links
 
Erfon’s $27 Leather Loops
 
And his $10 Silicone Sport band
 
13 awesome tricks your Mac just learned with El Capitan
 
The magic that makes iPhone 6s so water-resistant
Direct download: CultCast_199_-_So_Much_Drivel.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:32pm PDT

This week: the embargoes have lifted and the iPhone 6s reviews are in—we’ll tell you what people love—and don’t—about Apple's newest iPhone.  Plus: Apple car coming in 2019; why we love the new watchOS 2 update; and, with  our three month Apple Music trial running out, we ponder—is the service worth paying for?  
 
Our thanks to Lynda for supporting this episode.  Lynda is like the Apple Music of online education, with over 3000 expert-taught video courses you can stream straight to computer or mobile device. Learn how to use Logic’s new super powerful Alchemy synth, or develop Mac apps for OS X—learn all you want for free for 10 days at lynda.com/cultcast.
 
And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.
 
We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.
 
On the show this week
 
This week’s links
 
You won’t be able to buy an iPhone 6s on launch day in these 5 states - buster
 
Apple car project accelerates with possible 2019 ship date - buster
 
A savvy Apple fan has sent a robot to queue for her iPhone 6s
Direct download: CultCast_198_-_HeftGate.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:08pm PDT

This week:  we review the new and notable features of iOS 9, and some lesser-known features you should definitely be using.  Plus: why you probably should’ve gotten the 128GB iPhone; a legit way to save 20% off your next Apple purchase; and what we love and don’t about iCloud storage.
 
And stay tuned for an all-new CultCast 2nd Hour.  This time:  we all love the sweeping musical scores that define our favorite movies and videos games, but have you ever wondered who creates them?  Composer Gareth Coker,  creator of the Ori and the Blind Forest score, joins us to talk about the process of creating a cinematic score from scratch,  how music and technology are more intertwined than ever, and what it’s like to work as a modern day video game and movie composer.  2nd Hour starts at the 1:07:20 mark.
 
Our thanks to FreshBooks for supporting this episode.  Freshbooks, the easy-to-use invoicing software designed to help small business owners get organized, save time invoicing and get paid faster.  And I can vouch for this from experience, it also makes tax time a cinch.  Get started with a free trial at Freshbooks.com/cultcast, and please enter “CultCast” in the “How did you hear about us?” section!
 
And Squarespace.Start building your website today at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.
 
And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.
 
We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for much of the great music you hear in today's show.
 
On the show this week
 
This week’s links
 
 
17 secret iOS 9 tricks everyone should know
 
Critical bug delays watchOS 2 release
Direct download: CultCast_197.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:49pm PDT

This week:  our reactions to and impressions of all the gadgets unleashed upon us at Apples media event extravaganza!  Plus: why this event was one for the history books; a look into Apples efforts to architect the 6S“3D Touch; why the Apple Pencil is NOT a stylus; and so.  much.  MORE...
 
Thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode.  Start building your website today at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.
 
And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.
 
We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a big thanks for the great music you hear on today's show.
 
On the show this week
 
This week’s links
 
Steve Jobs on the stylus
 
Apple doesn’t need glitz and glamor when it’s got the goods
Direct download: CultCast_196_-_Its_not_a_stylus.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:47pm PDT

This week: here comes iPhone 6S, iPad Pro, and a drastically new Apple TV!  We’ll tell you what to expect from Apple’s Sept. 9th event, because this event is fixing to be a doozie.
 
Our thanks to Harry’s for supporting this episode. Harry’s super-sharp, German-made razors ship free right to your door and for way less than the drugstore razors. Learn more at Harrys.com and save $5 off your first order with code CultCast.
 
And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.
 
We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.
 
On the show this week
@erfon / @bst3r
 
This weeks links
 
Apple TV streaming service could cost more than $40
 
Apple wants to take on Netflix with its own original programming
 
Spoiler alert: All the juicy details on iPhone 6s
 
iPhone 6s will be Apple’s best selfie machine ever
Direct download: CultCast_195_-_Leak-tacular.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:45pm PDT

This week: new Apple products coming September 9th; our iPhone 6S expectations; the incredible power of Youtube; Instagram finally says yes to portrait and landscape photos; Youtube Gaming vs. Twitch; Logic Pro X update includes a powerful new music app; and we rewrite movie history in a new Get To Know Your Cultist!
 
Our thanks to Automatic for supporting this episode.  Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cult.
 
And Squarespace.  Start building your website today at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.
 
And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.
 
We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for the great music you hear in today's show.
 
This week’s links
 
This week’s Intro
 
Hang out with Buster as he liveblog's Apple’s Sept. 9th event
 
The ladies cannot resist Magnum P.I.
 
Instagram won’t force you to be square anymore
 
Apple confirmed to host event at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
 
You just missed your chance to buy cheap Apple stock - buster
 
Apple brings award-winning synth back from the dead
 
iOS 9 code appears to confirm Force Touch for iPhone 6s - buster

 

Direct download: CultCast_194.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:47pm PDT

This week: why we’re convinced we’ll see an iPad Pro come fall, and what we expect from Apple’s giant shield tablet of power.  Plus: the iPhone 6S back gets a bend test, and the results are surprising; and Apple leases a secret facility to test their electric car….
 
This episode supported by
 
Automatic — Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cult.
 
Soft layer — Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.
 
Casper — Casper’s American-made mattresses have just the right amount of memory foam and latex, and people everywhere love them.  Learn why and save $50 off your order at Casper.com/cultcast.
 
This week’s links
 
Intro - Macintosh: The computer for the rest of us
 
Apple’s electric car is real, and it’s almost ready for testing
 
New iPhone 6s bend test reveals super-strong aluminum shell
 
Pink iPhone 6s revealed in new leaked images
 
iPad Pro to pack Force Touch, plenty of pixels, optional stylus
 
Why MacBook screens must be angled at 76 degrees in Apple Stores

 

Direct download: CultCast_193_-_Bigger_Is_Better.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:18pm PDT

This week: ever wonder what it’s like to have companies pay you to travel the world snapping their Instagram photos? Professional Instagram’er Cory Staudacher is back to share his workflows, favorite iOS photo apps—and you won’t believe how much some companies will pay to make them look cool.  Plus: neat new features coming to iOS 9; Apple quietly beefs up the iPhone 6S to prevent another bendgate; and don’t miss our list of our new favorite apps.
 
Our thanks to Automatic for supporting this episode.  Plug Automatic into your car's data port, and with their beatiful app, you'll be able to find your parked car, learn how to save fuel with tips based on your actual driving, and even diagnose and turn off your car's check engine light.  See it out in action and save 20% off your new Automatic now at Automatic.com/cult.
 
And Squarespace.  Start building your website today at Squarespace.com.  Enter offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off. Squarespace—Build it Beautiful.
 
And Softlayer.  Your business, applications, and compute workloads are different from everyone else's, so you deserve cloud resources that meet your unique needs.  Get $500 of cloud infrastructure by visiting softlayer.com/Podcast.
 
We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a huge thanks for all the great music you hear in today's show.
 
This week’s links
 
Your iPhone is about to get an awesome built-in flight tracker
 
What it’s like to be a professional Instagrammer

 

 
Apple is going to fix the most annoying thing about using Wi-Fi on the iPhone
 
Here’s proof bendgate won’t be back with iPhone 6s
 
Erfon
 
Buster
 
Cory
 
Alex
 
Other honerable mentions
Direct download: CultCast_192_-_Bendgate_Confirmed.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:36pm PDT