Some people are nonplussed by the new Apple Music Voice Plan, which makes the streaming service accessible for the reduced price of $4.99 a month — but only by Siri. No buttons!

Like all of us, I have my frustrations with Siri. Apple's AI assistant doesn’t always do what I tell it to do. Lots of people think the Apple Music Voice Plan is a recipe for disaster, thanks to Siri’s flakiness.

But here at home, Siri on HomePod works just great. It’s an easy way to listen to music, fire up podcasts or tune in London radio stations.

I can see lots of cash-strapped kids with new HomePod minis going for this. It’s the iPod shuffle for the streaming generation.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

iOS 15.2 brings new privacy features, Apple Music Voice Plan — www.cultofmac.com

iPhone users can now upgrade to iOS 15.2. The update adds a cheaper Apple Music option, plus there’s a new App Privacy Report, and parents will be alerted if their children send or receive nudes.

Mac gets SharePlay in macOS 12.1 but Universal Control still missing — www.cultofmac.com

The first major update to Monterey arrives, and the major new feature is SharePlay. There are some other enhancements, too, but it does not include the much-anticipated Universal Control.

What Apple’s got up its sleeve for 2022 [The CultCast] — www.cultofmac.com

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: It sounds like Apple has some really big plans for 2022. We’re psyched about some things, skeptical about others, but definitely shining up our Apple Cards.

$20 or less: Apple stocking stuffers that won't drain your wallet — www.cultofmac.com

The Cult of Mac Store has a massive collection of affordable stocking stuffers, sure to put a smile on the face of any Apple fan.

PlayStation Now was on its way to iPhone before Sony changed its mind — www.cultofmac.com

For unknown reasons, the Japanese company never followed through with this plan that would have brought more than 500 PlayStation 3 and 4 games to iPhone and iPad.

New Totallee Hybrid MagSafe cases for iPhone 13 add a bit of brawn — www.cultofmac.com

They bring to mind the company’s usual “barely there,” brand-free aesthetic, but are a little more sturdy than some of its other ultra-thin products.

Where did you get that wonderful wallpaper? Here are 11 sources. [Setups] — www.cultofmac.com

One of the questions you see most in the comments sections of posts about computer setups on social media is: Where did you get that wallpaper? Today’s setup is a prime example. It made us look back at 10 great wallpaper sources we’ve come across. That’s 11, actually, including today’s subject.

Tweets o' the day

One more thing ...

“The only thing you have in your life is time. If you invest that time in yourself to have great experiences that are going to enrich you, then you can’t possibly lose.” — Steve Jobs