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Passwords: The end is nigh!

Passwords: The end is nigh!

Google joins Apple with biometric passkeys.

Leander Kahney
May 03, 2023

As of today, you no longer need to remember a password to sign into your Google accounts.

Instead, you can use a passkey — a unique digital key that’s authenticated by biometric systems like Face ID and Touch ID.

Google says it’s “the beginning of the end of the password,” and as far as I’m concerned, it can’t come soon enough!

Also in today’s newsletter:

This edition of Cult of Mac Today is sponsored by Masterworks, a platform that lets ordinary folks invest in fine art from the likes of Picasso and Banksy.
If you need a big power bank that lasts for days, check out our review of the mophie powerstation XL.
And if you’re lusting after Apple’s pricey Studio Display but can’t afford it, check out today’s Setups post.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

PRESENTED BY:

Google moves away from passwords, implements biometric passkeys instead

In a move it calls "the beginning of the end of the password," Google begins rolling out passkeys for its accounts.

How to get the latest AirPods firmware update

Apple just pushed out firmware update 5E135 for AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Here's how to make sure you've got it.

Early deals running out on Lego-like Yeelight Cube smart lamp for HomeKit

The lighting system’s Matrix, Panel and Spotlight elements attach magnetically for many configurations. And the funding campaign ends in three days.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

Get a reloadable eSIM with $50 in credit for less than $25

The aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler plan is a cheap and easy way for vacationers to ensure they don't get cut off from their data.

Play ‘Fortnite’ on your iPhone again with Amazon Luna

The cloud gaming service just added "Fortnite," which means the very popular game is playable on iPhone and iPad, as well as Mac.

Hefty power bank keeps your iPhone going for days and days [Review]

The mophie powerstation XL offers 20,000mAh that goes with you anywhere, always ready to charge up your iPhone, iPad or MacBook.

Jealousy and leaks fuel this week’s ‘Ted Lasso’ [Apple TV+ recap]

A thornier-than-usual episode, entitled "We'll Never Have Paris," comes with the usual gallon of sentimentality.

^{A message from Masterworks}

A million-dollar Banksy got investors 32% returns?

Thanks to the award-winning Masterworks investment platform, regular folks can invest in shares of multimillion-dollar art by names like Banksy and Picasso. So far, all 11 of Masterworks’ sales have been profitable, the last three realizing 10.4%, 35% and 13.9% net returns respectively.* Due to high demand, offerings can sell out in just minutes, but Cult of Mac readers can now skip the waitlist with this referral link.

Extended: Get Microsoft Office for life for just $39.99

Snag a lifetime MS Office license for either Mac or Windows, available for a one-time purchase of $39.99 for a limited time.

‘The Big Door Prize’ is (almost) all about Izzy this week [Apple TV+ recap]

The Apple TV+ show, about a small town disrupted by a machine that can tell people's futures, digs deep into hidden feelings.

Today in Apple history: Mac's first 100 days prove a roaring success

On May 3, 1984, Apple marked the all-important first 100 days after the Mac launch. Early signs indicated the Macintosh would become a hit.

Mac mini drives affordable 'DIY Studio Display' [Setups]

If you want a Studio Display but would rather pay way less than a grand, today's featured M2 Pro Mac mini setup is for you.

Tweetz o’ the day

Apple software updates in a nutshell.
— Brandon Butch (@BrandonButch)
10:03 PM • May 2, 2023

well, well, well, if it isn't the consequences of my own actions
— April King 🌀 (@CubicleApril)
12:59 AM • May 3, 2023

One more thing ...

❝

Dr. Edwin Land was a troublemaker. He dropped out of Harvard and founded Polaroid. Not only was he one of the great inventors of our time but, more important, he saw the intersection of art and science and business and built an organization to reflect that. Polaroid did that for some years, but eventually Dr. Land, one of those brilliant troublemakers, was asked to leave his own company -- which is one of the dumbest things I've ever heard of…. The man is a national treasure. I don't understand why people like that can't be held up as models: This is the most incredible thing to be -- not an astronaut, not a football player -- but this.

— Steve Jobs, 1985.

Today’s poll

How much will you miss using passwords?

Results from yesterday’s poll: Are you worried about AirTag stalking?

Best reader comments from ‘caedmonmyers’ and ‘ilyashap’

“Net return" refers to the annualized internal rate of return net of all fees and costs, calculated from the offering closing date to the date the sale is consummated. IRR may not be indicative of Masterworks paintings not yet sold and past performance is not indicative of future results. See important Regulation A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.

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