Latest from Livingetc in Apple

4 New Tricks Your Apple 4K TV Can Now do That You Might Not Know About

Alan Martin — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 09:30:46 +0000

Last year, I wrote about why I decided to abandon my LG TV’s built-in streaming apps and purchase Apple TV 4K instead. It was pricey, but it’s a decision I absolutely don’t regret.

It's not a surprise to me that Livingetc rated it the best of the best in its Apple TV 4K review, but since then, Apple has released tvOS 17, and its utility has improved even more.

With this new version of the operating system, there are also a few new tricks to try out that you may not know about. Here are 5 new ones, and a few of my old favorites, too.

4 New tricks in tvOS 17

If you haven't spent time exploring the new operating system, these Apple 4K TV tips may help you discover some new ways to use your streaming device.

(Image credit: Apple)

1. Big screen FaceTime

FaceTime video calls on iPhone are great, but if you’re having an extended catch up, you might not want to hold your phone up to your face the entire time.

With tvOS 17, Apple has introduced a FaceTime app for Apple TV, meaning that you’ll be able to see the video stream of your friends or family on the big screen. You can even split the screen with a show, allowing you to watch programmes together!

Obviously Apple TV doesn’t come with a camera or microphone, so you’ll probably want an iPhone camera mount to make the most of the feature. This synergy with your iPhone is what makes Apple 4K TV one of the best streaming devices if you're an Apple user.

2. Spoof a different region with a VPN

Before tvOS 17, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with Apple TV 4K was possible, but required some technical know-how as you’d need to install one directly onto your router. Now, you can download third-party VPNs from the App Store.

Why would you want to? Well, for Apple it’s to “benefit enterprise and education users wanting to access content on their private networks”, but for Joe Consumer it’s far more useful for getting around geolocation blocks. Want to see what Netflix shows are on in another country? Sign up to a VPN and find out for yourself.

3. Hear dialogue more clearly

For all they offer in action and intrigue, a lot of the big streaming boxsets lose a lot in audio clarity. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to hear dialogue, this new tvOS 17 feature is for you.

If you have Apple TV 4K connected to HomePods, you can enable something called “Enhance Dialogue”. According to Apple, this makes “speech more prominent in audio mixes so that dialogue is easier to hear and understand.”

You can either do this for the video being played via the playback controls or enable it everywhere it’s supported in the Apple TV audio settings.

(Image credit: Apple)

4. Sing your heart out

Apple Music Sing introduced scrolling lyrics to “tens of millions of songs” back in 2022, allowing you to enjoy some karaoke in the comfort of your own home.

With tvOS 17, that has been enhanced letting you use your iPhone or iPad as an attached camera to see or even record your performance on the big screen.

Old but gold Apple TV 4K tips

Those are all new with tvOS 17, but here are some very handy tricks from previous updates.

(Image credit: Apple)

1. Automatically calibrate the screen with your iPhone

If the idea of calibrating your TV’s color settings brings you out in a cold sweat, you’ll definitely want to know about this. If you have an iPhone with Face ID, then you can use the TrueDepth camera to automatically calibrate your TV’s picture.

Just visit the Settings app, then scroll down to Video and Audio. Select Calibration, then Color Balance and follow the instructions.

2. “What did he just say?”

We’ve all been in a situation where we miss a key bit of dialogue in a show.

If you find yourself in that position, press the Siri button your Apple TV remote and say “what did he/she just say?” Apple TV will skip back ten seconds and temporarily enable subtitles for you. They’ll turn themselves off again, without you needing to do anything.

3. Reduce those loud sounds

The opposite number of hard-to-hear dialogue is over-the-top loud sounds. Think explosions, gunfire and dramatic bursts of noisy music.

Apple TV has a setting that can even these out, which is especially handy if you’re watching late at night. Just hit the Audio Options button during playback and enable “Reduce loud sounds” if you want it temporarily, or enable it in the audio settings if you want it permanently.

(Image credit: Apple)

4. Find out where that screensaver was from

The Apple TV’s aerial screensavers are beautifully shot, but unless you recognize key landmarks, it’s not always clear where they’re shot.

To find out, just lightly tap the touchpad on your remote, and on-screen text will tell you exactly what you’re looking at.

9 iPhone Camera Tricks to Make Your Holiday Photos and Video Better Than Ever This Year

Hugh Metcalf — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 08:55:53 +0000

Over the next few days, you're sure to want to snap some photographs of family and friends together, but when it comes to getting the perfect shot, Christmas Day can provide some obstacles.

It's often not the lightest, brightest of days, and all those lights might create ambience, but they can often throw your photo's levels off. Fortunately, the latest iPhones - especially the iPhone 15 Pro - is well equipped to handle your festive photography needs, even if you only know the basics.

However, there are a few extra iPhone tricks that you can employ to make your holiday photographs even better. Photographer and teacher Rodrigo Rivas shares some general tips and simple tricks to learn how to get the most out of your iPhone 15 Pro camera to capture the best pictures shot on iPhone of our friends and family pn these special dates.

1. Work with the light

When you're taking photos of people, positioning them with the light in the right place will help improve your shots.

'Having a light in front of the person being photographed will help to achieve a better result,' Rodrigo says, 'but don't worry: Smart HDR and the ability to meter the exposure on iPhone 15 Pro will help to have a good overall exposure of the shot.'

Don't forget that your twinkling Christmas lights can look effective in holiday photos too, though—especially when you use Portrait Mode. 'In portraits, remember to put lights in the background, and you can also use side or front lights,' Rodrigo adds. 'Thanks to the Portrait mode and the ability to edit the depth and focus point afterwards, we can get artistic photos that remind us of these dates.'

2. Take better group photos

Struggling to fit everyone in your Christmas Day group photos? 'Thanks to the multiple lens options available on iPhone 15 Pro Max, you have the possibility of taking portraits with different shots,' Rodrigo tells us. 'For example, we can take group portraits or wider Christmas scenes with the Wide camera, using the 24, 28 and 35 mm lengths, to close the shot with the 2x or 5x Telephoto options and get close-ups or shots of distant details.'

3. Take in the details

Often, the beauty is in the detail, so get snapping the smaller things that make your Christmas Day special, too. 'With the help of the macro mode of our iPhone, you can zoom in on Christmas details to get a different and creative view,' Rodrigo tells us. 'Isolate objects and some Christmas food dishes to emphasize their texture and shape. Also, remember that color and light will help us get a better photo: make sure you don't cast a shadow on the objects and try to keep them in the central part of the frame.'

4. Think about the colors

If you're living in the moment, you might be taking photographs that are simply reflections of what's actually happening in your home. However, if you want a slightly more stylized Christmas, or are just playing around with a new iPhone 15 you received as a gift, why not experiment with set-ups for more striking shots.

'With basic notions about color, and the combinations of different tones you can get very striking photos,' Rodrigo says. 'For example, by mixing objects with warm and cold tones we can give more contrast to the scene, as well as if we use complementary colors. Also keep in mind that the type of light will alter the saturation and tone of the color.'

5. Capture the moment

In our experience, you either love a Live Photo, or you don't. But on days like Christmas, it's a great way to capture the joy of individual moment.

'You can take advantage of Live Photo to capture what happens 1.5 seconds before and 1.5 seconds after you’ve taken a picture, and thus have not only the photo, but also that moment in a short video that you can then share,' Rodrigo says. 'In addition, we can then edit our Live Photo generating a loop, a back-and-forth movement, or even give ambient sound to the captured photo... you no longer have to imagine what carol was playing at that special moment!'

6. Shoot from above

We love a good overhead shot of a scene, but if you've ever tried on your phone, it can feel a little trick to get it perfectly lined up.

'You can use aerial shots that help to include multiple elements, as well as the delicious plates of food,' says Rodrigo. 'Use the grid to compose and remember that with the help of the camera level we can know if our iPhone is placed completely perpendicular to the scene we are going to shoot. Of course we can also take the picture with an inclination of 30-45º, giving a greater depth to our still life.'

7. Slow it down

Mix it up and add some dramatic slow motion video to your Christmas showreel. 'Slow motion video is always a nice option for capturing moments at Christmas when one of our protagonists makes a move,' Rodrigo says. 'From scenes of people playing games, or in the snow, to capturing champagne being poured into a glass.'

8. Pet portraits

'Including pets in our Christmas scenes is now even easier with Portrait mode,' Rodrigo says. 'Remember to position yourself with your iPhone at their height by lowering the track point and using any of the Telephoto lenses. If you want more creative photos and fun scenes, use the Wide camera and angled viewpoints.'

10. Set a timer

You don't want one person left out of your group photos, so use the iPhone's timer and remote functions to take your shots. 'Thanks to the camera timer, and also thanks to Apple Watch Camera Control, we can leave our iPhone on a tripod or in a stable place to be part of that group portrait,' Rodrigo says. 'Also, try to take more than one picture, to ensure the perfect shot. And with all the photos you have taken, and thanks to iPhone Shortcuts you can make a GIF in the simplest way, something very useful to send for example a Christmas greeting on the move.'

Apple's genius new trick makes it so easy to share passwords between iPhones

Alan Martin — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:00:14 +0000

Sharing passwords with people is a pain. If you’re the account holder of a shared service, you’ll have to put up with being occasionally pestered, and if you’ve picked a secure randomly generated password, you’ll have to track it down too.

But if you’re in a household full of iPhone users, Apple has a simple solution that’ll make things run a lot more smoothly. With the latest version of iOS, Apple KeyChain has been updated to let you share passwords with a select group of people, without them needing to bother you again after the initial setup is done.

'For easier and more secure password and passkeys sharing, users can share passwords with a group of trusted contacts,' the company explains. 'Everyone in the group can add and edit passwords to keep them up to date. Since sharing is through iCloud Keychain, it’s end-to-end encrypted.'

Here's how this iPhone trick works.

What you need

To take advantage of Apple’s new password sharing feature, you need an iPhone and iOS 17. The requirement of the latter means that not all iPhones will work, as only handsets from 2018’s iPhone XR and later are compatible.

Note that everybody you want to share passwords with also needs to be on iOS 17. That means that only fellow iPhone users are invited, and they all need to have handsets made in the last five years.

Make sure everyone is updated to iOS 17 before you begin. To do this, open Settings, then tap General, followed by Software Update.

You’ll also need to be using Apple Keychain as your password manager as this is an Apple solution. If you’re on LastPass or Bitwarden, this isn’t for you.

Okay, with that out of the way, let’s get started.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

2. If you’re on iOS 17 visiting for the first time, you’ll see a box labelled “Share Passwords with Family”. Just tap “Get Started” to begin. Alternatively, you can press the ‘Plus’ sign in the top right-hand corner, and tap “New Shared Group”.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

3. Either way, you’ll now see a quick explainer from Apple outlining the process. You create a group with the people you want to work with, then you pick the passwords to share with them. As the creator, you’re the person who can add or remove people at any time. Tap “Continue”.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

4. Now you create a name for your group (perhaps “Home” if it’s for family use, or “Work” if it’s for passwords shared with colleagues). You’ll be the only member, so tap the plus sign next to “Add People”.

5. Search your contacts for people to add to your group. Only those showing up in blue are eligible (i.e: they have an iPhone running iOS 17 or later). Select them and tap “Add”.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

6. You might get a warning that some of their devices need updating, but as long as at least one is usable, you can tap “Continue”.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

7. You’ll now have the option to notify members via iMessage. Tap “Notify via Messages” if you want to let them know, or “Not Now” if you prefer to fill them in later.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

8. You may have already been prompted to select which passwords you want to share, but if not you can do it now. Simply tap the plus sign in the top right-hand corner, and press “Move Passwords to Group.”

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

9. From here, tick the passwords you want to share and then tap “Move”. Voila, your selected contacts now have access.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

5 lesser-known tricks your iPhone can do with iOS 17 that are total game-changers

Alan Martin — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:30:13 +0000

Even if you didn’t rush out to buy an iPhone 15 on release day, if you’ve got an iPhone in your pocket, you may have woken up to an upgrade.

iOS 17, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, was released on the same day as the latest handsets, and it’s available on devices going all the way back to 2018’s iPhone XR, so there’s a good chance you’re included.

If your iPhone doesn’t have a Home button, in other words, you’re probably eligible (unless you have 2017’s iPhone X, in which case you narrowly miss out). You may need to force an update manually, though: do this by heading to the Settings app, then tapping ‘General’ and ‘Software Update’.

Once you have, here are five neat new iPhone tricks to try out.

1. Automatically delete 2FA codes

If you have 2FA (two-factor authentication) enabled on any sites — and you absolutely should if possible — then you’ll be familiar with the confirmation text message security mechanism. You’ll be texted a code, you type it in to prove you’re who you say you are, and you’re good to carry on with whatever you’re doing.

With iOS 17, your iPhone can automatically trash these text messages after the code has been used. To enable this, head to Settings, then ‘Passwords’, then ‘Password Options’. Then just toggle the box next to “Clean Up Automatically”.

2. Bank your speech style with Personal Voice

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

Personal Voice is an accessibility feature that will make a digital replica of your speech patterns, meaning that you can type phrases to be spoken in your voice (or a slightly roboticized version).

Why would you want that? As mentioned, it’s an accessibility feature, and it’s aimed at those at risk of losing the ability to speak, to ensure that they can still communicate as they used to. Voice Banking would once take hours and require specialist software, but now with your iPhone and iOS 17, you can do it in fifteen minutes.

To get started, open Settings and then tap ‘Accessibility’ followed by ‘Personal Voice’. Press ‘Create a Personal Voice’ and follow the instructions — you’ll have to read 150 phrases aloud. Once done, you’ll have a secure version of your voice saved locally on your iPhone: invaluable peace of mind, should the worst happen.

3. Require Face ID to access private browser tabs

If you routinely use your mobile internet without wanting to leave a trace (no judgement here), you’ll be familiar with Safari’s Private Browsing mode. But with iOS 17, Apple has made it so your private tabs have an extra level of security, requiring Face ID to reveal your open webpages.

To set it up, once again head to the Settings app, then tap ‘Safari’, scroll down and toggle ‘Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing.’ Now your private tabs will be safe from prying eyes, even if they know your passcode.

4. Make full screen posters for your top contacts

(Image credit: apple)

This one is purely aesthetic, but worth doing for contacts that regularly phone you. Rather than just their name and number appearing on your home screen, you can make it light up with a custom picture — their face, a Memoji or just a fancy way of showing their initials.

It doesn’t take too long to do, but you probably don’t want to do it for all your contacts if you have a lot. All the same, here’s how to set up a contact poster in iOS 17.

5. Lock your iPhone in style, with StandBy

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

With iOS 17, if you’re just charging your iPhone you can now choose for it to sit in StandBy mode, where it becomes a digital clock and calendar — not unlike the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub smart screens.

This isn’t something you need to set up. Just plug in your iPhone to change and rest it in landscape mode and it should appear. You can choose for it to show widgets, photos or a clock with a simple swipe.

Note that if your iPhone lacks an always-on display (iPhone 14 and 15 Pro models only) then it will turn off after 20 seconds — though it’ll come back with a tap.

How to set up a "Contact Poster" in iOS 17 – the new trick that let's you personalize your iPhone to the next level

Alan Martin — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:08:06 +0000

With the launch of the iPhone 15, Apple has rolled out iOS 17 to handsets going as far back as 2018’s iPhone XR.

It includes new features like StandBy (which turns your iPhone into a little home hub when idle), interactive widgets, and the ability to teach the phone to speak like you with Personal Voice.

But one of the more fun new iPhone tricks is Contact Posters, which give you a full screen poster of the person calling you. Here’s what they are and how to set them up for each contact.

What are Contact Posters?

With iOS 16, Apple let users customize their lockscreens like never before, adjusting fonts, pictures and filters to create some truly arty backdrops when the phone was idle.

Contact Posters are a bit like that, but localized to each individual contact. That means if they call you, you’ll get a stylish picture of your choice, with their name written in the size and style of your choosing.

Do I need to make one for every contact?

You don’t need to set them up for anyone if you don’t want. But no, given you only see them when someone calls you, it probably only makes sense to create them for people who you’re in regular phone contact with.

It’s not like it takes a hugely long time to do, but if you never see it, there are probably better ways to spend your time!

How to set up a Contact Poster in iOS 17

It’s pretty simple, as long as you’ve updated to iOS 17 (the option won’t appear if you haven’t). Just repeat these steps for as many contacts as you want to customize.

1. Open the Contacts app

You can either open the Contacts app directly, or simply press the green phone button and switch to the contacts tab.

2. Find the contact you want to edit

Scroll through your list of contacts until you find the person you want to create a poster for, and tap their name.

3. Tap “Contact Photo & Poster”

(Image credit: Future)

It’s the top option, right below the various icons you can use to contact them (message, call, video, mail and pay).

4. Choose the background you want

(Image credit: Future)

Now it’s time to start getting creative. You have four options to choose from to form the basis of your poster:

Camera. This opens up the iPhone camera so you can take a photo of them (or something to represent them) directly.
Photos. This will take you to your Photo Library, letting you pick a pre-existing photograph.
Memoji. This will let you sub in a Memoji — Apple’s custom emoji — if you prefer something a bit more cartoony to represent your contact.
Monogram. This lets you simply display the contact’s initials as the background image (but you can edit how they appear).

5. Edit your poster

(Image credit: Future)

Once you’ve selected the picture you want, you can customize it to your liking. There are a few things you can do here:

6. Preview your Contact Poster

(Image credit: Future)

Once you’re happy, tap ‘Done’ to see a preview of how it will look.

7. Update the contact photo

(Image credit: Future)

You don’t have to do this, but once you’ve passed all these steps, the iPhone will give you the option of having the contact photo match the poster.

Up to you whether you want to, but the same cropping rules apply. If you don't want it, just tap 'Skip'.

7 genius new things your iPhone will be able to do when iOS 17 drops – the voicemail trick is a gamechanger

Lilith Hudson — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 08:00:18 +0000

If you're an iPhone user, there are some pretty exciting changes coming your way. That's because iOS 17, Apple's new operating system, is launching today (18 September) and it comes with some great new features that offer more personal and intuitive ways to use your phone.

From enhanced ways to communicate with your contacts to the ability to customize what people see when you call, your phone just got better and more user-friendly thanks to these new iPhone tricks. The new tech system is compatible with all iPhone models from the SE 2nd generation or later and, as usual, the new system should automatically install while your phone is charging overnight ensuring you have automatic updates switched on in your settings.

Here are seven new features coming to the iPhone today that we're excited about.

1. Contact Posters

(Image credit: Apple)

We're all familiar with the fear of seeing an unknown number appear on our screens when we weren't expecting a call, but with iOS 17, you get a new way to express yourself with a personalized display screen that appears with incoming calls. You can customize your caller ID screen - or as Apple is calling it, your Contact Poster - with either a photo or a Memoji avatar so people know exactly who you are. This new iPhone trick doesn't only work across phone calls either, but messages and some third-party apps, too!

2. Live Voicemail

(Image credit: Apple)

Ever miss an old-school landline phone where your answering machine would read out your voicemails to you as they came in? Well, this new iPhone feature is somewhat similar.

Pre 2010s, it happened all the time - letting your phone go to voicemail and then realizing it was actually a call worth answering. Well now we've done a full 360, but with a more modern twist. Live Voicemail gives you the ability to see a real-time transcription as someone leaves a voicemail, and the opportunity to decide if you want to pick up while the caller is leaving their message. If you don't want to be disturbed by unknown numbers, you can turn on Silence Unknown Callers so that numbers that aren't in your contacts go directly to voicemail instead.

3. FaceTime video and audio messages

(Image credit: Apple)

There's nothing worse than a missed Facetime and not knowing why your family member or friend (or worse, boss) made the impromptu video call. Now, instead of leaving them guessing why you called, you can leave a personalized message through audio or video to let them know why when they don't pick up to put an end to their anxieties!

4. Check In

(Image credit: Apple)

How many times have you promised to text someone to let them know you’ve made it home safely and forgot? Especially if you're a woman, I can safely predict it happens often. Well, with iOS 17 you can now put your friends' and families' minds at ease with the Check In feature.

Essentially, it's a new tracking setting that lets certain contacts know when you arrive at a destination. That contact with automatically be notified as soon as you arrive, and if you’re not making progress for whatever reason, your iPhone will check in with you. If you don't respond, useful information will be temporarily shared with the selected contact, such as the device’s location, battery level, and cell service status. It's a real innovation in the world of tech safety!

5. NameDrop

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Another clever new interactive feature is NameDrop. This lets you easily connect with new people you meet just by bringing your iPhones together, automatically displaying your name, photo, and Contact Poster. You can also select specific phone numbers or email addresses that you want to share too, putting an end to mistaken spellings. If you ever want to just receive someone else’s contact information and not your own, you can do that, too – simply tap Receive Only in your settings.

6. StandBy

(Image credit: Apple)

With iOS 17, there's also an innovative new display that's shown when your phone is set down and charging that Apple is calling StandBy. By turning your iPhone on its side while on charge you get a full-screen experience with glanceable information that's designed to be viewed from a distance.

The display can be personalized with a range of beautiful clock styles, favorite photos, or widgets, and it supports Live Activities, Siri, and incoming calls. It's the perfect setting for when your phones on your nightstand, the kitchen counter while cooking, or while working at your desk. It's the iPhone's answer to Amazon Echo.

Cell phone stand

Price: $6.48
Color: Silver

7. Autocorrect

Okay, so this one might just be a (long overdue) improvement rather than a brand-new feature, but we think it deserves a special mention. Autocorrect is now new and improved, and it will put an end to that particularly pesky F to D autocorrection that you don't need me to explain...

It's all thanks to a new machine learning language model for word prediction, which improves the experience and accuracy every time you type. Autocorrected words are temporarily underlined so you know what's been changed while typing and you can go back to the original with just a tap. It really is the small things in life that make all the difference.

Not an iPhone user and want to test out these features right away? You can get a closer preview the new iOS 17 via Apple's website.

How to add Apple TV as a HomeKit home hub - and why it's a good idea for your smart home

Alan Martin — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 06:30:40 +0000

As well as being an excellent streaming device that offers a far better streaming experience than most standalone smart TVs, Apple TV can also act as the brains of your smart home as an Apple HomeKit home hub.

Yes, you can use a HomePod or even certain iPads as the gateway to your smart home. But if you have Apple TV 4K, this is also a great option. In some ways it’s better, given you can connect an ethernet cable for added reliability.

Shortly, we’ll explain how to add Apple TV as a HomeKit home hub, but first a little explanation as to what that actually means, and why you’d want to do it.

Why you might need a HomeKit home hub

When it comes to Google Home vs Amazon Alexa vs Apple HomeKit, they're all systems that allows you to control all your smart home technology in one place. Unlock the doors, turn on the lights, adjust the thermostat — all of that can be done via Siri or a shortcut on your iPhone with Apple.

But only if you’re on the same network or within Bluetooth range of the HomeKit-compatible smart home technology you’re trying to control. If you’re not, then nothing will happen.

And that’s where a HomeKit home hub comes in. It’s a (usually) static device that will act as your permanent representative on your home network to pass on instructions delivered remotely.

That means you can (say), ask Siri to turn on the thermostat in your home when you leave the office, and the message will be passed on to your HomeKit home hub to action. It’s all done via your Apple ID, so will take fractionally longer than using your phone on the same network, but not long enough that you’re likely to actually notice.

As well as remote usage, a HomeKit home hub is also required if you want to share access to your smart home controls with others, or if you want to automate some of your smart home functions — frankly some of the most useful functionality of smart home technology.

Which versions of Apple TV can be used as an Apple HomeKit home hub?

First things first, if you want to use Apple TV as your HomeKit home hub, you need to make sure it’s a compatible version.

All versions of Apple TV 4K are supported, but if you’re using regular Apple TV, then you’ll need a third (2012) or fourth-generation (2015) model.

Note that the third-generation model has a couple of limitations: you can’t share outside access to your HomeKit accessories with other users, and it doesn’t support camera video streams.

How to add Apple TV as a HomeKit home hub

Assuming you have the compatible hardware, setting up Apple TV as a HomeKit home hub is a doddle and will take less than a minute. As Apple explains, your Apple TV “automatically becomes a home hub when you add it to HomeKit.”

Open the Settings menu on Apple TV. It’s the big, black gear/cog on a silver background.
Select ‘Users and Accounts’. Make sure that your name is shown under ‘Default User’ and that you’re signed into Apple iCloud with the same Apple ID that you used in the Home app on your iPhone.
Go back to Apple TV Settings, and select ‘AirPlay and HomeKit’.
Scroll down and select ‘Room’. Then either pick out a room on the list or add a new one.

And you’re done! If it’s not working as expected, Apple has a few suggestions.

Make sure your Apple TV is up to date.
Double check that you’re signed into iCloud as the primary Home app user.
Turn on iCloud Keychain and 2FA on your Apple ID.
Make sure that Apple TV is connected to your home WiFi network and turned on.

What are the options for an Apple HomeKit home hub? An expert's verdict on which is best

Alan Martin — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:30:33 +0000

Apple's HomeKit has fast become a favorite for smart home devotees, especially those who are more comfortable using Apple devices, but when it comes to choosing a hub for yours, there's multiple ways you can go. So which is best?

If you want to set up an Apple HomeKit home hub, you’ve essentially got three options: HomePod, Apple TV and iPad.

These aren’t all equally good solutions, and in the case of the iPad, Apple seems to be losing enthusiasm. Nonetheless, we’ve outlined all the options for an Apple HomeKit home hub to set up your smart home, but first a little explainer on what one is and why you’d want it.

What is a HomeKit home hub, and why do you need one?

First things first - what is Apple HomeKit's hub? If you’ve set up smart home devices to work with Apple HomeKit via the Home app, you’ll already be able to run tech at the touch of a button or via a Siri phrase on your iPhone.

The trouble is that this requires you to be in proximity to the smart technology you want to operate — either on the same WiFi network or within Bluetooth range. And some of the neatest smart home tricks are done remotely (like locking your smart lock from afar, or setting your thermostat to preheat before you get home.)

A HomeKit home hub is the answer. It acts as a bridge to your smart devices within your house, letting you control things even when you’re not home.

On top of that, it also lets you share access to your smart home controls with others, and lets you automate smart home functions. It’s pretty much essential if you’re serious about getting the most out of your smart home.

What are the options for an Apple HomeKit home hub?

Apple doesn’t let just anything be used as a HomeKit home hub, and there’s currently no third-party options.

In all, you have three choices, but one of them has a pretty serious drawback. The good news is you can have more than one, to get the pros of all of them, as well as having a backup connection should one go down.

Here’s what you can use.

1. Apple HomePod

(Image credit: Apple)

Pros:

The cheapest solution
Hands-free Siri controls for smart home voice commands
A good speaker in its own right

Cons:

You might already have other branded smart speakers

A HomePod is probably the best Apple HomeKit home hub option. It’s low power, always on, and has Siri built in for hands-free voice controls.

Best of all, it’s the cheapest option here if you’re happy with the audio quality of the $99 HomePod mini. Alternatively, you could buy the $299 HomePod 2 if you’re seriously into your audio fidelity.

There aren’t really any drawbacks, unless you happen to have invested in a bunch of Nest Audio or Amazon Echo speakers in your home. If that’s the case, you may want to turn your attention to the Apple TV instead…

2. Apple TV

(Image credit: Apple TV 4K )

Pros:

Usually a central location
Optional ethernet port for reliability
HomeKit camera feeds can appear on screen

Cons:

You’ll need the remote for Siri
Not all versions are supported and some are limited

If, for whatever reason, the HomePod doesn’t appeal to you, then Apple TV is the next best solution. Not only does it offer such good streaming performance that it outperforms most smart TVs’ built-in interfaces, but every version since 2012 has had some kind of HomeKit home hub functionality.

It’s usually in a nice central location next to your TV for maximum reach, and it has two key advantages over the HomePod. Firstly, it’s connected to a screen, letting you see feeds of compatible connected cameras. And secondly some models come with an ethernet port for a more reliable wired internet connection.

The only real drawback is the need to wake up Siri with a button on the remote for voice controls, but if that’s not an issue for you then it’s a sensible option. Just be aware of compatibility: while all 4K models are fully compatible, the 2012 third-generation Apple TV won’t let you share outside access to other users and doesn’t support camera streams.

3. Apple iPad

(Image credit: Apple)

Pros:

The most flexible device
Portable

Cons:

Can run out of battery
It’s unsupported on the newer Home architecture

Last and very much least is the iPad. While in theory it’s the most flexible of the options given its portability, multiple uses and the fact you might already have one, it has one serious drawback: it doesn’t get the same performance as the other options.

“iPad is not supported as a home hub on the new, more reliable, and more efficient Home architecture, which is available as a separate upgrade in the Home app,” Apple explains on its official support page.

Initially it looked like it would be abandoned completely, but this isn’t true. “iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 will continue to support iPad as a home hub with no loss in functionality,” Apple’s Catherine Franklin told The Verge in June 2022.

Nonetheless, it doesn’t feel like the best way of integrating a HomeKit home hub to your setup, unless you already have one knocking around. Just remember that if it runs out of battery, its home hub functionality will stop working until you can get it to a charger.

Which is best?

They all have their pros and cons. HomePod is the most cost-effective option and makes voice controls simple, while Apple TV offers the reliability of ethernet and lets you view compatible cameras. Even the iPad, with its very obvious drawback, might be best for you if you already have one in use.

The good news is that you don’t have to pick just one. If you’re serious about having your smart home run smoothly, combining two or three of these is certainly the way to go, giving you the best of all worlds.

How do you stream movies together online? These clever features make your home entertainment so much more social

Alan Martin — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:30:43 +0000

There’s nothing quite like watching a TV show or movie with friends, but sometimes you can’t all make it to the movie theater together.

Fortunately, some of the biggest streaming platforms have an option to show multiple accounts the same content at the same time. So now you can enjoy a show or movie together from the comfort of your own home on the best streaming devices, even when geographically apart.

Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus all have built-in group-watching functionality, making it easy to watch while apart.

And if the show you want to watch is on Netflix, HBO Max or Apple TV Plus, there’s a workaround that I’ll get to at the end.

How to stream movies online together

1. Disney Plus

(Image credit: Disney)

Disney’s streaming service has a function called GroupWatch which does exactly what it suggests.

Up to seven people can watch the same thing at once (four from the same account) with the footage synced: anybody can pause, fast forward or rewind as they wish, with everyone seeing the same thing.

There’s no chat, but users can respond to the on-screen action with a set of emoji.

Simply head to DisneyPlus.com or open the mobile app, search for the title you want to watch and select the GroupWatch icon underneath the play button. Then use the ‘plus’ icon to get an invite link to share with others.

Although this is done via a browser or the app, you can switch to a connected TV for the big-screen experience once everything is set up.

2. Hulu

Hulu’s version of this is the Hulu Watch Party, and once again it synchronizes video playback for everyone in the group — up to eight people — with full chat, so you can have a group commentary between friends.

Do note that the feature is rated 18+, so only adults will be able to participate, and it’s only available in web browsers “at this time”. This makes sense given the text chat option, but still a pain for those who would prefer not to watch on their laptop or desktop.

Hulu says that “thousands” of movies and shows are available. You just need to find one with the Watch Party icon, which is three silhouetted figures with a play button in the middle.

Just visit Hulu.com in a web browser, find a programme with the Watch Party icon and click it. Then click “Start the Party” and get a link to share with your friends via the chain icon.

3. Amazon Prime Video

(Image credit: Amazon)

With support for up to 100 people and text chat, Amazon Prime Video’s Watch Party is by far the most flexible of the official options, even if it could get a bit noisy in the accompanying group chat if you decide to hit that number.

It’s available in browser, on Fire TV, Android, iOS and certain ‘connected devices’. Not every show is supported, but Amazon lets you filter out the ones that aren’t by following this link, which should help narrow it down.

To start, simply select the Watch Party icon (it’s like the emoji with a party hat and confetti) on the home page of the movie or show you want to watch. Type in the name you’d like for the accompanying chat, and then copy the link to send to friends and family.

What about Netflix, Apple TV Plus and HBO Max?

(Image credit: Teleparty)

Those are the official solutions, but what if the movie you want isn’t on any of them?

The good news is that there are third-party browser plug-ins which give the same functionality to the likes of Netflix, Apple TV Plus, HBO Max and Paramount Plus. Like the official solutions, they sync playback and allow group chat to commentate on the action as it happens.

The big options are Teleparty (Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, Hulu, HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video) and Scener (YouTube, Vimeo, Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hotstar, Alamo on Demand, Shudder, Hulu and Funimation).

Apple TV Plus is missing from the above, but is supported by twoseven. Alternatively, if you want to watch Severence or Ted Lasso with other iPhone, Mac or iPad users, Apple does let you watch together over FaceTime for a more intimate experience.

'I never knew it could do that!' This hidden iPhone trick is genius and you just have to shake your device to make it work

Hugh Metcalf — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 10:06:08 +0000

Do you ever wish life had an undo button? There are a few times in my life where tiny little mistakes have caused major inconveniences, but most of the time, they, thankfully, just cause minor ones.

Given that my iPhone is the piece of tech I interact with most, it's probably no surprise that it's where I probably waste the most time trying to fix those little mistakes. Accidentally deleting what was going to be a killer caption for my Instagram post, or a carefully crafted message. Or how about when you're trying to mass delete photos to clear some storage space on your phone and accidentally delete the wrong ones?

These circumstances are all a pain to rectify manually, but as it turns out, if you own an iPhone, there technically is an "undo button" you can use to quickly put things right. The only thing is, it's not actually a button. So how does this iPhone trick work?

What is Shake to Undo?

Apple's solution for iPhones and iPads is a feature called "Shake to Undo", and it's pretty self-explanatory. If you want the option to undo an action you've just taken, you simply shake your device and it'll launch an "undo" menu for you to rectify your mistake.

It's not a new feature by any means, in fact, it's been around since iOS3 all the way back in 2009, but it's something that most of the iPhone users I showed it to didn't really know about.

But, how useful really is it? What you need to know is that Shake to Undo only works in Apple's own applications, so while you can use it in Messages, you can't use it in other communication apps like Facebook Messenger or Whatsapp. While it can be used to restore deleted photos and videos in your Photos app, and is useful in apps like Notes, it doesn't appear to work in other apps like Mail.

All-in-all, it's a clever feature to know about just in case, but it's probably not going to change your life that much.

How do you turn it on?

(Image credit: Future)

"Shake to Undo" should be turned on as standard on your iPhone, but if for some reason it's not enabled, simply search "Shake to Undo" in your Settings menu (you'll find it under Accessibility if you want to look for it manually). Then just simply switch the toggle to turn it on.

If it's something that keeps popping up accidentally while you use your phone, you might also want to disable it. However, I've found that you need to shake the phone in a specific way (quite vigorously, from side to side, not back and forth) to engage the feature, so it's unlikely to pop up unintentionally very often.

How else can I undo on an iPhone?

Shake to Undo isn't the most subtle of ways to launch a menu, and it might be something you're less comfortable doing when you're using your iPhone in a public place. Are there any other ways to "undo" then?

Three-finger tap: This method is great for using in Notes, and also works in your Mail app, as well as Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger (though it's a little clunkier to use in here). All you have to do to launch this small menu which has undo, redo, cut, paste and copy buttons is tap on your screen with three fingers at once.

Three-finger swipe: For a more streamlined version of the above, if you put three fingers on your screen and swipe, you can undo and redo. Swipe left to undo, swipe right to redo. It's a little unwieldly, but if you can get the hang of it, it works a treat.

Five genius things Siri can do for your iPhone that you've probably never used before

Alan Martin — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 07:00:26 +0000

For over a decade, Siri has been built into every iPhone made. While it may not be as flexible as Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa, the fact that it’s built into iOS makes it a really useful companion, giving you hands-free access to key functionality, and even introducing new skills.

The trick is knowing what to ask, because it can be very inflexible, and Apple doesn’t teach people how to use it effectively.

Yes, you can say “Hey Siri, what can you do” for some basic iPhone tricks, but that’s only scratching the surface. Here are five genius things that you can do with Siri on your iPhone to make your life easier.

Note that while this is written for iPhone, it should also work on other devices where Siri is present, such as your Mac or HomePod. Just be aware that some of the functionality won’t work as well when it’s not on a device that’s permanently about your person.

1. Find your Apple devices — including the iPhone you’re using

Because all your Apple devices are linked to the same account, you can use Siri on your iPhone to find them if you’ve misplaced them.

Just say “Hey Siri, where’s my iPad?” and — assuming you haven’t let the battery go flat and it’s connected to the internet — it will play a loud sound on your tablet, leading you straight to it.

This will also work for the Apple Watch (“Hey Siri, ping my Apple Watch”), and select other items in Apple’s Find My network.

But what if you can’t find your iPhone? Well, you could ask your HomePod or MacBook to track it down, but if it’s in range you can say “Hey Siri, set a timer for five seconds” to initiate a near-instant alarm.

And while it’s not actually intended for locating your missing phone, here’s a neat one I’ve discovered when I’ve dropped my phone down the side of the bed at night. Just say “Hey Siri, turn on flashlight” and your iPhone will light up, without disturbing your sleeping partner with any loud noises.

2. Quickly send photos and articles to loved ones

If your iPhone is the center of your social life, you’ll no doubt spend a lot of time sending photos, articles and music to friends and family.

Depending on what you’re sharing, this can take a fair few swipes and taps. But with Siri, you can share “onscreen items like photos, webpages, content from Apple Music or Apple Podcasts, Maps locations and more”, Apple explains.

As you can see, it’s largely aimed at Apple’s own apps, but it’s still handy. If you’ve just taken a great photo, simply say “Hey Siri, send this photo to Geoff” and provided “Geoff” is in your contacts list, a message will be automatically created for you to send right away.

3. Get a quick translation in a hurry

If you’re somewhere where you’re not fluent in the local language, Siri can help by quickly translating a phrase for you. It can’t decipher what’s said in response, so it’s not suited to full conversations, but it should be enough for ordering drinks or getting simple directions.

It doesn’t work in all tongues, but the list of supported languages isn’t bad at all. You can translate phrases into Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian or Spanish.

You can do it one of two ways. Either say, “Hey Siri, translate ‘where is the park’ in Italian” or “Hey Siri, how do I say ‘one coffee please’ in German.”

4. Boost reminders with contextual cues

Setting reminders in Siri is dead easy, and one of the best-known features. Just say “Hey Siri, remind me to pick up sausages” and it will add it to a reminder list.

But it gets really clever when you add additional context. In its simplest form, this could be “Hey Siri, remind me to pick up sausages at 2pm”, but you can also make it location specific. So it could become “remind me to pick up sausages when I’m in Walmart” or even “when I leave the house.”

You’ll need to enable location services for this to work, but the possibilities are endless. Say a colleague reminds you to bring back a book they loaned you. Just say “Hey Siri, remind me to pack Brad’s book when I get home” and you’ll get a reminder as soon as you approach the door.

5. Find out what that song is

In 2018, Apple bought Shazam — the app that lets your phone identify a song by listening to an extract of it. You’ll probably have seen people using it in bars, pointing their phones at speakers to try and name that song.

It’s now built into iOS, and part of Control Center. But you don’t have to touch the screen to get it: simply say, “Hey Siri, what is this song?” and it’ll start listening right away.

How to set email reminders on iPhone - the best kept secret for keeping your inbox under control

Alan Martin — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 07:02:56 +0000

You can’t control when an email drops in your inbox, but you can choose when to deal with it.

In the old days, before internet-connected smartphones were ubiquitous, emails would only arrive when sat at your computer with a dedicated programme open and checking. Now, they come through instantly via notifications, and it’s all-too easy to feel pressured into dealing with them right away — or worse, read and forget about them causing problems down the road.

There’s another way for iPhone: email reminders. If you’re not ready to deal with an email right away, you can tell your device to remind you in an hour, later in the day, tomorrow or at a custom time and date of your choosing. Here’s how to use email reminders, a simple, but so useful iPhone trick that'll change how you handle your inbox.

How to use email reminders on your iPhone

Here are the steps you need to follow.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

2. Swipe left on the email you want a reminder on.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

3. Tap “Remind Me” from the pop-up menu and choose exactly when you want the reminder. You can have it in one hour, later than evening (9pm local time), tomorrow morning (8am local time) or at a time and date of your choosing.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

But sometimes you’ll already have opened the email to read it. No problem, you can set a reminder from there too.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

2. Tap “Remind Me” in the menu that appears from the bottom.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

3. Choose the time that suits you.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

What about if you use the Gmail app?

Of course, this isn’t much use if you don’t use Apple’s Mail app — and personally I don’t. Fortunately, if you use Gmail, there’s a remarkably similar function called Snooze which works much the same way.

Here’s how to use it on iPhone:

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

3. Select when you want the email to re-emerge. There are four set times you can choose, or you can pick a time and date of your choosing.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

You can also do it from within an email like this.

2. Press the three dots in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

3. Tap “Snooze”

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

4. Select when you want the email to resurface.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

If you’ve snoozed an email by mistake, or want to return to it before it comes back, sleeping emails are accessible via the side menu under “Snoozed”.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

Final thoughts

As a freelancer, I find email reminders invaluable. It’s a lifestyle where you have to force yourself to take time off, rather than having allocated vacation, so you have to be disciplined to avoid burnout. As such, being able to snooze important emails until the next time I’m on call for work is extremely handy.

Without the worry that an email can be forgotten, you can simply put it out of your mind and come back to it when you’re able to give it your full attention.

And if it’s going to involve a long reply, you won’t have to awkwardly tap away on your phone screen, either: just schedule it to when you’re home near your laptop.

All in all, it’s simply a superb feature that everyone should have in their iPhone toolkit.

HomePod mini vs Sonos One: two high-end smart home hubs, but which is the better speaker?

Caroline Preece — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:29:46 +0000

When it comes to smart speakers, it's sometimes too easy to limit your thinking to Alexa and Google without looking at the bigger picture. While the smart speakers and displays from these brands are fantastic for most people, devices like the HomePod mini, from direct rival Apple, and the Sonos One, which features both of the aforementioned assistants, certainly give them a run for their money.

Both adding heaps of style and functionality to the conversation, we wanted to look at the key differences between what Apple and Sonos are offering, whether that's in their product line-up, audio quality, or pricing. If you want to know how they compare to other options available, check out our comprehensive guide on the best smart speakers.

Read on to find out which speaker has the most to offer and which one would suit your home the most.

HomePod mini vs Sonos One: Pricing

The original Sonos One (Gen 2) with voice control comes in at $220, which is admittedly steep for a smart speaker. If you don't care about having Alexa or Google Assistant built-in, you can save a few bucks with the Sonos One SL, which is priced at $199.99. You can read more about how the two speakers compared in our Sonos One vs Sonos One SL head-to-head.

Meanwhile, the HomePod mini is cheap in comparison at $99.99, with in-build Siri but no compatibility with Alexa or Google. The new, larger HomePod, which replaces the discontinued original, starts at $299.99 - significantly more than Sonos' most expensive smart speaker.

Winner: HomePod mini

(Image credit: Apple)

HomePod mini vs Sonos One: Design

Both Sonos and Apple are brands known for their sleek and modern design styles, and the HomePod mini and Sonos One speaker are great examples of that.

While Apple's HomePod 2 is much more similar to the Sonos One in appearance, The HomePod mini is - well - more mini. Smaller, shorter, and with a spherical design, it looks closer to an Echo Dot but with an LED screen on top. This doesn't display anything, as such, but it lights up when you alert Siri with a question or command.

The Sonos One is much larger and more square, but this, in theory, lends itself to clearer audio (we'll go into that next). It also comes in just black or white, whereas the HomePod mini is currently available in black, white, blue, orange, or yellow.

Winner: HomePod mini

(Image credit: Sonos)

HomePod mini vs Sonos One: Smart Assistants

When comparing the Sonos One and HomePod mini on smart home compatibility, it's hard to discount the convenience of Sonos' offering having more than one assistant on board. The HomePod range is tied directly to HomeKit and Siri - Apple's smart home platforms, but Sonos has the benefit of being a third party to the smart home wars.

Though Apple recognizes how the widespread use of its other products, such as the iPhone, encourages customers to remain within the brand's product ecosystem. In order to fully utilize the potential of one product, it is often recommended to purchase additional ones. This is where HomeKit speakers, such as the HomePod and HomePod mini, are beneficial.

As a user of iPhone, our experience with HomePod mini testing revealed that employing HomeKit was a seamless process that effectively unified our technology.

We generally conclude that HomeKit is the most suitable option for Apple users, particularly for those who have Apple Music subscriptions and Apple TV. However, it is important to note that HomeKit has a more limited range of products available. Additionally, currently, it has less third-party product compatibility, but this may change with the introduction of Matter.

The upside to Sonos, meanwhile, is the choice you have. Both Google Assistant and Alexa have a much more third-party-friendly ethos and work with most (if not quite all) smart home devices you may have around the home. The fact that you can choose makes the Sonos One even more appealing.

Winner: Sonos One

(Image credit: Apple)

HomePod mini vs Sonos One: Audio quality

Typically, the sound quality of a smart speaker improves with a higher price tag. However, Apple has defied this norm with two impressive smart speakers that could be your home's primary listening device. Despite its compact size, the HomePod mini exceeded our expectations, and the latest HomePod (2nd Gen) produces even better results.

Meanwhile, the Sonos One benefits from its parent company being focused on outstanding sound quality above all else. The fact that the One SL can be sold without in-built smart assistant capabilities shows that it's a great audio device in its own right.

Both support Apple AirPlay, and can be paired with another speaker of the same type to create a bookshelf speaker-type stereo experience. Neither has an AUX input, but you can adjust EQ settings for both speakers.

Winner: Sonos One

(Image credit: Hugh Metcalf)

HomePod mini vs Sonos One: Our verdict

If you're looking for a solid high-end smart speaker, then the Sonos One and HomePod mini are both excellent choices. The speakers combine smart home control with impressive audio and a sleek design that looks great anywhere in the home. However, the HomePod mini wins out for affordability.

If you don't mind sacrificing Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, and being limited to a much smaller pool of HomeKit-enabled devices, then we would highly recommend Apple's smaller speaker. However, if you'd rather have a little more freedom and don't mind paying a premium for it, then the Sonos One comes out top.

This iPhone shortcut is the one thing you need to have downloaded in case you ever drop your phone in water

Alan Martin — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 07:00:37 +0000

There was a time when dropping your iPhone in the bath or swimming pool — or even using it in heavy rain — could spell the end of your handset.

Thankfully modern Apple devices are a bit more protected. Since 2016’s iPhone 7, Apple has included IP67 or IP68 water protection in its phones. The protection varies from generation to generation, but the upshot is that your handset should be able to sit in at least a 3 feetof water for up to 30 minutes without any ill consequences.

But you still don’t want water just sitting in your handset. Not only will a wet Lightning port prevent the iPhone from charging, but water in the speaker grille can badly distort sound.

And for the latter, the Water Eject iPhone trick is extremely handy.

What is Water Eject, and how does it work?

Water Eject is an optional third-party feature on iPhones that forces trapped liquids out of the hard-to-reach speakers.

It does this by playing a very low-frequency tone of 165Hz for around 10 seconds. The sound waves vibrate the speaker, which in turn pushes trapped water safely out.

Although this isn’t made by Apple itself, it uses the same technique that the company has used on Apple Watches since the Series 2 launched in 2016.

Do all iPhones support Water Eject?

To get Water Eject working on your iPhone, you need to add it through the Shortcuts app.

Shortcuts — the iPhone’s answer to IFTTT which allows users to create simple routines — is only available to devices running iOS 12 or later, which means that anything from 2013’s iPhone 5S and onwards should qualify.

However, it’s worth remembering that water resistance is a relatively new feature for iPhones, debuting in 2016’s iPhone 7. That means that while you can install the Water Eject Shortcut to earlier models, there’s no guarantee that dislodging trapped water from your speaker grille will actually keep an iPhone alive.

In fact, running a non-water-resistant phone before it’s dried can cause more damage, so you may want to switch it off and let it dry out with silica gel before even trying.

How to use Water Eject on iPhones

As mentioned before, the Water Eject feature on iPhones is handled via the Shortcuts app. Recent models have this pre-installed, so you may be able to skip the first step outlined below.

1. Download the Shortcuts app from Apple’s App Store. Just type it into the search bar, or click this link.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

2. Once it’s installed, open the Safari app and visit ShortcutsGallery.com.
3. Once it’s installed, open the Safari app and visit ShortcutsGallery.com.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

4. Tap “Add Shortcut” to install it to your iPhone’s Shortcuts list.
5. Now you’ll have it in your Shortcuts app. Just tap it, select “Start” and then pick the intensity of the sound you require.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

6. The iPhone will play a short sound for about 10 seconds and any water trapped in the speaker should be ejected. Repeat as necessary.

If you’d rather not open up the Shortcuts app every time you want to use it, once installed you can simply use a Siri voice command.

Just say “Hey Siri, Water Eject” to do so — though I found this to be a bit finicky, and it would often do Google searches for similar sounding phrases instead.

What is AirPlay? How to use the mirroring technology, whether you're an iPhone user or not

carolinepreece89@gmail.com (Caroline Preece) — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 10:00:18 +0000

When so much of our entertainment is available on several devices at once, including our phones, TVs, laptops, and even our watches, it makes sense to have a way of conveniently transferring what we're listening to and watching between screens and speakers as we move through our day. There are a few different ways of doing this, but one of the best is Apple's AirPlay system.

AirPlay - now AirPlay 2 - is widely supported and incredibly useful if you like switching between rooms and devices without fiddling with cables and apps. It's also one of Apple's most third-party-friendly services, working across a huge range of devices, brands, and platforms.

Keep reading to discover some ways that AirPlay can make switching between screens, 'casting' content, and more so much easier, and head to our 'What is HomeKit' explainer for more Apple-related tips and tricks.

(Image credit: Pixabay; yousafbhutta)

How do you use AirPlay?

First appearing back in 2010, AirPlay has become one of the most popular screen mirroring methods alongside Chromecast. Originally more limited in which devices it supported, it is now available across various brands and can be used to stream audio, video, and images wirelessly between devices. For example, if you're watching Netflix on your iPhone, you can just hit a button to send that content to your TV.

AirPlay's development has been tied to the HomePod since its' second iteration arrived in 2018, as it can be used to create a stereo pair with the speakers - adding surround sound without additional speakers or wires. You can also use it for multi-room audio, playing the same music or podcast episode across your whole home.

The service works over Wi-Fi, so both devices must be connected to the same network. Then, you can swipe up for the control panel on your iPhone and select Screen Mirroring or hit the AirPlay button when it appears within apps like Apple Music and TV. You will then get a list of available devices that are compatible, and you can simply select your desired one.

Compatible speaker brands currently include (but aren't limited to) Sonos, Naim, Bang & Olufsen, Bowers & Wilkins, and Bose, but check the model before you buy. Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs also have support.

(Image credit: Apple)

Can you use AirPlay with Android?

As previously mentioned, AirPlay is an outlier in the Apple ecosystem in that it works with a whole host of devices. That means that lots of TVs, speakers, and more that aren't created by the brand can be used. However, things get a bit more complicated if you want to use AirPlay with an Android phone.

Numerous apps on the Google Play store, including AllCast and AirSync (there are others), allow for a workaround. These are useful if you have a TV with AirPlay 2 but don't have an iPhone and allow you to transfer the content of your screen between the two. We will note, however, that Chromecast is a much more Android-friendly option and is present on most devices that also offer AirPlay.

(Image credit: Future)

What can you use if you don't have AirPlay?

AirPlay is definitely what you want to use if you're an iPhone user, but workarounds might not be worth it if you want to 'cast' between an Android device and your TV or speaker. There is Chromecast, which is Google's software that performs a similar function, and those who use Spotify to listen to music will be familiar with its own Connect function.

It has become the norm for smart TVs to feature, if not both, either Chromecast or AirPlay 2. Alternatively, you can opt for the Chromecast with Google TV dongle or Apple TV 4K - both of which feature in our ranking of the best streaming devices.

Could the new Apple Vision Pro change the future of our homes? Here's how it might alter the way you live with tech

lilith.hudson@futurenet.com (Lilith Hudson) — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 11:22:38 +0000

Love it or hate it, it's safe to say Apple really has changed the way the world operates. The tech giant that bought us the iMac and iPhone certainly knows its field so, naturally, when they announced that they were delving into the world of augmented reality, the world watched with eager anticipation.

Now, the Apple Vision Pro is finally here, 'a revolutionary spatial computer' that Apple CEO Tim Cook thinks will change the way we interact with technology for good. As a device that's mostly geared towards use inside the home, we wanted to find out what changes we could really expect to see if the virtual reality headset takes off.

Is this the dawn of a new type of smart home? Here's what we know so far.

What is the Apple Vision Pro?

(Image credit: Apple)

First things first, what do we actually mean by the Apple Vision Pro? The latest new launch from the Silicon Valley giant - and the first brand new one in a long time - might take you a while to wrap your head around, but that's actually a great metaphor to think about it (if you just switch the syntax around slightly). Essentially, it's a VR headset, but with more bells and whistles than the ones you might have seen floating around the gaming world, and targeted to a much wider audience.

As with any type of augmented reality, the device is all about blending digital content with the physical world, but Apple is quick to point out that it allows users to stay present and connected to others at the same time. It creates an infinite canvas for apps that scales beyond the boundaries of a traditional display with a fully three-dimensional user interface controlled by a user’s eyes, hands, and voice. Think all your normal apps - Facetime, Netflix, TikTok, WhatsApp - but projected right in front of your eyes.

The Apple Vision Pro is operated by visionOS, Apple's shiny new spatial operating system. It comes with a hefty $3,500 price tag, in part due to high-end features like an ultra-high-resolution display system and a unique dual-chip design to ensure every experience feels like it’s taking place in front of the user’s eyes in real-time. According to Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, its release, 'marks the beginning of a new era for computing'.

How could the Apple Vision Pro change life in our homes?

(Image credit: Apple)

Any piece of new tech takes some adjusting to, but if the last few years have proved anything it's that we're all looking for clever new ways to keep our homes in line with the latest technology. It might seem hard to imagine a world where you walk around your home with a VR headset on - you might even think this all sounds like a PR stunt for the new season of Black Mirror - but the 'reality' might not be as far off as you'd think.

Take watching TV for example. How many times have you argued with your spouse over how loud they have the volume, or whether or not you prefer to have subtitles? If so, an Apple Vision Pro headset could just save your marriage. A user can easily personalize the display on a streaming app through the headset, adjusting the volume, picture size, and a host of other settings all through the wave of a hand or command of a voice.

No craning your neck to see the screen from your favorite armchair in the corner either. Naturally, your headset moves with you. The Apple Vision Pro can transform any space into a personal home theater with a screen that feels 100 feet wide and an advanced Spatial Audio system. Users can then watch movies and TV shows, or enjoy stunning three-dimensional movies with Spatial Audio. It's the ultimate cinematic experience.

Since there's a setting for you to decide how immersed you want to be in the headset, it's easy to do other regular tasks while wearing it, too. If you like to follow a recipe while you cook, you can open a browser and adjust the screen so it's always in your vision while you cook the family meal - no more messy screens as you try to follow a recipe on your phone or tablet. Prefer to watch a youtube recipe video rather than read one? You can easily do that, too.

It's changed the face of photos, too. Apple Vision Pro lets users capture, relive, and immerse themselves in their favorite memories with Spatial Audio. Every spatial photo and video transports users back to a moment in time, like a celebration with friends or a special family gathering, and users can access their entire photo library on iCloud to view their photos and videos at a life-size scale.

These are just a few ways the Apple Vision Pro could change the way go about our everyday lives. It's bound to change the world of gaming, reading, and video calling too. And there are sure to be plenty more innovative ways of using the device that will be revealed as it enters into our homes. We'll be watching on to see what unfolded (the old-fashioned way).

What is Apple HomeKit? Explaining the smart home system and whether you should get it

carolinepreece89@gmail.com (Caroline Preece) — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 09:00:31 +0000

If you've yet to jump into the wonderful world of smart homes, or you're just curious about your options outside of Alexa and Google, then your attention may have been caught by HomeKit at one time or another. Apple's smart home platform to rival Alexa and Google Assistant, it's a slightly different - but no less appealing - proposition for those wanting to add more automation to their home.

HomeKit was actually launched back in late 2014, but it has obviously evolved a lot since then. The Home app, which is what we use now, arrived a couple of years later in 2016, becoming available for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users. Since 2018, you have also been able to control home devices with the HomePod and HomePod mini.

We'll discuss the ways you can access Siri and HomeKit in this article, but the basic idea of HomeKit is a smart home platform that prioritizes Apple devices and other compatible brands. Keep reading, and take a look at our guide to the best smart speakers for more.

(Image credit: Future)

What do you use HomeKit for?

Boiled down to the simplest terms, HomeKit is essentially the name for Apple's smart home platform. Like Amazon's Alexa or Google's Assistant, HomeKit is where control for all of your home's smart tech and devices resides and can be accessed or controlled via Siri voice commands, your phone, or from other Apple-branded devices like Apple TV or iPads.

Siri is Apple's virtual assistant, and they are who will respond to you when using voice commands. For some inspiration for how you can use them to control your home, take a look at our tricks to make Siri work harder.

As we'll go into in the next section, smart home devices that are compatible with HomeKit are more limited than those compatible with the likes of Alexa but, if you choose carefully, there's not much you won't be able to automate, from the best wireless doorbells to air conditioners and smoke alarms.

(Image credit: Arlo)

What are the disadvantages of HomeKit?

Apple is known for quality control, and it has transported its discerning nature to its smart home controls. This means that there are far fewer compatible brands and devices for HomeKit users, but pretty much every area is covered in some way. According to the official Apple site, 50 brands currently offer compatibility, including Arlo, Hive, LIFX, Philips Hue, Bang & Olufsen, and JBL.

The other limitation is your choice of smart speaker, as Apple currently only offers two options - the HomePod 2 and HomePod mini. While the mini is very reasonably priced at around $99, the more recently-released HomePod (2nd Gen) comes closer to $300 - very expensive in the realm of best smart speakers.

In general, committing to HomeKit for your smart home will also steer you towards Apple's other services, whether that's Apple Music or an Apple Watch, as they will work much more seamlessly than those running on Android or another platform.

(Image credit: Philips)

Why would you choose HomeKit over Alexa and Google?

Now that we've gone over the reasons why you wouldn't buy into HomeKit's ecosystem, how about some reasons why you would?

A system purpose-built to work together - Alexa and Google Home may win for the number of devices that work with their smart home systems, but Apple has second-to-none brand loyalty. A smaller number of devices means that everything can run smoothly together, whether that's Apple-branded speakers or the best smart light bulbs from third-party brands.

Smart speaker quality - Apple's smart speakers are a cut above the rest when it comes to sound quality, with even the more budget HomePod mini impressing with its bass levels and 360 audio output. Most smart speakers aren't known for their performance in this area, so those who want their smart home hubs to also offer top-quality audio will do well with either HomePod.

(Image credit: Future)

How do you get HomeKit?

If you've decided on HomeKit, then your next step will be to purchase a device that acts as a hub for your new smart home. It is almost always best to assign this job to a smart speaker (the HomePod 2 or HomePod mini in this case), as they're the simplest way to control your other devices as you build out your system. Products like iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple TV do also have Siri on-board, however.

6 simple iPhone tricks to free up your phone's storage and clear apps you probably didn't know eat up your GB

lilith.hudson@futurenet.com (Lilith Hudson) — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 08:00:09 +0000

We've come a long way since the days of mobile phones that only allowed for 10 photos and one video, but a lack of storage is still a reality for many. The problem is, freeing up space without sacrificing all the apps, files, and images you want to keep on your iPhone can be a serious challenge.

Despite models from the iPhone 13 onwards coming with a minimum of 128 GB of storage, for anyone with an older phone - or for keen photographers - slowed down usage and frustrating pop-up boxes can make using your device a nightmare. The fact is, besides those all-important photos and the essential apps you use daily, your iPhone is also full of other things you don’t actually need which take up valuable space, many of them you might not even be aware of.

The good news is, making painstaking decisions over which family photos to delete really isn't necessary (plus for every 10 you delete, somehow your phone only finds space for three new ones, anyway). To make your life easier, here we reveal six hidden iPhone tricks Fonehouse has discovered which will instantly free up your storage so you have more room for the things you need.

1. Delete attachments in Whatsapp messages

(Image credit: Alamy)

There's no denying the usefulness of WhatsApp, but it's a common offender when it comes to stealing your iPhone's storage. This is because the messaging service automatically stores all the photos, videos, voice notes, and other attachments your contacts send you, so it can quickly fill up your storage.

To free some room, open the WhatsApp app and go to your settings. From here, tap through to 'Storage and Data', then 'Manage Storage'. You can then review and delete attachments individually. Conveniently, attachments larger than 5 MB are automatically categorized into a separate folder so you can easily find and delete the largest files.

While you're here, you might want to consider setting up the text replacement feature which allows you to tailor your keyboard settings with shortcuts that will save you a whole lot of typing time.

2. Alter your settings to delete old messages

Besides WhatsApp, your regular text messages could be another reason why your device struggles to find space to store other files. By default, your iPhone saves all the messages you send and receive, which takes up a whole lot of room on your phone. If you want to be storage savvy, however, you can alter your settings so that your iPhone deletes older texts and no longer automatically saves future ones either.

To do this, go to your regular settings and tap on 'Messages'. From here, scroll down to the section titled 'Message History' which will take you to the 'Keep Messages' option. You can then change settings from 'Forever' to either keep messages for one year or 30 days, after which they'll be wiped. You’ll also see a pop-up message asking if you want to delete older messages. To maximize space, tap 'Delete' to proceed.

3. Clear app caches

(Image credit: Alamy)

Cached data are files, scripts, and other multimedia stored permanently on your device after you open an app. While most apps don’t give you access to their cache data, your iPhone settings will show a list of your apps and how much storage they use, including how much is taken up by the documents and data within the app itself.

If particular apps are taking up a lot of space a large amount of cached data is probably the culprit, but there's a nifty way to clear this when needed - simply delete and reinstall the app to reset the cache data. To do this, open your Settings and go into the 'General' menu and then go into 'Storage'. For here, tap on an app and select 'Delete'. All you have to do is go back to the App Store to reinstall it (if you need to, that is). This trick is also a great way to fix a slow computer, too.

4. Clear Safari caches

Internet browsers also store cached data, too. If you often use your iPhone to access the web, much of your storage will be taken up by saved files and data that really isn't necessary. To clear browser caches on Safari, open your iPhone's settings and scroll down to 'Safari'. On this page you'll see an option to 'Clear History and Website Data'. Selecting this will instantly clear those files and free up some space.

If you use Chrome instead, you'll want to clear caches through the Google Chrome app itself. Do this by tapping the three dots in the bottom right-hand corner then select 'Clear Browsing Data'. Choose which browsing data you want to clear - be it cookies, browsing history, or cached files - then tap 'Clear Browsing Data' at the bottom of the page.

5. Delete attachments in Messages

(Image credit: Alamy )

Just as WhatsApp automatically saves photos and videos onto your iPhone, the same goes for your regular text messages, too. Images, videos, and GIFs can all take up lots of space on your phone, so you'll want to know how to delete them easily.

To resolve this, you can delete all those attachments in one fell swoop. Go to your iPhone's settings and tap 'General', then open the 'iPhone Storage' page. From here, scroll down and tap on 'Messages' where you’ll see a list that includes Top Conversations, Photos, Videos, GIFs and Stickers, and Other. Choose whichever category occupies the most space and tap 'Edit'. You can then select all attachments you want to get rid of and delete them by tapping the bin icon.

Keep in mind that by deleting Top Conversations you'll lose entire message threads, not just attachments. Just make sure you don't get rid of anything you'll later regret!

6. Remove duplicate photos

One of the wonders of modern mobile phones is the impressive camera quality which allows us to capture our favorite memories and carry them with us everywhere we go. But, as we all know, these photos are one of the worst contenders when it comes to storage space. Deleting photos is never easy, but chances are there are a lot of near-identical photos on your iPhone which eat away at your storage.

Fortunately, you can easily filter through these and delete duplicates to help clear some storage. To do this, open the Photos app and go to your albums. Under the 'Utilities' section, tap 'Duplicates' and then tap 'Merge' next to your chosen photos. This will delete any identical images your phone finds. To make life even easier and delete all your duplicates all in one go, tap the three dots in the top right corner and then choose 'Select All' to merge them.

While you're here, you might want to familiarize yourself with Apple's Visual Look-Up feature which can help you identify plants, people, and famous landmarks directly from your photos.

(Image credit: Apple)

How do you find out what's taking up your iPhone's storage?

To make your storage clean-up job even easier, it helps to know what apps or files are taking up the most space on your phone. This will differ from person to person. Perhaps you take a lot of photos and videos, or maybe you're a prolific texter. Whatever the case may be, find out which of your habits are using significant storage in just a few simple steps.

Start in the General section of your settings and tap 'iPhone Storage'. At the top, you’ll see a color-coded bar showing how much space you have left, how much is taken up, and which apps or files are using the most. You'll also see a ‘Recommendations’ header with suggestions from Apple on how to clear space. Following this will help you to clear the largest files so you can instantly free up storage quickly, easily, and efficiently so you can have more space for the things you really need. It really is that simple!

Sick of lackluster music streaming? Here are 7 reasons why Apple Music is the best service around right now

carolinepreece89@gmail.com (Caroline Preece) — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 09:00:15 +0000

Music has never been more available than it is right now, with the ability to listen to pretty much anything recorded in the last 100 years at the click of a button and for a small monthly subscription fee. This has no doubt been a net good for listeners, but the lack of restrictions can sometimes make music listening feel a little impersonal.

This is no doubt one of the reasons why physical media has made a comeback in the last decade, but we're here to pitch another way to enhance the way you find and listen to music, all from your phone.

Apple Music is just one of the many, many music streaming services available right now, but we think it has more to offer than its direct rivals. From music quality to smart playlists and exclusive content, keep reading to see what we think are the things that put it above the rest. Then, you can head over to our Spotify vs Apple Music guide for a more direct comparison.

1. Lossless audio and Atmos tracks

The number one thing that comes up when discussing the battle between Apple Music and Spotify is the quality of the music itself. Spotify has been hinting at a Hi-Fi tier that will offer better audio to those who want to pay for it, but this has not yet materialized, meaning other services have been left to fill the gap.

Apple Music is the top choice for those who want the best quality possible, with 'lossless' tracks being the norm and many new and remastered releases becoming available in Dolby Atmos and spatial audio formats. Spotify can't hold a candle to how great these tracks sound, though it should be said that you'll only be able to hear them at their best with particular speakers and headphones.

Your phone might be one of these approved devices, and you can read our guide to find out how to make your iPhone's speaker louder with a few quick changes.

(Image credit: Apple)

2. Own your music

Remember owning music? We know, it was a long time ago, but it's still possible.

We jest, of course, but it's worth reminding ourselves that Apple's iTunes was once the savior of music ownership in the light of an all-encompassing digital landscape. CDs and vinyl haven't completely disappeared as many predicted, but it's still the norm to simply stream music rather than own anything outright.

Apple Music gives you the best of both worlds, as you can stream just as you would with Spotify or another service but also purchase tunes to have even when you cancel your subscription.

3. Smart playlists

Apple Music's personalized playlists aren't as extensive as Spotify's, but one thing it does have over its rival is the ability to create smart playlists that update automatically as you expand your personal library. Instead of being served a somewhat generic 'Happy Mix' with recommendations decided by the algorithm, you can set up a smart playlist that adds any track you tag as 'happy' (or any other mood you like!).

It admittedly takes more work and input from the user, but you'll end up with playlists without a single skip, with tracks never being mislabeled as 'moody' just because they're a bit more ponderous.

(Image credit: Apple)

4. Editable metadata

This is the real dealbreaker for many audiophiles, as Apple is the only major service that lets you edit the metadata of tracks and albums, allowing you to upload custom album covers, change the specified genre of a song, and even create your own albums without those tracks you usually skip.

This is a carryover from iTunes, as the mobile Apple Music app doesn't allow this, but the depth of data helps in other areas like sorting and filters.

Sorting by release date is more specific than with many other services, and you can curate, rather than just build, a library that looks exactly how you want. Sick of the 'alternative' tag being applied to 90% of your library? You can get as granular as you want. Outside of Apple, users would have to pay out for something like Roon to get this kind of customizability.

5. Music videos

Apple Music isn't the only streaming service to feature visual content, as Tidal and YouTube Music also offer this feature. Apple's take on it adheres more to what Tidal is doing with video content available in a separate tab, but it does attribute specific videos to the relevant songs, meaning you can get a visual companion for your favorite albums and playlists.

This isn't anything compared to YouTube Music's extensive library and integration, but that service has its own major problems elsewhere. Apple keeps things simple, and its video content certainly puts it ahead of Spotify if you want to occasionally see official videos and live recordings as you listen.

(Image credit: Apple)

6. Radio stations & exclusive content

Perhaps surprisingly, for a service created by such a huge corporation, Apple Music has a distinctly human feeling to it. Playlists and artists 'best ofs' might be shorter but feel more considered and curated by actual music fans. Then there are radio stations, which essentially fill the gap of mixes from Spotify, using your own library as a starting point for recommendations.

Exclusive content from presenters like Zane Lowe or live streams of concerts unavailable anywhere else add to this experience, making the music listening experience more of a rewarding hobby than something you put on in the background while you're working (*pauses song and steps away from the keyboard*).

(Image credit: Apple)

7. Less focus on podcasts

If there's one consistent complaint about Spotify, it's the crowding of the homepage with podcasts. Though it's no doubt great for some to have all of their audio entertainment in one place - and Spotify has funded some great original content - anyone who wants to keep their podcasts and music separate is out of luck.

Apple Music is something of a safe haven, then, with its Music app dedicated to music and additional content related to music like radio stations, live concerts, and chat show excerpts related to specific artists or album releases.

AirTags vs Tile: which Bluetooth tracker is best to help a case of constantly misplaced keys?

Caroline Preece — Wed, 31 May 2023 11:00:11 +0000

You may have heard great things about Bluetooth trackers, especially if you're someone that often misplaces things and struggles to remember where you put your phone, but the amount of choice out there can make it tricky to choose the best one for you.

The best key finders are a fantastic way of giving you peace of mind when it comes to often-lost items like keys, TV remotes, and pretty much everything else. Whether you want to be able to find a laptop that's been left on the bus or locate a pet that's wandered a little far from home, these tiny devices will help.

Keep reading for a direct comparison between two of the leading makers of these trackers - Tile and Apple - with head to heads on set-up, privacy, performance, and more.

Apple AirTag

RRP: $29

Waterproof rating: IP67

Works with: iOS, Siri

Range: 30ft

Size: H0.31 x W1.26 x D1.26in

Tile Pro

RRP: $34.99

Waterproof rating: IP67

Works with: iOS, Android Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri

Range: 400ft

Size: H2.3 x W1.3 x D1.3in

AirTags vs Tile: Set-up and compatibility

Tile key finders offer much wider compatibility than AirTags, and work with all of the major smart assistants (Alexa, Google, Siri) and mobile OS (Android, iOS). This gives those with a variety of devices at home the freedom to use Tile products as they choose rather than being tied to one or the other. AirTags, on the other hand, will only work with Siri and iOS, meaning you'll need to be an Apple user already.

When testing the Tile Pro, our reviewer used an iPhone, and the setup was smooth and easy. You simply need to download the app, enter your details, and the device will begin to record the location of your keys or other chosen device.

The AirTag uses the Find My app on your iPhone, and it connects as easily as any other Apple-branded product - just wave the AirTag close to your iPhone, and it should find it automatically. The app allows you to share your location with your contacts, but this may be a privacy risk (more on this later). For more, head over to our guide on how to set up AirTags.

Winner: Tile Pro

(Image credit: Alamy)

AirTags vs Tile: Design

The biggest disclaimer for the AirTag is its lack of a hole for attaching keys, meaning you will have to pay more for a holder. This seems strange when the device's intended purpose is to help find other objects, and Tile, in opposition, offers a range of different products like the Tile Mate, Tile Sticker, and Tile Slim for different use cases. The AirTag isn't as thin as the Tile Slim and lacks an adhesive back like the Tile Sticker, meaning it's really only good for placing loose in a pocket.

All of this said both brands have made an effort to make their key finders attractive in their own right. While Tile products tend to be larger with a more distinctive look, the AirTag is slightly sleeker (to match the aesthetic of Apple overall) and easier to miss. Your preference will depend on how much you want people to know that your items are being tracked, possibly deterring potential thieves.

We'll also note that the mini size of the AirTag gave us a little anxiety about leaving them around toddlers and pets.

Both the Tile Pro and AirTag have replaceable batteries, which should last around a year, though Tile's other devices will last around three years but will need to be discarded when the battery runs out of juice.

Winner: Tile Pro

(Image credit: Emily Peck)

AirTags vs Tile: Performance

Generally speaking, Apple has a more user-friendly system for helping you find your items, giving you more of a step-by-step route than Tile's more vague guidance. To get the best out of AirTags, though, you will need an iPhone 11 or newer.

Providing you have this - giving you access to ultra-wideband (UWB) tech - we found that, while Apple guides you to your lost keys, Tile just lets you know if you're getting warmer. Both apps have map views. In terms of Bluetooth range, Tile wins hands down, with 400ft compared to Apple's 30ft.

An incredibly neat feature allows other Tile users to help locate your lost items, with an alert sent to your phone whenever someone passes them, allowing you to narrow down your search. Apple has a similar feature and has arguably more users to work with by using the in-built Find My app rather than a dedicated app just for trackers.

Winner: It's a tie!

(Image credit: Apple)

AirTags vs Tile: Privacy features

Ever since the advent of key trackers, there has been a worry that these tiny devices could be used as digital stalking tools, so you will want to utilize all of the privacy safeguards and features you can in order to keep safe.

For the AirTag, Apple has updated its software to make unknown devices emit a noise when they are placed on a person who isn't registered to it for a long time, meaning you'll be alerted to any hidden trackers on your person or in your vehicle. iPhone users will also see a push notification stating 'Unknown Accessory Detected'.

Tile's safety features require a little more input from the user, and you can use the Scan and Secure function in the app to scan for unknown trackers nearby. It should be pointed out that you need to already have suspicions for this to keep you safe.

Winner: AirTags

(Image credit: Tile)

AirTags vs Tile: Our verdict

As it tends to be our recommendation for anything, Apple, iPhone, Siri, and HomeKit users will likely have an easier time with other devices from the brand, so we would recommend the AirTag if you're already an iOS user. Everything from connection to functionality will be optimal but bear in mind that you will need to purchase an additional case if you want to be able to attach it to keys or anything else.

Meanwhile, Android users won't be able to use AirTags at all, so they are left with Tile trackers. This is no tragedy, as Tile offers a wider range of device options (all with attachable loops at no extra cost) and comparable functionality to AirTags.

Apple Watch GPS vs Cellular: what's the difference, and which one should you choose?

carolinepreece89@gmail.com (Caroline Preece) — Tue, 30 May 2023 10:50:08 +0000

Have you been eyeing an Apple Watch but, faced with the various different models and brands, been unable to seal the deal? Purchasing an Apple Watch is not as easy as getting a new throw pillow, having much more in common with the nervous window shopping and negotiations of switching phone contracts.

As with the best fitness trackers around, smartwatches can offer pretty much everything your phone does, just from a convenient place on your wrist. However, how much you get out of your Apple Watch will depend on whether you go for GPS or GPS + Cellular.

Keep reading to find out the difference between the two, as well as whether an Apple Watch is right for you in the first place.

(Image credit: Apple)

Should you get the Apple Watch?

The Apple Watch is a wearable that works best with the iPhone and other Apple devices, serving as a health and fitness tracker as well as a way to monitor calls, messages, and more without needing to look at your phone or PC. It is on the more expensive end of what you would pay for a fitness tracker or smartwatch, but it is also an incredibly popular choice.

When we reviewed the Apple Watch Series 8, we were impressed with how well it served as an extension to our phone, as well as the 18-hour battery life and insight it provided into our health, fitness, and sleep. Apple is always updating its software, so you can be sure you won't miss out on the latest and greatest features, and Apple users will enjoy complete integration.

(Image credit: Apple)

What do GPS and cellular mean?

Apple Watch (and many other wearables) come in two varieties - GPS and GPS + Cellular. The former offers what it says on the tin, allowing you to send and receive texts and phone calls and get notifications only when you're connected to your iPhone, but tracking workout data like distance on its own. Apple Watch GPS without Cellular doesn't come with an extra charge for data.

Apple Watch GPS + Cellular lets you use your smartwatch independently of your iPhone for functions such as receiving messages and emails, listening to music and podcasts, and finding your way using Siri and Maps. Basically, adding Cellular means you can use your Watch just as you would your phone. This usually involves paying an extra fee that can often be bundled with your current mobile plan.

(Image credit: Future)

What is the advantage of having cellular on Apple Watch?

Adding LTE connectivity to your Apple Watch means that you're no longer tied to your Wi-Fi or phone's data, meaning you can access the internet on your wearable without any other device nearby. This is perfect for jogging or other workouts when you don't want to miss an important call or message but also don't want to carry your phone around with you.

It also allows you to listen to music via your Watch, as well as access Siri and use Maps without first trying to tether it to your phone. All in all, it's just more convenient and can be a complete game-changer for those who want the freedom to walk around without their phone on them at all times. If your phone runs out of battery at a critical moment, it also provides a backup.

What are the disadvantages of having cellular on Apple Watch?

Looking at the downsides of adding a cellular plan to your Apple Watch, it completely comes down to cost. If you're looking at investing several $100 into a wearable, do you really want to add an extra charge on top? You should consider carefully whether you really need what GPS + Cellular could offer that GPS alone couldn't.

We will note, however, that the overall cost will depend on a few different things. If you purchase your Watch through your current mobile provider, for example, there's a chance that you could get a good deal on the extra data plan, bolting it onto an existing or renegotiated contract.

How to use 'text replacement' on your iPhone – plus genius ideas for how this handy feature can make your life easier

Alan Martin — Mon, 29 May 2023 07:00:49 +0000

The iPhone’s auto-correct feature can be an absolute lifesaver. It’s uncannily good at spotting typos as they happen, saving you from having to go back and painstakingly edit using the fiddly on-screen keyboard.

But did you know that as well as correcting typos, the iPhone can also be trained to automatically replace words and phrases you use all the time with whatever you want? It’s called text replacement, and it’s incredibly easy iPhone trick to set up and use, as we’ll demonstrate in a moment.

The best thing is that if you’re deeply ingrained into the Apple ecosystem, by default your replacements will follow you between devices via iCloud. That means that your corrections will not just follow you to your next iPhone, but across to your iPad or MacBook too.

Why use text replacement?

When you open the text replacement for the first time, you’ll find that there’s already one item in there that works on every new iPhone. If you type ‘omw’ into the iPhone keyboard, it will magically become “On my way!” before your very eyes. On its support page, Apple suggests making “GM” turn to “Good morning” as another possibility.

So you can autofill acronyms to read as full sentences, but more than that, you can make long words you type a lot appear without writing them in full. Say you’re writing a PhD thesis on triskaidekaphobia and talk to your friends about it a lot – with the iPhone’s text replacement feature, you could abbreviate that to just “trsk” and have iOS automatically fill in the missing letters on your behalf.

But that’s just scratching the surface of the possibilities. You could, for example, make it so that “@@” automatically autofills your email address, or that “##” brings up your phone number. If you regularly need to share bank details with friends and employers, you could program it so that your bank details offer to fill in whenever you type “[bnknum]”. How about as a way to share your Wifi password on an iPhone easily?

The limit is your imagination. The important thing is to make the shortcut something you would never type under any other circumstances. If it’s not, then you may find saved words and phrases popping up at the worst possible time.

How to set up text replacement on your iPhone

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

Adding words and phrases to the iPhone’s text replacement dictionary is simple.

1. Open the Settings app. It’s the cog on the gray background.

2. From the settings menu, tap “General”. It’s the 13th option down the list.

3. Next, select “Keyboard”. You’ll find it ten items down.

4. Tap “Text Replacement”, which is the second item on the next screen.

5. Tap the plus icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

6. Now type the word or phrase you’re interested in shortening in the top box, for example your email address. Type the shortcut you want associated with it in the box below – for example “@@”.

7. Tap save, and you’re done. From now on typing the shortcut will give you the option of autofilling the word or phrase you’ve saved.

How to remove phrases from text replacement on iPhone

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

Made a terrible mistake, or just fed up of Apple lengthening “omw” to “on my way”? Removing phrases from your iPhone’s text replacement dictionary is just as straightforward.

1. Repeat steps 1-4 above to load the text replacement section of the iPhone’s settings.

2. Tap the “Edit” in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.

3. Every item on the list will now be accompanied by red circles with a white line through the middle. Tap the ones next to phrases you no longer want the iPhone to remember.

Sony WF-C500 vs Airpods: are the budget earbuds a worthy competitor to Apple?

Caroline Preece — Fri, 26 May 2023 09:22:00 +0000

Sony and Apple are both tech companies with great reputations and a deep history for audio buffs, so choosing between the Sony WF-C500 and Apple's AirPods is more complicated than it first appears. With its budget option, can Sony really compete with the premium products from Apple?

Similar to any of the best workout headphones (where both of these products feature) these earbuds both provide solid sound quality, a microphone for hands-free calls, and style elements that will appeal to different people. Additionally, they both come with a charging case that significantly increases their battery life, allowing for enhanced portability.

Making a decision between two great options can be difficult, but this article is here to help you by giving you a clear overview of the most important features of both earbuds, including their design, performance, and other important factors.

Sony WF-C500

Price: $99.99

Colors: coral, white, mint, black

Water resistant? Yes

Microphone?: Yes, compatible with phone's smart assistant

Noise cancellation?: No

Battery life?: 10 hours + 10 hours from case

Ear tips: small, medium, large

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Price: $169.99

Colors: White

Water resistant? Yes

Microphone?: Yes, works with Siri

Noise cancellation?: Yes

Battery life?: 6 hours + 30 hours from case

Ear tips: none

Sony WF-C500 vs Airpods: Pricing

The Airpods and WF-C500 are in different price brackets, with the latter offering a budget option with some - if not all - of the features you might want.

The WF-C500 from Sony currently sell for $99.99, and are the cheapest wireless earbuds currently on offer from the brand. In contrast, the Sony WF-1000XM4 are $279.99, the WFLS900N are $199.99, and the WF-C700N are $119.99.

You won't find AirPods as cheaper as the WF-C500 buds, but pricing isn't a million miles away from the other models in the range. The Airpods (3rd Gen) currently sell for $169.99, while the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are $249.99 - cheaper than the premium WF-1000XM4 from Sony. You can, however, still pick up the 2nd Generation AirPods for around $99.

Winner: Sony WF-C500

(Image credit: Future)

Sony WF-C500 vs Airpods: Design

The Sony WF-C500 have a perfectly serviceable look, but they do feel cheaper and more plastic-y than a lot of pricier alternatives. Compared to the AirPods, they don't feel as luxurious, but the translucent lid to the charger and - more importantly - the additional color options will surely appeal to certain tastes. It's tempting with earbuds to stick to the classic black, so the coral and green variations are welcome.

The AirPods from Apple don't include ear tips, as they are designed to fit comfortably without any additional accessories. Consistent with Apple's style, the earbuds have a sleek, minimalist appearance in mostly white with silver accents on the stem. The stem incorporates the microphone and touch controls.

When considering the comfort and fit of the two models, it's worth noting that those (like us) who typically have difficulty keeping wireless earbuds in place with silicone tips may encounter challenges. After testing the AirPods 3, we found them to be somewhat uncomfortable and preferred the more secure fit of the Sony buds.

Winner: It's a tie!

(Image credit: Future)

Sony WF-C500 vs Airpods: Audio

Sony's earbuds offer a slightly lackluster sound compared to the more expensive AirPods, and a lack of noise cancellation technology means you're more likely to be able to hear the hustle and bustle around you on the street or in the gym. The Headphones Connect app, however, helps music sound better by upscaling standard audio files to hi-res quality.

The WF-C500s are also compatible with the 360 Reality Audio feature, which helps tailor the sound to the specific shape of your ears.

The AirPods 3 provide a sound that is generally more focused on bass. They are equipped with features such as spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, and support for lossless tracks on Apple Music, all of which make for a superior music streaming experience. Dynamic head tracking ensures that the soundstage is tailored to your individual body, resulting in a more immersive listening experience overall.

Winner: Apple Airpods

(Image credit: Future)

Sony WF-C500 vs Airpods: Battery life

Sony and Apple headphones are both equipped with a charging case that can extend your overall usage time. This is especially useful if you require long battery life and want to use your earbuds for an extended amount of time before having to recharge them.

The Sony WF-C500 offer 10 hours of listening time with an added 10 hours with the charging case. This is differently distributed but ultimately beat out by the AirPods 3, which offer 6 hours plus 30 hours, but both would be a solid offering for most people. Fast charging is also offered by both brands, so you can connect your buds and case for a quick boost when you need it.

Winner: Apple Airpods

(Image credit: Sony)

Sony WF-C500 vs Airpods: Our verdict

Sony WF-C500 earbuds are a fantastic affordable option for those whose budget doesn't exceed $100, and were only slightly lacking in the audio quality department for us. Apple Airpods definitely sound better, and seamless integration with iPhones and built-in Siri will sway a lot of people, but Sony's offering works with your phone's onboard smart assistant (so, Google Assistant for Android, and Siri for iOS).

Battery life is also compariable, with Sony's buds lasting for longer without the case, but only offering a total of 20 hours. In short, those looking for the ultimate audio experience might want to opt for the AirPods, but anyone else would likely get on with the Sony WF-C500s, both for function and price.

Which streaming device gets you the most for your money? We assess bang for your buck among the top contenders

Caroline Preece — Tue, 23 May 2023 11:11:53 +0000

Streaming devices are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to add convenience to your TV watching, adding dozens of streaming apps to any television for the price of takeout. But, as these streaming sticks have grown in popularity, so too has the choice on offer, and it can be hard to decide where your money's best spent.

We've spent years trying out these devices as they evolved from screen mirroring tools like the original Chromecast to the all-in-one entertainment enablers they are today. We're also intimately familiar with all of the different homepages and recommendation algorithms, and we definitely have our favorites.

Keep reading to see where the strengths and weaknesses of the big four - Apple, Roku, Google, and Fire TV - lie, and which one would be more suitable for you. If you want more, you can head to our guide to the best streaming devices.

What are the main streaming devices?

For the purposes of this article, we will include the biggest offerings from the four main streaming device brands - Google, Amazon, Roku, and Apple, which each have a range of products with different features and limitations.

Google

RRP

Chromecast with Google TV (4K) - $49.99

Chromecast with Google TV (HD) - $29.99

Amazon

RRP

Amazon Fire TV Cube - $139.99

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max - $54.99

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K - $49.99

Amazon Fire Stick - $39.99

Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite - $29.99

Roku

Roku Streambar - $129.99

Roku Ultra 4K - $99.99

Roku Streaming Stick 4K - $49.99

Roku Express 4K+ - $39.99

Roku Express - $29.99

Apple

Apple TV 4K 128GB - $149.99

Apple TV 4K 64GB - $129.99

(Image credit: Roku)

Smart home compatibility

Google TV

Because of brand integration, the Chromecast with Google TV works well with Nest and Google Home products and even has the company's smart assistant built into the remote. This means you can use voice commands to control certain parts of your smart home, and if you have a Nest Doorbell, you can use your TV as an extra chime. Generally speaking, there is also good third-party compatibility with Google Home.

Amazon Firestick

The Firestick is similar to Chromecast in that it plays remarkably well with other Amazon and Alexa products, including Ring doorbells and Echo smart speakers. The remote also has Alexa built-in so that you can easily use voice controls, and you're able to pair the streaming device with any Echo speakers you have at home.

Roku

Roku is a slightly different proposition than the other three big streaming devices, as it doesn't have its own smart assistant to push. And so the Roku Streaming Stick 4K works with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Alexa, making it perfect for any smart home setup you may already have. Note, however, that you may not get as smooth of an experience as you would with two devices belonging to the same brand.

Apple TV

Apple TV, of course, supports Siri and is generally speaking more limited in its smart home compatibility than the other big three. If you're already an Apple user and are familiar with Siri on your iPhone, then the streaming device is a great extension of this, but many third-party devices such as doorbells, security cameras, or even the best smart light bulbs aren't so friendly with Apple's ecosystem.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Audio and visuals

Google TV

Google has the most limited range of products, with just the Chromecast 4K and Chromecast HD to choose from. The difference here is in the name, with the former offering a maximum of 2160p (4K) resolution and the latter going up to 1080p (Full HD). As for audio, it offers Dolby Atmos support.

Amazon Firestick

Amazon offers a much wider range of products than Google currently does, with the equivalent streaming stick (The Fire TV Stick 4K), offering 2160p (4K) resolution with Dolby Vision and HDR 10+ and support for Dolby Atmos surround sound.

Roku

Roku's mid-range option, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, offers similarly great visuals with 2160p (4K) resolution, available for $49.99. It does, however, lack Dolby Atmos support, offering DTS Digital Surround instead.

Apple TV

Apple TV 4K matches up to its competitors for audio and visuals, with the company's advanced tech also boosting the smoothness of app launches and navigation. It is, however, much more expensive than the other three options, with its cheapest product currently priced at $129.99.

(Image credit: Future)

Google TV

Google TVs interface is our favorite of the big four, as its aesthetic appeal is only boosted by the amount of information its algorithm is able to process about us. Unfortunately for those who are wary of an impending dystopian universe, Google has a lot of insight into all of us based on search preferences and what we've asked our Google Assistant, and it uses this to create a top-notch streaming experience.

Amazon Firestick

Amazon is similar to Google in the way it makes it easy for users to find the content they want to watch across various different apps. It does, however, have more of a bias toward Amazon Prime Video, pushing you to watch exclusives and rent or buy movies from the service. If you don't mind this, Prime TV add-on channels are a neat extra and good if you want these smaller services folded into one subscription.

Roku

Roku is the one streaming company that doesn't have a huge library of content to push, though the Roku channel is free and growing all of the time. The bigger difference in how content is displayed - or not displayed. Roku's home screen is made up of large tiles for your installed apps, and you will either have to enter each one individually or use the search function to find your fave TV show or film.

Apple TV

Apple TV's user experience is most similar to Fire TV's (read a thorough comparison in our Apple TV vs Firestick guide), with recommendations from across all of your apps, a bias towards Apple TV+, and the availability of add-on channels that can be paid for in one single payment. Apple TV+ is a smaller yet growing and well-regarded streaming service, but the presence of Apple Music and iTunes content makes for a huge potential library.

Our verdict

If you want the best 4K visuals - the cheapest way to get 4K from your streaming stick is the Roku Express 4K+, priced at $39.99. Google and Amazon offer the same at $49.99.
If you don't want to commit to one smart home - if you, like us, have a lot of different smart home devices and don't want your TV to be tied to just one hub, Roku offers a choice. Meanwhile, if you're already all-in on Google, Alexa, or Siri, we would recommend going for their corresponding streaming device.
If you're a habitual scroller - if you find it hard to find something to watch in the evening, Google and Apple offer the best navigation experience, followed closely by Amazon. Roku is best for those who know what they want to watch (and where to find it).

How to make an iPhone's battery last longer – 12 tips to extend a charge, plus the one setting to always have turned on

Alan Martin — Mon, 22 May 2023 06:00:29 +0000

No matter whether you opted for the pocket-sized iPhone 13 mini or the enormous stamina of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, it’s always nice to eke out as much battery life as possible. Unfortunately, the longer you have an iPhone, the more likely you are to find yourself complaining about declining battery life.

It’s not a problem that’s unique to Apple devices by any means: Lithium Ion batteries just have a certain number of charge cycles, and a device that’s charged every night is going to start showing its age before long.

Fortunately, there are a few iPhone tricks you can enact to boost its battery life. Here are 11 of them.

1. Enable Low Power Mode

This isn’t something that you’ll likely want to do every day, but if you’re glancing nervously at your battery gauge and worrying it won’t last the day, iOS does have a Low Power Mode to limit functionality in exchange for longevity.

Expect to see fewer graphical niceties, a lower refresh rate, reduced screen brightness and other things covered below individually. The difference is that here they’re all done in one go for maximum impact.

To enable it, tap ‘Settings’ and then ‘Battery’. Then toggle the setting labelled ‘Low Power Mode’.

2. Kill your background wireless services

If you’re not actively using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirDrop, it’s worth turning them off until you are. All of these services are constantly scanning in the background, slowly sipping at your battery over the course of a day.

To do so, open Settings, then select ‘Wi-Fi’ and/or ‘Bluetooth’. Tap the toggles to disable the services until required.

3. Find battery sapping apps

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

Rather helpfully, the iPhone actually lets you see exactly what’s been draining your battery life. That’s not too useful if it’s core apps like Safari or Mail, but you may find an impulse download from the App Store isn’t worth its battery drain.

Go to Settings, then ‘Battery’ to see your last 24 hours of battery use and look for any rogue apps. If you want a longer-term picture, you can toggle this to the last ten days.

4. Make sure your iPhone is charging right

Not only do Lithium Ion batteries have a finite number of charges, but overcharging them can harm the long-term health of the cell. Since iOS 11.3, the iPhone has had a built-in solution that monitors when you typically charge your phone, bringing the battery up to 80% and then holding it there, only going for the last 20% in time for you waking up.

It’s called Optimized Battery Charging. Again, you can find it in ‘Settings’ and then ‘Battery’. It's a setting that everyone should have turned on, and will help protect the life of your battery.

5. Limit your apps’ background internet usage

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

When you have an active internet connection, the default behavior is for your apps to refresh their content in the background. This is why emails come through in Gmail or news apps get the latest headlines.

This drains battery, though, so you may want to disable it altogether – or at least pick and choose which apps have that privilege.

You can do this by going to Settings, then ‘General’, then ‘Background App Refresh’. Here you can turn it off for every app, or select which apps are allowed and which are blocked.

6. A bright screen is a wasteful screen

One of the main drains on a smartphone’s battery is the screen. This is especially true of big-screen handsets, like the iPhone’s Plus and Pro Max models, even though the larger battery these handsets include compensates.

All the same, while you may want your screen to be eye-seeringly bright all the same, if you’ve overruled the defaults, that could go a long way to explaining your reduced battery life.

In short, the duller your screen, the more your battery will thank you. That said, if you set it to minimum brightness, you won’t be able to see anything on a sunny day. For that reason, we’d recommend enabling Auto-Brightness and letting Apple decide what’s best for you.

You can find the Auto Brightness toggle in Settings, under ‘Accessibility’ and ‘Display & Text Size’. If you want to play around with manual settings, go to Settings, then tap ‘Display & Brightness’.

7. Turn on Dark Mode

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

On the subject of screen brightness, modern iPhones (barring the SE models) use OLED panels. Without getting too into the nuts and bolts, that means that pixels only light up when in use, and that in turn means that darker screens use less battery.

The iPhone has two color schemes, one Light and one Dark. The latter is better for battery life for this reason. To make the switch, go to Settings, then Display & Brightness, and select ‘Dark’ under appearance.

If you really want to push this, you could also make your backdrop a black background, but you can take these tips too far…

8. Send your iPhone to sleep faster

In theory, when you’re done interacting with your phone, you should turn the screen off via a quick press of the power button. But almost everyone reading this will have at some point just put it down without taking that step, and that means the screen is running unnecessarily.

The iPhone will lock itself eventually, but the faster it does this the better for battery life. Go to Settings, then ‘Display & Brightness’ and ‘Auto-Lock’. Set this to 30 seconds, and your iPhone will go to sleep when left idle for half a minute. This won’t happen when you're actively using it, as the iPhone can tell when you’re looking at it and will compensate accordingly.

9. Turn off the graphical niceties

A marginal gain, but worth having if you’re intent on eking out every drop of juice from your iPhone. You can disable the fancy transition animations of apps and folders opening for something a bit more utilitarian, and this will save a bit of battery, albeit for a less joyful experience.

To do it, open Settings, then tap ‘Accessibility’ followed by ‘Motion’. Toggle ‘Reduce Motion’ to on, and you should get a small bump to your battery.

10. Pro models can halve the refresh rate

If you own a Pro or Pro Max iPhone from the iPhone 12 and later, you benefit from what Apple calls a ProMotion display. That’s fancy talk for a 120Hz screen, which means it refreshes 120 times a second rather than 60 for a smoother look and feel.

That hits the battery life, and you may decide you prefer something a little less smooth for more stamina. You can make that choice by opening Settings, then tapping ‘Accessibility’ and then ‘Motion’. Press the toggle next to ‘Limit Frame Rate’ and your Pro iPhone will drop to 60Hz.

11. If all else fails, visit the Apple Store

If the above tips don’t give you enough extra juice, Apple can help. No, the company won’t do it out of the goodness of its heart, but it’s an option if you want to throw cash at the problem.

Apple offers battery replacement surgery to its customers, for handsets going as far back as 2012’s iPhone 5. This will cost between $49 and $99 depending on the model, and involve fitting a brand new battery to your device.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

To find out if this is necessary, the iPhone will tell you its current battery health. To view this, open Settings, then tap ‘Battery’ followed by ‘Battery Health & Charging’. If the health percentage is in the 90s, this probably won’t do much for you, but if it’s a lot lower, this may help your handset feel a whole lot more reliable.

Does Spotify work with HomePod? An Apple smart home may not mean switching music services

carolinepreece89@gmail.com (Caroline Preece) — Thu, 18 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Music is one of those incredibly personal things, and it never feels right when technology gets in the way of us curating those perfect playlists and album collections. So what if you have embedded yourself in one streaming service but want a speaker that won't necessarily play nice?

Streaming platforms like Spotify are now the majority of people's chosen method of listening to music (though shout-out to the vinyl revival!), and the rise of smart speakers that can do pretty much anything except wash the dishes has meant that we need to think more and more about compatibility when choosing what we include in our home setups.

So does Spotify work with Apple's HomePod, for example? The short answer is yes, but it won't be as easy as pairing Apple Music. Keep reading to see how to do it, and for advice on how to get the best experience. For more, take a look at our guide to the best smart speakers.

What are the benefits of using HomePod for music?

Speaking generally, HomePod speakers are an excellent choice if you want a good audio experience along with smart home control, as Apple's speakers are generally considered (including by us) to have the best audio offering compared to their main competitors. This is partly down to the tech inside and Apple's team of experts, of course, but HomePod speakers also offer additional processing methods, such as adaptive sound - which can tune the music to your environment.

No matter which music streaming app you prefer, HomePod and HomePod mini speakers are a great choice for audiophiles, but you won't be able to tap into everything they can do without Apple Music. That's because of the Dolby Atmos and lossless formats that Apple's music service offers, which has so far gone unmatched by Spotify and other services.

(Image credit: Future)

How to connect Spotify with your Homepod

If you can't be swayed from Spotify and are dead-set on pairing your tunes with the HomePod, then there are a few simple steps you need to follow.

1. Connect your iPhone or other iOS device to the same Wi-Fi network as your HomePod speaker.

2. Open Spotify on your iOS device and start playing music.

3. Select the 'connect to a device' symbol and scroll down to 'Bluetooth or Airplay'.

4. Select your HomePod, and the music should start playing.

What is AirPlay?

If you're not yet familiar with AirPlay, it is basically Apple's answer to 'casting' technology and allows you to wirelessly transfer content from your iPhone or iOS device to your TV or speaker. Both devices in the process much support AirPlay and similarly to Chromecast, both must also be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

(Image credit: Apple)

What are the downsides to using Spotify with a HomePod speaker?

Apple products are always designed to work best with other Apple products, so it's no surprise that the best audio pairing experience will be through Apple Music and HomePod speakers. While there are workarounds like the above, listening to your tunes this way will remove functionality such as handoff, stereo pairing, and using the Siri smart assistant to control playback.

(Image credit: Apple)

What are the best alternatives to Spotify?

Though Spotify is probably the most widely known and used music streaming platform, there are plenty of alternatives to consider.

Apple Music - offering added interviews, live concerts, and documentaries, as well as Atmos and lossless songs.
YouTube Music - a music streaming service that folds in the plethora of music content on YouTube, including live performances, lyric videos, and other visuals.
Tidal - the other obvious choice for audiophiles, the service also offers lossless and hi-res audio and has a separate section for music videos and live performances.

How to turn your HomePod or HomePod mini into the ultimate speaker for your TV

Caroline Preece — Tue, 16 May 2023 10:15:55 +0000

There are so many amazing things that Apple's HomePod speaker can do, including telling you when it's going to rain or adjusting your heating automatically. But did you know it can also be used as a TV speaker?

We're constantly preaching about the need for additional speakers for your TV, with interior audio from our sets getting worse and worse as the panels get thinner and thinner. Flat-screen TVs don't have the space for great speakers, so it's a good idea to add your own if things like clear dialogue and booming bass for action scenes are important to you.

The best smart speakers work well with other devices in the same ecosystem (think Google, Amazon, and Apple), so connecting the HomePod and HomePod mini speakers to your Apple TV couldn't be easier. Keep reading to see how to do it.

Do you need Apple TV?

Yes, connecting your HomePod speakers with your TV requires you to have Apple TV as part of your setup. This takes the form of a streaming puck that plugs into your regular screen via HDMI cable, so you won't need to splash out on an entirely new screen. For more, take a look at our guide to the best streaming devices.

Why should you use a HomePod speaker with your TV?

Let's start with the basic question - why would you want to use your HomePod speaker with your TV? Well, aside from anything else, Apple's smart speakers are perhaps the best sounding of their kind, making them true multi-purpose devices that can just as easily soundtrack your Friday night Netflix binge as they can help run your smart home.

On top of that, a software update rolled out in 2022 means that you can also take advantage of Dolby Atmos with your Apple TV and HomePod speakers. HomePod mini speakers don't have as many fancy audio features, but they're still a cut above the rest in terms of sound. They're also cheaper, making it easier to create a surround sound effect with more than one.

(Image credit: Future)

How to set up the HomePod and your TV

1. In the Home app on your iPhone (or other iOS device), make sure your Apple TV and HomePod speaker are assigned to the same room.

2. If using more than one speaker, create a stereo pair before moving on.

3. Turn on your Apple TV, and it should ask you whether you want to use the speakers. Select 'Use as TV speakers'.

Manually - If for some reason you don't get the above automatic message, go to 'Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Output' on your TV, then select your speaker or stereo pair.

(Image credit: Apple)

What can you use instead of the HomePod?

One of the many benefits of using a HomePod speaker with your TV is the fact that they come with Apple's smart assistant - Siri - built-in. Though many traditional soundbars work with Siri if you already have it, very few come with it in-built due to Apple's control over its own products.

If you don't have an Apple TV, however, then you can mimic the effect using speakers from Google or Amazon. For example, you can absolutely use an Echo speaker to boost your TV's sound, but we would recommend opting for something like the Echo Studio if you want good sound quality.

Connecting your AirPods to your Peloton is a way to keep your workouts fun and private - here's how to do it

carolinepreece89@gmail.com (Caroline Preece) — Mon, 15 May 2023 09:10:13 +0000

If you have enough space, having home gym equipment can be an excellent and affordable way to stay fit, and thanks to smart home technology, it is now easier than ever to just jump on your treadmill, bike, or rower and get going - no gym membership required.

During the past few years, the Peloton bike has been a highly sought-after fitness accessory - a must-have if you're serious about your health. Although its buzz has subsided as we return to our regular fitness centers after lockdown, there are still many reasons why home gym equipment, including the Peloton, is a valuable addition to any household.

Syncing your AirPods to your Peloton is straightforward and allows you to keep fit to your favorite tunes and podcasts without disturbing anyone else in your household. To learn more, keep reading and check out our guide to the best workout headphones.

(Image credit: Peloton)

What is the Peloton?

The Peloton is widely regarded as one of the best exercise bikes on the market and has become a must-have fitness accessory. While the initial investment may seem like a big spend, it's worth considering the long-term cost savings compared to a monthly gym membership. In addition to the bike, there are options for a treadmill, yoga classes, and weight lifting.

However, what really sets the Peloton apart is its innovative screen, which provides access to live fitness classes and instructors. This not only ensures that users are guided through effective workouts, but also adds an element of fun to the experience.

What are Airpods?

AirPods are Apple's incredibly popular range of true wireless earbuds, which allow for seamless integration with iPhones and other iOS devices, boast advanced audio features like spatial audio and noise cancellation, and come with Siri - Apple's digital smart assistant - built in. They're basically mini-Apple helpers in your ears, which makes them great to have when you're otherwise engaged in building your health and fitness.

There are a few models available, from the 'basic' Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) to the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and the over-ear AirPods Max. If you're planning to exercise with them, we would go for one of the former in-ear models.

Why you'd want to connect your devices

If you move better to booming bass and upbeat tunes (or sad, indie tunes - no judgment), then you will get a far better experience by pairing your earbuds with your exercise equipment. Thankfully, AirPods are on the exclusive list of devices that are completely compatible with the Peloton.

You can also use the JBL X Peloton Earbuds, Powerbeats3, and Urbanears Hellas Headphones - but these models are now hard to find. For more on compatibility with Apple devices, check out our guide to connecting the Apple Watch to your Peloton.

(Image credit: Apple)

How to connect Apple Airpods and Peloton

1. Put your AirPods into pairing mode by pressing and holding the back until the light flashes white, then log in to the Peloton and go to the menu.

2. Select Bluetooth settings in Peloton's menu and wait for your earbuds to appear under 'Available Devices.'

3. Tap the AirPods, and you're set! Note: your earbuds and bike should now recognize each other for future sessions.

How to change an iPhone to greyscale –the easy settings tweak that's supposed to help battle screen addiction

Hugh Metcalf — Mon, 15 May 2023 08:09:01 +0000

I'll admit it, I spend more time scrolling my phone than I should. Whether it's 'doom-scrolling' Twitter to see what's happening in the world, or falling into an interior design blackhole on Instagram, it's all too easy for hours to pass with my hand glued to my phone.

It's something that Apple is only too aware of, and those automatic Screen Time notifications you get on a Monday morning are one tool in the arsenal to bring some awareness to how much time you're using your phone for a day. However, there's another iPhone trick you could try if you really want to make endless scrolling on your phone less appealing.

The change to your settings you need to switch on for a less addictive phone? It's all to do with your screen color.

Why you should change your iPhone to greyscale

Unfortunately, your phone's screen design makes it compelling to look at. Brightly colored apps, photos and games stimulate dopamine release, which is highly addictive. To lessen the impact of this dopamine, tech experts suggest changing your phone screen to greyscale.

'When your phone is in greyscale, it doesn't give you those exciting rewards,' says Tristan Harris, a former design Ethicist for Google, and founder of the Center for Humane Technology. 'It reminds you that it's just a tool.'

The greyscale setting's main use is for accessibility, to help people who are color blind, for example, to better interpret their phone screens. However, it's now become a setting to embrace if you want to up your productivity and reduce your screen time.

How do I set my iPhone to greyscale?

(Image credit: Future)

1. Head into your iPhone's Settings, and open the Accessibility menu.

2. Open Display & Text Size, and scroll down to find the Color Filters.

3. Flick the switch on this menu, and your iPhone should automatically set to Greyscale. There are some other color options in here you can play around with if you like.

Is it actually effective?

There's limited evidence to suggest that changing your iPhone's screen to greyscale will actually bring down your screen time, but having put it to the test for a week, I definitely found myself less drawn to endless scrolling when the screen was desaturated.

The number one problem with this idea? Sometimes you want, or need, to see your phone in color. I spend a lot of time on my phone looking for interior design inspiration or the latest color trends - a task that's not all that easy when you're looking at a black-and-white phone screen. And, once you've gone back into your settings to turn greyscale off, you have to be motivated to go in and turn it back on again. This makes it a little less practical.

However, there is a way to make it easy to switch back and forth from color to greyscale. Here's how to add a greyscale shortcut:

(Image credit: Future)

1. Go back to the main Accessibility menu, and scroll down to Accessibility Shortcuts.

2. Touch on Color Filters on this menu, and it will appear with a tick next to it. Now, if you press your side button three times, your screen should change from color to greyscale, and vice versa

Or try this..

Portable phone lockbox, Amazon

If you need something a little more physical to stop your phone interrupting your focus time, while still making sure you can answer calls in an emergency, and charge your phone, too. View Deal

Apple TV 4K review: the best of the best, but only if you're an Apple user

Caroline Preece — Sun, 14 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Although the world of streaming devices and smart TVs has become more and more crowded over the last decade, it's a testament to Apple's brand trust that its streaming box has remained at the top of many people's lists despite its considerably higher price tag compared to models from Google, Amazon, and others.

With the latest Apple TV 4K, we wanted to test whether the reputation was still deserved. The device works seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, including HomePod speakers, iPhones and iPads, and even AirPods, so those already immersed in the company's products will likely get a lot out of including their television, but what about everyone else?

We took a look to see how it performed, also looking at the design and improvements made since the last iteration. Take a look at our guide for more on the best streaming devices.

Apple TV 4K: Design

The Apple TV 4K looks sleek and modern and would look good as part of most people's entertainment set-ups. It's small and unobtrusive for a TV box but makes more of a statement than many dongles at the same time. The lack of wires (just the power and HDMI) helps it remain diminutive, but you can equally hide it away in your TV stand if you'd prefer a completely clean aesthetic.

Nevertheless, the matte black finish and materials mean it looks high-end, even if its main purpose is to be simple and functional. The remote control has a similar look, being small and lightweight with a touch-sensitive pad that you can use to navigate around Apple's interface. Be careful, though - the touchpad is incredibly sensitive and took us a while to get used to.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple TV 4K: Set-up

Setting up the Apple TV 4K is predictably simple, though getting things just how you want them could take a bit more fiddling around before you're happy.

Once you've connected the device to the power and attached it to your TV via HDMI cable, you should see a page asking you to select your language and region. Once this is done, you can connect things to your home WiFi. After this, you will either need to create a new Apple ID or log in using your existing one. If you're already an Apple TV+ subscriber or have other content tied to your Apple account, it will be pulled in.

That's the device itself set up, but you also need to configure Siri on the remote. This is also very simple and will feel familiar to anyone who's set up a smart assistant before.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple TV 4K: Streaming experience

Performance is really where Apple is better than any other streaming device on the market, and it almost single-handedly justifies the high price tag. The box has support for 4K and HDR content, as well as Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision for super-charged audio and visuals for applicable content. You'll also find pretty much every streaming app you'd want, from Netflix and Prime Video to Hulu and Shudder.

Digging down into the specs, the device uses the Apple A12 Bionic chip, which helps with computing power and graphics rendering. This allows it to run apps, games, and more without stuttering or freezing.

You can use the Siri remote - which has seen a big upgrade for this iteration of the streaming device - to navigate and search - good for those who can't remember where that series they were halfway through is currently streaming. The touch-sensitive pad is also a much faster and more intuitive way to scroll around, and there are dedicated buttons for most-used services.

As with Google TV, the 'Up Next' feature is a balm for anyone who juggles several movies and TV shows at one time. Even if you start watching something on your phone or laptop, Apple will recognize where you're up to and update accordingly. And you can also use AirPlay to immediately switch viewing from an iOS mobile device to your TV.

Having said this, it's surprising how 'blocky' the Apple TV interface looks when compared to Google or even the UK's Sky Stream platform. The content is there, but it's wrapped in a slightly uglier package.

There's still the bias towards iTunes and Apple TV+, but you would expect that with any streaming device that comes from one of the big players (even Roku is somewhat guilty of this, though to a lesser extent). You'll also be rewarded for an Apple Music subscription, with support for Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple TV 4K: Our verdict

Though it loses a few points for its Apple-focused offering, you can't argue with the brand's commitment to offering the best in class regarding visual and audio performance, intuitive accessories like the Siri remote, and integration with its other devices and services. The advent of Apple TV+ and Apple Music becoming a closer competitor to Spotify makes the Apple TV 4K an even more tempting proposition, and it's really a cut above when it comes to streaming devices.

Apple Watch Series 8 review: does this stylish smartwatch offer more than a simple fitness tracker?

Emily Peck — Fri, 12 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

If you’re keen to invest in the latest smartwatch, there are a few Apple Watch options to consider, including the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE, and the Apple Watch Series 8. Here we’ve taken a closer look at the Apple Watch Series 8, which comes with a host of strap options and a stylish Always-On Retina display.

If you’re already an iPhone user, combining your smartphone with one of the latest Apple watches makes sense. From $399 or $16.62 per month, the Apple Watch Series 8 is Apple’s mid-range smartwatch that comes packed with lots of high-end features.

We used the Apple Watch Series 8 over the course of six months to see how well it could enhance our daily routine, if it spurred us on to reach our fitness goals, and find out if it has any useful features that ensure its place among the best fitness trackers.

Apple Watch Series 8: Key info

Advanced Health Features – Blood Oxygen and ECG apps
Temperature sensing for Cycle Tracking
Crash Detection for help in an emergency
Family Setup – pair multiple watches with one iPhone
Always-On Retina display up to 1,000 nits brightness

Apple Watch Series 8: Design

Powered by watchOS 9, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a joy to look at with a design you’ll want to show off. It comes in a choice of seven case finishes, and you can personalize it with a strap type and color to suit your style. If you’re in a playful mood, you may want to go for a Starlight Aluminium Case with Braided Solo Loop in an orange colorway, for example, or for something more stylish yet still practical, try the Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band.

While the watch designs suit both day to night attire, for something that looks perfect for evening wear, you may want to opt for a stainless-steel or brown leather strap, which looks stunning against the retina display. The watch comes in two sizes to fit different wrist sizes, and you can choose from a 41mm or 45mm case. If, like us, you’re not used to wearing a watch and don’t want anything on your wrist that feels too bulky, you may want to choose the 41mm design.

While it’s not as rugged as the Apple Watch Ultra, the Apple Watch Series 8 is lighter in design, yet both have been designed to be durable and withstand a range of situations. The Apple Watch Series 8 is crack-resistant, dust and water-resistant up to 50 meters, for example, while the Apple Watch Ultra will take you a little deeper to 100m. Either way, this means you won’t need to take off the watch when you’re washing up, in the shower, or going for a swim.

We found the Apple Watch Series 8 Always-On Retina display clear and bright with narrow borders that curve beautifully right to the edges, and this provides nearly 20% more screen area than the Apple Watch SE. So if a crisp and easy-to-read screen is particularly important to you, this is the design to consider.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Series 8: Set-up

As with most devices in the Apple family, we found it easy to start using the Apple Watch Series 8. To set it up, we needed an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16 or later. We needed to update our iPhone to the latest version of iOS before we began to set up, turn on Bluetooth, and connect to WiFi. We found pairing up the Apple Watch with our iPhone simple by holding the two near to each other.

We waited for the ‘Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch’ message to appear and followed the step-by-step instructions to set it up. You can select your watch orientation within the app so the screen is optimized for left or right-hand use. When we first wore the Apple Series 8 watch, it took some getting used to. Not one for wearing a watch all day long, we found ourselves subconsciously removing it, especially when washing up, as it felt a little bulky and tight.

The watch is water-resistant and can get wet up to a point, however, which is a big bonus as to get the best stats and information from the watch, you’ll need to keep it on as much as possible. We used the Water Lock mode when going near water, which prevents the screen from responding to touch on its display and ejects any water in its speaker afterward - a mindful touch that will hopefully prolong the life of the device. Within the testing period, we went for a few weeks without using it.

When we came to wearing the watch again, we found it wasn’t tracking actively and accurately and needed an update to fix any glitches. The Watch app on your smartphone should automatically suggest updates, but if you need to do it manually, you can update the Apple Watch whenever you need to. Simply open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and tap the ‘My Watch’ tab, then go to ‘General’ and ‘Software Update.’

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple Watch Series 8: Performance

Once we’d paired the phone to the Watch app on our iPhone, it mirrored the majority of apps on our smartphone. For example, we could access apps such as Wallet for Apple Pay, Amazon Music, and Podcasts, but we couldn’t see WhatsApp or the Ring doorbell app, however. We did receive notifications from the Ring doorbell on the smartwatch via our smartphone each time someone rang the doorbell, but the slight delay did make it hard for us to respond from our iPhone in time.

Within the Watch app, you can choose to have your compatible apps listed on the Series 8 in alphabetical order or placed in a grid view on the watch face. We found the list view much easier to navigate and scroll through over the rather confusing grid view. Using the Watch app, we could set the Apple Watch Series 8 to have multiple face options and use our own photos as a watch face.

We also added the sophisticated ‘Metropolitan’ design and the sporty ‘Activity’ design into the mix – the latter of which makes it easy to see how far you’ve progressed with your daily fitness goals (more on that below). We also enjoyed using the ‘Breathe’ face, which guides you through a short deep breathing sequence each time you raise your wrist.

With fitness tracking at its heart, the Apple Watch Series 8 is designed to get you to regularly move, stand and exercise and track all the ways you’re active. It’s very similar to the Apple Watch Series 7 but does have a few new features worth shouting about. It has a two-sensor design, so you can use it on your wrist to take an ECG, measure your blood oxygen and heart rate, and track nightly temperature changes.

It works well for anyone wanting to track their ovulation cycle or plan for a family, as you can use it alongside the Cycle Tracking app on the Apple Watch Series 8 to gain insight into your menstrual cycle. Like most health-tracking wearables, you’ll need a good month of wearing it to get the best data.

(Image credit: Apple)

While all this health monitoring may sound intense, we found it surprisingly insightful, and the information a little bit addictive. We found ourselves randomly tracking our blood oxygen levels intermittently through the day and going outside for a breath of fresh air if it was slightly lower than the last reading, for example. The Apple Watch Series 8 is designed to motivate you to get moving more and worked well for us when we’d been sitting watching TV for too long too.

If you subscribe to the Fitness+ app (free for the first three months on eligible devices), you can listen to workouts on your watch via your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV too. You can then see personal metrics on your Apple Watch Series 8 - such as heart rate and calories burned - while you’re working out. If you’d rather not sign up to Fitness+, you can use the Workout App on your watch every time you work out, where you can set a custom workout or set goals.

We found this a great motivator when running, spinning, and walking. We also enjoyed checking in on the Activity app on the Apple Watch Series 8 that displays three rings that close when you meet your own set goals. The red ring showed us how much we’d moved and how many calories we’d burned that day, while the green ring showed us how many minutes of brisk activity we’d done. So whenever we were at a spin class or out walking, we could track this on the app to progress and close the ring.

The blue ring showed us how many hours in the day we had stood and moved per hour, and whenever we were sat typing away for a little too long, we were helpfully nudged to move or stand. That said, the watch also does a very good job of trying to get you to slow down. You can use it to access a sleep tracker and mindfulness app that reminds you that it’s important also to be still and bring your attention to your breath.

Apple Watch Series 8 also comes with a new Crash Detection feature that is able to detect whether you’re in a car crash and automatically connects you to emergency services. Fortunately, we didn’t get an opportunity to test this feature, but we can imagine it would come in very useful should the unthinkable happen. Another feature worth noting is how convenient we found the watch for receiving notifications, calls, and messages when we’d misplaced our iPhones.

Whenever our iPhone rang, we could answer it on the watch, and although the notifications coming through were a little hit and miss depending on our location, it was nice to have the watch as an iPhone backup for hands-free use. You can also use the watch to find devices such as your keys or smartphone and vice versa, and this came in useful when we were in a hurry to leave the house.

We also enjoyed using the watch as an iPhone camera remote to take photos on the iPhone from a distance - this worked particularly well when we had the whole family over and wanted to take a group shot without someone having to stretch out their arm to do so.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Series 8: Sustainability & longevity

You’ll need to charge the Apple Watch Series 8 daily, much like you would your smartphone. Unlike a Fitbit battery life - which, when new, can last between five and seven days - the Apple Watch Series 8 will last for up to 18 hours. This all depends on how much you use it, however.

It took us a while to get into the habit of charging up the watch every night, but once we got into a routine of charging it alongside our iPhone, it seemed to work well for us. One thing to remember is that if you want to make the most of sleep data and temperature sensing to track your cycle, you’ll need to wear the watch at night. This means you’ll need to try and find a convenient time to charge the watch that works around this.

Apple Watch SE (Image credit: Apple Watch SE)

Apple Watch Series 8 vs Apple Watch SE

A step up from the Apple Watch Series 7, the latest Apple Watch Series 8 comes with improved features such as temperature sensing and advanced Cycle Tracking, as we’ve touched on above. Both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE were launched around the same time and come with sensors to monitor your health, fitness, and safety. The Apple Watch Series 8 has 20% more screen area than the Apple Watch SE and, unlike the SE, includes a Blood Oxygen and ECG app as standard.

While the Apple Watch SE may not offer as many high-tech display, battery, or sensor features as the Apple Watch Series 8, it is the more affordable of the two options and has all the basics you need to keep track of your fitness. Both phones offer Family Setup, which means you can pair watches for your children and older adults to your iPhone without needing an additional smartphone.

Apple Watch Series 8: Our verdict

We found the Apple Watch Series 8 fun to use and think it offers so much more than a standard fitness tracker. If you’re already an iPhone 8 or later user, we think you’ll find the Apple Watch Series 8 packed with useful and informative features. And if you’re new to the Apple ecosystem, there are lots of advantages to investing in this smartwatch, but you will need to invest in a suitable wireless service plan for cellular service.

In short, we found the Apple Series 8 useful as a natural extension of our iPhone, so we could make and receive calls, check messages, and email on the go without reaching for our iPhone. We found the on-board sensors on the Apple Watch Series 8 that monitor your health, fitness, and safety reassuring, and the information empowered us to make positive changes – be it to move more, stand when we’d been sitting at our desk for too long or go to bed earlier and get more sleep.

It took us a while to get used to wearing the watch, charge it regularly, and make sure its software was regularly updated, but we enjoyed its fitness and well-being benefits, and it definitely made us more aware of the need to be more active. That said, on the days when we received a notification to tell us that we’d ‘had a laid-back day yesterday’ and that we needed to ‘make it happen today,’ we were able to simply turn off the device and get back to relaxing. And, luckily for now, being the boss of your technology and making it work for you as and when you want is the best bit.

These simple setting changes will make your iPhone's speaker louder – the ideal tweak for listening to music outdoors

Alan Martin — Thu, 11 May 2023 07:50:52 +0000

Picture the scene. You’re all set to enjoy the sun in the garden, but you go to pick up your Bluetooth speaker and find it won’t turn on. It’s out of battery. You’ve tried using your iPhone’s built-in speaker outside before and it’s not been great — it’s simply too quiet.

Help is at hand. There are ways to make your iPhone louder, and while they’re ultimately no substitute for an outdoor speaker, these iPhone tricks will certainly do in a pinch.

Here’s how to make an iPhone’s speaker louder.

How to make an iPhone speaker louder

First things first, if you’re going to be using the iPhone’s speaker, you need to know where it’s located.

It’s on the bottom of the phone, which means if you’re got it balanced facing up in portrait mode, you’re already at a disadvantage. Place the phone upside down with the bottom of the device facing into the air. If you use a case and the speakers are blocked, remove it.

If you’re carrying it around with you, make sure your hands aren’t blocking the speaker grilles. In fact, you may want to cup your hands around it so that the sound is guided towards your ears.

How to make an iPhone's speaker louder for Apple Music

Even if you’ve already maxed out volume via the buttons on the side of your iPhone, there are still a couple of extra things you can do to give it a bigger boost.

Firstly, you can make music louder in the app of your choice. This will vary from app to app, so we’re just going to cover two of the most popular options: Apple Music vs Spotify.

Apple Music is done via the iPhones Settings app.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

- Tap the cog icon to enter iPhone settings.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

- Scroll down to ‘Music’ and tap it.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

- Uncheck ‘Sound Check’ if enabled.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

- Tap ‘EQ’.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

- Scroll down to ‘Late Night’ and select it.

How to make an iPhone's speaker louder on Spotify?

In Spotify, there used to be an option to set audio to ‘Quiet’, ‘Normal’ or ‘Loud’, but that seems to have vanished from the latest version of the app. Instead, you just have to adjust the equaliser manually.

- Open Spotify.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

- Tap the cog in the top-right-hand corner.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

- Tap ‘Playback’.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

- Tap 'Equalizer'.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

- Drag all the frequencies on the visual equalizer to the highest point on the graph, so it looks like this.

How else can I increase my iPhone's speaker volume?

There is one more thing that may or may not make a difference, but it’s worth a go while you’re tinkering. There’s a headphone safety feature called ‘Reduce Loud Sounds’ that may be enabled. It’s not clear if it has any impact while not listening via headphones, but just in case…

- Open the Settings app.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

- Tap ‘Sound & Haptics’.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

- Tap ‘Headphone Safety’.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

- Make sure the ‘Reduce Loud Sounds’ toggle is disabled.

Bear in mind that feature is there for the sake of your hearing, so probably best to re-enable it if you’re reverting to headphones.

If you’ve fiddled with the settings, have the speakers facing in the air and it’s still not loud enough, there is one last trick to try. Weird as it sounds, all you need is your iPhone and a bowl.

Get your bowl and place your iPhone inside, angled so that the speakers are facing downwards, but not covered. Play a track and you’ll find it sounds a bit louder. That’s because the sound waves are now bouncing off the bottom and sides of the bowl, making it act a bit like the horn on an old-school gramophone.

Obviously there is only so much these tweaks can do, but they should give you a bit of a boost in a pinch. If that’s not enough, you might want to consider which AirPods to buy instead…

Connecting your Apple Watch with your Peloton can super-charge your workouts - here's how to do it

carolinepreece89@gmail.com (Caroline Preece) — Wed, 10 May 2023 11:13:41 +0000

Providing you have the space, home gym equipment can be one of the best and most cost-effective ways to keep fit, and smart home technology has made it easier than ever to sync all of your health data and keep it in one place.

During the lockdown period, the Peloton bike became a highly sought-after fitness accessory. It was the talk of the town, but as we returned to our regular fitness centers, the buzz subsided. Nevertheless, there are still many compelling reasons why home gym equipment, including the Peloton, is a valuable addition to any household.

Syncing your Apple Watch and Peloton is mostly about keeping all of your workout data in one place, all without needing to input information into different apps and devices manually. Keep reading to see how easy it is to connect the two fitness helpers, and check out our guide to the best fitness trackers for more.

(Image credit: Peloton)

What is the Peloton?

As said, the Peloton has been the must-have fitness accessory and is considered one of the best exercise bikes around. Against the price of a monthly gym membership, the cost of introducing equipment into your home starts to make sense, even if it feels like a big spend all at once. Alongside the bike, there's a treadmill, yoga classes, and even weight lifting you can try out.

The thing that sets the Peloton apart is its screen, which gives you access to live fitness classes and instructors. This not only guides you through the most effective workouts but also makes things a whole lot more fun.

What is the Apple Watch?

The Apple Watch works as well as a fitness tracker as it does an extension of the iPhone, keeping track of things like heart rate, steps taken, and sleep. As one of the more premium examples, it has gained a reputation for being ahead of the rest with constant updates and innovative features.

As with anything Apple, compatibility with anything not from the brand can be an issue, but the Watch actually works brilliantly with Peloton products.

Why you'd want to connect your devices

We're all guilty of filling our lives with smart home devices that, due to incompatibility with each other, live out their usefulness pretty quickly. Apple Watch and Peloton are a match made in heaven, and those keen on keeping an eye on their health and fitness can benefit hugely from using them together.

Once connected, your Apple Watch will record your workout, adding energy spent to those all-important rings and monitoring your heart rate. Be aware, however, that you will need WatchOS 6 or later and iOS 13 or later on your corresponding iPhone, for everything to work.

(Image credit: Peloton)

How to connect the Apple Watch and Peloton

1. The first thing you need to do is download the Peloton app on both your phone and Apple Watch.

Open the app and head to the 'Set Up' page (found via 'More', 'Apple Watch'). Tap 'Connect to Health App' and this will open up your iOS device's health center.

2. Once there, make sure you have enabled everything so that the Peloton app can have access. Head pack to Peloton and tap 'done'.

3. Now you need to use your Apple Watch. Open the Peloton WatchOS app and allow notifications. When you start a class on your bike, treadmill or other equipment, a notification should pop up on your Watch. When this happens, just tap and you're ready to go!

Marshall Minor III vs Airpods: can the rock music masters beat out Apple?

caroline.preece@futurenet.com (Caroline Preece) — Tue, 09 May 2023 10:54:11 +0000

Choosing between Marshall Minor III and AirPods may seem simple to some, but a lot harder for those who appreciate the style of Marshall's audio products but aren't sure whether the quality can measure up to Apple's stellar reputation.

As with any of the best workout headphones, both earbuds offer solid audio, a sleek look, and noise cancellation when you need to get into the zone. They also each have a charging case that significantly extends battery life, making it easier to take them on the go.

Choosing between two excellent options can be challenging. This article aims to simplify the decision-making process by providing an overview of the key features of both earbuds, covering design, performance, and more.

Marshall Minor III

Price: $129.99

Colors: Black

Water resistant? Yes

Microphone?: Yes

Noise cancellation?: Yes

Battery life?: 5 hours + 25 hours from case

Ear tips: none

AirPods 3

Price: $169.99

Colors: White

Water resistant? Yes

Microphone?: Yes, works with Siri

Noise cancellation?: Yes

Battery life?: 6 hours + 30 hours from case

Ear tips: none

Marshall Minor III vs Airpods: Pricing

Neither the Marshall Minor III nor Airpods range can be considered cheap, but Marshall's line-up currently has the edge for affordability, costing $40 less than the 3rd Gen Apple Buds and more than $100 less than the AirPods Pro. In terms of alternatives from each brand, the Minor III are Marshall's least expensive model (with the Marshall Motif costing about $200). You can, however, still pick up the 2nd Generation AirPods for around $99.

Winner: Marshall Minor 3

(Image credit: Apple AirPods (3rd generation))

Marshall Minor III vs Airpods: Design

Pretty much all of Marshall's audio products look lovely, with gorgeous gold accents and sturdy materials. The Minor III earbuds carry that on with a classic look oozing with style that evokes the classic rock aesthetic fans of the brand would want. The earbuds have a black outer shell with bronze-colored touches and no silicone tips.

Similarly, Apple's standard AirPods come sans ear tips, promising a comfortable fit without the need for extras. Like everything Apple does. The earbuds are modern, minimalist, and sleek, with a mostly white design set off with some silver accents on the stem. Said stem is a similar size to Marshall's and houses the microphone and touch controls.

Comparing the two models for comfort and fit, it's important to note that those who usually have trouble keeping wireless earbuds where they're supposed to be may struggle. When testing the AirPods 3, we didn't find them super-comfortable to wear, preferring buds with adjustable tips.

Winner: Marshall Minor 3

(Image credit: Marshall)

Marshall Minor III vs Airpods: Audio

We understand that the bulk of this article doesn't mean much if the audio produced by Apple and Marshall is sub-standard. Thankfully, that's not the case, but they do differ from one another slightly.

The Marshall Minor IIIs have a mostly traditional and balanced sound, with customizable EQ presets available via the Marshall Bluetooth app. But the brand knows what its do when it comes to music and audio more generally, so it's likely that things will sound good out of the box. Still, it's nice to have the option of tweaking it to your liking.

The AirPods 3 offer a more bass-heavy sound. They support spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, and lossless tracks in Apple Music, getting you what is probably the best music streaming experience around. There's also dynamic head tracking, which means you get an immersive soundstage tuned to your own body. Generally, Apple gives you a more powerful sound, while Marshall opts for balance.

Winner: Apple AirPods 3

Marshall Minor III vs Airpods: Battery life

Helpfully, both Marshall and Apple headphones come with a charging case that extends use time, as longer battery life is important if you want to be able to use your earbuds for an extended period of time before recharging.

The Marshall Minor III offer 5 hours of listening time with an added 25 hours with the charging case. This is significantly less than the AirPods 3, which offer 6 hours plus 30 hours, but both would be a solid offering for most people. Fast charging is also offered by both brands, so you can connect your buds and case for a quick boost when you need it.

Winner: Apple Airpods 3

(Image credit: Apple)

Marshall Minor III vs Airpods: Our verdict

If you're an iPhone user, we would almost always recommend that you go with Apple's own tech. That is because products like the AirPods are tuned to work seamlessly with their brother and sister devices, and you will get many more features from the AirPods 3 if you're using them in connection with an iOS device. Meanwhile, Android users have different choices to make.

The Marshall Minor III don't quite measure up to the AirPods 3 in terms of performance, battery life, or audio, but they are also cheaper. If you're not an Apple household, they present a good choice for affordability and those that like the Marshall design will also be happy.

Beats Studio Buds vs AirPods 3: battle of the Apple-backed earbuds

Caroline Preece — Fri, 05 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Choosing between Beats Studio Buds and AirPods 3 comes down to a few things, not least of which is the bold and colorful design of the former against the sleek simplicity of the latter. Both under the Apple banner, after the tech giant purchased Beats back in 2014, many find it tricky to decide which one would be best for them.

As with any of the best workout headphones, both models offer great audio quality, smart control features, and noise cancellation when you need to get into the zone. They also each have a charging case that significantly extends battery life, making it easier to take them on the go.

So how to choose between these two excellent options? In this article, we will run down the key features of both earbuds, from design to performance and beyond, to hopefully make your decision a little easier.

Beats Studio Buds vs AirPods 3: Key specs

Beats Studio Buds

Price: $149.99

Colors: Ocean Blue, Moon Gray, Beats Red, White

Water resistant? Yes

Microphone?: Yes, works with Siri

Noise cancellation?: Yes

Battery life?: 5-8 hours + 15-24 hours from case

Ear tips: small, medium, large

AirPods 3

Price: $169.99

Colors: White

Water resistant? Yes

Microphone?: Yes, works with Siri

Noise cancellation?: Yes

Battery life?: 6 hours + 30 hours from case

Ear tips: none

Beats Studio Buds vs AirPods 3: Pricing

Neither Beats nor Apple products are ever going to sit at the budget end of the market, but both have similar pricing compared to one another. You can pick up Beats Studio Buds for around $150, while Apple AirPods 3 retail for $170. You can, however, still pick up the 2nd Generation AirPods for around $99 on Amazon. In general, AirPods have a few extra features (more on that below), but opting for the Beats Studio Buds will save you $20.

Winner: It's a tie!

(Image credit: Beats)

Beats Studio Buds vs AirPods 3: Design

The most significant difference between the Beats Studio Buds and AirPods 3 is their silicone ear tips - or lack thereof. While Beats has opted to include small, medium, and large options for the comfort of the wearer, AirPods claim they are so well designed that there's no need for tips to keep them in place.

The Beats Studio buds come with a case that matches the headphones, with the expected USB-C port on the bottom and an LED light on the front. The buds themselves are slightly chunkier than the Airpods and free of the stem, and they stick out of the ear a little more. With different color options and a prominent logo, the Beats buds are meant to be seen.

The AirPods opt for a simpler and more sleek design, though the smooth white aesthetic of Apple products means you'll know where they're from regardless. The stem extension at the bottom houses the touch controls, and, as said, there are no optional ear tips to get the perfect fit. They're also available in just two muted colors - white and black.

Winner: Beats Studio Buds

(Image credit: Apple)

Beats Studio Buds vs AirPods 3: Fit and comfort

With a choice of ear tips, Beats Studio Buds are keen that users get a good, snug fit, making them comfortable to wear for longer periods. Some may become annoyed at how the buds stick out slightly, but this is only really a problem if you want to lie down while wearing them. They're also pretty lightweight, so they shouldn't be a bother even during long listening sessions.

AirPods 3 are pretty similar to previous generations, just with a slightly shorter stem that can be used to control audio, Siri, and calls. Unlike Beats, you will have to settle for what you get, as there is nothing to adjust to get a better fit. When testing, we found that the lifelong problem of non-earbud-friendly ears was still an issue for AirPods, meaning they were uncomfortable and insecure.

Winner: Beats Studio Buds

(Image credit: Beats)

Beats Studio Buds vs AirPods 3: Audio

Audio performance is where Apple really shines, as the AirPods 3 offer super-high quality sound with a custom high dynamic range amplifier and fresh driver design. They also support spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, and lossless tracks in Apple Music, getting you what is probably the best music streaming experience around. There's also dynamic head tracking, which means you get an immersive soundstage tuned to your own body.

The audio from Beats Studio Buds is much more focused on music, as you might expect, with them originally coming from hip-hop artist Dr. Dre. Bass levels are boosted, though many think that they're less balanced overall than AirPods when listening to a wider array of genres. Studio Buds also have active noise cancellation, which helps block out unwanted external noise.

Winner: AirPods 3

(Image credit: Apple)

Beats Studio Buds vs AirPods 3: Making calls

Even if you're interested in the AirPods 3 and Beats Studio Buds as workout headphones, it's likely that you'll also use them to take and make calls. Both models have in-built microphones that support Siri and hands-free calling and will work best with iPhones and iOS devices over Android. Either choice will get you clear audio.

Beats Studio Buds offer active noise cancellation, meaning you'll be able to better concentrate on what you're hearing on the other end of the call. There's also transparency mode, which means you won't be completely tuning out the world - important for safety in busy areas.

The AirPods 3 were the first to include a beamforming microphone array that isolates your voice from background noise, making it easier for the person you're talking to hear what you're saying. They also have spatial audio processing that generally makes audio more immersive.

Winner: It's a tie!

(Image credit: Beats)

Beats Studio Buds vs AirPods 3: Battery life

A long battery life is essential if you want to be able to use your earbuds for an extended period of time before recharging, and thankfully both Beats and Apple headphones come with a charging case that extends use time.

Beats Studio Buds offer 8 hours of listening time with an added 24 hours with the charging case. This time drops significantly when active noise cancellation is enabled, giving you about 5 hours and 15 hours from the buds and the case. It's quick to charge, however, and five minutes in the case will give you an hour of extra playback time.

AirPods 3 offer a slightly different split with 6 hours plus 30 hours from the charging case. Similarly, five minutes in the case will give you another hour.

Winner: It's a tie!

(Image credit: Apple)

Beats Studio Buds vs AirPods 3: Compatibility

Both earbuds are designed to work best with iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads, and you will get the best out of them if you're an Apple user. However, Beats Studio Buds play nicer with Android than AirPods 3, despite being under the same banner.

AirPods 3 can be used with Android, of course, but they will perform as glorified Bluetooth earbuds rather than the advanced devices they are. Beats Studio Buds, however, benefit from users being able to download the Beats app from the Google Play Store on Android, and you can use this to play around with settings and functions. You can also access advanced features like transparency mode and active noise cancellation.

Winner: Beats Studio Buds

(Image credit: Beats)

Beats Studio Buds vs AirPods 3: Our verdict

There's absolutely no doubt that both Beats Studio Buds and AirPods 3 are excellent choices of true wireless earphones for work, exercise, or general use. With little price difference and similar basic features, it all comes down to the nitty gritty when choosing between them.

However, the Beats Studio Buds won the most rounds in our comparison, with a more interesting design (though there will be many that prefer the more demure vibe of the AirPods), better compatibility for Android users, and a battery life and audio performance that can stand toe-to-toe with Apple.

Overall winner: Beats Studio Buds

AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3: which wireless earbuds offer the best experience?

caroline.preece@futurenet.com (Caroline Preece) — Wed, 03 May 2023 09:56:48 +0000

The AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 are two models in Apple's super-popular wireless earbuds range, with the former being introduced in 2019 and the latter arriving in 2021 as the third iteration of the basic version. Later, a 2nd Gen pair of AirPods Pro was released with added features.

While many of us have heard about how AirPods are the best workout headphones around, among other things, it can be hard to choose between the different versions. Of course, budget is one metric, as the Pro buds are slightly more expensive, but what about their design and performance?

In this guide, we will run down the key similarities and differences between the two earphones, as well as offer advice on just how to decide which ones might be best for you and your specific wants and needs.

AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3: Key specs

AirPods Pro 2

Price: $249.99

Colors: White

Water resistant? Yes

Microphone?: Yes, works with Siri

Noise cancellation?: Yes

Battery life?: 6 hours + 30 hours from case

Ear tips: Extra small, small, medium, large

AirPods 3

Price: $169.99

Colors: White

Water resistant? Yes

Microphone?: Yes, works with Siri

Noise cancellation?: Yes

Battery life?: 6 hours + 30 hours from case

Ear tips: none

AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3: Pricing

As Apple earbuds, neither the AirPods Pro nor AirPods 3 are going to count as a budget pick, but they do differ substantially from one another. The AirPods 3 are significantly cheaper than the Pros, selling for around $170 compared to $250.

You can save some money buying a second-hand pair of AirPods Pro (1st Gen) from Amazon for about $185, but they're no longer available new. You can, however, still pick up the 2nd Generation AirPods for around $99.

Winner: AirPods 3

(Image credit: Future)

AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3: Design

The AirPods Pro have a distinct in-ear design that includes soft, flexible ear tips in three different sizes. These tips allow for a comfortable, secure fit that also helps to block out external noise. They also have a shorter stem than the 2nd Gen AirPods that house the touch controls. This allows you to interact with your audio without needing to fetch your phone.

In comparison, the AirPods 3 have an in-ear design but lack the ear tips that help create a secure fit. Instead, they rely on a redesigned shape that's meant to sit snugly in the ear, but the success of this may depend on how you're made. AirPods 3 also come with touch controls on the stem for easy control.

The big difference between the two models is their size and weight, as AirPods 3 are slightly smaller and lighter than the Pros. This is supposed to mean that they're more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Both come with a wireless charging case, but the one for the AirPods Pro is slightly wider and flatter. Water and sweat resistance are also here, making them ideal for workouts.

Winner: AirPods Pro

(Image credit: Apple)

AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3: Audio and features

The AirPods Pro are well-known for their advanced features, including noise cancellation technology that eliminates external sound and a superior audio experience. Transparency mode allows ambient sounds to be still heard (for both safety and a more immersive experience), and Adaptive EQ tech dynamically tunes your music.

AirPods 3, on the other hand, are slightly more affordable, and so come with paired back features. There is still advanced sound quality, and the bass performance has been improved compared to the 2nd Gen model. They also have Spatial Audio capabilities for a surround sound-esque experience.

An H1 chip is present in both earphones, enabling hands-free access to the Siri smart assistant, and they also have a similar microphone and call quality so that you can speak with friends and family without any trouble. You also get Bluetooth connectivity, which is particularly useful if you're an Android user.

Winner: AirPods Pro

(Image credit: Future)

AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3: Battery life

Both AirPods have a good battery life, giving you around 5-6 hours of listening time with additional charge coming from their carrying cases. The case means you have more time before you need to find a power outlet - essential if you're out and about, adding about 30 hours onto their life. Of course, as with anything battery-powered, the more you ask of your earbuds, the faster they'll conk out.

Winner: It's a tie!

(Image credit: Apple)

AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3: Our verdict

In our comparison, the AirPods Pro clinched it. Both are excellent earbuds, but they suit different types of users.

As they excel at noise cancellation and offer superior sound quality, AirPods Pro would be perfect for music enthusiasts who value the best audio experience. The Adaptive EQ technology and Active Noise Cancellation features make the audio experience immersive, and Siri is always at your fingertips.

In contrast, the AirPods 3 could be best suited for people who love a bit of bass. Because of enhanced drivers, the AirPods 3 deliver a clear and improved bass response, and the Spatial Audio feature would be great for people who want surround sound.

Netflix vs Apple TV+: two content goliaths, but which one wins out?

Caroline Preece — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:08:10 +0000

If you're looking for something to watch in the evening, then chances are that Netflix is one of the first places you're going to look. But, with the once ubiquitous streaming getting a few bad headlines lately, as well as its need to battle with the numerous other streaming platforms that have emerged in its wake, many TV lovers are wondering whether they might want to switch.

If you can't afford to subscribe to every single platform (which is most of us), then it may come down to a choice between the big hitters. One of those is Apple TV+, which has been rolling along since 2019 but accruing users, awards, and positive buzz all the while.

So which one is best? In this article, we will take a look at both Netflix and Apple TV+'s content libraries, streaming interfaces, pricing, and availability to see which one would suit you and your household best.

Netflix vs Apple TV+: Content selection

Due to Netflix's advancing age, the streaming platform has a vast library of content that ranges between new series, older sitcoms, and dramas from the days of broadcast television and a great selection of foreign language titles. While some of these, like Squid Game, have broken through, there's a lot more to discover.

All in all, the platform has more than 15,000 titles across pretty much every genre and subgenre known to man. There's a reason that scrolling endlessly instead of picking something to watch has become the bugbear of many a streamer.

Apple TV+, meanwhile, has a reputation for being more discerning about what it puts out, choosing to be a destination for 'quality' rather than a competitor with Netflix in terms of choice. It's much more original content heavy as a result, with shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show getting a lot of attention. Come for the optimistic soccer coach and stay for the whacky chills of M. Night Shyamalan's Servant, Apple hopes.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Netflix vs Apple TV+: Original content

The selection of original content on both Netflix and Apple TV+ tends to follow the trend of its overall library in that, while Netflix chooses to bombard its users with choice and variety, Apple TV+ has a slower trickle of original shows and movies. It's really up to the individual which approach is more palatable.

Netflix's original shows and movies have received both audience and critical acclaim, including titles like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Orange is the New Black (to truly name just a few), but the streamer has been criticized for not promoting a lot of its content, choosing instead to flood its platform and hopes that audience - with the help of the algorithm - will find it themselves.

Because Apple TV+ has fewer shows and movies coming out each week, it's easier to find them straight away. The downside to this, of course, is that users can see straight away whether the selection of shows and movies is for them, rather than getting a general sense that there's something to please everyone.

Nevertheless, Apple TV+ has a lot of buzz-worthy shows and big stars for series like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Dickinson, and has actually managed to accrue more prestigious awards than Netflix in its shorter time online.

(Image credit: Apple)

A good streaming interface can make or break a streaming platform, as it's no good having 1,000s of titles if your audience is too frustrated to stick around and find them. Netflix knows this, and its navigation puts user-friendliness front and center. The advanced algorithm picks genres, shows, and movies for each individual user and even changes the image card to what it thinks will most entice you.

Apple TV+'s interface is also nice to use but has more to accomplish. Alongside the original titles on the platform, Apple TV is also a way to access content from various sources, including iTunes rentals and purchases, and so it arguably houses more titles than Netflix needs to. Nevertheless, it's sleek and easy to find things to watch.

(Image credit: Future)

Netflix vs Apple TV+: Availability

Netflix is available pretty much everywhere, from the best streaming devices and TVs to your phone and tablet. Apple TV+, however, is more limited because its affiliation with the iPhone, and so Android users are out of luck. The app has crept onto most of the major TVs and streaming devices by now, though, so you'll be able to watch on the big screen without issues.

(Image credit: Apple)

Netflix vs Apple TV+: Our verdict

There's no doubt that Netflix is still very much at the top of its game in the streaming world, but many people are sticking with the platform for ease, if nothing else. For those who want as much choice as possible, as well as the ability to find hidden gems on a lazy Sunday afternoon, Netflix is perfect. There's always something new, and with the advent of its new, cheaper ad-supported package, you can also save a little cash.

However, Apple TV+ is no slouch, and there's something to be said for a platform that's actively growing rather than resting on its laurels. Apple has fewer titles to date (and is unlikely to catch up in terms of numbers), but it's a solid choice for those who want a more curated experience. Also, iPhone users will be rewarded with a more seamless integration across devices.

As an Android user, I tried the Apple Homepod 2 for a month and I might just be converted

Millie Fender — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:00:31 +0000

I rarely start my reviews with an apology, but it's worth noting off the bat that this Apple Homepod 2 review is coming at you from a long-time, somewhat devoted Android user. I've not laid my hands on an Apple product since I upgraded my iPhone 4, so it's safe to say that I've been out of the loop for a while now.

Not only am I a Samsung-touting traitor, but my skills lie outside the world of tech. I know a good speaker when I see (well, hear) one, and I also place an emphasis on ease of use when I'm reviewing the best smart speakers. Perhaps sensing trouble, Apple's PR team sent me a swish new iPhone to try alongside the Apple Homepod 2, and some Apple masterclasses to get me started.

Why? Well, herein lies the main problem with the Apple Homepod 2. I can't deny that it's a phenomenal speaker. The sound quality truly put my existing setup to shame, and I had a lot of fun getting to grips with the Apple ecosystem. But that's just it, you absolutely need to be fully immersed in all things Apple to get the most out of the Homepod. I'll hold my hands up and admit that I may be in the minority when it comes to my go-to operating system, but if you're someone with a penchant for Spotify, the Homepod will force you to make some tricky choices.

Apple Homepod 2: Key info

Voice assistant: Siri
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2
Other features: Thread/Matter, Apple HomeKit, temperature sensor, humidity sensor
Dimensions: 5.6 x 6.6 x 5.6 inches
Weight: 5.16 lbs

Apple Homepod 2: Setting up

(Image credit: Future / Millie Fender)

Setup was simple. I was struck by how tactile the speaker was as soon as I took it out of the box. It comes in either Black or White finishes, both complete with the signature mesh exterior we saw in the original Homepod and the Homepod Mini. When plugged in, the top bursts into a multicolored light display which comes on each time you talk to Siri. You can also tap the top to play or pause music, and there is a plus and minus touch control to easily fiddle with basic audio settings.

Design-wise, it's incredibly similar to the first Homepod. The main differences lie under the hood, with temperature and humidity sensors, as well as Matter smart home support. The first Homepod is now discontinued, so you won't have to choose between them, but based on the minimal differences I'm not sure I'd recommend you upgrade if you already have the first Homepod. You can also pick up the Homepod Mini, which is more discreet and a third of the price. It also comes in some more fun colors, but the main difference is in sound quality, which is really where the Homepod comes into its own.

Pairing with the iPhone was easy, but myself and my partner didn't like that it will only connect to one Apple ID. You can add another user to that account, though, so both of us were able to use it. We also found that friends could connect to the speaker when in the same room thanks to the ultra-wideband chip which detects nearby iPhones (so long as they're iPhone 11 or later). I discovered this during a house party when someone kicked me off DJ duty. It was for the best - all my good playlists were still on Spotify.

Sound quality

The sound quality is what sets the Homepod apart. It's insanely good for the price, with a woofer up top and tweeters at the bottom, and it will use in-built mics and sensors to adjust the audio output depending on its placement in a room. This is incredibly responsive, and I noticed an instant adjustment when moving the speaker even a small distance further into the room.

I'm not an expert on audio, but I've used a lot of different speakers over the years. In my house I've got a fair few Amazon Echos dotted about, and the Homepod easily outperforms all of them on sound. I've also got a similarly-sized Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 which admittedly costs a third of the price, but is no match for the Homepod in capabilities.

(Image credit: Future / Millie Fender)

I was first struck by the bass, which is punchy but well-balanced. I enjoyed this, but you can change the balance in your settings to dial the bass down if it's not your thing. I trialed the speaker on a large range of genres, from AC/DC, to Oasis, to Taylor Swift. Unsurprisingly, changing the bass settings on more recent tracks was a lot more effective. Another cool feature is that you can change the vocal balance using Apple Music, and tap on a lyric to listen to different parts of a song. Karaoke, anyone?

To me, the major downside is that you need Apple Music to make the most of this speaker. You can technically play using other music apps by making the most of AirPlay, but there's an unpleasant lag and far fewer options when doing so. If, like me, you're someone who's got a carefully curated selection of Spotify playlists, I don't know that I would recommend switching to the Homepod unless you're willing to make the switch to Apple Music, too.

Spatial Audio

Apple Music is designed to work with Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio, meaning you'll hear a noticeable improvement in quality in sound dispersal with the Homepod. Particularly if you have two, which is why I was sent a pair to test simultaneously. I took advantage of this with Apple TV 4K, using my two speakers to act as a soundbar.

I've never had a home cinema setup before, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The 3D sound feels totally immersive, and had a really strong impact on my TV viewing experience. I had to place a speaker either side of my TV though, because they didn't fit underneath it. This wouldn't be an issue if you had a wall-mounted TV but could be annoying if you have a short console without a spare few inches either side of your screen. Even with that space, I didn't love the look of having speakers either side, but that's an aesthetic preference.

Other features

The intercom feature is one I've not experienced with other smart speakers. It allows you to essentially voicenote your speaker from anywhere. I loved this feature, but my partner got a bit fed up with me calling down to the living room to ask him to make me a coffee. Aside from using it to pester your partner, there are lots of practical uses for this, especially if you have a few different speakers scattered around.

(Image credit: Future / Millie Fender)

The Homepod can tell you the temperature and humidity levels in a room. This seemed fairly accurate, too. It gave me a reading of 20.5°C (69°F) when my thermostat was giving a reading of 19°C. I can see this integrating very well into a smart home setup, perhaps where you can activate a humidifier, dehumidifier or air conditioner when this hits a certain point.

Another major feature is Sound Recognition, which you can opt into from the Home app. This automatically detects when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm goes off and sends an alert to your Apple devices. You can even listen in from the iPhone or iPad, although the speaker will announce that you're listening in for the benefit of anyone still in the house, which is great for security but less fun for spying on your housemates.

How does it compare? Siri vs Alexa

(Image credit: Future / Millie Fender)

I'm very familiar with smart speakers, but mostly of the Amazon variety. I've got an Alexa in three rooms of my house, so I'm used to being able to ask it to connect to my Spotify account to stream a playlist or podcast while cooking in the kitchen or knitting in the lounge.

I will say, Alexa is a fair deal smarter than Siri, who at times almost felt deliberately inept. When asking it basic questions (including questions about how to use the speaker itself) it would often tell me to ask Siri on my smartphone, instead.

Alexa is also better at queueing up appropriate music. If I ask her to play me a specific song, it'll continue to play songs of a similar genre. I asked Siri to play the new Hozier song, and it decided to follow it up with some Christmas music. Read the room, Siri, it's April.

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen): Our verdict

If you're an iPhone user looking for an outstanding quality speaker, the Homepod is very easy to recommend. I loved the design, which is modern without looking brutish, and far preferred the audio quality to the other smart speakers I've tried in the past. I also really enjoyed using the Homepod in the place of a soundbar, and although you'll need to buy two to really see the difference this can make, the combined cost still comes in lower than some of the best soundbars on the market.

The main downside of the Homepod 2 is that you need to be fully immersed in the Apple ecosystem to make the most of it, so if you're not already geared up on Apple Music and Apple TV, it could be a costly big change. It feels unnecessary too, because I could see a lot more users enjoying this speaker if it had Bluetooth compatibility.

About this review

All reviews on Livingetc are based on real-life experience with the products, and testing is always done in the writer's own home to mimic best the experience our readers would have. These reviews are then used to build comprehensive buying guides that list the best of the best across a range of budgets and use cases.

As Head of Reviews, the Philips Hue Gradient Signe Floor Lamp was expertly tested by Millie Fender. She tested it in her North London maisonette for a number of months before writing her review. To learn more about our process across reviews and buying guides, you can take a look at our explanation of how we test.

Can you use AirPods with Android? It's possible, but there's a catch

carolinepreece89@gmail.com (Caroline Preece) — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Since their release in 2016, AirPods have taken off in a huge way for iPhone devotees and curious Android users alike. They're far from the only true wireless earphones around, but Apple's brand reputation and awareness, coupled with the top-notch tech packed into those tiny buds, means that they're seen as the creme de la creme.

So what if you don't have an iPhone? Is it still worth splashing out on a pair of AirPods? The answer isn't straightforward, as Android users can still use the earphones but will miss out on some of its best features at the same time. For example, when we reviewed the AirPods (3rd Gen), one of our favorite things about the product was its seamless integration with our iPhone.

In this article, we will break down the pros and cons of buying a pair of AirPods if you don't plan on also using other iOS products and how Android users can still take advantage of their excellent sound quality and ease of use.

Can you use Apple headphones with an Android phone?

Yes, strictly speaking, you can use Apple AirPods with your Android device. There are, however, some limitations that make it a slightly less seamless experience than using other earbuds with your non-Apple devices.

For example, advanced features like Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode, which are ways to fine-tune how much of the world you can hear while wearing them, are not available for Android users. You'll also miss out on spatial audio and Automatic Head Detection.

On the other hand, everything you would find on a set of Bluetooth headphones will work just fine. That means that Android users can do anything like pausing content, adjusting the volume, and skipping tracks in the same way as someone using iOS can.

(Image credit: Future)

How to connect AirPods

Connecting AirPods to your Android device is pretty easy and follows the same steps as any other Bluetooth device. First, you need to put the headphones into pairing mode by pressing and holding the button on the back of the charging case. The LED light should start flashing.

Then, go into the settings of your Android device and ensure Bluetooth is switched on. The AirPods should pop up under available devices, and you can tap on them to connect. And that's it!

Though some advanced features are off-limits, you can use the AirPods to listen to music and make phone calls. For more on how you can take care of your headphones and keep them working for longer, check out our guide to how to look after your AirPods.

Should you use AirPods with Android?

This is really up to the individual, but questions of budget come into it. AirPods are expensive, and there are much cheaper alternatives out there that will also work with Android devices. The reason AirPods have become so popular is down to their seamless compatibility with Apple products, but without these additional benefits, you may ask if the price is worth it.

We would say that those who already own AirPods and want to use them with their Android phone don't need to buy additional headphones, but we wouldn't necessarily advise those who are looking for the best choice of wireless earbuds to opt for AirPods unless they use an Apple phone.

(Image credit: Apple)

What is the Android alternative to AirPods?

If you're set on having an Android phone but want headphones that can match the quality of AirPods, there are a few options from a variety of brands.

In our guide to the best workout headphones, we rated the Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds 5/5 for their noise-canceling capabilities, sweat and water resistance, and 8 hours of battery life. Similarly great are the Marshall Morif buds, which boast a battery life of up to 20 hours and also feature clever noise cancellation. For those with awkward-shaped ears, they also have something Apple doesn't - a choice of ear tips.

Here's our pick of some of the best alternatives:

10 hidden iPhone tricks you probably don't know about – all designed to put more power in your pocket

Alan Martin — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 14:40:18 +0000

Do you ever randomly discover something you never knew your iPhone could do? Well, there's probably many more features than you'd imagine you don't know about that Apple has packed into your phone.

A lot of its smarter features are hidden away to such a degree that even hardcore iPhone users will never find them. Here are 10 such genius things that your iPhone can do if you know where to look.

1. Copy text from images

If you have an iPhone XS, XR or later, you benefit from an extremely neat feature called Live Text. In short, your iPhone can recognize text in photos, images online or even video.

That means if you take or download a picture with written words in it, you can copy and paste it into other apps just by holding down your finger on the text you want.

But more than that, you can get a live copy of some text without even taking a photo. Just point your camera at some text and press the Live Text button, as shown in the picture below. We think it's a great iPhone trick to share your WiFi password, too.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

While it works best with printed text, I had some success with a hand-written note — albeit with a few understandable typos to correct.

2. Scan documents

On a similar note, your iPhone now has a good enough camera to make a dedicated document scanner redundant in most cases.

You can do this via the Camera app, but if you want to save a useful document, it’s easier to use Notes as Apple recommends.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

Just start a new note, tap the camera icon and point at the document you want to scan. It’ll be saved to your Notes app for easy access.

3. Lift a subject from the photo background

Staying on photos, did you know you can lift people, pets and objects from photographs for them to be dropped elsewhere?

@hitpaw
♬ original sound - hitpaw

It’s all explained in the TikTok video above, but the upshot is you can remove the background from images and paste them into Notes or messaging apps!

4. Turn your keyboard into a trackpad

The iPhone keyboard is great, but when I made the switch from Android I was a bit lost when it came to precise editing of typos. No matter where I tapped, I couldn’t select the exact letter I wanted to edit.

Turns out there’s a way to finetune text edits. Just hold down the space bar and your keyboard becomes a trackpad, letting you slide your cursor to the exact spot you want to edit.

5. Make your Apple logo a button

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

Would you like more buttons on your iPhone? If you’re using an iPhone 8 or later, you can with a feature called “Back Tap”.

It’s buried away in the accessibility settings, but once enabled you can make the back of your phone an extra button, binding actions like opening Control Center, muting the phone, or enabling the flashlight to a double or triple tap.

To enable it, go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Touch. Tap Back Tap and you can set it up to your liking.

Note that this doesn’t seem to work if you have a particularly thick case, as I do.

6. Have your iPhone listen out for sounds

Another neat accessibility feature that you may want to enable is Sound Recognition. While clearly aimed at those with hearing difficulties, if you’re happy having your iPhone’s microphone listen out for certain triggers, such as a crying baby, the doorbell, a dog barking or a siren, then you can set it up to your liking. When it ‘hears’ something, you’ll get a notification on your phone for further investigation. Handy if you like to wear headphones.

You can even train it on alarms, wireless doorbell chimes our appliances the iPhone doesn’t automatically recognize. Just go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Sound Recognition to set it up.

7. Name the song

On the subject of listening out for things, did you know that your iPhone can recognize music, and name tracks if you let it listen?

It’s all thanks to Apple buying the music recognition app Shazam back in 2018, and it’s now integrated right into iOS. The easiest way is to go via Siri: simply say “Hey Siri, what song is this?”

If you really don’t want to use Apple’s virtual assistant, you can add a Shazam shortcut to Control Center — the quick options menu you get by dragging down from the top right of the screen. Just go to Settings, then Control Center and tap the Add button next to Music Recognition.

8. Make your iPhone a high-quality Mac webcam

The webcams on Apple’s various Mac desktop and laptops aren’t bad, but they can’t compete with a dedicated smartphone camera.

Brilliantly, with a feature called Continuity Camera, Apple lets you use your iPhone as a dedicated webcam for Mac. It’s a lot more flexible than a regular webcam with better quality and the ability to show your desk as well as your face in ultrawide mode.

You need iOS 16 and for your Mac to be running macOS Ventura. Once done, the video below shows how to enable it:

@riverside.fm
♬ Smiles & Sunsets - ultmt. & Hz.

9. Block out background sound on calls

With the latest version of Apple’s operating system — iOS 16.4 — iPhones made in the last five years can use machine learning to block out background noise from the microphone when on phone or video calls, making your voice crystal clear for whoever you’re talking to.

Here’s how to enable 'Voice Isolation' on iPhone.

10. Measure things with LiDAR

If you have the Pro or Pro Max versions of the iPhone 12, 13 or 14, you’ve got an advanced LiDAR scanner built into your phone. Essentially, it sends out lasers and analyzes the time they take to return to the source, allowing the phone to measure distance and depth.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

With Apple’s Measure app, this enables the measurement of anything. Just open up the app and point the camera at the edge of what you want to measure. Tap the ‘plus’ icon, then move your camera the other end of your measurement, and tap it again. The length will be shown on the screen.

Is Apple TV+ worth it? The streaming platform has been getting some buzz, but is it worth hitting subscribe?

Caroline Preece — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 08:00:51 +0000

It's hard to remember in our time of a dozen streaming services vying for our attention that, back in 2019, Apple's announcement that it was going to jump into the world of original programming with its own streaming service was met with huge excitement. A slew of star-studded dramas and comedies followed, but now Apple TV+ is just one of many services asking us to fork over our hard-earned cash.

But with content earning awards, winning over critics, and generally getting more buzz, it may be time to revisit what the service has to offer. After comparing Apple TV - the company's streaming device - to the other big hitters, we were curious how Apple TV+ could measure up.

Read on to see how the service compares on things like cost, the quality of content, compatibility with smart TVs, and additional streaming options.

(Image credit: Apple)

How much is Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ will set you back $4.99 per month, which gets you access to content via your TV, iPhone, iPad, Mac, or streaming device. You can also pay for a year upfront, costing $49.99 as a one-off payment and saving you close to $10 over 12 months.

Comparing this to other services, Netflix currently costs $9.99/month for its basic ad-free package, while Prime Video is $8.99/month for streaming only. Hulu is $7.99/month, and HBO Max is $15.99/month with no ads.

Apple TV+ has a feature called Family Sharing, which allows you to add up to six family members, all of whom will get an individual profile on the same account. These profiles will also be available for Apple Music and Apple Arcade, which puts it above less integrated services from other streaming providers.

Unlike Netflix's latest password-sharing crackdown, Apple hasn't yet made any noises about stopping users from multiple locations from sharing one account. The individual profiles mean you can also stop other members' tastes from impacting your own recommendations.

(Image credit: Future)

How can you watch Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ is widely available on various TV brands and streaming devices, though there are some exceptions. Most TVs from Samsung, LG, and Sony will support the app, in addition to Roku, Fire TV, and Google TV. You can also access the app through gaming consoles and, of course, Apple TV.

The app can also be downloaded on Apple mobile devices, and content is not limited to that available through an Apple TV+ subscription. iTunes purchases and additional channels can also be viewed on the same interface, and you will be served personalized recommendations based on your history.

What channels are available through Apple TV+?

Similar to Amazon Prime's add-on channels for subscribers, Apple TV+ gives you the option to subscribe to additional streaming services in one place. These range from must-haves to niche, obscure services, but the full list is certainly worth a browse if you have specific tastes not being catered for by the big streaming services.

There are too many to list here, but channels include AMC+ ($8.99pm), Britbox ($6.99pm), Paramount+ ($9.99pm), Showtime ($10.99pm), Shudder ($5.99pm), and Starz ($8.99pm). Once subscribed, the additional cost will be added to your monthly bill, keeping things tidy for your budget.

(Image credit: Apple)

Is the content on Apple TV+ any good?

Content on Apple TV+ is slightly more limited than what you might find on Netflix or Prime Video, but much of that is due to the streaming service's young age. It can also be argued that Apple has so far been more discerning about the films and TV shows that it purchases and commissions, leading to better overall quality.

This is debatable, but it's worth saying that Apple was behind Coda - the first streaming-only movie to win best picture at the Oscars - beating Netflix to the punch. Outside of original movies, you'll also find buzz-worthy shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show, as well as genre gems like Servant or Severance.

If you don't have the funds to subscribe to absolutely every streaming service (and who does?!), we always recommend doing your research on which one offers the most content fitting your tastes. That said, Apple TV+ certainly holds its own against the other streaming giants, even if it doesn't have as much older, binge-able series.

Does Apple TV+ have a free trial?

You may have noticed that Apple is quite keen for you to try out its streaming platform, and so a free trial for Apple TV+ has traditionally come with pretty much any tech purchase from the company. Outside of these deals, the standard free trial for the service is 7 days, after which you will be charged $4.99/month.

Apple's new 'Voice Isolation' will make your call quality on an iPhone a million times better – here's how to turn it on

Alan Martin — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 07:00:40 +0000

Do you want to improve the sound quality of your iPhone calls? Good news, Apple has a new setting that will do just that.

It’s called Voice Isolation, and while it’s been available for some time on FaceTime and other third-party apps, it’s now an option for voice calls as well, with the arrival of iOS 16.4.

Here’s how to use this new iPhone trick and clearer, better phone conversations going forward.

What is Voice Isolation for iPhone?

Voice Isolation uses the machine learning powers of Apple’s latest iPhone chips to block ambient sound in real-time.

In short, when you’re on a call with Voice Isolation enabled, your voice will be prioritized, dampening background audio and making your voice sound as crisp and clear as possible.

How to use Voice Isolation on your iPhone

Oddly, Apple doesn’t make Voice Isolation the default for calls, nor is it obviously placed in the Settings menu. Instead, you need to toggle it on in whatever app you’re using via the Control Center.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

1. Make sure you’re using iOS 16.4. Check by going to Settings, then General, then About. If you’re on an earlier version, go back to the General section and tap Software Update to download the latest build of iOS.

2. Start a call using the phone or FaceTime apps.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

3. When your call is underway, drag down from the top right-hand corner of your screen to bring up Control Center — a range of quick options for your iPhone.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

4. Tap the microphone icon in the top right corner of the grid to open the mic settings.

(Image credit: Alan Martin)

5. Select Voice Isolation from the list of options.

The good news is that you don’t have to do this every time you make a call, as the phone will default to whatever you used last time around.

For most people that means they’ll never have to think about it again as long as they’re happy with the improved call quality that Voice Isolation mode brings.

But alongside Voice Isolation and Standard modes, there’s a third option: Wide Spectrum. This mode is the opposite of Voice Isolation mode, designed to capture as much sound as possible, which is handy if you specifically want the person on the other end of the call to hear what’s going on in the background.

That said, this setting is intended for FaceTime. If you try and enable it for voice calls, you’ll get a “currently unavailable” message, which suggests it may one day arrive for regular phone conversations too.

Can I use Voice Isolation on third-party apps?

Voice Isolation is available to third-party apps via an API, meaning that plenty of programmes that support video calling will also let you boost the sound quality.

The likes of WhatsApp, Teams, Slack, Signal and Instagram all support the feature in the same way outlined above. Just boot up your favorite communications app, start a call and test it via Control Center.

What iPhones support Voice Isolation?

For voice calls, you need iOS 16.4, which includes the following handsets in reverse chronological order:

However, Apple’s official support page for Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum omits both 2017’s iPhone X and iPhone 8 series.

This is likely because these handsets were the first chips to contain a dedicated Neural Engine for machine learning tasks, and presumably the earliest implementation is not quite up to the job, even if it laid the framework for what followed.

That also means that older phones capable of reaching iOS 15 for FaceTime Voice Isolation support — the iPhone 7, iPhone SE (2016 model) and iPhone 6s series — are also illegible, even though it’s available in the software.

Apple TV vs Smart TVs - could the streaming device mean you don't need to replace your set?

Caroline Preece — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Smart TVs are now the norm, and many of us don't have any 'dumb' screens left in our homes. If we do, they've likely been relegated to the basement, the kitchen, or the spare bedroom. But there's a way of bringing these blank screens back to life, and that's streaming devices like the Apple TV 4K and similar.

Apple's streaming devices are the best of the best, offering up-to-the-minute tech and a quality build that makes them a statement as much as they are a convenience. Unlike cheaper boxes and dongles from Google, Amazon, and Roku, Apple has pitched its streaming solution as high-end, and they're incredibly popular as a result.

But are they better than smart TVs? And is there any point in buying an Apple TV device if you already have a perfectly good television? We dig into the answers in this guide and if you're curious about the other choices out there, head on over to our ranking of the best streaming devices.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple TV vs Smart TVs: upfront costs

When comparing Apple TV streaming devices and smart TVs, there are two ways to think about costs. The first is upfront costs, which differ wildly between the two.

There is a near-endless choice of smart TVs that cost anywhere from below $100 to over $10,000, depending on the size and technology they sport. You will always be paying more for OLED or an 8K set, and the best 85 inch TVs will always set you back more. The Apple TV 4K streaming device, meanwhile, costs about $200 and supports high resolutions, HDR, and Dolby Vision.

So the question comes down to whether you already have a television at home that you're happy with, and you're just looking for a new way to navigate streaming, or you need an upgraded screen to fully enjoy what Apple TV has to offer.

Upfront costs: Our verdict

Apple TV streaming devices are much cheaper than a new TV, but older sets won't allow you to enjoy advanced features like 4K or Dolby Vision. Bottom line - if you have a good TV at home, opt for Apple TV, but if you need to upgrade your whole home cinema system, a new smart TV is the way to go.

(Image credit: TCL)

Apple TV vs Smart TVs: cost over time

Because of a few factors, including the fact that Apple TV devices are the bridge to streaming content rather than the display themselves, these streaming boxes actually have more longevity than the average smart TV.

Smart TVs are always evolving, with the best TV brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG all bringing out a range of new models every single year. This, coupled with the fact that streaming services like Netflix are beginning to support higher-quality content such as 8K, means that smart TVs now become obsolete in a number of years. If you try to find that model you bought five years ago on sale, you probably won't be able to.

Of course, there have also been several iterations of Apple TV, but the evolution in the streaming device space is much slower.

Cost over time: Our verdict

When adding up the cost over decades, an Apple TV device could be a much better bet in the long run, since the technology is slower to evolve than modern TVs that need to be replaced every few years to get the best tech.

(Image credit: Apple Homepod Mini)

Apple TV vs Smart TVs: smart home integration

Smart homes are very personal to the household, with just as many families finding themselves accidentally tied to Apple, Google, or Alexa as those that consciously opt into a particular smart home assistant.

There's no doubt that Apple TV works best in homes that have already purchased Siri-enabled devices like the HomePod mini, iPhones, or AirTags. If that's you, then you've probably already discovered that Apple is more limited in what its assistant can interact with, and so an Apple TV is the only real path to true Siri compatibility.

Meanwhile, smart TVs are much more flexible, with most now working with Google Assistant and Alexa - with some letting you choose between them.

Smart home integration: Our verdict

If you're already an Apple user and want your TV to work with your smart home, you should definitely opt for an Apple TV device. But if you're tied to Google or Alexa, a good smart TV could be a better fit.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Apple TV vs Smart TVs: what are you other choices?

If, after scanning through this guide, you're wondering whether an Apple TV or smart TV is really the best option, then we'll briefly touch on some alternative options.

The best streaming devices now include Amazon's range of Fire TV sticks, the Chromecast with Google TV, and Roku's devices. As with our previous answer, much of this choice comes down to individual preference and what you already have in your home, but if you're still not sure, take a look at our guides:

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple TV vs Smart TVs: Our verdict

Apple TV devices like the Apple TV 4K are fantastic ways to get top-of-the-line streaming into your home without splashing out on an entirely new TV. If your television is relatively new, we would recommend opting for the streaming device.

On the other hand, those who think they need to upgrade their TV in the next year or so would do better purchasing a new smart TV, and those who don't care about tech like 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision could go for a cheaper device to add streaming to their older sets.

How to look after your AirPods, and avoid costly replacements

carolinepreece89@gmail.com (Caroline Preece) — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 09:00:00 +0000

If you've managed to get your hands on a pair of Apple AirPods, we'd bet you're keen to keep them in the finest condition possible. A fair bit more expensive than some other options, AirPods have amazing features, an attractive look, and unparalleled compatibility with other iOS and Siri-powered devices to justify that high price tag. But how do you look after them?

This article outlines some useful tips for keeping your AirPods in tip-top shape, from protecting the charging case from damage to properly cleaning the speaker grills (goodbye ear wax!). By following these tips, you can prevent expensive replacements down the line.

For more on how AirPods compare to other models, head over to our ranking of the best workout headphones and read on for tips and tricks for keeping yours looking and sounding their best.

Clean your AirPods the right way

Believe it or not, there's a right and wrong way to clean your AirPods, and going too hard could impact your headphones' performance over time. Instead, you should use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe down both the buds and the charging case, completely avoiding cleaning products or excess moisture.

If you need to get into hard-to-reach places, such as inside the charging case, enlist the humble cotton swab for a gentle cleaning of the interior as well as the speaker meshes on the headphones. You should do this regularly to ensure ear wax and other debris aren't getting stuck and preventing you from getting the most clear sound.

(Image credit: Future)

Keep them safe during use

The key word is 'weather-resistant' rather than 'waterproof.' AirPods can withstand rainfall and dirt and dust in everyday life, but they won't withstand being dunked underwater or worn in the shower. Make sure you're keeping your earbuds and charging case away from excess moisture, whether that's during use or while storing.

In addition to water resistance, it's crucial to monitor volume levels to protect both your AirPods and your hearing. Extremely high volume levels for prolonged periods of time can damage the device and result in hearing loss. To ensure AirPod longevity and your health, keep volumes at safe and reasonable levels.

Use your charging case

Want to keep your AirPods safe? Use your case! It's way too tempting when out and about to put your earbuds straight into your pocket or handbag, but this can easily lead to them going missing or getting scratched and damaged when not properly enclosed.

Even if you accidentally misplace the case, the 'Find My' feature on your iPhone can help you locate it in no time. Without a case, AirPods can be tricky to find and may be more susceptible to loss or damage, so keeping the case handy is a smart preventive measure.

(Image credit: Apple AirPods (3rd generation))

Avoid over-charging

It's critical to be cautious when charging battery-powered devices like your Apple AirPods, as overcharging can lead to shortened battery life and even overheating. Even though it's less common to overcharge portable devices, it's still a wise idea to monitor your charging habits to ensure optimal performance.

It's also crucial to avoid overheating AirPods, which can occur if they are overcharged. To prevent this from happening, it's recommended to wait until both the AirPods and the charging case are completely depleted before attaching the charging cable. Once both are fully replenished, it's advisable to immediately remove the cable from the case to prevent damage.

Ensure your software is up to date

Regularly checking and updating the software for your iPhone and AirPods may not be the most exciting thought, but it's an essential step in ensuring your earbuds remain in top condition for years to come. Software updates typically serve two purposes - enhancing security and improving overall performance. These benefits can vastly improve your experience with the AirPods and make them more reliable.

If you encounter bugs or glitches in your devices, updating to the latest software can often fix them. Staying up to date with all the latest software changes will ensure that your AirPods are optimized and fully functional.

(Image credit: elago)

Get a more protective AirPods case

You don't have to settle for the AirPods case that Apple provides - there are more options online that introduce different colors, designs, and levels of protection. If you're someone who is clumsy and drops their AirPods more often than they'd like to admit, then a reinforced case could mean the difference between needing to replace your earphones and spending that cash on something else.

We absolutely love this rugged stone-colored case from elago, the adorable Boba Tea protective case from NIUNEW, and this sleek and simple cover from R-fun - all on Amazon.

These 3 secret iPhone tricks make sharing your WiFi password with guests so easy – without having to reach for the router

Lilith Hudson — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 06:00:34 +0000

Sharing Wi-Fi passwords doesn't have to be difficult if you have an iPhone. Gone are the days of reciting a jumble of letters and numbers to guests when they visit your home. In fact, thanks to some handy features from Apple, there's actually no need to even type those characters into your own device in the first place. With these simple tricks under your belt, connecting to the internet is easier than ever.

No one enjoys laboriously typing out that never-ending wifi password. It's frustrating, time-consuming, and you're almost guaranteed to get it wrong on the first try. In 2023, technology should be far swifter and more accessible, whether you're prepared to commit to a smart home or not. Luckily though, Apple has heard our prayers with some tried and trusted, and some new features for tackling this problem. If you have an iPhone with iOS 11 or later and you're still typing out wifi passwords, stop wasting your precious time and try these tricks instead.

(Image credit: Apple)

By far the quickest and easiest way to share a wifi password is through Apple's inbuilt 'share Wi-Fi' feature. With it, you can instantly share the network password your device is connected to with other nearby Apple devices, whether that's an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

However, you'll only be able to use this trick if your device and the device you're hoping to share the password with both have iOS 11 or later. You'll also need to have your Bluetooth turned on, and the other person's number or contact details stored within your device, too.

You might have already seen this feature pop up before and, like magic, shared your home's network password with your visitors. If someone in your home is trying to connect to your Wi-Fi and you have their details stored in your phone, you'll receive a pop-up message asking if you want to share your wifi password with them. It really is that simple.

If the message doesn't appear automatically, here's what you need to do:

1. Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is turned on on both devices. If either device has Personal Hotspot on, turn it off.

2. You'll also need to keep the other person's device nearby, within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range. (No wandering off into the backyard to make a call!)

3. Make sure that the email address you use for your Apple ID is saved in the other person's contacts, and make sure you have their email address stored in yours, too.

4. Make sure that your device (the one sharing the password) is unlocked and connected to the Wi-Fi network.

5. Select the Wi-Fi network on the device you want to connect. (Remember, this might be a wi-fi extender.)

6. On your device, tap 'Share Password', then tap 'Done'.

2. Copy and paste a Wi-Fi password from a photo

(Image credit: Future )

To save ourselves the task of rummaging around behind the sofa to read out our Wi-Fi password, most of us have a picture of our router stored in our phone's photos. With an iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and later, you can actually copy or directly share text that appears within the camera frame or from a saved photo, making it easy to help friends connect to your internet.

This feature, called Live Text, allows you to copy and paste that lengthy Wi-Fi password from a photo in your Gallery and send it to your friend or family via a text or other instant message. It's an especially useful trick to know if the person you want to share the password with isn't an Apple user. If, for example, they have an Android or Google phone, the Share Wi-Fi feature we just mentioned won't work. Copy and pasting is by far the best alternative.

To use Live Text, simply snap a photo of your Wi-Fi password (usually found on the back of your router) or direct your iPhone's camera to it instead. To copy from an existing image, press down on the password text until it’s selected and a menu appears above it. From here, you can drag the circular grab points around all the characters you wish to capture (if the feature hasn't identified them all already) and then tap 'Copy'.

If you're using the feature from your camera app, direct your phone to the text until a small yellow window box appears around it. You'll then see a small text icon in the bottom right hand of the camera display. By tapping that button you can enlarge the text your phone has identified, and once again tap the option to 'copy'. From there, you can paste the text into a message by holding down on and tapping 'paste'.

If you encounter any difficulties, make sure Live Text is enabled in your settings. To do this, go to General > Language & Region and switch the toggle next to Live Text if it's turned off.

3. View your Wi-Fi password in settings

(Image credit: Alamy )

If you don't have a photo of your password on your phone and you don't want to go through the effort of climbing behind your sofa to get one, then fear not. Another hidden iPhone feature you probably didn't know existed is the ability to view network passwords within your settings.

You can use this feature in the same way as above by copying it and sharing in a message to your guests. To access the password, you have to either be currently connected to the network or have connected to it in the past, as well be near enough to the router for the network to appear in your settings.

As long as you satisfy those conditions (and if you're in your home and connected to Wi-Fi, that should be the case) go into your settings and from there, select Wi-Fi. Find the Wi-Fi network you want the password for and tap the information icon next to it. From there, tap 'Password' and use Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode to view the Wi-Fi network password. You can then tap 'Copy' to save the password to your clipboard and then paste it into a text message to the person you wish to share it with.

There you have it: simple and quick iPhone features that make it easier than ever to get online. With these tricks, you can save your breath by never reading out a password again!

Are wireless chargers any good? Convenience alone isn't enough to convince our tech expert

Alan Martin — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:00:16 +0000

Even a decade after the Nokia 920 became the first smartphone to support wireless charging, the technology feels somewhat magical. Rather than messing around with cables, you can just drop your device down onto a changing pad and watch it slowly fill with electricity — it’s like science fiction.

But while most technological advances are inherently better than what they replace, wireless charging has both advantages and disadvantages over the traditional wired approach.

This article should help you decide whether the best wireless chargers are for you or not.

How wireless charging improves over wired

The advantages of wireless charging really comes down to one thing: convenience.

Finding your cable, clicking it into your device and making sure it’s charging is a hassle. It’s a minor one, but if you need to top up your phone once a day, it adds up — especially if you’re the kind of person that can never find the right cable when you need it.

Wireless charging is far more elegant. Your charging mat is plugged into the socket, so all you need to do is rest your device on it so that the charging coils line up and the power will magically transfer.

Yes, some of them are a bit fiddly to line up, especially older ones. But they’ve got better and it’s a non-issue if you have a charging cradle which forces the phone into position, or use a recent iPhone where MagSafe magnetically secures the wireless charger in the right spot.

Unlike cables with various connectors, wireless charging also enjoys a standard that’s near universal. With the obvious exception of the Apple Watch, manufacturers have coalesced around the Qi standard meaning that your wireless charging mat will work with pretty much any device that supports cord-free battery top-ups. If you’re a household with loads of different leads, you’ll likely appreciate the simplicity.

How wireless charging isn’t as good as wired

Beyond convenience, however, wireless charging still lags behind using a wire in a number of ways.

First of all, it’s slower. The iPhone 14 Pro isn’t the fastest at charging with a cable, but with a 20W plug, a flat handset will still be about 60% charged with half an hour at the socket. With a 15W MagSafe wireless charger — the fastest the phone supports — you’ll only hit about half that in the same time.

There are faster wireless charging speeds than Apple can support, of course, but even then they’re always slower than the wired equivalent, so it's never going to charge your phone faster. The Honor Magic 4 Pro, for example, supports 100W wireless charging with a compatible mat which will get you half full in just 15 minutes. But Honor still recommends you charge via the wire if time is of the essence.

This is partly because wireless charging is an inherently inefficient way of getting electricity from the socket to the battery you’re trying to fill. One estimate from 2020 suggested that wireless chargers use about 40-60% more electricity than using a wire, due to energy lost in heat.

That’s a hit to your electricity bill, but it’s also bad for the planet — especially if the billions of smartphone users around the world all adopted wireless charging. And while there are environmental positives from it (less production of cables which aren’t good for the planet either), it’s certainly something to consider given devices come boxed with a perfectly good cable.

This brings us to the final point: wireless chargers are an extra expense. To kit out your home with a handful of wireless chargers, you’re going to have to spend some more cash — and a not insignificant sum either. Expect to pay between $15 and $50 depending on the speed and brand.

Are wireless chargers any good?

In truth, even if you do invest in one of the best wireless chargers, you’ll probably still want to use a cable occasionally. Sometimes, you just need the speed that wired charging offers — and if you’re out and about, you may find cables easier to come by than wireless charging mats too.

In short, charging wirelessly is a lot more convenient than plugging in a cable, but it comes at a cost. It’s slower, less efficient and requires that you spend more money on something which is entirely optional.

Apple Airpods (3rd Gen) review: an excellent choice for music-lovers and workout fanatics alike

Caroline Preece — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:46:42 +0000

As Apple's entry-level wireless headphones, the AirPods (3rd Gen) are a way for most people to get the benefits of the company's own product at a slightly less eye-watering price point. With the original AirPods launching back in 2016, the outer design and inner technology have developed somewhat, and they have become some of the most popular earbuds around.

The third-generation Pods boast advanced features such as background noise filtering, optical sensors for detecting their position in the ear, and in-built Siri support - all alongside excellent audio playback and a wireless charging case for extended battery life on the go.

Having tried out some of the best workout headphones over the years, we were very keen to test the latest Apple AirPods ourselves, assessing them based on comfort, audio quality, effectiveness (and usefulness) of those additional features, and more. Keep reading to see what we thought.

Apple Airpods: Key info

True wireless? Yes
Water resistant? Yes
Built-in microphone? Yes, with Siri quick access
Battery life: 6 hours listening time (30 hours with case)
Dimensions: H1.2 x W0.72 x D0.76in

(Image credit: Future)

Apple Airpods: Design

The AirPods have had a slight glow-up compared to previous generations, with a new contoured shape with shorter stems. In pure white with black controls, the shape is designed to fit comfortably in the ear, but there are no ear tips as you might find in other wireless buds. The charging case is all curves, with a lightning connector at the bottom for charging.

There's no doubt that the AirPods look great, with a sleek, smooth surface that feels high quality straight away. We have traditionally had a lot of problems with earbuds fitting our ears comfortably, and unfortunately, these were no different. Over thirty years of having this problem does suggest that it's an us problem rather than something wrong with Apple's design, however.

The loose, slightly uncomfortable fit also meant that they gradually worked their way out of the ears even when sitting down, and we were forced to regularly adjust their positioning while walking. We also found the stem squeeze method of controlling the AirPods a little hard to master, but it worked well after we had gotten used to it.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple Airpods: Set-up and performance

The setup for the AirPods is ludicrously easy if you have an iPhone. After sitting down at our desk to open the package, we were confronted with a message on our phone screen before we even unpacked the headphones themselves. We tapped 'connect,' and from there, we were free to use the AirPods as we pleased.

Without expectations about the headphones beyond their role as wireless earbuds, we were blown away by what they could do. We've never tried in-ear headphones that sound as good as this, for one, and music sounds sublime. Whether it was Fleetwood Mac or Girls Aloud, songs were clear and resonate every time. We also tried the devices out with private listening on our Roku TV, and the roaring engine sounds from a Netflix documentary about the missing MH370 flight sounded absolutely fantastic.

The compatibility with your iPhone is also really impressive. Much of this isn't new for the 3rd Gen AirPods, but the way the buds can sense when they've been removed from the ear, pausing playback, is so useful. Even better is their ability to resume what you were listening to when reinserted.

Of course, as workout headphones, the AirPods are also sweat and water-resistant (IPX4), and there is Siri integration for hands-free control. There's, unfortunately no support for Apple Music's lossless audio, but they do have spatial audio and adaptive EQ. This puts them in line with the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

The 3rd Gen AirPods also have solid battery life, stretching to up to 30 hours on certain settings. This drops significantly if you have spatial audio enabled, but we were able to get several charges out of our case before needing to plug back in for more juice.

(Image credit: Apple AirPods (3rd generation))

Apple Airpods: Our verdict

The latest Apple AirPods are truly excellent headphones for immersive audio in a high-quality, sleek, and modern package. Battery life is excellent, and sweat and weather resistance make them ideal for working out and wearing for long periods. Unfortunately, we still found the buds slightly uncomfortable and insecure in our ears, but this could be particular to us rather than a universal problem.

Still, iPhone users should be delighted with the overall performance here, and Siri integration is amazing for those who want truly hands-free control of their earphones in certain situations.

Is the Apple Pencil worth it? Our tech expert casts his verdict on Apple's $130 stylus for every kind of iPad owner

Alan Martin — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 09:00:14 +0000

While Samsung bundles an S Pen with its Galaxy Tab S8 tablet, the Apple Pencil remains an optional accessory for iPad owners.

Originally only compatible with the top-end models, Apple has now made the Pencil compatible with every current model, from the $329 9th-generation iPad all the way up to the $1,099 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

But is it worth the $99-$129 additional cost? Here’s what it can do and why you may want to pay up.

What can the Apple Pencil do?

But really, it’s handy for anything where your finger is just too inexact and you need greater precision. It just makes web browsing and some of the more fiddly apps and games all the more pleasurable.

But, the Apple Pencil is more than just a finger replacement for the iPad. As the name suggests, it’s more of a writing and drawing tool, with Apple trying to mimic the feel of pencil on paper, which is a world away from finger on screen.

To be clear, that’s only so effective: glass isn’t anything like paper, so this can’t feel as authentic as e-ink notepads like ReMarkable 2 or the Kindle Scribe. But it’s a lot more flexible than your finger, with no noticeable lag, and pressure sensitivity letting you push harder for a darker line or more gently for a soft imprint.

(Image credit: Apple)

Many years ago, I attended a life-drawing class hosted by Apple using only iPads and Apple Pencils and people more artistic than me were able to get some excellent results. You can use the edge of the tip for shading, and you can rest your hand on the screen without leaving a digital mark thanks to the iPad’s palm rejection.

Beyond art, it’s great for notetaking in meetings when typing on the built-in keyboard would take a whole lot longer. You can also draw on screenshots and PDF files to annotate as you go, and I’ve personally used mine for signing contracts, saving me the hassle of printing, signing and scanning. Connect it to a TV via HDMI or AirPlay, and you’ve got a digital whiteboard for presentations.

Can I get a third-party alternative stylus?

You can, but none of them beat Apple’s own product both in terms of functionality and instant ease of use. Still, if you only want an Apple Pencil for occasional use, basic note-taking or simply want to try something cheaper before you commit, then they’re worth a look.

Just be aware that the dirt-cheap models will lack a lot of the features that make the Apple Pencil so special, and even higher-end stylii like the Logitech Crayon ($70 from Amazon) often miss out on things like pressure sensitivity, making them fine for note-taking but far less pleasant for creating digital art.

Which Apple Pencil do I need?

(Image credit: Apple)

Confusingly, there are two Apple Pencils to buy — the first-generation model ($99 from Amazon) and the second-generation version ($129 from Amazon).

To be clear, you don’t have a choice as to which you get, unless you’re yet to buy an iPad. Depending on the model of iPad you own, only one Apple Pencil will be compatible (or none if your tablet is really old), so the decision is taken out of your hands. Apple’s Pencil compatibility page is here.

The core functionality is the same between the two models. Aesthetics aside, the main difference between the two is that while the first generation charges via the Lightning port of the iPad (making it look like an oversized lollypop), the second generation charges wirelessly by clipping onto the device. It also lets you change tools via a tap on the side, but that’s a very minor selling point.

Should I buy the Apple Pencil?

(Image credit: Apple)

Full disclosure: the fifth-gen iPad mini and first-generation Apple Pencil has been a key part of my freelance writer lifestyle since 2019.

Whenever I go to an event or do an in-person interview, both are in my bag. I boot up the excellent Notability app, hit record and take notes as I listen. Later, I can tap a handwritten note and the audio plays back from that moment in the conversation — or if I play the full recording from the start, my notes reappear at the exact moment I wrote them. It’s nothing short of magical.

That’s obviously an edge case, but for me it’s a brilliant productivity hack. And if you’re a digital artist of any kind, the Apple Pencil’s brilliance makes it a no-brainer.

It’s an expensive add-on, for sure, but for me personally, it’s worth it. And if you’re on the fence, you can always try a third-party stylus on the cheap to find out if it’s really for you.

This genius hidden iPhone feature could be the secret to better sleep if you watch Netflix or listen to podcasts in bed

lilith.hudson@futurenet.com (Lilith Hudson) — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 06:00:54 +0000

In our busy and demanding world, there's a large number of us always on the lookout for new ways to sleep better. Whether it's dousing your pillow in lavender oil or listening to ambient sounds to help you relax, there's a myriad of methods that claim to help us drift off. Arguably though, the best way to improve sleep is by reducing the risk of disturbing noises in your surrounding environment, including those that come from your phone.

From the moment we wake up to the second our head hits the pillow, our phones are a constant distraction. We all know the dangers of scrolling on our devices in the run-up to bedtime and the perils of that nefarious blue light emitted from their screens, but some of us actually rely on our phones to help us doze off. Whether it's white noise, whale noises, or even the whisperings of ASMR, the apps on our phones can offer the sort of sounds that do help us to get our crucial hours of shut-eye. The only trouble comes when it doesn't automatically turn off.

Well, you're in luck, because Apple has a solution for that. You probably never knew this hidden iPhone feature exists, but it's by far the best solution for switching off your sleep-inducing playlist, podcast, streaming platform or audiobook to help you to sleep better the whole night through. Intrigued? Here's how it works.

How to create a 'sleep timer' for your iPhone

(Image credit: Britt Design Group)

Some of us need complete silence in order to drift off while others rely on background noise to reach the land of nod. Be it a calming audiobook or some mind-numbing static pink noise, if you're in the latter camp, then this trick is for you.

The thing is, ambient noise is all well and good to help us drift off, but it can become a distraction later on through the night. From causing you to stir and sleep more lightly, to infiltrating your dreams or - worse still - leading to a rude awakening from loud in-app adverts, your sleep-inducing sounds can soon become the obverse.

That's where this handy iPhone feature comes in. The sleep timer will automatically turn off your sounds after a set amount of time so that you can snooze soundly through the rest of the night. To use it, simply open the Clock app and select Timer. At the bottom, tap the button where it says 'when the timer ends' and in the following menu that shows up, choose 'Stop Playing' as the action.

All that's left to do is set the timer countdown based on how long it takes you to drift off, be it 30 minutes or three hours (although we hope the latter isn't the case). Best of all, since the feature is in-built into your iPhone, it works for all your apps, from Youtube to Spotify to Apple Music.

This easy-to-use setting is by far the best way to guarantee a sound snooze for anyone who relies on ambient sleep sounds in the bedroom. Who knew that all this time, a peaceful slumber was just a few taps away...

Need help drifting off but don't want to use your phone? Try this instead

$21.99

SoundMe Sleep Sound Machine

Try this noise machine from SoundMe, available at Amazon, which allows you to play ambient sleep sounds without relying on your phone. The compact speaker can be plugged into your main source or operated by the battery backup and plays 30 different non-loop sounds including white, pink, and brown noise, as well as rain sounds.

Can Apple 4K TV work on any TV? We explain how to get the best of streaming, even if you have an older set

Caroline Preece — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Streaming devices and smart TVs were just beginning to make an impact on the way we consume entertainment when Apple TV was first released in 2006. Despite the fact that the market has become increasingly crowded since then, Apple's streaming device has remained at the top due to its advanced features, sleek appearance, and regular updates as part of new releases.

Now, the Apple TV 4K is one of the best streaming devices out there, and it's popular with everyone from Apple devotees to those who just want the most enjoyable experience binging their shows and sitting down with their family on the weekend for movie night.

Still, streaming dongles and boxes are so popular because many of us don't want to replace older, non-smart televisions if we don't have to. So will the current Apple TV model work with your set? Read on to find out.

Are there any TVs that won't work with Apple TV 4K?

Almost all modern TVs work with the Apple TV 4K streaming device, but there are some exceptions. Firstly, your set needs an HDMI port above HDMI 1.2, as this is how you will connect it to the device. Anything older won't work.

Outside of this, there is no reason why your TV won't be compatible with Apple TV 4K, but some features will be limited for older models. For example, if your TV doesn't have support for 4K, HDR, or Dolby Vision, you won't be getting the most out of your new streaming box. You'll still be able to watch what you want, but it will be downscaled.

(Image credit: Apple)

Do you need to use other Apple products?

The Apple TV 4K is a completely independent device that can be used with or without other Apple products. That said, Apple has always rewarded brand buy-in from its users, so you will get more out of your streaming if you're also using devices like the HomePod mini, an iPhone, or even AirPods.

AirPlay is the brand's answer to 'casting' content from your iPhone or iPad to the big screen, so if you like to start something on your phone and finish watching in the lounge, this will be an invaluable feature.

The use of Siri across your entire smart home could also boost Apple TV 4K's value, as switching between assistants can get tricky. If you don't already have Alexa or Google Assistant, consider purchasing one of the best smart speakers from Apple. Your remote will also have in-built Siri smarts.

One particular purchase we recommend if you're dead-set on the Apple TV 4K is an Apple TV+ subscription, as this will make the overall user experience much less frustrating. Apple has its own content it wants you to watch alongside your favorites on Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu, and these will understandably be front and center on your home page. The same applies to Apple Music.

(Image credit: Apple TV 4K)

Does Apple make TVs?

You'd be forgiven for associating the term 'Apple TV' with a physical screen, but the company has never made good on rumors that it would release a TV of its own. Instead, the brand has fine-tuned its strategy with streaming devices that can be added to the user's own TV. This is more cost-effective for both Apple and the end-user, even if the Apple TV 4K is pricier than some other dongles and boxes.

After a short-lived interest in the 1990s and whispers that something could be coming around 2014, it's safe to say that Apple's streaming boxes are as far into the TV market as the company is willing to go.

(Image credit: Apple TV 4K )

Will the Apple TV 4K be suitable for your household?

Unless you have an ancient television without a modern HDMI connection, you should be fine with using the Apple TV 4K as part of your viewing set-up.

However, if your television doesn't support advanced features like 4K resolution, HDR, and Dolby Vision, you will struggle to get the most out of the streaming device. As one of the more expensive ways to get access to streaming apps like Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video, we would advise you to opt for something cheaper on an older television.

If that's not a problem, though, Apple's offering is among the best of the best, offering complete integration with its other smart home and mobile products, as well as its own streaming service full of more than a few Emmy and Oscar-winning titles.

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