Should you buy an Apple TV on Prime Day?
Apple TV is a great way to enjoy a seamless experience with streaming TV and movies, and access other Apple services like Fitness+, Music, and more.
With Amazon Prime Day almost here, scheduled to take place July 11 and 12, you're probably gearing up to buy lots of tech gear at hefty discounts. We've already begun to highlight some of the best Prime Day deals, including deals on wireless earbuds and displays. But discovering the hidden gem deals and major discounts is an exciting but sometimes daunting task. What's more, some products you want to buy aren’t actually being reduced, which can lead to disappointment on the big day. One item you might be wondering about is the Apple TV. Is Amazon Prime Day the right time to purchase an Apple TV? The short answer is no.
5 reasons Apple Wallet is a game-changer for me
Apple Wallet has been a game-changer for me since I started using it on iPhone and Apple Watch, and here's why.
I’m one of those people who took forever to finally add my credit and debit cards to my Apple Wallet. But even then, I wasn’t really using it often. I would forget it was there or just didn’t bother. It was only after getting an Apple Watch that I truly realized the benefits of Apple Wallet, both with the Watch and my iPhone. Why hadn’t I been doing this all along? I use Apple Wallet now often for all types of payments from both the Watch and my iPhone 14, and I can’t remember how I lived without it.
10 essential photography tips for iPhone users
Once you get to know your iPhone camera a bit better and learn how to use the various settings, you will be able to take much better photos.
Plenty of new features are coming to the iPhone with iOS 17 this fall, including some in the Camera app. While it's already a great tool with tons of customizability options and pro camera modes, some might argue that it still isn’t quite up to the same standards as some of the best Android smartphone cameras. Nonetheless, there’s no denying that you can take awesome photos with an iPhone if you take the time to frame them nicely and choose the proper settings.
Does the Google Pixel Tablet work with a keyboard?
The Google Pixel Tablet is designed as a family tablet and for light productivity, and for that a keyboard would be handy.
The Google Pixel Tablet is a unique entry into the tablet space. It’s a traditional-style tablet with a 10.95-inch screen that you can use at home or on the go. It also comes bundled with a speaker dock that both charges it while it’s magnetically attached and can be used to amplify sound thanks to the built-in 43.5mm full-range speaker. But it’s meant mostly for smart home control, entertainment, and some casual productivity versus other premium tablets that are designed to be used, like compact laptops as well as tablets. However, those interested in picking one up still wonder: does the Google Pixel Tablet work with a keyboard?
Does the Google Pixel Tablet dock have a speaker?
The Google Pixel Tablet comes with a dock in the box that it conveniently magnetizes to, but what else can this dock do?
The Google Pixel Tablet is like a hybrid device: it’s one part traditional tablet and another part smart display. The latter is because the tablet can be docked and used conveniently in the home for smart device control, watching videos, or displaying a slideshow of photos from your living room side table, largely thanks to the dock that comes with it.
5 upcoming iPhone communication features I'm most excited about
There's plenty coming to iPhone with iOS 17, but among the many communications features, these are the most exciting.
There are some great new features coming to iPhone with the iOS 17 update this fall. Many of these features relate to the way you communicate with the phone, which includes not only audio and video calls but also text-based messaging. As someone who communicates daily in a multitude of ways from my iPhone 14, there are a few features in particular that I’m especially excited about. Some of these are simple updates but could make a world of difference in the long run.
Complete guide to the Markup tool in Photos on iOS
The Markup tool on iPhone is great for creativity, but it has some practical uses, too; and it's going to get better with iOS 17.
The iPhone has some neat options you can use in the Photos app, and plenty more coming with iOS 17, which can be downloaded to the latest devices like the iPhone 14 as well as older models dating back to the iPhone XR this fall. One of the tools that has been around for a few generations is called Markup. With this creative and useful tool, you can do tons of things both with your Photos as well as documents. You can create fun photos to post to social media and share with friends, sign documents, add relevant details, and more. Want to learn more about what you can do with Markup on iPhone? Here’s a comprehensive guide that covers it all.
12 essential tips for streaming TV on an iPhone
Streaming TV on an iPhone can be a better, more comfortable experience than you realize if you check out these essential tips for improving.
It’s ironic that while we have the “go big or go home” mentality for our TVs, many of us wouldn't hesitate to watch a full-length movie on a tiny smartphone screen. It’s not uncommon to see people watching TV shows and movies on a phone or tablet while commuting to via public transit, traveling by plane, or even relaxing in bed at home.
Best new Apple health and wellness features announced at WWDC23
Among the many software and OS updates Apple announced at WWDC 2023 were plenty in the health and wellness space.
Health and wellness are so important nowadays, not only pertaining to physical health but also mental health. It’s no surprise then that smartwatches, fitness trackers, mindfulness apps, smart scales, and other tech have been gaining steam over the past decade.
6 iOS 17 features I'll probably use the most
iOS 17 has so many cool features, but there are a few practical ones that I suspect will become part of my routine.
Apple’s WWDC 2023 was chock-full of announcements across the board for all existing Apple products and categories, and even some new ones (how about that Apple Vision Pro?) As an iPhone user who relies on my phone for day-to-day communication, productivity, entertainment, and just about everything else, I was particularly excited to hear about the new features that will be coming with iOS 17.
Spigen Tough Armor case review: The first case I purchase for my iPhone
No matter what iPhone model I buy, without hesitation, the first protective case I always order to protect it is the Spigen Tough Armour.
Through the years, I have had many smartphones, not to mention many non-smartphones, before those became a “thing.” Whenever I buy a new iPhone, I always take my own advice and invest in a protective case for it immediately. In fact, I’ll often order a case right after I buy the phone, so it arrives just in time to protect it right out of the box. This quick-buy case doesn’t always remain on my device for the duration of time that I own it, but the case I trust to protect my new investment is always the same: the Spigen Tough Armor.
How to open web links on an Apple Watch
The Apple Watch doesn't have a Safari browser app, but there are workarounds that can help you view web content from the smartwatch.
The Apple Watch can be used to access so many things, from your instant messages to your calendar, photos, and more. There are so many tricks to using the Apple Watch. One thing it doesn’t have, however, is a web browser. Or does it?
How to set a PIN for content on Apple TV
Set up a PIN code on Apple TV and select restrictions for apps, games, content, and more, to ensure kids only access suitable content for their age.
Apple TV is your portal to tons of content from popular streaming services. When you have one set up for the family, however, this means everyone in the household probably uses it. If you have younger children, you might want to enact some parental controls to ensure they aren’t watching movies, TV shows, other videos, or accessing other types of content that isn’t age appropriate for them, from apps suitable for older kids to music with explicit lyrics. If you have a toddler with itchy fingers who loves punching buttons on remotes or a mischievous kid, you might also want to prevent the ability for them to accidentally purchase apps right from the TV.
How to adjust the video quality on Apple TV
Whether it's to verify you are set for the best video quality or for updating when you get a new TV, you should check Apple TV video quality settings
Apple TV is a wonderful portal to all your favorite TV and video content and one of the best media streaming devices. While it’s simple just to queue up a video and play, you can delve deeper into customization by adjusting the video settings. This might be to confirm that the output resolution of the Apple TV matches your TV’s native resolution, to tweak frame rate and dynamic range, and confirm you’re watching at the maximum resolution possible to get the most out of your content.
The HANDLstick is my favorite iPhone accessory
It certainly is an accessory that I use more than I anticipated I might.
Years ago, I met with a little company called Handl New York at a trade show. The company, which makes mobile accessories, was marketing a nifty phone case for many of the best iPhones with an ingenious concept: an elastic strap on the back that can be used as both a phone grip and a kickstand. Of course, this design is commonplace nowadays, arguably reaching new heights of popularity when the Popsockets became all the rage. But back then, it was a relatively new concept. Even with a flood of copycats, the design of the Handl remains my favorite.
5 iPhone apps that have changed my life
Alongside the usual suspects like Safari, Mail, Messages, Photos, and Wallet, these five iPhone apps have been game-changers.
The most important apps on my iPhone 14 are ones like Apple Wallet, Safari, Mail, Photos, and Apple Fitness+ — the standards. But there are a few other apps that I turn to day-to-day, or at least often enough that they've truly made an impact on my life. Sure, apps can be powerful, but I use some more often than I thought I would. Whether they're functional apps most people would appreciate or ones that are more tailored to my specific tastes, they can be wonderful additions to any device.
How to download apps on Apple TV
Apple TV comes pre-loaded with great apps, but just like a phone, tablet, or laptop, you can download and add more to personalize the experience.
Apple TV already comes loaded with tons of great apps provided by Apple itself, including Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Fitness, Apple Arcade, and more. But the beauty of Apple TV is that while you are still living within the Apple ecosystem, you aren’t limited to it. There are tons of other third-party streaming apps you can download to the device to enjoy. These range from popular TV streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, to local apps, like CBC Gem in Canada, fitness apps like BeachBody on Demand, gaming apps like Just Dance Now, and more.
How to enable dark mode on Apple TV
Whether it's for late-night binge watching or simply preference, you can adjust the Apple TV Home screen to display in black versus brighter grayish.
The home screen of an Apple TV, one of the best media streaming devices, is bold and bright. But sometimes, you want something more muted. Maybe it’s during a late-night TV binge session or simply to match your mood. It could also be related to your vision preferences or particularly sensitive eyes.
How to enable subtitles and captioning on Apple TV
Subtitles and captioning are useful for the hard of hearing, those who want to watch TV quietly, and foreign language content.
Closed captioning is a necessary feature for the hearing impaired. But it’s no secret that a lot of people use captioning out of preference. It might be because audio separation isn’t great with your speakers, and so dialogue is never loud enough. Perhaps it’s because you watch TV late at night when the rest of the family or roommates are sleeping, or the walls are thin in your apartment, and you need to keep the volume low. Subtitles, meanwhile, are essential if you are watching a foreign language movie or show and need subtitles for translative purposes. Whatever the reason, enabling captions and subtitles on Apple TV, one of the best media streaming devices, is simple. While it only works for videos that support closed captioning and subtitles, where available, you can activate this globally using Apple TV.
How to rename your Apple TV
The Apple TV's default name is simply Apple TV, but you can personalize it and give it whatever name you want.
The default name for your Apple TV is simply “Apple TV.” This is fine if you only have one, but when you have multiple throughout the home (or office), you’ll want to differentiate them. What’s more, it’s nice to have personalized names. This is helpful for kids, elderly parents, or even babysitters. Everyone can easily operate the TV and Apple TV via the simple-to-understand nomenclature, avoiding confusion between one called Living Room Apple TV, for example, and another called Family Room Apple TV. It’s quite easy to rename the Apple TV using both older model iPhones and the latest Apple TV 4K.