Posts Tagged: Apple
Apple Music vs. Spotify: Which music streaming service is the best?
Spotify has long been the champ of music streaming, but Apple Music is hot on its heels. Who’s winning the battle between these two music streaming services?
Digital Trends
Both generations of the Apple Pencil are on sale at Amazon
Amazon is selling the first-generation Apple Pencil for $ 79 after a $ 20 discount and the second-generation Apple Pencil for $ 89 following a $ 40 price reduction.
Digital Trends
‘Foundation’ will return to Apple TV+ on July 14th
Folks looking for more sci-fi to sink their teeth into on Apple TV+ after getting hooked on Silo won’t have too much longer to wait. The streaming service has revealed that the second season of Foundation will premiere on July 14th. The show, which is based on a series of Isaac Asimov novels, will return with one episode on that day, and more will follow on a weekly basis.
The season runs for 10 episodes and it's set over a century after the first season's finale. It features "a vengeful queen" who aims to destroy the Galactic Empire from within, Apple said. The Foundation, meanwhile, has moved into its religious phase. It's promoting the Church of Seldon throughout the Outer Reach and bringing about the second crisis — in other words, war with the Empire. Alongside the release date, Apple TV+ has released another visually dazzling trailer:
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/foundation-will-return-to-apple-tv-on-july-14th-140038865.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
Apple iPad is almost back down to its cheapest-ever price
Thanks to Amazon’s Apple iPad latest deal, you’re getting the lowest-ever iPad price on the 9th Gen and 2021 model.
Digital Trends
House lawmakers ask for investigation into Apple store labor practices
Apple is facing additional scrutiny over its alleged crackdown against pro-union retail workers. House Representatives Emanuel Cleaver and Sylvia Garcia have sent a letter to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) asking for an investigation into alleged labor abuses at Houston and Kansas City, Missouri stores. The politicians are concerned about claims Apple fired five Kansas City staff in retaliation for unionization efforts, and disciplined multiple Houston employees for attempting to organize.
In March, the Communications Works of America union (CWA) filed charges with the NLRB over the purported retaliation. The CWA believes Apple used thin pretexts to fire and intimidate employees, such as slightly late arrivals and even typos in timesheets. Some of the workers were reportedly forced to sign a release of claims against the company if they wanted a severance package. These practices are illegal, Cleaver and Garcia say.
The House members also pointed to the NLRB's January finding that Apple was violating labor rights with rules barring leaks and discussions of employment conditions. The representatives are worried about a "recurring pattern," according to the letter. In December, the board said Apple also broke the law by holding anti-union meetings in Atlanta.
We've asked Apple for comment. The company has previously argued that it can better care for retail staff without unions. At the same time, it has addressed concerns by raising pay, improving benefits and easing its scheduling rules.
The letter doesn't obligate the NLRB to respond, and there's no certainty that an investigation will lead to official action. Even so, it's notable that Apple's stance on retail labor has drawn Congress' attention. It won't be surprising if there's more interest from the federal government, whether or not the NLRB responds to the letter.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/house-lawmakers-ask-for-investigation-into-apple-store-labor-practices-195248699.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
Apple and Google are teaming up to make tracking devices less creepy
Apple and Google have teamed up to develop a universal detection and alert tech for tracking devices like AirTags that works uniformly across Android and iOS.
Digital Trends
Check your Apple Card right now — you may have a crazy 10% cash-back promo
Apple Card users may see an unexpected, but welcome surprise waiting for them in the form of a 5% to 10% cash back offer.
Digital Trends
Apple is reportedly developing an AI health coach for Apple Watch
Apple devices can already offer health insights, but they might soon tell you just how to improve. Bloombergsources claim Apple is developing an AI-based health coach, nicknamed Quartz, that draws on Apple Watch data to create personalized programs for exercise, diet and sleep. The offering will reportedly require a subscription and launch sometime in 2024, provided nothing changes.
In the near term, the Health app may become more useful. Apple is finally bringing Health to the iPad with this year's iPadOS 17 release, the insiders say. A further update will supposedly help you track your mood by answering questions about your day. You may also use Health to manage vision issues like nearsightedness. A recent rumor also hinted that Apple may release a journaling app to help document your days, much like Day One.
Apple has already declined to comment. If the claims are accurate, you'll most likely hear about all but the coach at WWDC on June 5th. The company is expected to unveil its long-expected mixed reality headset at the developer event, and rumors suggest the wearable may offer health-related features like a VR edition of Fitness+ and a meditation tool. This initial product would be aimed at developers and power users, but a more affordable follow-up is believed to be in the works.
A coaching app wouldn't be shocking. Apple is still leaning heavily on services to improve its bottom line, and Quartz may be appealing to those who would otherwise pay for a human coach to rethink their habits. Apple has already made health a major selling point for its devices, particularly the Apple Watch. Of course, the coach could further entrench Apple users — you may be less likely to switch to Android if you have to give up your watch and digital trainer at the same time.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-is-reportedly-developing-an-ai-health-coach-for-apple-watch-212515646.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
Apple Watch Ultra is almost back down to its cheapest-ever price
Amazon is offering an Apple Watch Ultra Deal that drops it down to one of its lowest-ever prices. Now’s the time to buy!
Digital Trends
Spring sales mean you can get an Apple Watch for $199
Thanks to Walmart’s Spring Sale you can get the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) for an excellent price.
Digital Trends
Don’t fall for this Apple iPad Mini deal — a bigger discount is coming
The Apple iPad Mini is a great tablet that we’d normally always recommend buying. Right now, it’s a smart idea to hold off. Here’s why.
Digital Trends
Apple reportedly held anti-union meetings at all of its US stores
Apple appears to have taken its most aggressive step yet to warn its retail employees against unionizing. According to Bloomberg, the company recently held meetings at all of its roughly 270 stores across the United States meant to “discuss the risks of unionization.” The tone of the gatherings was “consistent” across Apple’s retail footprint. Managers reportedly opened with a prepared statement from corporate leadership before turning to the state of union negotiations in Towson, Maryland, the location of the company’s first unionized store in the US.
According to Bloomberg, Apple management cast the election at Towson, and the slow progress workers at the store have made toward securing a collective bargaining agreement “as a bit of a cautionary tale.” Managers leaned on talking points that criticized union dues and the unionization process, including the collection of authorization cards. “While Apple didn’t say it, the underlying message to the company’s tens of thousands of retail employees: if your store unionizes, you may be at a disadvantage,” according to Bloomberg.
Apple did not immediately respond to Engadget’s request for comment. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the union that represents workers at the company’s Townson Town Center location in Maryland, said it would share a statement on Monday.
Bloomberg suggests some employees saw the meetings as a “scare tactic” and an attempt to “pour cold water on the idea” of unionization. Last May, Apple Store employees in Atlanta accused the company of subjecting them to anti-union captive audience meetings. For decades, companies were allowed to hold such gatherings until 24 hours before a union election begins. In 2022, however, National Labor Relations Board general counsel Jennifer Abruzzo claimed captive audience meetings were a violation of the National Labor Relations Act.
"Forcing employees to listen to such employer speech under threat of discipline — directly leveraging the employees’ dependence on their jobs — plainly chills employees’ protected right to refrain from listening to this speech," Abruzzo wrote last April. At the end of the year, the agency found had Apple violated federal law with its efforts to discourage workers at its Cumberland Mall store in Atlanta from unionizing.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-reportedly-held-anti-union-meetings-at-all-of-its-us-stores-223528059.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
Apple may kill one of its most important iPhones with iOS 17
Apple’s iOS 17 update will drop support for some of its more important older iPhones, including the one that changed everything.
Digital Trends
Apple TV+ app is now available for DirecTV Stream box users
DirecTV users can now watch Ted Lasso without buying extra hardware. The television provider announced today that the Apple TV+ app is now available to install on the company’s DirecTV Stream box.
This is the first time Apple’s streaming network has been available on DirecTV Stream, a multipurpose device for subscribers that supports live TV, streaming apps, on-demand content and DVR recordings. The satellite provider launched the device in 2020; subscribers can rent it for $ 20 per month, and it’s bundled with some premium plans. In addition, it includes a remote control with access to Google Assistant.
The Apple TV+ app will include the iPhone maker’s original content like Ted Lasso, Severance and CODA, and access to Apple’s broader library of rentals / purchases for television series and movie rentals. Additionally, it includes in-app support for premium add-ons like AMC+, Paramount+ and Starz. The app is widely available on other streaming devices, including PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, Roku, Fire TV, Google TV and smart TVs from Samsung, LG and others.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-tv-app-is-now-available-for-directv-stream-box-users-214547480.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
Pixel Watch update brings a much-requested Apple Watch feature
The Pixel Watch launched without one major health feature that’s found in most other smartwatches on the market. Today, it’s finally being added.
Digital Trends
8BitDo controllers now work with Apple devices
You no longer need to pass on 8BitDo's gamepads if you use Apple products. 8BitDo has confirmed that its controllers now officially support iPhones, iPads and Macs thanks to both firmware upgrades and Apple's recent iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, tvOS 16.3 and macOS 13.2 updates. The compatibility is limited to the Lite SE, Pro, Pro 2, SN30 Pro+, SN30 Pro for Android and Ultimate Controller 2.4g, but more models are "incoming."
The company's offerings are already some of our favorite mobile gaming controllers, and for good reason. They promise good ergonomics, substantial customization and (in some cases) a tinge of nostalgia. It's relatively easy to switch between your Apple devices and other hardware, such as consoles and PCs. That makes them particularly handy if you're playing action games away from home, or just don't want to poke at a touchscreen.
These aren't the only strong options for mobile controllers. SteelSeries' Nimbus and Stratus models are well-suited to enthusiasts who want an Xbox-style pad. And if you want a makeshift Switch or Steam Deck, the Razer Kishi is your pick. Still, it's good to have more choices for Apple-friendly input — particularly if you like 8BitDo's priorities.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/8bitdo-controllers-now-work-with-apple-devices-163657954.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
Apple, please release the iPhone 14 in these colors next
The iPhone 14 now comes in yellow. And it looks great! But there are a few other colors I wish Apple had released instead.
Digital Trends
Garmin’s newest smartwatches steal the Apple Watch’s best display spec
Garmin has just unveiled its two latest Forerunner smartwatches with advanced training metrics and vibrant AMOLED displays.
Digital Trends
Best Apple Presidents Day Deals: AirPods, iMac, Apple Watch
With good Apple discounts being so few and far between, take advantage of the Apple President’s Day sale to grab the tech you’ve been eyeing!
Digital Trends
Senator asks Apple and Google to ban TikTok from their app stores
TikTok is facing yet another call from a prominent lawmaker for the app’s ban, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, a Democrat who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, sent a letter to Apple and Google urging the companies to ban TikTok from their respective app stores.
In the letter, Bennet says that “TikTok, in its current form, [is] an unacceptable threat to the national security of the United States.” The letter, addressed to Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, repeats many of the same points that have been raised by other lawmakers seeking to ban the app.
Specifically, Bennet raises the possibility that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could be compelled to “use its influence to advance Chinese government interests,” via TikTok. “Like most social media platforms, TikTok collects vast and sophisticated data from its users, including faceprints and voiceprints,” Bennet writes. “Unlike most social media platforms, TikTok poses a unique concern because Chinese law obligates ByteDance, its Beijing-based parent company, to ‘support, assist, and cooperate with state intelligence work.’”
TikTok has long denied that such scenarios could play out, and has attempted to downplay its ties to China. In a statement to CNN the company said Bennet’s letter “relies almost exclusively on misleading reporting about TikTok, the data we collect, and our data security controls.”
Apple and Google didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
While it seems unlikely either company would take such a drastic step based on a letter from one senator, it highlights the mounting pressure and scrutiny on TkTok. The company has spent the last two years negotiating with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) in order to secure its ability to continue to operate in the US. But that process is reportedly stalled, and the company has been waging a new charm offensive in an attempt to win over critics.
TikTok has also been sharing more details around its partnership with Oracle to safeguard US user data and comply with US regulators’ concerns. But lawmakers seem to be in no rush to let TikTok off the hook. The app has already been banned from federal devices, and numerous state governments have passed bans of their own. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is scheduled to testify at his first Congressional hearing next month,
A foldable iPad in 2024? This Apple insider is ‘positive’ it’s happening
Apple’s first foldable seems set for 2024, according to a notable Apple analyst. It won’t be an iPhone though, with all signs pointing toward an iPad.
Digital Trends
Apple could limit WiFi 6E availability to iPhone 15 Pro models
The feature gap between the iPhone and iPhone Pro could widen with the 2023 models. According to a leaked antenna design document obtained by MacRumors, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will include WiFi 6E connectivity, while their more affordable siblings will not. The document, a schematic outlining the iPhone 15 line’s antenna architecture, shows iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will continue to use the older WiFi 6 standard.
Some of Apple’s latest devices, including the recently announced M2 variants of the Mac mini, MacBook Pro and iPad Pro, sport WiFi 6E connectivity, but the company has yet to roll out the feature more broadly. Provided there’s a compatible WiFi 6E router for your device to connect to, the standard promises faster connectivity speeds and lower latency than WiFi 6. The potential omission of WiFi 6E from the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus probably won’t hurt most consumers given that the majority of homes and businesses are running older WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 routers.
As MacRumors notes, in the past Apple hasn’t restricted the availability of new WiFi standards to iPhone Pro models. Before the iPhone 14 line, the differences between the Pro and standard models were fairly negligible unless you had an interest in photography. However, as of last year, only the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max came with Apple’s new A16 Bionic chip, Dynamic Island cutout and ProMotion display. It now appears the company is trying to find even more ways to differentiate its Pro models from their more mainstream counterparts. Per past reports, other features that could be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max include Apple’s upcoming A16 chipset, a titanium frame and more RAM for multitasking. The phones could also sport solid-state volume and power buttons.
Apple reportedly delays development of its own WiFi chips
Apple has "halted the development" of its own WiFi chip that was meant to replace Broadcom's in its devices "for a while," according to Ming-Chi Kuo. The notable analyst explained in a Medium post that he's basing this report on his latest survey of the semiconductor industry's foundries, equipment, packaging and testing. If you'll recall, Bloomberg reported earlier this month that the tech giant was working on its own wireless chips meant for devices slated for release in 2025. While Apple has yet to confirm the report, it's not exactly hard to believe: The tech giant has been taking steps to design and manufacture more in-house components to lessen its reliance on outside companies.
Kuo said Apple chose to devote most of its resources to developing its next-gen A-series and M-series processors instead. That way, it can ensure that the processors for its iPhones, iPads and MacBooks can enter production over the next couple of years. The analyst also explained that it's riskier for Apple to use its own WiFi chips at a time when companies are switching their devices over to WiFi 6E. "Broadcom will be the biggest winner" in this situation, he said, since the iPhone 15 is expected to feature the new WiFi standard that allows access to the 6 GHz band.
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Apple has halted developing its own Wi-Fi chips; Broadcom is the biggest winner of the iPhone 15’s upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E and the leading beneficiary of the Wi-Fi industry-standard upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E/7 with higher ASP.https://t.co/XEZ0bVV8A8— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) January 26, 2023
While it's unclear if Apple will ever release its own WiFi chip, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the company's wireless chipset ambition isn't entirely dead. In Kuo's Twitter thread about the report, Gurman chimed in and said that the tech giant is still working on a combined WiFi-Bluetooth chip. Gurman previously said that the tech giant is also working on a chip that combines Bluetooth, cellular and WiFi in a single component, but he didn't say if that one is still under development.
When The Information published a piece last week that said Apple is working on a cheaper mixed-reality headset, one of its sources claimed that the device could use the company's in-house Bluetooth and WiFi chipset. That would allow Apple to keep costs and the device's final retail price low, since it wouldn't have to deal with a third party company's pricing demands.
The 11-inch iPad Pro is a great tablet that Apple needs to kill
Ever since Apple added the M1 chip to the iPad Pro lineup, the 11-inch version has become the odd choice in the entire iPad family. It’s time to get rid of it.
Digital Trends
Why I hope Apple makes iOS 17 as boring as possible
Rumors suggest that Apple may focus more on VR this year, which means a much smaller iOS 17 update. That’s exactly what Apple needs.
Digital Trends
Apple iPhone SE (2022) review: small in size, big in value
Is the iPhone SE (2022) the right phone for you? We revisit it after several months on sale to find out if it’s still a great value iPhone.
Digital Trends
Guess how much Apple has paid App Store developers — you won’t even be close
Apple has revealed how much it’s paid out to App Store developers since its launch in 2008, and it’s probably a lot more than you think.
Digital Trends
Why the Apple Card remains my favorite credit card in 2023
The Apple Card isn’t the newest or best credit card available today. But in 2023, it still remains my absolute favorite. Here’s why.
Digital Trends
Apple reportedly cancels development of fourth-generation iPhone SE
Apple has reportedly canceled the development of a new iPhone SE. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company recently told suppliers it would not release a fourth-generation SE model sometime in 2024. In a Medium post spotted by MacRumors, Kuo said the device would have been the debut of Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, adding that the company had planned to test and fine-tune the chip on the SE before rolling it out more broadly to the iPhone 16 and beyond. Instead, Kuo suggests Apple is now more likely to continue using Qualcomm modems through 2024.
Kuo doesn’t say why Apple shelved the fourth-generation iPhone SE or if the performance of its own 5G chip had anything to do with the decision. For the better part of a decade, Apple has tried to reduce its dependence on Qualcomm. In 2019, the two ended their bitter patent feud and signed a “multiyear” wireless chip supply deal. Months later, however, Apple bought the majority of Intel’s mobile modem business. Then, at the end of 2020, the company disclosed it was working on its own cellular chipset. There’s been little news about the project since.
5 ways Apple needs to turbocharge the next iPad Pro
The M2-fueled iPad Pro has little competition, but it has a ton of issues, too. Here are a few areas of improvement that will truly elevate its successor.
Digital Trends
I don’t understand why Apple hates the 10th Gen iPad so much
The 10th Gen iPad is a weird concoction of powerful innards with untapped potential, a kit with some infuriating drawbacks, and a terrible hardware ecosystem.
Digital Trends
The best Apple Watch accessories for 2023
It didn’t take long for the Apple Watch to become perhaps the most ubiquitous wearable. Even more so than the iPhone, the Apple Watch is a device you can truly make your own with the right accessories. It is, after all, a watch, and like traditional timepieces it’s meant to reflect your personal style. While the most obvious way to customize your Apple Watch is with funky bands, there are cases, stands, wireless chargers and other accessories you can buy that can inject a bit of you into all aspects of Apple Watch ownership. We tested out a bunch of Apple Watch accessories to see which are worth your money.
Spigen Thin Fit case
While plenty of us use cases to protect our smartphones from drops and scrapes, you may not think to use a protective case for your smartwatch. After all, a device that’s literally strapped to your body isn’t as prone to accidental drops as a device that moves in and out of your pocket all day. Chalk it up to me being clumsy, but I’ve knocked my Apple Watch on more door frames than I’d like to admit. For less than $ 25, a case is a good option if you don’t want to take any chances with that $ 279-plus smartwatch on your wrist.
“Cases” are basically bumpers that surround the edges of the Apple Watch, and some of them even cover the screen. I personally prefer a bumper-style case because, if I’m going to cover the display, it’ll be with a dedicated screen protector. Spigen’s line of Apple Watch cases are solid and they come in two different levels of bulk. The Rugged Armor series has a shock-absorbent layer and raised bezels, making it especially well suited for those who prioritize protection over fashion. Spigen’s Thin Fit series is more my speed: It sits flush against the Watch’s display, but still gives you an extra layer of protection. You can even choose a color that matches your Watch to help it blend in. Two added perks of Spigen’s cases are that they snap on quickly and easily, and they’re quite affordable at around $ 14 a piece.
Zagg InvisibleShield screen protector
If you don’t want the extra bulk that comes with a case, a screen protector will give you at least a bit more of a safeguard than sporting a naked Watch. Zagg’s InvisibleShield line is a reliable one that provides shatter protection, clarity and enhanced touch-sensitivity. When installed properly (Zagg gives you clear instructions and all the tools you need to do so), you’ll probably forget you have a screen protector on your Watch. This accessory blends in almost seamlessly with the Watch’s hardware, and if you do accidentally ding the screen, the protector should take all of the damage.
Anker Nano 3 30W charger
The latest Apple Watches don’t come with power adapters, so you’ll have to dig one out of your drawer or get a new one to charge it up. Anker’s 30W Nano 3 is a good pick because it’s compact, foldable and has ActiveShield 2.0, an improvement on Anker’s temperature-monitoring technology. In brief, it just means that the charger will keep an eye on its temperature to prevent overheating or damaging your device while it’s powering up. It has more than enough wattage to charge your Apple Watch quickly and efficiently, and enough to fast-charge your iPhone whenever you need to switch off and use it for that.
Apple MagSafe Duo charger
Apple makes one of the more elegant solutions to charging your iPhone and Apple Watch while traveling. The MagSafe Duo has spaces to wirelessly charge both devices and folds up into a neat square when not in use. The Apple Watch pad flips upward as well, allowing you to use the gadget in Nighttime mode while it’s charging. While this wireless charger does come with a USB-C to Lightning cable to provide power to the system, it does not come with an AC adapter so you will have to remember to pack your own.
Belkin Boost Charge Pro portable fast charger
Apple Watch chargers are a bit different than Lightning cables in the sense that you probably have only one of the former and many of the latter. Those who travel or commute often should consider getting a second Apple Watch charger, that way you’re not stuck if you forget to pack your one and only before a long weekend trip. Belkin’s Boost Charge Pro portable fast charger is a great option, particularly for those who have a Series 8. The square pad uses Apple’s new fast wireless-charging module, so it’ll be able to power up the Series 8 from 0 to 80 percent in roughly 45 minutes.
You can simply sit your timepiece on the module to charge, but it also flips up so you can use the Watch in Nightstand mode while it’s powering up on your bedside table. To support different Watch sizes and protective cases, the pad also has a dial on its underside that lets you adjust the height of the charging module. Plus, the attached USB-C cable that tucks away on the bottom of the pad is four feet long, giving you a bit more placement flexibility than other chargers.
Incase Bionic organizer
You’ll likely have your Apple Watch strapped to your wrist while traveling, but it’s a good idea to have a pouch or case that can hold the gadget along with any accessories you need when you’re not wearing it. We’ve recommended Incase’s Bionic organizer in the past, and it remains a great option to hold all of your tech essentials while you’re out and about. It’s relatively compact at 9.5 x 6 x 2 inches and it has a number of internal pockets and loops to hold things like extra Watch bands, your charging cable and adapter, and even your AirPods. We also appreciate the semi-hidden external pocket in which you can store things you need quick-access to. And you can feel good about picking up this bag as it’s made out of 100-percent recycled, ripstop fabric.
Elago W6 Apple Watch stand
If you want to use the Apple Watch’s handy Nightstand mode while it’s charging, a stand or holder can make that experience much easier. There are tons of options in this space, but Elago’s stands have a lot of personality and are pretty affordable to boot. The brand’s W-series comes in a number of fun designs, including that of a retro handheld gaming system, an old Mac and even some Line characters. They’re not the sturdiest stands out there (they’re mostly made of lightweight plastic, making them prone to sliding around if you pull on the charging cord), but they will inject some cuteness into your space – and for only $ 15, what more could you want?
Spigen ArcField MFi-certified charging
Most Apple Watch stands you’ll find have a spot for you to weave in the magnetic charging pad that comes with your Watch. But if you want to keep that in your travel bag, or simply want a second charger, we recommend Spigen’s ArcField stand. It has a built-in wireless charger for your Apple Watch, with a weighted, non-slip base that prevents the whole thing from moving around on your nightstand. Attached to the stand is a 6.6-foot USB-C cable, so all you’ll need to provide is an adapter. We also like that it comes with an assortment of rubber strips that you can use to get the right position and viewing angle for your specific Apple Watch. That means this stand works with all Apple Watches, even the beefy Ultra.
Apple Watch band multi-packs
One of the easiest ways to make your Apple Watch your own is by picking up a couple of bands that suit your style. Like with iPhone cases, you could easily turn to Apple’s first-party options – but you’ll spend more money in the long run if you do that. It’s easy to find good Apple Watch bands online from other brands in a variety of styles and materials. When it comes to basic silicone straps, you can find packs of three to six bands for less than $ 20 but the quality may be questionable. Look for brands with many high ratings on Amazon if you insist on getting the best bang for your buck. You can also use FakeSpot’s Amazon integration to get an idea for how trustworthy a product’s reviews are.
7 important tips to get your new Apple Watch ready for your wrist
You’ve got a new Apple Watch, and want to set it up quickly but also properly. Here’s what we do to get our new Apple Watch models ready to wear every day.
Digital Trends
The 16 best Apple Watch faces you should be using
You can overhaul the look of your Apple Watch and customize it with useful information using the right watch face. We rounded up the best Apple Watch faces.
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Get an Apple Watch for $199, delivered by December 22
The first-generation Apple Watch SE is still a worthwhile purchase, and it’s an even better buy with Walmart’s $ 80 discount for the smartwatch’s 40mm model.
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Get it for the holidays: where to buy the Apple Watch Series 8 today
The Apple Watch Series 8 is one of the best smartwatches around. Here’s where you can buy it in time for the holidays.
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iOS 17 could be amazing if Apple makes these 7 changes
We expect Apple to announce iOS 17 next year during WWDC23. Here are a few things we hope to see in the next version of iOS.
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Apple Health vs. Samsung Health? What I learned after using both
Apple and Samsung make the best smartwatches you can buy, but what about the apps that track your health? We compare Apple Health to Samsung Health.
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Best Black Friday tablet deals: Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab
Missed out on yesterday’s Black Friday deals? There are still loads of Black Friday tablet deals on, and we’ve got the best right here.
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The best Apple Black Friday deals for 2022
One of the most popular tech brands meets one of the most popular sales events when the Apple Black Friday deals start, and we’ve got your guide to get them.
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Apple Watch Black Friday deals: Save on Series 8 and Ultra
Some of the best Apple Watch Black Friday deals are already here, and we’ve got all the details on how to save on an Apple Watch today.
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The best Apple iPhone 14 Plus cases and covers
The iPhone 14 Plus is big, bulky, and prone to being dropped. Here’s how to protect it with some of the best cases and covers for it!
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How much is Apple Music, and how can you get it for free?
How much does Apple Music actually cost, and how does it compare to the competition down to the bang for your buck? Here are all the details you should know.
Digital Trends
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now includes free trials for Apple Music and Apple TV+
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks now include freebies from an erstwhile rival. The company now offers Ultimate subscribers three-month free trials of Apple Music and Apple TV+ to newcomers for either media service. You can stream tunes in the background while you’re playing Halo Infinite, or catch up on Ted Lasso in between cloud gaming sessions.
You can claim either or both Apple trials until March 31st, 2023. They’re available on consoles and the Xbox app for Windows. You can use the promos everywhere Apple Music and Apple TV+ is available except for Russia and (for Apple TV+) Turkey.
The bonuses come weeks after Apple Music launched on Xbox consoles. In that light, the trials represent Microsoft’s chance to spread the word about availability. The company was relatively late to Apple Music, which came to the PS5 a year earlier — this makes clear that you don’t need a PlayStation to have console games and Apple streaming on the same machine.
It also comes as Apple and Microsoft have bolstered interoperability. You can now access iCloud Photos libraries in Windows 11’s native Photos app, for instance. While the tech companies still compete against each other (see Apple’s reluctance to support Game Pass streaming), they’re now willing to cooperate when it serves their mutual interests.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is $50 off ahead of Black Friday
At just $ 349, this is the lowest price we’ve seen on the Apple Watch Series 8. It’s gone this low before, but it never stays on sale for long. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading or getting your first Apple Watch, now might be a good time to move on it.
Both the 45mm and 41mm sizes are $ 50 off, and the deal applies to the midnight, red and silver case colors. The starlight case is still regular price as of this writing. This is the GPS model, without cellular connectivity, so you’ll need your phone around to make calls and texts, but with its built-in capabilities, the watch can still track runs, play music and check your heart rate if you leave your phone behind.
The Apple Watch is our current favorite smartwach overall, as it’s a robust wearable that balances activity and health tracking with plenty of lifestyle and connectivity features, such as keeping up with podcasts or staying on top of your calendar. And of course, if you’re an iPhone user, adding an Apple Watch to the mix is a no-brainer.
When we tested out the Series 8 upon its debut, we liked the extended battery life, quick charging and a low power mode that squeezed out an extra two hours of use after the watch ran down to 20 percent. New for the Series 8 are temperature readings (which can help track ovulation) as well as crash detection. While the look is pretty unchanged from the Series 7, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, particularly if you want that iconic, square Apple Watch look.
In the end, we named the Apple Watch Series 8 the “new best smartwatch,” with our reviewer deciding to use it as her primary smartwatch. But like we said, this $ 50-off deal doesn’t tend to stick around long, so you might want to grab it now.
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