Posts Tagged: Apple
Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad review: $249 of weirdness
The Magic Keyboard Folio is Apple’s latest keyboard accessory, and the go-to pick for the iPad (2022). Or is it? See what we really think in our review.
Digital Trends
Apple iPad Pro (2022) vs. iPad Pro (2021): Which year wins?
The new iPad Pro is here, bringing the all-powerful M2 chip and improved Apple Pencil support. How does it compare to last year’s iPad Pro lineup? We find out.
Digital Trends
How to get the Apple TV+ app on Android devices
Interested in Apple TV+ content, but prefer to watch on an Android device? No problem! We’ll show you exactly what steps to take based on what devices you have.
Digital Trends
Google Pixel 7 vs. Apple iPhone 14
The Pixel 7 is Google’s latest attempt at beating Apple at its own game, but does it beat the iPhone 14? We find out in this head-to-head comparison article.
Android – Digital Trends
How to create a Smart Playlist in Apple Music
Wouldn’t you love a playlist that updates automatically as your favorite music changes? We’ll show you how to create a Smart Playlist in Apple Music on Mac.
Digital Trends
I’m ready for an iPad with macOS — I’m just waiting on Apple to be
We’re again hearing rumors of macOS coming to iPads. More than ever, the stage is almost set in 2022 from the hardware side. It’s Apple that is holding it back.
Digital Trends
Apple stops selling the Apple TV HD
Now that Apple has introduced a lower-priced Apple TV 4K, it's apparently getting rid of the entry-level model. MacRumorsnotes the company is no longer selling the Apple TV HD through its online store. It's not clear if the device will still be available at retail or through other online shops, but you may want to act fast if you find it at a discount. We've asked Apple for comment.
A move like this isn't surprising. The Apple TV HD launched in 2015 and stayed at an official $ 149 even as later 4K models offered much more power for as little as $ 30 extra. Now that the 2022 Apple TV 4K starts at $ 129, there isn't much point to keeping the legacy player around — certainly not when it uses an iPhone 6-era A8 chip that limits its theoretical capabilities.
There are catches. The new Apple TV 4K doesn't include Ethernet or Thread support in the base 64GB model, so you'll still have to pay $ 149 for the 128GB version if you want that connectivity. Also, this still leaves Apple without a truly low-cost living room media player. You'll have to turn to competition like the Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max if you just want an alternative to your TV's built-in features.
You are getting much more for that $ 149, though, including support for all the major HDR standards, a far brawnier processor and more storage. If nothing else, Apple is clarifying its focus — it's staking out the high end of the market, and seems content to let rivals battle for the rest.
Apple targeting 2024 for first foldable, analyst says
An Apple analyst has said the tech giant could launch its first foldable device in two years from now, but added that it’s unlikely to be an iPhone.
Mobile | Digital Trends
The best Apple iPhone 14 Plus screen protectors
At a fraction of the phone’s cost, you can protect your iPhone against dust, dirt, fingerprints, and scratches with one of these screen protectors.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Apple Watch Series 8 just got its first major discount
Prime Day Early Access deals are here! Check out this major discount on the all-new Apple Watch Series 8.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Google Pixel Watch vs. Apple Watch Series 8
Google has released its first ever smartwatch, the Pixel Watch. We find out how it compares to the reigning champion of wearables, the Apple Watch Series 8.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Should you spend $399 or $799?
A head-to-head comparison between the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra to help you choose which suits you better.
Wearables | Digital Trends
My new Apple Watch Series 8 already feels old — and that’s great
The Apple Watch Series 8 features such modest improvements that it’s barely distinguishable from what came before, but is that a bad thing?
Wearables | Digital Trends
The best smartwatches for 2022: Apple Watch Series 8, Galaxy Watch 5, and more
Smartwatches offer notifications, fitness tracking, and more. Choosing one is the hard part, so to help, here is our list of the best smartwatches you can buy.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? We took a bunch of photos to show you
Do you want to buy an Apple Watch Ultra, but are worried it’ll look too big on your wrist? We’ve got comparison photos that should alleviate any fears.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max review: big, powerful, and nearly perfect
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is Apple’s priciest and heaviest iPhone available today. But it also happens to be one of the very best smartphones money can buy.
Mobile | Digital Trends
The Apple Watch SE 2 is making me think twice about the Watch Series 8
Using the Apple Watch SE 2 made me realize you should consider it the default Apple Watch to buy, and then look at the Series 8 — not the other way around.
Wearables | Digital Trends
How to manage all of your Apple Watch notifications
The Apple Watch is a convenient way to get all your notifications right on your wrist. We show you how to control and keep the barrage of messages manageable.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Apple Watch Series 8 review: The best Apple Watch gets better
Have an iPhone? Looking for a smartwatch? The Apple Watch Series 8 is the new go-to pick. It’s powerful, familiar, and oh-so-good at everything it does.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Apple Watch Series 8 temperature sensor: what it does and how to use it
The Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra feature a new temperature sensor. Here’s how it works and what you can use it for.
Mobile | Digital Trends
I have a confession — I may have been wrong about the Apple Watch Ultra
I questioned whether the Apple Watch Ultra could be worn as an everyday smartwatch without looking a bit silly. Now I’ve worn it myself, I have the answer.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Apple updates iOS 16 to fix shaky iPhone 14 Pro camera and copy-paste issues
Apple released its latest iPhone lineup and mobile platforms earlier this month, and a couple of annoying bugs quickly made themselves known to users. The good news is that the tech giant has quickly whipped up patches to fix the issues and has now released them as part of the iOS 16.0.2 update. One of the problems the update solves is the iPhone 14 Pro's compatibility troubles with third-party apps that use its camera, such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
Users found that when they fire up those apps and use the device's rear cam, the camera view shakes on screen and the phone emanates grinding and rattling noises. In its patch notes, Apple said the update fixes an issue wherein the "[c]amera may vibrate and cause blurry photos when shooting with some third-party apps on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max." The company didn't elaborate on the cause behind it, but it's possible that the apps weren't meshing well with the device's optical image stabilization system, causing the rattling noises.
Another troublesome problem the update fixes is the persistent appearance of permission prompts when trying to copy and paste content between apps. Apple senior manager Ron Huang previously admitted that it was "absolutely not expected behavior" and said the company was dealing with it. iOS 16.0.2 will get rid of other bugs, as well, including one that causes the device's display to go black during setup and another that renders the touch input on some iPhone X, iPhone XR and iPhone 11 displays to be unresponsive after they're serviced.
Apple Watch Ultra review roundup: a truly curious beast
Apple has just dropped its most expensive smartwatch to date. Here’s what everyone’s saying about the Watch Ultra.
Wearables | Digital Trends
A weekend with the Apple Watch Series 8 gave me a severe case of déjà vu
The Apple Watch Series 8 is Apple’s go-to smartwatch for the year. But what’s it actually like to wear and use? Here are our thoughts after two days.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Will your old Apple Watch bands fit the Apple Watch Ultra?
The Apple Watch Ultra is larger and more rugged than any Apple Watch ever, but will you have to buy new watch bands to fit its larger 49mm bulk?
Mobile | Digital Trends
The Apple Watch SE 2 makes Apple’s cheap smartwatch better than ever
Apple’s Far Out event has given us many announcements, including the Apple Watch SE 2. Here’s what we’re getting from the new, cheaper Apple Watch this year.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Is the Apple Watch Series 8 waterproof?
The rugged Apple Watch Ultra may be the smartwatch for divers, but Apple’s newly released Apple Watch Series 8 is also surprisingly durable in its own right.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Apple Watch Ultra is the most exciting (and strangest) Apple wearable in years
The Apple Watch Ultra is geared toward sports enthusiasts and people who need their smartwatch to last more than a day.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Why this luxury smartwatch isn’t out to beat the Apple Watch
The Montblanc Summit 3 has Google’s WearOS 3 software inside, yet is finished like a beautiful luxury watch. We find out how these two worlds came together.
Mobile | Digital Trends
The Apple Watch Series 8 finally adds a long-awaited health feature
The Apple Watch Series 8 was announced during Apple’s Far Out event. Here’s what’s new!
Wearables | Digital Trends
How to pre-order the new Apple Watch Series 8, SE, and Ultra
Apple has unleashed a huge new range of Apple Watches. But how do you pre-order your favorite? Here’s how you can pre-order all the new Apple Watches.
Wearables | Digital Trends
How to wear the Apple Watch Ultra and not look like a tool
The Apple Watch Ultra is a capable smartwatch for divers and adventurers, but so-called tool watches need justification to wear. Here’s how to pull it off.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Why the Apple Watch Series 8 isn’t good enough to replace my old Series 5
The Apple Watch Series 8 gains some nice quality-of-life improvements, but there’s not much here to encourage folks to upgrade to Apple’s newest wearable.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Hey Samsung, the Apple Watch Ultra is how you make a real adventure smartwatch
The Apple Watch Ultra has shown how misguided Samsung was to promote the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro as an outdoor smartwatch.
Mobile | Digital Trends
All of the Far Out videos released by Apple today
Apple has dropped a bunch of videos highlighting all of the goodies unveiled at its Far Out event on Wednesday. You can watch them here.
Wearables | Digital Trends
The Apple Watch Ultra looks great, but there’s one reason why I won’t buy it
The new Apple Watch Ultra rejuvenates Apple’s wearable lineup, but it demonstrates Apple is still getting one important thing wrong when it comes to fitness.
Wearables | Digital Trends
I found an app that shows Apple how to fix the Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is the best smartwatch you can buy, but it has one major problem. I found an app that helps fix it, and now it’s time for Apple to take note.
Wearables | Digital Trends
How to use the Walkie-Talkie feature on Apple Watch
Apple Watch has a built-in Walkie-Talkie that enables users to have conversations via the internet. Here we take a look at how to set up and use the feature.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Hurry! The 2021 Apple iPad is $49 off and selling fast
If you’ve been considering buying an iPad, this deal on the 2021 model might be enticing enough to convince you to take the plunge.
Mobile | Digital Trends
I added a camera to my Apple Watch and this is what happened
Rumors of smartwatch cameras have made the rounds for years, but one company has struck out on its own. But do you really need a camera on your smartwatch?
Wearables | Digital Trends
‘Jetpack Joyride 2’ debuts as an Apple Arcade exclusive
It took more than a decade, but there's finally a sequel to Jetpack Joyride — if not for everyone. Halfbrick Studios has releasedJetpack Joyride 2 as an Apple Arcade exclusive for iPad, iPhone, Mac and Apple TV. Sorry, Android fans. The endless flier revolves around more "story-driven" gameplay with a new character to play (Betty Beefpies) as well as fresh mechanics and more detailed graphics. In that light, Halfbrick is effectively dragging the game into the modern era.
The original title came to Apple Arcade last year as Jetpack Joyride+, which maintains the core experience without the need (or ability) to make in-app purchases. The title first arrived in 2011 and helped define the endless runner category alongside classics like Canabalt and Temple Run. Halfbrick's signature game has racked up 500 million-plus downloads in the years since.
JJ2 probably won't justify the $ 50 per year ($ 5 per month) for Apple Arcade by itself, and it represents yet another dose of nostalgia on the all-you-can-play service. However, it might build a stronger case for a subscription. You can play simple blasts from the past alongside newer games that make the most of modern Apple devices.
How to add a new face to your Apple Watch
Apple offers a huge variety of faces for the Apple Watch. We show you how to find, use, and switch among your favorites.
Wearables | Digital Trends
How to extend your Apple Watch battery life
The Apple Watch provides a huge spectrum of functionality, but often at the expense of battery life. Here are some tips for getting the best daily battery life.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Apple reportedly tried to partner with Facebook to get a cut of its revenue
Facebook and Apple have been at odds for several years now; Apple announced back at WWDC 2020 that iOS would require apps to ask users to opt-in to cross-app advertising tracking. Facebook spent much of the next months speaking out against Apple's plans and predicting revenue instability due to the upcoming changes, but the feature was released in iOS 14.5 back in April of 2021. Somewhat surprisingly, though, a new report from The Wall Street Journal claims that before this all went down, Facebook and Apple were working on a partnership and revenue-sharing agreement.
According to the Journal, Apple and Facebook were considering a a subscription service that would offer an ad-free version of the platform. And since Apple takes a cut of in-app purchases, including subscriptions, it could have been a very lucrative arrangement indeed.
Another arrangement that was discussed and ended up being a point of contention was Apple taking a cut of "boosted posts," which essentially amounts to paying to put a post in front of a larger audience. Facebook has long considered boosted posts part of its advertising portfolio; as the Journal notes, small businesses often use boosted posts to reach more people. The issue came down to Apple saying boosts should be considered in-app purchases, which would be subject to the 30 percent revenue cut that the company takes. Facebook, on the other hand, maintained that those were advertising products which aren't subject to Apple's cut.
Since rolling out its user-tracking changes in 2021, research firm Insider Intelligence claims that 37 percent of iPhone users have opted in to letting companies track their activity across apps. Since the change went into effect, Facebook (now Meta) has seen its revenue growth shrink significantly — and last quarter, Meta reported the first revenue decline in the company's history.
As these discussions reportedly took place between 2016 and 2018, we're a long way off from these talks. Apple is doing its best to position itself as a defender of privacy, and Meta… well, Meta is busy trying to make the Metaverse a thing. But for now at least, advertising is the only notable way Meta makes revenue, so the company will have to continue to adjust to a world in which iOS app tracking protection is a thing that most users take advantage of.
Apple blocked the latest Telegram update over a new animated emoji set
Ever since Apple launched the App Store, developers big and small have gotten caught up in the company's approval process and had their apps delayed or removed altogether. The popular messaging app Telegram is just the latest, according to the company's CEO Pavel Durov. On August 10th, Durov posted a message to his Telegram channel saying the app's latest update had been stuck in Apple's review process for two weeks without any real word from the company about why it was held up.
As noted by The Verge, the update was finally released yesterday, and Durov again took to Telegram to discuss what happened. The CEO says that Apple told Telegram that it would have to remove a new feature called Telemoji, which Durov described as "higher quality vector-animated versions of the standard emoji." He included a preview of what they would look like in his post — they're similar to the basic emoji set Apple uses, but with some pretty delightful animations that certainly could help make messaging a little more expressive.
"This is a puzzling move on Apple's behalf, because Telemoji would have brought an entire new dimension to its static low-resolution emoji and would have significantly enriched their ecosystem," Durov wrote in his post. It's not entirely clear how this feature would enrich Apple's overall ecosystem, but it still seems like quite the puzzling thing for Apple to get caught up over, especially since Telegram already has a host of emoji and sticker options that go far beyond the default set found in iOS. Indeed, Durov noted that there are more than 10 new emoji packs in the latest Telegram update, and said the company will take the time to make Telemoji "even more unique and recognizable."
There are still a lot of emoji-related improvements in the latest Telegram update, though. The company says it is launching an "open emoji platform" where anyone can upload their own set of emoji that people who pay for Telegram's premium service can use. If you're not a premium user, you'll still be able to see the customized emoji and test using them in "saved messages" like reminders and notes in the app. The custom emoji can be interactive as well — if you tap on them, you'll get a full-screen animated reaction.
To make it easier to access all this, the sticker, GIF and emoji panel has been redesigned, with tabs for each of those reaction categories. This makes the iOS keyboard match up with the Android app as well as the web version of Telegram. There are also new privacy settings that let you control who can send you video and voice messages: everyone, contacts or no one. Telegram notes that, like its other privacy settings, you can set "exceptions" so that specific groups or people can "always" or "never" send you voice or video messages. The new update — sans Telemoji — is available now.
Oppo’s latest Apple Watch clone has an important spec under the hood
Oppo has just announced the first smartwatches with Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip and a fascinating new design.
Wearables | Digital Trends
Google Pixel Buds Pro vs. Apple AirPods Pro — so much Pro in one place
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro are a real competitor of Apple’s AirPods Pro. But are they a threat?
Android | Digital Trends