iPhone Life - Best Apps, Top Tips, Great Gear
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Must-Have Car Accessories: Smart Gadgets for Safety, Health & Convenience on the Road
By Leanne Hays
Whether you have a road trip coming up, a long commute to work or just a series of errands to run around town, it's nearly inevitable that you'll spend some time every day in that home away from home: your car. No matter what your destination, there are a few Apple accessories that can help make daily driving more convenient, safe, and pleasant. We've included reviews of a magnetic phone charger, an iPad car mount, a portable jump starter, a mobile air purifier, and even more cool car accessories you never knew you needed (until now.) Read on for our car-tech roundup, where we'll introduce you to six of our top picks for auto accessories this year.
How to Choose Always Allowed Apps in Screen Time Settings on iPhone & iPad
By Leanne Hays
Apple's new operating system, iOS 12, has a set of Screen Time features that can be used to combat smartphone and device addiction by setting app limits. There are some apps, though, that you may want to have constantly available; luckily you can choose some apps that will always be allowed in your Screen Time settings. Let's get started learning how to set Always Allowed apps on iPhone and iPad.
iPad Cases & Gear: Protect & Deck Out Your Tablet
By Sarah Kingsbury
Once you've spent your hard-earned money on an iPad, you'll want to buy a case to protect it with. Whether you have an iPad mini, iPad Air, or the latest iPad Pro, our 2018 buyer's guide to iPad cases has an option for you including drop protection and keyboard cases from companies like STM, Otterbox, and Zagg; we've even included an Apple Pencil charging stand, so your stylus is always ready to work when you need it.
Brand New Method: How to Add a QR Scanner to Control Center on iPhone & iPad
By Leanne Hays
In the past, if we wanted to use our iPhones as a QR code scanner, we needed to download an app. Then, at last, iOS 11 made it possible to use the Camera app as a QR scanner. Now, with iOS 12 things have gotten even more convenient; we can add a QR code reader to the Control Center on our iPhones, so it's always just a swipe away. If you frequently use QR codes and would like to add this feature to your iPhone or iPad's Control Center and learn how to use your device as a QR scanner once you've installed the QR reader feature, read on.
iTunes Library: How to Transfer All Your Music to an External Hard Drive
By Leanne Hays
Is your iTunes library getting a little unwieldy and taking up too much space on your hard drive? If you've been wondering how to transfer or move your iTunes library to an external hard drive, then this is the article for you. Read on to learn how to export your iTunes library to an external hard drive, so you always have it with you regardless of internet or iCloud connection.
How to Save a News Story for Later from Notifications Center on iPhone & iPad
By Leanne Hays
I love getting Notifications from News in my iPhone's Notification Center, but I get new ones so quickly that a story I didn't have time to read right away can get buried. That's why I was excited to find out that I can save these stories for later, so I don't miss out on the news I really want to read. Let's get started learning how this feature works so you can do the same!
New for iOS 12: How to Fine-Tune iPhone Notifications on Lock Screen
By Leanne Hays
iPhone notifications and alerts can be really helpful, or they can be disruptive; luckily there's a way to change the way we receive Lock Screen notifications on iPhone, so we're not overwhelmed. With previous operating systems we'd have to go into the Settings app to change email, app, and iMessage notifications, but with iOS 12 on iPhone, a Lock Screen notification is easy to customize without entering Settings. Apple calls this process Fine Tuning; let's get started learning how to Fine Tune your iPhone notifications without leaving the Lock Screen.
App Saturday: WeatherBug
By Leanne Hays
We live in an age of extreme weather, according to Science Daily, "Globally... the number of floods and other hydrological events have quadrupled since 1980 and have doubled since 2004, highlighting the urgency of adaptation to climate change. Climatological events, such as extreme temperatures, droughts, and forest fires, have more than doubled since 1980. Meteorological events, such as storms, have doubled since 1980." As weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, we need an accurate weather app to report on today's forecast, both current and hourly, as well as an extended weather outlook that includes the severe weather forecast and alerts. Since so many of us travel, we need not only local radar, but also national and global weather data so we can receive updates no matter where we are. WeatherBug is a free weather app that offers all these features; let's get started learning about my favorite weather app now, so you can decide whether or not to give it a home on your Apple device.
Review: Phiaton BOLT Wireless Earphones
By Mike Riley
There is no denying that Apple's AirPods ushered in a revolution in wireless audio. Unfortunately, AirPods still cost the same price today that they did when first introduced nearly two years ago. This has given rise to a number of competitors able to offer alternatives at nearly half the AirPods' current price. One such alternative is Phiaton's BOLT earphones. Currently available on Kickstarter with starting pledge levels at $89, the BOLT is expected to ship to backers by the end of this year.
Review: A Smart Charger with Accessibility Features for the Visually Impaired
By Todd Bernhard
At the 2018 CES show, I spent some time chatting with the fine folks at Energrid. I'm interested in accessibility because I've designed apps for and used by blind and low-vision users. Energrid also develops products that help the visually impaired; and in fact, everybody can benefit from the VS150X Power Bank ($75).
How to Search Your Photos by Location on iPhone
By Leanne Hays
Apple's Photos app lets you do location-based searches. Now, instead of trying scrolling through vacation pictures looking for the photos you took in a specific place, you can just search for that area, and all the pictures from that location will pop right up! Let's get started learning how to use this Photos search feature right now.
Review: Otto Qi Wireless Charging Pad from Moshi
By Todd Bernhard
The folks at Moshi sent me their new Otto Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($39.95) to review. I've used products from them in the past and they are always beautiful and make use of nice fabrics. This latest item is just as nice, but it also has added functionality I haven't seen in many competing offerings.
Your 2018 Apple Smart Home: Innovative Tech for Every Room in the House
By David Averbach
The Apple HomeKit framework and Home app are relatively new, but the possibilities for pairing smart home systems and products are already amazing. Our 2018 smart home roundup is great for those interested in purchasing their first Apple home device, as well as those who have already started dabbling in smart home technology. Whether you're interested in a smart thermostat or a smart lock, an app-controlled robot vacuum or even a smart mattress (yes, those exist) we've reviewed the best accessories you need to update and automate your home.
New for iOS 12: How to Use a Filter on a FaceTime Call
By Leanne Hays
FaceTime, the Apple live video chat app, is a fun way to connect with friends and family when hearing their voice just isn't enough. Now FaceTime is getting even better with a new filter feature in iOS 12. There are lots of filters to choose from, so you'll always find something to fit your mood: a cartoon filter, a few black and white choices, and much more. Let's get started learning how to use FaceTime filters on iPhone or iPad.
Buyer's Guide: Best Bluetooth & Wired Headphones of 2018
By Donna Cleveland
At iPhone Life we test and review hundreds of Apple accessories every year, and we especially love trying out the wide range of new headphones, headsets, and earbuds available for every type of activity. Here's the headphone section of our 2018 Buyer's Guide, where we've included something for everyone; from the best workout headphones, to noise-canceling earbuds, to the wireless Bluetooth headphones of your dreams. Read on to find our top picks from Sony, Libratone, Jabra, and more; you're sure to find something to fit your listening needs in our roundup.
Best Speakers of 2018: Portable, Bluetooth, Waterproof & More
By Donna Cleveland
Have you been searching for the best speaker to purchase, either portable or for home use? There are so many speakers out there to choose from, so we put together this list of the best speakers of 2018 to help you make your decision. Our speaker roundup includes wireless Bluetooth speakers, both portable and waterproof, as well as some great options for home speakers from some of the best brands out there like JBL, Anker, Wonderboom, and more. Read on to find your perfect speaker for the best audio experience at home and away.