Forthcoming Apple TVOS 9.2 Software Update to Add Voice Dictation in Text Fields
By Jim Karpen
Apple is really focused on improving the interface of the fourth-generation Apple TV, with the forthcoming tvOS 9.2 adding many great new App;e TV features. A beta version of 9.2 has been made available to developers, and they're sharing details of what we can expect. In an earlier post, I wrote about several new features that are coming: folders, support for Bluetooth keyboards, support for Live Photos, an improved app switcher, and Apple's Podcasts app. Last week a new beta version was released to developers that includes a key new feature everyone has been clamoring for: voice dictation in text fields.
Currently searching for apps entails the clumsy process of using the remote to select each letter, or using Apple's Remote app for the iPhone and iPad in conjunction with the Apple TV remote. The forthcoming software will let you dictate your search. The video below posted by 9To5Mac shows how it will work.
In addition, the voice dictation feature will be available to you when you enter your login credentials, according to a post on Macworld: "Voice dictation will allow you to speak your Apple ID information instead of swiping to find and tap each character." It's hard to imagine how this will work, given that login credentials are typically a mix of words and random characters, but I guess Siri will be able to recognize the difference.
Memory vs Storage: What’s the Difference & How Much of Each Do You Need? (UPDATED FOR iOS 12)
By Jim Karpen
Several years back when I posted that the then newly released iPhone 6s had 2 GB of RAM, one scorn-filled comment disparaged that small amount of iPhone RAM, saying that Android devices typically have at least 8 GB of memory. I pointed out to the commenter that RAM is different from iPhone storage. Years later, people still aren't always clear on the difference between memory and storage, so I thought that I'd elaborate a bit here. Plus, people often wonder if they need more storage space on their iPhone, and if so, how much storage they should get, especially now that the iPhone Xs and Xs Max are here with 64, 256, or 512 GB of storage, and the iPhone XR has arrived with 64, 128, 0r 256 GB options to choose from. Let's get started.
Planning to Live Stream the Oscars on an Apple TV, iPhone, or iPad? Good Luck
By Jim Karpen
Cable cutters rejoiced when the Super Bowl was streamed live to every device imaginable, but for the Oscars, it's a different story. You can live-stream the February 28 event via the Watch ABC app for the Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad, but only if you're already a subscriber to a "participating TV provider account" and live in Chicago, Fresno, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, or San Francisco.
How to Make Calls Via Wi-Fi on Your iPhone
By Jim Karpen
Cutting the Cord with Apple TV
By Jim Karpen on Wed, 02/10/2016
Best 5 Apps for Following and Livestreaming the Super Bowl on Your iPad or Apple TV
By Jim Karpen
The Super Bowl is coming up on Sunday, February 7, at 6:30 p.m. ET, and while there is no dedicated Super Bowl app this year, there are a number of apps that football fans will want to make sure to download. Most notably the CBS Sports app will livestream the game — but only for iPad and Apple TV users. To livestream the game to your iPhone, you'll need to be a Verizon customer. Let's take a look at the various apps available.
Snapchat on iPad: The Secret Way to Download iPhone-Only Apps to an iPad
By Jim Karpen
More than 160 million people use Snapchat every day, and developers keep rolling out new, versatile features to keep Snap fresh. Whether you want to use Snapchat to send a photo, video, or message to one friend or to a whole group of followers, live video chat, or discover short-form content from publishers and celebrities, there's a lot to keep you connected and engaged. Beyond that, Snapchat allows users to send and receive money through Snapcash, create avatars, augment content with filters and AR lenses, stickers, and a drawing feature, and share locations for still shots and live chat. Formerly a non-archival platform, Snapchat now allows users to save photos and videos, called snaps, with their Memories feature. A frustration many Snapchat users share is the inability to download Snap for iPad. Snapchat for iPhone is super convenient, but when you have the ability to use an iPad, it sure would be great to have a larger drawing surface so you can add more detail to your still shots and filters, and have more screen space to explore Stories. Although Snapchat for iPad is not officially available, there's an easy trick to install Snapchat on iPad. Let's get started learning how to get Snapchat on iPad!
Skype Bringing Free Group Video Calling to iPhone and iPad
By Jim Karpen
In mid-January, Skype announced it's bringing free group video calling to the iPhone and iPad, as well as to Android and Windows 10 Mobile devices. The company is celebrating its 10th anniversary of video calling, and six years ago launched video calling on mobile devices. Now it's taking its service to the next level by offering group video calling for mobile.
Spotify to Add Streaming Videos to App Next Week
By Jim Karpen
Spotify (free) has long been one of the most popular streaming music services, with both free (ad-supported) and premium options. Last May the Swedish company announced that it would be coming out with a new version of the app that would also include streaming video. After a long wait, that new version will finally be arriving for iOS devices next week, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal.
Details Emerge on 4-Inch iPhone 5se Coming in March
By Jim Karpen
As noted in this earlier post, rumors have been swirling that Apple will be holding an event in March to introduce new products. And in recent days details of what to expect have become more clear. The biggest news is that it's increasingly likely that Apple will announce a new 4-inch iPhone the week of March 14 that will take over the low-end slot in its lineup of models. The announcement could come at a media event or it could simply be an online announcement. It may also include new Apple Watch models with new bands and an iPad Air 3.