iPad

Over the years, I've reviewed the different iterations of Jamstik portable guitars from Zivix so I was interested to see the latest model, the Jamstik 7 Fret Edition ($199.99). when Zivix offered to send a review unit. As with previous models, the Jamstik is lightweight, comfortable to hold and use, and battery powered. The Jamstik 7 Fret Edition lasts for 72 hours using four AA batteries, included, which is a nice touch. It's small, at just 18 inches, but you can buy the Add-On Body to make it more like a full-size guitar, if desired. Since the neck is shorter, the touch-sensitive rubberized buttons can be used to move up or down in both Capo and Octave. 

It's been a couple years since I have reviewed iOS-centric hardware for musicians. This is because with each major iteration of the iPad, Apple has altered the dock input configuration thereby rendering an entire ecosystem of equipment relying on that connection port obsolete.  It was painful to send a stack of old IK Multimedia hardware to the landfill a few years ago when Apple upgraded iPads to use the Lightning connector instead of the original 30-pin dock connector.  A similar roundup of older third-party hardware reliant on the Lightning connector will likely happen again late next year if Apple migrates the rest of its future iPad and iPhone devices to USB-C.  Given Apple's track record, I have resisted investing much additional effort in third-party hardware dependent on proprietary adapters. That is why Eventide's H9 Max Harmonizer Effects Processor ($699) guitar effects stomp box piqued my interest.  

So you've just purchased a new iPad? Congratulations! Now you may be wondering, "how do I set up my device?" particularly if you've never owned an iPad before or it's been a long time since you upgraded. If this isn't your first iPad, you may be wondering, "how do I transfer my data?" Don't worry, we'll cover how to set up an iPad, as well as how to make sure your data, apps, and settings transfer. Let's get started.

If your iPhone or iPad is buggy or frozen, if apps are crashing, or if your iPhone’s settings aren’t working, try turning your iPhone or iPad off and then on again or doing a hard restart. These very basic troubleshooting steps can fix a surprising number of problems with your iPhone or iPad and are almost always worth trying before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting. This article also covers what to do when apps are freezing, crashing, or otherwise malfunctioning on your iPhone or iPad.

Got a new pair of AirPods? Once you know how to set up, connect, and configure them, you'll discover why everyone who owns a pair of Apple's wireless earbuds loves them. We're here to help get you started with this AirPods guide, which will cover everything from Siri setting and volume controls, to battery life and charging, and much more. We'll also update this article when the AirPods 2 are released. The AirPods offer crisp, clear sound quality for both listening and speaking through the built-in microphones, as well as a charging case with 24-hour life for easy battery management, and the ability to pair and unpair with many different Apple products. Apple CEO Tim Cook describes AirPods as "practically magic" and explains, "the pairing is seamless, and as someone is talking to you, if you take one out the music will automatically stop, and if you replace it starts again." Let's get started learning how to use your "magical" new AirPods! 

In episode 103, David, Sarah, and Donna discuss the latest rumors and predictions for Apple’s next big software release for the iPhone and iPad. The team also shares the features that listeners are crossing their fingers for.

If you're reading News in landscape mode on your iPad, you'll want to close the sidebar so there's more room for articles. To get rid of the sidebar in News on your iPad, you'll have to have the iPad updated to iOS 12.1.1 or newer.

Solo sent me the Active Vector Slim iPad Case ($44.99) and it fit my 9.7-inch iPad from 2018 quite well. It is available in two color choices, all black or a gunmetal blue with black accents. I found both to be quite stylish, with a rubbery textured geometric pattern that also helps with grip.

We use the internet for just about everything; shopping, banking, communicating with friends and family, and storing music, photos, and videos. It's vital to safeguard all the personal data associated with these services with a different, strong password for each account. A password manager can help you generate and keep each password safe. There are lots of reputable, free password keepers to choose from, including 1Password, True Key, and LastPass. We'll go over the features of these apps so you can choose the best option for your needs. We'll also cover how to install a password app, and how to use it once you have. Let's get started.  

Our iPhone Life editors just returned from the tech circus that is CES where they discovered the most innovative and useful iOS gear you can buy in 2019. Watch this video to see CEO David Averbach and Editor in Chief Donna Cleveland round up the 26 best tech accessories they found this year for your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. 

Every year, our team of editors comb the far reaches of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to find the best new technology for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users. The following Best of CES 2019 Awards go to the most forward-thinking and useful iOS gear coming to market this year.

Live from Las Vegas! Listen as David and Donna cover the top tech trends from the Consumer Electronics Show 2019 as well as share the winners of iPhone Life's Best of CES Awards to the best iOS gear they discovered on the show floor.

I'm working on a video and podcasting studio, so when the Rubix44 ($299.99) from Roland showed up, it was the perfect accessory to try to integrate. The Rubix44 is reminiscent of a Rubic's Cube, because it looks straightforward, but it's actually quite sophisticated, and you'll want to read the instructions to master it. For example, while I love that it has special combo jacks that support both XLR and 1/4-inch microphone connections, the instructions state to use XLR to ensure higher volume. That stymied me for a while, but then I read the manual! Note that Roland only includes a setup guide in the box. The manual has to be downloaded, so it's not entirely my fault!

When you have a house full of iPads and iPhones, the power outlets poorly accommodate the oversized charging bricks sticking out from the walls. Of course, that is assuming that the chargers can be located. Top Greener has addressed the growing population of gadgets dependent on USB plugs to recharge. This review looks at two USB products that Top Greener has to offer.

A phone call where you can see the person on the other end in real time; it used to be the stuff of science fiction. In 2010, though, Apple made it a reality when Steve Jobs announced the iPhone 4 and FaceTime at WWDC 2010. Through the years FaceTime has evolved and improved to include more devices and capabilities, until with Apple's latest operating system, iOS 12.1, we finally have group FaceTime, where up to 32 people can use the audio-video feature at once. Since FaceTime has expanded so considerably, the time has come for a guide that includes all the different ways to use the service on iPhone and iPad. We'll cover how to make and join a call using the FaceTime app, iMessages, and Siri, as well as how to use Group FaceTime, Memoji, and Animoji. Let's get started!  

Makeblock sent its Neuron Explorer Kit ($199.95) for me to try just in time for the holidays, and it will definitely make any STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) oriented children happy, and could even spark the interest of other kids. 

If you've updated your iPhone or iPad's operating system to iOS 12, you may be wondering what happened to the level tool. Don't worry, the level hasn't disappeared, it's just been incorporated into the new Measure app. Third-party developers have long offered a level app, a tape measure app, or both, but owners of the iPhone 8 and iPad 5th generation, iPad Pro, or later devices can enjoy the old level feature along with the new tape measure feature for free. If you've been wondering where to find your smartphone or tablet's level (or spirit level as our British friends call it) read on. 

In the 100th episode (hurray for making it to triple digits!) of the iPhone Life Podcast, Sarah, Donna, and David share all of their best recommendations of movies, music, podcasts, and apps to enjoy over the holidays. From cooking apps for a festive dinner to interactive iPhone games for the whole family, this episode will give you everything you need for a merry, cheerful end to the year. Note: We'll be back January 10 for episode 101, where we'll be reporting live from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas!