I love getting Notifications from News in my iPhone's Notification Center, but I get new ones so quickly that a story I don'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!
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.
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).
By Leanne Hays
Apple's Photos app lets you photo search based on location, as well as with multiple search terms. Now, instead of 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 iPhone Photos search feature right now.
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.
By Leanne Hays
The FaceTime app is the free Apple video chat app, and it's a fun way to connect with friends and family when hearing their voices just isn't enough. You can use filters on FaceTime just like you can with Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and more. There are a bunch of FaceTime filters for iPhone, including a FaceTime beauty filter, a few black and white choices, and much more. Let's get started learning how to put filters on FaceTime on your iPhone or iPad.
By Leanne Hays
So you've decided to purchase one of Apple's new iPhones, the iPhone XS, but the price tag is a bit high (starting at $999.) This may lead you to wonder if you can save a bit of money by using cases you purchased for your old iPhone X on your new iPhone XS; after all, they're the same size, right? Unfortunately, only some iPhone X cases will fit your new iPhone XS. Read on to find out when you can and can't use your iPhone X case for your new iPhone XS.
By Sarah Kingsbury
In the 94th episode of the iPhone Life Podcast, members of the team discuss the pros and cons of reading books on their iPhones, using a Kindle, listening to audiobooks, or buying old-fashioned paperbacks. Other topics include how to take advantage of iOS 12's location-based Do Not Disturb settings, tuning apps for musicians, and an iPhone game that has recently become Sarah’s guilty pleasure.
By Todd Bernhard
It's time to start thinking about the holidays! This year, instead of boring tree lights or holiday lights that just turn on or off, check out the Smart LED String Lights (starting at $103.96) from Twinkly. They work on your tree, or anywhere, and can display colorful lights and moving patterns thanks to an easy to use smartphone app.
