There's a device for everything these days, and that includes smart monitors for blood pressure, heart rate, weight, air quality, and much more. Whether you're looking to eat a healthier diet, find a smart helmet for your bike commute, work a little isometric exercise into your daily routine, or even start meditating, our 2019 Buyer's Guide has just the tool you need to help you meet your goals. Let's get started reviewing ten of this year's top health and fitness devices that will help you improve your wellbeing.
Review: AirTrio & AirQuad Wireless Charging Dock
By Todd Bernhard
I am always on the lookout for the ideal way to charge all of my gear, which is typically made by Apple. The folks at Pitaka may have the answer. Their upcoming AirTrio and AirQuad (starting at $119) is currently a bargain on Kickstarter; and while crowdfunded projects don't always come to fruition, Pitaka is an established manufacturer and I've reviewed its other items before. The company sent me an AirQuad to review, so I can confirm that it's real. And it's really nice.
Review: onTracks GuideWatch GPS Fitness Band
By Todd Bernhard
I have reviewed hundreds if not thousands of gadgets over the past ten years, writing for iPhone Life magazine, so it's rare that I run into something dramatically different. But it took a French firm, onTracks, to surprise me. The company sent me a review unit of its onTracks GuideWatch (starting at €179) and I'll never look at smart watches the same way again.
Just when you think there's no way to innovate when building a charging dock, along comes the Wireless Charging Station ($92.99) from Choetech. This thing has everything; an integrated Apple Watch charging port, a Lightning port, and a Qi wireless charging pad. If that weren't enough, there's a USB port on the back so you can add your own cable, for another Apple Lightning item or a USB-C or microUSB device. All of this could generate heat, so the charger has two cooling fans that expel heat from the bottom.
Which iPhones Are Compatible with iOS 13? Can Your iPad & Apple Watch Run iPadOS & watchOS 6?
By Sarah Kingsbury
Apple has finally unveiled its new iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 5, and even a new seventh-generation iPad. But whether or not you’re planning to upgrade to any of the new devices Apple just announced, you’ll still want to update most of your existing Apple devices and start enjoying all the newest features of iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS as soon as possible. Here’s when you can expect to start updating the software on your Apple devices and which iPhones are compatible with iOS 13 and which Apple Watches, and iPads can run the watchOS 6 and iPadOS.
Everything Announced at Apple’s Fall iPhone Event
By Donna Schill
In the 119th episode of the iPhone Life Podcast, David and Donna are joined by iPhone Life's founder Hal Goldstein to break down everything Apple announced at its fall product launch. From the iPhone 11 Pro Max to the seventh-generation iPad, tune in to get the details on Apple's new lineup.
Here's When You Can Get Your Hands on the New iPhones, iPad & Apple Watch
By Sarah Kingsbury
The new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro are finally here! Along with the Apple Watch Series 5, and a new iPad. Now the big question is when can we get our hands on all the cool tech Apple just unveiled? And how much will it cost us? We’ve got the release dates and prices for everything Apple just announced.
Today Tim Cook revealed the newest iteration of the Apple Watch as part of the Apple's fall iPhone event. Apple continues to evolve its smart watch with incremental features and one notable improvement; the Apple Watch Series 5 comes with an always-on display. Apple has also brought back the ceramic Apple Watch model and added a titanium model and will finally allow customers to mix and match watch bands and watch cases to create their own customize Apple Watch. Sadly, there was no mention of sleep tracking capabilities.
Apple iPhone 11 Announcement: When & How to Watch It
By Sarah Kingsbury
On Tuesday, September 10, Apple is expected to finally reveal all the details about the newest iPhones and Apple Watch. The fall iPhone announcement is the biggest Apple event of the year; for many Apple fans, finally getting all the details about the latest iPhones and finally getting to download the latest version of iOS feels like Christmas! We'll be offering commentary during the event in our Facebook group and in the special podcast episode we'll be recording right after. Here’s how you can watch Apple's iPhone reveal too.
The fall 2019 Apple Special Event is only days away; on September 10 we'll tune in live to watch the new 2019 iPhones, and more, get announced from Steve Jobs Theater. A New iPhone release is a sure thing every year, and there's also the possibility for a new Apple Watch, a new version of the Apple TV, a Bluetooth tracking device similar to Tile brand trackers, and release dates for Apple's latest software updates. Let's go over the information and rumors we've collected in anticipation of the big day.
The Apple Watch Series 5 is on the horizon, with watchers increasingly hopeful the big reveal will happen on the 10th of September 2019. Rumored features and improvements of the Watch Series 5, like luxory case options and sleep monitoring technology are gaining momentum online. Read on to learn more about rumored features and pricing, ordered by most to least likely.
SupWatch Review: Get Apple Watch Band Style without Apple Prices
By Todd Bernhard
A lot of watch band vendors try to offer something Apple doesn't, to differentiate themselves. I've reviewed such bands and I like having a distinctive look that other Apple Watch owners don't have. But sometimes I see an Apple Watch band that I really like, but I don't want to spend the Apple price, AKA the Apple Tax. Case in point, Apple charges $49 for its Fabric Sport Loop bands. I change bands often but it could be expensive to stick with Apple bands. So I thought it would be helpful to try an apples to apples (pun intended) comparison.
Review: This Compact Apple Watch Charger Goes Anywhere
By Todd Bernhard
My whole family has Apple Watches so I'm always looking out for the best way to charge them. On the go, the Keychain Charging Dock for Apple Watch ($38.99) that Choetech sent me to review is my favorite. It's small, essentially palm-sized, but it houses 900 mAh of extra battery life and includes its own Apple Watch magnetic charging mechanism. The charger itself charges via microUSB so that's another cable to remember to bring.
If you're getting in the zone on a good workout, listening to your music, and feeling the endorphin rush, then the interruption of a notification from your Apple Watch can mess up your rhythm. Luckily, all you have to do is open your Watch app, go to the General settings page, select Do Not Disturb, and activate Workout Do Not Disturb. Then your watch will automatically enter Do Not Disturb mode any time you start a workout, and your running or rowing will be the "me time" you need. Let's get started.
Review: A High Fashion Apple Watch Band without the High Price
By Todd Bernhard
Apple has a history of bringing luxury to the masses. A luxury watch used to cost thousands of dollars, and sure, with specific materials and straps, an Apple Watch can extend into that price range, but the same watch with aluminum and a silicone strap is available to almost any potential customer. If you want the higher-end look for your less expensive Apple Watch, you can get it with the Hermes Style Leather Apple Watch Band ($34.99) from SupWatch , who gave me the band to try. The casual observer might not be able to tell it apart from the higher-end version.
Apple Watch Band Review: UAG's Active Watch Strap Goes the Distance
By Todd Bernhard
You might know Urban Armor Gear for its phone and tablet cases. I use one of them for my iPad and often for my iPhone when I want rugged protection. UAG has expanded into Apple Watch straps and sent me the Active Watch Strap ($59.95) to try. The company has taken its expertise in rugged design to the wrist and it shows.
How to Enable Cover to Mute on the Apple Watch
By Hallei Halter
Have you ever had an alert go off on your Apple Watch that took you just a little too long to turn off? Here's how to enable Cover to Mute on your Apple Watch, so you can turn off alerts without having to even look at your watch! This is a good tip to use if you just want to mute alerts as needed instead of putting your Watch on Silent Mode. Note that if you use this tip while receiving an incoming call, the watch will be muted but may still vibrate if those settings are enabled.
For decades Apple has made sophisticated technology combined with high-end design, and brought it to the masses. But with some of its recent moves, the company has veered away from the masses. For example, the HomePod or the Milanese Loop or ever pricier iPhones. But you don't have to settle. You can pair a lower-cost Apple Watch with an affordable Natural Red Sandalwood Stainless Steel Bracelet ($44.99) like the one Supwatch gave me to try.
If you use a sleep tracking app or otherwise like wearing your Apple Watch while you sleep instead of charging your watch overnight, you might struggle to find times to charge your watch and keep your battery levels up. Here's a list of suggestions for how to save Apple Watch battery life at night, while you sleep! While there's no way to keep your battery fully powered, if you try one or a combination of the suggestions below, you'll notice a difference and be able to roll out of bed without having to recharge your Apple Watch battery as often!
How to Delete Unearned Steps from Your Apple Watch Activity App
By Hallei Halter
While wearing your Apple Watch, you'll notice arm movements during activities like knitting, playing games, or even just waving will register as steps. Here's how to delete steps from your Apple Watch, which will erase the data and reset your step count closer to the correct number. You can't do this from your Apple Watch; you'll have to use the Health app on your iPhone.