10 Best Apps for Language Learning, Brain Games, Math & More
By Kenneth Boshell
Education doesn’t have to stop once you're an adult; we should continue learning and growing so we can evolve and adapt as human beings. Whether you choose to play brain games from Lumosity, pick up some new math skills from Kahn Academy, or learn Spanish language vocabulary from Duolingo, lifelong learning has many benefits. This sort of personal bettering can increase positivity, help out at home and abroad, and result in fiscal rewards through our jobs as we demonstrate further education and better-developed skill sets to our employers. Let's go over ten of our best picks for free and paid apps that will help you on your lifelong learning journey.
Igloo Home Smart Padlock Review
By Todd Bernhard
Over the years, I've reviewed a number of smart locks from Igloo Home and the company now has something for just about every customer and need, from door locks to lock boxes and now the Smart Padlock ($109). Igloo Home sent me the padlock to test; and just in time, as I was setting up a storage locker for my daughter to use at college.
Harmony Elite Review: The Best Universal Remote Gets Better
By Todd Bernhard
I have been using Logitech Harmony remotes since before Logitech acquired the Harmony Remote Control company. Each time the company came out with a new model, I would buy it and upgrade my main family room remote then migrate the previous generation Harmony remote to other rooms in the house. But until recently, I had stuck with the last generation model, the Ultimate. With a name like Ultimate, I really didn't expect that the new model could be much better. Then Logitech sent me the newer Harmony Elite ($349.99).
Review: Play Drums Anywhere on Anything with Senstroke
By Todd Bernhard
The Senstroke Drum Sensors (starting at $190) could have helped back when I had a roommate who played the drums. France-based Senstroke sent me its virtual drum kit sensors and I have a new appreciation for the drums. Instead of bothering others, you can play drums on just about any surface and "hear" the percussion from the companion Senstroke iOS or Android app, including via headphones. The app supports Basic and Expert modes, with the advanced option allowing customization of your virtual drum kit.
Tropico for iOS Game Review
By Mike Riley
In addition to creating its own games, Feral Interactive has established itself as one of the preeminent PC to iOS game port developers for iPhones and iPads. Whether its Feral Interactive's own Rome: Total War games or high speed racing games like GRID Autosport, the company's proven porting track record has set the bar for other companies intending to bring classic PC games to iOS.
This Protective, Colorful X-Doria Case Shows Off the Colorful XR
By Todd Bernhard
If you bought an iPhone XR, as I did, you probably spent some time deciding on a color (I chose red) and the last thing you want to do is cover that phone in a solid case. At least that's how I felt. Fortunately, X-Doria makes some very protective cases that have a clear back. The company sent me the Defense Air ($39.99) in several colors. I chose the red one, and it looks quite stylish with the red iPhone XR. But X-Doria also offer versions with silver or black or teal. Apple offers the iPhone XR in more colors than that, so I would hope X-Doria would match the others, but if not, you can still mix and match nicely.
The Worldwide Developers Conference 2019 keynote event has come and gone, leaving us with an array of updates, reorganizations, additions, and hardware to assimilate into our mental map of Apple products and services. Rumors were flying about the death of iTunes, new iOS, watchOS, and Mac features; now let’s go over what really happened, and what it means for both Apple developers and customers.
I admit, I was one of the last people at iPhone Life to own an iPad. I just didn’t see the use in it. My iPhone could do whatever I needed; and for those times I needed a bigger screen and a keyboard, I had my laptop! Well, after two months with the iPad Pro, I see the appeal, particularly when it comes to being more productive in my creative pursuits. The following apps have become my favorite solutions for everything from learning new skills to efficiently accomplishing my artistic goals.
Review: Brinno DUO Is a Smart Door Camera for Apartments & More
By Todd Bernhard
While I have a Ring video doorbell, it has some drawbacks. First, I had to physically hardwire it into my house. If I lived in an apartment, that would not be an option. The other issue is that I have to find and open my phone to see who is there. If I'm at the door, a peephole makes more sense. The folks at Brinno have a solution, with the Brinno DUO Smart Peephole DoorCam ($199.95). Brinno sent me the peephole camera and, sure enough, no heavy duty tools were required to install it.
Insomnia Gear & Apps: Track Your Sleep & Improve Your Rest
By Leanne Hays
All of us have had to plow through at least one difficult day of school or work after a less-than-optimal night of sleep. But what happens when a rough night becomes the norm? The Centers for Disease Control collects data about the sleep habits of Americans and reports that one in three of us are getting fewer than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night. Whether you can’t fall asleep, can’t stay asleep, or both, insomnia is not only miserable but bad for your health. I’m one of those insomniacs who wakes up more nights than not after about four hours of shut-eye, and who’s unable to drift off again for at least an hour or two. If you’re like me and have spent many wakeful hours wishing you could just relax and sleep, it’s time to find some help. I’ve been researching why insomnia occurs, as well as testing iPhone gear and apps meant to deliver a good night’s sleep. Here, I’ll share the tips, apps, and gear that have been most effective so far in my quest to cure my insomnia.
How to Pick a Wireless Charger for Your iPhone & AirPods
By Sarah Kingsbury
In the 110th episode, tune in for recommendations on how to pick a wireless charging hub for your iPhone and second-generation AirPods. Other topics include finding summer concerts with the Bandsintown app and customizing your favorite contacts list in the Phone app. Scheduling update: The next episode will be in three weeks on May 28.
Hands on with Apple's Second-Gen AirPods
By Sarah Kingsbury
In the 109th episode of the iPhone Life Podcast, tune in as Sarah, Donna, and David share their first-hand experiences with Apple's second-generation wireless earbuds. Other topics include productivity apps and tips and Apple's last-minute cancellation of the AirPower mat it's been promising since 2017.
At the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, I picked up a pair of ThinOptics Glasses and Case (starting at $19.95) from ThinOptics. The company has a novel design for reading glasses (and computer glasses) that rest on your nose without temples, so the glasses are quite small. They are also flexible and durable.
A big theme at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was "Retro" and yet the cutest item I saw was both retro and futuristic at once. The folks from Divoom gave me a Tivoo ($59.90) to try and I love it. It looks like a small, old-fashioned CRT television set from the 50s or 60s, without the rabbit ears. It's sold in assorted colors for a reasonable price.
If the Apple Watch is too geeky and a typical fitness tracker doesn't do enough for your overall health and well-being, the GoBe 2 ($169) from Healbe may be of interest. They sent me their "Smart Life Band" which is something inbetween a smartwatch and a fitness tracker. The GoBe 2 measures (or recommends) calorie intake, energy balance, sleep quality, emotional states, water balance, burned calories, heart rate, stress level, steps, and distance. In short, it addresses all or most of the health benefits of a smartwatch, and perhaps more, but without the excess capabilities many fitness users wouldn't bother with.
Logitech Z606 Speaker System Review
By Mike Riley
Logitech has been a major player in the PC speaker scene for years, and the company recently has begun to branch out to support other devices besides its core market. One of these major growth opportunities is with iPad customers who are seeking a high quality wireless audio solution included with their usual PC audio needs. Logitech's Z606 5.1 Surround Sound with Bluetooth ($129.99) was created for this customer in mind. Read on to find out how well this flexible PC and mobile device audio solution delivers on its promise.
The Best Apps for Reading, Podcast Listening & Cleaning
By Sarah Kingsbury
In the 108th episode of the iPhone Life Insider Podcast, tune in as the team shares their favorite apps for reading, listening to podcasts, and getting on a good cleaning routine at home. Stick around for an exclusive Insider discussion of how to manage your app subscriptions on the iPhone.
UAG Plyo Series Review: A Rugged, Stylish Case for the 6th-Gen iPad
By Todd Bernhard
I've used and recommended Urban Armor Gear iPhone cases for years. They are the right mix of rugged protection and cool style. UAG sent me the Plyo Series iPad Case ($69.95) to review and it offers the same rugged protection as the iPhone cases. It protects all around the edges, including the ports, and has a cover lined with microfiber that keeps the screen clean.
Jamstik 7 Fret Edition Guitar Trainer Review
By Todd Bernhard
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.
If you're like me, you have probably seen and maybe even purchased those rugged, foam-filled shipping crates from Pelican. I use them all the time to ship computer and audio equipment. Well, what if you could have that level of protection for your iPhone? That's the idea behind the Pelican line of iPhone cases. The company sent me the Adventurer Case ($39.99) to try.