iPhone Life - Best Apps, Top Tips, Great Gear
Informant 5: The Calendar App to Rule Them All
Sponsored By Fanatic Software on Mon, 11/04/2019
Apple is pretty good about updating its products, but it seems to have forgotten about the Calendar app. The makers of Informant 5 remember, and the latest update to this calendar and task-management app are a productivity game changer. Unlike Apple's Calendar, Informant 5 is updated regularly with improvements based on customer feedback. Just check out the newest feature; the Time Picker.
Review: Turn Your iPad Pro into a Multiport Computer
By Todd Bernhard
Apple is blurring the lines between computers and iPads and that's a good thing. The newer iPad Pros use USB-C, just like the latest MacBooks. But there are so many times I need to plug in USB-A devices like keyboards, headphones, an HDMI monitor, memory cards, and more, so it puts USB-C only devices at a disadvantage. Numerous vendors have offered a variety of adapters to address this, but often they are molded to fit the form factor of a specific iPad or MacBook and that limits what you can use the adapter with, now and in the future.
Turn Your iPad into a Second Monitor with iPadOS Sidecar
By Cullen Thomas
Want to use your iPad as a monitor for your Mac? No problem, Sidecar has you covered! With macOS Catalina and iPadOS 13, you can use a feature called Sidecar to turn your handy iPad into a second screen. Want to see your iPad mirroring your Mac's display? Not a problem either. Sidecar is easy to set up, and works like a charm. The ability to use an iPad as a second monitor for an iPad dual-screen setup has been possible with the third-party Duet Display app for a while. Now an even better way to do it is available to everyone, built right into the operating systems. Read on to find out how to set up this feature, and what requirements to check for if it doesn’t seem to be working.
Buyer's Guide 2019: Rugged, Smart & Fun Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Speakers
By Sarah Kingsbury
If you've been on the hunt for the perfect Wi-Fi or Bluetooth speaker for your next party, event, or outdoor adventure, our 2019 Buyer's Guide has you covered. Whether you're looking for a smart speaker, something rugged, waterproof, and portable, or a large speaker for an event, complete with mic and guitar ports, we have the best speakers of the year right here!
Buyer's Guide 2019: iPad Pro Cases, Accessories & Gear
By David Averbach
If you've purchased a new iPad Pro, it's important to protect your investment with a case. You may also want to check out accessories like an Apple Pencil 2, an iPad keyboard, a screen protector, or a USB hub. In this 2019 Buyer's Guide article, we'll cover five of the best iPad Pro accessories for your new tablet, from the new Apple Pencil to offerings from brands like Zagg and Speck.
The Scoop on Portrait Mode, Macro Photography & Apple Arcade
By Donna Cleveland
In the 123rd episode, David and Donna share all the ways to take advantage of the new-and-improved Portrait Mode with iOS 13. Other topics include best gear for macro photography and early impressions of Apple's new gaming platform, Apple Arcade.
Buyer's Guide 2019: Smart Gear & Toys for Kids & Teenagers
By Leanne Hays
If you've been looking for the best gifts for kids or teenagers in your life, look no further. Our 2019 Buyer's Guide has four options for all sorts of interests, from science and programming to stories, music, and of course, the ever-popular LEGO franchise. You'll find a smart toy or tool for every budget and every age; even adults will want to get in on the fun! Let's jump into the kid's section of our annual buyer's guide now.
How to Use Memoji & Animoji Stickers on Your iPhone & iPad
By Leanne Hays
One of the new features of Apple's latest operating systems, iOS 13 and iPadOS, are Memoji sticker packs for older iPhones right in the Messages app. It's been possible to send Animoji and Memoji stickers in texts before, but now it's easier than ever for a larger number of iPhones and iPads to send Memoji stickers, even if they can't create and send the animated emoji videos. Let's get started learning about Memoji and Animoji stickers, how to create them, and which devices can send and receive them.
Review: iHome Zenergy Bluetooth Speaker Offers Light & Sound Therapy
By Todd Bernhard
The folks at iHome have a wide variety of speakers that offer a variety of features like Qi-based wireless charging, Alexa integration, radio, alarm clock, etc. but they sent me one, the Zenergy Bluetooth Speaker ($35.08) that has none of those features. Still, for many people, the features it does have will be greatly appreciated. It is a Bluetooth speaker that charges via microUSB but that's not what makes it stand out. The Zenergy is designed to help you sleep better. This is accomplished by an impressive 15 distinct sleep sounds. Unlike traditional mechanical sound machines, this plays recorded and engineered sounds and even incorporates a gentle voice guiding you to sleep or a meditative state with yoga-inspired guided breathing.
How To Schedule Dark Mode on Your iPhone & iPad
By Leanne Hays
Dark Mode is Apple's new feature that offers a muted, eye-strain reducing color scheme; it's especially helpful for low-light environments. If you'd like to schedule Dark Mode so that it turns on and off automatically at sunset and sunrise or at customized times, it's possible on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Let's get started learning how to schedule Dark Mode on your device.
How to Back Up Your iPhone to a Mac without iTunes
By iPhone Life Team
It’s official. Apple has killed off iTunes, marking the end of its oldest and most iconic piece of software. Beginning with the new update, macOS 10.15 (Catalina), iTunes is no more, prompting many to ask: How do I back up my iPhone without iTunes? The answer is simple: You can back up your iPhone in Catalina by using Finder on your Mac and, of course, you can back up your iPhone to iCloud. This article covers both options.
How to Connect to a Wi-Fi Network Directly from the Control Center on an iPhone or iPad
By Leanne Hays
Do you know how to connect to Wi-Fi, or change the network you're using, directly from your iPhone or iPad's Control Center? This method is much quicker than sorting through the Settings app to find available networks. Let's get started learning how to connect to a specific Wi-Fi network, or change the network you're connected to, via the Control Center.
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.
Review: Kodak Smile Classic 2-in-1 Camera & Printer
By Todd Bernhard
As a native of Rochester, NY, home of Kodak, I always have a soft spot for Kodak gear. The company created the photography industry but then watched as competitors like Polaroid and later smartphones took over. It looks like Kodak is back in the game with its new Kodak Smile Classic ($149.99) which the folks there sent to me to try. I own the latest Fuji and Polaroid instant cameras so I was pleased to see several enhancements that those devices don't match.
Buyer's Guide 2019: Best Bluetooth Headphones & Earbuds
By Cullen Thomas
Whether you're a fan of over-the-ear headphones or tiny, wireless earbuds, our 2019 Buyer's Guide to Headphones has the set for you. There's something here for everyone, from noise-canceling headphones to fast-charging earbuds, from more expensive and well-known vendors like Sony and Apple, to more affordable options that offer excellent audio quality, comfort, and fit. Let's find out what sounds good this year for your workout, commute, or just lounging around the house.
Buyer's Guide 2019: Best Health, Fitness & Diet Gear of the Year
By Leanne Hays
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.
How to Get Directions from the Calendar App on Your iPhone & iPad
By Leanne Hays
Apple's Calendar app has long been one of the best free calendar apps out there for iPhone users. One of the most useful aspects of the Calendar app is the ability to get a map and directions to the locations of your appointments without ever leaving your Calendar. Let's get started learning how to find and use the map and directions feature in your iPhone's Calendar.