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The Best Smartwatches of 2021— Which Is Right for You?

A smartwatch isn’t going to replace your smartphone. In fact, it’s more of a smartphone accessory these days. They have tiny screens and many of the apps you use every day — Instagram, Twitter, Facebook — don’t have smartwatch apps. Most smartwatches don’t have LTE (or you have to pay a lot extra for it), meaning they can’t receive calls or texts when your smartphone isn’t nearby.

But there are many advantages to having a smartwatch. They show you who’s calling, texting or emailing you without forcing you to look at your phone. They replace your need for a dedicated fitness tracker — because most smartwatches these days are souped up fitness trackers. And some smartwatches look pretty cool. Whatever your lifestyle and which smartphone you use, you’re bound to find something that suits you.

Not all smartwatches are the same, however. Most fall between a fitness tracker and something that relays smartphone notifications to your wrist. Some smartwatches can work untethered, completely autonomously from a smartphone — you can make calls, send texts and navigate directions, all while your smartphone is miles away. There are also hybrid smartwatches, made by mechanical watch manufacturers like Tag Heuer, Fossil and Withings, that have sensors to track fitness and traditional watch battery that lasts months.

Before pulling the trigger on the latest Apple Watch (the Series 7) or a smartwatch by Samsung or Fitbit— do some research. Make sure it’s a smartwatch that’ll work to its full potential with your current smartphone and matches your budget and how you want to use it. If you work out a lot, get a fitness-focused smartwatch. If you go off the grid, get an LTE-connected one. Whatever your case, make sure you know the basics.

Things to Consider Before You Buy

3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. There are different ways a smartwatch can connect to a smartphone. A Bluetooth-enabled smartwatch pairs with a smartphone just like a Bluetooth speaker. It’s the most basic of connections and has the shortest range; if the smartphone and smartwatch are too far apart, the connection dies. Most smartwatches will connect to a known wi-fi network as well. When connected, the smartwatch can still receive notifications (calls, texts, emails) as long your smartphone has an active data connection.

3G, 4G and 5G describe generations of the cellular network technologies and their subsequent transmission speeds — basically, it’s how fast your smartwatch can load data. A smartwatch with built-in 5G is going to be faster than a smartwatch with built-in 4G (and 4G faster than 3G). However, the difference between smartwatches with 5G, 4G and 3G will admittedly be nominal since neither will be running heavily data-driven apps — and 5G is still in its early stages and most people/cities can’t take advantage of its fast speeds yet.

Most smartwatches are available in LTE or cellular models, too. The main advantage of an LTE connected smartwatch is that it can work completely untethered from a smartphone. Since it has a built-in cellular radio, the smartwatch can place and receive phone calls and stream music independent of your phone. There are a few caveats, though. The battery life will likely be worse. The smartwatch will probably be bulky. And you’ll have to pay a monthly fee to add the smartwatch to your cellular plan. (Consult your cell carrier for exact info.) Plus, they just tend to be more expensive than regular “GPS only” models.

Compatibility. Not all smartwatches are compatible with all smartphones. For example, the Apple Watch only works with an iPhone, and all smartwatches running Android 2.0 will work with any Android, via the Android Wear app, but not all iOS features will carry over and some of the apps work wonky together, such as iMessage and every Android messaging app. Basically, if you own an iPhone, I recommend getting an Apple Watch; and if you have an Android smartphone, get one of the numerous Android 2.0 offerings.

Heart rate sensor. Knowing your heart rate is the most important fitness metric — experts agree. The data, taken both during and after your workout, will help you achieve certain fitness goals. If you’re serious about working out or just improving your cardiovascular health, you want a smartwatch with a heart rate sensor.

Built-in GPS. This is still a rare feature in smartwatches and wearables in general. For fitness, the built-in GPS is able to track speed, distance and location, all of which can help calculate calories burned and determine the overall success of a workout. It can also help give you more accurate weather reports and navigation instructions if your smartphone isn’t nearby (and it won’t kill a lot of data). It’s mainly a tool to gauge fitness, however; like heart-rate sensors, it’s mainly for people into fitness.

Battery life. The main complaint with smartwatches is battery life. There are very few on the market that can last longer than 24 hours, so manage expectations. Most of today’s high-end smartwatches have a bright LCD screen or AMOLED displays, which are beautiful to look at but tend to kill the battery. Basically, expect to take it off at night to charge.

The overall look and lifestyle. At the end of the day, a smartwatch isn’t just another device — it’s part of your wardrobe. You’re not going to put it away when you want, like your smartphone, so you should like the way it looks. Also, smartwatches come in various sizes, colors and materials, and sometimes even in more refined or rugged options.

Apple Watch SE

The SE isn’t Apple’s best Apple Watch — that title belongs to the Series 7 — but it is probably the best option for most people with an iPhone. It has most of the sensors (including the gyroscope, compass, fall detection and an always-on altimeter) and capabilities as the Series 7, along with the same battery life, but comes at a significantly more affordable price. There are two main tradeoffs with the SE. It doesn’t have an always-on display and it lacks two wellness sensors (electrical heart-rate and blood oxygen sensors), which are ultimately things that the vast majority people are probably perfectly fine living without.

Apple Watch Series 7

The Series 7 is the perfect smartwatch for iPhone owners who want the best that Apple has to offer. It’s unique compared to other Apple Watch models because it has a blood oxygen sensor and an electrical heart sensor (so it’s capable of taking an ECG), but it also has a 20-percent bigger display, which allows for more watch faces makes the display easier to navigate. It’s also the most durable (IP6X) and fastest charging (33% faster) smartwatch that Apple has ever made.

Coros Pace 2

The Coros Pace 2 is an excellent, lightweight and relatively affordable smartwatch for runners and other endurance athletes. It has all the necessary sensors to track general fitness, but it also has running-specific features such as interval training (pace, power, cadence, heart rate) and programs to help you get in shape for various races. The other nice thing is that the Pace 2 is compatible with a wide variety of third-party accessories, such as chest straps and power meters, so it doesn’t limit what other devices you want to use to help you train. It also has a three-week battery life, which is pretty epic.

Samsung Galaxy Watch4

The Galaxy Watch4 is Samsung’s best-ever smartwatch and it’s definitely the best option for anyone with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. It’s also probably the most beautiful smartwatch you can buy. It packs pretty much all the health and wellness sensors (including a heart-rate monitor and GPS) you’d want to a “premium” smartwatch. It should be noted that Samsung makes two versions of this smartwatch: the Galaxy Watch4 (pictured) and the Galaxy Watch4 Classic. Both have the same capabilities and run Wear OS, but different in the fact that the “Classic” is slightly larger, more expensive and has wonderful rotating bezel.

Garmin Forerunner 945

Garmin’s Forerunner 945 is a serious smartwatch for serious endurance athletes (and it offers most of the same fitness-focused features as the company’s even higher-end Fenix line of smartwatches). It lets you train for specific events, like a triathlon, where it can show your interval and transition times. It also works with most of the popular third-party products and apps, such as Final Surge and TrainingPeaks. Garmin partnered with Firstbeat, a company that specializes in physiology and heartbeat analytics, so the Forerunner 935 can give you deeper insights from your workout, such as your VO2 max and lactate threshold. Compared to its predecessor, the Forerunner 935, Garmin’s new running smartwatch has a significantly bigger battery, has enough built-in storage to hold 1,000 songs, and it supports full-color maps.

Fitbit Sense

The Sense is Fitbit’s flagship smartwatch (replacing the Ionic) and it actually has a lot in common with the company’s Versa 3 (below). The only major differences are that the Sense is much more capable health-and-wellness tracker. Unlike the Versa 3, the Sense has three brand-new sensors: an ECG (to potentially give you an early detection of atrial fibrillation), an EDA (to detect stress) and a skin temperature sensor (to give you early indications if you’re coming down with a fever or other illness). Overall, the Sense is a good third-party smartwatch for people want a lot of wellness data, but it’s also kind of expensive considering how similar it is to the Versa 3.

Fitbit Versa 3

Released in 2020, the Fitbit Versa 3 is a good entry-level smartwatch for iPhone or Android users alike. It’s a big upgrade over the Versa 2 mainly due to the fact that it has a built-in GPS and significantly better heart-rate tracking. It also has a built-in speaker and microphone, which the Versa 2 lacked, so you can actually hear your voice assistant (either Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa) when you ask it a question instead of having to read the voice assistant’s response on the smartwatch’s screen. This is a good alternative to the Apple Watch Series 3, but considering how expensive the Versa 3 still is compared to other more capable smartwatches, it’s actually pretty difficult to recommend.

Apple Watch Series 3

Released in 2017, the Series 3 is the oldest and most affordable smartwatch that Apple sells. It has the same original body as the Series 1 and Series 2 — meaning a smaller display and larger bezels — and it definitely looks old. It does have a built-in GPS and an optical heart sensor, so it’s still a good fitness tracker, but it also lacks some newer sensors, such as the always-on altimeter and the built-in compass, so it’s probably not a great for hikers and outdoors enthusiasts. You also can’t buy a cellular model the Series 3, either. If you’re somebody who just wants a cheap Apple Watch to track your workouts, the Series 3 is a decent option (although you should seriously consider spending the extra $80 on the Apple Watch SE).

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October 21, 2021 / Comments Off

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The Tiny iPad Should Be the Go-To iPad. Here’s Why

There’s a simple reason why the 10.2-inch iPad — known simply as “iPad” — is Apple’s most popular tablet: it’s less expensive than all the rest. Apple sells it for just $329 but schools and students can buy it for even less.

Despite its popularity, however, it’s not the entry-level iPad most people should buy. That honor falls on Apple’s new iPad Mini, a tablet I’ve been testing since its launch in mid-September.

Apple

iPad Mini (2021)

apple.com

$499.00

Credit where it’s due, of course. Apple’s starter iPad a perfectly good tablet for people who just want to stream movies and shows, check email and casually browse the web. But it looks, feels and works like an iPad from yesteryear.

Apple used the tried-and-true tactic of sticking updated guts (new processor, new front-facing camera and double the base storage) in an old design, meaning the iPad is bound by old technologies, like Lightning charging, a Home button and large bezels and compatibility with the first-generation Apple Pencil. None of that is very exciting.

The iPad Mini flips the script by adopting the new-age design of Apple’s more expensive tablets — squared-off sides, flat edges, slimmer bezels, a display that takes up most of its front, and support for USB-C charging. Despite its size, it has basically the same look, feel and feature-set as the 2020 iPad Air. Now, that is exciting.

The new iPad Mini’s stereo speakers on either side of its display means that shows, movies and everything sounds better than the entry-level iPad — if you’re not wearing headphones.

Tucker Bowe

Every iPad model that Apple sells these days has support for an Apple Pencil. But if you desire to draw — and draw seriously — then the iPad mini is where you want to start. Not only does it support Apple’s second-generation stylus (which is better in pretty much every way), but it works in tandem with the iPad mini’s Liquid Retina display so that it feels like you’re actually drawing on the surface. On the 10.2-inch iPad’s regular (non-Liquid) Retina display, it shows a slight separation between the tip of your first-generation Apple Pencil and what you’re drawing. It’s subtle, but definitely noticeable.

The iPad Mini flips the script by adopting the new-age design of Apple’s more expensive tablets.

If you watch a lot of videos or listen to music, then the iPad Mini remains a better bet. It has a true stereo speaker system with left and right channel speakers on either side of its display (but only in landscape mode), whereas the cheaper 10.2-inch iPad only has one speaker. This makes a big difference in sound quality, whether you’re watching YouTube videos or playing a mobile game on Apple Arcade, if you’re not listening to headphones.

Then there’s the size of the iPad Mini, which isn’t just adorable but feels really nice in your hands. Compared to previous generations of the iPad Mini, the screen of the new model is bigger (8.3-inches versus 7.9-inches), so you get a lot more screen in a small space. Think of it as a bigger, cheaper iPhone.

The 2021 iPad Mini is roughly the same size as the 2021 iPad mini, but it’s radically different design allows for a bigger screen that takes up more of the front of the tablet.

Tucker Bowe

The main downside to the new iPad Mini (as it relates to the 2020 iPad Air) is that you’re not going to use it like a computer. It’s too small to be compatible with Apple’s fancy Magic Keyboard ($329), which has the same great keyboard as the new MacBooks, and there just aren’t very many great keyboards that work with it.

It also costs $499. That’s not a significant leap from the iPad’s $329 sticker price, but it’s no small bump, either.

The new iPad Mini sits smack-dab in the middle of Apple’s lineup. It’s not as affordable or outdated as the 10.2-inch iPad. It’s not as fancy or expensive as the most recent iPad Air and iPad Pros. And it’s not as big any as any of them. But it packs a lot of punch in that small body, making it a great iPad for, well, just about everybody.

And because the Mini has a modern design and latest chipset, you know Apple will support it with software updates for years and years to come.

Price: $499+

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October 21, 2021 / Comments Off

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Apple’s New MagSafe Charger Packs Plenty of Power — And Nostalgia

Longtime MacBook users will recognize a familiar feature on Apple’s newly announced 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros. The two high-end laptops are decked out with a wide variety of ports, a function row of physical keys and — drumroll — a new MagSafe power connector Apple calls MagSafe 3.

MagSafe was a mainstay on all MacBooks that Apple produced from 2006 to 2016. Users loved the snapping sound it made when it magnetized to their laptop, not to mention its ability to quick release when somebody tripped over the cable — that way the cable wouldn’t pull the laptop to the floor with it. Fortunately, MagSafe 3 looks and works basically identical to the old MagSafe.

The new MacBook Pros can still charge via their USB-C charging ports just like their predecessors, but there is a big advantage to charging over MagSafe 3: it’s faster.

Apple’s new MagSafe 3 charging cable is required to fast-charge the new MacBook Pros to their full potential. Apple sells it for $49.

Apple

Apple hasn’t detailed the exact differences in charging speeds when using USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) compared to MagSafe 3 just yet, but it has said that using the MagSafe connector is faster. It will be able to juice the new MacBook Pros from zero to 50 percent battery in just 30 minutes.

The catch with these fast charging speeds over MagSafe 3 is that you have to use the USB-C power adapter (or one that’s more powerful) that Apple includes in the box. The 14-inch MacBook Pro comes with either a 67-watt (for the M1 Pro with 8-core CPU model) or 96-watt power adapter (for the other M1 Pro or M1 Max models), while the 16-inch MacBook Pro requires you to use Apple’s brand new 140-watt USB-C power adapter, which happens to be the most powerful adapter that it has ever made.

The new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros start at $1,999 and $2,499 and will be available on Tuesday (October 26), but you can preorder them now from Apple’s website.

Click here to read about why Apple ultimately chose to make the new MacBooks bigger and heavier.

October 20, 2021 / Comments Off on Apple’s New MagSafe Charger Packs Plenty of Power — And Nostalgia
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Everything Google Announced At Today’s Big Pixel Event

At today’s big Pixel event, Google officially announced its long-awaited flagship smartphones and the successors to last year’s Pixel 5. This year, there are two new Pixel smartphones to choose from — the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro — and, as anticipated, both feature a radical redesign and promise to deliver an unparalleled Android experience, in large parts thanks to a new custom processor (called Tensor) that’s been specifically designed for Pixel smartphones. They also have some pretty spectacular camera capabilities.

Here’s what you need to know.

Google Tensor

Google

Google Tensor is the company’s new custom chipset that’s been designed specifically for the new Pixel smartphones. The new chipset allows the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro to have significantly better battery life than previous generation Pixels, improved artificial intelligence (such as better real-time language translations and more accurate voice transcriptions) and a host of really impressive computational photography skills.

As for these new computational photography skills, there are a couple standouts. The new Magic Eraser feature that allows you to remove certain objects from a photo after its taken; for example, if there’s a person spoiling a photo, you can cut them out. The new Motion Mode allows you to take long-exposures and action shots that have a wonderful blurred effect. And there’s a new Face Deblur feature that, as its name suggests, auto-corrects faces that are blurred out in photos.

Google Pixel 6

Google

The Pixel 6 is the more entry-level and the smaller of the two new smartphones. It has a 6.1-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate and an in-screen fingerprint reader, and a new-look dual rear-camera system (which Google is calling a camera bar) that consists of a 12-megapixel wide (main) and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lenses. This camera system is powered by a significantly larger 50-megapixel sensor than previous Pixels, helping each camera gather much more light and take way more detailed photos (especially in Night Mode). The Pixel 6 can shoot 4K video at up to 60fps (same as the Pixel 6 Pro). The 8-megapixel front-camera on the Pixel 6 isn’t up quite to the same level of the Pro’s, however. Rounding out the specs, the Pixel 6 supports 5G, fast wireless charging and has a IP68 water- and dust-resistance rating.

The Pixel 6 starts at $599 and is available for preorder today. It’ll be on shelves October 28.

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Google Pixel 6 Pro

Google

The Pixel 6 Pro is the more advanced and larger of the two. It has a 6.7-inch display with an even higher 120Hz refresh rate (same as the new iPhone 13 Pro) and an in-screen fingerprint reader. It has a triple rear-camera system that populate its camera bar, with a telephoto lens — with 4x optical zoom and 20x digital zoom — joining the same wide and ultra-wide lenses that are also on the Pixel 6. It has the same larger 50-megapixel sensor as the Pixel 6, and the same video shooting abilities (4K video at up to 60fps) as the Pixel 6. The Pro model does have a better front-camera (11.1-megapixel) with a wider field of view that allows you to take better, wider selfies. The Pixel 6 Pro has the same 5G support, fast wireless charging capabilities and IP68 water- and dust-resistance rating as the Pixel 6.

The Pixel 6 Pro starts at $899 and is available for preorder today. It’ll be on shelves October 28.

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This story is developing…we’ll continue to update as new products are announced.

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October 19, 2021 / Comments Off on Everything Google Announced At Today’s Big Pixel Event
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Apple’s New MacBook Pros Are Bigger Than Their Predecessors. Here’s Why

Apple’s new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros are exciting new laptops, to say the least. They’re significantly more powerful (and power-efficient) than previous MacBook Pros; they have a bigger, nicer edge-to-edge display; and they mark the return of a number of “Pro” features, such as a row of physical function keys — sorry, Touch Bar — and a lot more ports than just USB-C, so you won’t need a zillion adapters to connect all your devices.

There’s one thing the new MacBook Pros do sacrifice for all this: size. Just as the latest iPhones and Apple Watch have sacrificed being the thinnest products possible (which Jony Ive, Apple’s former chief product designer who’s since gone on to help out at Ferrari, was well-known for) in favor of performance, the new MacBook Pros are — thanks to their new chassis designs and added ports, among other factors — both larger and heavier than the computers they replace.

But by how much?

The above is a size comparison between the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro (2020, left), the new 14-inch MacBook Pro (2021, center) and the new 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021, right).
Apple

As you can see by the above graphic, the new 14-inch MacBook Pro (2021) is slightly thicker and deeper than last year’s 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro (2020), but it’s also half a pound heavier — which is the thing you’re likely to feel most. Of course, the main reason for the size bump is that the new 14-inch MacBook Pro is in fact a bigger computer. It not only has a more edge-to-edge (thinner bezels), but the screen is larger too: 14.2-inches versus 13.3-inches.

The increased display size is the primary thing causing the new MacBook Pro to be a bigger and heavier machine than its predecessor, but the addition of more ports and a new keyboard aren’t making it any lighter. The battery size likely isn’t factor in adding weight, as the 14-inch MacBook Pro (2021) and the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020) is still rated at the same 17 hours.

The new 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021) is the first big-screen laptop with Apple silicon; the previous 16-inch MacBook Pro, released in 2019, packed an Intel processor. So you can expect the new model to get the big upgrades in performance and power efficiency that we’ve come to expect out of an Apple chipset — but it, also, is slightly beefier. The new 16-inch MacBook Pro is just under half a pound heavier — 0.4 pounds to be exact — than the 2019 model.

The new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros will be available on Tuesday (October 26), but you can preorder them now from Apple’s website. The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro start at $1,999 and $2,499, respectfully.

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October 19, 2021 / Comments Off on Apple’s New MacBook Pros Are Bigger Than Their Predecessors. Here’s Why
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Everything You Need to Know About Apple’s New MacBook Pros

Just over a month after Apple’s first big fall hardware event, where it announced the iPhone 13 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 7, and two new iPads, the Cupertino tech giant has just held another one. This second hardware event — titled “Unleashed” — was dedicated primarily to Apple’s new and improved line of MacBook Pros and the hardware that drives them, as well as new third-generation AirPods (and some new ways to interact with Apple Music).

Here’s what you need to know.

There are brand-new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros

Apple

Apple’s biggest announcement: two new redesigned MacBook Pros that take advantage of the company’s new M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets (see below) and have larger, more edge-to-edge displays, complemented by bezels that are 60 percent thinner than before. Each display is Liquid Retina XDR and supports ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate), both firsts for a Mac.

There are a few other big differences with the new Pros. They lose the controversial Touch Bar and replace it with a row of physical function keys. They have a lot more port options (meaning you likely won’t need any adaptor); there’s a new MagSafe charging port, two USB-C ports, a HDMI port, a SD card slot and a 3.5mm jack that supports high-impedance headphones. Apple also improved the speaker systems and microphones, and gave the new Pros a 1080p webcam (but there’s now also an iPhone-esque notch on the display).

The 14-inch Pro starts at $1,999 and the 16-inch Pro starts at $2,499. They come in either space gray or silver. Both are available for preorder now and will ship next week.

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Meet the 3rd-Generation AirPods

Apple

Apple also announced its third-generation AirPods at the event. They look pretty identical to the existing AirPods Pro and have some of the same features, including support for spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and adaptive EQ, but lack the active noise-cancellation. They do have the best battery life of any AirPods to date, at six hours per earbud. And they have a built-in magnet so they work better with a MagSafe charger (although this won’t impact the charging speed). These third-generation cost cost $179, are available for preorder now — and will ship next week.

In addition, Apple has reduced the price of the second-generation AirPods from $159 to $129.

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New M1 Pro and M1 Max chips pack crazy power

Apple

Apple also revealed the next-generation version of its M1 chipset that powers its new super-strong computers. There are actually two options: the M1 Pro and the M1 Max. Both new chipsets are significantly more powerful than the previous M1 chipset: the M1 Pro has a 70% percent faster CPU, 2x faster GPU and supports up to 32GB of RAM; the M1 Max adds to that by having twice memory, twice as fast GPU and supporting twice as much RAM (up to 64GB).

With these new powerful chipsets, the new Pros will be able to support up to four external monitors.

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The HomePod Mini comes in new colors

Apple

Apple announced that its $99 smart speaker, the HomePod Mini, will be available in three new colors — orange, blue and yellow — on top of the existing white and space gray colorways. These new HomePod Minis in new colorways will be available to order starting in November.

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There’s a new Apple Music subscription tier called the “Voice Plan”

Apple

Finally, Apple used the event to reveals the most affordable subscription plan to its Apple Music streaming service yet. It’s called the “Voice Plan” and costs just $4.99/month, which is half the price of the previous version subscription. But there’s a catch: the Voice Plan only works with Siri voice commands — you can’t open the app to search for music — and it’s really optimized for homes with multiple HomePod or HomePod mini speakers.

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October 18, 2021 / Comments Off on Everything You Need to Know About Apple’s New MacBook Pros
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The Magic Leap 2 AR Headset Is Ready For The HoloLens 2 When It Launches In 2022

Modern technology is already at the point wherein immersive experiences are now accessible to regular consumers. Virtual reality already enjoys a massive following thanks to entertainment applications. Augmented reality, on the other hand, tells a different story. Nonetheless, the announcement of the Magic Leap 2 reminds us that there is a market for AR headsets.

You can find the tech on almost any modern smartphone these days. However, we normally use this capability for exclusively for fun. Even the face filters on popular messaging apps support it. So far, Microsoft’s HoloLens is the platform of choice for big businesses. As for the Magic Leap 2, the manufacturer intends to market it a bit differently.

One of the biggest caveats of the HoloLens is its size. Its bulky profile comes from all the hardware Microsoft packs inside. This is where the Magic Leap 2 plans to outshine the competition. As early as now, the company claims their AR headset will be the industry’s slimmest and lightest.

If we can recall correctly, the original model bears an uncanny resemblance to Oakley’s OVERTHETOP shades. Thankfully, the second-generation design shows a more contemporary silhouette, albeit chunkier than a regular pair of glasses. Buyers can also expect upgraded optics, a better field of view, and what is supposedly an innovative dimming function.

Unlike VR headsets that are closed, the lenses are transparent so users can interact with their surroundings. Sensors track movement in 3D space much like in VR but also recognizes items and people. The Magic Leap 2 currently does not have a price and release date. So be sure to check with their website for updates.

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Images courtesy of Magic Leap

October 13, 2021 / Comments Off on The Magic Leap 2 AR Headset Is Ready For The HoloLens 2 When It Launches In 2022
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There’s a New Breed of Dolby Atmos Soundbars

Sonos recently came out with a new-and-improved version of its entry-level soundbar, the Beam (Gen 2). It’s a big deal because it supports Dolby Atmos and costs less than $500. Most Dolby Atmos soundbars cost in the region of $900 — the flagship options from Sonos and Bose — but many cost well over that.

There are two big reasons why Dolby Atmos soundbars are typically expensive. First, it’s expensive for manufacturers to get the licensing for Atmos certification; which gets them the software package that decodes and the renders the Atmos stream. And two, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars typically require more speakers to best take advantage of the immersive sound technology — and more speakers are more expensive.

But over the last few years Dolby has been working to get Atmos supported in as many products as possible — it wants to make Atmos as popular as stereo sound. As that relates to soundbars, a lot of times that means supporting both soundbars that have and don’t have upward-firing drivers. And if a soundbar doesn’t have upward-firing drivers, it can be a lot less expensive.

Sonos

Sonos

Atmos allows speakers to create virtual height and side channels. This fools your ears into thinking that that sounds are coming from your left, right, center and above. The Atmos software package that Dolby provides soundbar manufacturers is smart enough to figure out what kind of system it is — be a 2.0-channel soundbar or 7.1.2 home theater system — and then it renders audio so that it’s as accurate and immersive as possible.

An Atmos soundbar doesn’t need to have upward-firing drivers, though if you listen to two Dolby Atmos soundbars side by side, you’ll be able to tell if one of them has them. Both soundbars are able to virtualize sound, but the one with actual speakers firing up at your ceiling is going to do a better job at making you feel like sound is actually coming from above you.

Sonos

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) has the same architecture and same exact speaker configuration (consisting of four full-range drivers, a center tweeter and three passive radiators) as the first Beam, which didn’t and doesn’t support Atmos. The new Beam’s compatibility is thanks to improved processing power and eARC connection allow the new Beam to create virtual height and side channels, even without new drivers.

The new Beam isn’t the only affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar. TCL’s makes two, in the Alto 9+ ($300) and the Alto 8i ($180). And Monoprice and Sony both make one, too, in the Monoprice SB300 ($180) and Sony HTX8500 ($298). But like the new Beam, none have upward-firing drivers.

All of these are part of this new breed of affordable Dolby Atmos soundbars — and you can expect more manufacturers to get in on the action. While they sound good and are perfectly fine, just know that they aren’t the best way to experience Atmos. For that, you still want one that has true upward-firing drivers. Like the Sonos Arc or Bose Smart Soundbar 900.

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October 11, 2021 / Comments Off on There’s a New Breed of Dolby Atmos Soundbars
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Will an iPhone 12 Case Fit on the New iPhone 13?

Apple announced its entire iPhone 13 lineup this week — available for preorder this Friday (September 17) and they’ll be available everywhere on September 24 — and they look very similar to its iPhone 12 lineup. All four new smartphones have flat edges and the same dimensions as their predecessors. They also work exactly the same with MagSafe.

If you’re planning to upgrade your iPhone 12 to the new iPhone 13, you might think that you could use your old case with your new phone and save yourself some money — well, unfortunately it’s not that simple.

Will iPhone 12 case fit on the iPhone 13?

Not perfectly. The overall dimensions of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are the same as the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, but the camera array of the new smartphones is just a little bit wider — by millimeters — but it’s enough to mean that the old cases won’t fit. Also the side buttons are slightly lower on the new phone. You might be able to force it and find some luck with softer cases, but don’t expect a perfect fit.

Will an iPhone 12 mini case fit on the iPhone 13 mini?

Also no. While the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini have perhaps the most similar bodies of any two models across the annual divide, the primary problem here is that the position of the side buttons on the iPhone 13 mini have moved, which renders iPhone 12 cases awkward on the new phone, despite otherwise very, very similar designs.

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Do iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max cases fit on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max?

Apple has again changed the size of the camera module on the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. The camera bumps on the 13 are a few millimeters wider and taller than on the previous iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. The result is that your old case won’t fit on these new smartphones. Again, you might be able to force it, especially with softer cases, but know that you’re going off the beaten path.

Does an iPhone 13 case fit on an iPhone 13 Pro?

You can probably guess the unfortunate answer. Unlike last year’s iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, which were the same exact size and could use cases interchangeably, the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Pro don’t have the same size camera modules. The Pro’s is much bigger — so you’ll have to buy a specific case that’s designed for that specific smartphone. You should, however, be able to fit an iPhone 13 Pro case on an iPhone 13.

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October 2, 2021 / Comments Off on Will an iPhone 12 Case Fit on the New iPhone 13?
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353

Sonos Beam: The New King of Affordable Atmos Soundbars

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a terrific little soundbar. I’ve been testing it for the last week and it works exactly like the original Beam (released in 2019) — in that it connects to your TV via a single cable and plays well with other Sonos speakers in your home — but with one major difference: it supports Dolby Atmos. And that’s a big deal.

Dolby Atmos is the immersive sound technology when it comes home theater systems, but not every soundbar or speaker system supports it as it tends to be pretty expensive. The fact that Sonos has been created a Dolby Atmos soundbar as small and affordable as the Beam (Gen 2) — it’s mighty impressive.

A quick refresher: Dolby Atmos is a technology that enables soundbars and speaker systems to create virtual height and side channels that trick your ears into thinking that there are more speakers in the room than actually are; it sounds like sound is coming from all around you — left, right and above — instead of just right in front of you.

Aside from the Dolby Atmos support, the new Beam has a few other “small” differences from the original. It has a 40-percent faster processor and can connect to your TV via HDMI eARC (as well as ARC) — both changes are needed to support Atmos. It also has a perforated polycarbonate grille (instead of fabric) so that it looks more in line with the company’s flagship soundbar, the Arc. But otherwise it has the same dimensions and same speaker configuration as the older Beam.

So if you have the original Beam and you’re thinking about upgrading, it really only comes down to Dolby Atmos. And how important that is to you.

(If you’re wondering, Sonos is phasing out the original Beam so you’re not going to have to choose between the two for long. Also, if you own a first-gen, fear not, as Sonos will continue to support it with software updates for “years to come.”)

Tucker Bowe

Dolby Atmos content does sound pretty awesome on the Beam (Gen 2). During my testing, I mainly watched the second season of See (a show where everybody is blind) as well as CODA (a movie about a girl whose entire family is deaf), both are great for Dolby Atmos testing because sound parts a pivotal part in each. And the Beam (Gen 2) really does elevate the experience, allowing you to hear sounds around you so it feel more like you’re “in the movie.”

However, the Beam (Gen 2) does come with a compromise: It lacks the true upward-firing drivers that many flagship Dolby Atmos soundbars have — including Sonos’s own Arc. Instead, the Beam 2 creates virtual height channels via its software and it sounds good — like really good — but it’s not as good as if their were actual speakers shooting upwards. It’s just not.

The other thing to note is Dolby Atmos on Sonos’s soundbars can be a fickle thing. Like the Arc, the Beam (Gen 2) requires you to have a TV that supports HDMI ARC or eARC, meaning your TV can’t be more than a few years old. Additionally, your streaming device must also support Dolby Atmos. There are quite a few other Dolby Atmos soundbars that have multiple HDMI ports on them, which allow you to connect a streaming device that supports Dolby Atmos directly to the soundbar and not have to worry about passthrough on the TV. But alas, Sonos’s soundbars aren’t like that.

Even though Sonos bumped the price of the Beam by $50 from the first- to second-generation model, it feels warranted: the new Beam is probably the best Dolby Atmos soundbar you’re going to find under $500. If you want the best possible expression of Dolby Atmos in a Sonos soundbar, you still want to get the Arc (which is twice as expensive). But if you have a small-to-medium-sized room and want a nice soundbar for your 65-inch TV (or smaller), the Beam (Gen 2) is a killer addition.

Sonos

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

sonos.com

$449.00

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October 1, 2021 / Comments Off on Sonos Beam: The New King of Affordable Atmos Soundbars
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271

This App-Controlled We-Vibe Bond Is Primed for Spontaneous (but Subtle) Stimulation

Anticipation is an important part of intimacy. That’s exactly what We-Vibe is tapping into with its latest offering, the We-Vibe Bond. Billed as a “smartwatch for your penis,” the app-controlled male stimulation ring puts control into the hands of both partners. Designed to be discrete and worn under clothing, the We-Vibe Bond ring fits virtually every size and is ergonomically designed for all-day wear. Build anticipation between you and your partner through 10 different vibration settings, which can be tweaked and controlled through the brand’s We-Connect app. Completely waterproof and crafted from body-safe silicone, the We-Vibe Bond is ready for any scenario and perfect for undercover, all-day enjoyment. Whether used for foreplay or just for fun, the We Vibe Bond is sure to shift your stimulation experience.

Price: $129

SHOP NOW

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September 30, 2021 / Comments Off on This App-Controlled We-Vibe Bond Is Primed for Spontaneous (but Subtle) Stimulation
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327

Everything Amazon Announced at Today’s Big Hardware Event

At last year’s big hardware event, Amazon announced a variety of new Echo smart speakers, the Echo Show 10 (which has a moving display), an indoor flying drone and bunch of other gadgets. At this year’s event, we got a bunch of new gadgets, but a few old ones as well.

No Echo smart speakers were announced at this year’s event, but Amazon did reveal a $59 smart thermostat, a $50 video doorbell, a new fitness tracker, a wall-mounted smart display and a bunch of new smart home cameras — to name just a few. We also got an adorable home robot named “Astro.”

Here’s what you need to know.

Astro

Courtesy

Amazon announced a tiny robot — named Astro — that’s essentially an Alexa on with wheels. It has built-in speakers so it can follow you around and play music or answer your questions. It has a built-in display and cameras so it can do video calls, show you the feed from your smart home cameras and play videos. It acts like a smart home camera on wheels, that can help you monitor your home, pets or people who need extra care (like elderly) when you aren’t there.

Price: $999 (introductory price)

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Blink Video Doorbell

Amazon

The Blink Video Doorbell is a smart video doorbell that’s designed to work with an Alexa smart home. It comes in wired or wire-free models and delivers a lot features you’d expect in a smart doorbell, like HD video, night vision, motion detection and two-way audio. It costs $50.

Price: $50

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Blink Floodlight Cam and Solar Power Mount + Cam

Amazon

Amazon announced two new outdoor smart home security gadgets. The Blink Floodlight Cam is a rugged and battery-powered smart home camera with a built-in LED floodlight. You can also buy the Blink Solar Panel Mount so you don’t have to worry about changing out or recharging batteries.

Price: $140 (Blink Floodlight Cam) and $130 (Blink Solar Panel Mount)

Ring Alarm Pro

Amazon

Ring Alarm Pro is the company’s latest DIY smart security system. It’s a system of alarms and motion sensors, but it’s unique because it also comes with an Wi-Fi 6 router built in — so it solves you home Wi-Fi and security (with professional monitoring and online threat protection) all in one fell swoop.

Price: $250

Amazon Halo View

Amazon

The Halo View is the company’s newest wearable fitness tracker. It’s essentially a newer version of the Halo Band (announced last year) that also finally has AMOLED display, so you can more easily track workouts and general fitness. It will work with Amazon’s new fitness and nutrition subscription services, named Halo Fitness and Halo Nutrition, respectively, both of which will included in the Halo membership at no additional cost. (You get a free one-year Halo membership with the purchase of the Halo View.)

Price: $80

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Amazon Glow

Amazon

Amazon Glow is a video call device with a projector that creates an touch-sensitive display on any surface, which allows people (specifically kids) to have interactive video calls where they can play games, read books and do other interactive activities with friends and family members.

Price: $249 (introductory price)

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Amazon Smart Thermostat

Amazon

Amazon announced a new smart thermostat — in partnership with Resideo and made with made with Honeywell Home Thermostat Technology — that promises to work with most existing HVAC systems and will cost just $59. As you’d expect, you’ll be able to control it with your voice via Alexa.

Price: $59

Echo Show 15

Courtesy

The Echo Show 15 is a new smart display that’s larger than the company’s previous smart displays — it has 15.6-inch display with a 1080p picture — and it’s also unique because it can be wall-mounted or placed on a stand, and it can be positioned in either portrait or landscape mode. It’s meant be a kitchen TV as well as a smart hub for your home, where family members can watch shows on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, as well as leave notes, show calendars and share photos.

The Echo Show 15 will cost $249 and be available later this year.

Price: $249

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Ring Always Home Cam

Courtesy

Amazon announced the Ring Always Home Cam last year, but it never released it. At its most recent hardware event, that’s changing — you can now apply for an invitation to buy it. If you don’t remember, the Ring Always Home Cam is an indoor drone that can autonomously fly around your home and show you a live feed or record footage without being hamstrung by a fixed location (like pretty much all other smart home cameras).

Price: $250

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September 28, 2021 / Comments Off on Everything Amazon Announced at Today’s Big Hardware Event
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Four Renowned British Companies Are Developing The Roofless Aura EV Concept

Let’s face it, traditional combustion engines are gradually on their way out. Consistent advancements in battery technology and electric powertrains tell us what to expect from the future. Sustainable platforms have come a long way from being just a niche in the automotive market. Now, vehicles such as the Aura EV fconcept tell a different story.

Climate change and rising costs of fuel require action. It won’t be long before noise pollution from our daily commute goes down significantly. Instead of a roar or growl, we hear a gentle hum as electric motors spring to life. Electric mobility solutions also keep the air we breathe free of dangerous pollutants.

The Aura EV sees four prominent British companies pool their talents to turn this eco-friendly long-range roadster into reality. Funding this project is the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles via the Niche Vehicle Network. They’re developing and building everything from the ground up.

You can see this on the sleek outline that flows seamlessly from front to back. Astheimer is handling the minimalistic profile of the interior and exterior with help of bio-composite parts from BAMD. The modern cockpit seats two and features a massive infotainment system.

You won’t find the instrument cluster on the dashboard because it’s integrated into the steering wheel. The human-machine interface 9HMI) of the status screen runs on Android Automotive OS and is developed by Conjure. Potenza is supplying the electric drivetrain and batteries.

Two 44 kWh units combine for a 88 kWh total capacity which gives it an impressive range of 400 miles on a full charge. One is located in the engine bay up front, while the other is below the chassis. The optimal weight distribution gives the Aura EV excellent driving dynamics.

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Images courtesy of Aura

September 28, 2021 / Comments Off on Four Renowned British Companies Are Developing The Roofless Aura EV Concept
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The Gita Mini Is A Cool Helpful Cargo Transport Robot From Piaggio Fast Forward

To this day, you cannot think of Piaggio and not associate it with the iconic Vespa. However, what most of us fail to acknowledge is its push for innovation in markets other than mobility. We know it’s hard to believe, but its Fast Forward design studio proves otherwise. It does so with the gita mini.

Come to think of it, this machine does somewhat qualify under mobility solutions. However, its features tell a different story, but a cool one at that. Key in “Star Wars” music, because this is as close as one can get to an actual astromech droid. The only caveat here is that instead of ship repair, it will carry your stuff.

Think of the gita mini as a cutting-edge cargo transport platform. Unfortunately, its 20-lb carrying capacity, which is roughly one standard grocery bag, might not be for everyone. It measures 18” x 16.5” x 19” and tips the scales at 28 lbs.

Piaggio Fast Forward currently offers it in two shades: Spark Citron and Boardwalk Beige. We hope other colorways from the full-size gita will become available in the future. The gita mini moves around and balances on two wheels. The design and low center of gravity probably help with balance.

This robotic helper uses cameras, radar, and advanced algorithms to follow you around. The gita mini can navigate obstacles easily and keep up with the user even among a crowd of people. A full charge of its lithium-ion battery is enough for 7 hours or 21 miles. Top speed, on the other hand, is 6 mph.

Purchase yours: here

Images courtesy of Piaggio Fast Forward

September 27, 2021 / Comments Off on The Gita Mini Is A Cool Helpful Cargo Transport Robot From Piaggio Fast Forward
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8 Notes App Features You Should Be Using, But Aren’t

Welcome to Product Support, a column devoted to helping you get the most out of the gadgets and software you already use.

If you have an iPhone, iPad or Mac, you’re probably well-acquainted with the Notes app. Apple’s digital note-taking app is a great place for keeping lists, jotting down quick ideas, drawing sketches and writing long-form drafts, and it can be an incredibly powerful tool because, as long as it’s synced with iCloud, everything on your Notes app will quickly sync across all your devices. No need to share via AirDrop or email. If you write on Note on your iPhone, it’ll automatically appear on your iPad and Mac as well.

The neat thing about the Notes app is that Apple updates and adds new features to it all the time. For instance, you probably didn’t know that the Search feature in the Notes app can recognize typed or handwritten text, as well as images and scanned documents (like a recipe or receipt). It lets you organize folders within folders, too. (I know, mind blown.) And this fall, Apple rolled out iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 and with it, brought a bunch of new convenient features to the Notes app.

Looking for some useful tips and tricks? Go on, master the Notes app.

Group notes together with the new ‘Tag’ feature.

Apple gave the Notes app a new tagging feature with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 and it’s great because it allows you to instantly group like-themed notes together just by adding a common hashtag to each Note. For instance, if you have several different Notes that are focused on the beach (#beach), vacation (#vacation) or work (#work), you can simply add that hashtag to that Note and then it will automatically be grouped/organized with the other Notes with that hashtag. And you add multiple hashtags to each Note so that it gets added to the various groups that it relates to.

To add a tag to a note, all you have to do is type # followed by the tag name. Once you write #, a dropdown menu of your existing tags come out which you can select from, too. To add a tag to multiple notes, select the folder with the list of notes > select the More button with the three dots (…) > tap “Select Notes” > select the notes you want to tag > select the Tags option at the bottom-center of your screen > and select the # you want to group them all into.

Once you’ve created one or more tags, you can find them in the Tag browser. You can select one tag or multiple tags at the same time. If you select two tags, all the notes will appear that have that two tags.

Courtesy

Create a smart folder.

Smart folders are another new feature that Apple added with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, and it’s really useful for people who take advantage of the new tagging system. A “smart” folder is just like any other folder in the Notes app, but groups notes together that have the same tag — and it does this automatically (hence the “smart” folder).

To create a smart folder, all you have to do is select the New Folder button (in the bottom left corner) and select the option to create a “New Smart Folder.” Then you just have to select what tag (or multiple tags) you want the notes to populate this smart folder. From then, any note with that specific tag will automatically get populated into that smart folder.

Courtesy

Quickly undo a typo.

Did you accidentally highlight something and delete it (also by accident)? This can be incredibly frustrating especially if you’re using the Notes app on an iPhone or iPad and you don’t have access to an actual keyboard (you can’t press Command + Z to undo on an on-screen keyboard). Also, there’s no quick “Undo” menu to select on the iPhone. Fortunately, Apple baked in a “Shake to Undo” feature where you can actually shake your iPhone to prompt an “Undo Typing” menu. This feature is on by default, but you can change it by going to into Settings > General > Accessibility > Shake to Undo.

Quickly scan a document and sign it.

The Notes app actually has a built-in scanner function which makes it easy to scan a real-life document, sign it or mark it up (via the markup functionality in Notes), and then share it with whoever you need to it. All you have to do is start a new note, select the camera icon in the bottom-center of that note, and select “Scan Documents.” The app with then walks you through how to align the document so that it scans properly.

Share a folder with a friend.

The Notes app makes it incredibly easy to share your notes with others. You can set the permissions to “view only” if you don’t want other people to make edits, or you can open edits if it’s a more collaborative project. To share, just open the note in question and select the share button in the top-right; you can then select how you want to share: AirDrop, iMessage, Mail or another third-party app like Slack or Gmail.

If you use the shared notes feature between multiple people, Apple added a convenient feature with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. It’s called “Activity View” and it shows you what edits each people who access to the note has made, as well as the date and time that the edit was made. For example, you can tell which person added a which specific item to a shared list. To access the Activity View of a shared notes, select the More button (three dots) in the top-right corner and select “Show Note Activity.”

Password protect specific notes.

If you’re worried about unwanted eyes seeing one of your notes, you can password protect it. To do this, simply go to the note in question, select the “share” icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, and then select “Lock Note.” From there you can set a password (along with a hint in case you need help remembering) or enable Face ID (or Touch ID) to gain access to the note. All password-protected notes have a lock icon over them.

Have Siri take a note for you.

Siri, Apple’s voice assistant that comes built into your iPhone, iPad and Mac, can actually be pretty helpful in terms of taking notes. You can say “Hey Sir, start a new note” and then dictate what you want the note to say, and Siri will jot it all down for you and save it as a note. This is a great option if you don’t feel like typing or you want to create a note hands-free.

Create a checklist, not just a list.

A checklist is essentially just an interactive list where you can mark tasks as completed while leaving others open. To create a checklist, simply create a new note and then, at the bottom of the note, select the icon that has a checkmark inside a circle. Then type something and hit Enter (Return) when you’re done. Each time you hit Enter (Return) a new task will be created. To mark off a task as completed, simply select the circle (or bullet) next to it. You can deselect it the same way.

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September 27, 2021 / Comments Off on 8 Notes App Features You Should Be Using, But Aren’t
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iPhone 12 Earpiece Not Working for Calls? There’s a Free Fix

If you have an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro and it’s having difficulty with calls — specifically, the earpiece isn’t working so you can’t hear the person you’re talking to — you’re not alone. In fact, Apple just launched a service program that will fix the problem. And it’ll do it for free.

According to Apple, the sound issue is caused by “a component that might fail on the receiver module” and it only is affecting iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models that were manufactured between October 2020 and April 2021. It apparently has not been affecting iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max models, so if you’re having earpiece issues with those iPhones, the service program will not fix them.

If you have an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro that’s experiencing these issues, you have three options. You can take it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can take it to an Apple Retail Store (but be sure to make an appointment first). Or you can connect Apple Support and use its mail-in service (Apple will mail you the shipping box) in case you don’t want to leave the house.

The service program will not fix other issues you have with your iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro, such as a cracked screen. In fact, if your iPhone has issues that prevent Apple’s ability to fix the earpiece issue, you’ll need to get those fixed beforehand.

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September 24, 2021 / Comments Off on iPhone 12 Earpiece Not Working for Calls? There’s a Free Fix
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Your AirPods Have a Cool New Feature. Here’s What You Need to Know

Apple has officially rolled out iOS 15, the latest software update to iPhone, and with it brought a bunch of new features to compatible iPhones. These features include a new way to manage and view your notifications (called Notification Summary), the ability to use Siri voice commands when you don’t have a Wi-Fi or LTE connection, a bunch of new privacy controls, and you can now FaceTime‌ call with people who don’t have an iPhone.

If you are an Apple Music subscriber and you listen to AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, Apple has rolled out an additional feature: support for dynamic head tracking with Spatial Audio.

Spatial Audio is Apple’s own immersive sound technology that uses the various sensors in AirPods Pro or AirPods Max and then creates a virtual space based on the location of the listener’s head and the device they are listening from (like an iPhone). Dynamic head tracking is a new feature that works on top of Spatial Audio, and makes it so that the music changes as you turn your head.

For example, if you turn your head left, the music that previously felt like it was coming straight at you will now sound more prominent in your right ear. And the opposite will happen if you turn your head to the right with your left ear. The idea is to simulate a real concert experience so that as you move around, the music changes and it sounds more lifelike and immersive.

You can only experience Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking if you’re listening to Apple Music, wearing one of Apple ‘s more expensive AirPods, and listening from a compatible iPhone or iPad. (Apple is expected to bring this feature to Macs and Apple TV when those software updates roll out, too. )

How to disable Dynamic Head Tracking on AirPods Pro/Max

That said, not everybody who listens to Apple Music and wears AirPods Pro or AirPods Max will want dynamic head tracking — they might prefer the more traditional and straightforward stereo experience. Fortunately, Apple will let you turn dynamic headphone tracking on or off in. Here’s how:

Open the Settings app.

Select Accessibility,

Select AirPods.

Scroll down to the “Spatial Audio Head Tracking” section.

To disable dynamic head tracking, select “Off.”

(In addition to turning dynamic head tracking off, you also have the option to turn it on for both audio & video content or just when you’re watching video content.)

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September 23, 2021 / Comments Off on Your AirPods Have a Cool New Feature. Here’s What You Need to Know
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Microsoft’s Surface Line Is Still Blazing Its Own Trail

Today at a virtual event, Microsoft announced the latest products in its Surface line ahead of the upcoming release of Windows 11 this fall. Present were whole host of flagship products from the Surface Pro 8, the latest in Microsoft’s flagship convertible line, to the Surface Duo 2, the software giant’s second swing at a folding phone with a hinge. But the biggest announcement, and the one that best sums up Microsoft’s broader strategic mission, is the new Surface Laptop Studio.

The latest addition to Microsoft’s Surface Laptop line, the Studio marks an evolutionary divergence from its forbears. The previous king of Microsoft’s laptop lineup, the Surface Book, had a completely detachable screen, complete with a hefty keyboard attachment that packed extra guts to increase performance power when the two were Voltroned together. The rest of Microsoft’s “Surface Laptop” line, meanwhile, has a traditional, non-transforming form factor.

Surface Laptop Studio

microsoft.com

$1,599.99

With the Surface Laptop Studio, Microsoft is taking inspiration from its enormous monitor-sized all-in-one Surface Studio to inform the future of its line of top-tier laptop-like devices. Instead of detaching (or just folding down) the Surface Laptop Studio’s screen pivots forward in front of the keyboard and can even lie flat. But its screen is just 14.4 inches instead of 28.

Sporting a quad-core 11th Gen Intel H35 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and an option for discrete graphics in the form of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX3050 Ti , the Surface Laptop Studio is angled towards the high performance crowd and, notably, not really trying to be especially thin. Its significant terrace of cooling vents is clearly visible at a glance. Its overall thickness of just under 19mm (just shy of .75-inches) is by no means dictionary-grade girth, but it is a bit chunkier than the 2020 M1 MacBook Pro 13’s just over 15mm (just over .6-inch) thickness — which is all but destined to decrease, maybe significantly, when new MacBook bodies designed from the ground up for the M1 chip drop later this year.

And that’s because the Surface Laptop Studio is a different kind of device, attempting to succeed on different terms. Where Apple has taken a turn towards mobile with its in-house M1 chips build on ARM’s tablet-first architecture, Microsoft is taking the opportunity to lean the other way and cast its lot with Intel and make a device that’s (slightly) more at home on kitchen tables than in messenger bags. Granted, this particular transforming trick dates back to the early days of the first convertible Windows 8 laptops, but it’s still a comparatively novel approach to building a great laptop versus “let’s make it as thin as humanly possible.”

The Surface Laptop Studio is compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2 which it can store and charge, if you buy it separately.
Microsoft

It’s a reflection of Microsoft’s broader strategy to build Surface products that play to its strengths and offer a little variety instead of attempting to beat competitors on the terms they’ve set. The Surface Laptop Studio is no MacBook. Likewise, the Surface Duo, with its folding form factor but two separate screens, is no Samsung Galaxy Fold. And, if anything, it’s the iPad Pro that’s inching towards an attempt to beat the Surface Pro on Microsoft’s terms.

Microsoft’s approaches aren’t always an instant success. The first Surface Pro in 2013 was a chunky bugger with an awkwardly small screen, and the first Surface Duo, despite its promise, reviewed as something of a buggy mess. But historically they’ve been refreshing, unique and often, ultimately, successful. It appears Microsoft is more than happy with how that approach has played out so far.

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September 22, 2021 / Comments Off on Microsoft’s Surface Line Is Still Blazing Its Own Trail
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Forget the Apple Glass, Xiaomi Confirms Development Of Its Smart Glasses Concept

In 2011, Google billed augmented reality as the next big thing in technology. Many others soon followed suit and launched similar platforms aimed at tech-savvy consumers. Except for Microsoft’s HoloLens, everything else ended up largely forgotten. Xiaomi believes the market is now ready for a new pair of Smart Glasses, minus the limitations of its predecessors.

The HoloLens and its subsequent version may be the best you can get at the moment, but it’s hardly portable. You need to hook it up to a PC and it is quite expensive for casual use. Rumor has it Apple is working on AR glasses as well. However, Xiaomi’s announcement comes as a big surprise and could potentially hit retailers ahead of the competition.

From a design aspect, the Smart Glasses look like an average pair of eyewear. Instead of a projector and prism combo, Xiaomi proposes the use of another type of imaging technology. To shave off unnecessary bulk and weight from the frame microLEDs become the key components here.

This allows the integrated display unit to remain legible even under direct sunlight. The Smart Glasses ditches colors for a monochrome setup to improve the peak brightness. Meanwhile, the panel is equipped with an optical waveguide system from images the human eye can see.

According to Xiaomi, the device “functions as a new smart terminal with independent operating capability.” Therefore, this implies that even without a smartphone, the wearable is capable of versatile functionalities.

There’s a 5-megapixel forward-facing camera that can take photos, videos, and translate text in real-time. The Smart Glasses boasts Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity, touch controls, a quad-core ARM chipset, and batteries in a 51g package. Moreover, Xiaomi says it will run on Android, but likely with some customizations.

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Images courtesy of Xiaomi

September 18, 2021 / Comments Off on Forget the Apple Glass, Xiaomi Confirms Development Of Its Smart Glasses Concept
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Top 10 Xbox Game Pass Games to Play in 2021

With the launch of the new Xbox series X|S and PS5, things have gotten a lot spicier in terms of game developers trying to take full advantage of the new technology and making games as badass as they possibly can. And while the list for the new console games goes on and on. I have gathered up the top 10 Xbox Game Pass games that you should definitely play in 2021.

Sunset Overdrive

Sunset Overdrive is the first game on my list, and it’s a pleasure to play. Now this game has beyond all degrees of lunacy, and it appears that the makers only had ONE GOAL in mind: to make the game as enjoyable as possible, with no regard for logic!

The game has a plethora of powerful and deadly weapons, as well as a fun and unusual physics system, some interesting characters, and a gorgeously designed setting. Inside the game, there’s a lot going on, from player ziplining to blowing each other up with rockets! So, if you’re searching for a good time and you have the Game Pass, this one is a no-brainer!

Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves started out as kind of a failure for many but the game has changed a lot since then and the developers have been adding new and fun features to the game to keep the players interested. Now that the game is available on Game Pass, you can get started with a Sea of Thieves account and battle it out with your friend online.

I enjoy the game’s unique gameplay and fighting system, in which, unlike other typical multiplayer shooters, you must work together to discover places using your compass, use the same weaponry as any other player in the game, and sail your own ship while battling other players!

Knockout City

When it comes to wild games, Knockout City is the most exhilarating adrenaline-fueled multiplayer game that brings back memories of your childhood sport “dodgeball” in the most surprisingly enjoyable way! Knockout City, unlike any other dodgeball game, blends the old beat’em up with a current touch of Battle Royale games, resulting in a game that gets you all psyched up!

In the blink of an eye, everything may spiral out of control. There’s so much going on in the game, and while learning how to use the controls is simple, mastering it is as challenging as it gets! There are a variety of game types to choose from, including team deathmatch, that will make you feel perfectly at home!

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order

This Star Wars-inspired game from Respawn offers everything you could want: a wonderful plot, extremely gorgeous visuals, fast-paced action-packed gameplay, and some fantastic voice acting that adds to the sense of immersion that this game is attempting to create.

Despite the fact that I am not a huge fan of Star Wars games, this one, in particular, is a combination of everything that is wonderful about a lot of them. It doesn’t get any better than this if you enjoy single-player story games.

Outriders

When it was revealed that Outriders will be available on the Xbox Game Pass, it practically took the gaming industry by storm. Outriders is one of the greatest looter/shooter games published this year, and how could it not be when it comes from the venerable Square Enix?

As you battle your way through a swarm of opponents, you’ll feel a continual surge of adrenaline as you use not just your weapons, but also some cool-looking abilities to shred your foes apart! This AAA blockbuster is unquestionably one of the greatest games on Xbox Game Pass, and it will keep you glued to your screen for hours! I hope you do have a game pass to grab the Outriders account to experience how great it can be.

Hades

Roguelike games are one of the oldest gaming genres, and they remain popular to this day. In addition, if you enjoy roguelike games, Hades is a must-play. This game has some of the most unusual but appealing graphics, as well as an equally thrilling action-packed gameplay and level generating system that will put your gaming abilities to the test!

This hack and slash roguelike from Supergiant Games is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, and now that you have a game pass, you’ll be able to discover just how intricate this Greek mythology-based game is! If this were a ranking of the best roguelike games, this game would be at the top of the list without a doubt.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is likely the only 2D platformer on this list, and for good reason: when it comes to stunning visuals, captivating sound effects, a compelling story, fluid gameplay, and pretty much everything else that makes a game a true masterpiece, Ori and the Will of the Wisps has it all!

This all-in-one bundle has some of the most addicting gameplay you’ve ever seen in ANY game! The game takes you on a wild adventure through some wonderfully created regions populated by massive creatures. The EXTREMELY fluid battle animations are one of my favourite aspects of this game. It basically makes everything better by a factor of a hundred!

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza has been out and around for years now but many of us haven’t actually played any of the games in the series and that is why it feels too late to start now. But fortunately, Like a Dragon allows you to dive into this carefully constructed game, which transports you to the realm of crime lords and requires you to do a variety of tasks in order to proceed through this winding tale.

Like a Dragon is an amazing thriller for anybody looking for action-packed battle scenes, a compelling plot, and memorable characters; this game checks all the boxes!

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Now, I’m sure you’ve heard about this game before, but if you weren’t convinced to play it before, if you have a game pass, you should certainly check it out now. Hellblade depicts the narrative of a young Viking warrior who travels to Helheim, a genuine hellhole, in order to rest her lover’s soul!

With the way the storey evolves and how Senua’s journey links the players to the heroine and the way her choices and suffering touch you, the game genuinely pushes the envelope. Hellblade also features some of the greatest graphics and environment settings of any game, completely immersing you in a manner that no other game can.

Plague’s Tale

A Tale of the Plague For a variety of reasons, Innocence is one of my favourite games on this list. This triple-A movie-like game, set in an alternate past, tells the storey of two young aristocratic siblings caught up in politics and religion while seeking to discover a cure for the Bubonic plague.

This story-driven game puts you in the shoes of two disadvantaged siblings who must rely on their wits and stealth to remain alive. Plague’s Tale is a fantastic game that takes you on a trip full of secrets, riddles, and emotions!

September 17, 2021 / Comments Off on Top 10 Xbox Game Pass Games to Play in 2021
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