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5 features we hoped Apple would introduce at WWDC23
Apple previewed some neat additions across its operating systems during WWDC23, but there are many we're still waiting for.
During WWDC23, Apple previewed iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and watchOS 10. And while these operating systems include some welcome additions and changes, many features we've been hoping for didn't make it through. After all, the Cupertino firm has been focusing its efforts on visionOS for its new Vision Pro headset, so the other operating system updates were lackluster for the most part. But WWDC24 is a new opportunity for the company to finally introduce some of our most highly-requested features.
12 essential tips for streaming TV on an iPhone
Streaming TV on an iPhone can be a better, more comfortable experience than you realize if you check out these essential tips for improving.
It’s ironic that while we have the “go big or go home” mentality for our TVs, many of us wouldn't hesitate to watch a full-length movie on a tiny smartphone screen. It’s not uncommon to see people watching TV shows and movies on a phone or tablet while commuting to via public transit, traveling by plane, or even relaxing in bed at home.
4 reasons I use a rugged case for my phones, and why you should too
Your phone deserves better protection, and a rugged case is the most reliable way to get that.
One of the changes I've come to notice after using/reviewing almost every major smartphone over the past seven years is how these devices have evolved to become fragile glass sandwiches. Smartphones nowadays have fewer parts that can move or cause a ruckus like slide-out mechanisms or removable batteries, but they've become more vulnerable to damage and scuffs thanks to shrinking bezels around the displays and glass panels on both the front and back. That's exactly why you need a case — a tough one at that — to guarantee your phone survives whatever insanity your life throws at it.
Best new Apple health and wellness features announced at WWDC23
Among the many software and OS updates Apple announced at WWDC 2023 were plenty in the health and wellness space.
Health and wellness are so important nowadays, not only pertaining to physical health but also mental health. It’s no surprise then that smartwatches, fitness trackers, mindfulness apps, smart scales, and other tech have been gaining steam over the past decade.
WWDC23 was jampacked with announcements. While iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma pack fewer additions than typical annual OS bumps, we actually got some exciting hardware reveals. So while the conference usually focuses on upcoming software releases, we got a surprisingly well-rounded keynote with plenty of announcements. I was disappointed by the lack of meaningful software news, but that doesn't mean there wasn't stuff to be excited about.
6 iOS 17 features I'll probably use the most
iOS 17 has so many cool features, but there are a few practical ones that I suspect will become part of my routine.
Apple’s WWDC 2023 was chock-full of announcements across the board for all existing Apple products and categories, and even some new ones (how about that Apple Vision Pro?) As an iPhone user who relies on my phone for day-to-day communication, productivity, entertainment, and just about everything else, I was particularly excited to hear about the new features that will be coming with iOS 17.
3 watchOS 10 features I want to see on Wear OS
Though Wear OS smartwatches are generally my wearable of choice, I do have a few features I want Google to bring over from watchOS
Most of my smartphone life has been on Android. While I did pick up a used iPhone 13 Pro Max and Apple Watch Series 7 for research purposes, I'm still firmly in the green bubble camp. However, I am genuinely envious of how well Apple devices work together across its entire product line.
Gizmo Watch 3 kids smartwatch review: Basic and secure, with a touch of fun
Verizon's latest smartwatch for kids doesn't stray far from its predecessor but makes some meaningful changes for kids and parents.
Smartwatches have become a very common accessory for adults, and kids are beginning to sport these devices too. While you can do a quick search on Amazon or any other retailer, and you'll likely find a sizable list of watches that claim to be for children. Some will be more of a toy, and others will offer connectivity, but you need to be wary of the latter since they can be quite unsafe. However, there are plenty of excellent smartwatches for kids, and the latest Gizmo Watch 3 from Verizon is one of them.
Telly is giving away free TVs, but you definitely shouldn't take one
A free TV might sound like an amazing proposition, but no piece of tech is worth surrendering your privacy.
Flat-screen TVs have come back down to earth in pricing, and some sizes and brands can be had for as low as $100. But the best high-quality panels can still be pricey, and top-of-the-line equipment costs thousands of dollars. With the way the economy is turning in many regions these days, people might not have a couple hundred bucks to spend on a new TV. That is what Telly, a new television company started by Pluto TV founder Ilya Pozin, is banking on.
iPadOS 17 beta 1 hands-on: Apple is failing to evolve the iPad's 'unique' identity
iPadOS 17 beta 1 doesn't offer many exclusives in the iPad department. It's mostly catching up with what's available on iOS.
With the release of version 13.0, Apple rebranded iOS on iPad to iPadOS. The move aims to distinguish between the latest iPhones and iPads by offering the latter product category a unique, independent identity. Since then, iPadOS has gained a few exclusive features that bring the tablet closer to becoming a PC replacement, such as Stage Manager. Does iPadOS 17 beta 1 actually contribute to this evolution? Not significantly. The experience remains largely familiar and unchanged.
The Pixel Fold has a history of Google's troubled hardware behind it
The Pixel Fold is a tough sell to me, but here's hoping it can outrun Google's rough history of quality control issues.
Google's long-rumored foldable phone is now official. The Pixel Fold is a $1,799 book-style foldable that's fitted with a traditional display on the outside with a much larger and more expensive folding screen inside. It's all set to go head-to-head with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4 — and the Galaxy Z Fold 5, which is all but confirmed to arrive later this year — with a similar form factor and premium features. I wish I could share the same level of excitement for the Pixel Fold as some of my friends and colleagues do, but I am only cautiously optimistic about it, and I blame Google's troubled hardware history for that.
Beats Studio Buds+ review: Not quite AirPods Pro, but close enough
The Beats Studio Buds+ are a big step up from the original Beats Studio Buds, but they aren't quite at the level of AirPods Pro.
Even as AirPods have become some of the best earbuds in the world, Apple has kept the Beats brand around following its 2014 acquisition. They've produced quality earbuds since then, like the Beats Fit Pro and the Beats Studio Buds. Now, two years after the Buds debuted, Apple has updated the product line with the Beats Studio Buds+. They're better than the original model in just about every way, and they're good enough to challenge the AirPods Pro 2.
iOS 17 beta 1 hands-on: A buggy delight that further alienates Android users
iOS 17 is a somewhat major update, but only if your social circle relies on Apple products.
We had been anticipating the official previews of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and watchOS 10 for months. And, finally, following the main WWDC23 keynote, we got to try out these operating systems for the very first time. While the public, stable releases are still around three months away, registered developers can now give the beta versions a spin on their compatible machines.
watchOS 10 beta 1 hands-on: Software that finally takes advantage of bigger screens
Apple Watches have been getting bigger for years, but it's only now that watchOS takes advantage of the newfound screen real estate.
In the months leading up to Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, where the company previews its upcoming software updates, I had become increasingly disappointed with my Apple Watch Ultra. There's no doubt that Apple's most expensive smartwatch is the most advanced fitness tracker the company sells, providing more thorough data points than standard Apple Watches. But, third-party integration of the Action Button didn't happen like I had hoped, and watchOS still felt like it was designed for smaller watches. That all changes with watchOS 10, which is the first watchOS update that really feels like it was made to maximize big-screen Apple Watches.
5 features Google Pixel should take from third party Android skins
Pixel's software is Google's "true" version of Android, but other Android versions have some great software ideas that Google should adopt.
Google's Pixel phones are critically acclaimed in two specific areas: camera performance and overall software. The former is well deserved, as Pixel phones have consistently ranked at or near the very top of any best smartphone camera lists despite never actually having the best camera hardware. But the unanimous praise for the Pixel software? I've always felt that was more of a reputation award. After all, Google makes Android, so its version of Android must be the best, right?
Spigen Tough Armor case review: The first case I purchase for my iPhone
No matter what iPhone model I buy, without hesitation, the first protective case I always order to protect it is the Spigen Tough Armour.
Through the years, I have had many smartphones, not to mention many non-smartphones, before those became a “thing.” Whenever I buy a new iPhone, I always take my own advice and invest in a protective case for it immediately. In fact, I’ll often order a case right after I buy the phone, so it arrives just in time to protect it right out of the box. This quick-buy case doesn’t always remain on my device for the duration of time that I own it, but the case I trust to protect my new investment is always the same: the Spigen Tough Armor.
The real reason I'm not excited about WWDC this year
Here's hoping the biggest WWDC brings a few surprises.
We're only a few hours away from the inaugural keynote of Apple's annual developer's conference, called WWDC. The company uses the show to share updates on the next versions of its operating systems and turns the spotlights to some key hardware announcements. Last year's keynote, for instance, was packed with a ton of announcements, and I expect nothing less from what is touted to be Apple's "biggest and most exciting" WWDC yet.
3 iOS features that blew away Android when they were announced at WWDC
Apple doesn't always arrive late to the party.
It's no secret that Apple tends to copy Android features years after Google debuts them. After all, the great iPhone maker tends to play it safe by not shocking its users. Consequently, it typically introduces new changes gradually, and it often takes its sweet time before deploying new technology. Despite that, there have been some instances where Apple beat Google at offering innovative additions. There were three specific ones where the company announced them in a big way: at WWDC, the company's big annual developer's conference.
Casetify Ultra Impact Case for iPad review: Good looks don't come cheap
Casetify makes a slew of cases that are more for design than protection. The Ultra Impact Case is the best of both worlds, but it's pricey.
Whenever you look to buy a device case, you have to find a balance between two factors: design and protection. There are plenty of cases that are sleek and look great, but they might not offer much in terms of protection. On the other hand, rugged cases that offer a lot of protection usually look bulky and dull. Casetify thinks it's found the perfect balance with its Ultra Impact Case, which is available for all the best iPads. The case features the unique designs that Casetify is known for, while also providing ample protection around the corners and edges.
7 best WWDC reveals of all time
We witnessed plenty of exciting announcements during past WWDCs, but these stand out.
WWDC23 is right around the corner, and our excitement continues to build. This time around, we're expecting Apple to reveal iOS 17, macOS 14, and a major watchOS 10 update. More importantly, though, we're anticipating the rumored mixed-reality headset, which could reshape the company's legacy going forward.