Urban Armor Gear Rugged 10K Wireless Power Bank review: Charger for when the going gets rough
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Robust Construction Sturdy stand Rubber cover on the connections Robust USB-C charging cable Cons No Qi2 support Rubber edges can be damaged under heavy use Our Verdict If you don’t need fast inductive charging, the Urban Armor Gear Rugged 10K Wireless Power Bank is a robust charger that isn’t afraid of harsh environments thanks to its covered ports. Its built-in stand and the robust charging cable are exemplary. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$99.96 Best Prices Today: Urban Armor Gear Rugged 10K Wireless Power Bank with Stand Retailer Price $99.95 View Deal $99.95 View Deal Urban Armor Gear $100 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Rugged 10K Wireless Power Bank features the typical hexagonal design elements that Urban Armor Gear is known for. However, the plastic housing is fitted with a thick rubber bumper and the connectors are hidden behind rubber caps to protect them from dirt. The Rugged 10K meets the U.S. military drop test standard (MIL STD 810G 516.6) and the IPX6 standard. Its battery has a capacity of 10,000 mAh, with the inductive charging power at 10 watts; it charges at 20 watts through the USB-C port. I measured the 30-minute charging speed for inductive charging with an iPhone 15 at 23 percent and via USB-C at 52 percent. It’s fast via USB-C, but its wireless charging is average. Using USB-C, an 11-inch iPad Pro charged 28 percent in 30 minutes, and a M3 MacBook Air charged 16 percent. These are standard measured values for 20 watts. The inductive charging station is compatible with MagSafe and has a good grip. In addition to the USB-C port (which recharges the power bank in around two hours) there is also a USB-A port. The rubber caps sit very tightly on the connections. On the underside, the power bank has an activation button and a four-stage LED display. A wide folding stand is concealed at the back. The wide and robust construction of the stand ensures a good stand. A robust USB-C charging cable is included in the scope of delivery. Should you buy the Urban Armor Gear Rugged 10K Wireless Power Bank? The Urban Armor Gear Rugged 10K Wireless Power Bank is quite durable, which the the main reason you’d buy it. Its charging speed is good through USB-C, but its not a Qi2 chargers and its wireless charging speeds reflects that. Check out out guide to the best power banks for the MacBook.

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Best iPhone for seniors
Macworld The old trope that old people are hopelessly illiterate when it comes to technology is somewhat unwarranted. The home computer revolution is decades old at this point, and smartphones have been around for over 15 years. Seniors may not operate their smartphones as adroitly as their grandkids, but they aren’t just sitting around pining for the days of rotary dial phones. Social media has, in particular, provided a way for seniors to more easily keep in touch with family and connect with friends, and smartphones help make it all possible. It’s also an increasingly important part of healthcare services.  Seniors need iPhones, too, but they may have unique needs. They’re often on fixed incomes and may have difficulty reading small text, or suffer from arthritis or have other accessibility needs. The best iPhone for seniors is one that won’t cost an arm and a leg and will continue to be updated for at least a few years. Beyond that, we’re going to make two recommendations: a small iPhone for seniors who find large phones difficult to carry and manipulate, and a large iPhone for those who need larger text and images. 1. Apple iPhone SE (2022) Pros Low price Small size Touch ID Cons Small screen Single camera Price When Reviewed: $429 (64GB) | $479 (128GB) | $579 (256GB) Best Prices Today: $429 at Amazon$429 at Apple$429 at Apple United States The iPhone SE is a godsend for seniors or anyone on a fixed income. Starting at only $429/£429, you get an iPhone with an A15 processor (same as the iPhone 13 and 14). Battery life runs around 15 hours, so they will need to remember to plug the iPhone in at the end of the day. Even with just a single lens, the camera is quite good with features like Deep Fusion for better low-light photography, and Photographic Styles if they want to get creative. Some seniors will find Touch ID easier to deal with than Face ID (especially if their previous smartphone was an older iPhone). The iPhone SE is small. If a senior is coming from an iPhone 8 or older, that size will be familiar and comfortable. However, the small 4.7-inch display may be too small for someone with failing eyesight. The iPhone SE supports 5G and comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB capacities. We’d usually dissuade buyers from the 64GB model if they are likely to take a lot of photos and store music on the device. Since the 128GB model only costs $50/£50 more we recommend the extra storage, but you could instead set them up with an iCloud account for additional storage. Read our full Apple iPhone SE (2022) review 2. Apple iPhone 14 Pros Price Display size Face ID Cons Older processor Price When Reviewed: £599 (was £699) Best Prices Today: $629 at Apple$829 at Visible Not every senior wants such a iPhone as small as the iPhone SE. An iPhone with a larger display will be much easier for old eyes to see clearly. There is big and there is bigger though. If it’s the biggest iPhone you want then there is a Plus version of the standard handset with a 6.7-inch screen, but if that is too heavy then the best choice is one of the 6.1-inch iPhones. That could include the iPhone 16, iPhone 15, or iPhone 14. We’re recommending the iPhone 14 as the top choice here primarily because it represents the best value for money right now. At $599/£599 it costs $200/£200 less than the iPhone 16, and $100/£100 less than the iPhone 15. The iPhone 14 offers the same A15 chip that’s in the iPhone SE), but the iPhone 14 has a dual camera system. It can also shoot 4K video at 60 fps. The iPhone 14 also offers Emergency SOS via satellite, Crash Detection, Roadside Assistance via satellite, and Messages via satellite–that’s a lot of stuff not on the iPhone SE. That processor is more than fast enough for email, checking social media apps, taking pictures, making FaceTime calls, and everything else a senior wants an iPhone for. And it’ll still get several years of iOS software updates. Face ID might take a little getting used to if the user is used to Touch ID and the Home button, but could prove to be an easier way to secure an iPhone for those with arthritis. Read our full Apple iPhone 14 review 3. Apple iPhone 15 Plus Pros Large 6.7-inch screen Lightest large screened iPhone Cons Bulky and heavier than smaller iPhones Price When Reviewed: $799 (was $899) Best Prices Today: $829 at Apple$829.99 at Best Buy The large display of one of the Plus-sized iPhones will be much easier for old eyes to see clearly. Excluding the iPhone 16 Pro Max, there are three choices with a 6.7-inch screen here: the iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 16 Plus. Again, you can save $100/£100 by buying the iPhone 15 Plus (at $799/£799) instead of the newer iPhone 16 Plus (at $899/£899). This time we recommend spending the extra money if there is budget available because the iPhone 15 generation is a leap ahead of the iPhone 14 in terms of processor and camera. Another reason to choose the iPhone 15 Plus: it is lighter than the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 Plus. But if you’d prefer to save the money we don’t think you would be disappointed with the iPhone 14 Plus. Read our full Apple iPhone 15 Plus review For more advice about accessories for your Mac, iPad or iPhone see all our Best Picks.

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Torras Ostand 360° Spin Fusion MagSafe Case review: iPhone 16 case, stand, and grip
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Rotatable metal ring MagSafe compatible Generous cut-out for Camera Control Good grip thanks to the textured surface on the frame Cons Not particularly colourful Buttons rattle a little Our Verdict The Torras Ostand 360° Spin Fusion MagSafe Case is a solid case for the iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max with a unique twist. The metal ring on the back serves as a magnet to align the case properly on MagSafe chargers, and it can be folded out and rotated. This allows it to be used as a stand on surfaces and as a holding aid in the hand. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$45.99 Best Prices Today: Torras Ostand 360° Spin Fusion MagSafe Case Retailer Price $41.39 View Deal Torras $46 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Torras brand is no stranger to third-party providers of iPhone cases, and neither is the specific Torras 360° Ostand Spin model, which has been around since the iPhone 13. This year, of course, sees a refresh for the iPhone 16 generation. I tested the Ostand 360° Spin Fusion MagSafe Case on an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Camera control: Cut-out, not a button Not much has changed since the introduction of the 360° Ostand Spin, apart from the size. Last year, the cut-out for the mute button on the left-hand side disappeared and was replaced by a button for the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro. This year, a new cut-out has been added on the right-hand side for Camera Control on all the iPhone 16 phones. Eugen Wegmann Eugen Wegmann Eugen Wegmann In contrast to Apple and its subsidiary Beats, Torras does not rely on a sapphire glass button embedded in the case that forwards pressure and touch inputs from your finger to the Camera Control button, which is flush to the side of the iPhone, unlike the volume and Action buttons. The 360° Ostand Spin has a simple cut-out, like most manufacturers of affordable iPhone cases. I was sure that the “cutout versus a case button” issue would separate the wheat from the chaff when it came to cases. Only time will tell whether this proves to be the case (pun not intentded). At least with the 360° Ostand Spin the cut-out is very generous and at most minimally restricts the function of the camera controls. However, my fingers are not particularly large, so people with larger fingers will be happy with every millimeter of space around the camera button. Visually restrained The Torras case is visually appealing. It comes in four different colors that are similarly restrained as the colors of the Pro iPhones themselves. You can choose between black, grey, gold, and transparent. The transparent version differs from the other three in that it is made from a single mold, so to speak, and has a smooth surface all around. The four colours of the Torras case next to each other on a white table.. …and again side by side with an iPhone 16 Pro Max in Titan Desert Sand inside. The color variants are visually more interesting than the transparent version. The frame comes in the designated color and has a surface texture that is slightly reminiscent of (artificial) leather, which gives the case a nice grip. The metal ring on the back is also completely colored. Barely visible: the Apple on the back of the iPhone 16 Pro Max in the black case. Barely visible: the Apple on the back of the iPhone 16 Pro Max in the black case.Eugen Wegmann Barely visible: the Apple on the back of the iPhone 16 Pro Max in the black case.Eugen Wegmann Eugen Wegmann The back is made of hard plastic and is somewhat reminiscent of frosted glass. Depending on the variant, it is colored a little more strongly, but is still generally translucent, so that the color of the iPhone shines through slightly and the Apple logo also shimmers through–it;s the most visible with the “golden” case and the least with the black one. (Golden is in quotes because the gold of the case is just as little golden as that of the iPhone 16 Pro in titanium desert sand.) Eugen Wegmann Eugen Wegmann Eugen Wegmann Integrated stand The most interesting thing about the 360° Ostand Spin is the magnetic ring that gives it its name, which is embedded in the back. It can be extended out, tilted, and rotated through 360 degrees whereby it snaps neatly into place every quarter turn. When extended out, the ring functions as an integrated iPhone stand in horizontal or vertical orientation. The resistance of the hinge is great enough to ensure that even the heavy iPhone 16 Pro Max stands securely and the stand does not give an inch under the weight. Eugen Wegmann Eugen Wegmann Eugen Wegmann The ring also serves as a magnet for alignment on MagSafe chargers. Unfortunately, the magnet is not strong enough to hold an iPhone 16 on metallic surfaces. That would have been a nice bonus. Eugen Wegmann Eugen Wegmann Eugen Wegmann On the whole, the workmanship is pretty good. The case fits with millimeter precision and since it also completely encloses the underside, it holds much better than Apple’s own cases and the new Beats cases. The latter have a wide cut-out that runs almost from edge to edge. However, it is also quite a struggle remove the iPhone because the case is quite stiff. My only criticism is of the buttons: they sit quite loosely in their recesses and rattle audibly when you shake the case, with or without the iPhone in it. Should you buy the Torras Ostand 360° Spin Fusion MagSafe Case? The Torras Ostand 360° Spin Fusion MagSafe Case is a solid case for the iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. The workmanship of the Torras Ostand 360° Spin Fusion MagSafe Case is good and the fit on the iPhone 16 Pro Max that I tested with is quite tight. Like many other manufacturers, Torras solves the problem with the Camera Control button by implementing a generous cut-out. In terms of color, the case is based on the “colourfulness” of the Pro iPhones: very restrained. Be sure to check Macworld’s guide to the best cases for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

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iPhone 16 users frustrated by severe idle battery drain
iPhone 16 and 16 Pro owners are complaining of excessive idle battery drain, causing their phones to run out of juice in just a few hours. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Trump Says Tim Cook Called Him To Complain About the EU
An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Verge: Donald Trump said Apple CEO Tim Cook called him to discuss the billions of dollars that Apple has been fined in the European Union. Trump made the statement during his appearance on the PBD Podcast -- and said that he won't let the EU "take advantage" of US companies like Apple if reelected. "Two hours ago, three hours ago, he [Cook] called me," Trump said. "He said the European Union has just fined us $15 billion... Then on top of that, they got fined by the European Union another $2 billion." In March, the EU fined Apple around $2 billion after finding that Apple used its dominance to restrict music streaming apps from telling customers about cheaper subscription deals outside the App Store. The EU later won its fight to make Apple pay $14.4 billion in unpaid taxes. "He [Cook] said something that was interesting," Trump said. "He said they're using that to run their enterprise, meaning Europe is their enterprise. "I said, 'That's a lot... But Tim, I got to get elected first, but I'm not going to let them take advantage of our companies -- that won't, you know, be happening.'" Trump has talked to several Big Tech executives over the past several months. "During an interview this week, Trump said he spoke with Google CEO Sundar Pichai to complain about all the 'bad stories' the search engine shows about him," notes The Verge. "Elon Musk recently spoke at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, while Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg called Trump over the summer 'a few times,' according to the former president." Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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How to use the Finder Erase Disk command in macOS Sequoia
The original Mac let you erase disks right on the Desktop, with the feature returning thanks to macOS Sequoia. Here's how to use it.macOS's new Eject Disk command.When the original Mac was released in 1984, its desktop allowed users to perform common actions simply by pointing to and clicking on items. This paradigm most people are now familiar with survives today in macOS and other operating systems.The first Macs didn't have SSD or hard drives, but used small 3.5-inch floppy disks - small magnetic discs encased in a plastic shell with a sliding metal door for access. These disks were usually blank with nothing on them, but the original Mac OS and third-party software shipped on floppies. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Oppo shows off ColorOS 15, full of smooth animations and lots of iOS… ‘inspiration’ [Video]
Ahead of a rollout starting in November, Oppo has revealed ColorOS 15 with some big UI changes, but also a lot of… let’s say “inspiration” from iOS. more…

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Developers now required to provide public address and phone number for EU App Store
As we reported in August, a change coming to the App Store in the European Union would force developers to provide a public address and phone number that would become visible to customers in the region. As of today, the change has come into effect and developers are required to provide this data to Apple. more…

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Instagram now lets you quickly add a song to your Spotify library
Instagram and Spotify on Thursday announced an update to both apps that will bring new integration to make their users’ lives a bit easier. Instagram users will now have a quick and easy way to add songs they like to their Spotify library with just a few taps. more…

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Apple Original Films unveils trailer for ‘Bread & Roses’
Apple Original Films on Thursday unveiled the trailer for “Bread & Roses,” a powerful new documentary offering a window into the seismic… The post Apple Original Films unveils trailer for ‘Bread & Roses’ appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Feature request: Stage Manager for iPad mini 7 when connected to an external display
Since iOS 9, iPads have had a basic multitasking system where users can split the screen between two apps. However, with iPadOS 16, Apple has finally allowed some models of iPads to run apps in windows with Stage Manager. The main requirement for Stage Manager was RAM, and now that the has more RAM, I think Apple should bring Stage Manager to it somehow. more…

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Which iPhone has the best camera?
Macworld Every year without fail, the new iPhone delivers one of the best cameras on any smartphone. Basically, any iPhone you buy—even the previous year’s model—will snap excellent photos and record videos in stellar quality. It’s that consistency, along with the popularity of Macs among photo and video professionals, that makes the iPhone so popular among photographers and videographers. Whether you’re a pro or just an enthusiast, the iPhone that is best for photography is almost always the newest one—but that also tends to be the most expensive option, so is that the model you should buy? While the top of the range iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max both offer advanced cameras and impressive technologies that will result in professional-looking photographs, the other iPhones still take excellent photos and are worthy of consideration. We will run through the current iPhones that Apple is selling now, along with some iPhones from the past few years. This way we can advise on the best iPhone for photography that fits within your budget.  Apple iPhone 16 Pro Read our review Price When Reviewed: $999 Best Prices Today: $999 at Apple | $999.99 at Best Buy You may also like to read our iPhone buying guide and our iPhone comparison. How the iPhone cameras compare Every year, with each new iPhone, Apple improves the camera and video features of its iPhones. We’ll begin with an overview of the camera specs for the current iPhone models, before going on to look at the camera features that Apple has introduced over the years.  With the iPhone 16 line, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have the same camera hardware, while the Pro models had different telephoto cameras last year. The Pro models differentiate themselves from the non-Pro models with the telephoto camera (as usual) and a sharper 48 megapixel ultra-wide camera. iPhoneMain cameraUltra WideTelephotoOptical ZoomiPhone 16 Pro/Max48MP, f/1.7848MP, f/2.212MP, f/2.80.5, 1, 2, 5xiPhone 1648MP, f/1.7812MP, f/2.20.5, 1, 2xiPhone 15 Pro Max48MP, f/1.7812MP, f/2.212MP f/2.80.5, 1, 2, 5xiPhone 15 Pro48MP, f/1.7812MP, f/2.212MP f/2.8 0.5, 1, 2, 3xiPhone 15 Plus48MP, f/1.612MP, f/2.40.5, 1, 2xiPhone 1548MP, f/1.612MP, f/2.40.5, 1, 2xiPhone 14 Pro Max48MP, ƒ/1.7812MP, ƒ/2.212MP, ƒ/2.80.5, 1, 2, 3xiPhone 14 Pro48MP, ƒ/1.7812MP, ƒ/2.212MP, ƒ/2.80.5, 1, 2, 3xiPhone 14 Plus12MP, ƒ/1.512MP, ƒ/2.40.5, 1xiPhone 14 12MP, ƒ/1.512MP, ƒ/2.40.5, 1xiPhone SE12MP, ƒ/1.80.5, 1xRecent handsets that are no longer sold by Apple are shown in italics, you may still be able to buy one of these models. Looking at the specs sheet you wouldn’t think the iPhone 16 offered an improvement over the iPhone 15, but its Ultra Wide camera supports macro photography, which is very popular. The cameras can now shoot spatial photos and video, too. “Hidden Gem” (water bead in leaf) by Jirasak Panpiansin (@joez19). Macro photograph, shot on iPhone 13 Pro Max. “Hidden Gem” (water bead in leaf) by Jirasak Panpiansin (@joez19). Macro photograph, shot on iPhone 13 Pro Max. Apple “Hidden Gem” (water bead in leaf) by Jirasak Panpiansin (@joez19). Macro photograph, shot on iPhone 13 Pro Max. Apple Apple The apertures are also a significant variation across iPhones, changing practically every generation as Apple tries to design an iPhone capable of even better low-light photography. An ƒ/1.6 aperture on the iPhone 15 will take in more light than the ƒ/1.8 aperture on the iPhone SE, for example. You may therefore be wondering if the ƒ/1.6 aperture would match the ƒ/1.5 aperture in the iPhone 14, but the aperture is only part of the story. In each generation, Apple also improves the camera sensor, image pipeline, and processing software. The iPhone 14 Pro gained a quad-pixel sensor that combines every four pixels into one large quad-pixel equivalent to 2.44 µm, and this is retained in more recent iPhones. Another benefit of the newer iPhone cameras is second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, which was a new feature of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, and is now only available in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This enhances the sensor-shift optical image stabilization found on the iPhone 15, 14 and the 13-series. The 5x zoom introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro Max make a huge difference in telephoto shots, and it is retained in both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. How the zooms compare: iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max How the zooms compare: iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max Simon Lohmann How the zooms compare: iPhone 14 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max Simon Lohmann Simon Lohmann However, if you don’t require a telephoto lens and you aren’t interested in macro photography, there are good options for photography fans among Apple’s less expensive iPhones.   What features do iPhone cameras have?  All iPhones are capable of taking good photographs thanks to Apple’s innovations in photography software and the processing that runs in the background. The Photonic Engine (which arrived with the iPhone 14 range) is a computational photography technology that can make low-light photos look better, among other things.  The Photonic Engine builds on the Deep Fusion software, which arrived with the iPhone 11. The Deep Fusion process involves the camera taking multiple shots with different exposures and combining them using AI to produce better images that the tiny sensors in a smartphone would otherwise be capable of.  Photographic Styles arrived with the iPhone 13 and also features on the iPhone SE (3rd generation). These are preset styles that are applied when you take a photograph, rather than adding a filter after the photo is taken. The benefit is that adjustments are applied to the right elements of an image—maintaining skin tones, etc—rather than to the whole image. The five presets are Standard, Rich Contrast, Vibrant, Warm and Cool and you can adjust Tone and Warmth for each. If you find a Photographic Styles you are happy with you can set it so your iPhone always uses it, saving you editing time later. You can of course edit your photos later using the filters in the Photos app.  New to the iPhone 16 line are second-generation Photographic Styles, which offer greater control over color and tone mapping with an easier interface. They can also be applied non-destructively after the shot is taken, and even changed, while the first Photographic Styles had to be applied as you took the photo. It’s a really big deal—proper application of the new Photographic Styles can allow you to produce iPhone shots let look a little more natural, contrast-y, and less over-saturated. A low-light photo taken with the iPhone 15 Pro. A low-light photo taken with the iPhone 15 Pro.Jim Martin / Foundry A low-light photo taken with the iPhone 15 Pro.Jim Martin / Foundry Jim Martin / Foundry With every generation, Apple seeks to improve low-light photography. This is no more apparent than in the automatic Night Mode settings that arrived in the iPhone 11 and have improved over the generations since. A Night Mode Portrait setting arrived with the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, and is available in all Pro models since. Speaking of portraits, Portrait Mode is available in iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later, iPhone X and later, and the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus. There is also a Portrait Lighting feature in the iPhone X and 8 Plus and later that allows you to select one of five effects to ‘light’ your portrait. You can adjust the depth of field for these portraits to create more or less background blur. Since the iPhone 15, you have been able to take regular shots and apply the portrait effect later if you wish, as they record depth information as well. The Portrait Mode also inspires Cinematic Mode for making videos on the iPhone. With this setting the camera can record video with a shallow depth of field, so that there is more focus on the subject. Cinematic Mode is available on the the iPhone 13-series and later.  Another video mode that arrived recently is Action Mode. A features of the iPhone 14-series, Action Mode lets you capture smooth video when you’re moving. Smart HDR has been around since the iPhone XS and XR in 2018, but with the 15 generation iPhone it’s now at Smart HDR 5. Those are some of the standout features that have arrived in recent years, but there is so much more. For example, Live Photos let you take 3 second captures with each picture so you can pick the still image you want, create a Gif-like effect, or just keep the short clip. You can make a QuickTake video by holding the shutter button on the iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and later. And, of course, every iPhone can shoot time-laps and slo-mo videos as well as square, Portrait, and pano photographs.  Are iPhones good for video? All iPhones currently sold offer 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps and Slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps. New to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max is 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 120fps. The differences relate to features like Cinematic mode on the iPhone 13 and 14-series (but on only in 4K HDR on the iPhone 14-series and up), ProRes and Macro video recording (only available on the Pro and Max iPhones, and HDR video recording, which is not available on the iPhone SE. The video recording features of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are superior to the previous generation, with the addition of Log video recording and the Academy Color Encoding System. ProRes video recording up to 4K at 120 fps with external recording equipment for these models too. An omission on the iPhone SE is Audio Zoom, which can help reduce background noise when recording and is present on iPhones 11 and later.  Features like Action Mode and Cinematic mode, mentioned above will no doubt prove useful to anyone making video with their iPhone.  Best iPhone Camera 1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Price When Reviewed: $999 Best Prices Today: $999 at Apple $999.99 at Best Buy The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have identical camera systems this year. They improve upon the iPhone 15 Pro Max with an upgraded 48 megapixel ultra wide camera, but the real improvements come from the addition of a new Camera Control button and improved software. The second-generation Photographic Styles are a big improvement over the previous version of the feature, giving you more creative control over how your photos and videos look. The Camera Control button can open your camera app (even third-party apps), acts like a shutter button, and can be tapped and swiped to adjust image controls like exposure or zoom. If you’re into video, you’ll appreciate the improved microphones, higher 120fps 4K frame rate, and AI-powered audio mix feature that lets you quickly produce videos that sound great. Read our full Apple iPhone 16 Pro review 2. Apple iPhone 16 Price When Reviewed: $799 Best Prices Today: $799 at Apple$829.99 at Best Buy Even better than the older Pro models is this year’s regular iPhone 16. Sure, it lacks a dedicated telephoto camera and it doesn’t shoot in ProRES video, but it can zoom in to a 2x optical image using the main camera’s 48 megapixel sensor. It supports the new Photographic Styles, has the Camera Control button, and now takes macro photos and video and Spatial video too. Between the Camera Control button, features like Audio Mix, and the new photographic styles, we’d take the regular iPhone 16 over the iPhone 15 Pro. Read our full Apple iPhone 16 review 3. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Price When Reviewed: Was $1,199 (Discontinued) Best Prices Today: $1099.99 at Best Buy$1199.99 at Target The iPhone 15 Pro Max model is much more than a big iPhone 15 Pro thanks to new camera tech including a 5X zoom on the telephoto camera. This is a big increase over the 3x/77mm telephoto camera on the iPhone 15 Pro. The digital zoom also increases from 15X to 25X. The new ultra-wide camera, in both of the pro iPhone 15 models, gains a new anti-glare lens coating and better night mode quality. You also get ProRes and Log color video recording plus the ability to shoot ProRAW photos. Read our full Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max review 4. Apple iPhone 15 Price When Reviewed: From $699 (Was $799) Best Prices Today: $729 at Apple$729.99 at Best Buy If you don’t need all the bells and whistles of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro still sounds a little bit expensive to you, the iPhone 15 is still a great option if you are looking for a good iPhone for photography. iPhone 15 has a dual-camera array with a wide-angle and ultra-wide camera, but Apple has upped the main camera’s megapixels from 12 to 48 with a quad-pixel sensor and 100 percent Focus Pixels for fast autofocus. Shots are saved in 24MP by default so it shouldn’t fill up all your memory. The iPhone 15 can take 2X telephoto shots despite not having a dedicated telephoto lens. Read our full Apple iPhone 15 review Further reading: iPhone camera tips to take better photos How to disable the camera shutter sound on an iPhone or iPad How to remotely control your iPhone’s camera

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9to5Mac Daily: October 17, 2024 – More Apple executive changes, new Apple Car details
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. more…

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SoundSource 5.7.2
Introduces a new Excluded Applications list to help troubleshoot issues and incompatibilities. ($39 new, free update, 42 MB, macOS 14.5+)

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Microsoft Office for Mac 16.90
Improves the Rewrite feature for the Copilot AI assistant to support fonts, lists, and original formatting. ($149.99 new for one-time purchase, $99.99/$69.99 annual subscription options, free update, macOS 12+)

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LaunchBar 6.20.1
Improves Quick Look's display plain text items in Clipboard History to use a larger font size. ($29 new, free update, 14.5 MB, macOS 10.14.6+)

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Lightroom Classic 14.0
Big update for the photo cataloging and editing app with several new features. ($9.99/$19.99/$59.99 monthly Creative Cloud subscription, free update, macOS 13.1)

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Little Snitch 6.1.2
Improves handling of connection errors in DNS encryption and fixes bugs. ($59 new, free update, 39.4 MB, macOS 14+)

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Fantastical 3.9.2
Brings a bevy of improvements and bug fixes to the calendar app. ($56.99 annual subscription, free update, 67.1 MB, macOS 11+)

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VMware Fusion 13.6.1
Maintenance update for the virtualization package with a few tweaky yet important updates. (Free/$149.99/$199.99 new, free update, macOS 13+)

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Apple TV+ announces Major League Baseball documentary event on the 2024 World Series
Today, Apple TV+ announced the first all-access docuseries exploring the World Series Championship. The new three-part documentary… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Developers Now Required To Share Phone Number and Address On EU App Store
An anonymous reader quotes a report from MacRumors: Apple today reminded developers that the EU trader requirement in the European Union is now being enforced. Developers who distribute apps in the EU will now need to share information that includes address, phone number, and email address on the EU App Store. Submitting updates for apps on the App Store in the European Union now requires trader information that's added via App Store Connect, with those details shared on each developer's App Store page. App updates can no longer be submitted without trader information, and starting on February 17, 2025, apps that do not have a trader status set will be removed from the App Store in the EU until trader status is provided and verified. The Digital Services Act (DSA) in the European Union requires Apple to verify and display trader contact information for all "traders" who are distributing apps on the App Store in the European Union. Developers who make money from the App Store through either an upfront purchase price or through in-app purchases are considered traders, regardless of size. Contact information for each developer that is considered a trader will be publicly available, and there will undoubtedly be some developers that are unhappy with the requirement. Independent developers and small companies may not have dedicated business addresses and phone numbers to provide, and will likely be reluctant to provide their personal contact information. You can learn more about the requirements on Apple's website. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Apple Pay and Apple Wallet Chief: Digital keys could come to rental vehicles
On the tenth anniversary of Apple Pay, the Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet has revealed new details about the future of contactless payments and digital keys on iPhones.The Vice President of Apple Pay revealed details about the future of contactless payments and digital keys on iPhones. Image credit: AppleApple's mobile payment service was launched on October 20, 2014, and the company recently celebrated 10 years since the feature's launch. Apple Pay made it possible to complete payments on an iPhone without the use of a physical card, but the service wasn't an instant hit.In an interview with The Points Guy, Jennifer Bailey, Apple's Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, explained that the company had to educate consumers and work with merchants to try and convince them to use the service. According to Bailey, Apple "worked really hard on getting a great consumer experience." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Security Bite: Hackers are now directing users to Terminal to bypass Gatekeeper in macOS Sequoia
9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In possibly a first since the release of macOS Sequoia, cybersecurity researchers have identified a new attack vector that sidesteps the usual “right-click open” in favor of something rather unusual. In a recent finding shared on social media, this new method involves tricking users into dragging and dropping malicious code (via a .txt file) directly into the Terminal. more…

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Get Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac, just $24.97
Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019 for Mac, with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and Teams Classic. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Best Apple Watch: Which Apple Watch to buy in 2024
Macworld Apple released only one new Apple Watch in 2024: the Apple Watch Series 10. It offers a refined design and a few modest upgrades over the Series 9. Apple did not update the Ultra 2, and instead just added a new color option. You can also still buy the Apple Watch SE from 2022. In this guide, we will help you decide which Apple Watch is best for you. We’ll compare the features, specs and price as well as offer advice on choosing cases, colors, and straps in our Apple Watch comparison chart so you can be confident you are choosing the right Apple Watch.  Here’s what you need to know before buying an Apple Watch.  What does an Apple Watch do? Practically every Apple Watch ever made has offered the same set of basic functions. Apple Watch can be used in conjunction with an iPhone (or separately if the user has a cellular contract) to:  Make or take phone calls  Read and send text messages Read and send emails Listen to music or podcasts Receive notifications relating to iPhone and Apple Watch apps  Use apps, such as Maps for navigation, a calculator or a compass Track fitness, including steps and calories burned Monitor your health, including heart rate Detect a fall or car crash Tell the time – especially if your watch has an always-on display (they don’t all offer that) Act as a flashlight (or torch)  Pay via Apple Pay  Track your sleep  The Apple Watch doesn’t need an iPhone to work, but it helps, and it is needed for initial setup. See: Does an Apple Watch work without an iPhone? There’s another choice to be made. Do you need an Apple Watch with cellular connectivity or not?  We examine GPS versus cellular in a separate article, read: Should I buy a cellular Apple Watch. If you choose a cellular version of the Apple Watch you’ll be able to leave your iPhone at home and use your Watch for making calls, receiving texts, and streaming music. Apple Watch can also support Family Setup if you are looking for a Watch for someone who doesn’t have an iPhone. Apple Watch comparison chart Apple Apple Apple Apple Watch SE 2Apple Watch Series 9Apple Watch Ultra 2Price from$249/£219$399/£399$799/£799Screen size44mm or 40mm46mm or 42mm49mmDisplay 1,000 nits2,000 nits3,000 nitsWeight40mm from 26.4g 44mm from 32.9g42mm from 30g   46mm from 36.4g61.4 gMaterials AluminiumAluminium or Stainless SteelTitaniumColorsMidnight, Starlight, SilverAluminium: Silver, Slate, Rose Gold, Jet Black. Titanium: Natural, GoldNaturalProcessorS8S10S9Battery lifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hours, Faster chargingUp to 36 hours, Fast chargingExtra featuresSiri, Find iPhone, Always-on display, double tap gesture, Faster on-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone Always-on display, double tap gesture, Faster on-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, Customisable Action button, Depth gauge and water temperature sensor, Dual speakers and three-mic array with beamformingHealth features Heart rate, Heart rhythm, Cycle Tracking, Sleep stagesBlood Oxygen, ECG, Heart rate, Heart rhythm, Temperature sensing, Cycle Tracking with ovulation estimates, Sleep stagesBlood Oxygen, ECG, Heart rate, Heart rhythm, Temperature sensing, Cycle Tracking with ovulation estimates, Sleep stagesSafety features Emergency SOS, Fall Detection and Crash DetectionEmergency SOS, Fall Detection and Crash DetectionEmergency SOS, Fall Detection and Crash Detection, SirenWater resistance 50 meters, Swimproof 50 meters, Swimproof 100 meters, Swimproof, High-speed water sports, dive to 40m Connectivity L1 GPS, cellular optionL1 GPS, cellular optionPrecision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5 GPS), cellular only Best Apple Watch Right now Apple sells three different Apple Watches, although there are different combinations of case and wristband that can make it seem like a bit of a minefield. These are the newest Apple Watches: the Apple Watch Series 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the Apple Watch SE 2. Generally, each Apple Watch offers a few more features than the one that came before it. Below we will run through the features available on each Apple Watch so you can see what you are getting for your money.   Apple isn’t the only place where you can buy an Apple Watch, and if you shop around you can still buy older models that Apple doesn’t sell. To get the best deal on an Apple Watch take note of the best prices shown below, you might also like to look at our roundup of the Best Apple Watch Deals. Apple Watch Ultra 2 Pros 1 to 3,000 nits brightness Ultra-only capabilities for extreme sports Double Tap Tough exterior Cons No price drop in the U.S. Only one size Price When Reviewed: $799 (base) Best Prices Today: $799 at Amazon$799 at Apple$799.99 at Target When it arrived in 2022 the Apple Watch Ultra was the ultimate Apple Watch. Designed for athletes and adventures it wasn’t the watch for everyone, but it went beyond the standard Apple Watch with features for divers (like depth gage, water temperature sensor, and water resistance to 100 meters) and features for hikers such as precision dual-frequency GPS. It is also constructed from tougher materials: a titanium case and a sapphire crystal cover for the screen.  The Ultra’s battery life is better than the standard series. For the 2022 models, it was up to 36 hours for the Ultra and 18 hours for the Series 8, and those figures are the same for the 2023 models. You can eke out even more battery life too, up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode, but again this is the same as 2022.  As for what’s different in the second-gen Apple Watch Ultra, like the Apple Watch Series 9 the 2023 Ultra features the S9 chip which is superior to the previous generation with 60% more transistors than the S8, a four core Neural Engine that is twice as fast than the S8, and 30 percent faster graphics. You might wonder why you need this power but it allows for things like smoother animations, faster and more accurate dictation, Siri on device and the Double Tap feature.  In 2022 the Apple Watch Ultra screen offered 2,000 nits of brightness. This has now increased to 3,000 nits (while the Series 9 now gets 2,000 nits). This should make it easier to see the screen in bright light, perhaps on the ski slopes. The always-on screen can also turn down to 1 nit so as not to disturb others.  Like the Series 10 the Ultra 2 offers the new U2 Ultra-wideband chip that enables Precision Finding to make it easier to find your iPhone. Rather than just ping with iPhone, you will get navigation instructions on the watch.  The original Ultra has the Action Button, to make controlling the Watch a bit easier, but the second-gen model goes a step further. Thanks to the new Double-Tap gesture you won’t have to touch the screen to control the Watch, useful if your other hand isn’t free. Just tap your thumb and index finger together and the gesture is recognized by the watch (via sensors and algorithms) so that the primary action of what ever app is showing will be triggered. You will also be able to use on-device Siri to do – like ask Siri to open Watch apps or check or input data.  Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Pros Bigger, easier-to-read display Faster charging Refined design Cons Still only 18 hours battery life Blood Oxygen unavailable in the U.S. Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: $377 at Amazon$382.99 at Walmart Electronics399 at Apple The Series 10 is a modest set of improvements over the Series 9, but Apple hasn’t changed the price so it’s still a better buy. Notably, the watch is now a tiny bit thinner and larger, just enough to make the display slightly easier to read (it’s got wider viewing angles, too). Performance hasn’t changed and neither has battery life, still rated at 18 hours, but there’s a new water temperature sensor and the ability to sense depth up to 6 meters. The premium model is now Titanium instead of Stainless Steel, which results in a big weight reduction. The titanium Series 10 is barely heavier than the aluminum model, while the stainless steel Series 9 was a lot heavier. The Series 10 charges faster, too. It will go from 0-80% in 30 minutes instead of 45 minutes, which is enough of a change to make a real difference. If you have a Series 8 or Series 9 this isn’t an upgrade you need, but it’s probably the best Apple Watch to get if it’s your first one or you’re coming from a much older model, unless you live the sort of life of adventure that necessitates the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) Pros Cheapest Apple Watch Crash detection Fall detection Cons Lacks many of the health sensors of the other Watches: no ECG, no O2 Smaller, cramped screen Price When Reviewed: $249 (GPS only) Best Prices Today: $189 at Walmart Electronics$199.99 at Target $249 at Amazon The Apple Watch SE which arrived in 2022 is the second generation SE, with the first being introduced in 2020. The 2022 Apple Watch SE introduced new features and component improvements compared to the original. Like the Series 8 and subsequent Watches, it offers Crash Detection and an improved Compass app. The heart sensor in the SE (old and new) is second-generation, while the Series 7 and above offer a third-generation heart sensor. The SE also lacks the temperature sensor for cycle monitoring. You also don’t get Blood Oxygen monitoring or the ability to perform an ECG. Like the Apple Watch Series 9 the SE comes in two sizes, but the screen is slightly smaller than the screen on the Series 9 (and the Series 8) at 44mm and 40mm, rather than 45mm and 41mm. This means the screen is a little bit more cramped, especially when compared to the Ultra’s 49mm screen. Speaking of the screen, the SE doesn’t offer an always-on display like the other watches, so if that is likely to be a point of frustration for you it’s a good reason to upgrade. Battery life is the same 18 hours as the Series 9 (and Series 8). Read our full Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) review How the new Apple watches compare  That’s an overview, but in a little more detail here’s how the features of each Apple Watch compare.  Size  When it arrived in 2022 the Apple Watch Ultra was the biggest Apple Watch Apple had ever sold. The 2023 model has the same 49mm case with a screen that is capable of displaying six lines of text, so you can see more information at a glance than you can on the other Apple Watches. The 49mm case allows for a 410 by 502 pixels screen.  You can see more text on the Apple Watch Ultra You can see more text on the Apple Watch UltraApple You can see more text on the Apple Watch UltraApple Apple But the new Series 10 is actually slightly larger in the 46mm model, with 1220 square millimeters of display area compared to the Ultra 2’s 1185 square mm. Prior to the Series 7, the Series 6 had a 44mm case that had been introduced with the Apple Watch Series 4. It is this case that features on the Apple Watch SE. The 44mm screen means there are 368 by 448 pixels on the display, for a size of 977 sq mm. Not everyone wants a big watch though. If you have slim wrists you might prefer a smaller case, in which case Apple offers a smaller variant of each watch (aside from the Ultra, which only has a 49mm case).  There is a 42mm case option available for the Series 10 with 374 by 446 pixels and an area of 989 sq mm. The Apple Watch SE offers a 40mm case with 324 by 394 pixels screen of 759 sq mm. The difference between the screen size in the 46mm model and the 44mm model, and the 42mm model and the 40mm model is a lot larger than the 2mm difference would suggest. Design  There may be three variants of the Apple Watch in 2023, but there are a number of combinations that mean that there are more design differences than you might expect.  As we explained above, there are five sizes to choose from if you consider all models: 49mm, 46mm, 44mm, 42mm and 40mm.  In addition to the sizes, Apple uses two different materials for the cases: aluminum for the Watch SE; aluminum or titanium for the Series 10; and titanium for the Ultra 2. For each case there is a choice of colors:  Aluminium comes in midnight, starlight, rose gold, and silver. Titanium is available in gold or natural on the Series 10, or natural and black on Ultra 2. As well as a choice of case color, you also have a vast choice of straps or bands to go with the Apple Watch, some are only compatible with certain Watch sizes (see: Do Apple Watch straps fit all models? Some add a considerable expense to the cost of the Apple Watch.  The Apple Watch Ultra has a choice of three straps designed to be rugged and suitable for extreme sports enthusiasts, these new straps can be used with the larger Apple Watches as well. Take a look at all the watch straps on offer on Apple’s site. We discuss the best Apple Watch straps and Apple Watch straps: how to find the perfect size separately. Durability  Various elements of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 design help it withstand altitudes, high temperatures, low temperatures, immersion, freeze/thaw, shock, and vibration. So if you want a watch that can be worn at a depth of 40 meters (it’s certified for scuba diving) the Ultra 2 will be the one for you. Also making the Ultra a little better able to withstand knocks is a sapphire front crystal display, around which raised edges of the case provide protection. The Apple Watch Series 9 (and 8) also features strong sapphire glass on the Stainless Steel models. There’s Ion-X screen glass on the aluminium models.  The Apple Watch Ultra can be used by divers The Apple Watch Ultra can be used by divers Apple The Apple Watch Ultra can be used by divers Apple Apple All three watches are “Swimproof” according to Apple, but they are not equal in this respect. The Apple Watch 10 and SE have a water resistance rating of 100 meters and Apple suggests that they can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. The Apple Watch Ultra has a water resistance rating of 50 meters and includes a Depth gauge and water temperature sensor. With these feature it’s no surprise that Apple states that the Ultra can be used for recreational scuba diving, however Apple adds that “Apple Watch Ultra should not be used for diving below 40 meters” and also points out that “water resistance can diminish over time”. The Ultra offers the same IP6X dust resistance as the Series 10. The SE does’t offer this certification. Display  When Apple describes the Apple Watch as being, for example, 44mm, that’s the case size, not the display size. The display area is as follows:  Apple Watch Ultra 2: 49mm, 1164 sq mm display area, 3,000 nits brightness Apple Watch Series 10: 46mm, 1220 sq mm display area, 2,000 nits brightness Apple Watch SE, 44mm, 977 sq mm display area, 1,000 nits brightness Apple Watch Series 19: 42mm, 989 sq mm display area, 2,000 nits brightness Apple Watch SE, 40mm, 759 sq mm display area, 1,000 nits brightness Both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Series 10 offer an Always-On display, a feature that was also shared by the Apple Watch Series 5 and later. The Apple Watch SE doesn’t offer an Always-On display.  The 2023 Ultra display offers up to 3,000 nits brightness, up from 2,000 in the previous generation. This beats the Series 10, which now has 2,000 nits, and SE which offers 1,000 nits brightness. This should make the Ultra easier to read in particularly bright light, for example, when skiing.  Health and Safety features  All the Apple Watches offer Car Crash detection, a feature that arrived in 2022. All the Apple Watches offer Car Crash detection, a feature that arrived in 2022. Apple All the Apple Watches offer Car Crash detection, a feature that arrived in 2022. Apple Apple Cycle Tracking: Just like the Series 10, the Ultra offers temperature sensing for Cycle Tracking, which was a new feature introduced with the 2022 Watches that should help women trying to get pregnant identify when they have ovulated. Blood Oxygen: You’ll also find the Blood Oxygen app (which arrived with the Series 6) in the Ultra and Series 10 Watches. Measuring blood oxygen can alert the wearer to any reduction of oxygen in their bloodstream and can help with management of conditions like asthma. This isn’t available in the SE. Due to a patent battle, this feature is disabled in watches sold and used in the United States, though it may return via a software update in the future. ECG: The Apple Watch 10 and Ultra offer the ECG app (introduced with the Series 4). The 2022 SE can’t perform an ECG (electrocardiogram), but it can notify you of high and low heart rate and irregular heart rhythm, as can the other Watches.  Crash Detection: In 2022 Apple Watches gained the ability to detect a car crash. This feature means that if you are in a severe car crash while wearing any Apple Watch from 2022 or above, the Watch will detect the impact and dial emergency services if you are unresponsive (you’ll get a 10-second warning).  Fall Detection: Another safety features that is shared by all the Apple Watches is Fall Detection (the feature arrived with the Apple Watch Series 4). If the watch identifies that you have fallen it will sound an alarm and display an alert so you can confirm if you are ok. If you aren’t ok the watch can call the emergency services. If you don’t have a cellular plan for your Apple Watch you will need your connected iPhone to be nearby for the call to be placed.  Siren: This safety feature is unique to the Ultra (1 and 2). That model can play a 86-decibel siren that is audible up to 600 feet (182 meters), handy if you get lost on a mountain. Compass & Backtrack: Speaking of mountaineering, the new 2022 Watches gained an improved Compass app with and Backtrack feature that should help you avoid getting lost. The Apple Watch Ultra 9 and 2) could be better at this job though because it features a new dual-frequency GPS that should make it better at positioning you because it won’t be affected by tall trees and buildings. If you are frustrated that your Watch can’t pinpoint your exact location when you are trying to use it for directions amid tall buildings this is a feature for you.  Sleep Tracking: The Apple Watches can also track your sleep and wake you up. Since watchOS 8 the Apple Watch has been able to track your breathing rate, notifying you of possible health issues. Specs  Chip: The 2023 Apple Watch Ultra 2 has the S9 chip and the Series 10 has the S10 chip, but they appear to be identical in performance The S8 chip in the SE (as well as in 2022’s Series 8 Apple Watch and the original Ultra) didn’t offer a significant power boost over the S7, which itself wasn’t a lot better than the S6. While the S6 delivered just a 20 percent boost in performance over the Series 5, which launched in 2019. GPS: Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and SE have L1 GPS, while the Apple Watch Ultra (1 and 2) offer Precision dual-frequency (L1 and L5) GPS. L1 GPS is the standard GPS, but it can be blocked by tall buildings and other obstacles. L5 GPS is more advanced and should cope better with buildings blocking the satellite signal.  U2: The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 both offer an upgraded ultra-wideband chip that will improve their ability to track the location of an object, such as the iPhone 15. This improves on the U1 chip in the Series 8 and Ultra 1. Note the Apple Watch SE is the only Apple Watch that doesn’t even include the U1 chip. Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connectivity is better in the Series 10 and Ultra: the SE offers only 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n, while the Apple Watch 8 and Ultra both added 5GHz Wi-Fi to that, as do the 2023 Watches. Double Tap on Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch 9 is probably the feature we are most excited about. Double Tap on Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch 9 is probably the feature we are most excited about. Apple Double Tap on Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch 9 is probably the feature we are most excited about. Apple Apple Battery life  The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers 36 hour battery life (as did the original Ultra). This is much more than the other Watches’ 18 hours. The Series 10 offers faster charging (0-80% in 30 minutes), an improvement over prior models’ fast charging (0-80% in 45 minutes). That 36-hour figure for the Ultra can be even higher though if you use the Low Power Mode you should be able to get up to 72 hours, according to Apple. This same Low Power Mode brings the Watch 9 battery life to 36 hours. That’s battery life measured in typical use, but athletes and other users might not be quite so typical. Apple says that there’ll be enough battery power to get users through a triathlon (that’s a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon of 26.2 miles). The problem for other Apple Watch users is that the battery would probably run down if you were tracking such extensive exercise.  Check out our roundup of the best Apple Watch chargers and docks. Which Apple Watch to buy  As you can see from the above, it’s not a simple case of being able to say a particular Apple Watch is the winner. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 clearly has the best features, but it’s big, perhaps too big, and it has a big price attached to it.  The Apple Watch Series 10 offers some enticing new features, and is probably the best choice for most users that don’t have specific need of the rugged outdoor qualities of the Ultra. The Apple Watch SE is Apple’s cheapest Apple Watch, starting at $249/£219, which will be a big point in its favor, but it’s not the cheapest Apple Watch ever sold. Apple used to sell the Apple Watch Series 3 for just $199/£179 for the 38mm version. The 2022 SE is cheaper than the 2020 generation though, which started at $279/£269. Along with a lower price, the SE also offers features such as Car Crash detection, but it lacks some of the health-related features that people are looking for.  It’s the health-related features that will probably stand out as the main differentiator between the SE and the Series 10, and this hasn’t changed from the previous generation. If the ability to check blood oxygen, take an ECG, and temperature monitoring, are important to you then it has to be the Series 10. If those aren’t something that you think you need then the SE will be quite sufficient.  And if you are off up a mountain, diving in the ocean, or heading out for a marathon, then the Ultra is the way to go.  Older Apple Watches  These Apple Watches were still being sold by Apple prior to September 2023. They have now been discontinued but you will possibly be able to buy a refurbished model from Apple’s Refurbished Store, or from one of the resellers below. Apple Watch Ultra  The original Apple Watch Ultra was sold for $799/£849 when Apple launched it in 2022. The new model has a lower price outside the U.S. so do be aware that if the price isn’t lower than the new model it’s not a good deal! This was the ultimate Apple Watch, but is it the watch for you? Apple designed it for athletes and adventures, so if that isn’t you maybe it would be overkill, or maybe you need the new features that the other Watches don’t offer, such as the better GPS and the larger screen. Retailer Price $699.99 View Deal $799 View Deal $799.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Apple Watch Series 8  The Apple Watch Series 9 is the successor to the Apple Watch Series 8. But the Series 8 could still be a good choice if you find it at a good price. It offers the ability to track temperature and detect car crashes. The Series 8 cost $399/£419 for the 41mm version and $429/£449 for the 45mm version when Apple still sold it–which, if you are outside the U.S., is more than the Series 9 costs now. If you want a cellular Apple Watch it costs an extra $100/£100. Retailer Price $379.99 View Deal $389 View Deal $399.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket

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Apple teases future Car Key ambitions and growing list of partners
Today Apple celebrated 10 years of Apple Pay with some nice announcements. The VP behind Apple Pay and Apple Wallet also gave a new interview where she shared more about the car key side of Wallet. Here’s what we learned about the company’s car key plans. more…

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How iPhone 16 and iOS 18 could spur a new wave of Android switchers
At this point, you’ve probably read a lot about the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. You don’t need me to recap new features like the Camera Control, bigger screens, upgraded Ultra Wide camera, or better battery life. I’ll offer some of those thoughts, anyway, but I’ve been looking at the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro mainly through the lens of their broader place in the smartphone ecosystem. Hear me out: I think the combination of iOS 18 and the current iPhone lineup could be the most compelling package ever for those considering switching from Android. more…

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Bands can turn concert set lists into Apple Music playlists
Music fans will be able to relive the concerts of their favorite acts, as Apple Music is now allowing artists to turn their set lists into playlists.Apple Music for Artists - image credit: AppleApple's new tool for musicians is detailed in Apple Music for Artists as a form of promotion. Musical acts can share a playlist of their concert set list with fans via their Apple Music page.While this does provide fans a way to listen to songs from the concert and relive the experience at home, it also helps before a concert. Fans will know what songs will be played ahead of time, so they will know if their favorite song will be performed. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Hands-on: Samsung ViewFinity S8 is a budget 4K display packed with extra features
Samsung knows how to make great displays, as evidenced by Apple contracting with them so often for products like the iPhone, iPad, and more. I’ve been testing the for the last month. Here’s what you should know about the budget-friendly monitor, including all the ways it’s impressed me. more…

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