Indholdsfortegnelse for Fall 2020 i iPhone Life Magazine

We find ourselves living through a strange and dark cultural moment. The Covid-19 pandemic has sent the world into crisis, and people around the globe are feeling the effects in ways both big and small, whether by experiencing loneliness or the loss of a loved one. At iPhone Life, we’re dedicated to informing you through these challenging times. To that end, we’ve packed this issue with ideas of how technology can play a positive role in your life right now. Along with the rising death toll of the virus, in recent months, we’re reminded of the deeply entrenched racial divide in this country after tragically losing more members of our Black community, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. The widespread protests and civil unrest that have followed tell…

Leanne Hays, SEO Content Strategist Crewel Embroidery ($27, FoundByAPropStylist on Etsy) I’ve been drawn to crewel embroidery since childhood. Something about the three-dimensional aspect combined with the hours invested makes each piece a treasure. I visit Etsy and eBay to expand my collection, and just purchased this gorgeous still life. I love the ‘70s color scheme and satisfyingly fluffy chrysanthemums. Cullen Thomas, Writer & Producer Arc of Justice by Kevin Boyle (Audiobook available on Audible for $26.21) This epic historical legal drama paints a rich picture of Jazz Age Detroit to tell the story of the murder trial of Dr. Ossian Sweet. It digs deep into race-driven political dramas that continue to shape the American landscape. Rheanne Taylor, Senior Video Producer Daily Harvest ($7.99 per smoothie) I recently ordered some…

Way back in 1992, DC Comics shocked the world by killing off iconic superhero Superman in an all-out battle against the super villain Doomsday. While people mourned the loss of the Man of Steel, he later would return, reincarnated, even mightier than ever. This story came to my mind earlier this year in April, when Apple declared dead the original 4-inch iPhone SE and announced its rebirth in a form significantly bigger than before. While many rejoiced at the release of the second-generation iPhone SE, it was a doomsday of sorts for fans who prefer small Apple smartphones. Apple touts the new iPhone SE as having a compact design, and it does when compared to the rest of its lineup. The special edition iPhone has the body of the phone…

HEALTH & WELLBEING SHRED ($12.99/month) This fitness app builds the intensity of your workout over time. Featuring video demos for every movement, it’s easy to use whether you’re in the living room or at the gym. Wellness Coach ($7.99/month) Try this app’s 60-day free trial and connect with credible fitness coaches, psychologists, and doctors. Try live and on-demand meditations, workouts, and talks to uplift and support every area of your life. Calm ($14.99/month) This meditation app promotes health and wellness by acting as a sleep aid and facilitating relaxation with daily meditations. For Apple TV owners, Calm is free and has no ads. White Noise ($0.99) Whether you’re taking cat naps during the day or you could use help catching the angel train at night, this app is here to…

FOR PRODUCTIVITY Evernote ($7.99/month) This widget lets you browse recently added notes. When you expand the widget, you can add new notes and images, create reminder lists, and search your existing notes. Copied ($2.99/month) When you need to copy multiple URLs or blocks of text, this widget comes in handy. To insert new text, just tap the plus icon, and your recently copied text will appear in the widget. Sticky Notes (Free) Sticky Notes lets your jot down notes and arrange them visually or in folders for easy reference. I keep my templates, outlines, and daily tasks organized in Sticky Notes. Deliveries ($4.99) It’s important to be able to track the status of all your incoming packages, especially if you shop online. Deliveries is a hub where you can view…

MAKING EVERYDAY LIFE BETTER My Wonderful Days ($9.99) Get reminders to write your daily thoughts in this passwordprotected app. You can even indicate your mood with emojis. Cronometer - Nutrition Tracker ($5.99/month) No matter what your dietary restrictions, this app lets you set caloric and nutrient intake goals and log activity. The free version offers more nutritional info than any other app. Libby, by OverDrive (Free) Join book clubs and devour your favorites free of charge. Libby connects directly to local libraries providing at-home access to endless e-books and audiobooks. Temi - Recorder & Transcriber ($0.25/minute) Focus on the meeting, not the minutes. Record essential conversations and receive an accurate transcription fast. Hear recording playback, and easily edit and export text. WEIRD & WONDERFUL Stop Motion Studio ($4.99) For budding…

THE BASICS Fantastical ($4.99/month) My favorite calendar app is a significant upgrade over the stock iOS app, pulling your Calendar and Reminders data into one smooth, intuitive, and responsive app. Simplenote (Free) A joy to use, this app’s design is clean and minimalist, and that is its strong suit. It does what it’s supposed to do, does it extremely well, and nothing more. Simple can be significantly better. Any.do ($5.99/month) This reminder app keeps me on task and integrates very well with the iOS ecosystem. It is quick and simple to use, which makes it perfect for productivity. Gmail (Free) It’s your email, but it can be so much more than that. When you work directly within Gmail and utilize its extensive features, you can get to inbox zero like…

MENTAL WELLBEING Streaks ($4.99) If your mental health has you struggling to complete tasks like brushing your teeth or getting your work done, this to-do app can keep you motivated and help you build healthy habits. Happify (Free) Choose a track, such as mindfulness or relationships, then complete activities to build healthier emotional patterns. Full access requires a subscription ($14.99/month). Headspace: Meditation & Sleep ($12.99/month) There’s a lot more to this app than guided meditations, such as guided physical exercises for managing stress and anxiety and sleep aids—Headspace will even tell you a bedtime story! MoodTools - Depression Aid (Free) MoodTools helps you evaluate and manage depression—including a thought diary, informational resources, activities to aid mental health, and a safety plan. PHYSICAL HEALTH MyFitnessPal (Free) Along with calorie and workout…

FOR BEGINNERS NYT Cooking ($4.99/month) This app has special categories like Pantry Recipes, where you’ll find the perfect Fancy Ramen. The grocery list is a bit basic, but you’ll love the video tutorials. Tastemade ($2.99/month) How-to videos by Tastemade teach the basics like how to boil water or clean a crockpot. Simple and colorful recipes, like the Vegan Sushi, make the app a keeper. A prepaid subscription makes a great gift for students. Tasty (Free) Aside from an ample collection of dishes (including veggie friendly), Tasty lets you add items to a grocery bag for curbside pickup at Walmart. You’ll also find tips to keep your fridge full and organized. Cooklist (Free) Build a meal plan, create a shopping list, or look for recipes based on what you have on…

While on vacation in Florida a few years ago, I woke up one day with a sinus infection. Even balmy tropical weather and fresh mangos off the tree couldn’t distract me from my stuffy nose and the relentless pressure behind my eyes. I didn’t want to spend hours tracking down and visiting a physician, so I decided to try something new. I downloaded a telehealth app, connected with a physician via video chat, and drove to pick up my prescription at the pharmacy—all within an hour. That day, I had a first-hand experience with this evolution in healthcare. Over the last decade as highspeed internet has become more commonplace, a growing number of clinics and apps have begun offering telehealth as a way to connect with patients. In fact, in…

Gardening is about getting outdoors (away from screens) and enjoying all that nature has to offer, right? So, it may seem a little counterintuitive to use your iPhone for planning, planting, and harvesting your garden. I was skeptical at first too, but I’ve changed my mind over the last few growing seasons. Let’s go over some of the best apps I’ve tested to help grow your favorite fruits, vegetables, herbs, berries, and flowers. You might just become a convert, too! Dreaming the Dream: Plan Your Garden The best garden you’ll ever have is the one you imagine in winter, or so the old adage goes. I’d have to agree! Once the winter holidays have come and gone, gardeners everywhere anticipate and salivate over the seed catalogs that flood our mailboxes.…

Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Bio: Taylor Linloff is an autistic advocate. Her iPhone XR drives the work of Aspirational Autistic, Taylor’s advocacy brand that ranges from social media engagement to freelance writing and public speaking. Asana: I struggle with executive dysfunction, so I use Asana for organization and task management. You can create to-do lists, set due dates, and connect your account with your iPhone contacts to collaborate on projects. Canva: I use this graphics app for infographics, social media posts, and business cards. There are thousands of preset templates and design options. If you’re a creative or own a business, it’s a must have. Dropbox: A lot of my advocacy work involves sending media kits, pitches—the whole nine yards. Dropbox keeps my work organized and accessible for…

We find ourselves living through a strange and dark cultural moment. The Covid-19 pandemic has sent the world into crisis, and people around the globe are feeling the effects in ways both big and small, whether by experiencing loneliness or the loss of a loved one. At iPhone Life, we’re dedicated to informing you through these challenging times. To that end, we’ve packed this issue with ideas of how technology can play a positive role in your life right now. Along with the rising death toll of the virus, in recent months, we’re reminded of the deeply entrenched racial divide in this country after tragically losing more members of our Black community, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. The widespread protests and civil unrest that have followed tell…

When on a FaceTime video call, how can you add another person to the existing call? Sincerely, Includer Howdy Includer, Once you’ve started a FaceTime call with someone, touch the screen and you’ll see a menu at the bottom of the display. Drag it up to fill the screen, and you’ll see a list of members of the call as well as a button to add another person. How can I tell how many contacts I have? Sincerely, Many Friends Hi Many Friends, The Contacts app has squirreled away the answer to your question at the bottom of your contacts list. Just open the Contacts app or Contacts tab in the Phone app, then scroll all the way to the bottom. If you want to scroll faster, you can swipe…

Way back in 1992, DC Comics shocked the world by killing off iconic superhero Superman in an all-out battle against the super villain Doomsday. While people mourned the loss of the Man of Steel, he later would return, reincarnated, even mightier than ever. This story came to my mind earlier this year in April, when Apple declared dead the original 4-inch iPhone SE and announced its rebirth in a form significantly bigger than before. While many rejoiced at the release of the second-generation iPhone SE, it was a doomsday of sorts for fans who prefer small Apple smartphones. Apple touts the new iPhone SE as having a compact design, and it does when compared to the rest of its lineup. The special edition iPhone has the body of the phone…

HEALTH & WELLBEING SHRED ($12.99/month) This fitness app builds the intensity of your workout over time. Featuring video demos for every movement, it’s easy to use whether you’re in the living room or at the gym. Wellness Coach ($7.99/month) Try this app’s 60-day free trial and connect with credible fitness coaches, psychologists, and doctors. Try live and on-demand meditations, workouts, and talks to uplift and support every area of your life. Calm ($14.99/month) This meditation app promotes health and wellness by acting as a sleep aid and facilitating relaxation with daily meditations. For Apple TV owners, Calm is free and has no ads. White Noise ($0.99) Whether you’re taking cat naps during the day or you could use help catching the angel train at night, this app is here to…

FOR PRODUCTIVITY Evernote ($7.99/month) This widget lets you browse recently added notes. When you expand the widget, you can add new notes and images, create reminder lists, and search your existing notes. Copied ($2.99/month) When you need to copy multiple URLs or blocks of text, this widget comes in handy. To insert new text, just tap the plus icon, and your recently copied text will appear in the widget. Sticky Notes (Free) Sticky Notes lets your jot down notes and arrange them visually or in folders for easy reference. I keep my templates, outlines, and daily tasks organized in Sticky Notes. Deliveries ($4.99) It’s important to be able to track the status of all your incoming packages, especially if you shop online. Deliveries is a hub where you can view…

LIFESTYLE & KIDS We Read Too (Free) Created by Dartmouth grad Kaya Thomas, this directory of books by authors of color is easy to navigate with categories from picture to young adult and a section to suggest books to add to the database. Myavana ($1.99/month) Created by four female cofounders, Myavana provides in-depth analysis and product and styling recommendations for all hair types of women of color. KiddieKredit (Free) Entrepreneur Evan Leaphart wants kids to grow up understanding money management. His app lets kids earn rewards for completing chores and learn about credit as they go. Matatu (Free) Terry Karungi brought this two-player Ugandan game to mobile. Play with your friend or against the computer and enjoy a break from the standard solitairestyle mobile games. COMMUNITY & SUPPORT Black Nation…

THE BASICS Fantastical ($4.99/month) My favorite calendar app is a significant upgrade over the stock iOS app, pulling your Calendar and Reminders data into one smooth, intuitive, and responsive app. Simplenote (Free) A joy to use, this app’s design is clean and minimalist, and that is its strong suit. It does what it’s supposed to do, does it extremely well, and nothing more. Simple can be significantly better. Any.do ($5.99/month) This reminder app keeps me on task and integrates very well with the iOS ecosystem. It is quick and simple to use, which makes it perfect for productivity. Gmail (Free) It’s your email, but it can be so much more than that. When you work directly within Gmail and utilize its extensive features, you can get to inbox zero like…

MAKING MUSIC Endlesss – Multiplayer Music (Free) This brand-new app lets people collaboratively create music together. While simple and easy to use, the live participation aspect of this app is truly groundbreaking. Figure (Free) This music-making app is perfect for people who know nothing about music theory. Once you learn the basics, you’ll be crafting engaging electronic music within minutes. GarageBand (Free) Free with any Apple device, GarageBand is deceptively robust. This often-overlooked app lets you record multitrack songs on the go and add beats, synths, and strings with ease. Koala Sampler ($3.99) Koala is the ultimate pocket sampler. Record any sound with your device’s microphone, then turn it into a beat, add effects, and build a track in minutes. MUSIC STREAMING Spotify (Free) I’ve been a subscriber and daily…

Board games have evolved considerably since the days of Candyland and Monopoly. The degree of creative design, sophistication, and quality of components elevate the endeavor to more than just playing a game; it’s an experience. These are my top ten favorite digital renditions of classic board games. Note: Nearly all of these games have gone on sale in the past, sometimes with savings of up to 90 percent. If you’re patient, you can wait for a bargain. Even at their regular price, these games are a steal compared to the cost of their physical board game equivalents. Aeon’s End ($9.99) In this deck-building game, players are spell-slinging mages attempting to defeat a Nameless boss creature before it destroys their last stand city of Gravehold. The deck mechanics are uniquely designed…

YouTube Music ($11.99/month) I’ve tried Apple Music and Spotify, but this service wins my vote. With a subscription to YouTube Premium, I can watch or listen to adfree content as often as I want. YouTube keeps playing in the background, even if I need to open and use a different app. Best of all, I can enjoy playlists of songs I’ve liked and lists of music that introduce me to new favorites. Audible ($14.95/month) I’ve amassed quite a library of audiobooks and love choosing a new option each month, or listening to old selections as the mood strikes. One favorite is Little Heathens by Mildred Armstrong Kalish, a memoir about growing up on an Iowa farm during the Great Depression; it’s a perfect companion to my garden chores. OverDrive (Free)…

Looking for ways to bring the family together? Try a game night with selections from the App Store. We’ve curated the nine best family games for iOS that include everything the modern family could want—silly fun for all ages, easy-to-play classics, and strategic games for greater challenges. The apps have been rated on five ease-of-use criteria: the tutorial; pass and play functionality; the ability to connect online; special features such as sound effects, art, and solo play; and overall value. Ready to play? Games to Play in the Same Room Heads Up! (Free, in-app purchases) Start with the concise video tutorial by Ellen Degeneres, then jump right in to play. This port of the well-known party game makes excellent use of your iPhone’s gyroscope to enable the player to instantly…

Apple’s iPads are becoming more like laptops every year. A key contributor to their evolution this year is compatibility with Bluetooth trackpads and mice. We’ve long been able to use accessories like Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and the Apple Pencil with our iPads, but starting with iPadOS 13, iPad mouse and trackpad support finally arrived in a limited way as an Accessibility feature. Then finally with iPadOS 13.4, pairing and using a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse with your iPad became a fully integrated feature. Let’s go over how to pair and use your iPad with a wireless mouse or trackpad, so you can get the most out of your tablet. Which iPads Work with the Magic Keyboard? The second-generation Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro offers the best typing experience on…

Leanne Hays, SEO Content Strategist Crewel Embroidery ($27, FoundByAPropStylist on Etsy) I’ve been drawn to crewel embroidery since childhood. Something about the three-dimensional aspect combined with the hours invested makes each piece a treasure. I visit Etsy and eBay to expand my collection, and just purchased this gorgeous still life. I love the ‘70s color scheme and satisfyingly fluffy chrysanthemums. Cullen Thomas, Writer & Producer Arc of Justice by Kevin Boyle (Audiobook available on Audible for $26.21) This epic historical legal drama paints a rich picture of Jazz Age Detroit to tell the story of the murder trial of Dr. Ossian Sweet. It digs deep into race-driven political dramas that continue to shape the American landscape. Rheanne Taylor, Senior Video Producer Daily Harvest ($7.99 per smoothie) I recently ordered some…

Houseparty (Free) Many of us have been using this video chat app to schedule virtual hangouts with friends and family during the pandemic. It features a great combination of video chatting and live gaming. Duolingo ABC (Free) Those of us with kids have been loving Duolingo’s story- and game-filled lessons. Fun sound effects and a cute little owl encourage children through tasks that build skills and confidence. Banjo Companion (Free) SEO Content Strategist Leanne Hays has been using this app to learn tuning, chords, scales, and rhythms on her banjo. Alternate tunings, a metronome, and background drums add versatility and fun. Venmo (Free) Venmo is the most convenient way for Senior Web Editor Sarah Kingsbury to send money to her kids, pay for her share of a group meal, and…

THE STAPLES Waze (Free) Drive anywhere with real-time hazard and police activity alerts. Unlike Apple Maps, Waze reroutes you if there’s traffic in order to get you to your destination as fast as possible—safely, of course! Google Duo (Free) If you’re looking to upgrade your video chats, check out this app. If the person you’re trying to reach is unavailable, you can even record a video message for them! Spotify (Free) Use this app to stream your favorite artists, listen to podcasts, and make and follow playlists. Unlike Apple Music, Spotify offers all that for free (or upgrade for ad-free listening). Google Chrome (Free) If you have a Google account, use this browser on your phone AND computer. When synced, access the tabs you have open on both devices so…

CULTURAL ENRICHMENT The Pyramids ($4.99) Tour the ancient pyramids and learn about ancient Egypt from the comfort of your couch. This in-depth virtual tour even takes you to locations that are closed to the public. Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomy ($3.99) This digital textbook neatly summarizes the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci. The app includes interactive versions of da Vinci’s anatomical drawings and translations of his notes. Louvre HD ($1.99) Continue your cultural tour with a visit to the most famous art galleries in the world. This app offers high-definition renderings and in-depth articles on works like the Mona Lisa. ShadowDraw ($7.99/month) Learn how to draw without the mess. This app teaches you the basics like shading and figure drawing. Advanced artists will love the guides for drawing dragons…

TECH GIANT NEWS AGGREGATORS Yahoo News (Free) Browse snippets from multiple sources on the same topic with the Yahoo News 360 feature. This app prioritizes a menu of trusted publishers delivered in an ultra-clean interface. Apple News (Free) The Apple News app commands an extremely broad range of options for both topics and sources. Easily customize your news feed and manage notifications by source. Microsoft News (Free) Big text, easy top navigation, dark mode, and the ability to save articles for later help the Microsoft News app stand out. I know, this is iPhone Life, but it’s a really good app. Google News (Free) Features like creating feed-specific Siri shortcuts and hiding all stories from a particular source make this app a news powerhouse. It also has the best local…

BEST ALL-AROUND PICKS YNAB (You Need a Budget) ($11.99/month) This app lets users put every dollar they have to work. YNAB’s free interactive workshops focus on building a financial buffer and breaking bad habits. Mint (Free) See a real-time snapshot of your budget and get notifications when you’ve overspent. Save time and frustration with Mint’s automatic spending categorization and bill tracking. Clarity Money (Free) Focused on finding ways to save money, Clarity Money tracks your expenses and automates your savings. Transfer funds between accounts—no bank sign-in required. Simple-Mobile Banking (Free) Set spending limits for things like food, bills, and rent based on the money you have right now. Learn to live on cash (not credit), plan for future expenses, and get alerts every time you spend. FOR COUPLES, STUDENTS, FREELANCERS…

MAKING MUSIC Endlesss – Multiplayer Music (Free) This brand-new app lets people collaboratively create music together. While simple and easy to use, the live participation aspect of this app is truly groundbreaking. Figure (Free) This music-making app is perfect for people who know nothing about music theory. Once you learn the basics, you’ll be crafting engaging electronic music within minutes. GarageBand (Free) Free with any Apple device, GarageBand is deceptively robust. This often-overlooked app lets you record multitrack songs on the go and add beats, synths, and strings with ease. Koala Sampler ($3.99) Koala is the ultimate pocket sampler. Record any sound with your device’s microphone, then turn it into a beat, add effects, and build a track in minutes. MUSIC STREAMING Spotify (Free) I’ve been a subscriber and daily…

When I first heard the term contact tracing mentioned in the context of a phone app, my immediate thought was, “Oh no.” With a sinking feeling, I flashed to my Google Maps location history that records exactly where I’ve been every single day and what could happen if the government demanded all that data not just from me, but from everyone. On the one hand, it would be really useful, perhaps even lifesaving, to get an alert on my iPhone if someone I’ve come into contact with recently is diagnosed with Covid-19. The coronavirus pandemic, after all, has killed nearly 500,000 people worldwide at this writing, according to the World Health Organization. On the other, nobody wants to arm the government with perfect knowledge of their movements and friendships. This…

A little advance preparation can help your digital family game night run smoothly. First, make sure the game is installed on the device of everyone planning to play. Pass and play games require only one device. Note that some games require every player to have the app downloaded, even if you are playing in the same room. Next, make sure all remote players have online accounts for each game. Creating accounts may take a few minutes, including email verification in a few cases. Have everyone share their usernames in advance and add each other in the games they’ve chosen, if that option is available. Finally, it helps to designate someone in the family to read the rules or work through the tutorial, set up chat for remote players, and prepare…