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Maclife Uk - 01 06 2018 PDF
Maclife Uk - 01 06 2018 PDF
MAC iPHONE
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J U N E 20 1 8 N O.1 42
PLUS
BEST MESH
ROUTERS
BOOST YOUR
HOME WI-FI
BUILD A
HOW TO :
Power up your Mac trackpad 45
Become a speed typist in iOS
Be healthier with Apple Watch PAGES
of essential reviews
Work faster with Hot Corners
and how-to guides
J U N E 20 1 8 N O.1 42 W W W. M AC L I F E .CO M
18
Build a better network
30
How to buy a cheaper Mac
68
Smart garden technology
Discover how to scrutinize your home Never pay full price for a Mac again with With spring well under way, it’s time to
network performance and make it work our economic yet comprehensive check out the latest tech designed to
better with our advice on improving money–saving guide to buying a Mac help out in your smart garden. Find out
your infrastructure and fixing issues. without splashing too much cash. which gadgets are worth investing in.
43 56 41 63
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b i t . l y/m a c l i f e s u r v e y
START FEED YOUR MIND. FEAST YOUR EYES.
T
RADITIONAL CABLE SUBS
have steadily declined for a
decade, while the sheer
quantity, variety, and quality
of internet streaming services has
ľrxulvkhg1#\rx#frxog#dujxh#wkdw#
consumers won — having escaped
the shackling of cable bundles
while gaining more choice and
ľh{lelolw|1#Lq#wkh#frplqj#|hduv/#
wkrxjk/#zh#pd|#kdyh#wr#uhľhfw#rq#
an old adage: be careful what you
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These days, we have no shortage
of options for streaming just about
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gained dominance, while the old hockeysticked among streaming Doo#ri#wklv#ohdgv#xs#wr#wkh#wklug#
guard like HBO, Sony, and the vhuylfhv#lq#uhfhqw#|hduv1#Dssoh#dqg# vljq=#Wkh#Qhz#Exqgolqj1#Vrph#
broadcast channels can apparently Dpd}rq#duh#gluhfwo|#klulqj#elj# shrsoh#duh#kdss|#zlwk#Qhwľl{#+dqg#
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Dpd}rq#duh#qrz#dovr#vwuhdplqj# alone will spend $8 billion in 2018 of the market will soon trade their
providers and even create new, to produce (and acquire) over 700 singular cable subscription for
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We’re in a golden age of movie vhyhq#kxqguhg1#\rxġg#ehwwhu#iuhh# Kxox/#Vrq|/#Glvqh|/#Qhwľl{/#dqg#
dqg#WY#vkrz#dffhvvlelolw|1#Pdq|# xs#vrph#pruh#elqjlqj#zhhnhqgv1 pd|eh#hyhq#HVSQ#dqg#d#frxsoh#
vhuylfhv#rļhu#d#zhdowk#ri#frqwhqw# Wkh#qh{w#vljq#lv#zkdw#L#zrxog#fdoo# rwkhu#fkdqqhov#iru#jrrg#phdvxuh1
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Krzhyhu/#L#fdoo#wklv#d#jroghq#djh# larger studios have started pulling frqvxphu#fkrlfh#dqg#ľh{lelolw|>#L#
because we are slowly entering content from third parties like don’t know anyone who wants to
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think it’s an asteroid or mass with such frequency now that hslvrgh#wr#eurdgfdvw#dw#d#vshflĽf#
phgld#h{wlqfwlrq/#wkhvh#vhuylfhv# some websites have started regular wlph#rq#d#vshflĽf#fkdqqho1#Dqg#
duh#ghĽqlwho|#hyroylqj/#dqg#L#grqġw# coverage of “here’s what to watch |hw/#Wkh#Zdoohg#Jdughq#Djh#pljkw#
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Wkh#Ľuvw#vljq#ri#wkh#Zdoohg# prqwk1Ĥ#Sduw#ri#lw#lv#mxvw#olfhqvhv# like the evolutionary ages before it,
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>>> David Chartier is a content strategist and writer with vast experience analyzing the tech world.
He runs the website Finer Things in Tech (finerthings.in) and hosts its podcast, The Finer Things In.
maclife.com
>>> Start Feed your mind. Feast your eyes.
Audeze Mobius
audeze.com
$399
BUILD A
BETTER
NETWORK
THESE DAYS, YOUR network is put anywhere from your internet service
to much greater use than simply provider to the location within your
getting your Mac online to browse krph#wkdw#|rxġyh#fkrvhq#wr#xvh#
the web and check email. your Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or
Inevitably, that means enduring a some other kit?
lot more disruption if something Khuh#|rxġoo#ohduq#derxw#
goes wrong with it — no more diagnosing network interference,
Qhwľl{/#wxqhv#zrqġw#vwuhdp#iurp# kit that can boost your network,
Apple Music or Spotify, and you ways to improve security, new
pd|#eh#xqdeoh#wr#dffhvv#Ľohv#rq# things to do with your network,
your networked storage until the dqg#pruh1#Hyhq#li#|rxu#qhwzrunġv#
sureohp#lv#Ľ{hg1 running well right now, networking
But, how do you go about niggles can suddenly sneak up
identifying the root cause of the on you, so hold on to this guide
problem, which could originate to keep yourself connected.
IMPROVE YOUR
Bring your network bang up to date
to boost its speed or range
ONCE UPON A time, you plugged
your Mac in to a modem and that
was your internet connection sorted. New Wi-Fi router
These days, your network consists of > The 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard
more than just a few computers and gives you faster wireless
perhaps a printer; now there are performance at greater range,
your mobile devices, smart TVs, covering more of your home.
HomePod, Apple TV, Internet of A new router may have other
Things (IoT) gadgets and other advantages — extra features,
hardware besides to consider. If your stronger security and so on.
network is struggling to cope with See what to look for on page 29.
bandwidth demands or the places
you need it to reach, now’s the time
to look for the right upgrade to suit
your needs and your wallet.
Mesh network
> This tech is designed to extend Wi-Fi
networks through larger homes. Asus
has even launched its own mesh system
(asus.com/uk/AiMesh) that works not
just with brand new routers but its
existing models, too.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Powerline
adapters
> Extend your network over
your electrical circuit. You’ll
need at least two (one goes
near your router). Choose
1200AV or higher models to
maximise performance, and
passthrough models if you
need to keep the wall socket
free. Some models include
Wi-Fi connectivity, too.
Network switch
> Enables you to add extra ports to your network
for cabled devices. Ideally, use a switch with Gigabit
ports for maximum performance. Managed switches
have advanced features, such as link aggregation for
combined throughput — useful on Macs that have
multiple Ethernet ports.
Range extender
> This relays your Wi-Fi
signal to a dead spot in your
home. Prices start from
around $15 for an 802.11n
model that supports a
transmission rate of
300Mbps, or save a little
money by reusing an old
router in bridge mode.
what you’ve devices are typically linked and separate digits, each of which can be a number from 0 to
WIRELESS CONCERNS
Data transferred over wires is generally considered
secure, but data sent wirelessly can be intercepted,
which is why wireless networks support various forms
of encryption, the most secure of which, currently,
is WPA-PSK2.
One way to secure your internet connection on an
insecure wireless network is to use a Virtual Private
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) work by ‘tunnelling’ an encrypted connection Network (VPN), which effectively creates an encrypted
through an unencrypted network, such as a public Wi-Fi spot. ‘tunnel’ through which data is sent and received.
NETWORK ISSUES
Five problems that commonly afflict home networks, discussed and solved
Check out
Our mesh routers
Serve your media Remote access group test p56
Copy your music, movies and On a home-based Mac, turn
other media to a central location, on Back to My Mac in System
then set up iTunes as a server using Preferences’ iCloud pane (see bit.ly/
Home Sharing (see bit.ly/hmshrng), bck2mac) and you can connect
or choose a third-party option with securely over the internet from your
broader support, such as plex.tv, to MacBook to grab files and even
stream over the internet. remotely control your Mac at home.
HOW TO
BUY
YOUR
NEXT
MAC $
APPLE IS WELL known for really
high prices on its computers —
just take a look at the latest iMac
Pro, which starts at a shade under
$5000. While you certainly get a lot for your
money, there’s no doubting that buying a
Pdf#uhtxluhv#d#vhulrxv#Ľqdqfldo#lqyhvwphqw1
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Wkh#nh|#wr#dyrlglqj#wklv#vlwxdwlrq#lv#hqvxulqj#|rx#
nqrz#h{dfwo|#zkdw#|rx#qhhg#ehiruh#|rx#vwduw#orrnlqj#
at Macs and get carried away. If you stick to that spec, Make sure you know what you intend to do with your Mac before
you don’t need to spend more than necessary. you buy it. For example, do you need more than 8GB of memory?
Iru#h{dpsoh/#gr#|rx#qhhg#wkdw#Lqwho#Fruh#l:#
processor? It’s a powerful processor, but unless you Similarly, only get as much memory as you need.
uhjxoduo|#hqjdjh#lq#khdy|0gxw|#ylghr#ru#skrwr# For many ordinary tasks, 8GB is plenty. If you use
editing work, you can probably go without. |rxu#Pdf#pruh#lqwhqvlyho|/#|rx#pljkw#qhhg#49JE1
For processor clock speed and cores, if you Li#|rx#lqwhqg#wr#xvh#dq#h{whuqdo#7N#ru#8N#glvsod|/#
mostly work with audio then fewer cores and a make sure your Mac is powerful enough to run it.
higher clock speed can be beneficial when it comes The support section on Apple’s website has a page
wr#odwhqf|1#Krzhyhu/#ylghr#h{sruw#dqg#frpslolqj# outlining requirements (bitly.com/4K5Kreqs).
dssv#ehqhilw#iurp#h{wud#fruhv#zrunlqj#lq#wdqghp/# Bear in mind that most Macs’ components can’t
despite the typically lower clock speeds on offer. be changed — or not easily — after purchase, so
Dssoh#riihuv#d#ydulhw|#ri#vwrudjh#rswlrqv/#iurp# you need to consider future uses for your Mac at
qrupdo#kdug#gulyhv#wr#idvwhu#Ixvlrq#Gulyhv#wr that time. Thunderbolt 3 raises the possibility of
vxshuĞvshhg|#VVGv1#Zrun#rxw#krz#pxfk#vsdfh# h{whuqdo#judsklfv#fdugv/#exw#Dssoh#kdvqġw#|hw#
(and speed) you need, but remember that you can finalized how that will work, and we can’t say for
h{sdqg#lw#zlwk#dq#h{whuqdo#gulyh#grzq#wkh#olqh1 fhuwdlq#zklfk#prghov#lwġv#uhohydqw#wr#mxvw#|hw1
Gr#|rx#qhhg#the latest?
Save a bunch of money by purchasing an older Mac
APPLE IS THE master of bringing out new vhoolqj#d#Pdf#iru#idu#ehorz#lwv#ydoxh#wr#jhw#dq|#
products, with each launch hotly anticipated. But money they can to put towards their own upgrade.
if you can resist the urge to buy the latest shiny Wkhuh#pd|#eh#dqrwkhu#zd|#wr#vdyh#prqh|#rq#d#
frpsxwhu/#|rx#fdq#vdyh#|rxuvhoi#d#ordg#ri#prqh|1 slightly older Mac a little closer to home: check to
D#orw#ri#uhvhoohuv#zloo#gurs#wkh#sulfh#ri#suhylrxv0 see if your work intranet has a page where your
generation Macs when new ones go on sale. If you froohdjxhv#fdq#olvw#lwhpv#iru#vdoh1#\rx#qhyhu#nqrz/#
grqġw#plqg#d#ohvv#xs0wr0gdwh#prgho/#wklv#lv#dq# someone might be selling a Mac for a good price.
rswlrq#wr#frqvlghu1#Dv#zh#phqwlrqhg#rq#sdjh#64/#
it’s important to make sure you know what you SECOND-HAND STEALS
zdqw#lq#d#Pdf1#Li#d#suhylrxv0jhqhudwlrq#Pdf#grhv# You might also be able to find a good deal on a
h{dfwo|#zkdw#|rx#qhhg#lw#wr/#wkhuhġv# vhfrqg0kdqg#Pdf#lq#vkrsv#olnh#Pdf#ri#doo#wudghv#
no need to go for a more (macofalltrades.com,1#D#yhu|#fdsdeoh#plg05347#480
h{shqvlyh#prgho#mxvw#ehfdxvh# lqfk#PdfErrn#Sur#+Uhwlqd,#zloo#vhw#|rx#edfn#'45:<>#
it’s newer. ':33#fkhdshu#wkdq#d#fxuuhqw#hqwu|0ohyho#prgho1##Dv#
Auction websites such as well as that, some of these shops offer warranties
eBay are a particularly good rq#Pdfv1#Pdf#ri#doo#wudghv/#iru#h{dpsoh/#kdv#d#<30
place to look for deals. Lots of gd|#zduudqw|#zlwk#Pdfv/#zklfk#fryhuv#kdugzduh#
people sell their old Macs idxowv#+h{foxglqj#frqvxpdeoh#sduwv/#olnh#edwwhulhv,/#
when newer models get exw#|rx#zrqġw#eh#fryhuhg#djdlqvw#vriwzduh#lvvxhv1#
released, and you can take Pdf#ri#doo#wudghv#zloo#wu|#wr#uhsdlu#lw>#li#wkdwġv#qrw#
dgydqwdjh#ri#wkdw#dqg#vqdj#d# srvvleoh/#lw#zloo#jlyh#|rx#d#uhsodfhphqw#Pdf#ru#d#
bargain. If you’re lucky, you vwruh#fuhglw1#\rx#fdq#dovr#h{whqg#wkh#vwdqgdug#<30
pd|#hyhq#ilqg#vrphrqh# day warranty with one or two years, which can be
sxufkdvhg#dw#dq|#srlqw#gxulqj#wkh#<30gd|#shulrg1
If you’re thinking of buying a second-hand Mac, Vpdoohu#vhfrqg0kdqg#vwruhv#pljkw#kdyh#roghu#
some reputable retailers offer a warranty. Macs in stock, but check if they offer a warranty.
Shop around
Don’t buy a Mac without seeing what
others are charging. If you do find a
seller that has a great warranty but
high prices, then see if they will
agree to price match.
Protect yourself
Protect your costly Mac with a
warranty or insurance policy. If the
prices on two Macs are similar, then
buy your new Mac from the retailer
with the best warranty.
GIFT
WORTH
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APP LIFETHIS MONTH’S MOST INTERESTING iPHONE & iPAD APPS
Manything
Free home security with old iOS devices
Free (IAPs) From Manything Systems Ltd, manything.com
Made for iPhone, iPad Needs iOS 8.0 or later
APP TIPS
Avoid receiving false alerts Toggle on Stills Mode to have Manything defaults to a live
from Manything’s motion Manything capture in time stream that doesn’t look great,
detection by blocking out lapse mode using intervals of so adjust Wi-Fi and cellular
unwanted areas in a room. three seconds to 24 hours. video quality for best results.
Paste 2
Simple clippings management now on iOS
Free (IAPs) From Dmitry Obukhov, pasteapp.me
Made for iPhone, iPad Needs iOS 10.0 or later
‘Sodes
Minimalist podcast streamer
$2.99 From Nice Boy, jaredsinclair.com
Made for iPhone, iPad Needs iOS 11 or later
Things 3
Productivity app gets a makeover
$9.99 From Cultured Code, culturedcode.com
Made for iPhone, Apple Watch Needs iOS 10 or later
Things 3 sports a fresh new them in a list, add them straight to your
modern look. The refreshed inbox from anywhere, or create headings.
interface isn’t the only You can also select and edit multiple
The Magic + button is the gateway to creating
addition to Things, however. tasks simultaneously, and re-order tasks
new tasks, projects, or groups of projects.
There’s a long list of new features. by dragging them up and down the list.
Perhaps the most important is the Version 3.4 adds the ability to link to
addition of time-based reminders. You’ve tasks to jump to them quickly from within In use, Things is remarkably intuitive.
always been able to schedule tasks, but Things, or to link from other apps, It rewards a few minutes tapping and
you can now specify a time to be allowing for automated workflows. swiping with an array of intelligent pop
reminded to do them as well. And it As with previous versions, Things 3 ups and options. It’s a pleasure to use,
supports both natural language and Siri. syncs with iPad and Mac using Things which wasn’t always the case previously.
Other additions include an Upcoming Cloud, which now has a new Fastlane THE BOTTOM LINE. A step forward
list, rather than just Next; category mode for time-based reminders. Bear in for Things. Great new features justify the
headings; and checklists. mind that if you want to sync with an relatively high price. KENNY HEMPHILL
A new “Magic +” button enables you to iPad, you’ll have to buy that version
create items precisely where you want ($19.99); the Mac version costs $49.99. GREAT
Reed ^_^
A punishing old-school platformer
$1.99 From Crescent Moon Games, crescentmoongames.com
Made for iPhone, iPad Needs iOS 8 or later
First of all, apologies for the ever more dangerous traps armed with
dark images: Reed’s dark, nothing but a double-jump.
pixelated aesthetic is great It’s murderously fast and murderous in
Collecting cubes should be easy, but there are
in motion and terrible in general: a moment’s pause to decide on
lethal traps everywhere.
screenshots. Reed really is as pixelated your next step usually involves the
as it looks, though, and that made it a ground you’re standing on giving way to
tough play on the iPad Pro: what’s cute a bunch of spikes. The left-right controls fist-gnawingly frustrating enough for you
on an iPhone feels like too much of a are perhaps a little too keen: we typically to put your iPhone in peril of being
close-up on a big screen. found ourselves either not moving fast hurled across the room or train carriage.
This is a platformer of the old-school, enough because of terrified half-taps or It’s maddening, but in a “just one more
if you went to a particularly sadistic accidentally sending Reed scooting into go and THEN I’ll rage-quit,” kind of way.
school. You play the eponymous Reed, the nearest death-trap because we THE BOTTOM LINE. Pitched just the
created by an ancient supercomputer to pressed for a millisecond too long. right side of annoying, Reed’s a punishing
try and save the world by collecting Controls aside, it’s perfectly pitched: platformer. CARRIE MARSHALL
crucial components. To do that you need difficult enough to require multiple goes
to face ever more complex puzzles and at the same puzzle, but not quite GREAT
Tough testing, trusted ratings
SIMS
ROUNDUP
6 alternatives to
stock Apple apps
The best replacements for native iOS apps
Every iOS device comes with several Khuh#zhġyh#urxqghg#xs#vl{#ri#rxu#
built-in Apple apps, but that doesn’t idyrulwh#uhsodfhphqwv#iru#Dssohġv#
mean that these are necessarily the Mail, Calendar, Photos, Camera,
ehvw#rswlrqv#rq#rļhu1#Vrph#ri#wkh# Qrwhv/#dqg#Qhzv#dssv1#Ehvw#ri#doo/#
third-party alternatives available on irxu#rxw#ri#vl{#ri#rxu#vxjjhvwlrqv#duh#
wkh#Dss#Vwruh#duh#ghĽqlwho|#zruwk# iuhh/#dqg#wkh#rwkhu#wzr#frvw#xqghu#
checking out and may be more suited $6, so there’s really no reason not to
to your needs than the standard grzqordg#wkhp#dqg#kdyh#d#sod|1
Dssoh#dssolfdwlrqv1# TIM HARDWICK
Spark is a great solution if you have Fantastical makes adding events and Feedly isn’t new, but it remains one of the
multiple email accounts you want to reminders to your calendar a breeze, best news aggregators out there, and
access from your iPhone. Its smart inbox thanks to its natural language certainly gives Apple News a run for its
can sort incoming emails across your recognition. But its best innovation by far money. It allows you to subscribe to news
connected accounts into helpful is the DayTicker, which lets you view feeds, organize them into folders, mark
categories, enabling you to filter upcoming events and reminders in a list content for later reading, share posts
notifications and newsletters from your that scrolls vertically as you swipe across across social media, and tag articles for
personal messages. Thanks to its the calendar strip above. If you prefer to future access. Not only that, Feedly’s
customizable swipe gestures, cloud see your schedule the old-fashioned way, Boards feature makes it really easy to
storage, and email scheduling, you won’t a pull down on the strip makes it turn track and organize stories about
miss Apple Mail anytime soon. into a convenient month calendar. particular topics and interests.
So much thought has gone into this This plain text writing app’s simple UI If you take lots of photos on your device,
camera app, which has been beautifully hides a plethora of tools for crafting sooner or later you’ll hit a storage limit.
redesigned for iPhone X. The interface is short notes or in-depth essays. Bear’s You could always pay for an iCloud
packed with intuitive shooting tools that innovative use of hashtags mean you can subscription, or you could try backing up
are optimized for one-handed operation, organize your notes into themes or your snaps to Google Photos, which
while innovative swipe gestures adjust projects, while cross-note links let you offers unlimited and free cloud storage.
exposure. It even packs a Portrait mode reference other notes and build a body of The app also uses advanced artificial
with built-in tools for adjusting depth work. With word counts and reading intelligence to suggest photo collections
information. Other features include quick times on hand, not to mention an to share, and includes a neat Photos
review of your latest shots, and newer advanced markup editor, Bear blows Assistant that generates collages,
iPhones with iOS 11.3 can shoot in Raw. Apple Notes out of the water. animations, and movies from your library.
Sleep++
Easy, convenient sleep tracking
Free From Cross Forward Consulting, david-smith.org
Made For iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch Needs iOS 11.0 or later
HOW TO
SoundMeter X Manage Notes
Discover if your sound levels measure up in SnipNotes
Free/Pro from $0.99 monthly From Faber Acoustical, faberacoustical.com
Made For iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch Needs iOS 10.0 or later
9.7-inch iPad
An excellent mid-range tablet
From $329 From Apple, apple.com
Features 9.7-inch, 2048x1536-pixel Retina display, A10 Fusion chip with M10 coprocessor,
32GB or 128GB storage, Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + mobile connectivity
L
ast year, Apple introduced its most affordable display is far from cutting edge, it’s really good.
9.7-inch iPad to date — the $329 fifth It’s definitely the biggest area of difference from
generation. It had no bells and absolutely no the iPad Pro, though. It lacks the Pro’s wide color
whistles — its case even copied 2013’s iPad Air, gamut — a bit of a shame if you have an iPhone 7
rather than the thinner look of the 10.5-inch and or later, which can take photos in that color space.
12.9-inch iPad Pro. But that didn’t matter, because It isn’t the end of the world, though, since
it had a great price, was reliable, had a nice Retina the screen is still bright and colorful.
display, and was as fast as you needed. For a You also don’t get HDR support, unlike on the
family tablet, full of games and apps that make iPad Pro. Again, we prefer to have this for
good use of a large screen, it was ideal. watching movies, but it doesn’t have as much
A year later, that model is still more than good impact on small screens as on a TV, so it feels like
enough for that job, so we didn’t think it would be a reasonable trade-off at this price.
updated so soon — but here we are. The pixels don’t feel as close to the surface
The new model now works with Apple’s Pencil as the iPad Pro’s either, but again, this is the
stylus, and features an A10 Fusion chip (as seen in difference between mid-range and premium.
the iPhone 7), rather than the A9 processor That’s the gist — even aside from size, the Pro’s
(found in the iPhone 6s). That’s it. This new iPad, screen is that much more luxe across the board in
like its predecessor, starts at a tidy $329 for a ways that justify its extra cost, but the one found
32GB Wi-Fi model. here is definitely good enough.
It means that, if you already have last year’s That said, there is one missing feature of
model and are wondering whether to upgrade, the screen we’re frustrated about: the lack of
the answer is: not really. But if you’ve got an older TrueTone, Apple’s technology that adjusts
iPad or are looking for your first one, you should the screen’s color temperature to match the
probably consider it. Let’s find out why. ambient lighting of your surroundings, so that
white on the screen looks like a sheet of paper
PIXEL PINCH would in the same light. TrueTone makes an iPad
Perhaps the most important part of any tablet is so much more pleasant to use, especially if you’re
its screen, and though this one’s 2048x1536-pixel using it before bed, and if you’ve ever used it,
creativebloq.com
>>> Reviews
The Lifeprint concept is an intriguing one. print queue inbox. When they print it and
Rather than just wirelessly print photos from hold their phone over it, it comes to life.
your iPhone, Lifeprint enables you to bring The Lifeprint printer was easy to set up
them to life. To do that, choose a live photo, and connect to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, once we
video, GIF or other animated format and had downloaded the app. Choosing a Live
sulqw#lw>#wkhq#Ľuh#xs#wkh#Olihsulqw#dss#dqg# Skrwr#wr#sulqw#zdv#pruh#glĿfxow>#rxu#Ľuvw#
hold your phone’s camera over the printed attempts resulted in an error message saying
image. As if by magic, it plays the live photo Lifeprint couldn’t access them. When we did
or video within the frame of the print. an image that would print, it got stuck
It’s a clever idea, but whether it’s more between the print queue and the printer. The
than a novelty is another matter. next attempt worked, and after a couple of
LIFEPRINT 3X4.5 Lifeprint has another feature that takes it minutes we had our print.
HYPERPHOTO
beyond being just a curio, however. Friends The result looked like an old Polaroid —
Print photos remotely who both have Lifeprint printers can send colors were washed out and detail lacking.
via the internet photos to each other and print them on their Subsequent prints were the same. However,
Small and compact own machines. In fact, Lifeprint has its own the point of the print is the way the app
social sharing service where, if you choose brings it to life, and that it did in some style.
Impressive use of AR
to, you can share images publicly. When you THE BOTTOM LINE. Lifeprint’s printer is easy
Poor print quality share a photo and your friend launches the to use and the in-app results are impressive,
GOOD Lifeprint app, the image appears in their the prints less so. KENNY HEMPHILL
MacFamilyTree
Genealogy on the Mac is now slicker than ever
$59.99 From Synium Software GmbH, syniumsoftware.com
Needs OS X 10.10 or later
How we tested
T
HERE’S NO question about faster communication and freeing
it: mesh networks are hot right up radio space for more traffic.
now. It’s not just marketing hype — Above the backhaul channel, To make the test fair, given the
though their manufacturers no doubt typically, comes a collection of differing number of nodes
love that they can charge a little more cutting-edge Wi-Fi radios. Each member included with each system,
for home networking hardware. It’s node of a mesh network looks after we set up two nodes of each
a real change in the way networking its own little area of space — your Mac, in matching positions, in a three-
operates that makes a massive your phone, and your other devices storey house with known signal
difference to coverage and speed. simply and seamlessly connect to the dead spots. One node was then
Mesh networking is a fairly simple node that has the highest signal moved close to the front of the
concept. Rather than relying on a strength from wherever they are. house to measure signal distance
central router, which can be difficult There are some downsides, however. outdoors, and signal strength
to extend, mesh uses individual nodes, A standalone router doesn’t need to do was tested from predefined
each of which shares a signal with the between-device intercommunication, points. Each node was set
others through what’s called a backhaul so you’ll suffer slightly more lag with up and configured using
channel. Add a new node to your mesh a mesh. You’ll need to plug in a number its respective iOS app.
network, and it simply joins that of devices around your home,
behind–the–scenes channel — as long marginally upping your power bill and
as one of your nodes is close enough tying up sockets. And the initial cost
to talk to it, your network can go is quite high as you’re essentially
further. If you have Ethernet strung purchasing a bunch of routers at once
through your home, you’ll often be able — although the difference isn’t always
to use that as a backhaul, enabling that extreme.
HIGHER…
Things to consider…
UBIQUITI AMPLIFI
amplifi.com
$349.99
What you need to know before getting started Not much tops the Orbi Pro’s
price. Ubiquiti’s AmpliFi system,
HOME SIZE while mesh networks are efficient, which includes a router and two
1
Do you really need a mesh you won’t find a big speed boost socket-mounted nodes (with
network? If you’re living in reasonably unless you’re currently struggling along adjustable antennas), comes
close quarters, the answer is probably on an outdated version of Wi-Fi. pretty close though at $350.
no. Mesh networks are best suited
to larger homes, or those built of AVAILABLE SOCKETS
4
particularly dense materials that Your nodes will each need
cause Wi-Fi dead spots. powering, so they must be placed close
to a power outlet. This isn’t a huge deal,
HOW MANY NODES? since nodes are generally pretty flexible
2
If your Wi-Fi does need the range about where you place them, but they’ll
extension that mesh offers, how many need good communication with other
nodes will you require? Check the specs nodes wherever they go.
of the mesh network you’re looking at …OR LOWER?
GOOGLE LINKSYS NETGEAR TP-LINK ZYXEL GOOGLE LINKSYS NETGEAR TP-LINK ZYXEL
WIFI VELOP ORBI PRO DECO M5 MULTY X WIFI VELOP ORBI PRO DECO M5 MULTY X
GOOGLE LINKSYS NETGEAR TP-LINK ZYXEL GOOGLE LINKSYS NETGEAR TP-LINK ZYXEL
WIFI VELOP ORBI PRO DECO M5 MULTY X WIFI VELOP ORBI PRO DECO M5 MULTY X
THE WINNER
Linksys Velop
Apple’s favorite is an easy-to-use
and super-fast system
L
INKSYS’ VELOP is, as far as we’re concerned, the
top home mesh network on the market today —
it’s no wonder Apple has started selling it through
its own storefront. The individual nodes are elegant and
don’t take up too much surface space, the setup process
is flawless, and the app, despite offering relatively few
controls, is perfect for what Velop aims to achieve:
utter simplicity. It also manages to top the rest of the
networks on offer, bar the business-class Orbi Pro, in
terms of range and power, coping with whatever we
could throw at it.
That’s not to say Velop is without its flaws. Its relative
lack of Ethernet ports could be a curse if you’d rather
keep your smart home bridges in one place, although
a cheap Ethernet hub would solve that problem in a flash.
While we love the look of the individual nodes, many
of its rivals manage to be less conspicuous. There are also
cheaper mesh networks and, as our final scores below
show, there’s surprisingly little to be lost by investing less.
How do
they
compare?
THE SPECS GOOGLE WIFI LINKSYS VELOP NETGEAR ORBI PRO TP-LINK DECO M5 ZYXEL MULTY X
PRICE $258.99 $449.99 $293.58 $299.99 $299.99
PACKAGED NODES 3 3 2 3 2
RADIO AC1200 AC3000 AC3000 AC1300 AC3000
ANTENNAS 2x2 MU-MIMO 2x2 MU-MIMO 3x3 MU-MIMO 4x4 MU-MIMO 4x4+1 MU-MIMO
ETHERNET PORTS 2 per node 2 per node 4 per node 2 per node 3 per node,
plus modem
DIMENSIONS 4.17 x 4.17 x 2.7 in 9.3 x 3.1 x 7.3 in 3.1 x 6.7 x 8 in 4.72 x 4.72 x 1.34 in 2.03 x 7.01 x 9.29 in
GETTING CONNECTED
POWER RATING
COMPLEXITY
SECURITY & APP
OVERALL
Note: The final verdict scores reflect the overall opinion of a product and are not necessarily an average of the criteria listed in the table.
Moleskine’s notebooks
are, of course, brilliant
— but only Moleskine+
Moleskine Pen+ Ellipse
Paper Tablets are
compatible with Pen+.
A writing experience like no other
$179 From Moleskine, moleskine.com
Needs iOS 8.1 or later
When is a pen not a pen? When it’s a Pen+. With the app open, you can write
This is a pen which sees what you’re writing, and record audio at the same time,
and where you’re writing it, and beams it to and later play back the audio and see
your iPhone as you scribble. your notes appear as you wrote them.
Wkh#Shq.#Hoolsvh#lv#Prohvnlqhġv#uhĽqhg# If your phone’s away, the Pen+ stores
version of the original Pen+, slightly a fair amount of writing, uploading it
slimmed down and more matte, with to the app automatically.
pressure sensitivity built in. It has a rather You can then edit the notes: add
short replaceable cartridge, with much of the color, scribble your own digital-only
body reserved for its 300 mA battery. notes on top and export them as a
The Pen+ writes exceptionally well — you PDF, a PNG, or vector graphic image
can sketch anywhere with it, but to actually in SVG format. If your handwriting’s
MOLESKINE
use the interactive features you need one of any good, the app will transcribe it.
PEN+ ELLIPSE
Moleskine’s special notebooks, which It’s not perfect. The instructions in
Instant replication include a microscopic and barely visible dot the app have been, “interestingly”
Neat editing tools pattern, read by the tiny sensor integrated translated into English. It’s also
next to the nib of the pen. That pattern is so pricey. But it works so well that you’ll
Not cheap
unique that the Moleskine Notes app knows Ľqg#zd|v#wr#mxvwli|#xvlqj#lw1#
Notebooks are extra exactly where you’ve written, down to the THE BOTTOM LINE.#Dq#hļhfwlyh#li#
GREAT location on the page of the notebook. pricey sketching tool. ALEX COX
Capo’s ability is
almost uncanny,
detecting the key and
Capo
individual chords. Learn any song the easy way
$49.99 From Supermegaultragroovy, supermegaultragroovy.com
Needs macOS X 10.11 or later
Penclic Mini
Keyboard KB3
A keyboard for everything
$99.99 From Penclic, penclic.se
Made for macOS, iOS
Features Bluetooth connection / USB port
PAWBO+
Wide-angle lens
Quick, easy setup
Packed with features
So-so video quality
GREAT
Road Tripper
A multi-stop route planner with limited appeal
Free (IAPs) From ZurApps Research Inc., zurapps.com
Needs OS X 10.12 or later
Photolemur
AI takes on photo editing
$34.99 From Photolemur, photolemur.com
Needs OS X 10.11 or later
APOCALIPSIS
Ultra-atmospheric setting
Some clever puzzles
Some not-so-clever puzzles
Awkward animations
SOLID
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wkhpvhoyhv#iurp#Ġuhjxoduġ#zluhohvv#rqhv#gxh# ehvw#wr#fduu|#wkh#Ehhexgv/#exw#wkhuhġv#d#olplw#
wr#wkhlu#wrwdo#odfn#ri#zluhv1#Dv#vxfk/#|rxġuh# wr#krz#pxfk#|rx#fdq#gr#zlwk#d#'83#sdlu#ri#
xqwhwkhuhg#zkloh#|rx#olvwhq#wr#pxvlf1 wrwdoo|#zluhohvv#khdgskrqhv1#Pdwfkhg#wr#d#
Wkh#Vqxjv#Wuxh#Zluhohvv#khdgskrqhv#wdnh# vxshulru#khdgskrqh/#vxfk#dv#wkh#E)R#H;/#wkh#
wklv#idluo|#qhz#whfkqrorj|#rqh#vwhs#ixuwkhu# vhwxs#zrxog#uhdoo|#vklqh1#Ri#frxuvh/#|rx#fdq#
e|#rļhulqj#lwv#vljqdwxuh#fxvwrp0Ľw#wlsv# ex|#wkh#Vqxjv#wlsv#vhsdudwho|#+'54<,#dqg#wkhq#
doolhg#wr#d#sdlu#ri#wuxh#zluhohvv#Mdehhv# dgg#|rxu#rzq/#li#|rx#olnh1
Ehhexgv#khdgskrqhv#+Vqxjv#grhvqġw#pdnh# Rshudwlqj#wkh#Vqxjv#lv#hdv|#wkdqnv#wr#d#
lwv#rzq,#vr#wkh|#Ľw#shuihfwo|#lq#|rxu#hdu1 vlqjoh#exwwrq#rq#hdfk#xqlw#rļhulqj#frpsohwh#
Fxvwrp0Ľw#wlsv#duh#qhdw#ehfdxvh#wkhuhġv# frqwuro#xvlqj#glļhuhqw#frpelqdwlrqv#ri#
qr#vrxqg#ohdndjh#lq#xvh/#vr#dxglr#txdolw|#lv# suhvvhv1#Wkh#lqfoxghg#fdvh#kdv#d#933pDk#
SNUGS TRUE
pxfk#lpsuryhg/#dqg#|rx#jhw#wkh#ehqhĽw#ri# edwwhu|#exlow#lq/#zklfk#pdnhv#fkdujlqj#
WIRELESS
qdwxudo#vrxqg#vxssuhvvlrq>#Vqxjv#erdvw#d# vlpsoh#ğ#folfn#wkhp#lq#sodfh/#dqg#rļ#|rx#jr1#
Amazing fit uhgxfwlrq#ri#063GE/#zklfk#lv#lpsuhvvlyh1 D#ixoo#fkdujh#wdnhv#ohvv#wkdq#dq#krxu#dqg#
Noise cancelling Zhġyh#xvhg#Vqxjvġ#fxvwrp#Ľw#wlsv#lq#wkh# |rxġoo#jhw#durxqg#7#krxuv#ri#sod|edfn#wlph1
sdvw#dqg#kdyh#dozd|v#ehhq#lpsuhvvhg#zlwk# THE BOTTOM LINE.#Wkh|#kdyh#wkh#srwhqwldo#
Average sound
zkdwhyhu#khdgskrqh#wkh|#zhuh#sdluhg#zlwk/# wr#eh#juhdw#exw#wkh#Ehhexgv#krog#wkh#Vqxjv#
Very expensive exw#krz#gr#wkh|#iduh#lq#wkh#Ehhexgv#dooldqfhB# edfn>#zhġg#ex|#wkh#wlsv#vhsdudwho|#dqg#vshf#
SOLID Lq#whupv#ri#dxglr/#wkh|ġuh#orxg/#exw#pxŀhg/# ehwwhu#txdolw|#khdgskrqhv1#EMILY MINA
Tayasui sketches
Stylish art app on iOS
Free (IAPs) From Tayasui, tayasui.com
Needs iOS 9.0 or later
RETROSPECT SOLO
THE SMART
GARDEN
Spring is well under way, so it’s time to check out the latest
tech designed to help out in your smart garden
BY CLIFF JOSEPH
fter the winter, your garden climate and conditions. PlantLink costs around
is probably feeling a little under '93#dqg#fodlpv#wr#kdyh#sodqw0vshflĽf#
A the weather, so it’ll take some dojrulwklpv1#Vlplodu#surgxfwv#duh#dydlodeoh#
extra care and attention to restore online if you (ahem) dig about. The Xiaomi and
it to its former glory. Flower Care 2 smart soil sensors are
A good starting point for any both around $30.
smart garden is a soil sensor that can measure While a plant sensor is a great way to dip
details such as temperature and moisture, and your foot in the water of smart gardening, the
vhqg#qrwlĽfdwlrqv#wr#|rxu#preloh#ghylfh#wr#ohw# prvw#hļhfwlyh#zd|#ri#pdqdjlqj#|rxu#jdughqġv#
you know when your plants need attention. needs from afar is by using a smart sprinkler
Wkhuh#duh#d#qxpehu#ri#vrlo#vhqvruv#dydlodeoh# system. Luckily, there are plenty of options
in the US. Edyn’s Wi-Fi garden sensor costs dydlodeoh#wr#vxlw#|rxu#qhhgv1#Udfklr#rļhuv#d#
around $70, and tracks light, temperature, soil stand out option with its third generation
nutrition, humidity, and moisture. It can also v|vwhp#ğ#wkh#Udfklr#6#Vpduw#Zdwhu#V|vwhp1#
suggest plants that match your garden’s Included in the bundle is a smart sprinkler
iFacts…
WHAT ABOUT APPS?
There are dozens of
gardening apps
available, with one of
the top rated being
GardenTags. This
is a social media app for
gardeners, where you
can share information
or ask for advice from
thousands of other
gardeners, or use in-app
purchases to get
personalized advice
from professionals such
as TV gardener Robomow has recently launched a couple of more affordable models of mower.
Michael Perry.
Udfklr#lvqġw#wkh#rqo|#frpsdq|#rxw# companies sell robot mowers that can
IS IT SAFE? there that has the smart garden zoom around the garden and trim the
You don’t have to watering market locked down, Orbit odzq#doo#e|#wkhpvhoyhv/#zkloh#|rx#sxw#
worry too much about vshfldol}hv#lq#d#ydulhw|#ri#vpduw#wlphuv/# |rxu#ihhw#xs#dqg#vxshuylvh#zlwk#wkh#dlg#
accidents with a smart lqfoxglqj#wkh#E0k|yh#Vsulqnohu#Wlphu# ri#d#qlfh/#frro#ehyhudjh1#Wkhvh#urer#
sprinkler, but robot +'4381<8,#dqg#wkh#E0k|yh#Krvh#Idxfhw# przhuv#kdyh#ehhq#suhww|#h{shqvlyh#lq#
lawnmowers can Wlphu#+'9<1<8,/#erwk#ri#zklfk#rļhu# the past, generally starting at around
potentially be auto-adjustment of watering thanks to $1,000 and going beyond the $2,000
dangerous. Check what Smart WeatherSense, along with mark for high-end models designed
safety precautions are watering control from your smartphone, for large gardens or land.
built in, such as sensors soxv#Doh{d#yrlfh#frqwuro1 Wkh#ohdglqj#frpsdq|#lq#wklv#Ľhog#lv#
that can spot a person Urerprz/#zklfk#uhfhqwo|#odxqfkhg#d#
nearby, or a child lock ROBO CROP frxsoh#ri#pruh#dļrugdeoh#prghov#iru#
that can prevent a As for mowing the lawn, there are smart vpdoohu#jdughqv1#Wkh#U[45#frvwv#'8<<#
mower being activated rswlrqv#wkdw#fdq#khos#khuh/#wrr#ğ#hyhq#li# and is “smart” in the sense that it has
by accident. they are a bit pricey. A number of built-in sensors that enable it to detect
FIVE OF
THE BEST
The best tech for your smart garden!
1 2 3 4
RACHIO 3 SMART B-HYVE HOSE FAUCET NETGEAR PHILIPS HUE LILY
WATERING SYSTEM $69.95 ARLO PRO 2 $280
From $229.99 bhyve.orbitonline.com From $479.99 meethue.com
rachio.com arlo.com
An affordable option for This pack of three
This comprehensive controlling your sprinkler It’s a little pricey, but this multicolor spotlights can
kit includes a smart sensor or watering system. Just two-camera security kit is be placed in and around
controller and a wireless attach the valve to your ideal for use in the garden. your flowerbeds to create
flow sensor. It’s perfect for faucet, and the hub to your The cameras are rated a really eye-catching
upgrading existing router and you can control IP65 weatherproof for display — all controllable
sprinkler systems, offering it from anywhere. You can outdoor use, and battery- using HomeKit and Siri
automatic garden watering also create schedules to powered so that you can voice commands. You’ll
of up to 16 zones, smart automate watering, and the move them around easily. need to buy the Hue Bridge
weather detection and smart weather detection There’s a siren to scare (approximately $50) to be
compatibility with a variety adjusts the level of intruders — and a HomeKit able to use Hue lights in
of smart home platforms. watering accordingly. update on the way. a HomeKit setup.
HERE’S A funny thing that While you might think that the
Evoland 2
Spacetime continuum disorder
$6.99
SHOULD I ACCESS
MY NETWORK DRIVE
USING SMB OR CIFS?
CIFS is an open-source
implementation of the
SMB1 protocol. Opting to
use CIFS will deliver the
slowest but likely most
compatible implementation
of SMB. That can be useful
if faster versions of SMB,
such as SMB2 or SMB3, are
causing problems. It
shouldn’t be your first
choice, however.
Yes, provided that you’re running current With the new Pegasus Utility installed,
versions of the drive’s software, and that you should be able to upgrade its
you update the drive’s firmware. firmware from within the app. If you have
Before upgrading to High Sierra, visit issues, download the firmware from the
the Promise support page at surplvh1 support page and install it using the
frp2Vxssruw2grzqordgfhqwhu. Select Firmware Update command from the
Legacy products, then model details. utility’s Admin menu, as detailed at
Download the Pegasus Series Utility elw1o|2Ľupsurpshj.
for Mac and the Pegasus Series Driver Once your RAID drive is up to date,
for Mac, and install them. proceed with the High Sierra upgrade.
It’s worth installing the driver, which is When complete, it should be safe to leave If you have a Thunderbolt RAID array
a kernel extension, before upgrading Time Machine backups on, provided you and you’re thinking of upgrading your
to High Sierra, since that version of the don’t restart your iMac in Sierra. Doing operating system, visit the
operating system handles third-party so can wipe out the database Time manufacturer’s website and download the
extensions differently. Machine uses to decide what to back up. latest support software for your drive.
There are no less than three ways, Script Editor’s General prefs. (Script
depending on whether you enjoy writing Editor is part of macOS, and located in
AppleScript or shell scripts, or prefer to /Applications/Utilities.) You’ll need to
use a simple pane in System Preferences. write your own script to copy files from Building folder actions in Hazel requires no
AppleScript supports Folder Actions, the watched folder to your thumb drive. scripting or programming, although it can run
scripts that run whenever something You can do the same in a shell scripts you’ve written if you wish.
changes in a folder, such as adding a script using the fswatch command
document to it. They’re now more (elw1o|2ivzdwfk). Although powerful, met — but without the need to write more
awkward to use, as you need to make the these are not the simplest option. complex scripts. For example, it would
Script menu visible, which is done in Perhaps best for most of our readers be very simple to copy files added to a
is Hazel (about $30, qrrgohvriw1frp). specific folder to your flash drive. Hazel
In its System Preferences pane you can does a great deal more beyond this, and
set folders to be watched, then define can be used to automate workflows that
HOW CAN I CHECK THAT AN actions which run when conditions are are usually manual affairs.
APP IS PROPERLY SIGNED?
Download and install What’s
Your Sign? (free, bit.ly/
remvhhzkdwvljq). This utility
adds a “Signing Info” command > I can’t read Apple’s free iBooks
to Finder’s contextual menu. Ctrl- I recently added Apple’s free iOS user guides for iPhone and iPad to the iBooks
click the app you want to check, collection on my Mac. When I try to open either, I’m told that a different Apple ID
choose that command, and you’ll was used to buy them, which isn’t the case, and they work fine on my iPhone.
see info about the developer’s How can I read them on my Mac?
signature and its
certificate authorities.
Restart your Mac, and open the iCloud your current version of macOS (go to
pane. Sign out, wait a few seconds and vxssruw1dssoh1frp and search for
then sign in again. Also try removing the “combo update” and your installed version
books from your Mac and then number) and install that, as it can
redownloading them. sometimes fix such strange problems.
If those don’t help, open Settings on Another trick is to repair your home
your iPhone. At the top of the first page, folder’s permissions — see bit.ly/
tap your name. You’ll see all your current uhsshupv. At the end of all that, if you
Macs and iOS devices listed. Tap your Mac have no joy, call Apple support, as only it
HOW CAN I CHECK there and check its details — in particular can fix problems that might lie server-side
I’M RUNNING THE that it’s a trusted device. with the store.
LATEST JAVA? If that looks fine, shut down your Mac,
If you have Java 9 installed, wait 20 seconds, and start it up in safe
which is the current major mode (see elw1o|2pdfvdihpg). That clears
version, there’ll be a Java icon a lot of caches and could help eliminate
in System Preferences. Click it any misunderstandings over your account
and a separate window will open. and the Mac’s authorizations. Then restart
Go to that window’s Update tab your Mac normally and try again.
to see the version that’s installed If this problem only occurred after a
and if updates are available. macOS system update was installed, that iBooks should open books downloaded by your
Or, type java --version in Terminal could be the cause. In this case, you need Apple ID, if that Mac is signed in to the correct
to see version details there. to download the latest Combo updater for account and trusted.
SAFE MODE
Upgrade pricing for FileMaker Pro starts with To check it out before buying, download the When you start your
version 14, so you’d have to pay full price trial version from qlqr{ge1gh2hq. Mac in Safe mode, macOS
(currently $329) to stick with it. In any case, Consider other tasks you might want to performs extra checks
for this task it would be overkill. FileMaker use this for. If they’re based on structured and stops certain third-
used to sell a simpler, more affordable app text and images, then look at a downloadable party software from
called Bento, but unfortunately it was killed demo of Tinderbox from hdvwjdwh1frp. Billed running. See how to use
off four years ago. as a tool for notes, it goes far beyond, and is it at bit.ly/mlsafemode
If you really want a database, a close ideal for storing structured information and
alternative is Ninox ($34.99, Mac App Store). ideas. A single licence costs $249. RESET SMC & NVRAM
These features handle
low-level functions and
store key settings for
your Mac, respectively.
Resetting them can fix
various issues described
at bit.ly/mlresetsmc and
bit.ly/mlresetnvram
HARDWARE ISSUES
Your Mac includes tools
that check for certain
hardware issues without
going to a Genius Bar.
For Macs introduced in
Tinderbox lets you structure your notes in Treemaps are invaluable for a quick overview of June 2013 or later, see
hierarchies, and using sophisticated links. These different types of note; we even use them to bit.ly/mldiag, otherwise
notes also form a timeline. manage Genius Tips. see bit.ly/mlahwt
EMAIL: letters@maclife.com
SHARE WITH US! FACEBOOK: facebook.com/maclife TWITTER: twitter.com/maclife
REQUIRES INTRODUCED WITH IOS 9 least one trusted phone number. Apple
A Mac running and El Capitan, two-factor encourages you to register more than one,
OS X 10.11 or later authentication (2FA) is such as your home phone — rather than
and/or a device running a security feature in iCloud. the iPhone that you’ve connected to your
iOS 9 or later Lwġv#dq#hyroxwlrq#ri#wzr0vwhs#yhulĽfdwlrq/# iCloud account.
which we’ll refer to as 2SV. As well as having Apple send you a
YOU WILL LEARN The latter pushes a security code to a code, you can manually generate one
How to set up and use device using either SMS or Apple’s Find yourself from one of your trusted devices.
two-factor authentication My iPhone system; 2FA pushes a KENNY HEMPHILL
qrwlĽfdwlrq#wr#ģwuxvwhg#ghylfhvĤ#olqnhg#wr#
IT WILL TAKE your account. This tells you that someone
30 minutes kdv#uhtxhvwhg#d#yhulĽfdwlrq#frgh#dqg#
shows you a map of the location where
the request was made.
You can subsequently reject the
attempt to access your account, or allow
it and have the code sent to the trusted
device which you’re using.
In addition to at least one trusted
device, you’ll also have to register at
T WO - FACTO R AU T H E N T I CAT I O N I S A N
E VO LU T I O N O F T WO -ST E P V E R I F I CAT I O N
GENIUS TIP
GENIUS TIP
from just the app you’re currently using. This is Add instant
DESKTOP great if you’re working on multiple Numbers security
If you’re someone who keeps files on your spreadsheets, say! If you’re worried about prying
desktop, the ability to move windows out of the eyes glancing at your Mac’s
way to reach them in an instant will save you screen, even when you’ve
laboriously closing them or moving things around. DISABLE SCREEN SAVER used a Hot Corner to put
Doing a presentation that focuses on one slide it to sleep without clicking
for a long time, or streaming a film/watching a anything, make sure you
APPLICATION WINDOWS video? Avoid awkward moments by using the make this change in System
The Application Windows action shows you a Disable Screen Saver action to ensure your Preferences’ Security &
Mission Control-like view of all open windows screen doesn’t go to sleep. Privacy pane. Put a check
next to “Require password”
and then choose Immediately
from the adjacent pop-up
menu. This ensures nobody
can access your account
after you move away from
your desk.
Notification
Center
This feature contains
a plethora of information
about what needs your
attention and what you’ve
got coming up. Set up a Hot
Corner to get at that info
without having to click its
menu bar icon.
PREVENT SLIP-UPS
While using your Mac, you might find
yourself accidentally triggering the Hot
Corner actions you’ve assigned. This is
frustrating, particularly as it’s easy to
forget you have Hot Corners activated.
Thankfully, there is a workaround that
uses one or more modifier keys. This
means you have to hold down one or A secret option Add a modifier
more of several special keys before Adding a modifier key to a The symbols for the keys you’re
you’re able to trigger a Hot Corner’s shortcut is an easily overlooked holding will be prefixed on the actions.
assigned action. Without those keys feature. In the Hot Corners panel, hold Keep them held and choose an action.
held down, nothing will be triggered. down one or more modifier keys — If you hold Cmd, say, when you move
The following two steps will explain (Cmd, Opt, Shift, Ctrl) when choosing the pointer to the corner, you’ll need
how to set this up. an action from the pop-up menus. to hold that key to trigger the action.
GENIUS TIP
REQUIRES YOU MIGHT THINK that to get without the confusion of letters moving
An iOS 11 device (some any serious typing done on an around — by tapping the name of
features work on older iPhone or iPad you need to use the keyboard you’ve added in this list.)
versions) an external keyboard. While Image A: To switch between the
it’s true that you can do that — over keyboards you add (in the order you set
YOU WILL LEARN Bluetooth, using a Smart Keyboard, or them in Settings > General > Keyboard >
How to type faster with using Apple’s Lightning to USB adapter Keyboards), tap the globe icon at the
iOS’s built-in keyboard — if you learn the tips and tricks Apple bottom left of the keyboard. If you only
shortcuts has baked into the on-screen keyboard, have one main keyboard installed, this
everything from a tweet to the next great will instead be a smiley face, as it toggles
IT WILL TAKE qryho#lv#zhoo#zlwklq#|rxu#Ľqjhuwlsv1# to the emoji keyboard.
25 minutes You can set up several keyboards in iOS,
iru#h{dpsoh#iru#w|slqj#lq#glļhuhqw# EMOJI AND SPECIAL CHARACTERS
languages; adding other keyboards So long as you have the Predictive bar
in Settings > General > Keyboard > turned on, though, it can act like emoji
Keyboards doesn’t just change the layout search, and you don’t even have to switch
of the keys to match conventions in that to that keyboard; type “fries,” say, and
country (AZERTY rather than QWERTY in the last option in the predictive bar is the
France, for example), or even the input fries emoji. Tap it to replace the word with
method entirely, but it changes the the emoji. (Even this is localized; if you
autocorrect dictionary, too. (Here’s a type “chips” in the UK English keyboard,
really hidden feature: you can override the you get the same emoji.)
keyboard layout change — to retain the You might be used to tapping “123” to
ehqhĽwv#ri#wkh#dxwrfruuhfw#fkdqjh# switch to the layout with numbers, but if
you only need to type a single character On an iPad, you can slide two
iurp#wklv#nh|erdug/#gudj#|rxu#Ľqjhu#iurp# Ľqjhuv#durxqg#wkh#nh|erdug#wr#pryh#wkh#
the “123” to the desired number key — caret. Once you’ve moved it, lift your two
the keyboard will temporarily switch Ľqjhuv/#vhw#wkhp#grzq#djdlq/#zdlw#d#ehdw/#
layout in between — then release to then move; you’ll then be selecting text.
get back to the usual keyboard. On an iPhone with 3D Touch, press on the
If you’re on any iPad except the 12.9– nh|erdug#zlwk#rqh#Ľqjhu#wr#vzlwfk#wr#wklv#
inch, you also see secondary characters on prgh/#wkhq#volgh#|rxu#Ľqjhu#durxqg1#
the keys (when using optimized apps); On iPhones with 3D Touch, you have
mxvw#ľlfn#grzq#rq#wkh#nh|#wr#w|sh#wkhp1 extra options for text selection, though
Image B: Krog#d#Ľqjhu#rq#d#nh|#wr#vhh# they take some trial and error to learn.
alternate characters, and voilà – you can Rqfh#|rxġyh#suhvvhg#Ľupo|#rq#wkh#vfuhhq#
type “voilà!” You can also hold the $ sign, to move the caret, you can reposition the
to get other currency symbols, or on the caret over a word and then press even
period when entering a web address in harder to select just that word. That bit’s
Safari to see other domains, such as .org. easy enough, but with practise you can
also double-press to select the whole
MOVE THE INSERTION POINT sentence at once, or triple-press to select GENIUS TIP
The traditional way to move the insertion the whole paragraph.
point, or caret, around on iOS is to hold Image C: You can combine the two- Made a mistake? You
d#Ľqjhu#rq#wkh#wh{w#|rx#zhuh#zulwlqj/#dqg# Ľqjhu#dqg#6G#Wrxfk#vkruwfxwv#zlwk# needn’t reach for the
then use the magnifying glass pop-up to dragging. Let’s say you have a three- Undo button to roll back
get it into the right place. That’s a little sentence paragraph and want to copy only your text; just shake your
awkward and prone to error around the wkh#Ľuvw#wzr#vhqwhqfhv>#suhvv#Ľupo|#wr# device, provided Settings >
edges of the screen, and there is a better start moving the caret, position it General > Accessibility >
way on iPad, and iPhones with 3D Touch dq|zkhuh#ryhu#wkh#Ľuvw#vhqwhqfh/#grxeoh0 Shake to Undo is
(available on iPhone 6s or later). press to select that sentence, then drag to switched on.
the second, which will be selected in > Keyboard. Here there’s also a toggle for
GENIUS TIP its entirety — though the paragraph’s the period shortcut, which enables you to
Ľqdo#vhqwhqfh#zloo#eh#ohiw#rxw1 double-tap the space bar to get a period,
If you use multiple In either scenario, you can grab the a space, and the next letter capitalized.
email addresses, text little handles that appear at each end Zh#phqwlrqhg#kroglqj#d#Ľqjhu#rq#
replacements can work ri#|rxu#vhohfwhg#wh{w#wr#ĽqhĞwxqh#zkdw# some keys to get accented forms and
out quicker for typing you’re picking up, if necessary, and you alternative characters. On some iPads
them than relying on the can also tap either of these handles running iOS 11, keys may display a second
keyboard’s QuickType to bring up the options bar, with cut, character. Rather than using Shift or
suggestions bar. For copy, paste, and other options, if they kroglqj#rq#wkh#nh|/#ľlfn#xszdugv#iurp#
example, you might use aren’t already visible. the key to type the second character more
@icl to type your iCloud quickly. (Settings > General > Keyboards >
address, @gma for Gmail, CAPITALS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERS Enable Key Flicks must be switched on.)
and @lst for an alias you Let’s go back to something easier:
use for newsletters switching to capital letters. This can be as
and other mailing lists. simple as tapping Shift to switch only the
very next character you type to uppercase,
or double-tapping it to turn on Caps Lock.
Note that you can use the same slide
technique we mentioned for the “123”
keyboard switch; slide from the Shift key
to a letter and it will be capitalized
without the need to dismiss the caps
Splitting the keyboard keyboard afterwards. iOS will try to
makes typing easier when be helpful in capitalizing new sentences,
holding your iPad, at least exw#li#|rx#grqġw#olnh#wklv/#|rx#fdq#wxuq#rļ# In iOS’ Accessibility settings are helpful options to
on smaller models. Auto-Capitalization in Settings > General alter the sensitivity of the keyboard and 3D Touch.
REQUIRES HAVING A COMPUTER strapped You can enter your allergies, blood type,
An Apple Watch, to your body at all times isn’t medications, and more. We’ll also show
an iPhone just useful for making sure you you how to set those details.
don’t miss alerts and easily Of course, apart from being a
YOU WILL LEARN setting timers when you’re cooking. The communication device, the Watch is also
How to use and set up the Watch can really come through for you if a health monitor, so it may be able to help
emergency and heart-rate there’s an emergency. keep you healthy in more direct ways. Its
features on your The Emergency SOS feature is built in heart rate monitor can keep a constant
Apple Watch to watchOS, and we’ll show you how easy eye on your ticker (if you have a Watch
it is to trigger a call to the emergency Series 1 or later, it can keep track of your
IT WILL TAKE services when you need them. For most heart rate during rest or walking
5 minutes Watch models, your phone will need to be sdvvlyho|>#rq#wkh#Ľuvw0jhqhudwlrq#Zdwfk/#
within range of your Watch, because your it tracks your heart rate during a Workout,
phone is what actually makes the call or when you open the Heart Rate app).
— however, you don’t need to actually The heart rate monitor is accurate
touch your phone. If you have a enough to potentially detect heart
Watch Series 3 with 4G built in, you don’t conditions, though it won’t do that on its
need your phone nearby, because the own! What it will do is warn you if things
Watch can make the emergency call orrn#lļ|1#\rx#fdq#vhw#Zdwfk#wr#zduq#|rx#
directly, even if you don’t actually have if your heart rate is creeping worryingly
a call plan for it. high even though you’re not exerting
That’s not the only way the Watch yourself. There are cases where people
could help you in an emergency, though. have used these warnings as a prompt
If you set up some essential medical to see their doctors, and been diagnosed
information in the Health app, emergency with heart conditions as a result. Your
workers can access it from your Watch, Apple Watch really could save your life!
which could be vital if you’re unconscious. MATT BOLTON
Intel transition
Adam Banks remembers when Apple swapped its
own processors for industry-standard Intel chips
given the Mac a new lease of life. In 1997, Brookwood, echoing the views of many.
an Apple TV commercial showed Intel’s In fact, the following decade saw Mac
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