Essential Apple User Magazine September October 2022

iPhone • MacBooks • iPad • Mac • iPod touch • Watch • TV

E S S E N T I A L 100% INDEPENDENT

MAGAZINE

ISSUE 39 | SEPT-OCT 2022

NEW NEW!

AirPods Pro

2nd Gen

iPhone14
and 14 Pro unleashed!

Watch
Ultra
ADVANCED
Plus Watch 8 and SE MASTERCLASS

GET TO
GRIPS WITH

NEW OSs

Want to master your iPhone?

Then don’t miss our NEW iPhone & iOS
magazine on digital platforms now!

If you’re planning a trip to
Madrid, Spain look out for
this beautiful Apple Store.

Welcome

The autumn refresh brought us some great new
Apple gear, including the iPhone 14 series, Apple
Watch Series 8 and the second generation of AirPods
Pro. We tell you all about them on Page 10.

“Completely redesigned and
built from aerospace grade
titanium, Apple Watch Ultra
takes the smartwatch’s exercise
and exploration features to the
next level. If you enjoy being off
the grid hiking across the moors,
climbing a mountain range or
scuba diving in a lake or the sea,
Apple Watch Ultra is for you.”

Our cover story, Page 21

ESSENTIAL ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

//M A G A Z I N E

AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Contents //

Issue 39

12// BrandNewiPhones!

Apple’s 2022 update, the iPhone 14 series, is here but what’s new
and should you upgrade? Take a look at our exclusive guide.

18// PoweronYourWrist

What’s new in the Series 8 Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE
and the amazing new Apple Watch Ultra?

6 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 37

CONTENTS //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

60// NewOperatingSystemsinAction

Want to know how to use some of the new features in iOS 16, iPadOS
16 and macOS 13: Ventura? Read our tutorials.

32// Reviews Roundup 96// RememberingIRCle

Another chance to read about the highest-scoring Old-school fans of Internet Relay Chat still miss this exciting

hardware, software and games of the last few months. client. We take an in-depth look at why.

3// Apple Store 60// Tutorials
4// Welcome 62// iPhone: Lock Screen – How it’s Changed
8// Meet the Team 66// iPhone: Passkeys – How They Work
9// Editorial 68// iPhone: Focus Filters – New in iOS 16
70// iPhone: More Great iOS 16 Features
10// Cover Feature: 74// Mac: Stocks – Watch Your Shares
New Apple Gear 76// Mac: Continuity Camera with Your iPhone
78// Mac: The Clock App – On Your Mac
12// New iPhones 80// Mac: The Weather App – Will it Rain?
18// Apple Watch Series 8 84// iPad: Set Up Your iPad For the First Time
21// Apple Watch Ultra 88// iPad: Setting Up Email – Configure it
24// AirPods Pro 2nd Generation 90// Apple Watch: Watch Gestures and Buttons
92// Apple Watch: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
28// Gadgets Gallery 94// Apple Watch: The Watch Control Centre

32// Reviews 96// Reloading: Asphalt 6
34// Hardware Reviews 99// Next Month
44// Software Reviews
52// Game Reviews

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 7

ESSENTIAL ESSENTIAL

AppleUser AppleUser
MAGAZINE
// MEET THE TEAMMAGAZINE
Issue 39 - Sept/Oct 2022
Team players// ISSN: 2632-8704
Published by: Papercut Limited
We’ve been spoiled over the last couple of months, with some great Managing Editor: James Gale
new operating system updates and awesome new iPhones, Apple Editor: Ian Osborne
Watches and AirPods. But what are the team most excited about? Art Director & Production: Mark Ayshford
Production Manager: Mary Lupin
James Gale Ian Osborne Design: Martin Smith
Managing Editor Editor Editorial: Ian Osborne, Alan Hulme, David Anderson.
Contributors: James Gale, Mary Lupin, Martin Smith,
As a keen gamer, it’s great I can switch between my Those new AirPods Pro 2nd Generation look amazing. Alyssa Falcon
PS4 and Switch joypads. As I tend to run out of battery What a great use of your iPhone’s LiDAR camera too, Sub Editor: Mary Lupin
at a key point and then have to wait for it to charge up! mapping your head and ear to fine-tune the sound. Thanks to: Mark Frost, Petoi, Kensington, Airpulse,
Logitech, Edifier, Manfrotto, Oclean, DxO, Steve Harris,
Martin Smith Alyssa Falcon Jolanda Blum, Kathryn Lamb, Maryna Dimova, John
Group Senior Designer Staff Writer Atkin, ZA/UM Studio, Elena Strzelczyk, Ludger Voetz,
As far as iOS 16 goes, I like that they have improved the Why has it taken until now for Apple to include the Vanessa Burrows and anyone we’ve forgotten.
weather app even more with extra data and longer Digital distribution by: PocketMags.com, Zinio.com,
range forecasts. It’s great for planning a long bike ride. Weather app on the iPad? Did they think their tablet Readly AB, Magzter inc., Cafeyn

owners aren’t interested in whether it rains or shines? Copyright ©2022 Papercut Limited. All rights reserved.

Alan Hulme Mary Lupin No part of this publication may be reproduced in any
Staff Writer Production Editor form, stored in a retrieval system or integrated into any
The customisable lock screen appeals to my lazy side. You can never have too many Apple Watch faces, other publication, database or commercial programs
I can catch up with the news, the chance of rain and so it’s great to see more arriving. I wish Apple would without the express written permission of the publisher.
more by simply picking up my iPhone. open up face creation to third parties, though. Under no circumstances should this publication and its
contents be resold, loaned out or used in any form by
Mark Ayshford David Anderson way of trade without the publisher’s written permission.
Art Director Staff Writer While we pride ourselves on the quality of the
It’s the iPhone 14 Pro’s always-on screen for me. I The best feature in iOS 16 is the ability to Unsend a information we provide, Papercut Limited reserves the
often want to glance at my phone to see the time or message! I wish some of the rogue text messages right not to be held responsible for any mistakes or
notifications, and now I no longer have to wake it up. I’ve sent in the past could’ve been recalled. inaccuracies found within the text of this publication.
Due to the nature of the software industry, the
publisher cannot guarantee that all apps will work on
every version of the Mac, iPhone, iPad, Watch macOS
and iOS. It remains the purchaser’s sole responsibility to
determine the suitability of this book and its content for
whatever purpose. Images reproduced on the front
and back cover are solely for design purposes and are
not representative of content. We advise all potential
buyers to check listing prior to purchase for
confirmation of actual content. All editorial opinion
herein is that of the reviewer - as an individual - and is
not representative of the publisher or any of its affiliates.
Therefore the publisher holds no responsibility in regard
to editorial opinion and content. Papercut Limited
reserves the right not to be held responsible for any
mistakes or inaccuracies found within the text of this
publication. Therefore the Publisher, editor and their
respective employees or affiliates will not accept
responsibility for loss, damage, injury occasioned to
any persons acting or refraining from action as a
result of the content with this publication whether or
not any such action is due to any error, negligent
omission or act on the part of the Publisher, editor
and their respective employees or affiliates.

The articles in these pages that follow are
intended as a guide only. We are not advising you to
change your device, and would actually advise against
it if you have even the slightest doubts.

There are potential risks to the hardware and
software involved, and you must be aware of these
before you decide to alter anything on your device.
Read all of the information here carefully and then
make up your own mind whether you want to follow
our guides. We take no responsibility for damage to
your smartphone, tablet, computer or any other
device used in the process. If you are unsure, please
do not buy this publication.

The Essential AppleUser Magazine is an
independent publication and as such does not
necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the
producers of Apps or products contained within. This
publication is not endorsed or associated in any way
with Apple or any associate or affiliate company. All
copyrights, trademarks and registered trademarks for
the respective companies are acknowledged. Editorial
and design are the copyright © Papercut Limited.
Relevant graphic imagery reproduced with courtesy of
Apple. Additional images contained within this
publication are reproduced under licence from
shutterstock.com and iStockphoto.com.

All prices including App Store prices, international
availability, ratings, titles and content are subject to
change. All information was correct at time of print.
iPhone, iPad, Watch, MacBook, iMac and Mac are
trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the US and other
countries. iPhone, iPad, Watch, MacBook, iMac and Mac
© 2022 Apple Inc.

INTERNATIONAL LICENSING
Papercut Ltd has many great publications and all are
available for licensing worldwide. For more information
email: [email protected]

ADVERTISING
For our latest media packs please contact:
Richard Rowe - [email protected]
Will Smith - [email protected]

Papercut Limited
Registered in England & Wales No: 4308153

8 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

EDITORIAL //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Editor’s Letter//

The September 2022 Apple Keynote brought some great gear, and some minor
surprises. We all knew we were getting new iPhones, but we hadn’t guessed there
would be an iPhone 14 Plus instead of an iPhone 14 mini. The Apple Watch Series 8
was widely expected, and a pro-level Apple Watch predicted, but we didn’t know
the new high-end smartwatch would be so hotly focussed on adventurers,
explorers and extreme sports enthusiasts. And a refresh for the AirPods Pro was
definitely on the cards, but again, the details came as a welcome surprise.

It’s the same story with this issue of Essential AppleUser Magazine. As you might
have guessed, it’s all about the new Apple products announced at the September
keynote, but we hope there are some surprises in store for you too. Our cover
feature breaks down Apple’s new releases and tells you all about the iPhone 14 Pro
and Pro Max, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, the new Apple Watches (Series 8, SE and
Ultra) and the brand new AirPods Pro Second Generation. With new owners in
mind, in the reviews section, we take a look at some of the best gadgets,
peripherals, software and gaming apps we’ve covered over the past few months,
so if you’re looking to splash out on something for your new Apple products, you
know what’s best. And in our tutorials, we get to grips with some of the best new
features offered by the brand new Apple operating systems. Round it off with a
Reloading blast from the past, and thats the current issue of Essential AppleUser
magazine. We hope you have as much fun reading it as we did writing it.

Ian Osborne
Editor
Email:
[email protected]

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 9

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// COVER FEATUREMAGAZINE

New Apple
Gear!

“At Apple, we’re fortunate to be
surrounded by people who strive to
innovate together. To create products
and experiences that enrich people’s
lives. Products that are intuitive
and easy to use. That have a unique
integration of hardware and software
and that are incredibly personal.”

Tim Cook, CEO Apple

10 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

COVER FEATURE //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

On 7th September 2022, the eyes of the tech world turned
once again to Apple’s gorgeous Cupertino HQ to see what
the Californian company would announce. And we weren’t
disappointed. As expected, we got new iPhones, but the
iPhone 14 and 14 Pro delivered some surprises nonetheless.
The new Apple Watch Series 8 looks great, and there’s a new
Ultra version for explorers, adventurers and extreme sports
enthusiasts. And for music lovers, a new set of AirPods Pro. Let’s
take a look at what the September 2022 event brought us.

Apple’s HQ in Cupertino,
California.

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 11

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// COVER FEATUREMAGAZINE

New iPhones

Apple’s brand new iPhone 14 series

is here, and it's looking great.

The iPhone 14 Pro Better Screens
and Pro Max
Once again, the Pro iPhones come in two sizes; the regular
Apple’s flagship phones model, with a 6.1-inch screen (measured corner to corner),
and the larger Pro Max with a 6.7-inch display. The screen
To no one’s surprise, the iPhone 14 range includes an iPhone 14 Pro and makes significant advances over the previous model. It has
iPhone 14 Pro Max. These are Apple’s high-end models, top-of-the-range smaller borders and is brighter than before, In fact, it has
models for top-of-the-range needs. As expected, there was a price increase the highest outdoor peak brightness in a smartphone, of
over the launch prices of the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, but this wasn’t as up to 2000 nits, which is twice as bright as iPhone 13 Pro.
hefty as we thought it might be. So let’s take a look at the iPhone 14 Pro, and
its larger stable mate, the iPhone 14 Pro Max. But most significantly, it’s always on. Instead of turning off
when the iPhone is idle, it merely dims, so you can still see
New Colours the time and information like the new Lock Screen widgets
without picking up the phone or tapping the display. This is
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are made from surgical grade stainless made possible by some great new power-efficient features.
steel, and are available in four new colours, namely space black, silver, gold, and a The screen refresh rate can go as low as one hertz with a
gorgeous deep purple design that looks far better than the more lilac model in the new low power mode, and uses far less power when it does
non-Pro iPhone 14 range. refresh. It works intelligently too, with wallpaper photos
dimming without losing the correct skin tones.

The always-on display dims when the iPhone is idle.

12 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

COVER FEATURE //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

New Class of Camera Prices and
Release Date
The new iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max’s camera is designed to deliver the best results
for any photographer, from the casual snapper to the most demanding professional. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are
They introduce a brand new class of camera to the iPhone – a 48MB offering with on sale now at the following prices:
a quad-pixel sensor. It’s the largest sensor yet, and is 65% larger than the one on
the iPhone 13 Pro/Max. It also offers up to two times’ improvement in low light iPhone 14 Pro
conditions. The Telephoto lens has an extra telephoto option. You can now choose 128GB £1,099/$999/1.299 €
between 0.5x, 1x, 2x and 3x magnification. 256GB £1,209/$1099/1.429 €
512GB £1,429/$1299/1.689 €
The Ultra Wide camera has a larger sensor and more focus pixels, and is up to 1TB £1,649/$1499/1.949 €
three times better in low light conditions than its predecessor. It’s perfect for macro
photography, that is, focussing on subjects very close to the camera. iPhone 14 Pro Max
128GB £1,199/$1099/1.449,00 €
The flash has been redesigned with a new adaptive behaviour based on the focal 256GB £1,309/$1199/1.579,00 €
length of the photo. Its nine LEDs control the power and intensity of the light, for 512GB £1,529/$1399/1.839,00 €
perfectly lit pictures. It’s up to twice as bright as before too. 1TB £1,749/$1599/2.099,00 €

Fundamental to the pro camera system, A16 Bionic powers incredible
computational photography features. The CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, and image
signal processor seamlessly work together to support the new camera hardware
and perform up to four trillion operations per photo. It also makes possible the new
Action Mode, which when switched on, stabilises your video photography without
needing an extra device such as a gimbal.

The New A16 Bionic Chip The A16 Bionic chip was built
with power efficiency, the
The new iPhone Pro range is again powered by an new screen features and
Apple Silicon system-on-a-chip, this time the new photography in mind.
A16 Bionic. With almost 16 billion transistors, two
high-performance cores and four high-efficiency
cores, the new six-core CPU is up to 40% faster
than the competition. It features an accelerated
five-core GPU with 50% more memory bandwidth
for graphics-intensive games and apps, and its
new 16-core Neural Engine is capable of nearly 17
trillion operations per second.

Dynamic Island

Those who listened to the rumour mill For example, when you get a phone call,
ahead of the iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max’s the Dynamic Island expands to house the
launch expected the notch atop the screen notification about who’s calling, and also
to go in favour of a pill-shaped window a the accept and reject call buttons. When
little down from the top edge, but no one you use Face ID, it becomes square-shaped
predicted what we got. The new iPhone’s as it shows you the progress of your scan.
Dynamic Island feature is arguably the most It also shows when your iPhone is muted,
innovative and exciting change to the user charging or playing music, and shows
interface we’ve seen in years. upcoming directions when using the Maps.
It’s great for ongoing background activities
This window, of course, houses the too, like a countdown timer. It can also
TrueDepth camera, which has been re- house iOS 16’s Live Activities information
engineered to fit into a 30% smaller space. too, such as the current score in a sporting
For the first time, the proximity sensor which event or keeping an eye on when your taxi
powers Face ID is positioned behind the will arrive.
display. This allows the Dynamic Island
window to do far more than house the The animations associated with
camera. Instead, it adapts dynamically Dynamic Island are fluid and intuitive, and
to show alerts, background activities, they’re available to third-party developers
notifications and current information too. to use with their own apps too.

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 13

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// COVER FEATUREMAGAZINE

The iPhone14 and iPhone14 Plus

A new phone in five exciting colours

As expected, the Autumn refresh also brought us a regular iPhone 14 model with a 6.1-inch
screen (measured corner to corner), but we also got an iPhone 14 Plus, a larger model with
a 6.7-inch screen. This is a first for the regular iPhone – previously, only the iPhone’s Pro
models came in regular and larger sizes. One thing we didn’t get is an iPhone 14 mini. This
is surprising considering the iPhone 12 and 13 series enjoyed a smaller version, but perhaps
they weren’t selling.

Whichever size of iPhone 14 you buy, it retains the ‘notch’ housing the TrueDepth camera.
No Dynamic Island here.

Five Exciting Colours Unusually for a non-Pro model, the iPhone 14 comes in
regular 6.1-inch and a ‘Plus’ 6.7-inch models.
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus come in five different colours; midnight, blue,
starlight, purple, and the fundraising (PRODUCT)RED, where some of the profits go
to AIDS charities.

The Build

Improved Both sizes of the iPhone 14 are made from to iPhone and tougher than any other
Performance aerospace-grade aluminium. They have an smartphone glass — returns.
updated internal design for better thermal
The regular- performance. This prevents overheating
sized iPhone during peak-needs use such as gaming,
14 offers all- so you can play for longer. The screens
day battery boast Super Retina XDR displays with OLED
life, and the technology that supports 1200 nits of peak
iPhone 14 HDR brightness, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio,
Plus goes and Dolby Vision. And if you’re prone to
even further, dropping your phone, you’ll be glad to learn
offering the the Ceramic Shield front cover — exclusive
best battery life ever in an iPhone.

At the heart of the iPhone 14/14 Plus
is the Apple Silicon A15 Bionic system-on-
a-chip, which debuted last year with the
iPhone 13 Pro models. It has a five-core
GPU that’s 18% faster than the iPhone
13’s. Its six-core CPU offers two high-
performance and four high-efficiency
cores, and it also boasts a 16-core neural
engine for machine learning.

Also worth noting is the A15 Bionic’s
custom Image Signal Processor which
powers some great features in the
iPhone 14/14 Plus camera system.

14 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

COVER FEATURE //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

The iPhone 14/14 Plus Camera System

As expected, the regular iPhone 14 models have a two-
camera system that gives great photos across the entire
range of light. In bright light, colours come alive. In low
light, moody shadows dominate.

The new 12MP main lens has a larger image sensor than
before, and larger pixels at 1.9 microns. The aperture is faster
for better motion freezing when you take a still picture of an
object in motion, and it boasts a 49% improvement in low-
light photos compared to the iPhone 13’s camera.

The Ultra Wide camera offers a unique perspective for
wider shots, and the improved True Tone flash is 10% brighter
and has better uniformity for more consistent lighting.

Around the front, the iPhone 14/14 Plus has a new
12MP TrueDepth camera with a faster aperture giving a
38% improvement in low light imaging. For the first time,
the front-facing camera has auto focus, allowing it to
focus clearly at multiple distances. It can focus faster too,
for all-round better selfies.

In a first for a non-Pro iPhone, the TrueDepth
camera offers auto focus, so it can focus on
multiple objects at varying distances.

Action Mode Prices and
Release Date
When recording video, Cinematic Mode
is now available in 4K at 30 fps and 4K The iPhone 14 is on sale now,
at 24 fps. Dolby Vision HDR is available with the larger iPhone 14 Plus
too, exclusive to iPhone. But the best going on sale on 7th October, at
enhancement to video recording is the the following prices:
new Action Mode.
Toggled on and off with a tap, Action Mode is a stabilisation tool that adjusts to iPhone 14
significant shakes, motion, and vibrations while you record your video. Where you 128GB £849/$799/999 €
might expect footage to be shaky, it’s now silky smooth. 256GB £959/$899/1.129 €
512GB £1,179/$1,099/1.389 €

iPhone 14 Plus
128GB £949/$899/1.149,00 €
256GB £1,059/$999/1.279,00 €
512GB £1,279/$1199/1.539,00 €

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 15

ESSENTIAL

// COVER FEATUREAppleUser
MAGAZINE

Emergency!

Health and safety is a keen interest at Because bandwidth is so limited, a
Apple, and both the regular and Pro voice connection is impossible. If
models of the iPhone 14 boast some the service you need accepts text
great new features that might just messages, you’re put in touch directly.
save your life. If not, Apple has set up a series of relay
centres that can take your messages
With Crash Detection, your new and read them to the emergency
iPhone can tell if you’ve been in a service. This satellite connectivity can
car crash and alert the emergency also be used to share your location
services automatically. It achieves this using the Find My app.
using a combination of old and new
components and some nifty software. Emergency SOS via Satellite is
included with all iPhone 14 models free
Emergency SOS can get help to you for two years. The service launches
even in remote locations with no Wi-Fi in November 2022, in the USA and
or cellular coverage. Your iPhone 14 Canada only, but it will spread to other
contacts the emergency services using territories over time.
an overhead communication satellite.

The iPhone 14 can tell if you’ve been in a
car crash, and automatically contact the
emergency services.

With Emergency SOS, you
can summon help even
when off the grid.

How Emergency SOS Works

Make sure you’re outdoors, You’re questioned about the Keep the phone pointed

and launch Emergency SOS. emergency.Doso,usingone at the satellite, and the You can use satellite connectivity to share
your location with the Find My app.
Tap Report Emergency. of the on-screen buttons. Messages app opens.

16 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

COVER FEATURE //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 17

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// COVER FEATUREMAGAZINE

The Apple Watch
Series 8

Apple has unveiled the next model of its amazing
smartwatch, but what’s new about it?

How much more can Apple cram into the Apple Watch? Maybe we’ll get
a camera one day, but apart from that, it’s difficult to think of any extra
features they might add. The Series 8 Apple Watch adds a new temperature
sensor and updated gyroscope and accelerometer, and uses them to power
a trio of great new features.

For those on a budget – or simply don’t want or need all the features of
the main Apple Watch – there’s the updated Apple Watch SE, which makes a
few advances over the previous model.

Exciting Colours “We hear from customers how
Apple Watch helps them stay
The Apple Watch Series 8 comes in seven different case colours; four for the connected with loved ones, be
aluminium case, and three for the more expensive steel case. more active, and live healthier
lives. Apple Watch Series 8
Steel Cases reinforces our commitment in
silver, graphite, and gold. these areas with the addition of
pioneering technology.”
Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief
operating officer

Aluminium Cases
starlight, midnight, silver, and (PRODUCT)RED.

18 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

COVER FEATURE //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Getting Physical

The outward appearance of the Series The Series 8 Apple Watch has a big, bright, As always, workouts and exercise are at the heart of
8 Apple Watch hasn’t much changed always-on display with very narrow boarders. the Apple Watch experience.
since last year’s release. Like its
predecessor, the Series 7 watch, it has
an always-on watch face with narrow
borders that push the screen right to
the edge of the casing. It enjoys the
same new watch faces such as Lunar,
Astronomy, Metropolitan and Modular
introduced with the Series 7 watch,
and once again it’s extremely durable,
being swim proof, dust proof and
crack resistant.

Crash Detection The new Apple Watch can detect when you’ve When a crash is detected, emergency services
been in a serious car crash. are automatically notified.
The aforementioned updated gyroscope
and accelerometer sensors combine with in, so he used his Apple Watch to raise the Or the high school senior enjoying
an advanced sensor-fusion algorithm alarm. Rescuers arrived in minutes. time in a log cabin, when a bear got in. He
allow for a great new safety feature. Crash reached for his phone, but his pockets were
Detection also uses the barometer, GPS Or the guy who was having lunch in empty. He looked down, and saw his watch.
and mic on the iPhone to detect the unique a San Diego restaurant when his friend He long pressed the digital crown, and
patterns that can indicate a severe crash started grasping his chest. He put his Apple whispered, ‘Siri, call 911.’ He was saved.
has taken place. To create this advanced Watch on his friend’s wrist, and an atrial
algorithm that detects these patterns, fibrillation notification popped up. He With Apple Watch Series 8’s new
Apple collected data from professional drove him to the hospital, where he was emergency crash detection features, this
crash test labs going through simulated treated for a heart condition he didn’t even list of heartwarming rescue stories can only
head-on, side-impact, rear-ending and know he had. grow longer.
rollover smashes.
Or the lady who took a flight with her
If Apple Watch detects a severe car father, which crashed miles away from
crash, the device checks in with the wearer civilisation. She was saved when she called
and automatically dials emergency services 911 from her watch. ‘If I hadn’t had the
if they’re unresponsive after a ten-second Apple Watch,’ she later observed, ‘things
countdown. The wearer’s location is shared could’ve been much worse.’
with both the emergency services and their
personal emergency contacts. Or the 27-year-old high school teacher
fighting to catch her breath. Checking her
Apple Watch has already proved its Apple Watch, she found her heart rate was
worth as a safety device, as evidenced by 187bpm. She went to the emergency room
the ‘thousands’ of letters received by Apple. for treatment, and her doctor said the
Such as the bin man in Atlanta, Georgia watch had saved her life.
who fell into the dustbin lorry. He didn’t
have his phone on him, but he was rescued
after calling 911 from his watch. He never
leaves the house without wearing it now.

Or the man in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
who was watching a movie with his wife
when his Apple Watch showed his pulse
had become wildly erratic. He was advised
to go directly to the emergency room. He’s
now being treated for a condition that was
only identified by the Apple Watch.

Or the winter sports enthusiast who was
skating on a frozen river when the ice gave
out, plunging him into the water. He was
getting tired, and hypothermia was setting

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 19

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// COVER FEATUREMAGAZINE

New Cycle Tracking Features

Two new temperature sensors allow some If you wear your Apple Watch at night,
great new menstrual cycle tracking features. your wrist temperature is taken every five
Cycle tracking was added to Apple Watch seconds, and differences as small as 0.1°
three years ago, and this year, it’s augmented celsius are recorded and shown in the
with a new feature that gives a retrospective iPhone’s Health app. Changes in temperature
estimate of when the wearer ovulated. are used to work out when a user ovulated,
A temperature sensor on the back of the and when her most fertile time occurs, which
watch checks the user’s temperature, while is obviously very useful for family planning
a second under the display calibrates the purposes. It’s no longer necessary to use a
first sensor’s findings according to ambient thermometer and journal to keep track of
environment conditions.
ovulation. Apple Watch is far more
convenient and more accurate.
If your iPhone is on iOS 16
and your Apple Watch uses
watchOS 9, your Apple Watch
can detect deviations in your
menstrual cycle too. This can
be indicative of serious medical
conditions such as fibroids,
thyroid disorders or PCOS. Like
all Apple gear, the Apple Watch
and iPhone’s Health app keep
this information extremely
private, but it’s there to share
with your healthcare provider if
you wish.

By tracking wrist temperature, it’s possible to retrodict when Unexpected patterns in cycle history can be detected
ovulation occurred. Great news if you’re planning a family. too, as long as you’re on iOS 16 and watchOS 9.

Prices and A New Apple Watch SE
Release Date
As well as the Series 8, Apple has also released a new SE model. It uses the S8 SiP advanced
The Apple Watch Series 8 and dual-core processor, the same chip as the Apple Watch Series 8, making it 20% faster than the
Apple Watch SE are on sale now, previous generation. It features the same Crash Detection features as the Series 8, and also offers
at the following prices: international roaming.

Apple Watch Series 8 Apple Watch SE features a redesigned matching back case made of a nylon composite
From £419/$399/499 € material, making it lighter than ever. Apple Watch SE is available in 40mm and 44mm aluminium
cases, in midnight, starlight, and silver finishes, and is compatible with all bands.
Apple Watch SE
From £259/$249/299 € The back of the Apple Watch SE
has been redesigned.

20 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

COVER FEATURE //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Apple Watch
Ultra Explorers, adventurers and extreme sports enthusiasts

rejoice! There’s an Apple Watch just for you.

Before Apple’s autumn line-up was revealed,
it was rumoured that a new, pro version of
the Apple Watch would be announced. And
it was. Completely redesigned and built
from aerospace grade titanium, Apple Watch
Ultra takes the smartwatch’s exercise and
exploration features to the next level. If you
enjoy being off the grid hiking across the
moors, climbing a mountain range or scuba
diving in a lake or the sea, Apple Watch Ultra
is for you.

Built to Last

Apple Watch Ultra has been completely reimagined to create the most A lip in the titanium case protects the crystal from side impact.
rugged Apple Watch ever. The titanium case strikes a balance between
weight, durability and corrosion resistance, and it also protects the flat The Action Button is found on the opposite side of the watch to the Digital
sapphire front crystal covering the screen from edge impacts. Crown and the Side Button, and is easy to find with your finger.

The display is the biggest (49mm) and brightest yet seen in an
Apple Watch, making it readable even in harsh sunlight or underwater.
There’s a new button too. The Action Button is found opposite the
Digital Crown and the Side Button, and is coloured orange to make
it easily visible. It’s customisable, giving access to a function of your
choice. The Digital Crown has a larger diameter and courser grooves,
and the side button sits proud of the case. These revamped controls
are designed so you can use them without removing your gloves when
in harsh conditions.

Cellular connectivity is built into every Apple Watch Ultra too, and
the GPS capabilities have been improved. Its dual-band L1+L5 GPS
system is the most accurate in any smartwatch, and even works in the
mountains or among city skyscrapers, where a regular device’s signal
might be blocked.

Designed to work in harsh conditions, the Ultra can handle
temperatures from -20°C to 55°C, So whether you’re in the arctic or the
desert, your watch can manage just fine.

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 21

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// COVER FEATUREMAGAZINE

Audio Action!

The Apple Watch Ultra’s audio capabilities
have also been enhanced. For extra volume,
a second speaker has been added. Three
microphones and advanced software make
sure your calls are clear, even when it’s
blowing a gale.

If you get into trouble, it also offers an
86-decibel siren. Its unique sound pattern can
be heard from up to 180 metres away. Just the
thing if you’ve been cut off from your group,
and you can’t find them.

The Apple Watch Ultra adds a second speaker The 86 decibel siren could be a lifesaver if you get seperated from a group or stuck somewhere
and a three mic array for great all-round audio.

Battery Bonanza The Wayfinder Face

The Ultra model has the biggest battery A great new Apple Watch face has been created to take advantage of the new hardware
of any Apple Watch, lasting up to 36 capabilities of the Ultra. It’s the most technically advanced face yet designed for
hours. Later this autumn, a new battery an Apple Watch. It includes a compass in the dial, and can be customised for the
optimisation setting could extend this mountain, ocean or trail.
to up to 60 hours.
The Wayfinder face also has a Night Mode. By rotating the crown, the watch face turns
black with red details, making it very easy to use in low light conditions.

The Wayfinder face includes a compass, In low light conditions, Night Mode makes
and can be configured for various the Wayfinder face much easier to use.
adventure activities.

The Apple Watch Ultra’s
Compass app has some
great new features.

22 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

COVER FEATURE //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Battle of the Bands

The Apple Watch Ultra is designed for and swimmers in mind. Molded from The Trail Loop is built for
extreme activities, and built to cope with fluoroelastomer rubber, it has a rugged endurance athletes, and
extreme conditions. Two new straps titanium buckle to keep it secure. is perfect for runners.
have been designed to make sure it
stays in place at all times. For explorers, Finally, the Trail Loop is made with
there’s the Alpine Loop, with a titanium endurance athletes in mind. It’s lightweight
g-hook that securely fastens through textile offers increased elasticity to
reinforced top loops. The Ocean Band is, maintain a snug fit. It’s secured with a
as you’d imagine, designed with divers velcro fastening, and features a convenient
tab for making quick adjustments.

The Alpine Loop band is Swimmers and divers will
tough and rugged, and is welcome the Apple Watch
designed for explorers. Ultra’s Ocean Band.

New Apps & Workouts

The Apple Watch Ultra gives ‘new metrics, capabilities. And for divers, there’s a brand The Depth app
views and experiences’ for workouts, such new app. Oceanic+ gives you all the features is great for
as vertical oscillation, heart rate zones and of a dive computer, right there in your divers and other
custom workouts. The new Action button can watch. It includes a dive planner, which water sports
be used to start your workout, making for a automatically calculates depth and time and enthusiasts.
more accurate start, and if you’re performing takes local conditions such as tides and water
more than one sort of exercise – perhaps in temperature into account. It also includes
a triathlon – it also lets you transition from all the expected safety warnings, such as
one type of workout to another, and mark a decompression limit, excessive ascent rate,
segment, such as the end of a lap for lap times. and Safety Stop guidance.
A feature to detect when you’re on a running
track is to be added later this year too. When submerged, the Ultra automatically
launches the new Depth app, giving you
The Compass app has been beefed accurate readings about how deep you’re going,
up, with new precision views and added underwater time and water temperature.

The Oceanic+ app turns your watch into a
fully featured diving computer.

Later this year, Apple Watch Ultra will be The Ultra’s improved Compass app’s orientation Price and
able to detect when you’re running on a view, including waypoints. Release Date
purpose-built track.
Apple Watch Ultra is out now,
and costs £849/$799/999 €

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 23

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// COVER FEATUREMAGAZINE

AirPods Pro,
2nd Generation

The perfect companion for your new iPhone or Apple Watch?

If you want a new pair of true wireless earbuds
to go with your new Apple gear, you’re in
luck. As well as the new iPhones and Apple
Watch models, Apple has released the second
generation of its popular AirPods Pro. They
offer significant advantages over previous
models, with a better overall sound and some
great convenience features.

“The new AirPods Pro A New Build
deliver even better sound
quality, a more immersive From the outside, the design of the
listening experience and AirPods Pro hasn’t changed much. How
transformative audio could it? They have to fit in your ears
features. With up to double after all. But under the hood, they’ve
the noise-cancelling power changed quite a bit.
of their predecessor,
the world’s bestselling AirPods Pro 2nd Gen are powered
wireless headphones just by Apple’s brand new H2 chip. It offers
got even better.” high bandwidth connectivity, and
Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice cancels up to twice as much noise
president of Worldwide compared to the previous model of
Product Marketing AirPods Pro. Before the H2 chip, the
Advanced Computational Audio used
to power this noise cancellation was
unable to run on a device of this size.

The new H2 chip is even more powerful
than before, offering a much better
degree of noise cancellation.

24 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

COVER FEATURE //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

The H2 chip also powers Transparency For those with very small ears, there’s now an extra small ear tip.
Mode, which allows ambient noise to join
your music so you can (for example) listen on A Better Sound
a train without missing the announcements.
It now boasts Adaptive Transparency, which The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen’s sound quality is boosted by a new low-distortion audio driver
dynamically reduces the volume of harsh and custom amplifier. Bass is richer, and the audio even clearer across the rest of the
environmental noise, such as screeching sound spectrum.
breaks on the aforementioned train journey,
but still lets through background sounds. Spacial Audio, by which users perceive sound individually based on the size and shape
This is possible because it processes of their head and ears, is taken to the next level with Personalised Spatial Audio. By pointing
at 48,000 times per second, so it can your iPhone’s TrueDepth camera at the side of your head, you can create a personal profile for
react instantaneously to high-decibel Spacial Audio, which is precisely tuned to the shape of your head and ears. It’s great for music,
environmental sounds. but also for watching music and TV shows.

A new touch strip has been added to the
stem of the earbuds. You can adjust volume
with a light swipe up or down. And if you have
trouble fitting your AirPods Pro into your ears,
there’s a new extra small ear tip included.

A capacitive strip on the stem lets you control
the volume with a swipe.

The New AirPods
Pro Case

You can already find your AirPods using the The new upgraded drivers offer even Personalised Spacial Audio allows you to
Find My app, as each of the pods can make better audio than before. fine-tune your sound to suit your ear shape.
a sound helping you locate it. With the 2nd
generation Pros there’s a small speaker in the With the second generation AirPods Pro, you can Pricing and
charging case, so you can find that too. This use your Apple Watch charger to charge the case. Availability
speaker also sounds for paring, low power and
to indicate charging has started. The new AirPods Pro Second
Talking of charging, the case can once again be Generation are out now, and cost
charged using USB-C or a Qi charger, but you £249/$249/299 €.
can now charge it using your Apple Watch’s
charging cable too.
The battery life has been improved. You now
get up to six hours of listening time from a
single charge, a 33% increase over the previous
model. Throw in the charging case, and you
have up to 30 hours of play time before you
need to connect your AirPods Pro to the mains
again, an increase of six hours.
A lanyard loop can now be added to the side
of the case. Just the thing for fastening it to the
inside of your bag so you always know where
it is. Order at an Apple Store and you can have
the case engraved for free, including emojis.

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 25

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// COVER FEATUREMAGAZINE

Advanced connectivity,
premium features

26 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

NEW YEAR NEW GEAR //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Small connector, great convenience

A perfect image quality is just part of the whole picture. Professional users look for
displays that are easy and fast to setup and configure, and which also provide for a tidy
workspace. This is why PHILIPS provides monitors engineered with an integrated docking
solution based on the new USB Type-C standard, delivering a simple, practical way
to carry different signals on the same cable. Now you can rely on a single solution for
transferring data, connecting video and powering devices in a fast, straightforward way.

499P9H

SuperWide curved display

Pop-up
Webcam

346P1CRH

Brilliance 34” 21:9
UltraWide curved display

Pop-up
Webcam

329P1H

32” P Line LCD monitor

Pop-up
Webcam

Available at

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 27

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// GADGETS GALLERYMAGAZINE

Gadgets
Gallery

If you’re looking for some great new gear for your new Apple devices
released with the Summer refresh, you’re in the right place. We’ve got all
sorts of things for your new iPhone, and Apple Watch, and lots more too.

STM MagArm
URL: www.stmgoods.com
Price: $49.95, UK and Euro prices TBA

Using your iPhone as a webcam with Continuity
Camera is great, right? With STM’s MagArm, you
can attach a MagSafe-compatible iPhone to your
Mac using a strong, airtight sucker. It’s robust, and
rotates so you can twist it to point your iPhone any
way you like.

CLCKR Clear Stand & Grip WaterField Designs Moto Sling Bag
URL: https://clckr.co.uk URL: www.sfbags.com
Price: £34.99, $39.99, 39.99 € Price: £159, $179, 180 €

This clear iPhone case is ideal for the new iPhone 14 series. Replete This accessory sling bag is ideal for bikers. Available in
with a built-in stand in black and purple, it protects against drops black or brown, and in a range of materials, it’s perfect for
of up to 3.6 metres. The stand can hold the iPhone in landscape or carrying your iPhone and other nick-knacks while riding.
portrait mode too. It’s robust, stylish, attractive and very comfortable to wear.

28 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

GADGETS GALLERY //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Joby Beamo Ring Light for MagSafe WaterField Designs Zip iPhone Holster
URL: www.sfbags.com
URL: https://joby.com Price: From £70, $79, 79,50 €

Price: £45.95, $49.95, 49,99 € This handy carry case is a perfect fit for your iPhone,
including Apple’s new iPhone 14 series models. Available
This awesome detachable ring light is in Small, Medium and Large depending on your phone’s
designed to give you flattering fill light with size, it’s made from chocolate-coloured leather, black
minimum setup time. It snaps onto the back leather or ballistic nylon. You can attach it to your belt too,
of your MagSafe iPhone (or on any iPhone leaving your pockets free for other things.
using the supplied sticky adapter), and folds
away when not
in use. When
it’s on, it gives
5600K daylight
with a four-level
brightness control.

Belkin Magnetic Fitness Mount
URL: www.belkin.com
Price: £29.95, $34.95, 34,95 €

If you’re using your iPhone to help your exercise
regime, the Belkin Magnetic Fitness Mount
snaps seamlessly onto the back of your iPhone,
while the rear magnet attaches securely to
any magnetic surface on your indoor gym
equipment, and won’t budge even if your iPhone
vibrates from a call or text.

Apple Watch Ultra Bands WaterField Designs Finn
URL: www.apple.com iPhone Holster
Price: £99, $99, 99 € URL: www.sfbags.com
Price: £79, $89, 89,50 €
The new watch bands released with the Apple
Watch Ultra are great, right? If you’d like to You can mount the Finn iPhone Holster
buy a spare, or maybe a different design, you on your belt, where it sits horizontally.
can get them directly from Apple. The Alpine Available in sizes to fit the iPhone
Loop, Trail Loop and Ocean Band are available 14 and iPhone 14 Max, in chocolate-
in a range of colours, but they only fit the Ultra coloured leather, black leather and
version of the Apple Watch. ballistic nylon, it’s a great carry case for
your smartphone and accessories.
STM MagPod
URL: www.stmgoods.com
Price: £44.95, $49.95, 49.95 €

Designed for use with MagSafe-
compatible iPhones, MagPod
doubles as a selfie stick and a tripod.
It’s around 15cm tall, so it’s not
cumbersome to carry around, and as
it uses a magnetic disc atop a pivoting
socket to hold your iPhone, you can
bend it to point in all directions.

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 29

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// GADGETS GALLERYMAGAZINE

Eve MotionBlinds Stand & Grip for MagSafe
URL: https://motionblinds.com/en/eve URL: https://clckr.co.uk
Price: Varies according to blinds Price: £29.99, $29.99, 29.99 €

The connected home is really taking off, especially with the new version If you want to use your new iPhone with a stand but
of HomeKit bundled with iOS 16 and macOS Ventura. With the HomeKit- don’t want one that’s permanently attached to your
compatible Eve MotionBlinds, you can motorise your window coverings, case, try this MagSafe model. It attaches to your phone
then open and close them without leaving your seat. It’s easy to set up magnetically, and offers a hand grip and a stand for
using the Home app too. portrait or landscape mounting.

Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ Earbuds
URL: www.cambridgeaudio.com
Price: £49.95, $59.95, 59.95 €

If you want some new earbuds for your new iPhone, but you can’t afford –
or don’t want – the new AirPods Pro 2nd Gen, how about these? Available
in black or white, they give faithful and detailed music reproduction, have
up to 45 hours of battery life (nine hours of continuous playback) and offer
personalised EQ settings.

30 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

GADGETS GALLERY //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Manage your iPhone Music like a Pro!

Import Music Manage your Export Music Rescue Music
to your device Playlists to your computer from your old iPod

www.iimmaazziinngg..ccoomm//aappppleleuusseer r

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 31

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// REVIEWSMAGAZINE

Reviews//

They’re queueing up around the block for
the latest Apple iPhones, Apple Watches
and AirPods Pro. If you’re lucky enough to
have bought one of the devices unveiled in
the Autumn refresh, you might want some
software, games and peripherals for it.
This issue, we take a look at some of the
best new gear and apps to show off your
new Apple kit to the full.

The queue builds outside the Apple
Store on Fifth Avenue, New York.
32 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

REVIEWS //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Hardware Reviews

34 STM ChargeTree Swing Charging Station
36 Joby GripTight GorillaPod for MagSafe
37 Devolo Magic 2 WiFi 6 Whole Home Wi-Fi Kit
38 SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe 256GB
38 Kensington StudioDock Charging Stand
39 MINIX NEO P1 3-Port GaN Charger
40 Twelve South PowerPic Charging Stand
41 FRITZ!Repeater 6000 WiFi Extender
42 Airpulse P100X Stereo Speaker

Software Reviews

44 Procreate Pocket
46 Splice – Video Editor & Maker
47 Zombies, Run!
48 Radio Garden
49 iMazing 2
50 Impressive iOS Photography Apps

Games Reviews

52 Alien: Isolation
54 Double DragonTrilogy
55 Another World – 20th
56 Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories
58 Tengai
59 BADLAND, Game of the Year Edition

Device Guide Scores//

While most of our reviews cover most devices, we have Our ratings explained:
added these icons to give you a quick reference to what 5 - excellent
device is best suited for the product or software. 4 - good
3 - average
2 - poor
1 - avoid

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 33

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// HARDWARE REVIEWSMAGAZINE

STM ChargeTree Swing

Charging Station

Charge your new iPhone, Apple Watch and Airpods Pro all at once.

Info//

STM Ltd.
www.stmgoods.com
£69.95, $79.95, TBA €
Compatibility: Qi-
compatible iPhone,
AirPods with wireless
charging case, Apple
Watch Series 2 or later

This second-generation STM ChargeTree makes
a few minor, but welcome, changes from the
original model. Like the original ChargeTree
it’s available in black or white, and it once more
charges a Qi-compatible iPhone, AirPods (with a
wireless charging case), and an Apple Watch - all at
the same time, using only one power socket. You
just need a USB-C mains adapter of at least 20W. It’s
not supplied, but they’re not hard to come by.

As before, you charge your iPhone by resting
it on the backward-leaning mat at the front of the
ChargeTree Swing. It’s comfortably cushioned,
and there’s an optional rubber raiser to fit over the
foot if you have a smaller iPhone that needs the
extra height. Also as before, your earbuds sit on a

34 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

HARDWARE REVIEWS //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

charging pad mounted horizontally on the stand. watch face. Like the original ChargeTree, this one Verdict//
As it’s designed with Apple fans in mind, this is can charge an Apple Watch Series 2 or later; the first-
intended for wireless-charging AirPods, though generation device not being Qi-compatible. PROS AND CONS:
there’s no reason a third-party set of earbuds + Charge three gadgets
shouldn’t charge there, as long as they have a But our favourite change is the way the lights
wireless-charging case. Mine, for instance, do. that indicate your tech is charging work. As before, at once
there are three LEDs in the foot of the ChargeTree
Leading the charge... Swing, one for each device. When you place your + New Apple Watch
iPhone, Apple Watch and/or your earbuds on its management
The main change from the previous ChargeTree charger, a corresponding LED lights up to let you
is the way it handles the Apple Watch. This is know it’s correctly seated and charging. But now + LEDs not constantly on
now charged on an extending arm, which can be these lights go off after a few seconds. At last, you
retracted when not in use. It looks much smarter can use a ChargeTree in your bedroom without - Power adapter not supplied
there, and if you want to know the time, you can just being kept awake by always-on illuminations.
nudge your desk or bedside table to illuminate the LAST WORD
The original ChargeTree was good, but The original ChargeTree was a
the sleep-destroying LEDs and inability to see bold attempt at a three-in-one
the watch face from your pillow were serious charger, but ChargeTree Swing
oversights. The new STM ChargeTree Swing corrects is the one that gets it right.
both these faults, and lets you use it however you Definitely recommended.
want, including on the bedside table. IO
RATING: 5/5

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 35

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// HARDWARE REVIEWSMAGAZINE

Joby GripTight

GorillaPod for MagSafe

New intro ‘Make the most of your iPhone 14 Pro’s great camera.

Info//

Vitec Imaging Solutions Spa
https://joby.com
£62.95, $69.95, 69,95 €
Compatibility: iPhone with
MagSafe technology

Verdict// T he GorillaPod range of camera and mobile You can rotate the magnet part of the GripTight
phone tripods is among the most versatile through 360 degrees, changing the orientation of
PROS AND CONS: and comprehensive mounts around, and the phone without removing it, and if you want to
+ Versatile now there’s one for the latest, MagSafe iPhones use a non-MagSafe device – or simply to hold your
(that’s the 12-series and later). iPhone tighter – just twist around the jaws at either
+ Disassembles for end of an arm extending from the magnet and pop
transport The lower half of the device is business as usual; it in using the spring grips. The GripTight unit screws
a regular GorillaPod tripod which you can bend securely into the tripod, and two screw-holes either
+ Strong and stable and mould into almost any shape. Need a shorter side of it can house optional add-ons such as a light
leg to compensate for an uneven platform? You’ve or a mic (not supplied).
- MagSafe iPhones only got it. Want to mount your phone at a lower height
without sacrificing stability? Not a problem. You can Joby GripTight GorillaPod for MagSafe is the ideal
LAST WORD even hold the legs together and use it as a (short) photography companion for MagSafe iPhones. It’s
Great performance selfie stick, or bend them around a tree branch or strong, stable, versatile and extremely useful. AF
and value for money. metal pole to hold your phone in positions that just
Recommended for wouldn’t be possible with a traditional tripod.
MagSafe iPhone users.
Click and stick
RATING: 4/5
The upper part of the device, which holds the iPhone
when using its camera, has a large circular magnet
that’s designed to connect to MagSafe iPhones. Just
place your phone on the silicon pad that tops the
magnet and it snaps into place, firmly and securely.

36 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

HARDWARE REVIEWS //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Devolo Magic 2

WiFi 6 Whole Home Wi-Fi Kit

Use your new iPhone’s Wi-Fi all over the house.

Info//

devolo AG
www.devolo.co.uk
£349.99, $299.99,
499,90 €
Compatibility: WiFi
gadgets

Here at Essential AppleUser Magazine, set up a plug. You no longer need to worry that the Verdict//
we’ve long been fans of devolo’s excellent attic is too far from your Wi-Fi, and heavy stone walls
homeplug devices. Plug one into the mains and thick ceilings no longer block your coverage. PROS AND CONS:
near your router and connect it with a supplied Just put a homeplug on the opposite side of the + Fast Wi-Fi throughout the
Ethernet cable, then set up the other bundled obstacle to your router, and your data is transferred
homeplugs anywhere in the house, and they use using your household electrical wiring. It works house
your home’s electrical cabling to carry your network brilliantly, and the extra stability offered by Wi-Fi 6
data. Individual plugs offer Wi-Fi hotspots and/or means you no longer get an interrupted service if the + Easy to set up and use
Ethernet ports, so you can make cabled and wireless whole family is online at the same time.
connections to the homeplug instead of directly to + Greater stability
your router. At last, you can have Wi-Fi throughout Several devolo Magic 2 Wi-Fi 6 packs are
the house, even a long way from the router, and available. The one reviewed here is the top-of- - Not cheap
cabled Internet access without having to drill holes in the-range Whole Home Wi-Fi Kit, which offers a
the walls and trail cables under the carpets. homeplug for your router and two for the house, LAST WORD
both of which give you Wi-Fi 6 hotspots and twin An easy, efficient and
These latest devolo homeplugs conform to Ethernet ports. A starter kit, with only one Wi-Fi/ effective solution to
the newx Wi-Fi 6 protocols, which give up to 50% Ethernet plug supplied is also available, and you wireless networking
faster wireless connectivity than before. At up to can also buy single plugs to add to your homeplug problems. Excellent!
2400 Mbps, these are the world’s fastest homeplug network later. All the plugs have through-sockets, so
adapters. Wi-Fi 6 is also more stable, and can handle you can plug an electrical device into the homeplug, RATING: 5/5
more simultaneously connected devices too. All which then plugs into the mains.
the features of the older devolo Magic homeplugs,
such as beam forming and access point steering, are Homeplugs are not the cheapest solution to Wi-Fi
included in the new devices. problems, but they’re certainly one of the easiest to
use and most effective. As devolo homeplugs are the
Plug and play best there is, they’re definitely recommended. IO

Devolo Magic 2 WiFi 6 is easy to set up using the free
devolo Home Network App. There’s nothing to fear
here at all. Within a few minutes, you have wireless
Internet in places your home router can’t reach, and
access to cabled networking in rooms where you’ve

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 37

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// HARDWARE REVIEWSMAGAZINE

SanDisk iXpand

Flash Drive Luxe 256GB

Transfer your files and back up your photos in a flash.

Info// You can use this double-ended flash drive
to transfer files between devices, and back
SanDisk up your photos and videos from your iPad
www.westerndigital.com or iPhone. Available in 64GB, 128GB or 256GB
£88, $89.99, 82,75 € capacities, it has a USB-C 3.1 plug on one end, and a
Compatibility: Lightning Lightning connector at the other. You can only copy
and USB-C devices media and contacts from an iPhone or iPad, using
the iXpand app, but plug it into a Mac and you can
Verdict// copy any file.

PROS AND CONS: Transferring files to the flash drive is super
+ Excellent build quality speedy; it’s certainly faster than its predecessor, the
iXpand Flash Drive Go. The iXpand app is easy to use
+ Very fast file transfer too. It’s a great way of getting more from your mobile
device’s internal storage, without clogging it up with
+ Available in a range of things that could be stored elsewhere. DA
capacities
You can automatically back up your photos to the flash drive.
- Limitations on transferring
from mobile devices

LAST WORD
A useful device that’s great
for a variety of sources.

RATING: 4/5

Kensington StudioDock

Charging Stand Info//

The last word in iPad docks? Kensington Computer Products
Group
Verdict// This handy, mains-powered device is more than just www.kensington.com
an iPad stand. Sure, it can hold your iPad Pro (2018 or From £321.90, $373.47, €305,64 €
PROS AND CONS: later, either size), or iPad Air (2020), in Landscape or Compatibility: iPad Pro
+ Very versatile portrait mode, so you can watch media, draw with your Apple (2018/2020/2021), iPad Air (2020)
Pencil or type comfortably by connecting a keyboard and
+ Add numerous mouse. But it’s also a wireless charger for your iPhone and/or Use your iPad in portrait or landscape mode, and add a
peripherals AirPods. Just place them on the pad at the foot of the stand. second screen.
You can also buy an optional Apple Watch charger that fits on
- Can’t adjust height the side of the device.

- Expensive The stand connects to your iPad’s USB-C socket, and you
can plug in peripherals using the ports at the back. There’s
LAST WORD three USB 3 ports, a HDMI port and an Ethernet port. There’s
A capable – if expensive an SD Card reader and headphone socket on the side of the
– dock that unlocks the stand too. With these, you can add hard drives, a monitor,
potential of your USB-C iPad. input devices and more. It’s ideal if you want to turn your iPad
into a home-and-away computer to use for work and play. AH
RATING: 4/5

38 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

HARDWARE REVIEWS //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

MINIX NEO P1

3-Port GaN Charger

Smaller, more portable but still with plenty of power to offer.

Earlier in the year we saw the release of the NEO the extra bag to contain everything. Info//
P2 4-Port GaN Charger. This is a remarkable The NEO P1 is constructed from fire-resistant
and extremely useful multi-port charger that’s MINIX Technology Limited
bristling with features and comes in at a fantastic polycarbonate, with high-density heatsinks and a www.minix.com.hk
price. However, MINX has since upped its game low operating temperature. Both sides display the £34.90, $46.18, 39,06 €
yet again and released the P2’s smaller but just as MINIX logo and on the front you’ll find the three ports Compatibility: UK, US, AU
capable brother, the NEO P1. and an LED power indicator. On the opposite side of and EU Plugs available;
the ports is the dual-prong US plug type, where you USB-A and USB-C
The MINIX NEO P1 is a three-port charging station, attach whatever plug you need depending on the
with a pair of USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 ports offering country you’re charging your devices in.
65W, 5~15V/3A, 20V/3.25A and a single USB-A1 36W
Quick Charge 3.0 port at 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A and There’s auto-sensing power distribution
20V/1.8A. While it may lack an extra port over its technology on-board, which protects the devices
sibling, it certainly makes up for that in portability. from over-voltage, input and output over-current,
short circuit and overheating. The auto-sensing
The NEO P2 wasn’t a huge charging station by any plugs also adapts to the international voltages of
stretch of the imagination but the P1 is significantly the plug socket you’re charging from and each port
smaller. Measuring just 50 x 50 x 25mm and weighing automatically adjusts the power output depending
a minute 114g, this palm-sized charger does an on the device that’s being charged from it, as well
extraordinary job. as activating any quick charge technologies that are
compatible with the device.
In the box you’ll get the NEO P1 itself, together
with three different types of detachable plugs: Type The NEO P1 is a fantastic addition to the MINIX
I (AU), Type C (EU), and Type G (UK). Without any stable. This tiny, capable and feature-packed charger
plugs attached, the P1 features a pull-out Type A (US) is the ideal present for those who need to charge on
two-pronged plug. To add a different plug type, you the go, while still protecting their devices from the
simply slide one of the accompanying plugs over the whims of hotel, college, school, university and work
US type prongs when they’re in the retracted position. based plug sockets around the world. Great value
for money and a must have addition for those who
There’s also a small felt drawstring bag to put travel for work. DH
the P1 inside when transporting it – incidentally, we
had two bags in our review sample, whether that’s
one for the P1 and another for the plugs or simply a
packaging mistake we’re not sure but we appreciate

Verdict//

PROS AND CONS:
+ Great for travellers

+ Safety features

+ Small and light

+ Includes carry case

LAST WORD
Full of great technology
and features. Remarkably
small and lightweight.

RATING: 5/5

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 39

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// HARDWARE REVIEWSMAGAZINE

Twelve South PowerPic

Charging Stand

The most attractive way to charge your new iPhone yet?

Info//

Twelve South
www.twelvesouth.com
£79.99, $59.99, 64,99 €
Compatibility: iPhones
that support wireless
charging, AirPods with
wireless charging case

W hat a delightfully clever idea. At a glance, wallpapers, but it’s when you clip in a picture that it
PowerPic looks like an attractive but really comes into its own. Aesthetically, it just works.
unremarkable photo frame, but it’s also Without the iPhone in place, it looks like a stylish,
a powerful wireless charger that’s perfect for your attractive photo frame, not a piece of technology
Qi-compatible iPhone or AirPods. trying to be something else. It’s the perfect addition
to anyone’s side board, fire grate or bedside table. IO
PowerPic is a solid, clear photo holder, with a
black or white charging unit on the back. It houses Verdict//
a six-inch by four-inch photograph in landscape or
portrait mode; which is held in place by a plastic PROS AND CONS:
cover, held on by a magnet in each corner. The + Fast wireless charging
whole thing slots into a black or white base. It looks + Versatile
excellent with a decent photo in place; right at home + Looks fantastic
in any room. You connect it to the mains using a - Power adapter not
USB-C cable (supplied) and a 20w USB-C power
adapter (not supplied). included
LAST WORD
On a charge A gorgeous photo frame
and convenient charger. We
Of course, the PowerPic really comes into its own love it.
when you need to charge your iPhone or AirPods.
You simply place your wireless charging-compatible RATING: 5/5
device on the stand, leaning against the upright
photo-holding section, and it charges; with no cables
to plug in. It can even charge through a case of up to
3mm thick. This new PowerPic model is definitely a
big step up from its predecessor, which had a bulky
frame around the photo mount, was portrait-mode
only and couldn’t charge AirPods.

PowerPic looks great anywhere in the house. If
you don’t have a photo handy, there’s a two-sided
design in the box that resembles the iPhone’s

40 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

FRITZ!Repeater 6000 HARDWARE REVIEWS //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
WiFi Extender MAGAZINE

Extend your Wi-Fi network for your new iPhone or Apple Watch. Info//

AVM GmbH
https://en.avm.de
£219.00, 219,00 € (Not sold
in the USA)
Compatibility: Wireless
routers

Awireless extender is designed to compliment speed, which at 6000 Mbit/s, is twice as quick as the The 6000 Mbit/s repeater is compatible
your wireless router by extending the reach older model. with the new Wi-Fi 6 standard.
of your Wi-Fi network. Set it up in a location
that’s within the range of your current network, One thing that hasn’t changed is that the Verdict//
and it provides an access point of its own, which FRITZ!Repeater 6000 supports Mesh Wi-Fi. This
in turn transfers data to and from your router. The means instead of appearing as a separate access PROS AND CONS:
FRITZ!Repeater 6000 wireless repeater is an update point, it meshes with your router’s own signal to form + Three radio units
of AVM’s popular FRITZ!Repeater 3000 model, and it a single network. In practical terms, it means that
makes several advances on the older product. once you’ve logged on to your home Internet, you
can wander around the house with the gadget in
Most importantly, the FRITZ!Repeater 6000 is Wi- question without it leaving your router’s network and
Fi 6 compatible. This new Wi-Fi standard is designed joining the repeater’s and vice versa. It just works,
for the modern network, where far more connected completely seamlessly.
devices are present than was the case just a few
years ago. These days, as well as computers, mobile Last, but by no means least, it’s easy to set up.
devices and smart TVs, you’re likely to have Internet The repeater uses the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
radios, connected smart devices such as Amazon standard, so to connect it to your router, you simply
Echo and Apple HomePod, home appliances like a press a button on each device. Your router’s settings
video doorbell, motion detectors or heating controls are copied to the repeater. And that’s it.
and more. Wi-Fi 6 is better designed to deal with
the congestion this implies. It’s fully backwards If your router’s Wi-Fi network struggles to reach
compatible with older versions of Wi-Fi, so the the furthest corners of your house, a repeater is
repeater will work with your existing gear too. It a great way to overcome these problems. The
operates on three Wi-Fi bands working in parallel, FRITZ!Repeater 6000 is an excellent option. It’s easy
and automatically chooses the most efficient path to to use, very capable and works efficiently. IO
your router.
+ Mesh Wi-Fi
It’s Wi-Fi 6. Repeat – it’s Wi-Fi 6...
+ Wi-Fi 6 compatible
As well as Wi-Fi, the FRITZ!Repeater 6000 has
two Ethernet ports for cabled connections, with + Easy to set up
speeds of one and 2.5 gigabit speeds respectively.
This is also an improvement on its predecessor, LAST WORD
which offered two one-gigabit LAN ports. Another If your router’s reach is too
improvement is the overall maximum throughput short, this repeater is an
excellent solution.

RATING: 5/5

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 41

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// HARDWARE REVIEWSMAGAZINE

Airpulse P100X

Stereo Speaker

Stream music through Bluetooth, maybe from your new iPhone or Apple Watch.

Info//

Platinum Audio Systems
Company
http://www.airpulseaudio.com
£499.99, $629, 599 €
Compatibility: Line in,
Bluetooth

Airpulse’s latest offering, the P100X stereo the front, as well as a volume control and a nice,
Bluetooth speaker, should appeal to those clicky on-off dial. With a little tuning you have a fine
who like their tech to be beautiful as well as reproduction of rock and hip-hop by boosting the
practical. Inspired by traditional FM radios of old, it bass, or add extra treble for classical or pop sounds.
has a gorgeous mesh finish at the front and back, The volume is pretty good for a speaker set of this
and an elegant cherry wood speaker casing at the size too. It will definitely fill a room, though it might
top and sides. not be enough for a party in a warehouse.

Sound-wise, it features a pair of custom-designed Overall, its warm, rich sound should satisfy even
10w tweeters and a 4.5-inch 40w mid-woofer, for the most discerning audiophile, and its elegant good
60w in total. The tweeters use an oval-shaped looks will certainly please the decor-conscious. DA
diaphragm to deliver a better high frequency
response, accurately reproducing even the highest The P100X has a beautiful, and slightly retro, appearance. Verdict//
audio frequencies. The mid woofer is a 4.5-inch unit,
featuring a hard anodised aluminium alloy cone PROS AND CONS:
suspended in a heavy, rigid cast magnesium alloy + Warm, rich sound
frame. The device connects to your audio source via
Bluetooth v5.1, supporting the aptX HD codec, or + Beautiful looks
using the twin RCA Stereo ports at the back. RCA-to-
RCA and RCA-to-3.5mm leads are supplied. + Bass and treble controls

Superb Sound - A little under-powered?

The stereo speaker unit is a meaty 30x18x20cm and LAST WORD
weighs 5.1kg, so it’s not designed to be portable. A high-end speaker that
Position it wherever you like in the house and plug should satisfy even the most
it into the mains. If your room is traditional and cosy fussy listener.
rather than modern and stylish, it should fit right in. It
comes supplied with a hand controller, so you don’t RATING: 5/5
even need to get out of your seat to operate it.

It has a neutral sound that doesn’t over-
emphasise one sonic area over another. It won’t,
for example, drown the mid-tones in bass, or mush
together the treble and vocals. If you want to tune
the sound, there’s a bass and a treble knob around

42 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

SOFTWARE REVIEWS //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Affinity Photo, Designer
and Publisher

The award-winning creative app suite
fully integrated across Mac and iPad.

No subscription.

affinity.serif.com

AppStore

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 43

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// SOFTWARE REVIEWSMAGAZINE

Procreate Pocket

“All you need to paint is a few tools, a little instruction and a vision in your mind.”
– Bob Ross.

Info//

Savage Interactive Pty Ltd
https://procreate.art/pocket
£4.99
iPhone iOS 13.2 or later

The iPad is a near-perfect platform on which to express your fastest, 64-bit painting engine. Highlights include UHD canvases, up
artistic tendencies. Its large display and professional-quality to 16k x 4k, a Dark Mode interface, a QuickShape feature for creating
surface and capabilities make for an excellent drawing pad. perfect shapes, 250 levels of Undo and Redo, a continuous auto-save
The iPhone, on the other hand, is a little more difficult. But with the function, smudge sampling and 64-bit colour.
release of Procreate Pocket, artists can now unleash their talents on
the smaller screen. Don’t be fooled into thinking the iPhone version The minimalistic gallery screen opens up to display your chosen
of Procreate is a cut-down release; it’s not. In fact, it’s matched with image, with a toolbar at the lower portion of the window that allows
the iPad in terms of features, technicalities and abilities. you to access your collection of brushes and effects. Sidebars are
present depending on the tool selected, allowing you to quickly
There are hundreds of handmade brushes available, alongside a tweak anything as needed. But overall, the screen doesn’t feel
suite of tools and the new Valkyrie Graphics Engine – the latest, and too cluttered by the wealth of options-within-options available.

Create stunning works of
digital art, on your iPhone.

44 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

SOFTWARE REVIEWS //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Procreate Pocket is an impressive app. Unlock your inner artist, and get creating.

If, though, you do need to view the image as a filters, isometric tools, time-lapse recording in 4k, Verdict//
whole, then a simple four-finger tap will hide the and being able to share everything to any number
interfaces and on-screen accessories. of social media platforms as well as iTunes, PROS AND CONS:
Dropbox, iCloud and many more. + Enormous amount of
The sheer number of brushes available will have
even the most critical of digital artist raising their Procreate Pocket works like a charm. There’s flexibility and tools
eyebrows. There are hundreds of them. And, within only a slight hint of lag when applying some of available
each of the individual brushes, there’s dozens of the more processor-heavy filters and features, but
customisable settings – even the ability to create not enough to have you flinging the device out + Very easy to setup and
your own custom brushes – plus, you’re able to the window in frustration. One criticism, and this use
import Adobe Photoshop brushes. The wealth of is really stretching it, is that it’s possibly too big.
options is staggering, and can be quite bewildering There’s too much to choose from, so unless you + Works exceedingly well
to the novice, and probably a little overwhelming really know what it is you want, you can spend on iPhone
even to more advanced digital artists. more time scrolling through brushes, filters and
whatnot than actually drawing or enhancing an - Small screen digital art
Want a brush with touch-up options to change image in the first place. That may seem like a can be challenging
the skin tone of someone into a zombie? How rather pedantic criticism, but as we mentioned
about one that draws shapes all over the screen? earlier, you can feel a little overwhelmed by the LAST WORD
Needless to say, there’s something for everyone amount of choice available. Still, we’d probably be Wow. There’s not much in
here, you just need the time to scroll through and complaining if there was less choice. the digital artistic world left
test each to find what it is you’re looking for. to fit into this app. We’re
So, to conclude, Procreate Pocket is an impressive, impressed.
There are tons of other elements too that could and powerful tool for the iPhone digital artist.
have us droning on for pages: Animation Assistant, Professionals and amateurs alike will find everything RATING: 5/5
Motion Blur filters, 25-layer blend modes, font they need within the confines of this app. DH
importer, what feels like an infinite numbers of

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 45

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// SOFTWARE REVIEWSMAGAZINE

Splice – Video Editor & Maker

Create or edit your own videos, complete with music in no time at all.

Info// This is the perfect editor for anyone wanting Experimentation is a fitting description for
to put together videos quickly and easily. It this app, as there really is wealth of options
Bending Spoons Apps IVS takes literally just a few minutes to get the to explore and tools to mess around with (the
https://bendingspoonsapps.com hang of using it, and you’ll be putting together your majority of which are behind a paywall, but are
Free own videos in next to no time. reasonably priced) as you learn some very useful
Compatibility: iOS 11.2 or Later video editing skills and develop your style. Splice
Ease of use is everything in an app like this, and – Video Editor & Maker certainly won't appeal to
Splice manages to be flexible enough to create the professional, but for the new video maker, it is
good, professional-looking videos while keeping highly recommended. AH
everything so simple you can’t go wrong. You
can add videos and static pictures as well as title
pages. Choose from a variety of fades to move
from one to the next. You can add music tracks
from iTunes, record a voiceover or use the sound
from the videos themselves.

Adding and removing sections is easily
accomplished with a couple of button presses.
Click the preview button to view your progress and
when you’re satisfied hit export to save out your
masterpiece. It’s ideal for holiday videos, thank-
you messages or just a great little app to have fun
with. Let your creative juices flow with the very
comprehensive video editing suite and set of tools.
Unlike a lot of video editing software, Splice is
aimed at the beginner. Each new tool comes with a
tutorial and its ease of use means experimentation
is very much encouraged.

Verdict//

PROS AND CONS:
+ Very easy to use
+ Good array of default

tools
+ Output content in

minutes
- Can get a bit pricey
LAST WORD
If you want to make more
from your iPhone or iPad shot
videos and images, this app is
quite literally for you!

RATING: 4/5

46 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

SOFTWARE REVIEWS //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

Zombies, Run!

Run off that lockdown weight and become the new special on the zombie menu!

It’s always nice to come across an app that does During your run you’re regularly updated with Info//
something a little bit differently, or takes an news of a zombie outbreak. You need to follow a
existing idea and puts its own unique spin on it. certain route to collect items. Every so often you’re Six to Start
Especially considering that everyone is talking about alerted that the zombie horde is after you. That’s zombiesrungame.com
Netflix’s new undead action romp, Army of the Dead. when you have to break into a sprint; a bit like in a Free
Zombies, Run! does exactly that, and it helps you to spinning class when you do bursts at top speed. If Compatibility: iOS 13.0 or Later
get fit as well. It’s part adventure game, part fitness you don’t go fast enough, the zombies catch you
app and part interactive story. The concept might up and take some of the virtual ‘stuff’ that you’ve
sound a little strange at first but it makes perfect collected. This is important as it’s used when
sense when you start using it, so you just have to you complete your run to build a virtual zombie-
trust us that it works. sanctuary in the app. The ultimate goal is to build up
your sanctuary and get as many people as possible
Zombies, Run! is an app designed to help people to join it. Each run is a different ‘mission’ with slightly
who want to run, but lack the motivation to actually different goals that need to be accomplished.
get out there and do it. The incentive in this case is to
turn the whole thing into a kind of interactive game. It’s a really cool and original way to make running a
Based on GPS data, the app sets a run route for you. bit more interesting. The subscription price is very high
All you need to do is plug in your headphones, hit for an app of this type, but if you’re willing to shell out
Start and off you go. the necessary cash, you’ll have a blast with it. JG

Verdict//

PROS AND CONS:
+ Inventive way to get

outside

+ Professional production
values

+ Easy to engage with

- Rather expensive

LAST WORD
What better motivation could
you have to keep moving,
than to avoid a plague of the
marauding undead?

RATING: 4/5

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 47

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// SOFTWARE REVIEWSMAGAZINE

Radio Garden

I’d like to teach the world to sing...

Info// Sites that collate Internet radio stations more stations from the country of the station that’s
aren’t exactly thin on the ground, but Radio currently playing and more.
Radio Garden BV Garden does it differently. Instead of listing
http://radio.garden broadcasters by genre or country, it locates them Un-wired for sound
Free (IAP for mobile devices) on a globe which you can rotate on the screen, and
Compatibility: iOS/iPadOS zoom in and out of for a better view. Every shining Radio Garden offers an alternative way to explore
11.0 or later, web browser dot on the map is a radio station (or for pedants, an Internet radio. It’s great fun to find an obscure,
Internet streaming broadcast). Click on a dot, or drag distant part of the world which you’ll never see in
the globe until it’s in the centre of the circle in the real life, and listen to a local station while taking
middle of the screen, and that station plays. a ‘drive’ around town using Google Maps’ street
view. It’s like going on a virtual holiday. There
Using the controls at the foot of an iPhone screen are services found all over the world, in every
and in the bottom-left on an iPad or Mac, you can language imaginable. In our tests, we had no
play and pause the stream, or move to the next or problems with buffering or poor reception either.
previous local station. Tap the heart to add it to
your list of favourites, and the three-dots icon lets If you’re a fan of Internet radio, we definitely
you share a station or visit its website. This window suggest you give Radio Garden a try; you’ve
also shows the name and location of the station. nothing to lose. It’s available through a free,
The collapsible window above these controls gives ad-supported app for mobile devices (an in-app
more options, such as: browsing and search options, purchase removes the ads), and on the Mac,
access to your favourites, the chance to explore simply open the service in your web browser;
http://radio.garden. AH

Verdict// If you know of a station that isn’t on Radio Garden, tell them
about it.
PROS AND CONS:
+ Tens of thousands of

stations to explore

+ Great for virtual holidays

+ Free, with optional
payment to remove ads

- Can be tricky to find a
station you like

LAST WORD
A great way to tour the
world via its Internet radio
stations. Definitely worth a
blast.

RATING: 4/5

48 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39

SOFTWARE REVIEWS //ESSENTIAL
AppleUser
MAGAZINE

iMazing 2

The smart way to manage your new iPhone.

iMazing is a device management tool for all iOS Copying PDFs and ePubs to the Books app is far Info//
and iPadOS devices. Open iMazing on your Mac simpler with iMazing. Again, you simply drag and
and connect an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple drop them. Ringtones can also be added in this DigiDNA SARL
TV or even a classic iPod, and you can explore and way. Its management of the Music app gives you the https://imazing.com
organise its contents with a far greater degree of drag-and-drop simplicity you’ve always wanted for From £29.99, $40.75, 35,99 €
control than macOS natively allows. Various price your iOS device, and it works for movies and other Compatibility: macOS 10.10
points are available, depending on how many video files too. or higher
mobile devices you wish to use with it.
In this short review, we’ve barely scratched the
The app can back up your device to your surface of what iMazing can do. It’s a comprehensive
computer, without deleting previous backups. management system for mobile devices which puts
These backups are encrypted, and unlike regular you in control of your gear in a way macOS and the
backups, they can be stored on any connected Music app never could. If you’re keen to get more
hard drive or NAS drive – it doesn’t have to be your from your iPhone or iPad, without jailbreaking the
boot drive. Backups can be scheduled and carried device, iMazing is a must. DA
out automatically, and you can review and restore
their contents just like you can with Time Machine So many things can be transferred
backups. You can also restore your device in its seamlessly between your devices
entirety from an iMazing backup, quickly and easily.
Contacts can be copied from one
Control freakery device to another using drag and drop.

Messages stored on your iPhone can be reviewed iMazing even works with iPods. Remember them? Verdict//
on your Mac, including all SMS, MMS and iMessage
chats; and all attachments. You can then save PROS AND CONS:
out conversations as a PDF, a spreadsheet or + Awesome backup
text document, and it also lets you print them
directly from iMazing. WhatsApp messages, Notes, capabilities
Calendars, voice recordings and more can also be
backed up and reviewed in this way. Contacts can + Time Machine-like
be copied from one device to another by simply content review
dragging and dropping, and phone records and
voice mails are preserved too. + Full control over media

iMazing offers far wider backup options than macOS. - A little slow at times

LAST WORD
The perfect solution for
those who want to get
under the hood of their
mobile devices.

RATING: 5/5

Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39 49

ESSENTIAL

AppleUser

// SOFTWARE REVIEWSMAGAZINE

Impressive iOS
Photography Apps

The iPhone 14 and 14 Pro have amazing cameras. If you want to make the most out of their fabulous photography
capabilities, take a look at ten of the best third-party photography apps for both the iPhone and iPad. Whether
through taking more impressive shots or editing them to really bring out the best in your photos.

Camera+ 2

Developer: LateNiteSoft S.L, http://latenitesoft.com
Price: £2.99, $2.99, 3,49 €
System Requirements: iOS 11.0 or later
Camera+ 2 is a complete overhaul of the popular photography app Camera +. It’s
compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and gives far more control over your shots
than the iOS Camera app. You can capture photos in RAW mode, set shutter speed, ISO and
white balance, and in dual camera iPhones, use the impressive depth capture mode. You
can also set it to only trigger the shutter when the device is stable, or when it detects a smile.

Halide Camera

Developer: Chroma Noir LLC, https://halide.cam
Price: £5.99, $5.99, 6,99 €
System Requirements: iOS 11.0 or later
Another replacement for the iOS Camera app, Halide intelligently optimises ISO and shutter
speeds for sharp, clean photos. The interface is designed around touchscreen gestures,
and is intuitive to use. On the iPhone X and later, it’s designed for use with just one hand. It
gives you more control over your photos too, with a powerful manual focus and full manual
controls including shutter speed, ISO and white balance.

ProCam 6

Developer: Samer Azzam, www.procamapp.com
Price: £5.99, $5.99, 6,99 €
System Requirements: iOS 11 or later
This Camera replacement offers a range of shooting modes, including Photo, Night Mode,
Burst Mode, Slow Shutter, Portrait Mode, 3D Photos, Video, Time Lapse and more (some
modes require dual cameras). It boasts an anti-shake feature to cut out those blurry snaps,
and has a wide range of manual controls not present in the Camera app.

Slow Shutter Cam

Developer: Cogitap Software, www.cogitap.com
Price: £1.99, $1.99, 2,29 €
System Requirements: iOS 10.0 or later
This very affordable camera app is designed for long-exposure photographs, of the kind
previously only possible with a DSLR. It’s great for creating effects such as motion blur and
light trails, and also for taking photos in low-light situations. It offers manual ISO controls,
and an unlimited shutter speed for full control over your slow shutter pictures.

50 Essential AppleUser Magazine | Issue 39