Hands-on

Hands-on with iOS 11’s overhauled Podcasts app

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

Apple's stock Podcasts app has undergone some visual changes in iOS 11. Functionally, a few things have moved around and some new features have been added.

For example, the Unplayed, My Podcasts, Featured, Top Charts and Search tabs lined up alongside the bottom of the interface have been replaced with a new and simpler tab layout: Listen Now, Library, Browse and Search.

Our resident video editor Andrew O'Hara has put together a quick video for you guys to see for yourselves Apple's new design for the Podcasts app on iOS 11.

Watch Andrew's video right below, then meet us in comments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFsAlcnlmSo

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The Listen Now tab combines podcasts you're subscribed to (previously in the My Podcasts tab), recently played episodes (previously in the Unplayed tab) and shows other people like.

Under the new Library tab, you can easily browse all of the audio and video shows you're subscribed to, as well as individual podcast episodes, ones that have been download to the device and the recently updated episodes of any shows you're following.

The Browse tab is your storefront to the Podcasts section on iTunes.

There, you can swipe through featured podcasts Apple's editors highlight at the top, access the full Featured section, see charts-topping audio and video shows, access the list of major podcast providers and browse all podcasts by category.

The Search tab now lets you choose between searching across podcasts in your library or all shows on iTunes. As evidenced by the screenshots, the redesigned app has adopted a bold font with much bolder headings and other visual cues borrowed from Apple Music on iOS 10.

Another feature iOS 11's Podcasts app has borrowed from Apple Music is a completely revamped mini-player that can be now pressed with 3D Touch to access quick shortcuts pertaining to the currently playing episode.

Other tidbits worth mentioning include larger artwork and other visual tweaks to match the look and feel of other apps inside of iOS 11, as shown on the screenshot top of post. The official Podcasts widget has remained unchanged.

For those wondering, Apple still does not provide Podcasts for Apple Watch.

How do you like these Podcasts app changes on iOS 11?

Let us know by posting a comment below.

First hands-on video with iPhone 8 dummy surfaces on the web

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

Apple's iPhone 8 should feature a whole new industrial design with an almost full-screen face, a 2.5D curved OLED screen, no physical Home button, an in-screen fingerprint reader and other perks. Earlier this week, leakster Benjamin Geskin posted what files as the first hands-on video featuring a CNC-machined iPhone 8 dummy model.

Don't read too much into this report— this is a dummy iPhone 8 unit after all, and as such for display only. It's not a real working phone nor is it one of the iPhone 8 prototypes.

And here it is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U-h3kEU2h0

Don't let the lack of an Apple logo on the backside confuse you: this is, as I've said, a mockup that matches up with a bunch of the rumors we've heard thus far.

That said, the clip provides a good approximation of what a future iPhone with a nearly full-screen front face might look like. Be sure to check out another iPhone mockup that leaked last week, which could be representative of the final design Apple settled on.

Apple is said to have tested about ten different iPhone prototypes.

Some of them probably sport a rear Touch ID, just in case Apple's plan to integrate a next-generation fingerprint sensor into the display assembly falls apart. To give you a better idea what an iPhone with a rear Touch ID might look like, do check out the images of an iPhone 8 clone from China, some of which you can see above.

Apple is likely to unveil its 2017 iPhone lineup at a media event in September.

Aside from a new premium design and a full-front OLED display, iPhone 8 is widely expected to feature wireless charging, 3D facial scanning, a ten-nanometer A11 chip designed by Apple, augmented reality features and, of course, iOS 11 that Apple will preview at WWDC next month.

Photoshoot: limited-edition Apple Watch NikeLab

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

Apple and Nike recently announced Apple Watch NikeLab, basically a co-branded limited-xdition Apple Watch Series 2 using a Space Gray aluminum case paired with a new Light Bone band in a creamy color combination featuring black perforations. The device is arriving Thursday, April 27, and now Highsnobiety has posted some pretty gorgeous hands-on photos ahead of tomorrow's release.

Hands on with Clips, Apple’s new social video editing app

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 6, 2017

Apple today released Clips, its brand new social video editing app that was previewed on March 21 as part of the company's Spring product refresh. Available at no charge on App Store, Clips comes with some interesting features, like voice-activated captions, effects, emoji, animated speech bubbles, motion backgrounds, built-in soundtracks and more.

After spending some time with Clips, our own video editor Andrew O'Hara has created a video walkthrough showcasing just how easy it is to create fun videos that are sharable on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social networks.

Hands-on with tvOS 10.2: fast scrolling, updated Remote app & more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

You no longer have to scroll through long lists on your Apple TV for minutes on end like an animal, courtesy of the latest firmware released yesterday alongside iOS 10.3, macOS Sierra 10.12.4 and watchOS 3.2.

It lets you scroll through longs lists with ease and contains other user-facing features and under-the-hood improvements. For instance, rented iTunes movies can be finally enjoyed on other devices.

And with the updated Remote app, you can control the set-top box via your iPad or other iOS device, browse your playlists and more. Be sure to watch Andrew's hands-on video for everything new in tvOS 10.2 and share your favorite new feature in comments.

Everything new in macOS Sierra 10.12.4

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

Apple yesterday unleashed a barrage of OS updates with iOS 10.3, macOS Sierra 10.12.4, watchOS 3.2 and tvOS 10.2. We've already posted our “What's New in iOS 10.3” hands-on and now our resident video editor Andrew O'Hara has done the same for the latest Sierra update.

Check out everything macOS Sierra 10.12.4 has to offer and let us know what you think in comments.

Ugreen’s Magnetic Charger for Apple Watch is slim enough to keep in your pocket

Anthony Bouchard ∙ December 31, 2016

Most people experience all-day battery life with the Apple Watch, whether it’s the single core first generation model, or the dual core Series 1 or 2 versions that were launched just this year. While this is true for most people who use their Apple Watch regularly, new apps like Pokémon GO for the Apple Watch threaten to deplete your Apple Watch’s tiny battery much faster.

With that being the case, investing in some kind of portable power pack made specifically for the Apple Watch, like the Ugreen Magnetic Charger, is a good idea.

Nomad’s Rugged iPhone case makes plastic look classy

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated October 17, 2018

The new Nomad Rugged case has been my daily driver case for close to a month now, and having had the opportunity to go hands-on with it for that long, I have to say I think I’ll probably continue using it for a while longer.

Built into this incredibly thin, yet protective design is a case that can withstand your everyday clumsiness and still look good while doing it. Nomad’s design team has created a TPU-based case that actually looks good that can still take a hit and save your iPhone.

Mujjo is a high quality leather wallet case for iPhone at a great price

Anthony Bouchard ∙ December 21, 2016

The phenomenon of wallet case popularity among iPhone owners hasn’t gone unnoticed by luxury case makers, and the Mujjo case is just one of those sexy options that leather lovers will have a hard time resisting.

Crafted out of vegetable-tanned leather and internally lined with a layer of suede to keep your iPhone cradled with the softest touch possible, the Mujjo is a luxurious travel case made for anyone who doesn’t want to lug their wallet around with them just to carry an ID and credit card on them at all times.

Aukey’s 30,000 mAh battery pack stores lots of power and charges with Lightning

Anthony Bouchard ∙ December 15, 2016

There are a ton of battery packs out there, and we just showed you a couple of very stout options from Anker last month, but for those who need even more juice, Aukey has a versatile 30,000 mAh battery pack with handy unique features.

Because I was personally impressed with the build quality and features this battery pack had to offer, I’m excited to show you everything it can do.

Everything new in iOS 10.2

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

Apple yesterday released the latest iOS 10.2 software update for public consumption. Being a second major update to iOS 10 following its debut in September of this year, iOS 10.2 brings out more than a dozen new features and enhancements for your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices.

There's Apple's new channel guide app, named “TV”, 100+ new emoji, the Emergency SOS feature from the Apple Watch, options that let you preserve Camera settings, two new fullscreen effects for Messages, several improvements for the Music app and much more.

Hands-on with exclusive Apple Watch Nike+ watch faces and complications

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

The Apple Watch Nike+ is available as of yesterday and our resident video editor Andrew O'Hara just published a video showing off its design and features. As we mentioned many times before, the Apple Watch Nike+ is literally the Apple Watch Series 2 with some exclusive features.

Now, exclusivity comes in the form of unique Nike-inspired bands and Nike-themed watch faces and complications that are not available on regular Series 2 devices. Here's our hands-on with the watch faces and complications that Nike and Apple jointly designed for the Apple Watch Nike+ edition.