Accessories

iOS 15 Beta: All the features you need to try

Apple is giving us a taste of iOS 15!

Published

on

If you’re reading this, then you’re probably interested on the new public beta of iOS 15, iPadOS, and WatchOS. If you’re looking to try out the Beta versions offered, then you’re in luck!

For those new to the term, what is a Beta software for iOS?

Beta software, including previews and seeds, refers to a version of the software that’s still under development and not yet released to the public. This software is intended only for installation on development devices registered under your Apple Developer Program membership. Registered development devices can be upgraded to future beta releases and the public version of the software.

If you’d like to try Beta, here are some features you should look out for! You Beta be ready for this!

iOS 15 for iPhone

iOS 15

“Hello” is a word that resonates history for apple, and now it’s coming to your iPhone’s lock screen. With the new update, users can now customize their lock screen wallpaper. The word “Hello” is displayed not only in English, but in different languages as well.

Another update we have is the “text from camera” feature. A long press will pop up a new option and there you can point the camera to an object that has text on it. You can also copy text from your photos as well. By doing this, the feature will automatically read as much text as possible or what text you desire to copy.

Memoji’s have been around since the release of the iPhone X, a fun way to communicate with your friends and family. New stickers have been added and color customization is available for the eyes and clothes.

Text magnify disappeared during the days of iOS 13 and now it’s back with a new shape, it kind of resembles the shape of the text box of the messages app, only shorter. Glad to see this one returning!

Facetime

A built-in exclusive video calling app from Apple added new features to the beloved Facetime app with iOS 15. Tap your video and flip it over, with this, you can now zoom in to an object while in a Facetime call. The zoom capabilities can be up to 2x or pinch to zoom. Users can also use portrait mode using the selfie camera blurring out the background.

iOS 15 users can also now have a watch party of their own with share play. This feature enables users to watch movies and TV shows being offered in Apple TV. Apple Music is also available in share play! Facetime for android and windows users can only join the call when provided a link from the host.

Spatial audio now gives attention to the speaker on the facetime session, giving people focus on the speaker to avoid overlapping of voices. Voice isolation blocks ambient noise thanks to machine learning, and wide spectrum picks up your voice and everything around you. And don’t forget, Facetime is end-to-end encrypted, so your security will not be compromised.

Notifications

Another update we have to acknowledge in the beta is the notifications from iOS 15. The new focus feature helps you organize your notifications depending on your preference. The new feature delivers powerful tools that help users focus and reduce distraction.

Focus is a new feature that filters notifications and apps based on what a user wants to focus on. Users can create Home Screen pages with apps and widgets that apply to moments of focus to only display relevant apps and reduce temptation.

iPad OS 15

Doubted back in 2010, the iPad has now become a staple in the product line of Apple. With its new updates, the iPad comes closer and closer to a deconstructed computer.

Multitasking is the strong point of the iPad as it has the largest screen compared to the iPhone, iPod, and the Apple Watch. Widgets are the latest additions starting with iOS 14, but with the new update the iPad also comes to play. You can now place widgets on the home screen of your iPad or bring up the widget gallery. App library is also new to the iPad this coming update so you can see all of your apps in one swipe. The app library automatically categorizes your apps, additionally, you can also place the app library on the dock.

A quick access is always the key, so iPad comes up with a multitasking bar. Setting aside the current app that you’re using, you can now see all of your apps without fully closing any app. Switching apps is also easier in split view, drag the app down and select another one to open. Certain apps like mail can center the messages on the screen giving you more room for productivity.

Notes

Collaboration and organization, the new notes app for iPad is another upgrade from the previous version. First, you can now mention people in a shared note. With this, the mentioned person will be notified and linked back to the note as soon as they receive the mention. Additionally, you can now also see the changes from the notes while you’re away.

The addition of tags can easily organize your notes and quickly see them as soon as you open notes with the tag browser. Quick note is also another addition, by swiping from the bottom right with the apple pencil, you can easily pull up a note from the screen. Quick note is also aware of your apps, so if you’re in safari, you can quickly add the link of the website if needed. You can create your quick notes on iPad OS and Mac OS only, but you access them on your iPhone too.

WatchOS 8

An accessory that proves to be useful to Apple customers comes with a new update. WatchOS 8 can now place your favorite photo as a wallpaper and also create a portrait mode effect. Daily highlights from your iPhone now automatically syncs to your watch, giving you something to view everyday. You can also share photos through messages and mail, now on your wrist!

Heading on to the smart home section, your Apple Watch can now lock and unlock your door if a visitor arrives. You can also access your lights and security camera if your front door has one.  The status of your devices are also displayed on top of your home app. You can see if your lights are on, or if your other Apple devices are charged or not.

A digital key can also be installed in your Apple Watch as it has now partnered with popular smart lock brands. With the Ultra Wideband technology, you can now unlock your car door too. With this, you can now share a digital key to your family, guests, or whoever you’d like to share it to.

Focus gives you more control on your notifications as you can set your prioritized notifications on your watch. The Breathe app is now renamed to “Mindfulness” this app aims to give you a meditation session if you’d like. Breathe and Reflect sessions end with a summary of your time with the apps. With this, you can gain insight on your overall wellness.

Final thoughts

Apple rolled out the new Beta of iOS 15 to the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The new line of updates focuses more on productivity and ease of use. With this, Apple users do have something to look forward to. We’ll find out more about the updates as we come closer to the official release of the new operating systems for Apple Devices.

To find out more, here are the recent updates for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

If you’re ready to try it out, here the link to the new public Beta!

 

Accessories

Sony ships its LinkBuds Fit Hatsune Miku edition to the United States

It will come with the special acrylic stand.

Published

on

Hatsune Miku is finding her way everywhere. Last year, the pop icon built partnerships where you might have least expected one. Now, a recent collaboration has made it to new shores. Sony is shipping its recent partnership with Hatsune Miku in the United States.

In the middle of last year, Sony released a limited edition of the LinkBuds Fit featuring Hatsune Miku. Inside, the special variant is indistinguishable from the original series. However, it will have special colorway options, including the icon’s signature green.

Now, the limited edition is now available in the United States. It will be available for US$ 249.99.

Like the first launch, buying the special edition of the earbuds will give fans a limited-edition acrylic earbud stand featuring newly illustrated artwork by Ogipote. It also features two original HoloModels of the character.

Further, those who purchased the device will get access to a special campaign song called “BELIEVE DAY” and an animated performance of the same song. Fans need only to register their product and install the HoloModels app.

SEE ALSO: Sony PH offers limited-time LinkBuds Fit x Hatsune Miku bundle

Continue Reading

Accessories

Razer teams up with BLACKPINK for limited-edition gear

In your area soon

Published

on

Razer has teamed up with iconic Korean girl group BLACKPINK for a collaboration as bold as their performances.

The BLACKPINK x Razer collection features exclusive, limited-edition co-branded gear that merges cutting-edge performance with bold, pink-forward aesthetics.

Designed to celebrate individuality and creativity, the product lineup gives both gamers and BLINKs new ways to express themselves.

There haven’t been a lot of details yet regarding the collaboration, except a short teaser video on the Razer official website.

Plus, there’s a playful line referencing BLACKPINK’s 2018 album as the product lineup will be “in your area” soon.

The full collection will be revealed soon. Given Razer’s history of collaborations, fans can expect a BLACKPINK-themed headphones, keyboard, mouse, and even mousepad.

For now, fans can look forward to exclusive pop-up fan activations during the group’s upcoming World Tour <DEADLINE> Pop-Up Store in Hong Kong early next year.

BLACKPINK will be performing in Hong Kong on January 24, 25, and 26 at the Kai Tak Stadium.

Continue Reading

Accessories

Trade doomscrolling for these 12 intentional New Year’s resolutions and side quests

Published

on

New Year’s resolutions don’t always have to be extreme to be meaningful. Sometimes the most impactful changes come from scrolling less and just being more present. What if you leaned into healthier routines, making your environment better, and small side quests? This guide focuses on building habits and routines that feel good even after January.

1. Build strength and cardio

Getting more active at the start of the year doesn’t have to mean drastic routines or intimidating gym memberships. The most sustainable fitness habits are the ones that fit naturally into your day.

The NovaRow R50 Air Resistance Rower from Merach offers a low-impact workout that blends strength and cardio in one efficient motion. Exercises like rowing makes it easier to show up, even on your busiest days. It’s accessible at any fitness level because it’s easy to pick up and is gentler on the body while still offering a full-body workout.

The best part is you’re getting a professional-grade rowing machine so you can do your workouts at the comfort of your own home; you get to engage 86% of your major muscle groups even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Speaking of comfort, the NovaRow R50 is thoughtfully designed with adjustable footplates and an extra cushioned ergonomic seat. When paired with the Merach app, workouts feel more engaging thanks to interactive games and scenic rowing routes.

Once you’ve built the habit, you can increase your workout intensity. It’s got a 10-level air resistance system that offers up to 110 lbs of peak resistance to support long-term progress.

It’s available on Amazon as well as merachfit.com, with an extra 10% discount using the code GADGET.

2. Track your progress

Moving your body more is one of the most universal New Year’s resolutions and one of the easiest to abandon when life gets busy halfway through the year. The key to sticking to a fitness resolution isn’t intensity, but awareness and consistency.

A smartwatch like the Amazfit Balance 2 helps track steps, workouts, sleep, and recovery.  Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced HYROX athlete, it’s got over 170 workout modes to support you.

Want to try golf next year? It has 40,000 downloadable maps of golf courses. Got scuba certification on your bucket list?  The Balance 2 has pro-grade waterproofing and certification for that too.

With up to 21 days of battery life, it can keep you accountable without being intrusive. It also tracks your rest and recovery to help you understand your body better without overdoing your workouts. Being aware of fitness metrics makes progress visible and more tangible, so you get more motivated to keep going.

As a bonus, it’s casual enough that you can wear it even when you’re not working out. It’s currently 10% off on Amazon.

3. Train anywhere

Showing up is often the hardest part of any fitness goal, especially when travel interrupts your momentum. Centr’s Home Workout Kit is an all-in-one resistance training system that adapts to your lifestyle and environment.

Whether you’re at home, at the gym, on a work trip, or on vacation, progress continues, no excuses. Each kit includes 3 fabric bands, 5 tube bands, 2 ankle straps, 2 D-handles, a dual-hook bar, and a door anchor, and a travel-friendly carry bag. It retails for $66.99 on shop.centr.com.

4. Hydrate

Staying hydrated sounds simple, yet it’s one of the most commonly overlooked wellness habits. Studies show 75% of Americans are actually dehydrated. Maybe it’s because tap water doesn’t always taste great or because we worry about what’s actually in it.

The LARQ PureVis 2 helps turn hydration into a habit by tracking your intake and reminding you to drink throughout the day. The built-in UVC light eliminates most contaminants by automatically activating every two hours and the Nano Zero Filter removes common pollutants.

Apart from making sure you’re water’s clean it also keeps it cold, making it more enjoyable to stay hydrated. Using a reusable bottle like the PureVis 2 also means fewer plastic bottles headed to landfills — an impact you can also track on the LARQ app. Get one on bylarq.com/gadgetmatch

5. Sleep better

Everyone wants better sleep, yet it can feel frustratingly out of reach. While you can’t control everything, improving your bedroom environment is one simple change that can make a real difference. Clean air and gentler mornings can dramatically change how you feel throughout the day.

The BlueAir Mini Restful Sunrise Clock Air Purifier creates a healthier sleep setup that supports deeper rest and calmer wake-ups. By combining air purification with a gentler wake-up helps you feel more rested and less rushed in the morning. It’s a resolution that starts at night and pays off all day.

It’s $200 and is available in two colors that easily blend in with your home decor: Coastal Beige and Midnight.

6. Read more

Doomscrolling is one habit we should all leave behind coming into the new year. Reading, on the other hand, slows the mind, builds focus, creates space for deeper thinking, and oftentimes, sparks imagination.

If getting physical books feels intimidating, an e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite and apps like Libby make it easy to browse and borrow titles from public libraries. One lightweight device and zero notifications make it easy to pick up a book whenever you have a quiet moment.

The Kindle Paperwhite starts at $135, while both the Libby app and a public library card are free.

7. Grow your food

Who says growing your own food has to be complicated? Spending time around plants has a calming effect, yet many people don’t even try because they assume gardening requires space, sunlight, or experience.

The Auk Mini is a smart indoor garden that removes the guesswork with automated lighting and watering. This makes it easy to grow your own food even when you live in a small apartment.

While the bundle comes with basil and parsley seeds, it supports anything that sprouts and grows, with other herbs and leafy greens thriving especially well, along with tomatoes and chilies. You can use their Auk-certified seeds or your own so you’re not locked into the system.

Most herbs and salads are ready to harvest in 4–6 weeks, while tomatoes and chilies typically take 8–12 weeks. Like a lot of indoor plants, pruning and harvesting from the top encourages new growth, keeping your plants productive.

Maintenance is also intentionally minimal. You only need to refill water and nutrients and harvest regularly. If you want to start a new crop, you can simply remove the old plants, clean the unit, and replant.

The Auk Mini Bundle is $219 with free shipping.

8. Make more sustainable choices

Living more sustainably doesn’t require perfection. Small swaps, especially for everyday essentials, can make a meaningful impact over time.

Switching to cotton-lined diapers like Kudos is a big step in itself. While still disposable, it offers a more eco-conscious option by using 100% cotton lining instead of plastic. They’re also made without lotions, fragrances, latex, parabens, phthalates, or chlorine.

Kudos’ award-winning DoubleDry technology also ensures 12 hours of leak protection, making them reliable. Designed by an MIT engineer and responsibly made in the US, these diapers prove that choosing better-for-the-planet options doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or peace of mind.

A monthly subscription is $84, with 120-210 diapers in each box depending on the size.

9. Invite more light into your home

Your environment plays a huge role in your mood more than you realize. Small upgrades that improve light and cleanliness can make your space feel calmer and more intentional.

The Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini takes care of one of the most neglected chores. By keeping your windows clean, you’ll let in more natural light into your space. Designed for effortless, one-pass cleaning, it features an upgraded three-nozzle wide-angle spray system that easily dissolves dirt and grime quickly. Its WIN-SLAM 4.0 intelligent path planning also adapts to different window types.

It’s got a 10-level protection system, including multiple layers of fall prevention, intelligent safeguards, and accidental damage insurance. The upgraded steady-climbing system ensures stable, slip-free movement even on wet surfaces, while ultra-fast edge detection adjusts cleaning paths in real time for seamless coverage in any lighting condition.

The result is brighter, cleaner windows, and more natural light. It’s a simple way to elevate your home and uplift your mood, with very minimal effort on your part.

The Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini is currently under $300.

10. Ask for help (without hesitation)

Many New Year’s goals fail not because of lack of effort, but because they’re too vague. Clarity and accountability make progress feel achievable.

A strawberry.me life coaching subscription pairs you with a coach who helps turn manifestations into more concrete steps. Even when you think you don’t need help, getting an outsider’s perspective can help you see what you can’t see for yourself. After all, even the most successful people get help.

Try it and get half off your first session using https://strawberry.me/GadgetMatch

11. Be more introspective

Taking time to reflect after each day can help turn experiences into lessons, and goals into actionable plans. Journaling doesn’t need to be time-consuming or intimidating.

While it still adds to your screen time, Apple’s free Journal app for iPhone makes reflection more approachable with simple prompts and quick entries. Whether you jot down a quick thought, something you’re grateful for, or something that annoyed you, it helps you slow down and process your day. Building this habit add up to greater clarity and emotional balance over time.

13. Try a new side quest

Not every resolution needs a measurable outcome. Trying a new side quest is about curiosity, creativity, exploration, and doing something simply because it’s fun.

That can mean getting crafty with pottery, punch needle or embroidery. Or you can choose something with a tangible end like baking or candle making.

If you’re craving a creative outlet, trying watercolor or photography can open up new ways of seeing the world and testing your patience. Looking to learn new skills? Consider signing up for a language class or trying a new sport.

If you feel like you don’t have extra time or budget for side quests, you can also build it into your daily work commute. If you drive to work, try leaving earlier on a Wednesday, parking somewhere different, and walking the rest of the way. Not only will you discover new neighborhoods, walking different routes also keeps your brain sharp and alert.

If you take public transportation, you can bring knitting materials, write poetry about the people you see, or play the New York Times Crossword.

Starting something new helps break routines and even build confidence over time. The great thing about side quests is there’s no pressure to be good at it or to keep doing it. You can do it by yourself, with a friend, or a big group. The only requirement is that you try.

Continue Reading

Trending