Apple has a secret iMessage effect that’s so hidden that there’s only one way to unlock it, not by digging into the Messages app’s settings, tools, effects, or interface. But it’s used the same way whether you’re messaging from an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, so it’s easy to remember once you know it.
Images, emojis, stickers, GIFs, and videos can help visually express your emotions, feelings, or thoughts in text conversations, and you can use Apple‘s bubble effects to emphasize any of these. But when you want to add style to anything you say or visualize, you use Apple’s message effects.
Message effects explode animations across the screen for senders and recipients in iMessage conversations, making them a great way to highlight specific text or images. In iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS 12, as well as iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS 13, there are eight message effects, most of which have been around for over five years: echo, spotlight, balloon, confetti, love, laser, fireworks ,celebration
While few people know about it, there’s also a meteor message effect that Apple doesn’t advertise anywhere. It’s weird because it’s officially available in iOS 10, 11, 12, and 13, and it’s never been available on macOS, but it works if you know the secret trigger.
To start the Meteor full screen effect on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac, send any of the following greetings in the Messages app. They are usually uppercase, but sending an all lowercase letter also triggers the effect.
After clicking send, a star will shoot out from left to right on the screen, and when it falls from the starry night sky, it will make a clicking sound.
Most of the other full-screen message effects for iMessage have keywords or keyword triggers that will automatically animate. While there are only two meteors, most of the others have many different variations. In total, there are over 200 triggers in over 40 different languages.
If you use your iPhone for a year or more, you may experience overheating problems. It’s not a consistent issue, it affects most electronic devices, but iPhones have been getting too hot for a while.
Although it’s important to remember that just because your iPhone is getting hot doesn’t mean it’s overheating. In fact, in some cases, a warm iPhone can be expected — it’s just part of the process. Setting up your iPhone for the first time or restoring from a backup may raise its temperature due to all the activity and data transfers going on, but that’s nothing to worry about. The same is true when you’re doing something processor-intensive.
As Apple advises, even charging an iPhone can make it feel a little hot — especially wireless charging — but unless it’s really hot to the touch, there’s no need to worry. However, there are definitely situations that can cause your iPhone to overheat and you need to remedy it as soon as possible. If your iPhone gets too hot for too long, it can cause permanent damage, including shortened battery life and even shutting down completely in extreme temperatures.
While things like charging, heavy usage, and large data settings won’t necessarily cause overheating, it’s still possible. So if any of these daily activities are cause for concern, take note – if the weather is warm enough to worry you, it’s best to proceed with caution if you can.
Another major factor in iPhone overheating is naturally the temperature around them. Whether you’re outside on a hot day, doing something that requires a lot of processing power in an already warm room, or sitting your iPhone in direct sunlight, you run the risk of overheating it.
Aside from simply feeling warmer than you expected, if you notice a change in your iPhone’s behavior, you can infer that your iPhone is getting too hot. Charging times may suddenly take longer than usual, or gaming and video performance may slow down. The display may also start to dim on its own or go completely black. It can even disable your iPhone’s camera flash.
If you think your iPhone is getting too hot — either because it feels hot, isn’t performing well, or is giving you a direct warning — the first thing to do is to lower its temperature. This doesn’t require extreme things like putting it in the refrigerator or freezer (please don’t put your iPhone in the refrigerator or freezer), but simply remove it from any heat source that’s causing the problem.
This could mean walking into a shaded or air-conditioned room, taking it out of direct sunlight or out of a parked car, stopping anything you might be doing on it and closing all running apps, or shutting it down completely A few minutes to give it a chance to cool down.
It’s also important to take precautions ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about overheating or potential long-term damage to your iPhone. If possible, don’t leave your phone in the car in hot weather. If you’re outside, keep your iPhone in your pocket or hide it when you’re not using it so it won’t be in direct sunlight for long periods of time. When the weather warms, avoid using features and apps that you know require a lot of processing power, and consider temporarily turning off some intensive features, such as GPS tracking and navigation.
Months after rolling out Android 13 to the world, Google is finally starting to roll it out to mobile devices. The tech giant also announced a list of devices eligible for the new Android 13 operating system.
Android 13 was one of the main highlights of Google’s I/O event earlier this year. Along with smartphones, Android 13 has been released to tablets and foldable devices. The latest operating system is based on the framework developed by Android 12. The latest operating system has a range of features with a major overhaul of the user interface. In addition to the intuitive user interface, Android 13 includes a number of security improvements aimed at enhancing privacy features.
Google announced on Monday that the new Android 13 will roll out first to its own line of devices, such as the Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5 and 5a, Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a. The tech giant also announced that Android 13 will roll out to other smartphone brands in the coming months. These brands include Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, OPPO, Asus, Nokia, Realme, Sony, Vivo, Xiaomi, and more.
Key features of Android 13: Enhanced security and privacy. At the Google I/O event, the company announced plans to introduce an integrated security and privacy settings page on Android 13. The new settings will enhance the device’s data privacy and security. Users will also have color-coded indicators for users to measure their security status and improve their security by following the guidance provided by the operating system.
Custom look
As a follow-up to Material You, Google is rolling out more customization options with Android 13. The new operating system comes with pre-made color options that allow users to choose the look and feel that suits their preferences. Additionally, the color scheme chosen on the device will be reflected across the operating system, giving icons, wallpapers and styles a synchronized feel.
More language options
Android 13 will allow users to choose a different language for each app. According to the company, the feature is ideal for multilingual users who prefer different apps in different languages.
Notifications and permissions
The new OS will make apps seek the user’s permission to send notifications. It might be helpful for those users who tend to avoid a lot of notifications. This feature is similar to the one on Apple devices.
Control sharing of information with applications
This useful feature will allow the Android 13 operating system to automatically downgrade apps that require permissions after installation and no longer need them later.
Enhanced Bluetooth connectivity
Android 13 is supported by the Bluetooth Low Energy Audio feature, which allows users to share audio with friends and family. It will also let users subscribe to public radio, which aims to provide users with a high-fidelity audio experience. Also, the feature is power saving.
Apple recently updated its back-to-school MacBook Air with a new M2 chip and a better camera and display. However, Apple’s iPad lineup will still be upgraded in 2022. The mid-range iPad Air got the M1 chip in the spring, but the entry-level iPad and iPad Pro were stalled until the fall. If you’ve been waiting for a new iPad model, here’s what you can expect.
Entry-level iPad: All-new design, plus USB-C
The entry-level iPad could get a major upgrade, according to a new report from Mark Gurman and 9to5Mac. The current entry-level ninth-generation iPad still has a Lightning port and an original circular Touch ID home button, but the design may eventually change to match the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models. That could mean flatter edges, a curved display, USB-C charging, and a Touch ID button placed on the side, almost like a budget version of the iPad Air.
The base iPad can get the A14 chip found in the previous-generation iPad Air, which would be an upgrade from the A13 in the current iPad, but lack the M1 found on the Air and Pro models. If true, it could also mean the base iPad won’t be able to use the extra Stage Manager multitasking mode in iPadOS 16.
The entry-level iPad adopted the body design of the previous iPad Air in a similar fashion a few years ago. The move to USB-C charging feels long overdue. This would also allow entry-level iPads to be used with the second-generation Pencil, and possibly Apple’s line of Magic Keyboard Folios.
The 9to5Mac report also claims that entry-level iPads could get optional 5G cellular, which would be an upgrade from the current model’s LTE option. However, the price of entry-level iPads may rise, which is something to be aware of.
iPad Pro: A belated improvement
Meanwhile, the iPad Pro hasn’t seen an update since spring 2021, when it added 5G, an M1 chip, and a Mini LED display to the larger 12.9-inch version. Signs point to a new model launch in October.
The report also states that the Pros get the M2 chip that was recently introduced in the MacBook lineup, which seems to be the most obvious move. Other things that may or may not change:
Will the iPad finally fix the camera position?
The biggest iPad request, in addition to extensive improvements to the operating system to make it a better Mac replacement, also fixed the placement of the front-facing camera.
While Apple’s Zoom Center Stage camera technology helps, it doesn’t solve the eye contact problem. I would love to switch the camera to a longer edge, but who knows if that will be the case this year. Apple hasn’t changed the camera position on its latest iPad Air, so it feels unlikely.
An improved Magic Keyboard?
Apple’s Magic Keyboard from two years ago was useful, but it had drawbacks: It lacked a row of function keys, was expensive, and couldn’t fold back into a folio orientation for reading or sketching. It’s unlikely Apple will lower the price of the case, but I’d like to see an upgraded model with function keys and maybe even add a USB-C/Thunderbolt port. Currently, there are no reports that this will happen.
New pencils?
Apple’s Pencil is also pretty old now, and the second-generation model, while sturdy, is long and awkward to store. Will Apple consider a more compact Pencil, or one that’s easier to incorporate into the iPad Pro design? Another programmable touch-sensing feature or two on the side would also help. Again, there are no reports on this.
MagSafe can be used
Some rumors point to the addition of wireless charging to the Pro tablets. Will it be MagSafe? MagSafe is present in Apple’s recent MacBook Pros, iMacs, and iPhones. One of the odd things about MagSafe so far is that each instance involves a different type of charger. Will Apple make the iPad Pro MagSafe another unique accessory separate from the iPhone and MacBook versions? Apple’s iPad Magnetic Smart Connector already offers this type of snap-on charging accessory functionality for devices like the Magic Keyboard, although Smart Connector-compatible accessories are still few and far between.
Will the display technology be the same?
The 12.9-inch 2021 iPad Pro is the only model with a boosted Mini LED display, similar to recent MacBook Pros, offering deeper blacks and more dynamic contrast. The 11-inch model may still not get Mini LED this year. Instead, the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPads will likely feature OLED displays in an upgrade over the next year.
Battery Life
The more power-hungry nature of the iPad Pro and its keyboard case could mean a useful battery upgrade is in the works. In my experience, the 2022 iPad Air tends to have faster battery life than the M1 Air. The MacBook Air now outperforms the iPad in battery performance, and maybe in 2022 the iPad Pro might catch up.
Apple’s 10th-generation iPad is expected to arrive at its September event, and it’s reportedly undergoing “significant” design changes to modernize its look — but it may drop a handy feature.
According to Taiwanese news outlet DigiTimes via MacRumors, Apple plans to launch its next-generation, low-cost iPad 10 alongside the iPhone 14 in September this year.
The new iPad will feature a new design, although the report doesn’t specify what changes we can expect. However, other leaks and rumors suggest it will get a larger 10.5-inch display, thinner bezels to match the iPad Air, flat edges and a USB-C port. Expect the bezels to still be slightly thicker, as the Touch ID home button tends to stick around. However, one feature may be left out: the headphone jack.
Leaked iPad 10 renders from MySmartPrice suggest the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack, giving customers even more reason to choose AirPods or other wireless earbuds. The Cupertino tech giant’s low-cost iPad shines as a powerful tablet at an affordable price, but the lack of a headphone jack could annoy quite a few buyers.
In our iPad (2021) review, we said the tablet has weak speakers, which means the headphone jack is warmly welcomed. This is the last remaining Apple tablet with a 3.5mm wired audio port, and it will be missed if the redesigned iPad 10 decides to ditch it entirely.
The 10th-generation iPad is also expected to get a performance upgrade, thanks to the expected A14 Bionic chip. This is the same iPhone 12 series and iPad Air (2020) used. Plus, it might end up getting 5G support. Will it add a good $329 over the previous model? Only time will tell.
While the report says the iPad 10 will launch in September, another leak from user yeux1122 of Korean blog Naver claims that the low-cost iPad will arrive in October alongside an updated iPad Pro with the M2. It turns out that the leaker brought accurate information, but no matter when it is released, all signs point to the arrival of the new iPad soon.
Xiaomi has released the stable global version of MIUI Beta based on Android 13. The Mi 12 series is being tested for its Android 13-based MIUI software.
Android 13 was just released a few days ago, and we expect other OEMs to roll out their own skins after that. Xiaomi is hurrying to test the Android 13-based MIUI software for its users. The company announced the MIUI beta in a community post. As of August 16, the Android 13-based MIUI beta is available for Mi 12 and 12 Pro devices.
Xiaomi knows the details of its latest MIUI beta very well. The company did explain that it will be a limited test for those interested. Xiaomi went on to warn potential testers that they should expect “overheating and other performance issues after an update – it may take some time for your device to get used to the new version.”
Some apps are still in the process of being compatible with Android 13, so testers should be aware of that as well. Those who own the Mi 12 and signed up for the beta program can expect the beta build to be V13.0.4.0.TLCMIXM, a 4.2GB download. The beta version of the Mi 12 Pro is marked as V13.0.4.0.TLBMIXM and has a capacity of 4.3GB.
Xiaomi did start rolling out the developer version of its MIUI 13.1 to Mi 12 devices in China earlier this month. The build is apparently based on Android 13 beta 3, at which point the OS gained platform stability. Now that Android 13 is fully launched on Pixel phones, it won’t be long before the stable update reaches more phones.
Xiaomi expands the parameters of the beta program in another article. This beta phase is obviously only open to 200 beta testers, but there may be more phases for people with Xiaomi’s best Android phones to experiment and provide further feedback.
The more you use your iPhone, the more advanced iPhone features you learn. You don’t necessarily have to keep an eye on Apple’s latest innovations, and it’s not just that some of them take longer to discover than others. But Apple adds exciting new iPhone features every year. In turn, iOS constantly challenges developers to integrate some of these features into their apps.
With that in mind, we’re going to explore some hidden iPhone tricks that only true pros know. And they all work directly in iOS 15 or iOS 16. This means you don’t need to download any third-party apps to use them. Let’s take a look together!
iPhone Features You Can Use Every Day: Shake to Undo Mistakes
This feature has been on the iPhone for years. Shake to undo should be self-explanatory. Whenever you make a mistake with your iPhone, you can just shake the phone to bring up the undo menu. This works great in messaging apps, whether you use iMessage or any alternative chat app.
While we’re at it, you’ll need to pair this iPhone trick with using the keyboard as a trackpad. If Shake to Undo is disabled on your iOS device, you can enable it by following the path: Settings > Accessibility > Physical & Motors > Touch > Shake to Undo.
Take a screenshot of an entire webpage
It’s a handy way to save quick information from a web page or help people find and use certain iOS or app features. But you can also use your iPhone to take more complex screenshots, such as entire websites. Whether for work or otherwise, this is another iPhone feature that only pro-level iPhone users know about.
To use it, take a screenshot in Safari or another web browser. When the preview appears in the lower left corner, click it. iOS will give you two screenshot options at the top: Screen and Full Page. Click on the second option to take a screenshot of the entire webpage. You can then save the resulting screenshots to your iPhone and share them with others.
You can also edit screenshots using the tools available in the Screenshots menu. Remember, the shake to undo feature also works with edits.
Sign documents from the Photos app
Since we’re talking about editing documents and photos, the following iPhone features are another great tip from your arsenal of iPhone tips for professionals.
If you don’t have an alternative available, you can sign documents directly from the Photos app. First, save the document to Photos – you can use an image file or just take a screenshot. Open the image and look for the Edit button in the upper right corner. Once inside, tap the nib icon. You will then look for the “+” sign in the bottom right corner, which opens another menu. Look for the Signature option and click on it. You will then be able to access existing signatures or create new ones. Once done, you can place the signature anywhere on the document and resize it to suit your needs.
We’ve all been there: our iPhones start ringing when they shouldn’t. Maybe during a work meeting, class, or movie. All you have to do is use the side button to mute the phone or go into settings and enable do not disturb.
The feature was gradually escalated to Focus, a more sophisticated way of managing the iPhone experience. You can set different focus modes for different environments so that your iPhone only sends certain notifications and prioritizes certain people and apps.
If you don’t use Focus, you can try it now as long as you have iOS 15 or iOS 16. But if you want to be a pro, then you need to have the Focus automatically mute your phone when you arrive at certain locations. Or at a specific time of day.
The best part is that it’s all available in the Settings app. Just look for the focus menu. Then, find the Auto-Open menu in the focus mode you want to automate. Now, click Add Timeline. You can choose a specific time or location for your iPhone to automatically enable this advanced Do Not Disturb mode.
Finally, the “+” sign next to Smart Activation will enable similar automation. But the iPhone learns on its own what it needs for work or school Focus mode. The easiest way to do this is to set a time and location to make sure your iPhone is dimmed at work or school.
Google is warning owners of recent Pixel smartphones that the upgrade to Android 13 will be permanent — they won’t be able to go back to Android 12 or earlier.
Specifically, if you own a Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6 Pro, or the new Google Pixel 6a and upgrade to the latest OS, you won’t be able to revert to an earlier version. So while Android 13 is now available, you might want to think twice if you want to be able to downgrade to an earlier Android OS.
The warning appeared on Google’s Factory Images page – which enables older Android versions to be quickly installed on Google smartphones. In the warning, Google said “The Android 13 update for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a includes a bootloader update that adds an anti-rollback version. After flashing Android 13 on these devices, you won’t be able to Flash to an older Android 12 version.”
Unless you have a specific reason to downgrade, there’s usually no need to go back to the old OS on any device, especially if you’re concerned about digital security and want your apps to work. But with Google’s new changes to how its updates work, Pixel users may need to be a little careful before upgrading the OS.
While this Android 13 release is supposed to be stable — issues have been resolved thanks to months of beta testing — issues with the OS are not uncommon. Take a look at Microsoft’s Windows 11 – the operating system faces endless problems and often sees users opting to downgrade to older versions of Windows.
That said, if you’ve already upgraded to Android 13, there’s no need to panic. Going forward, you may want to wait a few days before downloading a new Android OS to make sure you don’t run into any major bugs until Google fixes them.
It’s unclear why the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 6a are unique among Google’s phones in that it doesn’t allow you to downgrade from Android 13, and it’s also unclear if the limitation affects other Android 13-compatible devices.
You can download and install Android 13 now, as long as you have a compatible Android device. Google released the first Android 13 developer beta in February, followed by the first Android 13 public beta in April. In June, the tech giant dropped its fourth and final Android 13 beta — and now the official Android 13 release is finally here.
Android 13 brings several new features to Android, including a redesigned Material You with automatic wallpaper-based color schemes, a kill switch that prevents third-party apps from accessing your camera and microphone, and end-to-end encryption for group conversations As well as universal clipboard functionality between various devices.
If you want to get started with Android 13 as soon as possible, here’s a list of which Android phones support the latest software update, and how to download and install the new software.
Currently, Android phones that can run Android 13 are limited to the latest Pixel models, including: Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4A, Pixel 4A (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 5A, Pixel 6, Pixel 6A, Pixel 6 Pro
Later this year, Android 13 will be available on Samsung Galaxy, Asus, HMD (Nokia phones), iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, Xiaomi and other devices.
How to download and install Android 13 on your phone
To download and install Android 13 on your Pixel phone, first make sure your phone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and powered on. The battery needs to be at least 50% charged for over-the-air (OTA) updates.
To start installing Android 13, launch the Settings app. You may install the app directly on your home screen, but if not, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access your app drawer and scroll through your apps until you find Settings.
Next, scroll down and tap System > System Updates. If an update is available, it should load here in a few seconds. If not, click Check for Updates. Also, make sure your device has enough storage to download and install the update, otherwise you won’t be able to continue. Typically update files are several gigabytes in size.
Finally, click the green Download and Install button in the lower right corner. The Android 13 system will then begin to download and install, which may take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and condition of the phone. After your phone restarts, you’ll be running Android 13.
Note: If you haven’t seen the Android 13 update, don’t worry. As long as you have a compatible Pixel phone, you’ll get it — it just might take some time to arrive.
Considering upgrading to Windows 11? Microsoft’s latest operating system completed a phased rollout earlier this year and is now available on compatible devices. While the two operating systems share many similarities, there are some major differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11. Newer versions offer a more Mac-like aesthetic and more productivity features—plus the chance to finally use Android apps on Windows-equipped computers.
Let’s take a look at Windows 10 vs. Windows 11: All the big differences in the new operating system!
Design and Interface
Windows 11 brings a new, more Mac-like interface to the operating system. It features a clean design with rounded corners and pastel tones. The iconic Start menu has also been moved to the center of the screen along with the taskbar. However, if you want, you can move them back to the left, where they were in Windows 10.
Android app integration
The Android app is now available for Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store and Amazon Appstore. (There are several ways to access Android apps on Windows 10, including if you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, but this will make it a native app.) It’s something Windows users have been waiting for for years, marking a move toward a merger Another step forward for mobile and laptop devices.
Better virtual desktop support
Windows 11 allows you to set up virtual desktops in a similar way to a Mac. It allows you to switch between multiple desktops at once for personal, work, school or gaming. In Windows 10, this feature is more difficult to set up and use.
Easier transition from monitor to laptop
The new operating system includes features called Snap Groups and Snap Layouts—collections of the apps you’re using that sit in the taskbar and can appear simultaneously or minimized for easy task switching. They also allow you to easily plug and unplug from the monitor without losing where your open windows are.
Add Microsoft Teams to the taskbar
Teams has had a makeover and is now integrated directly into the Windows 11 taskbar, making it more accessible. You can access Teams from Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS.
Small parts
While they’ve been around for a while, including in the recent Windows 10 update, you can now access widgets directly from the taskbar and personalize them to see whatever you like.
Enhanced touchscreen, voice and pen support
For tablets, Microsoft is aiming to improve the touch experience, with more space between icons on the taskbar and support for gestures. Windows 11 also adds haptics to your digital pen, so you can hear and feel vibrations when you use it to take notes or draw. Finally, the operating system introduced voice input and commands throughout the system.
Xbox technology that improves gaming
Windows 11 will get some of the features found in the Xbox console, like Auto HDR and DirectStorage, to improve gaming on Windows PCs. This marks another step for Microsoft to integrate PC and Xbox consoles.
