Life Style

Messages is the default chat app for billions of Apple users. If you have an Apple device (but particularly an iPhone), you likely open the app dozens of times every day. And yet, this simple app can do a lot more than send texts. Whether you use it on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can use these 10 hacks to make Messages a better and more productive chat app.Adjust your settings to filter out spam in Messages When you get a new text, you want it to be from a friend, not an obvious scam. Alas, the latter sort are all too frequent. But in recent years, Apple has added some helpful tools to filter out messages from unknown senders, and send obvious spam to its own unique folder.To set this up, open Settings > Apps > Messages, then choose both "Screen Unknown Senders" and "Filter Spam."...

Next spring, you'll notice a handful of new emojis pop up on your iPhone or Android device. As shared by Unicode Emoji Subcommittee Chair Jennifer Daniel, there are nine additions slated for 2027, including "Cracking Face," "Leftwards Thumb Sign," "Rightwards Thumb Sign," "Monarch Butterfly," "Pickle," "Lighthouse," "Meteor," "Eraser," and "Net With Handle." It's not the biggest update in emoji history, but it's a fun assortment. (I can imagine "Cracked Face" is going to get some use.) I always enjoy when new emojis hit the scene (who could live without the recent "Melting Face"), but I never really questioned how these emojis actually come to be. I imagine that's the same for most of us who use these icons. Maybe some of us think that the individual tech companies (e.g., Apple, Google, et...

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Javier Bardem as Max Cady in 'Cape Fear' Credit: Courtesy of Mark Hill / Apple TV Cape Fear is one of those stories with a premise so sturdy and reliable, it can be reinvented and reinterpreted endlessly. The original 1957 novel (titled The Executioners) remains a pulse-pounding thriller, and the two film adaptations (from 1962 and starring Robert Mitchum, and the Martin Scorsese/Robert De Niro version from 1991) are wildly different in tone and approach but equally effective. Add to that list Apple TV’s brand-new take on the material, which brings a neon-lit sense of chaos and a modern edge of digital v...

We're firmly in the AI era, and chatbots and personal assistants are all the rage. Soon enough, eligible iPhone users will get the chance to experience an AI-powered Siri, Meanwhile, ChatGPT is available to answer your questions even while you're driving. It's increasingly all but impossible to use modern technology without being invited to interface with AI. Case in point: You can now "talk" to Spotify. On first blush, this struck me as a bit weird, but it might actually be useful—especially for users who want to know everything about their listening history. How talking to Spotify worksOn Tuesday, Spotify announced a new update that lets you text or speak directly with the app. The idea isn't to treat Spotify like a conversation partner; rather, Spotify wants you to tell the app what you...

Gboard is the default keyboard on many Android devices, including Google Pixels, and has more than 10 billion downloads on the Google Play Store, making it a widely used and trusted typing tool. It has plenty of useful features (some of which require a network connection), but it also has a few downsides—including some privacy concerns. While these issues may not be enough to get you to quit Gboard altogether, you should know what data it collects, where that information goes, and how to keep your inputs safe. Gboard's data privacy issuesMany Gboard users have expressed concern about the keyboard logging inputs and sharing data with Google. Reporting from Android Police found that Gboard activity could potentially be intercepted, decoded, and tied directly to users' identities.According to...

Apple's "27" era is nearly here, including macOS 27. The upcoming update might not offer as many new features as some past macOS revisions, but it has one really big one: Alongside a number of quality-of-life upgrades, macOS Golden Gate includes a few major Apple Intelligence updates, including Siri AI. But if the only benefit I get from updating to macOS 27 is that my M1 iMac runs a bit smoother, I'll be happy.Apple's new updates, including macOS 27, aren't officially here yet. They'll likely drop sometime in the fall for all compatible devices. That said, your compatible Mac can run macOS Golden Gate right now: Since June's WWDC conference, Apple has been beta testing its new updates with registered developers, and, as of Monday, has opened up the beta to public testers as well. That mea...

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. While bass-heavy headphones can be controversial (especially for those who like a more balanced sound signature), Skullcandy remains a leader in affordable over-ear options for people who prefer throttling bass. If you’re in the market for mid-range headphones that deliver comfort, long battery life, and a unique bass adjuster, the Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless headphones are a great option, and according to price trackers,  they’re currently 52% off, bringing them to a record low price of $99.99 (originally $209.99). The immersive bass is the star of the show here, courtesy of extra bass drivers that complement the dual 40mm drive...

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you’ve had your eye on Samsung’s latest Galaxy phone releases, one carrier is currently running a considerable promotion. The latest T-Mobile Galaxy S26 deal could save you hundreds—or even the full cost of a new phone. Depending on your plan and whether you’re adding a line, you can get the Galaxy S26 for free or get a Galaxy S26 Ultra for under $200 through monthly bill credits. ...

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Yesterday, I wrote about Sony's luxurious version of the 1000XM6 going on sale. While it's discounted, $600 is still a lot of money to spend on headphones, and there are other options that are just as premium for almost half the price. The Bose QuietComfort 2nd Gen is one of those options, currently down to $369 (originally $449), its lowest price ever, according to price-tracking tools. The Bose QuietComfort line has been around for a long time, excelling in comfort, ANC, and minimalism, as was the case for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) earbuds that I got to review. The headphone version keeps those same priorities at the fo...

We may earn a commission from links on this page. I’ve been waiting for Ultrahuman’s new Ring Pro, and I’m happy to report I have one in my hands (OK, on one of my hands). This is the ring that was announced back in February, along with a feature-filled charging case. It’s an upgrade from the Ring Air that I previously reviewed, and it retails for $479 including the case. Overall the experience is pretty similar to the Ring Air, but here are a few things I’ve noticed that are worth calling out.  ...