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Top 10 Disadvantages of Wireless Charging for your iPhone

by GeeksModo Staff

Even though wireless charging is advantageous in many situations, it isn’t necessarily useful all the time. In this article, we’ll talk about the disadvantages of wireless charging for iPhone.

It’s been almost five years since Apple first announced wireless charging capabilities in its iPhones. Apple diehards were buzzing at the news. Apple wasn’t the first company to build Qi wireless charging into smartphones, but as the most iconic smartphone company in the world, they received a lot of attention about it. Although there are many advantages of getting a wireless charger for your iPhone, there are also many disadvantages. Compared with wired charging, iPhone wireless charging has the following disadvantages.

Disadvantages of wireless charging for iPhone

1. Can’t play with your iPhone while charging

“One thing, one thing, yes.” As far as the current commercial technology is concerned, when using wireless charging, the iPhone must be placed on a fixed wireless charging board. According to my observation, this is also the “main force” in the current complaints about wireless charging.

Most of the iPhone wireless chargers on the market are placed flat, and the iPhone must be close to the charger. In this charging position, you can barely use your phone while it is charging. You can’t pick it up, move it, or do anything besides use it while it remains flat on the charger. With a normal wire, you can use your iPhone for sustained periods while it’s charging. In my living room, I love having a long cable with a wired charger because it allows me to scroll Twitter while I watch TV. As long as you’re close enough to an outlet, a wired charger means you can keep using your iPhone even at the end of a long day. That’s especially true with long cables; a 10-foot Lightning cable should let you reach any outlet without having to be right next to the wall.

2. Wireless charging is not compatible with metal back cover

Metal phone cases will definitely disrupt the connection between your phone and a wireless charger. Aluminum phone cases are very durable and robust, keeping your phone safe, but they’re no good for wireless charging devices. This is why Apple’s new iPhone models no longer feature an aluminum shell. Instead, they offer a solid glass back that helps conduct the charge efficiently. In other words, it’s not just about aesthetics.

3. Wireless charging is slow

Qi wireless chargers are slower than wired chargers, full stop.

There’s a reason we normally plug devices in to charge them. It’s just faster and more efficient to transmit energy over a wire.

The fastest chargers we’ve measured in our testing recharged a fully drained iPhone 13 to only 50 percent battery capacity in an hour, around half as fast as a wired charger. But any wireless charger can still fully charge any phone overnight. That’s why I also use one on my bedside table. If I wake up in the middle of the night and want to check my phone (bad habit, I know), I don’t have to worry about waking up my partner when I’m fumbling to plug my phone back in.

One thing I didn’t realize about the MagSafe Charger is that it charges much slower than a lightning connection. I assumed that the magnetic alignment would make it charge super fast, but this is not exactly the case. The MagSafe Charger can only charge the iPhone at 15W, which takes about an hour to charge an iPhone 13 to 50% battery capacity. Considering a lightning-connected 20W adapter can charge an iPhone 13 to 50% in 28 minutes, that’s quite a bit slower.

If you value getting the most charge to your iPhone as fast as possible, like those precious few minutes between when you get home from work and when you have to run back out the door, stick with a wired charger.

See also: iPhone 13 Charging Slowly? How To Speed Up Your Charging

4. There is electromagnetic radiation

Wireless charging of mobile phones is carried out by electromagnetic induction, so the charger generates electromagnetic waves all the time. This electromagnetic wave is generally in the frequency range of tens to hundreds of MHz. Although it may not cause much harm to the human body, it is still much more harmful than wired charging.

5. It’s wasteful

While the normal person might not care, wireless charging is an inherently inefficient form of power transfer. (Take this as an exaggerated example: a wired charger will transfer, let’s say 80% of the power it gets at the wall to the phone. thus to charge a theoretical 1000ma battery, it will use 1,250ma. If a comparative wireless charger is able to transfer 40% of the energy to the phone, the same amount of charge will take 2,500 ma at the wall. This extra energy is wasted as heat.)This wastes energy, which is bad for the environment and our energy grid.

6. Not true wireless

When people hear the term wireless, they immediately think that they can move around pretty freely. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case with wireless charging. Wireless charging requires a charging pad. The charging pad must be plugged in. Already not so “wireless”. The iPhone must sit on top of the charging pad (perfectly) to receive a (trickled down) charge. Meaning, when you lift your iPhone off the charging pad to use it, it’s no longer receiving a charge.

True wireless charging would mean that beam-shaped power would be directed at the device from across the room. The power source finds all devices in the room and magically squirts microwave juice into them.

There are a number of patents about which describe this sort of true wireless power. But the stray microwave issue might be a source of concern. Your devices might magically recharge on your bedside, but no one wants to wake up with a half-cooked face.

Maybe the biggest disadvantage that is often overlooked by people is the need to pay closer attention to charging your phone. This is because, you have to get the iPhone centered just right, or buy a $50 plus pad with multiple coils. Then you STILL have to get the iPhone centered just right. And the charging pad still has a wire attached to it, so it won’t help wire clutter that much. So it’s a solution looking for a problem.

7. Wireless charging usually causes iPhone to overheat

There are many discussions around whether or not ” wireless charger heat harms your battery” amongst those who have started charging their iPhones wirelessly. Wireless charging usually generates a bit of waste heat and can even make the iPhone battery overheat compared to conventional cable charging. Some of that wasted power transform to heat, and the extra heat will cause more wear and tear on the battery, speeding up the aging of your battery every time your iPhone’s battery gets exposed to high temperatures.

See also: 11 Tips to Fix iPhone 13 Pro Overheating Issue in 2022

8. Wireless charging pads cost more than cable chargers

The charging pad is much more complex than a standard USB wall charger power supply and cord. That means they are more expensive.

Check the price for cables and wireless chargers on Amazon, and you will find that most of the cables are less than $10 while usually, a wireless charger costs $20 more or less. That’s quite a big difference.

For example, at my office I might need another charging pad. Do I really want to drag one charging pad around with me? No. Do I want to buy multiple, expensive charging pads or cradles? No. Plug-in cords are so much cheaper, and only represent about 3 seconds of extra effort to connect and disconnect versus placing a phone on a pad.

9. Wireless chargers are less portable

In addition to being more expensive, they are also less portable. They require a surface on which to rest, preferably flat and level. For example, there’s not a spot in my car that is either flat or level, so I can’t reliably use a charging pad in my car. I probably could get a cradle that holds the phone firmly, but the cradle wouldn’t be useful outside of my car.

10. Compatibility

Although the same charging stations can be used for different Apple devices, there are people who have witnessed an issue with the same. There are cases where people have reported to have faced problems with regards to charging varied Apple devices.

There have also been compatibility issues with some iPhones not being attracted to draw in power from the power station.

Conclusion

The dream of wireless charging is great, of course. If only we could have some sort of wireless power device in our home that would charge our iPhones as we use them without having to press them against it. If only our iPhones would charge automatically when we placed them down on a table at a restaurant. But we’re a ways from that.

Wireless charging is a new technology in the world of gadgets; hence it certainly will require some time for more development to be truly wireless and also to gain popularity with all.

With so many disadvantages of charging iPhone wirelessly, if I had to recommend a single charger, I’d still say go with a wired charger. It’s more versatile and almost always smaller, which makes it more convenient if you need to bring it along to work or school or when you’re traveling.

But it’s a luxury to have different charging options in different areas of the house. Think about how you use your phone in each spot — use wired where you want to keep your phone in hand or you need a faster charge, and choose wireless where you’ll get more out of the simplicity of dropping it and leaving it. Charging, both wired and wireless, is going to continue to get both faster and less expensive over the next few years, making it even easier to optimize your setup.

Tag: iPhone Tips
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10 Amazing Advantages of Wireless Charger for iPhone

by GeeksModo Staff

There are plenty of convincing reasons to get a wireless charger for your iPhone. In this article, we look at the best advantages of wireless charger for iPhone.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your iPhone experience, picking up a wireless charger could be a great option for you. Choosing wireless charging and finally ditching the cord on your iPhone is easier than ever. If you’ve picked up a new iPhone in the last couple of years, it more than likely already supports wireless charging. And unlike the early days of wireless charging, you don’t have to make a big sacrifice when it comes to charging speed.

Now, for those with iPhones compatible with wireless charging, we’ll discuss the benefits of wireless charging.

Advantages of wireless charger for iPhone

Here are ten advantages of getting a wireless charger for your iPhone:

1. Wireless Charging Has Gotten a Lot Faster

Although many Android phones had wireless charging for years already, Apple didn’t bring it to the iPhone until 2017 with the release of the iPhone 8. Even though wireless charging was a long-awaited feature for the iPhone, it didn’t catch on like a lot of people thought it would.

That’s because when compared to traditional wired charging, wireless charging was a lot slower. To make things worse, even though 7.5W fast-charging Qi wireless chargers were already on the market, at launch the iPhone 8 was limited to only 5W of power when using a wireless charger. It wasn’t until later that software updates finally let the iPhone 8 access a full 7.5W wireless charge.

These days, Apple’s entire iPhone lineup supports standard Qi wireless charging, and there are tons of wireless chargers to choose from. On top of that, with the iPhone 12 series Apple brought MagSafe from the MacBook to the iPhone.

Unlike the MagSafe MacBook chargers, MagSafe for iPhones is completely wireless. Better yet, MagSafe is the fastest way to charge your iPhone wirelessly. MagSafe can deliver up to 15W of charging speed directly to your iPhone. That’s double the power of a Qi charger.

2. It’s Perfect for Your Desk or Nightstand

One of the best places for a wireless charger is at your office or workspace. There are tons of wireless chargers specifically designed for your desk. Many of them even prop your iPhone up, so it’s easy to glance at incoming alerts and notifications. Better yet, because your iPhone isn’t tied down with a cable, you can quickly grab it when you need to get up to chat with clients or make a personal call.

Equipping your nightstand or bedside table with a wireless charger can add another layer of convenience to your life. It means the end of waking up to a dead phone because you forgot to plug it in before you dozed off.

Having a wireless charger on your desk or nightstand can help you make your workspace more organized, and it means the end of having to hunt down your iPhone’s charging cable in the dark.

As almost no cabling is required, cable clutters are not present. This in turn provide you more space and electrical hygiene.

3. It Also Works With Your iPhone’s Accessories

Even though the original AirPods debuted without wireless charging, a wireless charging case was brought out as an optional extra for the AirPods 2. Since then, every version of AirPods has shipped with standard wireless charging that’s MagSafe compatible. That means a wireless charger for your iPhone also works with your AirPods.

AirPods aren’t the only iPhone accessories that you can charge wirelessly. If you’ve got an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, you’ll be thrilled to know it’s also got wireless charging built in.

4. Convenience

Another benefit of having wireless charging is that you will not have to deal with cords again. It leaves the need of messy cords and makes it much simpler by just letting you drop your iPhone at the charging station.

How many times do you charge your device in a day? Probably at least two times in the case of a smartphone, depending on its age. It’s no secret that smartphone batteries have a short life. But since that is a given at the moment, you can at least make the process of juicing up your device less frustrating. And that’s where you’ll appreciate the convenience of wireless chargers.

Even though wireless chargers are slower, they offer a different kind of convenience: they’re dead simple to use. Just drop your phone onto the charging pad and it’ll start charging. I love having a wireless charger at my desk and in the kitchen, two places where I know I’ll pick up my phone to glance at it a lot. Instead of having to physically unplug the phone every single time, I can just pick it up and put it back when I’m done. As a bonus, stand-style Qi chargers let me see notifications or check recipes at a glance when I don’t have a free hand.

No more hunting down cables, fiddling with them, a wireless charger saves you all of this trouble by only requiring you to just drop and go. It’s that simple. Forget about fumbling with cords and adaptors when you need some power—wireless chargers are as intuitive to use as they are easy to set up.

While wireless charging is not (yet) truly wireless as you would expect from its name, it’s still way more convenient than regular cables. Of course, you still have to connect the charging dock to a power outlet, but that’s nothing compared to the struggle of untangling cables.

5. Charge Multiple Devices Simultaneously

One of the best advantages of wireless chargers is the ability to charge multiple devices at once. This is all thanks to the ability of certain charging docks to support two or three devices simultaneously.

Such functionality is becoming standard for charging pads and mats where you can charge your Apple Watch, AirPods, and iPhone all at once. With this, you can reduce the amount of cables and international power adapters at your home and workplace.

6. MagSafe Might Make You Ditch Cables Altogether

One of the biggest reasons wireless charging hasn’t taken over the world quite yet is the speed. When compared to wired charging, most wireless chargers just can’t keep up. But that’s changing quickly. If you’re using a standard Qi charger, iPhones can only support up to 7.5W, but if you pick up a MagSafe charger, that speed can be amped up to 15W.

Advances in fast-charging technology mean that a MagSafe wireless charger can actually charge your iPhone faster than using a lightning cable with a 5W charging brick.

While the fastest charging solution for your iPhone is still going to be a 20W charging brick paired with a USB-C to Lightning charging cable, MagSafe isn’t far behind. Depending on your needs, the convenience factor that comes with MagSafe might make it worth the slightly slower charging speed.

7. No Wear and Tear

You may not know it yet but wear and tear is one of the reasons you’re constantly shopping for charging cables. Naturally, cables wear and tear over time. Heck, even charging ports, too. And good genuine cables don’t come cheap, especially iPhone cables.

Because iPhone wireless charging does not require frequent plugging and unplugging of the charging cable, the wear and tear of the data interface of the iPhone will be reduced a lot. At the same time, the coil for wireless charging of iPhones is not exposed to the air, which can also reduce the oxidation and corrosion of the charging unit. The wired charging is often plugged and unplugged, which will easily lead to wear and tear, and the interface is exposed, which is prone to oxidation and corrosion.

Since using frayed cables isn’t an option due to the different risks they pose to your device, a sure-fire way to stay out of this trouble is to get a wireless charger. Unlike with charging cables, you only place your device atop the charging dock, and that’s it.

8. Wireless Charging Is the Future

Back in the day, when you bought a new iPhone it was a given that it would come with a few accessories, most importantly a charger. That all changed in 2020, when Apple controversially decided to start shipping new iPhones without any accessories at all. iPhones now come without earbuds and without a charger.

The iPhone has always been a tribute to minimalism, and Apple hasn’t been shy about cutting out features to achieve its vision of a perfect phone. Just like how Apple removed the headphone jack from the iPhone 7, rumors are circulating that the next leap forward might mean getting rid of the Lightning port altogether.

Although we haven’t seen a portless iPhone just yet, it’s possible we might see one in the near future. Picking up a wireless charger means you’ll be able to charge your iPhone now, and you’ll be ready for a portless future, whenever it does come. And, who knows, with the speed and convenience of MagSafe wireless charging, you might not miss the lightning port at all.

9. It is more safer than conventional charging

As there is less cabling involved, and that too need not to be in open space, the chances of common electrical hazards like low insulation, cable wear and tear or cable cut, sparks etc are very low. Hence, it can be said that the absence of open cabling reduces the chances of electrical accidents.

10. Faster to connect and disconnect

It is faster to connect and disconnect your iPhone from charging as you only have to place/lift your phone on/from the charging pod. No need to connect jacks or plugs.

Benefits of Wireless Charging on iPhone

Wireless charging has many advantages. First, wireless charging has no wear and tear. Additionally, it allows you to charge several devices simultaneously, helps you maintain a clean desk environment, and is very convenient. While it has its disadvantages, these reasons are good enough for you to switch to the wireless side.

Tag: iPhone Tips
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5 Proven Ways to Know if HomePod is Fake or Original

by GeeksModo Staff
How to know if HomePod is fake original

Apple debuted the HomePod in 2018 and it wasn’t long before scammers flooded the market with cheap knockoffs. With a hefty price tag of $349, it’s no wonder fake HomePod became a hot counterfeit item so quickly.
Now, it’s harder than ever to know the difference. Without a bit of know-how and background info, it’s easy to get duped into a scam. We’re here to help make sure that doesn’t happen.

Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about fake HomePod so that you can avoid scams and find good deals on authentic Apple’s smart speaker.

How to know if HomePod is fake original

HomePod delivers impressive sound, works seamlessly with iPhone, features the intelligence of Siri, and is the foundation for any smart home. Unfortunately, counterfeit HomePods and knock-offs have been profiting from this initiative as well. And, distinguishing the copycats from real ones has become noticeably harder.

Fake HomePod Manufacturers have become so clever — even nailing the software aspect of the HomePod. In fact, even actual HomePod owners have been scratching their heads when identifying the real ones from the fakes.

The burden of checking for authenticity falls on the buyer. And if that someone is you, then you’re lucky because we’ll show you five ways to spot fake HomePod.

How to know if HomePod is fake original

Without further ado, here’s your ultimate guide on how to tell if HomePod is fake.

How to Identify Fake HomePod or HomePod mini

1. How to Tell if HomePod is Fake via the Serial Number

The serial number is the fingerprint of a product. It is a combination of numbers and letters assigned only to a specific unit produced.

This allows Apple to track specific units during inventory. Aside from that, Apple also uses serial numbers to identify defective batches. For users, the serial number is proof that the product actually came from Apple and not any other manufacturer.

The serial number can also be used to identify stolen or lost HomePod. Every HomePod has a one-of-a-kind serial number so you can verify whether a unit is yours or not. For example, if you suspect that another person is using your lost HomePod, check the serial number.

If you’ve casually picked up your HomePod and looked for the serial number, you might not have noticed it, but Apple does print the numbers on each and every smart speaker.

Flip the HomePod upside down and take a closer look at the writing at the bottom. You’ll find that the serial number is stated along with the Designed by Apple in California writing that surrounds the Apple logo.

If you can’t read the serial number on the HomePod, you can also find it on the original packaging. The serial number is located next to a barcode on the sticker. Check each side of the packaging to find this sticker. Make sure you read the serial number and not the UPC, which is next to a different barcode.

Apple has a dedicated website to check the authenticity of its products. To check whether the HomePod mini is original or not, visit Apple’s official https://checkcoverage.apple.com page. Enter the serial number and check the validity of the purchase date along with other details.

Checking the serial numbers to identify fakes used to be a foolproof method. Unfortunately, that’s not the case nowadays. Manufacturers of fake HomePod have been taking serial numbers from real HomePods to use in batches of fakes
We also noticed that counterfeit HomePods have different serial numbers on the box and the smart speakers themselves.

2. Price Difference of Real vs. Fake HomePod

The price difference between fake and real HomePod is the most significant source of temptation for counterfeit buyers. After all, why spend almost a hundred bucks on authentic HomePod if you can buy a pair that looks like it for a third of the price?

Currently, the HomePod mini cost $99. We saw quite a few discounts on the ‌HomePod mini‌ over the 2021 holiday season, but right now there isn’t currently a notable deal on the speaker. In contrast, counterfeit HomePod mini only costs around $10-$40, depending on their quality.

Some high-quality counterfeit HomePods are sold at a higher price — closer to the original’s price range. Some sellers raise the prices of their counterfeit HomePods to make it seem like they’re the real deal.
The best way to ensure that you’re buying originals is to buy from Apple Stores of Apple Authorized Resellers. You can check Apple’s locate page to find the nearest legit sellers near you. If you’re buying through online platforms such as Amazon, make sure that you’re buying from their official Apple Store.

3. How to Spot Fake HomePod via the Packaging

Minimalist, intelligent, and clean — these are the perfect words to describe the boxes that come with Apple products. Anyone who knows a thing or two about tech brands also knows how much Apple pays attention to the details, even when it comes to the packaging.

Because of this, counterfeit manufacturers seem to have a harder time producing high-quality packaging than the smart speaker itself.

Different counterfeit HomePods come from different manufacturers. This means that some manufacturers could have gotten parts of packaging right that other manufacturers haven’t.

The packaging for an original HomePod minis is exquisite. Each of the real HomePod minis come in a matching box. They’re absolutely gorgeous and the colors are eye popping. Each box has a unique “mini” word mark with a different sound-related effect applied to it. The top of each box shows off the colors that appear on the top of the new HomePod minis as well.

Check for misspellings and wrong information. A company like Apple would not have typographical errors on the box itself and even on the manuals. These materials go through multiple rounds of proofreaders and copywriters before printing. If you spot any errors on your HomePod’s packaging, then you’re probably holding a counterfeit one.

You’ll also notice that the labels for original boxes are separated whereas fake ones simply have one whole strip of paper attached.

You can also authenticate your HomePod by checking what’s inside the box. Oftentimes, counterfeit HomePods would only have the manual. However, authentic HomePod would have two more items outside of the manual — the 20W power adapter and the warranty card.

Who knew that even the suction you feel when you open the box of an Apple product was intentionally put there?

Apple boxes are composed of two parts — an inner box that houses the box contents and an outer box that has the image of the product. To open the box, you need to raise the outer box and wait for the inner box to naturally release itself. This is something that most counterfeit products cannot fabricate.

To check this, get yourself another box from an authentic Apple product. Familiarize yourself with the drag and suction from that box and compare it to your HomePod’s box. If the sensation isn’t the same, then you probably have counterfeit HomePod.

4. Physical Checks To Help Identify Real vs. Fake HomePod

Now, onto the HomePod itself.

Apple really showed their detail-oriented side with the HomePod so counterfeit manufacturers tend to miss the little things.

Unlike the packaging, though, the physical differences between real and fake HomePod are a lot more subtle. To an untrained eye, high-quality counterfeits can easily pass as originals so below are the key areas you can use to authenticate.

Different manufacturers make counterfeit HomePods differently. Some manufacturers can get some areas of the HomePod right so it’s important to check out the smart speaker from all angles and spot the mishaps.

To identify HomePod clone, look carefully at the device. The ‌HomePod mini‌ has a compact spherical design, while the original ‌HomePod‌ has a bulkier capsule-like design.

Both devices are covered in Apple’s audio-conductive mesh material. The ‌HomePod‌ and ‌HomePod mini‌ also share the ‌Siri‌ waveform that appears on the top display to indicate when ‌Siri‌ is engaged, and integrated touch controls for volume.

The HomePod mini features a long, non-detachable fabric cable. The cable sports a USB-C connector,, which makes it fairly versatile on that end. HomePod mini clone will sometimes have a detachable cable instead.

Although technically not meant to be removed, the power cable on the original HomePod could be detached and reattached with a bit of force. In addition, the original HomePod model requires a direct connection to a power outlet via a plug, rather than a power adapter.

HomePod mini comes in 5 colors: orange, yellow, blue, white and space gray. If the HomePod mini doesn’t have either of these colors, that’s a bad sign.

On the bottom of the HomePod is a hard plastic base. This is where the Apple logo is located. If you don’t see Apple Logo on the bottom of the HomePod, it’s likely counterfeit.

Also in typical Apple fashion, HomePod has no buttons (no real physical buttons, at least). There’s just a glass touchscreen (more like touchpad) on the top. If you spot physical buttons on HomePod, you are dealing with counterfeit.

5. Check if it can connect to your iPhone

How to know if HomePod is fake original

Image Credit: Apple

You can’t connect your iPhone to the HomePod Mini through Bluetooth. However, the whole setup process is pretty simple with an iPhone. The HomePod and your iPhone see each other, and the iPhone tells the HomePod everything it needs to know about your home network, and your iCloud ID. It’s quite similar to pairing AirPods.

To set up your HomePod, plug it into an outlet and wait until you hear a chime and a white light appears on top. Then hold your unlocked iPhone next to it and tap Set Up. Follow the on-screen instructions, center the HomePod into your iPhone’s viewfinder, then wait for it to finish setting up.

If the HomePod is suddenly not working, make sure you’ve gone through the troubleshooting process first before calling the smart speaker a counterfeit.

What to Do If You Purchase Fake HomePod?

Mistakes happen. If you accidentally purchased fake HomePod, not all is lost. Depending on when you bought the smart speaker and where you bought it from, there’s still a lot you can do to recoup your money and right the wrong. The processes differ depending on the platform you purchased the product:

  • Wish: Contact Wish’s customer service to take advantage of their 30-day return policy. Check their list of exceptions to make sure your purchase qualifies. Wish is notorious for selling fake products, so always be cautious buying on the platform.
  • Craigslist: Craigslist won’t be able to protect you from scammers and counterfeits. You’ll need to do your due diligence to avoid getting scammed. However, if you believe you’ve been scammed, Craigslist still appreciates you reporting the fraud so that they can protect future buyers.
  • Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace doesn’t provide protections for sellers and buyers.
  • Walmart Marketplace: Request a refund via the Walmart Marketplace Promise to recover your funds.
  • Amazon: Contact Amazon customer support to file an A-to-Z Guarantee to start your refund process.
  • eBay: Contact eBay to ask for their money-back guarantee.

Contact the FBI’s digital division to submit a fraud report. They’ll provide additional advice, and this information will hopefully help them catch the bad guys.

Where Are Fake HomePods Sold?

Scammers sell fake HomePods all across the internet and local listings. So unless you’re buying from Apple, Best Buy, or another credible tech store, you’ll have to deal with fake products to some extent.

Here are the most common places scammers are selling fake Apple HomePods:

  • Craigslist
  • Amazon
  • Wish
  • eBay
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Walmart
  • Alibaba

Scammers operate on other e-commerce platforms, too, but these are often the most prevalent. And that’s because these sites sometimes have mind-blowingly low legitimate discounts on high-quality tech items.

Where to Buy original Apple HomePod

You can find authentic HomePod at various in-store and online retailers. Here’s a shortlist of the most reliable places you can buy real HomePod:

  • Apple
  • Best Buy
  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Verizon
  • Microsoft

You can find real HomePod on popular e-commerce sites like eBay and Amazon, but you’ll always run the slightest risk of getting scammed. That’s not the case with the authentic websites listed above.

Conclusion

Authenticating HomePod is as tricky as ever. With the things we discussed above, though, you should be properly armed to take on the challenge. Now, you won’t be easily fooled by those who want to take advantage of you. The only thing left for you to do is to go get that HomePod now!

What inspections worked for you? Do you have any other tricks under your sleeves? Tell us about it through the comments below!

See also: 30 Best HomePod mini Tips and Tricks to Try First

Tags: HomePod, iPhone Products
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20+ Disadvantages of iPhone in 2026

by Moses Johnson

No one is perfect in the world. If God cannot make a perfect creature, how can humans? Everything in the world has its advantages and disadvantages. there are a lot of people who love iPhones but there are also many who would never like to own an iOS device due to some of its most annoying drawbacks. In this article, we are going to talk about the Disadvantages Of iPhones.

The vast majority of people dislike iPhones. Mostly it’s because of the few options of hardware and software customization that they have. If you happen to ask someone to recommend a good smartphone for you, they will probably ask you to buy another type of phone apart from an iPhone. So the big question is, what are the disadvantages of iPhone? In this article, i’m going to explain 21 disadvantages of buying an iPhone in 2026.

If you traverse across the Internet, you are likely to come across loads of Apple lovers making some pretty good things about iPhone. But frivolous altercation aside, what are the disadvantages of iPhone?

The short answer: The iPhone is expensive, have few apps in Apple Store, lack of headphone jack and more.

Top 21 disAdvantages of an iPhone

The disadvantages of using an iPhone are mostly subjective to an individual’s needs, but the general ones are as follows.

1. iPhones are expensive

iPhones are exorbitantly priced. Even a two-year-old iPhone is more expensive than a new high-end smartphone. Yes, the user interface and hardware integration with the apps on the iPhone are superior to those on other smartphones. However, this does not excuse the exorbitant iPhone costs.

2. Few free apps and games in Apple store

On iPhone, you can only install applications from Apple’s App Store. If Apple doesn’t want to approve an app or they have removed it from the app store, you just can’t use it. For example, Apple store do not allow video games emulators, BitTorrent clients and many other types of apps that they consider controversial.

3. Radio is not in-built

Unlike devices running on other platforms, Apple phones do not come with radio pre-loaded on them. Users wanting to listen to radio on the iPhones have to do so by downloading radio apps.

4. iPhone apps are usually big, consuming too much space.

With specific features and characteristics made specifically for the iPhone, apps made for the platform become very heavy, taking up a lot of storage space of the device. Thus, when you want to play games on the device using an iPhone, you have to make way for apps that come in several gigabytes.

5. Limited widgets even after upgrades on iPhone

With minimal variation in user interface and design, the platform offers very little to look forward to in terms of trending designs in upgrades. Even when the users buy a higher version with the same icons as before, Home screen continues to look the same. Those looking for an exciting new look have to stay satisfied with the previous look and feel of the platform.

6. Too simple and doesn’t support computer work as in other devices

When using the iPhone, the platform has its limitations in terms of offering a computer -like experience. As compared to other platforms, iPhone offers comparatively simpler performance options.

7. Lack of Headphone Jack

If you have ever used an iPhone, I know there is time you have gone to insert a pair of headphones into your phone only to realize that you have forgotten your headphone dongle somewhere. This feels so bad because an iPhone can’t be connected with standard headphone due to absence of headphone jack. Thus the absence of headphone jack is one of the major disadvantages of the iPhone.

8. Use of iTunes is a bloated mess.

Apple is a pioneer of hardware and software design, but iTunes – which is required to transfer music between your iPhone and computer – is a bloated mess. Uninstalling it is a nightmare, to the extent that Apple publishes an extensive guide for how to fully remove iTunes from your PC.

9. Absence of physical back button

Physical back button allows you to go back from one application to another seamlessly. Like if you hit a link in Facebook and get transported to the Chrome browser, you can return to the social media app when you hit the back button. This is not the same case in iPhone because there is no back button, however, you can get contextual back buttons within apps or a back button that appears when you click a link that takes you from one app to another.

10. limited Launcher

With minimal variation in user interface and design, the platform offers very little to look forward to in terms of trending designs in upgrades. Home screen continue to look the same even when users buy higher versions with the same icons as before. Those looking for an exciting new look have to stay satisfied with the previous look and feel of the platform.

11. Expensive Accessories.

It goes without saying that iPhone accessories are expensive. Airpods, phone cases, Apple pencils, lightning cables, and anything else made by Apple is expensive.

12. No External Storage.

The iPhone does not support SD cards. There is no SD card slot on any iPhone. Even if you attach an SD card reader to your iPhone and insert an SD card, your iPhone will only allow you to move images and not other documents or media files.

13. Overheating

One of the most common problems in iPhones is overheating. Sometimes an iPhone will just feel a little warmer than it should, and other times the back of the iPhone will be too hot and it feels like it might burn your hand. Either way, if you have got a hot iPhone, it means there’s something wrong.

14. Limited storage

Apple only offered iPhone users 5GB of free iCloud storage, which is enough space for about 1,500 photos. While that may sound like a lot, most users found themselves burning through their 5GB allotment within one year of device ownership. And to make matters worse, Apple only supply’s 5GB of free space for each iCloud account, rather than for each device you own. So you could be taking photos and videos on your iPhone, creating iWork documents on your iPad, and storing important files on your Mac with iCloud Drive, and you’d still be supplied with just 5GB of space.

15. Apple Ecosystem

The Apple Ecosystem is mostly a curse. Once you get in, it’s really difficult to get out. The ecosystem is essentially there to make consumers purchase more Apple products. You’re likely to purchase a MacBook if you have an iPhone rather than a windows laptop. This way you won’t be able to see if other brands have better devices and you’ll have to wait until Apple makes one or updates the previous model.

16. Battery Life

The iPhone battery life is not that great when compared to other smartphones. While many people will be happy with the performance of their batteries, especially if it lasts all day long, some may find this a problem for them.

17. Less choices in iPhone Hardware

When it comes to Apple, it releases a maximum of four types of iPhone in every generation in a year. That is iPhone Pro Max, iPhone Pro, iPhone and iPhone mini. You will only be needed to choose between the four types in that year.

18. Lightening cable charger is hard to find

The chip inside lightening cable charger is encryption protected. Third-party manufacturers also need to authorize MFI and other technical certification to allow production, thus making it hard to be found and when found it becomes expensive.

19. No customization

iOS supported devices are not customizable and all the code is private. You have to jailbreak your phone to make it customizable. But if you jailbreak your iPhone then the privacy of your phone comes at a risk.

20. No multitasking

Multitasking is achieved by splitting the screen and using two apps simultaneously. For example, you can be watching a YouTube video and replying to your WhatsApp messages at the same time. It’s unclear why Apple hasn’t added this feature to the iPhone yet, but perhaps it has something to do with the size of the app windows on the iPhone’s display as compared with the larger iPad.

You can argue iOS does multi-tasking all you want. And it’s true, you can do multiple things at once by switching apps back and forth, but that doesn’t even come close to the level of multi-tasking some devices offer.

21. No sideloading of Apps

Sideloading of Apps means, installing apps from outside the authorised place to bypass some restrictions. Apple does not let you do that on an iPhone. It has even faced criticism and pressure from regulators for this, but Apple has always maintained its stance that its iPhone is secure this way. Thus you can not install an app that is not in the Apple Store.

Disadvantages of an iPhone? Now you know!

With numerous disadvantages of having an iPhone, it’s easy to figure out why iPhones are not preferred more. Before buying an iPhone, it’s good to read the above cons of iPhone.

Tag: iPhone Tips
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7 Amazing Advantages of Having an Apple HomePod in 2025

by GeeksModo Staff

HomePod sounds incredible, and with access to more than 90 million songs in the global Apple Music catalog and deep integration with your Apple devices, it’s the must-have smart speaker for iPhone users. HomePod fits in even more places and delivers amazing sound, the power of Siri, and simple and secure smart home controls, all while protecting your privacy. In this article, we’ll highlight 7 benefits of owning an Apple HomePod, kicking off with the room-rocking audio.

7 Benefits of Apple HomePod

Here are some of the advantages of having an Apple HomePod in 2025:

1. Genuinely Impressive Audio

This is arguably the most important thing about HomePod. Sure, whether it’s smart or not matters, but remember that Apple is promoting this as a hi-fi speaker, aiming to blow other smart speakers out of the water by offering greatly superior audio chops. Apple found that people who had smart speakers already, even cheap mini-model ones, were mostly being used for music, so that was Apple’s priority. If it doesn’t sound good, the implication is, the HomePod would be a disaster.

Not just compared to other smart speakers, though it certainly is better than any other I have heard, but also compared to regular, non-smart speaker systems that are similarly priced or more expensive.

The sad truth is that the vast bulk of smart speakers fail roundly to deliver on the audio front.

At first glance, it might seem unthinkable for a product to miss the mark in terms of core functionality, but that’s the thing.

For many smart-speaker customers, these dinky devices are simply portals for controlling other devices with voice commands.

Here is where being honest about your needs and usage habits can help you get the best device first time round. Think about how you will use the device, not what features it has and how you could theoretically use it.

Despite what smart speakers permit in terms of controlling other connected devices hands-free, for most people who buy Echo, Home or HomePod speakers, the main reason for purchase is listening to music.

HomePod is designed first and foremost as a speaker, so if you place real value on the quality of the audio you’re listening to, you won’t regret the stiff investment. Apple packed a lot of audio power into a small speaker. It’s loud enough to fill a room with sound. Bass, mids and treble are all distinct and easy to detect. Compared to the latest Echo Dot and Nest Mini, the HomePod Mini is clearer and less distorted.

Apple’s S5 processing chip powers some behind-the-scenes software to help make the audio clearer, pick up audio commands even when the music is loud, plus sort out direct and ambient sounds with echo cancellation.

Room-sensing tech baked in means Apple HomePod will optimize the soundscape to the living space. Using the multi-directional speakers, microphones, accelerometer and S5 chip, a lot of processing happens for real-time adjustments with the audio. The HomePod analyzes the room by listening to reflections of the sound off of surfaces, so it knows when it’s on a shelf, against a wall or in the middle of the room.

Energy is beamed into the centre of the room and reflects off the walls so that no matter where you are, the music sounds full and clear. You can stand behind the HomePod, in the corner of a cluttered room or directly in front of the speaker and you’ll have a consistent sound, much to my surprise. The impressive technology means there isn’t just one sweet spot for listening like other speakers have.

Room-sensing tech baked in HomePod works well with just one speaker, but when you have two HomePods set up through a simple stereo pairing process, the audio quality is even more full with an extra dimension and the hardware creates even better low and high frequencies. If money is no option, using stereo HomePods is the way to go.

In short, the technology makes for a very impressive music listening experience. Detail can be heard at all volume levels, making for crisp acoustics and deep bass. It is impressive that the high quality and detail in the sound can come from such small speakers.

You’ll be able to use AirPlay to stream audio from your phone to HomePod without needing to pair like you would with a Bluetooth set-up. AirPlay delivers superior audio compression, too. Connectivity with AirPlay is robust, but you will need to hook up to a WiFi network.

Analyze how you intend to use your smart speaker. If music is your first love, Apple makes sure you’ll hear all your music at its very best.

2. HomePod is the best way to listen to Apple Music

Apple Music doesn’t yet have the same global dominance as the music streaming service Spotify. As of 2021, Apple Music has estimated about 98 million users worldwide. Spotify, which has scored first place, has approximately 116 million users as of 2021.

Still, 98 million users is nothing to scoff at, and many of them are most likely looking for a way to get the most out of their music.

The iteration of Siri built into HomePod can be sorely lacking in places. Fortunately, Siri comes fully to the fore with Apple Music.

Siri will gradually become accustomed to your tastes and can soon start presenting you with playlists based on artists and genres you listen to on a regular basis. You can say things like, “Hey, Siri, I don’t like this song,” and the device will adjust the music accordingly and remember for the future.

It also learns what you like over time, so if you say, “Hey, Siri, play some party music,” it will present you a playlist full of the types of artists and genres it knows you like.

Ask, “Hey Siri, play my station” and you’ll get a customized playlist based on the contents of your Apple Music library.

AirPlay yourself a podcast and listen to something stimulating as you get ready for your day.

While these capabilities may not be must-have features, they’re certainly enhancements to any listening experience. Plus, everything syncs between the Apple Music you’re enjoying on the HomePod and the version on your phone, so your preferences will carry over when you leave the house.

If you’re already a committed Apple Music fan and iOS user, you’ll find Apple HomePod the perfect way to get the very most from the service.

3. Tight Integration with Apple Ecosystem

When you buy an Apple HomePod, you’re not only getting a HomePod, you’re getting a small cog in the grand symphony that a machine is. In this case, you’re buying a part of Apple’s Ecosystem. This is basically a fancy way of saying that almost every if not every piece of tech Apple makes works well with the rest of their devices.

The way HomePod slides in with the Apple ecosystem is made clear right out the box.

The setup process for the HomePod is simple. You simply hold your iPhone next to speaker and an automatic pop-up takes you through the process — a couple of minutes at most. Your iPhone’s Apple ID will be the profile associated with the HomePod and its calendar, reminders, messages and music library.

Phone calls and text messages are both supported, which is not the case with Alexa.

One potential flashpoint to be aware of is that you can only sync Apple HomePod to a single iPhone. This is less than ideal in the average household. The problem is that anyone could read your text messages or potentially send a message to anyone in your contacts. Think closely about the environment where you’ll be placing your speaker and ask yourself whether you’re comfortable with this or not. You can disable access to messages if required.

In a sense, the situation is the same with Apple HomePod as with all smart tech. If you’re heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem—Macs, iPhones, iPads, and HomeKit security devices—HomePod is your best bet. That makes for simple setup, more interoperability, and smoother functioning. If you’re not already a convert, buckle up for an expensive but rewarding journey!

4. Privacy Comes Uppermost

It seems like everybody and their mother is harvesting personal data from technology users these days. A lot of people are hesitant to buy a smart speaker because of this fear, and tech companies like Apple are keenly aware of this.

Apple assures users that the HomePod only listens after hearing the wake phrase, and you can disable Siri by saying, “Hey Siri, stop listening.” You can later re-enable Siri in the Home app. You can also disable the HomePod’s location services. Your verbal requests are associated with a random identifier rather than your Apple ID when they are sent to Apple to be processed, which prevents Apple from storing this information about you. When you ask Siri to read your messages or notes aloud, the HomePod doesn’t send that information to Apple, but rather the communication occurs directly between the HomePod and your iPhone.

Sending or receiving personal messages can only be tied to a single iCloud account. When your phone is not connected to the WiFi network, messages won’t shoot through to Apple HomePod. This is a nice touch if you’re concerned about your kids or housemates getting into your inbox.

Apple doesn’t adopt the same cavalier approach to monetizing your data as you can expect from Amazon and Google. Their business model is more fluid and you can remain quietly confident your data is as safe as it could be.

If you dislike the idea of inviting always-on devices from Amazon, Facebook, and Google into your home in the wake of so many privacy breaches, HomePod is a sea change. You can install a smart device without worrying about the manufacturer probing into your personal information.

5. Enjoy Basic Smart Home Control

It’s no secret that most people invest in a smart speaker at least in part due to the ability to control other compatible connected devices.

If you’re interested in Apple HomePod, this is quite likely not your primary motivation. We’ll assume, though, that you’ll want to enjoy at least basic control of other devices in your ecosystem.

While you might not be able to have items re-ordered from Amazon on your behalf or engage in a round of trivia questions, when the frippery is stripped away, Apple HomePod allows you to control other devices hands-free or in-app.

Smart Home control is improving with Siri as more companies add HomeKit support into their products. Third-party app integration has also been getting considerably better thanks to SiriKit. You won’t get the reach of control or interoperability that you’ll enjoy with Alexa or Google Assistant, but you’ll be able to get the job done.

And you can get that job done while listening to your favorite tunes in fine style rather than enduring a tinny whine.

6. You can use Your HomePod as a TV Speaker

Speaking of entertainment, another advantage of HomePod speakers is as the output for Apple TV, making for an immersive audio experience no matter what you’re watching.

The experience used to be fiddly, but it has improved with newer tvOS releases. A pair of HomePod speakers will certainly sound better than the speakers built into your TV so it’s worth taking the time to set this up if you have HomePods in the same room as your Apple TV. It’ll be a huge improvement over your TV’s stock speakers, turning movie night into a true surround-sound cinematic experience.

The bonus advantage of using Apple HomePod instead of regular external speakers is that you’ll also get all the perks of a Siri-powered smart home. You’ll be able to control your TV with voice commands like, “Hey, Siri, play Dexter season 4, episode 1,” and you won’t even need to bother with the remote control.

You’ll need to make sure your TV supports ARC or eARC technology to use your HomePod as a TV speaker, but most modern smart 4K TVs do, so you likely won’t need to upgrade to an entirely new TV at least.

7. It sounds more human.

Much has been made of the superior sound quality of Apple’s speaker, but the improvements go beyond technical specs for audiophiles. Siri’s communication on the HomePod is more human-like than that of Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home.

Specifically, after asking a question, [Siri] does not repeat the whole thing back to you as is the case with Google Assistant and Alexa, which makes for a subtly smoother process.

The HomePod is also a better listener than the Echo or Google Home. Thanks to a noise-cancellation feature, you could use your regular speaking voice with HomePod even in a situation where you’d have to raise your voice to talk to others in the same room. This is the HomePod’s most stellar feature.

Amazon’s weakness in that sense has been with listening: users like myself often have to shout several times to be heard by Alexa. Google’s is personality, and the fact that users still have to say “Ok, Google” to activate its speaker. (I still can’t make peace with the idea of regularly addressing a multibillion dollar corporation in my living room.)

Advantages of having an Apple HomePod: now you know!

So, these, according to us, are the seven of the most important benefits of owning an Apple HomePod. If you’re an Apple Music convert and you’re looking for a primary listening device that delivers, HomePod is a smart bet. For music lovers already invested into Apple’s ecosystem, this is undoubtedly the neatest match. AirPlay 2 means you can send the audio from your Apple TV or Mac to the HomePod, for example. You can also use your iPhone to control all the HomePods and other AirPlay devices in your home, plus individually switch which one is playing what. It’s very seamless and useful.

Being able to read and send messages, add reminders and notes, use the HomePod as a speaker phone and other native iOS features is very useful and not in other speakers. Plus if you use Apple Music as your primary music source like I do, then suddenly the HomePod feels like the smart speaker that opens up the floodgates. Other smart speakers don’t play nearly as well with the service.

See also: 10 Amazing Advantages of Apple TV in 2022

Tags: HomePod, iPhone Products
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How to use Voice Memos on iPhone – everything you need to know

by GeeksModo Staff

Need to record a conversation, speech, interview, or note? Here’s how to use the Voice Memos app for iPhone.

You can record audio on your iPhone using the Voice Memos app, which is easy to use and can record hours of audio with surprisingly good quality, even without an external microphone.

Creating a voice memo seems simple enough; just tap the record button, right? There’s more to it than that. You can name and save your recordings, edit an audio file, organize your Voice Memos into folders and more.

With that in mind, here’s a complete guide on how to use Voice Memos on iPhone.

Note: information in this article apply to iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, and iPhone 6S.

How to Record a Voice Memo on Your iPhone

The first step is recording a voice memo. The steps are pretty straightforward:

  1. Open the Voice Memos app and tap the red Record button.
  2. While a recording is taking place, you’ll see a moving waveform.
  3. Tap the red Stop button to stop recording.
  4. Your recording will save into the list of All Recordings. See this article if microphone is not working on your iPhone.

How to Play a Recording in the Voice Memos App

Once you recorded a voice memo on your iPhone, it’s time to play it back to hear what it sounds like. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Voice Memos app to see a list of recordings.
  2. Tap on your saved recording in the All Recordings list.
  3. Tap the Play button.
  4. To move to a specific point, you can drag the slider. Alternatively, you can use the Fast-Forward or Rewind buttons to jump 15 seconds forward or backwards.
  5. By tapping the Options button (which looks like three sliders), you’ll find other features you can use with playback:
  6. Playback Speed: Dragging towards the turtle makes the playback slower. Dragging towards the rabbit speeds up the playback.
  7. Skip Silence: This feature jumps over gaps of silence in your recording.

How to Edit Voice Memos on Your iPhone

Now, let’s look at the different edits you can make to a voice recording. These can include everything from changing the file name to re-recording sections of the audio.

How to Change the File Name of a Voice Memo

If you only have a couple of voice memos, it’s easy to remember which is which by just looking at the date. But as the list grows, it’s better to label each voice memo with a descriptive name. Here’s how to change your voice memo’s file name:

  1. Open the Voice Memos app to view all your recordings.
  2. Tap on the recording you want to edit.
  3. Hit the More button (which looks like three dots).
  4. Choose Edit Recording.
  5. Tap the file name to change it to your preferred title.

How to Duplicate a Voice Memo on Your iPhone

Before you move on to trimming or making other edits to your voice memos, it’s a good idea to duplicate them first. For example, if you made a voice recording of an interview, it would be disastrous to lose any parts of the audio due to editing. While the Photos app lets you easily revert edited photos to their original state, the Voice Memos app doesn’t offer this for audio.

Therefore, you should duplicate a voice memo before you start editing it:

  1. Tap on your recording and hit the More button.
  2. Choose Duplicate.
  3. An identical duplicate will appear, with the word copy at the end of its name.

How to Trim a Voice Memo on Your iPhone

To create a cleaner and more cohesive recording, you can remove sections of unnecessary audio that pad it out. Here’s how to trim your voice memos:

  1. Tap on your recording and hit the More button
  2. Choose Edit Recording.
  3. Tap the Trim icon (which looks like a square with two extended sides).
  4. Drag the vertical slider on either side of the recording to highlight the section you want to keep or remove.
  5. To keep the highlighted section, choose Trim. To remove the highlighted section, choose Delete.

Right now, there is no way to undo individual edits in the iPhone’s Voice Memos app. You can only tap Cancel while still within the editing window, to undo all the edits you’ve made in that editing session.

How to Replace Parts in a Voice Memo

You can overwrite parts of a voice memo by recording new audio during playback. Here’s how to do that:

  1. Tap on your recording and hit the More button.
  2. Choose Edit Recording.
  3. In the Edit Recording window, drag the time slider to the part where you want to start overwriting with new audio.
  4. Tap Replace to start recording new audio, which will show up in red.
  5. Tap Done to save.

You cannot undo replaced audio. Unlike trimming, there is no Cancel button.

Even if you exit the Voice Memos app without tapping Done, the new audio will already be saved to the file. Therefore, be absolutely sure of what you want to replace before proceeding with such changes.

If you feel the Voice Memos app is too limited when it comes to editing, you should check out third-party audio editing apps for iPhone, all of which offer greater flexibility and better options.

How to Organize Your iPhone Voice Memos Into Folders

Over time, you’ll probably accumulate a long list of voice memos in the app. If you love keeping your iPhone’s apps organized, you should do the same for your voice recordings!

Here’s how to move your voice memo recordings into different folders:

  1. From the All Recordings page in the Voice Memos app, tap the Back arrow to access the Voice Memos page.
  2. Tap the New Folder icon. Name your folder and select Save
  3. Return to the All Recordings page.
  4. Tap on a recording you want to moce and hit the More button.
  5. Choose Move to Folder.
  6. Select the destination folder.

How to Delete and Restore Voice Memos

To delete a voice memo you longer need, simply tap the Trash icon to remove it.

If you accidentally deleted a recording you want back, follow these steps to recover it:

  1. From the All Recordings page, tap the Back arrow.
  2. Select Recently Deleted.
  3. Tap on the recording you want to restore. Select Recover.
  4. Tap Recover Recording to confirm.

Deleted recordings are only available to record for 30 days.

How to share voice memos

All of your voice memos can be shared with others by email, Messages, social networks, and more.

  1. Launch Voice Memos on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the voice memo that you want to share.
  3. Tap the More button. It looks like three horizontal dots.
  4. Tap Share.
  5. Select the method that you want to share your voice recording with.

How to Transcribe a Voice Memo on Your iPhone

To transcribe a voice recording—so you can read it instead of listening to it—you’ll need to use a third-party app, such as Transcribe. These apps aren’t 100 percent accurate, but they usually get the majority right. You may just need to edit it a little bit.

Follow these steps to convert your voice memo to text using the Transcribe app:

  1. In the Voice Memos app, tap on your recording and hit the More button.
  2. Tap Share.
  3. Scroll along the horizontal list of apps and select Transcribe.
  4. Choose your Language and Punctuation Mode. Tap Transcribe.
  5. Once the upload is completed, go to the Transcribe app to see your transcribed voice memo.

Start Recording Audio With the Voice Memos App

As you can see, it’s super easy to quickly record audio with the Voice Memos app whenever you need to. Do you have questions about how to use the Voice Memos app on your iPhone? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll try to help you out.

Tag: iPhone Guides
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The Latest MacBooks And Their Features

by Dave Johnson

Tech has made the lives of humans easier and more productive. While some advances took place in the spheres of nutrition and medicine, other advances were seen in the spheres of recreation and entertainment. As far as the impact of technology on the human race is concerned, there is simply no type of advancement in technology that has been more impactful than the evolution of laptops. Laptops have become so important to humankind that nowadays thinkers around the world believe they are extensions of our minds outside of our bodies. Just think about it for a second. When we are introspective, we tend to journal and store whatever we are thinking in the Notes app on our laptops. On the other hand, in the case that we are enjoying a moment with others, we use the camera on our laptops to capture instances of shared happiness. Basically, in the same way that our cognitions store information for future use, our laptops also store information for future use.

Once it has been concluded that laptops have a huge role to play in our lives, it can logically be deciphered that spending more money for buying a good laptop makes total sense over saving a few hundred bucks and compromising on the quality of the most important device in your life. The logic of this is quite simple and obvious in our humble opinion – any laptop will allow for gaming but only quality laptops will allow for a seamless gaming experience. Very similarly, any laptop will allow you to get online but only the best laptops will allow you to take advantage of top-notch speeds like the ones offered to subscribers of Xfinity internet.

Now that we have decided that the best thing to do in the case that you do not already have a top-notch laptop is to buy one, let us list and describe the latest laptops of one of the best manufacturers of personal computers – Apple. Apple laptops, for those who may not know, are called Macbooks.

Apple Macbook Air

The trillion-dollar consumer electronics manufacturer has truly lived up to its longstanding reputation of manufacturing top-notch laptops. Even though the specifications of the laptop are indeed surreal, the best part about the Apple Macbook Air M1 2020 is its price. Yes, that is right. The Apple Macbook Air is offered at a much cheaper rate than other premium laptops, especially the Apple Macbook Pro. In fact, the device costs as low as a thousand bucks.

Although the price of it is indeed very reasonable, there are a lot of good things about this laptop. First of all, we have got to mention the processor. The Apple Macbook Air M1 2020, as the name suggests, possesses cutting-edge M1 processors. This not only gives the laptop impeccable graphics processing capabilities but also gives the laptop incredible battery life. Provided you do not overburden the laptop with too many and too heavy tasks, the laptop will be able to last for as many as eighteen hours with ease. As far as the screen is concerned, the laptop boasts a 13.3-inch Retina display that is backlit through LEDs. Last but not least, the storage system in the laptop is a Solid State Drive. This means that the laptop can be booted fast. Alongside, you have the choice to choose between 512 GBs, 2 TBs, or 1 TB of storage.

Apple Macbook Pro

The Apple Macbook Pro came in multiple versions in the year 2021. The 14-inch version is actually 14.2 inches in terms of diagonal length and costs about two thousand dollars. It boasts a resolution of 3024 by 1964. The 16-inch version is actually 16.2 inches in terms of diagonal length. This version has a resolution of 3456 by 2234. The 16 inch-version is really on the expensive side as it costs twenty-four hundred dollars. However, it is not like you are wasting your money if you invest in this more expensive version. You will get more screen space to keep an eye on multiple windows at the same time. Alongside, the larger body will enable a bigger battery, which ultimately gives you a significantly longer battery life.

Wrapping Up

We are optimistic that this article will help you choose between the different Macbooks.

Tag: Mac Products
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How to Set Up an iPhone For a Blind Person

by GeeksModo Staff

In an ideal world, there will be someone who is trusted, knowledgeable, and helpful to make setting up your device easier. Entering information correctly is important during the process, and this can be nerve-wracking for inexperienced users. Be assured that it is quite possible to complete the entire setup process while totally blind. There is an increasingly likely possibility that you will have to set up your iPhone from scratch by yourself. Provided that you remain calm and exercise patience, it is absolutely possible to set up your iPhone right out of the box all by yourself without the need for eyesight. While writing this section, I did this with my iPad to make certain I would walk you through the process correctly.

Make yourself comfortable. It is very helpful if you can be within range of a Wi-Fi network you are allowed to make use of. Presuming you have cellular data capability, a cellular network is another option, but Wi-Fi is strongly recommended in case you need to install operating system updates or any such thing. Sit somewhere close enough to a power outlet so that you can use your iPhone while it is charging. Before we begin, plug the iPhone into the power brick. For some devices, you will find the power brick has its prongs folded into itself. The prongs need to pivot into their open position, which you can accomplish easily with a finger. Next, attach the cable to the power brick. You’ll find a small port on the power brick opposite to where the extended prongs are. Plug the larger end of the cable that came with your device into this port. Next, plug the other end into the small port on your iPhone. It’s a small slot, typically located on the bottom edge at the very centre of its length. You’re now ready to plug the power brick into your electrical outlet as you would any other appliance.

You may have initial trouble distinguishing the two ends of more modern charging cables. Thanks to their increased charging speed, you’re likely to have a Lightning to USB C cable rather than the older USB A style. The USB C end of these newer cables is nearly as small as the Lightning end. However, it’s still possible to tell the difference by touch. Also, it’s impossible to put the wrong end into your device or the charging brick. The USB C end is noticeably thicker and you can feel a small gap between the long edges of the tip by running your finger over it. This plugs into the small slot in the charging brick. Meanwhile, the Lightning end, which goes into the port on your iPhone, has a smooth feel when you run your finger over the tip.

Once you’ve plugged it in, be patient, as it should now be turning on and booting up. Assuming you’re in a quiet place, you’ll hear a short “bing” sound. If your iPhone supports haptic feedback, you’ll also feel a small pulse of vibration at the same time you hear the sound. This means the device is on and knows that it’s charging. You may need to wait a short while longer, perhaps half a minute, before the device is ready. It may start saying “hello” in different languages. Either way, after this wait, it should be ready for you to begin the setup process.

Now that you’re physically ready, let’s prepare you mentally. You should be ready to spend at least half an hour, possibly as much as an hour, but certainly no more than that. Don’t do this when you’re in any kind of a hurry. Also, it’s important that you don’t panic if you make a mistake. You can always use the Back button at the top left of the screen to go back to the prior step. Additionally, there is a Delete key on the onscreen keyboard. Feel around the bottom right of the screen until you find it. Keep your finger on it, and then tap anywhere on the screen with another finger to remove a character you didn’t intend to enter. There are around fifteen steps, but some of them are just to read and then continue past screens containing essential information. You are allowed to skip steps, including those related to security measures. However, barring special circumstances, I strongly recommend that people go through all steps. You will then end up in the most secure and best possible starting position. There may be additional steps specific to the features and capabilities of your particular device that I haven’t covered. These will be explained by your device during the process. Are you ready? Then let’s get started.

  1. Turn on VoiceOver. To achieve this, find the Action button located on its own along the edge opposite or above the two volume buttons. Quickly click this small sliver-like button three times. You should then hear something spoken, most likely the Back button or the currently active language.
  2. You should now be at the point where you need to select the language, country, and region you wish to operate in. It will likely default to the most common language wherever you are. In my case, this is thankfully English, as I know only halting French. To select an option, tap it twice quickly, or hold a finger on the option while tapping once elsewhere on the screen with another finger. Do this for any further options as we proceed. Once the language is set, flick right, and you should either come to a place to select your country, or else find a Continue button that will take you to where that is. Once you’ve told your device where you are, proceed to the next step.
  3. The next order of business is to join a Wi-Fi network. Flick right through the list of detectable networks and tap twice quickly on the one you want. You will then be asked for the password to join that network, presuming one is needed. Type this in.
  4. You should then come to an information screen all about Apple’s stance on privacy. It explains what Apple uses your information for and allows you to access further information about this if you desire. Read this by flicking right to proceed through sections. When finished, find the Continue button.
  5. Next, you will be asked to set up whatever biometric security option your device has. In the case of my iPad, this was Touch ID. Meanwhile, on my iPhone XR, it was Face ID. Go through the process and keep in mind that you can always do it again later once you’re finished setting up your device. If you feel nervous, you can always skip this step. Flick right, and you’ll find an option to do this.
  6. You will now be asked to create a passcode to keep your device secure. This is typically a six-digit number. However, you can find options to change the requirements for this passcode by flicking right. You will need to enter in your chosen number twice, which makes certain that it is what you intend. Pick a number that you will remember, since you’ll need it to unlock your device, among other things. Think of it like the key to your house.
  7. Next, it’s time to create your Apple ID. Simply fill in the form, providing all the information requested here. If you prefer, you need not use an email address specially created for you by Apple. You can use an email address you already have. Any information from Apple will be sent there. I use my Gmail address. When you select a password, pick one that you will remember, rather than one that’s impossible to guess. You need to be able to remember this and enter it whenever you’re asked. Keep it written down in a handy location if you need to.
  8. Now that you’ve created your Apple ID, it’s time to select some preferred settings. These involve such things as using Siri. Don’t forget that you can always change your mind about any decision you make. After setup is complete, go into Settings, and you’ll be able to make different choices if you wish.
  9. It will now be time to set up Apple Pay. If you wish, you can skip this step. However, setting up Apple Pay by adding a credit or bank card will then allow you to obtain apps from the app store, among many other things.
  10. At this point, you’ll be asked whether to allow sharing of audio recording to improve Siri. This lets Apple employees hear your commands and teach Siri how to respond better.
  11. The next step explains about screen time. You need not worry about this for the time being, so find the Continue button and proceed.
  12. You will now be asked if you want to share information with app developers and Apple. This is not personal information, but is information gathered about how an app is used to improve its functionality.
  13. You must now choose whether you want a light or dark appearance. Choosing “dark” may extend battery life, but will make no difference to a totally blind user beyond that.
  14. At this point, you will go through a series of screens that each explain gestures required on devices without Home buttons. These gestures are vital, and you should pay close attention to the information here. Proceed through these screens until you reach the final step.
  15. You may be asked to install a more recent version of the operating system than the one your device was shipped with. If this is the case, you should take the time to do this. Your initial experience of your device will be as current and secure as possible.
  16. You have now reached a screen that welcomes you to your device. Double tap the Get Started button. You will be taken to the home screen. Congratulations! You have completed the setup process.
Tag: Assistive Technology
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Circleboom Twitter Makes Deleting Tweets an Easy Ride

by GeeksModo Staff

Circleboom tweets deleter

One of the most common questions regarding using Twitter is how to delete all Tweets and retweets. This is a deceptively simple question, and we’re going to push aside any of the complexities of deleting tweets, and instead we’ll show you the single most direct method of deleting all Tweets and retweets in 2024, since that is usually what most people are looking to do.

If you’ve ever needed to delete all Tweets and retweets, you know how challenging it can be. That’s where Circleboom Twitter and its arsenal of tools to manage your Twitter account come into the picture. It lets you better manage your Twitter account by allowing you to delete all tweets, delete retweets, and delete all Twitter likes in just one click. You can easily search for your specific tweets and replies through their powerful search engine and get them deleted anytime you want. You can either choose to delete your tweets one by one or you can select their bulk delete option to get rid of all your tweets through a single click.

Moreover, you also get the liberty to view and delete Twitter archive via date range, language, media, etc.

In this article, I’ll review Circleboom and show you how to delete tweets on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac!

What is Circleboom?

Circleboom is a Twitter management tool that helps you to create consistent tweeting schedules, analyze your followers and target audience, delete tweets/retweets, unlike tweets, and view analytics.

Circleboom was first created in 2017 and has continued to alter and expand their tools. It’s especially become known for its ability to delete all tweets and retweets.

This tool is particularly useful for those who have had their Twitter account for a while and want to go through and delete things that aren’t particularly relevant anymore.

While there is no shortage of tweets deleting tools, most of the premium offerings come with a very high price point. As for the free tools to delete old tweets, most of them are trash – forget about deriving a reliable solution to delete your Tweets.

So, when I stumbled upon Circleboom, a social media account management web-application a few days ago, I (kind of) pushed it aside almost instantaneously. It was only when I tried it out that I realized that Circleboom is different from the rest on several pivotal fronts – so much so that most online social media account management tools can fail to compete with its versatility. And that’s what has propelled me to write a comprehensive review of this tool.

Circleboom

In this review, I’ll break down its delete services including:

  • Delete all tweets
  • Delete all retweets
  • Delete all likes
  • Delete Twitter archive

Let’s delve into all of these features in a bit more detail.

Delete All Tweets

With Circleboom Twitter, it’s pretty easy to remove all of your Tweets! You can delete any (or all) of your Tweets and replies with a few clicks.

How to Delete Your Tweets Using Circleboom:

If you want to delete your tweets one by one or all at once, you can do it super quickly using Circleboom. Simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Sign in with your Twitter account

Step 2: Navigate to the menu, and select My tweets

Step 3: You will see various options, out of those select delete tweets

Step 4: Now select the tweets one by one that you want to delete and click on the Delete selected button. If you want to delete all the tweets at once, then just simply select, Delete all tweets

Please note: Once deleted, your tweets are lost, you cannot recover them. Hence, please think and make sure before doing it.

It is usually advised to download your Twitter archive first to be on the safe side.

Delete all retweets

With Circleboom, you can delete all of your retweets up to the most recent 3,200.

How to Delete Your Retweets Using Circleboom:

Step 1: Log in to the Circleboom dashboard.

Step 2: Navigate to the Circleboom menu on the left side of the window.

Click on the drop-icon next to “My Tweets”. Go for “Delete RTs”.

Step 3: After you specified the selection, click on the “Delete selected RTs” button in red. That’s it!

Here, you may consider specifying your retweets that you want to delete. For instance, you can filter your retweets by searching some keywords, hashtags, and date info on the search bar on the right.

Delete all likes

Circleboom downloads up to 3200 of your recent likes and enables them to filter them out by using the free-text search option. Just like tweets, you can either pick and unlike any of your likes individually or you can unlike Twitter likes all at once, using the bulk, unlike option.

How to Delete All Twitter Likes Using Circleboom:

Step 1: Log in to the Circleboom.

Step 2: Navigate to the Circleboom menu on the left side. From there, click on “My Tweets” and “Unlike” respectively.

Here, you can find your recent Twitter likes listed.

Step 3: On the screen prompting, you can go for “Unlike All” to unlike all your Twitter likes.

If you don’t want to remove all your Twitter likes in bulk, you can easily specify them via using the search bar on the right. Hence, you can specify your Twitter Likes via typing in keywords, hashtags, and date.

Step 4: Once you are done, you can finish the process to delete all Twitter likes, click on “Delete selected”.

That’s it!

Note: Twitter does not allow access beyond the most recent 3,200 Twitter likes. That’s why it is not possible to delete all Twitter likes if they are more than 3,200.

Delete Twitter Archive

You can also delete your complete Twitter archive using Circleboom. You simply upload it after requesting it from Twitter. They’ll delete it all, or you can filter your tweets prior to deletion. You can delete your previous tweets, replies and likes.

Circleboom Pricing

Circleboom is basically free for everyone. However, it does offers three plans which are as follows:

  • Pro: $15.83/mo
  • Premium: $34.99/mo
  • Business: $79.99/mo

Circleboom is available as an iOS app (iPhone) and a browser version (Mac or

Tag: iPhone Apps
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Things Have Changed – Would You Still Get An Apple Tv?

by GeeksModo Staff

The Apple TV has always been an excellent option for people already in the Apple ecosystem. The seamless integration that Apple offers is something that you can’t find elsewhere.

But, things are changing. Apple TV has partnered with most major TV manufacturers to make its best apps, like HomeKit, iTunes, and AirPlay, available to everyone.

At the same time, the complaints from tech enthusiasts still stand. Apple is too restrictive when it comes to streaming local content. Plus, there is no support for external storage or 3D gaming.

As an Apple enthusiast, that should make you wonder what else is out there. What does the world of Android TV, which is slowly evolving into Google TV, look like?

Guess What! Things Are Changing In The Android World Too

Chromecast is no longer a lonely little dongle. It has an accompanying remote. Also, you get features like 4K, Dolby Vision, and Dolby ATMOS. You can even use it to play games from the cloud and on a local device. Local storage and audio/video calls are also supported. Do you notice all the changes?

If you are looking for the best android tv box, we have had an undisputed champion for a very long time. NVIDIA Shield has been the preferred choice among tech experts since its release in 2019.

It is a very easy-to-use device and comes with Amazon Alexa and Google Home support. The only gripe has been its price. At $150, it was one of the most expensive options.

Priced at only $50, Chromecast is about to offer stiff competition.

See also: 16 Amazing Apple TV Tips and Tricks You Need to Know in 2022

The Beginnings

Google launched Chromecast in 2013 and priced it at a mere $35. It has been an excellent option to play content from your mobile devices on the big screen. It kept things simple. It was nothing more than a wireless display adapter, not a media player.

Chromecast has evolved since its launch. Over the years, it added support for various Android apps. Also, it added 4K capabilities, and the latest version comes with a brand new user interface.

Google TV

It is the new interface on Chromecast devices. Google TV acts as a skin on top of Android TV. The concept is similar to what Android phone makers do for their devices.

Google TV will start replacing Android TVs everywhere. Google TV is available as an app on Google Play and has replaced Play Movies and Play TV. All of this means is that it is capable of doing everything Android TV can do and much more.

How Does It Stack Up Against the Competition?

  • A Firestick is pretty inexpensive. However, it doesn’t support native play or dongles. It also gives you Fire OS, which isn’t the best version of Android.
  • There are a plethora of Chinese-made Android TV boxes. They look quite futuristic, but their software leaves a lot to be desired. After-sales support and spare parts aren’t readily available.
  • TiVo Stream 4k comes closest in comparison to the new Chromecast. The pricing and hardware capabilities are similar to Chromecast. But it also comes with an older processor and worse software.
  • Then there’s Nvidia Shield. It is quite capable. The AI up-scaling tech is an industry leader, not to mention the low latency gaming power. However, you could get three Chromecasts for that price. And that’s just the starting price.

The Experience

The new Google TV user interface feels like Apple TV, Amazon, and Roku. It offers content by pooling it from various streaming services. You can jump into a movie directly from the home screen.

You can use Google’s voice assistant for all these functions. It will also teach Google about your content preferences.

The Design

Chromecast retains its old shape. But you get to choose from 3 different designs. And as mentioned before, it also comes with a remote. The port has been upgraded to USB C. That’s the port you will use for plugging in other supported.

These include an Ethernet adapter, as well as external storage. You can play video files and Blu-ray rips from a hard drive. You can also plug in a video camera for calls with a USB pass-through.

Gaming

This is one aspect where the Chromecast might fall short. The 4 GB storage isn’t enough to load a lot of gaming content. The performance of the games isn’t the smoothest either. This, however, has a lot to do with the strength of your internet connection. Streaming games locally from the PC shouldn’t be a problem.

So, what do you think of the new Chromecast? A lot of the features that seem rather obvious to Android users might make your jaw drop. Do you still think purchasing an Apple TV makes a lot of sense?

See also: 10 Amazing Advantages of Apple TV in 2022

Tag: Apple TV
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