Hands-on

Everything new in iOS 10.2

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

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

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

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

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

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

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

Hands-on with Apple Watch Nike+

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 28, 2016

The Nike+ edition of the Apple Watch Series 2 went on sale yesterday and we have managed to put our hands on one. The Apple Watch Nike+ includes all of the hardware features of the Apple Watch Series 2 like a lot brighter screen, a faster CPU/GPU, built-in GPS and better waterproofing with swim tracking.

What you won't get with the regular Apple Watch Series 2 devices that the Nike+ edition provides are perks like exclusive bands, watch faces and complications, plus the preloaded Nike+ Run Club app and more.

Logitech’s G933 wireless surround sound headset takes desktop gaming to the next level

Timothy Reavis ∙ October 8, 2016

I've always been a PC gamer at heart. While consoles appealed to me in my younger years, I've never owned one and instead waged war in Age of Empires II on my Windows Vista (I know, I know) laptop. Although I casually played iOS games for a while, I've never found one that I can consider a "hardcore" game that I would continuously return to for the storyline or multiplayer – the two main reasons I'd consider playing any game.

The essentials of PC gaming begin with a solid monitor and graphics card to push those frames and make your games look incredible. The rest of the experience mainly comes from peripherals – your mouse, keyboard, and headphones – which all help you excel at the game you're playing while enhancing the experience with programmable macros and directional audio. Logitech's G933 Artemus Spectrum wireless gaming headset is perhaps the peripheral that has upped my game the most, as I truly found myself playing considerably better when using these headphones.

Roundup: first impressions of Apple Watch Series 2, iPhone 7 & AirPods

Cody Lee ∙ Updated May 17, 2018

Following its big iPhone 7 event this morning, Apple gave journalists the opportunity to go hands-on with some of the new products it announced today including the iPhone 7, Apple Watch Series 2, and AirPods. And as usual, we've rounded up some videos of these first impressions so you can get a better look at the new hardware.

First hands-on demo of Siri’s app integration doesn’t disappoint

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

Capabilities of SiriKit, a new iOS 10 framework that lets third-party apps work with Siri, were on full display in the first hands-on demonstration given to Nathan Olivarez-Giles of the Wall Street Journal. In addition to extending Siri’s support for messaging, photo search and phone calls to more apps, SiriKit also adds support for new services, including ride booking and personal payments.

Nathan was pretty impressed with the usefulness of Siri's app integration on iOS 10, calling it a “long-overdue” enhancement that will make Apple's personal digital assistant “more useful in everyday life” than it's ever been.

Another hands-on video shows genuine-looking, working Lightning EarPods in action

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

Apple's official Lightning-based EarPods (that could be marketed under the 'AirPods' moniker, according to a trademark filing) were already filmed on video and depicted on leaked photos. Today, UK-based mobile accessory firm MobileFun posted a hands-on video of its own of what appears to be a wired, Lightning-based edition of the EarPods.

Apple, as you know, is widely expected to ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack from its next iPhone in favor of Bluetooth wireless headsets and Lightning-based wired ones, the latter potentially providing lossless digital sound.

Videos: hands-on with the iPhone SE

Anthony Bouchard ∙ March 21, 2016

Although a good portion of Apple's customers have migrated over to the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones, it's just too hard for some people to let go of the tried-and-true 4-inch handset because it fits in their hands so well. As a result of the demand, Apple has breathed new life into the 4-inch iPhone with the new iPhone SE that the company unveiled during Monday's 'Let us loop you in' event.

Because the iPhone SE won't be available for pre-order until Thursday, March 24th, no one actually has one yet. On the other hand, a few publications have already gone hands-on with the device on Apple's campus post-event, and we'll share some of the first reputable videos to hit the internet right here in this post.

Roundup: first impressions of Apple’s new 9.7-inch iPad Pro

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated June 14, 2017

Apple announced its new 9.7-inch iPad Pro on Monday at the 'Let us loop you in' event, and although the tablet is already gaining a lot of hype for its on-par hardware and lower price from its bigger brother, you're still probably wondering just how powerful the little brother of the most powerful iPad ever made actually is.

In this post, we'll share some of the first reputable hands-on videos with Apple's new tablet to hit the internet since the announcement on Monday. With some insight, you'll have a clearer understanding of whether or not the smaller iPad Pro is the right one for you.

iOS 8.4 Music app video walkthrough

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

If you've yet to go hands-on with the just-released iOS 8.4 and the redesigned Music app, then I recommend checking out our video walkthrough. In this video, we step through many of the new changes, from both a visual and functionality standpoint.

Hands-on with Apple’s new ultra thin 12-inch MacBook

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

So by now you’ve likely watched Apple’s keynote, and know Apple unveiled a new 12-inch MacBook today, but thus far you've probably only seen it on stage or in marketing materials. Obviously the new laptop is going to look good in photos, but what about in real life?

Following the event today, select journalists were given the chance to go hands on with the new ultra thin MacBook, and have posted videos of their initial reactions. So naturally, we’ve rounded up some of these clips that show folks trying out the notebook for the first time.

Hands-on with iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 and iMac with Retina 5K display

Cody Lee ∙ October 16, 2014

So you’ve watched Apple’s keynote, and you’ve been keeping up with the news today, but thus far you’ve only seen the new iPads and Retina iMac from either afar or in marketing materials. Obviously, the products are going to look good in photos, but what about in real life?

Following the event today, select journalists were given the chance to go hands on with the two new iPads, and 5K iMac, and have posted videos of their initial reactions. So naturally, we’ve rounded up some of these clips that show folks trying out the devices for the first time.