MacLife - (January 2020)

MATT SMITHDesign should be seasoned well, cook for a minute on each side, then let it rest.creativebloq.comThe number one destination for graphic design news, views, and how-tos

SPOTLIGHTUP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH…iPad Pro12.9–inch (2018)The 3rd–gen iPad Pro features an edge–to–edge Liquid Retina display, Face ID, improved 12MP and 7MP cameras, and wireless charging for the 2nd–gen Pencil.

JANUARY 2020 NO.162MACLIFE.COM87 time–saving tipsSo much to do and so little time! Sound familiar? Well, we’ve come up with 87 handy shortcuts so you can get stuff done on your Mac quicker than ever. Xmas gift guideWe hope you’ve been well behaved this year, because Santa’s got a bunch of Mac goodies for your stocking. Check out our guide to the best gift ideas.281668Apple TV+ The TV streaming market welcomes a new player in the form of Apple TV+. Here, we tell you everything you need to know about the new service.WIN!Complete the Christmas crossword on page 98 for your chance to win a year's subscription>>>Contents4JAN 2020 maclife.com

59 – Dead Cells 60 – Pixelmator Photo for iPad ConsiderThe editor on what makes the AirPods Pro so good.Digital Life Sign up to the newsletter for more Mac|Life.Mac Pro on the horizonWhat can we expect from the new Mac Pro? Quiet please!How does noise cancelling actually cancel noise? The ShiftMatt Bolton says Apple needs to improve how it explains design decisions. 6 things that didn’t survive 2019The tech we left behind. CraveThe gear we’re lusting after this month.Apple AirPods ProAdobe Photoshop Elements 2020BBEdit13Parallels Desktop 15JennyLeClue— DetectivúTileSlimSonosMoveMission Control Plus NetNewsWire5Group test: The best desktop publishing appsAdobeCaptureNapBot — Auto Sleep TrackerDead CellsRekyPixelmatorPhotofor iPadNight Sky 7Enlight PixaloopPodcast Alarm6 apps for winterBest of the bestMac|Life’s pick of the best apps and hardwareAskOur experts solve your Mac and iOS problems.Run 32–bit apps in CatalinaGet apps on watchOS 6Creative compositing in iMovieCreate true colors in Photoshop Set up Apple ArcadeNew photo editing features Do more with Reminders in iOS 13 Customize the iPadOS Home screenMaster Apple TV StoreWork smarter with iPadOS Apple QuizApple TV+ Apple has entered the TV streaming market. Here’s what you need to know about Apple TV+ and how it compares to its rivals.727880828487889092949698680607081011121442444748494950515152 5658595960626363646649 Tile Slim 42Apple AirPods Promaclife.com JAN 20205

Apple has just released the new AirPods Pro and we’re impressed. See our full review on page 42. When Apple launched the AirPods people initially dismissed them as a somewhat expensive joke. Who would pay that much money for a set of Apple EarPods zlwk#wkh#ohdgv#fxw#rļB#Exw#vorzo|/#ryhu#wlph/#wkh|#fdxjkw#rq1#rx#vwduwhg#wr#vhh#more and more people wearing them in public to the point where they now seem to dominate headset choices. As zlwk#pxfk#ri#Dssohġv#udqjh/#lw#zdv#wkh#little details about the AirPods that turned them from nice little additions to must–have accessories. If you’ve already got a pair of AirPods then you’ll know exactly what we mean. Everything about them has been perfectly engineered to work the way you want them to work. While most other headphone manufacturers stumble over wkh#edvlfv/#Dssoh#mxvw#jhwv#lw#uljkw1#Frqqhfwlqj#zlwk#|rxu#lSkrqh#lv#hļruwohvv1#Xvlqj#wkhp#wr#pdnh#skrqh#fdoov#lv#d#guhdp/#dqg#wkh#vrxqg#txdolw|#iru#olvwhqlqj#wr#pxvlf#klwv#doo#wkh#uljkw#qrwhv1#Exw#it’s also what they don’t do that matters. They don’t have dqqr|lqj#xqqhfhvvdu|#oljkwv#rq#wkhp/#wkh|#grqġw#uhtxluh#frqwlqxdo#xsgdwhv/#dqg#wkh|#grqġw#idoo#rxw#ri#|rxu#hduv1#Dqg#qrz#zlwk#wkh#Sur#yhuvlrq/#Dssoh#kdv#pdgh#wkhp#hyhq#better. The new AirPods Pro has a lot of new tech crammed into d#yhu|#vpdoo#vsdfh1#Qrw#rqo|#gr#wkh|#qrz#vrxqg#hyhq#ehwwhu/#exw#wkh|#dovr#frph#zlwk#d#qrlvh#fdqfhoolqj#rswlrq/#wrjhwkhu#zlwk#d#transparency mode which enables you to still hear the outside zruog#vkrxog#|rx#eh#uhtxluhg#wr#gr#vr/#olnh#vd|#zkhq#|rxġuh#mrjjlqj1#Djdlq/#Dssoh#lv#dozd|v#wklqnlqj#derxw#krz#zh#xvh#lwv#ghylfhv#lq#wkh#uhdo#zruog/#dqg#wkdwġv#zkdwġv#lqiruplqj#lwv#design decisions.It should come as no surprise that the new AirPods Pro are heading up our Xmas gift guide this month. With the festive season upon us it’s time to start thinking about a little gift for |rxu#oryhg#rqhv#ru#|rxuvhoi1#Hqmr|#wkh#krolgd|v#dqg#wkh#lvvxh/#I’ll see you next time for more from the world of Apple. TIME TO FOCUS ON THE NOWNICK ODANTZIS, EditorTwitter: @maclife>>>THE TEAMAlex CoxContributorAlex is loving the new Apple TV+ system (see page 68) this month. Apple Arcade is his jam.Matt SmithArt EditorWe wave goodbye to Matt this month, he’s off to pursue a passion for digital animation.Iain NobleProduction EditorIain wants to get the new Apple AirPods Pro for Xmas because he loves being lost in music. 6JAN 2020 maclife.com

maclife.comSTATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION REQUIRED BY UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE1. Publication Title: MacLife2. Publication Number: 157653. Filing Date: 08 October 20194. Issue Frequency: Monthly with an extra issue in April5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 136: Annual Subscription Price: $24.657. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: Future US. Inc., 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor New York 10036–80028. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Future US. Inc., 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, New York 10036–80029. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Graham Barlow, Future, 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, New York 10036–8002 Editor: Nick Odantzis, Future, 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, New York 10036–8002 10. Owner: Full Name: Future US, Inc. (Future PLC) Complete Mailing Address: 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, New York 10036–8002 11. 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Mac Pro due any day now?What do we expect, and when?BY ALEX SUMMERSBYAPPLE’S NEW WORKSTATION-CLASS Mac Pro received FCC fhuwlĽfdwlrq#lq#Rfwrehu/#vxjjhvwlqj#lw#zloo#vkls#vrrq1Hohfwurqlf#ghylfhv#pdgh#ru#vrog#lq#wkh#XV#uhtxluh#wkh#Ihghudo#Frppxqlfdwlrqv#Frpplvvlrq#wr#fhuwli|#wkh|#zrqġw#jhqhudwh#xqdffhswdeoh#hohfwurpdjqhwlf#lqwhuihuhqfh#lq#xvh1#Lq#wkh#fdvh#ri#sdvw#Dssoh#surgxfwv/#wkh#IFF#w|slfdoo|#glvforvhg#fhuwlĽfdwlrq#vkruwo|#ehiruh#wkh#ghylfh#frqfhuqhg#zdv#uhohdvhg1Djdlqvw#wklv/#rggo|/#Dssohġv#IFF#dssolfdwlrq#irup#iru#wkh#Pdf#Sur#kdv#d#ģfrqĽghqwldolw|#uhohdvh#gdwhĤ#ri#Dsulo#5:/#5353/#vr#wkhuhġv#d#fkdqfh#wklv#lv#wkh#sodqqhg#vklsslqj#gdwh1Zkhq#Dssoh#dqqrxqfhg#wkh#qhz#Pdf#Sur#dw#lwv#Zruogzlgh#Ghyhorshuv#Frqihuhqfh#rq#Mxqh#6/#lw#surplvhg#d#ģIdoo#534<Ĥ#uhohdvh1#Lq#odwh#Vhswhpehu/#Dssoh#uhyhdohg#wkh#qhz0jhq#Pdf#Sur#ģzloo#ehjlq#surgxfwlrq#vrrqĤ#dw#wkh#vdph#idflolw|#lq#Dxvwlq/#Wh{dv/#zkhuh#wkh#suhylrxv/#wudvkfdqĞvkdsh#Pdf#Sur#kdv#ehhq#pdgh#vlqfh#53461ģZh#eholhyh#ghhso|#lq#wkh#srzhu#ri#Dphulfdq#lqqrydwlrq/Ĥ#vdlg#Dssoh#FHR#Wlp#Frrn1#ģWkdwġv#zk|#hyhu|#Dssoh#surgxfw#lv#ghvljqhg#dqg#hqjlqhhuhg#lq#wkh#XV/#dqg#pdgh#xs#ri#sduwv#iurp#69#vwdwhv/#vxssruwlqj#783/333#mrev#zlwk#XV#vxssolhuv1Ĥ#Krzhyhu/#pdq|#Dssoh#surgxfwv#+vxfk#dv#wkh#lSkrqh#44,#duh#dvvhpeohg#rxwvlgh#ri#wkh#XV/#dqg#doo#lqfoxgh#iruhljqĞpdgh#frpsrqhqwv1#Dssoh#hpskdvl}hv#wkdw#wkh#qhz#Pdf#Sur#kdv#DphulfdqĞpdgh#sduwv#zruwk#518#wlphv#pruh#wkdq#wkrvh#lq#wkh#suhylrxv#Pdf#Sur/#exw#exloglqj#lw#lq#wkh#XV#zrxog#qrw#kdyh#ehhq#yldeoh#ehiruh#wkh#XV#Wudgh#Uhsuhvhqwdwlyhġv#rĿfh#judqwhg#wkh#frpsdq|#wdulļ#uholhi#rq#43#FklqhvhĞpdgh#frpsrqhqwv1Wkh#XVWU#kdv#uhsruwhgo|#ghqlhg#Dssoh#h{hpswlrq#rq#Ľyh#pruh#sduwv#ğ#wkh#lqsxw2rxwsxw#pdqdjhphqw#flufxlw#erdug/#surfhvvru#frrolqj#v|vwhp/#srzhu#dgdswhu#dqg#fkdujlqj#fdeoh/#dqg#wkh#rswlrqdo##vwdlqohvv#vwhho#zkhhov#ğ#zklfk#qrz#idfh#wkh#sursrvhg#58(#wdulļ#rq#jrrgv#lpsruwhg#iurp#Fklqd1#Lw#lv#qrw#nqrzq#li#wklv#zloo#dļhfw#wkh#vhoolqj#sulfh1Image rights: Apple.8JAN 2020 maclife.comFEED YOUR MIND. FEAST YOUR EYES.START

> APPLE REPORTS HIGHEST Q4 REVENUE EVERApple has reported its best–ever July–September fiscal quarter, with revenue of $64bn, up 2% from the corresponding quarter last year. Revenue from iPhone was down 9% from the year–ago quarter, but other segments more than compensated. Services, which includes Apple Music, Apple News+, and iCloud, was up 18% to $12.5bn, accounting for 20% of the revenue mix. Apple’s “Wearables, Home, and Accessories” category set revenue records in every market, rising 54% year–over–year. Apple forecasts continuing Services growth, with the active installed base of iPhone and of Mac at an all–time high. And more than half of Mac and iPad purchasers, and about three–quarters of Apple Watch purchasers, are first–time buyers.> PHOTOSHOP FOR IPADAdobe has released Photoshop for iPad. Until now, it split Photoshop’s functionality into several smaller apps for mobile platforms, such as Photoshop Express and Photoshop Mix. Photoshop for iPad is built on the same code base as the desktop app, but isn’t quite the full app we hoped for. Version 1.0 focuses on masking, compositing, and retouching, with more capabilities promised “as quickly as possible on a regular cadence of releases”. The iPad app supports large files and multi–layered PSDs, and “seamlessly connects to Photoshop on your desktop through the new integrated Cloud Documents system”. Photoshop for iPad 1.0 is available now to all Creative Cloud users subscribing to the desktop app. Illustrator for iPad is promised for 2020.News in briefBite–size Apple newsDv#dqqrxqfhg/#wkh#'8/<<<#edvh#prgho#kdv#dq#;0fruh/#49Ğwkuhdg#618JK}#Lqwho#[hrq#Z#surfhvvru#+voljkwo|#idvwhu#wkdq#wkh#615JK}#[hrq#Z#lq#wkh#lPdf#Sur,/#65JE#ri#UDP/#589JE#VVG#vwrudjh/#dqg#dq#DPG#Udghrq#Sur#8;3[#JSX#zlwk#;JE#ri#ghglfdwhg#judsklfv#phpru|1FrqĽjxudwlrq#rswlrqv#derxqg/#lqfoxglqj#xs#wr#7WE#ri#VVG#vwrudjh/#gholyhulqj#xs#wr#519JE2v#vhtxhqwldo#uhdg#dqg#51:JE2v#vhtxhqwldo#zulwh#shuirupdqfh1#Wkh#Ľyh#surfhvvru#rswlrqv#udqjh#uljkw#xs#wr#d#5;Ğfruh/#890wkuhdg#518JK}#[hrq#Z1#Wkh#pruh#fruhv/#wkh#ehwwhu#wkh#pdfklqh#fdq#kdqgoh#pxowlsoh#wdvnv#dw#rqfh#ğ#dqg#wklv#lv#wkh#prvw#fruhv#hyhu#lq#d#Pdf1#+Wkh#suhylrxv#ehvw#zdv#45#fruhv1,#Wkhuh#duh#hyhq#pruh#rswlrqv#iru#judsklfv#fdugv1#rx#fdq#vwhs#xs#wr#wkh#Udghrq#Sur#Yhjd#LL#zlwk#65JE#ri#kljkĞedqgzlgwk#phpru|/#ru#wkh#Udghrq#Sur#Yhjd#LL#Gxr/#zklfk#kdv#wzr#ri#wkhvh#JSXv#lq#rqh1Exw#zkdwġv#juhdwhvw#derxw#wkh#qhz#Pdf#Sur#lv#lwv#h{sdqgdelolw|1#Wkhuh#duh#hljkw#SFL#H{suhvv#h{sdqvlrq#vorwv/#zklfk#fdq#dffrpprgdwh#wzr#vxshuĞidvw#PS[#Prgxohv#dqg#d#ydulhw|#ri#rwkhu#frqĽjxudwlrqv1#Wkh#wrs#frqĽjxudwlrq#rļhuv#irxu#Udghrq#Sur#Yhjd#LL#JSXv/#gholyhulqj#89#whudľrsv#ri#judsklfv#shuirupdqfh#ğ#89#wuloolrq#ľrdwlqj#srlqw#rshudwlrqv#shu#vhfrqg1#E|#frpsdulvrq/#wkh#suhylrxv#Pdf#Sur#wrsshg#rxw#dw#618#whudľrsv1Zdqw#wr#hglw#7N#ylghrB#Li#|rx#Ľw#irxu#JSXv#dqg#Dssohġv#Diwhuexuqhu#dffhohudwru#fdug/#wkh#Pdf#Sur#fdq#sod|#edfn#45#ylghr#vwuhdpv#dw#7N#uhvroxwlrq#vlpxowdqhrxvo|/#gulylqj#916#eloolrq#sl{hov#shu#vhfrqg1Zlwk#45#phpru|#vorwv/#lw#fdq#Ľw#xs#wr#418WE#ri#UDP1#Wkdwġv#57Ğwlphv#wkh#97JE#pd{#lq#wkh#wudvkfdq#Pdf#Sur/#dqg#vl{Ğ#wlphv#wkh#lPdf#Surġv#589JE#pd{/#wkh#suhylrxv#uhfrug1Wklv#doo#frphv#dw#d#sulfh/#dqg#lwġv#qrw#iru#hyhu|rqh1#Wkh#ģSurĤ#odeho#lv#ehlqj#xvhg#d#orw#hovhzkhuh#+gr#ģsurvĤ#xvh#vpduwskrqhv#dq|#glļhuhqwo|B,#exw#lq#wklv#fdvh#lwġv#wkh#sodlq#wuxwk1#Zlwk#wkh#Pdf#Sur/#Dssoh#lv#wdujhwlqj#wkh#qhhgv#ri#wkh#prvw#ghpdqglqj#wrsĞhqg#srzhu#xvhu1The new Mac Pro has more components made in the US than the previous version.Image rights: Apple, Adobe.

Feed your mind. Feast your eyes.ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION(ANC) is just one of the features added in Apple’s new AirPods Pro, but is closely related to others. The technology dates back to the 1980s, when audio companies Bose and Sennheiser each published designs for headphones that would use “antisound” to cut background noise. Bose was first to release a product, supplying a prototype for the Rutan Voyager, which completed the first round–the–world non–stop flight, and later winning US military contracts.The principle of antisound is that a microphone picks up ambient noise and electronics generate an opposite waveform, with peaks matching the detected sound’s troughs and vice versa. Early experiments in small rooms failed because waves reflecting from the walls interfered, preventing the sound and antisound cancelling out. But in headphones it worked almost perfectly as long as high frequencies were physically blocked out. The antisound was added to the output of the same speaker that transmitted speech from other crew to the pilot’s ear.As ANC was developed further, two approaches emerged, with the microphone inside or outside the ear cups. The former gives the circuitry extra time to generate the antisound before the sound reaches the ear, but risks inaccuracy. The latter works on the actual sound entering the ear, but misses higher frequencies and needs to adjust for feedback. Some products use both. AirPods Pro indeed have a mic on the outside, behind a visible grille, and another facing inward. Not only does this mean they can use both noise–cancelling methods, but the H1 chip can also continuously monitor the results via the inner mic, enabling real–time adjustment of mid to low frequencies. The use of silicone tips, a first for AirPods, creates a seal in the ear that likely makes ANC much more effective than it would have been with the previous open design. To maintain comfort, Apple has added air vents to the case to equalize the pressure.XYZPRINTING DA VINCI COLOR MINI Now cheap 3D printing is in color, with Wi-Fi, macOS software, and an optional laser engraving head.$1,499.95 from xyzprinting.com M U ST H AVE SBEATS SOLO PROWith new active noise cancelling, these Lightning–charged H1–chipped wireless on–ear headphones look and sound great.$299.95 from apple.comSANDISK IXPAND WIRELESS CHARGERBacks up pics and videos from your iPhone to 128GB of storage.$99.99 from shop.westerndigital.comImage rights from top: XYZprinting, Apple, Western Digital Corporation. >>>Start10JAN 2020 maclife.comWhat heck?theHow does noise cancelling cancel noise?BY ADAM BANKSW I N S & FA I L SHARM AirPods Pro keep unrepairable design with non–replaceable batteriesBUG The Google Pixel 4’s face recognition doesn’t care if you’re asleepBIRD Twitter bans political ads over fears that false claims could swing electionsCALM Active noise cancelling blocks out the sound of climate change protestersSHRUG The Samsung Galaxy S10’s face recognition doesn’t even care if you’re youFLIP Electoral interference is a myth — it said so on Facebook!

recent Apple explanations of its more controversial design decisions: conviction.Someone asked Panay why Microsoft persisted with the Surface Connect custom port on its computers — a magnetic connector only really used for power or to connect to Microsoft multi–port docks. “Because customers tell us they love Surface Connect,” he replied, which made the audience laugh a little. It was a very Apple–like sort of non-answer.But then Panay continued. He said that obviously people don’t actually say they love Surface Frqqhfw#vshflĽfdoo|1#ģWkh|#vd|#they love how it charges,” he h{sodlqhg1#Wkh|#pdnh#dq#hprwlrqdo#connection with the satisfying magnetic snap. “Emotions matter. When we’re making a new product, we’re always looking for that emotional moment.”In a slightly more pragmatic sense, business customers say they love it too because they can buy pxowlĞsruw#grfnv#wkdwġoo#ghĽqlwho|#work with every Surface through this one consistent port. If you’ve ever tried to use a cheap USB–C hub with a corporate Mac or PC, you might have experienced that this can be a little unpredictable.Wklv#dqvzhu#vwduwhg#lq#d#sodfh#that reminds me of how Apple sometimes addresses this kind of thing. When it removed the 3.5mm jack from the iPhone, but kept it in the MacBook Pro, Phil Schiller said, “Many users have set-ups with studio monitors, amps and other pro audio gear that do not have wireless solutions and need the 3.5mm jack.” A good explanation. But then Apple dropped this jack from the iPad Pro, a machine designed for the same pros, and we didn’t get a thoughtful equivalent explanation like Panay’s.When Panay said people love Microsoft’s weird port choice, I believed him. When you hear the vdph#iurp#Dssoh/#L#vhh#d#ľrdwlqj#Wikipedia [citation needed] warning. I’m sure Apple makes its decisions for good, user-focused reasons that it could explain clearly like that, but it needs to start telling us what those are.RECENTLY, I ATTENDED a launch event for Microsoft’s newest range of hardware — its laptops, hybrid tablets, qhz#khdgskrqhv#dqg#pruh1#Wkh#company held a panel discussion with some of its lead hardware engineers, including Panos Panay, Fklhi#Surgxfw#RĿfhu1#Lq#vrph#ways, it was just a more intimate keynote (though, mercifully, shorter and more engaging) to highlight what’s cool about the products. But we also got to ask vshflĽf#txhvwlrqv#derxw#wkh#hardware, and there was a moment where Panay gave a great answer wkdw#pdgh#ph#ľdvk#edfn#wr#hduolhu#Apple, and when Steve Jobs used to answer questions at the end of Macworld keynotes. It made me realize what’s been missing from MATT BOLTON wants to believe Apple more when it says people love its design decisions, but he needs to see the receipts> THE SHIFT>>> Matt is the editor of Future’s flagship technology magazine T3 and has been charting changes at Apple since his student days. He’s skeptical of tech industry hyperbole, but still gets warm and fuzzy on hearing “one more thing”.Image rights: Apple.The Mac Pro introduction was a good example of Apple explaining itself well: it introduced features and told us why people wanted them.Microsoft also made a point of talking about how nice the 1.3mm travel on its keyboards is, but we’ll skip over that.maclife.com JAN 202011

Feed your mind. Feast your eyes.6 things that didn’t survive 2019A year’s a long time in tech BY ADAM BANKS3Apple MacBook 12–inchThe slimmest ever MacBook bowed out in July. Cheap, powerful, versatile — it was none of those. Ironically, Apple’s only fanless notebook had plenty of fans, but was killed by the Air. It lies in the industry’s shallowest grave.1Google DaydreamWho needs an expensive VR helmet when you can strap your Android into a set of felted goggles? Turned out most of us needed neither. Cancelling Daydream View and a planned standalone version in October, Google said it would focus on AR. Now that’s what we call a reality check.6BlackBerry MessengerInvented in Canada, it enabled business in America and riots in the UK. But on 31 May, BBM, or at least its final incarnation as a consumer service, logged off forever. Cya m8.2RED HydrogenThe movie camera company’s inexplicably 3D–equipped smartphone was sold as the gateway to a world of high–end accessories, including movie cameras. None of them ever showed, and in October director Jim Jannard called “Cut!”4Apple AirPowerThey said it couldn’t be done! It could not, in fact, be done. Managing the electromagnetic radiation to charge three products all at once proved impossible even for Apple’s engineers, who admitted in March that they couldn’t solve a problem like more ER.5Amazon DashDash was a series of disposable plastic buttons that ordered fast–moving consumer goods for delivery. Having saved users nearly seconds, it was discontinued in February after being ruled illegal in Germany, giving environmental campaigners schadenfreude.>>>Start12JAN 2020 maclife.com

EMAIL: [email protected]: facebook.com/maclife TWITTER: twitter.com/maclifeSHARE WITH US!Want to know more about CarPlay? Let us know at [email protected] rights: Apple.When my MacBook Pro was recalled recently, I contacted Apple and was told it would take three weeks to replace the battery. As an essential device that I use on a daily basis for work, I was concerned about the length of time the replacement would take. L#dvnhg#li#wkh|#zhuh#deoh#wr#rļhu#d#ordq#frpsxwhu#iru#wkh#wkuhhĞzhhn#shulrg/#as I was still covered by AppleCare. Apple Support said no, but mentioned that if I took the MacBook Pro into my local Apple Store they may be able to khos#ph1#Xqiruwxqdwho|/#p|#orfdo#Dssoh#Vwruh#vdlg#wkdw#wkh|#frxogqġw#rļhu#me a loan device, so I was left without a computer for three weeks.The experience with Apple was still better than I’ve experienced with other PC makers, but I didn’t think the service lived up to what I would have expected from Apple.Wkh#sureohpv#zlwk#wklv#PdfErrn#Sur#+plgĞ5348#prgho,#frqwlqxhg#diwhu#upgrading to Catalina. After the upgrade, Microsoft Word and Outlook became unstable to the point of being unusable. When trying to select text, wkh#dss#dqg#RV#zrxog#iuhh}h#iru#Ľyh#wr#43#vhfrqgv1#Wkh#rqo|#rwkhu#rqolqh#reports I’ve found are for the same model of MacBook Pro.After lengthy discussions, tests and trials with Apple Support and Microsoft, the conclusion is that there is a bug in Catalina. I’m now waiting, krslqj#wkdw#dq#lpplqhqw#xsgdwh#iru#Fdwdolqd#ru#Plfurvriw#RĿfh#zloo#uhvroyh#wkh#sureohpv1#Lw#vhhpv#dv#li#wkh#plgĞ5348#PES#prgho#lv#kdylqj#d#edg#|hdu$#CHRIS PICKARDThree weeks to replace a battery does sound like an exceptionally long time, Chris. We think it depends very much on where you live and how busy your local Apple Store is. We've certainly experienced a quick turn around on much bigger problems at our local Apple Store. For instance, we took a 2011 MacBook in for a complete keyboard replacement (the usual problem with a sticking vsdfh#edu,#dqg#wkh#zrun#zdv#frpsohwhg#ryhu#d#zhhnhqg/#gursslqj#rļ#rq#Iulgd|#dqg#slfnlqj#xs#rq#Prqgd|1#Zh*g#vxjjhvw#Ľqglqj#rxw#h{dfwo|#krz#orqj#wkh|#pysically need the machine there for, to perform updates and book you in.More CarPlay coverageWith increasing inclusion of the really useful Apple CarPlay support in cars, it’s time you provided more details on this, especially with respect to sat nav. On the surface it seems simple. Just connect your iPhone to your car using CarPlay and then run your favorite sat nav app. But it’s not that simple. Not all iOS Sat Nav apps have CarPlay support, and those that do seem to be severely crippled with far less on–screen functionality. I run Sygic Navigation via Apple Car Play, but what appears on my car display is not a patch on what appears on my iPhone screen when running exactly the same app. MARK CHAPMANWe hear you, Mark. Expect some detailed CarPlay coverage in Mac|Life soon! Have any other readers been affected by this issue? If so, let us know at [email protected] cuckoo landWe live in an industrial town where the technical difficulties of installing fibre are too immense to overcome. Though our download speed is sufficient to watch Netflix, we have an upload speed of 0.75Mbps, which means I’ve never wanted to face the problems of backing up lots of data to the cloud.In writing future articles could you, on occasions, bear in mind that not all readers do not, cannot, link to the cloud. DAVID PIEDOTIf you’re lucky enough to have a superfast fibre connection, backing up your Mac to the cloud is perfectly achievable — for the rest of us, not so much. We always try to suggest alternatives, such as backing up your data to an external drive using Time Machine. However, we’d advise a belts–and–braces approach — ideally, you should have multiple backups of your data: onsite (kept in a secure/fireproof cabinet) and offsite. maclife.com JAN 202013Your opinions, rants & raves

Fujifilm X–Pro3 fujifilm.com$1,699>>> Rolling analog charm into new high–tech gear is all the rage, and Fujifilm does it better than anyone. The new X–Pro3 mirrorless has the style of classic rangefinders, and includes a new shooting mode that simulates film. That’s all in addition to ultra–modern features: a live HDR mode with multiple settings, 30fps shooting, 4K video recording, an EVF, and two(!) screens. One is a big standard panel, while one is smaller, and ideal for viewing just a few key settings. Oh, and the 26MP sensor is pretty hot too.>>>StartFeed your mind. Feast your eyes.THE GEAR WE’RE LUSTING AFTERCRAVE14JAN 2020 maclife.com

Arlo Video Doorbell arlo.com$149>>> It’s common for a smart camera to use a wide lens to show you a bigger field of view, but this doorbell uses a tall lens to make itself more useful. Its camera can see both the face of whoever’s at the door, plus whether they’ve left a package on the floor. There’s also night vision, motion detection (with activity zones you can specify, so you don’t pick up visitors to your neighbor’s house), and a siren that will trigger if anyone tries to steal the doorbell (or you can just trigger for fun). You can leave messages for visitors (such as where to stash a package), or chat to them live from the app.Audeze LCD–1audeze.com$399>>> We love a pair of planar magnetic headphones — this different way of driving sound handles distortion better than just about anything else. They’ve always been expensive, but this is a more reasonable set from a headphone company that’s always pioneered the tech, despite packing in all the sound quality we’d expect from something twice the price. They’re open–backed, so give an open, natural sound, and weigh just 250g, which is much less than similar headphones usually do. They even fold down for transport — they’re portable music nirvana.Gita Cargo Bot mygita.comFrom $3,250>>> It’s nearly 2020 — shouldn’t we have robots to do all the hard work for us by now!? Well, Gita takes us one step closer: it’s a personal cargo vehicle, built by the makers of Vespa scooters, that follows you around at up to 6mph, carrying up to 40lbs of stuff. Pronounced “jee-ta”, it’s Italian for a short trip. It’s kind of like a semi–autonomous beer cooler that follows around three feet behind you (on paths and other flat surfaces), and uses “360–degree vision” to see where it’s going.maclife.com JAN 202015

Discover smart shortcuts, and be more productive with your MacWRITTEN BY CARRIE MARSHALLTIME–SAVING TIPS FOR MAC USERS87

1SIDECAR (CATALINA ONLY)Sidecar gives you even more screen real estate by enlisting your iPad as an additional monitor. To send an app to Sidecar from your Mac desktop, go into the Window menu and you’ll see a “Move to” option detailing the available iPad(s).2HIDE YOUR DOCKIf the Dock is getting in the way of your apps, Ctrl–click on it and select Dock Preferences. Use these options to make it hide when it isn’t in use, to relocate it to another part of the display, or to adjust its size and magnification. 3NIX NOTIFICATIONSIf you’re overwhelmed by your Mac’s app notifications, change how they behave and appear on a per–app basis in System Preferences > Notifications — including setting Do Not Disturb hours when they won’t interrupt you.6KEEP IT ORGANIZEDIf your desktop icons are all over the place and you don’t want to file everything in folders, Ctrl-click on the desktop and choose Clean Up to tidy them up. Use Clean Up By if you want to organize them by type, size, tags, or date.5MULTIPLE DESKTOPSRun multiple virtual desktops, aka Spaces, in your Mac with Mission Control. Launch it with the key on your Apple Keyboard, the Dock icon, or with a three or four–fingered trackpad swipe. Use the “+” button to add a new Space.4USING STACKSDesktop in dire need of decluttering? Ctrl–click on any empty bit of it and select Use Stacks. This automatically organizes everything into clickable, themed Stacks — music, images, PDF documents etc — to keep everything tidy.Desktop makeoversSTART UP FASTER!1Start more quicklyThe more things launch when your Mac starts, the slower it’ll be. To remove unwanted startup items, go into System Preferences > Users > Login Items, and you can see and change which items automatically launch and login.2Start automaticallyYou can get your Mac to start up or wake up at a specific time: just go into System Preferences > Energy Saver > Schedule to create a schedule that applies to what you require on an everyday basis or just specific days.3Login with your WatchYou can unlock your Mac with your Apple Watch. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Allow Your Apple Watch To Unlock Your Mac. If you’d rather use your phone, you’ll need a third–party app.M ACS ARE FAMED for their ease of use: “it just works” was always so much more than a marketing slogan. Macs are made to gr#wklqjv#hohjdqwo|#dqg#hĿflhqwo|/#and the more time you spend glvfryhulqj#zkdw#|rxuv#fdq#gr/#wkh#more you’ll be able to get things done.Every Mac is jam-packed with useful features that are designed to pdnh#wklqjv#hdvlhu/#idvwhu#ru#erwk1#Once you’ve discovered the ones that vxlw#|rx/#|rxu#gd|v#zloo#eh#euljkwhu/#|rxu#zrun#pruh#hĿflhqw#dqg#|rxu#kdlu#more glossy. We’re only lying about that last one… From Safari’s shortcuts wr#Plvvlrq#Frqwuroġv#pxowlsoh#ghvnwrsv/#iurp#Ľggolqj#zlwk#wkh#Ilqghu#wr#pdvwhulqj#Pdlo/#wkhvh#wlsv#zloo#khos#you get even more from your Mac.87 time–saving tips for Mac usersmaclife.com JAN 202017

FINDER TIPS & TRICKSMake more use of Finder’s handy helpersCREATE YOUR OWN tags in Finder’s Preferences to make it easy to fodvvli|#dqg#Ľqg#uhodwhg#Ľohv11Change how your folders are displayedTo change how Finder displays a iroghu/#rshq#dq|#iroghu#lq#Ilqghu#dqg#then click on View > Show View Options. Choose how the contents vkrxog#eh#jurxshg#dqg#vruwhg/#dqg#also specify if you want the folder to always open in List View. You can dovr#xvh#vkruwfxwv=#Fpg.4/#5/#6#ru#7#glvsod|v#lfrq#ylhz/#olvw#ylhz/#froxpq#view and gallery view.2Declutter your desktopShow View Options also works on the desktop to set Stack and sorting rswlrqv/#lfrq#vl}hv#dqg#vsdflqj/#dqg#wkh#vl}h#dqg#srvlwlrqlqj#ri#wh{w#odehov1#3Change global settings and sidebarYou can adjust global settings for the Finder in its Preferences panel. This ohwv#|rx#vshfli|#zkhwkhu#h{whuqdo#disks and devices should appear on wkh#ghvnwrs/#zklfk#iroghu#qhz#Ilqghu#zlqgrzv#vkrxog#rshq#lq/#dqg#whether new folders should be opened in new tabs rather than new windows. This section also enables you to specify which tags and links should appear in the sidebar.4Transform the toolbarCtrl–click over the toolbar to switch ehwzhhq#lfrq/#wh{w/#dqg#lfrq.wh{w#ylhzv/#ru#slfn#zklfk#exwwrqv#dsshdu11AUTOCOMPLETE ENTRIESIn System Prefs > Keyboard > Text, you can create automated text snippets; e.g. when we type “;shrug” it prints ¯_( )_/¯ . We also use it to auto- ϑcomplete addresses and stock replies.2CREATE SHORTCUTSShortcuts enables you to create shortcuts on a system–wide or per–app basis. For the latter, press the “+”, select the app you want to create a shortcut for and pick the menu command.3ADD OTHER KEYBOARDSIf you want to use multiple keyboard languages and layouts, go to the Input Sources tab to set up multiple keyboards for the same Mac. You can also set up Bluetooth keyboards here.HOW TOHack your keyboardTag files and folders with names and colors to make them easier to find in the sidebar. VOICE CONTROL One of Catalina’s accessibility features is very useful: if you enable Voice Control in System Preferences > Accessibility you can control your Mac with voice commands such as “move to the end of the paragraph”. You can insert emoji, navigate, or get your Mac to do anything else you say out loud.>>>Feature18JAN 2020 maclife.com

5Pick a PathIf you’d like to see the location ri#wkh#fxuuhqwo|#vhohfwhg#Ľoh#ru#iroghu/#pdnh#wkh#Sdwk#Edu#ylvleoh#iurp#Ylhz#A#Vkrz#Sdwk#Edu1#rx#fdq#rshq#d#iroghu#iurp#wkh#Sdwk#Edu#e|#Ctrl–clicking on it and selecting Open In New Tab.6Show your statusYou can also show and hide wkh#Vwdwxv#Edu#iurp#wkh#vdph#phqx1#7Unhide the LibraryYou can access commonly used folders such as Pictures and Dssolfdwlrqv#iurp#wkh#Jr#phqx/#exw#Library isn’t there. Hold down Opt and it magically appears.8Get taggingFinder’s Tags enable you to quickly apply one or more tags to vrphwklqj1#Iru#h{dpsoh/#|rx#pljkw#wdj#d#grfxphqw#dv#d#zrun#Ľoh#dqg#wdj#it with a particular project name too. You can edit tags and create new ones in Finder’s Preferences.9Edit ExtensionsWkh#H{whqvlrqv#suhihuhqfh#pane lets you adjust the options that appear when you click on the Share button. Third-party apps tend to add wkhpvhoyhv#lq#khuh/#dqg#|rx#fdq#disable them again by unchecking them. If you have apps that integrate zlwk#wkh#Ilqghu/#vxfk#dv#Gurser{#ru#RqhGulyh/#|rx#fdq#glvdeoh#xqzdqwhg#rqhv#lq#Ilqghu#H{whqvlrqv110Take a look at TodayWkh#Wrgd|#vhfwlrq#vshflĽhv#which apps get to appear in the Wrgd|#ylhz#ri#wkh#QrwlĽfdwlrqv#panel. You can disable the ones you grqġw#zdqw#Ğ#vr/#iru#h{dpsoh/#zhġg#rather see the Fantastical widget wkdq#wkh#pdfRV#Fdohqgdu#rqh/#vr#we’ve changed that. Whether you’re fkdqjlqj#wkh#Ilqghu#dfwlrqv/#wkh#Wrgd|#ylhz#ru#wkh#Vkduh#vkhhw/#|rx#can re–order items by dragging and dropping them.4GET DICTATINGThe dictation in macOS is brilliant, and you can enable it in the Dictation tab here. The default shortcut to activate it is to press fn or Cmd twice, but you can create your own shortcut.KEYBOARD QUICK–TIPS>>> PREFERENCES AND SWITCHINGDisplay the current app’s preferences by pressing Cmd and comma. Quickly switch between open apps by holding Cmd and pressing Tab.>>> NEW WINDOWS AND TABSCmd+N creates a new window, Cmd+T creates a new tab. Cmd +W closes the open window. In Finder Cmd+Tab+N creates a new folder; in Safari it makes a new Private Browsing window.>>> EDITINGIn Mail, Cmd+Tab+V pastes text as a quotation and Cmd+K adds a link. In apps such as Pages, Cmd+Shift+Opt+V pastes text while matching the style of the section you’re pasting it into.>>> STANDARD FOLDERSFinder has some handy navigation shortcuts: Go to the desktop with Cmd+Shift+D, Applications with Cmd+Shift+A, Documents with Cmd+Shift+O and recents with Cmd+Shift+F.>>> INSTANT EMOJINeed to add an emoji in a hurry? Cmd+Ctrl+Space brings up the emoji keyboard.>>> QUICK SEARCHYou know about Cmd+Space for Spotlight, but if you also press Opt it opens up a new Finder window instead of the Spotlight interface.>>> EASY SCREENSHOTSTake screenshots with Cmd+Shift+3 for full screen, 4 for selected region or 4+Space for the selected window.87 time–saving tips for Mac usersmaclife.com JAN 202019

FIND FASTER WITH SPOTLIGHT & SIRIDon’t waste time searching for stuff, use Spotlight and Siri for quick results!1Let Siri suggest stuffCatalina adds Siri Suggestions wr#|rxu#idyrulwh#dssv1#Lq#Vdidul/#Vlul#can suggest websites you might want to visit; in Contacts it focuses on the people it thinks you’re most likely to frqwdfw>#lq#Pdlo#lw#uhfrjql}hv#hyhqwv#in emails and adds them to a Siri Suggestions calendar. If you’d rather not have those suggestions you can wxuq#wkhp#rļ#rq#d#shuĞdss#edvlv#lq#System Preferences > Siri. 2Find system featuresSiri enables you to access system and app features as well as to orrn#wklqjv#xs/#vr#iru#h{dpsoh#li#|rx#have “Enable Ask Siri” checked in System Preferences > Siri you can say ģwxuq#rq#Gr#Qrw#GlvwxueĤ/#ģfuhdwh#d#meeting for today at 11am” or “How much free space do I have?” You can pdnh#|rxu#vfuhhq#euljkwhu/#odxqfk#dq#dss/#fuhdwh#dq#hpdlo#wr#d#vshflĽf#shuvrq/#vhqg#d#phvvdjh/#vhdufk#iru#vrphwklqj#lq#|rxu#Skrwrv#oleudu|/#Ľqg#d#srgfdvw#zlwk#d#sduwlfxodu#host… Siri on Mac is now as useful as it is on iOS.3Share from SiriIf you ask Siri to search the zhe#iru#lpdjhv/#|rx#fdq#wkhq#gudj#images from the results onto your ghvnwrs/#lqwr#dq#hpdlo#ru#rqwr#d#grfxphqw1#Vlul#gudjv#wkh#ixoo#lpdjh/#not the thumbnail it showed you. The feature is a little hit–and–miss iru#rwkhu#nlqgv#ri#frqwhqw/#wkrxjk=#iru#h{dpsoh/#li#wkh#uhvxow#lv#d#slhfh#ri#lqirupdwlrq/#|rxġoo#qhhg#wr#kljkoljkw#wkh#wh{w#dqg#frs|#lw#pdqxdoo|14Save Spotlight searchesWhen you use Spotlight to search in wkh#Ilqghu/#|rx#fdq#vdyh#|rxu#vhdufk#as a Smart Folder that you can run instantly at any time. This puts it in Vdyhg#Vhdufkhv/#dqg#|rx#fdq#dovr#dgg#it to Finder’s Sidebar.5Scale down SpotlightLi#|rx#Ľqg#Vsrwoljkw#lv#searching too many things or taking wrr#orqj/#|rx#fdq#olplw#lwv#vfrsh#lq#System Preferences > Spotlight — so li#|rx#qhyhu#orrn#iru#irqwv#ru#Ľopv/#|rx#fdq#h{foxgh#wkhp1#Since High Sierra, you can also get Siri Knowledge when you Ctrl–click on a word or phrase to get its definition and thesaurus entry. This gathers information from multiple sources to give you more information about the word or term you’ve selected. It can be unpredictable sometimes: for example, if you look up “pedigree”, Siri gives you information about the “facebuster” wrestling move. You can disable Siri Knowledge in System Preferences > Spotlight.GET SIRI KNOWLEDGENot got the knowledge? Siri might have! Siri Knowledge gathers info from multiple sources.LET SPOTLIGHT SUGGESTIf you don’t disable them in Spotlight’s preferences, Spotlight Suggestions look beyond your computer for search results. For example, when you search for a musician, Spotlight provides links to online videos; when you search for a film it will link to imdb.com and the YouTube trailer.You can use Siri to search for images online and then drag the full image over.>>>Feature20JAN 2020 maclife.com

1USE MEANINGFUL NAMESYou’ve got 255 characters to play with when naming things, so give images, documents, and everything else names that make it clear what they are: “Karen attacked by furious monkey” is easier to identify and find than “IMG1698.png”.2STICK IT IN THE CLOUDIf you have an iCloud subscription you can mirror Desktop and Documents Folders, deleting local copies to free up space. Ctrl–click and select Remove Download — a little icon appears to show it’s now stored in the cloud. 3TAG EVERYTHINGTags are brilliant, and Finder makes them simple. By creating descriptive tags in Finder > Preferences > Tags and using them to classify your files, you’re making it easy to find related files by picking the appropriate tag in the sidebar.6BATCH RENAMEFinder makes it easy to select a group of files and rename them all at the same time. You can add, replace or reformat text and it can automatically number the files too, which is particularly handy for sequential things such as photos or screenshots.5SORT THE BIG STUFFGo to About This Mac > Storage and select Manage to the right of your main hard disk or SSD. This enables you to see what’s taking up space on your Mac. Click Documents > Large Files to see the really big things and delete unnecessary ones.4CLEAR OUT YOUR DOWNLOADSWhen was the last time you got rid of all the cruft in your downloads folder? Ours is full of PDF documents, Calendar invitations, app installers and other rubbish that’s just sitting there taking up much–needed space. Zap it! Vpduw#Ľoh#pdqdjhphqwUse these simple steps to go through your files and organize things effectively > APPEARANCE TWEAKS IN FINDERSome of our favorite Finder features change the way things look. For example, you know that if you drag the divider in columns view it resizes the column, but did you know to hold down Opt to resize everything equally or that you can double–click on the divider to make it as wide as the longest item? We’ve also spent many a happy hour changing our folder icons. To do that, copy the image you want from Preview by pressing Cmd+A and Cmd+C, select the folder, press Cmd+I to bring up the Get Info and tap on its icon. Finally, press Cmd+V to paste in the new image. You can also organize folder contents into groups by Ctrl–clicking and choosing Use Groups. This re–orders files by type: folders first, then documents and other files.87 time–saving tips for Mac usersmaclife.com JAN 202021

MISSION CONTROLTake control of your windows and applications1Get the hang of gesturesMission Control makes great use of trackpad gestures. You can open lw#zlwk#d#wkuhhĞĽqjhuhg#vzlsh#xszdugv/#dqg#forvh#lw#e|#grlqj#wkh#same thing downwards. Swipe left ru#uljkw#zlwk#wkh#vdph#wkuhh#Ľqjhuv#and you can move between open zlqgrzv1#rx#fdq#fxvwrpl}h#wkhvh#gestures in System Preferences.2Get hot in the cornerYou can automatically access Mission Control features by dvvljqlqj#Krw#Fruqhuv/#zklfk#activate when you move the pointer to that corner and which can open Mission Control or focus on the current window. A big time saver. 3Use the arrow keysIf you don’t want to use Hot Fruqhuv#ru#wudfnsdg#jhvwxuhv/#|rx#can hold down Ctrl and use the arrow keys. Ctrl+Up Arrow will open Plvvlrq#Frqwuro/#Fwuo.Grzq#Duurz#zloo#irfxv#rq#wkh#fxuuhqw#zlqgrz/#ru#Ctrl+Left Arrow or Right Arrow will move between your spaces.4Create new spaces rx#fdq#fuhdwh#d#qhz/#full–screen desktop for an app or an individual app window by invoking Mission Control and then dragging the app to an empty bit of the Spaces edu1#Wr#uhpryh#d#vsdfh/#krog#Rsw#dqg#then click on the “X”. Open windows lq#wkdw#vsdfh#zrqġw#eh#forvhg/#wkh|#will be moved to one of your open spaces instead.5Assign apps to desktopsYou can get your Mac to open apps lq#vshflĽf#ghvnwrsv#zlwkrxw#kdylqj#wr#rshq#wkh#dss#Ľuvw1#Folfn#dqg#krog#or Ctrl–click on an app’s dock icon and select Options. 6Make each desktop look differentLwġv#hdv|#wr#sxw#d#glļhuhqw#zdoosdshu#on each of your Mission Control desktops. Go into System Prefs > Desktop & Screen Saver (you may need to drag the window to the desktop you want to change). 1Context is kingThe Touch Bar is designed to change according to the app you’re using and provide useful tools for that app. Here, in Safari, there are thumbnails that can navigate between browser tabs. 2Adjust the optionsTo change what appears on the Touch Bar, press and hold one, as you would an iOS app, and drag to reorder or move to Trash. Or click View and choose Customize Touch Bar.3Customize controlsTouch Bar customization is app–specific, and isn’t available for every app. Here we’re customising Apple Mail. To add a tool, drag it from the screen and onto the Touch Bar.HOW TOWork with the Touch BarGO DISTRACTION–FREEUse Mission Control to create a distraction–free working zone. Put Mail, Twitter and all the other things that can break concentration in one space, then put the apps you need for work in another. Then simply move between them with a keyboard shortcut or trackpad gesture.>>>Feature22JAN 2020 maclife.com

DASHBOARD DÉJÀ VUMission Control is a mash–up of three OS X features: Exposé for hiding windows (Panther); Spaces for multiple desktops (Leopard); and Dashboard, which enabled app widgets (Tiger). Dashboard was moved back out again to become OS X Mountain Lion’s Notification Centre. To change widgets, click on the Notification Centre icon (top right) then click Edit. Changing responsesYou can change the way your trackpad or mouse works by going into System Prefs and selecting Trackpad or Mouse respectively. You can enable or disable gestures, or change which gestures do what. System Prefs also lets you change how responsive the mouse is, and how many fingers you need to do a Ctrl–click equivalent on the trackpad. It’s only NaturalSystem Prefs lets you change the scroll direction of the mouse or trackpad. The default, Natural, mimics scrolling on iOS where you tap and drag, but you can change it here. With your Trackpad, you can also enable or disable Force Click, which is like long–pressing on an iPad or iPhone: click and press firmly for Quick Look, Look Up (if you’ve selected a word) or media controls.4Change it in other appsHere’s the customization options for the Touch Bar in Safari. You can expect Apple’s best–known apps to have Touch Bar customization; for others it’s a lottery.5Define the defaultsCustomize the global set of Touch Bar tools by going into System Preferences > Extensions > Customize Control Strip. You can choose or reorder tools for tasks such as screenshots.ADJUSTING YOUR TRACKPAD AND MOUSE GESTURES87 time–saving tips for Mac usersmaclife.com JAN 202023

If you’ve had an email from someone you’d rather not hear from again, you can block them.MASTER YOUR MAILGet on top of your communicationsCONTACTS YOU MARK as VIPs jhw#d#vshfldo#Vpduw#Pdloer{#so you can focus on your most important contacts. You simply click on the sender name in the main message window and select Add to VIPs. VIPs are shared on iOS too.Zh#oryh#Vpduw#Pdloer{hv#wrr1#Jr#wr#Pdloer{#A#Qhz#Vpduw#Pdloer{#wr#vhw#xs#d#pdloer{#wkdw#Ľowhuv#phvvdjhv#e|#vshflĽf#fulwhuld1#rx#fdq#fuhdwh#d#pdloer{#wkdw#rqo|#vkrzv#pdlo#derxw#d#vshflĽf#vxemhfw#ru#iurp#vshflĽf#shrsoh#ehwzhhq#vshflĽf#gdwhv#zlwk#vshflĽf#nlqgv#ri#dwwdfkphqwv#ru#wkdw#you haven’t replied to. macOS Catalina introduced two useful features to Mail: the ability wr#eorfn#vshflĽf#vhqghuv/#dqg#wkh#ability to automatically unsubscribe iurp#pdlolqj#olvwv1#Wr#eorfn#d#vhqghu/#click on their name or email address in the message window to see a new menu. If the sender isn’t in your VIP olvw/#|rxġoo#vhh#dq#rswlrq#wr#Eorfn#Contact. That option sees a red hand dsshdu#qh{w#wr#wkhlu#qdph#lq#wkh#phvvdjhv#olvw/#dqg#wkh#rswlrq#wr#vhw#preferences will appear in the message window. This lets you mark wkh#phvvdjh#exw#ohdyh#lw#zkhuh#lw#lv/#or to automatically send future mail from that address to the trash. You can also add the address manually in Suhihuhqfhv#A#Mxqn#Pdlo#A#Eorfnhg1MAKE MAIL SMARTERBLOCK A CONTACTIn Catalina, Mail can block any sender you haven’t marked as a VIP. Just click on their name or address in the top of the mail message and pick Block Contact. HAVE MULTIPLE SIGNATURESYou can create different signatures in Preferences > Signatures and pick one in your message. If you have multiple accounts, you can set different default signatures for each one.USE SMART MAILBOXESMail’s search can be very slow and occasionally hopeless. If you need the same things frequently, create a Smart Mailbox in Mailbox > New Smart Mailbox. COLOR–CODE YOUR MESSAGESUse Mail’s Rules to apply specific colors to messages that meet particular criteria.1Make the rulesTo create a new rule, go into Preferences > Rules. Existing Mail rules will be listed here: unchecked ones have been created but are switched off. Click on Add Rule to create a new one.2Set your criteriaGive your new rule a name so you know what it does and set the criteria using the options available. You can specify whether your rule should only apply if every condition is met.3Get complicatedYou can create rules with multiple conditions, such as a rule that automatically deletes any email with a file attachment of a particular type, but only if the sender isn’t in Contacts.HOW TOCreate Mail filters>>>Feature24JAN 2020 maclife.com

SAFARI SECRETSBoost the benefits of Apple’s browserINSTEAD OF LISTING every zhevlwh#iurp#|rxu#idyrulwhv/#Safari in macOS Catalina shows your most frequently used vlwhv#soxv#Vlul#Vxjjhvwlrqv/#zklfk#duh#based on things you’ve searched for or been sent recently. You can re–rughu#lfrqv/#dqg#xvh#Vkrz#Pruh#li#you want to see everything. If you would rather see bookmarks from a particular folder here you can change that in Safari > Preferences > General > Favorites Shows. If you type in the address of a site |rxġyh#douhdg|#jrw#rshq#lq#d#wde/#Safari will show you a “Switch to Tab” option. The Window menu has a new “Tile Window to Left/Right of vfuhhqĤ#iru#glvsod|#wlg|lqj/#dqg#|rx#can now pop out the video playing inside a page. This enables you to get on with other things in Safari while keeping the video onscreen.Safari’s preferences give you a lot of control over what sites can do to your Mac. Select the Websites icon to vhh#zkdw#dssv#fdq#xvh#zklfk#ihdwxuhv/#vxfk#dv#grzqordgv/#orfdwlrq#ru#|rxu#Mac’s microphone. You can revoke that access or change it from within suhihuhqfhv/#vr#li#|rx#zdqw#ģVlwh#[Ĥ#to get access to your microphone or location you can change the setting from Ask to Allow. You can store the sdjh#}rrp#vhwwlqjv#iru#vlwhv#zkhuh#wkh#ghidxow#wh{w#lv#wrr#elj#ru#wrr#vpdoo#without changing Safari’s defaults.SAFARI SHORTCUTSTAB SHORTCUTSCmd–click opens a link in a new tab; hold Shift if you want that tab to become the active one. Cmd+Opt–click opens a link in a new window; if you also hold down Shift that makes it active.VIEW SHORTCUTSUse Cmd and + or - to zoom in or out; Cmd+Ctrl+F for full screen. Cmd+R reloads; Cmd+ Shift +R goes into the Reader mode.TRAVEL IN TIME Cmd+Shift+H takes you to your home page; Cmd plus a square bracket to go back or forward.DON’T PANIC!Just closed the one tab you wanted to see? Cmd+Shift+T re–opens it.1Setup your start pageIn macOS Catalina, a new tab or window shows only the most visited Favorite sites; use Show More for the full list. You can change the number of sites or set Safari to show Top Sites instead.2Eliminate autoplayWhen a site plays music, Safari shows a loudspeaker icon in the address bar and also on the tab for that site. Click on either icon to mute audio, or Ctrl–click to block all auto–play audio.3Pop out videoWhen you’re playing video, Ctrl–click on the speaker icon for the Enter Picture In Picture option. This pops the video out so you can move to another tab while still watching the video.HOW TOUse Safari’s new tricksUse Cmd+”+” to zoom in on a page in Safari.If you find regularly visited sites tricky to read, you can adjust the zoom level just for that site.87 time-saving tips for Mac usersmaclife.com JAN 202025

MACiPADiPHONESubscribe to Choose your perfect packageAhead of the curve, and endlessly entertaining…Only $18Every YearInstant digital access on your iPad, iPhone, and Android device.Only $30Every YearEvery issue delivered to your door at a fraction of the cost.GET THE DIGITAL EDITIONGET THE PRINT EDITION26JAN 2020 maclife.com

Get both the Print & Digital editions for only $42Every YearGet the print edition of Mac|Lifedelivered direct to your door, plus instant access on your iPad, iPhone, or Android device.“Mac|Life is the essential magazine for Apple lovers, as beautiful as an Apple product, and packed with informative features, reviews, and tutorials.”NICK ODANTZIS, EditorGET THE COMPLETE PRINT & DIGITAL BUNDLESubscribe online today… myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/submclOr call: 844-779-2822 (toll free)SAVE71%TERMS AND CONDITIONS Prices and savings quoted are compared to buying full-priced print and digital issues. You will receive 13 issues a year. You can write to us or call us to cancel your subscription within 14 days of purchase. Your subscription is for the minimum term specified and will expire at the end of the current term. Payment is non-refundable after the 14-day cancellation period unless exceptional circumstances apply. Your statutory rights are not affected. Prices correct at time of print and subject to change. Call center opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am-7pm, and Saturday 10am-2pm EDT. For full terms and conditions please visit bit.ly/magterms. Offer ends: 02/30/2020maclife.com JAN 202027

Treat yourself — and your Apple devices — with this hand–picked gift selectionWell, it’s that time of year again. The festive season, where there’ll be lots of food and fun to be shared with family and friends. And, of course, Christmas is a time for giving and receiving! Make your Christmas shopping easy, fast and fun with Mac|Life’s selection of perfect presents for you and your loved ones. Well, okay, maybe mainly you!Whether it’s to protect your iPhone, organize your desk, supercharge your home or power up your gadgets, we have something for everyone. We might give you a few ideas for people you’re buying for, or you can casually leave the magazine lying around on a coffee table with a few Sticky Notes to help anyone buying for you! Either way, we’re here to help you have a Merry Christmas!28JAN 2020 maclife.com

4WITHINGS STEEL HRFrom $179.95withings.comA hybrid smartwatch that can monitor your heart rate, sleep and various sports — it’s water resistant up to 50 metres, so it can track swimming. It also boasts a 25–day battery life.1IPOD TOUCH (7TH GENERATION)$199 apple.com The iPod lives! It now comes with an A10 Fusion chip and 4–inch Retina display. Perfect for gaming, music and FaceTime, this is a great gift for kids who aren’t quite ready for a “full” phone.5EMBER MUG2$129.95ember.comGet your hot drink to stay at that “just right” temperature with this smart mug. Just set your preferred heat setting on the app and enjoy your hot brew, even if you get a bit busy and forget all about it.2SPHERO MINI ACTIVITY KIT$79.99 sphero.comA great gift for kids of all ages, this activity kit can help your child understand the fundamentals of STEM and coding in a fun, easy way. WIth a 28–piece construction kit and 15 games, there’s plenty of challenges.3NINTENDO SWITCH LITE$199.99 nintendo.comCompact, lightweight and colorful, the Switch Lite is the ideal console for gamers on the go. Compatible with a wide range of games, this is a great way to connect with friends and family for a fun gaming session. 14325Toys are great, no matter what age you aremaclife.com JAN 202029

1LIFX MINI COLOR$44.99 lifx.comA color–changing bulb compatible with Siri, Alexa and Google, the LIFX Mini allows you to select from hundreds of color options from the app. There’s no bridge needed, and you can control them with your voice.2AMAZON FIRE TV CUBE$19.99 amazon.comCommand your TV using your voice with Amazon’s Alexa–enabled Fire TV Cube. This streaming TV box gives you access to 4K content and there’s support for Dolby Vision and HDR, and HDR10+.3NETATMO SMART INDOOR AIR QUALITY MONITOR$99.99 netatmo.comAs well as monitoring air quality, this has temperature, humidity, and noise sensors. It’s HomeKit–enabled, and you can add multiple devices to get the best home environment.4NETATMO SMART HOME WEATHER STATION$179.99 netatmo.comWorking with HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, this can check temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, air quality, and sound levels. With real–time tracking and forecasts, this is a great addition to the house.5EZVIZ C1C HD INDOOR SECURITY CAMERA$29.99 ezvizlife.comWith a 110° wide–angle view and 720p resolution, this security camera also comes with infrared night vision. There’s also a two–way talk system and instant alerts for when you’re out.Pictures, sound, lighting and more1467832530JAN 2020 maclife.com

6ELGATO EVE AQUA$99.95 evehome.comThis HomeKit–enabled water controller helps keep your garden green with minimum effort. It features usage calculation, automated schedules, and voice and remote control from the app on your phone. 7HOMEDICS ELLIA ASCEND ULTRASONIC OIL DIFFUSER$59.99 ellia.comFill your home with your favorite oils. The Ellia diffuser offers up to 12 hours of mist delivery coupled with soothing, color-changing lights for a relaxing atmosphere. 8D–LINK EXO AC2600 DIR–2660$139.99 amazon.comThis smart mesh Wi–Fi router has Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It also comes with McAfee protection and Speedtest. It’s the ideal way to optimize your Wi–Fi and control your smart home.9SAMSUNG HW-Q70R SOUNDBAR$649.99 samsung.comThis powerful soundbar comes with 3.1.2 surround sound and Adaptive Sound capabilities. With Alexa and wireless streaming, this is the perfect companion for movies or enjoying your tunes.10SAMSUNG THE SERIF TV$1599.99samsung.comPowered by Samsung’s QLED technology, The Serif is a work of art designed to serve up useful info and beautiful images when not showing programs. It also comes with the Apple TV app built in.910maclife.com JAN 202031

1DEFUNC TRUE GO$49 defunc.comWith 14 hours of playtime, great audio and touch control, the True Go earbuds represent an affordable alternative to Apple’s AirPods. The earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.0, offer really powerful sound, and come in a choice of colors.2AIRPODS PRO$249.99 apple.com The Pro’s Active Noise Cancellation allows you to get lost in your music, but a quick switch to Transparency mode lets the outside in for a while. Sound quality is clear, rich and wide ranging, and you get up to five hours of listening time from a single charge.3TWELVESOUTH FERMATA$49.99 twelvesouth.comIf you love your wireless headphones, you will love the Fermata stand. The beautiful leather–clad pad not only showcases your cans, but charges them as well. It even comes with an extra USB port to charge your phone.4LIBRATONE TRACK AIR+Around $185 libratone.com The TRACK Air+ are beautiful, powerful wireless earphones. With six hours’ playtime, and a sweat– and splash–proof design, these noise–cancelling buds are an excellent way to block out the world and enjoy your music.Kids excited and noisy? Put some tunes on…1432532JAN 2020 maclife.com

6JBL LINK BAR$399.95 jbl.comThe JBL Link Bar comes with Android TV, Google Assistant, and Chromecast built in. The voice–activated soundbar also offers three HDMI inputs, 4K UHD support and wireless Bluetooth streaming, making it an ideal all–in–one media solution for your lounge.7LIBRATONE ZIPP MINI 2$229.99 libratone.comDon’t be fooled by its size, the Zipp 2 is powerful enough to fill a room. WIth up to 12 hours of battery life, Alexa compatibility and AirPlay 2 support, this is a great companion for your music anytime, anywhere.8YETI X WIRELESS MICROPHONE$169.99 bluedesigns.comYeti’s condenser mic enables you to make pristine studio–quality recordings from your Mac. With four pick–up pattern settings, the mic is ideal for everything from podcasting to recording videos for YouTube. 5BEATS SOLO PRO$299.95beatsbydre.comThe Beats Solo Pro boast Active Noise Cancellation as well as an innovative “fold to power off” mechanism. They also offer a Transparency mode, and you can enjoy up to 22 hours of listening time. We love the color range, too.678maclife.com JAN 202033

1BELKIN BOOST UP WIRELESS CHARGING STAND$59.99 belkin.comEngineered for Qi–enabled devices, this offers 10W of power for fast charging. It cradles your phone in either landscape or portrait mode, so you can carry on using it while it’s being juiced up. 2CATALYST IMPACT PROTECTION CASE$39.99catalystcase.comDespite delivering superior drop protection, the Impact iPhone case only adds 35g. The 1.2mm raised bezel protects the screen, and there’s also a lanyard.3TWELVESOUTH BOOKBOOK VOL 2$69.99twelvesouth.comThis premium leather iPhone case has a detachable wallet that can double up as a stand. There’s a protective pocket for cards, and a cutout for the iPhone’s camera. 4MOSHI ALTRA CASE$44.95 moshi.comWith a textured pattern on the rear for superior grip, and a detachable wrist strap, this case is a great companion for your iPhone 11. It works with wireless chargers, and offers a raised bezel to protect the screen.5ELAGO AW3 AIRPODS CASE$13.99 elago.comFeeling nostalgic? Bring back Apple’s classic Macintosh with this case for your AirPods. Compatible with both generations, this silicone case offers great protection while bringing back some good old memories.From charging up to packing down, check these beauties out1432534JAN 2020 maclife.com

6NATIVE UNION STOW SLEEVE FOR MACBOOK 13IN$79.99nativeunion.comThis offers a minimalist design with maximum style. The tough textile exterior and soft quilted interior feel protective and luxurious, and there’s a quick–access pocket.7BELKIN BOOST CHARGE POWER BANK 10K$59.99 belkin.comPromises over 70 additional hours for your iPhone, and the phone and powerbank can be charged with the same Lightning cable. With two USB–A ports, you can even top up additional devices.8GRIFFIN BREAKSAFE MAGNETIC POWER CABLE$39.99griffintechnology.comIf you miss the old MagSafe cables, Griffin has you covered. This USB–C power cable has a magnetic connector so you can tug it away without any worries.9CYGNETT DUAL WIRELESS CHARGER$129.95 cygnett.comCygnett offers an attractive alternative to the AirPower mat that never was. WIth 20W of output, you can fast charge two Qi–enabled devices. It works with both iOS and Android devices. 10OVERBOARD PRO SPORTS WATERPROOF BACKPACK (20L)$110.95over-board.comWith two–way sealing, a quick–access front zip, lumbar support, D–ring attachments and reflective patches, you’ll will be sorted for any expedition.678910maclife.com JAN 202035

1KINGSTON TECHNOLOGY NUCLEUM$49.99 kingston.comThe Nucleum is the perfect partner for your MacBook. The USB–C hub can host up to seven connections with two USB–C ports, two USB–A ports, SD and microSD slots, and an HDMI connector.2VERBATIM FINGERPRINT SECURE 2TBAround $175 verbatim.comVerbatim’s Fingerprint Secure is a hard drive with powerful security. It comes with AES 256–bit hardware encryption and a fingerprint scanner that supports eight identities and one administrator.3BASEUS USB–C HUB$39.99 baseus.comTurn your MacBook into a wireless charging station for your Apple Watch while adding HDMI 4K, USB–C charging, 3.5mm audio output, and two USB 3.0 ports. With a stylish mirror glass panel, it’s perfect companion for your Mac.4SEAGATE ONE TOUCH SSD SPECIAL EDITION 500GB$85.99 seagate.comIf you’d like an external drive that looks different, Seagate’s launched a Special Edition in camo print. WIth 500GB of storage, USB 3.0 and 400MB/s speed, it can transfer your files with ease.Grab these standout accessories from Santa’s sack1432536JAN 2020 maclife.com

6SATECHI ALUMINIUM MONITOR STAND$89.99 satechi.netSatechi’s simple stand is designed to match the minimalist lines of Apple’s aesthetics, so it looks very much in place on your desk. It features a built–in USB 3.0 ports, USB–C data port, micro/ SD card slots, and audio jack.7LOGITECH MK470 KEYBOARD & MOUSE$49.99 logitech.comMinimalist and modern. That’s the best way to describe this keyboard and mouse set from Logitech. With over 18 months of battery life for the mouse, and 26 months for the keyboard, you’ll be sorted for input for some time. 8LAMICALL ADJUSTABLE LAPTOP STAND LB$45.99 lamicall.comA good laptop stand can help relieve the pressure on your neck. This stand will complement your shiny MacBook nicely, and you can adjust the height and angle to suit your needs.5BENQ GV1 PROJECTOR$379 benq.euThe GV1 projector beefs up your viewing options. With Wi–Fi and USB–C connectivity, you can project large–scale images, while a 5W speaker handles audio. It’s a neat little device that helps you go big on gaming or movie viewing.678maclife.com JAN 202037

1GAMESIR G6 MOBILE GAMING TOUCHROLLER$35.99 amazon.comImprove your mobile gaming skills with this iPhone gizmo. It lets you combine your touchscreen prowess with an analogue controller that comes with 10 configurable buttons and a joypad. 2CLASSICBOT IBOT G3$39 classicbot.comIf you owned the iMac G3, why not grab this collectable? Complete with a keyboard and the infamous “hockey puck” mouse, the iBot faithfully recreates Apple’s classic Mac. It’s available in Bondi Blue or Tangerine, with magnetic removable arms.3STM MYTH DAPPERWRAPPER$29.95 stmgoods.comCarrying accessories when travelling doesn’t have to be a hassle. This offers multiple pockets and compartments, and a secure magnetic closure. Available in Granite Black, Slate Blue and Windsor Wine colors.4CLASSICBOT CLASSIC$31 classicbot.comFor all lovers of the classic Macintosh, this is a great collectable. Switch between the Macintosh computer form with mouse, and a 10cm–tall humanoid robot with legs, magnetic arms, and his own cute little “font suitcase”.And finally, some more affordable little extras1432538JAN 2020 maclife.com

6TILE ESSENTIALS COMBO PACK$94.97 thetileapp.comTile’s much–loved trackers now come as a combo pack. Get one Slim, one Mate and two Stickers for a great price. These Bluetooth-enabled gadgets are a great way to keep track of your keys, wallet, remote, and more.7NATIVE UNION SMART CHARGER PD 18W$39.99 nativeunion.comThis wall charger comes with one USB–A and one USB–C port with Power Delivery, so you can top up your iPhone up to 2.6 times faster than with a regular charger, taking 27 minutes for a 50% charge.8MOSHI DIGITS TOUCHSCREEN GLOVES$29.95 moshi.comDon’t worry about using your iPhone in the cold! These gloves have conductive fibres on the fingertips, and the dual–layered lining is really warm too. Available in small, medium, and large.5COZY DRINK DIFFERENT$12.99 cozy-industries.com“Here’s to the thirsty ones. The square cubes in the round glasses…” Enjoy your favorite drink with some retro Macintosh-shaped ice cubes, fashioned with a little help from these modern “Space Grey” moulds.678maclife.com JAN 202039

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42 Apple AirPods Pro44 Adobe Photoshop Elements 202047 BBEdit 1348 Parallels Desktop 1549 Jenny LeClue — Detectivú49 Tile Slim50 Sonos Move51 Mission Control Plus51 NetNewsWire 552 Group test: Desktop publishingHERE AT MAC|LIFE we believe you should only buy the things that you really need, which is why our Reviews section is so important to us, and you. We don’t want you to waste time and money on inferior products, and while we aim to include only the best hardware and apps, occasionally we like to include products that look promising, even if they don’t always deliver.We only use carefully selected experts, with vshfldolvw#nqrzohgjh#lq#wkhlu#uhvshfwlyh#Ľhog/#vr#no matter which review you’re reading, you can be frqĽghqw#wkh#shuvrq#zkrġv#whvwhg#lw#nqrzv#wkhlu#vwxļ/#doorzlqj#|rx#wr#pdnh#dq#lqiruphg#sxufkdvh1Hdfk#uhylhz#lv#udwhg#xvlqj#d#ĽyhĞvwdu#v|vwhp/#with half stars, which is easy to understand because we give an explanation next to each one. The surgxfwv#wkdw#uhdoo|#vwdqg#rxw/#wkrvh#zlwk#d#ĽyhĞstar rating, get a Mac|Life Editor’s Choice award.Hardware & macOS appsApp Life|56 Adobe Capture 58 NapBot — Auto Sleep Tracker59 Dead Cells59 Reky60 Pixelmator Photo for iPad 62 Night Sky 763 Enlight Pixaloop 63 Podcast Alarm64 6 apps for winter66Best of the best Mac|Life’s pick of the best appsOnly the best…The products that really stand out in the mag — those that receive a five–star rating — get the Mac|Life Editor’s Choice award. It doesn’t get any better than this, so you’d be mad not to buy anything bearing this mighty accolade.maclife.com JAN 202041TOUGH TESTING, TRUSTED RATINGS

Apple’s AirPods Pros have arrived just in time for Christmas. The Pros give you a proper in–ear fit, gym–friendly sweat and water resistance (IPX4), and a wireless charging case as standard. They are also full–on noise–cancelling headphones, taking on a small band of in–ear rivals such as Sony’s chunkier WF–1000XM3.There are also clever additions such as a test to see if they’re fitted properly in your ears; adaptive sound that optimizes audio based on your ears’ construction; and a new touch–based control system, replacing the taps you had to use on the original. There’s also all the usual Apple (and Beats by Dre) iPhone–specific features, such as ultra–quick pairing and hands–free Siri access.Among all these very pleasing features, one fundamental of the original AirPods has been lost. Because of the way they go deeper into your ears, these Pro buds are less easy to just leave in your lugs and still interact with people and the world at large. However, a Transparency Mode does allow you to let sound get through, so perhaps die–hard, all–day AirPods users won’t be put off.BETTER BATTERY LIFEWith noise cancelling on, the AirPods Pro are rated for a slightly lower battery life than standard AirPods, at four–and–a–half hours per charge compared to five hours per charge. Turn the noise cancelling off and Apple says you should get five hours again. Depending on how you look at it, that means either the ANC is impressively efficient, or the benefit of turning it off is weirdly negligible. The case for the AirPods Pro is chunkier than the original, so they won’t slip in absolutely any pocket quite so easily. But the difference is less than you might expect, and it’s still thinner than lots of its rivals’ cases, crucially, so there’s less of a bulge.Part of the size difference is down to the AirPods Pro having tips that go properly into your ears, unlike the earlier version, which just sat on the edge of the ear canal. This gives the AirPods Pro an even more secure fit, and we’ve been unable to dislodge them in anything resembling normal use, including various forms of exercise.More importantly, this improved fit also creates a much better sound seal — the classic AirPods let in a lot of outside sound. For those who value audio quality, this is great news. For the many casual users of AirPods, it does lose the ability to wear them for prolonged periods without being cut off from the world. However, for these people, there is a high–tech workaround in the form of Transparency Mode, which allows you to pass through sounds around you via the AirPods Pro’s microphones.Multiple tips are provided, but Apple makes it easy to figure out which you need to go for: you can take an “ear fit test”, which plays sound over the drivers, and again uses the built in mics to detect whether there’s any leakage — which would mean you don’t have a good fit. You can then change the tip size to see what works best. It just gives you a check for each ear to say whether you’re good to go or not.Apple says its silicon tips have been specially designed to be extra comfortable for wearing without feeling like there’s something weighing on your ear. They are really, really comfortable, but not a revolution in this sense. You can definitely wear them for a long time, but that’s true of lots of other great headphones.They are a little fiddlier to get into place with the right seal, though. Not AirPods ProBetter sound, better fit and active noise cancellation — plus Apple has toned down the “iconic” visual weirdness with shorter arms$249From Apple, apple.comFeatures Active noise cancellation, 4.5 hours listening time, 3.5 hours talk time, Wireless charging case, Sweat and water resistant (IPX4), Height: 1.22–inches, Width: 0.86–inches, Depth: 0.94–inches, Weight: 0.19 ounces >>>Reviews42JAN 2020 maclife.com

harder than other headphones that focus on a proper fit, but there’s a tad more work needed than regular AirPods. But you quickly get used to it.Apple’s also shortened the length of the arms that poke out of your ear, so they look less ostentatious. We’ve already spoken to a lot of people who wouldn’t touch the original, but who feel swayed by these.Apple uses an air vent to equalize pressure in your ear with the outside world, which makes a bit of a difference. You don’t get as much of the sense of your voice feeling weirdly boomy as you do with other headphones.SOUND QUALITYIf you’ve tried Apple AirPods, you’ll know the kind of sound profile to expect: very well balanced, but absolutely not skimping on the bass. They have a pretty neutral presentation all things considered, and that’s possibly helped by the adaptive EQ.However, that’s not to say the sound is the same as original AirPods — there’s a distinct step up here. Original AirPods sound great in a quiet room when you’re not moving, but finer detail is easily overpowered by external sounds due to their loose fit. Here, you really get the full effect thanks to both better noise isolation — due to the fit — as well as the electronic active noise cancellation.As well as noise isolation from the ear tips, AirPods Pro have active noise cancellation too. The further good news is that Apple’s ANC is excellent; it cuts back busy traffic to barely a murmur in the background, and the rumble of being on the subway is almost gone, with a just few higher–pitched noises slipping though (as is often the case with active noise cancellation).Most noise–cancelling headphones these days will have a transparency mode to let in outside noise. The AirPods Pro are no different, and you can switch between Noise Cancellation mode and Transparency Mode by squeezing one of their protruding arms for a moment. You can also use this squeeze to pause or skip tracks, and make it invoke Siri by changing an option in your iPhone’s settings.The squeezing is a bit odd — it took us a few goes to get the knack — but works pretty well and doesn’t disturb the fit. It even works through gloves. You don’t need to squeeze hard — it’s just a gentle pinch. You’ll hear a small click sound to indicate that it’s worked.THE BOTTOM LINE.Apple AirPods Pro are among the best true wireless earbuds you can get. They sound excellent, the noise cancellation is strong, and the secure yet comfortable fit means they work very well for exercise too.MATTHEW BOLTONAIRPODS PRO Noise cancellation is impressive Battery life isn’t bad More nuance in Transparency mode would be nice Over–ear headphones have better ANCAWESOME maclife.com JAN 202043Tough testing, trusted ratings

E L E M E N TS U S E S A D O B E S E N S E I A I T EC H N O LO GY TO A N A LY Z E T H E S H OT FO R T H E M O ST P R O M I N E N T S U B J EC T, W H I C H I T T H E N S E L EC TS W I T H A M A R Q U E E44JAN 2020 maclife.com

Apple’s Photos app does a great job of enabling you to fix common problems with color, tone, and composition. However, when it comes to producing more creative results (such as creating layered composite images) you’ll need Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020. Although Photoshop Elements is considered a cut–down version of Photoshop CC, it’s perfect for your creative photo editing needs. It even boasts tools that are absent in the full version of Photoshop, such as the ability to “open” (or to be more accurate “replace”) closed eyes in a family portrait.With the release of Photoshop Elements 2020 Adobe continues to cater for our need to edit and share shots quickly and with the minimum of effort. For example, the home screen’s new Auto Creations feature applies a range of creative effects to a selection of shots. Some of the Auto Creation effects are fairly cheesy, like a background filled with star shapes. A more useful and attractive auto effect is a background blur which simulates the shallow depth–of–field effect produced by DSLR cameras. This post–production blur is similar to that produced by the Portrait mode in high–end iPhone models. You can leave the home screen’s automatically applied effects just as they are, or manually fine–tune them in the Elements Editor to create something more personal and effective.ONE–CLICK WONDEROne of Elements 2020’s hyped new features is one–click selection. Instead of scribbling the Quick Selection brush over a person to select them, you can now choose Select > Subject from the main menu. Photoshop Elements uses Adobe Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020Organize, enhance and share your shots quicker with help from Artificial Intelligence tools$99.99From Adobe, adobe.comFeatures Auto Creations, one–click selections tools, and new guided edit modes to replace backgrounds and remove unwanted objectsAdd color to mono shots automatically, then fine–tune the look using droplets.Tough testing, trusted ratingsmaclife.com JAN 202045

Create a more flattering complexion with a quick drag on a slider.ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 2020 Make quicker selections Enhance people pictures Convert mono to color Interface looks datedGREAT Sensei AI technology to analyze the shot for the most prominent subject, which it then automatically selects with a marquee. It does a reasonable job of selecting a single person or even a family group but if there’s a larger, more scattered crowd then you’ll get a message saying that it can’t find a prominent subject to select. You can also access a one–click Select Subject button when using the Replace Background Guided Edit. This talks you through the steps required to modify the selection to include any bits that have been missed by the AI selection. As well as the add–to and subtract– from selection brush options, there’s a useful new Push Selection icon that helps you reposition and soften the selection around the edges of your subject. You can then import a new background and click a button to make the isolated subject’s colors and tones match those in the background to create a more convincing composite.Removing unwanted people from a photo’s background is something most of us will need to do at some stage, so it’s good to see that the Guided Edit workspace now boasts a new Object Removal guide. By simply drawing a box around a person photo–bombing your holiday snap the Auto Select tool does an effective job of selecting their outline. You can then click the Remove Object button to fill the section with adjacent pixels that hide the subject. This auto selected patch of pixels doesn’t always work perfectly, but you can use Clone Stamp or Spot Healing brush to tidy up the initial AI edit. It’s also a useful tool for quickly removing ugly bits of street furniture such as lampposts or dangling power cables.PERFECT PEOPLE PICTURESGiven the popularity of posting portraits online there’s a useful new tool to help flatter your subject. The Enhance > Smooth Skin command reduces the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles without the need to retouch the shot manually. It manages to blur the skin without altering key features such as the eyes or mouth. You can use a slider to dial down the skin–softening effect for a more natural look. You can also give old black and white family photos a new lease of life thanks to the clever Enhance > Colorize Photo command. After the AI operation has decided what colors to add you can use a new Droplet tool to manually fine–tune specific areas in the colorized version.THE BOTTOM LINE.The AI technology provides you with a springboard to producing a range of photo fixes and creative edits. Guided Edit holds your hand when needed. GEORGE CAIRNSApply brush strokes to layer masks for creative montage effects in the Expert editor.46JAN 2020 maclife.com

Image rights: Bare Bones Software.Do some word association about BBEdit, dqg#whupv#olnh#ģsrzhuixoĤ#dqg#ģľh{leohĤ#spring to mind. After all, this is a hugely fdsdeoh#dss#iru#pdqlsxodwlqj#wh{w#dqg#code in a variety of languages. It’s packed with features, and its preferences pane has vr#pdq|#rswlrqv#lw#kdv#d#vhdufk#Ľhog1BBEdit 13, though, follows BBEdit 12.5 in emphasizing accessibility — in the sense of unlocking the app’s power. The older release debuted a Lorem Ipsum generator and the Commands command ğ#hļhfwlyho|#d#EEHglwĞvshflĽf#Vsrwoljkw#wkdw#jlyhv#nh|erdugĞedvhg#dffhvv#wr#phqx#frppdqgv#olnh#folsslqjv#dqg#rshq#Ľohv1The latest update further boosts productivity by way of entry points into srzhuixo#Ľqg#dqg#uhsodfh#ixqfwlrqv/#dqg#the grep system used to pattern match in sodlq#wh{w#grfxphqwv1#Vr#|rxġoo#qrz#vsrw#the Find window live-match terms and grep patterns with the contents of the frontmost document. For grep, this lets you know if your pattern works, removing trial and error. Additionally, a new cheat sheet lives in the window, so you can quickly check frequently used idioms.Wkh#Sdwwhuq#Sod|jurxqg#lv#d#vdqger{#lq#zklfk#wr#h{shulphqw#zlwk#dgydqfhg#wh{w#manipulation techniques. This is ideal for grep newcomers, but also great for h{shulhqfhg#w|shv#zkr#zdqw#wr#wu|#something new without risk.You also get the usual grab-bag of wzhdnv1#Gdun#Prgh#fdq#doljq#zlwk#pdfRV#Catalina appearance prefs (alongside h{lvwlqj#ixqfwlrqdolw|#wr#vhw#ehvsrnh#schemes for Light and Dark modes). You can rearrange items in the sidebar, and wkhuhġv#d#vlpsolĽhg#wh{w#wudqvirup1#Dqg#for when you want to dig into update minutiae, you can head to Change Notes in the Help menu.BBEdit on Catalina also replaces glvfrqwlqxhg#65Ğelw#dss#Wh{wZudqjohu1#Idqv#ri#wkdw#surgxfw#pljkw#h{shfw#d#mrow/#exw#lqvwhdg#wkh|#jhw#orwv#ri#h{wud#ihdwxuhv>#BBEdit will even bring over your old settings and data. As a freebie, it’s all very generous. For paying customers, there’s perhaps a feeling that BBEdit is more of wkh#vdph/#exw#wkdw#ģvdphĤ#lv#h{fhoohqw1THE BOTTOM LINE.#Rqh#ri#wkh#orqjhvwĞserving apps is still among the best with another solid update. CRAIG GRANNELLBBEdit 13The Mac’s best text editor gets even betterFree (IAPs)From Bare Bones, barebones.comNeeds mac OS 10.14.2 or later, 64–bit processorSearch and grep patterns matches are now highlighted in your document.BBEDIT 13 Powerful but also usable Find matches highlighted Pattern Playground is great Many customization optionsEXCELLENT The Pattern Playground combined with the grep cheatsheet is the place to improve your grep skills.Tough testing, trusted ratingsmaclife.com JAN 202047

Image rights: Parallels International GmbH.There are now even more good reasons for uxqqlqj#d#glļhuhqw#rshudwlqj#v|vwhp#zlwklq#d#yluwxdolvdwlrq#hqylurqphqw#olnh#Sdudoohov#Ghvnwrs1#rx#pd|#qhhg#dffhvv#wr#Zlqgrzv#dssv/#zdqw#wr#sod|#d#qrqĞpdfRV#jdph/#ru#dffhvv#rog#dssv#zklfk#fdqġw#uxq#lq#Fdwdolqd1#Sdudoohov#48#lv#qrz#ixoo|#frpsdwleoh#zlwk#pdfRV#43148#Fdwdolqd/#erwk#dv#krvw#dqg#uxqqlqj#lq#d#YP1#Sdudoohov#lv#surylglqj#dq#xsgdwh#zlwk#Ľqdo#wzhdnv#wr#hqvxuh#lw#zrunv#ixoo|#zlwk#Vlghfdu#dqg#Vljq#lq#zlwk#Dssoh#lq#wkh#uhohdvh#yhuvlrq#ri#Fdwdolqd1#rx#fdq#xvh#Vlghfdu#zlwk#dq#Dssoh#Shqflo#wr#lqwhudfw#zlwk#Zlqgrzv#43#lq#lwv#wdeohw#prgh1Lwġv#kdug#wr#Ľqg#dq#rshudwlqj#v|vwhp#zklfk#Sdudoohov#48#grhvqġw#vxssruw#lq#d#yluwxdo#pdfklqh1#Qrw#rqo|#wkdw/#exw#qr#pdwwhu#zkdw#irupdw#|rx#suhvhqw#lwv#lqvwdoohu/#lw#wxuqv#lw#lqwr#d#YP#zlwk#plqlpdo#hļruw#rq#|rxu#sduw1Zlqgrzv#YPv#rļhu#vhyhudo#rswlrqv#zklfk#|rx#fdq#fxvwrpl}h#wr#|rxu#qhhgv1#Frkhuhqfh#prgh#lv#lghdo#li#|rx#qhhg#wr#lqwhjudwh#mxvw#d#ihz#Zlqgrzv#dssv#zlwk#suhgrplqdqwo|#pdfRV#vriwzduh/#iru#h{dpsoh1Parallels Desktop 15Run almost any operating system in a virtual machineFrom $79.99From Parallels, parallels.comNeeds macOS 10.12.6 or laterPARALLELS DESKTOP 15 Simple to set up VMs Performance very close to host Windows Coherence mode Catalina and Windows compatibilityGREAT Udz#surfhvvru#shuirupdqfh#lv#lqhylwdeo|#dv#jrrg#dv#wkh#Pdf#|rxġuh#uxqqlqj#lw#rq/#dqg#wkh#qxpehu#ri#fruhv#jlyhq#wr#Sdudoohov1#Jlyhq#dq#lPdf#Sur#zlwk#d#qdwlyh#Jhhnehqfk#vlqjoh#fruh#vfruh#ri#8633/#d#Sdudoohov#YP#frphv#forvh#zlwk#84331#Ehfdxvh#|rxu#yluwxdo#pdfklqh#lv#ģfohdqhuĤ#wkdq#wkh#krvw#pdfRV/#orz0grzq#ixqfwlrqv#vxfk#dv#zulwlqj#Vljqsrvw#hqwulhv#lq#wkh#orj#pd|#eh#idvwhu#lq#Sdudoohov/#wdnlqj#rqo|#783#qdqrvhfrqgv#lq#d#YP/#djdlqvw#d#pruh#w|slfdo#843qv#lq#wkh#krvw#pdfRV1Iru#jdphv#dqg#rwkhu#judsklfv0lqwhqvlyh#dssv/#yhuvlrq#48#eulqjv#pdmru#lpsuryhphqwv1#Yluwxdolvdwlrq#zrunv#ehwwhu#zlwk#Phwdo0dffhohudwhg#judsklfv#lq#wkh#krvw#pdfRV/#dqg#lq#Prmdyh#dqg#Fdwdolqd#krvwv/#Zlqgrzv#Gluhfw[#44#+dv#zhoo#dv#<#dqg#43,#zrunv#gluhfwo|#zlwk#Phwdo1#Wklv#ohwv#|rx#uxq#FDG2FDP#dssv#olnh#Dxwrghvn#6gv#Pd{/#dqg#jdphv#vxfk#dv#:`^ h_ >fibk^l3 =^Ʈgbmbo^ >]bmbhg#+exw#wkh|#qhhg#d#jrrg#krvw#judsklfv#fdug,/#dqg#pdnhv#ixoo#xvh#ri#Uhwlqd#glvsod|v1#Yhuvlrq#48#fdq#dovr#uxq#[er{#jdphv#lq#d#Zlqgrzv#43#YP1#Sur#dqg#Exvlqhvv#xvhuv#fdq#lqfrusrudwh#Zlqgrzv#YPv#lqwr#d#Wuxvwhg#Sodwirup#Prgxoh#+WSP,#hqylurqphqw/#xvlqj#ElwOrfnhu#dqg#ihdwxuhv#vxfk#dv#yluwxdo#vpduw#fdugv1THE BOTTOM LINE.#Hdv|#wr#xvh#dqg#vhw#xs1#Wklv#lv#wkh#Ľuvw#fkrlfh#iru#uxqqlqj#dqrwkhu#RV1#HOWARD OAKLEYParallels Desktop 15 delivers advances that put it ahead of its rivals.Easy virtual machine configurations can be extensively customized to use more cores, and boot drives.>>>Reviews48JAN 2020 maclife.com

Image rights from left: Mografi LLC & Joe Russ, Tile. Jenny LeClue is a young detective with a knack for solving crimes, even if her mom would rather she did her chores Ľuvw1#Mhqq|#pxvw#hpedun#rq#khu#prvw#h{flwlqj#dgyhqwxuh#|hw/#zlwk#khu#mrxuqdo#dqg#pdjqli|lqj#jodvv#lq#kdqg1Set in the picturesque small town of Arthurton, the game zlqv#khduwv#uljkw#iurp#wkh#rļ#zlwk#lwv#jrujhrxv/#froruixo#ghvljq1#Iurp#lwv#vxqĞguhqfkhg#fdpsxv#dqg#frv|#olylqj#urrpv#wr#lwv#fuhhs|#qljkwĞwlph#ylvwdv/#wklv#lv#rqh#ri#wkh#prvw#ehdxwlixo#sodwirup#jdphv#lq#|hduv1Mhqq|#devroxwho|#vwhdov#wkh#vkrz/#vxssruwhg#e|#olnhdeoh#vhfrqgdu|#fkdudfwhuv#dqg#h{fhoohqw#zulwlqj1#Wkrxjk#d#olwwoh#slow to start, the gameplay is fun and the story interesting, dlghg#wuhphqgrxvo|#e|#Mhqq|ġv#hqghdulqj#shuvrqdolw|#dqg#d#jhqhurxv#khoslqj#ri#kxpru1#Wkh#rqo|#gudzedfn#ri#qrwh#duh#wkh#frqwurov1#Wkh|#grqġw#pdnh#xvh#ri#|rxu#prxvh#dw#doo/#vr#frxog#eh#ehwwhu#rswlpl}hg#iru#nh|erdug#sod|huv1#Exw#hyhq#wkhq#zhġuh#ehlqj#slfn|/#dqg#|rx#zrqġw#plqg#zkhq#hyhu|wklqj#hovh#lv#vr#jrrg1THE BOTTOM LINE.#D#gholjkwixo#p|vwhu|#dgyhqwxuh#wkdwġv#vhw#wr#ehfrph#d#jhquh#fodvvlf1#ALEX BLAKEWhere the Tile Slim used to be a small square, this new version has expanded to a traditional credit card shape, albeit with the thickness of two cards.Pairing with your phone is quick and easy. Once it’s set up, you can use the app to track down the Slim. Tap Find and the device starts playing a catchy chiptune, while the app indicates how close you are by filling a circle with green rings; the fuller it is, the closer you are.Finding the Slim can be a bit of a guessing game, though — you’re not told what direction to head in or how far away you are. If you’re out of the Slim’s 200ft range, it’ll use nearby Tile users to silently “crowdsource” its location.The audio assistance is not that loud. We put the Slim in a wallet, buried it down a sofa and went into an adjacent room, and couldn’t hear it. We also had some issues where the Slim failed to connect to the app when we tried to buzz it. It’s better than not having a tracker at all, but is hard to wholeheartedly recommend.THE BOTTOM LINE. A handy wallet tracker, but it’s far from perfect. ALEX BLAKEJenny LeClue — DetectivúA charming murder–mystery puzzler$15.99From Mografi, jennyleclue.comNeeds Mac OS X 10.8, Intel i5 Quad–Core, 2 GB RAM, Intel HD 4000, 2GB available spaceTile SlimA card–sized wallet tracker$29.99From Tile, thetileapp.comMade for iPhone, iPad Needs iOS 11.0 or laterJENNY LECLUE – DETECTIVÚ Adorable characters Incredible design Plenty of humor Keyboard controls could be betterEXCELLENT TILE SLIM Handy form factor App’s “crowdsourcing” feature is useful Some Bluetooth issues Buzzer isn’t particularly loudGOOD Tough testing, trusted ratingsmaclife.com JAN 202049

Image rights: Sonos.The Sonos Move is everything you’d expect from Sonos, but it ventures outdoors too.It sits on a barely noticeable charging pad, and you can also charge it via USB–C. The speaker manages 10 hours of playback per charge, with a power-saving mode keeping lw#dolyh#iru#Ľyh#gd|v#li#|rx#grqġw#xvh#lw1#Wkh#Move is set up via (and runs on) the same app as any other Sonos speaker, and can access the same streaming services.The Move supports AirPlay 2 and has your choice of either Alexa or Google Assistant on board. As with many Sonos speakers, you can pair two Moves into a stereo pair, though only indoors. For indoors, there’s dual–band Wi–Fi with the option of gigabit ethernet. Outdoors, the Move uses Bluetooth 4.2 with AAC and SBC support for boosted audio quality. In Bluetooth mode, it’s set up and used like any other Bluetooth speaker, so you Sonos MoveA rugged portable speaker that’s smart, too $399From Sonos, sonos.comFeatures Voice control, weather–proof, drop–resistant, indoor charging baseSONOS MOVE Superb sound quality All the digital assistants Impressively life–proof Heavier than it looksGREAT don’t use the Sonos app. Instead, stream from Spotify, Tidal or other apps, or use the music on your device.The Move is water– and dust–resistant to IP56, so it can endure short downpours but not full immersion. Audio quality is comparable to the Sonos Rqh#rq#ZlĞIl/#exw#lw#orvhv#d#olwwoh#ghĽqlwlrq#when you go outside and switch to Bluetooth. Automatic Trueplay tuning analyzes the sound bouncing back to the Move from your walls and furniture, adjusting the audio to suit. The results are impressive: it sounds very good almost everywhere, projecting a lot of bass from a relatively small box, dqg#zlwk#d#zlgh#vrxqg#Ľhog1THE BOTTOM LINE. The Sonos Move isn’t fkhds/#exw#rļhuv#dq#xqulydoohg#frpelqdwlrq#of rugged style and smart–speaker usefulness with stunning sound quality. DUNCAN BELLTrueplay tuning balances the sound to suit your environment.>>>Reviews50JAN 2020 maclife.com