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Tips and Tricks

A collection of useful tips and tricks from the iGeekCentral team helping you get the most out of your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro or Apple Watch. Explore these articles to learn how to automate tasks and customize your user interface.

How to Build and Optimize Your Website for Apple’s Safari Web Browser

by Dave Johnson

Modern websites are built to cater to all types of platforms, browsers, and devices. Thanks to the abilities of these devices, browsers, and operating systems, websites built using a single code base can be operated across multiple environments.

This makes cross-browser, and cross-platform compatibility much easier to integrate. However, despite all the strides web developers have made in this regard, it often gets a bit difficult to cater to Apple’s Safari browsers. And thus comes the need to optimize the sites for Apple browsers and devices separately.

Apple’s Safari is sadly one of the slowest web browsers in the world right now. Many even claim that it is set to become the new Internet Explorer, which is one of the worst possible things to say about a web browser. It is easy to see that Apple has a lot of work to do in this department.

In the meantime, you will have to put some effort from your end to optimize your website for the Safari browser. After all, millions use Apple products, and the Safari browser is usually their default gateway to your website.

With that in mind, here are a few things you must ensure to build and optimize your website for the Safari web browser.

Start with the Web Standards

It should not come to you as a surprise that Apple expects you to follow all the standards set by W3C when it comes to making websites. Apple makes this clear on the “developers” section of their website.

You have to first make sure you are using the latest versions of HTML, CSS, and other standards so that the latest Safari browser is efficient, has no trouble interpreting your website, and its users do not have to suffer.

Responsive Design

Using a framework like Bootstrap will usually take care of the responsiveness for your website. However, sometimes, you have to do a bit of the work by yourself as well.

Responsiveness is one of the most important factors in web design that ensures user-friendliness, and ease of accessibility. Given how Apple brings out at least three or four new devices (Macbooks, iPhones, and iPads) every year, it can get a bit difficult to match the ever-changing standards. Standard screen sizes can be difficult to keep up with, which is why you will have to make adjustments for specific device sizes.

So if you are using Bootstrap, you have to write additional media queries that include Apple devices of all sizes. And as long as Apple does not decide to release a foldable iPhone, doing so will help optimize your website for Safari browsers across all Apple platforms.

Choose Your APIs Wisely

When you use an API with huge data utilization necessities, make sure it uses a server that can handle large volumes of data and does not affect the client-side experience whenever the user requests its services.

APIs tend to use up a lot of resources, especially when they are working with large data sets. Be it Safari or Chrome, this can slow down the browsing experience. APIs are there to smoothen the experience for your users. So if they end up slowing things down, that is not going to look good for you.

Ideally, you should opt for an API with dedicated servers, like Tomorrow.io for instance. Despite using huge data sets for weather-related information, the API still manages to have zero to little impact on the websites it is used in.

Compress Images

Safari is slow as it is, and you do not want to make it respond any slower by using heavy images. Even when you do, make sure you are compressing them first. Optimize the images by using an image compressor. This is much easier to do with widgets in WordPress, but you can still do it on hard-coded websites too.

Compressing the images will increase the loading speed, thereby reducing the loading time of the website. Although a general rule for all websites, it is a must for Safari browsers, otherwise it can hamper the overall user experience.

And that is all you need to do for ensuring an optimized and user-friendly website for Safari browsers. Some of these points coincide with the basic principles of making a website in general, but that is how it should be. Safari may require some extra attention, but as long as you stick to the basics, you will be mostly fine.

Tag: Safari
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Does iPhone 17 Take Picture Under Water?

by Moses Johnson

The iPhone 17 is now available, but you probably have questions about it. Namely, can iPhone 17 take pictures under water? Here’s what you need to know about this Apple phone’s water resistance.

QUICK ANSWER

  • The iPhone 17 has a water resistance rating but is not waterproof, so it cannot take pictures underwater without a waterproof case.
  • The iPhone 17’s water resistance is limited to fresh water and will not protect against damage in salt water or chemically treated pools.
  • Water damage is not covered under warranty, so if you damage your iPhone 17 by submerging it without a case, you will have to pay for repairs.

One of the most common things that people do with an iPhone is take pictures. Of course, most pictures are taken above water, but if you’re wondering if the new iPhone 17 can take pictures underwater, the answer is no, it does not, at least without a waterproof phone case. While the iPhone 17 has a water resistance rating, it’s not waterproof. This means if you submerge your bare phone underwater to take photos without putting it in a case, you’ll risk damaging it. You will have to invest in a waterproof case if you absolutely must take your iPhone underwater for whatever reason.

iPhone 17 Waterproof Rating

The iPhone 17 has an ingress protection rating of IP68. It can be submerged in up to 6 meters of water for up to thirty minutes.

Every iPhone since the iPhone 7 has received an ingress protection (IP) rating to assess its water-resistance. Every IP rating has two digits.

The first digit ranges from 0–6 and measures a device’s protection against solids, such as dust and dirt. The second digit ranges from 0–8 and measures a device’s protection against liquids. A score of 8 means the device can be submerged beyond one meter of water, with the exact distance and time of submersion specified by the phone manufacturer.

However, it is important to note that IP ratings are not permanent. Like any other phone, the iPhone 17’s water resistance will degrade over time. That’s due to a few factors. Namely, they rely on tightly packed parts glued in place, which prevents water from reaching the components. But normal usage can shift and slide these components around, not to mention accidentally dropping your phone or knocking it against something. These will all cause the water resistance of any phone, including the iPhone 17, to degrade. Furthermore, the iPhone 17 has openings, such as a USB-C port, where water could still make its way in. And once the tightly-packed components move around and the glue breaks, water is free to contact almost anything inside.

Can iPhone 17 Take Pictures Under Water?

The iPhone 17 can not take pictures underwater unless you invest in a quality case that seals the phone and keeps it secure from water damage.

You might be OK with a simple plastic case in shallow water. Heavier-duty aluminum cases with a fully waterproof seal or mounting systems and lens attachments could be even better, depending on the type of photos you want to capture.

Can I Use My iPhone 17 Underwater?

We don’t recommend using your iPhone 17 underwater. An iPhone’s water-resistance wears down over time. Most people want to use their iPhone as an underwater camera, but they weren’t really designed to do that.

Keeping Your iPhone Safe Around Water

If you plan on bringing your iPhone 17 to the beach or pool frequently, consider getting a waterproof phone case. These are basically sealed pouches that keep water away from your phone while letting you use the camera, touchscreen and other controls.

Tag: iphone 17
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10 Reasons iPhones Are Better Than Android Phones

by Dave Johnson

Please don’t hate us for saying this, but iPhones are better than Android phones at some things. Let’s talk about them.

Given that iPhones cost more than Android phones are they really worth it? Why do iPhones have such a loyal following when, for less money, you could buy a perfectly good Android phone?

While many argue it’s a branding and status thing, we believe reasons go beyond vanity. We are tech lovers before anything else and have to accept there are certain things an iPhone does better than an Android phone.

10 things iPhone does better than Android

Here are ten reasons why iPhones are better than Android phones:

  1. iPhones are faster
  2. iPhones are easier to use
  3. OS updates when you want them
  4. Works beautifully with other Apple devices
  5. Security
  6. Vehicle features
  7. Best support and help
  8. Resale value
  9. Fewer options
  10. Superior Accessibility features.

1. iPhones are faster

Having used both platforms daily for years, I can say I have encountered way fewer hiccups and slow-downs using an iPhone. Performance is one of the things an iPhone usually does better than Android. This seems ridiculous considering iPhone internals. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is currently the most powerful Apple smartphone, and it features the A19 Pro chip with a six-core CPU. Those specifications would be considered mid-range at best in the current Android market.

Having used both platforms daily for years, I can say I have encountered way fewer hiccups and slow-downs using iOS.
The truth is we tend to get a little lost in the specs and often forget to look at what really matters. Performance doesn’t only come from powerful specs. There is more to processing power than cores and speed clocks.

Apple’s closed ecosystem makes for a tighter integration, which is why iPhones don’t need super powerful specs to match the high-end Android phones. It’s all in the optimization between hardware and software. Since Apple controls production from beginning to end, it can make sure resources are used more efficiently. Furthermore, developers have to follow a stricter process to release apps, not to mention they don’t have to optimize their apps for what may seem like an infinity of devices.

Now, this is not to say all iOS devices can outperform all Android devices. Some Android phones are made with beastly internals and stunning performance. Generally, though, iPhones are faster and smoother than most Android phones at comparable price ranges.

2. iPhone is the easiest phone to use

Sometimes it’s what we love about Android that makes it a less enticing platform to the general consumer. While Google and its partnered manufacturers have been getting better at making Android more intuitive, the truth is it can still be a bit confusing. Inconsistency between phone makers creates a learning curve, as most Android phones look and feel different from one another.

Apple fans love the iOS simplicity, and it is arguably one of the things iPhone does better than Android. There isn’t much to iOS, and that’s part of the allure. Many iPhone lovers don’t want a phone they can mess around with and customize. They want a device that works well, is easy to use, and can take them to their content with the least amount of effort. This is what the “it just works” expression is all about.

With iOS, you get home pages with rows and columns of icons, which you can organize as you wish. iOS also includes the App Library, where all your apps are sorted into categories automatically — swipe left past your last Home Screen page to reach it. You can hide entire Home Screen pages if you prefer a cleaner look, and still find any app through the App Library. The settings are straightforward, but the experience is always the same, no matter which Apple mobile device you’re using.

The user experience for iOS is intuitive enough that there is almost no learning curve. I have seen kids who have never used a smartphone figure out the basics in about 15 minutes. Similarly, if you have already owned an iOS device, you can switch to any other and immediately know exactly how it works.

3. OS updates when you want them

Updating software is definitely one of the things iOS does better than Android. If your iOS device qualifies to get the latest update, it will get it as soon as it launches. This can be bad news for older devices that can’t handle more resource-intensive iOS versions very well. That is another topic and something to worry about only if you have a significantly older Apple device, though.

The updating process isn’t as seamless with Google’s Android. Google only gives direct updates to its own products, like the Pixel 10 or Pixel 10a, and even those have been known to fail at getting updates efficiently.

Manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, Motorola, and all others have to get the update, work on it, optimize it for your device, and then send it out. In many instances, carriers have to go through them too, which only assures you get updates late, sometimes months or years down the line… if ever.

4. Works beautifully with other Apple Devices

Anything from your Mac or iPad will sync to your iPhone. You can take a screenshot, save a document, even start an email on your MacBook and it will automatically appear on your iPhone. There’s no need to save anything to a cloud drive like Dropbox or Google Drive – all your devices will work together without any fuss.

While Google has its competing services, which work great too, they have a learning curve and don’t feel as closely connected to the Android experience.

Some of the apps required to access core Google services aren’t pre-installed, forcing users to go hunting for them in the Google Play Store. This may not seem like a huge deal to most of us tech-savvy users, but it can be a daunting task to some, or at the very least an annoyance.

Speaking of app stores, the Apple App Store is significantly better curated and better policed than the Google Play Store. Developers looking to get their apps on the App Store have to go through a long and expensive list of checks and procedures, but the result is a net increase in the overall quality of iOS apps. The Apple App Store is generally cleaner, has fewer ads, and offers cool extra features like interviews, guides, better app lists, etc. It may be a walled garden, but it’s a safe, familiar, and easy-to-navigate garden all the same.

5. iPhones are more secure

This one isn’t as one-sided as it once was, thanks to Google’s security updates becoming more consistent. Google has continued to secure the Google Play Store and add measures to make sure your phones and information stay safe. These include things like sand-boxing, two-step verification, Google Play Protect, more controlled app permissions, and more. These upgrades, along with more educated users, make for robust Android security that begins to rival iOS.

Whether iOS is better than Android in security is now up for debate, but the consensus still gives Apple the upper hand. iOS has more consistent updates for all devices, a closed ecosystem that is harder to penetrate, and a stricter app store. All of these factors combined make it harder for attackers to target iOS users.

iPhones have shown time and time again to be much less vulnerable to viruses and hacking than Android phones. The gap is closing, however, as many attacks are based online and hackers are more sophisticated in their techniques. You’ll still need to be cautious online, but for now iPhone is the safest platform.

6. Apple CarPlay

No matter how many times I give Android Auto a chance, I keep going back to Apple CarPlay. Sometimes I carry an iPhone just to use CarPlay in my car!

Apple’s alternative has neatly arranged icons. You can move these icons around to prioritize your favorite apps for easy access. Sounds familiar? Yep, it works much like iOS on a phone or tablet! Some things have been moved around, but the experience is much more uniform.

Android Auto has moved away from its totally random interface, which was based on recommendations. Now it’s more similar to Apple Carplay, as it has a list of apps you can easily access. It’s still a bit more convoluted, though. Not to mention Android Auto’s performance just seems to lag behind, despite sometimes using some of the most powerful phones in the market.

Google Assistant does a much better job than Siri, but that feature is not enough to take me away from Apple’s in-vehicle solution. Apple CarPlay is better looking, simpler to use, and more functional.

See also: all the ways Siri is changing in iOS 15

7. Superior customer support

Apple has continuously ranked as one of the best companies for customer support, which is reassuring. Almost all Apple products come with free 90-day access to phone support and a one-year warranty. AppleCare may be expensive, but it makes warranty and insurance claims for iOS devices an absolute breeze. If you’ve got a local Apple Store, you can often walk out with a brand new device in less than an hour too.

Speaking of Apple Stores, love them or hate them, Apple’s retail locations have a signature look that many retailers have tried to copy. The open-plan design draws you in as soon as you walk by. Large numbers of staff are on hand to help you with any purchase or problem. They even have free classes to teach you how to use Apple devices.

No company is perfect, but having an iOS phone or tablet sure beats the competition if you ever have a problem with it. You don’t need to go through carriers, look for weird customer service phone numbers, fill out online forms, send faxes, stay on hold for long periods of time only to talk to a robot, or wait weeks just to get your device fixed or replaced. Go to your nearest Apple Store and enjoy their well-known customer service. Easy as pie.

8. Resale value

This is not exactly one of the things iPhone does better than Android, but Apple has a market advantage over most of its mobile competitors. iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products typically hold their value much better than Android products. This means you can sell them for more when it’s time to switch devices. And because Apple products are so popular, they usually sell much faster too.

iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products typically hold their value better than Android products.
Let’s put things into perspective with some real-world examples. The iPhone 11 Pro Max launched in September 2019 for $1,099. It’s selling for $550 to $750 in good condition now. That would be about 50% to 68% of its original value. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus was released in August 2019, also for $1,099. It sells for $350 to $450 on eBay. This equates to about 32% to 41% of the original value. Big difference, right?

Keep in mind this example is a best-case scenario for Android. Samsung is another sought-after brand that tends to keep its value better than others in its class. The resale value favors Apple far more when you compare it to other smaller Android manufacturers.

9. There are Less iPhone Options

This might not sound like a positive thing, but sometimes less is more. There are thousands of Android phones to choose from, so how do you know where to start? In contrast, there are less than thirty iPhones, which come with different specs. Knowing your budget and smartphone needs will make deciding on a model a breeze.

10. Superior Accessibility features

One aspect of modern technological life that might help us to keep some faith in humanity are the comprehensive assistive technologies that are built into, or free to download for mobile computing devices. Accessibility features, as they are loosely called, are a range of tools designed to support non-standard users of the technology.

With their mobile operating system iOS Apple do accessibility REALLY well and this is reflected in the numbers. So what are Apple doing right? Well obviously, first and foremost, the credit would have to go to their developers and designers for producing such innovative and well implemented tools.

An iPhone has a built in screen reader. Zoom allows you to magnify things that you need larger. VoiceOver does more than tell you what’s happening on the screen, it helps you make things happen. It gives you auditory descriptions of each onscreen element and provides hints along the way. So if you prefer using gestures, a keyboard, or a braille display you are golden.

While Talkback has gotten a bit better, it is still miles away from how robust VoiceOver is. Apple put a lot of work into the overall user experience and design of their screen reader, it’s easier for developers to build accessibility into their apps, and in general it’s just easier to use and much more efficient. Android is slower, buggier, and is definitely more engineered than designed. The general functionality is about the same for basic navigation and interaction, but it’s harder and slower for developers to update their apps to fix accessibility issues since there are so many versions of Android out there, and each one has differences so it’s not nearly as consistent as VoiceOver.

Tag: Android
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