Neil Hughes

Latest Articles from Neil Hughes

iPhone XS review: There's nothing excessive about Apple's latest and greatest smartphone

1 year ago

iPhone XS review: There's nothing excessive about Apple's latest and greatest smartphone

Apple's new iPhone XS is a modest step up from last year's iPhone X, but remains a major technological leap forward for anyone who hasn't yet made the jump to the edge-to-edge design with Face ID. As with the debut of the iPhone X, if you can stomach the sticker shock, the iPhone XS is a premium, polished, near-perfect handset that showcases Apple's marriage of hardware and software at its most sublime.

By Neil Hughes | 1 year ago

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Hands on: Brydge 12.9 Series II keyboard for Apple's iPad Pro aims for MacBook-style feel with ridiculous battery life

1 year ago

Hands on: Brydge 12.9 Series II keyboard for Apple's iPad Pro aims for MacBook-style feel with ridiculous battery life

iPad users who want their tablet to feel and function like a MacBook have a brand new option in town with the release of the Brydge Mk II. With Bluetooth 4.1 and iOS battery management technology, this premium keyboard boasts whopping battery life of up to one year on a single charge.

By Neil Hughes | 1 year ago

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Hands on: Mophie's Powerstation Plus XL stands out from the battery pack with built-in Lightning in, Lightning out & wireless charging

1 year ago

Hands on: Mophie's Powerstation Plus XL stands out from the battery pack with built-in Lightning in, Lightning out & wireless charging

If you're a power-hungry iOS user who's all-in on Apple's mobile ecosystem, the new Mophie Powerstation Plus XL may very well prove itself to be a must-have accessory, as its integrated Lightning male plug and female recharging port make it a truly unique mobile battery for iPhone and iPad users.

By Neil Hughes | 1 year ago

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2018 13-inch MacBook Pro review: Apple's lofty promises are finally realized

1 year ago

2018 13-inch MacBook Pro review: Apple's lofty promises are finally realized

The true realization of Apple's ultra-thin, ultra-powerful professional-grade notebook has finally arrived, elevated to greatness by the maturation of USB-C, the fixing of a flawed keyboard, and the polish of an increasingly versatile macOS platform.

By Neil Hughes | 1 year ago

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How the FCC's repeal of net neutrality could affect Apple

2 years ago

How the FCC's repeal of net neutrality could affect Apple

The Federal Communications Commission's roll-back of net neutrality rules take effect on June 11, re-igniting a firestorm of debate and speculation over the future of the internet in the U.S. But Apple, who supports net neutrality, finds itself in a unique position in the discussion: It is one of the few companies that has actually been affected by the kind of restrictive internet provider practices that net neutrality aimed to prevent.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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First look: Oculus Go, Facebook's standalone, iPhone-compatible VR headset

2 years ago

First look: Oculus Go, Facebook's standalone, iPhone-compatible VR headset

Facebook on Tuesday issued a surprise by announcing the immediate launch of its new Oculus Go standalone VR headset, which also boasts iPhone connectivity. AppleInsider got its hands on one of the first units, and offers a closer look.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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First look: Master & Dynamic Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable with DAC, mic

2 years ago

First look: Master & Dynamic Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable with DAC, mic

Premium headphone maker Master & Dynamic began offering an in-house way for its customers to plug its gear into Apple's latest iPhones without the need for a Lightning-to-headphone adapter. AppleInsider got its hands on the new cable and offers a first look at the accessory.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

11

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Going all-in on USB-C with Apple's ecosystem? That's impossible -- for now

2 years ago

Going all-in on USB-C with Apple's ecosystem? That's impossible -- for now

I'm finally ready to fully embrace the smaller, reversible, more powerful USB-C port featured on Apple's recent MacBooks. But in preparing for a full switch to the versatile port, I have hit a number of roadblocks. No matter how badly I want to completely ditch USB-A, it turns out I just can't.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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Apple Watch a hit on the mountain: 25% of Slopes app skiers and riders start tracking via wrist

2 years ago

Apple Watch a hit on the mountain: 25% of Slopes app skiers and riders start tracking via wrist

While third-party apps for Apple Watch remain something of a mixed bag, at least one developer has found a very popular use case for their watchOS app: Consumed by Code's skiing and snowboarding app Slopes sees one-quarter of its users start recording rides down the mountain via Apple Watch.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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Apple HomePod preorders outpaced all other smartspeakers, except Amazon Echo Dot

2 years ago

Apple HomePod preorders outpaced all other smartspeakers, except Amazon Echo Dot

Priced at $349, the Apple HomePod saw more pent-up demand at launch than virtually all of its competition, save for one budget-priced smartspeaker: Amazon's $50-and-under Echo Dot.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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Leaked memo suggests Nokia's health business is unhealthy

2 years ago

Leaked memo suggests Nokia's health business is unhealthy

Less than two years after Nokia bought health and fitness gear maker Withings for $192 million, the major investment appears to be problematic for the Finnish company, as a new memo suggests its health business may not last much longer.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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'An incredible money-making machine:' Apple's iPhone captures record 51% of global smartphone revenues

2 years ago

'An incredible money-making machine:' Apple's iPhone captures record 51% of global smartphone revenues

For the first time ever, Apple's iPhone captured more than half of all global smartphone revenues in a single quarter, outperforming the rest of the industry on the strength of the premium-priced iPhone X.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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Apple Watch, AirPods & HomePod, Apple's 'other products,' predicted to rake in $22B in revenue by 2019

2 years ago

Apple Watch, AirPods & HomePod, Apple's 'other products,' predicted to rake in $22B in revenue by 2019

Fueled by a trio of new product categories, Apple's all-encompassing "other products" are poised to become the company's fastest growing segment, further fueled by the recent launch of HomePod.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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How to limit HomePod access so family and friends can't send texts, create reminders, or hijack your music

2 years ago

How to limit HomePod access so family and friends can't send texts, create reminders, or hijack your music

There are two different ways to lock your HomePod from outside access — restricting access to AirPlay only, disabling messages, reminders and notes. AppleInsider shows you how to access and control both of these.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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How to reset your HomePod and connect it to a new Apple ID

2 years ago

How to reset your HomePod and connect it to a new Apple ID

HomePod services like sending text messages or creating reminders can only be accomplished with the Apple ID used to initially set up the device. If you want to change the Apple ID affiliated with your HomePod, you'll need to redo the setup process.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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Apple expected to ship 100M 6.1" LCD iPhone units priced at $700-$800 in late 2018

2 years ago

Apple expected to ship 100M 6.1" LCD iPhone units priced at $700-$800 in late 2018

Adding to expectations that the new 6.1-inch iPhone with LCD display will be a blockbuster success, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said on Wednesday that he expects the company will ship a whopping 100 million units in the second half of 2018.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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How to play anything on your HomePod, including vinyl records, with Airfoil and a Mac

2 years ago

How to play anything on your HomePod, including vinyl records, with Airfoil and a Mac

Apple's HomePod may be limited in connectivity, but thanks to its support for the legacy AirPlay standard, it's possible to connect basically anything you want to it over Wi-Fi. One of the best ways to do this is with the Airfoil app, available from longtime Mac developer Rogue Amoeba.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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Android-powered Essential Phone estimated to have shipped just 88K units in 2017

2 years ago

Android-powered Essential Phone estimated to have shipped just 88K units in 2017

Despite being one of the first handsets on the market with an edge-to-edge display, the Essential Phone, pioneered by former Android chief Andy Rubin, failed to compete with the likes of Apple's iPhone X in any meaningful way, with one new estimate suggesting just 88,000 units were shipped last year.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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In software development 'cultural shift', Apple won't hold features for major annual point-zero releases

2 years ago

In software development 'cultural shift', Apple won't hold features for major annual point-zero releases

Rather than packing everything it can into an anticipated "iOS 12" later this year, Apple will reportedly spread out new features into future software updates, meaning "iOS 12.1" and beyond could bring big improvements to the iPhone and iPad.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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HomePod review: Your mileage may vary, but crank it up for the ride

2 years ago

HomePod review: Your mileage may vary, but crank it up for the ride

I love Apple's HomePod, and I want one in every room of my house. But I also kind of hate HomePod for its reliance on Siri. Like any messy relationship, it's complicated. If you can get over the personal assistant's numerous shortcomings, you'll find that HomePod is a fantastic sounding compact speaker, but also potentially the start of something much better.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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Despite being a HomeKit accessory, HomePod does not work within custom triggers or scenes

2 years ago

Despite being a HomeKit accessory, HomePod does not work within custom triggers or scenes

Though HomePod integrates with Apple's HomeKit, and even shows up as a smart home accessory within the iOS Home app, it cannot be used as a part of an automated trigger or custom scene.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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First look: Apple's HomePod is loud, heavy and powerful

2 years ago

First look: Apple's HomePod is loud, heavy and powerful

Friday marks the launch of Apple's foray into home audio, the HomePod, a compact yet booming smart speaker that will delight your ears and possibly annoy your neighbors. AppleInsider offers a closer look at the newly released hardware.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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Goldman Sachs initiates coverage of AAPL stock with neutral outlook, dismisses iPhone X 'super cycle' hype

2 years ago

Goldman Sachs initiates coverage of AAPL stock with neutral outlook, dismisses iPhone X 'super cycle' hype

Investment firm Goldman Sachs initiated coverage of the investment world's largest company, Apple, this week, and set things off with a pessimistic tone, projecting the stock price will stay relatively flat over the next year.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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First look: iPhone Battery Health settings in iOS 11.3

2 years ago

First look: iPhone Battery Health settings in iOS 11.3

Apple's second beta of iOS 11.3 adds the anticipated iPhone Battery Health section, allowing users to check the longevity and remaining capacity of their device's battery, and also control throttling of it. AppleInsider offers a first look at how it will work when iOS 11.3 ships to the public later this spring.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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HomePod review roundup: Apple's smart speaker sounds incredible, but Siri is lacking

2 years ago

HomePod review roundup: Apple's smart speaker sounds incredible, but Siri is lacking

As a home audio device, Apple's HomePod is a hit with critics, who have lauded the $349 accessory's superior sound quality. But the standalone speaker has not addressed the shortcomings of Siri, an area where HomePod lagged behind the capabilities of competitors Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

By Neil Hughes | 2 years ago

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