Allison Johnson and Dan Seifert, reviewers of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, discuss the new features and top takeaways of the phones. Victoria Song shares her review of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Isaac Mosna and Widgetsmith's David Smith talk about customizing iPhone wallpaper and widgets, including the unexpected success of Widgetsmith and creating customized home screens.
The new Apple Watch models have similar hardware but offer new software updates, such as the double tap gesture, which provides convenience and new capabilities for users.
The S9 SIP processor in the new Apple Watch models enhances overall performance and capabilities, primarily focusing on software improvements rather than major hardware enhancements.
The double tap gesture on the Apple Watch offers context-sensitive actions but its customization options are limited, especially in third-party apps.
iPhone customization, including wallpapers, icons, and widgets, provides users with the opportunity to create a visually appealing and personalized home screen that reflects their unique style and preferences.
Deep dives
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have been released
The latest Apple Watch models, the Series 9 and the Ultra 2, have been launched. The hardware of both watches is nearly identical, with no significant differences in design or appearance. The most noteworthy feature of the new watches is the software, particularly the new WatchOS 10. The software introduces the double tap gesture, which allows users to perform various actions with a simple pinch motion. The double tap gesture can be used to answer or end phone calls, pause or play music, navigate through widgets, among other functions. However, the customization options for the double tap gesture are limited in some cases, such as with third-party apps. Overall, while the hardware of the new watches is similar to previous models, the software updates, particularly the double tap gesture, provide new capabilities and convenience for users.
The S9 SIP processor enhances the software features
The new Apple Watch models are powered by the S9 SIP processor, which offers a 30% faster CPU and a four-core neural engine. This processor enables features like the double tap gesture, improved series accuracy, offline usage of Siri, and more. The processor enhances the overall performance and capabilities of the watches, allowing for quicker responses and smoother operations. However, the update primarily focuses on software improvements, rather than major hardware enhancements.
The double tap gesture provides context-sensitive actions
The double tap gesture, enabled by the S9 SIP processor, offers context-sensitive actions on the Apple Watch. It can be used to answer or end phone calls, play or pause music, and interact with various notifications. The gesture can be customized for certain functions, such as skipping tracks or selecting widgets in the Smart Stack. However, the customization options are limited for some actions, particularly in third-party apps. While the double tap gesture facilitates convenient control of the watch, especially for hands-free or single-handed use, there might be room for further customization and expansion in future updates.
Limited customization for the double tap gesture in third-party apps
While the double tap gesture offers contextual actions and customization options for certain functions on the Apple Watch, its functionality in third-party apps is currently limited. Developers can define the default action for notifications and users can perform that action by double tapping. However, in third-party apps, the double tap gesture does not have any specific functionalities yet. It remains to be seen if developers will have the ability to utilize the double tap gesture in their apps in the future. Overall, the double tap gesture enhances interaction with the watch, but its potential for customization and implementation in third-party apps is currently limited.
Creating Custom Wallpapers and Icons to Personalize Your Phone
Isaac Mazna, known as Knupsy, started creating wallpapers and icons for his own YouTube videos and personal use. He wanted to have wallpapers that matched his style and design aesthetic. He found that people were interested in his wallpapers and asked where they could get them. Isaac saw the demand for personalization and uniqueness among iPhone users. He believes that wallpapers provide a way for individuals to express themselves and create a visually appealing and cohesive experience on their devices. He uses Procreate to create wallpapers, starting with color selection and then experimenting with different shapes and gradients. He tests the wallpapers on his own devices to ensure they look good and fit his style. Isaac's icon pack was inspired by his desire to have cohesive and minimal icons that matched his wallpapers. He wanted his icons to be different from other icon packs and stand out. He hand drew each icon and opted for a specific style that appealed to his taste. The icon pack allows users to have a clean and minimal look on their home screens while also personalizing their devices.
The Evolution and Importance of Widgets in iOS
Widgets have become increasingly popular among iPhone users, thanks to the ability to customize and personalize their home screens. The introduction of interactive widgets in iOS 15 further enhanced the user experience. David Smith, the creator of Widgetsmith, has witnessed the growing demand for widgets. He believes that widgets allow users to access specific information at a glance without having to open the associated app. Widgets can display real-time data or provide interactive experiences, making the home screen more functional and tailored to individual needs. Smith sees widgets as miniature apps that can be used for quick tasks or to provide dynamic content. The incremental introduction of new widget features and interactivity shows that Apple is committed to expanding the widget experience and offering users more options. Smith considers widgets a powerful tool for creating a personalized and productive home screen that reflects the individual's style and preferences.
Exploring the Appeal of iPhone Customization and Icon Packs
iPhone customization has become a popular trend, with users seeking ways to personalize their devices and make them unique. Isaac Mazna, known as Knupsy, recognized this desire for personalization and decided to create his own icon packs. He wanted to provide users with a cohesive set of icons that matched his minimal design aesthetic. The icon packs are designed to complement his wallpapers and create a visually appealing and curated home screen. Through the use of color, shape, and attention to detail, Isaac's icon packs aim to stand out from the generic icon packs available. He believes that icons serve as a form of self-expression and can enhance the overall user experience by offering a consistent and visually pleasing interface. With the ability to customize icons, users can tailor their home screen to reflect their personal style and preferences.
The Growing Demand for Self-Expression through iPhone Customization
The customization of iPhones has gained popularity as users seek to create devices that reflect their personal style and preferences. By changing wallpapers, icons, and widgets, individuals can express their unique tastes and create a visually appealing home screen. The ability to customize iPhones allows users to personalize their devices and make them stand out. Isaac Mazna, creator of Knupsy, recognized this demand and started creating wallpapers and icons for his own use. He saw the value in providing users with the opportunity to enhance their iPhone experience through customization. The incorporation of interactive widgets in iOS 15 further expands the possibilities for self-expression and personalization. Customization has become a way for individuals to create a device that represents their individuality and creates a positive emotional response when interacting with their devices.
