Philip Michaels
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Articles by Philip Michaels
App Report: Apps worth grabbing
It’s a real grab bag of apps in this week’s report, but that seems wholly appropriate somehow. After all, most of us turn to our Macs for a variety of reasons, so why not a selection of apps that speed up image processing, give you new controls over your tunes or help you keep a cleaner, better organized desktop? Oh, and there’s an iOS app in there, too, for the next time the travel bug bites you. So why not reach in and see if any of the apps below grab you?
20 smart iOS 27 features that will make your life easier — and how to use them
Though other iPhone software updates can boast a greater number of changes, iOS 27 still marks a significant release for Apple, as it ushers in an overhaul of Siri that adds greater intelligence to the device you likely have with you at all times. Whereas past versions of Apple's assistant have struggled with basic queries, iOS 27's take on Siri delivers a more capable helper that can perform more tasks, find our more information and prove to be every bit as indispensable as the iPhone itself.
App Report: All That Jazz
Sometimes, putting these columns about intriguing macOS and iOS apps together feels a little like improvisational jazz — I’m not always sure where this is going or how it’s going to wind up, but hopefully there’s a note or two that someone gets some enjoyment out of. Well, this week, we’re going to look at an app that deals with actual jazz. How’s that for a tie-in?
App Report: Tiny delights
Sometimes, it’s the little things in life, as this week’s crop of intriguing apps proves. None of our entries promise anything revolutionary — just control over one aspect or another of your Mac that should stand to make your user experience just a tad bit better. Oh and we throw in a game, too. All work, no play and all that. So let’s work our way down the list of possible additions to your Mac or iPhone.
Leasing an iPhone Is Actually a Good Deal
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Apple’s latest iPhones, which hit stores on September 18, are its most expensive iPhones ever.
Apple Has New Parental Controls for Your Kid’s iPhone. Here Are the 6 Settings to Know About.
Still looking? See more results on Wirecutter. We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Apple’s parental controls let you manage everything from screen time to what apps wind up on your kid’s iPhone. But the latest version of Apple’s iPhone software, iOS 27, refines those controls even further, making setup and management even easier while expanding what’s under your control.
App report: The apps that go with you
One of the benefits to being part of the Apple ecosystem is the plethora of apps that work across all of Apple’s devices so that you can access them whether you’re sitting in front of a Mac, out and about with your iPhone or even strapping on a Vision Pro headset. Come on — somebody out there has to be wearing one of those things.
App Report: AI to the rescue! No… really
Artificial Intelligence takes center stage in a few of the apps enjoying this week’s spotlight — and not the kind of AI that’s going to have you rolling your eyes or organizing a protest march against the nearest data center. No, these are actually useful AI features that take some of the busy work of daily life out of your hands so you can concentrate on other things. AI or no, we’re always looking for top macOS and iOS apps to feature here.
App Report: Easy listening, easier reading
We’ve got a pair of apps that help you get a little reading done, albeit with two different approaches. Still, whether you prefer having someone else read the articles to you or if you just prefer a cleaner feed of articles, there’s something for everyone in this week’s App Report. If there’s something you think belongs in our weekly look at promising macOS and iOS apps, just drop us a line at apps@sixcolors.com with a brief description of the app in question.
App report: Talk back and track on a Mac
Clearly, creating Mac apps that make the most of your voice continues to be a focus of developers — at least based on the offerings coming across my radar lately. Following last week’s profile of two different takes on on-device transcription software, we’ve got yet another voice-powered app to take a look at, with this macOS download supporting dictation that you can then paste into other apps.
App report: Listen, read… checkmate
Your voice may be your passport, as a certain Robert Redford picture once asserted, but two macOS apps in our spotlight this week view your voice as a way to get more things done on your Mac. We’re talking transcription apps with two apps that take very different approaches to what you can do with vocal recognition and AI. But that’s not all for this week.
App report: Kicking my World Cup withdrawal
(Left to right): Annotate, Kickabout, and Undolly. For the most part, I’m going to focus on Mac apps with these columns, because that’s where the action seems to be these days. But iOS remains a vibrant platform, too, and every now and again, we’ll look at some of the interesting apps being created for iPhones and iPads. This is one of those now and agains. Want to see your app included in a future round-up?
App report: Adding a shelf to my Mac
Just ahead of WWDC 2026, Jason Snell noted that he gets a lot of pitches about Mac apps, attributing the sudden boom in macOS offerings to vibe coding aided by artificial intelligence. Regardless of how apps are getting built — be it with AI tools or the more conventional developer kits that Apple offers — it’s certainly true that a lot more macOS apps seem to be popping up, extending the capabilities of your hardware. And some of those apps deserve a little extra attention.
Stop previews from autoplaying on Apple TV
Tubi, don’t ruin this! My Apple TV has started yelling at me. Or at the very least, the Disney+ app on the Apple TV is now clamoring for my attention. It used to be that when I fired up Disney Plus on my Apple TV, I could browse for something to watch in relative peace. But at some point, an update must have come along that caused the app to break its previously inviolable vow of silence. Because now, when I hover over the thumbnail for a particular movie or show, a preview starts to autoplay.
Prime Day, again?! Why it’s OK to ignore Amazon’s big sales event
When Amazon Prime Day gets underway this Tuesday (June 23), it will be the first time in nearly a decade that I’m not involved in some tech site’s effort to go all out with coverage around the online retailer’s multiday sales event. In recent years, my home base on the West Coast has meant late-night shifts posting about deals, updating constantly shifting sales prices and otherwise pointing out discounted doodads to readers.
WWDC 2026: Apple’s AI overhaul leads the changes for this year’s software updates
Siri’s long-awaited overhaul made its public debut today during Apple’s WWDC 2026 keynote, as Apple outlined its vision for a more capable version of its virtual assistant that’s powered by a new generation of Apple Intelligence. Going forward, Apple’s foundation models are being blended with Google Gemini to create the new heart of Apple Intelligence.
Why US Mobile’s Cheap Cell Phone Plans Are Suddenly So Popular
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Searching for a low-cost cell phone plan can bring up more questions than answers. While you can find plenty of cheap plans out there, many of them come from wireless services you may have never heard of. And that can leave you wondering not only how to tell the carriers apart, but also whether their low-cost plans come with a catch.
Scoring the differences between ESPN and Apple Sports
In recent weeks, when I’ve fired up the ESPN app on my iPhone, an unpleasant sight has greeted me amid all the scores and upcoming games I’m trying to check in on. There, placed prominently in each entry for upcoming games, regardless of the sport, has been a big, ugly-looking block of betting odds. The Apple Sports (left) and ESPN apps. Outside of friendly card games, I’m not a gambler and certainly not someone who wagers on sports.
'This Week in Baseball' returns, but the original show still casts a large shadow
Major League Baseball caught baseball fans by surprise earlier this week by announcing the return of This Week in Baseball . But for some of us, the weekly highlights series never really left. Old episodes of the original series, which ran in its original format from 1977 to 1998, are everywhere on the internet. Apple TV lets you stream a few dozen episodes ever since the streaming service signed on to carry weekly baseball games a few years ago.
Apple at 50: My 10 most memorable moments
The author (far right) at a certain Apple event 25 years ago. It’s Apple’s 50th anniversary — you might have read something about that lately. And I’ve been writing about the company for more than half of that time, roughly 27 years if my math is correct. Companies may last a good long while, particularly when they have a track record of great products, but the writers who report on them invariably crumble to dust.
As F1 coverage begins, where does Apple go from here?
The green flag at the start of the Australian Grand Prix this Saturday (March 7) won't just mark the beginning of the first Formula 1 race of the 2026 season. It also launches the first official race covered by Apple TV under a five-year deal that makes the streaming service the home of F1 coverage in the U.S. And we can expect a few things to happen as people tune in for that first race.
Sling’s Day Passes are the answer to my streaming prayers
I cut the cable TV cord just about seven years ago, and I don’t regret the move at all. Through a judicious selection of streaming services—some free, some bundled—I’m able to see most of what I care to. And for the most part, it’s all on my own schedule. The one pain point has been sports, which remains one of the few things keeping cable TV afloat. Even that’s changing a little bit, as streaming services are picking up coverage of more events.
iPhone 18 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: How this year's top flagship phones could compare
It's early days, of course, since we haven't even seen Samsung's new flagships yet, let alone the new iPhone models coming out later this year. But with rumors giving us some early indications of what the smartphone scene might look like in 2026, here's an early iPhone 18 Pro vs. Galaxy S26 comparison that reveals how Apple and Samsung are staking out their corners of the market. iPhone 18 Pro vs.
iPhone 18 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S26: How this year's top flagship phones could compare
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: There's A Clear Winner Here The fight between the iPhone and Android can often more simply be boiled down to a fight between the brands that make them. According to data from …
iOS 26 Preview: 7 features to explore in your iPhone’s newest app
IOS 26 preview app icon. Apple's Preview app doesn't seem like it would be well-suited for the iPhone, given the screen size limitations relative to an iPad or Mac. And while I suspect Apple decided to add Preview to iOS 26 as part of an overall push for a unified software experience across its different devices, there's certainly a benefit to having an app where you can mark up and fill in documents right there on your iPhone.
I was worried about Apple’s rumored iPhone 18 release plans but now I think users will benefit
IPhone 18 Pro concept design from Aptenod on YouTube. When reports trickled out that Apple could stagger its iPhone release schedule — essentially splitting up when it released the standard and Pro models of its phones — I had some concerns that the move might short-change people who didn't want to pay up for Apple's more expensive models. But with Apple's rumored plans coming into focus, I'm starting to see how all kinds of iPhone customers can benefit from different release times.
Galaxy Unpacked 2026: What to expect at Samsung's big launch event
Galaxy s26 renders galaxy ai logo next to unpacked text. The biggest question around the 2026 edition of Samsung's start-of-year Galaxy Unpacked event is why it hasn't happened yet. And that's followed by a follow-up query: So when will Galaxy Unpacked 2026 actually take place? In recent years, we'd already be counting down the hours to Galaxy Unpacked. The last two editions have been held in January — January 22 for last year's event and January 17 for the one in 2024.
Motorola's most advanced budget phone lasts a long time on a charge — but is that enough?
But the Moto G Power isn't the only long-lasting budget phone in Motorola's lineup. We've recently reviewed the 2026 versions of the Moto G Play and Moto G, both of which boast epic battery life of their own. They also happen to be even cheaper than the Moto G Power (2026). So can the Power distinguish itself in any other way from its in-house competition? And which long-lasting phone should bargain hunters be on the lookout for?
iPhone 17e can be the must-have midrange phone — if Apple adds this feature
IPhone 17e concept render by AorS Mobile . I don't think it's selling short the prospects of the iPhone 17e to declare that Apple's next phone — expected in the first half of the year — isn't going to be a particularly earth-shattering device. Midrange models like Apple's iPhone E series don't exist to break new ground. Rather, they're added to the lineup to draw in customers who can't — or won't — pay flagship prices and will accept some trade-off on features if it means a more affordable.
Should you buy the Galaxy S25 now or wait for the Galaxy S26?
Render of the Galaxy S26 in orange, and the Galaxy S25 held in hand. There's never been a better time to buy one of Samsung's Galaxy S25 models, at least when it comes to price. But by that same token, there's never been a worse time to get Samsung's current flagships if you're hoping to have the latest and greatest hardware from the phone maker. Call it the phone buyer's paradox. Right now, every Galaxy S25 model can be had for a big discount.
The new iOS 26 preview app has solved one of my biggest problems with the iPhone
If you're anything like me, you haven't thought about the Preview app on your iPhone since the moment Apple introduced it as one of two new apps added in last fall's iOS 26 update. But that's a great disservice to Preview, which brings at least one key capability to my iPhone that wasn't really included before, allowing me to do more from the comfort of my phone.iOS 26 Preview is a mobile version of the document viewer and annotation app that's been a mainstay of the Mac for years.
Galaxy S25 prices have hit all-time lows — should you upgrade now or wait for the Galaxy S26? | Flipboard
17 hours ago When is Samsung showing off the Galaxy S26 line? The question of what will be shown at this Unpacked event is also fairly easy to answer based on precedent from previous years. In short, expect a lot of information about the Galaxy S26 phones. Just like in previous years, there will be three of …
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro: How these top flagship phones could compare
We won't know the answer to that question for certain until Samsung actually announces the phone. But enough Ultra details are leaking out to give us an idea of how a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro face-off would shake out. (If you're more interested in comparing phones with similar screen sizes, we've also got a look at how a Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max showdown is shaping up ahead of Samsung's launch.) Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs.
First the iPhone 17 Pro, now the Galaxy S26 Ultra? Why phone makers may be turning their backs on titanium
The iPhone 16 Pro Max (L) and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra rear cameras. Titanium — once the toast of the smartphone world — appears to be on the outs, as yet another smartphone maker is rumored to be turning its back on a material that had been trumpeted as a high-end feature up until recently. Speculation is mounting that Samsung won't include titanium as one of the materials used by its Galaxy S26 Ultra phone, after a leaker posted potential colors for Samsung's upcoming premium model.
I switched to Mint Mobile for 3 months — here's my pros and cons
Mint Mobile review: What you'll pay (Image credit: Mint Mobile) Before I talk about my experience using Mint for wireless coverage, let's go over Mint cell phone plan pricing since that's the factor that likely drew you to the carrier in the first place. Mint offers plans with talk, text and data that cost a fraction of what you'll pay at some of the best phone carriers.
Phone prices are expected to go up in 2026 — here's how to avoid the sticker shock
Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e. For the past few years, I've been arguing that midrange phones offer some of the best value of any handset you can buy, seeing as how the best cheap phones we've reviewed pack in enough premium features to hold their own against pricier devices. And in 2026, I'm willing to bet that a lot more smartphone shoppers are going to come around to my way of thinking.
Phone prices are expected to go up in 2026 — here's how to avoid the sticker shock | Flipboard
15 hours ago Losing your iPhone at the beginning of the New Year is no fun, but there's hope. Here's what you can do to find it. We've officially kicked off the New Year! However, if you or someone you know has lost or misplaced their iPhone during all the holiday festivities, you've come to the right place. …
Apple's new iPhones for 2026: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Fold and more
So the rumor mill is already bubbling up with rumors about Apple's 2026 iPhone releases, including some key software news that should surface during the year. And while the next 12 months should bring new versions of old favorites along with a hotly anticipated debut device to Apple's lineup, one familiar face could be absent from the 2026 release schedule. Here's what we're expecting to see from Apple when it comes to iPhones in 2026, and when those releases might occur.
I like Apple’s iOS 26 update but the new Games app is a letdown — here's why
Ios games app interface. This year's iOS 26 update put the focus on a new interface for Apple's iPhone software as opposed to an infinite list of changes, but I do enjoy the majority of the enhancements that are there. Messages is a more capable texting tool, and there plenty to like about everything from Reminders to Photos as well. Even Apple Intelligence gets a boost, modest though it may be, with extended Visual Intelligence capabilities.
Samsung reportedly doesn't know what to charge for the Galaxy S26 — and that could be bad news
SmartPrix renders of the galaxy s26 phones. Samsung is reportedly having a hard time coming up with a price for the Galaxy S26 likely to ship in early 2026. And that could be a potentially ominous sign for anyone planning on buying Samsung's latest flagship phones. Word of Samsung's Galaxy S26 pricing dilemma comes from a report in The Bell, a Korean publication, which claims the phone maker is struggling to figure out how much to charge for its upcoming devices.
Samsung reportedly doesn't know what to charge for the Galaxy S26 and that could be bad news
Samsung is reportedly having a hard time coming up with a price for the Galaxy S26 likely to ship in early 2026. And that could be a potentially ominous sign for anyone planning on buying Samsung's latest flagship phones.Word of Samsung's Galaxy S26 pricing dilemma comes from a report in The Bell, a Korean publication, which claims the phone maker is struggling to figure out how much to charge for its upcoming devices.
Samsung reportedly doesn't know what to charge for the Galaxy S26 — and that could be bad news | Flipboard
CES 2026 could change TVs forever — here's what to expect CES is the place to see the cutting-edge of technological advancement and, this year, Micro RGB is going to take center stage. They're fast becoming …
iPhone 17e expected upgrades — here's why this new iPhone will be a bigger deal than you think
IPhone 17e concept render by AorS Mobile . If a leaked Apple road map for future product releases is to be believed, we're not going to have to wait until the fall to see our first iPhone of 2026. Apple's reportedly planning to launch an iPhone 17e in the first half of the year, as it looks to improve upon the revamped budget-friendly iPhone it introduced this past spring.
Forget smart glasses these AI upgrades made phones way smarter in 2025
The phone world may have been shy of ground-breaking innovations in 2025, but that doesn't mean there weren't positive steps forward for a device that most of us keep close at hand throughout the day.
Forget smart glasses — these AI upgrades made phones way smarter in 2025 | Flipboard
1 day ago The new year is almost here, and Apple has a packed product lineup for 2026. Rumors indicate up to 25 new products will launch, here’s an overview of everything new on Apple’s roadmap. Winter and Spring 2026: Low-cost MacBook, iPhone 17e, Home products, more Apple has a much larger than usual lineup …
Samsung could be making a Galaxy AI mistake with the Galaxy S26 lineup — here’s why
Galaxy AI logo. Since the first Galaxy AI features appeared on board the Galaxy S24 in 2024, Samsung has followed a pretty inclusive path about which models sport those capabilities. If you bought the entry-level Galaxy S model, you could expect the same AI features found on the more premium Ultra offering. That's how it was with the 2024 flagship release, and the Galaxy S25 models stuck to that approach earlier this year.
Samsung could be making a Galaxy AI mistake with the Galaxy S26 lineup — here’s why | Flipboard
Bitcoin heads for its worst Q4 since 2018 as traders see further fatigue Data from CoinGlass shows bitcoin is down more than 22% so far in the fourth quarter, making 2025 one of the weakest year-end periods outside of …
I use iOS Reminders to stay on top of my to-dos with my 7 favorite features
Reminders may not be the most glamorous app on your iPhone, but it could prove to be one of the more useful of Apple's built-in offerings depending on how you use it. With Reminders, you can keep track of tasks, even tying them to times and locations so that you're always on top of what you need to do.There's hardly a day that goes by where I'm not asking Siri to remind me of something I need to do, tapping into the Reminders app to create time-sensitive tasks.
No phone has disappointed me more this year than the OnePlus 15R — here’s why
OnePlus 15R back. This is the time of year when people in my line of work start thinking about the biggest hits and misses of the past 12 months. When it comes to my area of interest, I have plenty of candidates to consider for the best phones of the past year. But there's no debate over which phone has disappointed me the most — the OnePlus 15R. That may be a surprising choice, as the OnePlus 15R is seems like a very solid phone.
I customized my iPhone lock screen using iOS 26.2's new transparency slider and I'm happier with how it looks
Customize your iphone lock screen with a spatial photo in ios 26. In a sense, most software is a work in progress, with companies continuing to roll out tweaks and updates long after the initial release. For an example of that, look no further than iOS 26 in general and the new Liquid Glass interface in particular. Liquid Glass debuted across Apple's different software platforms this fall, and it's safe to say the new look has garnered a mixed reaction.
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