Skip the cropped group pic or obvious selfie: For professional photos, go with a slight smile over your biggest grin. Pro tip: Blur the background so the person viewing your profile can focus on your face. If your phone has Portrait mode, use it!
iOS 15 Beta: 4 things you'll love and one you'll hate
Apple’s iOS 14.5 has only been out for a few months but the company is already parading the next version of its operating system. The first tangible details about iOS 15 popped up last month in the developer preview.
A solid release date for the completed version is only been announced as Fall 2021. But if you really want to take it for a test drive, the public Beta is now available. Just a word of caution: make a backup of your device before installing iOS 15. Tap or click here to find out why backups are critical.
The operating system’s update will be the next major change to iPhones and iPads and brings with it several additions. Here are four things that Kim loved and one that she thought was incredibly frustrating.
Focus replaces ‘Do Not Disturb’
Many of us make use of the built-in snooze function called Do Not Disturb. When activated, all calls, messages and emails are muted. They are still able to come through, you just don’t get a ring, vibration or on-screen notification.
In iOS 15, the popular function disappears in favor of what Apple calls Focus. The aim is to “help users focus and reduce distraction” Apple explains, by customizing who can contact you, and which apps have disturbance privileges.
“But you have to be super careful or else you won’t get calls from your most important contacts while you’re driving. You need to spend time configuring this or else it will work against you,” Kim revealed about her experience with iOS 15.
FaceTime gets a face lift
Talking to friends and family is more important than ever, so FaceTime’s overhaul comes as a welcome surprise. It will now include tech upgrades like spatial audio and a new microphone setting will separate the user and background audio channels.
Portrait mode is now available for FaceTime as well, and you can blur your background. “FaceTime got a much-needed overhaul! I was like, wow, I look pretty good on FaceTime!” said Kim.
FaceTime for Android and Windows
Speaking of FaceTime, the function has traditionally only been available between iOS users. But Apple has now opened it up to Android and Windows users as well.
Tech tip: How to add a second monitor to your PC, Mac or laptop
Working from home has introduced to a whole new set of difficulties: miscommunication, technical issues, disruptive sounds and never-ending meetings among them.
That’s why it’s important to be proactive and search for new ways to improve your focus. Tap or click here for tools tech companies are offering for free. There are also proactive steps you can take to make work easier. One of our favorite ways to boost at-home productivity using two screens.