الوسم: Phone Apps

How to Schedule a Text Message on Your iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Are you frequently sending text messages to someone overseas? Perhaps you want to contact a colleague who’s currently enjoying some time off without bothering them? Or maybe you wish to remind your partner every day around the same time that you’re about to head home and check if they need anything picked up?

If any of these situations sound familiar, you might be interested in learning how to schedule text messages on your iPhone. This functionality has become standard on Android devices, and it can be incredibly useful.
Skill Level

Easy

Estimated Time

5 minutes

Requirements

An iPhone with iOS 18 or later

An iPhone running iOS 13 or higher

The Shortcuts app installed
The crucial question is: Can you schedule text messages on your iPhone? With iOS 18, you can do this natively for other iMessage users. However, for standard SMS messages or to send messages multiple times, you’ll need to utilize the Shortcuts app. Below are both methods to get the job done.

Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

How to Schedule a Message in iOS 18

With the release of iOS 18, Apple introduced the ability to use the Send Later feature, which also allows for RCS support to enhance communication with Android users.

However, this Send Later functionality only applies to conversations between iMessage users. To schedule SMS or RCS messages to Android devices, you’ll need to deploy the Shortcuts app, which is explained in the following section.

Step 1: Launch the Messages app on your iPhone running iOS 18.

Step 2: Open the conversation with the iMessage user.

Step 3: Compose your message.

Step 4: Tap the Plus sign (+) next to the text entry field.

Step 5: Choose Send later from the options shown.

Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

Step 6: Set the desired date and time for sending your message.

Step 7: Press the Send button, and your message will be scheduled.

Step 8: You can tap Edit on the scheduled message to send it immediately, change the scheduling, or even delete it entirely.

Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

How to Schedule an SMS or RCS Message on iPhone Using Shortcuts

If you need to send SMS or RCS messages to someone who doesn’t use iMessage, you can use the Shortcuts app to create an automation. This allows you to set up recurring messages based on a specific timeline you determine.

The Shortcuts app is pre-installed on iPhones running iOS 13 or higher. If it’s missing, you can easily download it from the App Store at no cost.

Step 1: Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap the Automation tab at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3: If you haven’t previously set up any automations, tap Create personal automation. This option will not appear if you have existing automations.

Digital Trends

Step 4: If you already have automations, tap the Plus sign (+) in the upper-right corner.

Step 5: Choose the Time of day option.

Step 6: Set the time you would like your message to be sent. You can also specify how frequently it should repeat and whether you want confirmation prompts to appear. Once you’re done, tap Next.

Step 7: From the Actions menu, select Send message. If you don’t see this option, use the search bar at the top.

Digital Trends

Step 8: Tap Message and enter the content of your message.

Step 9: Tap Recipients to add the contacts who should receive the message.

Step 10: Tap Done to save your automation.

Digital Trends

Step 11: Once saved, your automation will activate at the scheduled time and frequency you’ve selected. If you decide you no longer want the automation, swipe left on it in the list and select Delete.
أكتوبر 16, 2024
How To Cancel Your Disney+ Subscription: Step-by-Step Guide
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Disney+ offers an impressive array of beloved classics and the latest films and series among streaming platforms. But what do you do when you’ve finished the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, revisited distant galaxies, watched every Pixar movie, finished all 34 seasons of The Simpsons, and explored all that Disney+ provides? Perhaps you’re ready to take a break or simply want to cut back on expenses.

If you’re considering deleting your Disney+ account, the procedure is quite simple. What will differ for each user is the method by which they created their Disney+ account.

We’ve prepared this guide to help you through the cancellation of your Disney+ subscription and your overall Disney account. Here’s how to do it.
Difficulty

Easy

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

A Disney+ account

A home computer (for browser cancellation)

A smartphone or tablet (for cancellation through iOS or Android)
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

How to Cancel Your Disney+ Subscription on a Computer

Follow these steps if you registered through a PC rather than a mobile device.

Step 1: Log into your Disney+ account on the Disney+ website.

Step 2: Click or hover on the Profile icon in the upper-right corner.

Step 3: From the dropdown, select Account.

Step 4: Under the Subscription section, click on the subscription you wish to cancel.

Step 5: Click the Cancel Subscription link.

Step 6: Provide a reason for your cancellation and then select Continue to finalize the process.

Screengrab

How to Cancel via Google Play

Follow these steps if you subscribed through the Disney+ Android app.

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Click the Three-line Menu icon in the upper-left corner.

Step 3: Select Subscriptions, then choose Disney+.

Step 4: Click Cancel Subscription.

Screengrab

How to Cancel via iOS or iPadOS

Follow these steps if you registered through the Disney+ app for Apple devices.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap your Name/Apple ID.

Step 2: Tap Subscriptions.

Step 3: Choose Disney+, then select Cancel Subscription.

After Cancelling Disney+

You will still have access to Disney+ until the end of your current billing cycle.

If you’re looking for a refund, keep in mind that Disney+ does not provide refunds for partially used billing periods, but you will not incur any cancellation fees.

Even after cancellation, your Disney account (created during your Disney+ signup and used across all Disney platforms) remains active. This account will continue to receive promotional emails unless you opt-out. To delete your Disney account completely:

Step 1: Visit Disney’s Privacy Controls page.

Step 2: Sign in using the link under Manage your registration account.

Step 3: Here, you can adjust notification preferences, such as email frequencies, or completely remove your Disney account.

Be aware that deleting your Disney account won’t automatically cancel your Disney+ subscription; it will prevent you from accessing Disney+. Therefore, ensure you terminate your Disney+ subscription prior to deleting your Disney account. If you skip this, you may have to contact Disney customer service for support.

Now, you might want to explore what Netflix currently has to offer.
أكتوبر 7, 2024
Arc Search Is Now Available On Android

Arc Search has quickly become one of my favorite iPhone applications this year. This browser app stands out with its impressive speed, sleek design, and fantastic AI capabilities. Today, the developers at The Browser Company announced that Arc Search is now available on Android devices.

Starting October 3, you can download Arc Search from the Google Play Store on any Android device running version 13 or later. While the app is still in its open beta phase and lacks some features found in the iOS version, it’s still thrilling to see such a popular iPhone app make its way to the Android platform.

If you’re new to Arc Search, you’ll find it incredibly intuitive to use. Upon launching the app, you are greeted with a search bar where you can enter a URL or a search term. By tapping the + icon, you can open a new tab, and the Cards icon located at the bottom-left lets you view all your currently open tabs and searches.

Search result in Arc Search Joe Maring / Digital Trends

The real standout feature of Arc Search is its Browse for Me functionality. After entering a query, you can either hit Go/Enter for a traditional Google search or tap the Browse for Me button.

When you choose Browse for Me, Arc Search’s AI reviews various websites and compiles an answer to your query. You receive clearly articulated responses, useful contextual information, and links to the sources where the information originated. This feature has quickly become one of my preferred methods for browsing the internet, and I’m sure you’ll appreciate it too.

Arc Search Android app The Browser Company

Besides the Browse for Me feature, Arc Search comes with an integrated ad blocker that is activated by default. While you can turn it off if you wish, the app blocks ads, banners, trackers, and pop-ups right out of the gate.

Some of the app’s latest functionalities, such as voice search and Raise to Call Arc, are not yet accessible. However, as the beta progresses and moves towards its official release, it is expected to match the feature set of the iOS version.

Arc Search is now available for download from the Google Play Store.

أكتوبر 3, 2024
Transform Your Pixel to Look More Like an iPhone

Over the years, as Google’s Pixel phone lineup has expanded, many enthusiasts have noted an increasingly similar design to that of the iPhone. The smooth contours, modern aesthetics, and protruding camera design particularly echo Apple’s flagship model, especially with the recent Google Pixel 9.

Now, it seems that the incoming call interface in the Google Phone app is also set to adopt an iPhone-esque look. This revelation comes from a breakdown of an APK by Android Authority.

According to the findings from Android Authority, Google appears to be experimenting with a new user interface for incoming calls, which could be part of the update version 145.0.672690850. This new design departs from the current Pixel system, where users swipe up to answer or swipe down to decline calls. The upcoming interface will replace those gestures with a simple answer and decline button, much like what iPhone users experience.

If this layout seems reminiscent of Samsung devices, it is with a notable distinction: Samsung places the decline button on the right and the accept button on the left, while the opposite is true for Apple’s design.

Android Authority was unable to activate this user interface feature during testing, and Google has not yet officially commented on it, suggesting that the feature is still under development and may evolve based on user feedback.

While some users might find this change peculiar, it aligns with Google’s strategy to attract iPhone users and encourage them to switch platforms. A more familiar interface could facilitate this transition, especially as the Pixel line offers competitive flagship alternatives at a lower price point than the iPhone.

Moreover, this move might herald a future where mobile device interfaces become more standardized. Although hardware and software variations will persist, it seems reasonable that fundamental functionalities, such as handling incoming calls, remain consistent across different devices.

أكتوبر 1, 2024
How to Hide Apps on Your iPhone in iOS 18 and Earlier: A Complete Guide
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

The iPhone home screen is a divisive topic; some users adore it, while others are less than impressed. Unlike Android devices that utilize an app drawer for storage, iPhones position app icons directly on the home screen, offering ease of access that can sometimes result in a chaotic layout for those with numerous apps. Although the App Library has provided an effective method for organizing apps, many users still primarily rely on their home screens for app management.
Difficulty

Easy

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

iPhone or iPad
However, a common challenge arises when you want to keep certain apps hidden—whether it’s an app you use infrequently, a sensitive banking application, or simply something you prefer to keep private. Although apps can clutter your home screen, Apple has provided several straightforward methods to conceal them without needing to uninstall them from your device.

Thanks to some new features in iOS 18 (now available), users have more options for hiding apps compared to previous iOS versions. Below are detailed instructions for both iOS 18 and earlier versions.

How to Hide and Lock Apps in iOS 18

With the release of iOS 18, Apple has made it easier to hide and secure apps, adding an extra layer of privacy to your device.

Step 1: Begin by pressing and holding the app icon you wish to hide or lock from your iPhone’s home screen.

Step 2: When the menu appears, select Require Face ID and confirm your selection.

Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends

Step 3: If the app supports the feature, you will also see the option to Hide and require Face ID. Tap this to confirm, and the app will be removed from your home screen.

Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends

Step 4: To retrieve a hidden app, navigate to your iPhone’s App Library and select the Hidden folder, which is typically the last one listed.

Step 5: Long-press the app you wish to unhide and select Don’t require Face ID. The app will reappear on your home screen.

Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends

How to Hide Apps in iOS 17 or Earlier

Hiding an app on your iPhone’s home screen is straightforward and can be done quickly. The following steps are for those with iPhones running iOS 17 or older.

Step 1: Locate the app you want to hide on your home screen.

Step 2: Press and hold the app you’d like to hide.

Step 3: A dialogue box will pop up. Select Remove App.

Step 4: You will be prompted to choose whether to completely uninstall the app or just remove it from the home screen. Select Remove from Home Screen to keep the app installed but hide it from view.

How to Locate a Hidden App

If you’ve concealed an app rather than uninstalling it, you will likely want to access it again. While it may not be visible on your home screen, locating a hidden app is still quite easy. There are two straightforward methods for finding it, applicable to iOS 18 and earlier.

Step 1: Use the powerful Spotlight Search feature to find any app, even hidden ones.

Step 2: Swipe down from the middle of your home screen to open the search functionality—avoid swiping from the top to prevent opening notifications.

Step 3: Type the name of the app you’re looking for in the Spotlight Search bar.

How to Find a Hidden App Using the App Library

Another way to search for hidden apps is through the App Library.

Step 1: Swipe left until you reach the end of your home screen, which opens your App Library.

Step 2: Tap the search bar at the top of the screen and either scroll down the alphabetical app list or input the name of the app you’re seeking.

With this knowledge, you are now equipped to effectively hide and retrieve apps on your iPhone! Whether you choose one method or try them all, you have the tools to organize your app collection according to your preferences.
سبتمبر 25, 2024
MKBHD’s Wallpaper App Faces Major Backlash
Marques Brownlee, widely recognized as MKBHD, is a well-known tech YouTuber with a strong emphasis on mobile technology. He recently launched a wallpaper application called Panels, available for both iOS and Android, which showcases work from actual artists rather than relying on artificial intelligence. However, the app is facing significant backlash on social media.

Brownlee made the app’s announcement on X. At the moment, his post has received about 1.6K comments, over 1.7K shares, and more than 13K likes. Despite these numbers, the overall sentiment in the comments isn’t particularly favorable.

Shortly after the announcement, Quinn Nelson, known as SnazzyLabs, and another notable YouTuber, pointed out the Panels app’s unusual request for various permissions, many of which seem unnecessary. These permissions include:
- Location
- Usage Data
- Diagnostics
- Identifiers
- Purchases
- Contact Information
- Search History
While SnazzyLabs presented his critique tactfully, many other users were less restrained. One commenter remarked, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen MKBHD get so much heat before.”

The Panels app charges a subscription fee of $50 per year for premium access to its wallpaper library, which has contributed to a wave of dissatisfaction among users. A commenter even quipped that MKBHD “graduated from the Apple School of Pricing.”

Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Some fans have accused Brownlee of being disconnected due to his success, while others have expressed concerns about privacy given the extensive list of permissions the app requests. Additionally, users have reported that the app is filled with advertisements, even for those who have paid for a subscription.

One post suggested that the Panels app merely rebrands an older wallpaper app that existed before. As YouTubers often branch out beyond their platforms to explore new business opportunities, Brownlee’s approach is intriguing; however, it’s clear that it’s not hitting the mark. To improve reception, he will need to consider removing ads, lowering the subscription price, and cutting down on the permissions.

In response to the criticism, MKBHD addressed these issues in a follow-up post, thanking followers for their input and vowing to address the “excessive data disclosures.” He acknowledged the concerns around pricing but hinted that the fee would likely stay at $50 as he aims “to deliver that kind of value.” However, he mentioned that users on the free tier might see a decrease in ad frequency.
سبتمبر 24, 2024
Windows 11 Apps May Launch 50% Faster With New Tech

In a recent update, Windows Latest highlighted a new support document from Microsoft that confirms the addition of native Ahead of Time (AOT) support to the Windows App SDK. Microsoft asserts that this enhancement could significantly enhance app launch times on Windows 11. Their testing reveals that the start times could be reduced by up to 50%, with package sizes shrinking by nearly eight times.

The Windows App SDK is designed to assist developers in utilizing traditional desktop app frameworks while gaining access to contemporary APIs applicable across a variety of Windows devices.

Despite these advancements, apps developed through this SDK—whether created by Microsoft or third-party developers—often suffer from slow launch times. Users have observed sluggish animations and delays in responsiveness. For instance, the Windows Photos app has been so slow to start that Microsoft resorted to executing it in the background as a temporary fix.

Looking ahead, the introduction of native AOT is poised to alleviate some of these issues. This technology compiles applications into native code beforehand, allowing the system to bypass the process of translating the developer’s code while the app runs. With this reduction in workload, applications should launch more swiftly and consume less memory.

According to Microsoft’s blog, the update is touted as an “incredible performance boost.” However, the true extent of its effectiveness will only be realized over time. For the AOT benefits to be truly advantageous, developers will need to update their applications accordingly, and this transition will likely happen at varied paces across the development landscape. Consequently, the performance improvements will almost certainly differ from one application to another.

While Microsoft presents this update as an exciting new development, it also acknowledges that current Windows 11 applications are not performing optimally. It’s crucial to understand that improvements won’t be immediate and that users should not expect instant enhancements in performance.

سبتمبر 18, 2024
Passports Arriving in Google Wallet But Still Need Paper Version

Are you among the users of Google Wallet? This tool is great for keeping payment methods, event tickets, and a variety of other items organized in one place. Recently, Google announced an exciting new feature: the ability to store passports.

Last year, the introduction of digital storage for certain state IDs marked a significant upgrade for Google Wallet. The company has now revealed plans to beta test a further expansion that includes U.S. passports, aiming to increase accessibility for more users. Users will even find it functional at airports in select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.

At present, digital IDs are accepted in a number of states, including Hawaii, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, and New York, along with Puerto Rico. While this covers less than half of the states, the movement is gradually gaining momentum; for instance, California only started allowing driver’s licenses within Apple Wallet recently.

Setting up your digital ID is straightforward. Simply follow the prompts in Google Wallet to create an ID pass, scan the security chip found on the back of your passport, and you’ll be guided to take a selfie video for identity verification. The process usually wraps up within a few minutes, and you’ll receive a notification upon completion.

It’s essential to remember that while a digital ID enhances convenience, it doesn’t replace your physical passport. You’ll still need to have the actual passport or ID with you during travel, although this setup reduces the frequency of having to retrieve it, thereby lowering the chance of misplacing it. Additionally, Google envisions that digital IDs could also facilitate other processes, such as recovering accounts or renting vehicles.

Though we may still be years away from a completely cashless wallet experience, incorporating passports into digital ID systems is certainly a promising improvement and signals progress in this direction.

سبتمبر 14, 2024
How to Subtract in Excel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Subtracting numbers in Microsoft Excel might seem a bit complex at first, but it’s quite manageable once you get the hang of it.

In this article, we’ll walk you through four different methods to perform subtraction in Excel: directly within a cell, using cell references, employing the SUM function, and leveraging the status bar. Depending on your preferences and needs, you can choose the method that suits you best. Continue reading to learn how to subtract using Excel.

Subtracting Within a Cell

If you just need to quickly subtract two numbers, you can easily do this within a single cell in your Excel worksheet.

Step 1: Click on a blank cell in your sheet and type the following (exclude the brackets and spaces):

=[first number] – [second number]

For example, you might enter: =9-1

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 2: Next, press Enter on your keyboard.

The result of your subtraction should appear instantly, replacing the formula you entered.

In this case, the result would be 8.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Subtracting Using Separate Cells

If the numbers you want to subtract are in different cells, you can utilize cell references alongside a formula.

Step 1: Identify the numbers you wish to subtract and record their cell references. A cell reference indicates a cell’s position in the spreadsheet, defined by its column and row. For example, if one of your values is in Column A, Row 6, its reference would be A6.

Step 2: Click on an empty cell and enter the following formula, replacing the placeholders with your specific cell references:

=[cell reference for the first number] – [cell reference for the second number]

For instance, you may enter: =A5-A6

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 3: Press Enter.

The result of the subtraction will appear in place of the formula you just used.

For our values where A5 is 444 and A6 is 227, the resulting value will be 217.

(You can safeguard the formulas and data by locking certain cells within the spreadsheet.)

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Subtracting with the SUM Function

Excel may not feature a dedicated subtraction function, but you can leverage the SUM function to perform subtractions as well.

Step 1: Click on a blank cell and type the formula below, substituting your own numbers as needed:

=SUM(first number,-second number)

Note: You can designate either number as negative for the subtraction to be carried out.

For example, to subtract 227 from 444, you might use:

=SUM(444,-227)

or alternatively:

=SUM(-227, 444)

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 2: Hit Enter on your keyboard.

The answer should instantly replace the formula you inputted.

In our example, the answer would be 217.

Using the Status Bar for Subtraction

You can also subtract numbers without entering a formula by using Excel’s status bar, which is located at the bottom of the application. Simply enter your numbers into separate cells, making one of them negative. For example, to subtract 227 from 444, type 444 in one cell and -227 in the adjacent cell.

Next, select both cells. Look at the status bar at the bottom of your screen, where you will find the result displayed next to SUM:.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Writing formulas to subtract values in Excel can be simple, yet it also offers more advanced applications. Mastering fundamental arithmetic in spreadsheets will help you maximize your productivity with this software. If you feel confident, consider exploring multiplication in Excel.

After that, familiarize yourself with Excel’s keyboard shortcuts to further enhance your efficiency with the program.

سبتمبر 12, 2024