Latest news with #VoiceMemos
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Apple Gave Your iPhone a Useful New Feature You Probably Didn't Know About
It may not have grabbed the headlines, but this is definitely one of the most useful new features I've used in years. Since the fall, Apple has steadily rolled out new features to your iPhone as part of iOS 18 (and its subsequent iterations). Some standouts include the ability to customize your Home Screen, Lock Screen and Control Center like never before. iPhone users also have ability to use Apple Intelligence to generate images, clear up notifications and identify plants, animals and objects. But that's just scratching the surface. Because so many new features get introduced, many fly under the radar, including a recent update to app I've used for years: Voice Memos. Voice Memos is one of Apple's default apps. It lets you record conversations, lectures, vocals or even your spontaneous ideas, and then lets you listen to them later. It has been on your iPhone for years, and it hasn't really changed all that much. That is, until this year, when Apple rolled out two standout features to its voice recording app. As it turns out, both are incredibly useful. The most noteworthy addition to Voice Memos is that, thanks to iOS 18, it can transcribe your audio recordings into text — and it just takes a few seconds. All you need is an iPhone (12 or later) that runs iOS 18. Open the Voice Memos app. Tap the recording you want transcribed. Tap the three dots (top-right corner). Select Edit Recording. Select the Transcribe button (Quotes) in the bottom-left corner. Once selected, you'll see a 'Transcription in progress' message and, after a few seconds, you'll be able to view your transcribed recording. If you don't want to view the transcription right away, you can quickly access it in Voice Memos by going to that specific audio recording, selecting the three dots and tapping 'View Transcript.' In my experience, it's pretty accurate — like 85 percent or so — but you'll still want to go back over it and edit certain details that your iPhone didn't get exactly right. When Apple rolled out iOS 18.2, it added a key feature to the Voice Memos app that's particularly useful for musicians. Specifically, it allows you to add a second recording — or layer — to an existing recording and then listen to them together as one. This allows you to add things like vocals, a second instrument or just commentary over an existing recording — no headphones required. You can even mix the two layers as you see fit. Open the Voice Memos app. Tap the recording you want to add a layer to. Select the waveform icon (bottom-left corner). Select the '+' icon (might say 'Add a Vocal Layer'). Tap the red record button. Once done, you can select the layer recording and adjust the prominence of the two recordings. You can even separate the two and listen to each individually. There's a catch, however. The feature is powered by Apple's A18 Pro chip, which is only found in the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. If you have any other iPhone, you're unfortunately out of luck with this one. Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol's editorial team since 2014. As a Tech Staff Writer, he tracks everything in the consumer tech space, from headphones to smartphones, wearables to home theater systems. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Yahoo
7 underrated iPhone features you're probably not using
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Think you know your iPhone inside and out? Think again. Apple's smartphones are packed with clever features, but many of the best tools are buried deep in menus or quietly added with the latest iOS 18 updates — and chances are, you're not using them to their full potential. Whether you've had an iPhone for a while or just picked up one of the best iPhones on the market as a new device, there's always something extra to discover. I've listed seven genuinely useful features here that are easy to miss but incredibly handy once you know where to look. Here's how to unlock the hidden potential of your iPhone — no app downloads or extra tools required. (Image: © Tom's Guide) Recording and transcribing calls on your iPhone is brilliant for interviews, reference calls, or just remembering what someone said. After placing a call in the Phone app and the person has answered, look in the top left corner of the screen and tap the Start Call Recording symbol, which looks like a series of vertical lines. Next, tap continue. A voice will announce the call is being recorded. When you're done recording, touch the red Stop button located in the middle of the screen or hang up the call. Your iPhone will automatically generate a transcription of the call, which can be found in the Call Recordings folder in the Notes app, or in Voice Memos if you've recorded audio separately. (Image: © Tom's Guide) Snap a photo of a mysterious plant or critter, and your iPhone can now help you figure out what it is. After taking the picture, open it in the Photos app and tap the Info button at the bottom of the screen. If your iPhone recognizes the subject, a little sparkle icon will appear — tap it and Look up plant and you'll see a suggested identification. You'll also get options to learn more via Safari or Wikipedia. This trick works with a wide range of flora and fauna, and it's built into iOS, so there's no need to install a separate plant ID app. Whether you're hiking, in your garden, or just curious about what you passed on your morning walk, your iPhone now doubles as a handy pocket naturalist. (Image: © Tom's Guide) Running out of iPhone storage is frustrating. Just when you're about to capture an important moment, that dreaded "Storage Full" message appears. But there's a way to get some of that precious storage space back, without deleting apps or purchasing more storage. To do this, go to Settings, General, iPhone Storage and browse your apps list. For applications you rarely use, tap on one and select Offload App. This smart feature removes the app itself but keeps all your personal data, documents, and settings. When you need the app again, simply tap its icon and it reinstalls automatically with all your information intact. The space savings shown as App Size is what you'll reclaim, while your personal data stays safely on your device. (Image: © Tom's Guide) Hidden in the Accessibility settings is a seriously useful feature — background you're trying to focus, sleep, or soothe a fussy baby, your iPhone can play calming white noise, ocean waves, rainfall, or a trickling stream. Just head to Settings, Accessibility, Audio & Visual, Background Sounds, toggle it on, and select your preferred sound. You can adjust volume independently of other audio and even add it to your Control Center for quick access. It's a simple feature, but it can make a big difference in your daily routine — especially when you're traveling, trying to work, or just need a mental reset. (Image: © Tom's Guide) Whether you're trying to be respectful of someone's time, or just not that person sending texts at 2am, scheduling messages can be a lifesaver. Your iPhone lets you do this directly in the Messages app. Type out your message, then tap the + symbol next to the text box. Choose Send Later, pick the date and time, and your phone will automatically send it for you — no reminders or alarms needed. It's great for birthday wishes, reminders, or timed check-ins. And if you change your mind, you can edit or cancel the scheduled message before it sends. Once you've used it, you'll wonder how you lived without it. (Image: © Tom's Guide) If you've ever had to slowly read out a long Wi-Fi password to a guest (or worse, spell it out character by character), this one's for you. Your iPhone now lets you generate a QR code for your Wi-Fi network — and anyone can scan it to join instantly. To do this, launch the Passwords app, select the Wi-Fi network that you want to share, then simply tap Show Network QR code. A QR code will appear that others can scan with their phone's camera. It's especially helpful if someone's using an Android device, or if you're hosting a group and want to skip the repeat explanations. (Image: © Tom's Guide) The ability to automatically filter out screenshots from your main photo view addresses a common pain point for many iPhone users. This immediately hides all screenshots from your main gallery view without deleting them, creating a much cleaner browsing experience focused on your actual photographs. To use this feature, open the Photos app, tap the filter icon, select View Options, and uncheck Screenshots. What makes this feature especially valuable is that it doesn't require any ongoing management. Screenshots remain accessible when needed through the Albums tab, but they no longer crowd your main photo stream. For someone who takes dozens of screenshots daily for how-to articles, this feature is an absolute game-changer. Now you've learned 7 underrated iPhone features you're probably not using, why not take a look at some of our other useful iPhone articles?Check out I've been testing iOS 18 Photos — and these 5 features make a huge difference and iOS 18.4 has dropped — 5 new iPhone features to try first. And if you're sick of AI summaries on your iPhone, here's how you can switch them off.
New York Times
03-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Times
I Just Want to Eat Bread for Dinner
Writing this newsletter is easier some weeks than others. Inspiration minds no schedule. Often it strikes me on the subway, where I'll hammer out a few paragraphs in my Notes app, or in the shower, where I'll reach for my phone perched on the sink ledge and dictate a flurry of one-liners into the Voice Memos app, my musings about pesto punctuated by a pitter-patter on porcelain. Other weeks, I scramble to pull something together, leaning on the changing seasons as my guide. On Monday, I sent my editor, Mia, a cascade of indecisive messages. 'Maybe frozen peas?' Once I sat down to write about a few springtime stars — peas, asparagus — words eluded me. I love them both! But I don't want to eat peas and asparagus right now, even if it is, finally, April. I want to eat bread for dinner. That's a tough sell for a newsletter called 'The Veggie,' but the challenge moved me. If you, too, just want to eat bread for dinner, either because you're tired, uninspired or, I don't know, training for a marathon, I'm here to say that you can, and you can do so with the virtuousness we often seek at the bottom of a bowl of vegetables. Take Lidey Heuck's chopped salad with chickpeas, feta and avocado. Yes, it is richly green, sporting lettuce, diced cucumber, green olives, scallions, capers and herbs (dill, basil, mint or parsley). But it is also a beacon in my hour of carb-ish need, a vessel for crisp, olive oil-drizzled croutons. View this recipe. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Fox News
27-03-2025
- General
- Fox News
Preserve loved ones' voicemails on iPhone
Preserving the voices of loved ones can be a profoundly comforting way to keep their memories alive, especially during times of loss. For many, hearing a familiar voice can evoke powerful emotions and provide solace. Recently, Laura from Silver Spring, Maryland, reached out with a heartfelt question: "My Mom passed away unexpectedly, and I still have some voicemails from her that I would like to preserve. Can you recommend a quality voice recorder that I could use to record her messages? I'm not a sound engineer, just an average person who wants to purchase a voice recording device that will provide a realistic recording of my Mom's voice that I can keep forever." Thank you for your heartfelt question, Laura. First, let me say I'm deeply sorry for your loss. It's beautiful that you want to preserve your mom's voice. I know what you are going through, as I, too, have experienced the pain of losing my dad, and I wanted to preserve the voicemails he left for me. Below are some practical steps and recommendations for saving his voicemails and recording them for safekeeping. (Android users click here) If the voicemails are stored on your iPhone, here's how you can save them: If the voicemail is on another device, like a phone, computer, laptop or tablet, you could use your iPhone to record it. Here's how to do it using the Voice Memos app on your iPhone: Once you've saved or recorded the voicemails: Preserving the voices of loved ones is a beautiful way to keep their memories alive, offering comfort and solace during difficult times. For Laura and anyone else who has experienced loss, these recordings can become treasured possessions. Remember, there's no rush in this process. Take your time and be gentle with yourself. While it might be emotional to listen to these messages now, in time, they may become a source of comfort and joy, allowing you to hear the love and warmth of those who are no longer with you. Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships. Have you ever used technology to preserve a special moment or voice? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
