Macworld When you move to a new iPhone you don’t want to spend ages setting everything up from scratch to get the apps, data and settings just the way you like them. That’s why restoring from a backup is so convenient: one quick tap, a bit of a wait, and you’re good to go. The same is true if a phone malfunctions badly, or is bricked. Knowing you can wipe the iPhone and recover your photos, documents and data easily from an iCloud or a computer backup is reassuring. A backup is also an insurance that, should your iPhone be lost or stolen, you won’t lose everything on it. It’s easier to replace the device than the memories and other…

Macworld In a major coup for its Apple Arcade subscription gaming service, Apple has announced the imminent arrival of the hugely popular title Stardew Valley. The game, which blends RPG and farming-sim elements into a simple and relaxing whole, is already available on the iOS App Store (it costs $4.99/£4.99) and numerous other platforms. Adhering to Apple’s policy of only adding new and exclusive games to Arcade, this version will be a “plus” edition of the game with “new town upgrades, dating events, crops, fishing ponds, hats, clothing, and new pets.” It also won’t have in-app purchases. Regardless of exclusive content, this remains a huge get for Apple Arcade. Despite having been created (at least initially) by a single developer,…

Macworld Apple began the beta testing process for iOS 16.6 just a day after the iOS 16.5 release and about two weeks before the expected first iOS 17 developer beta arrives at WWDC. The beta was first released to developers first on May 19, and to public beta testers on May 22. We don’t expect there to be much in the way of new features in this release–iOS 16 is about as mature as it’s going to be, and all eyes are on the impending features announced for iOS 17. Still, small tweaks and usability upgrades are possible just as we got in iOS 16.5, and of course security updates are never-ending. Most of us have moved on to iOS…

Macworld At a GlanceExpert's Rating ProsNo monthly subscription requiredImpressive range of editing featuresConstantly updatedLayer management for videos ConsNot as easy to use as we would like – we’d like to see step-by-step instructions built inOur VerdictWith a powerful set of editing tools and excellent value for money, this is a good alternative to Photoshop. Best Prices Today: Pixelmator Pro Retailer Price Pixelmator Pro Free Trial $0 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Pixelmator Pro is a popular and affordable alternative to Adobe’s Photoshop – not least because it’s available as a one-time purchase that doesn’t require a monthly subscription like Adobe’s Creative Cloud apps. But over the years it has evolved so it it no longer only…

Macworld At a GlanceExpert's Rating ProsNo monthly subscription requiredImpressive range of editing featuresConstantly updatedLayer management for videos ConsNot as easy to use as we would like – we’d like to see step-by-step instructions built inOur VerdictWith a powerful set of editing tools and excellent value for money, this is a good alternative to Photoshop. Best Prices Today: Pixelmator Pro Retailer Price Pixelmator Pro Free Trial $0 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Pixelmator Pro is a popular and affordable alternative to Adobe’s Photoshop – not least because it’s available as a one-time purchase that doesn’t require a monthly subscription like Adobe’s Creative Cloud apps. But over the years it has evolved so it it no longer only…

Piano is one of the easiest instruments to learn to play, and technology has made mastering the keyboard even easier over the years. Like most things, it’s about finding a system that works for you. Sometimes you need to get over the hurdle of learning how to use a particular app before you can even […] (via Cult of Mac - Tech and culture through an Apple lens)