Hands-On iOS (Audio)

Hands-On iOS is a TWiT how-to series that shows Apple software in use instead of debating it. Each episode picks one subject, whether a feature, an update or a service, and works through it on the device. Mikah Sargent leads the demonstrations, and his own habits often serve as the example. The episode titles show the range: the App Library and Control Center as they changed in iOS 14, the iOS 14.2 update, health and wellness tools on Apple Watch, the Apple One subscription bundle, and a closing tour of his favorite apps. The App Library excerpt is typical of the method. He explains the automatic categories, taps one to open a larger view of its apps, opens the alphabetical list, drags along the letters to jump ahead, and then shows what to do with an app he no longer wants. Background gets room when a feature needs it. In the iOS 14.2 walkthrough, optimized charging for AirPods leads to a short explanation of rechargeable chemical batteries, which he says is needed to understand what the feature does. The Apple One episode sorts the plans by what can be shared: the individual plan cannot be shared, while the family and top-tier plans cover up to five other people. He also says which plan he chose and why, since he was already subscribed to the services it bundles. The Apple Watch material is both practical and personal. The handwashing timer, he explains, listens for the sound of washing and logs average durations in the Health app, which he jokes lets a user shame themselves a little. On cycle tracking, he explains what it does and mentions that he has not set it up himself. Control Center gets a second look after he covered it earlier in the year. The sleep mode he shows darkens the screen, hides notifications and can suggest shortcuts, and his own suggestions turn out to be mostly audiobooks. The final episode covers his favorite apps. In one, a machine-learning super resolution feature enlarges a photo, and he zooms in to show the added sharpness. Its cold open says the show is ending because TWiT is saying goodbye to many of its hands-on shows. Audio listeners should know that these were camera recordings. The narration uses phrases like 'you can see' and switches between shots, so a phone in hand helps. Sponsor reads for LastPass and Peak Design run inside the walkthroughs, and the closing moments promote other TWiT programs, including Hands-On Photography. The details belong to their time, since several titles name iOS 14. For a first listen, the App Library episode shows the method at its plainest, and the favorites episode shows his personal taste.