Charles Martin

Charles Martin is a Contributing Editor for AppleInsider, and former editor for the late, lamented MacNN. He is a writer, performer, podcaster, and broadcaster, specializing in smart tech and bad jokes. He lives in Victoria, BC.

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Latest Articles from Charles Martin

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iCloud Shared Photo Library vs. Shared Albums in Photos

15 hours ago

iCloud Shared Photo Library vs. Shared Albums in Photos

Shared Albums and iCloud Shared Photo Library have restrictions and can be confusing — but both work well in some scenarios. Here's what Apple got right with the new iCloud Shared Photo Library, what they got wrong, and how to use it.

By Charles Martin | 15 hours ago

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Mophie Powerstation Plus review: Enough portable power for iPhone & iPad

1 week ago

Mophie Powerstation Plus review: Enough portable power for iPhone & iPad

Mophie's Powerstation Plus is an all-in-one package that will give sufficient portable power to most — with a bonus or penalty of built-in cables for both Lightning and USB-C, depending on how you use it.

By Charles Martin | 1 week ago

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NovaPlus A8 Duo review: Inexpensive Apple Pencil-like stylus for iPad

1 week ago

NovaPlus A8 Duo review: Inexpensive Apple Pencil-like stylus for iPad

The NovaPlus A8 Duo is a lightweight Apple Pencil clone, and is a nearly-flawless option for iPad-centric sketchers, note-takers, and more.

By Charles Martin | 1 week ago

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The best Live Activities in iOS 16.1

3 weeks ago

The best Live Activities in iOS 16.1

Live Activities made its debut with the release of iOS 16.1, promising a new way of getting up-to-date information where users want to see it. The feature works with every iPhone that supports the latest iOS.

By Charles Martin | 3 weeks ago

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How to combine images using Shortcuts

1 month ago

How to combine images using Shortcuts

Built into macOS, iOS, and iPadOS is a handy way to take multiple images and make them into one image, without having to use an image editor. Here's how to use Shortcuts to get it done.

By Charles Martin | 1 month ago

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The best search engines to use, if you're tired of Google

1 month ago

The best search engines to use, if you're tired of Google

Google is undisputed king of the search engine hill, by volume of users alone. But, there are better and more private options. Here are the biggest Google alternatives.

By Charles Martin | 1 month ago

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From X10 to Matter: The smart home evolves again

1 month ago

From X10 to Matter: The smart home evolves again

The new standard Matter will enable easy, secure communication between smart home brands and devices — and existing devices may be able to be updated to support it.

By Charles Martin | 1 month ago

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The best HomeKit motion sensors to add to a smart home

1 month ago

The best HomeKit motion sensors to add to a smart home

Finding the right HomeKit motion sensor grants some new abilities to Apple's Home app, and with Thread technology this will "Matter" even more going forward.

By Charles Martin | 1 month ago

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How to clear the DNS cache on a Mac

1 month ago

How to clear the DNS cache on a Mac

Although it's very rarely needed, flushing the DNS cache might help clear up mysterious internet connection issues. Here's why, when, and how you do it.

By Charles Martin | 1 month ago

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From Lightning to USB-C: The long road, and the road ahead

1 month ago

From Lightning to USB-C: The long road, and the road ahead

Apple, an early adopter of USB-A and USB-C connectors, will likely be forced to phase out Lightning over the next two years. Here's why, and what's likely to happen along the way.

By Charles Martin | 1 month ago

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Latest comparisons

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Compared: M2 iPad Pro vs M1 iPad Pro

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Compared: M2 iPad Pro vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 9

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Comparison: New 10.9-inch iPad vs. iPad Air

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Compared: M2 MacBook Air versus Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

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Compared: AirPods Pro 2 vs. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Latest Videos

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Hands on with Apple's Freeform collaborative brainstorming app

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How to use Advanced Data Protection & Apple's other new security features

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Hands on with Apple Music Sing on iPhone, iPad, & Apple TV

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Apple's Self Repair Program toolkit - Hands on with what's inside

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Best monitor for MacBook Pro in 2022: which to buy from Apple, Dell, LG & Samsung

Latest tips

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How to use Apple Watch to stay healthy while working from home

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How Apple services are best for staying connected when apart

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How to export Safari passwords in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura

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How to use Advanced Data Protection & Apple's other new security features

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Best iPhone gadgets for people who love to cook

Latest Reviews

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Dockcase Explorer Edition Pro review: convenient and steady

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Haylou PurFree headphones review: A solid open-ear option

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Sabrent dual NVMe SSD docking station review: Lots of storage, sufficient speed

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HidrateSpark TAP Smart Water Bottle review: Best budget smart water bottle

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Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball Review: Fully loaded, but not for beginners