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How to do karaoke, Apple-style 🎤 and more iOS 16.2 tips

December 17, 2022

Apple just turned iPhones, iPads and Apple TVs everywhere into karaoke machines.

The new Apple Music Sing feature, released this week in iOS 16.2, seems like a natural evolution of the streaming service's time-synced lyrics, which already seemed pretty slick.

Now, in addition to seeing the words scroll by as a song plays, you can adjust the volume of the vocals so you can sing along, karaoke-style. It's pretty astonishing -- a simple slider gives you near-total control over the level of the singer on the original track.

I could see people having plenty of fun at holiday get-togethers with Apple Music Sing this year. Our lead story shows you how to use this great new feature so you can get the karaoke party started.

Also for your weekend enjoyment, we've got a rundown of the other fab new stuff in iOS 16.2, macOS Ventura 13.1, watchOS 9.2 and the absolutely killer marquee feature of iPadOS 16.2.

Enjoy!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

How-tos

Apple Music just added a great feature for people who love to sing along as they listen. Apple Music Sing lets you turn down the lyrics so you can karaoke to your favorite hits with just one tap.

News and opinion

iOS 16.2, which Apple released Tuesday, brings many new features that make it a must-have update for all iPhone owners. From security advancements and productivity boosters to cosmetic tweaks and other fun stuff, it’s positively loaded with upgrades.

Mac users can finally use Freeform, a collaborative brainstorming application that’s also for iPhone and iPad. In addition, this week's macOS upgrade ushers in important new iCloud encryption options.

This new feature makes Apple tablets far better at multitasking than ever before. There are other improvements in iPadOS 16.2 as well, including the Freeform collaboration app.

In addition to several other new features, this week's update makes the Apple Watch Ultra last longer.

Cupertino reportedly is pursuing a major project that will allow third-party app stores on iPhones and iPads by 2024.

Deals

With Christmas on the way, you can get super deals on Microsoft software when you visit the special sale at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com. To get the most savings, enter promo code CULT.

Take advantage of the Cult of Mac Store’s SwitchEasy flash sale to pick up a handy car mount at 20% off the regular price.

Save space on your next amazing vacation with a folding charger that can power three devices at once. For a limited time, you can purchase the MagStack Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $47.99 (regularly $74).

Plus, more gear from Cult of Mac Deals:

The Cult of Mac Store has a massive collection of affordable stocking stuffers, sure to put a smile on the face of any Apple fan.

If you’re still using one phone number for everything, it’s time to upgrade your cell. With a private phone line, you can keep different callers totally separate from your personal life.

The giveaway this week is slightly different, as we teamed up with Zagg to give five lucky winners the opportunity to choose their own prize from the extensive lineup of mophie products.

Want to learn to code? Get the 2023 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle for just $24.99.

Reviews

The Apple TV+ comedy takes its annual journey to the past with a stunning episode about how game designers Poppy Li and Ian Grim met. We see the geniuses when they were petulant kids who’d rather dream in nonexistent worlds than pay attention to the one they’re in. Mythic Quest fans are in for a treat this week!

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:

The high quality and excellent features of second-gen AirPods Pro make them a favorite as well as a benchmark. But there are great alternative earbuds that do a nice job for a much smaller investment.

Each one of these ballistic-grade nylon bands comes with a unique black-and-white pattern (with seemingly random splashes of red). And they feel soft enough for comfort, but rugged enough to take some abuse.

Victrola Music Edition 1 is ready to go into a backpack to liven up a study session or small party. Or use it in your home for better-quality music or podcasts than an iPhone alone can provide.

Setups

A computer setup run by a doctoral degree candidate had better be brainy, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s got a powerful M1 MacBook Pro, a recent (but not the latest) iPad Air, a very slick 4K display and a trio of advanced input devices boasting plenty of customization options.

A Mac Studio, dual Studio Displays and an array of killer audio gear power this home-basement setup, which belongs to a working New York City rocker. You won't belive this chest-thumping rig.

The folks behind Sailing Illustrated reveal their setup, which is based on a Mac Studio, an M1 Mac mini, an M1 MacBook Pro, a Rode RodeCaster Pro production studio and a slew of related gear and software.