The Weekender
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How to use iOS 17's hottest new feature

How to use iOS 17's hottest new feature

Standby mode can turn your iPhone into a smart display.

Lewis Wallace
September 02, 2023

The new Standby mode in iOS 17 turns an iPhone into a smart display that’s perfect for desks, nightstands and more. This weekend’s how-to shows exactly what this exciting new feature can do, and explains how to set it up to suit your style.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Apple’s big “Wonderlust” event happens on September 12. We’ll undoubtedly see new iPhones, but what else might be on the agenda? And what does that invite mean?
Speaking of those new phones, here’s a sneak peek at the possible iPhone 15 colors.
A stealth new feature in Apple Music wants to turn you on to tunes you’ll love. Here’s how to use it.
If you like Grand Theft Auto as much as you like Apple, you’re gonna love these new wallpapers.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

How-tos

How to turn your iPhone into a smart display with Standby

Standby is a headline iOS 17 feature that turns your iPhone into a smart display on your nightstand, at your desk or in the kitchen. It’s an attractive way to put your phone to work when you’re not using it as a small information board or digital clock.

Copy text from a PDF on Mac the easy way [Pro Tip]

Although the Mac offers fantastic support for opening and editing PDFs in Preview, the simple act of copying and pasting text can still be a nightmare. There's an easier way.

Find new music you'll love with Apple Music’s Discovery Station

Find new music with this personalized playlist that suggests songs you’ve never heard before.

Adobe shares tips for students struggling with PDF textbooks

Adobe wants to help students accustomed to old-fashioned paper textbooks get over the transition to PDF textbooks.

News

Apple sets 'Wonderlust' iPhone 15 event for September 12

Apple sends out invites to its product launch event for the iPhone 15 series and Apple Watch Series 9.

Plus, more on the big Apple event:

Roguish Tim Cook stars in ‘Grand Theft Auto Cupertino’ wallpaper

Basic Apple Guy's crazy new Apple/GTA wallpapers are available for free download.

Take an early look at the likely iPhone 15 color options

Apple reportedly will produce iPhone 15 in mostly muted colors: blue, pink, yellow, black and either white or green. We have pictures!

Plus, more Apple rumors and leaks:

WhatsApp becomes true FaceTime rival with new Mac app

The revamped native Mac app brings group audio and video calling, finally making WhatsApp a viable alternative to Apple's FaceTime.

New ‘Ted Lasso’ shortbread cookies cost how much?

Even for those who truly adore "Ted Lasso" on Apple TV+, $30 for a box of 10 biscuits might seem a little steep.

Apple tests 3D printing that could revolutionize manufacturing

Stainless steel Apple Watches are the test case for a new process that could affect manufacturing across many products.

A message from Bluetti

Prepare for the next hurricane with Bluetti power

Considering Hurricane Idalia's impact on parts of Florida, you might want to prepare for next time with Bluetti's guidelines.

Deals

Latch onto dazzling Labor Day deals on Apple gear and accessories

Labor Day weekend is here, and you've worked hard for a living. Why not reward yourself with some great tech deals?

Take $100-plus off this kid-friendly 3D printer

Get the Toybox 3D Printer Deluxe Bundle, which comes with eight spools of Printer Food, for just $329.97. That's more than $100 off the MSRP.

Get a cheap, fast and easy-to-use VPN for just $1.99 per month

If you want an easy-to-use VPN, consider UltraVPN. It ranked highly in a recent review on the vpngeeks subreddit for two simple reasons: "It’s by far the

Slash an extra $15 off Microsoft Office for 2 devices

You can take your pick of a two-pack of lifetime licenses for Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac or Microsoft Office Pro for Windows.

Reviews and recommendations

It’s all secrets and schemes this week on ‘Foundation’ [Apple TV+ recap] ★★★★½

Salvor and Gaal are in trouble this week as incredible Apple TV+ space opera “Foundation” heads into the home stretch of its great second season.

Zagg’s new Bluetooth keyboard also does wireless charging [Review] ★★★★☆

The Zagg Pro Keyboard 12 is a slim, lightweight desktop keyboard with two wireless tricks: Bluetooth and wireless charging.

Mount iPad anywhere with this sleek magnetic pad

Xvida's Magnetic Wall Mount lets you stick your iPad to almost any wall, door or cabinet for hands-free use.

Setups

Mac Studio makes the most out of new super-ultra-wide display

An M2 Ultra Mac Studio and a 49-inch Samsung G9 ultra-wide display form the core of this great videoconferencing workstation.

For health's sake, get a standing desk

Sitting all day is super-bad for your health. Try a standing desk like the one in this MacBook Pro setup -- you could actually live longer.

Bright and beautiful Mac Studio rig gets a lot right

A Mac Studio setup can exude a zen-like calm despite being a total powerhouse, like this well-equipped workstation does.