The App Factor, author at Cult of Mac

How to use screen sharing in Messages for Mac

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Sharing screens isn't as hard as it used to be, thanks to the built-in Messages app.
Sharing screens isn't as hard as it used to be, thanks to the built-in Messages app.
Photo: Unsplash.com

app-factor-logo-thumbnail There are many times when family or friends need help with their Macs, or they aren’t sure how to do something. Trying to walk them through it blind is challenging at best. Luckily, a little-known feature in Messages exists that allows me to share my screen instantly with another Mac user or request direct access to their screen.

Prior to screen sharing being native to the Messages app, you’d have to use a third-party solution such as Team Viewer to help someone with a Mac issue. Messages is far more convenient and, in my experience, an app that almost 100 percent of Mac owners actually use and already understand.

6 must-know shortcuts for every Smart Keyboard owner

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Apple has extended service on the Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro to address "functional issues."
Photo: Ally Kazmucha/The App Factor

app-factor-logo-thumbnail Back in November, I purchased a 12.9-inch iPad Pro and a Smart Keyboard to go with it. I was so used to my Belkin keyboard paired with my iPad Air 2 that I quickly became frustrated with the Smart Keyboard’s lack of a shortcut row. Before long, I returned the Smart Keyboard (and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro).

How to unlock your Mac with an iPhone or Apple Watch

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Tired of dealing with login passwords on your Mac? Skip them altogether with MacID!
Tired of dealing with login passwords on your Mac? Skip them altogether with MacID!
Photo: Ally Kazmucha/The App Factor

app-factor-logo-thumbnail There aren’t a lot of apps I use regularly on my Apple Watch. The ones that I do use regularly consist of utilities that make my life easier, or apps that help me track things, like water intake or how many tasks I have left for the day. One of my favorite utilities is MacID, which offers even faster access to my Mac with my Apple Watch (or my iPhone).

How to save iPhone storage by limiting the Messages app

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Messages is getting really good with iOS 10.
Messages is getting really good with iOS 10.
Photo: Ally Kazmucha/The App Factor

app-factor-logo-thumbnail If you’re running out of local or iCloud storage space on your iPhone (or iPad), it may be time to check how much space the Messages app is taking up. By default, your iPhone or iPad is set to save any messages you send and receive forever. This can result in iPhone “out of storage” messages, slow performance, and slow-loading performance when scrolling through threads.

Unless you really need to save every single message, there’s a quick way to potentially save gigs of space in just a few taps. Here’s how!

6 useful Apple Pencil apps for people who don’t draw

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The Apple Pencil isn't only useful for artists, but for business, photography, and other interests too.
The Apple Pencil isn't only useful for artists, but for business, photography, and other interests too.
Photo: Ally Kazmucha/The App Factor

When I purchased a 12.9-inch iPad Pro back in November, I bought an Apple Pencil to go with it. When I decided against the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, I kept my Apple Pencil.

Even though I don’t draw, I found a lot of other ways the Apple Pencil fit into my workflow. And I knew Apple would release a smaller iPad with full support for the Apple Pencil.

That day has come, and I can’t wait to get back to using my Apple Pencil. Here are some of the best Apple Pencil apps that have absolutely nothing to do with sketching or drawing.

Best document editing and management apps for iPad

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The iPad is great at handling PDFs and other kinds of documents. Here are 4 must-have apps.
The iPad is great at handling PDFs and other kinds of documents. Here are 4 must-have apps.
Photo: Ally Kazmucha/The App Factor

app-factor-logo-thumbnailI’ve been spending the past week or so doing some app spring cleaning on my iPad, partially in preparation for the arrival of my new 9.7” iPad Pro on Thursday. During the process I realized that I have way too many document editing apps — half of which I have either never launched, or they didn’t do something I needed so I never used them again.

That’s why I took the opportunity to really cut down. Here are the document management apps that made the cut, and why:

6 ways to stop Facebook app from draining your iPhone battery

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If you're tired of the Facebook app draining your iPhone's battery, try these 6 easy tips!
If you're tired of the Facebook app draining your iPhone's battery, try these easy tips.
Photo: Ally Kazmucha/The App Factor

app-factor-logo-thumbnail Every day I hear at least one complaint about the Facebook app wreaking havoc on iPhone battery life. Unfortunately, this isn’t breaking news — it seems to re-surface, with a new level of severity, every couple of months. Not only does Facebook use tons of battery when left unchecked, it can also take up insane amounts of storage space on your iPhone.

This is exactly why I never let Facebook have permission to access … well, almost anything on my iPhone. Here are some tips that will help you stop the notorious Facebook iPhone battery drain.

How to add Trello cards to Todoist automatically with IFTTT

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Cut a few steps out of project planning by letting IFTTT do the heavy lifting between Todoist and Trello!
Cut a few steps out of project planning by letting IFTTT do the heavy lifting between Todoist and Trello!
Photo: Ally Kazmucha/The App Factor

app-factor-logo-thumbnailAs you may have noticed over the last month or so, I’ve had a little bit of a fascination with workflow automation and iOS. While some of it is the aftermath of trying to go iPad-only, most of it is simply because I love using iOS to make managing tasks easier whenever possible.

7 hidden tips and tricks every iOS Mail user should know

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If you use the default iOS Mail app on a regular basis, here are 7 tips and tricks you definitely need to know!
If you use the default iOS Mail app on a regular basis, you definitely need to learn these tips and tricks.
Photo: Ally Kazmucha/The App Factor

app-factor-logo-thumbnail No matter how many email apps I try, I just keep coming back to the stock iOS Mail app. While some of the things I’ve come to love about the iPhone’s built-in Mail app are obvious, some are not — such as shortcuts or gestures that make using it even more intuitive. Here are a few favorite iOS Mail tips I think everyone should know.

Best iPhone tripods and mounts for photographers

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Looking for some great iPhone photography accessories for your gear bag? Here are the best tripods and mounts!
Looking for some great iPhone photography accessories for your gear bag? Here are the best tripods and mounts!
Photo: Ally Kazmucha/The App Factor

app-factor-logo-thumbnailIn a few weeks, my partner and I are heading to London and Iceland for a two-week vacation. While London definitely isn’t a first for us, Iceland is. This trip also marks another important first for me: It’s the very first time I’m leaving my DSLR at home. I’ll be relying solely on my iPhone 6s Plus for all my photos.