iOS Underused Features
by johnataylor · 10 things on Twos
- Accessibility features: iOS offers a wide range of accessibility features that are often overlooked. These include VoiceOver, which provides spoken descriptions of on-screen elements for visually impaired users, and AssistiveTouch, which allows users with motor disabilities to control their device with customizable gestures.
- Siri shortcuts: Siri shortcuts allow users to create custom voice commands to perform specific actions on their device or within apps. This feature can greatly enhance productivity and streamline repetitive tasks.
- Hidden trackpad feature: On devices with 3D Touch or Haptic Touch, users can turn their keyboard into a trackpad by pressing and holding on the keyboard. This allows for precise cursor control when editing text.
- Markup tool: The Markup tool allows users to easily annotate and edit images, PDFs, and screenshots. It offers a variety of tools such as text, shapes, and a signature feature, making it a useful tool for both personal and professional use.
- Hidden camera features: iOS offers several hidden camera features that can enhance the photography experience. These include the ability to capture photos in burst mode by holding down the shutter button, adjusting exposure manually by tapping and dragging on the screen, and using the volume buttons as a shutter release.
- Offline reading list: Safari's offline reading list allows users to save web pages to read later, even when they don't have an internet connection. This can be useful for saving articles or blog posts for offline reading during travel or in areas with limited connectivity.
- Custom vibrations: iOS allows users to create custom vibrations for specific contacts. This can be helpful for identifying incoming calls or messages without having to look at the screen, especially in situations where the device is on silent mode.
- Hidden battery usage information: iOS provides detailed information about battery usage by individual apps. This can be accessed in the Settings app under Battery, allowing users to identify apps that are consuming excessive battery power and take appropriate action.
- Bedtime mode: Bedtime mode, found in the Clock app, helps users establish a consistent sleep schedule by reminding them when it's time to go to bed and wake up. It also dims the screen and silences notifications during the designated sleep hours to promote better sleep hygiene.
- Hidden keyboard shortcuts: iOS offers a variety of keyboard shortcuts that can save time and improve efficiency. These include shortcuts for text formatting, navigating between apps, and accessing specific features within apps. Users can find a list of available shortcuts in the Settings app under General > Keyboard > Shortcuts.