Apple's Genmoji just got smarter, letting you combine emojis, add custom descriptions, and totally personalize your reactions on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Find out how this playful AI tweak might just change the way you text.
Apple Genmoji gets updated with new customization features
Demonstrating Genmoji creation and emoji combination in Messages app
Exploring uses of text descriptions to enhance Genmoji results
Mixing emoji and text for unique, personalized Genmoji
Adjusting Genmoji hairstyle and facial hair using Photos library people
Customizing Genmoji with expressive moods and emotions
Genmoji creativity yields odd and surprising results
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
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Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
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11:32
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11:32
HOA 202: Spotlight Supercharged in macOS Tahoe
Spotlight is getting a serious upgrade in macOS Tahoe, surfacing your files, windows, and even cloud content with smarter, faster results. Allow Mikah to walk you through the surprising shortcuts and hidden tricks that will change how you find everything on your Mac.
Quick access to Spotlight via keyboard or menu bar
Recentering Spotlight Search bar with control-click shortcut
Enhanced search rankings based on personal use and relevance
Refined filtering by app, file type, provider, or folder
Spotlight displays results from open windows and browser tabs
Cloud storage integration expands search to Dropbox, Google Drive
Website search shortcuts for popular sites like Amazon and YouTube
Direct questions and smart queries supported with Siri and ChatGPT
Spotlight suggests actions and deeper settings directly from search
Performance quirks and indexing delays still present in Spotlight
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit
Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
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12:09
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12:09
HOA 201: Meet the New macOS Phone App
Apple created a dedicated phone app for macOS Tahoe, standing apart from FaceTime and bringing live voicemail transcripts, call screening, and real-time translation to your Mac.
Initial setup steps for using the new Phone app
Key settings and features: ringtones, call routing, and permissions
Hold Assist notifies when support hold time ends
Live Voicemail previews and real-time screening for incoming calls
Options for silencing and filtering unknown callers
Calling experience: dialing, FaceTime audio/video, and call options
In-call features: adding people, call recording, and live transcription
On-call live translation with language downloads and beta limitations
Managing call history, favorites, filtering, and blocked numbers
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit
Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
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11:58
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11:58
HOA 200: New Messages Features in iOS 26
iOS 26 just dropped, and Hands-On Apple reveals the surprising new features you'll notice first, such as custom message backgrounds and built-in polls that change how you chat with friends. Get the scoop on the subtle details and settings that will likely impact how you use your phone every day.
Messages app gets refreshed info page and easier contact editing
Custom conversation backgrounds debut in Messages with photos and colors
Built-in polling feature launches for group decision-making in Messages
New message filtering, unknown sender screening, and notification controls explained
Conversation backgrounds, photo visibility, and contact photo options in Messages settings
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit
Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
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11:54
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11:54
HOA 199: Preordering the iPhone 17 Like a Pro
Apple just dropped the iPhone 17 lineup and Mikah Sargent walks you through a smart pre-order setup that could be the difference between snagging your dream device on day one or missing out. Find out the exact steps and tips to avoid the dreaded "sold out" message.
Host: Mikah Sargent
Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple
Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit
Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.
Hands-On Apple explores and explains the Mac — and beyond! From clever Terminal commands to little-known iOS settings, Mikah Sargent shares all the best tips and tricks for your Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch. You'll get all the details on Apple's apps and the best apps in the App Store, you'll learn about awesome accessories for your Apple devices, and you'll explore updates to Apple's operating systems — including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Hands-On Apple is your one-stop shop for Apple know-how. You can join Club TWiT for $10 per month and get ad-free audio and video feeds for all our shows plus everything else the club offers...or get just this podcast ad-free for $5 per month.
New episodes every Thursday.
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