Mikah Sargent reveals a powerful but often overlooked calibration tool that automatically adjusts your TV's color balance for optimal picture quality. This step-by-step demonstration shows exactly how to access and use this game-changing feature that most Apple TV owners never know exists.
•Accessing the Settings - Navigate to Settings > Video and Audio > Calibration > Color Balance
•Prerequisites and Setup - Requires iPhone with Face ID, iOS 14.5 or later, and avoid vivid or dynamic picture modes during calibration
•Step-by-Step Calibration Process - Detailed walkthrough of bringing iPhone close to TV, receiving notification, entering authentication code, and positioning phone against screen
•Results and Implementation - Review of "original" vs "balanced" options and selecting the improved color profile for ongoing use
•Limitations and Compatibility - Discussion of why this feature won't work with projector setups due to positioning constraints, but works with standard televisions
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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6:54
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6:54
HOA 193: Public Betas for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, & macOS Tahoe 26
Ready to get your hands on Apple's latest software before everyone else? This episode covers the complete process of enrolling in Apple's public beta program, from signing up to providing valuable feedback that shapes the future of Apple's operating systems.
Getting Started with Beta Enrollment - Navigate to beta.apple.com and sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program using your Apple ID, including agreeing to the terms that remind you this is pre-release software
Device Enrollment Process - Choose "enroll your iOS device" and follow the streamlined process for iOS 16.4 or later, which no longer requires downloading special configuration profiles like earlier versions
Finding Beta Updates in Settings - Access the new "Beta Updates" option under General > Software Update > Automatic Updates, where you'll see iOS 26 Public Beta options (developer betas won't appear unless you're a registered developer)
The Importance of Feedback Assistant - Learn about the dedicated app Apple installs for beta testers to report bugs, capture diagnostic files, and submit screenshots of issues you encounter
Quick Diagnostic Capture Trick - Use the volume up, volume down, side button combination for 1-1.5 seconds to instantly capture diagnostic files when you encounter problems, complete with haptic feedback confirmation
Beta Support Across All Platforms - The same enrollment process works for iPadOS, tvOS (though slightly more complex), and macOS Tahoe, with each platform getting its own enrollment path
Exiting the Beta Program - Turn off beta updates in Settings to stop receiving new beta versions and automatically return to public releases, or completely leave the program through the beta.apple.com unenroll page
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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10:10
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10:10
HOA 192: Locking & Hiding Apps
Mikah Sargent reveals the handy security features in iOS and iPadOS that let you lock and hide apps from prying eyes, whether you're lending your phone to a child or keeping sensitive information away from untrustworthy individuals.
App Locking vs. Hiding Overview - Mikah explains the key differences between locking apps (requires authentication but stays visible) and hiding apps (completely removes from home screen except in special hidden folder)
Important Limitations to Know - When apps are locked, their information won't appear in CarPlay, notifications, search results, or Siri suggestions, and the feature only works on the specific device where it's enabled
Family Sharing Restrictions - Children under 13 cannot lock or hide apps, while teens 13-17 can use the feature but parents can still see download history and Screen Time data
Apps That Cannot Be Locked - Built-in iOS apps like Calculator, Camera, Clock, Contacts, Find My, Maps, Shortcuts, and Settings are off-limits for locking (Screen Time or Guided Access recommended instead)
Step-by-Step App Locking Demo - Live demonstration using the Home app, showing how to tap and hold an app icon, select "Require Face ID" from the quick actions menu, and authenticate to enable the lock
How to Unlock Apps - Simple process of tapping and holding the locked app icon, choosing "Don't Require Face ID," and entering your passcode to remove the protection
App Hiding Requirements - Only third-party apps downloaded from the App Store can be hidden; built-in iOS apps and default web browsers cannot be hidden
Complete App Hiding Walkthrough - Detailed demonstration using the Annotable app, showing the "Hide and Require Face ID" option and explaining that hidden apps won't send notifications or alerts
Accessing Hidden Apps - Two methods revealed: through Settings > Apps > Hidden Apps, or by going to App Library, scrolling to the Hidden folder at the bottom, and authenticating with Face ID
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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11:23
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11:23
HOA 191: Audio Settings for Apple Devices
Unlock the potential of your AirPods with these game-changing settings that most users never experiment with! Mikah Sargent plugs into the comprehensive settings menu for Apple's audio devices, revealing advanced features that can transform your listening experience from basic to spellbinding.
Battery monitoring and case connectivity - How to check AirPods and case battery levels, plus troubleshooting charging animations and Bluetooth connection issues
Device naming and identification - Customizing your AirPods name to distinguish between multiple pairs and ensure you're connecting to the right device
Noise control modes - Deep dive into Transparency, Adaptive, and Noise Cancellation modes, including how each works differently and when to use them
Adaptive audio intelligence - How this feature automatically switches between noise cancellation and transparency based on your environment and conversations
Hearing health features - Comprehensive look at hearing protection, loud sound reduction, and the 85-decibel safety threshold
Ear tip fit testing - Using built-in tools to ensure you're using the correct size ear tips for optimal performance and comfort
Hearing assistance - How AirPods Pro can function as hearing aids and perform actual hearing tests to customize audio
Customizing press and hold controls - Programming left and right AirPods for different functions like noise control or voice assistant activation
Call management features - Setting up tap controls for answering, muting, and ending calls with simple gestures
Personalized volume and conversation awareness - Auto-adjusting volume based on environment and automatically pausing media during conversations
Connection preferences - Solving the common annoyance of AirPods connecting to the wrong device by adjusting automatic connection settings
Spatial audio and personalization - Understanding 3D audio features and how they adapt to your specific ear shape and hearing pattern
Microphone selection and head gestures - Choosing which AirPod serves as your microphone and using head nods/shakes to control calls
Advanced features - Charging case sounds, optimized battery charging, Find My integration, and accessibility options
Troubleshooting tips - Using disconnect and forget options to resolve connection issues across all your Apple devices
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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29:28
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29:28
HOA 185b: Hands-On Mac Is Making A Change
If you've been tuning in to Hands-On Mac for your weekly dose of Apple know-how, don't worry, we're not going anywhere. We're just thinking bigger. Starting next week, Hands-On Mac becomes Hands-On Apple.
Why the change? Because Mikah Sargent's tech tips have always gone beyond the Mac. Whether he's uncovering clever iOS settings, showing off Terminal tricks, reviewing must-have Apple accessories, or testing the latest from iPadOS, this show has always been more than just Mac. It's time the name caught up with the content.
Expect the same smart, bite-sized help with all your Apple gear. If it's in the Apple ecosystem, Mikah's got something fun and useful to share with you.
New episodes still drop every Thursday. Want it ad-free? Grab the show for $5/month, or get all our shows ad-free by joining Club TWiT for just $10/month.
Same Mikah. Same great show. Just a name that finally fits. See you on Hands-On Apple!
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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