GO BACK TO BASICS WITH AT-HOME WORKSHOPS
Apple’s in-store programme of hands-on workshops to help people get the most out of their technology is one of the things that sets the company apart from its rivals.
From learning the basics of your new device to quite advanced photography, music, and video lessons, the Today At Apple initiative provided a great, and free, way to help you make sure not a single penny of the cash outlay on a new iPhone, iPad or Mac was wasted. Then all the shops had to close.
Initially, Apple responded to the pandemic by releasing a small collection of short videos made at home by store staff to kick-start projects that could be done without going out.
Now Apple has decided to go all-in on live virtual sessions that users can book in for and follow along from the comfort of home via WebX video calling software.
The new sessions, which are being run regularly from now until September, can’t possibly cover the same ground as the in-store programme, which hopefully will return soon.
That said, the three available sessions – with introductions to iPhone, iPad, and Mac – might be pretty basic, but offer enough to be worthwhile for any user.
They’re an hour-long, and I communicate with anyone unless that catches their eye (apart from given the go-ahead from here. themselves – this outward facing
The app is also the place to see camera is selfie-unfriendly by where the watch (and hopefully design). the child) is. Obviously, it’s not the best
It’s very simple to set up, and camera you can buy, but offers remarkable peace of it’s functional and useful mind, even if all you want to and, above all do is make sure your kids else, fun. Sharing is have not left your garden… with contacts only.
For children, the device is The Disney tie-in fun to use and offers also allows users to great features that will select a character help make them feel side-kick to personalise the watch on their wrist their watch – there is not just about mum are six to choose from. and dad keeping tabs on Although that feature their whereabouts. can be turned off
Chief among these and you can opt features is the camera – for a neutral yes, the wrist-worn device features appearance. The side-kick will a camera so children can snap animate on screen, and users can their friends and anything else interact with them through various features across the watch.
The watch also features an activity tracker measuring exercise and steps, plus a weather app and a calendar, which parents can use to schedule events like football practice or homework time.
So it’s by no means as sinister as you might imagine – the tracking element merely offers parents the opportunity to see where their child is at any given time, and the communications element offers interaction with up to nine others, all of whom must be approved from the parents’ app.
There’s no connecting to the internet and certainly no Facebook or Instagram.
Aimed at those aged six and up, and as one of the first smartwatches designed from the ground up for kids, it hits the mark in terms of establishing a nice balance between safety, utility and fun.
The Neo costs £99 plus a £7/ month subscription. Find out more at Vodafone.com signed in for a session on iPad.
Now, as you might expect, I do reckon myself to know a thing or two about these things, but I was still surprised to learn a couple of things I didn’t know and be reminded of features I had forgotten about.
These devices have become so powerful and useful across a wide range of activities, it’s easy to overlook the basics. During the session there is, of course, the chance to ask questions and get advice about your specific needs.
If you regularly use one of these devices, and are looking for a refresher on how to get the basics right, or you’re new to any of the platforms and need a hand getting started, I couldn’t recommend them more highly.
Find out more at apple.com/ uk/today/collection/productskills-sessions